The Guru of Groove: A man of many names, genres and talents, Larry Rodriguez is Sacramento’s sonic mainstay
Some know him at Flower Vato, others as D.J. Larry – still others as the minster of a percussive ‘church’ By Casey Rafter It is…
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Distant callings: renowned fiddler from Scotland helps the region find its past
Fiddle-firebrand Alasdair Fraser, performing with Natalie Haas, plays the historic State Theater in Auburn Feb. 9 By Scott Thomas Anderson There’s still an echo…
Tool brings a fearless ‘inoculum’ to Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center
By Casey Rafter After hours of melting the minds and faces of ecstatic audience members, Danny Carey, drummer for the band Tool, climbed back into…
Sacramento’s swing man Peter Petty is reaching his zenith on stage
Fans say that Jazz’s prodigious partier brings an energy and audacity that’s hard to match By Casey Rafter Under the lights of The Sofia Theatre,…
Vagabond virtuosity: The Sofia prepares for one hot night with The Hot Club of San Francisco
December 3 show in Sacramento highlights a rare nomad jazz legacy that’s gaining increased recognition By Scott Thomas Anderson It’s the music of mystery. Guitars…
A fiery family melting pot: Sacramento’s Torch Club lights the way for musicians for nearly 90 years
With big Nov. 20 show approaching, third-generation owner Marina Texeira keeps the torch alight for the Capital’s music scene. By Casey Rafter While on a…
Behind the funk: Sacramento’s The Gold Souls come storming back with ‘Downtown Sound’
Local musicians jump into the fray again with big Halloween night show at Harlow’s With live music selling out large-scale festivals and filling independent venues…
Is Sacramento City Hall’s support of live music a mirage?
Venue owners, promoters and performers see a chasm between leadership’s claims and city staff’s tactics, while talk of Sacramento being ‘the next Austin’ seems like…
Sacramento-area favorite Antsy McClain wants to run for the burning hills
Southerner with one foot in the Sierra foothills copes with being cut-off from a cherished place By Casey Rafter The reek of smoke lingers in…
Sacramento’s Blues beast remains a force on stage, inspiration to new generation
Mick Martin has become a sage of raw wisdom for Capital City musicians: ‘When they’re going through moments of self-doubt, kick them in the ass.’…
A Sacramento music sensation goes crystal-balling through space
SpaceWalker releases new album, plays hometown Aug. 6 at Russ Room By Casey Rafter Echoes filled an otherwise empty room as the cosmic, one-woman show…
Boca do Rio wins DIMI grant in continuing bid to keep the Davis music scene alive
By Casey Rafter Spicy guitar echoes and tambourine shimmers trickle down a slope of Nevada City as Kevin Welch and Alex Calatayud hone their craft…
For those about to ska, Carnes defends you
Sacramento writer sees attention, promising sales around his unlikely pitch for a maligned musical genre By Casey Rafter Joyful horns, bass and guitars flowed…
Progressive blues movement plants roots in the Sacramento Delta
The unorthodox performer Blind Lemon Peel gets his footing in the Capital Region By Chris Elliott Blind Lemon Peel is a Sacramento newcomer, but he…
Editorial: Combating the blues with California sunlight and the sounds of Sacramento
Our light at the end of the COVID tunnel feels like it’s arriving as the sky-glow of spring; but that does not mean peoples’ stress…
Sacramento’s Forever Goldrush celebrates 25 years, bringing its debut album to the digital age
For a brief moment in the late 90s, the Capital City was on the verge of being the next ‘big’ music scene — and a…
Checking in: SAMMIES 2020 winners and nominees
In any normal year, we at SN&R would be in full-on SAMMIES mode, asking readers to vote for their favorite performers and prepping a big…