There’s a reason bands like Pepper, Slightly Stoopid and Mad Caddies return to Bend again and again. Because people here will go see them.

If you’re one of those people who digs the effortless blend of punk, ska and reggae that seems to ooze from California, then you need to check out The Expendables on Thursday night.

The Expendables are from Santa Cruz, Calif., and have been doing the surf ’n’ ska thing since 1997. What sets them apart from their contemporaries, though, is a tendency to get heavy. For example, check out “Sacrifice (Reprise),” which kicks off in a poppy reggae groove before launching into two minutes of crunchy guitar riffs and squealing guitar solos.

Apparently a member of Slightly Stoopid described the band as “hair metal dub,” and that’s pretty spot on. Visit www.theexpendables.net to see for yourself.

The Expendables, with Tomorrows Bad Seeds and Dirty Penny ; 9 p.m. Thursday, doors open 8 p.m.; $15 plus service charges in advance, $18 at the door. Advance tickets available at Ranch Records (541-389-6116) in Bend and through Ticketswest at www.ticketswest.com, 800-992-8499, and the Safeway at 642 N.E. Third St., in Bend; Domino Room, 51 N.W. Greenwood Ave., Bend; www.randompresents.com.