Classics, Rock 

Hi, Humboldt! This week's Setlist comes to you from New Orleans' Faubourg Marigny district, adjacent to the French Quarter, drenched in musical history, tasting of Sazerac rye and smelling like a barbequed shrimp po' boy. No wonder, then, that we're highlighting the jazzy greatness of Ryan Keberle and Catharsis taking place Monday night at the Arcata Playhouse.

Show of the Week!

Trombonist Keberle has toured with Sufjan Stevens, backed up Alicia Keys, Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake, and plays in a long list of big bands — he's top shelf. For the Playhouse show, he'll be joined by Michael Rodriguez on trumpet, Jorge Roeder on bass, Eric Doob on drums and Camila Meza on (mostly wordless) vocals. What's wonderfully appealing about Ryan Keberle and Catharsis is just that — appeal. The music is warm, fluid, melodic, inviting. Although clearly intricate, this is not the kind of jazz you need to have studied theory to appreciate. This is the kind of jazz that lifts your heart. No wonder the band's latest album, Into the Zone, is prompting critics to say, "The jazz world needs more of this." Doors at 8 p.m., tickets are $15 general, $10 seniors and students.

The flavor of Humboldt?

If you were touring Humboldt, what would you remember most, outside of the outside majesty? Sauerkraut-laden tempeh Reuben from Wildflower Café? Mad River Brewery's loaded tots? Carter House truffle fries? Rita's Taco Tuesday and all the margaritas that implies? Alibi Mary? Sauce-dashed fresh Aqua Rodeo oysters at the Humboldt Bay Tourism Center? Redwood Curtain's Sticky Fingers IPA? What shows would you take your friends to? This week looks like...

Friday — Not just stringing you along

Charlie Parr's songs revolve around guitar, dobro, banjo and a forceful authenticity that'll have you stomping along to tunes such as, "Ain't No Grave Gonna Hold My Body Down" and "Westbound Rattler." Parr plays in a style typically referred to as "blistering," except when he slows it down to haunting, and he will likely pack the very fine music room at Hum Brews, especially since — please note — this is an early show with a start time of 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, show is 21-and-over.

If you're looking for a good time going later into the night, never fear — over at the Logger Bar (you must always take visitors here), local rock 'n' rollers Wild Otis fill the night with not one, but two sets, from 9 p.m. to midnight. Free, 21-and-over.

Saturday — Bluegrass bounty

The Compost Mountain Boys have kept the spirit and tradition of bluegrass music alive and well for the past 20 years in Humboldt and are still going strong. Trip on down to the Fortuna Monday Club to bear witness. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., cover is $10 general, $8 students and seniors. All ages.

At Mad River Brewery, the "Cadillac Nationals" — Rick Levin and Ron Sharp of Cadillac Ranch playing with the Delta Nationals (bass player Ross Rowley is out of town) — will mix vintage and more modern country with eclectic classic American music starting at 6 p.m. Free.

Other Saturday night options include an electronic showcase at the Arcata Theatre Lounge with Eprom, Grenier, Mr.Bill and Danny Corn — 9:30 p.m., $15 — and a punk gig at the Alibi with locals Dead Drift and the touring Sir Coyler & His Asthmatic Band: 11 p.m., $5. Both shows are 21-and-over.

Sunday — Timeless performance

Here's an interesting show for the affluent. The Tallis Scholars are much admired for successfully establishing sacred Renaissance vocal music as one of the great repertoires of the Western classical canon. The esteemed English ensemble has spent nearly 40 years celebrating and revealing the ethereal beauty of the unaccompanied human voice. Lacking a cathedral, you will witness the joy unfold in the Van Duzer. Show begins at 8 p.m., tickets are $55 adults, $35 children, $10 HSU students.

If you're in, or exploring near, the Garberville area, Jen Tal and The HuZBand offer a soothing mix of neo-soul originals and fun covers from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Calico's Café, which has a full bar and the honor of winning the Journal's Best Of category of SoHum eats.  

Tuesday — Lovely licks

The Pete Ciotti Trio featuring Andy Coe and Wil Blades intends to make the weekday feel like the weekend at the Jambalaya. Ciotti is one of Humboldt's hardest-working musical treasures, Coe and Blades represent Seattle guitar heroism and San Francisco jazz-funk organ greatness, respectively. Grooves will be laid down. Local guitarist Piet Dalmolen opens. Show starts at 10 p.m., Tickets are $10, show is 21-and-over.

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].