Happy crazy, steaming, burning up Friday. If you want to brave the possiblity of melting by attending some music events this weekend, here are five I would recommend.
Also, after that are five music/entertainment stories from today's paper worth a look. Enjoy!
1. Marina V at Fagan's Irish Pub
Fresno loves Marina V. It's true, to the tune of two sell-out shows this year for the Russian-born L.A. songstress. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? Marina V. (right) returns on Saturday night, playing her Jewel-esque tunes. 8 p.m. $10. [ more ]
2. The Advantage/Hella at Howie and Son's
Yes, I probably should be raving about Hella, the bigger band on tonight's bill at Howie and Son's in Visalia, but The Advantage is just way too cool. If you're like me and grew up with a Nintendo, check them out, they cover 8-bit Nintendo tunes. I wonder if they take requests? I want "Legend of Zelda." 9:30 p.m. $5. [ more ]
More after the break...
3. Bumpin' at Starline
Local house DJ Clint Storm (who spins all around the state and who was one of the guys behind the popular Focus party at Starline) debuts his brand new party, Bumpin', tonight at Starline. He has DJ/producer Jake Childs as his first guest. 10 p.m. $10.
4. Blues/goth/hip-hop at Club Fred
Just take in a show at Club Fred. If you haven't been there in a while, give it a shot. This weekend is pretty eclectic. Tonight is Joe Walton and the Headhunters, playing West Fresno blues at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at 9:30 p.m. is The Decadent Manor goth night and Sunday brings out hip-hoppers The Havenots and The Skinny Fat Kids at 8 p.m. Cover is $5 for each show.
5. Lydia Pense at The Crossroads
Hard-rock bar The Crossroads is going through an ownership change. While its popular Friday night local rock shows should stay the same, new owner Bob Pierce (who also owns The Belmont) is bringing in some older fare. Saturday night, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood come to town. They're a Bay Area funk/blues band that used to be a regular at Club Fred. 9 p.m. $25.
And moving on, because reading is good for your mind, here are five stories of mine from today's paper. Enjoy your weekly dose of Fresno music news:
1. Music Roundup
For a bigger run-down of what's happening in music in the Fresno area this week, take a look at my weekly Music Roundup and make some plans.
2. Column: Super Mario -- the hero of my lifetime
With a brand new Super Mario Bros. game out on Nintendo DS -- the first Mario Bros. title in 10 years -- I couldn't help but get nostalgic about my favorite video game franchise of all time.
3: Q & A: Jorge Santana comes to town
Jorge Santana, brother of Carlos, performs on Sunday at Tachi Palace in Lemoore. Read this Q & A with him.
4. Tickets on sale this weekend: Keyshia Cole and Tool.
Tickets are on sale today to see Keyshia Cole (July 28 at Saroyan Theatre) and at 10 a.m. Saturday to see Tool (Aug. 6 at Selland Arena).
5. Tunetown: Velvet Cowbell
This week's Tunetown piece looks at "Hurting Hug," the new CD from Oakhurst rock band Velvet Cowbell.
