2006

Sweetened by the sun

Eddie August 3, 2006 0 Comment

Hawaiian music has seen a major sales lift in the past 10 years. While many baby boomers still embrace the works of the great slack-key guitarists, younger generations are showing up in hordes for the many island-based artists who include California on their tour itineraries. Multitalented teacher, composer and musician Keola Beamer was the first Hawaiian artist to reach the Top 15 on the Billboard World Music Charts (with 1994’s Wooden Boat). Though sales numbers don’t always reflect talent, Beamer’s bark is equal to his bite. Although he still resides in Maui, Beamer’s visits to the continental United States draw capacity crowds who revere both his work ethic and song repertoire. Of course, a stop at the ol’ opera house out in the sticks is a must. Beamer plays the Palms Playhouse, located at 13 Main Street in Winters, on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Visit www.palmsplayhouse.com for more info.
(SN&R)

Choose blues

Eddie July 27, 2006 0 Comment

Too much work and not enough nightlife? Looking to kick-start your weekend? Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers are a great bet, especially if you’re into blues harmonica. Although Piazza’s schedule is a bit hectic these days, he still manages to work in a show or two in the Sacramento Valley each year. His new CD, For the Chosen Who, hearkens back to his humble beginnings while updating his already vibrant live show. For blues aficionados, it gets no better. Swing and shake to the sounds of the Mighty Flyers this Friday at the Powerhouse Pub, located at 614 Sutter Street in Folsom. The show starts at 9:30 p.m., and tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.themightyflyers.com.
(SN&R)

Tentacles stretching from Austin

Eddie July 20, 2006 0 Comment

Giant Squid is still a Sacramento band. Sure, its members may have moved to Austin, Texas, last year after getting signed by The End Records, but the Squid cut its teeth (beak?) playing the Sacramento club circuit. Brainchild of husband and wife guitarists Aaron and Aurielle Gregory, Giant Squid caught the attention of its unsuspecting label with a self-released first album, Metridium Fields. The band’s label will reissue the album in a special digipak on August 22. Until then, Giant Squid live shows are the next best thing. See the band on Friday with Stolen Babies and Bridges at the Blue Lamp, located at 1400 Alhambra Boulevard. The 21-and-over show starts at 9:30 p.m., and admission is $7. Visit www.bluelamp.com for more info.

(SN&R)

Puppet show and Quintron

Eddie July 13, 2006 0 Comment

Looking for an alternative to the regular nightclub experience? Have an affinity for shaking your booty? Then Quintron & Miss Pussycat’s appearance at the artist-run Fools Foundation is just for you. Their live show, which includes hand-puppet visuals, is unlike any other. Swamp Tech, the band’s most recent release on the relatively obscure boutique label Tigerbeat6, is a CD/DVD combo featuring Quintron’s awkward yet inventive electronic music and an amazing cover of Kiss’ “God Of Thunder.” On the DVD portion, Miss Pussycat executes a puppet-theater story about termites that culminates in a full-fledged insect dance party. Confused? Bring your dancing shoes and your Raid. The show begins on Thursday at 9:45 p.m. with openers Harry Merry and Death Sentence: Panda! Fools Foundation is located at 1025 19th Street, in the basement. Admission is $5 for all ages, plus a $2 Fools Foundation annual membership fee for you newbies. Visit www.foolsfoundation.org for info.
(SN&R)

Construct your Friday night

Eddie July 6, 2006 0 Comment

Sacramento’s Deconstruct has built a sizeable following through grassroots, guerrilla-style marketing and the perseverance of guitarist Joe Fraulob. Although he spent a portion of last year touring as Danzig’s guitarist-for-hire, his primary focus has always been on his own band. The Deconstruct sound, an infectious blend of mid-tempo metal and hard rock, has garnered considerable airplay across the country. The band has shared the stage with high-profile national acts like Korn, Disturbed, Puddle of Mudd and Nickleback. Deconstruct will play a rare hometown show this Friday, as support for Powerman 5000 (featuring Rob Zombie’s brother, vocalist Spider One). The show, which also features Colma, Thend and Downshift, begins at 8:30 p.m. at The Boardwalk, located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale. Tickets are $15 for all ages. Visit www.boardwalkrocks.com for more info.
(SN&R)

Stadium rock in Hagan Park

Eddie June 29, 2006 0 Comment

The city of Rancho Cordova will host the 22nd annual Hometown 4th of July, Sunday through Tuesday. In addition to children’s activities, food and carnival rides, there’s an all-star lineup of musical talent featuring Heatwave; Kansas; and local bands Funkengruven, Mumbo Gumbo, and Mick Martin and the Blues Rockers. Classic-rock stalwarts Kansas, pioneers of ’70s progressive-leaning stadium rock, will headline Monday’s festivities. Although the current touring configuration boasts only three original members—Steve Walsh, Phil Ehart and Rich Williams—the band still delivers on all fronts. Expect to hear radio staples such as “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind” among a bevy of other gems. Fans of Proto-Kaw, the band’s earliest configuration, will be happy to know the group still caters to its longtime supporters. Kansas plays Hagan Community Park, located at 2197 Chase Drive in Rancho Cordova, on Monday at 8 p.m. The show is free and open to all ages. More info on the weekend’s activities can be obtained at www.cordovacouncil.com.
(SN&R)

Take the plunge

Eddie June 22, 2006 0 Comment

Swimmers, who hail from Oregon, are doing a short run down the West Coast to rock a handful of local venues, including UC Davis’ own KDVS on Thursday. Also on the itinerary is a Davis house party (a common antidote for the lack of venues in the area). These intimate shows let touring fans get really close to bands without encountering a bunch of overzealous bouncers or having to endure the din of bar noise. Swimmers’ sound, a raucous blend of spastic dance and garage punk, may not be for everyone, but songs like “Hot Pocket” surely will invoke a few random spasms of the hip. Swimmers play 1114 Cypress Street in Davis with Nothing People and Boss the Big Bit on Saturday at 7 p.m. A $3 to $5 donation is strongly encouraged.

(SN&R)

Cheese on the water

Eddie June 15, 2006 0 Comment

If you’re a fan of cover bands, and growing weary of World Cup soccer, you’re in for a real treat. The Cheeseballs will hold court at Crawdad’s River Cantina this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. for a special free (Did you hear me? Free!) show. Who could grow tired of Young MC’s “Bust a Move,” Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” or Swedish supergroup Abba’s “Dancing Queen”? If the usual $10 or $15 cover charge has kept you from checking out this band, you have no reason to miss this party. Besides, you look like you could use some sun. Crawdad’s River Cantina is located at 1375 Garden Highway, right on the river. Open to 21-and-over patrons only. Call (916) 929-2268 for more info.
(SN&R)

Jazz-rock-burrito fusion

Eddie June 8, 2006 0 Comment

The boundaries of free-form jazz improvisation and jam-based rock have become increasingly difficult to define. While the resurgence of nontraditional song structures has been welcomed by many in the Sacramento Valley, the area is short on bands that can deliver on both fronts. Enter Duntch, a four-piece ensemble that blurs its musical influences with great effect. A listen to the two tracks available at www.myspace.com/duntch, “What This Old Thing” and “Pineapple Seizure,” inevitably will draw comparisons to Skerik, any Charlie Hunter ensemble, or Medeski Martin and Wood’s finer jams. Duntch plays Luna’s Café, located at 1414 16th Street, on Saturday at 8 p.m. with Delayed Sleep and Instagon. The cover is $6, and all ages are welcome. While you’re at it, sample some of the great food at one of Sacramento’s most intimate venues.
(SN&R)

The cure for Cowell

Eddie June 1, 2006 0 Comment

If you’re feeling a bit queasy after watching American Idol bastardize the music industry, perhaps a dose of real, acoustic jamming might do the trick. Davis’ Mad Cow String Band has made great strides since its inception in 2003. Its sound, an amalgam of bluegrass and high-energy folk, may not cater to the masses, but at least it’s not being covered by Taylor Hicks. A listen to the band’s Live at the Delta of Venus LP will conjure memories of hayrides and old Westerns, and induce an indulgence in some sippin’ whiskey. The Mad Cow String Band plays Old Ironsides, located at 1901 10th Street, on Friday at 9 p.m. with the Devastates and the Devil Makes Three (who’ve been tearing up the Bay Area and Santa Cruz circuit for quite some time). The cover is $10. Say hello to Art Rodriguez, Old Ironsides’ longest-running bartender, for me.
(SN&R)