Stephen McBean—the single, constant member for indie rock act Pink Mountaintops—is probably too down-to-earth to accept the term genius.

The legendary local 1990s ska band Slow Gherkin reunites for a blow-out, end-of-the-season Midtown Block Party. Friday, 5pm

On Saturday, the local community will celebrate the life of Felix Lozano with Felix Fest, a five-band punk show in the Catalyst main room with all proceeds going to his family.

It’s a full day of bands, musical genres and brews as Rock the Soul kicks off Saturday at Woodhouse Blending & Brewing, an all-ages “minifest.”

Lacy J. Dalton’s Santa Cruz bona fides go deep; she wrote one of her biggest hits when she lived in Ben Lomond during one of the happiest times of her life. She performs Saturday at El Vaquero Winery.

Primus is one of the only bands that can bring rockers, hippies, trippers, metalheads and punks all together in one area.

John Hoffman was a local drummer in Shreveport, Louisiana. But all that changed when it was announced he was the new drummer for Primus.

Ezra Furman and The Ophelias perform at 8pm on Aug. 6 at Moe’s Alley

The Mekons have traveled a twisty musical path through punk, folk, alt country, electronic music and stranger places. Playing July 29 at Moe’s Alley

“Grungtry” is how Sarah Rebecca Harris, lead singer and founder of Dolly Creamer, describes their sound: a fusion of experimental folk and Americana mixed with punk and rock & roll.

Go-Go’s guitarist Jane Wiedlin performs at the Museum of Art & History July 17 with a "super-group" of local musicians. An Evening with Jane Wiedlin TONIGHT at MAH! 6:30–10pm

Progressive rock trio Stick Men bring their intense, rhythmically complex blend of Chapman Stick, guitar, and drums to the UCSC Recital Hall, performing their latest release "Brutal" alongside King Crimson instrumental classics. For this special performance, acclaimed guitarist Reeves Gabrels (The Cure, David Bowie) sits in for Tony Levin, with Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto and touch-guitar master Markus Reuter. Saturday, July 19, 8pm