2011

Sat, June 25, Peter Murphy

Eddie June 23, 2011 No Comments

The Boardwalk, 8 p.m., $30-$35

The Boardwalk9426 Greenback Ln.
Orangevale, CA 95662

(916) 988-9247

Some artists flourish after their bands disintegrate. Take, for instance, the plight of Peter Murphy. While he’s best known for fronting the legendary Bauhaus, some of his best material came while on his own. For most fans, 1990’s Deep and 1988’s Love Hysteria were Murphy’s greatest triumphs. However, I’ve always championed his 1992 release, the magnificent Holy Smoke. Although most know his radio hit, “The Sweetest Drop,” there are easily eight more tracks that should’ve been airwave staples. Even though The Boardwalk is far from the grid, there’s no reason to not head down Greenback for a trip down memory lane. 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, www.petermurphy.info.
(SN&R)

Sat, June 18, The English Beat

Eddie June 16, 2011 No Comments

PowerHouse Pub, 10 p.m., $20

Powerhouse Pub614 Sutter St.
Folsom, CA 95630

(916) 355-8586

You won’t find a band that embodies the working-class ethic more than the English Beat (a.k.a. the Beat). Although the band has gone through various configurations and has split into two distinct touring bands, leader Dave Wakeling has always been the band’s focal point. Formed back in the late ’70s, its storied catalog and live shows have left an indelible ink in the minds of ska, punk, reggae, and pop fans alike. This Saturday finds Wakeling’s band holding court at Folsom hotspot PowerHouse Pub. Dust off your boots and break out the checkered prints for this one. 614 Sutter Street in Folsom, www.davewakeling.com.
(SN&R)

Fri, June 10, John Hiatt

Eddie June 9, 2011 No Comments

Radisson Hotel, 7:30 p.m., $49-$59

Radisson Hotel500 Leisure Ln.
Sacramento, CA 95815

(916) 922-2020

I’ve always been a huge Bonnie Raitt fan and always believed her choices for cover songs were exemplary, to say the least. In particular, her interpretation of John Hiatt’s “Lover’s Will” has always been a favorite. Although Hiatt has much more to offer, let’s just say this song would be a good starting point of reference for anyone. His catalog spans back to 1974 and is chronicled through several different record labels. This year’s tour finds Hiatt playing solo acoustic alongside the equally talented Lyle Lovett rather than using a full electric band. If you haven’t heard his Crossing Muddy Waters full-length, start there. 500 Leisure Lane, www.johnhiatt.com.

(SN&R)

Wed, June 8, Pete Escovedo

Eddie June 2, 2011 No Comments

Tsakopoulos Library Galleria, 7 p.m., no cover

Tsakopoulos Library Galleria828 I St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 264-2809

Sacramento was chosen as the inaugural host of a traveling Smithsonian exhibition called American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music. This Wednesday’s event to complement the exhibition features the popular Pete Escovedo, a Bay Area native whose family lived for live music. Although his sister, Sheila E., gained notoriety for her single “The Glamorous Life,” Escovedo’s following inevitably came from his live shows and playing with the Santana touring troupe. If you haven’t heard his Latin Jazz Orchestra or are yearning for a musical exploration, this show is one that should please everyone. Support your library and it’ll support you. 828 I Street, www.peteescovedo.com.
(SN&R)

Sun, May 29, Kiss

Eddie May 26, 2011 No Comments

Raley Field, 7 p.m., $40-$125

Raley Field400 Ballpark Dr.
West Sacramento, CA 95691

(916) 376-4676

Any real fan of Kiss knows the current incarnation of the band, which includes Eric Singer on drums and Tommy Thayer on guitar, is just as potent as—if not more potent than—the original lineup. With a catalog spanning back to 1974 and live shows that include more exploding firepots than should ever be allowed, Kiss is still the unrivaled “King of the Night Time World.” The band plays hits and obscurities and always manages to change a few arrangements of classic tunes with great affect. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley will never be too old to rock and roll. 400 Ballpark Drive in West Sacramento, www.kissonline.com.
(SN&R)

Thurs, May 26, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience

Eddie May 19, 2011 No Comments

Crest Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $29-$50

Crest Theatre1013 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 476-3356

John Bonham left this Earth on September 25, 1980. Thirty-one years later, his son Jason is waging a full-scale U.S. tour to honor both his father and his band, Led Zeppelin. Although nobody can play behind the beat like John, his son has proven himself playing with not only his father’s former band, but with such legendary acts as UFO, Foreigner and Bonham (his short-lived solo project). Expect to hear a plethora of classics and obscurities and, of course, expect nothing short of perfection. If your radio dial is stuck on KSEG 96.9 The Eagle, you’re probably already in line. 1013 K Street, www.jblze.com.
(SN&R)

Sat, May 21, Creedence Clearwater Revisited

Eddie May 19, 2011 No Comments

Thunder Valley Casino, 8 p.m., $10-$39

Thunder Valley Casino1200 Athens Ave.
Lincoln, CA 95648

(916) 408-7777

Folks expecting to catch John Fogerty at the upcoming CCR show will be disappointed (though he performs at Cache Creek Casino Resort on the same night). The touring incarnation is now dubbed “Revisited” rather than a “Revival,” and still features the rhythm section of one of music’s most storied bands. Not only do Stu Cook and Doug “Cosmo” Clifford nail these tunes, their additional musicians have a great reverence for the original arrangements. Stuff yourself at the buffet, lose some money at the slots and lay down some cash for a band worth its weight. 1200 Athens Avenue in Lincoln, www.creedence-revisited.com.

(SN&R)

Tues, May 17, Combichrist

Eddie May 12, 2011 No Comments

Ace of Spades , 6:30 p.m., $20.95

Ace of Spades1417 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 448-3300

aceofspadesca@gmail.com

Although we’re not getting a Rammstein date in Sacramento, its notable opening act, Combichrist, will fill the void. Fans of both the label Metropolis Records and, of course, quality industrial and dance should make sure their names are checked off at the door to avoid any unnecessary ridicule. The Monsters on Tour Part II tour dates include a bunch of headline shows in locales one wouldn’t expect. And while they may not fill the ever-so-busy Ace of Spades (a 900-capacity venue), expect a devoted legion of fans (and newbies) to join the party and make this rare event worth noting. 1417 R Street, www.combichrist.com.
(SN&R)

Thurs, May 19, Trampled by Turtles

Eddie May 12, 2011 No Comments

Harlow’s, 9 p.m., $12

Harlow’s2708 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 441-4693

Proving that point of origin is no longer an issue when it comes to quality bluegrass, Trampled by Turtles is gaining quite the loyal fan base through recording and well-timed touring. One listen to “Feet and Bones” from its recent Palomino long-player should be more than enough reason to investigate further. This quintet sounds at ease playing at both breakneck speed and, of course, hanging-on-the-porch tempos. If you’ve been paying attention, the resurgence of bluegrass over the last five years is anything but derivative. Hordes of new talent are adding new dimensions to a genre that was in grave danger of being endangered. Bring your dancin’ shoes. 2708 J Street, www.trampledbyturtles.com.
(SN&R)

Fri, May 6, Pregnant

Eddie May 5, 2011 No Comments

Gold Step Studios, 7 p.m., $10

Gold Step Studios617 Main St.
Placerville, CA 95667

Sometimes a journey outside the downtown grid makes a musical experience better. Although Placerville hasn’t exactly been a hotbed for local or national acts, this weekend’s show is sure to please. Pregnant is the moniker for Daniel Trudeau’s project, and it will hold court with the equally talented Brianna Lea Pruett. If you haven’t heard Daniel’s heady blend of musical samples and organized chaos, perhaps a visit to his website is in order. Already a staple in the Sacramento Valley and neighboring cities, this is one artist who knows how to create soundscapes. Getting pregnant never sounded so good. 617 Main Street in Placerville, www.danielispregnant.com.
(SN&R)