SN&R music writers reflect on experimental successes, rooftop shows, and all things #SacramentoProud
Earplugs (mostly) mandatory
Shocking mess: Bad sight lines and abysmal wait lines, awful early afternoon opening acts and major parking problems—many felt duped by this year’s Aftershock Festival. Although successful on a commercial scale, myriad details need to be worked out before the next one.
Still got love: The raucous Sonic Love Affair returned from the dead to open a show for Mudhoney and the Troublemakers in mid-October. It was so loud, many fans’ ears are still ringing.
Rooftop rocking: Locals Buff Clout played a blistering set of frenetic punk and rock-tinged fare to open one of the first WAL rooftop soirees back in May. Although the show was limited to only 50 patrons due to legal capacity constraints, Buff Clout got the party started right playing its guitar-driven experimental rock mix.
Rhyme pays: Local rapper and longtime member of the Cuf, emcee N8 the Gr8 brought his trio out to Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub and burned the house down with a spirited set of uplifting hip-hop.
Tribute time: A longtime tradition of great outdoor shows continued at Swabbie’s earlier this Summer with AC/DC tribute Riff/Raff. Mike Barnes, who sings for the group and books shows at the Garden Highway destination, put together one helluva bill that included the Who tribute act Whoville, which drew upward of 500 people to a place known more for its fish tacos and Bud Light offerings than music. Kudos.
(SN&R)