March 2023

Legendary rockers Blue Öyster Cult to make rare appearance at The Venue in Thunder Valley Casino on April 1

Eddie March 27, 2023 No Comments

Courtesy art

It’s hard to believe 56 years have passed since guitarist Buck Dharma – a.k.a. Donald Roeser – first formed a band under the moniker of Soft White Underbelly. It would only take a couple years to make a much-needed switch to Blue Öyster Cult and hire Eric Bloom as its charismatic frontman and singer.

Followers of early FM radio immediately took to the group after the release of its first, self-titled record in 1972, which was followed by a flurry of equally strong releases leading into the 80s. And while the majority of fans know Blue Öyster Cult for its hits – “Godzilla,” “Don’t Fear The Reaper,” and “Burnin’ For You” – a cult following continues to keep track of the band’s setlists and hope for surprise deep cuts at its shows.

Although the group was not as prolific during the 90’s and on, it did manage to release its 15th album, ‘The Symbol Remains,’ on the boutique Frontiers record label. Peaking at #10 on Billboard’s Top Hard Rock Albums, the new material showcases a powerhouse collective who hasn’t lost a step – and still sells records.

If recent shows are any indication, Blue Öyster Cult’s upcoming performance opening for Kansas will be something classic rock fans shouldn’t miss. Tickets start at $49.95 and top-out at $109.95. They can be purchased at www.thundervalleycasino.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the 21-and-over show starting promptly at 7:30 p.m. Attendees aged 13 to 20 must be accompanied by adult who’s 21 or over. The Venue is located inside Thunder Valley Casino at 1200 Athens Avenue in Lincoln.

(SN&R)

Trauma is on the menu for some heavy-handed hard rock and metal at Sacramento’s Ace of Spades on March 16.

Eddie March 14, 2023 No Comments

Photograph by Joel Barrios

Looking for the ultimate tour package that will please from beginning to end? Look no further: Queensrÿche’s ‘The Digital Noise Alliance’ tour will be making its way around the country and descending into the Sacramento Valley with some big support acts in tow. Ex-Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman will be presenting his solo material as part of the show.

The tour’s openers, Trauma, play both new and old music and count late Metallica bassist, Cliff Burton, among its original members. And while Trauma is now sadly down to its only original member, drummer Kris Gustofson, the current touring and studio band are anything but slouches. They count Sacramento’s own Michael Spencer (ex-Flotsam & Jetsam) on bass.

Trauma just released a new video for “Meat” that features late Trauma singer Donny Hillier’s lyrics and music written by guitarist Joe Fraulob. They’re on tour supporting their new record, ‘Awakening,’ which was released in 2022.

The tour winds its way around the states and ends on April 16^th in St. Petersburg, FL. Its March 16 stop is in Sacramento at Ace of Spades. Get to the venue early to get your money’s worth and to see one of the strongest opening acts the tour could have. Tickets are $45 advance can be purchased at www.aceofspades.com. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. Ace Of Spades is located at 1417 R Street in downtown Sacramento.

(SN&R)

Black Sabbitch, an all-female tribute to Black Sabbath, readies for metal mass at Old Ironsides on March 11

Eddie March 6, 2023 No Comments

Black Sabbath leader Ozzy Osbourne recently announced he’ll be retiring from touring, opening the way for a handful of great tribute acts like Black Sabbitch to carry on his group’s legacy, putting their own spin Sabbath’s groundbreaking sound with great effect.

Not only are Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne fans of Black Sabbitch, which played the inaugural ‘Ozzfiesta,’ the tributers have also been featured at multiple festivals and venerable venues, counting the Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl among their admirers.

Black Sabbitch’s current line-up includes drummer Angie Scarpa, bassist Melanie Makaiwi, guitarist Emily Burton and vocalist Alice Austin. Local promoter Brian McKenna, aka Abstract Entertainment, is presenting this ‘one night only’ extravaganza, meaning Sacramento is in for a treat.

Tickets to the band’s upcoming show at Old Ironsides are $15 in advance can be purchased at www.theoldironsides.com. Doors for this heavy metal soiree open at 8 p.m., with the performance starting at 9.pm. This show is for 21-and-over patrons only. Old Ironsides is located at 1901 10th Street in Sacramento’s Southside Park neighborhood.

(SN&R)