Fri., Oct. 25, Rusted Root

Harlow’s Restaurant & Nightclub, 9 p.m., $25

 

Rusted Root blends rootsy folk and rhythmic world-music jams exploring the sweet spot between Paul Simon’s Graceland and progressive rock, à la Umphrey’s McGee. While it is groove oriented, the multipercussionist Pittsburgh group doesn’t skimp on hooks or warm multipart coed harmonies. After enjoying college-radio success in the mid-1990 and a failed pop-crossover bid (2002’s Welcome to My Party), it returned to its quirky world-rock roots on the last two releases. Last year’s The Movement neatly balances its pop and groove impulses—such as the folksy jangle of “Fortunate Freaks”; the Afro-funk of “Cover Me Up”; and the nimble, percussive alt pop of the title track. 2708 J Street, www.rustedroot.com.

—Chris Parker

Sat., Oct. 26, Jonny Craig

Ace of Spades, 6:30 p.m., $15

Yes, Jonny Craig is flawed. The Sacramento singer who has left Dance Gavin Dance twice has long been battling drug addiction. In 2011, he scammed thousands of dollars from people via Twitter by claiming to be selling used laptops. Craig admitted to the fraud and has since paid everyone back. The singer is also now clean—according to a video he recently posted on his Facebook page—which is great, because he has an amazing voice. His latest EP, Find What You Love and Let it Kill You (named after a Charles Bukowski quote), feels like a soulful, gutsy confessional that blends R&B, pop, and hip-hop. Here’s to hoping he stays sober and keeps making innovative music. 1407 R Street, www.facebook.com/jonnycraigmusic.

—Jonathan Mendick

Sat., Oct. 26, Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra

Fremont Presbyterian Church, 8 p.m., $12.50-$35
 

Stained Glass Concert is the Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra’s season opener and will feature the area premier of Cecilia McDowall’s “Ave Maris Stella.” Handel’s Organ Concerto in B flat major and Haydn’s “Missa Cellensis” will also be performed. Guests include organist Ryan Enright, who’ll perform on Fremont Presbyterian Church’s Reuter pipe organ, and soloists Yoo Ri Clark (soprano), Amy Stevens (mezzo), Matt Hidalgo (tenor) and John Martin (bass). Guiding the evening will be conductor and artistic director Donald Kendrick. SCSO is internationally acclaimed and has performed along the Great Wall of China, where it was also awarded the key to the ancient Chinese city of Xi’an. 5770 Carlson Drive, www.sacramentochoral.com. 

—Trina L. Drotar

Sun., Oct. 27, Monster Mash

 

 

Capitol Bowl, 1 p.m., no cover
 

Last year’s 10-pin alley smash returns this year with the Lava Pups (pictured), young Sierra Surf Music Camp alumnus the Sneaky Tikis, and the Rockabilly Love Cats slashing out its own personalized brand of instrumental surf rock, garage and rockabilly. This all-ages costume-optional party includes a three-set tsunami of reverb and tremolo effects, wavering vibrato arms, snare-propelled beats, bass-anchored rhythms and tunes straight from a roadhouse jukebox. There are also contests, prizes, bowling (the Rolling Stones reportedly tested the lanes here in the 1970s), and food and libations from the newly remodeled Cap’s Bar & Grill. 900 W. Capitol Avenue in West Sacramento, www.capbowl.com.

—Mark Halverson

Sun., Oct. 27, the Mavericks

 

Crest Theatre, 7:30 p.m., $45-$55
 

It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ’n’ roll, a little bit Latino and a little bit folk. Yeah, they are the Mavericks—making music with panache, throwing some corrido-sounds into a Tex-Mex-flavored Americana. The Grammy Award-winning group has guitars and drums, a splash of horns, a dash of accordion, a little mandolin here and there, and Raul Malo’s sweet tenor vibrato to caress your ears. Reunited after an eight-year hiatus, the Mavericks are back. The current lineup includes Malo, Paul Deakin, Robert Reynolds, Eddie Perez and Jerry Dale McFadden—and these guys are not to be missed. 1013 K Street, www.themavericksband.com.

—Kel Munger