Tues., Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m., Marty Stuart Rogers Theater, $29-$79
Before the group became a classic-rock staple and started headlining stadiums across the country, Kansas was a proficient progressive-rock band with a penchant for long songs with multiple time changes and myriad mood swings. And while many folks know only their hits like “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry On Wayward Son,” the band never stopped playing more obscure tracks such as “The Pinnacle” and an early version of J.J. Cale’s “Bringing it Back” for the diehards. They have a new album dubbed The Pre-Lude Implicit out September 23, so expect to hear some new music as well. 1000 I Street in Modesto, www.kansasband.com.
Bike riding is the coolest way to stay in shape and have fun doing so. For those who like riding their bicycle all the time (insert Queen song here), this event will be held under the cover of darkness. You don’t have to like Norwegian black metal, but must have a wicked sense of humor and love for all things on two wheels. The third annual Lunar Lunacy Bike Ride serves multiple purposes but mainly seeks to heighten awareness of Sacramento Valley children in either foster care or support youth. My sister—a bigwig at an unnamed company everyone uses every day—raises three identical twin foster boys who were in dire need, but there are more being ignored every day. CASA Sacramento is this year’s event’s charitable partner, and funds will be raised to support their Making Memories program, “which funds extracurricular activities for foster youth including field trips, prom, sports, camp, driver’s ed classes and so much more,” according to the Lunar Lunacy Ride’s website. The entry fee for the race is $35 which is less than a ticket to your favorite metal, hip-hop, world or classical music fest. Visit Lunarlunacyride.com and make a difference. No more excuses.
Thu., July 28, 5:30 p.m., The Sacramento Zoo, $11.75
For the uninitiated, Peter Petty has been making big-band music all over the Central Valley and beyond in recent years. Petty is a tour de force with a wicked sense of melody and showmanship, and his act showcases some of the most solid musicians around these parts. This particular night will surely be the most-talked about event of the Sacramento Zoo’s Twilight Thursday series. The show is included in admission to the zoo; kids’ tickets are cheaper and the young ones two and under get in for free. 3930 W. Land Park Drive, www.peterpetty.biz.
I hate plain tomatoes. There, I said it. Millions love ‘em, so it is wholly possible and probable I am dead wrong. In fact, I know I am. For those who love these red fruits (yes, fruits), the Sutter District’s second annual Sacratomato Festival on Saturday, July 23 will be an event to remember. This kid-friendly event is sure to have lots of awesome eats on the menu, local restauranteurs, specialty stores and vendors and, of course, everything related to this industry that you never really needed to know but want to. The event is free and will be held at the pristine grounds of Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park located at 2701 L St. in downtown Sacramento from 4 to 8 p.m. If you have some strength afterward, you could visit Lowbrau, Harlow’s, Blue Lamp, Old Ironsides, Ace of Spades or any other local music establishment. Expect a bevy of activities for the little ones and, more importantly, all the tomatoes you can eat in one sitting. Buy some to take home as well. There will be plenty on hand. For more info, go to Exploremidtown.org.
Tommy Kono’s story is one of great hardship and triumph. Although all of us have endured myriad ups and downs, this former weightlifter was a “two-time Olympic gold medalist, an Olympic silver medalist and six-time World Champion.” For those who love a good success story, this event will share the nitty gritty for all who wish to see. The fine folks at KVIE are hosting this Tuesday soiree and a special Q&A session with the director and producers Ryan Yamamoto and Suzanne Phan. Tommy Kono is a Japanese-American man who made an indelible imprint on the weightlifting sport as a whole and is a symbol of strength for countless Japanese and Japanese-Americans living here and abroad. Head on over to the gorgeous KVIE studios located at 2030 West El Camino Ave. in Sacramento. The event officially starts at 6 p.m. Submerge does not want to give too much away, but you can easily visit Tommykonostory.com to get the lowdown. And while the show is sold out, KVIE may release a few at the door. It as, after all, an Eventbrite-ticketed event. Hope to see you there.
As if the Crocker Museum didn’t already have enough things going on that were totally cool and worth every penny, the “Off the Grid” grand opening gathering is a midweek family-friendly event replete with special takes on everyone’s favorite dish dubbed taco fusions. Expect to experience tacos in a new light and find out what’s going to be on the menu by joining their event page. This four-hour event lasts from 5–9 p.m. and also features live music, myriad activities for kids and more. Tuesday has always been taco night and there could not be a better way to celebrate the only day of the week that has no feel (Seinfeld reference, sorry). Bring some cash and an empty belly to this event that is sure to become a Sacramento tradition. You heard it here first! Show off and RSVP at Facebook.com/offthegridsac.
Fri., July 15, 7 p.m., Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey’s, $89.50-$255
Peter Gabriel and Genesis both headed in a more pop direction after splitting in 1975, and Gabriel has experimented widely in the years since, even issuing an orchestral cover album of songs from Radiohead, Arcade Fire and David Bowie in 2010 followed by an orchestral album of his own material. The trailer for the Rock Paper Scissors tour, however, acknowledges that “people want to hear hits,” so expect plenty of them, because the other headliner on the tour? That Sting guy from the Police. This legendary lineup is not to be missed by classic rock fans. Highway 50 Stateline Avenue in Lake Tahoe, http://petergabriel.com.
With plenty of rivers around for Northern Californians to engage in whitewater rafting or kayaking, this feature film will fit right in when it is screened for only one night at one of Sacramento’s beloved local movie art houses. On this special occasion, kayak fans and extreme sports enthusiasts will get together to discuss kayaking tips, see some crazy action on film and, of course, partake in some free Red Bull (hint, hint).
This isn’t your normal happy-go-lucky film where everyone smiles and each and every character succeeds. However, the film carries with it the underlying message we can all succeed and conquer even our darkest fears if we set our minds and bodies to the task. It also serves as a harrowing tale of whitewater kayaking with some hard lessons learned along the way. Without giving too much away, we caught up with kayak legend, Rafa Ortiz, to get the lowdown.
The Submerge staff are afraid of heights (this writer included) and this movie, produced by Red Bull Media House, doesn’t help squash those fears.
Where do you find the inner strength to conquer such amazing feats? I find my strength in a process of concentration. Every time I’m above a drop, fear comes, along with negative thoughts. So if I can find that original motivation that has me sitting in my kayak, if I can focus on the rational idea of completing a successful descent, then I will clear my mind. My goal then is to find a concentrated, relaxed state of mind, which is hard to achieve with all the adrenaline.
Are you married or have children? Surely a loved one must go through your mind when doing such stunts. I just got engaged earlier this year. Fernanda is an amazing woman who has supported my paddling career through every stage. Indeed, as I grow older, the more I consider my close loved ones when doing something dangerous. It’s part of a maturity process. And I can’t even imagine yet what it will be like to have kids. But in the moment of concentration, right above a waterfall, it is crucial to clear your mind.
Why is death a recurring theme in the movie? It wasn’t something planned. Death just happened to be a constant thing that kept appearing on every trip. Life versus death ended up being a theme throughout the whole movie. From the first line, “Water is life,” to the very final one, “What it means to truly be alive.”
Do you think of Jesse Sharpe [one of the first extreme kayakers who died in a waterfall accident] or do you erase your thoughts before taking on such a quest? I don’t actually think about him too much. Twenty-six years ago, extreme kayaking was in a very different stage in regards to waterfall descent. Plus, he went for a line down the very middle of the falls, which I consider a total gamble.
Would you encourage others to try this sport? To try the sport? Absolutely, yes. Kayaking has changed my life and given me a unique perspective on our environment. The experience of interacting with ever-changing water, making it down a river and through canyons that only a few have seen, along with a group of friends that you trust each other’s life to, makes kayaking the most special sport I’ve ever got into.
See Rafa Ortiz and a crew of the world’s best whitewater paddlers in Chasing Niagara. The film screens in Sacramento for one night only at Tower Theatre on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Tues., July 12, 8 p.m., Community Center Theater, $32.50-$52.50
Sadly, Pink Floyd will never be getting back together; when keyboardist extraordinaire Richard Wright passed in 2009, the band’s fate was sealed, and many purists even argue it really ended with Syd Barrett—he died in 2006 and was unceremoniously exiled from the band in 1968. Thankfully, the existence of dedicated tribute bands means acts like Brit Floyd, hailing from Liverpool, England, can carry on the legacy. The band manages to capture all the nuance and sound of the legendary rock ’n’ roll band, and this is a show for which any Pink Floyd fan will want to get off the wall. 1301 L Street, www.facebook.com/britfloydshow.
Scott Soriano is going to hate me for saying this but here goes: He is a local treasure. Sure, he has put out some great releases and anyone with two opposing thumbs and still breathing knows his taste is exceptional. However, it’s releases like the reissue of Sacramento band The Twinkeyz’s record Alpha Jerk that prove Sacramento had a fertile music scene dating well back to the ’70s. Alpha Jerk suffered greatly from a shitty mastering job when it was released in 1979. Thankfully, ex-KDVS alumni and audiophile Karl Ikola worked alongside Twinkeyz member Donnie Jupiter on this remixed and remastered version. The end result is a delicious, psyche-warping platter way ahead of its time. If tracks like “Aliens In Our Midst” or the equally awkward “Cartoonland” don’t make you reach for the volume knob (to turn up, of course), perhaps a couple of Valiums and some red wine would help you settle into their state of mind. The pairing of Soriano and Ikola alone is worth the price of this limited edition vinyl. Tell ‘em Submerge sent you and don’t ask for a discount. This shit is golden. Do it now at Ss-records-sol-re-sol-records.myshopify.com. Do it!
Eddie
