Toast to the (Gulf) Coast

This week, downtown nightlife staple SOhO (1221 State St.) will host two fun-filled live music fundraiser shows benefiting ecological recovery efforts in America’s post-BP oil spill Gulf Coast region. Make a difference during a night on the town this week at the following gatherings:

• Stand in the Sand: A Gathering for the Gulf — S.B. bands DP Fresh, Messengers, and Headshine will donate all proceeds from the door to the Fund for Santa Barbara’s Stand in the Sand Relief Fund; in addition, the venue will donate a portion of the evening’s alcoholic drink profits to the same account. (Thu., Aug. 26., 8:30pm-1am. $10; ages 21+.)

• Rock 4 the Gulf — Proceeds from admission to a night of live music by Carried by Six, Primal Tribe, Retrodemon, and Gemini Syndrome will be donated to S.B.-based nonprofit Heal the Ocean, a group working to rebuild damaged marine ecological zones, and the National Wildlife Foundation, an organization actively treating wildlife affected by the oil spill in the Gulf region. (Sat., Aug. 28, 9pm. $10; ages 21+).

SOhO is located at 1221 State St. Call 962-7776, or visit sohosb.com for more info.