Arts & Culture

Editor's note: Last Friday, Muse ran a review of Owl City's Ocean Eyes for our online edition. Muse offers a different take on the Owl City album for this online edition, written by Aggie Arts Writer Brittany Pearlman.

Ocean Eyes, Owl City's first label produced LP, makes fans want to burst out chuckling at the initial absurdity, but propels them to investigate into the deeper meaning underneath the fanciful lyrics. After the first shock of the magical beats, fans arrive at something resembling their own secret dreams and fantasies.

MUSIC

Laurel Ensemble

Today, 12:05 p.m., free

Mondavi Center, Rumsey Rancheria Grand Lobby

Another impressive free noon concert - UC Davis' Laurel Ensemble, a faculty-comprised clarinet, flute, viola, cello and piano ensemble, will perform pieces by Beethoven, Rebecca Clarke and Martinu. Visit music.ucdavis.edu/events for parking info, in case you somehow forgot where the Mondavi Center was.

Mumlers; Buildings Breeding

Today, 10 p.m., $3-5

Sophia's Thai Kitchen

Mumlers and Buildings Breeding have seen a lot of Aggie press within the past year or so, but that doesn't mean we're tired of them. Mumlers, a San Jose-based outfit, will perform along with Davis/Sacramento-based Buildings Breeding for a nostalgic night, because alas - Buildings Breeding is calling it quits after four more shows. Catch their second-to-last Davis performance tonight.

Davis Jazz Artists Festival: Beyond the Beat Generation

Saturday, 7 p.m., free

John Natsoulas Gallery

Poetry, art and jazz mix at the Natsoulas Gallery's Beyond the Beat Generation festival. A reception will be held Saturday night. Read Muse's article for more information on the festival.

Missouri Mule; Leopold and His Fiction

Friday, 10 p.m., $3-5

Sophia's Thai Kitchen

Davis' own Missouri Mule is a country, blues-ish four-piece; Leopold and His Fiction is a San Francisco-based folk group. Join them for an indie evening at Sophia's.

Capybara; Sea of Bees; Fine Steps

Saturday, 7 p.m., free (donations welcome)

1315 L St.

Ah, another backyard house show. KDVS is presenting Sacramento performers Sea of Bees and Fine Steps, as well as Missouri's Capybara, who is currently touring around the area. Check out the event's Facebook event page for more information, as well as links to each band's Myspace.

Lady A and Her Heel Draggers

Saturday, 10 p.m., $3-5

Sophia's Thai Kitchen

Don't you hate heel draggers? Ugh. The noise they make when their shoes drag across the ground is just unbearable. Or is that shoe draggers? Either way, talk about a non-appealing band name. But if you're into country western swing, this night just might be for you. Check them out on Myspace for a sample of the San Francisco-based band.

Backnbloom

Self-Titled EP

Self-released

Rating: 2

In a birthday celebration for longtime patron Barbara K. Jackson, Christine Brewer along with the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra performed pieces from Wesendonck Lieder, Cantata and New Moon - operas renowned for their prodigious level of difficulty. It is safe to say that Sunday's performance left a profound musical impression on the audience and a curiosity to venture into other genres.