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Happy birthday Bowie

Eddie January 4, 2007 0 Comment

Who wants to see a bunch of bands play songs they didn’t write? Apparently, quite a lot of folks across the greater United States. Jerry Perry, booking agent for Old Ironsides, would be first to second that notion. His artist-themed tribute shows draw great numbers. From Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash to his annual Dead Rock Stars soiree, no song is left uncovered. Bands like Bright Light Fever, the Snobs, Pets, Didley Squat, and Stars and Garters will rally together with Mr. Perry to celebrate the 60th birthday of David Bowie on January 8. Each band will play (or at least attempt) three favorite Bowie songs at Old Ironsides, located at 1901 10th Street. Since Bowie’s birthday lands on a Monday, the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8. Visit www.theoldironsides.com for the complete lineup.
(SN&R)

Backdoor slider

Eddie December 28, 2006 0 Comment

It’s the time of the year where cover charges are inflated and spirits are elevated. In an attempt to choose the “perfect” New Year’s Eve option, we lose sight of the real reason we celebrate: to party. Whether you’re looking for a spell of good luck, trying to break in new traditions or just need a reason to stay up past midnight, you should always usher in January 1 with a little live music. Few guitarists can rival the handy fretboard work of Roy Rogers, perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring slide-guitar players in the United States. Once a sideman in John Lee Hooker’s touring troupe, Mr. Rogers quickly amassed a loyal legion of fans on his own, and for good reason. Catch Roy and his Delta Rhythm Kings band at the Palms Playhouse, 13 Main Street in downtown Winters, on December 31. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. and tickets are $40. Call (530) 756-9901 for more information.
(SN&R)

A White Christmas

Eddie December 21, 2006 0 Comment

Never underestimate the power of smooth jazz. Once considered a genre solely for the yuppie quotient, this style has taken off. Perhaps the proliferation of George Bush’s war propaganda or our current state of affairs has sent tens of thousands yearning for something to mellow their psyches. Whatever the reason, ticket and record sales for smooth jazz continue to grow. Peter White, whose solo catalogue spans back to 1990, has embarked on his fourth annual Christmas tour. He’ll play his own decidedly un-rough material in addition to holiday favorites. Rick Braun and Mindi Abair are along for the ride that makes a stop on Wednesday, December 21, at the Radisson Hotel’s Guzzetta Grand Ballroom, located at 500 Leisure Lane. Tickets are $49 and the all-ages affair starts at 7:30 p.m. I can smell the cologne and the freshly pressed Izod shirts from here.
(SN&R)

Gospel wonderland

Eddie December 7, 2006 0 Comment

For more than 60 years, the Blind Boys of Alabama have flown the flag of soul-drenched gospel. Today, founding members Clarence Fountain and Jimmy Carter carry on their rich heritage, backed by the talented Bishop Billy Bowers and an awesome band. The group’s Go Tell It on the Mountain Christmas tour started on November 29 and includes a special stop at the Crest Theatre, located at 1013 K Street, this Tuesday. Fans of traditional gospel and old soul will rejoice when Sacramento plays host to one of the greatest talents in the genre. Tickets are $45 and the show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. This is one Christmas gift you won’t soon forget.
(SN&R)

Yeah, sing a song, bros

Eddie November 30, 2006 0 Comment

While some know the Great Northwest, and particularly Seattle, for its unusually high suicide rate, proliferation of flannel and the genesis of grunge, let it be known that the Blood Brothers are the city’s true calling card. The band seemed to revel in obscurity while recording for smaller indie labels at the start of its career—but, as luck would have it, relentless touring and word-of-mouth eventually catapulted these young men into the big leagues. Their latest album on V2 Records, Young Machetes, is visceral and ferocious; this is one group that continues to redefine the noisecore genre. Thankfully, their national tour routing includes a stop on Monday, December 4, at Empire, 1417 R Street. Along for the ride are … And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, Celebration, and Brothers and Sisters. Tickets are $19.50 in advance and $20 on the day of the show—which begins at 7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome and earplugs are encouraged. Call (916) 448-3300 for more information.
(SN&R)

Meet cute

Eddie November 23, 2006 0 Comment

The race for the perfect band name is on. While Jon Cougar Concentration Camp, Ovarian Trolley and JFKFC still remain some of the best John Does ever, it would seem that most musical groups just don’t put enough emphasis on the alias. Although Cute Is What We Aim For, a four-piece hailing from Buffalo, N.Y., implies a sense of cynicism and playfulness, the moniker shouldn’t lead you astray. One listen to “The Curse of Curves” or the “Lyrical Lies” demo is proof positive that they have much more to offer the pop-punk world than just another pretty grouping of words. They’re on tour in support of The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch, a summer release from Fueled By Ramen Records. Catch the band live at Orangevale’s one-and-only all-ages music venue, the Boardwalk, 9426 Greenback Lane, on the 23rd. Also on the bill are the up-and-coming Hellogoodbye, Reggie and the Full Effect and David Melillo. Advance tickets are just $15. Call (916) 988-9247 for more information.
(SN&R)

Hit the Jackpot on Thanksgiving Eve

Eddie November 16, 2006 0 Comment

Although the Jackpot lineup has morphed considerably since frontman Rusty Miller first started playing the club circuit, today’s incarnation seems to be firing on all cylinders. While the band hasn’t been quite as prolific these days, they still manage to find time in their busy schedules to eek out a show or two. Between John Gutenberger’s Two Sheds, Miller’s tours with Jason Lytle from Grandaddy, James Finch Jr.’s dabblings with Truck Fight and Prairie Dog, and Dave Brockman’s Miles project, the Jackpot machine travels on. As luck would have it, the band plays Wednesday at 9 p.m. at Old Ironsides, located at 1901 10th Street. Stay up late and sleep in on Thanksgiving Day. Also on the bill are An Angle, Ghosts Of California, and the multitalented Jessica Cuckovich. For only $10 (and the cost of enough booze to induce a mild swagger), this show is the place to start the long weekend.

(SN&R)

Bilingual jazz

Eddie November 9, 2006 0 Comment

The Mondavi Center’s 2006-07 calendar is better than ever. With acts like the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, the Chieftains, Taj Mahal, and Ravi Coltrane, the talent quotient this year is overwhelming. Brazilian jazz pianist and chanteuse Luciana Souza continues the venue’s tradition of world-class musicianship with a short run in the Mondavi’s Studio Theatre at UC Davis. Check out her aptly titled Brazilian Duos and Duos II on Sunnyside Records, if you haven’t already. They feature guitarist Romero Lubambo, who will join her for these special shows. Their interpretations of jazz, both in Portuguese and English, will mesmerize. Souza’s residency takes place November 14 through 18. Shows start promptly at 8 p.m. and all ages are welcome. Tickets are $36 for general admission and $18 for students and children. For more information, visit www.mondaviarts.org.
(SN&R)

Blues brother

Eddie November 2, 2006 0 Comment

Every once in awhile, you may notice Kentucky Slim and Horsepower pop up on the Blue Lamp calendar. This is club owner Ed Stoner’s band and, unlike other acts that feature venue owners or talent buyers, this band doesn’t suck. While many of us know Ed as the guy who manages the house every weekend and occasionally runs sound, few understand his talents on the fret board. A listen to “Mississippi Payphone” or the rockin’ “Big Yellow Mama” at www.myspace.com/kentuckyslim should make both blues enthusiasts and rock fans rejoice. If you’re a fan of slide guitar, few in the Sacramento Valley can trump his talent. This Thursday, Kentucky Slim will grace the Blue Lamp stage, at 1400 Alhambra Boulevard, for a night of sheer blues bliss. The cover charge is $5 and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. Visit www.bluelamp.com for more info.
(SN&R)

Just for Spight

Eddie October 26, 2006 0 Comment

If you consider yourself an audiophile and don’t own Things I Hate To Admit by seminal art-punk band Victim’s Family, let’s just say you haven’t completed your collection. Although some of you might have been in grade school when frontman Ralph Spight toured that band in the late ’80s and early ’90s, now you can catch his latest solo project, the Freak Accident. The band opens for Canada’s legendary NoMeansNo on four West Coast dates. It’s no secret that Abstract Entertainment promoter Brian McKenna has a soft spot for the aforementioned bands and always tries to route them to the Valley whenever possible. Some shows just pay the bills and others bring pure bliss; this one delivers on both fronts. The Freak Accident plays Harlow’s, located at 2708 J Street, on Monday with NoMeansNo. Tickets are $12 and the fun begins at 9 p.m. Find out more at www.thefreakaccident.com.
(SN&R)