Welcome to another edition of “For Those Prepared to Rock,” a title I got from a Presidents of the United States song (for those of you who wondered).

This column will address the things to do in Humboldt County for the weekend of Feb. 22. I also want to talk about some exciting shows coming up that music lovers should be prepared for. Be aware that this is a very biased column. I try to give you a heads-up about all sorts of music-related activities, but sometimes you can really see what I like doing in the scene.

Friday 02.22.08

Shows for Everyone!

• Remember when there would be a couple of Placebo shows every weekend? When the Metro had shows? What about a few months ago when the Vista was all ages? Those were the good old days. There will be an all-ages show at Old Town Coffee and Chocolates – the SIDEKICKS – and Mosgos will have CalAmity Jane. Only problem is I couldn’t find a MySpace page or any music online by either of these acts, so I don’t know it they are going to be awesome or not.
  
• Don’t despair, teenagers and 20-years-olds, there are lots of plays going on this weekend. Check out the Calendar for details. You have your pick of everything from “The Vagina Monologues” to a kids play about bugs at Humboldt State University.

Shows for 21 and older

• At the time you are reading this, Devil Makes Three is probably sold out. That’s why I gave you a heads-up last week. On the off chance it’s not sold out, go get tickets and dance your shoes off at Jambalaya.
  
• If you can’t get tickets to “Devil” or that’s not your scene, Humbrews is hosting New Monsoon (San Francisco jam band, 10,174 MySpace friends) and Izabella (psychedelic, 847 MySpace friends). They are playing both Friday and Saturday to give everyone a chance to see them play.

Saturday 02.23.08

Shows for everyone!

• The Placebo is hosting a punk-tacular event at the Ink People:
  
• Social Concern (female-fronted Sacramento hard-core) – 1,730 MySpace friends.
  
• The Floating Corpses (SF experimental punk) – 1,114 MySpace friends.
  
• The Radical Devil – punk covers.

Shows for 21+

• I’m going to recommend trying to do the Devil Makes Three show Friday and New Monsoon Saturday. Nothing else really tempts me out on this day. If you disagree and feel there’s something people really need to see, maybe the Nipplepotamus show at The Alibi, or The Generatorz at Bear River Casino, let me and the world know on The Eureka Reporter Web site. Just reply to my column and make a good argument for your event.

Moving right along

A show worth going out for on a Wednesday night, Monotonix (garage progressive, 8,966 MySpace friends), all the way from Tel Aviv, will play at the Vista. I’ve only heard good things about this band from people who have seen them live. Also, if they’ve come all the way from Israel, the least you can do is drive out to the Vista to check them out. Show starts at 8 p.m. and it’s 21+.

Looking into my magic crystal ball of rock, I can see into the future, and the future looks awesome. I’m very pleased to be able to encourage you to get tickets to Death Cab For Cutie (Seattle indie rock – 510,699 MySpace friends) for its April 21 show (that’s right, two days after Tegan and Sarah).

Death Cab played in Eureka at what was then Club West. I was there and I had never heard the band, but my friend said we should go. Since that night, Death Cab has been in my heart and my iPod. Their album “Transatlanticism” is deep, interesting and clever. Their first major label album, “Plans,” got a lot of radio play and really skyrocketed them onto the mainstream musical radar. “Plans” consists of poppy, radio-friendly songs, along with a few heart-wrenchers. If you haven’t already, purchase these albums and listen to them over and over and go to the show and sing along. They put on a great show; even if you’ve never heard them before, they draw you in to having a great time.

They will be playing in the Van Duzer Theatre. Tickets are $30 general and $25 HSU students and are available at the University Ticket Office at HSU, The Works in Eureka/Arcata and The Metro (18+ or HSU student with ID).

Opinions expressed in columns do not necessarily represent those of The Eureka Reporter or its staff.