Eddie

Eight Gigs: Jeff Beck

Thurs., Aug. 18, 8 p.m., Jackson Rancheria, $75-$95

Guitarist Jeff Beck is touring with a new album dubbed Loud Hailer that comes after a six-year wait. As luck would have it, Beck is focused as ever, with songs such as “The Revolution Will Be Televised” and “Thugs Club” being the album’s standout tracks. Also on the bill is veteran bluesman Buddy Guy, who continues to move mountains at the ripe, young age of 80. Expect a lot of back-and-forth soloing and of course, some golden nuggets from each of the aforementioned ax-slinger’s catalog. Further proof you don’t need to play fast to sonically chop your audience’s heads off. 12222 New York Ranch Road in Jackson, www.jeffbeck.com.

(SN&R)

The influence of mortality

Dirty priest: If extreme metal with a little bit of melody and rock swagger is your thing, Cura Cochino serves to both ridicule and tease the aural senses.

Metalheads in the downtown Sacramento scene already know the group’s guitarist and backup screamer Kenny Hoffman from hosting countless shows under Buried In Hell. There’s also the lead vocalist who simply goes by “Priscila in Hell,” guitarist Jim Willig, drummer Andy Laughlin and bassist Biaggio D’Anna, who also plays in Modern Man.

And while playing the upstairs of the Starlite Lounge during peak summer temperatures on a Thursday night may have seemed like a bad idea in hindsight, Cura Cochino’s onstage vibe couldn’t have been better. Wearing a black dress and high, risque boots, Priscila often stood with her back to the audience while concurrently screaming and antagonizing the crowd. Though it opened for two very accomplished acts, Atriarch and Sabbath Assembly, Cura Cochino never toned it down to appease the squeamish—or those without earplugs.

The macabre quintet just released a great three-song album, La Diseccion, which loosely sounds like a haunted Spanish-speaking woman fronting a doom metal choir for the eternally damned.

After a lengthy absence to regroup and tighten up some loose strings, La Diseccion proves yet again Cura Cochino is one of Sacramento’s heavier musical treasures. As evidenced on studio-recorded versions of “El Apocalipsis” and “Funebre Amor,” death’s recurring theme is all in good fun and even more in bad taste.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Michael McDonald

Thu., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., Woodlake Hotel, $40-$89

If your parents owned Doobie Brothers records such as Minute By MinuteLivin’ on the Fault Line or One Step Closer, chances are you’re already a hardcore Michael McDonald fan. McDonald’s gruff singing voice is unmistakeable (and has been the butt of many a joke), and the man was a veritable hit machine in the ’80s. He still draws capacity crowds of a faithful following who know nearly every solo tune in addition to his hits with his former band. Call it yacht rock if you must, but it’s just damn good music. 500 Leisure Lane, www.michaelmcdonald.com.

(SN&R)

COMPOSER GEORGE SARAH LIVE SCORES PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC AT CREST THEATRE ALONGSIDE STRING QUARTET AND CHAMBER SINGERS • AUG. 6, 2016

Anyone who doesn’t think that Yulya Burroum and her extended staff are doing a great job keeping the Crest tradition alive is not paying attention to her calendar of events. For the uninitiated, the 1928 silent film classic appropriately dubbed The Passion of Joan of Arc is a movie of great depth and fortitude. And while the $25 advance ticket price (not including fees) may scare many away, those in the know will be saving their Starbucks money for something a little cooler. Acted out by the Inimitable Renée Jeanne Falconetti, this show will be further augmented with the thoughtful live score composed and performed by George Sarah. Initially titled Le Passion de Jeanne d’Arc, this is easily considered one of the best films ever made by more than 100 critics (living or alive). Even Roger Ebert said in an earlier review, “In a medium without words, where the filmmakers believed that the camera captured the essence of characters through their faces, to see Falconetti in Dreyer’s The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) is to look into eyes that will never leave you.” I’m sold (again). Are you? Good. Go to Crestsacramento.com for tickets.

(Submerge)

Eight Gigs: Kansas

Tues., Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m., Marty Stuart Rogers Theater, $29-$79

Before the group became a classic-rock staple and started headlining stadiums across the country, Kansas was a proficient progressive-rock band with a penchant for long songs with multiple time changes and myriad mood swings. And while many folks know only their hits like “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son,” the band never stopped playing more obscure tracks such as “The Pinnacle” and an early version of J.J. Cale’s “Bringing it Back” for the diehards. They have a new album dubbed The Pre-Lude Implicit out September 23, so expect to hear some new music as well. 1000 I Street in Modesto, www.kansasband.com.

(SN&R)

TAKE A MOONLIT BIKE RIDE THAT RAISES MONEY FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITIES AT THE THIRD ANNUAL LUNAR LUNACY • JULY 23, 2016

Bike riding is the coolest way to stay in shape and have fun doing so. For those who like riding their bicycle all the time (insert Queen song here), this event will be held under the cover of darkness. You don’t have to like Norwegian black metal, but must have a wicked sense of humor and love for all things on two wheels. The third annual Lunar Lunacy Bike Ride serves multiple purposes but mainly seeks to heighten awareness of Sacramento Valley children in either foster care or support youth. My sister—a bigwig at an unnamed company everyone uses every day—raises three identical twin foster boys who were in dire need, but there are more being ignored every day. CASA Sacramento is this year’s event’s charitable partner, and funds will be raised to support their Making Memories program, “which funds extracurricular activities for foster youth including field trips, prom, sports, camp, driver’s ed classes and so much more,” according to the Lunar Lunacy Ride’s website. The entry fee for the race is $35 which is less than a ticket to your favorite metal, hip-hop, world or classical music fest. Visit Lunarlunacyride.com and make a difference. No more excuses.

(Submerge)

Eight Gigs: Peter Petty & the Double P Review Big Band

Thu., July 28, 5:30 p.m., The Sacramento Zoo, $11.75

For the uninitiated, Peter Petty has been making big-band music all over the Central Valley and beyond in recent years. Petty is a tour de force with a wicked sense of melody and showmanship, and his act showcases some of the most solid musicians around these parts. This particular night will surely be the most-talked about event of the Sacramento Zoo’s Twilight Thursday series. The show is included in admission to the zoo; kids’ tickets are cheaper and the young ones two and under get in for free. 3930 W. Land Park Drive, www.peterpetty.biz.

(SN&R)

CELEBRATE ALL THINGS TOMATO AT THE SUTTER DISTRICT’S SECOND ANNUAL SACRATOMATO FESTIVAL • JULY 23, 2016

I hate plain tomatoes. There, I said it. Millions love ‘em, so it is wholly possible and probable I am dead wrong. In fact, I know I am. For those who love these red fruits (yes, fruits), the Sutter District’s second annual Sacratomato Festival on Saturday, July 23 will be an event to remember. This kid-friendly event is sure to have lots of awesome eats on the menu, local restauranteurs, specialty stores and vendors and, of course, everything related to this industry that you never really needed to know but want to. The event is free and will be held at the pristine grounds of Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park located at 2701 L St. in downtown Sacramento from 4 to 8 p.m. If you have some strength afterward, you could visit Lowbrau, Harlow’s, Blue Lamp, Old Ironsides, Ace of Spades or any other local music establishment. Expect a bevy of activities for the little ones and, more importantly, all the tomatoes you can eat in one sitting. Buy some to take home as well. There will be plenty on hand. For more info, go to Exploremidtown.org.

(Submerge)

CATCH THE PREMIERE OF THE LOCALLY PRODUCED DOCUMENTARY, ARNOLD KNOWS ME: THE TOMMY KONO STORY • JULY 26, 2016

Tommy Kono’s story is one of great hardship and triumph. Although all of us have endured myriad ups and downs, this former weightlifter was a “two-time Olympic gold medalist, an Olympic silver medalist and six-time World Champion.” For those who love a good success story, this event will share the nitty gritty for all who wish to see. The fine folks at KVIE are hosting this Tuesday soiree and a special Q&A session with the director and producers Ryan Yamamoto and Suzanne Phan. Tommy Kono is a Japanese-American man who made an indelible imprint on the weightlifting sport as a whole and is a symbol of strength for countless Japanese and Japanese-Americans living here and abroad. Head on over to the gorgeous KVIE studios located at 2030 West El Camino Ave. in Sacramento. The event officially starts at 6 p.m. Submerge does not want to give too much away, but you can easily visit Tommykonostory.com to get the lowdown. And while the show is sold out, KVIE may release a few at the door. It as, after all, an Eventbrite-ticketed event. Hope to see you there.

(Submerge)