Something Old, Something New 

Let's kick things off with a quick reminder that the Summer Arts & Music Festival is happening at Benbow Lake State Recreational Area this weekend, featuring approximately one zillion bands, local and from elsewhere, with headliners Blackalicious and JJ Grey & Mofro. Tickets are $30 in advance for the weekend or $20 daily at the gate. Full details and lineup at www.mateel.org.

Thursday

Radio weirdness

Speaking of SoHum haps, KMUD's The Adventurous Ear, "a show that focuses on music of exceptional originality produced by regional artists" will play Crackle, a new album by Totter featuring classical chamber music, throat singing, olde English poetry and folk Americana with heavy techno beats, industrial noise, found sounds and glitched-out circuit-bent madness. Tune in at 5 p.m.

Friday

High and lonesome

The Ky Burt Duo does a fine and invigorating take on old-time Americana. If you like haunting twang, get yourself to the Sanctuary. Cover is $5 to $20, sliding scale, all ages, 8 p.m.

Solo soulster

DJ Matt Jackson flies solo for a night of tunes taken from every corner of the Missing Link Records music collection. More than just the sounds of soul, Matt will spin funk, country, R&B and anything else his brain suggests to his fingers. At the Logger Bar, free, 9 p.m., 21-and-over. 

Fab Four Redwood Curtain is one of those places people don't just like, they love. Whether it's the beer or the vibe (or both), the addition of Humboldt's gypsy jamgrass favorites The Absynth Quartet promises to be a good thing. And yes, you read that correctly — the former Quintet is operating sans mandolinist Bird Jowais, who's currently residing in Ashland. The gig starts at 8 p.m., is free and 21-and-over.

Hie thee to Phillipsville

Get out your dancing shoes and prepare to swing because Petunia and The Vipers perform two evenings (Friday and Saturday) at The Riverwood Inn — be ambitious and see if they have a room for the night. This fantastic band offers a piercing ballad one moment and manic rockabilly the next, and expands on country standards with unexpected twists — Latin rhythms, for example, which could go horribly awry but instead heighten the fun. Show starts at 9 p.m., 21-and-over. Price TBA.

Saturday 

Musical interpretation

Longtime local Ken Collins presents "First Waltz," a review of his 40 years of songwriting aimed at helping the audience "understand our crazy world." Collins celebrates, mourns, dances and loves with accompanying musicians Tim Randles, Tim Gray, Marla Joy and Dan Perez. Tickets are $12 general, $10 Playhouse and Humboldt Folklife members, and students. Show starts at 8 p.m., all ages.

Thrash it up

It's a punk scene at the Alibi with A-town skate rockers Imperial Destructo and Eureka's acoustic The Bored Again. Cover is $3, music starts at 11 p.m., 21-and-over.

Sunday

You don't have to be 21

The Works, your favorite Old Town record shop, hosts an all-ages gig starting at 9 p.m. and featuring Massenger, Isotope, Bella Rex and Pachucos in Space. Think punk and hardcore and lots of sweat. Price TBA.

Monday

Cheap therapy

The Old Town live music bonanza continues Monday with heavy psych at the Shanty in the form of Dead Meadow and White Manna. Music starts at 9 p.m., cover is $5, drinks at the Shanty are plentiful and cheap, so get there early. This show is 21-and-over, natch.

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].