June 2011

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)

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)