Media

GETTING SPICY ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND AT THE 2016 CAJUN & BLUES FESTIVAL • JUNE 25–26, 2016

Eddie June 21, 2016 No Comments

Were it not for a a few event invites by friends of mine who know I have crazy musical breadth, this long-standing tradition—taking place at the E2 Family Winery in Lodi—might have passed unnoticed. Of course, the last thing I would want to be is a publicist (thank the dear Lord there are many fine medicated men and women that can handle the chore), so consider this your heads-up. Pay attention. Class is in session. Cajun Queen, Lockford Lemonade, Main Street Concessions, Pearson Catering, Big Bad Daddy’s (sounds pretty suggestive, eh?) and Madam Flood Puppies House of Catfish are just a few of the wonderful options on the menu. Also included are the more obvious Dippin’ Dots booth and the less obvious Twisted K’s Soft Serve (I am already in line as I write). You don’t need to be from Louisiana or enjoy crayfish raw to enjoy yourself. Music headliners are Doug “Ragin’ Cajun” Kershaw and Steve Riley. Those who can’t enjoy themselves surrounded by wonderful music and homologous surroundings (look it up, it’s a cool word) might want to smile a bit more and venture out before death greets us (whenever that is). Play the game, Sacramento, play the game. Go to Cajunbluesfestival.net for more info. -EJ

(Submerge)

FLIGHTS OF FANCY EXHIBIT AT THE GALLERY AT 48 NATOMA • THROUGH JUNE 30, 2016

Eddie June 20, 2016 No Comments

Outside the downtown grid, there are many galleries seeded throughout the near-to-immediate area. 48 Natoma is one such place both the casual artgoer and full-time enthusiast should visit. This Folsom-based venue showcases some of the best artists from towns not so far away. The Flights of Fancy exhibition is certainly no exception to the rule and will host work by Jackson-based artist Jeannie Vodden. “Rather than realism, the theme, Flights of Fancy, has allowed me to fool around with the make-believe visions that dance in my head,” said Vodden in a press release. What’s more, she only uses a small sample of the color spectrum (usually three staining colors on most of her pieces). Besides being a lecturer and teacher, she is also known to give colorful demonstrations. Also on the ticket is Sacramento’s own Judi Stickney who uses carving stones with great effect. “My style incorporates balance and motion with fluidity from one perspective to another so that predictability of other views is challenged. As I create each carving, I seek to produce pleasant, soul-inspiring responses within the viewer,” Stickney said of her art. The gallery is located at 48 Natoma Street in Folsom and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. There are also Tuesday and Wednesday limited evening hours from 6–8 p.m. No cover charge. Facebook.com/TheGalleryat48Natoma.

(Submerge)

David Grisman – Sacramento Bee (Sacramento, CA)

Eddie June 19, 2016 No Comments

FLYING HIGHER THAN YOU’D EVER IMAGINE WITH FEMI KUTI AT THE HIGH SIERRA MUSIC FESTIVAL • JUNE 30 – JULY 3, 2016

Eddie June 16, 2016 No Comments

In a recent interview I conducted for SF Weekly, I learned how privileged we are in the United States. Nigerian star Femi Kuti wants you to know he presently does not have electricity, and, if he does, it is very short-lived. The son of the late Fela Kuti, arguably the greatest world music artist ever, frets not about Facebook “likes” but, rather, keeping the lights on for his family. Even during our discussion, Femi seemed relieved to know that the United States shared somewhat in his pain but, more importantly, wished no ill-will on his rabid fanbase here or any human being on Earth. You can hear Femi perform live at this year’s High Sierra Music Festival, which is one of those rare outings set in a gorgeous faux meadow surrounded by hills, trees, rivers and open air. See you there? Check out Facebook.com/femikutiofficial and visit Highsierramusic.com to get tickets and see a full line-up of this year’s acts.

(Submerge)

Eight Gigs: Maxwell

Eddie June 16, 2016 No Comments

Mon., June 20, 8 p.m., Sacramento Community Center Theatre, $35.50-$129.50

At 43, ’90s R&B sensation Maxwell hasn’t lost a step. The forthcoming blackSUMMERS’night, which is part of a trilogy and comes out on July 1, proves he still has the magic groove. And while nothing may compare with 1996’s Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite and the sultry yet poignant follow-up in 1998, Embrya, his new album pleases on all fronts and is as hot and heavy as you would expect. This modern-day Teddy Pendergrass, Marvin Gaye or even Barry White equivalent is much more than a one-trick pony. 1301 L Street, www.musze.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto

Eddie June 16, 2016 No Comments

Wed., June 22, 3 p.m., $10-$55

In an effort to bring classical music to the masses, the Music in the Mountains nonprofit hosts a bevy of heady classical fare in a not-so-heady environment. For those who can’t tell the difference between a Tchaikovsky and Mozart piece without consulting a phone app, these concerts serve as a great way to indulge in Gershwin, Beethoven or even German composer Felix Mendelssohn without fear of ridicule from a snobby enthusiast. The latter composer’s work is on the menu at this midweek recital and features violin player Ray Anthony Trujillo (pictured). 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, http://musicinthemountains.org.

(SN&R)

COME GET SALTY WITH VALIENT THORR AT THE STARLITE LOUNGE • JUNE 18, 2016

Eddie June 15, 2016 No Comments

If you’re hell-bent on knowing the real names of all band members in Greenville, North Carolina’s Valient Thorr, you are doing it wrong. After a successful six-album run on Volcom Entertainment (home to Pepper, Riverboat Gamblers and Guttermouth), Valient Thorr are back with a bad ass new album on Napalm Records inappropriately dubbed Old Salt. The band played a whopping 272 shows in 2006 alone and have supported countless acts including Gogol Bordello, Red Fang, Early Man, Riverboat Gamblers, The Sword and even more. Vocalist Valient Himself took time out of busy schedule to check in with Submerge. “I am honored that folks would even listen to our music … as people don’t have a lot of time. The fact that they spend any on us is great. We’ve opened some great tours for Motörhead and definitely made a lot of memories. I especially enjoyed the 2011 Motörhead run with Clutch. That tour was sold out all over the U.S. and Canada,” said Valient Himself. Collectors take note, the band has limited stuff for sale. “We probably have about four boxes of our old albums left on CD and will have three brand new shirts, a new hat, new patches, new 15-year anniversary pressed posters and a plethora of other stuff,” he said. Get the new album on July 29, 2016 at Napalmrecordsamerica.com or check out Valientthorr.com. Their show on Saturday, June 18, 2016 at Starlite Lounge in Sacramento starts at 8 p.m. and also features PEARS, Solanum and Cromson Eye.

(Submerge)

Eight Gigs: The Growlers

Eddie June 9, 2016 No Comments

Fri., June 10, 7 p.m., Ace of Spades, $22-$25

Many Sacramentans got their first taste of Costa Mesa band the Growlers at TBD Fest last year, though they’d come through town previously for smaller shows. They’re now a fast-moving train, presently on their “Wet Dreams” tour; the night after this, they play the historic Fox Theatre in Oakland, if that gives you an idea of their trajectory. Take the name of their tour and the fact that their most recent EP was titled Gay Thoughts (and boasts a track called “Uncle Sam’s a Dick”), and all signs point to a fun, irreverent live show. 1417 R Street, www.thegrowlers.com.

(SN&R)

The Machine (Pink Floyd tribute) – Best Bets (Reno, NV)

Eddie June 9, 2016 No Comments

SUMMER ICE CREAM SOCIALS WITH GINGER ELIZABETH • JUNE 11, 2016

Eddie June 8, 2016 No Comments

Chocolatiers and chocolate enthusiasts alike will revel at the presentation of Ginger Elizabeth’s “Summer Ice Cream Social” events. As luck would have it, the first of four installments just so happens to fall on my daughter’s birthday. When temperatures soar in the Sacramento Valley, this downtown haven for all things delicious and decadent features special ice cream dishes. This year’s events showcase ingredients which make one’s mouth water incessantly upon first glance. If a “Ferrari Farms Bing Cherry Brown Betty made with Manresa Bread Pain au Levain, Cherry Butter Sauce, Frozen Custard made with Contreras Farm Duck Eggs and Chantilly” dessert doesn’t cause intense spasms of the mouth and/or brain, perhaps a visit to a convenience store for a crappy Blue Bunny popsicle would suit you best. These once-a-year dishes may be $9, but are worth every penny. All ice creams are made in small batches using the very best organic milk from Clover Stornetta, chocolate from Valrhona and eggs from Vega Farms. Expect them to sell out of these quick so consult the store’s website for more details. Odds are, you’ll be smiling from head to toe with a brain freeze you will never forget. Just do it, already. Go to Gingerelizabeth.com for more details.

(Submerge)