An August Selection 

Is it the dog days of summer now? Or just the slow gathering of the entertainment storm preparing to unleash upon the return of the student crowd? In any case, pickings are a bit slimmer this week, but the possibilities no less varied.

Thursday

This show is sure to be enjoyable

Indiana band Traveling Broke and Out of Gas sounds like a perfect fit for Humboldt County — the group features a washboard, a custom-made suitcase drum kit, the less-unusual-but-still-great bass and guitar, and quite the stellar lead vocalist. Catch them at Six Rivers Brewery on their Take the Dime tour, celebrating the band's new release, considered a "modern, tasteful version of Americana and folk music with strong roots in the history of the genres, precise, rootsy playing and thoughtful lyrics." Show starts at 9 p.m., 21-and-over, no cover.

Friday

Surfy fun

Despite the name, The Sand Fleas provide more scratch than itch, a background soundtrack to your vacation daydream. Find them at the Beachcomber during Trinidad's Art Night, 6 to 9 p.m., free, all ages.

Oh, just another legend in town (aka How'd we get so lucky, Humboldt?)

Ernest Ranglin is an 83-year-old guitar player renowned for his reggae, jazz and R&B contributions to our shared existence. You can see him at Hum Brews for $20, show at 8:30 p.m., 21-and-over.

All your death metal needs, met

I read some study — or rather, saw a link someone posted on Facebook — asserting that kids who listened to heavy metal have grown up to be fine. So, parents, when your child asks to be dropped off at Eureka's Vets' Hall, no worries. It's just the Invaders From the North Tour featuring Xoth (epic cosmic blackened death metal from Seattle), Zorakarer (symphonic black metal from Portland), Wräth (brutal blackened thrash from SF) and Dullahan (local psychadelic motorsludge). The fun runs from 6 to 10 p.m., $5, all ages, natch.

Saturday

Your gluten-free music option

I hadn't heard of this band Cornmeal, so I looked them up and the first thing that pops up on the bio is, "Cornmeal has never been a band to shy away from reinvention," at which point I figured, "Well, then," because with that said, who knows what the hell you're in for, friends? Despite the reinvention clause, I suspect bluegrass, Americana, folk, some extended solos, the usual. In any case, the show starts at 9:30 p.m. at Hum Brews, runs you $12 at the door, is for those 21-and-over, and should be just fine.

Highly recommended airy indie goodness

Less ambiguous, the ethereal Osmia, Eureka's own shoe-gazers, join Tucson's fantastic La Cerca at The Alibi. La Cerca is touring in support of Sunrise for Everyone, the band's latest effort — and wow, is it enjoyable. Fuzzy pop hooks with psychedelic digressions. Dreamy. I clicked on the first track to give a listen and next thing I knew, I'd listened to an hour's worth of songs and was happy, happy, happy about it. Music at 11 p.m., cover is $5, please be 21-or-over.

Monday

One of my favorites ever, Miss Lana Rebel performs with Kevin Michael Mayfield at Richards' Goat (locals Moon Pine open) at 9 p.m. for free. What makes Lana Rebel so divine? Her voice, certainly, which wafts through the air like a smoke ring, momentarily solid and beautiful before dissolving overhead in benediction. Except the smoke ring is made of fine country twang, so don't fear exposure — this kind of secondhand is firsthand excellence.

Etc.

Full show listings in the Journal's Music and More grid, the Eight Days a Week calendar and online. Bands and promoters, send your gig info, preferably with a high-res photo or two, to [email protected].