Category: Arts

Concerts in the Park removing beer gardens?

Carla Meyer’s article in today’s Bee celebrating the start of this year’s Concerts in the Park program includes the detail that this year there will be no designated beer garden (“at least for the first performance,” she writes.)

I don’t have a knee-jerk overreaction to easing restrictions on “demon rum” or something, but I’m not sure this is a good idea. I haven’t been to CIP as much in recent years but it seems like the beer garden in Cesar Chavez gets pretty rowdy, am I wrong? I’m not talking about beer fans but about Sacto d-bags. Isn’t that going to hurt the family atmosphere? I personally wouldn’t take my kids somewhere that the general public was imbibing in beer garden quantities.

More importantly though, it seems like this will make it much more difficult to keep minors from getting in on the beer action. Sure, if you’re caught with liquor and no wristband you’re toast, but is there going to be enough security to scan the whole crowd. Seems like Cesar Chavez is the place to be for some underage drinking this summer!

Electronic weekend

In an odd coincidence, one of the nation’s top electronic music artists is in town at the same time as the Sacramento Electronic Music Festival.

Your choice is to see dubstep guru Bassnectar at the Memorial Auditorium tonight, or see three nights of shows from a few dozen artists for less money.

No brainer. Support your local music scene, people, and see a variety of great artists lovingly curated by cool peoples.

Comedy + Beer = Funnier!

The SacRag is a fan of comedy. Occasionally, even we are funny (usually to ourselves as we insert obscure Simpsons quotes and Pavement references into stories). We are especially, and sometimes unabashedly, fans of the Sacramento Comedy Spot. If you have not enjoyed one of their improv shows, stand-up showcases, podcasts, or other thingies, you are missing out.

If you love comedy, there are some great additions to The Spot. First, they finally have a beer license! No more sneaking in flasks of booze (no, seriously, they can get in big trouble for that shit). Instead, local beer and cider will be available for your enjoyment. Second, The Spot is planning on expanding and is seeking sponsorships. This is your business’ssssss’ opportunity to reach out to the dozen or so hundreds of Sacramentans who grace their doors each week while supporting local arts. Finally, there are discount offers available, including two-for-one tickets.

See you tonight for their free Top Ten List Podcast? I’ll be the guy with the beer.

CAKE debuts video for “The Winter”

Earlier this week, CAKE debuted the video for “The Winter” which is comprised of entirely of footage shot by fans lip-syncing the song.

In a letter posted on their website, director Tracy Rowland explains the making of the video and how the footage was used or not used. I’d insert a quote from the letter, but it is an image and I’m too lazy to retype it here.

Have a view, it’s very well done. Always something creative coming out of the CAKE camp.

Blitzen Trapper @ Harlow’s, Monday 3/5

Awesome alt-country group Blitzen Trapper come to Harlow’s Monday night, in support of their recent Sub Pop release “American Goldwing.” Trapper use the tools of classic country, like pedal steel guitar and the imagery of Americana, with a flair for the poetic/psychedelic. A running theme, for example, seems to be man becoming animal, best expressed on their classic 2008 album “Furr.” Plus, apparently the lead singer is Richard Alpert. Should be a great time out!

I have only been to Harlow’s once, to see Grandaddy, so I make that more than 10 years ago. I remember some frat boy type hopped up on stage to sing along with the band.

(And why do the good shows always have to be on Monday? By the time I’m at the stage where Monday is not a school night, what bands will I even go out and see? Won’t you be able to consume the entirety of Western music via digital input right into your brain, making the creation of new music pretty much useless by then?)

Cake on Conan

In case you missed Cake on Conan last night, here they are performing Mustache Man.

If you want to find your own mustache man (or woman), The Golden Bear is holding their 2nd Annual Mustache Party during Sacramento Beer Week on Thursday, March 1st with the good folks that brought you Bacon Fest. Details here. Free mustaches for those without!

http://i.cdn.turner.com/v5cache/TBS/cvp/teamcoco_drupal_embed.swf?context=teamcoco_embed_offsite&videoId=25815

Blog Writer Stirs up S*!t Unnecessarily

Yesterday I posted a story with (mostly) third-hand knowledge about the Sacramento Comedy Spot and their possibly getting pushed out of the MARRS building. Turns out I took what was just a few innocent “business-as-usual” conversations between the parties involved and made a big deal out of nothing. Spot owner Brian Crall set me straight with this statement:

When the Comedy Spot moved from Broadway to the MARRS building it took us to an entirely new level.  Mike Heller, the owner of the MARRS Building, gave us an opportunity to show a wider audience our hilarious unique brand of comedy.  The business climate over the  last 2 years has been difficult for everyone.  Through hard work from everyone at the Comedy Spot, and shear determination the we were able to grow despite rough economic times.  We continue to be blown away by our community support.  The owners of the Comedy Spot are passionate about our product and we are extremely thankful that our fans and supporters are just as passionate.  Continue reading “Blog Writer Stirs up S*!t Unnecessarily”

Bowling in the New Year

Here’s a guide to family-friendly New Year’s Eve events in Sacramento from CBS Sacramento.

If you’re looking for an active way to ring in the New Year, look no further than Country Club Lanes, where you and your family can bowl the night away, as well as play laser tag, enjoy the arcade and billiards, and grab something to eat or drink in the café. New Year’s Eve prices are $36 per hour per lane from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and $42 per hour per lane from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Prices are per hour, per lane and pro rated to the minute, and there’s a maximum of eight people per lane. Shoe rentals are $1 per pair.

Man, $36 per hour and then $42 to bowl? Have I been out of the game for that long? At least shoe rentals are still reasonable.

What else is going on for families and partying adults alike?