July 2006

Choose blues

Eddie July 27, 2006 No Comments

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 No Comments

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 No Comments

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 No Comments

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)