Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Foot Foot
Today, 8 p.m., $5
Old Firehouse
Holding it down for the 650 is the solo project from the Redwood City-born, Chicago-based Owen Ashworth. The digital tunes from this enterprising young man are a bit more polished since his earlier days as a musician, but the melancholy tendencies still live on – be sure to listen for his take on Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia.” A similar woeful-but-likable attitude can also expected from Los Angeles-based folk-pop duo Foot Foot.
The California Honeydrops
Today, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
The Yay may not seem like a hotbed for good ol’ fashioned roots and blues, but this ensemble from Oakland proves otherwise. With their soulful harmonies and instrumentals, The California Honeydrops provides a combination of ragtime, soul and gospel.
KWOD Rock the Vote Concert with MGMT, Alkaline Trio, Pennywise, Anti-Flag, The Whigs, Middle Class Rut
Friday, 5:30 p.m., $25
Empire
Sure, they’re supposed to be dark and everything, but there is something strangely wholesome about the catchy pop-punkers Alkaline Trio. Perhaps it is just a wave of nostalgia for my pre-college days. Acting as a Warped Tour preview of sorts is a bill with Pennywise, Anti-Flag and other artists within the same vein. A bevy of acts are on the bill, but I’ll be holding out for energetic dance-pop group MGMT.
Warp 11, Fall of the Face of the Earth
Friday, 10 p.m. $3-5, 21
The G St. Pub
Warp 11 takes sexy to an uncomfortably new level – anticipate a group of shamelessly proud Trekkies-turned-rockers: Their debut album was titled “Suck My Spock,” and they also had a song dedicated to Captain Kirk himself with “Everything I Do, I Do With William Shatner.” Hey, you’ve got to give them a hand for being spirited. I only wish the shows I watched could lend itself to such musical enterprise.
JimBo Trout and the Fish People, Shotgun Party
Saturday, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
These fishies are pulling out the big guns for the sake of honky-tonk bluegrass music – expect fiddlers, banjo players, kazoo users, washboard washers and more. Also making a strong case for classic Americana is the brassy vocals of singer Jenny Parrott of Shotgun Party.
Rock the Light, Dead Americans, The Products, Ahoy!
Thursday, June 12, 9 p.m., $5, 21
The Stag in Woodland
A “Rock the Light” MySpace search generated two results: One was a Christian group on a nationwide tour, the other a rock band from Sacramento. I think it’s pretty obvious who to expect and who to avoid, and the answer isn’t mutually exclusive.
Great White Jenkins, 13 to the Gallows, Missouri Mule,
Thursday, June 12, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
A slightly sinister take on gospel is to be expected from the Virginia-based Great White Jenkins, while 13 to the Gallows balance the classic (think old time guitar picking straight from the South) with the modern (think vocals akin to any indie pop heartthrob). As for Missouri Mule, a bar seems like a fitting backdrop with songs like “Heartbroken and Hungover.”
Honeyspot, Mike Comfort
Friday, June 13, 10 p.m. $3-5, 21
The G St. Pub
Based strictly on the names of the headlining acts, it would seem as if a curiously cozy night would be in store for G Street on such an auspicious day. But all you bar hoppers should know better than that, right?
Boca do Rio
Friday, June 13, 10 p.m. $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
News you can use: Boca do Rio translates to “mouth of the river” in Portuguese. Even more useful: Boca do Rio will provide a sweet mix of Latin, funk and Afro-beat music that is perfect for warm summer nights.
Teddy Geiger, Hillary McRae, Scott Harris Project
Friday, June 13, 6 p.m., $17.50 in advance, $20 day of show
Empire Events Center at 15th and R Street, Sacramento,
That hair, those eyes – Teddy Geiger is an oh-so-dreamy poster boy of pop with an equally saccharine sound.
French Quarter; MOM; Alas, alak, Alaska!; James Fella
Saturday, June 14, 9 p.m., $3-5
Old Firehouse
For those who enjoy a more spacey, less rootsy take on folk are sure to warm up to the quiet mysticism of Alas, alak, Alaska! Also within the same understated, experimental vein is French Quarter, who actually hail from Arizona.
Devine’s Jug Band
Saturday, June 14, 10 p.m. $3-5, 21
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
Yes, yes – quality bluegrass is to be expected at Sophia’s Thai Kitchen once again, but also make sure to check out the homemade instruments from this Americana ensemble. Band founder Pete Devine plays something called the “cheek-o-phone,” and I’m curious as to see what that could possibly be.
John Thill, No Paws (No Lions)
Thursday, June 19, 8 p.m.
Old Firehouse
Lo-fi singer/songwriter John Thill has a warbly quality to his voice that has drawn him comparisons to Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst, but I suggest you make your own judgment. Meanwhile, No Paws (No Lions) will surely liven up the mood with their upbeat pop diddies.
Mia and Jonah, Ben Lewis
Friday, June 20, 8 p.m.
Delta of Venus
Damien Rice or Iron and Wine fans are bound to take a liking to the unobtrusive folk-rock of Oakland band Mia and Jonah.
ART / GALLERY
human/nature
Friday, 4 p.m.
University Club
Man’s relationship with nature is explored in this three-in-one presentation of poetry reading, musical performance and an art installation.
Technocultural Studies and Film Studies End-of-the-Year Party
Friday, 6 p.m.
TCS Building
Say farewell to the graduating seniors in the technocultural studies department. This will also be an opportunity to see their hard work in a gallery of music, video, photography, live performance and installation art.
Second Saturday Art Walk
Saturday, June 14, 6-9 p.m.
Downtown Sacramento, CA
What better way to spend a warm Saturday evening than in the downtown Sacramento amongst some of the community’s most cultured art folks? For an even better reason to visit, the CO/LAB student-based exhibition, see page M__.
DANCE
3D Spring Showcase
Saturday, 8 p.m., $10 for non-students and $8 for students
Main Theatre in Wright Hall
Jazz, tap, salsa, hip-hop – you name it, it’s probably there. Watch for the spring showcase from this home-grown dance group created by two UC Davis students. See page M __ for an in-depth look.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Wizard of Oz
Saturday, June 21, 7 p.m. $22 for non-students and $18 for students
Jackson Hall in the Mondavi Center
A double feature of theatrical dance will be at the Mondavi with this program created by artistic directors Jen Bradford, Kelly Archer and Theodore Constant.
AT THE MOVIES
UC Davis Film Festival
Today, 5 p.m., $5 at Varsity Theatre on Second Street
The eighth annual festival gives budding student filmmakers a chance to showcase original work as well as the opportunity to receive constructive criticism from peers and a panel of judges. For more information and a full schedule, see page M __.
Son of Rambow
Opens Friday at the Varsity Theatre on Second Street
Sylvester Stallone as someone’s muse? Two boys from opposite ends of the tracks – one’s a troubled youngster, the other’s devout member a religious Christian sect – are aspiring filmmakers inspired by Sly in this coming-of-age story that takes place in the ’80s.
You Don’t Mess With the Zohan
Opens Friday at the Davis Regal Holiday 5 on G Street
Tomorrow will be the last Friday before finals – take a study break and enjoy two hours of mindless entertainment from Adam Sandler as an Israeli secret agent-turned-hairstylist.
Editor’s picks:
Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Foot Foot
Today, 8 p.m., $5
UC Davis Film Festival
Today, 5 p.m., $5
Blurbs:
5 QUESTIONS WITH CASIOTONE FOR THE PAINFULLY ALONE
Find out more about this enterprising one-man wunderkind.
3D SPRING DANCE SHOWCASE
A wide array of styles is in store from this Davis dance ensemble.
UC DAVIS FILM FESTIVAL
Budding student filmmakers get the chance to flaunt their work on the silver screen!
RACHEL FILIPINAS can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com.
