It's Arts! Arcata tonight and, depending on the rain, the plaza and surrounding environs will likely be packed with wine-sipping locals and a plethora of musicians, some sanctioned by local shops, some just ad hoc street howlers. I don't need to tell you that the choices will be many and one good loop around McKinley's mound will show you your options better than I could ever hope to, dear ones. Instead, I am going to recommend two free shows that look like winners if you get tired of the main drag.

The warm wood/old world, cozy little nook that is Café Mokka is the perfect place to hear the trio Mon Petit Chou play the traditional folk tunes of Quebec and Eastern Canada at 8 p.m. (free). If the rain is coming down hard outside, just turn your knuckles to the fire and imagine that (to paraphrase Gordon Lightfoot) "tis the Witch of November come stealin'" up the Saint Lawrence Seaway and to points beyond.

If your tastes tip more toward uplifting Americana tunes, Portland's Scratchdog Stringband brings a much more refined and polished sweet modern folk sound than the band's name would suggest to the Logger Bar at 9 p.m. (free). If the night is cold and wet, five will get you ten that the stove will be roasting inside and, much like the case with the previous show, the lumberjack aesthetics of Blue Lake's best saloon are what makes this the perfect venue for this band.