A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT B STREET THEATRE • THROUGH DEC. 27, 2015

Eddie December 13, 2015 0 Comment

Hidden deep in the recesses of Sacramento at the corner of B and 27th streets lies one of our city’s greatest treasures: the B Street Theatre. Christmas time is here, and their talented company of actresses and actors will be putting their skills to the ultimate test. Those who know the traditional holiday story A Christmas Carol will be delighted to know this adaptation changes the storyline around just a wee bit (nudge, nudge). Featured performers include the immensely talented and local actors du jour Greg Alexander as Ebenezer Scrooge, Amy Kelly as the Ghost of Christmas Present and John Lamb as Tiny Tim. The show has already received numerous positive reviews from local papers including (but certainly not limited to) the Sacramento Bee who raved this new version is “[A] sly new version of Charles Dickens’ perennial ‘ghost story.’” The show run started in late November, but thankfully runs through Dec. 27, 2015, with shows Saturdays and Sundays at 1 and 4 p.m as well as several weeknights leading up to Christmas Eve. Tickets are cheap ($15–$20) so you have no reason to be a scrooge yourself. Buy some tickets for the family and experience something new for a change. Find out more at Bstreettheatre.org

(Submerge)

Experimental vibes and heavy metal Xmas

Eddie December 10, 2015 0 Comment

Ghostly cheer: It’s getting close to Christmas time and that means one thing for symphonic rock and metal nerds alike: It’s time for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to make the rounds in arenas across the United States. This year is no different—although the group is also promoting a collection of music that was released last month, Letters From the Labyrinth.

TSO was founded nearly 20 ago by composer-producer-lyricist Paul O’Neill, who eventually brought Jon Oliva and Al Pitrelli (both from the heavy metal band Savatage) into the fold along with keyboardist Robert Kinkel. Since then, the group has become a headlining sensation.

Wednesday’s show at Sleep Train Arena drew a sizable yet decidedly Caucasian crowd for the early 4 p.m. show. Many of the attendees were couples well over 50 years old with just as many middle-aged women, who traveled in groups, taking selfies throughout the night. This particular tour, dubbed “The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve,” found the band playing many fan favorites as well as songs from its latest opus as part of a Christmas-themed rock opera. The marvelous light show was replete with lasers and an ornate castle backdrop of sorts.

As customary, the TSO institution sends two different versions out on the road in different parts of the country, in an effort to capture that small window of time where the show—and records—can get the most exposure.

For those who love Christmas music with a little extra distortion, heaps of keyboards and operatic vocals, there’s little doubt the TSO brand will be routing yet another stop here next year. And the pale-skinned 50-plus crowd will likely be ready.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: American Bach Soloists

Eddie December 10, 2015 0 Comment

Sun., Dec. 13, 4 p.m., Mondavi Center, $13.50-$51

Under Jeffrey Thomas, the American Bach Soloists ensemble will present a special Christmas-themed concert featuring the works of (you guessed it!) J.S. Bach. This gathering features the splendid Christmas Oratorio and celebrates the group’s 27th season of live performance. This particular matinee show precedes a handful of dates at San Francisco’s lovely Grace Cathedral where classical fans and Christmas lovers alike can enjoy Messiah. Whether or not you’re fluent in classical music makes little difference, as Bach’s pieces tend to tease and titillate most everyone’s ears. 1 Shields Avenue in Davis, http://americanbach.org.

(SN&R)

BE PART OF AN “OUTDOOR PARTICIPATORY SOUND SCULPTURE” AT UNSILENT NIGHT: SACRAMENTO • DEC. 12, 2015

Eddie December 10, 2015 0 Comment

Audiophiles and Christmas geeks unite! Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night offers anyone with a working mobile device or boombox a chance to participate in spreading some holiday musical cheer without having any musical background. Unlike singing traditional Christmas carols and going from door to door, every sound interacts with one another to create a larger piece that is never duplicated quite the same. Attendees just need to show up at Fremont Park (corner of 16th and P streets, Sacramento) on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, at 7 p.m. after downloading one of four sounds from the Unsilent Night website. From there, a procession of people will walk down Sacramento’s streets while playing the tones through a portable speaker. Since 1992, this 45-minute piece has become quite a sensation with many different cities across the United States participating in this special, aural event. Dress warm and wear some comfortable walking shoes since this winter has already proven itself quite challenging. Do make sure you’re punctual as the sounds of the piece rely on timing. There is no cover charge, but your attention to details (starting and stopping of music, walking pace, etc) will suffice. Come out and join the party at Sacramento.unsilentnight.com

(Submerge)

HANNAH JANE KILE TO HOST RECORD RELEASE SHOW AT 24TH STREET THEATRE • DEC. 10, 2015

Eddie December 4, 2015 0 Comment

Local Americana artist and Auburn-based Hannah Jane Kile released her new record, Little Blue Heron, back in August but never had a proper release show in the Sacramento Valley. Fans of singer/songwriter ditties and ‘70s radio fare a la Linda Ronstadt or even Bonnie Raitt, should come en masse to hear a young woman who sounds as full and graceful as the very artists she’s influenced by and often compared to. “It took about two months of being in the studio two days a week to record Little Blue Heron,” said Hannah Jane Kile while preparing for her upcoming show. “Little Blue Heron came out on Aug. 28, 2015, and is much more explosive than my first release, Becoming Someone. Also, I have two other bandmates to share my songs with and I’m very grateful for them. My first record was much more stripped down with mostly guitar and vocals with some hints of mandolin, organ and backup vocals. Additionally, I have very dear friends who are extremely supportive of my music and they have friends who work at the theater. I also grew up doing musical theater as well so I am honored to be performing in one of Sacramento’s historical theaters. I also think that it’s a really sweet listening room.” Visit Hannahjanekile.com for music, ticket info, and more.

(Submerge)

Eight Gigs: Wrekmeister Harmonies

Eddie December 3, 2015 0 Comment

Tues., Dec. 8, Starlite Lounge, 8 p.m., $10

Although it seems like you can throw a rock and hit a new doom project’s rehearsal space, this realization can be a positive experience. J.R. Robinson is the mastermind behind the fabulous Wrekmeister Harmonies collective, which just released the two-track Night of Your Ascension opus on boutique label Thrill Jockey Records. And while it’s highly unlikely all of the players (members of the Body, Einsturzende Neubauten, Indian, Yakuza, Buried At Sea) who contributed to his new album will be in Sacramento, expect a lesson in ambiance among well-calculated bursts of distortion and screams. 1517 21st Street, www.wrekmeisterharmonies.net.

(SN&R)

Eight Gigs: Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox

Eddie December 3, 2015 0 Comment

Thu., Dec. 10, Crest Theatre, 8 p.m., $38-$125

Variety shows were once a big thing of the past, yet Scott Bradlee has done much to bring them back. The talented pianist, composer and arranger caught attention on YouTube and now he’s a household name in jazz, free-form and pop circles. His method includes making catchy pop songs sound as if they were written in a different time period. Whether you’re into current radio staples or just curious to hear some well-executed versions done with heaps of gusto and pizzazz, chances are you’ll be leaving his show with a big smile. 1013 K Street, http://postmodernjukebox.com.

(SN&R)

BREAKING BAD CREATOR VINCE GILLIGAN COMES TO MONDAVI CENTER! • DEC. 10, 2015

Eddie December 3, 2015 0 Comment

Vince Gilligan purportedly has a net worth of $15 million at present, but it’s probably safe to say that number isn’t likely to go anywhere but upward. Although his production work was noticed over 20 years ago starting with season three of the X-Files, his career has been on an upward trajectory ever since. Fans of both the immensely popular Breaking Bad series as well as his newer Better Call Saul offering will get a chance to hear Gilligan talk about both of these and, of course, newer works waiting in the pipeline. And while Gilligan has been a known and wanted quantity in entertainment circles well before the release of Breaking Bad in 2008, it was this series that seemingly catapulted him to superstar status in the fields of creating, writing, and producing. There will also be a moderated Q&A session following his lecture that superfans should prepare for in advance. Expect questions about the genesis of main character Walter White, a bevy of inquiries about how Gilligan chose his cast for the series, and find out if Vince is as funny as his actors. For more info and advance tickets, visit Mondaviarts.org

(Submerge)

THE JOY OF SUCCULENTS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP AT SOIL BORN FARMS • DEC. 2, 2015

Eddie December 1, 2015 0 Comment

This three-hour class will give men and women the chance at a unique, hands-on experience. For only $35 (or $30 for co-op owners) plus a $35 materials fee, one can learn how the various succulent cuttings and trimmings are prepared. For many years, Soil Born Farms has been offering both food and environmental education programs aimed at both youth and adults. From classes to hands-on workshops, tours to job training, this is one interactive farm. This particular class will be taught by the immensely talented Pamela Marentis and everyone will be able to take home one of their own special wreaths. Instead of spending $50 or more at World Market or even Pier One, your money goes to fund even more programs and, of course, supplies for future generations. Whether your centerpiece hangs on the door, above the fireplace, or near your tree, it will surely be the talk of the Holiday season. A well-done wreath can last for quite some time and the skills you learn from Marentis will last a lifetime. Set your GPS for 2140 Chase Drive in Rancho Cordova and visit Soilborn.org for more information.

(Submerge)

Celtic cheer

Eddie November 26, 2015 0 Comment

An Irish Christmas

For fans of Irish culture, it doesn’t get much more fun than hearing traditional Irish Christmas music while watching live dance and storytelling. This holiday-themed production is replete with high kicks, multiple toe taps and intricate vocal phrasings. $25-$49; 7 p.m., Friday, November 27; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, November 28; 2 p.m. Sunday, November 29. Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Parkway in Folsom; http://anirishchristmastour.com.

(SN&R)