March 2006

Won’t knock it off

Eddie March 30, 2006 No Comments

Following the format made popular by Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, the Knockoffs replace band members once they turn 65.

Whether or not you’re a fan of the raucous bunch of hoodlums known as the Knockoffs, you have to give vocalist Tom Hutchinson props for keeping the moniker alive for (gasp!) 13 years. Since 1993, the band has been a revolving door for some of our greatest local musicians. Kevin Seconds (7Seconds), Wendy Powell (the Skirts), Dean Seavers (the Decibels and the X-Teens), Bobby Jordan (Mr. T Experience and Red Star Memorial)—no other local band has featured such a cornucopia of musical talent. The current incarnation features Danny Secretion and Mickie Rat from the Secretions, along with Bear Williams on drums and backing vocals. If songs like “No Time” or “Everybody Knows” don’t incite a few random acts of stupidity, you must not be listening. Also on the bill are local legends the Helper Monkeys, direct descendents of the sadly defunct Panda Bear Greens. The bands play Old Ironsides, located at 1901 10th Street, on Thursday, March 30, with San Diego’s all-girl punk band the Glossines. The show starts at 9 p.m., and the cover charge is $7. Alas, it’s 21 and over.
(SN&R)

Media

Mondavi savvy

Eddie March 23, 2006 No Comments

We haven’t seen this many white Russians since Happy Hour.

As evidenced by its current and past events calendars, the Mondavi Center has made Davis a major player for touring artists, dance troupes, symphonies and speakers. The Grammy Award-winning Russian National Orchestra will hold court at the Mondavi’s Jackson Hall on Monday at 8 p.m., performing selected works from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Dmitri Shostakovich and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. The event marks the Davis debut of conductor Carlo Ponti Jr., son of Sophia Loren. More importantly, it’s a chance to experience something off the beaten path. Tickets range from $24.50 to $69, and all ages are welcome. The following week, we’ll be treated to a performance by the Helikon Opera of Moscow on March 31. A round of applause for another glorious season! What awaits us in 2007?
(SN&R)

Media

Ride the snake

Eddie March 16, 2006 No Comments

The gypsies had no home. The Doors had no bass.

The Doors must have been the perfect antidote for the Vietnam War. No other band levitated a crowd into a veritable frenzy in the same way, helping to ease the pain of current affairs. The band’s outspoken keyboardist, Ray Manzarek, continues to tour with his band Riders on the Storm—featuring Doors guitarist Robby Krieger along with Ian Astbury from the Cult—and as a solo artist. On his current West Coast jaunt, Manzarek will be accompanied by slide-guitar legend Roy Rogers. When the tour plays the Palms on Saturday, you’ll be certain to hear quite a few war stories (about the band, of course) and some great original music. If VH1’s Storytellers turns you on, it’s high time you saw the real thing. The show starts at 8:30 p.m., and tickets are $25. The Palms Playhouse is located at 13 Main Street in Winters. Call (530) 795-1825 for more information.
(SN&R)

Media

Argentine dream

Eddie March 2, 2006 No Comments

The music of Argentina has always maintained a sense of mystique in the United States. Its heritage is preserved by bands such as Octango, which will be the backing band for Boccatango, a contemporary tango-dance performance that surely will evoke countless spasms of the hips and buttocks in its audience members. Even though this is a seated event, if you’re not causing too much damage to the Mondavi Center’s seats, dancing in the aisles may be encouraged. Songs from both Astor Piazzolla and Carlos Gardel—two of Argentina’s greatest exports—will be incorporated into the soundtrack. Boccatango visits the Mondavi Center on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $16 to $42, and all ages are welcome. Speaking the language is not necessary. Allowing yourself to enjoy the spectacle is.
(SN&R)