Now that we have burst through the membrane of the macabre month of sweet decay and symbolic death, it’s time to settle into the darker reality of standard-time long nights and the spectacle of a (sort of) election in a country that is fairly anti-democratic. It’s all well and good in my household — I like going on night walks in all kinds of weather, and I’ve been politically homeless for some time now. But I understand the tension many of you are feeling and I sympathize. I do appreciate not getting accused of going on far-fetched political rants anymore, now that reality has caught up with the stuff I’ve been warning about for the better part of a decade in this space — last month saw the eighth (!) anniversary of my induction into writing this column. I am not happy about things getting bad in ways I was worried about. This isn’t an “I told you so” moment at all; it’s more of the same bit of sympathy from earlier. I don’t like things any more than you do. The world is bonkers and very few people have much of a grasp on why, or what to do about it, but that doesn’t mean we don’t all still need plenty of tea and sympathy, and more than a little love, lost and stupid as we might be. I have friends who endlessly defend capitalism who don’t have any capital and never will. I know other people who swear by the many virtues of socialism who don’t even know how to live with other people, and who engage in the kind of gossip that fueled pogroms and witch hunts. I don’t enjoy everything anyone says or does, including myself, but that doesn’t mean we don’t still need some of the good warm stuff during cold and harsh times. And I have a feeling this month, and the winter following it, is going to be hard for a lot of people.
So, let’s make a deal. I’ll do my part on this end and keep the upper lip stiff and the reportage of the good times a-rolling as best I can, and you try to enjoy it, preferably with other people. And if you have any tips for folks to help them avoid any feculent wallows of miserable shit during this season of mists, don’t be stingy. I’ll try to match those donations of bonhomie with my own contributions. My late godmother Kathleen used to repeat that line about us all being “bozos on this bus” like a soothing, conciliatory mantra. In her spirit, and that of the late Michael Hurley as well: May we all be Hogs of the Forsaken together, the pork of crime, chewing on the angels and living unbothered in the muddy beauty of the sweet forest bogs, while we still have the time to do so.
Thursday
The Outer Space is hosting an indie rock showcase tonight at 7 p.m. Portland’s Tradie will share the stage with local acts The Cowtown Sound, Mold and Fig, for those of you out there inclined toward gentle jams and bedroom poetry. Considering we are hitting the three-decade mark of indie rock as a genre name, I feel like we should consider coming up with something different. It’s time for this one to grow up and fly the nest. The cover is a negotiable $0-$20.
Friday
The Logger Bar presents a one-off kick-off to the dirty weekend with One Night Stand Country Band, featuring members of Rooster McClintock, the Lost Dogs, Big 8 and Cadillac Ranch. There’s no cover for this 8 p.m. show, so bring some extra scratch to tip the bartenders and musicians.
Saturday
Speaking of Cadillac Ranch, that big-sound country swing act will be overseeing a fundraiser for Playhouse Arts at the Arcata Playhouse at 7 p.m. Come mingle and spend some dough for a good cause, namely keeping the lights on for our local art and music scene. This country cabaret will be packed with guest stars and even some line dancing lessons provided by Bootscoot with Contessa ($20-$50 sliding scale).
Sunday
Metal Monday comes a day early to Savage Henry Comedy Club, with headliners Tithe and Hallucinator. The former from Portland, the latter originally from Oakland, now relocated to the 503. Also on board are Rat Bath, Feral Season and Oromet. The all-ages fun starts at 7 p.m. and costs a sliding scale $10-$20.
Monday
Froth presents a free paranormal stand-up comedy night at 8 p.m., with comedians Markles, Lillith Blume and others. You can be among that latter camp if you have a spooky story to tell as well, so don’t be shy. A quick story into the mic is but a moment, while the silence of the grave is (possibly) an eternity, so don’t be shy.
Tuesday
It’s the first night of the return of the popular Logger Bar music and dramedy show Logger Legends, Liars and Lookers. Come enjoy the adventures of the unfortunately named MacTwat family as they navigate the various pitfalls of a bad family reunion. Tickets are $20 for this popular, limited-seating event at 6 p.m.
Wednesday
Sometimes I have nothing to accompany me as I type up this column other than the howling ghosts of regret and loneliness that course through the space between my ears like a cruel, spectral turbine. And sometimes I have some swanky new tunes to accompany the ceaseless screams from the abyss torn into existence by my nativity. El Khat has been bringing the hits this week, and what fabulous sounds they are: a perfect hodgepodge of Yemeni sounds and production styles bridging a gap across centuries and cultures. This is the stuff that reminds you how rich in culture the Middle East is when you disregard the evil and obnoxious drones of cosplaying western imperialists. You can enjoy this fantastic trio live at the Miniplex tonight at 7 p.m. and hear for yourself ($25, $20 in advance).
Collin Yeo (he/him) doesn’t want to sweat it, won’t pet it, so he might as well forget it. You might as well, too.
This article appears in Klamath River Ecosystem Booming One Year After Dam Removal.