Keith Knight, motocross rider

Eddie May 14, 2015 0 Comment

Competitor Keith Knight talks with SN&R in advance of his big race at the Hangtown Motocross Classic

The Hangtown Motocross Classic takes place from Thursday, May 14, to Saturday, May 16, at Prairie City Off-Highway Vehicle Park, located at 13300 White Rock Road, Rancho Cordova. For ticket info, visit www.hangtownmx.com.

If you’ve ever researched how much it costs to race motocross, you know the incredibly high prices facing the local racer. And while most weekend warriors don’t need to worry about having a bike from the current year or having the trickiest gear, those looking to compete without the luxury of having a factory-sponsored ride face some serious costs. One rider who’s been able to ride out the hardships to stay on the track is Carmichael motocross rider Keith Knight, who turns 23 just around the time of the annual Hangtown Motocross Classic. He’ll be competing with some of the nation’s best in this week’s event in the 250-cubic-centimeter class under the number 636. Knight gave SN&R a little info on what he’s going up against, how he does it and what it’s like to live the motocross life.

How did you get started in motocross?

My dad raced motocross when he was my age and got me into it at a really early age. I was only 5 years old when he got me my first bike, a Yamaha PW50. My first race didn’t go go so well, though, and I fell over constantly throughout the race and my dad had to help pick me up. I’ve been riding and racing ever since.

This won’t be your first time racing in the Hangtown Classic. What’s it like?

I’ve been racing locally at Prairie City OHV [where the race will be held] for about 15 years now. This will be my fifth year racing the Hangtown Classic. The hardest part about this race has always been dealing with the hometown nerves. The Dirt Diggers North Motorcycle Club, who help present the race, usually bring in a lot of sand and the track will get rough and choppy early on in the day. Hangtown is the only national I’ve never made the main event. I think I missed it by one slot one year.

Do you make any money racing the pro class locally to balance out costs?

The only real money I make comes from the American Motocross Association and pro purses at local tracks that range from $200 to $500. I typically have to pay around $50 a class and close to around $100 when I race both the 250cc and 450cc classes. I love local races and always place in the top three. My last race was in the Mammoth Qualifier, but I race at Riverfront MX Park in Marysville, E Street MX in Marysville, Prairie City OHV, Argyll Park in Dixon, and more. My favorite track is still the E Street in Marysville, although I usually practice at Prairie City during the week additionally as well. Zeb Armstrong runs REP Racing and he hosts a summer and winter series. Zeb is awesome and has put on special practices for riders as well.

How do you afford your motocross habit? It’s so damn expensive these days when compared to the early ’90s and late ’80s.

I have a lot of sponsors and people on my side. I work at Roseville Yamaha Kawasaki as well. I also get help from Haeseker Racing Engines, Strock Fitness, 180 Decals, No Toil, Troy Lee Designs, Bell Helmets, 100 Percent Goggles, FMF, Ride Engineering, Alpinestars, Works Connection, Acerbis and Ryno Power. Jim [Haeseker] from Haeseker Racing Engines has also been a huge part in making sure my bike is ready to go at each round. And, course, my mom and dad.

How do you like working around motorcyles all day long?

It’s awesome. I started riding for Roseville Yamaha Kawasaki in 2013. Shortly after, the owner, Sean Copeland, gave gave me an offer to work full-time around October 2013. I love being around dirt bikes and I have many repeat cool customers that I know from seeing them on a regular basis. I love talking about motocross and being around people who ride. Many of the folks who come in know me from racing locally and being at the shop as well.

Who is your biggest competition in this region?

Hmm. I don’t think I can name just one rider. You never know who could step up and be the man to beat on that particular day. There are some fast guys locally but I really only concentrate on myself and the top three riders these days. Kinser Endicott is probably my biggest competition around here. He’s really fast. There are many guys who “sandbag” and stay in the intermediate class forever so they can hopefully get a factory ride.

What are your goals and aspirations as a pro motocross racer?

I just want to place top 20 in a national race. As of right now, I plan on doing five rounds at Hangtown, Glen Helen, Thunder Valley in Colorado, Washougal and Utah. During outdoor motocross, if you don’t qualify as one of the top 36 fastest riders during timed practice, you do not make it to the main event. There are 40 riders at the gate during the main event. You get two 15-minute practices and they simply take your best lap time. My best finish to date at a motocross outdoor national is 26th. This year I plan to have much better luck as I have been training and racing locally around the area.

What is it that gets you out to the track again and again? 

I think it’s about me trying to better myself every day. It’s like I am trying to see how far I can take myself and to constantly test the limitations of my body. The thrill of motocross cannot be matched and there is nothing better than it, besides sex, of course. But, motocross is a close second!

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: The Waterboys

Eddie May 14, 2015 0 Comment

Sun., May 17, 7 p.m., Ace of Spades, $35

Bandleader, guitarist, pianist and vocalist extraordinaire Mike Scott has been referenced and revered by many notable musicians since the Waterboys released their self-titled album in 1983. Simple Minds, Hothouse Flowers and U2 all took a little something from Scott’s catalog. While his revolving door of bandmates has come from such disparate countries as Ireland, Scotland, and England, point of origin is not the issue. Scott and company recorded their latest album, Modern Blues, in Nashville and it was released in mid-April to rave reviews. Although nothing can compare to Fisherman’s Blues from 1988, there are many rockin’ gems to be found herein. Connor Kennedy & Minstrel open the show. 1417 R Street, www.mikescottwaterboys.com.

(SN&R)

Head to the Hills with Markus James.

Eddie May 6, 2015 0 Comment

Slide blues guitar player Markus James let’s his fingers do the talking on his latest album for Firenze Records, the fabulous ‘Head To The Hills.’ A resident of an unincorporated area of Sonoma Country James calls “between Graton and Occidental,” he says the title of his album was no mistake.

“Head To The Hills” was a conscious effort to break tradition in the recording business and make records wherever the mood fits. After traveling to Mississippi and joining some of the most intimidating players in the blues world, his finished batch of songs received national acclaim immediately upon release.
Locally, he’s been getting a nice rotation on Sonoma County’s KRSH radio station which are also sponsoring his upcoming HopMonk Tavern show May 8 in Sebastopol.

Fans of world music, roots, and sweat-soaked blues steeped in the rich cultural surroundings of the south will enjoy the shuffle of the album’s lead track “Just Say Yes” along with solo slide-guitar-laden anecdotes like “For Blind Willie.” If you’re into back-and-forth guitar work, check out the stellar “Sleepyhead” which sounds as if it could have been an outtake from 1996’s ‘Slingblade’ soundtrack.

The album ‘Head For The Hills’ was largely recorded in the hills of Mississippi. How did your surroundings effect the overall song?

The recording process for this album was the culmination of a lot of great experiences during many visits to North Mississippi over several years. When I started recording in Sherman Cooper’s potato barn in Como, Miss. I felt right at home. Drummer Kinney Kimbrough’s open-air carport, next to a train track, on a windy day when a storm was coming in ended up also sounding great. My favorite setting was on Calvin Jackson’s porch in Luxahoma with the birds. Sometimes we would stop for a minute when a car came past there on Yellow Dog Road. The sound of his feet on that porch was really something as well.

What was it like playing with the many other talented drummers and musicians you recorded with?

You know, one thing has just led to another. It wasn’t like I had a plan or anything. I’m a songwriter and have been hooked on recording for most of my life going back to suitcase recorders which, ironically, I’ve started using again. I just wanted to stand next to the flame, you know? Also, playing with Ali Farka Toure’s calabash player, Hamma Sankare, was a dream come true for me.

You played with drummer Calvin Jackson (of RL Burnside and Junior Kimbrough fame). How did that come about?

During one trip to Como, Sherman Cooper (whose barn I was staying in and recording in) said “how about playing with (drummer) Calvin Jackson?.” I couldn’t believe it. That was quite an experience. The mics were hanging on cables from the barn rafters, there was the most amazing lightning storm going on outside complete with flickering power on the inside, and he was polishing off a bottle in a brown bag.

What instruments do you play outside of the guitar are we hearing on the new record?

On ‘Head For The Hills’ I play numerous instruments. I play both acoustic and electric guitars, slide, cigar box guitar (3-string), gourd banjo (West African instrument), dulcimer, 1-string Diddley Bow, harp, and beat box.

How difficult is it to get that stinky groove only R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough can play?

That’s why I wanted to play with their drummers Kinney Kimbrough and Calvin Jackson. They are just plain bad ass. The drummer I’ve been playing live with, Marlon Green, toured with the great John Lee Hooker for the last year of his life. If I had to guess what is the common thread (between the drummers), they all three played in church. There is something undefinable about what they call the “Hill Country Stomp.”

Markus James celebrates his ‘Head For The Hills’ CD release Friday, May 8 at HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol, with HowellDevine opening. 9pm. Tickets are $12 advance and $15 at the door. 230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, 707.829.7300. He also plays Saturday, May 9^th at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley with Gurrumul opening. 8pm. Tickets are $25 advance and $27 at the door. 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley, 415.388.3850. For more info, visit Facebook.com/markusjamesmusic.

(North Bay Bohemian)

Park it here

Eddie April 30, 2015 0 Comment

May 2 – River City Marketplace

Over the years, the sprawling McKinley Park area has been used for a plethora of gatherings including weddings, ceremonies, parties and more. This Saturday it will be transformed yet again into the “River City Marketplace,” and will feature more than 100 vendors. The event will feature loads of extracurricular activities, including a dedicated interactive kids area and live music, as well as many vendors showcasing and selling their wares. 10 a.m to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 2; free. 601 Alhambra Boulevard, https://rivercity
marketplace.squarespace.com.

(SN&R)

A rapper by any other name is still just as deep

Eddie April 30, 2015 0 Comment

Kidz Bop, really: A Kidz Bop concert may seem funny to the outsider, with little children ages 5 to 12 screaming at the top of their lungs. However, one must remember a hard fact: this is their Beatles. And for one night only, the Crest Theatre was their Liverpool.

For the uninitiated, the Kidz Bop brand has been around for 15 years. Each of the 28 records released since 2000 feature a cast of children singing over re-recorded and reworked versions of modern hits.

Kidz Bop’s recent Sacramento soiree drew a capacity crowd of both adoring and adorable fans, featuring a cast of dancers, backup singers, solo artists and more costume changes than a Las Vegas act. At the core of the Kidz Bop crew, however, were the ultratalented singers known simply as the Kidz Bop Kids: Grant Knoche, Bredia Santoro, Ashlynn Chong and Matt Martinez.

A brief conversation with the merchandise vendor and one of the performer’s fathers yielded some little-known information: the singers have a three-year contract; all kids in the show travel with a teacher-advocate and their parents; and all shows are scheduled as fly-in dates on weekends to make sure that school is the top priority.

Highlights of the show, which lasted over 100 minutes, included male singers Knoche and Martinez singing and serenading two younger fans from the crowd, as well as a spirited version of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” that had everyone on their feet.

Another hilarious addition to the night’s program was a brief Q&A session where any fan could ask questions about how the performers attend school, their favorite letter and special things each of the performers can do, such as impersonating Daffy Duck.

And while most live children’s events are brief for very good reason, everyone stayed for this nearly two-hour show. During the short intermission, kids bought flashing Kidz Bop microphones, T-shirts and compact discs and returned for the second set to party like it was 1999.

(SN&R)

One-Eyed Doll’s clear eyes, full control

Eddie April 30, 2015 0 Comment

The members of the Sacramento-via-Austin band help kickstart the rock ‘n’ roll economy

Catch One-Eyed Doll at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2; at The Boardwalk, 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale. Fair Struggle, Dream In Red, Chick Habit and Promo Queen are also on the bill. Tickets are $12 and the show is all ages. For more information, visit www.oneeyeddoll.com.

These days music fans are bombarded via social media and various web outlets by acts that don’t seem to have ever paid their dues. Whether this is the result of nepotism, chance connections or corporate-sponsored tours, it would seem many touring acts don’t know how to do just that—tour—and build a grass-roots following organically.

The members of One-Eyed Doll are taking another route. After four years of playing live and releasing a roster of well-received, self-produced records, the Sacramento-via-Austin, Texas-based duo has become something of an Internet sensation. The band launched a YouTube channel in 2010 that’s since garnered more than one million views; their video for “You’re A Vampire” alone boasts nearly half-a-million views to date.

Drummer Jason Rufuss Sewell, a.k.a Junior, a Sacramento native, is certainly aware of what it means to pay one’s dues. The musician says he became disenchanted with the music industry while working at Valley Media Inc., the now-defunct music distribution hub based in Woodland. Sewell, who worked as a sales rep for the company’s internal distribution company during the late ’90s and early 2000s, says he learned the benefits of being on a smaller label and owning one’s own content.

Valley Media went bankrupt in 2001, which in turn motivated Sewell to start his own recording studio, which he ran for several years.

Eventually, however, the musician decided to try something new, selling his studio and house to move to Austin, where he says there was an opportunity to get more land for less money. There he started recording bands and, perhaps more importantly, met the Austin-based songwriter Kimberly Freeman. Soon the goth-punk band One-Eyed Doll was born.

The meeting wasn’t serendipitous; Sewell says he’d been searching for just the right musician with whom to work—although not initially as part of his own band—when he finally stumbled upon Freeman.

“I basically scoured the Internet looking for a good band to use as a resume piece for my studio. … I found Ghetto Princess [an Austin -based band featuring Freeman] in 2006 and that band became One-Eyed Doll,” Sewell explained during a recent tour stop from Chicago.

The band has since recorded several albums and is now on tour in support of its latest, Witches, released in March on Standby Records.

Sewell says he and Freeman went with a one-album, one-year deal with Standby because the label offered them more creative control.

“We have gotten offers from bigger labels, but they wanted to own our previous records which we put out, take over our website, own our trademark and more,” he says.

One-Eyed Doll spends considerable time on the road and, after years of playing support slots for bands such as Otep, Wayne Static and Butcher Babies, has evolved into a veritable headliner on the club circuit. They’ve also found alternative ways to make money on the road, offering so-called “VIP packages” to fans that include a meet-and-greet and, in some cases, the chance to record background vocals with the band on its tour bus.

“We’ve sold out of these [packages] nearly every night,” Sewell says.

And while the economy may still seem slow for other touring bands, the members of One-Eyed Doll say they make a tidy profit from merchandise sales.

In addition to stickers and several T-shirt and sweatshirt options, the band also offers a unique souvenir, an $80 handcrafted magic wand made of animal bones and tusks. The price may seem hefty but, Sewell says, the band’s followers are more than willing to open their wallets.

“Our fans are huge collectors and we always sell lots of merch,” he says.

Further proof that all good things come to those who actually work for it.

(SN&R)

The outsider

Eddie April 30, 2015 0 Comment

Bring on the bevy of overhyped hard rock dudes: Faith No More’s new album Sol Invictus isn’t released until May 19, but that hasn’t stopped the band from debuting songs on its set lists.

The band’s rabid fanbase and reputation for a strange, yet equally great live show earned an early sell-out for a recent stop at the Warfield in San Francisco. Sadly, the tour skipped Sacramento, but Faith No More was worth the drive.

Dressed in all-white on a stage heavily adorned with flowers and white drapery, the band’s look certainly juxtaposed its sound on hard rockers like “Caffeine” and “Cuckoo For Caca.” Impressively, singer Mike Patton could still hit the high notes on more difficult songs like “Evidence,” and he also delivered a stellar performance of the Commodores classic “Easy.”

It seemed like every second someone was getting tossed from the lower general admission section wearing either a tight muscle shirt or a backwards baseball cap. But of course, no Faith No More show would be complete without a bevy of goofy, overhyped dudes.

(SN&R)

Fiesta en el parque

Eddie April 30, 2015 0 Comment

The calendar may change every year, but celebrations always end up taking place on the weekends. This year’s Fiesta En La Calle production celebrates Cinco de Mayo with great reverence and respect for the culture. Headlining the soiree is El Chicano supported by Dinorah & Crosswinds (pictured, performing a tribute to Selena), Midnight Players and Latin Touch. The vibe at these shows is always festive and there are always many great food vendors to choose from while frolicking in the park and enjoying the splendor of a Sunday. There will also be a car show, Aztec dancers, salsa dancers and activities to keep the little ones from being restless. There are no ice chests or outside food and drink allowed at this festival this year, so come ready to spend a little cash since the concert didn’t cost you anything. All ages are welcome to attend this six-hour event. Fiesta En La Calle; noon, Sunday, May 3; free. Southside Park, 2115 Sixth Street; http://fiestaenlacalle.com.

(SN&R)

Get down at the Spring Metal Meltdown Fest

Eddie April 30, 2015 0 Comment

Spring Meltdown Metal Fest 2015 is at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 at Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor, 71 S. Wells Ave., 384-1652. Tickets are $20 for Friday, $30 for Saturday, and $45 for a VIP package. Advance tickets available at www.inticketing.com/events/SpringMeltdown2015/. For more info on the festival, visit www.facebook.com/BornDeadProductions.

It’s festival season again, and with it comes the veritable onslaught of multi-band bills with abbreviated sets and a flurry of activity for those working the event. Josh Lease of Tahoe-based Born Dead Productions, along with his partners in crime, have put together this year’s ninth annual Spring Metal Meltdown Fest, taking place May 1 and 2 at Jub Jub’s Thirst Parlor in Reno.

Friday night will feature 17 bands beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday will feature a barbecue from noon to 1 p.m., which is when the first of 26 bands will kick off.

“We will have 25-minute set changes between sets,” said Lease. “I’ve held events similar to this a few times in Jub Jub’s before and it works out really well. Our Born Dead crew really help a lot as well by having a ton of experience running smaller tours to really large festivals.”

The festival includes a bevy of regional, national and local metal acts focusing on the extreme and thrash side of things. From Ghoul to Warbringer, Purification by Fire—Lease’s own band—to Conducting From The Grave, Embryonic Devourment to Blasphemous Creation, Awaiting the Apocalypse to Solitary Priapism, and Oden Sun to Symbolik, there’s something for every metalhead.

Because thrash veterans like Warbringer get larger guarantees, most of the opening acts have an understanding that there will be little money to go around after covering operating expenses like sound, lights, security, and all the necessary hospitality demanded—and deserved?—by the bigger acts.

“I take care of the bands that have been consistently promoting my shows and not griping,” said Lease. “Of course, touring bands that have driven are the first bands to be reimbursed. All of the bands that play with me know the deal.”

Lease’s main focus is Purification By Fire, an extreme metal band based in Grass Valley. He will also play in Idekay, which broke up in 2011, but will reunite for this show and another in South Lake Tahoe at Whiskey Dick’s Saloon.

“Purification By Fire just got done tracking drums for our yet-to-be-released new album, and we’re recording in Nevada City,” said Lease. “The song topics and lyrics are all over the map with some about fantasy, some about [history], and some just being gruesome. We do have one song called ’Dinner With The Donners.’ That talks about the history of the area, that’s pretty cool.”

And while there are only 450 tickets available for the two-day event, Lease aspires to a much larger event.

“I’m hoping that this year’s event actually grabs the attention of the industry folk or perhaps an investor or two to really take this thing to a whole new level for 2016,” he said. “Ideally, I’d love to turn Spring Meltdown Metal Festival into a European-style, open-air festival with camping. Since I’m an adrenaline junkie myself, it would be cool to add a big-air snowboarding event or rail jam someday down the road with some BMX jumps or maybe even some freestyle motocross in there.”

(RN&R)

Eight Gigs: The Tipsy Hustlers

Eddie April 23, 2015 0 Comment

Sat., April 25, 9 p.m., Old Ironsides, $6

If you’re in the need of some high-energy funk and rock music with a heavy dollop of soul, Old Ironsides should be your destination this Saturday night. Tipsy Hustlers are led by the multitalented Ken Rudulph on vocals and guitar alongside longtime friend and bassist John Mullick. They will be joined by their former band’s guitarist, Vince Mellone from the defunct Mama’s Gravy, and have big plans for the night’s set list. This is also a CD re-release show for Pressure which was released in 2013, but now includes new songs and special remixes. Also on the bill are Back Alley Buzzards and Clouds Roll By. 1901 10th Street, www.facebook.com/TheTipsyHustlers.

(SN&R)