Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Sunday Blues for Lunch and Dinner


SAUL KAYE

This weekend the Sacramento Blues Society hosted a competition for the band and solo/duo act that would represent Sacramento in Memphis. The event was held at the former Clarion Hotel at Auburn Boulevard and Fulton Avenue from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Although the old-timers didn’t just give it up, in my opinion the show was stolen by two young in differing categories.

Saul Kaye, whose latest “record” is entitled “Jewish Blues”, played two of his original songs, one detailing the struggles of the Jewish slaves in the time of Moses and the other relating the story of his grandfather being cured of the Black Water Plague through the unusual three day administration of Zulu Beer in Africa. Not only were the subjects different from what most associate with the blues, but the delivery was unique. Kaye has a very watchable habit of cocking his fedora forward on his head every so often, as well as slapping his guitar for emphasis. This musician was a delight visually as well as to the ears.

STEVENSON PROFFITT

In the band category, The Stevenson Proffitt Band is aptly named after a 30-year-old phenom guitar-player. Profitt is endowed with magic fingers and a musically maturity beyond his years. The music he produces on his guitars played as much across his face and out into the room full of blues aficionados. After flitting his fingers, without the benefit of picks, across the strings at indeterminable speed, he sat for one number and made the guitar pop as it lay on his lap; it seemed as if it was speaking in tongues.

There were some especially interesting moments from others that appeared. Allie of the duo “Allie Marcel & Dave Baldwin”, sang his self-penned song called “Psychic Vampire Blues” describing painful love affairs in a bizarre and humorous way. Not to be missed was the saxophonist from “Cold Truth” who played two saxes at once. Then another of the younger crowd, Matty Tayton, from the band named after him, “Matty T”, also demonstrated flying fingers – but the thing about Matty that I found myself thinking was, “Some guys just know how to look cool.”

The event was well planned and well attended. The Sacramento Blues Society does a good job of supporting and presenting the Blues in Sacramento. You can join the group for $25 and get reduced admissions, a newsletter and frequent emails letting you know what’s happening locally. If you love the blues, you’ll never be bored in SAC if you’ve got a membership to this group.


JUDGING
The judges were (from left) Bo Ely, a former promoter, and long-time blues aficionado, Brenda Taylor from Po’ Boyz Restaurant, Charles Washington an active member of the Sacramento Blues Society since the 70s and Marina Texiera, the manager of the famous landmark night spot “The Torch Club.”

Since I wasn’t able to stay through the whole competition I missed out on hearing the winning band, “The Aces", as well as the announcements as to the winners. Lew Fratis and Jimmy Pailer won the solo/duo competition as well. While, I personally dug Saul Kaye’s style, Fratis and Pailer were great to watch and listen to as well. Best wishes to the winners in the upcoming 2009 International Blues Challenge in Memphis this February. I’m sure they’ll do Sacramento proud.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

For Those With The Speed Gene


Last week, the company I work for had a team building event at an indoor go-cart racing track called Race Place Motorsports (RPM) just off Hwy 50 on Bradshaw Rd. I discovered on the track, I no longer have the "speed gene." I used to own it and had a lead foot, but as the cars raced past me I found I was too cautious and desperately desiring a rear-view mirror. I was firmly convinced my inner child still resided in me, but now I know, it's only the tyke, not the teenager. Oh, well, suiting up and the anticipation was a blast.

So, here I am in all my glory, waiting for the green flag. We made fifteen laps...I think. It could have been 10, because I definitely lost track. Some people were slower than me (I got stuck behind one of them) but most were way faster and a lot more gutsy. I was concerned about flipping over and didn't want to hit anyone. That particular worry wasn't part of the package for several of our group. I flinched as they whizzed by, casually clipping my tires.

Afterwards, we took to the upstairs lounge, reserved exclusively for our company, with about 35 participants. We chatted, gave out goofy awards and partook of a pasta buffet and all-you-could-drink-softdrinks. We were treated incredibly well and photographed from every angle by their on-staff photographer.

A good time was had by all and I would recommend RPM as a group event, especially for a group closer to the teenage years - say in the 20 to 40 year-old range. A couple of us older chicks would have opted for a rousing bowling tournament instead. Again, it was a matter of no longer owning the speed gene.

RPM is located at 3130 Bradshaw Road and you can reach their offices at(916) 368-7223.

RPM Website

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Down By The River


On Saturday night, a couple of weeks ago, I left my favorite karaoke spot, Marie Callendar's (closed the joint) and then went down to the river along the Garden Hwy, to a place called Crawdad's, a restaurant and lounge floating on a big barge on the Sacramento River. Getting to it involved crossing an elevated pier bridge and then travelling down to water level by elevator.

(Crawdads - 1375 Garden Highway. Call(916)929-2268 for more information or click here)


It was a tad slow that night, at least at 11:30 (maybe the crowd had come and gone already), but the band played on - Paradox - formed in 1988 by Arden Elicker, lead vocalist. Other band members include Perry Clark (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboard), Greg Atkins (Vocals/Guitar), Christian Wise (Vocals/Drums)and Paul Hawley (Bass). They are regulars at Crawdads and you can see by the picture they inspire the crowd to join them on stage now and then, as these two ladies, not members of the band, demonstrated that night.

What was really fun was discovering that there's a whole nightlife scene right down by the river. The Riverbank Marina, of which Crawdad's is a part, also hosts Chevys and the Blue Gecko. The Gecko had heavy sounds drifting down to the water, too.

The riverside experience is better enjoyed while the weather's still mild, so consider squeezing in a trip before the heavy rains come. Wear your party gear, because that's the mood at Crawdads.