I’m writing to you from the murky depths of last week, ahead of a quick retreat away from wi-fi and glowing things, so apologies if I have missed some massive earth-shattering event in the news cycle. What that could be is anyone’s guess, as we have all learned time and again that things that should horrify most reasonable populations into a tsunami of revolutionary arousal can’t even get our public needle to tick up from lethargy to tumescence. I think we might need an oil change in the national libido; the engine is a sputtering mess.
Which is a reason among many why I am going on a low-rent detour away from the endless glassy fix of the screen junkie. I have learned, as alluded to in this column, that I can’t honestly share my thoughts freely about the current political treadmill without, ironically, risking that freedom, so I have chosen abstention as the better part of valor. This isn’t something that I am thankful for, but it’s necessary. “Learn your place and shut up” is probably the most succinct translation of the grooves that are constantly being stamped into our faces by the forces from above and at this moment, I don’t feel like arguing.
The scope of the horrors that exist because our society has no large-scale social filter to protect us from the shameless evil shared by — if this newest wave of emails is to be fully understood — literally everyone running and destroying the world right now is genuinely sickening. It’s something I have long suspected but tempered with the idea that my worst thoughts about the shape of the world couldn’t be true because they are so bleak. I may be many things, but I am not someone wired with the kind of psychopathy required to succeed in the managerial enforcement wing of this society. I’ll just quote R.L. Burnside: “It’s bad, you know.”
Yes, I’m taking a little break. There’s too much noise, too much hideousness and cruelty, and too many people who will gleefully watch you suffer for the crime of being disgusted about things too loudly. Shh, enough of that. Have a nice week. Take care of each other while it’s still possible.
Thursday
It’s the penultimate Thursday of November, which seems like as good a time as ever to get down to some bluegrass and folk music, courtesy of the Elderberry Rust Stringband. You can get the goods over at the Basement this evening after 7:30 p.m., where a mere $5 will get you a spot on the dancefloor.
Friday
The Arcata Playhouse is once again hosting one of our area’s most compelling acts, the freeform, avant jazz soundmakers Strange Meeting. This is the good stuff, the thick, misty texture of organic human blues blending with electronic streetlight tones that cut through without separation. A holy scene. I liked it last time, see if you like it tonight. Roll through at 8 p.m. with $15 in hand for a lesson in wordless world-building.
Saturday
There’s a holiday lull approaching but thankfully the weekend delivers, as these two examples of Arcata nightlife illustrate nicely. First up at 8 p.m., Moss Oak Commons is hosting a loud gig headlined by one of my favorite local acts, Blackplate. Also on the docket are Hank Wicklund’s The Lathe and Monkee Business. A very negotiable $10 will get you in the door within heat range of the sonic blast furnace.
An hour later at Humbrews it’s a hip hop-acid jam spectacular starring New York City’s own uptown night tripper DJ Logic, joined by vocalist Lantz Lazwell and friends, including local keyboard wizard Swizlo. DJ Funky T Rex will also be providing local ambassador duties, for one of the last times ever, rumor has it ($20).
Sunday
Relax, it’s just another Metal Sunday over at Savage Henry Comedy Club at 7 p.m. This evening’s headliners are retro death metal band Bonginator from Boston and D.C. grind act No/Más. (Side note: D.C. Grind sounds like a 1980s skateboard game for Nintendo.) Anyway, also on the ticket are Something Wicked, Hillsick, and Hexenvvald. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and this is a record release tour for the Bong band, so bring some cash for a record if you like their tunes.
Monday
I tried, but it’s the beginning of a span of weekdays that terminates with Thanksgiving and Black Friday, so there was bound to be a gap or two. It happens every year.
Tuesday
I refuse to leave tonight blank when I can remind folks out there that there’s another chance to see the excellent Opera Alley Cats at the Speakeasy starting at 7 p.m. It don’t cost nothin’ to get inside.
Wednesday
Soul Circuits are an electro-country act from Minneapolis. We’re talking synths and violins here, with some heartbreak and twang sprinkled on top. Turtle Goodwater from Barnfire will be opening things up with a solo set in the boxcar cavern of the Miniplex. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. and it’s $10 a gander.
Collin Yeo (he/him) is, for once, speechless.
This article appears in The Stopwatch.