MUSIC
Davis High Jazz Combo
Thursday, 7 p.m., free
John Natsoulas Gallery
The Natsoulas Gallery’s Thursday Night Concert Series will present the Davis High Jazz Combo this week. This is definitely worth consideration because high school jazz bands are by far the only “cool” high school music ensembles. Concert band will never be cool, nor will wind ensemble, marching band or glee club. Coincidentally, FOX’s “Glee” sucks as well.
Japanther; NinjaSonik; Elders
Thursday, 8 p.m., $5
Delta of Venus
Cool Japanese word combinations unite – Japanther’s punky-yet-danceable tunes will meet NinjaSonik’s Brooklyn vibe on Thursday. Davis regulars Elders are also scheduled to perform. Check them out on Myspace for a preview.
Jake Mann and the Upper Hand; Joe Finkel
Thursday, 10 p.m., $3
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Jake Mann, founder of Davis legends The Zim-Zims, will present his own solo work on Thursday. Joe Finkel, an associated act that played with the Zim-Zims at a reunion show, will also perform.
Jonathan Richman Cover Night
Friday, 7 p.m., free
633 M St.
If you’re a fan of singer/guitarist Jonathan Richman (founder of The Modern Lovers), you might be interested in this KDVS-sponsored cover night (don’t be fooled – Richman will only be there in spirit). All attendees are encouraged to bring instruments to jam along. Visit the Facebook event page for more information and background.
Fire Whiskey, Missouri Mule
Friday, 10 p.m., free, 21
The G St. Pub
Fire Whiskey is a punk/folk quartet straight from Santa Cruz. Davis’ own Missouri Mule, a laid-back, folkish four-piece, will also perform. Visit their Myspace pages for a sample.
Boca do Rio
Friday, 10 p.m., $3
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Friday night at Sophia’s will feature a slightly different act than the usual folk routine – Boca do Rio is a Brazillian/Afro-influenced group from San Francisco that should go great with Sophia’s mojitos.
Devine’s Jug Band
Saturday, 10 p.m., $3
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
If you’ve never heard of one, a jug band is an old-time folk ensemble made up of homemade instruments and a dedicated jug-player. Devine’s Jug Band might not be so into the do-it-yourself instrument aspects of jug bands, but expect plenty of banjo, mandolin and kazoo-work.
ART / GALLERY
Thinking in Layers Reception
Friday, 7 p.m., free
Davis Art Center
If you haven’t seen the current exhibition at the Davis Art Center, check it out this week for an informal reception with the artists. The exhibition features layered artwork by local artists, and is open until Oct. 7. For more information, visit davisartcenter.org.
Nature’s Canvas Opening and Reception
Friday, 7 p.m., free
The Artery at 207 G St.
Mary Fahey’s “Nature’s Canvas” exhibition will feature her own carefully crafted, natural gourd work at the Artery from Friday until Oct. 6. A reception with Fahey will kick off the exhibition, so now’s your chance to see the gourd master herself talk about her work.
COMEDY / POETRY
Arj Barker
Thursday, 7:30 p.m., free
Sacramento State University Ballroom
While Arj Barker might be most known for his role as the ingenuous pawn shop owner in Flight of the Conchords, his standup is also worthy of note. If you haven’t seen him around the area, why put off a free show? Mike E. Winfield and Alex Koll are also scheduled to perform.
THEATER / MONDAVI
Tops in Blue
Today, 7:30 p.m., free
Mondavi Center
Tops in Blue is the Air Force’s own entertainment ensemble and variety show. If this doesn’t sound exciting enough, they’re coming to the Mondavi Center to put on a free show. This might put military buffs in a predicament, but at least it’s patriotic, right?
JUSTIN T. HO can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.
