Around this time last year, I came at you with the top ten concerts of 2010 – and oh boy, were there some gems on that list. 2011 was also a fine year for concerts here in Sactown (Davis Music Festival, Dawes, Trampled By Turtles, the Silent Comedy, Blind Pilot, etc.), but right about now, I feel like I might go all Ndamokung Suh on the next “2011 Year in Review” list I happen across. Seriously, at this point we could probably put together a Ten Worst Ten Worst Lists List. So, here’s a better idea: Let’s look ahead to some 2012 concerts on the books that you can’t afford to miss. Because guess what, our calendar is loaded heading into the New Year. (Yes, a ton of these shows are at Harl

Who ordered the Fixin’ to Die sandwich with the side of public romance and a Greene salad? Order up! Wednesday night’s G. Love & Special Sauce show at Harlow’s was filled with several intrigues and surprise moments, not the least of which was to watch how traveled front man Garrett “G. Love” Dutton attacked his new country-blues repertoire in concert for the first time on tour. But first, what could be considered the sweetest and possibly the slickest marriage proposal of all time has to be addressed. It was just that cool of a moment, even though it’s contrary to this reporter’s standard policy of addressing the music first and leaving the human circus for later. Dammit, I’ve been spe

When Garrett “G. Love” Dutton and I were on the phone back in early March, ruminating about life, music, career, and the album that has appeared to rejuvenate a steady albeit increasingly stagnant career, G. brought up a recent concert in Japan, and the reactions of the people there to his new album. At this point, the horrific tragedy of the earthquake and resulting tsunami hadn’t happened yet. Here’s hoping that music can provide a tiny bit of reprieve from the harsh realities left in the wake of the tragedy - as long as the title of G’s new record isn’t taken too seriously. “They’re real literal over there,” G. said with a chuckle. “They were all asking me ‘what is Fixin’ to Die?’” “

Holy homecoming! We just wrapped up two back-to-back shows from local golden boy Jackie Greene last week at Marilyn’s and Blue Lamp, so what’s this I’m now hearing about two acoustic happy hour shows from him at the Torch Club next Thursday and Friday? Always appreciate the local love, Senor Greene. Just in case you need to be reminded, those shows will be packed, start cocktail hour early. We’re headed into some snappy territory on the local calendar with electronic music champions the Crystal Method also rolling into town next week to slap the woofers around at District 30; check out Sac Press’ Brandon Darnell getting up close with CM’s Ken Jordan. Not to mention that G. Love & Special

It’s hard to say if the ol’ Rundown screening process is easier or harder when there’s a lot going on – but Lord have mercy, is it a big week here in Sactown! And it’s not just this week either. In addition to last Saturday’s Ra Ra Riot show selling out (as has Friday’s Goapele show), has anyone else noticed that the calendar of concerts at Harlow’s has gone completely berserk in the last couple weeks. Just look at some of the names on deck: Kaki King, ALO, Murder by Death, North Mississippi Allstars, Truth & Salvage Co., Zach Deputy, Young the Giant and Rocky Votolato, just to name a few. There’s one more that’s not listed: G. Love & Special Sauce make their return on April 13. Stay tun

G. Love & Special Sauce have been touring for nearly 20 years but you probably never heard of them, and that's okay, they aren't mainstream, and probably really don't want to be. G. Love, aka Garrett Dutton, hails from Philadelphia and oddly enough, cracked off about the same time another great band from Philly started making rounds, The Roots. Now that I think about it,  The Roots played with G. Love & Special Sauce at the Honda Free Ski Tour back in '07. The band's style is super chill, blending blues and hip hop, R&B, a little folk and a pinch of rock 'n' roll to keep it steady. The band's sound is gritty, organic and the free-style flow is fun. There's not much heavy about this music