It seems long overdue that I take a moment to acknowledge some upcoming events in our area that are worth penciling in on your midsummer calendar. In the excitement of the city's busy summer schedule - with the recent Taste of Tacoma, Art on the Ave, Ethnic Fest, and the immanent Music and Art in Wright Park - it can be easy to overlook the ever-present schedule of shows happening weekly.

Olympia's all-ages venue Northern has homegrown acts as well as some visiting acts scheduled to play in the coming days.

This Friday, August 2, the Olympia space is visited by two bands, neither lacking in style. Local group Spider and the Webs bring their energetic post-punk to Northern with members Tobi Vail (drums, vocals), James Maeda (lead guitar) and Chris Sutton (rhythm guitar).  Next, Santa Cruz natives, The Wild Ones will play straight-forward garage rock with a bright, upbeat vibe equated to bands like The Ramones and The Runaways.

Sunday, August 4, Northern hosts the band Solvents. Port Townsend band Solvents brings unexpected cards to the table, with driving, emotional rock and roll that includes a violinist. A more bare-bones version of what they were previously, the direction of the band can be heard on their new album, Ghetto Moon. Also joining them that evening is Olympia-based June Madrona as well as Generifus.

Thursday, August 8, local favorite Hot Tears returns as a fan favorite. The collaboration project by Molly Fischer on vocals, guitar, and percussion, and Erica Freas on cello, produces soulful, haunting melodies and songs to enchant listeners. Their 5-song EP, released in December 2012, is high on my list of required-listening. Joining Hot Tears on the bill will be the equally enthralling Ghost Ease. With a freshly released self-titled EP, the three-piece that began as a solo-project by Jem Marie (vocals, guitar) has now taken on its latest form with the addition of Nsayi (drums) and Fabi Reyna (bass). And to top it all off, Stephan Steinbrink brings his form of dreamy, grooving pop punk to the show.

August is shaping up to be a great month in Olympia for all-ages shows.