MUSIC
2010 Norcal Noisefest Prefest
Tonight, 7 p.m., free
John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 First St.
A Sacramento tradition stretching back all the way to 1995, the Norcal Noisefest is a celebration of experimental musicians from all across the country. A prefest at the Natsoulas Gallery will feature performances by Xome, Smite!, Mama Buries, Chopstick, Striations and more.
Mad Cow String Band, The Alkali Flats and Arann Harris
Tonight, 7:30, $15
Odd Fellows Hall, 415 2nd St.
Davis-based bluegrass/country band Mad Cow String Band is joined by the rockabilly Alkali Flats and vocalist Arann Harris from The Farm Band at Odd Fellows Hall. If toe-tappin’ country and Americana tunes are what you’re after, this show is for you.
The Nickel Slots and The Real Nasty
Friday, 10 p.m., free
G Street Pub, 228 G St.
The Nickel Slots describe themselves as “Johnny Cash meets The Clash.” I don’t know about you but I’d sure like to know what that sounds like in concert. They’re also up for Sacramento Area Music awards for Outstanding Country/Americana and Readers’ Choice, and will be joined at the G Street Pub by San Francisco-based trio The Real Nasty, which counts the cajón, and Afro-Cuban box drum, among its instruments.
Operation: Restore Maximum Freedom X
Saturday, 2 p.m., $8
Plainfield Station, 23944 County Road 98, Woodland
KDVS 90.3 FM presents its annual music festival out in the rural fields of Woodland. This installation boasts a lineup of over a dozen acts, including Ganglians, AIDS Wolf, Wounded Lion and Psychic Reality.
Shinobi Ninja
Monday, noon, free
UC Davis West Quad
Thank your hardworking Entertainment Council for bringing hip- hop/punk band Shinobi Ninja to our own Quad, absolutely free. A lunchtime concert of the band’s catchy, dance-worthy tracks may be just what you need to stay energized the rest of the day.
THEATER/MONDAVI
San Francisco Symphony
Tonight, 8 p.m., $25
Mondavi Center, Jackson Hall
The world renowned San Francisco Symphony, under the direction of conductor Michael Tilson Thomas performs a program of French composers tonight at the Mondavi Center. Jean-Frederic Neuburger on piano and Carey Bell on clarinet will accompany the symphony.
Bayanihan
Friday, 8 p.m., $12.50
Mondavi Center, Jackson Hall
Take some time out of your Friday night to see a performance by Bayanihan, the national folk dance company of the Philippines. The performance will show off all aspects of Filipino culture, including lavish costumes, signing in Tagalog, Filipino music and mythology. Music professor Henry Spiller will give a free lecture one hour before the performance.
Dianne Reeves
Saturday, 8 p.m., $17.50
Mondavi Center, Jackson Hall
Dianne Reeves is a three-time Grammy winner for jazz vocal performance and is nationally recognized for her unique improvisational style that combines jazz and R&B. She is joined by a jazz band for what looks to be an exciting performance.
Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers
Sunday, 7 p.m., $17.50
Mondavi Center, Jackson Hall
Actor/comedian Steve Martin’s latest venture comes not in the form of his usual off-the-wall comedy but in music. Martin has proven to be a talented banjo player and here he takes the stage with bluegrass band The Steep Canyon Rangers to show off his skills. The show is currently sold out, but you may contact the Mondavi Center to get on the wait list.
AT THE MOVIES
Shaun of the Dead: Free Screening
Friday, 8 p.m., free
UC Davis East Quad
Average-Joe underachiever Shaun battles zombies in this cult-classic British zombie-ocalypse film. Enjoy a free screening under the stars on the Entertainment Council’s giant screen. Be sure to dress warmly and bring lots of snacks.
ART/GALLERY
The Beat Generation and Beyond: Horst Trave Retrospective
Opens Oct. 30
John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 First St.
Just in time for next weekend’s Jazz and Beat Festival, the Natsoulas Gallery presents an exhibit dedicated to one of the most fascinating periods of modern American art and writing.
ROBIN MIGDOL can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.
