MUSIC
Viva Hate, Roustabouts
Today, 8 p.m., $10, 21
Fire Escape in Citrus Heights
Viva Hate is a blend of arena rock, punk and psychobilly, but above all, it is a band that prides itself for rising above “the trends of cookie-cutter pop and retro rehash.” You can be the judge of that.
Altair Echo
Today, 8 p.m., $5
Javalounge in Sacramento
With their synth-heavy jams and toe-tapping beats, instrumental duo of Altair Echo falls within the same vein of other acts like 65daysofstatic and Black Kids.
Or, The Whale, Two Sheds
Today, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Those who like a contemporary spin on folk along the same lines of bands like Wilco, The Weakerthans and M. Ward, this is for you. Bringing a refreshing edginess to the genre is Two Sheds. Meanwhile, San Francisco’s Or, The Whale is a seven-piece band that straddles the line between alternative and country. Whatever it is, it’s good.
Arcs, Casper Pony, The Heather Show
Friday, 7 p.m.
M Street and Colgate
Experimental and electronic are two words I wouldn’t normally associate with acoustic folk, but New Mexico band Arcs proves me wrong with songs like “Deep Deep” and “Buoys.” Iced chai tea is another thing I don’t normally associate with house shows, but the hosts will prove me wrong as well.
Immortal Technique, DJ G.I. Joe, Diabolic, Da Circle, Random Abiladeze, Bo Rat
Friday, 8 p.m., $18 in advance, $20 day of show
The Boardwalk in Orangevale
Not just another socially and politically conscious rapper, Immortal Technique has maintained his artistic integrity: He’s refused offers from major labels, and he’s a co-founder of the Grassroots Artists Movement, a group that provides health care for underground artists.
Life As Ghosts, Inhabital, Lite Brite
Friday, 9 p.m. $7, 21
Old Ironsides in Sacramento
Featuring raspy vocals that are more poppy punk than classic Americana and a sound that is more eerie angst than nostalgic melancholy for yesteryear, Sacramento band Life As Ghosts go beyond the typical facets of folk music.
Band of Annuals, Casey James Prestwood, Ian Thomas
Friday, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Band of Annuals have been heralded as the leaders of the folk scene in Salt Lake, so it seems only appropriate that they make an appearance at the leading folk venue in Davis. The Utah band gives nod to folk standards like Bob Dylan as well as more recent artists like Rocky Votolato.
Rock the Bells
Saturday, 10 a.m., $59.50
Shoreline Amphitheatre in San Francisco
To all you kiddies lucky enough to scoop up tickets to this event, I envy you. The hip-hop showcase features everyone from classic acts like A Tribe Called Quest and The Pharcyde to RTB newcomers The Cool Kids and Spank Rock.
Vans Warped Tour
Saturday, 11 a.m., $27
Sleep Train Amphitheatre in Marysville
Pop, punk, pop-punk – so it may not boast the most eclectic of line-ups, but fun should be had by all despite this, right? Some sage advice for Warped Tour newbies: Wear comfy shoes, keep hydrated and slather on the sunscreen like it’s no one’s business.
The Happy Medium, Retarded Muppit Farm, Asterisk
Saturday, 8 p.m., $5
Javalounge in Sacramento
Hey, Retarded Muppit Farm and I share the same initials! Neat.
Jeremy Jay, Fancie, Pets, Green Green
Saturday, 9 p.m., $6
Luigi’s Fun Garden
Jeremy Jay is tall, blond and handsome – and he’s a pretty sharp dresser to boot. With echoing vocals, groovy beats and deadpan melodies, he has been likened to a lo-fi version of David Bowie a la “Hunky Dory.” Sounds good to me.
Rowdy Kate, Tippy Canoe and the Paddlemen
Saturday, 9 p.m., $7
Luna’s Cafe in Sacramento
Old school honky tonk probably doesn’t get much appreciation ’round these parts, but Sacramento band Rowdy Kate make it seem cool anyway. Also revisiting the jazz, country and folk of this bygone era is Tippy Canoe and the Paddlemen.
Big B and His Snakeoil Saviors, Bottom Dwellers
Saturday, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
A change in scenery never hurt anyone. Liven up your Saturday night with a hot plate of western swing and boogie from Big B and His Snakeoil Saviors in lieu of those same old club hits.
Wax Museums, NoBunny, Vapid, B-Lines
Sunday, 8 p.m., $5
Luigi’s Fun Garden in Sacramento
There is a creepy animal motif with Oakland trio NoBunny that brings to mind Frank the Bunny from “Donnie Darko.” On another (more relevant) note, the Jersey City duo behind Wax Museums does a nice electro-acoustic of “Let’s Talk About Spaceships” by Say Hi. Listen out for both bands on Monday on “Art for Spastics” on KDVS 90.3 FM.
AT THE MOVIES
Tropic Thunder
Now playing at the Regal Davis Stadium 5 on G Street
Surprisingly, this movie has been received by critics with mostly positive reviews. I was wondering when Ben Stiller would be considered funny again.
Brideshead Revisted
Opens Friday at Varsity Theatre on Second Street
Adapted from the best-selling book by Evelyn Waugh, this film explores the trials and tribulations of the aristocratic owners of the Brideshead estate.
Mirrors
Opens tomorrow at the Regal Davis Stadium 5 on G Street
Kiefer Sutherland versus evil forces in the mirror? Previews of this remake of the 2003 Korean horror flick have already got me wary of my own reflection.
ART / THEATRE
I want, I need … I need, I want
Opens Monday at the Design Museum
As the thesis project of Masters of Fine Arts student Rachel Stone, this exhibition explores alternatives to mass-produced and mass-consumed clothing.
bare
Now through Aug. 30, $15 for students and $18 for general admission
The Space at 25th and R streets in Sacramento
With runs in Los Angeles and off-Broadway, this musical focuses on two high schoolers struggling with life at a private Catholic boarding school. For an in-depth look behind the play, go to californiaaggie.com.
RACHEL FILIPINAS can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com.
Editor’s picks
Arcs, Casper Pony, The Heather Show
Friday, 7 p.m.
M Street and Colgate
Jeremy Jay, Fancie, Pets, Green Green
Saturday, 9 p.m., $6
Luigi’s Fun Garden
