Happy Twenty Eleven, Sactown! Last week we took a look back at the top 10 concerts from the last year, now it’s time to start auditioning for this year’s list. It all starts this weekend! First, I will dish you up one from the Department of Shameless Self-Promotions. For the insomniacs out there, Michael Tobias and the Acidic Swamp Band will be doing a Live in Studio A performance tonight on KDVS 90.3, which can be streamed online tonight (Thursday Jan. 7, 11 p.m.). Tobias is poised to go ka-boom in this town behind his new record “High & Low,” and this should be a hell of a good time. Reason I mention it: Yours truly will be the M.C. for the evening. I do indeed have a face for radio. H

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

 “These guys are nuts. I really hope no one throws up. Care for some hamburger with your water?” I thought to myself as I watched eight men sitting in a row, stuffing Jim-Denny’s half-pound hamburgers down their throats, one of who proceeded to dip his half-eaten burger and patty into a cup of water between bites.   On the stage behind them stood the emcee, Sacramento's local music guru Jerry Perry, with a mic in hand, watching with everyone else to see who would clean his plate first.   Pedro Alarcon won the Jim-Denny’s superburger-eating contest at 3 minutes and 41 seconds. Perry handed him a T-shirt for his accomplishment and suggested the rest of the men take their leftovers home.