Sat, April 23, Amon Amarth

Eddie April 21, 2011 No Comments

Ace of Spades, 7 p.m., $20

Ace of Spades1417 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 448-3300

aceofspadesca@gmail.com

If you’re a metalhead and you haven’t heard of Sweden’s greatest export, Amon Amarth, perhaps it may be time to revisit your collection. Since 1992, singer/growler Johan Hegg and company have been churning out death metal with a slight melodic twist. Their latest, Surtur Rising, was released this year to the delight of die-hards across the globe and, as luck would have it, they’ve decided to tour the states sans any shitty support acts. If you’ve been waiting to hear the band stretch out, this is the chance. Play some songs off 1999’s The Avenger for me, please. 1417 R Street, www.amonamarth.com.
(SN&R)

Sat, April 16, BulletBoys

Eddie April 14, 2011 No Comments

The Boardwalk, 8 p.m., $12-$14

The Boardwalk9426 Greenback Ln.
Orangevale, CA 95662

(916) 988-9247

Upon their debut release, BulletBoys were destined to be superstars. Not only did they channel the sound of vintage Van Halen with reckless aplomb, singer Marq Torien and his cavalcade of dirty white boys somehow managed to create their own identity. Aided by the able hands of producer Ted Templeman (who not-so-coincidentally produced Van Halen’s first record), the band’s self-titled release had just the right amount of vitriol and spunk to turn even the most discerning heads. Fast forward to 2011 and Torien, along with original bassist, Lonnie Vencent, are doing it, and doing it well. 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, www.myspace.com/officialbulletboys.

Sat, April 9, Greg Ginn and the Royal We

Eddie April 7, 2011 No Comments

Naked Lounge, 8:30 p.m., $6

Naked Lounge Downtown1111 H St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 443-1927

Anyone who has run a record label knows that attracting real talent is a much harder task than simply releasing a flurry of releases. Greg Ginn founded the now-boutique SST Records and delivered a catalog that would put others to shame: From Sonic Youth to Dinosaur Jr., the Minutemen to Firehose, Hüsker Dü to Bad Brains, there was a little something for everyone. Although his records have gone in and out of print more times than he’d care to admit, his output is unrivaled. He’ll turn 57 this year and is touring yet again with his own band. 1111 H Street, www.gregginn.com.

(SN&R)

Sun, April 3, Prezident Brown

Eddie March 31, 2011 No Comments

Harlow’s, 10 p.m., $15

Harlow’s2708 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 441-4693

Prezident Brown, a.k.a. Junior Ranking, is in the midst of a West Coast tour and thankfully has added Sacramento to his esteemed list. The man who gained notoriety working on various sound systems nearly 30 years ago is still going strong. Although his last record was 2009’s Common Prosperity, in-the-know deejays will show up en masse to witness one of Jamaica’s true gems. Catch him during an intimate headlining show rather one of those piss gatherings that are inappropriately dubbed as festivals. A virtual king of the sound-system circuit in his native town, Prezident Brown mandates your presence. 2708 J Street, www.prezidentbrownmusic.com.
(SN&R)

Fri, March 25, Aquanett

Eddie March 24, 2011 No Comments

PowerHouse Pub, 9 p.m., $10

Powerhouse Pub614 Sutter St.
Folsom, CA 95630

(916) 355-8586

Aquanett further proves there are no limitations to the styles and varieties of tribute acts. Rather than churning out tired ’80s alternative swill, these sleazy lads have found solace in the music of hair-metal bands. Want to hear Autograph’s “Turn Up the Radio,” Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” or maybe vintage Van Halen? Aquanett delivers on all fronts and then some. And while the backstage parties may not be as decadent as Motley Crue’s Dr. Feelgood tour, I’m certain you can meet the boys in the band if you treat their roadies right. Smell the damn glove. 614 Sutter Street in Folsom, www.aquanett80s.com.
(SN&R)

Friday, March 18, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks

Eddie March 17, 2011 No Comments

The Palms Playhouse, 8:30 p.m., $2

The Palms Playhouse13 Main St.
Winters, CA 95964

(530) 795-1825

palms@yolo.com

Class is in session and the dishonorable Dan Hicks will be leading the mighty procession. His current round of shows, ridiculously dubbed the Kollege of Musical Knowledge, is themed around the greats of American music. During the musical journey, concertgoers will be treated to a wide variety of styles by such disparate artists as Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry and even Richard Rodgers. Sure, this show was probably a massive undertaking that has taken some years of Hicks and his band in preparation. But most importantly, the end result will be a show unlike any other. 13 Main Street in Winters, www.danhicks.net.
Class is in session and the dishonorable Dan Hicks will be leading the mighty procession. His current round of shows, ridiculously dubbed the Kollege of Musical Knowledge, is themed around the greats of American music. During the musical journey, concertgoers will be treated to a wide variety of styles by such disparate artists as Duke Ellington, Chuck Berry and even Richard Rodgers. Sure, this show was probably a massive undertaking that has taken some years of Hicks and his band in preparation. But most importantly, the end result will be a show unlike any other. 13 Main Street in Winters, www.danhicks.net.

(SN&R)

Lite Brite

Eddie March 10, 2011 No Comments

The Golden Bear, 3 p.m., call for cover

The Golden Bear2326 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95816

(916) 441-2252

info@goldenbear916.com

Although local bands Lite Brite and Prieta have paired themselves at many shows in the area, this St. Patrick’s Day event is something different entirely. Rather than playing the downtown grid’s regular venues, this show is an all-day affair starting at (gasp) 3 p.m. and ending whenever its stumbling patrons can find their way home. The Golden Bear is known for packing in loads of people into its small square footage, but I expect with the addition of live bands (rather than a deejay, as is the norm), the place will be a madhouse. Breathalyzers optional. 2326 K Street, http://litebriteband.com.

(SN&R)

The Trouble Makers

Eddie March 10, 2011 No Comments

Old Ironsides, 9 p.m., $8

Old Ironsides1901 10th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 442-3504

The Trouble Makers play so infrequently in these parts that one may guess they’ve gone on infinite hiatus. Thankfully, leader Tim Foster and his cohorts in crime have decided their favorite 10th Street haunt would host their next gig. If you’ve never been to a show, expect loads of energy coupled with equal parts sloppiness, and of course, insanity. Their shows are not sit-down affairs: Those who cross their arms and stare idly may find themselves in the line of fire. There’s much more in store at the Trouble Makers’ shows, but that’s for you to find out. 1901 10th Street, http://the-troublemakers.com.

(SN&R)

Cooper McBean

Eddie March 3, 2011 No Comments

Luigi’s Fun Garden, 8 p.m., $6

Luigi’s Slice and Fun Garden1050 20th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814

(916) 552-0317

The Devil Makes Three has made quite the name for itself along the greater West Coast. As evidenced by its sold-out shows and inclusion on high-profile festivals (insert Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival), the band has been enjoying a run that most bands of their ilk would die for. Cooper McBean, guitarist of said group, is playing solo shows while the band takes a hiatus until touring resumes in April. As luck would have it, the fine folks at Folk Yeah have thrown together a bill of considerable interest with Kevin Lee (Silver Darling) and Portland’s Weinland. 1050 20th Street, www.thedevilmakesthree.com.
(SN&R)

Sat, Feb 26, Daphne Loves Derby

Eddie February 24, 2011 No Comments

UC Davis Coffee House, 6:30 p.m., $10-$15

UC Davis Coffee House

347 Memorial Union
Davis, CA 95616

(530) 752-6622

Seeing any type of concert at a university campus is always a spectacle. Shows run differently, concerts start much earlier and people don’t typically partake in any mischievous activities due to heightened security. Expect all the above when Washington’s Daphne Loves Derby, a trio who owe much of its success to new media, play one of UC Davis’ more intimate venues. Although www.purevolume.com may have earned the band a new legion of fans, the band’s sporadic touring and 2007 release Good Night, Witness Light are more than enough reason to make the trek. 347 Memorial Union in Davis, www.myspace.com/daphnelovesderby.
(SN&R)