As we warned would happen a few weeks ago, the day has finally arrived for the last Catheters shows. With three full-lengths under their belts, the local garage rock gods have decided to move on (guitarist Derek Mason is focusing on school and the other members say they'll continue playing music in some form). Their official last show is Friday, October 15, at the Sunset Tavern. No worries for those of you under 21 though, they're also offering an all-ages farewell at the Old Fire House on Friday, October 1, with Big Business (who are heavy as hell) and Other Ghost. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and it's six bucks.

Also this week, on Sunday the 3rd, local up-and-comer Matthew Shaw celebrates the release of his new record at Graceland. Released last month, Ghosts in the Concrete has earned Shaw regular play on KEXP and he's also scored in-studio performances on both KEXP and The End.

Shaw sounds like a more melancholy, sedate Postal Service. While still containing all the pop charm of PS's electronic atmospheres, Shaw also utilizes acoustic guitar and piano to accompany his introspective lyrics and beautiful imagery. His voice aches with life experience, but don't write him off as a Conor Oberst copycat. Shaw's songs don't feel nearly as self-indulgent and sour.

If you're curious, Ghosts is available in its entirety as free MP3s at his website (www.matthewshaw.us). The record will of course also be available at the show for cheap, so get a sneak preview and then slap down the cash--he is an indie artist, after all.

When he performs live, Shaw will be playing new songs from the record both solo and with a backing band. With the full setup--drums, guitar, bass, and synth--Shaw promises not to deliver the "normal sad-bastard set," but with lyrics like "You wait to see if I'll break/'cause I know you can't wait for my next mistake," things still might get a little bit dismal at times.

Shaw's show is an early matinee, with doors opening at noon, and it costs five bucks. Danger Radio, Orphan Project and Up Falling Down also play.

And a big congratulations to the PBRs, the two-man team who took home the grand prize at last weekend's All Ages Orientation scavenger hunt. They duo beat out 140 contestants, securing their victory during the final challenge, a no-hand cake-eating contest. The boys were rewarded with The Stranger's biggest prize package ever, which included guest-list spots at tons of local clubs, cell phones, Sonic Boom gift certificates, and cold hard cash.

Need more? You can hear my personal picks for the week on 107.7 The End every Monday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. during DJ No Name's The Morning Alternative.

megan@thestranger.com

For All Ages Action listings, see page 55.