Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "naked lounge"

Boston Takes Over the Naked Lounge This Tuesday

2011-11-03T06:38:39Z

In the mood for a low-country Regina Spektor-meets-Jimmy Buffett-on-whiskey act followed by a Dave Matthews crossed with a beached-out Buddy Holly number? Well, you can... this coming Tuesday, November 8 at the Naked Lounge in downtown Sacramento (1111 H St.), starting at 8:30. This all ages show features two of California's up-and-coming, on-the-scene singer-songwriters, Jo Elless (www.joelless.com) and Mike Macchia & Tyler Canaday (Mike's Lost and Found, http://www.youtube.com/TheMikeMacchia). Midwest and northeastern roots, with a little dixie thrown in for good measure, Jo Elless is a Berklee-trained multi-instrumentalist who arranges her songs for wind orchestra (all of the instruments, of course, she performs herself-- ranging from flutes to tinier flutes to saxophones and various clarinets). Her songs feature musings of foggy, city, subway life and Decemberists-like folk tales of the deserted south. Her latest album, Copley Inbound, received national acclaim, including landing Elless a spot on the cover of the magazine Saxophone Journal. Coincidentally, Boston native Mike Macchia will also perform along with Tyler Canady, in the form of Mike's Lost and Found (it's also his birthday, so join in the party!) follow her with a blend of sultry, acoustic rock sure to get you kickin' back, tapping your toe, and reminding you of past summers in love. It's all this coming Tuesday, November 8 starting at 8:30 at Sacramento's downtown Naked Lounge, 1111 H St. Sacramento CA 95814.

Disclosure: Sacramento music scene columnist

A need for caffeine, coffee shop roundup

2011-10-07T02:28:39Z

Nothing beats the rich aroma of a fresh cup of coffee while you settle into a deep armchair, ready to conquer the territories of essays, math problems and debates that students face each semester or quarter. There are dozens of coffee shops splashed across Sacramento, and The Sacramento Press put together a list of reliable study havens.

A delicious and caffeinated beverage, free Wi-Fi and a welcoming space are the characteristics The Sacramento Press looked for on the hunt for Sacramento study spots.

Old Soul at Weatherstone
812 21st St.
443-6340

Hours:
Monday through Sunday 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Free Wi-Fi: Yes

Old Soul at Weatherstone is located in an early 20th-century brick building with a warm and inviting atmosphere. It has character that carries from the front porch, with wooden benches and round tables, through to the café that is filled with art and the smell of warm roasted coffee and baked bread. Out on the patio, vines climb up the walls of the building and people of all ages can often be found playing chess and working on their laptops.

“(Weatherstone is) community-based with a younger hip crowd. We have our regular customers and students that always come to study because of our free Wi-Fi and calm atmosphere,” said Jeramy Robison, manager of Old Soul at Weatherstone. With a café and porch that can easily accommodate 100-plus people and an abundance of electrical outlets for laptops, Robison said,it makes for a popular study spot.

The coffee shop’s baristas specialize in serving “traditional” and “homemade” drinks, Robison said.

Weatherstone directly trades with farmers from around the world and roasts down the street at the Old Soul Alley location, 1716 L St. They make their own vanilla and caramel syrup and pride themselves on being “traditionalists” with their coffee, Robison said.

Weatherstone serves bakery items such as croissants, muffins and scones as well as salads, sandwiches, cheeses, breads, dips and combination plates.

“Our cappuccino is our favorite drink,” Robison said. “It complements the flavor of the espresso. It is a tougher drink to make and takes a special focus, and we like to show off.”

Drink prices range from $2 to $4, and food prices range from $3 to $12.

Broadacre Coffee
1014 10th St.
442-1085

Hours:
Monday through Sunday 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Free Wi-Fi: Yes
Broadacre Coffee only opened its doors on Sept.30, but it has already become a hub for students to work and a place for social gatherings.

The newly remodeled old Levinson’s Book Store building, which previously housed Temple Coffee, has been brightened up with a fresh coat of paint, new seating and bright lights.

“We are open and inviting, bright and fun,” said Andrew Lopez, one of the four owners of Broadacre Coffee.

Broadacre’s baristas specialize in different brewing methods, and they focus on interacting with the customers.

“We want to connect with customers on an individual level,” Lopez said. “You talk with a barista first instead of a cashier. It is more of a one-on-one experience,” said Jacob Elia, one of the owners of Broadacre Coffee.

Doughbot Donuts and Freeport Bakery pastries are served fresh every day, according to Elia. All of the drip coffee is prepared via French press, he added.

The café can seat roughly 35 customers, and there is an outlet for laptops at nearly every table, Elia said .

Drink prices range from $2 to $5, and food prices range from $2 to $3.

Naked Lounge
1500 Q St.
442-0174

Hours:
Monday through Sunday 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Free Wi-Fi: Yes

Dim lighting, warm red walls, rich coffee, baked pastries and deep armchairs create a calm and relaxing environment for students and friends at Naked Lounge.

“We are called a lounge because that is our goal,” said Jeremy Tollefson, operations manager of Naked Lounge. “We want this to be a place customers can sit down and study or read a book and feel at home.”

“We have been recently experimenting with more exotic combinations and flavors. Right now we have a caramel sage latté made with sage-infused espresso,” Tollefson said. “We are always trying to come up with new combinations.”

Naked Lounge orders its beans from all over the world but roasts them locally in Sacramento, Tollefson said.

The café can seat around 50 people, and the patio can hold nearly 30.

“There are a lot of plugs in the café, almost one for every table,” Tollefson said .

The average price of drinks is $3 and the average price of food is $2.

Coffee Garden
2904 Franklin Blvd.
457-5507

Hours:
Monday through Saturday 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Free Wi-Fi: Yes
Coffee Garden is filled with green plants, local art, couches and plenty of seating: perfect for study groups to meet and for students to plug in their laptops, inside or outside, and get their work done.

“It is a casual coffee shop, and everyone comes here. We get all types of people, and are community-based,” said Michael Madsen, co-owner of Coffee Garden.

The back patio is filled with tropical plants that create a calm and natural environment. “We wanted to make it a little oasis out back, and I think we have achieved that,” Madsen said.

Coffee Garden specializes in making espresso drinks and tea as well as serving soups, sandwiches, pizza and pastries.

“We have a little bit of everything,” Madsen said. “We serve Tony’s fair trade organic coffee out of Seattle.”

During every Second Saturday Art Walk, Coffee Garden features different artists in the café, and every Thursday night, Coffee Garden hosts an open mic night.

Drink prices average $3, and food prices range from $2 to $7.

Temple Coffee
2829 S St.
454-1272

Hours:
Monday through Sunday 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Free Wi-Fi: Yes
Temple Coffee, voted one of the top 17 roasters in the United States by CNN and Fortune Magazine, is known for its quality beans, roasting techniques and well-balanced coffee.

Warm red beams stretch across large brick walls, and small wooden tables are staggered throughout Temple Coffee, creating a friendly and welcoming environment.

The café seats nearly 50 customers now, but the outdoor patio is being expanded to accommodate more customers. The patio will have bright lighting and vines that crawl up the terraces, said Sean Kohmescher, owner and founder of Temple Coffee.

“Temple on S is a modern warehouse that is covered in 100-year-old brick. It is very warm and inviting. Both Temples are really great places to study,” Kohmescher said.

1010 9th St. is the other Temple Coffee location.

There are outlets throughout the café for laptop usage and pastries available for snacks.

The average price of drinks is $4, and the average price of food is $3.

Java City
1800 Capitol Ave.
444-5282

Hours:
Monday through Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Free Wi-Fi: Yes
Cream-colored globe lanterns extend down to illuminate the exposed brick inside Java City, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere.

“Our goal at Java City is to make everyone feel welcome and at home,” said Jamie Mason, manager of Java City.

“We specialize in various brewing styles. We serve French press, siphon drip (and) cone drip along with our regular drip coffee and espresso drinks. Right now, our featured drink is the Great Pumpkin Latté,” Mason said .

“We get our coffee from all over the world, but we roast it locally in Sacramento. It is nice to know our beans are fresh. We can even tell you the date every cup was roasted on,” Mason said.

The café seats 30 customers, and there are outlets available at most of the couches and tables for laptops.

Drink prices range from $1.50 to $3.50, and food prices range from $2.50 to $7.75.

Which coffee shops are your favorites? Please share your suggestions and experiences below.

Norcal Noisefest 2011: Six Days of Noise!

2011-09-27T07:12:56Z

Norcal Noisefest 2011, Sacramento's fifteenth annual gathering of experimental musicians and noise artists, returns this week for a six-day noise marathon featuring over 50 performers from across the continent.

Starting on Wednesday September 28 and running every day until Monday October 3, this year's Noisefest has expanded in both time and space: on Thursday night, simultaneous shows will occur in both Sacramento and San Francisco, followed by an on-air Noisefest performance on KDVS, 90.3 FM, in Davis. All other performances take place in Sacramento--at the Naked Lounge downtown, the Geery Theatre in Midtown, Luna's Cafe, and Sol Collective at the edge of Curtis Park.

Noise is difficult to explain. Like abstract art is to representational art, noise attempts to liberate music from the traditional constraints of musical form, to explore the outer edges of musical experience. Founded in 1995, the Norcal Noisefest features explorers reporting back from those edges, to share their sensory discoveries with the city of Sacramento.

All shows are all-ages, admission is $10 per day and includes earplugs.

An all-week festival pass for $40 includes admission to all shows, a Noisefest T-shirt, a copy of this year's compilation CD "Noise Warning," and a commemorative Noisefest pin--and earplugs. Purchase tickets at the door or online via Brown Paper Tickets:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/194346

For updates and more information visit http://www.norcalnoisefest.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2011- 8pm
NAKED LOUNGE DOWNTOWN, 1111 H STREET, SACRAMENTO
DELAYED SLEEP (sacramento)
MERDIQUE (seattle,wa)
klowd (sacramento)
SMITE! (sacramento)
KEVIN CORCORAN / WES STEED (sacramento)

THURSDAY, SEPT 29, 2011 - 7:30p - 10p
Wm.J.GEERY THEATER, SACRAMENTO,CA, 2130 L Street
NIGHT NURSE (sacramento)
PETE VON PETRIN (san francisco)
CHOPSTICK (sacramento)
VENETIAN VEIL (sacramento)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 - 8pm
LUGGAGE STORE GALLERY, SAN FRANCISCO, 1007 Market Street
XOME (sacramento)
+ - ERROR (Germany)
MARLO EGGPLANT (olympia,wa)
DARYL SHAWN/LAURIE AMAT (new york/san francisco)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 - 11PM
KDVS, FM 90.3. DAVIS,CA
stream @ www.kdvs.org
MATT KRETZMANN (sacramento)
CHAD E. WILLIAMS (sacramento)
LIVER CANCER (rocklin)
WES STEED (sacramento)

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2011 - 7pm
LUNA'S CAFE, 1414 16TH ST, SACRAMENTO
INSTAGON (sacramento)
MARLO EGGPLANT (olympia,wa)
+ - ERROR (Germany)
NOISEPSALM (camino)
CJ BOROSQUE (richmond)
DARYL SHAWN/LAURIE AMAT (new york/san francisco)
ENDIF (reno,nv)
ONE INFINITE LOOP (medford,or)
DESTROY DATE (los angeles)
LORDS OF OUTLAND (san francisco)
THURSDAY, SEPT 29, 2011 - 7:30p - 10p
Wm.J.GEERY THEATER, SACRAMENTO,CA
NIGHT NURSE (sacramento)
PETE VON PETRIN (san francisco)
CHOPSTICK (sacramento)
VENETIAN VEIL (sacramento)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2011 - 3pm
SOL COLLECTIVE, SACRAMENTO,CA, 2574 21st Street
BIG CITY ORCHESTRA (san francisco)
+DOG+ (los angeles)
XOME (sacramento)
ACTUARY (los angeles)
THOMAS DIMUZIO (san francisco)
XDUGEF (los angeles)
ENDOMETRIUM CUNTPLOW (northridge)
LIVER CANCER (rocklin)
STRIATIONS (concord)
UBERKUNST (sacramento)
OVERDOSE THE KATATONIC (seattle,wa)
MOE! STAIANO (san francisco)
TRALPHAZ (san francisco)
JOLTHROWER (wet planet)
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF PLANET DWARF PLUTO
(los angeles)
DETH SIKE (seattle,wa)
THE TARAVAL TECHNIQUE (san francisco)
ACCIDENTAL MEMORIES (sacramento)
CARTOON JUSTICE (san francisco)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 - 8pm
LUGGAGE STORE GALLERY, SAN FRANCISCO
XOME (sacramento)
+ - ERROR (Germany)
MARLO EGGPLANT (olympia,wa)
DARYL SHAWN/LAURIE AMAT (new york/san francisco)

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2011, 4pm
LUNA'S CAFE, 1414 16TH ST, SACRAMENTO,CA
VANKMEN (oakland)
HOLLY HERNDON (oakland)
MEDICINE CABINET (tracy)
BLOOD INTO WATER (san jose)
THIRTEEN HURTS (pleasant view,co)
HYPNOTIC INJECTION (sacramento)
ORBLESS (oakland)
WELTSCHMERZ (san francisco)
BABY BEAST (vancouver,CANADA)
THEE AHMISH (huntington beach)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2011 - 11PM
KDVS, FM 90.3. DAVIS,CA
stream @ www.kdvs.org
MATT KRETZMANN (sacramento)
CHAD E. WILLIAMS (sacramento)
LIVER CANCER (rocklin)
WES STEED (sacramento)

MONDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2011 - 7:30pm
NEBRASKA MONDAY WEEKLY EXPERIMENTAL JAZZ SERIES
WELCOMES NOISEFEST CLOSING NIGHT
LUNA'S CAFE, 1414 16TH ST, SACRAMENTO,CA
RITUAL WASTE [w/Jon Bafus] (sacramento)
LUCIO MENEGON (new york,ny)
ROSS HAMMOND (sacramento)
DONKEY FLYBYE [of Smegma] (sacramento)
LOUD ODD BASS (sacramento)

Disclosure: William Burg is Director of Promotion for the Norcal Noisefest.

Summer concert series will revitalize McClatchy Park

2011-06-04T02:28:46Z

Sacramento’s outdoor summer concert scene is growing, as 40-year old Chris Pendarvis, owner of Naked Lounge and Orphan, is adding the Oak Park Concert Series in McClatchy Park.

It’s added to a lineup that includes Concerts in the Park at Cesar Chavez Plaza, Curtis Park’s Music in the Park at the end of June and Friday’s kickoff of Pops in the Park in McKinley Park.

The organizers of the free Oak Park Concert Series said they hope to revitalize one of Sacramento’s oldest neighborhoods and make use of the hidden treasures in McClatchy Park.

Throughout the summer months, beginning on June 18, Oak Park Productions and Naked Coffee will host performances on one Saturday every month through September from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. The roster includes an eclectic musical taste of regional and Sacramento artists.

Pendarvis, who spends a lot of time in Oak Park, said he had the idea budding for awhile, and created the concert series on a whim after noticing how the park was being underutilized.

Pendarvis said the park itself is beautiful. He described the tall trees that cloak the park in natural shade that is much-needed in the hotter summer months. He said it has a fully equipped amphitheatre with a stage, plugs and a sound system that is rarely, if ever, used.

“I walk past this amazing stage, and in all my years of walking through McClatchy, I never noticed any consistent entertainment,” Pendarvis said. “It’s one of the oldest parks in Sacramento, and it’s built for music.”

The event will kick off with sets from The Snobs, a punk/rock band with a twist – a saxophone – and Electricpoetic Coffee featuring the duo Ross Hammond and NSAA, who combine Hammond’s jazz guitar with NSAA’s spoken word.

On July 9, ZuhG, a collective style funky-jazzy-jam band will perform, followed by Longshot Soundsystem, a reggae band that Pendarvis describes as “out of this world.”

On Aug. 6, Nagual, an ensemble featuring guitar, saxophone, drums, bass and vocals will perform music that transcends genres. Mad Planet, a male/female trip-hop duo from Los Angeles, will follow.

On Sept. 3, Musical Charis, a folk/rock “conglomerate” with unconventional instruments like a sitar and toy pianos will bring its lighthearted music style to the stage. Mondo Decco, a self-described “four-piece rock/glam/R&B group,” will follow. The Afterlife, a jazz band ranging from modern to swing, will close out the summer series.

“I think all the music is going to be really great. We just went out to find good music that we think that people will enjoy. There’s so many great musicians in the Sacramento area, so it’s not hard to find music of a high caliber,” Pendarvis said.
Pendarvis said he expects the ZuhG/Longshot Soundsystem show to be one of the most popular.

Bryan Nichols, 24-year-old guitarist and vocalist from ZuhG, said he is excited to be a part of the outdoor music series. He said playing music outside brings a whole different vibe, energy and sound.

“Music is a thing that brings people together in a positive way. Hopefully that’s what goes down in McClatchy Park,” Nichols said. “To have it in a community like that where they don’t usually have a big concert in the park, hopefully all the families and the kids come out and take advantage of it.”

Pendarvis said part of revitalizing the park is shedding the image the neighborhood has of being a dangerous place to live. He said he thinks that people have certain thoughts regarding the neighborhood that aren’t great, but “they are super off-base.”

“I think it’s important to get people to come to McClatchy and see how great it is. I think it opens minds,” Pendarvis said.

“I think to get people into the Oak Park area and actually check the neighborhood out is a good thing, and I think it’s revitalizing. This isn’t just a concert for Oak Park, this is a show for the urban area at a great venue, which just so happens to be in Oak Park,” he added.

Frank Loret de Mola, 26-year-old general manager of the downtown Naked Lounge recently moved to the Oak Park community. He said he was completely on board when his boss, Pendarvis, came to him with the idea.

He said he believes that the series in the park will create a sense of ceremony for the community that is important when you’re trying to bring people together and make a change.

“A lot has changed in Oak Park. There’s been a lot of money put into it, a lot of businesses have grown, a lot of new families are moving in,” Loret de Mola said. “I think the neighborhood is going to show up. They’re going to hear our music. They’re going to go outside, and they’re going to check it out.”

Loret de Mola and Naked Lounge workers will be volunteering for the event, directing foot traffic and helping out with the stage and making sure the event runs smoothly.

“I’m looking forward to seeing it all happen and watching our staff take charge, and of course seeing everyone getting together for what’s ultimately a free event,” he said.

Pendarvis said he isn’t doing the series as a marketing incentive for Naked Coffee. The event is sponsored by his company and is coming out of his own pocket because it was just something he wanted to do. All he needs now is for people to come out.

He said he doesn’t think it will be any different than other outdoor summer concerts. It will be family-friendly, music-oriented, and people can bring their own food and chairs and relax in the shade.

“This is just being done for fun,” Pendarvis said. “We don’t want donations. We aren’t recruiting anyone. We have two guys and a whole bunch of volunteers who are doing it. What’s unusual about it is that it hasn’t happened often, if ever, in McClatchy.”

Resurrection Men Revive Indie Sound in Sacramento

2011-02-22T22:13:17Z

Sacramento has long been a treasure trove for indie music. Mixing classic late-1990’s post-grunge rock and pop, The Resurrection Men’s self-titled EP solidifies the band’s appeal to a hip, mainstream audience, and proves that indie music is no longer solely the refuge of too-cool-for-school hipsters.

Opening with “Seroquel,” The Resurrection Men boldly blend rapid-fire vocals with a melodic weave of driving aural bliss. The strong drumming, matched with catchy guitar riffs, makes this fast-paced song an instant attention grabber.

Slowing it down a bit with “Disappointed,” lead singer Lucky Calloway delivers deep, soulful lyrics, reminiscent of pre-ballad foreshadowing tracks recorded by many artists over the decades. Realizing Lucky can go there, one wonders whether the band’s next studio release will feature that type of follow-up experiment.

The band’s next track, “I’m Ready,” highlights yet another facet of their musical range. Steady bass grooves and fun hooks during the chorus provide an addictively upbeat exposure to pop-rock straddles that risk leaving many bands sounding soft.

Not so with The Resurrection Men. Their next track, “Klatu,” takes listeners on a journey into an intense six-string soundscape where power riffs and solos tear down the walls to reveal Midtown-based guitarist Baron Calloway’s personal musical playground.

Powerful and unafraid, The Resurrection Men dive deep into darkness on the track, “Ehab.” This may be the band’s biggest departure from common pop sensibilities. With its layered wall of guitar and soaring vocals, this track touches sub layers of sound in a sonic reduction uncommon these days.

Perhaps the hidden gem of the EP, however, is the last track, “Follow You.” Mournful and brooding, the song allows each member of the band a unique moment in the spotlight. Gritty vocals, grinding guitar, steady bass, and hammering drum beats guide listeners through a world in which the path to solitude requires becoming one with sound and nearly being the instrument itself.

Indeed, The Resurrection Men deliver an EP with the power to reach out to a large and diverse fan base drawn to sophisticated beats and catchy hooks. The EP, recorded by Kevin Prince and Danny Cocke at One Eleven Studios in Roseville, CA, is available on iTunes.

The Resurrection Men perform at Naked Lounge at 1111 H St., in Sacramento, on Saturday, Feb 26 at 8:30pm. For additional information, follow the band on Facebook and check out their website.

Sactown Rundown - Jan. 27-Feb. 2

2011-01-27T20:06:01Z

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 tuned to Sac Press for a review of his new Avett Brothers-produced album “Fixin’ to Die” and an interview with Mr. Dutton himself.

Let’s get back to this Davis-heavy week (the town, not this reporter), and one of the biggest Tuesdays you’ll ever see…

Sacramento Electronic Music Festival – The second installment of this event at the Townhouse has been covered ad nauseum, so it’s nearly impossible you haven’t heard about it yet. But if not, check it out here. Thursday-Saturday. Townhouse, 1517 21st St. $7 per day/$15 all day pass. www.townhouselounge.com.

Deerhoof – They’re up against night one of the SEMF (or is the SEMF up against them?), but this one is sure to see a ton of heads piling in to see one of those bands that delightfully has no idea what in the hell they’re doing. The janky indie art rock spun by this San Francisco outfit is based on the premise that the four members have actually cracked the formula to just what their music is supposed to be, but they’ve written it and perform it like the soundtrack of the journey it took to get there. There’s almost greater joy in a band that’s happier slapping around guitars and tangling keyboards like a spinning compass in some mythical gumdrop forest in an acid rainstorm, than one who will write more songs about the places we already know about. They’re kicking off their tour this week behind the release of their new record, “Deerhoof vs. Evil.” G. Green flanks. 10 p.m. Thursday. Harlow’s, 2708 J St. $12. 21+. www.harlows.com. Check out Deerhoof over on Daytrotter.

Lord Huron – San Francisco’s dazzlingly colorful Geographer are the headliners for this show, but it’s Los Angeles’ Lord Huron that might end up stealing the show. Before I’d even heard a note, they were described to me as “Fleet Foxes meets the Local Natives” (that description is enough to make an indie rock fan frolic through the proverbial daisies), and there’s not much better way to describe it. With J. Tillman’s Baroque chamber pop sensibilities and singing guitar riffs clattering with a wall of percussion and an ambient backwash of swirling, fluttering melodies and nature store effects, you can bet their “arrival” isn’t far off. They yield to Geographer with A B & the Sea opening. 8 p.m. Saturday. Odd Fellows Hall, 415 2nd St., Davis. $10 adv/ $12 d.o.s. All ages. www.sophiasthaikitchen.com.

And would you believe that from here on down, ALL of these shows happen on Tuesday…

Social Distortion - “In the first few days (after he died), I was like ‘we’re just gonna end this band now,’” Mike Ness told me back in 2004, discussing the passing of fellow founding Social D member, guitarist Dennis Danell in 2000. “But then I realized, it was too important to him, it was important to me, we started this together. It gave me a new purpose; I decided ‘let’s carry this on out of respect.’” To say that the band has been a revolving door ever since would be an understatement, but the constant has always been the enigmatic Ness, one of the grittiest frontmen in the history of rock and roll, and a man who has cemented Social Distortion’s place as one of the most influential acts not only of punk rock, but rock music period – regardless of who does or does not choose to recognize it. Although the band ushered in a whole generation of punk and rockabilly acts too numerous to mention, the heart of Social D has always been in the blues, playing gritty, gutter-dwelling riffs in the fashion of the most socially maligned rebel bluesmen in history and singing the songs Johnny Cash never got around to singing. They’ve just dished up a new album, “Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes,” which debuted last week at #4 on the Billboard charts; the group’s highest first-week post in their 32 year career. Cheers! With Lucero and Chuck Ragan. 7 p.m. Tuesday. Freeborn Hall at UC Davis. All ages. tickets.ucdavis.edu. Check out Social D’s recent session over on Daytrotter.

Dawes – Although they used to go by the name Simon Dawes and identified themselves at the time as more of an alternative rock band, the original incarnation of Dawes really wasn’t, at its heart, that much different than this new Americana delight from Laurel Canyon. Their songs are still just like those dusty trails that somehow lead through the center of a bustling downtown, like if Pizza Rock and Dive Bar had somehow been opened on a non-descript trek in Colusa. Their debut full length “North Hills” is pure gold for anyone who can’t go three days without listening to a Tom Petty record – likewise for anyone who hardly ever listens to Petty, but loves it when he’s on. The jubilantly enjoyable Jonny Corndawg opens, along with Shannon Harney and Friends. 8 p.m. Tuesday. Odd Fellows Hall, 415 2nd St., Davis. $10 adv/$12 d.o.s. All ages. www.sophiasthaikitchen.com. Check out Dawes on Daytrotter here and here; and some Jonny Corndawg for fun.

Clutch – Quick, punch yourself in the crotch repeatedly and don’t stop until you’ve finished pounding a 16 oz. Budweiser. Enjoy that? How is it that Clutch’s hard rock wiles have a similar effect, but it feels so damn good? Lead singer Neil Fallon is like the dark side of Dave Matthews; the one that would have resulted if he’d never kicked the heroin habit (?) and listened to nothing but Faith No More and Led Zeppelin records his whole life. They’re the kind of rock band that appeals to your primal instincts, barreling right past the voice in your mind that says “I don’t like heavy music” and forcing you to let it fly loose, even just for a couple of hours. Who doesn’t need that once in awhile? 8 p.m. Tuesday. Harlow’s, 2708 J St. $20. 21+. www.harlows.com.

Whew!

Mark Your Calendars - Michael Tobias & the Acidic Swamp Band - It's Tobias' first show in Sac since the release of his labor-of-love debut album, "High & Low." Feb. 4. Naked Lounge, 1111 H St. www.nakedcoffee.net.

If you are planning or promoting a concert in the Sacramento area, or just know of a show you’d like to see featured in the Rundown, shoot me an email.

For a complete listing of Sacramento area music happenings, check out Ann Freeman-Clement’s Concerts, Music Events and the Local Music Scene every Friday on Sacramento Press.

Midtown Film Project Wraps Up

2010-09-01T00:52:39Z

A film crew has been shooting footage inside Naked Lounge, The Shady Lady and Clubhouse 56.

The film, “Untitled,” is a collaboration between two Ink Eats & Drinks employees. Theater director Anthony D’Juan Shelton directed the film, and Celia Crain, co-wrote and co-produced it.

Nanci Zoppi (New Helvetia Theatre’s “It’s Only Life,” “Tick, Tick…BOOM!” and “Hedwig and The Angry Inch” and “Graham-A-Rama”) plays Angelica De Grassi, a rising singer and the film’s main character.

Zoppi and Shelton previously worked together for an Actor’s Theatre of Sacramento production of “Othello.”

“Untitled” will be both Shelton’s and Zoppi’s film debut.

Shleton said he wanted to make a film about a human journey.

“It’s about a total breakdown and rebuilding,” Shelton said. “Bad things happen, but good can come from it.”

While filmed in Sacramento, Shelton said the story’s location is undisclosed within the film, and he likes it that way because it makes the film more relatable.

“Someone in any city could watch it and not think it was Sacramento,” he said.

Crain said both she and Shelton are huge fans of music, which influenced their creative process. Included in the film is an original song adapted from a poem written by Crain.

Film is a new medium for Crain as well. Most of her experience comes from stage dancing. Crain said she has danced for Disney, the Los Angeles Fringe Festival, and the Key Club Choreographer's Ball.

The film is in the editing stage, and the creators plan to show the film at Ink Eats and Drinks on 28th and N streets in about a month.

Here are some behind-the-scenes videos of the making of "Untitled":

Anthony D'Juan behind the scenes of "Untitled"

Anthony D'Juan directs and films "Untitled"

Naked Lounge venue mixes music and microbrew

2009-11-04T22:49:24Z

The Naked Lounge, at 11th and H, opened its music venue last month with a bang.

Since February, the locally-owned coffee shop has been serving joe from it's newest downtown location in the Retrolodge. But after fitting a stage and about 50 seats into the space next door and adding beer and music to the menu, it's now turned into Sacramento's newest late night destination.

The Golden Cadillacs rocked a packed house on Oct. 15, and has since earned a spot as the venue's house band, a regularly appearing act.

Saturday, Oct. 24, Chicago singer-songwriter Joe Pug and Davis musician Katie Jane performed.

About 8 p.m., beer bottles began clanking in the darkened room as 25 people settled in for a night of folk music. Jane opened with a 45-minute solo set that put out a Jenny Lewis-like folk-rock sound on piano and guitar.

After a short intermission, Pug took the stage at about 9 p.m. for an hour-long set. The 23-year-old singer exuded a James Dean-like coolness that fit his raspy delivery and astute lyrics.

"They're lines that become more complex and compelling the more time you spend untangling their meanings," an NPR article said of Pug's words. "It's nearly impossible to avoid drawing comparisons between Pug and folk legends like Bob Dylan or contemporaries like Josh Ritter."

After declaring that it was his first time in Sacramento, Pug took off on a set in which he accompanied himself on guitar and harmonica. His intricate finger picking and fairly intimate knowledge of the blues are evidence that he's been playing guitar since the age of 12.

At the end of his set, the audience was left pondering lines like "The first time I saw you/ I saw somebody I knew/ I recognized you, our first glance." Pug stayed after the set, signing T-shirts and his EP, "Nation of Heat."

His debut full-length album is due in February, after he tours Europe.

"(The sound) is really good, and powerful for this type of venue -- about 1,000 watts," said Naked Lounge barista Kalan Sorion and sound man for the shows. He said that in November, the calendar will have events Thursdays through Mondays.

The Golden Cadillacs are scheduled to play every third Sunday, starting in November.

Check the Naked Lounge's calendar for future performances.

Orphan Breakfast right at home in East Sacramento

2009-10-22T04:08:24Z

The name sounds misleading, eliciting imagery of "Little Orphan Annie," or playful puns from Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist". But the food served at Orphan is absolutely no joke.

Chris Pendarvis, owner of Naked Lounge and Naked Coffee in Sacramento, opened his new restaurant on Sept 28.

"Coffee is very competitive," Pendarvis said. "I wanted to move forward on a different level, and round out the Naked Coffee business. We certainly now have all morning needs covered."

Orphan is located across the Cannery Business Park in East Sacramento. The space has already been used as a restaurant over the years, Moxie Jr. initially, then the more recent Sapor and Soprattutto Salumeria & Ristorante.

The name Orphan just felt right when he saw the space, Pendarvis said.

"I don't believe in brand identification," he said. "I was attracted to the sound and it just felt right. I looked up the definition and found it to also mean, 'to deprive of commercial sponsorship, not partnered.' I knew that was the name right away."

Pendarvis redesigned the interior giving it a modern contemporary feel. The seating is intimate, allowing only about 24 sit-down patrons. Wood tables, wrought iron chairs and black and white photographs hang from colorful walls around the building. Three windowed roll-up doors face the east side, obliging patrons the opportunity for outdoor dining.

"I wanted it to be accessible and comfortable," he said. "The feel should be eclectic, but not shabby. I wanted to utilize the space and got rid of some ugly windows that were in here previously."

The menu is identical to Isabel's Catina, created by Chef Isabel Cruz, whom Pendarvis worked with in Pacific Beach, California. The Asian and Latin fusion cuisine creates healthy vegetarian and meat dishes. All the ingredients are fresh and delectable, Pendarvis said.

"I want people to leave an empty plate, but not feeling like they ate a horse," Pendarvis joked. "The meals are not super weighty or heavy, but you will leave feeling satisfied."

Banana blackberry pancakes are served with fresh fruit puree with real maple syrup. Breakfast tamales are made from sweet corn served with eggs, black beans and garnished with cheese, sour cream, tomatoes and cilantro. Both are priced under $10.

The "eggs lulu" is made with cream cheese, scallions and roma tomatoes scrambled with three eggs, which is served between a fresh house-baked croissant and a side of fresh fruit.

The $4 breakfast special going on right now is one of the best in town, Pendarvis said.

"It involves two blackberry pancakes, two pieces of bacon and two eggs," he said. "We call it the two-plus-two-plus-two equals four special. It is a great value for what you are getting."

Staying true to Naked Coffee's roots, all coffee served is roasted right on site.

"All of our coffee here is single origins," Pendarvis said. "There is no blend, it is all drip, roasted right here. That in itself is different from other breakfast places in Sacramento."

Pendarvis said he has no future plans for expansion, or opening up the restaurant for late lunch or dinner.

"I am perfectly satisfied with how things are right now, I don't want to expand," he said. "Quality is lost if the product becomes too diluted. The food is well prepared with lots of love. It is all about quality for me."

Orphan is located at 3440 C St. Operating house are Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m until 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday 8:00 a.m until 3 p.m.

Orphan only accepts cash and checks.

Naked Lounge downtown to open music venue

2009-10-07T02:49:10Z

The Naked Lounge is ready to turn it up a notch.

On Oct. 15 at their Downtown location on the corner of H and 11th streets, the coffee shop will roll-up their garage doors for an all ages music venue.

"We opened this coffee house in February," said Jenn Fox, General Manager. "We never wanted music inside the coffeehouse, we focus just on coffee. But then we got to thinking ... it's already next door, it's a great space, let's do a venue."

Over the next few months, the Naked Lounge music venue quickly started to form. The rented space, known as "Retrolodge," is aptly named after the Astro and Elroy motels. The style for both motels was modeled after the 1950s and 60s Palm Springs look. They have since been renovated with their space now being rented to Sacramento business tenants.

"It's a weird spot, really unique," Fox said. "It is really changing the face of downtown. There is nothing like it in Sacramento."

The two locations will be located next to one another, side by side. A roll-up door separates them, but will be open during events. The venue, like the coffee house, is modestly sized and will have an intimate feel seating about 50 people. The coffee house has a unique space with a lounge area, central espresso bar and also seats about 50.

Fox said the music at the venue will be lively and varied, with no heavy metal or DJs performing. There will be folk rock, alternative country like Americana, jazz and blues. They plan on showing local Sacramento bands, but also touring bands from Chico, Chicago and even New York, she said.

"The point is to highlight local acts, but also to get people to come [out] to Sacramento," Fox said. Subscribing to their weekly newsletter located at their website is the best way to follow what bands will be performing, she said.

Alcohol will be served to those 21 and over. Coffee will continue to be served as long as the venue is open, Fox said. Normally, the lounge is only open until 7 p.m. Following the grand opening on Oct. 15, the lounge and venue will stay open as late as midnight depending on the night.

The music venue will also double as a nightlife entertainment hangout spot on nights not performing any music, Fox said.

"There will be some sort of venue six nights a week," Fox said. "Tuesday night is open mic night, Wednesday night is documentary night and Sunday evening there will be a pub quiz."

The pub quiz will not have the traditional feel to it, she said, and the documentaries are especially interesting.

"The first five weeks we will be showing 'Up'," Fox said. "In it the filmmaker follows 14 seven-year-old children in Britain from 1964, and every seven years he has updates with them."

Overall, Fox said she is looking forward to the grand opening experience and what it will bring to the downtown Sacramento night scene.

"There are not too many places in Sacramento you can go with your friends, sit, have a beer and watch something intellectually stimulating," Fox said. "It really is unique."

The Naked Coffee's website will announce upcoming entertainment, or there is a section to sign up for their newsletter.

Local bands can book their performances through Jenn Fox by emailing her at Jenn@nakedcoffee.net.

Photos courtesy from nakedcoffee.net.

Best Restaurants - a different take

2009-07-21T01:54:18Z

It's that time of year again - time for "Best Restaurants," brought to you by Sacramento Magazine.

After reading the readers' picks for each category, it made me wonder whether the results would be different for readers of The Sacramento Press. Our focus has been primarily on events and coverage of things in the Grid, whereas Sacramento Magazine covers a larger demographic including the suburbs.

There were four categories that stood out to me in Sacramento Magazine's Best Restaurants: Best Burrito, Best Pizza, Best Burger and Best Coffeehouse.

I live in the Grid and therefore have my own biases about restaurants that live in Downtown and Midtown. I prefer restaurants in this area to those found in the outlying areas. It would be interesting to see the results had it been limited to only restaurants in the Grid.

Best Burrito went to Chipotle, with Dos Coyotes coming in second and Ernesto's coming in third. Both Chipotle and Dos Coyotes are chains. The Grid has very few chain restaurants, and I wonder if the presence of chains amidst family-owned and unique Sacramento restaurants makes a difference in reader choice. Does the quality speak for itself?

Best Pizza went to Round Table. Granted, Chicago Fire and Zelda's picked up second and third place, but I wonder how a delivery-based chain is even allowed in the running. Did Hot Italian or Luigi's or Giovanni's make it in the top five?

For the category of Best Burger, there are quite a few restaurants that come to mind that did not make the top three. Jim Denny's, Whitey Jolly Cones and Nationwide Freezer Meats were all missing from page 115 for best burger. In-N-Out, however, took first place, the Squeeze Inn (deserving, in my opinion, one of the top three) made second and McDonald's placed third.

For Best Coffeehouses, Starbucks was voted first place, Peet's took second and It's a Grind made third. When I think of good coffeehouses, I think of the unique havens in the Grid. Temple comes to mind. So does Weatherstone and Naked Lounge. If I want ambiance and a coffee or tea that comes in a mug that was washed and that is reusable, I do not go to Starbucks. If I want free wi-fi that does not require a cellular account, I cannot go to Starbucks. If I want a swirled foam design on my latte, I will not go to a mass chain coffeehouse.

My coffee choices come from currently living in the Grid, although I did grow up in the suburbs.

After reading this list, I looked at Sacramento Magazine's website. At the bottom, it reads "Find the best that Sacramento, California has to offer at Sacramento Magazine Online. With fantastic features such as a restaurant guide, an entertainment and events calendar and monthly recipes, you’ll find everything you need to know about exciting Sacramento, California."

Now, I ask you - readers of The Sacramento Press - if you were to vote on Best Restaurants for The Sacramento Press (in the Grid), which ones would make your top three for best burrito, pizza, burger and coffeehouse?

Naked in midtown

2009-02-19T00:32:58Z

One of the most well-known hotspots in midtown Sacramento is undoubtedly the Naked Lounge on Q Street. Now, as of last week, downtowners can enjoy the same Naked proximity with the newly opened Naked Lounge located at the corner of 11th and H.

True to its name, Naked Lounge on H Street also gets its coffee from Naked Roasting on 36th and Broadway. "We roast all of our coffee and espresso; whatever coffee, we only serve one particular coffee at a time, and then our decaf," says Naked Lounge barista Justin Short. "We do it all at 36th and Broadway."

"We work really hard to keep the coffee consistent, so that people know they're getting good coffee no matter what," he adds.

But that's where the similarities between this Naked Lounge and its predecessor end. While the Naked Lounge on Q has more of a subdued, modern atmosphere, the Naked Lounge on H is bright, vibrant, and a little retro.

"It's new, it's funky, it's cool," says Short. "We try to keep the style a little different so that people know they're in a different place."

The décor is completely unique. The art displayed on the walls was done by Short and by Naked creator, Chris Pendarvis. Even the furniture was locally handmade, specifically for Naked.

"[Chris Pendarvis] repainted [the tables] to that cool orange color to match that couch that he had re-upholstered," explains Short. "The two concrete tables and the concrete coffee table were poured on the spot by our contractor."

The grand opening was held on Feb. 6, where new customers could enjoy live music and their favorite Naked drinks at the new location. "We kicked it off really well, I think," says Short. "Everyone is really excited that we're going to be here."

There is free wireless for Naked customers, as well as a patio area in the back where customers can enjoy their drinks outside.

For more information about this and other Naked Lounges, visit www.nakedcoffee.net.

Photos courtesy of Justin Short.