I’ve been a fan of the Beach Boys since I was about 10 years old when I heard my older brother playing   “Surf’s Up” in the garage. At times, they are my favorite band, even over the Beatles. I have been thinking about going to see them for the last three years now, as there’s nothing like a Beach Boys concert, but I wasn’t sure what it would be like or if it would even be worth it. Well, time marches on, and we can not have the original Beach Boys even if we wanted to. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this is a good, fun band with talented members on board. There are now three factions of this famous band and they all seem to be very professional and know what they are doing. Bri

It may be winter, but the warm sand and cool surf are calling, and what better way to ring in 2012 than a trip down to Kokomo with the legendary Beach Boys. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and recent California Hall of Fame inductees will be showcasing their fun in the sun songs that are set against a backdrop of surfing, girls and cars at Thunder Valley Casino 's Toast of The Coast-New Year’s Eve 2011 Celebration” in the Holiday Pavilion this Saturday in Lincoln.   Founded in Hawthorne, Calif. in 1961, The Beach Boys were originally comprised of the three Wilson brothers: Brian, Carl and Dennis, their cousin Mike Love, and school friend Al Jardine. Neighbor David Marks joined the group

The Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP) conducts several walking Tours in the downtown area. The walking tours introduce visitors to people, places and events that have created California history. DSP’s mission is to establish downtown Sacramento as a vibrant business, cultural and entertainment destination in Sacramento via private and public partnerships consisting of residents, visitors and investors. This Friday they conducted a Rock & Roll History Tour and Pub Crawl. The tour began at the corner of 9th and J Streets at one of the entrances to the Concerts in the Park held at Cesar Chavez Plaza. The walk began at 6 in the evening. By this time, Wahnder Lust had begun their set at t

This Halloween night I did not buy candy for the little trick or treaters. Actually I was not even home to hand out treats instead I went over to Old Ironsides on 10th and S Streets for an evening of music. Old Ironsides hosted their annual Dead Rock Stars Show. It was billed as an evening where musical guests played selections from their favorite musicians, the dead ones. Jerry Perry, the master of ceremonies for the show, started off by attempting to perform a standup comic routine. Dressed up in Halloween costume he was assisted by his wife dressed up as Poison Ivy. Jerry was dressed up as D. Weed. In regards to his comic routine, one guest put it in perspective by saying “I hope he do

Surf music rang from Old Ironsides Saturday night as local bands took the stage to present a tribute concert in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Beach Boys’ inception. The first band to hit the stage was concert promoter Jerry Perry’s son and his band, On Display, with “Then I Kissed Her.” It was the band’s first night in front of a crowd — they stumbled a bit, but at the end of the song applause rang out all the louder. The bill focused on showcasing different interpretations of the Beach Boys’ work, many focusing on Brian Wilson’s credits more than other contributors like Mike Love. A highlights of the night included a great solo performance by local heavy-hitter Aaron King (sans

NOTE: The Sactown Rundown will appear on Sac Press every Wednesday, with a focus on smaller club shows, festivals and events in Sacramento and surrounding areas. Before we get into this week’s shows, just a quick mop-up on one that we forgot to mention here in the Rundown last week: 100 Monkeys will be performing tonight (Wednesday, August 4) at Venue (formerly Empire). If you don’t know them by their zoo of snappy and quirky indie rock, perhaps you’ll recognize lead singer Jackson Rathbone, a.k.a. Jasper from the “Twilight” flicks. We at the Rundown implore you: Go see them for the music, not the “OMG!” factor. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. at Venue (1417 R St.), and tickets run you $17

There are very few known details about the closing of the Hard Rock Café downtown. Manager Kim Templeton deferred answering questions to a public relations firm. That firm would not answer phone calls. According to a Sacramento Bee article, it will close March 27, but is that before or after the private event listed the same day on the Hard Rock website as "Morgan's Bat Mitzvah?"  One thing is for sure. With the Hard Rock closing, Sacramento is losing several important things: a restaurant, a music venue, a 36-foot guitar with neon highlights and a small museum chock full of Rock 'n' Roll memorabilia. Not to mention an employer. The following is a photo essay depicting some of Hard Rock