January 2023

Sacramento Cat Extravaganza & Adoption Event has the goal of finding good homes during its showcase Jan. 21 thru Jan. 22

Eddie January 16, 2023 No Comments

Photograph by Karina Vorozheeva

Cat lovers unite! This gathering presented by the Loving Cats Worldwide group will span two days and highlight some of the coolest-looking breeds that locals can find anywhere.

Attendees can expect to see judging rings, special demonstrations and expert speakers, along with a tantalizing array of different feline types. There will also be vendors peddling their wares, cat treats and more, though some sellers only accept cash.

Of course, what would this kind of gathering be without an International Cat Competition that allows judges to show-off breeds like the Sphynx, Maine Coon, Bengal, and the British Short Hair. Rarer and newer breeds like Toyger, American Curl and the mysterious Lykoi – or “werewolf cat” – could make appearances as well. Four-legged contestants will vie for the coveted prizes of Best Household Cat, Best Alter, Best Kitten, and Best Cat.

The event’s Saturday door times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while its Sunday hours last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.lcwwgroup.us. Adult admission is $20; kids and seniors are $17; children under 12 pay $15. The Sacramento Cat Extravaganza takes place at the El Dorado Fairgrounds at the Forno Building. The fairgrounds are located at 100 Placerville Drive, Placerville.

(SN&R)

Technical metal wizards, Blind Illusion, play the Sacramento area’s newly re-opened Boardwalk on Jan. 20

Eddie January 11, 2023 No Comments

Blind Illusion’s 2023 line-up. From left, Doug Piercy, Andy Galeon, Marc Biedermann and Tom Gears. Courtesy photograph

TMI Collaborations, a.k.a., Tina Mattis, delivers yet another solid sender that is sure to please on all fronts: Besides hosting an upcoming 2023 Wacken Battle of the Bands series (four shows in total) at various venues around Sacramento and in the Bay, Mattis is bringing progressive and extreme metal back to The Boardwalk in Orangevale on Jan. 20. She’ll do that by having Blind Illusion headline the festivities.

When singer/guitarist/bandleader Marc Biedermann released his national debut on Combat Records, The Sane Asylum, metalheads at home and abroad were equally in love with, and confused by, the band’s sound. Blind Illusion offers anything but typical heavy metal fare. Their songs change time-signatures while employing a groove that is unique all to itself.

The quartet on that album also featured bassist Les Claypool of Primus, guitarist Larry LaLonde of Primus and Possessed, and famed drummer Mike Miner. And while the line-up has changed significantly since 1988, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Joining Biedermann on the new Hammerheart Records release Wrath of The God – and also serving as the live band – are drummer Andy Galeon, formerly of Death Angel, guitarist Doug Piercy, who played with Heathen, and bassist extraordinaire Tom Gears.

Also on this heavy-handed bill at The Boardwalk are Cemetery Legacy and 24 Gore.

Tickets to the show can be purchased in advance at www.rocktheboardwalk.com for $15 and at door for $20. The Boardwalk is located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale. 21 and over patrons only. Doors open at 8pm and doors are at 9 p.m.

(SN&R)