MUSIC
Far, Automatic Static, By Sunlight
Thursday, 7:30 p.m., $15
Empire Events Center in Sacramento
A brief look into the history of Sactown band Far: The band’s been around since 1992, they managed to escape the formulas of the “butthead-rock” genre popularized by Limp Bizkit in 1998 and they split in 1999. Ten years later, Far is back – most notably with their cover of Ginuwine’s hit R&B song “Pony.“
Th‘ Losin Streaks, The Rantouls, NoBunny, English Singles
Friday, 9 p.m
Luigi’s Fungarden in Sacramento
We’re already well into this digital age of technological gadgetry and other newfangled contraptions, but I can always appreciate a good throwback to remind me of a bygone era – especially if aforementioned throwback involves classic garage rock of the ‘60s, lots of high energy and, most importantly, men in tight clothing.
Nevada Backwards
Friday, 10 p.m., $3 to $5, 21
The G Street Pub
What does Nevada backwards spell, exactly? The answer is “adaven,” which the band defines as the blending of unconventional instruments and elements of rock ‘n‘ roll, country and funk to create fun, energetic music.
Mudlark
Saturday, 8 p.m.
Cloud Forest Café at 222 D St.
Besides offering a tasty cup of coffee (and other delicious beverages), Cloud Forest is also serving up an earthy blend of original and traditional music from this acoustic trio.
Black Mackerel, N.F.H., Konami Code
Saturday, 9 p.m., $5, 21
The Stag in Woodland
With lyrics like “My love is a whore” (in the song “Lovewhore“) and “sarcasm, booze, insanity and poop” amongst their list of musical influences, it’s pretty obvious that Sacramento trio Black Mackerel don’t take no guff – I mean, shit.
Secondhand Serenade, Meg & Dia, The White Tie Affair, Rookie of the Year
Sunday, 7:30 p.m., $18 in advance, $20 day of show
The Boardwalk in Orangevale
At first, I was quick to cast off Secondhand Serenade as another generic indie-acoustic-boy band act, but after a bit of research, I learned that they are a generic indie-acoustic-boy band act from Menlo Park! That basically changes everything, don’t you think?
Shark Toys, Fine Steps, GGreen, Aaron Brown
Sunday, 8 p.m.
C Street
When I think of shark toys, the first things that come to mind are either humans who don’t know how to swim or other aquatic wildlife that become victims of these misunderstood creatures. Then I gave lo-fi post-punk band Shark Toys a proper listen, and my life changed for the better. Also worth noting is static-y Folsom noisemakers GGreen, whose most recent music video features clips from one of my own favorite movies, 10 Things I Hate About You.
Polka Dot Dot Dot, Shelby Sifers, Oh Foot
Tuesday, 9 p.m., $3 to $5
Primary Concepts at 219 E St.
Folk lovers, if you are not yet familiar with Olympia-based label Bicycle Records (hint: They signed Kimya Dawson side project Antsy Pants), make it a point to acquaint yourselves. Featuring an assortment of banjo, harp, ukulele, guitar and handclaps, Polka Dot Dot Dot provides a charming medley of sweet and sometimes silly harmonies. Quips about cootie shots and other childhood games aside, Polka triple-D pose an even more profound question: Are there three polka dots, or does the polka go on forever?
AT THE MOVIES
Slumdog Millionaire
Now playing at the Varsity Theatre on Second Street
Interesting fact: This Golden Globe winner and Oscar contender was originally slated for a straight-to-DVD release! Does this mean that the newest installation of “Without A Paddle” isn’t nearly as terrible as commercials lead me to believe?
Choke
Wednesday, 8 p.m.
123 Science Lecture Hall
Chuck Palahniuk, yes. Anjelica Huston, yes. Sam Rockwell, yes. Free admission and a convenient on-campus venue? Even better!
ART / THEATER
subject/verb/object
On display now at the Design Museum
Artist and designer Simon Johnston investigates the nature of visible language, including issues of semantics and operation. A free opening talk and artist reception will take place Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in Everson Hall.
Hello, Dolly!
Friday and Saturday, 8:15 p.m. and Sunday at 2:25 p.m., $18 general admission, $16 with a student ID
607 Pena Drive
Presented by the Davis Musical Theater Company, this musical tells the tale of a brassy widow named Dolly and all of her exploits as a meddling matchmaker.
RACHEL FILIPINAS can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.
