MUSIC
Yolo Mambo
Today, 7 p.m., free
John Natsoulas Gallery
Yolo Mambo, who appeared in Davis for events such as the Whole Earth Festival, will be featured in this week’s Thursday Night Summer Concert Series at the John Natsoulas Gallery. Check them out for a slice of Yolo County Latin/Caribbean fusion.
The California Honeydrops
Today, 10 p.m., $3-5
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
In these troubled times of furloughs and fee increases, upbeat soul and blues is more than fitting, and The California Honeydrops will provide. They do a pretty solid rendition of Ray Charles‘ “I Got A Woman.” Check them out on Myspace for a preview.
Blair St. Mugwumps; Aesthetic Cling
Friday, 10 p.m., $3-5
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Folk night at Sophia’s couldn’t get any folk-ier. Ukes, banjos, jugs and harmonicas are just a tiny glimpse at Blair St. Mugwumps‘ instrumentation. Aesthetic Cling is even more of a jug-tacular cluster-folk (the following three performances after their Sophia’s performances are at jug band festivals).
Electro Funk Dance Party
Saturday, 8:30 p.m., free
Delta of Venus
Seriously, what about this title isn’t awesome? Davis needs a stronger electronic music scene and any steps in that direction are more than appreciated. KDVS is presenting this event, and the party will feature DJ Riff Raff, HAM the Astrochimp and Dogtones.
Silver Darling; McDougall; Sea of Bees
Saturday, 10 p.m., $3-5
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Sacramento’s Silver Darling has passed through town multiple times. They’re really enjoyable, though – very few bands ever utilize the slide guitar without making me instantly switch tracks. Sea of Bees has a Brian Eno ambience that should arguably exist in every song made from here on out. Please continue, Sea of Bees.
ART / GALLERY
Merch Art
Opens today, 11 a.m., free
Nelson Gallery
Ordinary modern objects and everyday popular culture is just as artistic as anything else at the Nelson Gallery, starting today through Oct.1. Merchandisable artwork is the focus at Merch Art.
African American Quilts
Opens today, 11 a.m., free
Nelson Gallery
On the same day and in the same room, an exhibition featuring African American quilts will also open in the Nelson Gallery. Read MUSE’s article on the two exhibitions for more information.
LITERATURE / POETRY
Poetry in the Garden
Today, 7 p.m., free
Wyatt Deck in the Arboretum
Poets Scott McLean and Thomas Centolella will present their work today at the UC Davis Arboretum. Rebecca Morrison and Poets & Writers Inc. are sponsoring the event.
Eugene H. Robinson
Tuesday, 4 p.m., free
126 Voorhies
Pulitzer Prize winner Eugene H. Robinson, an associate editor and columnist for the Washington Post, will be featured as a part of the University Writing Program’s Conversations with Writers Speakers Series. African-American and African Studies are co-sponsoring the event.
Greg Orfalea
Wednesday, 5 p.m., free
Technocultural Studies Building (formerly the Art Annex)
The UWP’s Conversations with Writers Speakers Series continues with author Greg Orfalea, who will give a lecture sponsored by the Middle East/South Asian Studies Program and the UC Davis History Project. A reception promoting his new book, Angeleno Days: An Arab American Writer on Family, Place and Politics, will follow the lecture.
THEATER / MONDAVI
Davis Summer Symphony
Today, 12:05 p.m., free
Mondavi Center Grand Lobby
The Davis Summer Symphony brings together Davis musicians for a modern and classical performance at the Mondavi Center Lobby. The performance will feature an arrangement by Paul Watkins as well as pieces by Schumann and Beethoven. Read MUSE’s article for more information.
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Friday, 8 p.m., $27.50
Mondavi Center, Jackson Hall
If there’s a Mondavi concert to see this year, this is it. The renowned Wynton Marsalis will perform with the New York-based Lincoln Center Orchestra (Marsalis is also the orchestra’s artistic director). Hopefully you’ve bought tickets already, because this show is sure to be packed. Check out MUSE next Thursday for a review of the concert.
Merle Haggard
Monday, 8 p.m., $27.50
Mondavi Center, Jackson Hall
If you haven’t read October’s Rolling Stone or if you’re looking for another noteworthy Mondavi Center performance, here’s a chance to hear the hard-edged outlaw country singer once associated with Johnny Cash and pardoned by Ronald Reagan. This Northern California legend’s performance should be the most genuine country performance since Willie Nelson performed in January.
JUSTIN T. HO can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.
