August 2006

Not a sit-down occasion

Eddie August 31, 2006 No Comments

If you’ve ever been to a Sonic Love Affair show, you already know how hard these boys play. Unlike many local bands that change their sound to meet today’s hipster standards, this quintet delivers unabashed rock ’n’ roll in its most primitive form. One listen to “Problem Child” or “Street Preacher” should be more than enough to break even the stiffest crossed-armed stances. Lead singer Dylan Rogers is anything but sedentary, and he doesn’t like to see people sitting still. Should you hear your name or a description of yourself being called out midway through the set, consider yourself warned. (Note to fans: Word has it the band is in the throes of recording its next full-length.) Also on the bill are the Spores and the phenomenal BellRays, whose soul-infused live show is unrivalled. Catch all these bands and more Friday at 9:30 p.m. at the newly remodeled Blue Lamp, located at 1400 Alhambra Boulevard; $12 and a valid ID gets you in.
(SN&R)

Alternative jazz

Eddie August 24, 2006 No Comments

Word of mouth on Skerik’s Syncopated Taint Septet has spread like wildfire. Skerik’s tenure includes time spent alongside such luminaries as Roger Waters, American Music Club’s Mark Eitzel, Tuatara and Les Claypool (with whom he is still actively playing). The band is on tour supporting Husky, its latest release on Hyena Records. It’s a veritable hodgepodge of junk-in-the-trunk jazz eclipsed by a worldly understanding of groove and hip-hop beats. Also along for the ride is the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, an improvisational trio with a penchant for pop culture. (The set list can include wild interpretations of the Flaming Lips, Björk and Brian Wilson). Get yourself over to Harlow’s, located at 2708 J Street, on Tuesday at 9 p.m. for a night of unabashed good-time music. Tickets are $12.50 in advance and $15 at the door. Visit www.syncopatedtaint.com for more information.

(SN&R)

Do the math

Eddie August 17, 2006 No Comments

If you placed a camera in live-music venues from downtown Sacramento to Orangevale, you’d notice one common theme: Nobody at the bar is paying attention. However, if you’ve ever attended a show at the artist-run Fools Foundation, chances are you went for the music. There’s no bar and no distractions; people convene there with the intent of listening. This Tuesday, instrumental math-rockers Don Caballero will hold court at the downstairs haven in support of their latest release, World Class Listening Problem on Relapse Records. Although drummer and co-founder Damon Che is the only original member left, this quartet still fires on all cylinders. Also along for the ride are Pennsylvania comrades Zombi, a crafty duo with an obvious penchant for Giorgio Moroder scores. O! The Joy opens the all-ages show. It all begins at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, and the cover is $6 with a mandatory, one-time $2 membership fee. Fools Foundation is located at 1025 19th Street, in the basement. I’ll be listening.
(SN&R)

Not that we have anything against Monk

Eddie August 10, 2006 No Comments

You might have noticed that Old Ironsides has been offering plenty of $5 shows lately. Cheaper covers aren’t always enough to get people off the couch, but you should make an effort for Friday’s show with Golden Shoulders. This Nevada City pop band has more smarts than most major-label rosters en total. One listen to the Kin EP, the latest offering from Adam Kline and his rotating cast of characters, should be more than enough reason to sign up for TiVo. Live appearances by Kline have much more staying power than the latest episode of Monk. The $5 admission includes local favorites Prairie Dog; you’d be hard pressed to find a better option. Old Ironsides is located at 1901 10th Street. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. and is 21-and-over only, folks. Listen to the band at www.myspace.com/gs.
(SN&R)

Sweetened by the sun

Eddie August 3, 2006 No Comments

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)