2010

Sat, Oct 23, Fred Eaglesmith

Eddie October 21, 2010 0 Comment

Harlow’s, 7:30 p.m., $20

Harlow’s2708 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 441-4693

There must be something in the water. Canadian singer-songwriter Fred Eaglesmith has been touring the West Coast circuit for years and with great affect. If you ever witnessed one of his full band, barn-burner sets at the now-defunct Palms in Davis, you don’t need a reminder of his genius. Not only can Eaglesmith craft some hilarious, fun-filled fare, he also wields a collection of heartfelt ballads. While most of his fans believe his greatest works are 1997’s Lipstick, Lies & Gasoline and its successor, 50-Odd Dollars, few can argue that his entire catalog fires on all cylinders. Check him out at one of Harlow’s early evening shows—you’ll thank me later. 2708 J Street, www.fredeaglesmith.com.
(SN&R)

Thurs, Sept 9, Tera Melos

Eddie September 2, 2010 0 Comment

Sol Collective, 8 p.m., call for cover

Sol Collective2574 21st St.
Sacramento, CA 95817

(916) 832-0916

sol@solcollective.org

Patagonian Rats is the title of the new Tera Melos release on Sargent House records, home to local favorite Zach Hill, along with Red Sparowes, Omar Rodriguez Lopez (the Mars Volta) and others. As customary with any new release, the band will tour incessantly until either the band breaks up or dies in a fiery blaze along some lonely interstate. In all seriousness, the tour itinerary for the young lads looks rather daunting even on paper. After doing a stateside jaunt, these math-rock merchants will head to Japan. If you’ve never witnessed the band live, do not take any hallucinogens, as shit will hit likely the proverbial fan. 2574 21st Street, (916) 585-3136, www.teramelosmusic.com.
(SN&R)

Fri, Sept 3, Crazy Ballhead

Eddie September 2, 2010 0 Comment

Old Ironsides, 9 p.m., $8

Old Ironsides1901 10th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 442-3504

Why does it seem like law enforcement makes an appearance at most local hip-hop events when, in fact, most of the Sacramento Valley’s emcees aren’t spitting rhymes about thugging and bruising their counterparts? Quite the opposite; ambidextrous rappers like Crazy Ballhead prove they can work equally well both as a track act and with a live band and still attract a crowd that anyone can hang with. This Friday, instead of braving the awful Labor Day traffic that awaits, why not make a trip to the popular 10th and S Street bar where Mr. Ballhead will hold court? You’re guaranteed he’ll give 110 percent—and he’ll be servicing some new material. 1901 10th Street, www.crazyballhead.com.

(SN&R)

Wed, Sept 1, Slayer

Eddie August 26, 2010 0 Comment

Arco Arena, 7 p.m., $39.50-$45

Sleep Train Arena1 Sports Pkwy.
Sacramento, CA 95834

(916) 649-8497

Slayer’s first full-length record, Show No Mercy, was released 27 years ago. Yet even more astounding, the same original lineup will be returning to the Sacramento Valley for its first headlining gig in an arena setting. For the uninitiated, Slayer has been pushing the satanic—err, Slaytanic—envelope to extremes with album-cover art that would make even a heretic blush. For example, 2001’s God Hates Us All was coincidentally released the same day as the 9/11 tragedy proving, yet again, that evil knows a street date. If you need a reason to don a black shirt and go ballistic, this is the ticket. 1 Sports Parkway, www.slayer.net.
(SN&R)

God and the girls

Eddie August 20, 2010 0 Comment

August 21, Val Brelinski reading

Although brick-and-mortar bookstores seem to be going by the wayside, the folks at the Avid Reader have persevered, thanks in part to great local events. This Friday, the Davis shop will host Val Brelinski, a recent Wallace Stegner Fellow at Stanford University. Brelinksi will read from her latest offering, The Girl Who Slept with God (Viking, $27.95), which tells the story of how religion altered the course of three girls’ lives. 7:30 p.m., Friday, August 21; free. 617 2nd Street, Davis; www.avidreaderbooks.com.

(SN&R)

Tues, Aug 17, Michael Schenker Group

Eddie August 12, 2010 0 Comment

The Boardwalk, 7:30 p.m., $22-$25

The Boardwalk9426 Greenback Ln.
Orangevale, CA 95662

(916) 988-9247

Those who don’t believe there’s a higher power need only attend a Michael Schenker Group show. Sure, there are many guitar shredders who know their way around the fret board, but few can match the unabashed brilliance of Schenker’s calisthenics. After cutting his teeth as a youngster in the Scorpions, he later became the focal point of one of rock’s greatest exports, UFO. Of course, you can expect a full-on sausage fest at his upcoming gig. Most of his fans are males older than 30 who do their best to ape Schenker by playing air guitar and screaming along to his classics. Sound like fun? It is. And Schenker is God. 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale; www.michaelschenkerhimself.com.
(SN&R)

Sat, Aug 7, Beach Boys tribute show

Eddie August 5, 2010 0 Comment

Old Ironsides, 8 p.m., $7

Old Ironsides1901 10th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 442-3504

For as long as concertgoers can remember, Jerry Perry has hosted tribute shows. Whether at Old Ironsides or the now-defunct Cattle Club, his shows always feature a veritable who’s who of the Sacramento music scene honoring Prince, David Bowie, Dolly Parton or dead rock stars. Now, it’s time for the Beach Boys tribute show featuring Baby Grand, Dog Party (pictured), Life in 24 Frames and more. While some sets by our beloved, local bands often seem unrehearsed or unnecessarily hurried, there are always a few that manage to turn heads with their interpretation. Any guesses as to which band will attempt “The Warmth of the Sun”? 1901 10th Street, www.myspace.com/alivekicking.
(SN&R)