March 2011

Sun, April 3, Prezident Brown

Harlow’s, 10 p.m., $15

Harlow’s2708 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 441-4693

Prezident Brown, a.k.a. Junior Ranking, is in the midst of a West Coast tour and thankfully has added Sacramento to his esteemed list. The man who gained notoriety working on various sound systems nearly 30 years ago is still going strong. Although his last record was 2009’s Common Prosperity, in-the-know deejays will show up en masse to witness one of Jamaica’s true gems. Catch him during an intimate headlining show rather one of those piss gatherings that are inappropriately dubbed as festivals. A virtual king of the sound-system circuit in his native town, Prezident Brown mandates your presence. 2708 J Street, www.prezidentbrownmusic.com.
(SN&R)

Fri, March 25, Aquanett

PowerHouse Pub, 9 p.m., $10

Powerhouse Pub614 Sutter St.
Folsom, CA 95630

(916) 355-8586

Aquanett further proves there are no limitations to the styles and varieties of tribute acts. Rather than churning out tired ’80s alternative swill, these sleazy lads have found solace in the music of hair-metal bands. Want to hear Autograph’s “Turn Up the Radio,” Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” or maybe vintage Van Halen? Aquanett delivers on all fronts and then some. And while the backstage parties may not be as decadent as Motley Crue’s Dr. Feelgood tour, I’m certain you can meet the boys in the band if you treat their roadies right. Smell the damn glove. 614 Sutter Street in Folsom, www.aquanett80s.com.
(SN&R)

Friday, March 18, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks

The Palms Playhouse, 8:30 p.m., $2

The Palms Playhouse13 Main St.
Winters, CA 95964

(530) 795-1825

palms@yolo.com

Class is in session and the dishonorable Dan Hicks will be leading the mighty procession. His current round of shows, ridiculously dubbed the Kollege of Musical Knowledge, is themed around the greats of American music. During the musical journey, concertgoers will be treated to a wide variety of styles by such disparate artists as Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry and even Richard Rodgers. Sure, this show was probably a massive undertaking that has taken some years of Hicks and his band in preparation. But most importantly, the end result will be a show unlike any other. 13 Main Street in Winters, www.danhicks.net.
Class is in session and the dishonorable Dan Hicks will be leading the mighty procession. His current round of shows, ridiculously dubbed the Kollege of Musical Knowledge, is themed around the greats of American music. During the musical journey, concertgoers will be treated to a wide variety of styles by such disparate artists as Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry and even Richard Rodgers. Sure, this show was probably a massive undertaking that has taken some years of Hicks and his band in preparation. But most importantly, the end result will be a show unlike any other. 13 Main Street in Winters, www.danhicks.net.

(SN&R)

Lite Brite

The Golden Bear, 3 p.m., call for cover

The Golden Bear2326 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 441-2252

info@goldenbear916.com

Although local bands Lite Brite and Prieta have paired themselves at many shows in the area, this St. Patrick’s Day event is something different entirely. Rather than playing the downtown grid’s regular venues, this show is an all-day affair starting at (gasp) 3 p.m. and ending whenever its stumbling patrons can find their way home. The Golden Bear is known for packing in loads of people into its small square footage, but I expect with the addition of live bands (rather than a deejay, as is the norm), the place will be a madhouse. Breathalyzers optional. 2326 K Street, http://litebriteband.com.

(SN&R)

The Trouble Makers

Old Ironsides, 9 p.m., $8

Old Ironsides1901 10th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 442-3504

The Trouble Makers play so infrequently in these parts that one may guess they’ve gone on infinite hiatus. Thankfully, leader Tim Foster and his cohorts in crime have decided their favorite 10th Street haunt would host their next gig. If you’ve never been to a show, expect loads of energy coupled with equal parts sloppiness, and of course, insanity. Their shows are not sit-down affairs: Those who cross their arms and stare idly may find themselves in the line of fire. There’s much more in store at the Trouble Makers’ shows, but that’s for you to find out. 1901 10th Street, http://the-troublemakers.com.

(SN&R)

Cooper McBean

Luigi’s Fun Garden, 8 p.m., $6

PHOTO BY TONY DELLACIOPPA

Luigi’s Slice and Fun Garden1050 20th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 552-0317

The Devil Makes Three has made quite the name for itself along the greater West Coast. As evidenced by its sold-out shows and inclusion on high-profile festivals (insert Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival), the band has been enjoying a run that most bands of their ilk would die for. Cooper McBean, guitarist of said group, is playing solo shows while the band takes a hiatus until touring resumes in April. As luck would have it, the fine folks at Folk Yeah have thrown together a bill of considerable interest with Kevin Lee (Silver Darling) and Portland’s Weinland. 1050 20th Street, www.thedevilmakesthree.com.
(SN&R)