*The views expressed in The Laurie Show are those of the author and do not represent Austinist as a whole.* -ed. note

Rain drops keep falling on my head, but it makes no difference to me. Yours truly, the hostess of the Friday night frenzy The Laurie Show on KUT 90.5, would prefer the wet weather any day over the record frying temperatures that the rest of the country seems to be experiencing. Just point the way toward some sweet galoshes so I can splash and sploosh in time to the music.

I’ve quite a few impressive show recommendations to toss your way, so listen up. Don’t miss out on these great things that influence the Laurie Show music selection.

Get your party started early tonight when you Stand Up and Rock at the Beauty Bar, featuring live music by Kissinger and the stand-up comedy of Ruby Collins and Goff Stevens. Early show alert: The fun begins 7 p.m.

Here’s a treat for you: If you know the White Ghost Shivers, you damn well know that they have a rock ‘n’ roll streak that crosses the hardcore line, big time. Yes, kids, get the earplugs and head over to the Parish on 6th St. tonight for the raucous and rowdy White Ghost Shivers Rock Show. The gig will feature undoubtedly fantastic performances by two other local greats, Peel and LIONS. Don’t miss out on this momentous occasion, and see the self-proclaimed “Motley Crüe of hot string bands” bang their heads with the best of ‘em. Insert devil horns here.

Another gig that’s not to be missed: Benni Hemm Hemm from Iceland will share the bill at Emo’s lounge with two of my favorite local artists, Loxsly and SUNSET (Bill Baird, hats off to you, sir). This is going to be another great show of epic proportions. “They have a large band full of horns and stuff,” says Loxsly vocalist Cody Ground of Benni Hemm Hemm. “It looks like it would be fun to watch live.” Meanwhile, Loxly’s been working diligently on some new material. some of which will be played at the show. Most excellent. Cody also says it’s Bridget’s birthday today. Bridget, I don’t know you, but Happy Birthday. I have a special place in my heart for fellow July babies…hint hint.

Yes, that was pretty blatant of me.

We’ve got a CD release party on the schedule tonight, as well. Stop by Hole In the Wall for Opposite Day’s shindig in honor of their latest album, Safety First. Joining in on the festivities are the Invincible Czars and The Backside Pick. Enjoy!

Head on over to Beerland tonight for a massive good dose of insanity with Queer Tears (ex-Skullening peeps, I’m told), Cry Blood Apache having it out with Best Fwends, Cop Warmth, and Commanche Abortion. Positively beastly. Don’t miss the chaos. It’s good for you. Builds character.

Tomorrow night’s social calendar is also chock full, dears. One of my all-time local faves, Crawling With Kings, headlines tomorrow at the Mohawk, with Toko-Ri Get High, Black Panda, and The Naysays on the bill. Keeping the tunes spinning between sets is the very groovy Stay Gold.

Over at Hole In the Wall, Dave Insley headlines in a show that includes San Saba County, Suzanna Choffel, and Erin Ivey. Suh-weet stuff here.

On Emo’s outside stage Saturday, Moonlight Towers and Get Him Eat Him open the show for The Wrens, while Lalaland takes over the Emo’s lounge area with Dignan, The Dark Romantics, and Corto Maltese.

Say! It may strike you as a porn title, but it’s about the music, baby. Get ready for the Debbie Does Austin Showcase at the Parish tomorrow, with great performances by Black Tie Dynasty, Shanghai 5, Sweet Lee Morrow, and The Tah Dahs. Porn stars not included, but with enough alcoholic beverages…eh…you never know what could happen.

A handful of other gigs happening next week to keep an eye on: The next Mohawk Residency performance will feature live music by Ume and El Paso Hot Button on Tuesday, while on the same night, local artists Rick Reed, Brent Fariss and Alex Keller provide the experimental sounds during the Church of the Friendly Ghost Night at Salvage Vanguard Theater, 2803 Manor Rd. Emo’s inside stage will be filled with the likes of Crash Gallery, The Ends, and Gary Numan tribute band Airlane this Wednesday, while on the same night, local talent is the highlight with artists Firekills, Color & Light, and Preserve the Sound at La Zona Rosa.

Thursday, July 26, is a great day. Why, you ask? Foolish mortals! Aside from personal selfish reasons (previous obnoxious birthday reference), there is the fabulous show scheduled at the Mohawk with Single Frame, La Snacks, and The Carrots. On this great day, you can also find Golden Arm Trio playing on Emo’s inside stage, and The Real Heroes, Bourbon Legends, and the Jungle Rockers in the lounge area. Bourbon. It's what's for breakfast.

All right, hoodlums. Time for me to gather the music for tonight, but you know the drill, so I expect you to be there: 11 p.m. to 3 in the frickin’ morning, 90.5 on your FM thingy while you cruise. If you stream, the website is there to lead the way. As always, my good peeps, remember the words of the mighty RoboCop: Thank you for your cooperation.