Before we get into this week's quiz, let's take a moment to consider People Who Do Good. One such person is the indefatigable Julie Ryan. I first met Julie a million years ago when she was volunteering with Placebo, an organization dedicated to providing safe, all-ages music shows and more. "Volunteering" is an understatement, truly — Julie was a combination of cool aunt, mother hen and Rosie the Riveter, passionate about music, youth and her commitment to a worthwhile cause. This would remain true through her time at the Raven Project and power her ongoing work with North Star Quest, a camp focused on emboldening adolescents girls. Julie's unflagging dedication to our community and to making things happen, especially for the younger (and often disenfranchised), shines and inspires.

You can appreciate, emulate and/or celebrate her efforts and those of North Star Quest's by dropping into the SWAP IT! Record Fair on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arcata's D Street Community Center. Whether casual listener or hardcore collector, odds are you'll find something to love. The $5 entry fee goes to North Star Quest Camps scholarship fund. For more information, check out the Facebook page or contact Julie at 599-7869 or [email protected].

Know thyself

Humboldt is ... shall we say ... blessed? ... with a multitude of music venues, from magnificent to minuscule, each with its own distinctive personality. Do you find yourself gravitating to the same places weekly? Perhaps you know yourself well or maybe you're unwittingly limiting your options. In either case, confirm your choices or be inspired to expand them with the first in a little game we're calling, "Which Humboldt Venue are You?"

1. How far away are you?

a. Down the street

b. Down the freeway

c. Up the hill

d. Around the corner

e. No one knows exactly where I am

f. Wherever I am supposed to be

2. What color(s) most represent you?

a. Green

b. Neon

c. Sepia and ecru

d. Caramel and umber

e. Gold

f. Whatever color you need me to be

3. Describe your vocal style:

a. I'm an uptalker

b. I say "Yeah!" a lot

c. Shhhhh!

d. "Dude" serves as a noun, verb, adjective and exclamation

e. People are always telling me to speak up

f. I yell a lot because my hearing's shot

4. When is the last time you showered?

a. Just now

b. I've lost track of time

c. This morning

d. Monday

e. This afternoon

f. It's dark and late, so what's your point?

5. What is your favorite food?

a. Martinis

b. Twister fries

c. Whatever Folie Deuce is serving

d. Wings, baby!

e. Japhy's

f. Bloody Mary

6. If we go on a date, where am I most likely to wake up?

a. Did you ever see The Shining?

b. In a perfectly fine hotel room that will reveal nothing about where you are

c. In your own bed

d. I'd love to cuddle, but understand if you want to go home

e. My dorm room

f. Shhhhh...

a = 6 points, b = 5 points, c = 4 points, d = 3 points, e = 2 points, f = 1 point, not answering = 0 points

Ready? Remember, this is extremely scientific!

(Please note, as always, the total of points is quantitative and not a score relative to merit. All our venues are special in their own way.)

31-36 Palm Lounge

On Thursday, Dec. 11 at 8:30 p.m., ragtag ruffians Raising Grain bring the bluegrass and Moon Pine delivers dark, haunting, beautiful alt-country/folk-rock to those 21-and-over. Free.

Alternately, don a Christmas-themed costume on Saturday, Dec. 13 and show up for a hip-hop party featuring the Bay Area's Z-Man and True Justice, Sonoma's Vocab Slick and Pure Powers, plus Humboldt's own Dirty Rats and Hiway. Doors at 9:30 p.m., donations taken at the door, 21-and-over.

25-30 Wave Lounge

Tripwire plays what it refers to as "rock 'n' tonk" on Friday, Dec. 12 at 9 p.m., show is 21-and-over. Free.

19-24 The Van Duzer

Robert Cray has long been considered the bridge between tradition and the blues-soul-R&B mix heard throughout contemporary music. Judge for yourself when The Robert Cray Band plays Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 general/$10 student, all ages.

13-18 Hum Brews

Poor Man's Whiskey serves up enthusiastic bluegrass rock on Friday, Dec. 12 at 9:30 p.m., cover is $15, show is 21-and-over.

An always divine option is Portland-based Shook Twins who play Saturday, Dec. 13 in support of their new album, What We Do. Expect the usual idiosyncratic indie-folk songcraft, lush harmonies, foot-stomping gospel/swing ballads and deep groove.

7-11 Fulkerson Hall

The HSU Jazz Orchestra turns grunge and steel pan sounds into jazz, then gets back to early '60s big band basics on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 general, $5 seniors and children, and free to HSU students.  

0-6 Alibi

In the running for Best Named Band is San Francisco/Oakland's Glitter Wizard, whose pink metal fills the room Saturday, Dec. 13, along with Qui, a kickass rock 'n' roll duo from L.A. Music starts around 11 p.m., cover is $5, show is 21-and-over.

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].