Randy Paragary, Bob Simpson, and Rick and Earl Lobley opened Empire Event Center in 2004. It was almost alone on the R Street Corridor for four years, before being joined by, among others, Shady Lady Saloon, Magpie Catering, Burgers and Brew, Space 07 Salon and Top This Yogurt. With all of these businesses opening in the past year, it was time for the space to undergo a facelift - to the tune of $2 million. Well, not just a facelift - a complete change. Today, all that remains of Empire are memories of past performers, including The Roots, Muse and David Garibaldi, Sacramento's own performance painter. According to its managers, from now on there will be no more 18-and-over club nights,

It's a good year, so far, for Abraham Quintanilla III, known to many as "A.B." Quintanilla. This 45-year-old entertainer was heavily embroiled in a nasty court battle that dragged on for years until finally winning back the Kumbia Kings this year. This victory came after the loss of a long-time friendship with Cruz Martinez, much negative media buzz, and a hefty legal price tag. At last, he can put it all behind him and concentrate on his current band, Kumbia All‑Starz. Many know Quintanilla first as the brother of legendary Queen of Tex-Mex, Selena Quintanilla, who was murdered in 1995. After her untimely death, Quintanilla took a four-year hiatus from his career. When he emerged in 199

Why should you see The Crystal Method on a week night at Harlow's? Band member Scott Kirkland gives a modest reply: "I know the economy's bad, and it's on a Tuesday night, but it's a real big show." What speaks more than an intimate show at Harlow's is the band's longevity. According to Kirkland, "longevity," is still the band's greatest achievement. Over the last 15 years, the band has cut four albums, three remix albums and scored two No. 1 records. A platinum record and a Grammy nomination have also been bestowed on the band. Now on tour to support its latest album Divided By Night, the electronic music duo got an unexpected start in a grocery store. Ken Jordan and Kirkland met in t

Bailemos, Sacramentita. Mexico's Trio Los Panchos will bring romantic bolero music to Sacramento when they hit the stage at Empire Event Center tonight on 1417 R Street. La Raza Galeria Posada is bringing the internationally acclaimed band up north as part of its Sabor! Music series. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. Tickets are $30 at the door. The fundraiser concert is being held to raise money for La Raza and its cultural programs. Nearly seven decades after forming, Los Panchos is considered one of Latin America's top trios. They recently played at the Hollywood Bowl for Mariachi USA. The original band members have been replaced by younger musicians. Gabriel Var

Thursday, Jan. 22, the band Pepper played a show at Empire. Pepper is originally from Hawaii now based out of LA, they have a sound and feel similar to Sublime and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The show was a 16 and over concert venue. The first thing I noticed walking up to Empire was all the high schoolers hiding in the shadows downing coke bottles full of alcohol. I arrived about 2 hours after the show actually started and the line was short and moved quickly after a brief frisking by the staff. Passafire was playing as I entered and I quickly made a bee-line for the bar on the first floor with a good view of the stage. I ordered a vodka-cranberry. It cost $6 and was very weak. To ensure my