Street party + music + drinks = no brainer

The following is a somewhat-shameless, undeniably navel-gazing plea for you, dearest reader, to attend this Saturday night’s Sammies Block Party. Sure, this kind of party typically sells itself—free party, beer garden, live music, thousands of people chilling in the streets of Midtown—but our staff busted out a quick 20 reasons to not miss the 20th annual Sammies. And so:

1. It’s free !

2. The weather will be amazing—or at least The Weather Channel promised so when this story went to print. Crossing fingers for 88 degrees, a slight breeze and clear blue skies.

3. Ballet and rock ’n’ roll colliding, as in local indie troupe Exquisite Corps’ collaboration with the Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet on Orpheus, an encore performance of last year’s sold out Ballet + Live Local Music show at the Crest Theatre.

4. The requisite block party Beer Garden, a percentage of proceeds benefiting the aforementioned Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet—so drink up (21-and-overs)!

5. While the Sammies party goes down on the main stage, The Sacramento Comedy Spot will host the first ever Sacramento Comedy Festival. And, as a special treat, comedians Mike E. Winfield and Keith Lowell Jensen will hop on the main Sammies stage to promote the Festival (purchase tickets and learn more at http://saccomedyspot.com).

6. Legendary Midtown chalk artist and musician Ground Chuck will be working on his latest “Chuck It Up” mural, an ode to the local music scene.

7. Deejays will be bumping tunes in the Red Bull deejay truck. It’s a truck, with a deejay in it, a helluva lot of TVs—and probably some free Red Bull.

8. Everyone’s favorite dub reggae outfit ZuhG will usher the sun down and the stars out during its Sammies showcase set. The band also is probably the only band in town that owns its own store, Zuhg Life!, inside the Downtown Plaza (Suite 2090, (916) 822-5185, www.facebook.com/zuhglife).

9. After parties at Lounge on 20 (at the corner of K and 20th streets) and Luigi’s Slice and Fun Garden (1050 20th Street, in the center of the MARRS building), because every dope party needs an after party, right?

10. We almost forgot: Dozens of presenters will be giving out some 38 Sacramento Area Music Awards. This year, more than a thousand local artists and musicians were nominated, and thousands voted this past month for their favorites. Added bonus: Winners get a trophy this year!

11. The talented Autumn Sky, the ever-addictive Be Brave Bold Robot and the incredible Reggie Ginn, Adrian Bourgeois and Justin Farren all will unite for the ultimate Singer-Songwriter Singalong. Question is, which song will they all play together?

12. Hall of Fame inductees Instagon, Hoods, DJ Larry Rodriguez, DJ CrookOne and Anton Barbeau will all be enshrined for their awesome dedication to the local music scene.

13. The ultimate local funk band the Nibblers will close out the party under the stars. Get to 20th Street, get your good shoes on and shake it.

14. Special appearance by Yolo County country-rappers Cowboy and a Thug. The duo takes time out from saving lives in Woodland to jam out a tune and present a couple of awards, and we are indeed grateful.

15. Vendors, vendors, vendors! Including, but not limited to, 1 Love Wellness Center, Pinnacle College, T2 Performance Solutions, The Green Door, Comcast and Radio 94.7 FM.

16. Official hosts for the night: A.v. and Adam Saake, two dudes on the town taking a break from their weekend hustle-bustle to make everyone laugh and smile for a few. Somebody get these guys some beers.

17. Win tickets to see Cake on October 6 at Freeborn Hall at UC Davis. Here’s how: 1. RSVP to the Sammies Block Party & Music Awards on Facebook, 2. share the event your wall, 3. “check-in” at the event and be entered to win two free tickets to Cake’s first local gig (at a venue other than Blue Lamp) in years.

18. So that you can say “Thank you, we love you” to this year’s sponsors, which include: Coors Light and Blue Moon, T2 Performance Solutions, Comcast, The Green Door, Pinnacle College, Luigi’s Slice and Fun Garden, Lounge on 20, the Midtown Business Association and 1 Love Wellness Center. Without sponsors, SN&R can’t pay to put all these awesome musicians up on the stage for one night, so blessed be those who give.

19. The 2011 official Sammies VIP Photo Booth. Get your mug snapped for free!

20. Joints & Jams: The Sequel—or the return of last year’s unforgettable hip-hop showcase, this year featuring Sleeprockers, DJ Rated R, Random Abiladeze, Chuuwee, C-Plus, Self, Task1ne and special guest the Grant High School Drumline. What will go down and make someone famous on YouTube this year?