The calendar might read Friday the 13th, but perhaps "musical veterans' weekend" might be apropos because both Nov. 13 and 14 feature at least one prominent musical veteran. On Nov. 13, the Marin Civic Center actually features two: Buddy Guy and Elvin Bishop. Bishop started out with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band before hitting it big with "Fooled Around and Fell in Love" (sung by Mickey Thomas who would later join the Jefferson Starship, before hijacking "the Starship" for himself). Guy has toured with the Rolling Stones and recorded with Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton (who once called him the "greatest guitarist alive"). For $25 to $75 at 8 p.m., you can make your own assessment.

Co-founder of the New Riders of the Purple Sage, David Nelson plays Nov. 12 at the Mill Valley Masonic and if you miss him, you are in luck because he is appearing there again Nov. 13 ($25 to $35, 8:30 p.m.). Rumor has it that the Dead once considered replacing Bob Weir with Nelson. Rumor also has it that they might still have an opening for a guitarist.

Meanwhile, more contemporary musical veterans Wonderbread 5 appear at Petaluma's Mystic Theatre on Nov. 13 ($17, 9:45 p.m.) and the Bay Area Sound Studios in San Rafael hopes to launch the careers of some future veterans with its Treble@Bass featuring up-and-comers: America's Bestest, Milo and Chemistry of the Heart (all ages, $5 to $10, 8 p.m.). Not to be out newcomered, the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma presents a six-band

extravaganza for $8. Bands include Goodriddler, the Americas, Planet of the Apes, the Highlands, Atheorem and the Iditarod. The all-ages show begins at 8 p.m. Finally, Santa Rosa's Last Day Saloon shakes off the Friday the 13th blues with the blues of the Volker Strifler Band along with the Pulsators and Bonafide Blue ($10, 8:30 p.m.).

Can't get enough Volker Strifler? Then your luck is good because Nov. 14 he appears again at the Tradewinds in Cotati ($8, 9:30 p.m.). Rancho Nicasio enters the veteran situation with former Van Morrison keyboardist Johnny Allair ($12 and $15, 8;30 p.m.). Be sure to see "The Piano Man and his Organ" (his words not mine). Speaking of a star and his organ, 19 Broadway presents Neverland, a Michael Jackson Tribute, at 9 p.m. for $12. The 15-piece band features four lead singers and covers most of Jackson's hits from the Jackson 5 all the way through the court proceedings.

Also on Nov. 14, the Phoenix shows it can go the veteran route, too, with reggae "singjay" Eek-A-Mouse, along with Winstrong and DJ Jacques (all ages, $20, 8 p.m.). One wonders why Mr. Mouse doesn't use his given name, Ripton Joseph Hylton. Then again, maybe one doesn't. Singjaying is not the Jamaican-born Eek's only career; he has also appeared in the 1991 film "New Jack City" as a Jamaican drug dealer, which might not be too great of a stretch for a man whose biggest hit is called "Ganja Smuggling."

For band listings, musical news, music-related gossip or related sightings, contact Doctor.rock@live.com.