As Dave says it, “There are 2 kinds of Folk Music, quite Folk Music & Loud Folk Music, I play both”, but as one who has seen Dave in many configurations, this line does not begin to explain a Dave Alvin show. On October 14th, Dave (along with the Guilty Ones) will be making their way up from Sacramento Town to the gold rich foothill town of Auburn, as Dave continues to claim his name as “The King of California”,( at least when it comes to songwriting, rippin’ Fender Stratocaster riffs, and incredible vocal phrasings). The Auburn Event Center (& Roadhouse) will play host for this very special and rare evening of fun! - (BTW if you have not been to Keep Smilin' show at the Event Center you a

You may have heard about Billy Joe Shaver in recent news as this 70 year old songwriting legend was acquitted on aggravated assault charges resulting from a bar room brew ha ha that ended with Billy shooting a man in the face! Outlaw legend is an understatement when it comes to Billy Joe Shaver, who is widely credited with starting the whole “outlaw country” thing in the first place. Rumor has it, at least according to itunes, Outlaw Country was born when Waylon Jennings showed up at a studio with a fist full of Billy Joe Shaver songs & recorded the classic “Honky Tonk Heroes” Album. Billy most likely would be as well known as Waylon, Willie, Johnny or Merle had the wind blew a little diff

             When I was at school at the University of Oregon, I took a lot of classes.  There were history classes, journalism classes, english classes, a lot of political science classes, a few science classes, even an art history class (Chicks, man!).  To be honest, 10+ years removed from the experience, most of them have bled together in my memory.                A few stand out, however.  An astronomy course where in a friend of mine cheated off me on the final and got a better grade.  A sociology course where the professor offered extra credit to students who skipped class to join the WTO riots inSeattle.  A military science course that I took along with a future NFL 1,000-yard rush

Brighten up your day & have some fun at Happy Hour today (Tuesday 4-20). Kate Gaffney who has been creating smiles for the Torch Club Happy Hour for some time now will have a very special guest sitting in today. Bob Woods is probably the regions best kept secrets when it comes to incredible guitarmanship (may not be a real word, but it sure fits the bill). Bob has been playin' the juke joints of the Sacramento Valley and beyond for decades now. While possible stardom lurked in the future some time ago (Bob became a brief member of the Surfaris, one of his early bands was a regular opener for Commander Cody & other great bands of the time), Bob listened to common sense or perhaps it was his

Once a year the Auburn Community throws a big 'ole Party, and wants all our neighbors to know you're invited.  This Friday, June 19, The Auburn Park and Recreation District takes the lead on the regions biggest and best Free Concert and Family Fun Event.   Party in the Park has grown to be the "Premier Music Event" in the Foothills, and it is because of entertainment such as this years headliners The Waybacks.  The Waybacks have been thrilling festival crowds for some time now with their unique blend of styles, which really defies definition but appeals to a wide variety of tastes, I would suggest going on YouTube and searching their name, it is quite a journey.  From great songs when th

The weather looks like it will be nice, and I know the music will be great - this will be Sacramentos own Kate Gaffney's "triumphant return", as this will be her 1st show after a 3 month tour, Steve Randall will be accompanying her (Steve is such a great guitarist!) - Please come welcome her back, enjoy the heapin' hospitality of all at the Ridge - there is no charge for the show, Happy Hour runs 'till 7 - great food, great atmosphere, easy access...... - win, win, win! - I hope to see there - as always... Keep Smilin' Party on the Porch, as Kate Gaffney Returns!  Ridge Golf Course & Bar and Grill Address: 2020 Golf Course Rd City: Auburn State: CA, 95602 Event Time 6:30 to 9:30 Contact

"That 1 Guy" will be playing a couple shows in the Sac area, Tuesday he will be at the Miners Foundry in Nevada City, & Wednesday he will be at Beatnick Studios in Sacramento. "That 1 Guy" aka Mike Silverman has been playing venues and festivals around the world for some time now, receiving rave reviews and accolades - Mike takes the concept of a one man show to the extreme, whith his "Magic Pipe" and assortment of unique instruments for which words can not describe.  He provides a family friendly experience that must be seen to be appreciated, please visit www.that1guy.com for a sneek peek.  Visit www.sblentertainment.com for tickets and more.  Tickets for the Nevada City show are also av

At a time when there are alerts out from the Feds to avoid travel to our Southern Neighbors in Mexico for reasons from Swine Flu to Mexican Mafia, it was a fun time in Auburn as the Hispanic and local community joined together to celebrate this Mexican Holiday.  Old Towne Auburn was the perfect setting for this family fun event, as the community joined together to put on an evening of fun for all to enjoy! Be it for Cinco de Mayo, or maybe  the upcoming Old Town Antique Fair on May 17, or just a weekend get away, Auburn offers something for all to enjoy.  Please come on up and enjoy the heapin' hospitality of your Sierra Foothills neighbors!   

This Wednesday April Fools Day, SBL Entertainment and Marilyn’s on K will be presenting a wonderful and special evening of music. The Waybacks will be playing a rare club gig, which is almost sure to provide a great time for all who choose to attend. To categorize the Waybacks is tough, their unique sound is cross-genre as well as cross- generational. While surely not for everyone, (the Metal or Hip Hop crowd may not put this on their must see list), most others would & should. Fans of Americana, Jam Band, Folk, Country (Real Country), Rock-n-Roll, Swing, New Orleans Jazz, Jazz Jazz, Blues, Bluegrass, Funk and / or a few other styles will want to attend. The Waybacks are a 4 piece band th

I see the Sacramentopress as a great resource, that hopefully will spread beyond the boundaries of the fine city for which it is named after.  Just as I often come down to enjoy the many opportunities offered by Sacramento, conversely I hope many in the city  flatlands will take the time to head up the hill, to enjoy some of the opportunities available in the Foothills.  From time to time, I hope to shed some light on some activities, events etc.  This weekend rain or shine would be a great time to come on up.  One event in particular has a special interest to me, as I am helping to put it on!  Saturday, The Ridge Golf Course and Bar & Grill 2020 Golf Course Way, Auburn CA 95602 (530-888-

I understand that shortly after the writing of this piece,  the Tower Record Store sign located at the closed chains Watt and El Camino store location will be coming down.  While I do not know how long the sign has been there, the store apparently opened in 1960.  The sign will be donated to local officials as a vital piece of history, eventially to be part of the Sacramento History Museum in Old Town Sac.  Alas this reminder triggers yet another sentimental trip down the infamous "Memory Lane".  While I have no pictures to share, maybe some reading this do.  I do know Tower Records over the years was the recipient of many of my hard earned dollars, dollars that these days most often go t

I am not sure what the Mayor of Sacramento is doing on the legislative side of things.  Nor am I sure what concrete plans he has to help the struggling business climate in "his" city and the surrounding region.   What I do know, is that for the first 100 days or so the Mayor has spent the majority of his time in very media freindly meetings, round tables, summits and otherwise talking.  He has also taken a couple trips back to Washington DC, with another soon on the horizon.  His short tenure in office, has sure been interesting to watch, but at the same time a little worrisome to this observer.  In a recent article, the Mayor commented on his celebrity relationships and the doors that ha

Thanks to my 14 year old son Patrick's pleading & my passion to partake in live music, he my wife & I headed down to San Francisco last Saturday (2/28) to take in a show featuring Hank III (The grandson of the late great Hank Williams), along with openers "Those Poor Bastards".  What a great evening of fun, family & live music!  The show was held at a new venue to me;  the Regency Grand Ballroom, which is a wonderful spot near the Civic Center area, on Van Ness Avenue.  The hall is one of those old school S.F treasures, a beautiful room, wood floors, high onamental ceilings & walls,  chandeliers & a warm feeling that is hard to explain, but immediatly understood.  There is a perimeter bal

Who has a copy of Kate Gaffney at The Torch Club?  Where can I hear the Dead's 1981 New Years Shows?  Blockbuster doesn't carry my favorite movie "Attack of the Killer Leeches" where do I go?  Quick where can I find a copy of Householders and Landers paper "Mathematical biophysics of the central nervous system"?  These are questions one might find themselves asking themselves, and thanks to the "Internet Archives" ( www.archive.org ) there is now a one stop location that answers these questions and countless more.  Questions you didn't even know you needed to ask! This is what the Archives have to say about themselves: "The Internet Archive is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that was founded to bu

 I recently wrote a piece on the "Death of the Record Store." I was very impressed by the amount of feedback that the article received, be it in the Sacramento Press, via email or in person. Inevitably the conversation led to fond memories about fun times and good music. I was reminded particularly of the live music experiences I've had. Along with the demise of too many record stores, I contend there is a serious lacking in the quality and quantity of live music available today, especially in the smaller to mid-size venues, and towns. While the experience of a big Grateful Dead show in Oakland was always a fun time, the smaller, more intimate performances of a Jerry Garcia Band show at

Those who know me know that one way or another I love to share music. As such, for Christmas and other occasions I try to give the gift of music, these days typically in the form of a CD. Thus the other day I went in search of an album by the famous Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, (he’s the big guy who does the great version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"). Alas, my favorite local "record" store "Off the Record" here in Auburn, is no longer, having recently succumbed to the economic pressures independent retailers face these days. Not to fear, the new Best Buy must have a CD of this popular artist, but no, I glanced over to the local K-Mart, possibly they would have it, nope. What to do? My last h