August is like March in reverse. It comes in all mellow and quiet, and by the end it's a tsunami. In fact in my town the kids head back to school before the calendar turns to September. But let's not get ahead of ourselves -- it's still early August and I have one more taste of vacation next week. The Mike Stand remains open, and I'll try to drop in a few nuggets while I'm chilling out.

Here's a few suggestions for this weekend.

Colin Quinn at the Comedy Connection in Boston Saturday night. Bare knuckle, but smart stuff.

Springsteen may be spending the summer in the studio, but Jersey bothers in arms Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes pull into town tomorrow night. Harpers Ferry in Allston is the place.

Still tickets available for Crowded House at the Bank of America Pavilion on Sunday. Bittersweet power pop under the stars.

Stay cool.