2007

Rock of the ‘walk

Eddie February 1, 2007 No Comments

It pays to have allegiance to your favorite nightclub if you’re a local band. Spiritual Octane has made the Boardwalk its club of choice and, in doing so, has been afforded the opportunity to share the stage with such notable acts as Dick Dale, Santana, King’s X, Dave Meniketti and George Lynch. This weekend’s show is no exception; the group is supporting the legendary Pat Travers. Fronted by the talented Gary Durant, Spiritual Octane already has released two independent records. The third effort, Fuel For The Soul, is due this summer. If you like classic rock and aren’t afraid to show appreciation with a few fist-in-the-air motions, this band is for you. Spiritual Octane plays Saturday at (where else?) the Boardwalk, located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, with local band STD and the man who made “Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights)” a rock ’n’ roll staple, Pat Travers. Tickets are $20 and more info is available at www.boardwalkrocks.com.
(SN&R)

Hail to the Chieftains

Eddie January 25, 2007 No Comments

A visit to a Chieftains live show is something everyone must do at least once in a lifetime. Fronted by the inimitable Paddy Maloney, this touring troupe is perhaps the greatest purveyor of traditional and not-so-traditional Irish fare. These Celtic heavyweights have done it all, including collaborations with the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Lyle Lovett and Mary Black. While this may be a seated show, the group encourages crowd participation: foot stomping, hand clapping and singing along in (or out of) key. The Chieftains’ soiree takes place on Wednesday, January 31, at the Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall on the UC Davis campus. Tickets range from $19.50 to $49 and the show begins promptly at 8 p.m. Visit www.mondaviarts.org for more information.
(SN&R)

Second chance

Eddie January 18, 2007 No Comments

I was invited to a friend’s wedding several years ago—in Texas. I still regret not being in attendance. Not only was the groom a close friend, but Austin’s legendary, and now sadly defunct, Bad Livers also were his wedding-party band. Fast-forward to 2007 and the leader of the Bad Livers, banjo phenomenon Danny Barnes, is making an appearance in my own backyard! The multitalented Greg Leisz—an able pedal-steel player who’s accompanied Paul Westerberg, Brain Wilson, Wilco, and Paul Cole—will join him at the Palms Playhouse, located at 13 Main Street in Winters. The show starts loosely around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24. Tickets are just $15. I won’t make the same mistake twice; I’ll be there this time.

(SN&R)

Protective headgear required

Eddie January 11, 2007 No Comments

If you don’t own Helmet’s legendary Strap It On, perhaps a little humility and a trip to your local record store would serve you well. Page Hamilton, the band’s songwriter and the only original member in the current lineup, still serves up a platter full of vitriol and sheer angst unlike no other. To fully understand the logical progression from early songs like “Bad Moon” or “FBLA” to the tracks on the band’s latest album, Monochrome, one must realize the incredible pressure Mr. Hamilton felt during his previous tenure with major-label heavyweight Interscope Records. Now on indie label Warcon Enterprises, Page hasn’t buckled and the band is in top form. Check ’em out live at the Boardwalk, located at 9246 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Totimoshi, Will Haven, and Deconstruct round out this stellar lineup. All ages are welcome. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 day of show.
(SN&R)

Happy birthday Bowie

Eddie January 4, 2007 No Comments

Who wants to see a bunch of bands play songs they didn’t write? Apparently, quite a lot of folks across the greater United States. Jerry Perry, booking agent for Old Ironsides, would be first to second that notion. His artist-themed tribute shows draw great numbers. From Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash to his annual Dead Rock Stars soiree, no song is left uncovered. Bands like Bright Light Fever, the Snobs, Pets, Didley Squat, and Stars and Garters will rally together with Mr. Perry to celebrate the 60th birthday of David Bowie on January 8. Each band will play (or at least attempt) three favorite Bowie songs at Old Ironsides, located at 1901 10th Street. Since Bowie’s birthday lands on a Monday, the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8. Visit www.theoldironsides.com for the complete lineup.
(SN&R)