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After challenging diagnosis, Peter Frampton returns with ‘Never Say Never’ and schedules show for Thunder Valley on August 12

Eddie July 24, 2023 No Comments

Peter Frampton. Courtesy photograph

England’s 73-year-old guitar virtuoso is proving that he can bounce back after a seemingly career-ending diagnosis. It was just four years ago that Peter Frampton announced he was suffering from inclusion body myositis, or IBM, a degenerative muscle disorder that means weakness and considerable inflammation. While fans across the world were afraid it would bring Frampton’s signature guitar licks to an end, the Rock icon is back on tour this summer – and coming to the Sacramento Region.

Even after 18 full-length records and a handful of live releases, the uber-talented guitar-tamer will always be known for his 1976 opus, ‘Frampton Comes Alive.’ The two-record set has to date sold over 20 million records worldwide. It was also the album that launched Frampton into a stadium act in the mid-1970s, featuring the 14-minute classic “Do You Feel Like We Do” showstopper, along with well-known singles like “Baby, I Love Your Way,” “Show Me the Way,” “All I Want to Be (Is by Your Side)” and “I Wanna Go to the Sun.”

Frampton, the former guitarist for The Herd and Humble Pie, still has the chops to complete a 90-plus minute show while keeping his singing voice sounding great, to boot. Expect a set-list laden with all of his classics and, as always, some special surprises for his longtime followers. 

Ticket prices range from $94.95 to $169.95 and can be purchased at www.thundervalleycasino.com. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting promptly at 8 pm. This is a 21-and-over show only. Attendees aged 13-to-20 must be accompanied by adult. The Venue is located inside Thunder Valley Casino at 1200 Athens Avenue in Lincoln.

(SN&R)

The lead singer of Dream Theater talks with SN&R as band readies for its only Nor Cal stop on July 24

Eddie July 20, 2023 No Comments

The legendary Dream Theater kicked off its 29-city ‘Dreamsonic 2023’ tour this summer in Texas and plans to make only one stop in the Golden State before ending its run in Arizona. The band’s latest record, ‘A View from The Top of The World,’ produced the Grammy award-winning single “The Alien.”

At its core, Dream Theater is still the powerhouse quintet of James LaBrie ib vocals, John Petrucci on guitar, Jordan Rudess on keyboards, John Myung on bass and Mike Mangini on drums.

We caught up with LaBrie and git the lowdown on all things Dream Theater related to the current tour.

SN&R: Your latest album was the first to be recorded at your band’s studio. Will that be the trend going forward?

LaBrie: If we are referring to my solo album, yes this will continue to be the case. It makes perfect sense and I get the optimum results which is what the goal is. As for [Dream Theater], I might consider the writing phase of an album from the vicinity of my home studio as I did while in the writing sessions for the last DT album due to COVID.

SN&R: You have many core fans that want to hear ‘Images and Words’ in its entirety (30th anniversary was last year). Will you do any special run of shows for each of the earlier records?

LaBrie: I am 100% confident we will begin paying homage to many of our earlier albums as they achieve notable anniversaries.

SN&R: The undercard on your tour – Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders – is quite ambitious. Were they handpicked by the band or your agent?

LaBrie: It has always been our choice as to who we think best fits as an opener.

SN&R: Was there more material written for the latest record that will find its way into a later release? Any working title for next record?

LaBrie: Well, we have plenty of ideas and what one would refer to as left over material, but it almost always never finds its way onto the next album as we have plenty of current ideas that are more in line as to where we see the album’s direction going.

SN&R: What is the hardest thing about touring in today’s climate? I am hearing horror stories about rising costs being the reason American bands can’t tour overseas. Anything special you guys do to lower your carbon footprint and save some dollars on the road?

LaBrie: Well, first, I’m not informed enough to make a sound estimate on our carbon footprint. That is the job and therefore knowledge of those that specialize in that particular field. As for costs, every band on this planet has been impacted by the exponential rising costs of most or all resources, no matter what continent or market you are touring.

SN&R: I was introduced to your solo material with the fabulous ‘Prime Cuts’ compilation on Magna Carta. Do you have more material, and will there be a US solo tour with full backing band?

LaBrie: At this point my focus is on DT’s current North American tour. Post the DT world, the goal is to start recording new ideas that Paul Logue and I have for the follow up to my last solo album ‘Beautiful Shade of Grey’. The line-up of players will remain the same as they (Marco Sfogli, Christian Pulkkinen and Chance LaBrie) were integral to the album’s songs and sound.

Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders open Dream Theater’s all-ages show on July 24 at the San Jose Civic Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $85 and can be purchased at www.livenation.com. The San Jose Civic Center is located at 135 West San Carlos Street in San Jose.

(SN&R)

Shock rockers W.A.S.P. prep for one-night engagement in Sacramento region on August 5

Eddie July 17, 2023 No Comments

Photograph by Jay Gilbert

Once the bane of the Parents Music Resource Center’s existence in the late 1980s, singer Blackie Lawless – a.k.a. Steven Edward Duren – has carried on as countless organizations tried unsuccessfully to shut his band down. Now 40-plus years into his career as bandleader of W.A.S.P., the 66-year-old rocker continues to be as menacing as he was in the band’s heyday. On August 5, Sacramentans can get a taste of his force at The Hard Rock Live in Wheatland.

W.A.S.P. came out of the gates swinging in 1984 with a self-titled album that went on to Gold-selling status in the U.S. and Canada. Propelled by the catchy single, “I Wanna Be Somebody,” the track would eventually prove so popular that VH1 placed it on its Top 100 Hard Rock Songs of all time.

Although the band’s last album of original material, ‘Golgotha,’ was released eight years ago, it’s 2022 North American tour was a rousing success that saw multiple sell-out crowds.

With a set-list that spans across some of the band’s greatest recordings, including “The Crimson Idol,” “The Headless Children,’” “Inside the Electric Circus” and “The Last Command,” both hardcore fans and newbies alike are bound to cheer for Lawless’s song selection. The band’s current line-up also features bassist Mike Duda, lead guitarist Doug Blair and drummer Aquiles Priester.

The upcoming W.A.S.P. show at the Hard Rock features Southern California’s Armored Saint as its opener. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show kicks off promptly at 8 p.m. The is an all-ages event. Tickets start at $39.50, with the more expensive Gold Circle price reaching $199, all at www.ticketmaster.com. The Hard Rock Live is located in Wheatland at 3317 Forty Mile Road.

(SN&R)

Cirque Du Soleil returns to Sacramento with a sparkling production of ‘Corteo’ Aug. 3 thru Aug. 6

Eddie July 17, 2023 No Comments

Photograph by Maja Prgomet

Although Cirque Du Soleil has performed ‘Corteo’ in 20 countries and for over 10 million fans since debuting it 18 years ago, the upcoming show at Golden 1 Center will be the first time Sacramento is treated to this storied production.

Corteo loosely translates to cortege in Italian and the musical’s narrative is centered around a funeral parade and procession imagined by a character named Mauro the Dreamer Clown. Unlike other Cirque shows at Golden 1, this time the venue will literally be split in half with audience members facing each for unique vistas on the performers.

Some of the show’s various prop-illusions include chandeliers, bouncing beds, an acrobatic ladder, aerial silk, duo straps and more. With many juxtaposing spectacles and set changes being highlighted against a multi-dimensional backdrop, ‘Corteo’ is one of the most ambitious offerings from Cirque Du Soleil to date.

The upcoming all-age performance schedule plays as follows:

Thursday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 5 at 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 6 at 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Tickets prices vary from day to day and can viewed at www.golden1center.com or www.cirquedusoleil.com/corteo

Golden 1 Center is located at 500 David J Stern Walk in Downtown Sacramento.

(SN&R)

Tears For Fears to play Wheatland’s Toyota Amphitheatre July 29

Eddie July 12, 2023 No Comments

After an amazing 42-year run, Tears For Fears is still looking pretty fearless. Members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith are on a 22-city tour dubbed ‘The Tipping Point Tour Part II,” which is meant to celebrate the band’s 2022 album under the same title.

Starting in Atlantic City, the exhaustive run will close-out in August at the celebrated Hollywood Bowl. The band’s Sacramento-area show will be one of the last stops on it.

While most fans know Tears For Fears for mega-hits like “Head Over Heels,” “Shout,” and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” their most-loyal fanbase will be happy to know that deeper cuts like “Badman’s Song” and “Woman In Chains” have found their way onto the 18-song set-list. Additionally, many tracks from the new ‘Tipping Point’ record will be showcased in Sacramento for the first time.

Orzabal and Smith are originally friends from Bath, England, and formed their iconic band in 1981. They’ve since displayed an amazing sense of camaraderie on stage, one that’s further complimented by their current touring band. It remains an ensemble that’s rarely accused of phoning it in. The upcoming Tears for Fears show, which is all-ages, will include opening support from Cold War Kids.

Tickets start at $29.50 and top out at $169.50 and can be purchased at livenation.com. Platinum ticket options are available for an additional fee. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7:30 p.m. The Toyota Amphitheare is located at 2677 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland.

(SN&R)

Led Zepagain hits Sacramento on July 8, playing  Greenback Lane’s longest-running music institution

Eddie July 3, 2023 No Comments

BY: SN&R STAFF JULY 3, 2023

By Eddie Jorgensen

Thirty-five years into their career, the members of Led Zepagain are still constantly diving into the deeper catalog of the sadly defunct Led Zeppelin. And while the band rarely makes an appearance in the Sacramento Valley, this weekend’s concert at The Boardwalk on July 8 is already selling well above any expectations.

Led Zepagain has earned numerous accolades which include being featured on AXS TV’s “World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” in 2014 and then asked back to play the entire Led Zeppelin IV album.

Even Jimmy Page himself attended a Led Zepagain show at the House of Blues, noting, “It’s amazing how much you sound like us. You must have grown up on this because you were inside the music, and you paid attention to detail in your presentation. I can tell you guys really love our music.”

Led Zepagain’s members are Swan Montgomery as vocalist Robert Plant, Anthony David Thymiakos as guitarist Jimmy Page, Jim Wootten as bassist John Paul Jones and Scott Brooks as drummer John Bonham. In addition to playing across the United States, these tributors have also taken the stage in Japan, Russia, Ireland, Panama, Alaska, Germany, Chile, Bosnia, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Canada, Paraguay, Kosovo, Mexico City and Guam.

Those who get to Led Zepagain’s show early at the long-time Orangevale rock venue can get a taste of te Boardwalk’s ambitious ‘Palm Tree’ menu, featuring gourmet pizza, specialty sandwiches, Ahi tuna tacos, wings, pork nachos, and much more. Additionally, the venue has a load of specialty drinks to toss back during the show.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the 21-and-over show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.rocktheboardwalk.com for $15. Premium tickets are already sold out. The Boardwalk is located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale.

(SN&R)

The queen of operatic Metal makes a rare appearance in Northern California on June 30

Eddie June 29, 2023 No Comments

Although Finnish soprano singer Tarja Turunen is known for her work fronting the symphonic metal greats, Nightwish, her solo career has eclipsed everyone’s expectations and earned her numerous accolades. This Friday’s appearance by Turunen at the UC Theatre in Berkeley is the last show of her highly publicized and anticipated 12-city run. She’s dubbed the concert series ‘Living the Dream Tour 2023.’

The 45-year-old songstress has plenty of fans who’ve been clamoring for more music from her, even after her last full-length album ‘In the Raw’ was released in 2019. Turunen’s label earMUSIC has also issued a wonderful collection dubbed ‘Best Of: Living The Dream’ in 2022: It chronicles some of the highlights of her six solo releases, as well as a new song, ‘Eye Of The Storm.’

For new fans not versed in Turunen’s solo albums, her 2007 release and second in her catalog – ‘My Winter Storm’ – is considered an ideal starting point. With a three-and-a-half octave range, Turunen’s voice – and vocal calisthenics found within – are sure to win over naysayers when it comes to the metal and classical world being mixed together.

Special guest Chaoseum opens the show. Doors open are at 7 p.m. and things kick off promptly at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $35 and can be purchased at www.theuctheatre.org.The UC Theatre is located at 2036 University Avenue in Berkeley. All ages are welcome.

(SN&R)

Sacramento’s Will Haven to make Harlow’s nightclub a sonic wasteland July 7

Eddie June 27, 2023 No Comments

Photograph by Eric Ravera

It’s hard to believe it has been 28 years since the members of Will Haven handed me their first recording, a six-song demo filled with hallowed screams coming from singer Grady Avenell, as well as some of the fiercest, down-tuned metal to come out of the Sacramento Valley. It would only take another year for the band to nab a proper indie record deal in 1996 with Landspeed Records then release its debut self-titled EP.

‘VII’ is the title of Will Haven’s seventh full-length record and its second in minusHEAD Records. It will be released the same day as the band’s local release party. Fans who hear it will quickly know that Will Haven hasn’t got soft over the years: Songs like “5 Of Fire” and the standout track “Wings of Mariposa” prove that.  

“We began working on songs right before COVID hit, so we spent those years just messing around with ideas, riffs, and arrangements,” said guitarist and founder Jeff Irwin. “The creation of this record was a bit of a process, but it gave us an escape from everything else going on in the world. To this day, I am still trying to wrap my head around this record. It’s heavy, chaotic, mellow, beautiful, and dark. It’s more of an art piece than your normal standard songs, and that’s exactly what we wanted. I love hearing it in its entirety and am looking forward to performing all of the songs. It’s even more of a journey when you hear it live.”

Already a headliner overseas and darling of various online and print zines, Will Haven seems properly poised for a lengthy co-headlining U.S. tour; but, instead, it only has a handful of shows planned, which include a coveted spot at Alabama’s Furnace Fest. The extravaganza will include hardcore luminaries such as Zao, Training for Utopia, Terror and Extol. And while Will Haven has never played live as much as its fan-base might want, the rare upcoming all-ages show at Harlow’s in Sacramento will scratch that itch.

Abstract Entertainment presents this concert and tickets can be purchased in advance at Harlow’s website for $15. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Chrome Ghost and Kill the Precedent are the openers. Harlow’s is located at 2708 J Street in downtown Sacramento.

(SN&R)

The king of never-politically-correct comedians returns to Sacramento for a two-night engagement at Thunder Valley June 29 & June 30

Eddie June 23, 2023 No Comments

While some believe that real comedy started and ended with the late George Carlin, Bill Burr has been carving out his own path as “the undisputed heavyweight champ of rage-fueled humor.” With a resume that includes myriad television and film appearances, he’s also released a staggering seven Netflix specials that have equaled some of the platform’s biggest comedy events. Burr’s latest, ‘Live at Red Rocks,’ finds him at the top of his game, relying on zero stage props, special lighting or visuals – just his hard-edged instincts.

Next Thursday and Friday, Burr will bring his applause-inducing approach to the area at Lincoln’s Thunder Valley Casino.

While some of Burr’s regular act finds its way on stage each night, his ability to perform bits that are completely unrehearsed is a major strong suit. The family man with two kids has been married since 2013 and shows no signs of slowing down, which is especially evidenced by his wildly popular ‘Monday Morning Podcast.’

Sacramento music fans may also know that Burr loves heavy metal – AC/DC, Pantera, Gojira, Meshuggah, Slayer and Metallica – and also plays the drums. The material for the cigar-lover’s upcoming run of shows (mostly in arenas) is anybody’s guess, but Lincoln’s 4,500-capacity The Venue is easily the smallest on his current show schedule.

Southern California comedian Dean Delray will opens both nights for Burr’s Sacramento dates. Delray has been lauded for his ‘Let There Be Talk’ podcast, which has now eclipsed 700 episodes.

Tickets for Burr’s show start at $94.95 and top out at $154.95. They can be purchased at www.thundervalleycasino.com. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts promptly at 8. This is a 21-and-over event, so attendees aged 13 to 20 must be accompanied by adult. The Venue is located inside Thunder Valley Casino at 1200 Athens Avenue in Lincoln.

(SN&R)

Belgium’s The Kids close-out Sacramento’s three-day Trash Jubilee on June 24

Eddie June 20, 2023 No Comments

Presented by Abstract Entertainment and Slovenly Recordings, the first Sacramento Trash Jubilee could prove hard to top in the future. Over three consecutive days, the city will be treated to a trio of events that include some of the genre’s greatest imports and exports. 

The first night at Bottle & Barlow on June 22 will be curated by Pete Slovenly during the venue’s regular ‘Trash Rock Thursdays’ and will feature a host of additional DJs to be announced. There is no cover charge for this 21-and-over engagement.

The second night at The Torch Club on June 23 features Th’ Losin’ Streaks, The Nashville Ramblers, Lo-Lite and the Not Yetis. This event is also 21-and-over and tickets are $15.

For those braving the entire run of shows, the greatest reward arguably comes last. The Kids, a group from Belgium, will headline the jubilee as they celebrate their 47th anniversary at Harlow’s.

Expect to hear fan favorites such as “Do You Love Nazis?,’” “There Will Be No Next Time,” and “Fascist Cops.” Additionally, the audience may catch songs from the band’s 70’s and 80’s output, including ‘The Kids,’ ‘Naughty Kids,’ ‘Living In The 20th Century,’ ‘Black Out’ and ‘Gotcha.’ Today’s line-up features its sole original member, singer-guitarist Ludo Mariman, along with bassist Ief Vanlommel, guitarist Luc van de Poel and drummer Tim Jult.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.harlows.com for $25 advance and $30 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m., while the show starts at 7 p.m. Sacramento’s The Troublemakers, along with The Snares and The Control Freaks, will go on first. A full line-up of Trash Rock DJ’s spinning throughout the night will be announced soon. Harlow’s is located at 2708 J Street in downtown Sacramento.

(SN&R)