The return of school and Labor Day plans are likely what’s swirling around in your head, but don’t let all of that distract you from the many great local shows that are coming up in the back half of August. See here for recommendations.

Otis Wilkins at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul – Every Thursday in August
August is well underway, but you’ve still got three chances to see Otis Wilkins at C-Boy’s Heart & Soul, where he’s playing every Thursday this month. The versatile singer/songwriter will be joined by Foxtales on August 17, the Mammoths on August 24, and Jake Lloyd on August 31. Tickets for each show are $10.

Giant Dog at the Parish – August 18 & 19
A Giant Dog’s anticipated new album, BITE, isn’t out until August 25, but the punk rockers are throwing a pair of release shows for it at the Parish this week: Friday, August 18, and Saturday, August 19. Dregs and the Get Lows will open the first night, and Trouble in the Streets and Roxanne Starnik will serve as support on the second. Tickets for each gig are $20.

Holy Wave at Hotel Vegas — Saturday, August 19
Psych extraordinaries Holy Wave just put out a new album, Five of Cups, and now they’ll ring in its arrival with a show at Hotel Vegas on Saturday, August 19. Queen Serene, who will also be celebrating the release of a new single, will kick off the evening. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 the day of the show.

$3 Shows at the Far Out Lounge – Sunday, August 20
Get yourself to the Far Out Lounge this Sunday, August 20, for a $3 Show. There’s a big, diverse lineup here that includes Como Las Movies, KVN, Midnight Navy, Suzanna Choffel, Joseph Salazar, Ben Buck, Global Octopus, Lord Vermillion, and Pajama Sam. All proceeds from the event will benefit DAWA (Diversity Awareness and Wellness in Action).

Fans-4-Paws at the Far Out Lounge – Thursday, August 24
Fans-4-Paws, a charity concert that benefits Family Eldercare's annual Summer Fan Drive, is happening at the Far Out Lounge on Thursday, August 24. Chief Cleopatra, Pearl Z, Fragile Rock, and Van Mary round out the lineup. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 the day of the show.

Matthew Logan Vasquez at Hotel Vegas – Saturday, August 26
Singer/songwriter Matthew Logan Vasquez (of Delta Spirit) is set to headline a star-studded affair at Hotel Vegas on Saturday, August 26. Special guests will include Erika Wennerstrom (of Heartless Bastards), J. Roddy Walston, T. Hardy Morris, Kam Franklin (of The Suffers), and lots more. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 the day of the show.