I’ve been using the word “fantastic” a lot lately, a bad habit I picked up upon moving to California this year. I am trying to quit, but The Slackers show last night deserves no lesser superlative. The languid reggae sound of their albums betrays the intensity and raucous atmosphere of a live concert. Harlow’s was packed with a crowd that included those sporting pork pie hats, the “flannels” and even a few groovy baby boomers sipping their wine responsibly. Of course, also attending was the obligatory drunk girl in jeggings and high-heeled boots that would later storm the stage for an impromptu “performance.” We’ve all heard reggae or rock-steady before, but to witness the perfect fluidi

You should be just about mended back to health from your New Year’s hangover, so come to Harlow’s on Jan. 2 for another night to party and stave off that post-holiday depression for a few more hours.   Call it ska, call it reggae, call it jazz, call it what you will: The Slackers are bringing it all to Harlow’s on J Street Sunday night. This year makes 20 that the Brooklyn-born sextet has been rocking-steady both the east and west coasts, and now we get a taste of the slackness here in Sacramento.  Tickets are $12 at the door. Show starts at 8 p.m http://www.theslackers.com/ http://www.myspace.com/theslackers  

You won’t need the giant can of Pabst Blue Ribbon to laugh yourself sick at a Lady Business show, but go ahead and buy one. It’s classy. The ladies doing the business at the Comedy Spot downtown last night were seriously funny. Having never been to an improv show, or any comedy show for that matter, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but these gals delivered with energy and giggles to spare. Taking subject matter from the audience, the girls had the whole audience rolling, portraying everything from insecure rats to competitive cats to a disenchanted witch-turned-esthetician. Lady Business was the perfect warm up for the following shows, Anti-Cooperation League and the always-sold-out Drunk vs

The Dude abides. Twelve years after cult classic "The Big Lebowski" starring Jeff Bridges and John Goodman hit theaters, fans are still celebrating the film’s unpredictable and sometimes confusing plot, startling brute violence and hysterical, expletive-riddled dialogue, prime for quoting. Marilyn’s on K Street hosted The Big Lebowski Fiesta Friday night for these fans, and the White Russians and robes were suitably flowing. Marilyn’s deserves some party-throwing props. The costume contest brought all the favorite Big L characters to life: the White Russian won for best female costume, and The Jesus won the male competition. The cute female in the short furry white dress and high-heeled b

A festive, county fair sort of atmosphere prevailed as people milled around with frames yoked over their shoulders, talking bikes, and revving their engines Sunday at the Vintage Bicycle and Motorcycle Swap Meet. A line of eager cycle enthusiasts stretching a quarter mile waited for the gates to open as early as 7 a.m. Sunday morning where Sacramento 6 Drive-in hosted the Vintage Bicycle and Motorcycle Swap Meet. Up to 1,000 people showed up to the event, which Marshall Topping of Topping Events, Inc. called “the world’s largest motorcycle garage sale.” “There was a guy here today who ran into the man he bought his first bike from,” Topping said, pointing excitedly. “They haven’t seen ea