Eight Gigs: Amarok

Eddie January 26, 2017 No Comments

Thu., Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m., Starlite Lounge, $7-$10

Doom metal outfit Amarok hails from Chico, though far be they from a kegger frat band that plays covers. Amarok’s bleak brand of sludge has earned the band a small following of devoted, underground fans. And while their particular flavor of harsh, depressing metal may not be for everyone, this band is worth checking out if your own misery loves a little company. Pick up their split release with Hell in 2014, which features one track clocking in at nearly 21 minutes dubbed “V-Red Oak Wisdom.” Battle Hag will play support, and a couple of TBA locals will be joining the lineup as well. 1517 21st Street, https://amarok.bandcamp.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Sergio Mendes & Brasil 2017

Eddie January 26, 2017 No Comments

Sat., Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m., Harris Center for the Arts, $29-$64

For those who’ve yet to indulge in Brazilian music fare, any record in Sergio Mendes’ vast catalog is a good place to start. The 75-year-old composer, producer and bandleader shows no signs of slowing down and still plays semi-regularly in the Bay Area. His 2014 album Magic is his latest—a Grammy-nominated record that features songwriting and collaborative efforts with such disparate artists as John Legend, Milton Nascimento, Carlinhos Brown and more. Whether you’re a newbie or a world music aficionado, Mendes’ music and crossover influence cannot be denied. 10 College Parkway in Folsom, www.sergiomendesmusic.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Eric Johnson

Eddie January 19, 2017 No Comments

Tues., Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m., Crest Theater, $30-$45

Many fans of guitarist Eric Johnson first heard him on local station 98 Rock (then 93 Rock); it seemed like every hour, the station played “Cliffs of Dover” from his 1990 release Ah Via Musicom. Already a guitar sensation in the underground with “Tones” and “Seven Worlds,” Johnson has built up a formidable fanbase through a stream of solid records and touring. At this particular show, he’ll be featuring works for piano and acoustic guitar rather than bringing his normal touring band. Come see this six-string sensation in a different kind of setting.1013 K Street, Sacramento, www.ericjohnson.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Itzhak Perlman

Eddie January 12, 2017 No Comments

Sat., Jan. 14, 8 p.m., Mondavi Center, $62.50-$125

Violinist Itzhak Perlman is back again to grace area residents with his elegant interpretations of both popular and lesser-known pieces. On this special night, he’ll be playing works by Beethoven, Schumann, Stravinsky and Vivaldi to name but a few. He will be accompanied by Sri Lankan pianist Rohan Da Silva, who has performed live with Perlman previously to great effect. Although bound by crutches or his mobile scooter—Perlman contracted polio at a young age—he remains very much an active, dynamic performer, and the contemporary classical fan would be remiss to sit this one out. 1 Shields Avenue in Davis, www.itzhakperlman.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Midge Ure

Eddie January 5, 2017 No Comments

Mon., Jan. 9, 8 p.m., Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub, $20-$25

Scottish musician Midge Ure is back to play Harlow’s on a run of dates dubbed “Introduce a Friend to His Music” and will be backed by an electric band. For those unfamiliar with his work in Ultravox, Ure also helped with countless musical ventures, including (but most certainly not limited to) Live 8, Band Aid 20 with Sir Paul McCartney, Live Aid and more. Ure’s songbook will take fans on a journey of his repertoire with Rich Kids, his own solo material, and whatever else fans call out. Get your tickets in ASAP to ensure you can get in. 2708 J Street, www.midgeure.co.uk.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Y&T

Eddie December 29, 2016 No Comments

Wed., Dec. 31, 7 p.m., Ace Of Spades, $35-$40

Y&T frontman Dave Meneketti has persevered and proved the current band a formidable headliner with drummer Mike Vanderhule, guitarist John Nymann and new bassist Aaron Leigh. This hard-rock quartet still pays tribute to its former fallen members—bassist Phil Kennemore and skinsman Leonard Haze—in song by playing the original, respective parts with gusto. And while Y&T may not be quite as prolific as die-hard fans would like, the early catalog including (but certainly not limited to) 1982’s Black Tiger, 1981’s Earthshaker and 1983’s Mean Streak still pack a heavy punch. 1417 R Street, www.yandtrocks.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Eddie December 25, 2016 No Comments

Wed., Dec. 28, 3:30 and 8 p.m., Golden 1 Center, $36-$73

Fan of operatic rock? Tired of the same ol’ Christmas music being piped into nearly every radio station and shopping mall speaker system? The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is your remedy—still festive, but refreshingly different. And loud. The Washington Post once described them as “Pink Floyd meets Yes and The Who at Radio City Music Hall.” Brace for a stunning visual show in addition to big music—this troupe carries quite a lighting package and stage set, and is sure to stun even the strictly holiday-tune averse. 500 David J Stern Walk, www.trans-siberian.com.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Xasthur

Eddie December 11, 2016 No Comments

Thu., Dec. 15, Starlite Lounge, $10

1517 21st Street, www.facebook.com/Xasthur-acousticunplugged-824188390951258.

Scott Conner came screaming out of the abyss with his first couple of releases. Unlike other like-minded one-man acts such as Leviathan and even Striborg, Conner offered an alternate take for those suffering from depression. His brash recordings seemingly glorified death and gave one the feeling they were were being dragged to another fiery dimension. As expected, this is a rare acoustic show where, in keeping with the weather forecast, some very ill winds will blow.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: The Pretenders

Eddie December 8, 2016 No Comments

Tue., Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Golden 1 Center, $49.50-$149.50

500 David J Stern Walk, www.thepretenders.com.

For the uninitiated, English-based rock act the Pretenders has been driven by the voice of singer-songwriter and frontwoman Chrissie Hynde, the band’s only constant since forming in 1978. If songs like “Brass in Pocket” or “Message of Love” have never come up on your Pandora or Spotify station, make a new station with this band included immediately; Hynde’s unique voice and penchant for writing soulful rock ’n’ roll are a thing to behold. The Pretenders are presently on tour in support of its recent album Alone and are opening for some up-and-comer named Stevie Nicks.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Celtic Woman

Eddie December 1, 2016 No Comments

Thu., Dec. 1, 7 p.m., Community Center Theater, $50-$110

For those who’ve never seen Celtic Woman, be prepared for a wild stage show quite literally replete with all the bells and whistles. This year’s classically themed show Home for Christmas: The Symphony Tour will feature music from the successful Home for Christmas. Expect Irish jigs, traditional dance and a seasonal twist. This ensemble is one of the best of the batch when it comes to Celtic music and festivities. The current touring troupe includes vocalists Mairead Carlin, Susan McFadden, Eabha McMahon and the multitalented Tara McNeill doubling on harp and violin duties. 1301 L Street, www.celticwoman.com.

(SN&R)