MUSIC
Agent Orange, Sexrat, Del Mar
Today, 8 p.m., $12, 21
The Fire Escape in Citrus Heights
With their oh-so SoCal surf-punk music, it should be no secret where Agent Orange claims their roots. And with a couple of classics (“Bloodstain,“ a cover of Dick Dale‘s already-classic “Miserlou“), a couple of band member changes and nearly three decades under their belt, this Orange County trio has held its ground in the punk and hardcore scene.
Silver Darling, Matt the Electrician
Today, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia‘s Thai Kitchen
The mustachioed boys from Silver Darling have an undeniably dark quality to their easygoing alt-country sound. Ever faithful to the roots of Americana, the band is set to record their next LP in a method almost unheard of in this digital age – without the help of a computer.
American Bach Soloists
Friday, 6 p.m., $5 for students, $10 general admission
Studio Theatre at the Mondavi Center
As part of the Mondavi Center‘s Summerfest 2008 concert series, the American Bach Soloists will explore the Baroque, Early Classical and Romantic musical periods. The series will continue until Sunday. Visit mondaviarts.org for a schedule of performances.
Faun Fables, Agent Ribbons, Neal Morgan
Friday, 8 p.m.
Bricka Bracka in Sacramento
The group behind Faun Fables sure have vivid imaginations: Taking a storytelling approach to their songwriting, songs like “Carousel With Madonnas“ and “Lightning Rod“ display the Oakland band‘s irreverent sense of humor. Meanwhile, Neal Morgan will provide a uniquely pared-down take on music with what he‘s dubbed his “drum and voice project,“ something I would hope needs no further elaboration.
The Walking Dead, MDL, Drastic Actions, Massacre Time, Skrewed
Friday, 8 p.m., $10
The Boardwalk
Out of the 27 results generated on MySpace for “The Walking Dead,“ my guesstimate would be that more than half were classified under hardcore metal. On a completely unrelated note, the word “guesstimate“ did not trigger the spell check function, much to my surprise. Since when was this recognized as a real word?
Puke and Spit
Friday, 9 p.m., $8, 21
Old Ironsides in Sacramento
The members of this Sacramento-based garage band go by monikers that are more than fitting for a group called Puke and Spit, but one is ostensibly out of place. Try and guess which one out of this quintet: DD Drool, Bobby Vomit, Johnny Dismember, Christina Von Eerie, Mr. Bates.
This Charming Band
Friday, 9 p.m., $10, 21
The Blue Lamp in Sacramento
This Charming Band seems to be putting words in my mouth. But being that they are a Smiths tribute band, perhaps they can‘t be all that bad – and although I can‘t quite recall a tribute band that‘s been all that good, the group has played to sold out shows, proving that imitation really is the best form of flattery.
Ruthann Friedman, Chelsea Wolfe, The Heather Show
Friday, 9 p.m., $5
True Love Coffeehouse in Sacramento
Behind every hit song is a talented writer: In 1967, pop group The Association hit it big on the Billboard Charts with Ruthann Friedman‘s song, “Windy.“ Listen for a preview of Friedman Friday at 8 p.m. on “Cool As Folk“ on KDVS 90.3 FM.
The Parson Red Heads, The Old Believers
Friday, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia‘s Thai Kitchen
They may hail from Oregon, but The Parson Red Heads serve up a quality set of California pop that is the perfect accompaniment for warm summer nights – think psychedelic pop and folk circa 1960. The octet has also opened for acts like Menomena and Cursive. Also from Oregon are The Old Believers, who provide songs fitting from a label called Fine/Romantic Recordings.
The Zim-Zims, Joe Finkel, Mistlefinger
Saturday, 8:30 p.m., $3
Delta of Venus
They‘ve since gone their separate ways, but once upon a time (from 2002-2005, to be exact), the Zim-Zims were a staple in Davis‘ live music scene. And with their catchy pop tunes, it isn‘t hard to see why. For an in-depth look at The Zim-Zims, turn to page __.
Razorblade Monalisa, The Human Value, Con of Man
Saturday, 9 p.m., $3, 21
Old Ironsides in Sacramento
As I should have expected, this seemingly The Da Vinci Code-themed lineup has nothing to do with the annoyingly popular Dan Brown book at all – Razorblade Monalisa provides a throwback to the industrial music of the nineties, while London emigrants The Human Value reference new-wave and post-punk a la The Talking Heads and Joy Division, respectively.
Haale
Saturday, 9:30 p.m., $7
Old Ironsides in Sacramento
It‘s a contemporary take on world music: Iranian artist Haale mixes the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Radiohead with influences from her Persian heritage.
The Underscore Orkestra, Old Tender Heart
Saturday, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia‘s Thai Kitchen
Part high energy music, part performance art describes music collective The Underscore Orkestra, whose blend of world music, Gypsy jazz and swing is sure to make for an entertaining night. Taking a minimalist approach to Americana is Old Tender Heart, who will also make an appearance on Friday’s “Cool As Folk“ on KDVS 90.3.
AT THE MOVIES
War, Inc.
Opens Friday at Varsity Theatre on Second Street
This political satire stars John Cusack as a hit man ordered to take out the CEO of a high profile competitor. However, things change when he falls for a reporter (Marisa Tomei). Now if only things like that could happen here at The Aggie – namely, to a certain arts editor – but without all the merciless killing and such.
The Dark Knight
Opens Friday at Regal Davis Holiday 6 on F Street
The ever-so sexy Christian Bale faces off against an ever-so creepy Heath Ledger in Memento director Christopher Nolan‘s second take on the tale of a billionaire businessman by day, vigilante by night.
Mamma Mia!
Opens Friday at Regal Davis Holiday 5 on G Street
Colin Firth used to be on my list of older men I found attractive. But after seeing the previews, I‘ve come to realize that he‘s just old now. Sigh.
Sacramento French Film Festival
Starts Friday at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento
Showing a diverse selection of French contemporaries and classics, this nine-day festival brings a taste of France to the Central Valley. For more information, turn to page __.
ART / STAGE
Flatlanders 2
Nelson Gallery
Following 2006‘s well-received exhibition is Flatlanders 2, which features local artists from the Davis, Woodland and Sacramento area.
Little Shop of Horrors
Opens Friday, $16 for students, $18 for non-students
DMTC Hoblit Performing Arts Center at 607 Pena Drive
This classic rock musical centers around a lowly florist shop keeper who raises a carnivorous plant with a taste for human blood.
RACHEL FILIPINAS can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com.
Editor‘s picks:
The Dark Knight
Opens Friday at Regal Davis Holiday 6 on F Street
The Zim-Zims, Joe Finkel, Mistlefinger
Saturday, 8:30 p.m., $3
Delta of Venus
