MUSIC
The East Portal Express, Family
Today, 9 p.m., $3
Old Ironsides in Sacramento
The East Portal Express provides a smooth ride of easy-listening – dare I say adult contemporary? – funk rock. My parents would wholeheartedly approve.
Righteous Movement, The C.U.F., Sonic Bloom
Friday, 8 p.m., $3
Delta of Venus
For socially conscious hip-hop that’s more chill than preachy, look no further than Righteous Movement. The Sactown rappers have shared the stage with other hip-hop hotshots such as The Pharcyde and KRS One. Proceeds from the show go toward the Obama-Biden campaign.
The Cowboy Killers, Christopher Fairman, The Parties, The High Dials
Friday, 9 p.m., $7
Old Ironsides in Sacramento
I can predict exactly what sort of social event the music of San Francisco-based band, The Parties, would deliver: a swinging psychedelic shindig complete with tunes reminiscent of ‘60s bands like the Kinks and The Velvet Underground.
Major, Minor Festival
Saturday, 7 p.m., $8 in advance, $10 at the door
Old Firehouse
All the splendors of indie-pop one could ever ask for, and in the comforts of one on-campus location! For more information, check out page __.
Half Light
Saturday, 10 p.m., $3-5
The G St. Pub
With midterm season upon us, Seattle group Half Light creates the kind of downtempo electric soundscape that can help relieve my test anxieties. Think a slightly happier, more offbeat cousin of Mazzy Star.
Nick Jaina, Alana Sveta
Sunday, 8 p.m., $5
Primary Concepts
I’ve found a new musical soul mate in San Francisco folk singer Alana Sveta, who draws influence from some of my own favorites like Portishead and Rilo Kiley. For a short but sweet take on Nick Jaina’s latest release, check out page __.
Screaming Females, Boron and the Grebes
Sunday, 8 p.m., $3
Old Firehouse
They may hail from the Garden State, but with a mix of garage-psych-punk, Screaming Females belie their Jersey roots.
Mammatus, San Francisco Water Cooler, Wildildlife
Monday, 9:30 p.m., $PRICE
Primary Concepts
If the word Mammatus refers to “bumpy clouds,” then the band’s take on the definition adds up to a complex composition of sweeping sonics and thick riffs. They’ll share studio space with San Francisco Water Cooler, who most recently made a splash (har har) at last week’s Operation: Restore Maximum Freedom.
The Matches, Zion I, San Quinn
Tuesday, 5 p.m.
Freeborn Hall
Maybe you caught The Matches at last year’s Warped Tour, or perhaps you remember them when they were still known as The Locals. And if you haven’t heard of this pop-punk outfit at all, now’s your chance – the show’s free!
AT THE MOVIES
Religulous
Open now at the Varsity Theatre on Second Street
Bill Maher is bound to amuse and offend in this documentary that explores the concept of religion.
Sacramento Horror Film Festival
Starts Friday at the Colonial Theatre in Sacramento
For an in-depth look at some of the tricks and treats of the festival, check out page __.
Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival
Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Veteran’s Memorial Theatre
Looking to enlighten viewers on environmentalism is this festival, which will screen award-winning short films highlighting different green issues. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Armadillo Music and the Davis Food Co-op or at the door the day of.
ART / GALLERY
Skuja Braden: Ceramics
Open now at the Pence Gallery on D Street
Artists Inguna Skuja and Melissa Braden collaborated to form the ceramics behind Skuja Braden, creating hand-made pieces that play with pop culture and images in art history.
Haiti’s Hope: Lavalas and the Preferential Option for the Poor
Opens today at the Hart Hall Atrium
Through her camera’s lens, Leisa Faulkner provides rich images of the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, illustrating issues explored in Tracy Kidder’s book Mountains Beyond Mountains.
THEATRE / MONDAVI
Twelfth Night
Monday, 6:30 p.m., $5 with a student i.d., $10 general admission
Studio Theatre at the Mondavi Center
Twins, cross-dressing and mistaken identity – some things never tire to be funny. This screening is part of Mondavi’s “Shakespeare in the Cinema” program.
RACHEL FILIPINAS can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com
