Media

Eight Gigs: The Elders

Eddie September 29, 2016 No Comments

Sat., Oct. 1, 8:30 p.m. a.m., Nevada County Fairgrounds, $21-$67

Grass Valley residents take pride in their annual Celtic Festival set amongst luscious scenery, featuring some amazing, natural acoustics. Kansas City’s the Elders will be playing both days to share much of its rock-infused catalog, including its seventh studio record titled Story Road. For the uninitiated, expect a high-energy show steeped in rich Celtic tradition without feeling dated or derivative. The annual Celtic Festival also offers much more, including even more musical choices, countless vendors, local dance ensembles and myriad opportunities to join in on the fun. 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, www.eldersmusic.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: The Trouble Makers

Eddie September 22, 2016 No Comments

Sat., Sep. 24, 7 p.m., Blue Lamp, $8-$10

The Trouble Makers have always flown under the radar, yet they’ve had a fervent following here and in neighboring cities. And while the quartet is known for its intensely loud and crazy shows, the guys are really quite nice once they’re offstage. As luck would have it, they’re opening Gear Fest with a bevy of the greatest acts from its label, Gearhead. Label owner Michelle Haunold has displayed a fierce sense of loyalty to her bands and has always produced top-notch recordings with a wicked sense of style akin to some of the coolest car shows. Get there early at to see all hell break loose. 1400 Alhambra Boulevard, www.facebook.com/The-Trouble-Makers-433272836747926.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Sacramento Philharmonic Plays Led Zeppelin

Eddie September 15, 2016 No Comments

Sun., Sep. 18, 7 p.m., Bonney Field, $34.95-$84.95

Led Zeppelin set the bar exceedingly high with its self-titled release in 1969. And while the band didn’t officially explode until Led Zeppelin IV, die-hard fans across the globe already knew what a nasty brew of blues, rock and folk fare these four lads were capable of concocting. This event pairs the music with the Sacramento Philharmonic in what could be the audio equivalent of nirvana to Zeppelin fans. Sure, classical may put some folks to sleep and others into a deep coma, but rest assured, this ensemble features some uber-talented players. 1600 Exposition Boulevard, www.sacphilopera.org.

(SN&R)

Americana radicals The Mavericks make good at Earle Fest 2016.

Eddie September 14, 2016 No Comments

First formed in 1989, the Mavericks have developed a formidable and devoted fan base. And even though the group has endured more transitional periods than should be allowed, including a hiatus that ran from 2004 to 2012, the highly ambitious tour in support of their latest release, 2015’s Mono, thankfully seems to have no end in sight and features an extended West Coast run of dates.

“During [Mono‘s] writing process, I found myself wanting certain things,” says bandleader Raul Malo. “When you hear Cuban or world music of any kind, you may have no idea what the singer is saying, but you can feel it. That was what I wanted: to evoke a feeling.”

On Mono‘s standout songs like “Stories We Could Tell” and “The Only Question Is,” the group excels at several different music styles including (but not limited to) country, Americana, blues and swing, without sounding dated or derivative.

This weekend, the Mavericks play Earle Fest alongside Lucinda Williams, the Paladins, Girls + Boys and others. The annual event supports Santa Rosa’s Earle Baum Center, which serves to heighten awareness of the visually impaired and blind through numerous services.

Earle Fest happens Saturday, Sept. 17, at the SOMO Village Event Center,
1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park.
2pm. $55 advance. All ages. 707.664.6314.

(North Bay Bohemian)

Surreal times

Eddie September 8, 2016 No Comments

Throwback Thursday: For the brave 40-or-so in attendance at Cafe Colonial last Thursday, it was clear that Hatchet Job stole the show. Featuring members of sadly defunct acts Pounded Clown, Los Huevos, Filibuster, Scenes From The Struggle and more, this was one for the Sacramento band history books. Also on the bill was Government Flu from Poland along with Sacramento’s Cross Class and Bad Outlets.

Led by Ed Hunter (guitar and vocals), Hatchet Job ripped through a raucous, upbeat set that recalled early Clash, British reggae and oi! punk rock. And while the frontman struggled to coerce concertgoers to move closer to the stage, there was no shortage of approval and head nods.

Some of the group’s quirkiest numbers included “Fryolator Man,” “Kidney Stone” and the oddly-yet-appropriately titled “Disremember,” which proved the quartet was comfortable playing cut time and straightforward grooves.

Drummer C.B. laid down some awkward grooves and played traditional style—loose grip like the jazz greats—in one hand and straight on the other with great effect, while bassist Alan Fulstone provided the low-end rumble. Guitarist Bill Econome filled in the dead spots with cool, simplistic lead licks rather than applying speed and nonsensical notes. A snare drum broke mid-set, but that didn’t stop highlights such as “Torture Drone” and the shuffling rhythms of “Mack The Knife.”

Check out Cafe Colonial if you haven’t already. Shows are cheap and always all-ages, with ample space to play video games, a cool bar, great staff and beer prices that rival your supermarket.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: The Boxmasters

Eddie September 8, 2016 No Comments

Wed., Sept. 14, and Thu., Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m., Harris Center for the Arts, $29-$59

While it seems every venue in the country lists drummer and vocalist Billy Bob Thornton instead of the other equally talented band members, it’s important to note that this is no vanity project for the star; Thornton’s love for song and playing with his band is at the forefront. This trio originally hails from Bellflower, Calif., and has a penchant for rockabilly, blues, country, Americana and more. Guitarist/bassist/vocalist J.D. Andrews and keyboardist Teddy Andreadis round out the group as the Boxmasters and deliver a special live experience. 10 College Parkway in Folsom, http://theboxmasters.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Colvin & Earle

Eddie September 8, 2016 No Comments

Tue., Sep. 13, 7:30 p.m., Crest Theatre, $35-$65

Colvin & Earle released their self-titled debut earlier this year and are finally touring in support of its initial June release. Conceived by singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin after a successful pairing with Mary Chapin Carpenter across the states, it didn’t take long for her Steve Earle project to take shape. The album features songs by the duo and, as expected, some covers by influential artists like the Rolling Stones and Emmylou Harris. With an equally impressive catalog under each of their collective belts, expect lots of surprises and even some songs that may not turn up at other tour stops. 1013 K Street, www.steveearle.com.

(SN&R)

Eight gigs: Stevie Wonder

Eddie September 1, 2016 No Comments

Fri., Sep. 2, 7 p.m., Harvey’s Outdoor Arena, $99.50-$249.50

Stevland Hardaway Morris, a.k.a. Stevie Wonder, set the bar impossibly high when he released Songs in the Key of Life in 1976 on the Tamla imprint via Motown Records. And while double albums were commonplace during the raucous and utterly harmonious ’70s, this two-record set also included a bonus 7” for those who needed just a little more. Often imitated yet never duplicated, Wonder has proven his skills at multiple instruments and always features a live band to make heads explode in rapture. Highway 50 Stateline Avenue in South Lake Tahoe, www.steviewonder.net.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Explosions in the Sky

Eddie August 25, 2016 No Comments

Tues., Aug. 30, 7 p.m., Ace of Spades, $20

Although it’s been a while since many were introduced to this Texas-based act through, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever, Explosions in the Sky still has much to offer—most recently, The Wilderness, which came out in April. As might be expected, it’s an evolution that incorporates more electronic elements, though it’s still the same percussive, swelling band fans love. The group serves up a heaping serving of cerebral indie-rock fare that soars as high as the heavens without ever taking you to the underworld. 1417 R Street, www.explosionsinthesky.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet

Eddie August 18, 2016 No Comments

Sun., Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub, $32.50-$35

BeauSoleil were regulars at the sadly defunct Palms Playhouse, so this show comes as a sweet surprise. This Sunday’s dance party starts early and ends early as the band is being routed into Sacramento by the folks at Swell Productions. As always, the band will be led by fiddler and singer Michael Doucet. Besides being landmark Cajun artists, this group is closing in on 40 years. Bravo! (And for future reference: No word whether Palms Playhouse’s former talent buyer Dave Fleming will be involved with the new owners as the Winters’ venue is pending sale). 2708 J Street, www.beausoleilmusic.com.

(SN&R)