Pad Thai vibes

Twenty-first century dues: Sacto emcee Century Got Bars just released a new album, 3, and the 14-song collection is a great, eclectic mix of hip-hop that roller coasters between sweetly tuneful, aggressively beat-tastic and smartly in your face. Recorded with Brian “AlienLogik” Baptista at Logical Alien Productions in Elk Grove, it features appearances from the likes of Mahtie Bush, James Cavern and DLRN, and the tracks here—all replete with Bars’ raw, fire-in-the-belly verbal throwdowns—touch on relationships, racism, classism, Tina Turner (respect) and ambition. That latter topic is key. Bars is, hands down, one of the hardest working musicians in the 916, but unlike some movers and shakers, she’s got killer talent to back up that hustle. Catch her album-release show on Thursday, June 19, at The Press Club (2030 P Street). Doors open at 9 p.m., and the cover is $5. There will also be performances from Element Brass Band, Derek “Dizz” Saastad and Grey Trip Matter. Check out more at www.centurygotbars.com.

Back in Sac: The members of Two Sheds moved south to Los Angeles a while ago, but they still come back to town every so often. The band, comprising Caitlin and Johnny Gutenberger, plans to release a new, as-yet-untitled album later this year, and it’s a lovely collection of atmospheric and jangly indie rock. Pretty sure the band will preview some of those tunes when it performs on Saturday, June 21, at Sophia’s Thai Kitchen (129 E Street in Davis) as part of the Davis Music Festival. (Other performers for the three-day event include John Vanderslice, G. Green and the Bottom Dwellers.) Individual tickets to that particular show, which starts at 9:30 p.m., cost $5, but if you want a deeper commitment to the fest, tickets range from $12-$25. For complete lineup and venue info, visit www.davismusicfest.com. For all things Two Sheds, go to www.ilovetwosheds.com.

Thai Dark Sea: Jess Williamson was all giggles.

“So, do you guys go to the redwoods, like, all the time?” she asked Davisites last Thursday night.

The sweet, poetic singer-songwriter was so, so excited to go to the redwoods that week. Being from Texas—another country, right?—she had never seen the majestic trees before. And being from California, we obviously walk through national forests daily.

“This feels like a house show with Thai food,” she said, laughing.

It did feel like a house show with Thai food. The packed patio at Sophia’s Thai Kitchen in Davis often feels that way, buzzing with camaraderie. And on this evening, college students gearing up to graduate.

The mood really could not be beat. Williamson’s opening set of spirited, honest folk was met with enormous warmth. And, outside on the street, a crowd of 30 freeloaders started forming, waiting to hear—but not see—the headliner: Jolie Holland, an artist who seems way too famous and established to play such an intimate bar patio.

In other words, Holland and Williamson just played a 500-person room at The Independent in San Francisco. And here I was, able to reach out and touch them if I wanted to be creepy.

Holland is on tour for her latest record Wine Dark Sea, a stunning collection of experimental, moody roots music. Her solo career started in 2003 with Catalpa, famously recorded in a living room with zero intention of wide release. Since then, her sound has moved through more folksy, bluesy and jazzy styles, but it’s always been deeply moving. Wine Dark Sea makes new strides in her strange, ethereal anti-folk.

In Davis, she wore all black with shiny threading, fishnet stockings and her wild hair swept to one side. She sang at times with rich soul, at times with twang—refusing to smile until the adoring crowd finally won her over.

She and her four-piece backing band took frequent breaks to chat quietly and make sound adjustments, with no explanation. Holland wasn’t there to entertain. She was there to be a badass artist.

Then her damn tour van almost ruined everything. The alarm sounded and everyone sneered until a bandmate said, “Is someone in our fucking van?!” The drummer jumped over the railing, off the balcony, and ran off into the night.

Luckily, it was a false alarm. Holland shook her head and sighed.

“Best. Show. Ever.”