Submerge Magazine: Issue 206 (February 1 - February 15, 2016)

Dive into Sacramento & its Surrounding Areas february 1 – 15, 2016

#206

Tell the Wolves Punch Drunk Rock

Mystic Braves Psyched Out Groove

JM Knudsen & his Free Art Drop

A Gallery for the People

+

Noise Pop 2016 Loud and Live Around the Bay

Art Hotel

Tall Tales

See It Before It's Gone!

Hook & Ladder’s Cocktail Academy Know Your Spirits

Cameron Carpenter

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

3

4 Wednesday,Feb 10

206 2016

February 1 – 15 cofounder/ Editor in Chief/Art Director

Melissa Welliver melissa@ submergemag.com

18

AnniversAry pArty

music by

shaun slaughter

26 The Stream

18 felice lazae 20 mystic braves

The Optimistic Pessimist

22

Calendar

26

Tell the wolves

Dive in

10 chelsea Does the grindhouse

11

outside the 9-to-5

big sur getaway

28

JM Knudsen and Sac Free Art Drop

12

Submerge your senses

30

the shallow end

Facebook.com/SacRabbit

4

senior editor

James Barone Assistant Editor

Daniel Taylor

Contributing Writers

Amber Amey, Ellen Baker, Bocephus Chigger, Ronnie Cline, Justin Cox, Alia Cruz, Josh Fernandez, Catherine Foss, Andy Garcia, Fabian Garcia, Blake Gillespie, Lovelle Harris, Mollie Hawkins, Eddie Jorgensen, Niki Kangas, Derek Kaplan, Nur Kausar, John Phillips, Ryan Prado, Andrew C. Russell, Estefany Salas, Amy Serna, Jacob Sprecher Contributing photographers Wesley Davis, Evan E. Duran, Kevin Fiscus, Phill Mamula, Nicholas Wray

Submerge

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Whatever With Those Winter Blues Melissa welliver melissa@submergemag.com

cofounder/ Advertising Director

year

drink specials

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

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

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 1009 22nd Street, Suite 3 Sacramento, California 95816.

Or you can email us at info@submergemag.com.

Front Cover photo of felice lazae

by Freeman McFadden back Cover Photo of tell the wolves by phill mamula

Submergemag.com Follow us on Twitter & Instagram! @SubmergeMag printed on recycled paper

With every year that passes I think making a publication is going to get easier. (We just turned 8 years old by the way … Yay us!). However, something always happens around this time of year that just puts me smack dab in my place. For example, three whole interviews that were supposed to run in this issue didn’t work out, so I had to scramble, plus my husband got the worst cold ever that lasted for like a billion days and then I of course got it, and to top it off: taxes.

Let’s just say while I should have been celebrating hitting that lovely 8-year milestone, I just wanted January to be over in hopes that February gives me a freaking break.

While I’d love to just be a bitter baby about it all, that’s just not my style. Looking for the bright side of things is what keeps me going. For instance, how can you not be excited with all the shit to do in Sacramento this winter? Typically I find January and February to be pretty damn slow and can’t wait for spring and summer to get here, but this year it’s beyond busy as far arts and entertainment events go.

In this issue we have some great features highlighting musicians playing around Sacramento this month. Tell the Wolves will be releasing their first EP, The Great Design, and are celebrating with a show on Feb. 6 at Harlow’s (see page 26). Everyone should be keeping their eye on Felice LaZae (page 18) who will be re-releasing her EP as well as a full album later this year. Be sure to catch her at Torch Club on Feb. 24, or if you’re up Highway 50 or don’t mind making the trek, she’ll be at H.ART Lounge in Placerville on Feb. 26. And last but not least, San Francisco’s Mystic Braves (page 20) will be performing at Starlite Lounge on Feb. 18, accompanied by the Mad Alchemy Liquid Light Show.

There are plenty of other concerts to check out this month, too. Maybe peep all the ads in our issue and/or check out what I would call the area’s best compiled music calendar (page 22).

Another thing that’s keeping me from going insane is knowing that the art community is on another level right now. I mean the Art Hotel?! (page 13) Plus this intriguing Sac Free Art Drop chest?! (page 28) February is for sure bringing it.

So don’t let those winter blues get you down. Submerge has got you covered when you need to find something fun to do that will definitely take your mind off the not so fun things.

Enjoy issue #206.

Melissa

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

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The stream Locally Produced Music and Art Show RAWTV Returns Feb. 7 On KCRA Right After SNL

High heels, a portable pipe organ and an insane German hypnotist.

We Thought It Would Never Happen: Local Supergroup Contra Is Finally Releasing a Proper EP! Jonathan Carabba

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Cameron Carpenter The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari > FEB 10 mondaviarts.org

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Production: Erin Kelley 530.754.5427

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Submerge DUE: Run: FEB 1, 2016 4.8 h x 5.5 w

The locally produced music and art show RAWTV (short for Regional Artist Web TV) is returning for their third season of on-air shenanigans starting on Saturday, Feb. 7. The 30-minute show airs at 1 a.m. on KCRA right after Saturday Night Live and features a random mix of creative art and music videos from all over the world, with a whole lot of Sacramento love to boot. When tuning into RAWTV, expect weird and funny sketches, features on local bands and businesses, interviews, random videos from the internet, and so much more. Think Adult Swim meets MTV back when they actually played videos. “It’s music to our ears when industry reviewers have a hard time describing our show, and that’s because it’s different,” says RAWTV’s showrunner John Christensen. “But at the same time we see our show as a modern-day Ed Sullivan Show.” Submerge first caught episodes of RAWTV during their second season in 2015 (their first season was technically all the way back in 1997) and we were immediately drawn to its quirky charm. We love how they don’t take themselves too seriously, and that they’re giving so much great local music well-deserved airtime. For their latest season, RAWTV welcomes a new host, Jessica Will, a Sacramento-based professional snake charming contortionist and seasoned dancer. Be sure to tune in every Saturday at 1 a.m. to see what sort of cool stuff the RAWTV folks are up to. Check out full episodes from season 2 online at Rawtv.com.

eekelley@ucdavis.edu

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

When the somewhat mysterious and criminally underrated local supergroup Contra took the stage at our 200th Issue Party at LowBrau just a couple months back, frontman Kris Anaya (Doombird, An Angle) said something to the effect of, and I’m paraphrasing here, “We don’t have any music for sale, so just listen and enjoy it.” Well, turns out, after enough pressure from friends, fans and local press, Contra is finally readying the release of their first proper EP. “The seven-song album was compiled around a three year period,” Anaya told Submerge just last week.

“We decided we finally wanted to put something out. I would say this was because the Browns [brothers Zac and Dusty Brown of Tycho, I’m Dirty Too, Dusty Brown, and Little Foxes] pressured me into doing it, those bastards.” Anaya mentioned that the EP was recorded and produced almost entirely by himself and the Brown brothers,

with the exception of the drums, which were engineered by Robert Cheek (Band of Horses, Tera Melos, Chelsea Wolfe). For now the plan is to just give the album out for free at the release show at Harlow’s on Friday, Feb. 12, and to put it up on Soundcloud after that. They’re also kicking around the idea of doing a physical release, but aren’t sure yet. “This recording was made for fun and just for the pure enjoyment of music and in no way do we look to benefit financially from this music. We would love it if people just came out to the shows, listened to the music and enjoyed their time in a room, that’s basically the single greatest joy we share, our love for music.” When playing live, Contra is composed of six excellent local players: Dan Block, Joel Daniel, Brian Gogineni, Dusty and Zac Brown, and Kris Anaya.

You really owe it to yourself to catch this band live! Learn more at Facebook.com/contraaband.

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

The Optimistic Pessimist People of Earth: time travel is possible, and I have seen the future. You read that right, I said I’ve seen the future. While science wasted its time trying to convert a DeLorean into a time machine (idiots), I discovered that time travel is possible simply by having the current lineup of Jefferson Starship jam with the rapper, Future.

All parties present during the jam are transported one year into the future once the amps are turned up to 11. Getting back is a bit more complicated with the band being required to play the same song that got us to the future, but backwards. Getting the backwards song correct proved to be quite the task for the band and our stay in the future lasted longer than expected.

Fortunately for you, that means I was able to study the news and find out exactly what happened in 2016. Unfortunately, the media in 2017 is as single-minded as the media is now, so the only news available relates to the 2016 presidential elections. Still, what I saw was shocking and worth relaying to you now.

Some of what you are about to read will sound unbelievable, but I assure you, I was there and saw it with my own eyes.

By now, I’m sure you are dying to know who the president of the United States is in 2017.

The answer to that is a bit more complicated than it might otherwise seem at first blush.

You see, while Donald Trump actually won the presidential election in 2016, he wasn’t the president by the time I got there.

Perhaps an explanation is in order. The sinking of Bernie Sanders’ campaign by the Democratic Party will certainly come as no surprise to those who have been following the campaigns. With Bernie out of the way, everyone assumed Hillary Clinton was a shoe-in for the presidency. Unfortunately, Hillary’s jump back to the right during the general election only served to alienate former Sanders supporters, many of whom ended up staying home on election night. That all but assured Donald Trump would be the anointed one come November, and that is exactly what happened.

The President of the Future Of course, the buyer’s remorse kicked in immediately. It took less than 24 hours after being elected for Trump to piss off most of the leaders of the free world. He hadn’t even been inaugurated and several countries were already threatening war.

In an unprecedented turn of events, two-thirds of Congress voted to amend the U.S. Constitution to allow for presidential recall elections within days of the results being announced. Less than a week later, all 50 states had ratified the amendment making it law. A recall election was hastily thrown together and by the end of January, President BB-8 Droid (the Sphero version, obviously) was installed into office.

I know it sounds crazy that a droid character from Star Wars: The Force Awakens was elected as the leader of the free world, but it actually makes a lot of sense if you think about it. First off, BB-8 is far more likeable than all of the candidates. It is adorable, and being incapable of speech, it is nearly impossible for BB-8 to offend anyone, unlike Trump. BB-8 is also a much more pleasing shade of orange than Trump. Finally, thanks to the cross

Bocephus Chigger bocephus@submergemag.com promotions done with Dole fruit company for the movie, BB-8 is adored by capitalists the world over for its financial prowess.

In a tip of the hat to older voters out there, BB-8 chose R2-D2 as his vice president, C-3P0 as Secretary of State, Wall-E as the head of the EPA and Optimus Prime as Secretary of Defense. With the egos and political posturing of humans no longer hindering progress, our robotic leaders will manage to do in one month what we have been unable to do ourselves for centuries: achieve world peace. Guided by the belief that George Lucas should not be allowed to make any further contributions to the Star Wars universe, humanity will join as one and peace will spread throughout the galaxy. Hopefully, disclosing this to you all now will not alter these future events, but only time will tell …

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

ThuRsDAy march 10 23 Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

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My first introduction to Chelsea Handler was her essay collection unapologetically titled My Horizontal Life. I remember thinking something along the lines of, “A woman is being blatant about her wackiest one-night-stands? Some of them with wellendowed midgets? And she uses the word ‘midgets’?! This is going to be phenomenal.

People are going to be mad.” It was. And they were. Still, it didn’t stop her from becoming one of the most influential ladies in comedy.

After ending a seven-year run of Chelsea Lately, her popular talk show on E!, Handler set her sights on the next big thing: Netflix. And of course, it made sense for Handler to tackle some of pop culture’s most heated topics: marriage, Silicon Valley, racism and drugs. Think Morgan Spurlock. Think Chuck Klosterman.

Think Penn & Teller.

Chelsea Does premiered on Netflix on Jan. 23, and with only four episodes clocking in around an hour each, the show is an easy watch while you’re making dinner, flipping through Tinder or feeding your dog(s). Unlike her talk show, Chelsea Does is a documentary-hybrid that shifts the focus away from her usual tabloid fodder and toward the bigger issues that face our generation.

In the first episode, “Chelsea Does …

Marriage,” Handler blatantly rails against the very idea of the sacred union, stating that the idea of walking down an aisle makes her “nauseous.” She goes on to speak with various professionals, match makers and couples about the topic—from a kid’s perspective, to a Vegas drive-thru chapel ceremony, to the founder and CEO of the infamous Ashley Madison site (whom she interviewed months

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Words Mollie Hawkins before the site’s massive data hack), to a polyamorous group in their “home”: a BDSM dungeon full of whips and chains.

Needless to say, things get interesting.

If Handler hasn’t trademarked her judgmental eyebrow raises, I think she should. I can’t say I blame her: if it’s one thing I’ve learned from being perpetually unmarried, it’s that happiness does not mean a ring on your finger and a house/S&M dungeon in the suburbs: happiness can also mean ending the day in bed with your dog watching Eric Bana’s nude scene in the Hulk for the millionth time. Whatever. We’ll both make fantastic ex-wives one day.

In the second episode, Handler tackles technology at the source: Silicon Valley.

Unlike the first episode, she doesn’t have any bitter, preconceived notions about the topic because she … well … doesn’t know anything about it. She admits that she doesn’t even really understand Netflix or “streaming,” so she travels to the source.

She stumbles through a coding class with some youngsters, pitches an app to developers called “Gotta Go!” (an app that helps you get out of annoying situations/ dates via calls and texts that you preprogram) and ends up spending time in a “technology detox” camp that involves many flannel-clad, bearded hipsters in the woods sitting on tree stumps talking about being detached from modern conveniences.

By the third episode, Handler seems to be running out of steam. The overarching theme of the show points toward unpacking big life questions with little to no resolution other than Handler’s classically flippant asides. In “Chelsea Does … Racism,” however, she seems

to take more of the ribbing than she gives. She meets with Al Sharpton and a roundtable of media advocates against racism as she tries to put a finger on how the issue can still exist by today’s standards—especially considering that she is known for making fun of everyone equally. Her most compelling moment of the entire series happens during this episode, as she speaks with the family of Walter Lamar Scott, the unarmed man shot and killed by a police officer last year.

And then she does exactly what I was worried she’d do in an episode about racism: she goes to Alabama and talks to some seemingly racist hillbillies about how un-racist they are. Speaking as someone who is from Alabama, I have to say in our defense … nothing, actually. That place sucks. There’s a reason I live in California now. Haha! … Kidding, y’all. Ahem, moving on: Handler visits a Southern plantation museum run by white people and doesn’t really prove any points other than the fact that people can be terrible.

“Chelsea Does … Drugs,” the final episode, takes us on a journey. A magical one. Handler talks to Willie Nelson about his pot business, draws pictures of her family while on Ambien, gets high with her friends around the dinner table (I’m sure they enjoyed watching themselves literally drool into their food in high-definition) and treks to Peru to try a potent hallucinogen known as ayahuasca under the supervision of a shaman. After failing to feel the effects of the drug the first goround with her pals, she successfully trips balls the second time, tears streaming down her smiling face—perhaps the most genuinely positive emotion we evoke from Handler throughout the entire series.

In the end, what we learn from Chelsea Does is not perhaps what the hero is asking of her topics, but of what she seems to be asking herself and is simply, just like the rest of us, unable to answer without cracking a joke.

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

Outside the 9-to-5 Weekender: Big Sur Getaway words & photo Ellen Baker

Bixby Bridge

SubmergeMag.com

Sometimes a weekend is all the time we have for a quick “reboot” from our hectic daily lives. Let’s call these trips “weekenders”; two- to three-day getaways that are just far enough away to get our minds clear and ready for a new week. Crisp air in the mountains with snow-melted streams trickling by, miles away from any other human is a great way to disconnect, but I admit, there are times I just want an easy escape. I’m not talking about a boozy night or a few hits of some friend of a friend’s drug—I’m talking about a real escape; somewhere I can get to with very little effort, unplug and chill out (or adventure, whatever I’m feeling in the moment).

What looks to be plucked straight out of National Geographic, the California coast just south of Monterey is one of my favorite locations to disconnect and reboot. Follow Highway 1 south from San Francisco, and you’ll know when you have arrived in Big Sur by the massive cliffs overlooking turquoise waters violently smashing up against giant boulders speckled along the shore.

Big Sur is not a one-time-see-it-all destination. I have been there over a dozen times, and every time I go there, I discover some breathtaking scene that is new to me. So, what is there to do in this bohemian cultured coastland full of majestic waterfalls and pristine waters? Well, you can bite the bullet and pay a pretty penny to enjoy all the high-class restaurants, resorts and fancy rustic cabins; take the adventurous route and hike through the woods to some beautiful hot springs; or ride a motorcycle down Highway 1 enjoying the scenery with a salty breeze (the third option is on my to-do list).

If you just had a stressful week rushing to meet deadlines at work with your bosses at your throat but you got a hefty paycheck that you’re ready to spend, I would suggest treating yourself, at least once, to the fancy Big Sur vacation. First things first: head to Nepenthe, a classy restaurant and café with an incredible view overlooking the Pacific. Sure, a chai latte will cost you about $6, but as a chai tea connoisseur, I guarantee it will be one of the best drinks you have ever tasted.

Ventana Inn and Spa—here is where the rustic cabins come into play. Also with spectacular views, Ventana is filled with pools, spas, wine, cheese, yoga and a well-dressed steward to cater to your every need—you get what you pay for. Finally, if you seriously need a complete reset and are, again, willing to pay up, Esalen Institute is your place. I have never been myself, but I hear that it is a magical place with hot springs on cliffs, workshops, yoga and meditation classes … it’s basically a retreat. There are some who live here for an extended time, and some who visit only for a couple days.

Supposedly it can change your life, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Not into fancy retreats? That’s fine, because there is a perfect weekend hike that takes you straight to Sykes Hot Springs nestled on the side of the Big Sur River. Starting at Big Sur station, park your car in the free parking lot, grab your backpack and jump on Pine Ridge trail for 10 miles, which takes you directly to the springs.

There are a bunch of free camping spots along the way to pitch a tent for the night. If you don’t want to camp overnight and would rather save your pennies, there are pullouts all along Highway 1 to park in and walk down to the beach to watch the sunset or set up a picnic. Bixby Bridge is a beautiful, historic bridge that is touristy, but there are some hidden trails nearby that you can scurry down to avoid hordes of people. Campgrounds that seem to be placed in the middle of enchanted forests are scattered along Highway 1, but if you have an adventuremobile, you can also find a large pullout off the highway with a nice view and sleep in your car for the night.

Last time I visited Big Sur I did just this and woke up to the rising sun reflecting off the purple waters, the sound of waves crashing and birds chirping. If that isn’t therapeutic enough to give you a nice reboot for the week, I don’t know what is.

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

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Mardi Gras 2016 Old Sacramento Speakeasy Tour & Pub Crawl • Feb. 6 Tired of drinking at the same watering holes every weekend? As luck would have it, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership are hosting a totally cool pub crawl replete with a history lesson, guided tour and a drink menu sure to please even the biggest cocktail snob. Starting at Old Sacramento’s infamous River City Saloon, the pub crawl kicks off in grand fashion in a bar that looks as if were transplanted from the prohibition era. This particular soiree will be led by history guru and Downtown Sacramento Partnership tour guide Shawn Peter in an effort to both educate and, more importantly, lead stumbling folks to their next destination. Learn about the Sacramento of yore and all of its purposely hidden history while drinking an old fashioned or a pint of beer. For only $15, you can reserve your spot and enjoy a night of drinking to remember (or not). This two-hour event moves along at a brisk pace so make sure you’re on time at 5 p.m. and have the drinking stamina to last until 7. Odds are, there is not a more entertaining ticket in the immediate area this weekend. Buy your passes now at Eventbrite.com (search Mardi Gras 2016). -E.J.

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World’s Foremost Acoustic Guitarists Visit Folsom for International Guitar Night • Feb. 10 Guitarists who want to feel inadequate are hereby summoned to Folsom’s Harris Center for a night of six-stringed wizardry. One of the featured artists on this year’s International Guitar Night ticket is Lulo Reinhardt—yes, from the lineage of the late jazz legend Django Reinhardt—whose playing recalls another time and place without sounding dated or derivative. He’ll be joined by the night’s founder, Brian Gore, an awesome player whose playing style combines folk, classical and jazz with seemingly little effort. German-born Andre Krengel—dubbed “the guitar wizard with magic hands“ by German press—also joins the distinctive cast to weave a spell of disparate music styles including (but most certainly not limited to) R&B, flamenco, rock ‘n’ roll and even gypsy-jazz. The multi-talented English guitarist Mike Dawes rounds out this able quartet of musicians. Dawes is most known for his uncanny ability to sound like a full band playing only one instrument. From percussion to bass, harmony to melody, Dawes sounds as if he’s got a couple of extra musicians hiding in his guitar case. Tickets start at $12 for students with valid ID and go up to $39 for premium seats, available at Harriscenter.net. -E.J.

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

SEE

“Art Hotel” Takes Over Abandoned Jade Apartments for Massive Multimedia Art Exhibit Feb. 5–13

TOUCH

Sacramento’s very own Exotic Plants will be hosting a free class to teach both wannabe and veteran green thumbs about the orchid and its many growing complexities. To date, there are over 27,800 species in the orchid family and these make up nearly 11 percent of all seeded plants. This event will teach all interested gardeners or parties how to re-bloom and grow these flowers and, most importantly, keep them alive and thriving. This class will be led by owner Kifumi Keppler who first opened the independent business back in 1972. Her full-service store has been blossoming ever since it came to town and is lauded for both its on-site plant maintenance services and magnificent retail store. Not-so-coincidentally, Exotic Plants will also be having a special tent sale that day with some magnificent specials on everything from gently used plants to palms, bromeliads to orchids. The class starts at noon and lasts for 90 minutes so everyone in attendance can get his or her questions answered without being rushed out. Call (916) 922-4769 now to hold your space before it’s too late. Visit Exoticplantsltd.com in the interim. -E.J.

Photos by Scott Eggert

Free Orchid Workshop at Exotic Plants • Feb. 6

What’s old is new again! Well, until it’s torn down at least. The newly formed arts initiative M5ARTS is proud to present “Art Hotel,” an ambitious multidiscipline exhibit that will take over the abandoned Jade Apartments in downtown Sacramento from Feb. 5–13. More than 90 artists from all over the world, both living and dead, will be a part of the massive, crowdfunded project. Throughout the 14 converted rooms, kitchens, restrooms, lobbies and hallways, attendees can expect to see art installations, paintings, photographs, sculptures, projection, film screenings, lectures, poetry and live performances. Just a few of the artists include: William Ishmael, Jose Di Gregorio, Cari Borja, Arielle Robbins, Jack Fulton, Andy Cunningham, Eric Hongisto, Lisa Jetonne, Amanda Prince-Lubawy, Shaun Burner, Matt Brown and many, many others.

Make sure you get in to see Art Hotel for yourself (it’s free!), because when it’s gone, it’s really gone. The building is scheduled to be demolished shortly after Art Hotel closes. For more information and to see a complete list of artists involved and events scheduled, visit M5arts.com. For up-to-date specifics on tours, hours of operation, etc., you’ll want to follow them on Facebook by searching for “Art Hotel 916.” -J.C.

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SubmergeMag.com

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

13

Your Senses Words Jonathan Carabba and Eddie Jorgensen

HEAR Triviology

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One of the best indie festivals in the world is just around the corner, ready to invade the San Francisco Bay Area with well over a week's worth of drool-worthy events. Luckily for us up here in Sac, gas is cheap right now. Can you say, road trip time?! To the uninitiated, Noise Pop—now in it’s 24th year—is a city-wide explosion of concerts, film screenings, performances, pre-parties, after-parties, dance parties, highly-sought-after-sold-out parties and basically all things rad. Trust us, you’ll want to check the full lineup and schedule at Noisepop.com/2016. A few shows we highly recommend are Metric with Joywave at The Masonic on Feb. 23; Kneedelus on Feb. 24 at SF Jazz Center; The Thermals with So Pitted and Cruel Summer at Brick and Mortar Music Hall on Feb. 25; Neon Indian at Mezzanine on Feb. 27; American Football at The Regency Ballroom on Feb. 27; and DIIV on Feb. 28 at The Independent. Snag yourself a badge and you can even get into sold-out shows to see artists like Kamasi Washington, Drive Like Jehu, Bill Callahan, Vince Staples and Parquet Courts! Don’t sleep on the film series, either. Noise Pop has lined up 20-plus screenings, highlighting music in film, featuring Q&As, special events and even a few live scores. More at Film.noisepop.com. -J.C.

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Arguably Berlin’s greatest export, organist Cameron Carpenter is on a U.S. tour with his International Touring Organ. The fully mobile and $1.2 million dollar instrument is quite an amazing beast that somehow captures the spirit and essence of a stationary pipe organ yet has more bells and whistles than should be allowed. On this special occasion, the 34-year-old Carpenter will be playing a bunch of his own works—all of which he chooses and are never divulged beforehand—along with a special improvisational work to accompany The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. For the uninitiated, Cameron is anything but a conventional player and dons a mohawk, wears fancy stage garb and plays music from memory with a gusto and fervor unheard of in today’s classical world. Check out his wonderful take on Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” on YouTube if you need further coercing. Carpenter’s show will leave both newcomers and classical aficionados alike yearning for more. Grandiose events like this don’t come along often so be sure to send a special “thank you” message to Mondavi Center’s talent buyer after the show.

Get tickets now at Mondaviarts.org and impress your peers who never do anything but stare at their phones at no-cover-charge bars. -E.J. Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

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Get Schooled on Drinks at Hook & Ladder’s Cocktail Academy • Feb. 13, Mar. 12 & Apr. 9

Class is in session. This month Hook & Ladder is debuting a new series of classes called “Cocktail Academy,” where beverage director Chris Tucker will lead small groups through two-hour sessions featuring lectures, demonstrations, tastings and hands-on drink making. First up is “Cocktails 101” on Saturday, Feb. 13. In this intro class, students will become familiar with popular spirits like vodka, gin, rum, tequila and whiskey, and will get a grasp of basic liqueurs, mixers, bar tools and technique. By the end, you’ll be whipping up classic cocktail recipes like a semi-pro. In “Cocktails 102” on Saturday, March 12, you’ll take your skills to the next level by learning about flavor development, different liqueurs, how to make punches, seasonal cocktails and more; perfect if you’re looking to really impress your friends at your next get together. The third class on the schedule is simply called “Gin & Vodka” and takes place on Saturday, April 9. In this one, Tucker and his students will take an in-depth look at these two clear spirits: their history, different distillation techniques, flavor profiles, the major brands, etc. You’ll no doubt walk away with a few new gin and vodka recipes on lockdown, having tested a bunch of ‘em.

Each Cocktail Academy class starts at 2 p.m. and is $45 per person, or you can snag a pass to all three for $120. Space is very limited, so sign up ahead of time at Hookandladder916.com/cocktail-academy.

-J.C.

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Contact Us Now for Rates

916.441.3803

info@submergemag.com Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

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With Special GueSt

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

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TickeTs AvAilAble @ Dimple RecoRDs, ARmADillo, Aceofspadessac.com by phone: 916.443.9202

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

17

Multi-Talented Singer Felice LaZae on Her Ascent Through the Music Industry Words Andrew C. Russell photo Freeman McFadden

The Felicitous Route

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

E

ven in this day and age, people dream that show business is propelled solely by a combination of natural-born talent and pure luck. While Felice LaZae has reaped the benefits of both in her lifetime, she holds a deep understanding of the other, more laborious ingredients of success: hard work, perseverance and determination.

Born in L.A. and raised for much of her life in Fair Oaks and Sacramento, LaZae’s early life was marked by artistic precocity in a wide variety of subjects, from writing and acting to Olympic-level martial arts.

Eventually, she reigned in her interests to hone in with laser-like focus on music.

Inspired by singer-songwriters like Fiona Apple, an early love of musicals and her own family’s diverse musical background from New York Jazz to New Orleans roots music, LaZae has boiled these interests down into an idiosyncratic blend of pop on her EP, Give it Away and her latest single, “I Need to Feel,” most recently featured on a promo for HGTV’s Flip or Flop.

Her preferred style is brassy, theatrical, and evocative of wildly different settings, almost akin to the experience of wandering through the buzzing energy of a film studio.

At one moment there’s the ‘60s girl-group groove of “Grave Digger,” then the dirt roadstomping howl of “I Need to Feel,” followed by the suspenseful gunslinger breakdown of “Callin Me,” only to resolve in the swelling chamber strings and soul of sweet numbers like “Flowers.” When explaining her M.O., she’ll say that she thinks of her songs as short, self-contained films; she allows herself to change character in order to weave tall tales with a sort of richness that transcends the two-to-four minute confines of the average pop song. It is this literary/cinematic quality to her most lighthearted material which suggests the depth of her character and intellect. Her YouTube channel is filled with inventive covers and extracurricular one-offs, from riffs on TV themes from Wonder Woman and Adventure Time to a series of songs inspired by various novels. Her ear for style and hooks is also aided by her years as an audio engineering apprentice at Studio at the Palms in Las Vegas, where she befriended The Killers during sessions for the band’s sophomore album Sam’s Town, and ended up being featured as the model on the cover.

In the meantime, the up-andcoming LaZae continues the hard work of promotion and profile maintenance in a city of up-and-comers and big-screen dreamers, all the while keeping her identity intact, her goals in sight and—most importantly—her original love of the arts alive. As 2016 rolls ahead, she is optimistic and prepared as ever, gearing up for her debut album and a re-release of her original EP. Recently, we had to chance to catch up with LaZae herself to get the lowdown on the source of her work ethic and her plans to kick things up a notch in the coming year.

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

What was your musical upbringing like? Did you always aspire to be a singer?

I actually started out as an athlete. During my time in Sacramento while I was young, I was mainly training in Taekwondo, up to a very elite level. But I always loved music.

My grandfather played guitar, and he would play around the house, and he used to play with a lot of musicians in New York. From a young age, my mom would sing songs with me. I would say my family is very musical, but they all chose careers in other areas— education, law, things like that. But they’re all very musically inclined. I was brought up in it, I joined choir along with being involved in sports. Eventually I came to a point where I realized, “I can’t do everything.” I needed to make a choice; I wanted to sing and I wanted to be in the Olympics! [laughs] We moved back up to Sacramento; I was still in high school. My parents were very supportive of what I wanted to do, but they wanted me to find a “smart” way to get into music. My mom didn’t want her daughter floundering in the music industry trying to get her foot in the door. I’d been really interested in the technical side as well, so I decided to graduate early and go right into audio engineering at ARC when I was 15. They have a really good commercial music program, a great way to learn my way around and work the studio. I ended up interning at Velvetone Studios with Pat Levine. It was really transformational.

Is there anything from your Taekwondo training that is useful to your music career today?

I attribute a lot of my focus and discipline to Taekwondo, because those are kind of the main dogmas of Taekwondo when you’re training—discipline, perseverance, etc. I applied it when I decided to focus on music 100 percent. My dad was really involved in my Taekwondo training—we both took our black belt class together. So when I decided to focus on music, he told me that being talented is great, but talent will only get you so far—discipline and practice will get you much further. I took it to heart.

You’ve been making some inroads into the music industry lately, including various awards among L.A. based organizations. How is that going?

Recently I did some work for the Grammy Awards/Ciroc in a promotional performance, and I had some music featured on an HGTV program. As far as making inroads—when you come down to L.A. there’s a lot of people trying to do the same thing, and I think that what will separate you from the crowd—and I’m still working on this, so I’m not quite there yet—is just the perseverance. It’s like we’re going up a mountain, and other people are falling off as we’re climbing this mountain.

You just have to keep climbing, keep looking up at the top and not looking down, not getting discouraged by how far you have to go. Just stay focused, because it can be a weaving path that can take some time. And you especially can’t be discouraged by “no.”

You’re going to hear a lot of noes before you start hearing “yes.” Lately, I’ve been starting to get a lot more yeses, so I feel pretty good.

What is 2016 set to look like for you?

I think it’ll be pivotal. We’re finishing up the debut album, and we’re remastering the EP and getting it ready for re-release in spring.

This last year I’ve been really increasing the SubmergeMag.com

amount of shows I’ve been doing and I can only imagine going further in the next year.

After the album drops, hopefully that will build up some momentum, and I’ll be busy writing the next wave of material. I’m always thinking about the next thing.

How much does literature and/or film influence your music? Do your songs tend to work around a theme?

There’s definitely a theme behind a lot of my songs. I started out as a storyteller. I’ve been writing stories since I was a little girl.

I’ve always been a writer, and I’ve always been singing, but I didn’t put the two together right away. At a very young age I would write poems, stories and I would even attempt to write novels. When I write songs, I think of them as little novels or movies. I’m a big cinephile, and I especially love murder mysteries. I’m a big fan of Alfred Hitchcock and Quentin Tarantino. So I try and make each song a story. I like to think of them as penny dreadfuls. As far a literature goes, I’m a big fan of Paulo Coelho as well, stories that have a lot of mysticism in them, I try to incorporate that into my songs. I like to take stories that may have happened to me and make them into a fullblown tall tale in my music.

“It’s like we’re going up a mountain, and other people are falling off as we’re climbing this mountain. You just have to keep climbing, keep looking up at the top and not looking down, not getting discouraged by how far you have to go. Just stay focused, because it can be a weaving path that can take some time. And you especially can’t be discouraged by ‘no.’

You’re going to hear a lot of noes before you start hearing ‘yes.’”

– Felize LaZae on persevering in the music industry.

Can you tell us about the Book Club Song Series?

I need to start that up again! This was an idea me and one of my best friends Julie Lujano thought would be a great way to combine our love of literature with our love of music. I’ve always known that Julie is a fantastic writer, but we had never sat down and written a song together. You know that feeling you get when you finish a good book and wish you could keep reading it? For me, writing a song about a book I really enjoyed kind of extended the euphoria I felt as I neared the last pages. The book we wrote our first novel-inspired song about is called A Discovery Of Witches by Deborah Harkness.

We wanted to capture the mysticism and power of the main characters while also capturing their intense love for each other. It was such a completely different way to write

a song for me while also being a novel way to examine and explore a book. I really can’t wait to do it again. This past year, the Book Club Song Series has been on hiatus, but we’re going to reboot it very soon.

You’ve been busy getting some of your work licensed for films and TV shows. Do you have control over how they’re used or what media they go into?

Yes and no. I have the control to at least say no. I’m working with a couple different companies right now who are helping with connecting my material to different licensing opportunities. Really, it’s a matter of what they’re looking for, and fortunately, the sound I have kind of lends itself to movies and TV, because that’s what I’m thinking about when I’m writing. It really depends on the person in charge. It’s hard to tell. Last year, with the HGTV commercial, I was really surprised because the song they used had little to do with home and garden—it’s kind of a sexy song! [laughs] But hopefully people will be hearing my songs in movies and on TV a lot more in the next year.

Back in ‘06 you appeared on the cover of The Killers’ Sam’s Town. What’s the story behind that?

So I was working at this recording studio called The Palms as a production assistant.

The studio had opened that year, and The Killers were the first band to come in to record. They worked there for about four months, and they’re really just awesome guys. After a while it got to the point where they were like, “Well, we’re done with our session for today, do you guys want to come hang out afterwards?” We went and saw Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails with them. We all became friends, and as they got closer to finishing their album, they had a photo shoot that was planned. The night before the shoot, their product manager gave me a call about possibly being in the album artwork. I wasn’t brought in to be on the cover, I was supposed to be featured somewhere on the sleeve or CD insert.

Initially they told me I was just going to be in a white dress, and that was it. But when we got there, the production manager was like, “Would you mind wearing a bikini?”

I’d been watching a lot of America’s Next Top Model, and I just told myself, “This is what they expect you to do when you’re a model, it’s OK, you can do this!!” Initially, what they wanted me for was to hold up a painting of Brandon Flowers’ grandfather in front of my face, which ended up as the cover for the single “Read My Mind.”

We had a really amazing photographer, Anton Corbin, a legendary photographer.

Not bad for one of my first photo shoots!

About a month later, I got a call from their product manager saying there was a 95 percent chance that I was going to be on the cover of the album. Apparently nothing clicked in their selection process until someone laid in the Killers logo between me and that goat. [laughs] It was just a matter of being in the right place and the right time, which happens You have two chances to catch Felice LaZae around Sacramento a lot in show this month: Wednesday Feb. business. th 24 at the Torch Club (904 15 Street) and Friday, Feb. 26 at H.ART Lounge in Placerville (304 Main Street). For info on these shows and more, check out Felicelazae.com.

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

19

The Groove is in the Heart

Mystic Braves’ Unabashed ‘60s Psych is the Real Deal Words Ryan J. Prado • photo Harrison Roberts

T

here are all kinds of ways to explain music to people, and most of them are wrong, ill-advised, biased or flat-out dumb. That’s just the nature of the beast, especially when the beast is an objective, autonomous listener-experience that you will never truly know anyone else is experiencing in quite the same way you are. So it goes with styles, fashion, art, literature. And inevitably, styles come back around, man. The psychedelic ‘60s were too strong a statement—visually, politically, aurally—to have been locked inside the psilocybic subconscious of a million acid freaks, because the music was a hugely inventive, inclusive force. For Echo Park’s Mystic Braves, that force is strong, and their bottling of the integrity of ‘60s psych, while not exactly unmatched, is at the very least extremely serious. They’re also really, really good.

20

From the first few jangly notes of “To Myself,” the scorching opener from Mystic Braves’ third album, Days of Yesteryear, two things become apparent rather quickly.

The observation attesting to the band’s loyalties to fullon ‘60s psych-pop is obvious—the album comes dripping in acid-party accoutrement, and it’s not a stretch to envision the quintet festooned in paisley as a mop-top gang swaying in unison before a liquid light stage show.

The second is that the band members are not resting on any sort of trendy laurels, nor are they homogenizing an excavated scene for the benefit of shock value, nostalgia trip or disingenuous put-on.

On Days of Yesteryear, the band employed the sharp ear of Rob Campanella, of psych overlords The Quarter After, and well-known for his work with Brian Jonestown Massacre, as producer and engineer.

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Released through L.A. label/community arbiter of great underground rock ‘n’ roll Lolipop Records, Mystic Braves expanded their sonic playbook to incorporate new instrumentation and broader soundscapes, and in the process completed their best work to date.

The band’s also been getting breaks from a strangely fitting collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent that found the band’s music accompanying the fashion company’s recent Collection XIII runway show. That aside, the band have built up a frothing fanbase on the merits of their DIY roots and their seismic live shows, and—yeah, OK—their open embracement of ‘60s fashion, music and attitude. Mystic Braves organist (and Lolipop Records co-leader) Ignacio Gonzalez took some time out recently to chat with Submerge about all this and more.

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

It seemed to me that the new record has a very cinematic undercurrent. I’m not sure how much of that was predetermined. Was the record written more from the standpoint of a collection of songs, or as an album?

Some of the songs have been around for a bit. It’s kind of a collection of songs that came together at the time we started tracking. Some of them we even finished in the studio. I feel like this album is more an internal project, as opposed to our first two records, which were much more like a snapshot or a picture of what we sound like. This one was more internal in the sense that we looked inside ourselves and kind of took an outside look to the music. We experimented with different instruments and different sounds and took our time to think about the songs more. Not that we weren’t before, but it was a different process. The first two albums we did on our own, too. The first album was recorded by Wyatt Blair from Lolipop, and I recorded Desert Island at Lolipop, too. It was cool to be on the other side of the knobs this time around and get creative. Rob Campanella was really able to capture what we were trying to do. It was a really cool atmosphere.

How did working with Rob help hone or shape any of the direction or the nuances of the performances on Days of Yesteryear? I would imagine he’d be a huge influence on the band, having worked on a lot of the early ‘00s psych releases.

Yeah, he’s someone that we respect. We love his music and his work with The Quarter After is really great. His work with Brian Jonestown Massacre, too.

He’s done a few albums that just showed us that he’d really get what we were trying to do, which is tricky. It’s hard to find, believe it or not, especially for the vibe that we’re about. To find someone who can really understand a vision and make it come to life, without losing integrity of what we’re trying to do is tough. Because of that dynamic we were able to really take suggestions and run with them. His honesty was very well-taken. It’s always nice to have a fresh set of ears and an objective perspective on what’s being made. I loved going back and forth and taking things apart and analyzing it, figuring out how it could be better.

He really got it. The whole atmosphere was really conducive. The studio is in the basement of his house, and it’s just perfect vibes. He has every guitar in the world. And that’s another thing: he had a lot more instruments. We have a bunch of guitars and drums and stuff, but he had all these percussion instruments, tanpura drone, Indian instruments, pianos, organs. It was a cool palette we had to work with.

“It’s really the community and this sense of we don’t need anyone else. We can just do it ourselves, and I think that’s what’s driving the music community in L.A. is the sense that we don’t need any Columbias, we don’t need any crazy major labels to validate the music.”

– Mystic Braves’ Ignacio Gonzalez on the L.A. music scene SubmergeMag.com

You were approaching these new instruments pretty green, right? I would imagine some of you would be multi-instrumentalists, but his gear sounds like it was somewhat foreign sonic territory.

Some of them, yeah. Most of the guys in the band play a little bit of everything. The one thing that was really foreign to me was the tanpura. You can hear it on “Great Company.” I’d never played one of those before. It was cool to be able to figure out how it worked and see where it took me. That was a cool journey.

In what ways do you feel like you’re able to help evolve or make new the psych-rock sphere; or conversely are you not that worried about reinventing the wheel, so to speak?

There are two sides to it. We kind of just came together because we like the same music. We understood each other. In a music community, it’s hard to come by that understanding on the level that we are at with each other. There’s that side to it; the music comes out the way it does because that’s the music we all listen to and like. There are inevitable influences based on our taste. Then there’s the other side where we love the music so much that we kind of want to keep its integrity in the face of this cluster of sounds that’s coming out of our generation.

There’s nothing wrong with it, but I think there’s something that can happen when there’s too much going on. We have every kind of music that we could ever imagine at our fingertips, which can be really great, but can also be really confusing. For me and most of the guys in the band, we want to keep the integrity of rock ‘n’ roll music.

It seems like with Mystic Braves and the Lolipop Records family, there’s a really nice community and a scene that you guys are involved in that sort of acts as a fulcrum for sustaining new bands.

Yeah, Wyatt and I grew up playing music, being in bands, playing shitty shows and starting from nothing. It’s really the community and this sense of we don’t need anyone else. We can just do it ourselves, and I think that’s what’s driving the music community in L.A. is the sense that we don’t need any Columbias, we don’t need any crazy major labels to validate the music. We can just book our shows and play our shit. That’s something we really try to do is to nurture bands to give them a shot to do something, to be able to get out there and have a release out. There’s so much great music that will never be heard by anyone because there’s no outlet for it. We want to be that outlet. We have a recording studio and we don’t charge very much at all. You can be anybody and come in and record an album, an EP, a song. You don’t have to be in the circuit of the industry to be creative and express yourself and your music and share it with the world.

See Mystic Braves live in Sacramento at Starlite Lounge on Feb. 18. The band will be accompanied by the Mad Alchemy Liquid Light Show, which should only enhance your vibe. Go to Starlitelounge. net for more info.

1400 ALHAMBRA SAcRAMento BLUeLAMPSAcRAMento.coM 916-455-3400 feb 2 • 8pm

tuesDAY

j.lAtelY

Dj werD & mogli, fAbes weDnesDAY

feb 3 • 8pm

solAnum iron AssAult, worn thin, pick Axe preAcher, sowers of Dissent

thursDAY

feb 4 • 8pm

slim jesus DrAztic music

friDAY

feb 5 • 8pm

tuesDAY

feb 9 • 7pm

life on mArs

Art show + live music w/

monDo Deco, skYwAlker, klAiber thursDAY

feb 11 • 7pm

bring Your beAts: A hip hop open mic hosteD bY bAm bAm

friDAY

feb 12 • 8pm

pAt toDD & the rAnk outsiDers sAturDAY

feb 13 • 9pm

Album releAse/ pAto bAnton the scrAtch outs, Dj wokstAr c2DAjbDAY celebrAtion sAturDAY

feb 6 • 8pm

DAlimA

cAliforniA beAr gAng, equAtion feb 7 • 2pm AnnuAl superbowl pArtY w/ sunDAY

kill the preceDent the scrAtch outs

monDAY

feb 15 • 8pm

the toAsters

, the pomps, sAc storYtellers, lA noche oskurA tuesDAY

feb 16 • 8pm

DrAg the river 50 wAtt heAvY, m. lockwooD porter

R E U R O Y AD HE Call Us (916) 441-3803 or email Us info@submergemag.com Today!

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

21

fa m i ly o w n e d s i n c e 1 9 3 4

cELEBRAtiNG 81 yEARs Of BusiNEss!

916-443-9751

1901 10th Street

Downtown Sacramento

eVery monday niGht 6pm

Guest chefs

eVery tuesday niGht 9pm free

KaraoKe!

eVery wednesday niGht sign-ups 8:30pm 9pm free

sat feb 6 & 20

Lipstick w/ shaun slaughter & Roger carpio 9pm • $5

fri feb 19

tHE BAD twAiNs

whiskey & stitches, pine street 9pm • $6

thurs feb 11

tHE RippERs

Vasas, the Globs 8pm • $5

thurs feb 25

music, comedy & misc. Calendar

SERvINg up $5 plATES

W/ SAC CITY ENTERTAINMENT

oPen mic!

fri feb 12

DEsARiO (Ep RELEAsE)

cruel summer, All About Rockets 9pm • $7

fri feb 26

W/ SANdRA doloRES

sat feb 13

At BOtH ENDs

Lights And sirens, Juliet company 8pm • $7

sat feb 27

MikE wAtt MR. HOOpER REAL & tHE MissiNG MEN Blaquelisted, LiVE Brubaker, EV kain spacewalker • $12adv/$14door 9pm • $7 cOMEDiANs 9pm abstractpresents.com 9pm • $10

Deeelicious old timey lunches served monday - friday 11:30am - 2pm

Feb. 1 – 15 submergemag.com/calendar

2.01 Monday

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

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

Goldfield Open Mic Night hosted

by James Cavern, 9 p.m.

Louie’s Cocktail Lounge Karaoke, 9 p.m.

LowBrau Motown on Monday’s w/ DJ Epik, 9 p.m.

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

2.02 Tuesday

The Blue Lamp J.Lately, DJ Werd, Mogli, Fabes, Bebe Hendrix, Stevie Boy, J. Morgan, 8 p.m.

The Boardwalk Ballyhoo!, B Foundation, Riotmaker, Kosha Dillz, 8 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Dive Bar Shadia & Friends, 8 p.m.

Harlow’s Kyle, 6:30 p.m.

Kupros Craft House Open Mic, 8 p.m.

LowBrau Le Twist Tuesdays w/ DJ Centipede, Sam I Jam, Adam J, Roger Carpio, 9 p.m.

Nicholson’s MusiCafe Acoustic Guitar Club, 6:30 p.m.

Old Ironsides Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Pine Cove Open Mic Night, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Rock On! Live Band Karaoke, 8:30 p.m.

Starlite Lounge Act of Defiance, Discordia, West Coast Fury, The Odious Construct, 8 p.m.

Torch Club Bill Mylar, 5:30 p.m.; Michael Ray, 8 p.m.

2.03 Wednesday

Ace of Spades Trivium, Salythia, Heat of Damage, 7 p.m.

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

The Blue Lamp Solanum, Iron Assault, Pick Axe Preacher, Sowers Of Dissent, Worn Thin, 8 p.m.

Cafe Colonial Vox Vocis, And Then Suddenly, Tree Village, Life In a Spiral, 7:30 p.m.

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

Crest Theatre Jesse Cook, 6:30 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Dive Bar Open Mic hosted by Gabe Cole, 8 p.m.

El Dorado Saloon Open Mic Night, 7:30 p.m.

Fox & Goose All Vinyl Wednesdays w/ DJ AAKnuff, 8 p.m.

Harlow’s The Motet, Sophistafunk, 7 p.m.

Laughs Unlimited Karaoke, 8 p.m.

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

Nicholson’s MusiCafe Acoustic Open Mic, 6 p.m.

Old Ironsides Open Mic, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Local Licks Free Live Music Series, 8:30 p.m.

Shine Midtown Out Loud Open Mic, 8 p.m.

Torch Club Acoustic Open Mic, 5:30 p.m.; Sean Lehe, 9 p.m.

University Union Redwood Room, CSUS Nooner w/ Kyle Williams, 12 p.m.

2.04 thursday

Ace of Spades The Chainsmokers, 7 p.m.

2.05 Y2K JoyZu, Zephyr, Delaney, DJ Arramon and More Midtown BarFly 10 p.m.

22

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Bar 101 Karaoke, 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Slim Jesus, L-Kata, 8 p.m.

Capitol Garage Karaoke w/ Jeff Jenkins, 10 p.m.

Club Car Songwriters Showcase, 8 p.m.

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

District 30 Jeremy Olander, 10 p.m.

Dive Bar Dueling Pianos, 9 p.m.

Downtown & Vine Roger Smith & Friends, 6 p.m.

Fox & Goose Marty Cohen & The Sidekicks, 8 p.m.

Louie’s Cocktail Lounge Karaoke, 9 p.m.

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

Nicholson’s MusiCafe Jaclyn Lovey, 7 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub 2 Steps Down, 9:30 p.m.

Shine Jazz Jam w/ Jason Galbraith and the House Band, 8 p.m.

Stoney’s Ry Bradley, 9 p.m.

Torch Club X Trio, 5 p.m.; BellyGunner, Honyock, Mondo Deco, 9 p.m.

2.05 Friday

Ace of Spades The White Buffalo, Alice Drinks The Kool-Aid, 7 p.m.

Bar 101 Scotty Vox, 9:30 p.m.

Berryessa Brewing Co. Them Travelin’ Birds, 5 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Pato Banton, The Scratch Outs, DJ Wokstar, 8 p.m.

The Boardwalk 916 Party Band, Soup, Biglist, Mixed Up Party Band, 6 p.m.

Broadway Coffee Xochitl, Sam Eliot, Sherman Baker, 6 p.m.

Capitol Garage Fyah Fridays w/ DJ Jaytwo, 10 p.m.

District 30 DJ Oasis, Joseph 1, 10 p.m.

Dive Bar Roulé w/ Groundislava (DJ Set), Sam I Jam, Adam J, Shaun Slaughter, 9:30 p.m.

El Dorado Saloon Code Blue Band, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Kevin Seconds, Brian Hanover, Dino, 9 p.m.

Golden Bear DJ Crook, 10 p.m.

Harlow’s Joy & Madness, Nickel Slots, 9:30 p.m.

Kupros Craft House Eli Aksen & Friends, 9:30 p.m.

Midtown BarFly That Thing on Friday: Y2K, JoyZu, Zephyr, Delaney, DJ Arramon and More, 10 p.m.

Mix DJ Slick D, 9 p.m.

Nicholson’s MusiCafe Open Mic Night, 6 p.m.

The Park Ultra Lounge Lil Jon (DJ Set), 9:30 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Slants, 10 p.m.

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

Press Club DJ Rue, 9 p.m.

Red Hawk Casino The Nutrients, 4 p.m.; Audioboxx, 9:30 p.m.

Shine The Sacramento Classic Jazz Messengers, 8 p.m.

Sol Collective ZFG Album Release Party w/ Homeboy Sandman, Mega Ran, Richie Branson, Bottled Water and More, 7:30 p.m.

Starlite Lounge Ghostplay, Cassette Idols, Ghost Color, 8 p.m.

Stoney’s Ultimate Rodeo After Party w/ Cripple Creek Band, 7 p.m.

Third Space Psychomagic, Monster Treasure, Knock Knock, 8 p.m.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort Li Lai Ha, Johnny IP, 9 p.m.

Torch Club Pailer & Fratis, 5:30 p.m.; Katy Guillen & The Girls, 9 p.m.

2.06 Saturday

Bar 101 Lizano, 9:30 p.m.

Berryessa Brewing Co. The Bottom Dwellers, 3 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Dalima, California Bear Gang, Equation, 8 p.m.

The Boardwalk From Ashes to New, Average League, 6:30 p.m.

Cache Creek Casino Al Jarreau, 8 p.m.

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

The Colony J.K.K.F.O., xMalcomx, Hemorage, Public Execution, Khaos Assault, 8 p.m.

SubmergeMag.com

District 30 Well Groomed, 10 p.m.

El Dorado Saloon Black Zepplin, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Joseph Kojima Gray, Dave Theno, Eric Affonso, 9 p.m.

Goldfield Country DJ Dancing, 9 p.m.

Harlow’s Steelin’ Dan, 5 p.m.; Some Fear None, Tell the Wolves, Hero’s Last Mission, 10 p.m.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Tower of Power, 7:30 p.m.

Jesuit High School Jesuit High School Jazz Ensemble, 6 p.m.

KBAR Z Rokk, 9 p.m.

Kupros Craft House All the Pretty Songs, 9:30 p.m.

Mix DJ Eddie Edul, 9 p.m.

Nicholson’s MusiCafe Free Ukulele Class, 1 p.m.; Steve McLane & Rocco, 7 p.m.

Old Ironsides Lipstick! w/ Shaun Slaughter & Roger Carpio, 9 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Simple Creation, Island of Black & White, Alex Vincent, 8 p.m.

Press Club DJ Larry Rodriguez, 9 p.m.

Red Hawk Casino Audioboxx, 10 p.m.

Shine Instagon’s 23rd Anniversary/700th Show w/ Hans & the Hot Mess, 8 p.m.

Starlite Lounge Burro, The Kelps, Mondo Deco, Josiah Gathering, 8 p.m.

Stoney’s Ultimate Rodeo After Party w/ Blackburn Bullet, 7 p.m.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort G. Love and Special Sauce, Ripe, 7:30 p.m.

Torch Club The Responders, 5:30 p.m.; Black Market III, 9 p.m.

2.07 2.09 sunday

Tuesday

Berryessa Brewing Co. Crescent Katz, 3 p.m.

The Blue Lamp 6th Annual Superbowl Party: Kill the Precedent, The Scratch Outs, 2 p.m.

Broderick Roadhouse Karaoke w/ DJ Jazcat, 9 p.m.

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

Distillery Karaoke, 8 p.m.

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

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

Torch Club Blues Jam, 4 p.m.; Front the Band, 8 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Life On Mars: Mondo Deco, Skywalker, Klaiber, 7 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Dive Bar Epsilona, 9:30 p.m.

Kupros Craft House Open Mic, 8 p.m.

LowBrau Le Twist Tuesdays w/ Sam I Jam, Adam J, Roger Carpio and Special Guests, 9 p.m.

Nicholson’s MusiCafe West Coast Songwriters Competition, 6 p.m.

Old Ironsides Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Pine Cove Open Mic Night, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Rock On! Live Band Karaoke, 8:30 p.m.

Starlite Lounge Within Reach, Here Lies The Hero, A Veil Apart, 8 p.m.

Torch Club 3rd Annual Fat Tuesday Second Line Parade (Meet at Mulvaney’s) w/ Peter Petty, Dana Moret and More, 4:30 p.m.; Black Star Safari, Big Sticky Mess, 8 p.m.

2.08 monday

The Boardwalk The Knocks, Cardiknox, Sofi Tukker, 6:30 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

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

Goldfield Open Mic Night hosted

by James Cavern, 9 p.m.

Louie’s Cocktail Lounge Karaoke, 9 p.m.

LowBrau Motown on Monday’s w/ DJ Epik, 9 p.m.

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

2.10 wednesday

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

Club Car The Double Shots, 7:30 p.m. continued on page 24

>>

2.06

From Ashes to New Average League The Boardwalk 6:30 p.m.

2.07

Crescent Katz Berryessa Brewing Co 3 p.m.

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

23

2.14

2.13

Vinnie Guidera & The Dead Birds The Off Years, Patrick Nehoda Shine 8 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Dive Bar Open Mic hosted by Gabe Cole, 8 p.m.

El Dorado Saloon Open Mic Night, 7:30 p.m.

Fox & Goose All Vinyl Wednesdays w/ DJ AAKnuff, 8 p.m.

Harris Center for the Arts International Guitar Night: Lulo Reinhardt, Mike Dawes, Andre Krengel, Brian Gore, 7:30 p.m.

Laughs Unlimited Karaoke, 8 p.m.

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

Nicholson’s MusiCafe Acoustic Open Mic, 6 p.m.

Old Ironsides Open Mic, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Local Licks Free Live Music Series: Ghost Town Rebellion, They Went Ghost, Ghost Color, 8:30 p.m.

Torch Club Acoustic Open Mic, 5:30 p.m.; Pine Street Ramblers, Million Dollar Giveaway, 8 p.m.

UC Davis: Jackson Hall Cameron Carpenter, 8 p.m.

University Union Redwood Room, CSUS Nooner w/ Average League, 12 p.m.

2.11 Thursday

Bar 101 Karaoke, 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Bring Your Beats: A Hip Hop Open Mic, 7 p.m.

The Boardwalk Hip-hop Open Mic, 7 p.m.

Cafe Colonial Area Gray, Rumor Has It, GreenSide, Surviving the Era, Fourth and Long, 7 p.m.

Capitol Garage Karaoke w/ Jeff Jenkins, 10 p.m.

Club Car Songwriters Showcase, 8 p.m.

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

The Colony Xome, Cut, Headband, Parousia, Instagon and More, 8 p.m.

Crocker Art Museum Art Mix: Zodiac w/ Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, DJ Larry Rodriguez, 5 p.m.

District 30 Pierce Fulton, Alexx Adam, 10 p.m.

Dive Bar Dueling Pianos, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Steve McLane, 8 p.m.

Harlow’s Push to Feel, Rich Corporation, Animals In The Attic, 5:30 p.m.

24

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Eric Bellinger Adrian Marcel Harlow’s 7 p.m.

Laughs Unlimited James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash, 8 p.m.

Louie’s Cocktail Lounge Karaoke, 9 p.m.

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

Nicholson’s MusiCafe Natalie Gelman & Nathan McEuen, 7 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Folsom Prism (Johnny Cash tribute), 8 p.m.

Press Club Berning Down the House: A Fundraising Dance Party for Bernie Sanders w/ DJ Larry Rodriguez & Shaun Slaughter, 9 p.m.

Shine Jazz Jam w/ Jason Galbraith and the House Band, 8 p.m.

Subversions Arctic Flowers, Night Damage, 7:30 p.m.

Torch Club X Trio, 5:30 p.m.; Sextones, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Cheeseballs, 10 p.m.

Press Club DJ Rue, 9 p.m.

Red Hawk Casino Kenny Frye Band, 4 p.m.; Max Cabello, Jr., 9:30 p.m.

Sacramento Memorial Auditorium Keyshia Cole, Chico Debarge, Next, Bobby V, Gabriel Orengo, 7:30 p.m.

Shine The Search (ex-Denver J Band), Adam Block, Joe Marson, 8 p.m.

Starlite Lounge Soft Kill, All Your Sisters, Nmbrsttn, Grave Lake, 8 p.m.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort Minh Tuyet, Margaret Yang, Dan Nguyen and more, 9 p.m.

Torch Club Pailer & Fratis, 5:30 p.m.; Coffis Brothers, 9 p.m.

UC Davis: Jackson Hall Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, 8 p.m.

2.13 2.12 Saturday

FRIDAY

Ace of Spades Mickey Avalon, Dirt Nasty, Om3n, Richard The Rockstar, 7 p.m.

Bar 101 Callie Crofts & Robert Gillies, 9:30 p.m.

The Blue Lamp Pat Todd and the Rank Outsiders, 8 p.m.

The Boardwalk Eric Martin of Mr. Big, Evolution Eden, 7 p.m.

Cache Creek Casino Maja Salvador, JC De Vera, Paulo Avelino, 9 p.m.

Cafe Colonial Blessed Curse, Psycho-Sadist, Adeptus, Wurm Flesh, The Spewkats of the Cuttlefish, 7 p.m.

Capitol Garage Fyah Fridays w/ DJ Jaytwo, 10 p.m.

El Dorado Saloon Tiffany Lorraine Band, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Hans & the Hot Mess, Rich Driver, 9 p.m.

Golden Bear DJ Crook, 10 p.m.

Goldfield Westbound 50, 9 p.m.

Harlow’s Glen Phillips, 5:30 p.m.; Crywolf, Contra (EP Release), Hazel English, 9:30 p.m.

Kupros Craft House The Stummies, 9:30 p.m.

Mix DJ Slick D, 9 p.m.

Nicholson’s MusiCafe Open Mic Night, 6 p.m.

Old Ironsides Desario (EP Release), All About Rockets, Cruel Summer, 8 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Ace of Spades Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime, Motorize, 7 p.m.

Bar 101 The Heartbreak Time Machine, 9:30 p.m.

The Blue Lamp C2Daj (Album Release), 9 p.m.

The Boardwalk Robert DeLong, 7 p.m.

Cache Creek Casino Maja Salvador, JC De Vera, Paulo Avelino, 8 p.m.

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

The Colony Total Isolation, Dissidence, Argentavis, xTomHanx, Blister Brats, 8 p.m.

District 30 Billy Lane, 10 p.m.

El Dorado Saloon DJ Prezz, 9 p.m.

Fox & Goose Jem & Scout, Lucky Laskowski, 9 p.m.

Goldfield Country DJ Dancing, 9 p.m.

Guild Theater Big Mike Hart Jr., 7 p.m.

Harlow’s Foreverland (Michael Jackson tribute), 9 p.m.

Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Grand Funk Railroad, 7:30 p.m.

Harris Center for the Arts: Stage 1 The Folsom Lake Symphony: Romance & Destiny w/ Livia Sohn, 7:30 p.m.

Harris Center for the Arts: Stage 2 Laurence Juber, Peppino D’agostino, 7:30 p.m. (Sold Out) KBAR Z Rokk, 9 p.m.

Kupros Craft House Sactown Playboys, 9:30 p.m.

Mix DJ Eddie Edul, 9 p.m.

MontBleu Resort Casino Jonny Lang, 7 p.m.

Nicholson’s MusiCafe Free Ukulele Class, 1 p.m.; Dark Water Rebellion, Back Porch Blvd, 7 p.m.

Old Ironsides Juliet Company, Lights and Sirens, At Both Ends, 8 p.m.

Pine Cove Karaoke, 9 p.m.

Powerhouse Pub Disco Revolution, 10 p.m.

Press Club DJ Larry Rodriguez, 9 p.m.

Red Hawk Casino The Wiz Kid, 10 p.m.

Shine Vinnie Guidera & The Dead Birds, The Off Years, Patrick Nehoda, 8 p.m.

Starlite Lounge Salythia, Sworn to the Black, Sovereign, Memento Mori, Infinite Sleep, 8 p.m.

Thunder Valley Casino Resort The Temptations, Dr. Funk’s Mind, Body & Soul, Carl Carlton, 7:30 p.m.

Torch Club The Hucklebucks, 5:30 p.m.; Black Star Safari, City of Trees Brass Band, 9 p.m.

UC Davis: Jackson Hall UC Davis Symphony Orchestra, 7 p.m.

UC Davis: Vanderhoef Studio Theatre Lara Downes, 8 p.m.

2.14 Sunday

Broderick Roadhouse Karaoke w/ DJ Jazcat, 9 p.m.

Cache Creek Casino Mike Galisatus Big Band, 1 p.m.

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

Crocker Art Museum Classical Concert: The Saturday Club, 3 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 8 p.m.

Harlow’s Eric Bellinger, Adrian Marcel, 7 p.m.

Harris Center for the Arts Broadway Showstoppers, 2 p.m.(Sold Out) 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.

Red Hawk Casino Buck Ford, 1 p.m.

Starlite Lounge The Mobros, Honyock, Green Rivers, 8 p.m.

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

Torch Club Blues Jam, 4 p.m.; Front the Band, 6 p.m.

UC Davis: Jackson Hall Ms. Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton, 7 p.m.

UC Davis: Vanderhoef Studio Theatre Lara Downes, 2 p.m.

2.15 Monday

Ace of Spades STRFKR, Com Truise, 7 p.m.

The Blue Lamp The Toasters, The Pomps, Sac Storytellers, La Noche Oskura, 8 p.m.

Distillery Karaoke, 9 p.m.

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

Goldfield Open Mic Night hosted

by James Cavern, 9 p.m.

Louie’s Cocktail Lounge Karaoke, 9 p.m.

LowBrau Motown on Monday’s w/ DJ Epik, 9 p.m.

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

Comedy Community Center Theater Bill Maher, Feb. 14, 8 p.m.

Laughs Unlimited Comedy Open Mic Showcase, Feb. 2, 8 p.m.

There Goes the Neighborhood Comedy Jam feat. Sean Peabody, Feb. 4, 8 p.m.

John McClellan feat. Tristan Johnson, Feb. 5 - 6, Fri. & Sat., 8 & 10:30 p.m.

Key Lewis feat. Ibo Brewer, Feb. 12 - 13, Fri. & Sat., 8 & 10:30 p.m.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Show w/ Key Lewis, Feb. 14, 3 & 7 p.m.

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

Ooley Theater Comedy Night at the Ooley, every Thursday, 8 p.m.

Punchline Comedy Club New Faces Showcase w/ Raj Dutta, Feb. 3, 8 p.m.

Lance Woods, Feb. 4, 8 p.m.

Jeff Garcia, Feb. 5 - 6, Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.

Steve Hofstetter Presents: Supply and Demand, Feb. 10, 8 p.m.

Tom Rhodes, Feb. 11 - 14, Thurs., 8 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.

Sacramento Comedy Spot Open Mic, Sunday’s and Monday’s, 8 p.m.

Improv Lab, Harold Night & Gordon Teams, Wednesday’s, 7 - 10 p.m.

Cage Match & Improv Jam, Thursday’s, 8 - 10 p.m.

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

Tommy T’s Guy Torry, Feb. 4 - 6 Kym Whitley and David Arnold, Feb. 13 - 14

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Misc.

7th and L Streets (Jade Apts) Art Hotel feat. Installations, Paintings, Photographs, Projection, Films, Lectures, Poetry & Live Performances, Feb. 5 - 13 20th Street (Between J and K) Midtown Farmers Market, every Saturday, 8 a.m.

B Street Theatre Mainstage Series: Echo Location

by Carter W. Lewis, through Feb. 28 B3 Series: The Realistic Joneses, through Feb. 6 Beatnik Studios Four Temperaments: Melanie Bown, Yelena Martynovskaya, Matthew Tucker and Rodney Rigby, Feb. 5 - Mar. 4 Blue Cue Bar Bingo, Wednesday’s, 9 p.m.

Blue Line Arts Gallery

By Hand, through Feb. 27 As Real As It Gets, through Feb. 27 The Boxing Donkey Trivia Night, every Tuesday, 8 p.m.

California Museum Film Screening: The Untold Story: Internment of Japanese Americans in Hawaii, Feb. 13, 1 p.m.

Capitol Garage Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night, Wednesday’s, 9 p.m.

Capital Stage Graham-A-Rama, Feb. 7, 8 p.m.

Crocker Art Museum Art on Film: La Belle et la Bête (Beauty and the Beast), Feb. 4, 6 p.m.

oundsof

Art Mix: Zodiac, Feb. 11, 5 p.m.

Rain Forest Visions: Amazonian Ceramics from Ecuador/The Melza and Ted Barr Collection, through Feb 14, 2016 The Age of Albrecht Dürer: German Drawings from the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris, through Feb. 14 Back to Life: Bay Area Figurative Drawings, through May 1, 2016 Ai Weiwei Circle of Animals: Zodiac Heads, through May 1 E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts Sixth Annual Brazilian Carnaval, Feb. 13, 6 p.m.

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

Harris Center for the Arts Moscow Festival Ballet: Cinderella, Feb. 2 - 4 Historic Old Folsom Farmers’ Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m.

International House - Davis All That Jazz by Rufus Chalmers, Feb. 12 - Mar. 4 Kupros Craft House Trivia with Triviology 101, Sundays, 7:30 p.m.

Little Relics Boutique & Galleria Coffee Lovers Art Show, Feb. 1 - 29 Little Saigon Little Saigon Tet Parade and Lunar Flower Fest, Feb. 6 - 7 Luna’s Cafe Poetry Unplugged, every Thursday, 8 p.m.

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

The Midtown Moxies Burlesque Troupe: Eat Your Heart Out, Feb. 13, 9 p.m.

2.12 - 3.04

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

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

Red Lion Woodlake Hotel & Conference Center Capital Swing Dancers: West Coast Swing Convention, Feb. 11 - 14 Sacramento Fine Arts Center Aspiring Artists Debut, Feb. 1 - 13 Sacramento Poetry Center Women’s Wisdom Art’s Valentine’s Art Show and Sale, Feb. Sacred City Derby Girls Warehouse Sacred City Derby Girl Sacrificers vs The Berkeley Resistance, Feb. 13, 6 p.m.

Shimo Center for the Arts 1979 by Photographer Richard Breedon, Feb. 12 - Mar. 5 Sleep Train Arena 2016 PBR Sacramento Invitational, Feb. 5-6 University Union Ballroom, CSUS Free Stage Performance: Power On Earth, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.

Free Film Screening: The Hunger Games: MockingJay-Part 2, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.

WAL Public Market Art Exhibit: Unexpected Triptych by Christine Olmsted, Benjamin Olmsted and Sarah Acrich, Feb. 5 - Mar. 2

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

25

Tell the Wolves gear up for their debut EP release show at Harlow’s Words Alia Cruz photo phill mamula

I

f I ever needed to hire a hype group, Tell the Wolves can take all my money. The Sacramento five-piece is as energetic and bright as a crackling fire in rock ‘n’ roll hell.

Offstage, the band is full of welcoming, positive and joyous dudes. Onstage, however, they turn awesomely erratic and sonically chaotic. I sat with vocalist/guitarist Leryan Burrey and bassist Zack Davis to talk about the release of their upcoming EP The Great Design, and how they manage to balance being the extremely optimistic, super nice guys making music that delivers a riveting middle finger.

Tell the Wolves has been together since 2013, and has only added members in their few years of being a band. The band's name comes from multiple instances of wolves popping up in their lives. The main one being when Davis came across the book Tell the Wolves I’m Home (by Carol Rifka Brunt), and was struck by the ring of it. He went to his bandmates, who had been knocking around band names for quite some time, and presented them with his band-name epiphany, “Tell the Wolves.” Destiny was manifested that day, and the rest is history.

Burrey and Davis first met at Harlow’s, where coincidentally, they will have their first EP release show with their band. “The details are a little murky,” Burrey admits. “We had both had a bit to drink that night.”

At this point in the conversation, they both go back and forth in trying to piece together what happened that night, and how it led to their partnership. The conclusion was: “Essentially, it was a labor of love brought together in a drunken blur.”

Both guys have been long-time musicians in Sacramento, and attribute their accomplishments to local networking.

“We wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything. Not Concerts in the Park last year, not any of it,” Davis said. “The Sacramento music community is so supportive and they all like and share our stuff. It has all been a very supported ride.”

The first show the band ever played together was also at Harlow’s, where they played for pretty much just bartenders and girlfriends, “The place was completely dead,” Burrey reminisced. This time, for their EP release show at that same venue on Feb. 6, things are already turning out much better.

26

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

“I like bands that do weird things and are not afraid.

I appreciate the fact that they take so many risks.

I like feel-good-for-you music that is creative and interesting, but still meaningful. My favorite bands, like Incubus, don’t just make art for art’s sake.

They make art so that you feel something. On the other hand, I can honestly say that those guys can shit in a bucket and I would buy it.”

– Tell the Wolves’ Zack Davis “We have already been selling some tickets, so we are stoked to have the support this time around,” Burrey said.

Zack added that, “Harlow’s and Old I are some of our favorite places to play. Last time we played at Old I, though, we were physically too big for the stage. It’s a bummer because it is our very favorite dive bar. It has such a super awesome atmosphere. And it has the scent of dive bar.”

Tell the Wolves has mastered the art of creating erratic rock ‘n’ roll with a soft spot.

They like to emotionally vomit their heart out into song.

“I like bands that do weird things and are not afraid. I appreciate the fact that they take so many risks,” said Davis. “I like feel-goodfor-you music that is creative and interesting, but still meaningful. My favorite bands, like Incubus, don’t just make art for art’s sake.

They make art so that you feel something. On the other hand, I can honestly say that those guys can shit in a bucket and I would buy it.”

He continued,“You can think of your favorite musicians and pinpoint how their music makes you feel. That’s what it is all about. For example, Rage Against the Machine, who are one of my biggest influences, started out as a couple of young guys who sung about their frustrations with the system. Here we are 20 years later, and what they sang about sadly still matters and is relevant. They used their music as an honest platform, and they are absolutely timeless.

Surrounding myself with music like this for years, has rubbed off on me and made want to create similar music experiences.”

Tell the Wolves says that their EP is a “Culmination of everything we have ever wanted to do. EVER. ”

“We wanted to make some groundbreaking, beautiful, rock and roll,” said Burrey.

“We had already made all of this music, played all of these shows and had a bunch of fun making our music. This EP seemed to be the only thing missing, and it’s kind of being used to sum up the work that we have done in the past three years," Davis continued.

"This EP took us a year and a half of fun, fighting, drinking, hangovers, deaths, crying, things we can’t even talk about,” Burrey said.

“And a couple of murders,” added Davis, “This is off the record, right?”

Davis’ overall experience with Tell the Wolves and his music can be summed up with a little help from Justin Timberlake. “We were so excited to write this music, and we are so excited to play it. We have such a good time goofing the fuck off,” he said. “It is so important for us not to take ourselves too seriously. Most of the time, our music is really emotional and serious, but when people see us live or get to know us, they will see that we aren’t like that. Music is our outlet for that. Justin Timberlake once said, ‘I don’t take myself too seriously, but I take what I do very seriously.’ We hope people hear how much we love to create music. I want them to feel our love and the passion that goes into it. The studio is our sanctuary, and it’s where we get to express all of those feelings that are all bundled up. We get to let loose with noise and share it with our audience. This is what music is all about for us.”

The whole album was recorded mostly every Sunday. Saturday night before recording would always turn into ridiculous nights of catastrophic drinking. “My girlfriend affectionately named the Den we would drink at ‘The Den of Bad Decisions.’ And so it was,” Burrey said. “All of the songs on the EP were created through the urgency to express ourselves through all of this craziness in our life. We would have these wild emotional journeys, like my issue with alcohol, that I was really able to deal with through making this EP.”

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

27

PMA-Team

JM Knudsen and Sac Free Art Drop are here to change your mindset WORDS Niki Kangas

M

aya Angelou wisely once said, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.” The idea is, with the right frame of mind, one can accomplish anything, and with a negative mindset, negativity comes back to you.

If unfailing positivity makes you want to barf, you better get a bucket ready.

JM Knudsen is a Sacramento-based artist who paints, tattoos, creates clothing, does graphic design and pretty much any form of art he can get his eager hands on.

But he’s not just in it for himself. As coordinator of American Gypsy Apparel and project manager of Sacramento Free Art Drop, Knudsen endeavors not only to create art, but to create new channels for other artists to share their art and collaborate.

Sacramento Free Art Drop consists of a painted box that shows up in various locations throughout Sacramento and is filled with donated art, free for the taking to anyone who sees beauty in it. Participant Arturo Romeo says he was, “… very intrigued by the idea of creating an art hub in the middle of an ‘art desert.’ This city needs color!”

Another participating artist, Ahlo the Alchemist, shares that, “It feels amazing to be a part of such a unique and positive project. It’s cool because you don’t know who is behind the artwork, unless you’re familiar with the local art scene, and [as an artist] you have no idea who can end up with your art.”

Knudsen’s own artwork can be found throughout Sacramento in public areas, free from the monetary ties associated with galleries. This is not because the artist does not accept payment for his art, but because there are other forms of intrinsic payment that Knudsen also values. Much of this artwork consists of paintings on wood that are held up with chain, temporary adhesive or U-lock.

As Knudsen explains, if you don’t like your local art scene, change your attitude and watch the scene change, too.

Last Cut wasn’t so super?

Get it fixed at anthony’s barbershop

Why do you think this project was started?

The SFAD was created to spread local art throughout the community of Sacramento in a unique, new way. It was created to get the art we create as Sacramento residents in the homes of our own people, to cover the walls of Sacramento homes with Sacramento art. To inspire artists young and old to create again, to create for the first time, to inspire future artists of Sacramento and instill a sense of pride in what we can do as people here. To create networking opportunities between artist and admirer. To create a platform for unknown artists to be discovered. To give those without the ability to afford a priced piece of artwork an opportunity to own art.

Artists of all skill levels and mediums are welcome to contribute. Not a single person knows how one drop can affect the course of their lives or the City of Sacramento, so no limitations should exist with who can participate. You truly never know the outcome when you give art without expectation.

ope w o n

28

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Describe other artistic endeavors in which you’re involved—from your own artwork, to other collaborative projects.

Outside of the SFAD I am the Creative Director/ Artist for American Gypsy Apparel “One of a Kind,” an artistic collaborative involving more than 150 artists, including participation in several other U.S. cities and countries. The focus of this group is promoting the idea that we are all “One of a Kind.” The Instagram

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And last but not least, you can inspire another to create. No dollar can match this …

Without a doubt, art saves.

Have there been any issues with the project so far, or complaints? How is the project being received by the community?

To date, there has been only one real complaint, in regards to a single local artist stating that he wouldn’t drop art in the chest because he felt doing so would devalue his art. But besides that, this project has received nothing but praise from the community.

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account has grown to more than 20,000 followers. Some people confuse AG with a brand, AG is not a brand.

For instance, a person in Germany will commission me to design a “One of a Kind” vest with a guitar on the back. I would create that item, text my friend James Cavern for a photoshoot with the vest, and post the photo on Instagram so people can see what James does through tagging him on Instagram, then I would ship the vest.

If an artist shot photography with me for AG, I would pay them with a “One of a Kind” item.

Tattoos for sculptures, drawings for haircuts, playing music at an art show for a painting—we find a way to avoid using our currency and trade skills.

In 2016 I have a project with Peace Market around 18 th and O streets, with more painting and murals, making art present inside and out.

Working with local artists Goop Massta, BAMR and Arturo Romero, we completed a mural on Peace Market the first week of January and we have a group art show at Peace Market together in April.

How does tattooing integrate into your experience as an artist?

Tattooing is a major part of the artistic culture.

Midtown Sacramento is saturated with artists and many residents are heavily tattooed. Things I want to express the most, I get tattooed.

What is the state of the art scene in Sacramento currently, in your opinion? What’s going well and what’s lacking? How would you like to see it change?

In my opinion, the state of the art scene in Sacramento is stronger than it has ever been since I’ve lived here. Artists are really starting to come together to do tremendous things, and it’s beautiful to witness—holding events like Launch and TBD Fest that bring in big name artists to our city, and show our artists off to the city. This is bringing us forward in a major way.

“With technology, times have changed drastically for artists—many artists who don’t use Instagram are missing out on a free platform to showcase their ability, to network with other artists, to sell their craft and to see what other artists are doing around the world.”

– JM Knudsen The Warehouse Artists Lofts are a great addition to the community as well, a place where artists can afford to live, create, thrive and collaborate. Establishments like the Hacker Lab are a valuable resource where we can learn the tools that can get us to the next level as an artist.

Murals are popping up all over downtown where businesses are becoming more accepting of the artist’s ability to attract through art.

Coffee shops like Old Soul and Insight are giving artists a chance to showcase art for 30 days.

With technology, times have changed drastically for artists—many artists who don’t use Instagram are missing out on a free platform to showcase their ability, to network with other artists, to sell their craft and to see what other artists are doing around the world.

How can people find out where the art box is going to show up and when?

To track the whereabouts of the Community Art Chest, follow the Instagram account @ sacfreeartdrop. The Chest is set to be at Peace Market on 18 th and O every second Saturday of the month for the Art Walk. But the chest can pop up anywhere in Sacramento.

Follow Sacramento Free Art Drop on Instagram (@sacfreeartdrop) to find out where it may pop up next! You can also learn more about American Gypsy Apparel at Americangypsyapparel.com or on Instragram @americangypsyapparel.

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Open 7 days a week

29

Wednesday

feb 3

Thursday

mar 24

SpeciaL gueSTS SophiSTafunk

Bronco Problems

The Sword harlow’s • 2708 j street sacto • 21 & oVer • 8:00pm

harlow’s • 2708 j street sacto • 21 & oVer • 8:00pm

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tHe l adies & Gentlemen tour

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H a r l o w ’ s • 270 8 J s t r e e t • s a c r a m e n t o • 21 & o v e r • 9 : 0 0 p m

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30

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Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

Are you ready for Super Bowl 50 … or to avoid any possible copyright infringement, The Big Game?

Don’t worry, you’ve still got plenty of time to gear up for it.

I’m not making any major preparations. I’m working that day, as I have been for the past three or four Super … um … Games. I didn’t even get to watch much of the playoffs, nor did I pay that much attention to them. My New York Giants didn’t really fare too well this season (as is usually the case), and though my fantasy team made it to my league’s playoffs for the second straight season (the Sharknado shall return anew next year!), my team took a massive dump in the first round, and thus my interest in football completely dissolved. I hear the Denver Broncos will be taking on the Carolina Panthers, however, which sounds lovely.

As is always the case, there’s a week off between the AFC and NFC Championship Games and the Big Game, which gives members of the media and the fans (myself included, I guess) ample opportunity to dissect every bit of minutiae and unravel every plot and subplot tied into this year’s Super Thing, which takes place at the home stadium of the Not-So-San Francisco 49ers. And as Big Games go, I suppose we have at least one interesting major storyline to get caught up in this year: The impending battle between the old master at the end of his career, Denver’s Peyton Manning, versus the brash young phenom looking to take his place as one of the game’s greats, Carolina’s Cam Newton. Sure, these two great quarterbacks will probably only share the field together during the opening coin toss and end-of-game handshakes, but, you know, that shouldn’t stop us from attempting to add some kind of quasi-mythic importance to what is probably going to be a wholly disappointing championship football game.

We’ve got all this time to kill, you know? 14 freaking days! And let’s face it, neither of these teams are all that sexy. I mean, sure, Manning is a future Hall-of-Famer, and this is most likely his last hurrah; all the nuts, bolts and duct tape that have held him together this long have got to be past warranty, right? And Newton is such a fun player to watch because he runs really fast and throws the ball a mile and makes sure you have time to savor how awesome he is by strutting and celebrating after every play for a good 10 or 15 minutes. But there’s not really a

James Barone jb@submergemag.com

rivalry here. These two teams have probably never faced off in a game that mattered all that much. Geographically speaking, Denver doesn’t really wow me. I know it’s “The Mile High City” or whatever, but it’s like Denver, you know? I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone say, “Man, you should really check out Denver,” or, “I can’t wait to get back to Denver.” I spent a night in Denver once, and, well, it was Denver. That’s really all I can say about it.

Carolina is even worse. At least Denver is a place. I can point to it and say, “There it is.” Carolina is so vague. Is it North Carolina or South Carolina? I know the Panthers play in North Carolina, but I guess they wanted to rope in possible fans in South Carolina and figured just leaving out any directional component to the team’s name would accomplish that goal. Did that really fool anyone? Are people in the Carolinas that gullible? Denver didn’t call themselves the Colorado Broncos or the Rocky Mountain Region Broncos or the Mountain Time Zone Broncos. I’m sure people from Wyoming still go to Broncos games. I mean, what else do they have to do?

No matter who the players in this little drama are, though, everyone you know is bound to tune in, mostly because the majority of them will have some money riding on it. And hey, any excuse to eat chili dogs and/or hot wings is a good one.

Between now and Feb. 7, stay tuned to your local news and the Internet for more stories such as the Broncos decision to wear white jerseys instead of orange (because they’re 0-4 in Super Bowls when they’ve worn orange and have lost those games by an average score of 42-9 … ouch). If you’re still on the fence as to who to put your money on, I say take the Panthers as 6-point favorites (as of this writing), because, historically, the Broncos are good at two things: getting to Super Bowls and then losing them in ridiculous landslides. Hey, if the game is over by halftime, don’t worry, I hear Coldplay is performing … because if any music goes well with the concussion-inducing action of football, it’s the sweet, ethereal, waifish vocal strains of Chris Martin.

Final score: Carolina 38, Denver 10* (taking into account the decision to don white uniforms).

Enjoy the Super Bowl, and have some wings and beer for me. *Give or take 20 points from either team.

Dive Into Sacramento & Its Surrounding Areas

SubmergeMag.com

Issue 206 • February 1 – February 15, 2016

31

Dive into Sacramento & its Surrounding Areas

February 1 – 15, 2016 •

#206

free

Tell the Wolves Felice LaZae Tall Tales

Hook & Ladder’s Cocktail Academy Know Your Spirits

Punch Drunk Rock

Mystic Braves Psyched Out Groove

Cameron Carpenter Classical Music Rockstar

JM Knudsen & his Sacramento Free Art Drop A Gallery for the People

Art Hotel See It Before It's Gone!

Noise Pop 2016 Loud and Live Around the Bay