MUSIC
UC Davis Gamelan Ensemble
Today, 5 p.m., free
Delta of Venus
If you feel the need for world music outside of the standard Putumayo CD you find playing at the Sharper Image in the mall, look no further than the UC Davis Gamelan Ensemble, a group that specializes in the traditional court music of Indonesia. Plus, it’s free, and who could argue with that?
Electric Children
Today, 7 p.m., free
R5 Records in Sacramento
A cautionary note: It’s easy for bands to simply list more talented and famous predecessors as musical influences without actually learning from them. Luckily, Echo Park, Calif. band Electric Children are true to their word, paying homage to grunge and punk greats like Nirvana, the Stooges and even a bit of the Velvet Underground with their modern take on ‘60s garage rock.
The Common Men, Con of Man, The Dandelion War
Friday, 10 p.m., $3 to $5, 21
The G St. Pub
It’s quite the ominous sounding line-up for such an inauspicious day. An appropriate mood should be set by the locals behind The Common Men, a post-punk band who take a note from darkly danceable acts like Interpol and Franz Ferdinand. And their pushing rhythms and jittery guitar lines don’t get your feet stompin‘, perhaps a drink or two from the bar will do the trick.
The Tumbleweeds
Saturday, 8 p.m., $6
Javalounge in Sacramento
It’s no secret that California already has a large share of folk music ‘round these here parts – but really, how could I refuse when it’s something as jaunty and jolly as The Tumbleweeds? The Sacramento group gives a nod to classics such as Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones with its rootsy rock ‘n‘ roll.
RX Bandits, Tera Melos, Polar Bears, Pebaluna
Saturday, 8 p.m., $15 in advance
The Boardwalk in Orangevale
The Pharmaceutical Bandits have been delving deeper and deeper into an area of prog rock than their ska punk beginnings – but fret not, dude, for the jams are still melodious and the trombone still plays on. For a look at Roseville band Tera Melos‘ latest EP, check out page __.
Category 7, Torture Path, See the Elephant
Saturday, 9 p.m., $5, 21
The Stag in Woodland
See the Elephant. Beware of its anger. Take note of its thrashy hardcore. Listen for its throaty growls, its shredding solos.
FishCatFish, Ambrosia Caprice, The Happy Medium
Sunday, 8 p.m., $8
Luigi’s Fungarden in Sacramento
If Canadian singer Feist were to suddenly abandon her indie pop roots, join a jam band and adopt a new moniker, I’d imagine that the result would be something like FishCatFish. The Sactown group will be setting a funky tone to the little pizza place that is Luigi’s.
Katie Delwiche, Ryland Bouchard, Emperor X
Tuesday, 9 p.m., $5
Primary Concepts at 219 E St.
Fans of retired one-man act The Robot Ate Me, this one’s for you: Ryland Bouchard (the man behind the robot – or do I mean the “me“?) is back, and the creativity is still strong in this one. A show from someone responsible for “one of the most unpredictable and obtuse underground bands around” is surely not to be missed.
AT THE MOVIES
Adventureland
Monday, 6:30 p.m., free
Varsity Theater on Second Street
This comedy focuses on a recent college graduate who finds work at a local amusement park. Is this what’s in store for my future?
ART / GALLERY
An Anthology in Flesh: Storytelling in Tattoo Art
On display until Friday at the Art Lounge in the Memorial Union
Organized by the class of Art History 401: Curatorial Methods, this photo exhibit explores the idea of personal exploration through tattoo art and its social implications.
The Consilience of Art and Science
On display now at the Pence Gallery at 212 D St.
This juried exhibit joins the disciplines of visual arts and science. A reception will take place tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the gallery.
Second Saturday Art Walk
Saturday, 6 p.m.
See 2nd-sat.com for a detailed map
Take advantage of the lovely rain-free weather with this monthly art walk that takes place in downtown Sacramento.
THEATER / MONDAVI
The Sound of Music
Friday and Saturday, 8:15 p.m. and Sunday, 2:15 p.m., $18 general admission, $16 with a student ID
607 Pena Drive
Sing along to all your favorite songs in this local stage adaptation of the classic musical. To purchase tickets, visit dmtc.com.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Monday, 8 p.m., $35 general admission, $17.50 with a student ID
Jackson Hall
Mean Girls quotes aside, the a cappella ensemble of Ladysmith Black Mambazo will bring their Zulu harmonies to the Mondavi stage.
RACHEL FILIPINAS can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.