September 2015

HEAR: SAXOPHONE PHENOM KAMASI WASHINGTON AT HARLOW’S • SEPT. 18, 2015

Kamasi Washington

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

(Submerge)

CATTLE DECAPITATION’S NORTH AMERICAN EXTINCTION TOUR HITS THE BOARDWALK • SEPT. 15, 2015

Cattle Decapitation

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

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SPIKE & MIKE’S SICK & TWISTED FESTIVAL OF ANIMATION INVADES CREST THEATRE! • SEPT. 11–13 & SEPT. 18–19, 2015

Spike & Mike’s Sick & Twisted Festival of Animation

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

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Eight Gigs: Oden Sun

Sat., Sept. 12, On The Y, 8 p.m., $5

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.

(SN&R)

COSTUME UP FOR ART MIX: CROCKER-CON • SEPT. 10, 2015

Crocker-Con

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

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Eight Gigs: Bow Wow Wow

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.

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TASTE: SUGAR BOWL’S LAKE MARY CABIN DINNER SERIES BENEFITS LOCAL NON-PROFITS • SEPT. 4, 6 & 13, 2015

Sugar Bowl's Lake Mary Cabin Dinner Series

“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

(Submerge)