Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "sammies"

Blues to benefit Sacramento Children's Home

2011-12-16T05:12:34Z

If you equate blues music with Robert Johnson, you’re in for a surprise and a treat Sunday afternoon when Sacramento Blues Revue teams with Folsom’s Powerhouse Pub to host the second annual Blue Christmas for Kids, benefiting the Sacramento Children’s Home.

The event kicks off at 1:50 p.m. with the Randy Carey Band, a country blues group, and will finish with Rick Estrin & the Nightcats, a blues/jump band, playing from 6 to 7 p.m. In between, attendees will hear blues/zydeco from GumboStew, blues from Pinkie Rideau & Blind Resistance, rockin’ blues from the Jimmy Pailer Band, and blues/R&B from Sacramento Blues Revue, led by Rick von Geldern.

Von Geldern said he began working on this event back in March and that last year’s event delivered “a couple of vans filled with toys and barrels of food” to an after-school program in South Sacramento.

This year’s event will generate funds for the Sacramento Children’s Home, a Sacramento organization founded in 1867 that provides care to the most vulnerable children and families in our area.

The Sacramento Children’s Home hosts many programs including crisis intervention; home visitation through Birth and Beyond; crisis nurseries encompassing literacy programs and case management; counseling for families; and trauma, residential and transition-age programs that include independent living skills; and various educational programs.

“Christmas is a time for kids,” Von Geldern said. “I know not all kids have families they can share Christmas with, and for those at the Sacramento Children’s Home, I hope their Christmas will be a little bit brighter in some small way from what we’re able to raise from the second Blue Christmas for Kids event.”

Von Geldern is the bandleader and guitarist of Sacramento Blues Revue, past president of the Sacramento Blues Society and committed to blues and kids. In 2003, he was elected president of the Sacramento Blues Society, the same year Congress proclaimed “year of the blues.”

“That’s the first year we put together a Blues in the Schools (BITS) committee and started the program,” he said. “For me, it was a priority to get it started.”

He credits Cynthia Jaynes and her hard work, and the work of others, for helping the BITS program develop through the years. BITS strives to bring musicians, storytellers and educators together in an effort to teach Sacramento youth the historical significance of blues music and its impact on both American and world culture.

While children will not be admitted to the 21-and-over establishment Sunday, adults will enjoy the coming together of names familiar to those who attend local blues events as well as names less familiar. Many genres of blues music will be well represented.

Randy Carey Band is a new group focusing on country blues. Carey is the bandleader and will be accompanied by Zane Toberer, Ron Cook and Paul Whitney.

GumboStew hails from the Bay Area. Led by Stewart Burr who has toured and recorded with Chubby Checker, Sista Monica and others, this band is sure to keep people dancing. Joining Burr are Jim Caroompas who was a featured player with John Lee Hooker’s band and has opened for Van Morrison and Tower of Power, Richard Burgan who plays bass guitar, and Kathy Tejcka who credits Luther Allison’s passionate and powerful performance one evening for a career change.

Pinkie Rideau & Blind Resistance are Modesto-based musicians. Rideau listened to Madame Butterfly, Hank Williams and the Rolling Stones growing up. Her list of non-music occupations range from body builder and power lifter to carpenter and salesperson and include stints at massage therapy, waitressing and wedding planning. Rideau will be joined by four talented musicians, each hand-picked.

Von Geldern calls Rideau a “tremendous talent” who “will put on an excellent show.”

The Jimmy Pailer Band follows with rockin’ blues. A regular at Sacramento’s Torch Club and at the San Juan Club in Fair Oaks, Von Geldern says Pailer is “one of the best blues guitarists. He’s been my hero for many years and has a great voice.”

Von Geldern will lead the Sammie Award-winning Sacramento Blues Revue in nearly an hour of blues/R&B. Ten of the 11 members will perform Sunday, including vocalist Lena Mosley, 2011 inductee into the Sacramento Blues Hall of Fame. Also on vocals are Marshall Wilkerson and Deacon Baker. Joining Von Geldern on guitar will be Jonny “Mojo” Flores, Marty Deradoorian, Charles Williams, Katoya Moore, Mark Heggen and Zot.

Closing Sunday’s event will be the harmonica-driven, Alligator Records artist Rick Estrin and the Nightcats. Estrin said he will be in the studio next Monday working on a new record, the first since 2009’s “Twisted.” He hopes that the yet untitled album will release mid-2012. Joining Estrin Sunday will be J. Hansen and Lorenzo Farrell on rhythm and guitarist Kid Andersen performing their blues/jump style that Estrin calls his “unique stamp” on blues music.

About participating in Sunday’s event, Estrin said “I feel bad for any kids having a hard time,” and hopes that the combined efforts of this event will help.

Six bands, five hours of live music in the funky Powerhouse Pub, a tour of blues genres, and all for only fifteen dollars, proceeds that will benefit the many programs of the Sacramento Children’s Home.

Autumn Sky to Perform at the Crocker on December 15

2011-12-13T00:58:28Z

The Crocker Art Museum will host local indie darling Autumn Sky for a night of original folk and pop on Thursday, Dec. 15. Sky is an award-winning, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter from Sacramento. She will play songs from past releases and her soon-to-launch sophomore album, "The Hallelujah Chorus.” The concert will take place in the Museum’s Setzer Foundation Auditorium at 7 p.m.

At 23 years old, Sky has been playing for Sacramento crowds for over six years and has garnered much local acclaim for her lively and engaging shows. Her unique style mixes pitch-perfect and deeply emotive vocals with indie and pop sensibilities. She released “Diminutive, Petite EP” in 2007, followed by her debut album “All Which Isn't Singing” in 2008. Sky has performed at the California State Fair, Downtown Sacramento’s Concert in the Park series, and the Crest Theatre. Most recently, she received the Outstanding Singer-Songwriter and Readers’ Choice Artist of the Year awards at the 2010 and 2011 Sammie Block Party and Music Awards.

Tickets are $6 for Museum members and $12 for nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

The Crocker Cafe will offer a themed drink special that evening in honor of the concert. The “Sky Crock-tail,” a Skyy Vodka dirty martini, will be available for $7 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Playlist is part of the Museum’s Thursdays ‘til 9 program series. The Crocker is open every Thursday until 9 p.m. for film screenings, social gatherings, concerts, and art happenings presented in collaboration with regional art groups. For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

The Crocker Art Museum was the first art museum in the Western U.S. and is now one of the leading art museums in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays. Every Third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday.” For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

20th annual Sammies awards crank up volume in Midtown

2011-10-04T04:07:11Z

The corner of 20th Street between J and K Street usually serves as the unofficial epicenter for Second Saturday in Midtown, a monthly celebration that seems to be slowly losing it's focus on the art and music culture aspect of the event in recent years. This past Saturday, however, something was different. The Sammies, Sacramento's annual music awards show, turned 20 this year, and that afternoon there was no mistaking that music and hometown love reigned supreme over excessive drinking and partying. I sat on my patio just around the corner from the celebration, listening to the sweet sounds of the best of the best in Sacramento, before heading out around 7pm.

By the time I had reached the corner of 20th street, the celebration was in full swing, with people of all ages crowding the entire block, craning their necks to get a glimpse of the stage. The smell of pizza wafted through the crowd, as Luigi's Slice joined in the fun and offered a $3 'Sammies Slice' while nearby Mr. Pickles offered a dollar off their hefty sandwiches. On the opposite side of the street, a sizable beer garden amassed a diverse crowd of attendees ranging from Midtown locals and couples out on date night, to the performers themselves looking for a cold brew to cool down after their performances. The production of the show ran like a well-oiled machine, with multiple camera crews darting through the crowd and flatscreen TV's present to ensure everyone got a good glimpse of what was happening onstage. Hosts A.V. and Adam Saake, dressed in outfits that would make Willy Wonka envious, pumped up the crowd and made sure the show never reached a dull moment. "This all wouldn't be possible without all of you here tonight" Saake told the crowd. "Give it up for everyone here...this is for you".

I arrived just in time to see Exquisite Corps deliver an impressive set, combining elements of classical music and indie rock to create a moody, yet accesible sound all their own. Every member of the band seemed to be on point as soon as they hit the stage, with cellist Krystyna Taylor adding warm tones to vocalist/guitarist Bryan Valenzuela's acoustic melodies while dual violinists Reylynn Goessling and Kristin Arnold furiously moved their bows across their strings in calculated rhythm. The set featured members of the Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet offering a visually stunning dance number to accompany an already incredible live performance by the band. I caught up with Valenzuela cooling off in the beer garden after their set, and inquired about the band. According to Valenzuela, the band has only been around since Spring 2010, impressive for a band already performing at the Sammies a little over a year since their inception. During our chat, Valenzuela was met with warm recognition from attendees commenting on the performance and local venue promoters offering business cards to book shows with the band. The band is currently recording and plans to release their debut album in Spring 2012.

The night continued on with a notable appearance by local comedian Mike E. Winfield, who recently landed a reoccuring role on the hit T.V. series The Office as Wes, a warehouse worker at the fictional Dundler Mifflin Paper Company, ushering in the hip-hop performances. The music kicked off with Joints and Jams, with artists Sleeprockers, C-Plus, Random Abiladeze, Chuuwee, Self, Task1ne while accompanied by DJ Rated R and the Grant High School Drumline. An ingenious collaboration, each artist displayed their lyrical prowess and flow over the tight, trained rhtyhms of the entire Grant High School drumline students, playing simple hip-hop rhythms mixed with complex percussion artistry. C-Plus (a recipient of this year's award for Best Music Video) performed songs simply with the backing of the drumline, and quick ennuciated concious hip-hop lyricism. DJ Rated R faced off against members of the drumline by tossing bass and synth-heavy beats mixed with scratching at fancy stick work from the drumline's snare players. Later in the evening, personal favorite Tribe of Levi took home the award for Best Hip-hop/Rap for the second year in a row, popping open a bottle of champagne in celebration amid cheers from an enthusiastic crowd.

By 9pm, I had grown weary of yelling, clapping, dancing, and winding my way through the beer garden to find drink tickets. I headed home with the music still blaring into the night and although the ceremonies ended at 10, after parties hosted by Lounge on 20 and Luigi's Fun Garden kept the good times going into the wee hours of the morning. This year's Sammies proved to all the local artists that all their hours spent in the studio perfecting their craft were not spent in vain. Local music is alive and well, with Sacramento listeners cranking the volume to eleven.

This year's Sammies winners include:

Artist of the Year: Autumn Sky

Singer/Songwriter: Autumn Sky

Release of the Year: ZuhG, Free Love

New Artist: Black Holes, What?

Teen Band: Simpl3Jack

Cover Band: Steelin' Dan: A Tribute to Steely Dan

Americana/Alt-Country: The Nickel Slots

Country/Blues: The Golden Cadillacs

Folk: Kate Gaffney

Emcee: Random Abiladeze

Hip-hop/Rap: Tribe of Levi

R&B/Soul: Tessa Evans

Electronic Artist: Tha Fruitbat

Deejay: DJ Whores

Turntablist: DJ Rated R

Experimental: Tera Melos

Funk: The Nibblers

Industrial/ Prog: Kill The Precedent

Rock: Lite Brite

Hard Rock: A Single Second

Hardcore: White Minorities

Metal: Prylosis

Melodic-Hardcore/Screamo: A Lot Like Birds

Indie: Musical Charis

Pop/Rock: The Reel

Rap/Rock: The Shades of Grey

Punk: Whiskey and Stitches

Post-punk: Pets

Jazz: E2

Latin: Sol Peligro

Reggae/Roots: (tie) ZuhG & Arden Park Roots

Music Video: C-Plus, Do What You Want (Gone)

Music Video Director: Jay Synth

Hip-Hop Producer: Chase Moore

Dance Night: Grimey at TownHouse Lounge

Recording Studio: Pus Cavern

Hall of Fame:

Anton Barbeau

DJ CrookOne

DJ Larry Rodriguez

Hoods

Instagon

Disclosure: Local music has always been a huge interest for me, and I love showing Sacramento the talent we have to offer. , it was awesome to see all the support the community showed this year.

Club Circuitry featuring Savi0r, Mankind is Obsolete, and Android Lust

2010-09-14T01:28:08Z

Club Circuitry, which usually takes place twice a month, has been gaining popularity and booking bigger special guests to perform.

Last month, Ginger Fish, who used to be the drummer for Marilyn Manson, had a special slot as a guest DJ at the club, and this month there were three live acts – Android Lust, Mankind is Obsolete and Savi0r.

Both Android Lust and Mankind is Obsolete have been touring the United States together on the Animalia tour and, on Friday, they stopped in Sacramento at Club Circuitry.

Savi0r, a Sacramento-based industrial/rock group, was the first to take the stage.

Savi0r has recently updated its lineup to include two new members – Ernst on keyboards/synths and Phil Mohr on bass – giving the band a more organic and raw live sound.

“Our last step that we took was me switching over from keyboard and bass and going to drums and then us finding two new members, Ernst and Phil, to bring in their expertise on keyboards and bass to kind of retool and give kind of a more full-band, organic rock feel to the electronics we had before,” said David Wright, Savi0r’s drummer.

“We think we’ve successfully accomplished that step, and now we’re just going to kind of dominate wherever we can,” he added. “While we still have click tracks and backing tracks, it’s not the forefront of our music – it’s very much just another layer that adds to what were bringing. It’s funner because we get to kind of push and pull with the music, kind of see how things are going ... I think people like it a lot better.”

This year, Savi0r is nominated in Sacramento News and Review’s 2010 Sammies for best industrial/rock band.

“We worked really hard over the last couple of years, and some good bands have won [the Sammies] before, so we’re happy to be nominated,” said Victor La Rocco, Savi0r’s guitarist. “If we could take the prize it would be really cool … People can vote for us on the Savi0r website.”

“It feels great [to be nominated for the 2010 Sammies],” elaborated Adam Jones, Savi0r’s vocalist and front man. “We’ve never been nominated before, and we’ve been active since 2007 so it’s pretty cool to have that under our belts if we actually win that. I think we have a great chance. I think we’re the only industrial band that has a full band to really support us, so I think that that could just work out for us.”

In regards to his most anticipated moment of the night’s performance, keyboardist Ernst said: “I have a lot of friends that haven’t got to see us locally that are going to be coming to the show. They also haven’t seen us since it’s been the five-piece band. I’m really excited to be playing a fairly big show. We’ve got two really great acts coming up tonight and full bands all the way through.”

Savi0r played songs off of its latest release, “Gray Matter,” as well as some crowd favorites such as “Nepenthe Vim” and “Solidarity Service.”

Mankind is Obsolete is a four-piece band from Los Angeles. Its sound is difficult to categorize, but it might be called electronic punk rock with hints of industrial mixed in.

The band’s female lead singer, Natasha, delivers vocals that are scratchy and growly like what would normally appear on a metal album, yet she can also sing just as beautifully as more well-known female rock artists like Evanescence’s Amy Lee.

Mankind is Obsolete put on a very energetic performance. Natasha was especially fun to watch because she danced around stage so much, swinging her ponytail and at times performing a move that can only be described as playing an imaginary guitar. It was easy to tell that she was genuinely excited to be playing, and her enthusiasm was reflected in the crowd’s response.

The final act of the evening was Android Lust, a project that started out as a one-woman band and has since evolved into a full-fledged industrial group.

“For this album I’ve been more inclusive of other musicians, and I’ve collaborated a lot more,” front woman Shikhee explained. “I got a little tired of just working in a bubble and being sort of insular. I started writing parts that were beyond my ability to play. I wanted to incorporate [the other bandmates’] talents and bring that in, so that’s something that’s very different from the other albums that were just me 100 percent.”

Even though Android Lust has often been compared to Nine Inch Nails with a female vocalist, the group straddles so many genres that it’s hard for even Shikhee to describe her own music, let alone how she feels about being compared to such a mainstream industrial group as Nine Inch Nails.

“[My music] is always a difficult thing to describe,” Shikhee said. “I guess ultimately it’s rock and roll. There’s a lot of electronics, but there’s also a lot of live instruments now, and in a way I still call it industrial because I don’t limit myself in what sounds I use – basically anything goes as long as it moves me – and so for me that becomes something experimental or industrial, although some of it is kind of poppish … I think it makes sense [for people to compare Android Lust to Nine Inch Nails] because people always want to reach for something that is within their field of vision. If you say, ‘Hey, I’m a totally unique artist,’ no one’s going to listen to you and it’s just stroking your ego ultimately.”

From a listener’s point of view, Android Lust is a combination of harsh industrial beats, untraditional and somewhat odd noises, synthy bleeps and a remarkably talented and versatile vocal style.

While Shikhee in her sliced-up leather pants was very much the star of Friday night’s performance, the other band members added a more traditional rock-and-roll feel to the show. Bassist Bret Calder and his six-string fretless were particularly fascinating to watch.

Android Lust played older songs as well as pieces off of “The Human Animal,” the latest release from the band, including the much-remixed “God in the Hole.”

For its final encore song, the band brought out members from Mankind is Obsolete to play floor toms and close the evening with a bang.

Even though Android Lust’s sound feels much darker than that of Mankind is Obsolete, the group of friends seemed to be truly enjoying their experience together and were able to give the audience a happy send-off and lighten the mood a little.

Shikhee’s love for her art shows in her passion for performing, and that’s probably why many Android Lust fans will continue to support her future endeavors.

“I just want to play,” Shikhee said. “This is the 23rd or 21st show of our tour, and I find that when I have a day off I’m almost jonesing to get on stage, so I’m just excited to play. I want to keep playing even though we get like four hours of sleep and eat shitty food on the road, and it’s a lot of sitting around in the van. But once I’m actually there and playing, it’s just something that I really enjoy.”

SAMMIES take the party outdoors

2009-06-29T03:53:28Z

The Sacramento News & Review Music Fest and SAMMIES (Sacramento Area Music Awards) Ceremony made its outdoor debut Saturday at Cesar Chavez Park in the sweltering heat but kept music lovers cool with the help of a dunk tank, beer and wine garden and the park's fountain.

In the past, the annual event has been held at the Crest Theatre, but this year, organizers of the 19th annual fest chose to celebrate in the sun, with art and fashion vendors and a huge inflatable slide.

The mood was celebratory throughout the festival. Children and adults alike splashed in the park’s central fountain as the 14 bands performed on two stages. The beer garden offered shaded areas for the 21 and over to lounge, and everyone stayed hydrated with Green Sol Water.

The various bands hailed from vastly different genres, from indie to country to heavy metal.

Terra Lopez, lead singer of the Outstanding Indie-nominated Sister Crayon, said she was happy for the exposure the event brings

“There are people here who probably would never have heard or seen us if it weren’t for events like this, " she said. "It brings people of different genres together…We played after a metal band. It’s awesome.”

“The News and Review, the whole SAMMIES thing, is the most legit event Sacramento has for its musicians,” said Tyler Campbell, lead singer of Arden Park Roots, which took home the SAMMIE for Outstanding Reggae/Ska/Funk/Jam. “ It’s the most supportive event and the most prestigious thing you can be a part of as a Sacramento band.”

The day concluded with the SAMMIES Award ceremony, where recipients came to the stage to accept their plaques and give brief acceptance speeches.

Members of the Outstanding Singer-Songwriter winner Be Brave Bold Robot paid homage to the late Michael Jackson by singing an a capella version of “Man in the Mirror” upon receiving their award. MC Rut (which was not present due to its tour obligations) swept the ceremony with awards in all three categories in which the band was nominated.

The 2009 Sacramento Area Music Awards Reader’s Choice Winners are as follows:

Outstanding Emcee:
Random Abiladeze

Outstanding Rock:
MC Rut

Outstanding Punk/Hardcore:
Final Summation

Outstanding Hard Rock/Metal:
Prieta

Outstanding Hip-hop/Rap:
Righteous Movement

Outstanding Turntablist:
DJ Epik

Outstanding Jazz/Blues/Latin:
Ross Hammond

Outstanding Indie:
the New Humans

Outstanding Country/Americana/Folk:
Light Rail

Outstanding Experimental:
Mom

Outstanding Singer-Songwriter:
Be Brave Bold Robot

Outstanding Teen Band:
Red Wire Army

Outstanding Reggae/Ska/Funk/Jam:
Arden Park Roots

Outstanding Pop:
Agent Ribbons

Outstanding Electronica:
Tha Fruitbat

Outstanding Hip-hop Producer:
Jae Synth

Outstanding Release/Album:
MC Rut, MC Rut

Outstanding Sacramento Band:
MC Rut

Author's Note: The photo credit goes to Jessica Zou

Sacramento is filled with music & talent this weekend...

2009-06-25T23:28:03Z

Summertime is here and Sacramento is stepping up to the plate! Sounds like it's going to be a scorching weekend at upwards of 100 degrees but the music and entertainment events are equally as sizzling! With a nice mix of free and low cost things to do as well as a few splurges, June is going out with a jam packed weekend! Browse this list to find plenty of opportunities to laugh, feast & learn along with local talent & tons of live music. It's sure to keep you and yours entertained all weekend long...

Thursday 6.25

Theatre: Hedwig and the Angry Inch -- $25
Where: Artisan Theatre (1901 Del Paso Blvd)
When: 8pm (also showing Fri & Sat nights this week)
Why: This is the last weekend to see it if you haven't already...New Helvetia Theatre is a brand new theatre company in Sacramento. Founded in January of this year, NHT is “committed to the preservation and rebirth of the American Musical…By unearthing forgotten gems, exploring classics, and producing new works, the company seeks to enrich the community through productions of creativity and depth”. Directed by Matthew Schneider, “Hedwig” is New Helvetia’s first production. This rock musical is the story of Hansel, an East German boy who has undergone a botched sex change operation and becomes "Hedwig." After being left by “her” husband, Hedwig forms a band called "The Angry Inch." It may go without saying that this show is definitely intended for mature audiences only- leave the kids at home.
Details

Friday 6.26

Music/Fundraiser: Celebrate The Arts at Special Concert in the Park -- $Free
Where: Cesar Chavez Park
When: 5pm-9pm
Why: This week join the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission (SMAC) at a special Friday night "Concerts in the Park"!! This arts awareness event is part of the regular Friday night concert series, however SMAC is inviting Sacramento arts groups to participate by hosting booths that feature their organization. This is a great opportunity for arts groups to introduce concert go-ers to their organization, make new contacts and raise awareness for the arts! There will be over 25 Sacramento arts organizations represented, a lively art raffle, good food & fun- all accompanied by the lush and festive sounds of Mumbo Gumbo & The Nibblers. Donations will be accepted to support the arts and arts education programs for our youth. Plan to visit the booths, participate in the raffle and have a great time!
Details

Music Festival: In The Flow Festival --$Various ($20 Wristband for all 3 days- some shows are free)
Where: Along Broadway
When: 6pm-10pm (also Saturday, 11am-9pm & Sunday, 11am-8pm)
Why: The In The Flow Festival is a Sacramento celebration of jazz and creative music, art and local businesses. Over the course of the weekend, an array of talented musicians will be performing at various venues along Broadway. Beatnik Studios, a trendy new photography studio/gallery that operates under a collaborative philosophy; Java Lounge, an unconventional coffee house serving pizza, beer & wine along with live music & art; R5 Records, an eclectic records store with great staff & live music and Comedy Spot, where you can go for a good laugh every Fri & Sat night. Some of the performers include: Harley White Jr. Orchestra, Tony Passarell's Thin Air Orchestra, Byron Blackburn Trio, Darren Johnston and Devin Hoff, Alex Jenkins' Sound Immersion, The Alegria Quartet as well as many other groups from the Sacramento and Bay Area. Check ‘em out!
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Comedy: David Allen Grier -- $15
Where: Punchline comedy Club
When: 8:30pm & 10:30pm
Why: If you grew up as a teen in the 90’s, and maybe even if you didn’t, you should be familiar with the show “In Living Color.” If not, you missed out! David Allen Grier was one of the hilarious cast of the show that helped put the likes of Jim Carrey and the Wayans Brothers on the map. Grier is currently the Star and host of Chocolate News on Comedy Central and is also known for being the 3rd host of Loveline with Dr. Drew. He is only in town for two nights so try to make it!
Details

Film & Video: MOBS presents, Guest of Cindy Sherman -- $5
Where: Guild Theatre (2828 35th Street)
When: 7pm & 9:30pm
Why: Here is MOBS’s synopsis: “Filmed over the course of 15 years and including interviews with a veritable who's who of the art and entertainment world (including Roberta Smith, Ingrid Sischy, John Waters, Robert Longo, Carol Kane, David Furnish, Danny DeVito, Molly Ringwald, and Eric Fischl), "Guest of Cindy Sherman" paints a vivid picture of a New York art scene increasingly driven by money and fame. H-O also tackles-with more than a bit of humor-the role his own fragile ego plays in his relationship with Sherman. The end result is a witty, illuminating look at celebrity, male anxiety, and art.” I was not disappointed with my last visit to MOBS, a definitely unique cinema experience!
Details

Music: Albino -- $10
Where: Marilyn’s on K (10th & K St)
When: 9pm
Why: This 10 person ensemble band brings Sacramento some West African Funk! They call it Afrobeat. In addition to the funk, they mix a little politics and protest along with unity & community to reflect some of the current events affecting us all…What better way to spread the word than through music, right? Being the diverse and eclectic city it is, Sacramento is a perfect place for Albino.
Details

Saturday 6.27

Music Festival: Sammies Award Show & Music Fest -- $FREE
Where: Cesar Chavez Park
When: 3pm-9pm
Why: Music stages, SAMMIES Awards, Beer garden, dunk tanks, carnival games, awesome vendors, and more bands to be announced! So far the bands include: Category 7, Silver Darling, Sol Peligro, Agent Ribbons, Alak, Be Brave Bold Robot, Righteous Movement, Dog Party, Justin Farren, Light Rail, Arden Park Roots, The Other Poets, DJ Shaun Slaughter and Sister Crayon. This event is part of 2009 SAMMIES - Honoring the best musicians in the Sacramento area.
Details

Art: Sacramento Potters Group Annual Show -- $Free
Where: Shepard Garden and Art Center
When: 10am-4pm
Why: The group's annual show and sale is back! One day only at McKinley Park. Come and buy yourself a nice present or find that perfect early holiday or birthday gift for a special someone. There will be a wide variety of clay sculpture, pottery, glass art and metalwork along with wheel throwing demos throughout the day.
Details

Music Festival: Baby Boomer Music Fest-- $10 at door/ Kids 10 & under Free
Where: Sacramento Convention Center
When: 11am-7pm (also Sunday, 11am-5pm)
Why: The name says it all! With Classic Cars, live music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and over 100 exhibitors this event focuses on the good memories, the nostalgia, the dreams and the needs of America’s “Baby Boomer” generation. Musicians will include the Woodstock icon, Country Joe McDonald, and a list of major tribute bands performing the music of the Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Elvis, Santana, Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding and others. There will be Inspirational Speakers and Seminars convering important and valuable topics relating to finance, health and energy. Exhibitors reflect the needs and interests of the Boomer generation, including health & fitness, finance and investments, arts & crafts, wineries and restaurants. And to top it off, know that you’re support our youth with 10% of the proceeds going to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Sacramento.
Details

Food & Wine: King of Feasts -- $50 general/$45 members/$60 Day of event
Where: Sacramento Zoo
When: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Why: Everyone loves to go to the Zoo! I can’t think of a better time to visit the animals than when there are over 50 restaurants, wineries & breweries dishing up food & drink for you to enjoy along the way! 3 of my favorite things in one place! Don’t forget to don your “safari” attire (Because all Sacramentans are sure to have this in their closet…) to fit in with your “Wild” surroundings. You will also be entertained with live blues by the Rhythm Vandals. An all around feast fit for a King (in this case-of the jungle)!
Details

Food & Wine: Gourmet Cooking Class With Chef Linda -- $20
Where: Arden Hills Resort & Spa
When: 11am
Why: Eating healthy foods can be fun and exciting, too! Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa is proud to offer monthly gourmet cooking classes designed to tempt your palate with interesting new and delicious meal ideas. On the menu this month is elegant and easy Asian Vegetable Rolls and Summer Fruit Compote with Orange Honey Sauce. Mouth watering yet? It will be! Learn to cook, live and eat well, reserve your space today.
Details

Sports & Rec: Urban Dare Adventure Race -- $100/team or $40 per person
Where: Starting point, MVP Sports Grill
When: Check-in, 11am; Start, 12pm
Why: Urban Dare is the team race that’s part photo hunt, part trivia and part dares. The challenge is to be the first team to cross the finish line after successfully completing checkpoint dares and getting required photos. Teams of 2 must solve clues to find checkpoints throughout the city. To move on they must take photos or perform dares to earn passport stamps. You can run. Walk or use public transportation, however bikes are not allowed. The winner receives a 3-Day Royal Caribbean Cruise next February where they
will compete in Super Dare with a first prize of $5000. Additional prizes will be awarded for best picture & best costumes. The remaining proceeds from this event help raise money to fight breast cancer. Do you dare to take the Urban Dare? This dare may result in some great prizes and guarantees a full day of fun!
Details

**There are so many other things happening on Saturday: Art classes & Featured Tours at the Crocker Art Museum, Pops in the Park Family Concert Series, Family Fun Program at the California Auto Museum & many more…find them all at Sacramento365.com.

Sunday 6.28

Kids & Families: Sacramento Street Scenes -- $Free
Where: Old Sacramento
When: 10am-6pm (Every Sat & Sun through August)
Why: The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation in collaboration with the City of Sacramento is proud to introduce a new Street Scene Program beginning this month. Calling upon the talents of musicians, jugglers, storytellers, re-enactors, volunteer fire fighters, artisans, and even some burros, Old Sacramento will offer free, family-friendly and historically educational entertainment every Saturday and Sunday June through August. This Sunday there will be Storytelling, Children's Games, Bowling- Gold Rush Style, Juggling, & Shootouts!
Details

Sports & Rec: WWE- The Bash -- $17.50+
Where: Arco Arena
When: 4:45pm
Why: It’s been 8 years since the last time the World Wrestling Entertainment came to Sacramento. If you’re a wrestling fan, this is your chance to see your favorite superstars from RAW, SMACKDOWN & ECW all under the same roof on the same night! Some of you may smirk but I know that there are some WWE (or maybe the old WWF) fans out there! Show them some Sacramento support!
Details

Keep in mind that all of these events and many more can can be found on Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events. If you have an event you would like to add to Sacramento365.com, visit the website. Its easy and free to add your events! Also, if you want to mention an event that I didn't squeeze into this little article- add it to the comments below! Have a great weekend!!

SAMMIES nominees showcased in series of shows

2009-05-20T00:57:58Z

What do Cake, Deftones, Oleander, and Jackie Greene have in common? Besides that they are all from Sacramento, they are also all SAMMIES (Sacramento Area Music Awards) Hall of Fame members.

Sacramento's music lovers, geeks, and fanatics rejoice -- Sacramento News & Review recently released this year's SAMMIES nominees, and eight shows between Thursday, May 21st and June 27th's awards ceremony and concert in Cesar Chavez Park will showcase the best of Sacramento's music scene.

Thursday's 9 p.m. concert at Old Ironsides will showcase SAMMIES nominees The Generals, with Autumn Sky, Christopher Fairman and The Inversions opening the show.

"I would totally recommend June 6, all singer-songwriters playing short sets, and June 7th, which is all hip hop emcees," said Sacramento News & Review entertainment editor Nick Miller.

"All of the money from the door goes to the bands," he added.

Here are the rest of the dates, from Sacramento News & Review's website:

Showcase: Category 7
Price: $6
Featuring: Category 7, Ambrosia Caprice, Claudia's Ashes, and Man Automatic
When: Wednesday, May 27, 9 p.m.
Where: Blue Lamp

Showcase: Order of the Golden Mirror
Price: $6
Featuring: Order of the Golden Mirror, Lynus, and David Houston
When: Friday, May 29, 9 p.m.
Where: Luigi’s Fun Garden

Showcase: Matthew Tucker
Price: $6
Featuring: Matthew Tucker, Ellie Fortune, Nice Monster, Christian Kiefer, Terra Lopez, Dead Western, and Kris Anaya
When: Saturday, June 6, 9 p.m.
Where: Luigi’s Fun Garden

Showcase: Illecism
Price: $6
Featuring: Illecism, Aquifer, Tais, Izreal, and Mahtie Bush
When: Sunday, June 7, 9 p.m.
Where: The Press Club

Showcase: Boats!
Price: $6
Featuring: Boats!, Another Damn Disappointment, and Final Summation
When: Wednesday, June 10, 9 p.m.
Where: The Press Club

Showcase: Impotent Ninja
Price: $6
Featuring: Impotent Ninja, Jeepster, zuhg, and Kate Gaffney
When: Thursday, June 11, 9 p.m.
Where: Old Ironsides

Awards Show and Music Festival
Price: Free
Featuring: 16 confirmed acts, 2 stages, vendors, beer garden, local fashion boutiques, places to park your bike, afterparty at Marilyn's on K until 2 a.m.
When: Saturday, June 27, 3 - 9 p.m.
Where: Cesar Chavez Plaza

For a full list of the 107 SAMMIES nominees, look here, and vote here for your favorites.

*Photographs courtesy Myspace.com photographs of each artist playing the Old Ironsides gig on Thursday.