Folks, the big spooky is finally here and I’m not talking about the midterms on Tuesday. There are plenty of doings transpiring under the waning gibbous moon tonight, so I have focused on a few musical treats before pulling my disappearing trick for the week: Find a goodie and enjoy. The Miniplex is hosting an early show with a globetrotting master of modern Tuareg music. Left- handed Nigerien guitarist Mdou Moctar returns to Arcata for a triumphant gig featuring him and his band only, no openers. The bar starts humming at 6 p.m., the music starts at 7 p.m., and this
gig will very likely sell out, so snag a ticket online asap for $25 plus any processing fees. Stick around after the show if you are so inclined for Dark Discoteca with Hispanic! At the Disco and Ratgirl, who will be spinning the dark vinyl arts beginning at 9 p.m. for a mere $5.
If you are in the mood to dance to a different beat, there’s an all-ages gig across town at the D Street Community Center at 6 p.m. Local masa growers Aquili Metzli are throwing a harvest celebration fundraiser for families affected by ICE featuring music by local cumbia masters Makenu and DJ Amaru Shia. There is a suggested donation of $20, but kids 13 and under are welcome to attend free of charge. Also kicking off at the much-earlier-than-witching hour of 6 p.m., Moss Oaks Commons is putting on one of those super fun shows where local bands interpret the music of famous bands. Tonight’s line-up includes Gingko with members of Stridor and Amanaka as Black Sabbath, some of the fellas from Fek and the Future Friends of Sound and Western Extra coming in hot as Neil Young and Crazy Horse, a set of Alice in Chains songs by — who else? — the mighty Sturgeons, along with many more local musicians cosplaying as The Germs, Hole, Type O Negative, AFI and more. The very flexible suggested door price is $5-$20.
Gazing eastwards at 9 p.m., you will find Heavens Taint and Clean Girl and the Dirty Dishes holding court for a free-for-all at the Logger Bar. I don’t need to tell you this show encourages costume-wearing.
And speaking of free, back over to the Shanty for some Eureka representation with the second annual Shantyween featuring DJs Nitey and Wooly Bully Bill at 10 p.m. Once again, not only are costumes encouraged, but there is a contest of sorts afoot as well. OK, I’m out. See you after the Dead Days.