Hawaii/SoCal-based bands Iration and Pepper made a stop in Sacramento on May 12, 2011, with each group performing their fusion of reggae, dub and rock for a very receptive audience at music venue Ace of Spades. The well-attended show was another in a streak of many at AOS, which is quickly becoming the go-to venue for mid-sized artists. Take a look at their site for some upcoming shows, which include performances by Fitz and The Tantrums, Deftones, and Mickey Avalon. Here are some shots from the Pepper show: 

It seems like all eyes are on Raley Field this weekend – and amazingly, it’s not because of the Riverkittys. Country superstars the Zac Brown Band (one of the few popular “country” stars these days with the guts to actually sound like country) are getting after it on the field on Thursday night, setting up the stage for Friday’s night’s Brew Fest, and Saturday’s you-knew-it-had-to-happen-eventually “Sactopalooza” party, which features cover bands of the following artists: Journey, Beastie Boys, U2, Dave Matthews Band, No Doubt, Van Halen, Sublime and INXS. Coverpalooza? And no, we are not even "going there" with EndFest, we're just not. So, when you’ve wrapped up the beer tastings and p

Thursday, Jan. 22, the band Pepper played a show at Empire. Pepper is originally from Hawaii now based out of LA, they have a sound and feel similar to Sublime and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The show was a 16 and over concert venue. The first thing I noticed walking up to Empire was all the high schoolers hiding in the shadows downing coke bottles full of alcohol. I arrived about 2 hours after the show actually started and the line was short and moved quickly after a brief frisking by the staff. Passafire was playing as I entered and I quickly made a bee-line for the bar on the first floor with a good view of the stage. I ordered a vodka-cranberry. It cost $6 and was very weak. To ensure my