Davis Live Music Collective continues to bring diverse live music experiences to the community
By ALMA CULVERWELL — city@theaggie.org
Sudwerk Brewing Company hosted two live indie-rock music artists, Bad Bad Hats and Party Nails, on Jan. 11. The event was sponsored by the Davis Live Music Collective (DLMC) — a non-profit, volunteer organization formed to curate, organize, host and promote diverse, high-quality concerts — and is one of various concert events that Sudwerk Brewery has recently hosted.
Bad Bad Hats, a band from Minneapolis, Minnesota, was founded in 2012 by Kerry Alexander and Chris Hoge. In the past 10 years, they have toured the country and performed alongside artists including The Beths, Margaret Glaspy, The Front Bottoms and Hippo Campus. They released their fourth album, “Bad Bad Hats” with Don Giovanni Records on April 12, 2024.
The event also featured Southern California-based musician, singer-songwriter and producer Elana Carroll, better known as Party Nails. Party Nails recently released her third album, “Pillow Talk,” with Eye Knee Records. Carroll described the 10-track album as finding her in a “honey-colored party mood,” according to her concert description. Carroll’s genre-blending approach creates a dynamic listening experience, culminating in heartfelt moments throughout the album.
Carroll explained how she originally got into indie-rock music and details on her music journey.
“Rock music is what made me want to be a touring musician,” Carroll said. “I would listen to albums by The White Stripes, Garbage and Nirvana on a loop. I started playing guitar when I was 11 years old, and I would practice with my little Aria and amp and imagine one day performing for the people, especially young women.”
Carroll described her experience performing at Sudwerk and hopes to work with the DLMC again.
“Our show on Jan. 11 was my first time working with Davis Live Music Collective,” Carroll said. “I hope it’s not the last, I had such a great time. I loved the atmosphere of Sudwerks and the people who came out. I loved meeting the sound person, the staff and the people who put on the shows. Everyone was kind and a true lover of the arts. The audience was all ages, and that was so lovely. ”
Carroll also commented on her ongoing collaboration with Bad Bad Hats.
“As for Bad Bad Hats, I first met Kerry [Alexander] back in 2011, before either of us had bands,” Carroll said. “We played our songs for each other and became friends. Looking ahead, we have actually banded together to start a new band called Megasound. We have an album on the way. Working with them is a dream.”
Hosting events like these makes Sudwerk Brewing Company a crowd-favorite outing within the Davis community. Ana Perez, a recent UC Davis alum, explained why she loves frequenting Sudwerk with her friends and participating in the various events that they put on.
“My favorite thing about Sudwerk is their trivia,” Perez said. “Personally it’s my favorite trivia in Davis because the host, Dr. Andy, is so fun. Sudwerk is also just such a fun place to hang out with friends or grab a drink, especially on their patio.”
The DLMC, along with Sudwerk Brewery, plan to continue hosting monthly concerts and bring a variety of artists to Davis.
Taylor Ledbetter, a third-year political science major, explained her desire to attend similar events in the future.
“As someone who loves live music, I think it is so great that events like this are being organized,” Ledbetter said. “I think it is such a great thing for the Davis community and will definitely be attending future events with my friends.”
Written By Alma Culverwell — city@theaggie.org
