2016

Eight Gigs: The Boxmasters

Wed., Sept. 14, and Thu., Sept. 15, 7:30 p.m., Harris Center for the Arts, $29-$59

While it seems every venue in the country lists drummer and vocalist Billy Bob Thornton instead of the other equally talented band members, it’s important to note that this is no vanity project for the star; Thornton’s love for song and playing with his band is at the forefront. This trio originally hails from Bellflower, Calif., and has a penchant for rockabilly, blues, country, Americana and more. Guitarist/bassist/vocalist J.D. Andrews and keyboardist Teddy Andreadis round out the group as the Boxmasters and deliver a special live experience. 10 College Parkway in Folsom, http://theboxmasters.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Colvin & Earle

Tue., Sep. 13, 7:30 p.m., Crest Theatre, $35-$65

Colvin & Earle released their self-titled debut earlier this year and are finally touring in support of its initial June release. Conceived by singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin after a successful pairing with Mary Chapin Carpenter across the states, it didn’t take long for her Steve Earle project to take shape. The album features songs by the duo and, as expected, some covers by influential artists like the Rolling Stones and Emmylou Harris. With an equally impressive catalog under each of their collective belts, expect lots of surprises and even some songs that may not turn up at other tour stops. 1013 K Street, www.steveearle.com.

(SN&R)

Eight gigs: Stevie Wonder

Fri., Sep. 2, 7 p.m., Harvey’s Outdoor Arena, $99.50-$249.50

Stevland Hardaway Morris, a.k.a. Stevie Wonder, set the bar impossibly high when he released Songs in the Key of Life in 1976 on the Tamla imprint via Motown Records. And while double albums were commonplace during the raucous and utterly harmonious ’70s, this two-record set also included a bonus 7” for those who needed just a little more. Often imitated yet never duplicated, Wonder has proven his skills at multiple instruments and always features a live band to make heads explode in rapture. Highway 50 Stateline Avenue in South Lake Tahoe, www.steviewonder.net.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Explosions in the Sky

Tues., Aug. 30, 7 p.m., Ace of Spades, $20

Although it’s been a while since many were introduced to this Texas-based act through, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever, Explosions in the Sky still has much to offer—most recently, The Wilderness, which came out in April. As might be expected, it’s an evolution that incorporates more electronic elements, though it’s still the same percussive, swelling band fans love. The group serves up a heaping serving of cerebral indie-rock fare that soars as high as the heavens without ever taking you to the underworld. 1417 R Street, www.explosionsinthesky.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet

Sun., Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub, $32.50-$35

BeauSoleil were regulars at the sadly defunct Palms Playhouse, so this show comes as a sweet surprise. This Sunday’s dance party starts early and ends early as the band is being routed into Sacramento by the folks at Swell Productions. As always, the band will be led by fiddler and singer Michael Doucet. Besides being landmark Cajun artists, this group is closing in on 40 years. Bravo! (And for future reference: No word whether Palms Playhouse’s former talent buyer Dave Fleming will be involved with the new owners as the Winters’ venue is pending sale). 2708 J Street, www.beausoleilmusic.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Jeff Beck

Thurs., Aug. 18, 8 p.m., Jackson Rancheria, $75-$95

Guitarist Jeff Beck is touring with a new album dubbed Loud Hailer that comes after a six-year wait. As luck would have it, Beck is focused as ever, with songs such as “The Revolution Will Be Televised” and “Thugs Club” being the album’s standout tracks. Also on the bill is veteran bluesman Buddy Guy, who continues to move mountains at the ripe, young age of 80. Expect a lot of back-and-forth soloing and of course, some golden nuggets from each of the aforementioned ax-slinger’s catalog. Further proof you don’t need to play fast to sonically chop your audience’s heads off. 12222 New York Ranch Road in Jackson, www.jeffbeck.com.

(SN&R)

The influence of mortality

Dirty priest: If extreme metal with a little bit of melody and rock swagger is your thing, Cura Cochino serves to both ridicule and tease the aural senses.

Metalheads in the downtown Sacramento scene already know the group’s guitarist and backup screamer Kenny Hoffman from hosting countless shows under Buried In Hell. There’s also the lead vocalist who simply goes by “Priscila in Hell,” guitarist Jim Willig, drummer Andy Laughlin and bassist Biaggio D’Anna, who also plays in Modern Man.

And while playing the upstairs of the Starlite Lounge during peak summer temperatures on a Thursday night may have seemed like a bad idea in hindsight, Cura Cochino’s onstage vibe couldn’t have been better. Wearing a black dress and high, risque boots, Priscila often stood with her back to the audience while concurrently screaming and antagonizing the crowd. Though it opened for two very accomplished acts, Atriarch and Sabbath Assembly, Cura Cochino never toned it down to appease the squeamish—or those without earplugs.

The macabre quintet just released a great three-song album, La Diseccion, which loosely sounds like a haunted Spanish-speaking woman fronting a doom metal choir for the eternally damned.

After a lengthy absence to regroup and tighten up some loose strings, La Diseccion proves yet again Cura Cochino is one of Sacramento’s heavier musical treasures. As evidenced on studio-recorded versions of “El Apocalipsis” and “Funebre Amor,” death’s recurring theme is all in good fun and even more in bad taste.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Michael McDonald

Thu., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., Woodlake Hotel, $40-$89

If your parents owned Doobie Brothers records such as Minute By MinuteLivin’ on the Fault Line or One Step Closer, chances are you’re already a hardcore Michael McDonald fan. McDonald’s gruff singing voice is unmistakeable (and has been the butt of many a joke), and the man was a veritable hit machine in the ’80s. He still draws capacity crowds of a faithful following who know nearly every solo tune in addition to his hits with his former band. Call it yacht rock if you must, but it’s just damn good music. 500 Leisure Lane, www.michaelmcdonald.com.

(SN&R)

COMPOSER GEORGE SARAH LIVE SCORES PASSION OF JOAN OF ARC AT CREST THEATRE ALONGSIDE STRING QUARTET AND CHAMBER SINGERS • AUG. 6, 2016

Anyone who doesn’t think that Yulya Burroum and her extended staff are doing a great job keeping the Crest tradition alive is not paying attention to her calendar of events. For the uninitiated, the 1928 silent film classic appropriately dubbed The Passion of Joan of Arc is a movie of great depth and fortitude. And while the $25 advance ticket price (not including fees) may scare many away, those in the know will be saving their Starbucks money for something a little cooler. Acted out by the Inimitable Renée Jeanne Falconetti, this show will be further augmented with the thoughtful live score composed and performed by George Sarah. Initially titled Le Passion de Jeanne d’Arc, this is easily considered one of the best films ever made by more than 100 critics (living or alive). Even Roger Ebert said in an earlier review, “In a medium without words, where the filmmakers believed that the camera captured the essence of characters through their faces, to see Falconetti in Dreyer’s The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) is to look into eyes that will never leave you.” I’m sold (again). Are you? Good. Go to Crestsacramento.com for tickets.

(Submerge)