Fri, Aug 12, Forever Goldrush

Eddie August 11, 2011 No Comments

Harlow’s, 9 p.m., $8

Harlow’s2708 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 441-4693

Back in the mid-’90s, I lived on the same street as Forever Goldrush when the band was in their infancy. I’d often see singer Damon Wyckoff on P Street, and he’d hand me copies of their music. After finally sitting down and listening to their tunes, I knew there was something special. Although the band dissolved far too quickly, it was only a matter of time before the boys from Amador would pick up the pieces once again. This Friday they’re releasing Amador Frequency, a collection of songs about life’s ups and downs that includes both heartfelt ditties and full-on barn burners. Two thumbs way up. 2708 J Street, www.forevergoldrush.com.
(SN&R)

Sat, Aug 13, Non Stop Bhangra

Eddie August 11, 2011 No Comments

Quad at UC Davis, 7:30 p.m., no cover

UC Davis Quad1 Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616

(530) 754-2787

If venturing out of your comfort zone isn’t a common occurrence, perhaps it’s time to break your dormant streak with a lesson in Indian dance. Non Stop Bhangra is driven by the sounds of DJ Jimmy Love (pictured), and the beautiful ladies of the Dholrhythms Dance Company provide the visuals. Bhangra dance is a celebration of life and is spiritual by its very existence within Punjabi culture. If you’re a fan of poly-rhythms and South Asian culture, you’re hereby summoned to this soiree. Non Stop Bhangra’s troupe will make even the most stubborn curmudgeon smile from ear to ear. 1 Shields Avenue in Davis, www.nonstopbhangra.com.
(SN&R)

Mon, Aug 1, Instagon

Eddie July 28, 2011 No Comments

Luna’s Café & Juice Bar, 7 p.m., $5-$10

Luna’s Cafe & Juice Bar1414 16th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 441-3931

If you’re looking to witness a live group that constantly changes members and doesn’t practice, Instagon should be right up your alley. With nearly 600 shows under his belt, Lob and his cohorts have been mesmerizing new and old fans around the Sacramento Valley. Fans of jam-oriented fare or that simply like improvisational garage jazz should head on over to Ross Hammond’s weekly Monday showcases at the pint-sized Luna’s Café. This week’s installment also features saxophonist Sheldon Brown and opening act Crossing the River. The talent level is higher than average when compared to other local entertainment. 1414 16th Street, www.instagon.com.

(SN&R)

Thurs, Aug 4, Red Molly

Eddie July 28, 2011 No Comments

CSA Event Center, 7:30 p.m., $15

Center for Spiritual Awareness1275 Starboard Dr.
West Sacramento, CA 95691

(916) 374-9177

New York’s Red Molly will be busy in 2011. Not only does its tour itinerary read like Gideon’s Bible, but with the amount of accolades and press this trio has been getting, one can only expect more additions. Its latest album, James, was released in 2010 on its own label and is a perfect addition to any bluegrass or traditional country collection. For three-part harmonies, stellar musicianship, and a feeling like you’re transplanted into the Ozark Mountains, make this trip. One listen to any of the four releases in the band’s catalog should be enough reason to venture out for the night. 1275 Starboard Drive in West Sacramento, www.redmolly.com.

(SN&R)

Fri, July 22, George Winston

Eddie July 21, 2011 No Comments

Crest Theatre, 8 p.m., $25-$33

Crest Theatre1013 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 476-3356

Perhaps hearing someone “tickling the ivories” isn’t exactly your idea of a night on the town. For those in the know, however, George Winston solo performances are an event unto their own. Known mostly for his earlier (and better-selling) works which chronicle the changing seasons, he also tributes such disparate artists as the Doors and the late Vince Guaraldi. One of the best-selling artists on the Windham Hill Records label and one of the most consistent live performers around, this multi-instrumentalist shows depth beyond the all too limiting New Age tag. Do yourself and others a favor and remember to turn your phone off. You’ll thank me later. 1013 K Street, www.georgewinston.com.
(SN&R)

Wed, July 27, The Fresh & Onlys

Eddie July 21, 2011 No Comments

Sol Collective, 8:30 p.m., $7-$10

Sol Collective2574 21st St.
Sacramento, CA 95817

(916) 832-0916

sol@solcollective.org

The smart, angular music of San Francisco’s the Fresh & Onlys has been catching fire both at home and across the pond. Mix one part psychedelia with one part lo-fi garage rock, throw in a heaping wall of layered vocals and reverb-soaked guitars, and you’ll probably understand what these lads listened to. If you’re a fan of early Kinks, ’70s and ’80s guitar pop, and enjoy a little sloppiness thrown in, this band delivers on every level. They’re out on a West Coast tour that hits all the usual spots for a developing act on the verge of breaking into larger theaters and halls. 2574 21st Street, www.myspace.com/thefreshonlys.

(SN&R)

Thurs, July 21, Hapa

Eddie July 14, 2011 No Comments

Harlow’s, 7 p.m., $25

Harlow’s2708 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 441-4693

Hawaiian music has seen a huge resurgence over the last 20 years. Although seemingly relegated to the yuppie crowd at its onset, the genre has taken on a life of its own. More and more touring artists have been visiting the West Coast as of late (and for good reason). Hapa will swing by the intimate Harlow’s venue this Thursday, courtesy of SBL Entertainment. With early start and end times, this show is a perfect cap to a long workday. World-class acts like Hapa are a rarity in the Sacramento Valley. Show up en masse, and let ’em know we care. 2708 J Street, www.hapa.com.

(SN&R)

Wed, July 6, Quintron and Miss Pussycat

Eddie June 30, 2011 No Comments

Sol Collective, 8:30 p.m., $7

Sol Collective2574 21st St.
Sacramento, CA 95817

(916) 832-0916

sol@solcollective.org

Originally booked at a now-defunct venue, through perseverance from the folks at KDVS, New Orleans’ Quintron and Miss Pussycat will still play in Sacramento. For the uninitiated, this duo creates a spectacle unlike any other. While Quintron creates a backdrop of awkward and quirky soundscapes, Miss Pussycat sings and performs a puppet show that complements the music. If you’re into dancing and dressing up in your worst thrift-store finds, this is one show that will please you. And while finding the band’s obscure catalog in Sacramento’s record stores may be nearly impossible, you can always pick one up at the live show. 2574 21st Street, www.quintronandmisspussycat.com.
(SN&R)

Sat, June 25, Peter Murphy

Eddie June 23, 2011 No Comments

The Boardwalk, 8 p.m., $30-$35

The Boardwalk9426 Greenback Ln.
Orangevale, CA 95662

(916) 988-9247

Some artists flourish after their bands disintegrate. Take, for instance, the plight of Peter Murphy. While he’s best known for fronting the legendary Bauhaus, some of his best material came while on his own. For most fans, 1990’s Deep and 1988’s Love Hysteria were Murphy’s greatest triumphs. However, I’ve always championed his 1992 release, the magnificent Holy Smoke. Although most know his radio hit, “The Sweetest Drop,” there are easily eight more tracks that should’ve been airwave staples. Even though The Boardwalk is far from the grid, there’s no reason to not head down Greenback for a trip down memory lane. 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, www.petermurphy.info.
(SN&R)

Sat, June 18, The English Beat

Eddie June 16, 2011 No Comments

PowerHouse Pub, 10 p.m., $20

Powerhouse Pub614 Sutter St.
Folsom, CA 95630

(916) 355-8586

You won’t find a band that embodies the working-class ethic more than the English Beat (a.k.a. the Beat). Although the band has gone through various configurations and has split into two distinct touring bands, leader Dave Wakeling has always been the band’s focal point. Formed back in the late ’70s, its storied catalog and live shows have left an indelible ink in the minds of ska, punk, reggae, and pop fans alike. This Saturday finds Wakeling’s band holding court at Folsom hotspot PowerHouse Pub. Dust off your boots and break out the checkered prints for this one. 614 Sutter Street in Folsom, www.davewakeling.com.
(SN&R)