The Hawks’ bubble finally burst against Northwestern last weekend. It was a good run, for sure, and I definitely have enjoyed following the team in their improbable run. Unfortunately, the streak had to end at the expense of Ricky Stanzi, who it now appears will be out for the rest of the regular season, if not the team’s bowl appearance. It’s definitely a huge disappointment for anyone in Iowa City who keeps half an eye on the football team, but life will persevere inevitably. I’m guessing Kirk Ferentz is never going to let Sports Illustrated put his team on the cover again. Since some of the air has been let out of the Hawk-mania bubble, here’s three good bets to distract you should Ohio State put the beat down on freshman QB James Vandenberg.

Thursday
KRUI Presents: Two Stage PS1 Benefit Show / PS1 / 9pm / Free with small donation
Regardless of the fact that Public Space ONE is essentially booked by two members of Mission Freak, this is a good bet for two reasons. First, there’s a slew of cool, up-and-coming Iowa City bands playing this one. And second, it’s a good cause for one of Iowa City’s coolest (in our opinion), up-and-coming venues. If you were at Mount Eerie on Monday night (and more than 100 of you were), just imagine what the space could be if there were just a little more coin coming through the door? Playing this two stage mini-festival includes Beast Wars, Oh! Kuso, Living Ghost, Alex Body, Coyote Slingshot, Horse Petal, and possibly more to be announced.

Friday
Chooglin’ with Illinois John Fever and Porchbuilder / Mill / 9pm / $6
Yes, I also truly want you to stop by the second of two PS1 benefit shows this weekend, Friday night at PS1 with Pacific Proving Ground, Acoustic Guillotine, and Hott. So there’s my plug. But I don’t want this to be an all-PS1 weekend for you, so I’m also plugging Fat Possum recording artists Chooglin’ - described to me by Sam Locke-Ward as “a nine-piece soul band with a serious MC5 streak.” That sounds pretty good. Still one of our favorites, Illinois John Fever opens.

Saturday
Real Estate, Common Loon, Christopher the Conquered / PS1 / 9pm / $5
New Jersey’s Real Estate venture into Iowa City with their debut record on Woodsist coming out next week. The band’s been making waves with some excellent singles this year - namely “Green River” and “Beach Comber,” and this album’s a really good one. Think Woods without the falsetto vocals and psych-noise tendencies. If you’re a lo-fi fan, this was the year lo-fi went to the beach and just chilled. Real Estate caps that year off with a profound statement. Common Loon and Christopher the Conquered, who’s got a new record of his own to show off, open the show.

Download: Real Estate - Beach Comber