THE WHO’S TOMMY AT HARRIS CENTER FOR THE ARTS • APRIL 15–23, 2016

Eddie April 12, 2016 No Comments

Photo by Ron Tan

Although the ‘70s were a wholly decadent time, Pete Townsend and The Who were already indulging in heady compositions long before then. Unlike other records in the group’s storied catalog, their fourth album, the grandiose rock opera Tommy (1969), was an ambitious undertaking for a group who, for the most part, excelled at turning it up to 11 with great effect. Tommy was a massive success and later spawned a film, stage production and even a full-blown orchestral version. The Falcon’s Eye, born from the Department of Theatre and Cinema at Folsom Lake College, will be presenting the five-time Tony Award-winning musical to the public and it will surely be one of the most talked about productions on Harris Center’s already impressive calendar. Curious audiophiles and Broadway-loving show goers alike will find great reward in this local production from a troupe whose track record speaks for itself. Tickets are $20 (or $12 for students) and can be purchased through Harriscenter.net. Come see what that deaf, dumb and blind boy could achieve if given the opportunity. Learn more at Falconseyetheatre.com.

(Submerge)

CIRCA’S BEYOND INVADES MONDAVI CENTER FOR A WEEK-LONG RESIDENCY • APRIL 17, 20–23, 2016

Eddie April 12, 2016 No Comments

Photo by Dylan Evans

Those who’ve revelled in the spectacle that is Cirque Du Soleil should find ample reward in Circa, born more than 10 years ago in Australia, which incorporates difficult yet compelling circus acts like trapeze and Chinese pole exercises with reckless aplomb. And while the music is not your standard show fare—expect electronica, cheeky ballads and even show tunes—the odd musical choices don’t seem so strange when paired with talented performers and acrobatic feats. Those who get depressed watching others literally fold their bodies in half and contort into forms never imaginable in this lifetime should realize these exhibitionists have worked for countless years to hone their skills. Surfing the Internet and staring blankly at the clock at your mundane job doesn’t count, OK? We love our readers but want to be realistic. Not even our talented editor or our classless freelancers could do what the Aussies can. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime thrill and make plans well in advance as these dates are expected to sell capacity numbers. Odds are most have never seen some of the many tricks they’ll see and, more importantly, everyone has a chance to show their partner a good time that both parties will enjoy. Winner winner … Vegemite sandwich dinner. Go to Mondaviarts.org for tickets.

(Submerge)

HAND LETTERING AND CHALKBOARD SIGNAGE WORKSHOP • APRIL 23, 2013

Eddie April 11, 2016 No Comments

At this beginner’s workshop, anyone and everyone will be afforded the rare opportunity to learn how to effectively improve his/her chalkboard and hand lettering skills. And while your handwriting may resemble something that a cat just scratched, it’s very possible this class will serve as some mysterious form of redemption. Located in a suite adjacent to Whole Foods in Roseville’s upscale Fountains shopping area, this $75 class aims to teach about all facets of writing including patterns, spacing, faux calligraphy, centering and more. Over the course of two hours, those ready to learn and participate will gain valuable insight about using different surfaces and mediums. All materials will be provided at registration and nobody will leave empty-handed. From metallic pens to artist-grade pens and even paint pens, class participants will soon find this seemingly expensive class fee is not so expensive at all. What are you waiting for? Put this paper down (temporarily, of course) and get yourself signed up. For more info, visit the workshops section of Pigmentandparchment.com.

(Submerge)

Eight Gigs: Death Angel

Eddie April 7, 2016 No Comments

Sat., Apr. 9, noon, Cal Expo, $25

What started with the listing of a couple of well-known acts at the NorCal Tattoo & Music Festival has turned into three solid days of local, regional and national acts. The event’s biggest draw is Saturday night’s headliner, Death Angel. The Bay Area band will be releasing its eighth studio album on Nuclear Blast records, titled The Evil Divide, in late May and will more than likely be debuting a couple of tunes. For the self-proclaimed metalheads who don’t own any DA albums, start with The Ultra Violence (1987) and Frolic Through The Park (1988). 1600 Exposition Boulevard, www.deathangel.us.

(SN&R)

Chris D’Elia – Best Bets (Reno, NV)

Eddie April 7, 2016 No Comments

SACRAMENTO FOOD FILM FESTIVAL 2016 PREMIERE • APRIL 7, 2016

Eddie April 5, 2016 No Comments

In an effort to fill stomachs and minds alike, folks at the Food Literacy Center and Farm to Fork Capital organizations will be presenting an event that foodies in the Sacramento Valley and beyond won’t want to miss. This gathering brings together a bevy of talented chefs including Shannon McElroy of The Federalist Public House, Brock MacDonald of Block Butcher Bar, Tyler Bond of Kru Contemporary Japanese Cuisine, Chris Barnum of Localis and Misty Olsen Green of Hawks Public House (to name just a few). Those interested in learning about different foods will be pleased with the pairing of short films with the already tantalizing cuisine. Early bird tickets went on sale already in mid-February and, as expected, have been moving at a brisk pace. For the price of much less than a fine dining experience, folks will get an educational food experience to die for. This event takes place at Sacramento Turn Verein, located at 3349 J Street. The folks here at Submerge couldn’t think of a better place to spend three hours on a Thursday night. Save us a doggie bag, please. Go to Foodliteracycenter.org/film-festival for tickets. -EJ

(Submerge)

A MASTERPIECE OF COMIC … TIMING AT B STREET THEATRE • THROUGH APRIL 17, 2016

Eddie April 4, 2016 No Comments

Photo by Rudy Meyers

Sacramento’s local treasure, the B Street Theatre, will host a limited run of Robert Caisley’s new play A Masterpiece of Comic … Timing. The story takes place in the early ‘60s in Scottsdale, Arizona, where a producer is trying to hurriedly produce a comedy with the aide of a writer who has more than his fair share or hang-ups. “In this play, I have to say, shamefully, the only purpose of the comedy is to just make people wet their pants. I really want people to laugh,” said Caisley during a recent interview with Capital Public Radio. Caisley, a professor of theatre and head of dramatic writing at the University of Idaho, has written many plays which have been featured in residencies from coast to coast—from New Jersey to Washington state. A Masterpiece of Comic … Timing runs now through April 17, 2016. Showtimes are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 5 and 9 p.m.; and 2 p.m. matinee on Wednesdays and Sundays. Buy tickets now at Bstreettheatre.org. -EJ

(Submerge)

Eight Gigs: globalFEST Live

Eddie March 31, 2016 No Comments

Thu., Apr. 7, Mondavi Center, 8 p.m., $12.50-$45

GlobalFEST Live brings together music from several different locales for a special night that transcends musical boundary. Dubbed the “Creole Carnival,” this tour features Brazil’s Casuarina, Jamaican export Brushy One String, and the luscious voice of Emeline Michel (who was given her rightful title of the “Queen Of Haitian Song”). Those who’ve never experienced such a cross-pollination of styles will be in for a real treat. Ushers at Mondavi Center should be prepared for lots of dancing in the aisles once the infectious grooves kick in. 1 Shields Avenue in Davis, www.globalfest.org.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Absu

Eddie March 31, 2016 No Comments

Thu., Apr. 7, Starlite Lounge, 8 p.m., $15

Dallas occult metal outfit Absu started charting its course to hell over 25 years ago and have since set the bar for black and thrash metal. Once relegated to the underground, drummer-singer Proscriptor, a.k.a. Russley Randall Givens (the trio’s only original member) and a glorious cast of characters have become one of the most ferocious headlining acts on the scene. Its latest release, Abzu, is arguably the best yet, though it should only take one listen to “She Cries The Quiet Lake” from the group’s 2001 album Tara to realize there really is no faster act on land or sea. 1517 21st Street, http://absu.bandzoogle.com.

(SN&R)

Steve Hackett: From Genesis to Solo Act

Eddie March 30, 2016 No Comments

In October of 1977, Steve Hackett, the lead guitarist for the British progressive-rock act Genesis, announced that he would be leaving the band. But though Hackett was ending one chapter of his life — he’d been a part of the band since 1970 — he was embarking on a new path, as well. Over the last couple of decades, Hackett has been performing as a solo act and has since amassed over 22 albums that feature a mixture of progressive, pop, rock, classical, and experimental fare.

On Hackett’s upcoming tour, he will be playing a mixture of older material from his own catalog and Genesis’, as well as newer material from his 2015 album Wolflight and upcoming projects. “Sometimes, these new songs you write can catch fire with an audience,” he said in a recent interview from London. “It’s a real shot in the dark and is certainly a nice bonus when that happens live.”

Hackett’s wife, Jo Lehmann, helped contribute to the Wolfight and was given songwriting credit on six of the album’s songs. “Jo and I bounce ideas off each other,” he said. “Even if you think you’ve written the entire idea for a song, others can help in the process and I am very into sharing my own songwriting credits.”

In addition to his steady stream of new albums, the 66-year-old has made a living touring the world. “It’s been interesting,” he says. “I just started to play abroad in South America and love to play in Italy. Italy is rich in culture and art and the people who live there are so warm. Strangely enough, Italy and Belgium both also embraced Genesis in a big way, so those are great places to play when we can.”

And though touring, recording, and writing takes up much of his time, Hackett still enjoys his regular vacations. “We like to travel and it’s an absolute necessity for us,” he said. “This year, we’re going to Japan and I’m looking forward to it.”

People often ask Hackett if he’d ever do a show with his former Genesis bandmates, and although that possibility is slim, he hasn’t completely ruled the idea out. “It would be lovely if a reunion ever happened,” he said. “I just don’t know what I can do to make that happen.”

Steve Hackett plays at 8 p.m., Thursday, March 31, at The Warfield. More info here. 

(SF Weekly)