MUSIC
Desolation Wilderness, Lake, Ellie Fortune
Today, 8 p.m., $5
Luigi’s Fun Garden in Sacramento
Though I’ve always been more of an indoor girl, Washington band Desolation Wilderness riles up the dormant outdoorsman (outdoorswoman?) in me. Using the glockenspiel, vibraphone and electric guitar as their weapon of choice, the group creates the kind of synthy ambient pop perfect for a haze-induced camping trip. K Records label-mate Lake is also on the bill – for a look at their most recent album Oh, The Places We’ll See, visit page 5!
The Kooks
Friday, 6:30 p.m., $20
Empire Events Center in Sacramento
Indie Britpop is always a people pleaser, and the Kooks are no exception. With infectious little ditties like “She Moves in Her Own Way” or their newest single “Shine On,” the foursome works their undeniable British charm to the fullest.
Lee Bob Watson, Missouri Mule, Feels Like Fire
Saturday, 8 p.m., $5
Javalounge in Sacramento
Punk-infused country? Surprisingly, it works. The trio behind Missouri Mule – who are actually based in Davis, not the Midwest – deliver the goods deserving of any road trip soundtrack. Meanwhile, Oakland-based band Feels Like Fire will surely heat things up (tehe!) with their quick guitar-picking version of Americana.
Dana Falconberry, Miss Lonely Hearts
Saturday, 9 p.m., $5
The (Wine and) Spirits House
Based on looks alone, Austin artist Dana Falconberry has the whole dark haired ingénue shtick working for her. Luckily, with her soulful take on folk, blues and jazz, she proves that she also has the creative chops to back it up. Listen out for Falconberry on tonight’s “Cool As Folk” on KDVS 90.3 FM.
Against Me!, Future of the Left, The New Trust
Sunday, 7:30 p.m., $20 in advance
The Boardwalk in Orangevale
It was only last year when Pitchfork called “Against Me!” the first band of the 21st century to actually succeed at selling out.” All arguments of independent versus major labels aside, the catchiness cannot be denied.
Diane Cluck, Anders Griffen, Garrett Pierce
Sunday, 8:30 p.m., $5
Primary Concepts
Diane Cluck makes a strong argument for the New York anti-folk movement, and her acoustic compositions have earned fans of other artists such as Kimya Dawson, Adam Green, Jeffrey Lewis and Devendra Banhart.
Cobra Starship, Forever the Sickest Kids, Hit the Lights, Sing it Loud
Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., $19 in advance, $20 day of show
The Boardwalk in Orangevale
During these trying times of midterm season, nothing works to lift my spirits like a good old-fashioned dance party. The energetic electronic-tinged powerpop of Cobra Starship and Forever the Sickest Kids lend themselves perfectly for such an event.
AT THE MOVIES
Religulous
Now playing at Varsity Theatre on Second Street
Bill Maher is bound to amuse and offend in this documentary that explores the concept of religion.
Saw V
Opens today at Regal Davis Holiday 6 on F Street
I’ll admit: As much as I love scary movies, I chickened out after watching the first installment of the “Saw” series and haven’t been able to watch one since. Jigsaw’s antics are simply too much for me.
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
Opens tomorrow at Regal Davis Stadium 5 on G Street
Will Troy and Gabriella stay together after graduation? What will Sharpay wear to the prom? More importantly, which of my friends can I convince (read: bribe) to be my date for this film?
ART / GALLERY
Skuja Braden: Ceramics
Now open at the Pence Gallery on D Street
Artists Inguna Skuja and Melissa Braden collaborated to form the ceramics behind Skuja Braden, creating hand-made pieces that play with pop culture and images in history.
Haiti’s Hope: Lavalas and the Preferential Option for the Poor
Now open at the Hart Hall Atrium
Through her camera’s lens, Leisa Faulkner provides rich images of the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, illustrating issues explored in Tracy Kidder’s book Mountains Beyond Mountains.
THEATRE / MONDAVI
MOMIX
Sunday, 3 p.m, $17.50 with a student ID, $35 general admission
Jackson Hall in the Mondavi Center
They can dance and they’re athletic? The people behind world-renowned dance company MOMIX only highlight my lack of grace. For more information, see page 4.
RACHEL FILIPINAS can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com.