October 2006

Just for Spight

Eddie October 26, 2006 No Comments

If you consider yourself an audiophile and don’t own Things I Hate To Admit by seminal art-punk band Victim’s Family, let’s just say you haven’t completed your collection. Although some of you might have been in grade school when frontman Ralph Spight toured that band in the late ’80s and early ’90s, now you can catch his latest solo project, the Freak Accident. The band opens for Canada’s legendary NoMeansNo on four West Coast dates. It’s no secret that Abstract Entertainment promoter Brian McKenna has a soft spot for the aforementioned bands and always tries to route them to the Valley whenever possible. Some shows just pay the bills and others bring pure bliss; this one delivers on both fronts. The Freak Accident plays Harlow’s, located at 2708 J Street, on Monday with NoMeansNo. Tickets are $12 and the fun begins at 9 p.m. Find out more at www.thefreakaccident.com.
(SN&R)

Covers for a cause

Eddie October 19, 2006 No Comments

It’s no secret that Americans have a morbid curiosity. The death of any musical icon is followed by an extensive album-reissue campaign and a sharp increase in sales. After this passing phase, it’s generally over—but not for Elliott Smith. Although Smith passed away several years ago, his family has created the Elliott Smith Memorial Fund to raise money for charities including Free Arts for Abused Children and Outside In, a nonprofit aimed at helping Portland’s homeless youths. Sacramento’s Elliott Smith tribute show, featuring Two Sheds, Kyoto Beat Orchestra, Daycare, Sherman Baker and others, is one of many for the not-forgotten songwriter taking place across the world this month. See it on Saturday at 9 p.m. at Old Ironsides, located at 1901 10th Street. Tickets are $7. For a full listing of bands, visit www.theoldironsides.com.
(SN&R)

From Woodstock to Winters

Eddie October 12, 2006 No Comments

While most people know Richie Havens from his appearance at Woodstock and from his days playing the folk circuit in Greenwich Village, he still records and tours regularly. He’s currently on the road in support of his 26th album, Grace of the Sun, on his boutique label, Stormy Forest. Although his newer music is a bit of a departure from his formative years, songs like “Red Flowers” and “Pulling the Stone” reveal an artist with still more tricks in his handbag. If the spirited cover of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower” doesn’t make you yearn for your inner flower child, perhaps you’re just too young. Fortunately, it’s never too late to get schooled. Richie Havens plays the Palms Playhouse, located at 13 Main Street in Winters, on Thursday, October 12. Tickets are $32, and the show starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.richiehavens.com or www.palmsplayhouse.com.

(SN&R)

Attention Hannon fans

Eddie October 5, 2006 No Comments

The key to a successful club is diversification. Take The Boardwalk’s upcoming calendar. Hardcore metal and nu-metal helped rejuvenate the venue during its leaner years, but these days, a balance of different genres is bringing attendance numbers up. More importantly, there’s been a continued effort to bring back the musicians who helped put the club on the map almost two decades ago. Friday night features the Frank Hannon Band, with the guitar wizard from Tesla and Robbie Furiosi, one of this town’s most underrated drummers. If you like extended solos, classic rock and a little self-gratification, the band delivers one hell of a show. Also on the bill are locals Slight of Hand and Larisa Bryski. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door, and the show starts promptly at 8:30 p.m. The Boardwalk is located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale. All ages are welcome.
(SN&R)