2016

GO GO GODZILLA WITH BLUE ÖYSTER CULT AT HELWIG WINERY • JULY 9, 2016

Blue Öyster Cult

Although Blue Öyster Cult’s arena and stadium-filling days are over, as long as guitarist Buck Dharma and singer Eric Bloom are in the band, the cool quotient is still greater than any other living indie, metal or hard rock act. Nearly every band cites this group as an influence, and not because of megahits like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and “Godzilla.” Their catalog features musical treasures dating back into the early ‘70s with their now-classic, self-titled album from 1972. As luck would have it, they’re playing the Helwig Winery in nearby Plymouth. It’s a Saturday night and you can even book a nearby hotel if you want to party with the big boys/girls. For those who need a musical history lesson, get Agents of Fortune (1976) or even Spectres (1977). Odds are, you will buy everything they have to offer, no new album needed. General admission tickets are $80, with the option to add a pre-show dinner and a band meet and greet. Get tickets and more info at Helwigwinery.com.

(Submerge)

Eight Gigs: Swift Country

Wed., July 6, 7 p.m., Palladio Marketplace, no cover

I wouldn’t say that I like Taylor Swift’s music. But after working one Labor Day weekend gig for Sacramento’s Local 50 Stagehands at Sleep Train Arena a few years back, I grew to like her. Maybe it was because I was so impressed she had 23 semitrucks worth of stage and backstage gear. Maybe it was because she put on one helluva show. Maybe it was because so many members of her touring crew worked so hard for their money. Whatever the reason, I realized people from all walks of life loved her, and this Colusa-based cover band does an excellent job mimicking the real thing. 410 Palladio Parkway in Folsom, www.facebook.com/swiftcountryband.

(SN&R)

MAKING SOME HISTORIC AND NOT-SO-HISTORIC ART AT THE STATE FAIR • SIGN UP BY JULY 1 / JULY 16–17, 2016

The world is full of people (men and women alike) who will lie online or in person about their shortcomings and, more importantly, exaggerate their triumphs. Of course the only way to truly say you are anywhere is to be there and what better way to do so than at the upcoming “en Plein Aire” contest at the annual State Fair. And while we all know at Submerge that you want to see Mike Reno and Loverboy turn you loose with their sexy bass and synth lines, the real lure is painting in the open air with no restrictions (well, maybe a couple). This is not a competitive event and all are encouraged to take part in something that will surely get people talking once again, rather than staring at their cool iPhone. I’m actually entering my 19-year-old son who I am most certain stands a great chance. Sometimes the young and innocent (or seemingly so in the case of my son … Ha!) can teach us the most. Find out more and sign up by July 1 at Castatefair.org/plein-air-fair.

(Submerge)

Femi Kuti Is A Funny Guy, But This Is Not A Funny Piece

Originally, this piece was supposed to have a comic angle, built around the discovery that Afrobeat heir Femi Kuti’s Facebook page mistakenly linked to a softcore Asian porn site. When I alerted his management and even Femi while trying to set up a Skype interview with the artist at his home in Lagos, Nigeria, the idea of providing a comical twist I never told them about seemingly fell on deaf ears (though the link did eventually get fixed).

The eldest son of iconic Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, Femi’s already over 20-year career broke through on a global level in 1998 with the success of Shoki Shoki, an album that cross-pollinated Afrobeat with hip-hop, neo-soul, and house music. In the nearly two decades since, Femi has retained his cultural authenticity and reputation for explosive, marathon live shows.Femi Kuti & Positive Force | 2013 SummerStage Concert Series [FULL] by Noisemaker Media on YouTube

Thankfully, the request for an interview – in the same email, no less – received a swift response from his management, as everyone, Femi included, responded in kind.

After a series of problems with my Dictaphone and my phone – yes, I interview the old school way and transcribe concurrently, then later go back to add what I missed – I got the quiet and reserved Kuti on the line.

He profusely apologized for the bad connection, as he has no electricity and Skype was his only option as he has no landline to speak of (or at least none that he mentioned). At that point, I stopped typing, sat back in my office chair, and cried quietly while I listened to one of my favorite world music artists speak honestly and candidly.

Here I was, a spoiled Caucasian writer on the other side of the world worrying about what I would buy my daughter and son for their upcoming birthdays, and the son of the late Fela Kuti was apologizing to me. What?

Needless to say, he got 110 percent of my attention. Rather than talking about his father’s legacy as has been extensively (and exhaustively) covered throughout his career, it seemed wholly proper to discuss current events and the economics of touring with such a large band.Femi Kuti – The World is Changing (official video) by Femi Kuti on YouTube

“On tour, we will have a 12-piece band and have 20 people in the group when we play in Nigeria. We have many extra dancers and musicians here,” he said over the scratchy connection.

For a band that plays regular shows nearly every week or month at Kuti’s New Afrika Shrine, it seemed the prospect of getting to tour abroad must cause some dissension in the ranks.

“It’s quite a big band and I cannot afford to bring everyone, as I pay for everything. I barely break even on these tours, even with all these big shows,” Kuti explained.

Thankfully, the music is what keeps him focused on completing tours that always have the potential — however unlikely — to turn into a disaster financially.

When asked about current events, Kuti was rather terse, and for good reason.

“It’s easy with social media now, and you can just Google Nigeria if you want to know what’s going on here,” said Kuti. “I know you have a lot of problems there as well. I am not blind. I see the struggles and the homelessness on tour.”

Furthermore, he said the band members prefer to stay in their rooms and enjoy having the lights, TV and even air-conditioning on.

“I once stayed in a hotel for seven days straight just to see if the power would go off while on tour with my father,” said Kuti. “I could not believe it, since ours never stays on for long.”

As far as song selection goes, Kuti’s current tour will focus on his most recent effort, 2013’s No Place For My Dream.

“We’re going to play a lot of stuff from my latest. In Nigeria, I play for four hours and start at 7 p.m. If it is a really big show and the time is right, we go past 12 a.m.,” said Kuti. “It’s my club, so I can play as long as I want and nobody can tell me what to do. I really enjoy playing so many numbers.”

Kuti is one of the marquee acts performing at this year’s High Sierra Music Festival in Quincy from June 30-July3 (he performs on the closing day of the fest), but he and his Positive Force Band will also headline at the historic Fillmore in San Francisco on Wednesday, June 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35.

(CBS / San Francisco)

Eight Gigs: Brass Bed

Thu., June 30, 8 p.m., Oak Park Brewing Co., no cover

Local manager-turned-label-guru Chris Watson became quite a big name after Pennsylvania’s Dr. Dog blew up on a national scale. His label boasted lesser-known releases from artists including Sacramento’s own sadly defunct trio Frank Jordan. His new company is called Friendship Fever and comes at a time when our scene is due for some new love. His latest find, Brass Bed, hails from Louisiana and brings a blend of lazy indie pop steeped in the tradition of noisy guitar rock. Opening up are local bands Honyock and the Rippers. 3514 Broadway, http://brassbedisbrassbed.tumblr.com.

(SN&R)

GETTING SPICY ON YOUR OWN OR WITH A FRIEND AT THE 2016 CAJUN & BLUES FESTIVAL • JUNE 25–26, 2016

Were it not for a a few event invites by friends of mine who know I have crazy musical breadth, this long-standing tradition—taking place at the E2 Family Winery in Lodi—might have passed unnoticed. Of course, the last thing I would want to be is a publicist (thank the dear Lord there are many fine medicated men and women that can handle the chore), so consider this your heads-up. Pay attention. Class is in session. Cajun Queen, Lockford Lemonade, Main Street Concessions, Pearson Catering, Big Bad Daddy’s (sounds pretty suggestive, eh?) and Madam Flood Puppies House of Catfish are just a few of the wonderful options on the menu. Also included are the more obvious Dippin’ Dots booth and the less obvious Twisted K’s Soft Serve (I am already in line as I write). You don’t need to be from Louisiana or enjoy crayfish raw to enjoy yourself. Music headliners are Doug “Ragin’ Cajun” Kershaw and Steve Riley. Those who can’t enjoy themselves surrounded by wonderful music and homologous surroundings (look it up, it’s a cool word) might want to smile a bit more and venture out before death greets us (whenever that is). Play the game, Sacramento, play the game. Go to Cajunbluesfestival.net for more info. -EJ

(Submerge)

FLIGHTS OF FANCY EXHIBIT AT THE GALLERY AT 48 NATOMA • THROUGH JUNE 30, 2016

Jeannie Vodden

Outside the downtown grid, there are many galleries seeded throughout the near-to-immediate area. 48 Natoma is one such place both the casual artgoer and full-time enthusiast should visit. This Folsom-based venue showcases some of the best artists from towns not so far away. The Flights of Fancy exhibition is certainly no exception to the rule and will host work by Jackson-based artist Jeannie Vodden. “Rather than realism, the theme, Flights of Fancy, has allowed me to fool around with the make-believe visions that dance in my head,” said Vodden in a press release. What’s more, she only uses a small sample of the color spectrum (usually three staining colors on most of her pieces). Besides being a lecturer and teacher, she is also known to give colorful demonstrations. Also on the ticket is Sacramento’s own Judi Stickney who uses carving stones with great effect. “My style incorporates balance and motion with fluidity from one perspective to another so that predictability of other views is challenged. As I create each carving, I seek to produce pleasant, soul-inspiring responses within the viewer,” Stickney said of her art. The gallery is located at 48 Natoma Street in Folsom and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. There are also Tuesday and Wednesday limited evening hours from 6–8 p.m. No cover charge. Facebook.com/TheGalleryat48Natoma.

(Submerge)

FLYING HIGHER THAN YOU’D EVER IMAGINE WITH FEMI KUTI AT THE HIGH SIERRA MUSIC FESTIVAL • JUNE 30 – JULY 3, 2016

In a recent interview I conducted for SF Weekly, I learned how privileged we are in the United States. Nigerian star Femi Kuti wants you to know he presently does not have electricity, and, if he does, it is very short-lived. The son of the late Fela Kuti, arguably the greatest world music artist ever, frets not about Facebook “likes” but, rather, keeping the lights on for his family. Even during our discussion, Femi seemed relieved to know that the United States shared somewhat in his pain but, more importantly, wished no ill-will on his rabid fanbase here or any human being on Earth. You can hear Femi perform live at this year’s High Sierra Music Festival, which is one of those rare outings set in a gorgeous faux meadow surrounded by hills, trees, rivers and open air. See you there? Check out Facebook.com/femikutiofficial and visit Highsierramusic.com to get tickets and see a full line-up of this year’s acts.

(Submerge)

Eight Gigs: Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto

Wed., June 22, 3 p.m., $10-$55

In an effort to bring classical music to the masses, the Music in the Mountains nonprofit hosts a bevy of heady classical fare in a not-so-heady environment. For those who can’t tell the difference between a Tchaikovsky and Mozart piece without consulting a phone app, these concerts serve as a great way to indulge in Gershwin, Beethoven or even German composer Felix Mendelssohn without fear of ridicule from a snobby enthusiast. The latter composer’s work is on the menu at this midweek recital and features violin player Ray Anthony Trujillo (pictured). 11228 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, http://musicinthemountains.org.

(SN&R)