Sun., Sept. 20, 7 p.m., Third Space Art Collective, $13-$15
This show features Mark Burgess (vocals and bass) and friends, all better known as the Chameleons, who unceremoniously broke up after the untimely death of their manager, Tony Fletcher, in 1987. Burgess and current backing band are back again, despite more than a couple of starts and stops with previous founding members. Expect to hear music from the group’s magnificent back catalog including Strange Times (1986), What Does Anything Mean? Basically (1985) and the entire Script of the Bridge (1983) classic. Also on the bill are Soft Kill, Electro Group and All About Rockets. 946 Olive Drive in Davis, www.thechameleons.com.
If you appreciate jazz and all it’s complexities, or you have an adventurous ear, you’ll want to check out tenor saxophonist Kamasi Washington’s upcoming performance at Harlow’s. Washington’s latest album, The Epic, came out on the fiercely independent (and mostly electronic) Brainfeeder record label and has already been making waves across the country. Not only can Washington wield a tenor saxophone like nobody’s business, he has already drawn lofty comparisons to such greats as Albert Ayler and even John Coltrane. His latest record peaked at No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Jazz Albums and has garnered the kind of buzz many jazz musicians would kill for. If “Change of the Guard” doesn’t take you on a journey through time and space, perhaps you may want to get your ears checked. Other equally compelling numbers include the lovely and slower-paced “Isabelle” and the appropriately named “The Rhythm Changes,” which will make many saxophonists and musicians hang up their instruments in utter defeat. Don’t blow it and get out to this show. You will thank us later. For advance tickets visit Harlows.com and for more info, including some mind-blowing music, check out Kamasiwashington.com
Practically every major magazine has been gushing about San Diego’s death-grind gods, Cattle Decapitation. Recently the band released The Anthropocene Extinction and fans are proclaiming it is the new standard for like-minded bands of the genre. And while the band’s tour schedule is completely bonkers this year in support of the new record, the band will come destroy The Boardwalk in Orangevale and all that lie in its path. One listen to “The Prophets of Loss” will make most death metal bands hang up their equipment in utter defeat. What started in 1996 has blossomed into something much larger than fans expected, yet the band is still steadfastly dedicated to writing smart lyrics and demanding song structures that educate rather than cause random acts of violence. Although the band’s message is clearly in favor of saving the environment and stopping the mistreatment of animals, the band delivers with such vitriol and ferocity that fans of even more extreme bands are taking notice. Also on the heavy-handed bill are Australia’s King Parrot, Black Crown Initiate, Dark Sermon, Cataclysmic Assault and Hacked to Bits. All ages are welcome. $15 advance. For more info on the band visit Cattledecapitation.com and for tickets drop by Theboardwalkpresents.com
You don’t need to love cartoons or any bastardization thereof to thoroughly enjoy yourself at Spike and Mike’s Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation. Thankfully, the new ownership at the Crest Theatre have retained many relationships with previous clients so Sacramentans can experience one-of-a-kind soirees like this one. If you’ve never been to a Sick and Twisted, do not consume any 420 edibles beforehand, as many of the short pieces demand your utmost attention. For the uninitiated, this festival helped kick start the careers of Mike Judge into hyper-drive by including the hilarious Beavis and Butthead series before it became a worldwide phenomenon. If you’re easily offended by anything Spike and Mike have ever created, do steer clear of the show. For the open-minded who have a hearty appetite for things that make you both squeamish and full of laughter, this is the place to be. Tickets are only $15 per day. Come see some of the most gut-wrenching, nauseating and classless pieces you never thought you’d see on a big screen. No outside food or drink allowed so bring some extra cash for some sweets and popcorn to support the venue. For more info on Spike and Mike visit Spikeandmike.com and for specific show times visit Crestsacramento.com
Singer Lance Ozanix fronts Sonoma County’s finest heavy metal band Skitzo and is known more for barfing onstage during the close of his band’s set than being a wholly competent singer. Santa Rosa’s Oden Sun, however, was formed by guitarist Julian Kidd and features a veritable who’s who of musicians from the immediate area including a much more subdued Ozanix on vocals. The band has already made considerable headway in the metal scene since forming in 2013 and its awesome Immortal Souls EP was largely the impetus. From playing major festivals in California and Nevada to playing smaller clubs, Oden Sun is a force. 670 Fulton Avenue, www.facebook.com/OdenSun33.
There’s truly no end to the amount of amazing events held at Sacramento’s most beloved museum and this special installment is certainly no exception to the rule. Fans of Comic-Con and simply anyone who enjoys reading deliriously entertaining stories should come out en masse to this special Thursday night gathering. Even though it’s wholly and most probably possible that many of the attendees will be wearing outlandish costumes, you’re not expected to dress up (although it is encouraged and appreciated). Of course, the night would not be complete without a costume contest where everyone is a winner and anyone participating is more than likely someone you want/need to meet. Come meet some of the most talented local comic creators at this year’s Crocker-Con event, dance to the sounds of Sleeprockers on the ones and twos, and try and beat some of the best Yu-Gi-Oh players in a tournament that you’ll most certainly lose handily. If you are still into board games and enjoy the occasional comic-based podcast, you really shouldn’t be anywhere else this night. Food specials for all from 5 to 6 p.m. and $5 drink specials throughout the event. Aren’t you lucky? Indulge your senses at Crockerartmuseum.org
Sat., Sept. 5, 5 p.m.; Thunder Valley Casino Resort, $39.75-$109.75
Chances are most of the patrons attending this Saturday’s Rewind Fest 2015 gathering will still be trying to fit into their ’80s garb while Anabella Lwin and her band take the stage. After being discovered by a friend of fashionista extraordinaire Malcolm McLaren, she was consequently offered a gig in what would later become Bow Wow Wow. Also on this purposely date-stamped bill are the Psychedelic Furs, A Flock of Seagulls, the Tubes and Dramarama. 1200 Athens Avenue in Lincoln, www.annabellalwin.com.
“You don’t have to be a star, baby, to be in my show,” say (or at the very least, infer) the fine folks at Lake Mary Cabin who present these breathtaking dinners. If you’re a foodie and want to give back while ingesting some of the best food fare in the region, you’re humbly invited to join any of the special outdoor dinner events. Enjoy a menu replete with all the fixings in a setting that is also easy on the eyes. For starters, you can choose from roasted beet salad, pan-seared diver scallops, lobster spring rolls, goat cheese tart and grilled duck breast salad among other equally rewarding options. The main course options are even more tantalizing and include (but most certainly not limited to) chicken radiatore pasta, sesame glazed grilled duck breast, pan-seared Alaskan halibut, a mouth-watering seafood stew and potato rosti which includes a tasty Grana Padano cheese. A generous portion of the proceeds go to benefit different charities. This month’s charities include Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue (Sept. 4), Donner Summit Business Group (Sept. 6) and Sierra Avalanche Center (Sept. 13). Head out to Sugar Bowl and experience a truly once-in-a-lifetime menu, donate to a very good cause and impress your partner in the process. Interested? Visit Sugarbowl.com/lake-mary-dinners
Backstage at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, the Deftones were being hurried to get through their sound check and, inevitably, let the stage crew set up the openers before showtime.
“7 minutes,” shouted one of the crew members, which served as a stark reminder of just how time-sensitive Live Nation shows of this size are. With nary a person in the amphitheatre — sans a couple of buddies taking pics for their own social media purposes — it was just the band, sound men, and crew in the building (and a whole hell of a lot of sweet-smelling smoke which also blew through their set).
At the band’s catering and seated outdoor area directly behind the stage one could witness what Deftones were really about today: family.
Hard rock staples Deftones have enjoyed a long and successful run since releasing Adrenaline (1995). From coveted support slots with timeless acts to headlining venues and festivals across the globe, the group is one of the few bands that were unceremoniously categorized into the nu-metal genre when it was anything but.
Last Wednesday’s Deftones’ show was proof positive of their longevity as evidenced by the nearly sold-out crowd in attendance. This particular show, however, was unlike most other dates on their co-headlining tour with Incubus and, in many ways, a sort of homecoming. Although not the band’s original hometown of Sacramento, Mountain View served as a good halfway point between Southern California, Sacramento, and Oregon where the band members now reside (although bassist Sergio Vega still lives in Manhattan).
Most of the seats (if not all) in the band’s patio area — encircled by dressing rooms and production offices — were filled with lively conversation and most of the band members mingled and gave tours to loved ones and their guests.
Drummer Abe Cunningham smiled from ear to ear while showing off his drum kit (which he referred to as his ‘office’) to a large handful of teens (including his own) who took pictures with their phones whenever possible while getting a tour of the stage before doors opened.
And while the band still thoroughly enjoys itself on tour, the very vocal drummer said he loved being at home just as much. “I don’t like days off. I’d rather play back to back shows” said Cunningham. “We’re getting close to end of this run and it’ll be nice to be back.”
Singer Chino Moreno’s wife Risa held court with her girlfriends in one area while a bevy of dudes sat around and drank beer, listened to Delgado’s music selections, and followed up with some heftier shots of much stronger spirits next door.
Hanging out on the backstage patio, singer Chino Moreno was aglow as he held his bike. Sitting atop on the seat, his daughter Lola hi-fived me. “I love living in Oregon (speaking of his recent move),” Moreno said. “I’m away from it all there.”
During the near 23 hours the band are not playing each night, they’re either traveling, catching up on lost sleep, seeing friends from other bands in cities they met over the years, or simply hanging with other bands on the tour at the venue.
“We don’t really do that much aside from hanging at the venue” said keyboard / turntablist Frank Delgado. “We’re usually at venues like this or in the middle of nowhere and have little time to do anything. The guys shot some guns in Kansas City and Chino rides his bike, but most of us just go off and do our own thing.”
And while it was easy to lose track of time while catching up with everyone, the band has grown accustomed to their daily routine and slowly started peeling away one-by-one to change and get ready to play. With a quick nudge from Assistant Tour manager Juan Gonzalez, everyone was ushered out of the dressing rooms.
It was, after all, showtime.
Like every Live Nation show, much to the delight of anal retentive fans who like things on schedule, Deftones started their set at the scheduled time of 7:30 p.m. and exited the stage just around 8:50 p.m.
It was a solid set replete with fan favorites like “Engine #9,” Passenger,” and “Diamond Eyes” and an energy from the stage that couldn’t be matched by the night’s closer, Incubus.
“We’re old…we got kids!” Chino said to the crowd half-joking and half-serious midway through the band’s set. Just a little bit later, Lola would confirm his statement and run across the stage wearing her Stormtrooper mask much to the delight of father Moreno and company.
Who knew rock and roll could be so tame yet so cool at the same time?
Critic’s Notebook
– The amount of invited backstage guests at this show was particularly astounding. Even though standing areas onstage were clearly demarcated by fluorescent green tape, many couldn’t follow directions and made the crew’s job during the show that much harder. Deftones’ catch-all crew member Juan Gonzales spent the entire set keeping folks out of the way and, more importantly, from spilling onto the stage.
– In a conversation with drummer Abe Cunningham, it was noted the show’s opener The Bots had an ultra-brief set. “I’ve heard of 20 minute and 30 minute sets before but these guys only get 15 minutes. That’s insane. 15 minutes? Have you ever heard anything like that?” he said.
– Even the excellent staff at The Shoreline which had short shifts in concessions, security, or otherwise, were forced to park in the venue’s dirt parking lot. Only those who wished to pony up the cash for premier parking near the venue were allowed the closest spots. You would think they’d deserve some parking perks. Apparently not.
The Waifs: (from left) Donna Simpson, Josh Cunningham and Vikki Thorn. Photo Jarrad Seng.
Chico Performances presents The Waifs Tuesday, Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m., at Laxson Auditorium. Tickets: $13-$29 Laxson Auditorium Chico State 898-6333 www.chicoperformances.com
Chicoans had grown accustomed to indie-folk band The Waifs making a stop in town or at a nearby summer festival nearly every year, but the upcoming appearance as the opening act of the new Chico Performances season comes in the middle of the band’s first North American tour in four years. Live shows, not to mention rehearsals and recording, have been few and far between as of late for the Australian-born band.
“Donna’s living back in Australia, Josh is between California and Australia, and David lives in Eastern Canada in the bushes,” explained vocalist/guitarist Vikki Thorn about her bandmates as she answered questions from her current home in Utah.
The Waifs’ core members—Thorn, vocalist/guitarist Josh Cunningham and vocalist/guitarist (and Thorn’s sister) Donna Simpson—have been together for 23 years, and along with their regular rhythm section (drummer David Ross MacDonald and bassist Ben Fraz), they’ve weathered a few peaks and valleys in activity over that time. But with homes and growing families spread across the globe, it’s getting harder to bring everyone together.
“After finishing a tour in 2011, we felt a little tired. No phone calls were exchanged; we just stopped really. That was the third time I had not performed for that length of time with the band,” said Thorn. “However, it was a really important time for me to connect with my kids and become a mother and learn how to maintain a house and do all the things a mother does.”
Nonetheless, in 2014, the band members reunited for an Australian tour and, finding themselves in the same country at the same time, decided to do a new recording. They ended up in the coastal town of Byron Bay with American producer Nick DiDia (Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam) and recorded their first album since 2011’s Temptation, the just-released Beautiful You (on the band’s own Jarrah Records).
For the new recording, the three songwriters—who normally write separately, bringing individual songs to the group—decided to get the creative juices flowing by trying something different.
“Before we went into the studio … I asked the band, ‘Why don’t we write an album together (which we had never done before) and collaborate?’ Eventually, we rented a little beach house in Australia and sat around the kitchen table and really didn’t know what to do. It actually got a little tense since we hadn’t seen each other in three years.”
With the new collaborative approach not working out as planned, it took one member going off solo again to get them back on track.
“At one point, Donna stormed out and wrote ‘Beautiful You’ and from there it took off. Sometimes in this group the motivation is little competition between songwriters.”
The result is an album that again features the three songwriters bringing their own tunes to the table, but this time with a more even disbursement of credits, with four from Simpson, three from Cunningham and five from Thorn.
The album features many standout folk and Americana-tinged numbers, such as the title track and Simpson’s harmonica-soaked ballad “When a Man Gets Down,” which showcases her phrasing and vocal skills.
Conversely, on the pretty and evocative “Black Dirt Track,” one of the album’s strongest numbers, Thorn reminisces about a special place from her childhood: “Black dirt track/Bare brown feet/Child’s a girl/with secrets to keep.”
“It was the summer camp where my grandfather and father grew up,” Thorn explained about the song. “There’s a black dirt track that goes into the fishing camp called Cozy Corner.”
While the band tours America (and soon Australia) in support of Beautiful You, Thorn remains enthusiastic about playing music on a more consistent basis and contributing even more songs to upcoming albums. “It feels like I only started writing a lot more songs in the last five years,” she said.
Eddie
