Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "chea"

George Strait says farewell to Sacramento

2013-02-03T01:36:24Z

George Strait touched his hand to his heart, pointed to his fans and tipped his hat in his Sacramento farewell concert. “I’ll always remember you,” promised Strait, who is on his final tour after more than 30 years on the road.

The “King of Country” and his Ace in the Hole band performed to a full house on Jan. 31st at Sleep Train Arena.
In neatly creased jeans with a big silver belt buckle, pinstriped pink shirt and black cowboy hat, Strait strapped on his black guitar and launched into “Here for a Good Time.”

Fans enthusiastically responded to the opening song and every song thereafter. During the most popular numbers, such as “Ocean Front Property” and “Amarillo by Morning,” nearly the entire crowd heartily sang along, almost drowning out Strait.

The audience, many in cowboy hats, ranged in age from twenties to sixties and was a testament to the enduring and widespread appeal of the King’s classic country style.

Jim Villanueva and Kristi Contartese have enjoyed Strait’s music for years and wanted to be at this concert “for the last ride.” They came to “see the King in the home of the Kings,” explained Villanueva.

In his two-hour “The Cowboy Rides Away” show, Strait drew from his extensive catalog, playing songs spanning his career.

He told stories and honored the songwriters who have been with him and helped him get started. He said that Dean Dillon and Franklin Dycus co-wrote “Marina del Rey.” When Strait was playing at Billy Bob’s Texas Honky Tonk, Dycus handed the song to Strait on a cassette tape and asked him to listen to it. He did and the song became an early hit for Strait.

Strait holds the record for no. 1 hits. With 59 chart-topping singles, he leads all artists in all musical genres.
Although Strait has perhaps performed some of his songs thousands of times, he seemed to genuinely be enjoying himself and sang each as if it were fresh.

The performance of “Troubadour” was particularly touching when Strait, who is now 60, encapsulated his career with “I was a young troubadour when I rode in on a song and I’ll be an old troubadour when I’m gone.”

As he signed off for the final time in Sacramento, Strait took some deep breaths, waved farewell and finished with “The last goodbye’s the hardest one to take.”

Guest star Martina McBride opened the concert wearing sparkling black leggings and stilettos and roused the crowd with her upbeat energy. McBride rocked the house with her hits, including “Wild Angel,” “Independence Day” and “This One’s For the Girls.”

Many of her songs are true anthems in their ability to resonate with people and their own lives. “Do it Anyway,” inspires people to chase their dreams, sing, and love in spite of their fears.

Despite McBride’s megastar status, she comes across as a regular person - the “mom” next door, but way more talented. She talked about life with teenage girls, “It’s a beautiful journey. Some days are better than others and some days you just need a drink.”

McBride performed the wistful, “Summer of Love,” ballad. As an homage to the classic songs of her youth, McBride sang a mini-set of her favorites, including the finger-snapping, “King of the Road.” McBride brought on hoots and hollers from the crowd when she soloed on harmonica in “Love’s the Only House.”

In her hour-plus set, McBride circled the stage set in the center of the arena and smiled and waved to the crowd. She proclaimed, “I’m the luckiest girl in the world. And, you want to know why? ‘Cause I get to tour with George Freakin’ Strait!”

Sacramento was Strait’s fifth stop on his final tour. He intends to continue recording and possibly do a few special performances, but when the last song of the tour is sung in 2014, Strait will hang up his touring boots and the cowboy will ride away.

Photos: !!! !!! (Chk Chk Chk) at Harlow's

2012-10-06T00:49:52Z

!!! (Chk Chk Chk) is back in California for a few days, and they put on a banger of a show last night at Harlow's.

I was hoping frontman Nic Offer would be wearing tiny little shorts and I was not disappointed. His pair on Thursday featured The Rolling Stones' “Some Girls” album artwork.

Guitarist Mario Andreoni and the rest of the band sounded great. The skinny and lithe Offer thrust his pelvis all over the stage, and came down into the crowd a couple of times to get sweaty with the audience. He smelled awful, and freely admitted as much himself when he got back on stage.

If you're wondering about the next !!! album, Offer said they were working on it and it'll be released next year.

Great show by !!! as usual. Impossible not to like, very danceable and guaranteed to put a stirring in your loins.

The show was presented by Concerts 4 Charity and Record Club. Concerts 4 Charity's mission is to help foster a healthy independent music and arts community in Sacramento, and Record Club throws some sweet music-related events.

Photos by Steven Chea.

90's revival with Stone Temple Pilots, Bush

2012-09-25T01:49:28Z

I can't remember the last time there was an all-day music festival in the city limits with some big-name acts, so I was excited to check out the Monster Energy Aftershock 2012 festival at Discovery Park on Sunday.

The bill was a mix of "hard rock" bands on two stages. Performers included FallRise, Stepchild, Oleander, Beware of Darkness, Gemini Syndrome, Hell or Highwater, Escape the Fate, Ho llywood Undead, Theory of a Deadman, Chevelle, Bush, Deftones, and Stone Temple Pilots.

I was especially excited to see Deftones, Bush and STP, since they remind me of being in high school, and they play songs I recognize.

Sacramento bands were well-represented (FallRise, Stepchild, Oleander, and Deftones) and all the bands got a great response from the crowd. Sacramento continues to go crazy for Deftones, and their set sent the crowd into easily the biggest tizzy of the day.

The festival had its hiccups, but everything ran smoothly as far as I could tell. The parking situation was hit or miss; going left took you to a parking area right next to the festival entrance and going right took you to one that was a good deal further away. What I think happened is that the closer lot was originally supposed to be the VIP parking area but anybody who made a left at the traffic light ended up parking there because it wasn't easy to turn around and go to the other lot.

Almost every band's set started later than posted start times. It wasn't a big deal unless you hate standing and waiting. In that case, it was rough.

The main stage and the second stage were close enough so you didn't have to walk too far back and forth, and here was no sound bleed over from the two stages since only one stage was going at a time. The lines for food, drinks and Porta Potties were long, but not ridiculously long. I had an extremely delicious $5 chicken burrito with tomatillo salsa from a Mexican food catering truck. I can't remember the name of the business but I believe they have a restaurant on Northgate.

There was a lot of shade in the park, but boy was it hot.

I heard rumblings that the city would be pushing to have the Aftershock festival return next year, possibly in a two-day incarnation. That would be neat, and great for Sacramento. But can we please get some free water-refilling stations next year?

Photos by Steven Chea

Photos: Wanderlust Festival 2012

2012-08-01T01:38:30Z

Read Casey Kirk's take on Wanderlust 2012 here.

Photos by Steven Chea.

Hyper Crush plays Ace of Spades

2012-05-01T00:53:02Z

Ace of Spades hosted the tour finale of the Glow Sticks for Breakfast Tour Sunday night, featuring performances by Hyper Crush, Benzi, Silver Medallion and Sacramento band Playboy School.

Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz's DJ project with Spencer Peterson, Black Cards, was also scheduled to perform, but the duo had to pull out a few days before the show due to an ankle injury.

Playboy School kicked things off in the early slot with a lukewarm set as people trickled in. Benzi livened the mood up with an electronic/Top 40 set that had a few guys raging, and a while later Silver Medallion came out and grabbed the mic, adding some organic energy to the stage as he ran around, whipping his long hair around and getting the crowd fist-pumping.

Headliners Hyper Crush are an "electrohop" band from Los Angeles, working the ‘80s/’90s retro/synth/neon-clothing angle. They are rapper Donny Fontaine, vocalist Holly Valentine and keytarist Preston Moronie.

They are currently promoting their album “Night Wave,” released in February. They made the most of it on a slow Sunday night with songs like "Werk Me" and "Bad Boyz," which borrows the chorus from the gem "Bad Bad Boys" from ‘90s Swedish group Midi, Maxi & Efti.

Photos by Steven Chea.

Mat Kearney to play Colonial Theatre on April 10th

2012-04-01T22:24:01Z

Critically acclaimed Nashville-based singer/songwriter Mat Kearney has added West Coast dates to his current tour and will make a stop in Sacramento on April 10 at the Colonial Theatre in Oak Park.

Sounding at first like a solo effort from Coldplay's Chris Martin, Kearney's latest album "Young Love" is a punchy collection of playful, summer-ready tales of love, pain and redemption.

Kearney's current tour has included several sold-out shows at places including the Mayan Theatre in Los Angeles, House of Blues in Boston and Ogden Theatre in Denver.

The second single from the album, "Ships in the Night," was recently performed on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and is the featured music in the promo for NBC's new series “Awake,” which aired during this year's Superbowl and premiered on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 the day of the show. The concert is all ages.

MUTEMATH at Ace of Spades

2012-02-10T02:22:23Z

"We've got quite a set here," announced MUTEMATH vocalist and keyboardist Paul Meany. "We've been around for eight years. That's a lot of songs to choose from!"

Quite a set it was.

Making an unconventional entrance from the back of the venue with instruments and Christmas lights in tow, the New Orleans electro-alt rock band went on to do a little face-melting for the packed house at Ace of Spades Wednesday night.

The Grammy-nominated four-piece put on a sonic and visual spectacle, covering a massive setlist over more than two hours and sampling a bit from all their studio albums and EPs, including all 13 songs from their latest release, 2011's "Odd Soul."

Aided by tons of frantic, colorful lights and visuals projected on a backdrop, Meany channeled Sting and Coldplay's Chris Martin as he banged on his upright pianos, while new guitarist Todd Gummerman and bassist Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas got nasty on their guitars. Drummer Darren King is one-man show, well known for his relentless energy (and ear protection taped to his head) and pounding skins so hard he broke a snare mid-song.

The band took the energy created on stage and brought into the crowd, too. During the second half of the show, Meany and King played their instruments in the middle of the audience on a small "stage," and Meany went for a ride on a black inflatable raft with lights that was passed from one end of the room to the other on a sea of outstretched hands.

The show's uplifting vibe even inspired one fan to jump on stage, do a backflip and dive back into the crowd as quickly as he had appeared.

Heard outside as I was walking back to my car: "That was the most amazing show I've ever been to!"

Selena Gomez, Gym Class Heroes at Jingle Ball

2011-12-03T02:32:21Z

107.9 The End's Jingle Ball 2011 went down at Power Balance Pavilion on Thursday night.

The concert featured performances by JoJo, Breathe Carolina, Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes, and Selena Gomez.

Photos by Steven Chea

Dirt Nasty at Ace of Spades

2011-11-28T05:15:20Z

If you don't know Dirt Nasty (aka ex-MTV VJ Simon Rex), take a look at some of his song titles and you'll know what you're getting into: "Suck My D***," "Baby D***" and "F*** Me I'm Famous."

It was all about the lowest common denominator at Ace of Spades on Saturday, as Nasty rapped for a crowd that was about half full. In addition to genitalia and sex, he also covered themes like cocaine use ("1980") and bestiality ("Animal Lover").

But that’s his shtick, so you were either there for the juvenile party raps or maybe to catch a glimpse of the actor who was in “Scary Movie 4” and an episode of “MTV Cribs.”

"He's hot! I don't even know his music. I came for him!" said Melissa Renee, 19.

Nasty had a lot of interaction with the crowd; making reference to the different drinking sections at Ace of Spades, talking about how drunk he was ("If I throw up on stage don't judge me!") and praising the quality of the females in Sacramento: "There's something in the water. Sacramento's got the hottest women ever. Why y'all have to have the hottest women in the Bay?”

Leaving the stage after a short 30-minute set with his DJ, Killer Cam, Nasty came back for a quick two-song encore, bringing a bunch of guys and girls on stage to dance and finish with the appropriately titled song "My D***."

Opening for Dirt Nasty were DJ Fedi, Status Goes, Richard the Rockstar and Rock & Rhyme.

Photos by Steven Chea

Panic! at the Disco performs at Ace of Spades

2011-10-12T00:54:16Z

Although the band lost its original guitar and bass player in 2009, it doesn't appear that Las Vegas' Panic! at the Disco has lost any fans.

Performing for a sold out crowd at Ace of Spades Monday night, handsome lead singer Brendon Urie and company had fans in a tizzy from the get-go as a steady stream of clothing landed on stage after the first song.

"Wow. Thank you!" said a surprised Urie.

Panic!'s set focused mainly on their debut album, "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" and 2011's, "Vices & Virtues."

They played only two songs from 2008's well-received album, "Pretty. Odd." They included "That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)" and "Nine in the Afternoon."

The Panic! pop was a bit of nostalgia for some.

"The twelve year old in me is so excited to see Panic!" said college student Amy Lane, 19.

Providing main support was Patrick Stump from on hiatus-Fall Out Boy and his ambitious new self-titled solo project.

Almost unrecognizable from his Fall Out Boy days, Stump strutted out in a neat powder blue suit and bow tie, a cropped blond haircut and black, fingerless gloves.

At times channeling both Prince and David Bowie, Stump tore through an R&B-flavored set that included a cover of Phil Collins' “In the Air Tonight.”

If you're a fan of Fall Out Boy, the new material feels like a departure and at the same time seems completely expected and natural for Stump's next direction. His solo debut "Soul Punk" drops next Tuesday the 18th.

Opening the show and setting the bar for the rest of the night were the crazy characters of Cincinnati rock band Foxy Shazam.

The band sounds good on record, better live, and their fun show is a kick. Highlights included pianist Sky White standing up on his keyboard and playing by stomping his feet, drummer Aaron McVeigh spitting into the open mouth of vocalist Eric Sean Nally (he asked him to), and Nally later lighting and puffing on a nearly full pack of cigarettes before shoving them all into his mouth and eating them.

Stage antics aside, they play good music.

"It's kind of close to pop cabaret," said Sacramento rock music aficionado and photographer Kevin Graft, 44.

Photos by Steven Chea

The Joy Formidable at Harlow's

2011-09-08T01:50:01Z

If you're looking for an example of a band in the middle of making it big, look no further than The Joy Formidable.

Formed in North Wales, the now London-based power trio has been riding a monster wave of success this year, touring and playing major U.K. and U.S. festivals – Reading, Coachella, Lollapalooza – and garnering praise from critics and their musical peers alike.

They made such an impression on Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters earlier this year that he took to Twitter to sing their praises: "I would like to personally thank The Joy Formidable for writing the song of the year "Whirring". xxx Dave". The band will open several dates with Foo Fighters in November.

The band has a massive, noisy sound: chunky guitar riffs, overdriven bass, and pounding drums, all laced with the sweet vocals of firecracker front woman Ritzy Bryan. A chance to catch them up close and personal should not be passed.

The Joy Formidable will perform at Harlow's this Saturday at 10 p.m. Tim Reynolds, the ridiculously talented guitarist of the Dave Matthews Band, plays an earlier show the same day at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are a steal at $13.50.

Local salons battle in Hair Wars

2011-07-02T03:18:01Z

Hair Wars is an annual touring event, created in 1991 as a showcase for stylists and salons to create unconventional and elaborate hair styles and fashion, often based around a central theme.

The event has grown steadily through the years, turning into a huge production in multiple cities and making winners of the competition very well-known in the industry.

In Sacramento, there is a local version of the Hair Wars competition that takes place annually at The Park Ultra Lounge. The competition is held over a three-month period, with some of Sacramento's top salons competing on the runway.

In previous years, each night featured two salons going head to head with an overall winner selected later. This year, each night features only one salon that is judged, with overall results to be revealed at a later date. The last showcase takes place Sept. 1.

Thursday's showcase featured hair designs from Jack's Hair Shop by Darlene, located at 2439 Rio Linda Blvd. in North Sacramento.

"Jack's does a good job," said Josie Liles, whose daughter Christie was modeling in the show for Jack's. "They're the bomb."

Jack's showcased a "seasons" theme, with outfits and accessories tied into each season — fall featured costumes with leaves, spring featured flowers, etc.

Models styled with elaborate makeup and body paint and wild costumes strutted and posed on the catwalk as each season was displayed. Judges looked on from a cabana to the side as several photographers flashed away and angled to get the best shots.

"Give me some love down here!" photographer Mike Regan of 5 Finger Photo shouted as he tried to capture the fiercest looks from the models.

After the four seasons had passed, the night ended with a tense skit that featured model Zarah Ragan in a straitjacket getting her hair styled against her will. She eventually broke free of her captor/stylist with a different hairstyle adorned with a large peacock feather.

Count on seeing some interesting hairstyles and fashion and being inspired if you visit an upcoming showcase at The Park.

"I'm a local cosmetologist, and I like to see the different styles to keep my clients looking fabulous," Kay Criss of Sacramento said.

Hair Wars 2011 features a different salon each Thursday until Sept. 1. Visit The Park website for more information on the ongoing competition.

Photos by Steven Chea

Ace of Spades gets "Jane Fonda" lesson

2011-06-20T04:33:02Z

Hollywood sleaze-rapper Mickey Avalon performed for a huge crowd of die-hard fans at Ace of Spades Friday night, whipping the young crowd into a lustful frenzy with his provocative sing-along raps.

Folsom rap duo Ill Effect kicked the show off with some tight rhymes and beats, sounding the best as they flowed over B.o.B's well-known hit "Airplanes," featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore.

After a 30-minute delay that had everyone wondering what exactly was going on, rapper Ty$ (Ty Dolla Sign) took the stage. Unfortunately there was nothing spectacular in his short set that made up for the long wait. Highlights included some call-and-response about which side of the crowd was louder and boasting about how one of his songs was "everywhere" (it's not).

Next up was L.A. hip-hop/pop group The Divine, who put forward the effort but didn't quite hit the mark for the Sac crowd, getting booed and inciting chants of "Mickey! Mickey!" in between songs.

"His voice was too high,” Folsom resident Andrea Wilson said of vocalist Shane Gelinas. “It sounded like Backstreet Boys behind a beat.”

With a seedy backstory straight off an “E! True Hollywood Story” episode – former male prostitute, ex-junkie and teen pot dealer – Avalon has a lot of interesting experiences to draw from for his rhymes.

He ran through several of his super catchy party raps: "So Rich, So Pretty," "Jane Fonda,” "Mr. Right" and "My Dick," accompanied on stage by his scantily clad dancer, Jillian, who turned out to be extremely flexible.

In addition to his filthy sex appeal, Avalon's strong points are his unique flow, hooky beats and sing-along lyrics: "One, two, three, four/ Get your booty on the dance floor/ Work it out, shake it, little mama/ Let me see you do the Jane Fonda."

Drugs, booze, sex – it's all there. Shirtless and sometimes chugging a bottle of wine, Avalon oozed sexuality as he slinked his way across the stage, using his salacious glances and pelvic gyrations to start a bra collection on stage.

"I like his raw style,” said Frank Cornwall, who traveled to the show from Grass Valley with some family and friends. “He's one of those guys who sings what he wants to sing and doesn't care who he pisses off. He's like a combination of Eminem and Snoop Dogg: smooth and rude."

And for all his bawdy raps, Avalon is actually a soft-spoken, friendly guy and loves his fans. After the show, he stayed until every last person could get a picture taken with him or get their breasts signed.

It's no wonder why they love him back.

Photos by Steven Chea

Party at Harlow's with Foster the People

2011-06-04T06:24:23Z

You know that song with the can't-get-it-out-of-your-head whistling called "Young Folks" by Peter Bjorn and John that people seem to either love or hate?

Los Angeles band Foster the People has a comparable track called "Pumped Up Kicks" – a sing-along with a cheery melody and dark lyrics about youth gun violence – that has the same effect.

Polarizing song? For sure.

One-hit wonder band? It doesn't look like it.

Without seeming like they had anything to prove, the young group with more buzz than a beehive let its music speak for itself for a sold-out crowd at Harlow's Thursday night.

Support act The Chain Gang of 1974 (aka Kamtin Mohager) from Denver came ready to warm up the crowd with solid post-punk and new wave stylings. Imagine The Bravery writing an album after watching a 24-hour John Hughes marathon.

The Chain Gang had played Sacramento before, and things were a little different this time around.

"The last time we played here was at a pizza place in front of two people," Mohager told the packed house, referencing a November 2010 show at Luigi's Slice Fungarden.

Foster the People is vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Mark Foster, bassist and backing vocalist Cubbie Fink and drummer Mark Pontius. Originally called Foster & the People, the new name stuck after the original was misheard enough times and the band warmed to the image it invoked of "taking care" of the people.

The synth-enhanced dance-rock music and Foster's falsetto draw comparisons to Passion Pit and MGMT, but they still find a way to project an identity and make their broad pop sound unique. It took about an hour for the band to run through all 11 songs on their recently released debut album, “Torches”.

Although you would have no problem throwing on “Torches” as the soundtrack to your summer pool party, the songs come alive and breathe when performed live. A track like "Broken Jaw" really shines when performed live, allowing Foster to demonstrate his vocal range and making at least one person in the crowd turn to his friend with his own jaw dropped in amazement as soon as it was over.

The band members had fun as they rotated on instruments throughout the show, taking turns on the various synths and energetically banging on the stand-up bass drum. Can't go wrong with a tastefully used Apache war drum.

Throw in some yellow maracas and a drunk blonde in a black dress from the audience dancing on stage, and you have yourself a very satisfying, high-energy soiree.

With sold-out shows as they tour through October, upcoming performances at huge music festivals (Lollapalooza, ACL Music Festival) and iTunes love ("Helena Beat" was the Free Single last week), expect Foster the People to keep the party going for a while.

Photos by Steven Chea

Photos: Pepper performs at Ace of Spades

2011-05-19T04:44:02Z

Hawaii/SoCal-based bands Iration and Pepper made a stop in Sacramento on May 12, 2011, with each group performing their fusion of reggae, dub and rock for a very receptive audience at music venue Ace of Spades.

The well-attended show was another in a streak of many at AOS, which is quickly becoming the go-to venue for mid-sized artists. Take a look at their site for some upcoming shows, which include performances by Fitz and The Tantrums, Deftones, and Mickey Avalon.

Here are some shots from the Pepper show:

Photos: Cats beat Sky Sox for 8th win in 10 games

2011-05-08T00:14:47Z

The Sacramento River Cats improved to 18-11 with their 6-2 victory over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (13-16) on Friday night. The Cats remain in first place in the PCL South Division with a four-game lead.

Visit the River Cats' official site for the full recap. Your red-hot River Cats take on the Sky Sox again Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. for the second of the four-game series.

Photos: Wine in the Park

2011-04-25T06:12:36Z

If you didn't get your ticket early, you missed out.

Raley Field was the setting for Infuze Marketing's Wine in the Park wine tasting, featuring a selection of wines from surrounding area wineries, appetizers and a seat to watch the ballgame.

The sold-out event took place in the VIP tented section off the third base line before the Sacramento River Cats and the Tucson Padres started the first of a four-game series at home.

Participating wineries included Sierra Knolls Vineyard & Winery, Abundance Vineyards, Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery, Watts Winery and Mount Aukum Winery.

The event was sponsored by Top Speed Data Communications, Porter | Scott Attorneys and the UC Davis Health System, and a portion of the proceeds will go to St. John's Shelter Program for Women & Children.

The next Wine in the Park event is scheduled for June 11. Visit Infuze Marketing for more details.

From Trump Roast to Punch Line: Anthony Jeselnik

2011-04-09T06:35:43Z

You know that comedian, Anthony Jeselnik?

Yeah, me neither.

At least, I didn't until I saw him steal the show during the recent broadcast of the “Comedy Central Roast of Donald Trump,” where he created some buzz for himself by deftly skewering the guest of honor and the other roasters on the dais, like Larry King, Snoop Dogg and Jersey Shore's "The Situation.”

I had a chance to see him in action myself Thursday night at the Punch Line.

Fremont's Sammy Obeid was the emcee and first act, mining his Lebanese ethnicity for some killer jokes about being mistaken as Mexican and Indian, as well as plenty of great sex-related material, which appeals to everyone and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Second act Andy Haynes, who has appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” took the stage and gave it up for Obeid:

"Give it up for Sammy, he's better than me!" Haynes said. "I'm used to the emcee sucking!"

Haynes touched on subjects like moving to New York from Seattle and the differences between the two cities, bringing your girlfriend to New York with you ("It's like bringing a warm beer with you to a bar, when all they are serving inside are free, cold beers"), and how he was jealous of people in disaster areas getting free health care from the Red Cross, because as a broke comedian he hasn't had medical insurance in six years.

Great material. I was so entertained by his bits, I almost forgot to take a photo of him.

Equally impressive was his witty, off-the-cuff banter with those in the audience, including a group of guys who drove from Reno to see the show ("Are you guys in a frat at UNR?"), and a 27-year-old loud, drunken woman who was accompanied by her 51-year-old boyfriend, who she said was "still married," slurring her explanation.

Headliner Jeselnik strolled out soon after, looking sharp in a black hoodie and jeans, and started out with a funny jab at the home crowd: "I'm such a big star from the roast, that I'm — in Sacramento."

Some background on Jeselnik: he's done stand-up on a plethora of late-night talk shows, he was a staff writer on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and he's written for Sarah Silverman.
Jeselnik speaks with a deadpan, clipped cadence, peppering his delivery with timed pauses for effect, with the dark punchline coming after the last pause.

After telling a joke about a dilemma he encountered with a date who passed out when they got home (which the audience loved), Jeselnik said, "It's important to open with a rape joke, to see where the crowd's at. Looks like you guys are with me."

The merciless comedian made quick work of disruptive drunks in the audience, who weren't exactly heckling but tried to finish his jokes occasionally.

During one joke, one woman yelled out what she thought the punchline was before Jeselnik finished the joke. He finished (with a different punchline) and berated the woman: "Like (your punchline), except my punchline was better, because one of us is a professional comedian and the other one is just a drunk chick in a bar." Huge laughs from the crowd.

He ended the show by telling a couple of jokes about Marlee Matlin and Snoop Dogg that were cut from the broadcast of the roast, and he also fielded requests for specific jokes of his from the audience, before letting us know he would be out front after the show:

"I released this comedy album, “Shakespeare,” and if you want, you can come up and buy one and I'll sign it, $10," Jeselnik deadpanned. "Or, if you just want to come up and take a picture, shake my hand, $10."

Anthony Jeselnik performs at Punch Line Comedy Club tonight and Saturday. There are two shows both nights, 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets are $16.

The Soundtrack of Our Lives to perform at Harlow’s

2011-03-24T01:45:29Z

ABBA they are not.

Stop by Harlow’s this Friday to see Swedish psych-rockers The Soundtrack of Our Lives as they make a quick run up the West Coast before heading back to tour Europe.

Influenced by ’70s psychedelia, prog and classic rock, the six-piece from the land of IKEA and Absolut found critical success in the United States with their 2002 release “Behind the Music,” which was nominated for Best Alternative Music Album at the 2003 Grammy Awards.

At the time of its release Noel Gallagher of Oasis proclaimed “Behind the Music” to be “the best album to come out in the last six years.”

TSOOL followed up that success with 2004’s “Origin Vol. 1,” which peaked at No. 1 on the Swedish charts, and 2009’s “Communion,” a double album that some say is their strongest effort to date.

The Soundtrack of Our Lives perform at Harlow’s this Friday at 9 p.m. Tickets are $17.50 plus a $2 surcharge. 21+.

'Welcome to Hell' tour at Ace of Spades

2011-03-14T07:03:32Z

Music venue Ace of Spades hosted another sold-out show on Friday, the "Welcome to Hell Tour" featuring performances by metal/hardcore bands Whitechapel, Chelsea Grin, I Declare War, The Acacia Strain and Veil of Maya.

I Declare War and Chelsea Grin started things off with lots of growling, screaming and calls for the crowd to get violent.

The circle pits were large and constant the entire night, with sweaty, aggressive men running around in the open space formed in the middle of the crowd, using their flailing body parts to punch and kick whatever happened to be in front of them as hard as they could.

It's the norm at these types of shows, but if you're there to enjoy the music it's annoying having to worry about being punched in the back of the head or side-kicked in the back.

Veil of Maya was third on the bill and continued the heavy guitar assault. There were more melodic flourishes in the guitar playing than in the first two bands, which was nice (although the guitarists from the first two bands were very talented). In this genre of music a sound that sets you apart is a breath of fresh air.

The band really got things going when vocalist Brandon Butler announced, "Our bass player says the first person to get on stage gets a free T-shirt!"

Almost immediately people started lunging over the crowd barricade in an attempt to get on stage, putting the security personnel to work defending the stage.

Eventually a young man made it up and put one of the guitars momentarily out of commission by stepping on and disconnecting a guitar pedal.

"Don't step on the pedals and it's all good!" Butler said.

It happened again a few minutes later, stopping the show while techs came on stage to get things back to working order. A quick test of "Für Elise" by guitarist Marc Okubo, and Veil was back in business.

Taking the stage next was the heaviest band of the night, Massachusetts-based The Acacia Strain. The lights came up for the first song just as vocalist Vincent Bennett spit bursts of water into the air -- a great bit of theatrics.

The Acacia Strain band members had an impressive presence, stalking the stage liked caged animals and glaring at the audience.

The captivating performance progressed and the circle pits continued to be filled with a mindless fervor as those in the audience found a way to release their aggression.

Headliners Whitechapel closed out the show, and while their show was impressive and the crowd loved it, The Acacia Strain set the bar very high with their previous performance.

"Bang your head and do something illegal!" Acacia Strain vocalist Bennett commanded earlier. "I want you to remember this show for the rest...of...your...fucking life!"

Escape the Fate tops Dead Masquerade bill at Ace of Spades

2011-03-08T02:03:07Z

"Escape the Fate! Escape the Fate!"

With appetites violently whetted by the three-guitar screamo attack of the final opening band Alesana, the loud chanting of hundreds of eager fans filled Ace of Spades Sunday night, beckoning Escape the Fate, the headliners of the Dead Masquerade tour.

The sensory onslaught began with appropriately named opener "Massacre," as the Vegas post-hardcore band pounced on the young crowd like a rabid pack of hyenas on defenseless baby gazelles.

The response to ETF's latest Facebook wall posting before the show ("Sacramento Ace of Spades tonight it's on! You guys ready?" – 1,429 Likes and 539 comments at the time of this writing) indicated a large and dedicated fan base, and it was reflected in the enthusiastic packed house.

The young audience was kept rapt throughout the show, obeying readily when vocalist Craig Mabbitt split the crowd like the Red Sea and instructed the opposite sides to run toward each other at the beginning of the next song and collide in what's known in as a "Wall of Death."

When they weren't running into each other, those in the crowd were enthusiastically shouting out lyrics and crowd-surfing, clearly enjoying the ride.

Escape the Fate members are good at what they do – putting on an energetic show with music that combines melody and pop sensibilities with their hardcore/metal foundation, with a little screamo mixed in to round things out. (They worked on their latest LP with Linkin Park producer Don Gilmore, to give you an idea).

The setlist drew almost exclusively on ETF's last two albums, 2008's "This War Is Ours" ("Something," "The Flood" and "10 Miles Wide) and 2010's eponymous release ("Issues," "Zombie Dance," "Gorgeous Nightmare" and "Day of Wreckoning"), with "Situations" being the lone song played from 2006's debut album "Dying Is Your Latest Fashion."

Guitarist TJ Bell from supporting act Motionless In White did double duty on the bass for ETF, filling in for regular bassist Max Green, who is at home recovering (he entered rehab for drug and alcohol addiction late last year), Mabbitt said.

Mabbitt made it a point to connect to the audience not only on a visceral level as a hyperactive frontman, but on a personal one as well, at one point encouraging those in the crowd to ignore the naysayers and follow their dreams – "How many people in here are artists? You write, you sing, you draw? You work at Subway, you're a sandwich artist?" – before leading everyone in a middle finger salute directed at those who might have issues with artistic expression, in the food industry or otherwise.

And later: "We want to dedicate this next one to the brave men and women who serve this country," declared Mabbitt, before launching into the first song of the encore, "This War Is Ours (The Guillotine II)." "And also to the greatest video game in the world in my opinion, and that's Halo!"

Escape the Fate top Dead Masquerade bill at Ace

2011-03-03T06:19:08Z

DGC/Interscope band Escape the Fate will headline the Dead Masquerade tour at Ace of Spades this weekend, joined by support acts Alesana, Motionless In White, Get Scared and Drive A.

Las Vegas-based hard-rockers Escape the Fate are touring in support of their self-titled third album and recently released “Issues Remix” EP, featuring remixes of their first single "Issues" done by Jakwob (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Lily Allen), LA Riots (Tiesto, The Ting Tings), Wolves At The Gate (The Cure) and Does It Offend You, Yeah? (Muse, The Raconteurs, Bloc Party).

The band currently graces the cover of Outburn magazine, which declares, “the band’s new album is a compelling modern day masterpiece.”

Bassist Max Green will be returning to the band after entering rehab for drug and alcohol addiction last November.

See all the bands on the Dead Masquerade tour perform this Sunday at Ace of Spades. General admission tickets are $21.95, all fees included. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m. The show is all ages.

First annual Brazilian Carnaval in Sac

2011-02-28T07:30:06Z

The Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro is a world-famous festival held before Lent every year, featuring elaborate floats and parades, street festivals, music and dance.

Sacramento held its own scaled-down version Saturday night, the first annual presented by the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento.

Held in the very chilly McCulley Brothers parking garage on 1616 I St., the inaugural event featured performances by the Fenix Drum & Dance Company and SambaDá, drumming and capoeira demonstrations by Agua de Beber, and several food and product vendors.

Vendors in attendance were a hodgepodge not restricted to a Carnaval theme, including natural skin cream product-makers Love Down Dog, urban wear designers Go Hard Clothing and DirectTV.

Curiously, there was not a large selection of Brazilian food available, but there was a vendor selling home-cooked chicken, rice and potatoes (described by the cooks as Peruvian) and another booth set up by El Patrón Bar & Grill on Folsom selling tacos and margaritas.

There was a consistently long line for small caipirinhas, Brazil's national cocktail made with cachaça (a liquor made from fermented sugar cane), sugar and lime, which were handmade by a lone person and served in polystyrene coffee cups filled with ice.

Highlights included the Afro dance and drumming of Fenix Drum & Dance Company, the Afro-Brazilian samba stylings of Santa Cruz-based SambaDá, and the drumming and capoeira demonstrations of Agua de Beber, a local arts academy.

It was hard not to enjoy the music and move as SambaDá played. Vocalist Dandha Da Hora interacted with the crowd and brought people on stage to show off their samba skills, and also led everyone on the floor in an organized Brazilian line dance, moving in time to the rhythms on stage.

The Agua de Beber troupe entertained by marching through the crowd, playing their bass drums, atabaques and berimbaus, singing and stopping to perform capoeira and maculele (an Afro-Brazilian dance characterized by two people in a circle dancing and rhythmically striking sticks ("grimas") together.)

Shortcomings notwithstanding, it's great that the first steps toward creating a great Carnaval Brasileiro party and experience in Sacramento have been taken. Hopefully we can look forward to seeing this event develop and grow.

Welcome back, Papa Roach

2011-02-28T06:01:35Z

Vacaville natives Papa Roach certainly know how to make an entrance.

Friday night at Ace of Spades opening bands Track Fighter and Will Haven had just finished their sets. As Queens of the Stone Age's "No One Knows" played on the PA during the set change before Papa Roach came out, something on stage (a light?) blew with a loud pop, giving off small plumes of smoke and triggering the fire alarm. Cue the firefighters walking through the sold-out crowd a few minutes later, but there was no indication that it was anything more than a precaution.

Thankfully it turned out to be a non-issue. The show went on as planned, and guy-linered frontman Jacoby Shaddix and company came out to much love from the international crowd (Shaddix said he recognized people from New York, London and Texas) and kicked things off with "Kick in the Teeth" from their latest album, "Time for Annihilation: On the Record & On the Road."

Years of touring and performing have not slowed down Shaddix. Whether he was revitalized by Sacramento or not, he made his presence felt — fingers pointing, wild eyes, jumping on speakers — as the band tore through energetic versions of "Lifeline," "Blood Brothers" and "Burn."

"Is Sacramento in this motherfucker?" he shouted, egging on the crowd. "Is Vacaville in this motherfucker?”

They were, and they were loving it.

Up next was radio-friendly "Hollywood Whore," and then banger "Broken Home," with its nasty, catchy guitar riffs. Shaddix's voice sounded a little hoarse, but the guys were still setting them up and knocking them down.

"It's great to be here in Sac! NorCal!" Shaddix said. "I've been tripping around the world for the last 10 years, and it's been a long time — a few years — since we've played a club show in Sac. I want to say thanks to Bret Bair and Eric Rushing for buying this venue so there's a proper place to see rock ‘n’ roll here. It's up to you to keep this place open by coming to see shows here!"

The alt-rock onslaught continued with "The Enemy," "Scars," "Getting Away with Murder," "Forever" and "Between Angels and Insects," a well-rounded set with radio singles balanced evenly with those cuts lesser known to the casual fan (who were probably few and far between at this show).

It's always interesting to see a successful band play a homecoming show. There was definitely a heavy sense of electric connection between band and audience in the air, and based on conversation I overheard, the VIP section was filled with family and friends. (I understand Shaddix lives in El Dorado Hills with his family, and guitarist Jerry Horton and family live in the Sacramento area as well.)

The cash-cow of the Papa Roach catalog, "Last Resort," was saved for the last song of the encore, ending a fun night and bringing it all back full circle, as Shaddix announced:

"We're gonna take it back to the fucker that started it all!"

Papa Roach: Two-night stand at Ace of Spades this weekend

2011-02-25T01:01:56Z

No discussion on alternative rock circa 2000 would be complete without mention of Papa Roach and their radio-ready hit single “Last Resort,” especially if you were in high school or college during that time.

The Vacaville band (also known for singles “Scars,” “Forever” and “Lifeline”) broke out of Sacramento and went on to sell more than 10 million albums worldwide. They return this weekend for a two-night stand at the recently opened venue Ace of Spades, touring behind their seventh album, "Time for Annihilation."

More alternative rock than nu-metal now, the band can probably still be counted on to deliver a high-energy rock show filled with heavy guitars, sharp hooks and “guy liner.”

Papa Roach performs at Ace of Spades this Friday (with special guests Will Haven and Track Fighter) and Saturday (with special guests Middle Class Rut and Lonely Kings). General admission tickets are $29.95, all fees included. 7 p.m. doors and 7:30 p.m. start. All ages.

Note: Saturday's show appears to be sold out, but tickets are available for Friday.

Growls, screams at Soundcheck showcase at Ace of Spades

2011-02-21T05:31:52Z

Ace of Spades hosted its second event Saturday night, an "all locals" show called "SacShows Presents: Soundcheck", featuring performances by Oneira, Above The City, Carcerys Vale, Batten Down Your Heart, City of Kings, The Winter Formal and Ten After Two.

The theme for the night seemed to be "screamo," and it was delivered in spades (pun intended) with the exception of maybe The Winter Formal, which leans more toward sung vocals.

The tattooed and skintight jeans-wearing band members whipped their hair through quick 20- to 30-minute sets, cheered on by pierced and gauged teenage boys and girls, while overly aggressive males swung their fists around and ran into each other hard in the circle pit. Heavy, metal guitar riffs and machine-gun kick drums were the standard on stage, and by all accounts it was mission accomplished for Soundcheck.

The new venue Ace of Spades looks like a winner. It's a large, open space that fits nicely between Harlow's and Memorial Auditorium, size-wise. There are lots of places to sit, and the audio sounds good. The venue boasts an busy upcoming slate of Boardwalk-type medium-sized acts, including As I Lay Dying, Travie McCoy, and (hed) p.e.

A pending liquor license prevented alcohol sales Saturday night, but it didn't seem to be a large issue due to the largely underage crowd (and band members). A bartender said they expect to have a license "hopefully next week."

Monsters of Bass tour brings bass, dub to Town House Lounge

2011-02-20T00:58:06Z

It's dirty, it's grimy, it's nasty.

The two musical genres of bass and dubstep continue to spread through the underground and infiltrate the mainstream. See some of dub and bass music's finest purveyors -- FreQ Nasty, MartyParty and Opiuo -- this Tuesday when the Monsters of Bass North American tour makes a stop at Town House Lounge.

Here's some background on the performers from the Monsters of Bass press release:

A major player in London’s mid-nineties dance music revolution, the enigmatic FreQ Nasty is one of the most influential names on the bass music scene. From his earliest work on seminal UK labels Botchit & Scarper and SKINT, FreQ Nasty has since gone on to release a slew of cutting-edge records while collaborating and remixing a diverse range of artists including Fatboy Slim, Kelis, KRS One, Roots Manuva, Rodney P, and Reggae legend Junior Delgado. Recent years have seen the release of “Creator,” his crossover hit collaboration with MIA producer Switch and Santogold, and the ground breaking, genre-defying FABRICLIVE 42 mix CD which was picked as DJ Magazine’s compilation of the month. He is a regular at the Burning Man festival, where he brings his signature Bass-heavy mix of genres: from Breakbeat to DubStep, GlitchHop to DrumStep. The new FreQ Nasty EP, Dred At The Controls, will be released internationally through California’s Muti Records in January; The A Side is a fusion of lush Detroit strings, skittery 2-step beats, wobble bass with a stupendous glitched-out dub-step breakdown, while the AA Side is a drum-step roller fusing the hyper speed of drum and bass and the half-time swagger of dance-hall.

Born and raised in South Africa, MartyParty (also one half of PANTyRAID) has been coined the Iggy Pop of electronic music both for his energetic live spectacle coined the “Purple Opera” and his own “Purple Music” concept – a hybrid of electronic music, dubstep and hip hop that together forms a totally new flavor of urban beat with the pretty, hypnotic elements of electronic music and the story telling of traditional song writing. MartyParty is releasing several EP’s in late 2010, namely, “Blueberry Kush” (Out Feb. 15), “Skukuza,” “Sour Diesel” and a full length Purple album to support the Monster’s of Bass Tour on April 1.

Imagine a precisely blended concoction of tight irresistible grooves, chunk fueled bouncy beats, luscious brooding soundscapes, dollops of stomach morphing bass, and a bowl of scrumptious glitch. Welcome to the musical world of Opiuo. The highly sought after Opiuo sound is being included in DJ sets from some of the biggest names in the business and features on high profile radio stations including BBC Radio One. His latest full length release “Slurp And Giggle” was nominated for Best Dance / Electronic Release at the Australian Independent Music Awards and reached number 10 on iTunes.

FreQ Nasty, MartyParty and Opiuo perform at Town House Lounge on Tuesday, Feb 22nd. Tickets are $20. 21+. Doors at 9 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m.

Interview with Above The City guitarist Simon Pesely

2011-02-19T01:49:16Z

On the heels of an inaugural show last week featuring Rob Zombie, the first "all locals" show at new music venue Ace of Spades goes down Saturday. SacShows Presents: Soundcheck will feature performances by local bands Ten After Two, Carcerys Vale, Batten Down Your Heart, Above The City, The Winter Formal, City of Kings, and Oneira.

Above The City is a relatively young, currently unsigned band made up of members Davey Sparks (vocals), Simon Pesely (guitar), Taylor Whitehurst (guitar), Zack Lee (drums) and Toby Hart (bass).

The Sacramento Press recently spoke with Pesely, 21, about being in an up-and-coming band in Sacramento.

How did Above The City get started?

We started about nine months ago. I believe it was March of 2010. Taylor and I initially got together and started jamming, and then Davey came into the picture, and and we played with Zach, and then we had another guy on the bass. Things got more serious, so we brought our friend Toby in, and he's been with us virtually from the start as well.

Where does the name Above The City come from?

The name was Taylor's idea. It doesn't have any real particular meaning aside from the fact that it was just a name we really dug, and it was rare and unique and we liked it for that fact, and it just caught on. And it's a simple nickname, and the abbreviation is ATC.

ATC flows well.

Yeah, exactly. It's easy to remember.

How long have you been playing guitar?

I've been playing guitar for about two years now. I initially started out playing the drums and then switched over, and Taylor and I got together and started playing and it just really worked out.

What kind of gear do you use?

Peavey 5150 heads, Schecter guitars, a few different Boss effect pedals. For the most part it's pretty straightforward.

I'm pretty new to the "screamo" genre. How would you describe ATC's sound for someone who wasn't familiar with it?

It's an alternative, poppy sound with the higher vocals and more in-depth melodies, and really heavy, crunching breakdowns. Hardcore, screamo, a little bit of everything in there.

What sets apart a good screamo song from the rest?

I think it's really just being unique and being able to combine all styles — a lot of smooth transitions and just showing your talent and that you can all work as one. Being prolific, you know?

What do you think about the current music scene in Sacramento?

I'd say the scene right now is really strong. There's a good driving force of young teens to mid-20s and older. Everyone's being really supportive. There's so much family for all the bands out there. The scene is this connected web of musical allegiance, I guess is a good way of putting it.

It's great to see the Sac music scene coming about. Eric Rushing is a guy who's doing a great thing by opening this venue, and everyone is working really hard to make the Sacramento music scene better. I couldn't even say it lacks really. There's a lot of great shows coming through here. Ace of Spades is going to open up huge doors.

I'm looking forward to checking out Ace of Spades. It looks like it's going to be pretty cool.

It's definitely going to be, I think, one of the biggest assets to Sacramento's music scene in the history of the music scene, hands down. Large capacity, better sound, better quality, everything.

What local bands are you into?

Ten After Two. They're great guys. They're really young and they got a lot of talent, a lot of good stuff going for them. Carcerys Vale is another really good one. They're great friends of ours, good musicians. They're coming up really big in the world.

What's your favorite venue to perform at?

It's always fun to play at the Boardwalk. There are always a lot of great shows out there. Now, everyone is really, truly looking forward to Ace of Spades. This one coming up is the big shebang for us. We're all really excited and really proud to be playing it.

What can people expect when they go to see ATC perform?

We're really into the music. We have a great light show. A guy named Aaron Muir does lights for us, and he does a really good job at it. We're really solid playing live, and energetic. We're out here doing what we love: trying to spread the word and be as unique as possible, bring the fans out and play good music.

Any plans for a tour in the near future?

We're hoping to by the middle of this year. We're planning on going out and hitting a few dates in Southern California and hopefully a lot more than that. In the next month or so we should have a lot more things set in stone.

What's your ultimate goal as you continue to pursue music?

Our ultimate goal is to hopefully get signed to a record label, and to get out there and tour and spread the word, enjoy the scene and meet new people, and to travel and see the world.

What's next for ATC?

We actually just went and recorded some stuff, and we have some really good news we'll be dropping here in the next month or so. We're really excited we're with Outerloop Management. They're doing a lot of good stuff for us. As of right now, we're just marketing and trying to get ourselves out there more and more. We just released a brand new studio update, our first one ever today, actually — our very first video blog.

As a fairly young band, you guys have made a lot of progress.

Yeah, we work really hard. We dedicated our lives to it. We spend every day practicing, nonstop. Davey lives in Yuba City and Taylor lives in Stockton, so we have long commutes. We put in a lot of miles to come and play every day and make sure we're solid.

This takes 100 percent dedication.You're going to have your ups and downs regardless, and it's about being able to prosper through that, and keep the right mindset and stay on the right track.

Support local live music and see Above The City perform Saturday at Ace of Spades. General admission tickets are $13.95 and include service fees. All ages. 5 p.m. doors, 6 p.m. show.

Sugar & Gold with Yip Deceiver at Blue Lamp

2011-02-14T02:48:52Z

There was a surprisingly small turnout for Sugar & Gold and Yip Deceiver, two quality indie acts, at Blue Lamp Saturday night. Maybe the numerous free options of Second Saturday kept folks away, but, despite the numbers, both groups turned out solid performances.

Yip Deceiver — featuring Of Montreal members Davey Pierce and Nicolas Dobbratz — took the stage late and kicked things off with their take on experimental electro pop, performing songs including "Sadie Hawkins Day" and "For All the Haters."

Pierce bantered with the crowd constantly — "People who know me, who truly know me, know I like two things: karaoke and meth. We're going to do some karaoke, because that's fun for us." — and engaged by coming down off stage to sing and dance.

Sugar & Gold continued the disco-funk assault, again with Dobbratz on keys and Pierce (this time on drums) who were joined by Philipp Minnig on vocals and guitar. Minnig shone in his sparkly houndstooth jacket, white Ray-Ban frames and Wham!-era George Michael dance stylings. The group's ‘80s synth riffs, sleazy beats and R&B crooning had pretty much every single person on the floor dancing and having a great time.

"Let's work off those beers," Minnig said. "C'mon, it's sexy time!"

It was a great workout, and a shame more people didn't come sweat it out.

Alt-country rockers Murder by Death to perform at Harlow's Sunday

2011-02-12T00:00:39Z

No, Murder by Death is not a screamo or metalcore band.

But the band does explore some dark themes, like revenge, the devil and drinking away your troubles with whiskey. Taking their name from the 1976 Robert Moore/Neil Simon film of the same name, the four-piece rock band from Bloomington, Ind., takes their listeners on a ride through a "country gothic" soundscape, led by the powerful Johnny Cash-meets-Nick Cave baritone of frontman Adam Turla.

Armed with galloping punk-country, somber themes and interesting concepts — their 2003 "Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of Them?" is an album about the devil being shot in a small, Western town and the aftermath that follows — this show has the potential to be an honest-to-goodness barn burner.

To get a taste of MBD, check out their song "Comin' Home," which you may have seen on the FX show “Sons of Anarchy” or a trailer for the Quentin Tarantino film “Inglorious Basterds”.

Murder by Death performs at Harlow's at 8 p.m. on Sunday, with support from The Builders & The Butchers and Damion Suomi & The Minor Prophets. Tickets are $12.

Preview: Dance party with Sugar & Gold and Yip Deceiver at Blue Lamp

2011-02-11T04:19:00Z

Attention hipsters and indie dance music fans! Head on over to Blue Lamp this Saturday to catch indie dance duo Sugar & Gold with special guest Yip Deceiver.

Shaking off comparisons to MGMT and Hot Chip, the San Francisco-based S&G weave together elements of funky disco, melodic electro and smooth R&B to create dance-heavy pop grooves with their unique signature.

Rated "Best Local Dance Band" in 2007 by SF Magazine and "Best Party Band 2008" by SF Weekly, S&G are known for their energetic, outrageous live shows that will have you sweating in your skinny jeans.

Davey Pierce (Of Montreal) side-project Yip Deceiver opens.

Sugar & Gold and Yip Deceiver perform at Blue Lamp this Saturday at 9p.m. Tickets are $10 and the show is 21+.

House music at District 30, Donald Glaude spins

2011-02-05T02:05:33Z

By now you've probably heard a few things about the three venues that opened on K Street recently: Dive Bar, Pizza Rock and District 30. I've experienced the novelty of Dive Bar and tasted the rocking pizza, and Thursday night I visited District 30 for the first time to see house music legend Donald Glaude in Sacramento's newest boutique dance lounge.

Access into the club was painless. I arrived early and there was no line at 9:30 p.m. Stepping in, you'll find the club's lone bar is on the right, and VIP booths line the left side. Keep going and you'll hit the dance floor and DJ booth, with some larger VIP booths tucked in the back. The smaller VIP booths toward the front run about $300 and seat six comfortably, and the price includes a bottle of your choice and gratuity. The larger booths closer to the DJ booth are $400 and seat eight to 10.

The sound in the club was noticeably excellent right away, as you would expect from a club of this newness and ilk (the owner is George Karpaty of San Francisco's Ruby Skye). District 30 resident DJ David Carvalho was spinning a funky club mix as the suit jackets and miniskirts trickled in, and it was a super clean mix with deep, rich bass, spread evenly throughout the club.

The decor inside is modern and trendy without being tacky. There are some very cool large mixed-media collages on the wall above the smaller VIP booths, and I was told they were created by artist Matthew Byrd, who also bartends at Dive Bar. If you've been to Dive Bar, you would recognize Byrd as the one with the Sideshow Bob-ish hairdo, and he's also created pieces for Ink and House Restaurant & Bar.

Huge disco ball over the dance floor? Check. Hard-bodied go-go dancers in Flintstones-meets-Burning Man outfits? Check.

It's not a large club — hence the "boutique" adjective — and with all the patrons, cocktail waitresses and security staff walking around, it gets congested. Better than having a big empty club, though. There's no place in the club to sit down (unless you're with a table.) Sure, you should probably be at the bar getting drinks, mingling with beautiful people, or out on the dance floor, but sometimes you just want to sit down.

Main attraction Donald Glaude took command of the DJ booth around 11 p.m., and it was a full house assault straight off. No slow-building trance here, just energy and more energy. Glaude, who has been ranked as high as No. 48 on DJ Mag's Top 100 List, is known for his energy and engagement with his audience, and he worked D30: stepping out of the booth and onto the floor at one point, taking shots with people when they came up to the booth, and always ready to scream "Make some fucking noise!" to squeeze out every last drop of energy from the packed house.

It's great to see the name DJs finally coming through Sac. There's definitely a market for house music here, and District 30 is a sleek and shiny addition.

Photos: Sacramento Electronic Music Festival - Day 2

2011-01-31T04:53:22Z

Day 2 of the second annual Sacramento Electronic Music Festival continued at the Townhouse Lounge on Friday, featuring performances by Little Foxes, Boss Magic, Melee Beats and FAVORS, among others.

The three-night festival showcases local and international electronic-centric artists, and the SEMF vision is "to continue to foster a supportive music community while attracting world-class talent to Sacramento, not just at the annual festival, but throughout the year."

Friday night Roger Carpio and Shaun Slaughter were among the DJs who held court nonstop on the first floor with a wide range of music (New Order, The xx, Crystal Castles) and kept the sexy people of Townhouse sweaty all night.

After a literally in-your-face performance by FAVORS on the dance floor, the beats continued upstairs where artists like Boss Magic, Little Foxes (my favorite of the night) and Melee Beats killed it in a haze of fog and lasers.

SEMF covers all the bases in the electronic genre, from “straightforward” DJs with laptops to groups that incorporate organic instruments with their synths, and does a fantastic job of showcasing quality acts in a well-organized and centralized environment. SEMF is a blast for old and new fans of the genre (and good music in general), and Sacramento is lucky to have it.

Coverage of Day 1 of the festival can be found here.

FAVORS

Brian Camera of Boss Magic

Brian Camera (left) and Michael Calero (right) of Boss Magic

Jacob Golden of Little Foxes

Dusty Brown of Little Foxes

Jacob Golden of Little Foxes

Melee Beats

Crowd

DAY 3

Jessica Brown of Dusty Brown

Dusty Brown

Zac Brown of Dusty Brown

Cole Cuchna (left) and Scott Simpson (right) of The New Humans

Scott Simpson (left) and Mike Steez (right) of The New Humans

Photos by Steven Chea

Preview: Deerhoof performs at Harlow's Thursday

2011-01-26T06:50:29Z

San Francisco art-pop band Deerhoof kicks off a new tour at Harlow's Thursday in support of the hot-off-the-presses LP release "Deerhoof vs. Evil."

The quartet is recognized by many as pioneers of improv-style experimental pop, with its distinctive sound influencing many others: Sleigh Bells, Of Montreal, Xiu Xiu and more.

Count on a striking sonic mix of poppy melodies, waves of noise, and chaotic fun from these former Radiohead tourmates. Potentially challenging, but sure to be fresh and different.

Deerhoof performs at Harlow's at 9 p.m. Thursday, and tickets are $12. Nervous Cop opens.

Ra Ra Riot performing at Harlow's this Saturday

2011-01-19T02:34:24Z

New York-based band Ra Ra Riot performs at Harlow's Saturday, fresh off an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday.

The eclectic indie pop band combines Arcade Fire's orchestral maneuvers ('Riot instruments include a cello and violin) with Vampire Weekend's pop sensibilities, and the efforts of the young group have resulted in two well-received albums on Barsuk Records: 2008's "The Rhumb Line" and 2010's "The Orchard;" the latter being mixed by Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla.

Taking over drumming duties in Sacramento will be Kenny Bernard, who replaces current drummer Gabriel Duquette. Duquette says on the Ra Ra Riot website he is "off to prepare for the collapse of industrial civilization!", and the Kimmel show will be his last with the band.

Supporting Ra Ra Riot Saturday will be Givers and Pepper Rabbit. Tickets are $15, and the show starts at 9 p.m.

Weezer tribute band 'In the Garage' at The Refuge

2011-01-10T04:05:45Z

I'm an old-school Weezer fan: The pop geniuses' classic self-titled debut, more commonly known as "The Blue Album," was the second CD I ever bought, and their follow-up, coming-in-under-the-radar release "Pinkterton" was the soundtrack for part of my freshman year in college.

So I was very excited to see Weezer tribute band In the Garage perform at all-ages venue The Refuge downtown Friday night. Also on the bill were Rat-O-Matic, Drastic Actions and Green Day tribute band Totally Green Day.

Punk bands Rat-O-Matic and Drastic Actions warmed up the young crowd at the start of the night, and Totally Green Day tore through a respectable set of some of Green Day's older material, which whet the crowds' appetite for the upcoming Weezer tunes.

A tribute band differs from a cover band in that they strive for a near-perfect imitation of the original artist's songs and appearance, whereas a cover band simply plays the artist's songs. In the Garage was right on the money, down to the nerdy glasses, matching cardigans and large Weezer "=W=" sign that hangs behind the band.

The four core members were joined by a synth player, and the melodic pop assault began with "Tired of Sex." The set was heavy on songs from the first two albums of the Weezer catalog ("Undone (The Sweater Song)," "El Scorcho," "Buddy Holly," "In the Garage"), which was a smart direction to take.

Weezer has released nine full-length albums to date, but I find the first two seem to have the most depth, as is the case with a lot of bands. Not that the later albums are bad, but the most recent material is lightweight in comparison (i.e. they're past their prime) and I think for the most part ignored by older Weezer fans.

But they still put out pop gems, and In the Garage also knocked out honorable versions of "Island in the Sun" from 2001's "The Green Album," "Pork & Beans" from 2008's "The Red Album," and "You Gave Your Love to Me Softly", a B-side to the single "El Scorcho," which was a welcome surprise for the hardcore fans.

No telling when the real Weezer tours through Sacramento next. In the meantime, if you're a Weezer fan, or like excellent pop/rock songs, In the Garage is definitely worth checking out for your fix.

In the Garage

Ryan Garcia of In the Garage

Crowd watching In the Garage

Ben Steinert of In the Garage

In the Garage

Andy Dibben of In the Garage

Mike Woodall of In the Garage

Joe McKinney of Totally Green Day

Joe McKinney (left) and David Hayden (right) of Totally Green Day

Ryan Garcia of Totally Green Day

Crowd watching Totally Green Day

Joe McKinney of Totally Green Day

Drastic Actions

Jasson Drastic of Drastic Actions

Rat-O-Matic

Photos by Steven Chea

Photos: First Naked Lounge show of 2011

2011-01-04T03:55:48Z

The first show of 2011 at Naked Lounge Downtown took place Saturday and featured performances by Sacramento artists Adrian Bourgeois, Ricky Berger, One Eyed Rhyno, Brian Rogers of Izabella, and Autumn Sky.

The musicians celebrated the new year by performing a selection of songs written in 2010.

Naked Lounge Downtown is a live music venue located at Naked Coffee on 11th and H Street. Click here for upcoming events.

Adrian Bourgeois

Adrian Bourgeois (foreground) and Ricky Berger

Ricky Berger

One Eyed Rhyno

Brian Rogers

Autumn Sky

Photos by Steven Chea

Photos: Thrilling buzzer-beater by Evans gives Kings the win

2010-12-31T03:30:50Z

If you were at Arco Arena Wednesday night, you might have thought the Kings had just won a NBA Championship. A thrilling midcourt shot at the buzzer by Tyreke Evans sent the place into a massive frenzy, ending the Kings' eight-game skid with a 100-98 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

After strong showings by DeMarcus Cousins (21 points, 16 rebounds) and Beno Udrih (24 points, 4 rebounds), it looked like yet another disappointing fourth-quarter loss for the Kings. O.J. Mayo gave the Grizzlies a 98-97 lead with a difficult fadeaway jumper with 1.5 seconds remaining to seemingly seal the deal.

Then the impossible happened as Evans took the next inbound pass and raced to midcourt, jumping into the air and launching the ball seconds before time expired. The shot was reviewed by officials and upheld as Arco erupted, giving the Kings the much-needed win.

Top performer for Memphis (15-17) was Zach Randolph with a season-high 35 points and 17 rebounds.

Hopefully the win Wednesday night (the second in 18 games) breathes some life into the Kings, who improve their NBA-worst record to 6-23. They face Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday in Denver.

Here are some shots from the game:

Tyreke Evans #13 attempts to score against three Memphis defenders.

Point guard Beno Udrih #19 drives the lane. Udrih scored a team-high 24 points.

Kings Head Coach Paul Westphal

Memphis guard Tony Allen #9 makes a driving dunk in the fourth quarter as DeMarcus Cousins #15 (right) watches.

Fans at Arco.

Omri Casspi #18

Tyreke Evans #13 makes a jumper as Memphis guard O.J. Mayo #32 attempts to block.

Kings power forward Carl Landry #24 drives to the basket against Grizzlies center Marc Gasol #33.

Pooh Jeter #5 takes it to the basket in the second quarter. Jeter finished with 6 points.

DeMarcus Cousins #15 at the free throw line. Cousins finished with 21 points, 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.

Memphis' Rudy Gay #22 is cornered by Cousins #15 and Francisco Garcia #32.

Kings Media Relations Manager Devin Blankenship (left) and Evans #13 leave the floor after the Sacramento victory.

Photos by Steven Chea.

Pinback at Harlow's on Dec 30

2010-12-26T15:43:46Z

This Thursday you'll have a chance to end 2010 on a good note by catching indie-rock fave Pinback at Harlow's.

The heart of the San Diego band has always been Zach Smith and Rob Crow, and with an upcoming album on the horizon and to stay fresh creatively, the duo is taking a different approach to performing on their current outing. As Smith explains:

"We've decided to have some fun and present our songs in a new light. Instead of playing our songs the traditional way by having a backup band play all of our extra parts we thought it would be entertaining and fresh for just the two of us to play live. The idea is to present our music at times in a more broken down manner very similar sounding to how it might be for Rob and I when we're coming up with a song for the very first time. Hopefully, this way we can create a new atmosphere for a familiar song."

Sounds like the makings of an interesting show for old and new fans alike.

Pinback performs at Harlow's on Thursday, Dec. 30, with support from Los Angeles' JP Inc. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are $15. To purchase tickets click here.

Photo: www.pinback.com

Photos: Country fans come out for The Judds

2010-12-13T19:12:01Z

Country music fans came out in droves on Sunday night to see superstar duo The Judds perform at Arco Arena.

The iconic mother and daughter team of Naomi and Wynonna Judd drew approximately 6,500 predominantly female fans to Arco, selling out the seating layout for this particular performance.

It has been more than 10 years since the The Judds toured last, and this current outing – “The Judds: The Last Encore" – is being billed as their final reunion.

The pair opened with “Had a Dream” and followed with Judds classics “Girls' Night Out” and “Love Is Alive.”

Here are some photos from the show:

Naomi Judd greets a fan in the front row.

Wynonna Judd

Naomi Judd

Photos by Steven Chea.

Skating at Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink

2010-12-11T01:36:17Z

One of the options for outdoor ice skating in Sacramento is the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink on Seventh and K streets next to Westfield Downtown Plaza.

There are weekly events (like Family Skate Night on Tuesdays and Ice Skating Lessons on Saturdays), and I stopped by on Thursday (Theme Night) to check out the “Ugly Sweater Party.”

People started coming in after 6 p.m., and it was fairly busy, with a good mix of families with young children, middle-aged couples and groups of teenagers. I saw a couple of tacky sweaters out there, but I have no idea if they knew about the theme beforehand or not.

Several skill levels were represented on the ice, with the large majority of patrons getting around just fine, but there were also those who held the side of the rink the entire time and the random mom who spun around well enough that you could tell she might have been in a competition or two in her heyday.

A rinkside DJ from 107.9 The End set the party atmosphere by playing an eclectic mix of Top-40 and upbeat holiday songs (and ice skating is always better while Lady Gaga or the Bee Gees are playing).

There was a staff person on the ice the whole time, an experienced young guy who zipped around and made a point to make sure the youngest skaters were having a good time; helping them get up after falling and giving them high-fives.

It might not have been the most ideal night for ice skating (it was a fairly warm evening and the ice was a little wet), but it was well-attended, and people appeared glad to be spending a couple hours gliding around on the ice and trying not to fall down.

“I was just in Old Sac, and I remembered this was here,” said Lacey, a woman observing from the sidelines. “I wanted to stop by and see people having fun!”

The rink is open daily until Jan. 17, and admission is $8 for a two-hour skating session (plus a $2 skate rental).

Regular hours:

Sunday – Thursday / Noon – 8 p.m.
Friday – Saturday / 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Holiday hours:

Dec. 13 – Dec 31 / 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Christmas Eve / 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Christmas Day Closed
New Year's Eve / 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
New Year's Day / 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Photos: Steven Chea

Godsmack plays Arco, eardrums stand no chance

2010-11-04T01:31:42Z

For those wanting to release some stress after a rough day of voting on Tuesday, Arco Arena was apparently the place to do it.

Four-time Grammy-nominated band Godsmack was in town, delivering the hard rock and splitting the eardrums of a crowd that struggled to fill the lower level of the arena.

After energetic warmup sets by bands Drowning Pool and Five Finger Death Punch, the marketing machine was in full swing as the anxious crowd was shown a promotional video touting Godsmack frontman Sully Erna’s solo album, “Avalon,” which we were reminded was available at the merchandise booth.

Next, we were treated to a dated documentary clip connecting hard rock/metal music with devil worshipping, with bands like Twisted Sister presented as supporting evidence.

With the crowd now feeling sufficiently rebellious, a huge, glowing red orb rotated to reveal drummer Shannon Larkin, frozen in pose with drumsticks held in front of his face. Several amps on both sides of him were raised off the stage with cables and suspended in the air, and Godsmack was off with “Cryin’ Like a Bitch,” the first single from its fifth studio album, “The Oracle.”

The alternative rock hits that dominated the airwaves in the early 2000s came fast and loud: “Awake,” “Keep Away” and “Voodoo.” Interspersed with those radio staples were a healthy dose of tracks from the band’s new album, including “War and Peace,” “Love-Hate-Sex-Pain,” “What If” and other cuts including "Straight Out of Line" and "The Enemy."

Yes, the thick, crunchy guitar riffs of every song tend to make them indistinguishable from one another after awhile, but the sweaty, shirtless men aggressively slamming into each other in the circle pit didn’t seem to mind.

Godsmack members also paid homage to some of their musical influences during their set, when two additional drum kits were brought out on rotating risers: one for Larkin and one for Erna, who is an accomplished drummer in addition to being a songwriter, frontman and guitarist.

The classic rock medley included AC/DC’s “Back in Black,” Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” some Led Zeppelin and a hint of Rush’s “Tom Sawyer,” while videos of the live performances of the songs by the original bands played on the large screen behind the stage.

Between-song banter was entertaining: Erna let us know there were a couple of interesting people in the audience (two members of the Deftones) and also gave a shout-out to several Sacramento Hell’s Angels who were enjoying the show from in front of the crowd barriers. He was even nice enough to use one of the Angels’ cameras in order to take a photo of some half-naked women sitting atop shoulders in the crowd.

After an encore of No. 1 singles “Speak” and “I Stand Alone,” the band was off to Los Angeles to play the last date of the tour. Erna may even get to tell the L.A. audience what he said he wanted to tell them about Sacramento: “This may not be the biggest crowd we’ve played to on this tour, but it may be the craziest!”

Images #1-4: Drowning Pool

Images #6-8: Five Finger Death Punch

Images #10-18: Godsmack

Photos by Steven Chea

A highbrow evening with Stew and The Negro Problem

2010-10-28T00:14:09Z

Would a group called Stew and the Negro Problem be at home playing a venue like the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts in Davis?

Absolutely.

The intimate, lounge-like 250-person Vanderhoef Studio Theatre was the perfect setting for musician Stew and his provocatively-titled band, The Negro Problem, on Tuesday evening. The name is meant to challenge perceptions be in-your-face and humorous, which also describes the band’s music quite accurately.

Announcing that his band was probably mad at him because he had no setlist, Stew guided the seated older crowd on a musical journey that was insightful, comical and just plain sounded great.

The lyrically driven songs were the stars, with each being a slice-of-life anecdote coupled with simple but sophisticated accompaniment provided by collaborator and bassist Heidi Rodewald and the rest of The Negro Problem.

They fused styles seamlessly – including Baroque pop with jazz sensibilities and a tendency to rock. There were even opportunities for synth riffs and a flute solo.

At times juvenile, Stew’s lyrical content was elevated by the underlying wit and social commentary and the cohesive Negro Problem instrumentation.

Two songs into the set the audience was presented with the song “Ken,” about a Ken doll in a Mattel factory who realizes he’s gay: "My name's Ken, and I like men/But the people at Mattel … are somewhat bothered by my queer proclivities."

Complete with ski-pole charades from Stew, “Black Men Ski” dealt with stereotypical perceptions of what black men do and don’t do, including Stew's experiences visiting Aspen. The act drew fits of giggling from the amused crowd.

And after proclaiming “I love marijuana, I just don’t have the time to score it” and extolling the joys of getting high, Stew and band played “Bong Song,” with its addictive “Bong! Song!” doorbell-like repetitive chorus. Puerile perhaps, but relevant here as California’s upcoming elections feature Proposition 19, which among other things seeks to legalize personal marijuana-related activities.

It seemed to be the theme for the night: music and melodies so sweet it was easy to lose sight of the deeper themes being discussed. And, yes, they would rank high on a list of bands with generally offensive names. But if you get the joke and see them perform, you’re in for a very enlightening evening.

Stew and the Negro Problem play a second show on Wednesday at the Vanderhoef Studio Theatre in Davis. Tickets are $49 general, $24.50 for students.

Photos by Steven Chea

Los Lobos: still on top after three decades

2010-10-15T00:17:11Z

Playing a combination of their own songs and classic covers, Latin rockers Los Lobos had the baby boomers out of their seats and dancing at the Mondavi Center’s gorgeous 1800-seat Jackson Hall in Davis on Wednesday night.

Many genres are used to describe the music of “The Wolves” – roots rock, folk, Norteño, blues – and what Los Lobos does so well is blend the different styles to create a hybrid euphony that has given them a unique identity.

Essentially they started out 30 years ago in East Los Angeles with classic Mexican songs that were deceptively simple, added various styles of music and elevated the sound into music that has garnered the band three Grammy Awards.

The talented group dove into its set with the flamenco-styled guitar picking of vocalist/multi-instrumentalist David Hidalgo on “La Pistola y El Corazón” from the 1988 album of the same name. Each member's instrument was layered successively until the different sounds came together in head-nodding harmony, anchored by the walking bass lines of bassist/vocalist Conrad Lozano. Evident was a cohesiveness and intuitiveness that is only found when the same people in a band have been playing together for many years.

In between songs like “On Main Street,” “Tin Can Trust” and “Cumbia Raza,” the band took the opportunity to hawk its new album and mention that the musicians would be in the lobby after the show to sign it. Not something you see every day from artists or bands of this stature.

After a short intermission, Los Lobos went straight back to work, breaking out their version of Ritchie Valens’ “Come On, Let’s Go.” It was just what the house needed, and the newly engaged crowd started calling out names of songs they wanted to hear with one fan urging the band to "Rock out!"

The energetic second half of the set continued as Hidalgo brought out the accordion during the next song, “Kiko and The Lavender Moon,” and a couple of brave ladies in the audience felt the spirit, stood up and starting dancing. Another followed, then a couple more, and soon a domino effect had the entire house out of their seats and dancing awkwardly in place together.

A medley of The Temptations’ “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and Santana’s “Oye Cómo Va” gave songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Louie Pérez a chance to put the guitar down and sit in on drums as the band segued into “Volver, Volver,” first made famous by “El Rey” of ranchera Vicente Fernandez.

The familiar opening guitar riff of “La Bamba” soon filled the air, and when Hidalgo turned the microphone to the audience, the true fans had no problem singing the entire Spanish-language chorus. A twist to the classic was added as The Rascals’ “Good Lovin” was woven in for good measure.

The band ended the lively show by pulling up several women (and a few men) from the audience to dance on stage with the musicians as they played their last song, and with an "Adios Amigo!" from Hidalgo, Los Lobos left the stage.

But as promised, the band soon reappeared in the lobby to pose for photos and sign autographs with the long line of fans who had gathered. When you consider that graciousness with the great music they put out, it’s easy to see why this band has such a strong following after all these years.

Nirvana bassist talks politics, social networking

2010-09-25T00:42:53Z

Before he was a political activist and lecturer, Krist Novoselic was a founding member and bassist of Seattle-based Nirvana, one of the most influential bands in history.

After Nirvana ended when lead singer and guitarist Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994, Novoselic became proactive in politics, using his celebrity to draw attention to his causes, which include promoting election reform and increasing voter turnout.

Thursday night he spoke to a group of roughly 150 in the University Union ballroom at Sacramento State. Free and open to the public, the chiefly student audience was a mix of the politically minded and curiosity-seeking.

“The last I heard about Krist Novoselic was that he was fighting censorship in music,” said David Martin, a criminal justice major at Sacramento State. “I’m also a Libertarian and thought we might have some common ground. I'm open to anything and interested to see what his views are."

Account manager Stephanie Stern was simply curious: “I’m 29, and Nirvana was huge to me growing up. To be able to see Krist is pretty cool.”

Over the course of two hours, Novoselic touched on several topics, one of which was his past experience with music censorship.

“It was up to the band and artists to challenge that,” he said. “You would have to go to court and say ‘No, (the Nirvana song) “Rape Me” wasn’t about being raped, it was about being violated. It’s open to interpretation.’ ”

A large part of his lecture was devoted to talking about the possibilities of social networks to shape the political future and how social networking fuels political association.

He cited some fundraising examples, like Howard Dean’s pioneer 2004 presidential campaign fundraising of around $50 million dollars from largely small donations over the Internet, and the most recent fundraising of Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign, which refined and built upon Dean’s campaign’s model and raised more than $650 million dollars, bypassing public campaign funds and raising all of its money privately from individual donors through channels like social networking.

When asked about his personal views on social networking, Novoselic said he likes that he’s able to connect with people who he thinks are compelling, but is frustrated by the lack of humanity – the anonymity, the hot-headed spammer. He does not have a Facebook page (“It’s too much work.”)

He also shared his idea of creating a new political party with social networking components, which he calls the Rock Party, because he likes rock music. The new party would have its feet firmly planted in the 21st century, he said, and members would participate in things like creating policy and platform by blogging and “liking” a resolution, as in the “like” button on Facebook. The Rock Party would also feature free music downloads, Novoselic said, but he did not elaborate.

After the lecture Novoselic took questions from the audience, and some Nirvana fans were ready with questions like “What was it like working with Kurt Cobain?”

The admiration of Cobain by Novoselic was apparent. “Kurt Cobain was a true artist, he was compelled to be an artist. His apartment was a mess," said Novoselic, explaining the type of unique person Cobain was by describing his living space. "He was not compelled to clean up, or to wash the dishes; he was compelled to write songs. He was a genuine artist, a true-blue artist.”

After the Q-and-A, Novoselic came off stage and stayed to sign autographs and pose for photos with the many people who crowded around to meet him, several of whom had brought bass guitars for him to sign. He was very friendly and accommodated everyone.

“(The lecture) was excellent,” said Max, a teaching student at Sacramento State who had brought his bass for Novoselic to sign. “The guy is a living legend, and it’s great that he is reaching out to the current generation.”

At the end of the night, those in attendance were treated to interesting discourse on the role that social networking plays in political association and political reform, as well as connect on a lighter note with a member of one of the most popular bands of all time.

Novoselic’s favorite Nirvana song? “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” he said, naming the band’s first and biggest hit, widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time. “It bought my first house.”

Photos: Steven Chea

Hornets surprise Wildcats with 24-17 upset

2010-09-21T00:14:57Z

In their first Big Sky Conference game of the season, the Sacramento State football team upset No. 20-ranked Weber State 24-17 in front of 7,000 fans at Hornet Stadium on Saturday night.

The Hornets improve to a 2-1 overall record and 1-0 in Big Sky Conference play for the season. The win on Saturday night puts them in a first-place tie with Eastern Washington University in the Big Sky Conference standings.

The Hornets’ ground game was impressive, totaling 245 yards for the night against the Wildcats’ 102 yards. Running back Bryan Hilliard notched his second consecutive 100-yard rushing game, finishing with 136 yards on 32 carries and a touchdown made in the last minutes of the game. Running back Sam McCowan also contributed 59 yards.

New quarterback Jeff Fleming was effective as well, throwing for 164 yards and connecting on two touchdowns to wide receivers Morris Norrise and Brett Willis, both in the second quarter.

The Hornets defense was all business, holding Weber State to 17 points, which is quite impressive considering the Wildcats scored 88 points in their first two games of the season.

Although Weber State beat the Hornets in reception yardage (250-164) and had receivers Kamana Kaimikaua and Josh Booker scoring crucial touchdowns to stay in the hunt, in the end it was the Bryan Hilliard touchdown with 3:23 remaining that put the Hornets over the top for the win.

The Hornets next travel to Missoula, Mont., to face the Grizzlies (1-2 overall, 0-1 Big Sky), and return to Hornet Stadium for an Oct. 2 matchup against Montana State.

Sac State kicker/punter Chris Diniz (#46) kicks off.

Running back Bryan Hilliard (#34) is chased by defenders as he runs downfield.

Sac State quarterback Jeff Fleming eyes the defensive formation before the snap.

Kicker/Punter Augie Heath (#38)

Sac State Defensive Coordinator Anthony Parker keeps the defense fired up in the second half.

Quarterback Jeff Fleming (#18) hands off to running back Bryan Hilliard (#34).

Hornets fans show their team spirit.

Hornets quarterback Jeff Fleming (#18)

Sac State mascot Herky entertains fans while riding a unicycle.

Fleming struggles to break free from Wildcats middle linebacker Anthony Morales.

Hornet Stadium

Defensive lineman Matt Lawrence (#62) talks with his counterpart on the line, Alesana Laban (#99).

Sacramento State Head Coach Marshall Sperbeck

Sac State Marching Band drum major leads the band at halftime.

Sac State defensive back Marquese Smith (#37) tackles wide receiver Mike Phillips (#1).

Kassie Laythan of Sacramento holds her daughter Avary at halftime.

A Sac State defender makes a flying tackle on Wildcats running back Bo Bolen (#8).

Kicker/Punter Augie Heath (#38) warms up before a punt.

The Sacramento State Hornet Girlz Dance Team performs at halftime.

Fleming throws as the Weber State defense closes in.

Hornets celebrate in front of fans in the bleachers after their 24-17 win.

Photos: Steven Chea

!!! (Chk Chk Chk) brings dance party to Harlow's

2010-09-15T01:05:04Z

A packed house at Harlow’s was infected Monday night.

Infected with dance fever, courtesy of !!! (pronounced Chk Chk Chk).

As the band members themselves tell it, when creating a name for the band they wanted something that stood out. They took the !!! from the African Bush language, which was a repetitive clicking sound made with the tongue and the roof of the mouth. The band left pronunciation up to your choosing; it was any three repetitive sounds (Bam Bam Bam, Pow Pow Pow, etc.) Over time the preferred pronunciation evolved into “Chk Chk Chk,” which is used by the band in things like the URL of its official website.

Monday’s show was a homecoming of sorts (the band formed in Sacramento in 1996 but now calls Brooklyn home), and the band opened the highly anticipated show with its single “AM/FM” off its current album, “Strange Weather, Isn’t It?,” and the party never stopped.

Showing off his legs in a tiny pair of shorts, vocalist Nic Offer was everywhere – flamboyantly dancing all over the place, jumping off stage and interacting with the audience – he was everywhere except behind the bar. It was apparent the band was having a great time playing for a hometown crowd, and the audience latched on to that energy and never left the musicians’ side.

“We only get nervous playing two places,” Offer said, “Sacramento and New York. You don’t want to suck in front of your friends!”

Most of the set was focused on “Strange Weather” (“Wannagain Wannagain,” “Jamie, My Intentions Are Bass,” “Hollow”), and the band also jumped back to other material, like 2007’s well-reviewed LP “Myth Takes,” playing tracks like “Must Be the Moon” and “Heart of Hearts.”

Offer was joined by a subdued Savannah Macias, the band’s other vocalist, but anyone would look subdued next to Offer.

Drummer Paul Quattrone kept the percussion choppy, and the beats worked seamlessly with the music’s synth elements, supplied by talented, multi-instrumentalists Dan Gorman and Allan Wilson. Sinewy bass lines provided by new bassist Rafael Cohen and guitar by Mario Andreoni rounded out the electro-dance sounds.

It was a great night of feverish dance music, and the high-energy performance lived up to the hype, leaving a sweaty crowd in it's wake. There was love in the house for !!!, and the feeling was mutual: “Sacto we love you! Still!”, said Offer at the end of the show.

Photos: Steven Chea

Pumping iron at Atlas Open

2010-09-14T01:41:14Z

The third annual Atlas Open Weightlifting Competition was held at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa on Sunday morning.

Held in a large tent outdoors on the tennis courts at Arden Hills, the event began early with scattered groups of family supporters, and the number of spectators grew larger and filled the tent as the competition heated up.

The event is put on by the strength and conditioning instructors at the resort club, and has grown each year since the inaugural competition. Talented local athletes competed in two Olympic lifts: the “snatch” and the “clean and jerk.” In each event, lifters are given three attempts to lift as much weight as possible over their heads."

Lifters spanned a range of age groups, but the intense focus was shared by all. You could see the disappointment when the weight became too much to support and had to be “dumped,” as well as the look of triumph when the buzzer signaling a successful lift was sounded.

A great selection of classic and modern rock was played in between lifts to keep the crowd engaged and the lifters energized. Note: if you need to get pumped up before lifting 300 lbs. above your head, then “Enter Sandman” by Metallica will do the trick.

Participating weightlifting clubs included Team Atlas, Myles Ahead, Golden Bear and The Sports Palace, and prizes donated by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) were given to all the lifters.

“This was by far our best event to date. We had 51 lifters which more than double the number of lifters from the first and second Atlas events combined,” said organizer Robert Linkul, an Arden Hills strength and conditioning specialist. “The lifters competed well, the venue was fantastic and the energy was high, and that resulted in some really impressive lifting.”

The results of the competition will be posted here.

Photos: Steven Chea

Firefighters climb in 9/11 memorial

2010-09-13T18:01:38Z

Three hundred and forty three Sacramento area firefighters climbed 110 flights of stairs early Saturday morning in honor of the 343 firefighters who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York on Sept. 11, 2001.

The second annual Sacramento 9/11 Memorial Climb was held at the 28-story Renaissance Tower on 8th and K. Fire departments representing cities including Sacramento, Davis, El Cerrito, Placerville and Vacaville participated.

Climbers made four ascents: three from the basement to the 26th floor, and a final ascent from the basement to the roof, bringing the total number of floors climbed to 110, the same number of floors in each of the towers of the World Trade Center.

Lloyd Ogden, operations deputy chief for the Sacramento Fire Department, gave opening remarks to the gathered climbers before the climb started.

An emotional Samuel Giamo, Jr., who joined the Fire Department of New York in 1979 and retired in 2002, took the podium next and shared some thoughts on his personal experiences with 9/11.

Firefighters then proceeded to start the climb, led by a firefighter carrying an American flag.

At minimum, all firefighters making the climb wore their department-issued turnout coats, the type of jacket typically worn by firefighters, and their helmets while climbing the stairs. Some elected to wear full gear, including turnout pants and boots, while others wore shorts and athletic shoes.

Each of the 343 climbers had a small, black banner with the name of one of the firefighters who died in the World Trade Center attacks pinned on the back of their coats, over their own name. This allowed each climber to symbolically carry each fallen firefighter 110 flights to the roof of the building.

As each climber reached the roof, each name banner was unpinned and hung inside two metal reproduction models of the World Trade Center towers. The names were saluted, and each firefighter then rang a red bell, which was embossed with each name of the FDNY firefighters.

Immediately following the climb, a tribute in the park event was held on Capitol Mall between Sixth and Seventh. The event gave families an opportunity to come together in a social environment and honor the families affected by the 9/11 tragedy by sharing the day with their loved ones. Those attending enjoyed food, drink, live music and children’s activities. All proceeds raised from the $5 entrance fee, food and beer sales, and donations went to the Sacramento Area Firefighters Widows and Orphans Fund.

Two-year-old Tyler, son of Vacaville firefighter Jeremy Sirois, joins his father during the climb preparation.

Firefighters prepare to climb 110 stories from the basement of Renaissance Tower.

Heading to the first flight of stairs.

A firefighter touches a piece of glass from the World Trade Center before starting his climb.

Climbing 110 stories in turnout gear.

Leading with the American flag, the first of 343 climbers makes it to the roof.

Hanging the name of a FDNY brother in the memorial.

Waiting to approach the memorial.

A firefighter pays his respects to his fire service brothers who died on 9/11.

Firefighters wait their turn to approach the memorial.

Each climber rang a bell which displayed the names of the 343 firefighters who died at the World Trade Center.

Bagpipes being played as climbers make it to the roof.

Honor Guard on Capitol Mall during Tribute in the Park.

The 9/11 Memorial on the roof of Renaissance Tower.

Photos: Steven Chea

Sac State Volleyball on a roll

2010-09-08T18:05:41Z

Led by California State University, Sacramento, junior Erin Kirby, who racked up a match-high 16 kills and a career-high .500 hitting percentage, the Hornets easily swept the San Jose State Spartans (25-20, 25-15, 25-17) in non-conference play Tuesday evening at Colberg Court.

The win makes three straight for the Hornets, and they improve to an overall 5-3 record. The Spartans are off to a slow start this season, dropping to 1-6.

Faced with consistent serving, passing and defense from a determined Sac State team, the Spartans started with a promising first set but were unable to hit their stride. The Hornets posted 10 service aces and a season-high hitting percentage (.378), and San Jose State's largest lead was 4-3 in the third set.

Also contributing for Sac State were junior Cayti Crowton (5 kills), junior Kelsey Elston (4 kills), and freshman Katie Aprile with 22 assists and 6 digs.

The Hornets take to the road for their next nine matches and will not return to Colberg Court until Oct. 1, when they will face Eastern Washington University (2-5) for their first Big Sky Conference home game of the season.

The Hornets huddle before their match.

Breanne Menees

The Hornets starting lineup is introduced.

Eryn Kirby (foreground) spikes on two Spartans.

Janelle Currey hurries to get back on her feet after a dig.

Olivia Moss watches from the sideline as two Spartans block in the background.

Breanne Menees

Janelle Currey

Photos: Steven Chea

Sac State Volleyball trampled by Broncos

2010-09-02T08:04:29Z

The Sacramento State Hornets were outmatched in their non-conference home opener on Wednesday, falling to the Santa Clara Broncos in a three-set sweep (25-20, 26-24, 30-28) at Colberg Court.

The Hornets played without the services of two probable starters (middle hitter Maddison Thivierge and setter Hannh Hettings) and were bested by a tough Santa Clara offense in kills (50-38), hitting percentage (.197-.164), assists (42-37) and digs (70-63).

Strong performances by Sacramento State sophomore Janelle Currey (15 kills, 10 digs, career-high 5 blocks) and junior Kelsey Elston (8 kills, four blocks, and a .421 hitting percentage) were not enough to give the Hornets the edge.

Sacramento State falls to 2-2 overall, and the Broncos improve to 3-1. Big Sky Conference play for the Hornets begins September 23rd against Northern Colorado.

The Hornets will next host the Sacramento State Invitational this Friday-Saturday, Sept. 3-4. For complete tournament information and schedule, click here.

Head Coach Ruben Volta

Janelle Currey

Sydney Kordic

Kayla Lommori

Eryn Kirby

Photos: Steven Chea

Rumble in the Auditorium: Battle of the Badges

2010-08-31T01:03:55Z

Boxing returned to Sacramento Saturday night with Battle of the Badges VII, an annual charity boxing event featuring correctional officers, police officers and firefighters from the Northern California area.

Fifteen bouts of three two-minute rounds took place in front of an estimated 2,000-3,000 boxing fans at Memorial Auditorium, benefiting such charities as the Firefighters Burn Institute, Sac Fallen Officers Resource Fund, The Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project and Sacramento SPCA.

Some agencies represented in the matches included the Sacramento and Vallejo fire departments; the Sacramento, Davis and Woodland police departments; the California Highway Patrol and California State Prison, Sacramento.

There were 14 male bouts and one female bout. The majority of the fighters had never boxed before, but have been training for several months at places like Grimz Gym and LA Boxing.

After weigh-ins and a pre-party at Blue Cue, the prematch action began at Memorial Auditorium Saturday afternoon. Fighters were in many different states of mind as fight time drew closer. Some listened to music through headphones to calm the nerves, and others prepared their muscles by shadowboxing in front of a mirror.

After all fighters had their hands wrapped for support, a meeting backstage was held for the corners and fighters to go over the ground rules of the matches: Don’t hit boxers when they’re down, no hitting below the belt, no “rabbit punches” (hits to the back of the head), and others.

After the singing of the national anthem by Roxanne Devera and a prefright ceremony performed by the California State Prison, Sacramento, and California State University, Sacramento, Army ROTC Honor Guard, the bouts were under way.

Fighters chose the music they walked out to, and the songs were played by DJ A-1 accompanied by Justin Barnes on live drums. For those who are curious, “Gonna Fly Now,” also known as “Theme from Rocky,” was indeed chosen by one fighter, however, "Eye of the Tiger" was not.

The ready-for-action crowd erupted each time a fighter let loose a flurry of punches, as well as when fists connected hard with their intended targets – mainly faces.

The bouts were engaging for the fans, and the crowd was enticed to stay involved between rounds with the help of the Corona Ring Girls.

The event featured its share of blood, sweat and knockdowns. No one was knocked out, but there were TKOs (technical knockouts), and many fights went the distance, and the winner was decided by decision.

One of the most intense moments of the night occurred during the match between Ryan Dodd (Department of Child Support Services) and Raymond “Sugar Ray” Cancel (CSP, Sacramento).

During boxing matches, an indication is made that there are 10 seconds remaining in each round by knocking loudly on a table with a hammer or similar instrument. Saturday night, the 10-second warning was created by slapping the floor of the ring several times with a large, flat instrument.

When the 10-second warning was sounded before the end of the first round for this particular bout, a disoriented Cancel mistook this for the bell signaling the end of the round, dropped his hands and turned to walk to his corner.

His opponent, Dodd, took the opportunity to cock his right fist back and unleash a devastating, unchallenged right punch to the side of Cancel’s now-undefended head, knocking him to the floor and ending the bout with a TKO. A fair punch within the rules, it still elicited a deafening amount of boos from the crowd. Dodd was awarded the Knockout of the Night belt later in the evening.

Battle of the Badges was created in 2003 by correctional officers Israel Montes Jr. and Yvonne Vasquez of California State Prison, Sacramento, to raise money for related charities. Montes said he hopes in 2011 he can bring firefighters and policemen from New York to compete on the 10-year anniversary of 9/11.

Corona Girls model the Championship Belt at the Pre-Party event at Blue Cue.

Shawn “The Rock” Correa (California State Prison-Sacramento) receives a physical before the fights.

Ilya Bezuglov (Davis PD) stares down his opponent after their weigh-in.

Julie “The J-Cat” Williams (San Quentin)

The Championship Belt on display whets the appetites of the boxers the night before the fights.

A fighter gets his hands wrapped before his bout.

Referees go over the rules with fighters backstage at a pre-fight meeting.

Tyrome Johnson (CSP-Sacramento) listens to music in his dressing room before his fight.

Katie “Pacwoman” Hartwig (Sacramento Sheriff ‘s Dept)

Memorial Auditorium

Matt Jameson (Woodland PD), left, appears to dodge a blow from Noel Montes (California Correctional Peace Officers Association).

Corona Ring Girl

One of the judges waits to hand in a decision to the referee.

Cain "The Brawler" Bramasco (Deuel Vocational Institute-Tracy) is victorious over Craig "Ramblin" Hamblin (CSP-Sacramento).

Shawn “The Rock” Correa (CSP-Sacramento), foreground, gets a ten count from the referee after being knocked down by Rich De Los Cientos (Sacramento Sheriff’s Dept).

Before intermission a $10,000 check was presented to the Firefighters Burn Institute.

Tyrome Johnson (CSP-Sacramento), left, takes a blow from James Smith (CHP).

A fighter rests in his corner before the next round begins.

Ralph “Big Nasty” Heredia (CSP-Sacramento), left, cocks a right hook for Ilya Bezuglov (Davis PD).

Julie “The J-Cat" Williams’ (San Quentin) left hook connects with her opponent, Katie “Pacwoman” Hartwig (Sacramento Sheriff’s Dept).

Hartwig gets a pep talk from her trainer between rounds.

A warm reception for Javier Banuelos (CSP-Sacramento) as he enters for his fight.

Banuelos, left, connects with his opponent Gomez’s jaw.

Master of Ceremonies Lance Corcoran

Javier Banuelos (CSP-Sacramento)

A dazed Raymond “Sugar Ray” Cancel (CSP-Sacramento) slowly gets to his feet after being knocked down by his opponent, Ryan Dodd (California Dept of Child Support Services).

A bloodied Cancel is checked by ringside physician Dr. Gary Furness after being knocked down by Ryan Dodd.

A left hook from Carlos Cabrera (Sacramento Sheriff’s Dept), foreground, glances the face of Larry “Pitbull” Fernandez (CSP-Solano) during the Main Event fight.

Cabrera, right, throws a hard right punch at Fernandez.

Cabrera, center, victor of the Main Event.

Photos: Steven Chea

Wine in the Park: good times, great wine

2010-08-27T01:20:26Z

It was hot and steamy.

The weather, that is. With the temperature soaring above 100 degrees on Wednesday, I headed over to Raley Field in West Sacramento to attend Infuze Marketing’s Wine in the Park event.

Sponsored by Classic Party Rentals, Wine in the Park features a wine tasting from participating family-owned wineries an hour and a half before the Sacramento River Cats game taking place that night.

Attendees were able to try some unique wines, watch the ball game and support a great cause. A portion of the proceeds from Wednesday’s event will benefit a local nonprofit, Stanford Home for Children.

Stanford Home for Children’s mission is “Strengthening children and families: to dream, to overcome, to thrive.” An example of the type of work they do is their specialized Intensive Treatment Foster Care program, which helps find homes for foster children and ensures foster parents are prepared to create a permanent home for these children.

Wednesday’s wine tasting featured the following wineries:

Solune Winegrowers – Located in the Northern Sierra Foothill area between Grass Valley and Colfax, Solune’s vision involves producing wines with intensity, complexity, varietal clarity and balance. The winery was awarded 22 Medals (Gold and Silver), including two Best of Class, for 2010.

Bent Metal Winery – a family-owned and operated winery in Grass Valley. Instead of barrels, owners Scott and Judy Brown use a combination of stainless steel and polyethylene tanks that allow them to control the oak (from staves) used in the winemaking process. “Starting with the name, we are different right off the bat!” Scott said.

Abundance Vineyards – a Mencarini family winery located in Lodi. Wines include flagships Abundantly Rich Red and Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay and Petit Syrah. All are award-winning wines.

Elkhorn Peak Cellars – a family-owned and operated winery in Napa headed by grower Ken Nerlove. With current production levels at 2,000 cases per year, the emphasis is on growing and making limited-production, ultra-premium wines. Nerlove’s 2007 flagship varietal Pinot Noir was a Double Gold winner at the 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

I enjoyed visiting with the winemakers and hearing about their backgrounds and wines. Nerlove of Elkhorn Peak described how he got into the wine business: “I bought a ranch in Napa 30 years ago, put a couple of acres of grapes in, and now I’m in the business!”
As I listened to him and the other owners, I got a strong sense that they loved what they did and were passionate about doing it, and it was great to see them showcase the fruits of their labor.

“It’s a good opportunity to get the word out about our wines,” Nerlove said. “In this economy you have to be proactive – talk to people, promote.”

I wanted to try all the different varieties of wine on hand, but I didn’t sample any during the event so I could put together a coherent recap afterwards. However, as the event was coming to a close, I did try Elkhorn Peak’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and instead of talking about noses, notes and finishes, I will just say they were delish.

As the winemakers started closing down and the attendees took their seats for the River Cats game against the Fresno Grizzlies, I caught up with Samantha from Infuze on my way out. She summed up Wine in the Park perfectly, an impression which I share.

“You’re taking boutique wineries with great wine, you’re taking America’s favorite pastime, and then at the same time you’re giving back to a local nonprofit like Stanford Home,” she said. “What better way to spend a summer evening?”

Photos: Steven Chea

"New" start for The New Humans

2010-08-23T23:55:32Z

Sacramento band The New Humans celebrated the release of its debut EP, “Avalanche,” with a high-energy show at Townhouse on Saturday.

“Avalanche” comes out later than expected, after the band experienced a futile lead singer search (synth man Scott Simpson eventually took on vocal duties) and scrapped six months’ worth of recording, but these past hurdles were not apparent at the show.

After a quick warmup set by Favors downstairs and a rare performance by Dusty Brown side project Little Foxes upstairs, Simpson wasted no time going crazy onstage and setting the tone for the rest of the night.

The New Humans also includes Robbie LaCasse (bass), Mike Steez (drums) and Cole Cuchna (keys). The four bandmates played tightly together. The set was long on catchy, electro-pop tracks, and several sound single-worthy.

There were no lulls – deep bass, hooky synth riffs and soaring vocals kept the full house whipped into a frenzy for the entire show.

Simpson takes on his frontman persona with gusto, screaming into the mike and running around on stage while his bandmates hold down the pounding beat. Standout tracks were "All the Kids," "Fever" and the Muse-y "Avalanche."

The New Humans are planning a fall mini-tour in support of their EP to continue getting their music out. If the packed house and sweaty crowd at the end of the night at Townhouse meant anything, they should have no problem getting a few more people dancing.

Photos:

1-3: FAVORS

4-8: Little Foxes

9-15: The New Humans

Royals slip by Cats on Sunday

2010-08-17T00:05:10Z

A hot afternoon saw the River Cats defeated 2-1 by the Omaha Royals in front of 8,292 fans at Raley Field on Sunday.

The Cats trail 2-1 in the four-game series and are now two games behind Fresno in the PCL Pacific South Division race.

Great pitching from Sacramento's Travis Banwart and Omaha's Anthony Lerew kept the game scoreless for six innings. The pitchers gave up four and five hits, respectively. A throwing error by Cats shortstop Eric Sogard in the top of the seventh eventually set up an RBI from Omaha's Cody Clark, allowing second baseman Kurt Mertins to score.

Omaha scored again with center fielder Jarrod Dyson in the top of the ninth, making it 2-0. The Cats got a solo home run from third baseman Dallas McPherson in the bottom of the ninth, but it was not enough to keep the Royals from a 2-1 victory.

The final game of the series is at Raley Field at 7:05 p.m. Monday. For tickets and more info: http://www.rivercats.com

Yoga + Music on the Mountain: "Wanderlust" returns to Squaw Valley

2010-08-04T04:45:55Z

The second annual Wanderlust Festival took place this weekend at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe. Wanderlust is a one-of-a-kind festival bringing together the world's best yoga teachers and best performers in rock & roll, all in a setting of breathtaking natural beauty. It is a place to relax, unwind, bend, dance, revel, and contemplate. This year's festival offered expanded yoga offerings, more great music, a complement of organic foods and biodynamic wines, and the same incredible scenery and community that made last year’s event such a hit.

Wanderlust showcases a range of teachers, classes and styles that inspire and challenge all practitioners, from the curious beginner to longtime students. This year’s yoga line-up featured some of the most notable names in yoga, including Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, Baron Baptiste, Doug Swenson, Duncan Wong, Elena Brower and Schuyler Grant.

The music at Wanderlust is a soundtrack for the weekend, featuring both music to flow to and music to dance to. Leading the charge this year were Moby, Bassnectar, Brazilian Girls and Pretty Lights. Artists who also performed over the weekend were Yard Dogs Road Show, Beats Antique, Rupa & The April Fishes, Ana Sia, MC Yogi, Orgone, Princess Superstar, Dave Stringer, DJ Dragonfly, The Mayapuris, Shaman’s Dream, Rara Avis, John Shannon, and many more.

"The first yoga class I took was in '98 in Berlin and I have kind of been taking yoga since then," said festival goer Masha from Oregon. "It's my religion in a way -- and live music is my other religion. So it's the perfect festival!"

Ashley Turner, teaching her class "Shaman-Priestess: A Sonic Journey to the Soul".

Yoga practioners listen during the yoga class "The Pulse Experience: Freedom" taught by Shiva Rea, creator of Prana Flow Yoga.

Shiva Rea

A yogini practices at the Pulse Stage.

Sabina Sciubba of Brazilian Girls, who headlined Sunday.

John Friend, founder of Anusara yoga. Easily the most revered individual at Wanderlust.

Shiva Rea demonstrates positions with her assistants in her "Rivers of Prana: Diving into the Flow" class.

Moby

Yoginis pose in the Village.

Hula hooping in Anusara Village.

Practicing at the Pulse Stage.

Bassnectar

A young fan watches Moby's afternoon acoustic set at the Yoga Tree Tent on Saturday.

Two Wanderlusters take in the Village in their custom shirts.

Pretty Lights

Baron Baptiste's class "Ignite & Inspire"

The drummer of support band Beats Antique goes from the stage into the crowd wearing a horse mask.

Dance party with Shiva Rea

The front row during Bassnectar's set. The nightly headliners attracted a younger crowd who did not participate in yoga classes during the day.

Moby

In Squaw Valley's world-renowned cable car coming down from High Camp, el. 8,200'. Several yoga classes were held at High Camp, and festival attendees were also able to eat, swim and hike in the High Camp facility.

Yard Dogs Road Show

Practicing in Shiva Rea's class "Raising the Vibration: Prana Flow and Kirtan"

Wanderlust offered workshops, lectures, and demonstrations covering topics of importance to festival goers. Actor Adrian Grenier and film producer Peter Glatzer (not pictured) gave a lecture entitled "Sustainable Messaging through New Media". To learn more, visit their website: SHFT.

Yogis practice in a class taught by Janet Stone, one of San Francisco's premier vinyasa yoga teachers.

A fire artist performs before Bassnectar's set.

Janet Stone's class "Fire and Fly" in the Yoga Tree Tent.

Fanny Franklin of North Hollywood band Orgone

Photos: Steven Chea

Capitals defeat Freedoms, keep playoff hopes alive

2010-07-20T06:56:43Z

The Sacramento Capitals defeated the Philadelphia Freedoms 23-19 in overtime Sunday night, keeping their hopes of earning a coveted playoff spot alive.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King was also on hand to help celebrate the Cap's 25th Anniversary. The Capitals have won six King Trophies, more than any other team, and are looking to add another WTT Championship in 2010.

For more information and tickets please visit: Sacramento Capitals

Match Results:

Men's Doubles: Mark Knowles\Dusan Vemic (Capitals) def. Prakash Amritraj\Ramon Delgado (Freedoms) 5-3

Women's Doubles: Vania King\Riza Zalameda (Capitals) def. Noppawan Lertcheewakarn\Courtney Nagle (Freedoms) 5-3

Men's Singles: Ramon Delgado (Freedoms) def. Dusan Vemic (Capitals) 5-3

Women's Singles: Vania King (Capitals) def. Noppawan Lertcheewakarn (Freedoms) 5-3

Mixed Doubles: Courtney Nagle\Prakash Amritraj (Freedoms) def. Vania King\Mark Knowles (Capitals) 5-4

Overtime - Mixed Doubles: Mark Knowles\Vania King (Capitals) def. Prakash Amritraj\Courtney Nagle (Freedoms) 1-0

Sacramento's Brett Joelson comes into the stadium during player introductions.

Philadelphia's Prakash Amritraj returns a shot during Men's Doubles play. Sacramento would go on to win the set 5-3.

Sacramento's Dusan Vemic gets ready to crush a forehand.

A ball boy and ball girl race during intermission. The goal was to make it around the court without letting the ball fall from your racquet.

Prakash Amritraj and Ramon Delgado talk strategy during their Men's Doubles loss to the Capitals.

Ramon Delgado serves during his Men's Singles match against Dusan Vemic.

Capitals Stadium at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville.

Backhand from Ramon Delgado.

Mark Knowles and Vania King celebrate a point during the Overtime Mixed Doubles set. Sacramento went on to win the match.

A ball boy gets ready to throw to a serving player.

Sacramento's Vania King concentrates on her backhand during her 5-3 Women's Singles win against the Freedoms' Noppawan Lertcheewakarn.

The Capitals sideline watches King in action during her Women's Singles set.

Mark Knowles gets some air while ripping a one-handed backhand.

Ramon Delgado is not pleased with himself after hitting into the net and losing the point.

Textbook one-handed backhand from Mark Knowles.

Tennis legend Billie Jean King and WTT CEO/Commissioner Ilana Kloss (not pictured) were on hand to honor the Capitals before their match. The Capitals, celebrating their 25th season, are the oldest team in the league by seven years.

Mark Knowles and Vania King clinch the win for the Capitals during the Overtime Mixed Doubles set.

Mark Knowles waits for the hop before connecting with a forehand.

Capitals Coach Wayne Bryan gives instructions for a contest during intermission. Each pair tossed their tennis ball to each other using only their racquets, getting further apart each time, like in an egg toss.

Dusan Vemic serves to Ramon Delgado during the Men's Single set. Delgado would go on to win.

Capitals Coach Wayne Bryan sees something he doesn't like.

Ramon Delgado returning to Dusan Vemic during Men's Singles.

The crowd shows the Capitals some love.

Forehand from Mark Knowles.

Sacramento's Dusan Vemic and Brett Joelson sign autographs for fans after the match.

Photos by Steven Chea

A 'French Lesson' from C'est le Cheese

2010-07-16T07:20:42Z

What better backdrop for enjoying a selection of exquisite French cheeses than Bastille Day? This past Wednesday a group of about thirty received an education in the history of French cheesemaking from 'C'est le Cheese' and were able to sample some of that country's best cheese offerings.

All classes are held at The L Street Lofts, and the evening began in a great space on the third floor, which featured large glass windows looking out over L Street. The 'students' were able to get to know one another while enjoying a bubbly beverage that tied into the theme of the class. Being poured at this 'French Lesson' was a French sparkling white wine from Limoux, which is located in southern France. A 'Blanc de Blancs' is a great way to start off any event, and here it served not only to set a festive yet relaxed mood, but also to open the palate before getting down to business.

The group continued upstairs to the penthouse suite on the eighth floor, where plates of cheeses and glasses of wine were waiting behind personalized place cards on white linen covered tables. Jody Lagorio, founder of C'est le Cheese, welcomed the class and introduced the instructor/cheese expert, Judy Creighton. A core instructor at The Cheese School of San Francisco, she is a cheese educator and former owner of cheese and wine shops in San Francisco for 25 years, as well as a consultant for retailers, distributors and importers.

Judy was very knowledgeable and passionate, and delivered an extremely detailed history of French cheeses and cheesemaking. She guided the class through savoring the different aromas and flavors of the featured cheeses, and explained the meanings of the different regions, textures, flavors, milk types and shapes. Students were given a map of France detailing the different cheese regions, as well as a handout for taking tasting notes and commenting on the different characteristics, such as a cheese's texture, intensity, acidity, saltiness, flavor and finish. The cheeses featured included Saint-Nectaire, Fromager d'Affinois, Brillat-Savarin, Selles-sur-Cher, Comté, P'tit Basque, Munster D'Alsace, Saint Agur. If you didn't know a thing about any of these coming in, you certainly did by the end of the class.

Enhancing the experience and accompanying the cheeses were Fresh Figs, Marcona Almonds, Gracious Gourmet Sour Cherry Spread and Four Onion Basalmic Spread, Lavender Honey, Grateful Bread French Baguettes and Wheat Walnut Baguettes. The wine pairings included a red Delas Saint-Esprit Cotes-du-Rhone, 2008, and a crisp white Christian Salmon Cuvee Vieilles Vignes Sancerre, 2008. The cheeses were also available for purchase after class.

Whether you're scared to death to approach a cheese counter, or you're a maître fromager, C'est le Cheese aims to enhance your enjoyment of cheese. Attending one of their classes is a fun and educational way to spend a coupe of hours. "I think Sacramento is an up and coming cheese region," says Judy.

The next C'est le Cheese class is 'Summer Cocktails and Cheese' and is currently sold out (please visit the C'est le Cheese site to be placed on a cancellation list). The following class is 'Fresh Cheesemaking' on September 1st and spaces are available. For more information and to register please visit C'est le Cheese.

Photos by Steven Chea

Jerry Perry Presents The White Buffalo this Friday

2010-07-13T05:51:12Z

The White Buffalo, also known as versatile singer/songwriter/guitarist Jake Smith, brings his self-described "darker side of folk" to Sacramento this Friday.

With fan favorites The White Buffalo EP and full-length Hogtied Revisited under his belt, TWB continues to garner buzz by word of mouth and by touring constantly, performing solo and backed by a band (he'll be with a band this Friday).

TWB has previously toured with Donavon Frankenreiter, Xavier Rudd, State Radio and Ziggy Marley, and his songs have been featured on the soundtrack to surfing movie Shelter and on FX series Sons of Anarchy.

The White Buffalo will play Old Ironsides with Prieta and The Kelps on Friday, July 16th, at 9pm. Tickets are $7. For details please contact Old Ironsides.

Photos from www.thewhitebuffalo.com

Fairytale Town Launches Adults Only Costume Ball

2010-07-10T09:10:16Z

Fairytale Town opened its gates on Thursday for a special After Hours event, the Once Upon a Night: Moonlight Costume Ball, just for adults. The event was open to adults 18 years of age and older and featured live music, a DJ, dancing, two themed bars, food and beverage, a henna artist, and more.

Fairytale Town continues to promote the imagination, creativity and education of children as their core mission. However, its After Hours programming will help develop an avenue to reach new audiences, and raise funds to support the park's programs for children and families. "So many Sacramentans remember coming to Fairytale Town as children, and hold fond memories of the park. We want to give those who don't have children the opportunity to return to Fairytale Town and continue having magical experiences, even without the kids," said Kathy Fleming the Executive Director. -Fairytale Town Media Release

Welcome to Fairytale Town.

The event kicked off with a performance by Fairytale Town's favorite belly dancers, UNMATA.

Live music was provided by The Enlows.

A fire performer with UNMATA.

President Obama gets down on the dancefloor.

A taco tries to drum up support in the Fairest of the All costume contest.

A partygoer enjoys one of the slides.

A Good Fairy gets some help with her wings.

One of the many excellent costumes at the Ball.

Tweedledee gets some henna work.

Owl's House, one of many attractions in Fairytale Town.

DJ Matt Brys (not pictured) from Extreme Productions Entertainment kept things moving on the dancefloor.

Evil Fairy, the winner of the female Most Wicked costume contest. All costume contest winners received a gift bag filled with goodies.

The runner-up of the female Most Wicked costume contest.

Poison Ivy?

Victory for The Steampunks in the Best Group costume contest.

River Cats declaw Grizzlies in extra innings Friday night

2010-07-04T06:11:08Z

The Sacramento River Cats defeated the Fresno Grizzlies 4-3 in the 11th inning Friday night, putting them 5 games behind first-place Fresno in the Pacific Coast League South Division. The River Cats play Fresno again Saturday night, leaving eight games before the All-Star game.

Following are some photos from Friday night.

River Cats mascot Dinger poses for pictures with young fans before the game in front of Raley Field.

Pitcher John Halama (#48) about to release.

Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson (center) dispenses wisdom to outfielder Corey Wimberly (right).

A Grizzlies player (left) leading off first base waits for a hit from his teammate before taking off.

Raley Field

Outfielder Michael Taylor (#52)

Members of the River Cats ground crew "The Groove Crew" shake it for the fans during the 7th inning stretch.

Rickey Henderson (left) signs a baseball for a young fan.

Outfielder Matt Watson hit a homer and game-tying single in the eighth.

River Cats manager Tony DeFrancesco (center) giving third base umpire Jeff Latter (right) a piece of his mind after being ejected from the game by home plate umpire Darren Budahn (not pictured). DeFrancesco was ejected after arguing balls and strikes during a Matt Watson (#22) at-bat.

Grizzlies outfielder Ben Copeland (#12)

Outfielder Corey Wimberly (#3) gets ready to connect.

A young fan hopes a Grizzlies player will look her way and toss her a baseball souvenir.

Rickey Henderson coaches at first base. The Oakland A's roving instructor and Hall of Famer holds the major league records for career stolen bases (1,406), runs scored (2,295), unintentional walks (2,129), and leadoff home runs (81 games).

River Cats mascot Dinger entertains the crowd during a changeover.

First baseman Chris Carter (#33) lets one fly.

A Grizzlies coach (right) plays a prank on a Grizzlies player in the dugout: the coach is holding shut the door to a small storage room, and there is a player in the room who can't get out. A crowd manager said that it smells awful inside the room.

Two fans both hope to catch a foul ball.

The River Cats congratulate third baseman Dallas McPherson (#8) after he scores the winning run in the 11th inning.

The Submarines @ Blue Lamp

2010-07-02T07:25:41Z

The Submarines are an indie-pop group comprised of married couple Jack Dragonetti and Blake Hazard. Touring with drummer Jason Stare and new bass player "Scott," they passed through Sacramento on Wednesday night, playing a small show at Blue Lamp.

If you don't recognize the band name, you would certainly recognize the music. Their songs have been featured in Nip/Tuck, Weeds, Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, and in maybe the most well-known placement, the songs "You, Me and the Bourgeoisie" and "Submarine Symphonika" were used in Apple commercials for the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS.

Originally working as solo artists in Boston, Dragonetti and Hazard played in each other's bands and were romantically involved for four years. The relationship ended, but because Hazard still recorded her music in Dragonetti's home studio, the pair quickly discovered the songs they were writing were about each other and their sadness in having broken up. They starting working together again and eventually married. They have released two full-length albums, Declare a New State! and Honeysuckle Weeks, and a third release is upcoming.

Fun fact: Hazard is the great-granddaughter of The Great Gatsby author F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Dum Dum Girls @ Blue Lamp

2010-07-01T03:43:20Z

There was a lot of fishnet at Blue Lamp on Wednesday night, which could mean a few things, but in this case it was lo-fi pop quartet Dum Dum Girls visiting Sacramento in support of their debut album I Will Be.

Dum Dum Girls is led by Dee Dee (real name: Kristen Gundred), the creative force behind the all girl group, á la Trent Reznor. The name of the group is a nod to both The Vaselines' album Dum-Dum, and the Iggy Pop song "Dum Dum Boys". The 27-year-old singer/songwriter started recording songs in her bedroom and eventually looked to her friends to take the show on the road. The debut album I Will Be was produced by Richard Gottehrer, who is responsible for writing 60's classics "My Boyfriend's Back" and "I Want Candy", and who has also worked with artists like Blondie and The Go-Go's.

The 'Girls were all dressed in some variation of a tiny black vintage dress and black fishnet stockings; a nod to their 60's girl group sound, but maintaining the edginess of a modern punk band. Dee Dee has a very pleasant voice; the sweet pop harmonies and fuzzy vocals and guitars played well together, putting them somewhere between The Shangri-Las and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Dee Dee stared straight ahead most of the time and there was minimal banter with the intimate crowd, and the group tore through almost all the short songs on their album (the average length of the songs are about two and a half minutes). The 'Girls don't move around on stage much, but overall it was a fulfilling live show filled with a great pop-punk sound and delicious, ethereal harmonies. I would recommend checking out their single "Jail La La" to get an introduction.

For more info:

Dum Dum Girls

Blue Lamp

Abstract Entertainment

Tyga @ The Colonial Theatre

2010-06-26T04:47:27Z

The young rapper known as Tyga performed to a large crowd at The Colonial Theater (3520 Stockton Blvd) Thursday night, June 24th.

The twenty-year-old is signed to Lil Wayne's record label Young Money Entertainment, where his label mates include Wayne, Drake, and Nicki Minaj. He released his debut album No Introduction in 2008, and has an upcoming album entitled Careless World, featuring collaborations with artists including Chris Brown.

Fans in line wait to get into The Colonial Theatre before the show.

Local rappers warm up the crowd before the show.

More local rappers warm up the crowd before the show.

Tyga comes out to an screaming crowd around 11pm.

Tyga

Tyga pulls an excited fan from the front row and brings her on stage to dance.

Fans in the pit take photos and record video of Tyga with their cell phones.

Tyga interacts with the ladies in the pit while security stands by.

Tyga says goodnight to the audience.

Rooney @ The Boardwalk

2010-06-25T02:25:23Z

There is Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus pop, and there is Rooney pop. It was nice to see the Rooney kind on Wednesday night at the Boardwalk in Orangevale. Both Rooney and one of their support bands on this tour, The Young Veins, have a throwback pop sound that isn't so common these days. As someone who grew up with Weezer, I was definitely looking forward to seeing Rooney for the first time.

The Young Veins were a great opener (the other support bands were local band Flatlin, and Black Gold, from Brooklyn). The 'Veins are compromised of two former members of Panic! at the Disco and are touring in support of their first release Take a Vacation! If The Byrds and The Beatles had a baby, their love child would be named The Young Veins. The upbeat and catchy tunes, like "Take a Vacation!" and "Cape Town" had the young crowd (and some parents) primed for the main attraction.

Rooney took the stage next and dove right into songs from two of their albums, Rooney and Calling the World, and their recently released Eureka, which they are touring in support of. They played classics like "Blueside" and "When Did Your Heart Go Missing," as well as new songs like "Stars and Stripes" and "I Can't Get Enough." Rooney songs are insanely catchy and infectious, and the young crowd lapped it up. Imagine driving down the PCH in your convertible on a hot California summer, and you'll have a good idea of the vibe of a live Rooney show. They were also playing with a new bassist, Brandon Schwartzel, and it was neat to see him occasionally looking around to stay with the changes of his bandmates and then slide in perfectly on his bass into the beat.

For their encore, the band played two songs: “Not In My House,” from their new album, and “I'm Shakin',” from their first. It was an intimate show for a decent sized crowd, and based on the dancing and the screams of teenage girls in the crowd, I'd say the show was a crowd pleaser for everyone.

Flatlin

Black Gold

The Young Veins

Rooney

Rooney

Rooney

For more info:

Photos by Steven Chea

Portugal. The Man at Harlow's

2010-06-19T09:19:09Z

A roadie turned on the smoke machine, and a few moments later, Portland by way of Alaska band Portugal. The Man emerged from the dense fog to take the Harlow's stage. The experimental indie rock four-piece visited Sacramento Thursday night, touring in support of their latest full-length American Ghetto.

Portugal. The Man is John Gourley (Guitar/Vocals), Zachary Carothers (Bass/Vocals), Jason Sechrist (Drums), and Ryan Neighbors (Keys/Vocals). Think psychedelic indie rock with synth and dashes of electronica and hip-hop beats thrown in for good measure. It's a progressive and complex soundscape, and at the same time very much melodic and head-bobbingly accessible.

Their show at Harlow's drew evenly from their first five full-length albums, of which they have put out about one a year since 2006. Foregoing crowd interaction to work through the set, the group's jangly choruses occasionally meandered into extended sonic jam sessions, anchored by the tightness of a group that has a few shows under its belt. A lighting scheme that did not include spotlights on stage helped to create a dramatic mood for the show; the band was lit from a few low lights on the stage and the light/dark contrast (along with the smoke and lasers) created dramatic surroundings to accompany the upbeat performance.

I enjoyed the show a lot and I'm glad I caught these guys in an intimate setting as they continue to build a larger fanbase and play increasingly larger venues. I definitely recommend checking out their albums and catching them live if you can.

Zachary Carothers (Bass/Vocals)

John Gourley (Guitar/Vocals)

John Gourley (background) and Ryan Neighbors (Keys/Vocals)

Zachary Carothers

Ryan Neighbors

Fans in front of the stage watch Ryan Neighbors on keys

John Gourley

Jason Sechrist (Drums)

Zachary Carothers

The band gets ready to say goodnight

Setlist:

My Mind
The Sun
Guns & Dogs
Chicago
1989
Colors
Do You
The Woods
Oh Lord
Marching With 6
Stables & Chairs
And I
People Say
AKA M80 The Wolf

Photos by Steven Chea

For more information:

Portugal. The Man

Harlow's

Abstract Entertainment

Matt Schofield at Harlow's

2010-06-14T02:52:20Z

In the midst of his debut North American tour, highly regarded UK blues guitarist and singer Matt Schofield (Guitar & Bass Magazine picked him as one of the "Top Ten British Blues Guitarists of All Time) electrified the standing-room only audience at Harlow's last night with a showcase of why he is one of the premier blues guitarists of this generation.

Accompanied by Hammond organ player Jonny Henderson and the jazzy rhythms of former Robert Cray drummer, Kevin Hayes, Schofield was in stellar form as he demonstrated mastery of the blues guitar in an impressive set that rocked Sacramento on a windy Saturday night.