One of Sacramento’s original piercing shops is closing down Sunday after almost two decades in business. Sub-Q Piercing and Tattoo owner Scot Rogers said the economy and the shrinking customer base led to the business’ downfall. “Since 2001, we’ve been in steady decline,” he said Wednesday at the shop at 1715 I St., the most recent storefront since opening in 1994 at 2022 N St. At its peak a little more than 10 years ago, the business drew 600 customers per month and had 11 employees. Today, Rogers said he is lucky if he can get 100 customers through the door, and he is the only employee. Unable to pay rent on the building, Rogers said the last day he will have access to the space is S

DGC/Interscope band Escape the Fate will headline the Dead Masquerade tour at Ace of Spades this weekend, joined by support acts Alesana, Motionless In White, Get Scared and Drive A. Las Vegas-based hard-rockers Escape the Fate are touring in support of their self-titled third album and recently released “Issues Remix” EP, featuring remixes of their first single "Issues" done by Jakwob (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Lily Allen), LA Riots (Tiesto, The Ting Tings), Wolves At The Gate (The Cure) and Does It Offend You, Yeah? (Muse, The Raconteurs, Bloc Party). The band currently graces the cover of Outburn magazine, which declares, “the band’s new album is a compelling modern day masterpiece.” Bassist

Ace of Spades hosted its second event Saturday night, an "all locals" show called "SacShows Presents: Soundcheck", featuring performances by Oneira, Above The City, Carcerys Vale, Batten Down Your Heart, City of Kings, The Winter Formal and Ten After Two. The theme for the night seemed to be "screamo," and it was delivered in spades (pun intended) with the exception of maybe The Winter Formal, which leans more toward sung vocals. The tattooed and skintight jeans-wearing band members whipped their hair through quick 20- to 30-minute sets, cheered on by pierced and gauged teenage boys and girls, while overly aggressive males swung their fists around and ran into each other hard in the circ

In part one of The Sacramento Press' Midtown Tattoo Parlor Directory, we gave you basic industry terms, safety procedures and the first six shops we visited. The following is part two: Relentless Tattoo 1422 28th St. Noon-10 p.m. daily $50 minimum/$100-$120 hourly, depending on artist Opened in 2007, Relentless has been in its current location on 28th Street for about a month. The shop, described by artist Chris Hampton as a "traditional shop overall," Relentless employs four artists who have experience ranging from two to 15 years. "Come in with an open mind," Hampton said. The Relentless artists are willing to work with customers until they are satisfied. "We have a good vibe; we giv

After much deliberation, you have finally done it - you have decided to get a new tattoo. Maybe it's your first. Or perhaps you have been inked before but want to try a new place. Money saved, design or idea in place, only a business is left to choose. Ask 10 friends, and you'll likely receive as many suggestions. A Google search of tattoo parlors in Sacramento only yields more discouraging results: 45 tattoo parlors, each with recommendations. Only through personal research will you be able to decide which establishment is the right fit for you. That is why The Sacramento Press has done the research for you. We visited 14 Midtown establishments to speak with owners and artists, look thr

Looking for a little push to get a tattoo? Now's the time to work up your courage, because tattoo artists from all over the world will be inking it up at Sacramento’s All-American Tattoo Festival at the Sacramento Convention Center this weekend. Hosted by Forever Tattoo and held in the Sacramento Convention Center, the festival celebrates tattoos and the people who love them. Forever Tattoo’s Eiland Hogan said his gang of artists have been to tattoo festivals all over the world, including London, Asia and Greece. The crew decided they wanted something in Sacramento that would operate on an international scale. “A lot of tattoo conventions are going on in California, but none of them ar

It has never occurred to me that Father's Day weekend always happens at the same time as the summer solstice. Is that by coincidence? The longest, sunniest day of the year falls on the weekend that we celebrate our Dad's. That's kind of cool! At least for those of us who celebrate them. Otherwise, think of it as an extended day for you to be having fun! This weekend is packed with family friendly events for the whole family to enjoy at budget friendly prices. There are a few things I've mentioned that are a little more pricey... but they sound so fun! Whatever your budget is and whomever you'd like to spend your time with, check out what this weekend has in store. Thursday 6.18 Class: Sm