Build music venues, not an arena

‘Gentlemen’s agreement’:
Going against all “journalistic principles,” I had an “understanding” with the “gang at KDVS,” Davis’ volunteer-run college-radio station at 90.3 FM, that I wouldn’t preview or disclose the “underground” location where they were putting on some of the best live-music shows in town. I forged this so-called “gentlemen’s agreement”—not my term—because the city of Sacramento—what with its copious red tape and prohibitive bureaucracy—wouldn’t look too kindly on their den of sonic goodness.

But, as of last week, KDVS’ latest refuge for live music is no longer. I won’t go into the details—if you really cared to know, you probably already do—but I will point out that many of the previously booked shows are finding new homes.

Such as the Crystal Stilts, Nacho Business and the English Singles gig this Sunday, May 8, now at Sol Collective (2574 21st Street; 8:30 p.m.; $7 exact change, $10 big bills; all ages).

Meanwhile, the powers that be who’ve been putting on increasingly well-attended KDVS gigs are looking for a new, potentially above-the-board venue.

Young rockers:
In past years, some undeniably good bands have emerged from SN&R’s annual Jammies youth-music program, most recently Dog Party and Simpl3 Jack. This week is your chance to catch potential future local talent well before they hit the club-and-bar scene.

This Saturday, May 7, young classical musicians will overtake the Mondavi Center (9399 Old Davis Road in Davis) for performances by Eunghee Cho, Margaux Filet and Kiana Okhovat (7 p.m.; $10 in advance, $15 at the door).

And next Friday, May 13, a fleet of teenage bands will play the gigs of their young lives at the Crest Theatre (1013 K Street), a sort of battle of the bands for the under-18 scene (8 p.m.; $10 in advance, $15 at the door).

Find out more at www.jammies.com or look for the Jammies insert in this week’s SN&R.

It’s 4:20:
Sacramento hip-hop troupe Tribe of Levi will play a free gig this Saturday, May 7, at the 13th annual Sacramento Million Marijuana March at the state Capitol. What time do they go on? At 4:20 p.m.—duh—on the Capitol’s west steps along 10th Street.

P-ville takeover:
I’m concerned that someday soon Placerville will get all the good touring acts and Sacto will end up a drive-through (but we’ll still have the Kings, right?). Anyway, for instance, this weekend: Los Angeles’ J. Irvin Dally will stop in the foothill town at Gold Step Studios (617 Main Street in Placerville) for an all-ages gig with local boy Pregnant and Brianna Lea Pruett. Gas will cost more than the $7 door for out-of-towners ($5 pre-sale), but think of all that fresh air you’ll get to suck into your lungs. Gig starts at 6:30 p.m. and is all-ages.

Harlow’s goes all-ages:
This Thursday, May 5, is the Portugal the Man gig—which we previewed in last week’s issue so as to provide ample heads-up—a rare all-ages matinee at otherwise 21-and-up venue Harlow’s (2708 J Street). This special show begins early, at 6:30 p.m., and includes openers Telekinesis and Unknown Mortal Orchestra, all for $17.50 (worth it, because if the show is well-attended, you can expect more all-ages shows at Harlow’s this summer).