August Brings a Variety of Entertainment Options to North Baltimore

August brings with it the year's hottest days (usually) and the inevitable end of summer, though not officially until Sept. 21. Once school begins, regardless of whether it directly impacts your life or not, there is an distinct change in the atmosphere of the city.

August burns hot for a few weeks before giving way to September, so you should consider doing the same before we put this summer to bed.

Friday at the Wind Up Space, you can check out Jason and the Butchers featuring Jason Butcher of Among Wolves, a Baltimore indie band that just finished its record This is a Wave Goodbye, and hopes to release it this fall on TBA label. Jason and the Butchers are a bit different, however, with steel guitar and a bit more of a pop sound. Don’t expect the fury of Among Wolves, but then again that’s the point of a side project isn’t it? They play with one-man bands Bryson Dudley and Macgregor Burns, doors open at 9 p.m., bands start at 10 p.m., for $7.

If you’re feeling like getting your dancing shoes on, Underground returns to Ottobar this Friday, and although Baltimore has its share of dance and DJ nights, Underground is my cup of tea for a few reasons. I know I’m not going to hear a battle between Katy Perry and anyone else, be it Madonna or Prince or the Little River Band. In fact, there will be no Katy Perry at all -- just New Wave, '90s Britpop, pop rock and dance courtesy of Depeche Mode, New Order, Blur and The Smiths. Underground has been doing it’s thing for years now, and it has the formula just right. If you wanna blow off some steam and work up a summer sweat dancing, Underground starts at 9 p.m and there’s no cover until 10 p.m.   

Insubordination Fest begins Thursday at Ottobar and runs through Aug. 13. This festival always brings out a lot of people for some serious end of summer partying. Insubordination Fest is not for the faint of heart. Be prepared for lots of shotgunning of Boh’s and loud, fast, furious punk rock.

Saturday at 10 p.m., at the Wind Up Space you can see another show for only $7 with The Water, Stushido, and Golden Gurls, who have kept busy steadily playing all summer long.

You could also check out a Burlesque Night at Ottobar, although with this weather I can’t imagine how there’s anything left for these girls to take off. Go on Saturday and find out, the show is entitled “Raw” and it’s for those 18 and up, $15, doors at 9 p.m.

• Sunday at CCAS, Gifts from Enola, Prayers for Atheists, Mobius Strip,  7 p.m., donation.
• Tuesday, at Ottobar, break out the panda paint! The members of Proclamation bring their black metal selves from Spain along with Abazagorath, Thantifaxath, and Extermination Angel. Doors at 8 p.m. Mayhem begins at 9 p.m. $15, all ages.