MUSIC
Extreme Animals, Fortress of Amplitude, Driphouse, Pregnant
Today, 9 p.m.
The Witchdome in Sacramento
What do you get when you put rap and trance together? A frantic (and frankly, slightly frightening) combination from duo Extreme Animals – who, surprisingly, both performed in the same barbershop quartet back when they were in high school.
The Evening Episode, Red Host, Them Hills
Today, 9 p.m., $5, 21
The Blue Lamp
The Evening Episode has gone through as many band member changes as Destiny’s Child, but that hasn’t changed the integrity of their music, a chill electronica take on rock that should appeal to fans of Blonde Redhead and Portishead. Other notables of the 916 will take the stage for this Sacramento music award showcase, which is presented by Sacramento News and Review Magazine.
Rita Hosking and Cousin Jack, Pleasant Valley Boys
Today, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
With songs like “Cool Black Water” and “Tall White Horse” in conjunction with the fact that her backing band is called Cousin Jack, Rita Hosking seems to be an authentic purveyor of the folksy bluegrass in store for Sophia’s tonight.
Sexy Prison, Mutators, Meth Teeth, Sucks
Friday, 7 p.m., $5
DAM House
Sexy is subjective: For the case of Sacramento group Sexy Prison, it’s a dark mix of experimental synth-punk and electronica. For the more domineering personalities, Canadian group Mutators will provide their own unapologetically aggressive take on experimental.
Fork Tung, Infectum, Jack Ketch, Syphon Christ, Awaiting the Apocalypse
Friday, 7:30 p.m., $10
The Boardwalk
Just by looking at the cringe-worthy names alone, it shouldn’t be too difficult to imagine what should be expected for The Boardwalk – a sinister line-up of grinding death metal that is appropriate for an event called “4th of July Massacre.”
Honeyspot
Friday, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
The G St. Pub
Sacramento pop-rock group Honeyspot is no stranger to The G Street Pub. Being that it is Independence Day and all, I’m sure it wouldn’t be such a great loss if their appearance was forgone because of obligatory fireworks-watching or forgotten because of excess beer consumption.
Sic Alps, Standard Tribesmen, Acid Cop
Saturday, 7 p.m., $5
Fort Douglass
All bases are covered here: Music aficionados can appreciate Sic Alps’ modern throwback to the psychedelic rock of the ’60s and the ’70s and the references to lo-fi garage of the ’90s, while casual listeners can relish in the hazy sounds of this noise-pop duo from San Francisco.
One Dying Secret, Hero’s Last Mission, Five Second Rule, Man Automatic, All In a Day
Saturday, 7:30 p.m., $12
The Boardwalk
I almost feel guilty for judging most shows at The Boardwalk strictly on the band names, but their latest line-ups lend themselves all too well for such scrutiny. That being said, this is where I would make some sort of witty comment about time, deadlines and possible titles of B-list action movies.
Chelsea Wolfe, Christopher Fairman, Tigres Del Rio, Travis Vick
Saturday, 9 p.m.
Luna’s Café in Sacramento
Last year, critics dubbed Chelsea Wolfe as “Sacramento’s Best Ethereal Songstress,” and with good reason: Her quietly powerful vocals act as the perfect accompaniment to her melancholy lyrics. Keeping with this sensitive (dare I say, moody?) ambiance is Christopher Fairman, whose latest album features songs like “Selfish Bitch” and “Go Back.”
We Are Scientists, Cut Off Your Hands, The Morning Benders
Saturday, 9 p.m., $12, 21
The Blue Lamp
Brooklyn-based duo We Are Scientists seem like cool dudes with a sense of humor: Their catchy power-pop diddies are accompanied by equally amusing music videos. I recommend that you check out the band’s advice column on their website at wearescientists.com, which tackles hard-hitting questions such as “What is the difference between a muffin and a cupcake?”
Agent Ribbons, The Blank Tapes
Saturday, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Providing Sacramento with a whimsical set of nostalgic love songs are the fashionable ladies of Agent Ribbons, who demonstrate a penchant for balancing the classic sound of female jazz vocalists with a darker, garage-rock sensibility.
AT THE MOVIES
Hancock
Now playing at Regal Holiday 6 on F Street
Honestly, summer just wouldn’t be complete without some sort of epic action film starring Will Smith. A fun tidbit for fans of “Arrested Development”: The movie also features Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron (a.k.a. Michael Bluth and his one-time crush – the “Mr. F,” Rita) as husband and wife.
Mongol
Today only at Varsity Theatre on Second Street
Russian filmmaker Sergei Bodrov undertakes the story of a young Genghis Khan, who grew up in a life of starvation and slavery to become the legendary founder and ruler of the Mongol Empire.
The Unforeseen
Monday only at Varsity Theatre on Second Street
This documentary follows a real estate developer as he tries to build a subdivision in Austin, Texas. There are more obstacles to his goal than he would imagine, including opposition from a local environmentalist group and enormous debts.
ART / COMEDY
Ted Vasin
Now until July 28
Davis Art Center’s Tsao Gallery
San Francisco-based artist Ted Vasin is no stranger to the arts: His father was also an artist and his grandfather was a circus stage and costume designer. See how this background has had an influence on Vasin’s vibrant and surrealist paintings today. There is a live Sound Performance July 11, 7-9 p.m.
Curtain Call at City Hall Comedy Show
Tuesday, 8:30 p.m., $5
Bistro 33
Catch some laughs (or adopt a heckler’s attitude) at Tuesday’s comedy show at Bistro 33. Headliner is Jerry Corley of Comedy Central with supporting acts Rob Rose, Brea Improv and Hollywood Comedy Store.
Editor’s choice:
Sic Alps, Standard Tribesmen, Acid Cop
Saturday, 7 p.m., $5
Fort Douglass
Agent Ribbons, The Blank Tapes
Saturday, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
