Submerge Magazine: Issue 151 (December 9 - 23, 2013)

Dive into Sacramento & its Surrounding Areas

december 9 – 23, 2013

#151 Backstreet Boys?

Why Not?

Jonathan Cole Buck The Illustrated Man

K.Flay Pure Experience

Get Ready to Tune-Up with Kevin Seconds and

David Houston

Andy’s Candy Apothecary the sweetest dream Lonely Kings & Others

Rock for Tots

at Assembly!

Kayasun Diverse Sounds in

Peaceful Coexistence

Lipstick & Submerge

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

3

Audio Express — Sacramento Submerge — 12/9/2013

151

Submerge: an independently owned entertainment/lifestyle publication available for free biweekly throughout the greater Sacramento area.

contents

10

2013

04 06

14 27

12

Melissa Welliver melissa@submergemag.com cofounder/ Advertising Director

Jonathan Carabba jonathan@submergemag.com senior editor

James Barone Assistant Editor

Mandy Pearson

Contributing Writers

Zach Ahern, Joe Atkins, Robin Bacior, Andrew Bell, Corey Bloom, Bocephus Chigger, Alia Cruz, Brooke Dreyer, Josh Fernandez, Lovelle Harris, Niki Kangas, Nur Kausar, John Phillips, Ryan J. Prado, Andrew Scoggins, Amy Serna, Jacob Sprecher, Jenn Walker Contributing photographers

Wesley Davis, Phill Mamula, Liz Simpson, Nicholas Wray

Submergemag.com Follow us on Twitter! @SubmergeMag

09 10 12 14 18 22 27

The Optimistic Pessimist

29

the grindhouse

4

2308 J Street, Suite F Sacramento, Calif. 95816

916.441.3803 info@submergemag.com

front Cover Photo of k.flay by jason barbagelott

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

Submerge your senses The Stream

Submerge

printed on recycled paper

Dive in

08

30 cofounder/ Editor in Chief/Art Director

december 9 – december 23

Andy’s Candy Apothecary k.flay jonathan cole buck kayasun calendar LIve << rewind

backstreet boys Out of the Furnace the shallow end All content is property of Submerge and may not be reproduced without permission. Submerge is both owned and published by Submerge Media.

All opinions expressed throughout Submerge are those of the author and do not necessarily mean we all share those opinions. Feel free to take a copy or two for free, but please don’t remove our papers or throw them away. Submerge welcomes letters of all kinds, whether they are full of love or hate. We want to know what is on your mind, so feel free to contact us via snail mail at 2308 J Street, Suite F Sacramento, Calif. 95816. Or you can e-mail us at info@submergemag.com.

dive in Tis the season for giving, and treating yo self Melissa welliver melissa@submergemag.com Lights hung up on the house, check. Decorated Noble Fir making the house smell outdoor fresh and ready for presents to go under, check. And of course racking the brain to figure out what to gift other people this year, check and check. Needless to say, the holiday season is in full swing.

Are there still people on your list you need to get gifts for?

Did you miss our last issue with our annual Holiday Gift Guide?

No worries, it’s up on our website in two parts, that way your computer doesn’t trip trying to load tons of images. Trust me, I know how that goes.

One thing that wasn’t in our gift guide this year was candy and sweets, which is okay because this issue, as you probably noticed, on our back cover we’re featuring a new candy store in Downtown Sacramento called Andy’s Candy Apothecary. With a slight delay because of permits, they’re planning on opening any day now; and, depending on when you pick up this current issue, they might even be open already. To be sure, you can double check with Facebook.com/Andyscandystore.

Everyone has a sweet tooth. and honestly there’s always room for a little candy no matter what season it is. But now is the perfect time to check out this new store, get some gifts for family or friends, and get some stocking stuffers or perhaps something sweet (or sour) for yourself (I know I am!). In our feature starting on page 10, read up on owner Andy Paul and how his dream of starting a candy store came to fruition.

Another great gift would be local art. One artist worth checking out is Jonathan Cole Buck, who has work up right now at Insight Coffee Roasters’ 8th Street location (they also have a location at the Pavilions that recently opened if you didn’t know). Anyway, we here at Submerge love poster art, so Buck’s work really started standing out to us the more we saw his stuff around town. I remember seeing that Laurels poster (shown on page 14), and instantly knowing one day we’d have to feature him. So check out our interview with him, get to know some of his inspirations and learn about four pieces in particular when he describes his process behind them.

Concert tickets are extremely thoughtful and creative gifts as well. One show that I hope I get an early X-mas present for is K.Flay at Assembly on Dec. 19 (um, hint hint, Mr. Carabba!).

While many people told me that I’d love K.Flay, I honestly really never got into her music until I saw her on Last Call with Carson Daly a while back. I’m not sure why I never took anyone’s advice, but I should have. Perhaps friends have told you to check her out too? Well no time like the present to read our interview starting on page 12, then make plans to go see this independent female rapper when she rolls through Sacramento this month.

Now let’s be honest, when you’re thinking about gifts to get for others, you always have to get yourself something too. So if you feel like you’re not going to get those concert tickets or the candy you really want to eat, go out and buy these things for yourself! As one of my favorite comedians Aziz Ansari once said, “Treat yo self.”

Read on. Enjoy issue 151, Melissa-Dubs

back Cover Photo of Andy’s candy apothecary by nicholas wray

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

SubmergeMag.com

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

5

Taste

Your Senses Words Brooke Dreyer

SEE HEAR TASTE Touch

Aaron Wilton as Crumpet the Elf Photo Courtesy of Kevin Adamski

See

Winter Pint Nights at Clark’s Corner Dec. 13 & 20

Oh, the good ole Sacramento winter. We’re all starting to miss the 100-plusdegree weather as our clothing layer count increases daily. Best way to stay warm? Beer, obviously. Grab your frostbitten friends and enjoy the excellent pint nights at Clark’s Corner (5641 J St.) this season. December 13 will be featuring Sam Adams’ Winter Lager, a deep ruby brown blend of Spalt Spalter and Hallertau Mittelfrueh hops. It’s bold and rich, and displays a perfect holiday spice, complemented by orange peel, ginger and cinnamon. On December 20, enjoy Anchor Brewing’s Christmas Ale! For 39 years, Anchor Brewing has released exceptional holiday beers; without compromising the integrity of consistent qualities, this year’s recipe delightfully varies from last. This year, it’s a rich, dark, complexly spiced ale, completed with secret malts and hops.

Hints of butterscotch, caramel and roasted malt confront the palate, with a delightfully bitter finish.

From 3 p.m. to close, come enjoy these excellent holiday beers; $5 for the first pint, and $3 for refills, plus you get to keep the glass. Best way to remedy your hypothermia! Visit Facebook.com/clarkscornerbar916 for more information on other fun special events.

SantaLand Diaries at Capital Stage • Dec. 4 - 29 From Dec. 4 - 29, Capital Stage will be presenting The SantaLand Diaries, adapted from humorist David Sedaris’ “outlandish, and true…experience as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s SantaLand display,” according to the theatre’s website. Check out times and grab your tickets at Capstage.org for this limited engagement show, what is sure to be a “witty, sardonic and unpredictable” look at what many of us are capable of during the insanity of the holiday season. You might want to leave the little ones at home; it’s recommended for mature audiences only. Come support Sacramento’s live theatre landscape this holiday season! It’s a great way to laugh off all those holiday sweets.

Lonely Kings

I Wish We Were Robots

FUDI

Hero’s Last Mission

Fate Under Fire

Horseneck

Hear

Rock for Tots 8 at Assembly • Dec. 20

Touch

Grab Your Coats and DONATE! After the most recent cold snap, did you catch yourself checking out that coat you bought three years ago, wondering if this was finally the year you’d dust it off and rock it to the company holiday party? What if, instead, you made some room in your closet and gave it to someone in need? No coat to spare? That’s OK. Sacloaves.org/needs-list mentions so many things, beyond coats, that we could donate: gloves, food, toilet paper, regional transit passes (among many other things) that are in high demand. From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday at 1351 North C Street in Sacramento, go ahead and drop off as many things on the list as you can. Just a small contribution on your part could mean so much to someone else.

6

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

With all the holiday commotion, sometimes it’s hard to consider the holiday experiences beyond our own, especially those of the less fortunate. Luckily, your favorite toy drive is here once again to remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. Come one, come all to Rock for Tots 8 on Dec. 20 at Assembly (1000 K St.)! If you haven’t attended this awesome event in the past, be prepared to see a killer line-up of local rock bands complemented with stellar prizes donated from the finest of Sacramento’s establishments (LowBrau, Tank House, Royal Peacock Tattoo, Spanish Fly Hair Garage, among many others). All of the fun is successfully designed to donate toys to the Sacramento Salvation Army. Last year, Rock for Tots donated over four thousand toys! Think of all the kids smiling because of this event. Tickets are only $10, and if you bring a toy, you’ll get a raffle ticket for the sponsors’ prizes. It’s the best way to get yourself onto Santa’s nice list. For more information visit Assemblymusichall.com.

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

7

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Kevin Seconds Two of Sacramento’s most prominent musicians are joining forces for a weekly songwriter’s showcase at Cafe Colonial, a new-ish all-ages venue located next to the Colonial Theatre on Stockton Boulevard. The Tune-Up started at Kevin Seconds’ long-defunct True Love Coffeehouse many years ago and has been resurrected a number of times since at various venues. This time around, Seconds will co-host with David Houston weekly on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. starting on Dec. 18 (note: there will be no show the following week on Christmas, obviously). There will be no cover charge to attend the Tune-Up, so if you can, bring a little cash for food, drinks and if you feel so inclined to tip the songwriters. Each week, Seconds and Houston will host, alongside special guests like Tom Hutchison of the Knockoffs (Dec. 18), Dr. Velocity (Jan. 1), Warren Bishop (Jan. 8), Autumn Sky (Jan. 15) and Jackson Griffith (Jan. 22). Check out Facebook.com/tuneupsacramento to keep an eye out for upcoming guest performers.

Adam Jay

Shaun Slaughter

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SUBMERGE MAG 12/9/13 12/4 PUNCHLINE SAC 3.9” X 5.67” SACHA PfEIfER (720) 239-3411

Local electro-pop duo Ugly Bunny are releasing their debut fulllength album Tokyo on Dec. 10, and to celebrate they’re playing an album release show at Bows and Arrows on Saturday, Dec. 21.

When I listen to Ugly Bunny, I hear a fine young band in tune with the best of their genre in both the local scene (Dusty Brown, Doom Bird) as well as the national one (Grouplove, Kisses, St. Lucia). Ugly Bunny is 17-year-old Gwendolyn Giles, also one-half of prominent local rock duo Dog Party, and 16-year old Camryn Nichols. The two are also dating. They both play keys and share vocal duties, and the chemistry is goddamn brilliant. If you like synth-driven pop songs with danceable grooves and catchy melodies, check out Tokyo. Doors open for their album release show on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. and the cover charge is $6. Also performing will be Musical Charis, Contra and Young Aundee (of Who Cares) will be performing a special DJ set. All ages are welcome. Learn more at Facebook.com/uglybunny.

Roger Carpio

Photos by Takeover Tokyo

Submerge is mega-excited to announce that we have teamed up with the infamous party throwers behind Lipstick, one of Sacramento’s longest running and most legit dance nights, to throw a New Year’s Eve bash that will be one to remember (unless you get blackout drunk and don’t remember a thing, which is cool too)! NYE is one of those nights that can easily go from super fun to a cluster fuck in no time depending on where you decide to celebrate. Sure, you could fork out a cover charge upward of $20, $30, even $40 to watch a DJ play generic Top-40 songs in an over-capacity, fancy nightclub with expensive drinks, or you could spend just $8 (in advance, door charge will be slightly more) for our party at Old Ironsides featuring indie/dance/nü-disco jams spun by heavy hitters Shaun Slaughter, Roger Carpio and Adam Jay! The fantastic local band Contra will also be performing a special live set of cover tunes, and there will be a free champagne toast at midnight with our very own ball drop. There will be tons of giveaways and party favors, too. So there you have it, your New Years Eve plans have been made for you. You’re welcome. Pick up your $8 advance tickets at Cuffs, a rad boutique in Midtown located at 2523 J Street, No. 101. Not only will buying tickets in advance save you a few bucks, it will get you priority entrance ahead of the line on NYE. Let’s bring in the New Year together with friends, booze, great music and dancing!

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

The Optimistic Pessimist On Dec. 1, 1996, at around 8 a.m., my mother woke me to say that my dad wasn’t feeling well and needed to go to the hospital. I was tasked with giving my sister a ride to work and I remember feeling annoyed that I had been pulled from my slumber that morning to drive her across town.

The house was empty when I returned, but it wouldn’t be that way for long. Less than an hour later, my sisters burst in, screaming hysterically and crying. As they ran over to hug me, I asked what was wrong and my sister blurted out, “Dad’s dead!”

I never got to say goodbye. It is my biggest regret. Dad had a heart attack in the car while my mom was driving him to the hospital. The doctors couldn’t resuscitate him.

I found his body at the hospital, laid out on display for the family to see, still connected to various pieces of medical equipment. It is an image that I cannot forget.

My father was a strong man. I once saw him throw my brother’s idiot teenage friend a good 10 feet like it was nothing. To me, he

always seemed invincible. The body I found at the hospital that day was nothing like that.

What remained on the table was frail and vulnerable; two feelings I would soon become acquainted with myself.

I couldn’t tell you much of what happened between the day of his death and the funeral. I don’t even remember how many days it was, but it seemed like an eternity. I spent the days shifting rapidly between anger, fear, anxiety and the deepest sadness I have ever felt.

By the day of the funeral, I was emotionally exhausted. I had cried so much in the previous days that I was actually afraid I wouldn’t be able to cry at the funeral. Of course, I did cry that day and many times after that. Sometimes, I still do today.

The death of a parent is not something that you get over. When my father died, part of me died with him. My life had been relatively easy up until that point, but his death threw me into a deep depression. My still-forming world collapsed in on itself and

Life After Death Bocephus Chigger bocephus@submergemag.com left me full of uncertainties that I struggle with to this day.

It’s been 17 years since he passed, and I’ve now been alive longer without my father than with him. Things have gotten better, but I am not over it. I am not sure if I can be, as it has affected who I am. His death left me with a whole host of abandonment and attachment issues. Depression is a reoccurring theme in my life story. I am fortunate to have friends and family to help me through this and I can’t stress how helpful therapy has been. Between the three, I’ve managed to grow into the semi-dysfunctional person you’ve all come to know and love.

Why am I telling you all of this? Many of us have lost someone close; be they a parent, sibling, spouse, child or friend. If it hasn’t happened to you, I bet it’s happened to a close friend of yours. Perhaps, my story will help you understand what it means to lose someone close.

Maybe it will assist you in helping your friends.

So how can you help? The most important thing to do is listen. The pathway from depression and shock is communication. The

person in mourning just needs to vent sometimes, to vocalize all the crazy feelings and thoughts they have bottled up inside. They need a nonjudgmental person they can trust to not blab their business to everyone. They don’t need you to tell them to be strong. Tell them that it’s OK to cry if they need to. Encourage them to seek counseling for their mental well-being and don’t judge them if they start taking anti-depressants to help.

For those going through this now, know that you are not alone. It may not feel like it now, but you will survive this. Your life will certainly be different, but that doesn’t mean it has to be bad.

You’ve learned a painful, yet wonderful lesson: life is precious. It is such a simple statement, but you don’t truly understand it until you lose someone close.

Life is short and it sometimes ends abruptly; so, make the most of it. Don’t get lost in the minutiae. Tell those close to you that you love them as often as you can, always say goodbye and live life to the fullest. You don’t have to be afraid. There can be life after death.

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SubmergeMag.com

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

9

Kid in a Candy Store

Andy’s Candy Apothecary Has Just What the Doctor Ordered Words Lovelle Harris photos nicholas wray

10

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

M

ost kids daydream about owning their own candy store—an unlimited supply of sugary treats, the euphoria of a candy-induced sugar high, the unadulterated bliss that comes from the cornucopia of lollipops, gum drops and gummy bears at your complete disposal.

For Andy Paul, that childhood dream came true when he beat out nearly 50 other budding entrepreneurs after the Downtown Sacramento Foundation, a sister organization to the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, announced him as the winner of its Calling All Dreamers contest in July.

“I’ve always been interested in good food and I’ve always kind of been a sweets freak,” Paul says. “So, growing up, I was probably a little more into candy than your average kid and then even as an adult I’d always find myself looking for a candy shop wherever I went.”

Winning the competition (a prize worth $135,000 that includes free rent for a year; business support assistance including advertising, contractor build out assistance, graphic design, strategic marketing support; and legal and accounting services) allowed Paul to realize his confectionery aspirations and open Andy’s Candy Apothecary.

“It had been sort of a little pipe dream, so the contest was perfect,” Paul says. “What actually happened was one of our friends mentioned it and then we applied.

Somewhere in the middle [of the process] we were like, ‘Even if we don’t win, we’re going to start this business,’ but it was really because of this one person.”

At the apothecary, Paul’s vision is to be a candy curator of sorts. By providing a wide variety of confections to suit the young, as well as the young at heart, he is able to prescribe the perfect remedy for his customer’s sweet tooth based on their preferences. The only side-effect is happiness, he says.

“We do have a wide variety, we’re really not just one thing, and that’s really important to me,” Paul explains.

“There’s kind of something for everybody, and that’s probably how we happened upon the apothecary theme.

We didn’t happen upon the word prescribing right away, but we realized that’s kind of what it is.”

SubmergeMag.com

The shop, whose Dec. 6 opening had been delayed as of press time, lures you in with the promise of high-quality yet fun candies. The design aesthetic is a bit like Willy Wonka meets an upscale chocolatier, with a sprinkling of old-world apothecary touches: The entryway wall is lined with chocolate bars—a wall of chocolate that would make Wonka proud. The centerpiece of the store is a large counter where most of the homemade premium chocolate lives. And behind the counter, a display of shelves housing clear jars is filled with all the different kinds of colorful candy that Paul has sourced from all over the world—the design inspiration of which came from a present he received from his wife.

“I started gathering all of this candy in my house and it started filling up all the room in the pantry and my wife was like, ‘Let’s take care of this,’ and she gave me as a Christmas present a little candy cabinet,” Paul explains. “It sort of looks like a wood medicine cabinet and when you open it up there’s this mirrored back with all of these little jars.”

Paul’s concept favors quality and moderation.

Specializing in handmade goodies from local candy makers and packaged treats from around the globe, his future plans include implementing an online component and adding an old-fashioned candy cart that will be available for events and parties—this isn’t your run of the mill mall candy store.

“There’s been more candy around the house, but there’s always been candy around the house. The other whole side of it is eating healthy and eating well. Which is ironic because I’m a candy store person, but if you’re going to eat something sweet make sure that it’s worth it,” he says. “We joke about how we’re against eating boring candy... I’m not totally against [Snickers bars] but there’s better things than it, and Snickers isn’t even technically made with real chocolate. I don’t want to be a snob, but it’s not even real chocolate.”

Another feature of the shop is a kid-friendly section that received the seal of approval from his own little candy lovers, proving his love for quality sugary goodies runs in the family.

“We have two daughters who are 9 and 6, and my kids have been loving [being involved in] this process,” he says. “We go to this store called the Candy Store in San Francisco and they gravitate toward certain things that I didn’t realize were that great or kids would even like that much. There are these gummy chicken feet, it literally looks like a chicken foot, but they get them every time we go, they think it’s hilarious...and they’ll definitely be in this store, we have a big bag at home, it looks kind of weird.”

While the candy man says winning the contest and opening the shop was a mind-boggling feat—from entering the contest to conception and creating a solid business plan, the process took a mere five months—he’s thankful to the Downtown Sacramento Partnership for allowing him the opportunity to tear the wrapper off of his very own candy shop.

“We won July 8, almost five months ago, which is nothing to go from like ‘maybe we’re going to have a business’ to ‘we’re going to have a business,’” he explains. “And they’ve been really supportive, even more so than just, ‘Oh you won the contest and see you later,’ they’ve been super hands-on and they’ve even thrown me some work already.”

Paul says while the backbone of the business will be the large selection of affordable, yet unique gift baskets, he is most excited about the kid’s section.

“There’s going to be a lot of candy,” he says. “For me, the important part of it is that there’s a lot of stuff low to the ground and that there’s a lot of little tiny stuff.

We’re going to have a big section where it’s all priced the same, like ten cents or a nickel. There are these baskets and there are all of these little different types of candies that are cheaper, but they’re still good and a lot of them are still a little more unique, they’re from different countries Andy’s Candy Apothecary will open its doors at 1012 9th Street, and stuff like that, Sacramento, in the very near but they’re not so future. Stay tuned to Facebook.com/AndysCandyStore weird that little kids for more updates. won’t love them.”

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

11

Work in Progress K.Flay Begins to Find Her Way Words James Barone photo WILSON LEE

I

t was just days before Thanksgiving when Submerge caught up with K.Flay (neé Kristine Flaherty), but the indie hip-hop artist was gearing up for a working holiday. Born in Wilmette, Ill., the Stanford grad has recently relocated to Los Angeles for the time being. Newly released from her major label, RCA, K.Flay has been enjoying her regained independence and also her new surroundings.

“I think I’ve been here for a two-week stretch at a time, but never really longer than that,” she says of L.A., where she has studio space downtown. “It’s been really nice. I’m really forgetting how cold it would be in New York. I’m like, ‘This is amazing. No wonder why people want to live here.’”

After a couple of mixtapes, K.Flay released her first EP in 2010. Her most recent extended-player, West Ghost, her first and only under RCA, came out in April 2013. Though she’s starting to build up a strong catalog of songs, she admits that she wasn’t really sure what she was doing when she started out in music.

“I kind of stumbled into the whole thing,” she says. “I stumbled into recording a song based off of a conversation I had, and then I got randomly asked to play a show.

I was open to whatever with no preconception of what it would look like or what it should look like or if I ever wanted to do it again.”

Now with some time in the studio—and more importantly hours logged onstage—she’s beginning to piece together what she most wants out of her music.

“I’m starting to figure out the aspects of what appeals to me and what doesn’t,” she goes on to say. “I think what was really interesting about music for me was that I had no preconception. I was sort of clueless in a way that made it a really pure experience.”

In the following interview, K.Flay speaks about her welcome breakup with her major label and what we might expect from her music in the future.

12

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

I read on your blog it was almost like a relationship breakup. Was it something you saw coming or did it come as a surprise?

Oh no, I wanted it to happen. I think it was like a breakup in the sense that it was the right thing, but it was still kind of a bummer that it didn’t work out. I feel great. I feel super happy, but it just wasn’t the right thing at the time, so I’m looking forward to getting back to the things I love about doing this.

Are the songs you’re recording songs you’ve been working on for a while?

It’s all new stuff I’ve been working on. Just last week I left my record label, so I feel liberated and empowered to get back and refocus on the things I want to do and the kind of things I want to write.

Your first two EPs were independently released and your most recent was put out by RCA. Creatively, did you notice a difference between your independent and your label release?

I think, obviously, any time you’re involved with any type of label, there’s an infrastructure that has straightforwardly commercial goals. I’ve always been DIY and self-propelled, so it felt weird to be imbedded within this larger organization. It was a lot harder to get things done, and a lot of people had to be involved in the decisionmaking process. It’s nice being able to take control of that again.

I saw you live once before… It was a while ago, and it was just you performing solo. I was blown away because it was just you on stage. But since then you’ve added more people to the live show, correct?

Yeah, it’s like the Partridge Family now… I have added people. I’ve been playing with Nick [Nicholas Suhr], my drummer, for a couple of years now. I felt like that was the first addition that really made sense. It’s evolved to where there’s kind of an indie rock sound to the music now, especially in the live show. That’s been really cool, and on the last two tours I’ve had, I’ve had a DJ [Noah Souder-Russo] come out as well.

I still do some controller stuff, but it was really stressful at times controlling all the various electronic things, and it sort of created this distance between me and the audience. I was very hyper aware of what was going on. It’s freed me up to be more involved in the performance.

It’s funny to hear you say that, because I remember at the show I saw, you were tinkering with a lot of things then stepping back and delivering vocals. It seemed like a lot of work.

Yeah totally. It was stressful! I was like, “Why am I putting myself through all this?”

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

“I think it was like a breakup in the sense that it was the right thing, but it was still kind of a bummer that it didn’t work out. I feel great. I feel super happy, but it just wasn’t the right thing at the time, so I’m looking forward to getting back to the things I love about doing this.”

– K.Flay on her split from RCA Records You mentioned the indie rock element, and there was one song on West Ghost, “The Cops,” that had more singing on it. I like the song a lot. I liked the whole EP, but that one jumped out at me because it sounded a bit different than the other songs on the EP. Is that something you’re looking to explore more in your music?

Yeah, I think “The Cops,” in a weird way, was the turning point in my own mind, because that is the kind of music on some level that I really want to make. I think going too far in the electronic sphere on the next thing I put out isn’t really my goal. On the demos I’m recording, I’m moving more toward an organic sound. I’ll still be rapping… When I started making music, I really didn’t even know what I was doing or what I wanted to do. I think the live show and the touring has helped guide me into a little bit more of the indie side of things.

With the new stuff that you’re working on, are you hoping to make a full-length record or do you think another EP is on the horizon?

Who knows what I’m going to end up thinking, but I am working toward putting out a full-length, because that’s what I want to do. I’m notorious for being very fickle and very stubborn. I’ll probably change my mind. Basically, I’d be a very bad government official.

Is another label something you’ll be seeking?

I’m kind of open to everything. The experience with RCA wasn’t an antilabel experience. It just wasn’t the right situation for a number of reasons. I think if there’s somebody who understands my vision, then I would be open to thinking about it, but I’m sort of using this time to return to that place of no preconceptions. I think, for me, that’s a good psychological space to be in.

Boardwalk

thursday, dec 12

firSt decree, acidic, tracK fighter, a mile till dawn, california riot act, alex vincent walKer Band

Being in that place, are you surprised at the kind of stuff you’re writing lyrically and musically?

Yeah, I guess. Maybe this isn’t surprising, but I’m pleased at how it’s making internal sense. The songs relate to one another.

They’re starting to feel like cousins in a way that’s really natural. That’s been good. It’s weird writing songs with a pile of expectations. Sometimes it can be really fun and challenging, but most of the time it can be really confusing and can muddle what you’re trying to say.

friday, dec 13 nyceria, cylinder, in the Silence, overwatch, Zen arcadia

Are you trying to keep it simpler this time around?

I’m just doing demo stuff, so I’m not finishing 100 percent all of the production, but yeah. I think the mark of most of the songs I really connect with is, I guess, the clarity of the vibe and sound. I’m not overthinking what I’m doing because I have a tendency to do that.

Silence the meSSenger, counter culture, filthpit, extirpate, moment of clarity

Do you tend to be more critical of your lyric writing or your music?

I’m critical of everything! I don’t know. I think it’s always weird listening to and looking back on the things you’ve created.

I think maybe I just alternate depending on the mood I’m in. I’ve looked back in horror on some of the things I have created.

You have a few more dates with Icona Pop coming up. How do you enjoy being on the road with them?

I played a few shows on the road with them earlier in the year… They’re really awesome people, and their show is a lot more electronic and dance-y than what I’m doing, but it’s nice to have that juxtaposition. There’s that common theme of girls doing cool things. There’s been a really nice energy about that. I have a hometown show in San Francisco coming up, so the shows are going to be a lot of fun. It’s going to be nice, because I haven’t seen them in a couple of months, so it’s going to be like a reunion.

K.Flay will take a one-show break from her West Coast dates with Icona Pop to play Assembly in Sacramento on Thursday, Dec. 19. Sirah will also be performing. You can get tickets through Assemblymusichall.com.

Catch K.Flay the night before at The Fillmore supporting the aforementioned pop superstars.

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Get it fixed at anthony’s barbershop 2408 21st st • Sac • sacramentobarbershop.com (916) 457-1120 • Tues-Fri 9am-6pm • saT 10am-4pm Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

13

Luncheon in the Grass

Minus the Bear Poster

Laurels Poster

Cup of Doodles

Local illustrator Jonathan Cole Buck Outlines the Varied Facets of his Art Words Niki Kangas

Y

ou may have noticed some rad illustrations gracing the cover of the Sacramento News and Review of late, or hanging in windows in the form of show posters. You can thank Jonathan Cole Buck, a local up-and-coming illustrator who is working hard to hone his talent.

Beyond the commissioned work he’s done, Jonathan also creates somewhat disturbing imagery intended for galleries, and comic art that is thought-provoking, tearjerking and rarely comical. His style continually evolves as he explores through practice and research.

Submerge sat down for an interview with this serious man who has the wisdom not to take himself too seriously, and found the artist to be much more lighthearted than would be expected after viewing his work.

Melvins Poster

When did you start illustrating?

For money, last year, but I’ve been drawing all my life. I tend to gravitate toward those things that I’m just naturally good at, and getting attention for something you’re good at helps boost your interest in it. The better I get at it, the more I realize not to take it seriously and just to have fun with it.

The first one I got that was paid for was last year. I got an inside illustration about DJs, how they’re dying out. I had to write out a W-4 and everything, so that was cool.

I do feel a little conflicted about having to do exactly what someone else wants [in order to] to get paid, so lately I’ve been a little loosey goosey and have been doing some abstract stuff.

Jealous Guy

Two-Face

14

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

Who are some of your inspirations?

Marcel Duchamp, Eva Hesse, Pablo Picasso and modern illustrators like James Jean, Daniel Clowes (who wrote Ghost World) and Chris Ware.

You mention on your website having pursued a number of majors without having ever completed a program course. Of all your interests, is illustration your primary interest, or are you pursuing other creative endeavors, too?

I kind of want to do everything. Everything is so interesting and fun. It’s hard to focus on one thing. It would be a really boring life to follow one pursuit. I got a scholarship for poetry initially, and started with a journalism program.

I used to play in punk bands, until the scene got emo and I split for obvious reasons.

Describe the spectrum of illustration you do.

Right now I’m afraid that I’m pigeonholed into a style that looks like a graphic novel style. I really want to do abstract stuff.

Your comics aren’t usually very funny. They tend to be melancholy. Who are your comic art

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

Je alous Gu y As far as inspiration goes for this piece, I think I was looking at a lot of illustrators that are notorious for being problem solvers, often shapeshifting two concepts to further the main idea. I bought the frame at a thrift store, which constrained the dimensions I would be working in to a long and slender shape. I pulled an image I had in a sketchbook from a year ago that I had been meaning to use and went with it. I penciled it out on alpha rag matte board that I often buy from the framing section at University Art. It is archival and takes most media extremely well as long as you don’t make mistakes. After I used watercolor to gradient the background I blocked in the main character with Holbein’s acryla gouache and inked the piece entirely with Speedballs scarlet acrylic ink. I went back and did some negative shading with a 6B pencil to make the characters a little more interesting. inspirations, and have any of your comics been published?

I haven’t published any comics; I’m terrified to show people a lot of them. I am working on a graphic novel based on a short story. I keep redoing it because once I get to the 15th page, my style has changed. I might end up abandoning the project and doing something that’s less serious. My favorite comic book illustrators are Sammy Harkham and Will Eisner.

Where can people view your art in upcoming shows?

I have a show at Insight Coffee Roasters beginning on Dec. 7—it’ll be up ‘til Jan. 2. Then at Tomato Alley Gallery, right across from La Garnacha—I have a couple pieces in there. The closing reception is Dec. 14. After that, I’ll be searching around galleries to see about group shows.

Where do you want to take your art career?

I enjoy art, but making it a career seems unlikely as it seldom pays the bills. I will always make things as I enjoy it more than anything else.

If an illustration or fine art career blossoms somewhere down the road, it will just be a happy accident to a continuous activity that I already compulsively do. It is likely that I will end up doing some sort of animation, writing or film work, as that can pay the bills a bit better, and it’s something I’m interested in. But who knows. I can’t really predict the future. At my most optimistic, delusions of grandeur and all, I would prefer to be running my own media company and hire all of the people who have helped me along the way. At worst I suppose I would be working as a waiter somewhere, which isn’t really that bad.

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Luncheon in the Gr ass This is my favorite and probably the best piece I’ve made. I was looking at a lot of Manet at the time and thought it would be cool to ride off an idea and make it weird. It was a title of the same Manet piece Le déjeuner sur l’herbe. I drew about 10 thumbnails before I penciled it on matte board.

I had to mix my own inks to get the right color of blue for extreme opacity at minimal viscosity so it would be ideal for inking with a brush. Once I got that done, I sort of just went with it. Once I have a plan, I work extremely fast.

Melvins Poster I got the go-ahead for doing the poster from the promoter (Brian McKenna). I have always wanted to work with Laura Matranga so I sent her a line about doing a screen print for the project. She was stoked. I took the main image directly out of a sketchbook and showed it to Laura. She thought it would be a good fit for the vibe of the band, so she started setting up the layers and colors for transfer into screen-print. This was my first time screen-printing and Laura was extremely general in walking me through the process.

T wo - Face I did this while working concessions at Tower Theatre. There was a lot of downtime at that job, and I took full advantage. I am somehow surprised that popcorn butter did not make its way into this piece. I used ink and just sort of brushed it in as fast as I could in between customers. I then used pencil to set contrast in the shadows.

“I kind of want to do everything.

Everything is so interesting and fun. It’s hard to focus on one thing. It would be a really boring life to follow one pursuit.”

– Jonathan Cole Buck SubmergeMag.com

deCember

Describe some of your work, and the thinking and technique behind these pieces.

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wed dec 11 (6pm) bITES+bEaTS+bEERS See more of Jonathan Cole Buck’s work at Nannerfish.wordpress. com, or at Insight Coffee Roasters and Tomato Alley Gallery this month.

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

17

Any Way You Want It

Sacramento’s Kayasun has a little something for everyone Words Amy Serna • photos Joe Emond

B

en Lerch and Benett Hannan started their musical career together at a very unlikely place, during a homecoming dance in high school. After sitting next to each other at dinner and awkwardly trying to make small talk with a complete stranger, Lerch started to tap a melody on the edge of the table with his fingers. Hannan took notice and asked with curiosity, “Do you play drums? I play guitar.”

“That was the first run in, and we didn’t talk very much. It was an idea and we didn’t really reconnect but then sooner or later another dance…we went to the after party together and that’s when it actually for sure clicked. And we started jamming after that,” said Lerch during our interview inside Broadacre Coffee.

“It was probably three years just jamming until we made something out of it,” added Hannan.

“Yeah, it was just for fun and figuring out

18

what we wanted to do. Took a few years to figure it out,” replied Lerch.

Ever since then, drummer Lerch, 21, and lead singer and guitarist Hannan, also 21, (along with band mates Trevor Whitney, Dorian Rohlfes and Tyler Anderson) have taken their garage jam sessions to center stage in the Sacramento area with their band Kayasun.

Named after Kaya the album and song by Bob Marley, the band brings a modern twist to the classic reggae that Marley was best known for. Most of their songs have a reggae base with accents of heavy rock, rap and acoustic guitar blended together.

“We want to put out a good vibe so no matter what kind of mood you are in you will always want to [listen to] the CD,” explained Lerch.

Kayasun is currently working on recording their first debut album. Originally, it was scheduled to be released right before Christmas,

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

but due to recording setbacks they decided it was best not to rush the creative process.

For Lerch and Hannan, the making of their first album started the day they met at the homecoming dinner.

“It’s just been years of putting it together. We don’t want to rush anything,” said Lerch. “We want to make sure that what we are putting out, not only would we listen to but we want everybody else to listen to it. We want to make sure that every little detail is met.”

Each band member comes from a different musical background. For example, bassist Whitney comes from the alternative rock scene influenced by the sounds of Queens of the Stone Age; drummer Lerch leans more toward a classic rock style, while Hannan has a blues and acoustic folk background.

“It kinda goes with the theme of what Kayasun means, it’s trying to bring all these different pieces together. You can have someone

who is [at a show] like a little heavier reggae or someone wants to head-bang for a little bit. And we have some songs that are more acoustic or more vocal,” said Lerch. “You want to bring all these people together so they can realize that this can be done together.”

After watching them play live at downtown Sacramento’s Assembly, I heard exactly how Kayasun can bring different vibes of music and people together. They played to a crowded house on Thanksgiving eve. During setup it was obvious all of the members seemed exited and anxious to perform. Hannan could be caught signing along with the pre-show music. The majority of the crowd of about 60 was mostly huddled around the bar, excitingly drinking and socializing the day before their big turkey dinners. But as soon as Kayasun started to play, some fans moved up closer to the stage and started to dance.

Each song Kayasun played contained heavy jam sessions that alleviated the crowd’s holiday

“We want to put out a good vibe so no matter what kind of mood you are in you will always want to [listen to] the CD.” – Ben Lerch, Kayasun Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

stresses. Everyone either found themselves at the front to dance or at the bar nodding their heads to the reggae rock beats. Throughout multiple times during the set, Hannan would shout out, “You guys are beautiful,” and would tell the crowd how thankful he was for everyone that night.

“There’s a lot of deep messages in the songwriting,” said Lerch about their music. “I don’t know how many people actually pay attention to the lyrics, but if they actually do pay attention, there’s a lot of one-liners and a couple verses where there is a deep hidden message in there.”

“We take very seriously the movement of peace of fellow humans and learning to coexist,” said Hannan.

After a set full of songs from Kayasun that made everyone jam out for the night, they ended their set with a reggae/rock cover of 2Pac’s “California Love” that inspired the crowd to sing along. Hannan even adlibbed, “In the city, the city of Sac-town,” which made the room roar.

From their live sets to backstage, it’s apparent Kayasun likes to have fun on and off stage. And don’t be surprised when you see them live and they bring up a random stranger on stage to sing along. For their smaller shows, they love to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

“I personally like the smaller shows better, because…before the show, after the show, and even during you can mingle,” said Lerch.

And if they see a fan going crazy during a song they might ask, “Do you want to come up? Do you want to sing with us? Do you want to jump up on the drums?”

“The point is, get everyone in the spotlight.

We don’t want to steal the limelight we want

everyone to have an equal piece of the fun,” added Hannan.

Now that Kayasun is starting to play bigger venues, getting random fans in the spotlight is going to be more of a challenge. Within the past few months, they have gained so much recognition around town that they have gone from playing backyard parties to opening for the Dirty Heads last July at Ace of Spaces.

With playing bigger venues comes more responsibility, required ticket sales, deadlines and tightly scheduled set times. But for this band the hard work will always pay off.

“The way I can describe it is you go through all this nerve wracking and stress just for the ultimate experience and so it’s totally worth it,” Lerch said.

With 2014 just around the corner, Kayasun will have more ultimate experiences to look forward to, including new shows and their upcoming debut album they are currently working on. Even though band practice can be tough because they each live throughout Northern California (living in Chico, Davis, Fair Oaks and Rocklin), they are looking forward to a year of fun and hard work.

“One thing that we’ve learned thoughout this is that you put out music and play as many shows as we can and that’s what we are going to do,” said Ben.

Catch Kayasun live when they play The Boardwalk in Orangevale (9426 Greenback Lane) on Dec. 21. Let their good vibes put you in the right mood for Christmas! Tickets are just $10, and Riotmaker, Lesdystics, Rebel Radio, OneLegChuck and Vague Intentions will also perform.

To purchase tickets online, go to Boardwalkrocks.com

Handmade Holidays 5th annual

Holiday Party & Craft Fair

December 22nd • 11am - 5pm free admission • New Location 723 S street • Sacramento, 95811 SubmergeMag.com

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

19

1000 K street | sacramento (916) 341-0176 | assemblymusichall.com

cataclysm | pro manon

December 12

• 21 & over

December 13

• all ages

With special guest

sirah

December 19

December 20

• all ages

• all ages

With special guests

With special guests

maxxx anD lonely avenue

December 21

• 18 & over

Abbey RoAd bAnd Featuring:

ricky bell (neW eDition & bell biv Devoe), Dalvin (JoDeci), shaZam (h toWn), anD rashaaD carlton

December 29

• 21 & over

December 22

• all ages

and The ShuTTlecockS

December 31

• 21 & over

With special guests

lil bit anD the beatknocks

miDnight north (Feat. grahame lesh)

December 27

• 21 & over

December 28

• all ages

With special guests

mark noxx, rasar, anD DJ supe

January 4

• 21 & over

January 9

• all ages

* * * F o r r e n ta l i n F o r m at i o n , p r i vat e pa r t i e s a n D e v e n t s , p l e a s e e m a i l a s s e m b ly m u s i c h a l l @ g m a i l . c o m * * *

20

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

1000 K street | sacramento (916) 341-0176 | assemblymusichall.com Fair Struggle

With special guests

vanishing aFFair, overWatch, anD once an empire

anthony b broDi nicholas

Zeroclient, korean Fire Drill, aWoken shaDoWs, anD snoW White smile

• allages ages november January 1027• all

& over ages november January 1129• 21• all

• allages ages november January 1730• all

With special guests

With special guest

With special guest

Fine steps

over January December243 •• 18all& ages

With special guests

la noche oskura, pro manon , DJ Fili sainZ

January 25

• 18 & over

January 26

• all ages

January 30

• all ages

February 7

• all ages

coming soon

Betty LaVette special seateD shoW

February 9

• all ages

February 12

• 21 & over

February 20

• all ages

2/22 some Fear none 2/27 scale the summit 3/2 We butter the breaD With butter 3/5 sunny leDFurD 3/11 We are the in croWD 3/13 inFecteD mushroom 3/21 tommy castro & the painkillers

* * * F o r r e n ta l i n F o r m at i o n , p r i vat e pa r t i e s a n D e v e n t s , p l e a s e e m a i l a s s e m b ly m u s i c h a l l @ g m a i l . c o m * * * SubmergeMag.com

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

21

music, comedy & misc. Calendar

dec. 9 – 23, 2013 submergemag.com/calendar

12.09 Monday

The Blue Lamp Masta Ace, Freas, Zoolay, 7 p.m.

The Boxing Donkey Open Mic Variety Night, 8 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Open Mic Night, 7:30 p.m.

Harlow’s Howie Day, Tyler Hilton, Anna Rose, 6 p.m.

Luna’s Cafe Nebraska Mondays hosted by Ross Hammond, 7:30 p.m.

Marilyn’s Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Old Ironsides Heath Williamson & Friends, 5 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Press Club Dynamic Fuzz Bomb, Sun Valley Gun Club, Physical Education, 8 p.m.

Sol Collective Microphone Mondays, 8 p.m.

12.10 Tuesday

Bows and Arrows Creative Confluence Open Mic, 8 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Harlow’s Them Hills, Contra, 7 p.m.

Marilyn’s Substance: UK Underground & International Bass Music, 9 p.m.

Old Ironsides Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Pine Cove Open Mic Night, 9 p.m.

Press Club FFFreak! w/ DJs CrookOne, Ben Johnson, Boogalicious, 9:30 p.m.

Shine Jazz Jam w/ Jason Galbraith & Guests, 8 p.m.

Toby Keith’s Open Mic Night, 7 p.m.

Torch Club Bill Mylar, 5:30 p.m.; Debut Tuesdays Music Showcase feat. Mark Grisler, Big Sticky Mess, 8 p.m.

UC Davis: Jackson Hall Jeff Tweedy, Scott McCaughey, 8 p.m.

12.11 Wednesday

Ace of Spades Blood On The Dance Floor, Farewell My Love, The Relapse Symphony, Haley Rose, Awoken Shadows, Oh! The Horror, 6 p.m.

Bar 101 Open Mic, 7:30 p.m.

Club Car The Double Shots, 7:30 p.m.

22

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Northern Soul!, 8 p.m.

G Street WunderBar Funk Night w/ DJ Larry, 10 p.m.

Laughs Unlimited Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Marilyn’s Singer Songwriter Showcase w/ Ken Koenig, Doug Cash and more, 9 p.m.

Mix DJ Gabe Xavier, DJ Peeti-V, 9 p.m.

Old Ironsides Open Mic, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub White Minorities, Restrayned, 8 p.m.

Press Club Death Valley High, Horseneck, Armed For Apocalypse, Stalking Distance, 8 p.m.

The Stoney Inn Aaron Watson, 8 p.m.

Third Space Naomi Punk, Babysitter, Monster Treasure, 8 p.m.

Torch Club Keri Carr Band, 9 p.m.

12.12 thursday

Assembly FLOW: A Night of Jazz, Soul, and Hip Hop w/ Andru Defeye, Jay Siren, Element Brass Band, 8 p.m.

Bar 101 Karaoke, 7:30 p.m.

The Boardwalk Smile Empty Soul, First Decree, ACIDIC, A Mile Till Dawn, Track Fighter, California Riot Act, Alex Vincent Walker Band, 7 p.m.

Bows and Arrows Classic Revolution, 8 p.m.

Club Car Songwriters Showcase, 8 p.m.

The Coffee Garden Open Mic Night, 8 p.m.

Crocker Art Museum ArtMix: Gentleman Surfer, DJ Rated R, 5 p.m.

District 30 Ben Tension & Selly, Teapotica, Gentlemen’s Club, Jason Davis, Kracento Box, 9 p.m.

Dive Bar Dueling Pianos, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Steve McLane, 8 p.m.

Level Up Lounge Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Marilyn’s Jo Elless, Gwen McMillin, Bethany Cowan, 8 p.m.

Mix DJ Eddie Edul, DJ Peeti V, 9 p.m.

Old Ironsides Living Room Sessions w/ Kevin Seconds and Bobby Jordan, 9 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Press Club Rat Damage, Vibrating Antennas, Alarms, So Stressed, 8 p.m.

R15 Z Rokk, 9 p.m.

Rock Band University Solanum, 9 p.m.

The Stoney Inn The Terry Sheets Band, 9 p.m.

Toby Keith’s Country Jam, 8:30 p.m.

Torch Club X Trio, 5 p.m.; Mark Sexton Band, 9 p.m.

12.13 Friday

Ace of Spades Jack Russell’s Great White, Rue The Night, Force Of Habit, South Of Sanity, 7 p.m.

Assembly Los Rakas, A-1, Nima Fadavi, Cataclysm, Pro Manon, 7 p.m.

Bar 101 In Letter Form, Razorblade Monalisa, Screatures, 9 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Hans, Carly DuHain Band, The Tipsy Hustlers, 9 p.m.

The Boardwalk Some Fear None, Nyceria, Cylinder, In the Silence, Overwatch, Zen Arcadia, 7 p.m.

Bows and Arrows Plots, Apricot, Vinnie Guidera, 8 p.m.

The Boxing Donkey Adam Donald, 9 p.m.

Capitol Garage Dub Culture w/ DK Wokstar, DJ Jaytwo, 10 p.m.

Club Car Mischief, 9 p.m.

District 30 Sounds, DJ Louie Giovanni, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Kittenhead, Sly Park, Bathtub Gins, 9 p.m.

Golden Bear DJ Crook, 10 p.m.

Harlow’s Dead Winter Carpenters, MerryGold, 8 p.m.

Jazz & Jokers Urban Music Anthem w/ Javon, 9:30 p.m.

Level Up Lounge Hot Pants w/ DJ Rock Bottom, 9 p.m.

Luigi’s Fungarden 2013!, The Clutter Family Singers, Capt.

Billy’s Whiz Bang!, 8 p.m.

Luna’s Cafe The Signifiers, Salt Wizards, Ryan Task, 8 p.m.

Marilyn’s Eli and the Sound Cult, Bellygunner, Ancient Astronaut, 8 p.m.

Mix DJ Gabe Xavier, 9 p.m.

Old Ironsides The Denver J Band, Blaquelisted, Stellar (Incubus tribute), Analog Dialog, 9 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Once An Empire (Album Release), Street Urchinz, Old Screen Door, 8:30 p.m.

Press Club DJ Rue, 9 p.m.

Red Hawk Casino Chris Gardner, 9:30 p.m.

Shine The Enlows, Jilt vs Jonah, Pilgrim, 8 p.m.

Toby Keith’s The Cripple Creek Band, The Nathan Thomas Band, 9 p.m.

Torch Club Pailer & Fratis, 5:30 p.m.; Afro Funk Experience, 9 p.m.

UC Davis: Jackson Hall Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show, 8 p.m.

12.14 Saturday

Bar 101 Dread Lullabies, 9 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Record Club Presents: Radio Radio, 9 p.m.

The Boardwalk M.i.C., Status Goes, 7 p.m.

The Boxing Donkey Block Party, 9 p.m.

Cafe Colonial Rock 2000, 8 p.m.

Capitol Garage Feel Good Saturday’s w/ DJ Epik, 10 p.m.

Club Car A Train, 9 p.m.

The Colony Torture Chamber, Human Filth, BloodfoG, Valley of Thorns, 7 p.m.

District 30 DJ Billy Lane, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose 50-Watt Heavy, Micah Schabel, Richfield, 9 p.m.

Harlow’s Two Gallants, G. Green, 9:30 p.m.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe DJ Rick Gee, 10:30 p.m.

Jazz & Jokers Joe Leavy & Friends, 9 p.m.

KBAR Z Rokk, 9 p.m.

Luna’s Cafe The Scarves, 8 p.m.

Marilyn’s Johnny Favorite, 9 p.m.

Mix DJ Eddie Edul, 9 p.m.

Old Ironsides Skin Of Saints, Decipher, A Mile Till Dawn, Ghost Element, 9 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Superlicious, 10 p.m.

Press Club DJ Larry Rodriguez, 9 p.m.

Red Hawk Casino Mother Mayhem, 10 p.m.

Shine Island of Black & White, Denver J Band, 8 p.m.

Toby Keith’s Sweet Revenge, 9 p.m.

Los Rakas A-1, Nima Fadavi, Cataclysm, Pro Manon Assembly 7 p.m.

12.13

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yoUr information iS 100% private anD confiDential SubmergeMag.com

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

23

The Aggrolites Harlow’s 7 p.m.

12.17 Tuesday

12.19 Torch Club Delta City Ramblers, 5:30 p.m.; Rudy Parris Band, 9 p.m.

12.15 Sunday

The Blue Lamp Get Down to the Champion Sound w/ DJ ESEF, Selector KDK, Juan Love, Ras Matthew and Guests, 9 p.m.

The Boardwalk Allegaeon, Silence the Messenger, Counter Culture, Filthpit, Extirpate, Moment of Clarity, 7 p.m.

Capitol Garage Karaoke w/ Jeff Jenkins, 9 p.m.

Center for the Arts Windham Hill Winter Solstice Concert: Liz Story, Barbara Higbie, Lisa Lynne, Aryeh Frankfurter, George Tortorelli, 7:30 p.m.

Central Library Holiday Concert w/ Francie Dillon, 1 p.m.

Club Retro Sing Inc’s Let It Snow Holiday Showcase, 5:30 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Harlow’s Joe Kye, James Cavern, 6 p.m.

Hideaway Bar & Grill Poison Idea, Fang, Rat Damage, Flesh Gordo, SSA, 4:30 p.m.

LowBrau French Horn Rebellion, Adam Jay, Shaun Slaughter, 9 p.m.

Mix DJ Gabe Xavier, 8:30 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Dennis Jones, 3 p.m.

Press Club Sunday Night Soul Party w/ DJ Larry Rodriguez, 9 p.m.

The Stoney Inn Blackwater, Sweet Revenge Country Band, 1 p.m.

Third Space Mattress, Dead Western, Healing Potpourri (Record Release), 9 p.m.

Torch Club Blues Jam, 4 p.m.; The Golden Cadillacs, 8 p.m.

UC Davis: Jackson Hall American Bach Soloists: Messiah, 4 p.m.

12.16 Monday

The Boxing Donkey Open Mic Variety Night, 8 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Open Mic Night, 7:30 p.m.

Luna’s Cafe Nebraska Mondays hosted by Ross Hammond, 7:30 p.m.

Marilyn’s Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Old Ironsides Heath Williamson & Friends, 5 p.m.

On the Y Vesterian, Shores of Melancholy, Killgasm, Minenwerfer, Gerogetohaku, 8 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Press Club Drunks Go Acoustic feat. Matt Salkeld, Dead Frets, Brock Frabbiele, Lowbrow, Andy Harrison, Alex Dorame and more, 8 p.m.

Sol Collective Microphone Mondays, 8 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Harlow’s Charlie Hunter, Scott Amendola, 7 p.m.

Marilyn’s Greatest Stories Ever Told: Dead, Garcia and Dylan Revue, 8 p.m.

Old Ironsides Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Pine Cove Open Mic Night, 9 p.m.

Revolution Wines Holiday Music w/ Vernada Swing, 6 p.m.

Shine Jazz Jam w/ Jason Galbraith & Guests, 8 p.m.

Toby Keith’s Open Mic Night, 7 p.m.

Torch Club Torch Club’s Annual Xmas Party feat. Hans Eberbach, Peter Petty, 5 p.m.; Debut Tuesday’s Music Showcase w/ The Three Way, 8 p.m.

12.18 wednesday

Bar 101 Open Mic, 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Lamp The El Vez & Rosie Flores Merry MeX-mas Show, 7 p.m.

Cafe Colonial The Tune-Up Songwriter’s Showcase feat. Tom Hutchison (of The Knockoffs), hosted by Kevin Seconds and David Houston, 8 p.m.

Club Car The Double Shots, 7:30 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

District 30 Trap City, 10 p.m.

Fox & Goose Northern Soul!, 8 p.m.

G Street WunderBar Funk Night w/ DJ Larry, 10 p.m.

Harlow’s Denver J Band, Breakaway Patriot, The Royal Jelly, Sea Legs, 7 p.m.

Laughs Unlimited Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Marilyn’s Hans & the Hot Mess and special guests, 9 p.m.

Mix DJ Gabe Xavier, 9 p.m.

Old Ironsides Open Mic, 9 p.m.

Press Club Yellow Jacket Motel, The Western Tates, Six Beers Deep, 8 p.m.

Third Space Karen, Yogurt Brain, The Azeotropes, 7 p.m.

Toby Keith’s Country Jam, 8:30 p.m.

Torch Club Acoustic Open Mic, 5:30 p.m.; Peter Petty & His Double P Revue, 9 p.m.

12.19 Thursday

Assembly K.Flay, Sirah, 7 p.m.

Bar 101 Karaoke, 7:30 p.m.

Bows and Arrows Derek Thomas, Humble Wolf, Zanko, 8 p.m.

Club Car Songwriters Showcase, 8 p.m.

The Coffee Garden Open Mic Night, 8 p.m.

District 30 Fleming & Lawrence, 9 p.m.

Dive Bar Dueling Pianos, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose The Mike Justis Band, 8 p.m.

G Street WunderBar Total Recall, 9 p.m.

Harlow’s The Aggrolites, 7 p.m.

Level Up Lounge Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Marilyn’s 3rd Thursday Christmas Costume Party w/ DJ Oasis, DJ Highball, 9 p.m.

Midtown Barfly Youth Brigade, City Of Vain, Avenue Saints, Crude Studs, DJ Dali Baba, Lord Siracha, 7 p.m.

Mix DJ Eddie Edul, DJ Peeti V, 9 p.m.

Old Ironsides Blue Grass Open Jam, 7 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Chris Gardner, 10 p.m.

Press Club DJ ESEF, Selector KDK, 9 p.m.

R15 Z Rokk, 9 p.m.

Rock Band University Gentleman Surfer, 9 p.m.

The Stoney Inn The Buck Ford Band, 9 p.m.

Toby Keith’s Country Jam, 8:30 p.m.

Torch Club X Trio, 5 p.m.; The 213’s, The Fission Breakers, 9 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Holiday Bash w/ Peter Petty & His Double P Revue, 9 p.m.

The Boardwalk Kool John, 7 p.m.

Bows and Arrows Lovers, Eli and the Sound Cult, Sister Exister, Poppet, 8 p.m.

The Boxing Donkey Adam Donald, 9 p.m.

Capitol Garage Dub Culture w/ DK Wokstar, DJ Jaytwo, 10 p.m.

Club Car Justin Ancheta and Friends, 9 p.m.

Club Retro High School Takeover Christmas Edition w/ DJ SpinDizzy, Ray Styles, 6:30 p.m.

First Christian Church Holiday Concert feat. West Sacramento Community Singers, 7:30 p.m.

Fox & Goose West Nile Ramblers, Kally O’Mally, 9 p.m.

Golden Bear DJ Crook, 10 p.m.

Harlow’s Joy and Madness, Soul Shine, The Island of Black and White, 8 p.m.

Level Up Lounge Hot Pants w/ DJ Rock Bottom, 9 p.m.

Luna’s Cafe The Bagmen, Aaron Linkin, 8 p.m.

Marilyn’s You Front the Band Live Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Mix DJ Gabe Xavier, 9 p.m.

Old Ironsides Defyant Circle, Geronimo, The Other Brittany, Sour Diesel, 9 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Rolling Heads, 10 p.m.

Press Club DJ Rue, 9 p.m.

Red Hawk Casino Steel Breeze, 9:30 p.m.

Shine The Auxillary, Back Alley Buzzards, Manos Hands of Fate, 8 p.m.

Toby Keith’s Branded, Wolf Hamlin, 9 p.m.

Torch Club Pailer & Fratis, 5:30 p.m.; Daniel Castro, 9 p.m.

12.21 Saturday

Bar 101 Iron Hearts, Sweet Talk, 9 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Sac Soul Rebels, Keyser Soze, 9 p.m.

The Boardwalk Kayasun (CD Release), Riotmaker, Lesdystics, Rebel Radio, OneLegChuck, Vague Intentions, 7 p.m.

Bows and Arrows Ugly Bunny (Album Release), Musical Charis, Contra, Young Aundee (DJ Set) 8 p.m.

The Boxing Donkey Vagabond Brothers, 9 p.m.

Capitol Garage Feel Good Saturday’s w/ DJ Epik, 10 p.m.

Club Car Pointdexter, 9 p.m.

District 30 Xmas Party w/ Panic City, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Secret Lives of Squirrels, Dead Horses, Wolf Hamlin, 9 p.m.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Chubby Checker, 7:30 p.m.; DJ Rick Gee, 10:30 p.m.

KBAR Z Rokk, 9 p.m.

Marilyn’s 60’s Tribute Show w/ The Reruns, 9 p.m.

Beware of Darkness The Hungry, Tragic Culture Ace of Spades 7 p.m.

12.20 FRIDAY

Assembly Rock For Tots 8: Fate Under Fire, Hero’s Last Mission, Lonely Kings, Iwishwewererobots, Horseneck, FUDI, DJ Blackheart, 7 p.m.

Bar 101 Bad Behavior Blues Band, 9 p.m.

12.22

Support Submerge advertisers!

This publication would not be possible without the support of our wonderful advertisers.

Please visit them and tell ‘em Submerge sent you.

24

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

Memorial Auditorium 107.9 The End's Jingle Ball feat. Fall Out Boy, Emblem3, American Authors, Cimorelli Girls, Kalin and Myles, 6 p.m. Mix DJ Eddie Edul, 9 p.m.

Momo DJ Oasis, DJ JB, 10 p.m.

Old Ironsides Fascination: 80’s New Wave Dance Club, 9:30 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Cheeseballs, 10 p.m.

Press Club DJ Larry Rodriguez, 9 p.m.

Red Hawk Casino Steel Breeze, 10 p.m.

Rock Band University Foxhound (EP Release), Indian Taker, The Kids We Used to Be, Method, Minty Scott, Matthew Vlach, 7 p.m.

Shine Wolfhouse, Tragic Culture, Sunday Slim, 8 p.m.

The Stag COVE, Thelittlestillnotbigenough, 10 p.m.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party” (Tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & The Big Bopper), 8:30 p.m.

Toby Keith’s Dave Russell, 9 p.m.

Torch Club Chris Twomey, 5:30 p.m.; Mr. December Christmas Show, 9 p.m.

12.22 Sunday

Ace of Spades Beware of Darkness, The Hungry, Tragic Culture, 7 p.m.

Assembly Andrew W.K., Lonely Avenue, Maxxx, 7 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Get Down to the Champion Sound w/ DJ ESEF, Selector KDK, Juan Love, Ras Matthew and Guests, 9 p.m.

Capitol Garage Karaoke w/ Jeff Jenkins, 9 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Harlow’s Adrian Marcel, 9 p.m.

Marilyn’s Open Mic Talent Showcase, 7 p.m.

Mix DJ Gabe Xavier, 8:30 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Christmas Party w/ Lydia Pense (of Cold Blood), Kevin Russell, 3 p.m.

Press Club Shadowhouse, Darlingchemicalia, Vandalaze, 5 p.m.; Sunday Night Soul Party w/ DJ Larry Rodriguez, 9 p.m.

Torch Club Blues Jam, 4 p.m.; The Chris Zanardi Holiday Show, 8 p.m.

12.23 Monday

The Boxing Donkey Open Mic Variety Night, 8 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Open Mic Night, 7:30 p.m.

Luna’s Cafe Nebraska Mondays hosted by Ross Hammond, 7:30 p.m.

Marilyn’s Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Old Ironsides Heath Williamson & Friends, 5 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Press Club A Very Heckarap XXXMas w/ Nic Offer (of !!!), MC Ham, DJ Gourmet, 9 p.m.

Sol Collective Microphone Mondays, 8 p.m.

SubmergeMag.com

Comedy Crest Theatre Joe Rogan, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.

Jazz and Jokers April Macie, Dec. 12 - 15, Thurs. & Fri., 7:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 7 p.m.

Loni Love, Dec. 20 - 22, Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.

Laughs Unlimited Tru Grinders Real Talk Comedy Tour w/ Grant Collet, Eric Cole, Brandon Baxter, Neeraj Srivasan, Jynx Jenkins, Nic Coutts, Dec. 12, 8 p.m.

E Clark, Josef Anolin, Dec. 13 - 15, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m.

Say It Loud Comedy Night feat.

Leroy Stansfield, George Kane, Diego Curiel, Daniel Humbarger, Dan Mires, hosted by Michael Calvin Jr., Dec. 19, 8 p.m.

Tony Dijamco, Keon Polee, Dec. 20 - 22, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m.

Luna’s Cafe Open Mic Comedy, every Tuesday, 7:30 p.m.

Keith Lowell Jensen’s Comedy Night, every Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Marilyn’s Comedy Showcase, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.

Punchline Comedy Club JHP Showcase, Dec. 12, 8 p.m.

Michael Yo, Chris Newberg, Orlando Leyba, Trevor Hill, Dec. 13 - 14, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.

Kabir “Kabeezy” Singh, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.

Colin Kane, Dec. 19 - 21, Thurs., 8 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.

Sammy Obeid and Friends, Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

Sacramento Comedy Spot Open Mic Scramble, Sunday’s and Monday’s, 7:30 p.m.

Spot-on Trivia, Tuesday’s, 8 p.m.

Improv Lab, Wednesday’s, 7 p.m.

Harold Night, Wednesday’s, 9 p.m.

Improv Jam, Thursday’s, 9 p.m.

Top 10 List Podcast Live!, Saturday’s, 7 p.m.

Anti-Cooperation League, Saturday’s, 9 p.m.

A Very Special Comedy Spot Christmas: Improv, Stand-up, and Sketch Comedy, Dec. 21, 9 p.m.

Misc.

2020 J Street Midtown Farmers Market, every Saturday, 8 a.m.

Assembly The Sizzling Sirens Present: Blue Collar Cabaret!, Dec. 21, 9 p.m.

Bar 101 Trivia Night, Monday’s, 6:30 p.m.

Beatnik Studios 5th Annual Holiday Party & Craft Fair, Dec. 22, 11 a.m.

Blue Cue Trivia Night, every Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

Bows & Arrows Bites + Beats + Beer feat. Eat Better, Rayintosh and Ruhstaller, Dec. 11, 6 p.m.

TwoPoint4 Dance Theater Presents: Trio of Showings: No. 1, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

The Boxing Donkey Trivia Night, every Tuesday, 8 p.m.

Brickhouse Gallery Open Mic & Book Release Party for A Poet’s Handbag, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.

Building 212 Holiday Pop Up Shops at Building 212 feat. Ana Apple Designs, Compliment, Urban Philosophy, Popcycle Creamery, Sacatomatoes Food Truck and more, Dec. 14, 10 a.m.

California State Capitol - North Steps California State Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 12, 4 p.m.

Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints 7th Annual Elk Grove Nativity and Musical Festival, Dec. 13 - 15

Community Center Theatre Sacramento Ballet Presents: Ron Cunningham’s The Nutcracker, through Dec. 23 Crest Theatre Trash Film Orgy XMAS 2013: Silent Night, Deadly Night, Dec. 14, 8 p.m.

Navidades! Christmas on K Street: “Navidades y Tradiciones” by the Calidanza Dance Company, Dec. 15, 3 p.m.

Crocker Art Museum ArtMix Festivus: Seinfeld Festivus Episode Marathon, Feats of Strength w/ Sac City Rollers, Re-gift Exchange, Live Music by Gentleman Surfer, Special Set by DJ Rated R and more, Dec. 12, 5 p.m.

Emancipating the Past: Kara Walker’s Tales of Slavery and Power, through Jan.5 Sky is Falling: Paintings by Julie Heffernan, through Jan. 26 Passion and Virtuosity: Hendrick Goltzius and the Art of Engraving, through Jan. 26 Crocker Park The Sacramento Jingle Bell Run/Walk, Dec. 14, 7:30 a.m.

Downtown Plaza Sacramento Santa Run, Dec. 21, 9 a.m.

Fox & Goose Pub Quiz, Tuesday’s, 7 p.m.

Golden Bear Third Annual Santa’s Tavern & Hot Toddy Competition, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.

Harris Center for the Arts Diciembre Navideño, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.

Luigi’s A Slice of Trivia w/ the Bruce Twins, Monday’s, 8 p.m.

Luna’s Cafe Poetry Unplugged, Thursday’s, 8 p.m.

Midtown BarFly Salsa Lessons, every Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Momo Cross-Pollination: Comedy, Music and Poetry feat. Tribe of Levi, Ngaio Bealum, Carlos Rodriguez and more, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.

My Studio Sacramento Poetry Center Presents: Metaphorically Speaking feat. Matthew Brouwer, Tim Kahl, Shawn Aveningo, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Pine Cove Trivia Night, Wednesday’s, 9 p.m.

Press Club Flex Your Head Trivia, Tuesday’s, 8 p.m.

Revolution Wines Wine Release Party: 2013 Orange Muscat, 2011 Pinot Noir, 2009 Merlot, 2012 Late Harvest Viognier, Dec. 21 22, 12 p.m.

Sacramento Area YMCA YMCA Holiday Art, Craft & Gift Festival, Dec. 15, 12 p.m.

Sacramento Convention Center Plaza Navidades! Christmas on K Street: “La Pastorela de Sacramento,” Dec. 15, 1 p.m.

Sacramento State University Theatre Faculty Dance Concert 2013, Dec. 11 - 15 Shine Poetry with Legs hosted

by Bill Gainer, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.

Sol Collective Sol Mercado: 8th Annual Holiday Market feat. Arts, Cultural Goods, Music, and Food, Dec. 14, 12 p.m.

Time Tested Books John Freeman (Award-winning Author and Book Critic) In Conversation with Kel Munger, Dec. 12, 7 p.m.

Toby Keith’s Free Line Dance Lessons, Wednesdays, 8 p.m.

University Union Art Gallery, 2nd Floor, CSUS Design Circus: Visual Concoctions from Sac State’s Graphic Design Alumni, through Dec. 19 Various Midtown Restaurants & Bars 12 Days of Cocktails: Benefiting Sacramento Children’s Home, through Dec. 12 Yemaya Salsa Dance Studio Annual Winter Party, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.

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EAT. DRINK. LISTEN. Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

Live<< rewind

Backstreet Boys

Backstreet’s Back!

Backstreet Boys, The Fray

Ace of Spades, Sacramento • Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013 Words Josh Fernandez • Photos Phill Mamula What could be sadder than a 38-year-old man going to a Backstreet Boys concert by himself?

Well, to be honest, probably a lot of things. For instance, that last copy of Zoppi’s Suspended CD that remained untouched at The Beat since it was released in 2000 is pretty heart-wrenching. And images of the abandoned Ferris wheel at The Neverland Ranch are downright depressing. So, I dunno, there are things.

But here’s the weird part: Right when I heard Backstreet Boys were coming to Ace of Spades (and that the show was sold out), my first thought was, “I need to cover this” without even questioning for one second why in 2013 I would actually want to see the Backstreet Boys. And even weirder: After a bit of thought, it dawned on me that I don’t know any of the members in the Backstreet Boys. And the only song I can recall is the one that goes, “Backstreet’s back alright!”

Which is when my existential crisis kicked into high gear.

“Why?” I thought. “Why would I beg to review this concert? What is the point? Why is this band important to me if I don’t even know the members or any of their songs?” Even more difficult to understand was at the end of every question came only one answer: BACKSTREET BOYS. It made no sense that I could think no further than that, as if my mind was somehow clouded by their stardom.

SubmergeMag.com

Why do I want to go to this concert?

BACKSTREET BOYS. Who are the members of Backstreet Boys?

BACKSTREET BOYS. What is the … BACKSTREET BOYS. It’s like a satanic curse that landed me in a hellish underworld of dramatic finger pointing, waxed male nipples and stylishly choreographed dance moves.

However, because I am a professional, my research began, and through that I learned that Justin Timberlake is, in fact, not a Backstreet Boy. And I found out there’s a Backstreet Boy named Howie. And I guess one of the guys, Kevin, is back (hehe, get it?) and Nick Carter, the tall baby-faced blonde with porn star qualities, had a cameo in Edward Scissorhands … So, armed with as much Backstreet trivia as my brain could handle, I set off for Ace of Spades.

A band called The Fray took to the stage at 8 p.m. I actually listened to a few of their songs before seeing them live—enough to determine that their whitebread form of rock ‘n’ roll sounds like music a menopausal woman might listen to right when she says, “Fuck it,” and tries heroin for the first time. The Fray went on for an hourand-a-half. A long, grueling hour-and-a-half that I mostly spent standing next to Mark S. Allen, analyzing his beautiful and flawless face. If that

The Fray ageless man isn’t handsome I don’t know who is.

Anyway, the most interesting part of The Fray’s set was when two bleached blonde soccer moms fistfought by the bar.

When the Backstreet Boys (there are five of them, I learned) finally took to the stage, my life force had been uncomfortably moistened by The Fray’s steaming pile of music. However, I was quickly intrigued by their presence. They looked healthy and spry, like a boy band should. And their voices, while a little on the low end and muffled by the loud backing tracks (yup, no live band), sounded competent enough. They hit their melodies and demonstrated complete control of their voices (let’s be honest: not even Lauryn Hill can do that anymore). And all that while dancing in tight pants.

After a few classics and a performance of their new song “Show ‘Em (What You’re Made Of),” a surprisingly sparse and catchy single, Nick Carter announced that the Backstreet Boys aren’t just a boy band. “We can play instruments, too,” he said, which took us down a long, boring road of acoustic pop songs.

The Fray

To be honest, all their songs sounded the same, but I sort of enjoyed standing there in that fog of Axe Body Spray, watching good-looking people sing and dance—if only for the change of scenery. It was certainly a change from watching death metal bands while standing in a crowd halffilled with methed-up neo-Nazis.

Halfway through the Backstreet Boys’ set, I felt the tip of a fingernail grinding into my shoulder. It was a woman, probably in her 50s, wearing an obscene amount of eye shadow and blush.

“Hey, you need to move because I’m trying to keep an eye on my daughter,” she said.

“No,” I said. “There’s no room for me to move.”

“I’m trying to watch my daughter,” she shot back, pointing to the teenage girl in front of me.

“If you cared about your daughter you’d leave the bar and stand with her,” I said.

“How dare you?” she yelled, as if nobody had said no to her in her life. “Why won’t you move?”

I grinned, because the answer, of course, was BACKSTREET BOYS.

Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

27

12/11 Blood on The dance Floor

3/13 uMPHRey’s McGee 3/15 THe exPendables

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

Support Submerge advertisers!

The grindhouse Steel Mill Blues Out of the Furnace Rated R Words Jacob Sprecher When I lay my head down on the pillow each night, there are only two things I wish for. The first is to meet and marry the woman of my dreams and have seven children that all grow up to be Olympians, senators, longshoremen, cattle rustlers, rumrunners, drag queens and Chamber of Commerce members. The second is more Woody Harrelson. Honest to Christ, is there a more underrated actor in all of Hollywood? I eagerly await the day True Detective debuts on HBO so I can get my weekly Woody. (Jesus did I say that? Or just think it?)

Director Scott Cooper must hold similar sentiments, as he opens his latest—the grey-skied Rust Belt drama Out of the Furnace—with the man of the hour front and center. Harrelson plays Harlan DeGroat, a savage, bare-knuckle kingpin of the New Jersey backwoods, and announces his presence at a drive-in movie theater with a classic villainous introduction that immediately forces the audience to hate everything about his very being (reminiscent of Denzel’s introductory scene at the diner in Training Day). We are quickly transported to North Braddock, Pennsylvania, a dreary steel town in Allegheny County where Russell Baze (Christian Bale) leads a typical, if not content, millworker’s life. He has a troubled G.I. brother up to his eyes in the wrong kind of debt (Casey Affleck), a girlfriend longing for pregnancy (Zoe Saldana) and a father dying of cancer, watched over by a loving uncle (Sam Shepard).

Russell looks out for his brother, Rodney, best he can, paying forward to John Petty (Willem Dafoe), the seedy but good-hearted bar owner/back-alley fight promoter that just can’t seem to get the prideful Rodney to take a dive for the sake of evening the score. But Russell’s world is turned upside-down when he careens his truck into the back of a station wagon while under the influence, killing a mother and child. He’s sent to prison, whereupon he misses the death of his father, in addition to his girlfriend leaving him for a local cop (Forest Whitaker).

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As you might have gleaned, Out of the Furnace is not a particularly uplifting film. It strives from the outset for a tone of drab melancholy, depicting bemused yet sympathetic characters.

The plot is slow to materialize, which at times is frustrating, but the beautifully smoky and grim Rust Belt scenery often stands firm in the plot’s rightful place. Make no mistake, though; it is a misstep that by the time Russell is released from prison, a good portion of the film has passed and we’re still without any real notion of where anything is headed. But where Killing Me Softly and The Counselor fell flat on their faces in this same predicament, Out of the Furnace gets by with its utter lack of pretension. There is no attempt whatsoever at conveying any sort of pseudophilosophical bullshit, nor is there anything slick or sleek about the characters themselves. They’re gritty and bare bones, which is to say there is not one instance of Brad Pitt eating a cheeseburger in a leather coat.

Eventually Rodney pushes John Petty against his better judgment and into booking him a fight in the Ramapo Mountains of Appalachian New Jersey, where our underutilized villain resides as king hillbilly. In what probably marks the zenith of the film via interpolation of brutal fist fighting and deer hunting, the trip proves disastrous just as foreseen, leaving both Petty and Rodney dead.

Back home in North Braddock, the wheels of justice are seemingly slow to turn due to state lines and the backwoods secrecy of the Ramapo hill people. This leads Russell down the inevitable path of taking matters into his own hands, walking the viewers down a stretch of misguided and somewhat uninteresting cat and mouse play between him and DeGroat. We’re led to a climax that is something less than climatic, which, when considering the film’s general deliberation, is not altogether surprising.

When all is said and done, Out of the Furnace is a flawed success. A character-driven drama lacking in substance, superbly acted and gloriously shot amid some of America’s most unsung natural beauty. In looking to bookend this review with ruminations on Woody Harrelson (which might as well be applied to all thoughts in life), his sterling performance of Harlan DeGroat serves as a euphemism for pretty much the entire film in that it’s both brilliant and underdeveloped. Out of the Furnace will likely leave you with that feeling of a near miss, though sometimes being near is still close enough.

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

29

the shallow end Last week, the world lost one of its great luminaries. Nelson Mandela passed away at his home in South Africa at age 95, accomplishing more over the course of his lifetime than most of us could possibly ever dream of. Not only did he help free his nation from racist politics, but he also inspired people of all nations to strive toward greater equality. It’s a sad loss, but Earth would be a much sadder place if Mandela had never lived.

When anyone as important and genuinely iconic as Mandela dies, everyone feels the need to comment about it. Social networks explode with “RIP” posts, and rightly so, even though it can seem tedious after a while. Perhaps even this column will sound tedious as you’ve no doubt been inundated already with looks back on Mandela’s public and private life. However, I wasn’t even born when fellow freedom fighters Martin Luther King, Jr. or Mahatma Ghandi were alive and were killed. I grew up with Mandela as my glowing bastion of hope for a better world, so I kind of hold him the most dear.

What I like most about when a great person

The Lion Sleeps Tonight James Barone jb@submergemag.com

passes is that you hear things about their lives that you might not have known. For instance, I didn’t realize Mandela was a boxer in his youth, which, to me, builds him up further as a sort of mythic hero…the great warrior poet who led his people out of bondage.

Another thing I never noticed before, now that photos of him are being published everywhere, is that the dude had a killer smile. I mean, you’d think after being sentenced to an island prison for 27 years of hard labor would make you rather surly. I get surly if passing traffic outside my window messes with my television reception during a football game (I don’t have cable, which also makes me surly). I’m grumpy as hell if I don’t eat something every two hours. If I was forced to go to prison for fighting against an oppressive government, I would be the most incorrigible fuck in the universe. Not Mandela, though. I mean, I’m sure he had his moments.

Everyone gets miserable every now and again, but even through all the hardship he had to face, and all the responsibility he had after getting released from prison and getting

sworn in as president of South Africa at 75, he still had a big cheesy grin—almost goofy, even.

And then there’s the quotes… Mandela was a quote machine, each seemingly more inspirational than the next. I like this one: “If I had my time over I would do the same again.

So would any man who dares call himself a man.” And, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” But he was also able to poke fun at himself, such as in a 2000 interview on Larry King Live, “No, no, no, everything is all right. I have regular medical check-ups and they say I won’t die this week.”

Back when I was 8 years old, I actually had a dream about Mandela, even though I’m sure I didn’t understand the magnitude of his persona or struggle. What probably registered was that he was a good guy and the bad guys wanted him punished for it. In the dream, my mother and I were invited to meet Mandela in the covered playground of my elementary school. We were

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

both really excited about it, since it was a secret, exclusive sort of meeting. Men in suits (a la Secret Service guys) greeted us at the entrance of the playground and communicated via headsets while ushering us through a ring of faceless people… Well, they weren’t exactly faceless, because that would be a fucking nightmare. But you know how stupid dreams are.

Anyway, when we cleared the ring of onlookers, there was Mandela, standing humbly with a few attendants. My mother and I fumbled over our words as we shook his hand and said how much we admired him. He was very nice to us as he thanked us for our kind words. We asked him, “So, do we call you ‘Nelson?’” to find out how he preferred to be addressed.

“No,” he answered plainly. “Mr. Mandela.”

I’ve never been quite sure what to make of that dream, but nevertheless, it has stuck with me my entire life. What do dreams mean anyway, right? If Mandela taught me anything, it’s what we do in life that matters most…sorry, I mean Mr. Mandela. Rest in peace, sir. Thank you for making the world a better place.

Let us take you home tonight.

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Issue 151 • December 9 – December 23, 2013

31

Dive into Sacramento & its Surrounding Areas

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