June 2006

Stadium rock in Hagan Park

Eddie June 29, 2006 No Comments

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 No Comments

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 No Comments

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 No Comments

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 No Comments

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)