Before jumping right into this week''s musical lineup, congratulations are in order for everybody who was involved in putting together an awesome show at the Monterey Live Music Festival. Thanks for taking the chance, spreading a great vibe and for a job well done.

Compared to all the excitement of last Saturday''s rock lineup, this weekend seems a little tame as far as rock ''n'' roll is concerned (blues is an entirely different story). But there is at least one band I am thrilled to see back again so soon, and that is the Los Angeles-based trio, Mind''s Eye. They''re coming up for the second time to play at the Blue Fin, and in a relatively short period, which tells me that I am not the only one looking forward to the show.

I had the privilege of sampling the band''s self-titled debut album before I actually saw their performance. The alternative/pop rock mix consists of by no means simple compositions and lyrics. Quite the opposite, in fact. You will hear cool guitar chords delayed and distorted to create a surprisingly attractive sound mix. The bass seems to come through a little stronger and fuller, and somehow, Mind''s Eye is able to infuse catchy, rhythmic sound with deep, intense lyrics in an almost hypnotic way, creating a blend that will win you over instantly and take you on a trip into sort of a musical, mystic abstraction.

And their live performances are as impressive as their recorded ones; you won''t be disappointed. There''s a lot to look at and listen to. The most animated of the three is Christopher Mackin, who turns into a guitar-tornado as the evening wears on and he seriously gets down to business. While you''re watching him twist and turn, Tyler Bender (percussion) will remain unfazed and keep the beat going, with a straight face no doubt. The most charismatic, however, is vocalist/ bassist Niles Thomas. His somewhat melancholy, soulful voice brings depth to the music and makes it complete, captivating the listener in the process.

But don''t just take my word for it. Aside from some serious airplay down south, Mind''s Eye recently opened for Lenny Kravitz at the USC Spring Festival, played three sell-out shows at the Roxy Theatre, and performed at one of the largest Showcase Industry Nights at the House of Blues, which was sold out to more than 1,000 fans.

Mind''s Eye, Saturday, 9pm, BlueFin Billiards, 375-7000.

The jump from rock to reggae is sometimes closer than other times. In this case it is closer still, since you will find both at the same place this weekend. Tony Miles and crew are returning to the BlueFin for yet another evening of reggae and party fun. The band''s debut release, What''s Up, is proof of Miles'' craftsmanship with melodic soothing tunes and pleasing vocals. His live show stage antics (he likes to bounce and leap) are proof that he likes to have fun, and judging from his repeated appearances around here, so do we.

If reggae is your thing, you shouldn''t miss this gig, and even if it''s not, you''ll still be in for a good time. Get ready to bounce and leap.

Tony Miles, Friday, 9pm, BlueFin Billiards, 375-7000.

By the way, here''s some more food for thought. Jennifer McPhee, former booking goddess for the Black Box Cabaret at CSUMB, has moved over to Viva of Monterey and will soon start booking their gigs. Don''t get me wrong, I like the current lineup at Viva. Thursday''s Rock Jam gives local musicians a chance to step up and show their stuff or simply socialize with fellow bad boys (and girls). And Tom Ayers of the Old Spice Girls is an amazing guitar player and an excellent entertainer. But judging from the cool shows McPhee has bestowed upon the campus, I am getting excited about the future prospects. A little variety is, as we all know, the spice of life.

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