2011

Fri, Aug 26, Y&T

Eddie August 25, 2011 No Comments

Ace of Spades, 7 p.m., $35

Ace of Spades1417 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 448-3300

aceofspadesca@gmail.com

If you grew up in the Bay Area during the hard-rocking ’80s, chances are you’ve seen Y&T on more than one occasion. The band’s hallmark 1981 release, Earthshaker, was a monumental piece of work, replete with screaming guitar solos, bombastic drums and a vocalist (Dave Meniketti) with a near-perfect range. Although the band is now reduced to only one original member—bassist Phil Kennemore passed away recently and Leonard Haze and Joey Alves exited years ago—the current incarnation pays homage to those who have moved on. Expect to hear loads of classic tunes and a handful from the band’s recent album Facemelter. 1417 R Street, www.meniketti.com.
(SN&R)

Fri, Aug 19, Conducting From the Grave

Eddie August 18, 2011 No Comments

The Boardwalk, 6:45 p.m., $12-$14

The Boardwalk9426 Greenback Ln.
Orangevale, CA 95662

(916) 988-9247

Looking to get the most bang for your buck? How about eight bands for a mere $12 or $14? Sacramento’s own Conducting From the Grave will headline this heavy-handed bill as part of the Slaughter Survivors 2011 tour. Managed by the folks at The Artery Foundation, a local management company that has made quite a name for itself over the last couple of years, CFTG has been supporting Revenants, its latest release on Sumerian Records. If you’re looking for a quiet, sit-down affair, steer clear of The Boardwalk. If you’re in the mood for some action, obey the metal command. Horns up! 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, www.facebook.com/conductingfromthegrave.
(SN&R)

Fri, Aug 12, Forever Goldrush

Eddie August 11, 2011 No Comments

Harlow’s, 9 p.m., $8

Harlow’s2708 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 441-4693

Back in the mid-’90s, I lived on the same street as Forever Goldrush when the band was in their infancy. I’d often see singer Damon Wyckoff on P Street, and he’d hand me copies of their music. After finally sitting down and listening to their tunes, I knew there was something special. Although the band dissolved far too quickly, it was only a matter of time before the boys from Amador would pick up the pieces once again. This Friday they’re releasing Amador Frequency, a collection of songs about life’s ups and downs that includes both heartfelt ditties and full-on barn burners. Two thumbs way up. 2708 J Street, www.forevergoldrush.com.
(SN&R)

Sat, Aug 13, Non Stop Bhangra

Eddie August 11, 2011 No Comments

Quad at UC Davis, 7:30 p.m., no cover

UC Davis Quad1 Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616

(530) 754-2787

If venturing out of your comfort zone isn’t a common occurrence, perhaps it’s time to break your dormant streak with a lesson in Indian dance. Non Stop Bhangra is driven by the sounds of DJ Jimmy Love (pictured), and the beautiful ladies of the Dholrhythms Dance Company provide the visuals. Bhangra dance is a celebration of life and is spiritual by its very existence within Punjabi culture. If you’re a fan of poly-rhythms and South Asian culture, you’re hereby summoned to this soiree. Non Stop Bhangra’s troupe will make even the most stubborn curmudgeon smile from ear to ear. 1 Shields Avenue in Davis, www.nonstopbhangra.com.
(SN&R)

Mon, Aug 1, Instagon

Eddie July 28, 2011 No Comments

Luna’s Café & Juice Bar, 7 p.m., $5-$10

Luna’s Cafe & Juice Bar1414 16th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 441-3931

If you’re looking to witness a live group that constantly changes members and doesn’t practice, Instagon should be right up your alley. With nearly 600 shows under his belt, Lob and his cohorts have been mesmerizing new and old fans around the Sacramento Valley. Fans of jam-oriented fare or that simply like improvisational garage jazz should head on over to Ross Hammond’s weekly Monday showcases at the pint-sized Luna’s Café. This week’s installment also features saxophonist Sheldon Brown and opening act Crossing the River. The talent level is higher than average when compared to other local entertainment. 1414 16th Street, www.instagon.com.

(SN&R)

Thurs, Aug 4, Red Molly

Eddie July 28, 2011 No Comments

CSA Event Center, 7:30 p.m., $15

Center for Spiritual Awareness1275 Starboard Dr.
West Sacramento, CA 95691

(916) 374-9177

New York’s Red Molly will be busy in 2011. Not only does its tour itinerary read like Gideon’s Bible, but with the amount of accolades and press this trio has been getting, one can only expect more additions. Its latest album, James, was released in 2010 on its own label and is a perfect addition to any bluegrass or traditional country collection. For three-part harmonies, stellar musicianship, and a feeling like you’re transplanted into the Ozark Mountains, make this trip. One listen to any of the four releases in the band’s catalog should be enough reason to venture out for the night. 1275 Starboard Drive in West Sacramento, www.redmolly.com.

(SN&R)

Fri, July 22, George Winston

Eddie July 21, 2011 No Comments

Crest Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$33

Crest Theatre1013 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 476-3356

Perhaps hearing someone “tickling the ivories” isn’t exactly your idea of a night on the town. For those in the know, however, George Winston solo performances are an event unto their own. Known mostly for his earlier (and better-selling) works which chronicle the changing seasons, he also tributes such disparate artists as the Doors and the late Vince Guaraldi. One of the best-selling artists on the Windham Hill Records label and one of the most consistent live performers around, this multi-instrumentalist shows depth beyond the all too limiting New Age tag. Do yourself and others a favor and remember to turn your phone off. You’ll thank me later. 1013 K Street, www.georgewinston.com.
(SN&R)

Wed, July 27, The Fresh & Onlys

Eddie July 21, 2011 No Comments

Sol Collective, 8:30 p.m., $7-$10

Sol Collective2574 21st St.
Sacramento, CA 95817

(916) 832-0916

sol@solcollective.org

The smart, angular music of San Francisco’s the Fresh & Onlys has been catching fire both at home and across the pond. Mix one part psychedelia with one part lo-fi garage rock, throw in a heaping wall of layered vocals and reverb-soaked guitars, and you’ll probably understand what these lads listened to. If you’re a fan of early Kinks, ’70s and ’80s guitar pop, and enjoy a little sloppiness thrown in, this band delivers on every level. They’re out on a West Coast tour that hits all the usual spots for a developing act on the verge of breaking into larger theaters and halls. 2574 21st Street, www.myspace.com/thefreshonlys.

(SN&R)

Thurs, July 21, Hapa

Eddie July 14, 2011 No Comments

Harlow’s, 7 p.m., $25

Harlow’s2708 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 441-4693

Hawaiian music has seen a huge resurgence over the last 20 years. Although seemingly relegated to the yuppie crowd at its onset, the genre has taken on a life of its own. More and more touring artists have been visiting the West Coast as of late (and for good reason). Hapa will swing by the intimate Harlow’s venue this Thursday, courtesy of SBL Entertainment. With early start and end times, this show is a perfect cap to a long workday. World-class acts like Hapa are a rarity in the Sacramento Valley. Show up en masse, and let ’em know we care. 2708 J Street, www.hapa.com.

(SN&R)

Wed, July 6, Quintron and Miss Pussycat

Eddie June 30, 2011 No Comments

Sol Collective, 8:30 p.m., $7

Sol Collective2574 21st St.
Sacramento, CA 95817

(916) 832-0916

sol@solcollective.org

Originally booked at a now-defunct venue, through perseverance from the folks at KDVS, New Orleans’ Quintron and Miss Pussycat will still play in Sacramento. For the uninitiated, this duo creates a spectacle unlike any other. While Quintron creates a backdrop of awkward and quirky soundscapes, Miss Pussycat sings and performs a puppet show that complements the music. If you’re into dancing and dressing up in your worst thrift-store finds, this is one show that will please you. And while finding the band’s obscure catalog in Sacramento’s record stores may be nearly impossible, you can always pick one up at the live show. 2574 21st Street, www.quintronandmisspussycat.com.
(SN&R)