What's that sound? Ah, yes. The melodies and beats announcing we've transitioned from the early January doldrums to the more thunderous drums of live music giddiness.

Thursday — Rock 'n' roll 1, band 0

Some day we will understand the impetus behind Roland Rock, but for now let us just enjoy knowing that Arcata boasts its very own voodoo-space-doom-surf-and-turf trio featuring Tim and Andrew Bonow, plus "guest artists on bass." The psychedelic twangsters roll and rock Redwood Curtain Brewery from 8 to 11 p.m., no cover, 21-and-over. Please note that the band is known for decadence and debauchery both on and offstage — no greater proof of this exists than reports that one of the members (we believe the offender to be Tim) recently fractured his pinkie playing kickball while substitute teaching fifth grade.

Thursday — Heartfelt throwback

On the flipside, you can head to Mad River Brewery Tap Room and bask in the vocal stylings of singer-songwriter Joanne Rand, whose impassioned and heartfelt songs appeal to the people who came of age during an era when protest music was the soundtrack. Show starts at 6 p.m., free, all ages.

Thursday — From Germany with dub

And on the flipside of that — the flip has so many sides! — venture a little further into Blue Lake, all the way to the Logger Bar, where Zordon delivers "future thizz" for free starting at 10 p.m. What is future thizz? Kinda deep house. I think your brain might melt. (No minors!)

Friday — Plucky faves

It's an excellent local string band get-together at Hum Brews with the No Good Redwood Ramblers and the Lyndsey Battle Trio. We're optimistic the lines between the two will blur as they have hinted at onstage collaboration. Things get going at 9:30 p.m., $5, 21-and-over.

Friday — Punkity punk punk!

The A-town options continue with some PDX punk in the form of the well-reviewed P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S. Also playing, Arcata's psych surf-punk faves The Mother Vines. Music starts at 11 p.m., cover is $5. No minors!

Saturday — Serious and erudite

Time for a little sophistication in the form of internationally renowned pianist Sang Woo Kang, who performs a "concert of contrasts" — works by contemporary American composer John Corigliano, a Mozart sonata and pieces by Chopin — at Fulkerson Recital Hall. Kang has performed throughout Europe, Asia and South America, and in New York's Carnegie Hall. He is held in high esteem. The performance begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 general/$5 seniors, children and students.

Saturday — Lunar landing

Hey, here's a sexy show! Can you say... lap steel?! You've got Side Iron's Americana-on-testosterone, Moon Pine's rich and elegant twang and the ménage-a-trio Strix Vega, whose frontman, Colin Begell, has recently been sporting a moody Brit-rocker look. Rounded out by the perpetually smiling Jay "Humboldt's Happiest Man" Forbes and Andy "Boom Boom" Powell, Strix Vega's repertoire ranges from Wilco-esque charm to instrumental space outs. Quite excellent. Free gig, 21-and-over, at the Logger Bar. 

Saturday — Weighty matters

Humboldt supergroup Lord Ellis joins Oakland's Electric Chair Repair Co. at the Alibi to provide the night's heaviest rock. It'll be like you just stepped onto the surface of Jupiter, which of course you can't do because Jupiter does not have a solid surface and also it's extremely cold and otherwise inhospitable and you would die immediately. So the show will be heavy like you would be if you were on Jupiter, but with more metaphorical rock and less actual rock dust and also no death. It's gonna be rad. 11 p.m., $5.

Saturday — PC party

Pete Ciotti, possibly A-town's hardest-working musician, and stunning singer Lorenza Simmons invite you to celebrate at a joint birthday bash at Jambalaya featuring Lorenza's dad, Madi, doing classic soul tunes, plus the GetDown Soul Revue with special guests Vidagua and Ashanan. Show starts at 8 p.m., cover is $10, 21-and-over.

Sunday — So bright you gotta wear shades

Is it summer already? Because nothing says sunshine and warmth like the groove-heavy, Chicago-blues-infused brand of stripped-down rock 'n' roll known as G. Love & Special Sauce. Matt Costa joins at the Van Duzer Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 general, $15 students. Sneak in a flask Arrive with a smile and dance, wouldja people?

Monday — Coming home

Here is a fact: Songs about trains, rivers and/or California are always good. Always! That's reason enough to be excited about California-born-Sweden-raised Cleopatra, whose album Pacific was just featured on NPR's World Café — go download two of her exquisitely languid songs and then catch her at the Mad River Tap Room. Show's at 6 p.m., is amazingly free and also all ages.

Monday — Tripping out

A different side of the Golden State arrives at the Jambalaya in the form of JOY, who brings heavy acid jams from San Diego. DJ Shattered Space and Manila's White Manna join. Cover's 5 p.m., music starts at 10 p.m. No minors!

Etc.

Full event 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].