Speaking of free, here are two fabulous gigs on two sides of Humboldt Bay which that won’t cost you anything other than the effort of showing up, which you can probably do for both depending on your energy levels. First up at 5:30 p.m., the Arcata Friday Night Market is ditching the pyrotechnics for some real fire in the form of a scorching set by local cumbia masters Makenu. Hearing these folks churn out the beat under the late summer sky sounds like a treat worthy of Apollo, so don’t sleep on it as the sun edges out into the wet western part of the horizon.
Later on at 8 p.m. at the Shanty, Ukesperience is bringing its ukulele-fueled jam machine back from the dead for two sets that are bound to bring some good vibrations to the Swan Room. I have watched older videos of the long-dormant group doing its thing, and I was utterly charmed by the inclusion of a ukulele-bass guitar hybrid in the line-up. Sensational.