The underground scene here in Sacramento continues to find ways to shine a light on the local music scene even though options for visibility have long since dried up. These days it seems most of the local music news comes from Instagram stories, and you have to be a determined and savvy user that is okay with going down rabbit holes late into the night to find the house shows, the newest local music releases, and rad festivals. But, If you’re not into scavenging Instagram and still want to get a huge dose of what the local Sacramento music scene has to offer, you’re in luck! We have got tasty yummy delicious details on two upcoming NOT TO BE MISSED EVENTS, seriously though, one is marking a triumphant return, and the other is making a final grand appearance. Don’t miss out!
SAC POP FEST: Saturday – 9/16/2023
Let’s start with the return of the lovely SacPopFest happening on September 16, 2023. SacPopFest is the work of long time local music veteran Jim Rivas. Rivas, if you’re curious, has drummed for bands including Rosebudes, Rocketship, Desario, and Dusty Miller. He is no stranger to the local scene and is passionate about putting on display what Sacramento has to offer. This fest was an annual event, but like most things, it went on hiatus during the pandemic. This year its making a grand return with a really fucking epically killer lineup that will have your head spinning! No for real, there are some incredible bands lined up this year, and the main event (happening at Starlet Room) boasts the long awaited return of former local band Electro Group, the beloved Clevers, local legends Desario, the jangle pop of Julian Never who was once the drummer of the magnificent MAYYORS, and pop rockers Motorcycle. On top of that you’ll be introduced to some fabulous Bay Area acts including Slowness, Starry Eyed Cadet, Seablite, and Artsick. The fest even managed to bring along Nervous Twitch all the way from Leeds UK. If your shaking your head and rolling your eyes because you have no idea who these bands are, well then you’re probably not cool (you’re kinda cool if you’re reading this), but if you want to be cool check out the music, you’ll be in for a very pleasant surprise! We have done all we can to make it was easy for you too! I mean you could have just visited the event’s webpages but this is fun too, right? Anyway, see them phots right below? Click each one and you will be magically teleported to hear some of the bands playing this fest.
So where is SacPopFest happening? we don’t know. Just kidding! But seriously, this year, the show will be held at two locations on Saturday 9/16/2023! Both are happening on the same day, and the first location will be a FREE ALL AGES early show starting at NOON at the iconic Phono Select Records located at 2475 Fruitridge Rd, Sacramento, CA 95822 (you can even buy some albums while you’re there!). The line-up there at Phono Select is slightly different from the main event, but just as spectacular! You’ll be able to catch Electro Group (they are pulling a double shift!), and some incredible surrounding area talents including Nervous Twitch (Leeds, UK), Chime School, Lunchbox, and Blunderbust.
The main event will be held at the beloved Starlet Room (just above Harlows) at 2708 J street. Tickets cost $15 in advanced or $18 on the day of the show. The main event will kick off at 4pm and end at 11pm (21+).
Geez, you could go to BOTH shows and be watching music from Noon until until way past your 9pm bedtime!
Don’t sleep on this chill event! Seriously, Electro Group hasn’t been in Sacramento for sometime and their album Ranger is a classic banger of rich warm feedback and distorted badass bass! And our other favorite is Slowness! They are a fabby San Francisco based band with the most lovely drone pop tunes that will have you swaying into a comfy daydream. The Slowness linup for this gig with feature members from their album Berths! Berths, should you venture to give it a listen, is a wonderful slow churning, yet intense experience. Seriously, go give it a listen!
For more information about SacPopFest, visit SacPopFest.com and purchase tickets ahead of time by clicking HERE.
RED EX Vol. 666: Saturday, 9/30/2023
Well what more could there be you ask? Sacramento can’t have that much of a vibrant underground scene? Can it? The answer is mother fucking yes it can!! Let’s talk about the iconic RED EX Vol. 666 festival! Held at the beautiful DIY warehouse, the Red Museum located at 212 15th Street, Sacramento CA 95814. This noteworthy venue has a wonderful underground artsy atmosphere with two stages, one indoor and one outdoors. To keep you hydrated and fed, organizers will be pouring local wine & beer, creative cocktails, and dishing out local vegan food. Save the cows, eat the grass (but then the cows will have not have grass and die). Anyway, we urge you to check this one out! It’s happening on September 30, 2023 from 4pm to 11pm.
On a more somber note, or if you REALLY must be pushed to go, this year is the FINAL time you will get to experience this amazing fest. Epic sad face emoji here. If you have been sleeping on this and always thought about checking it out, well do it NOW, or you’ll never get another opportunity!
The line-ups have always been spectacular and this year is no different! You’ll experience veterans of the festival Tré Burt a top notch glob trotting super star who is about to explode into stardom, super group DEFEM featuring members of past local bands such as G. Green and Screature, recent arrivals Dogs Barking, smashingly epic heavyweights The Snares, dream pop bedroom music of Helladusty, new wavers Blond Star Wig, the soulful electronic R&B act Riley Echo, experimental legend Pregnant, and as if this weren’t like already dope enough, the fest also features another special triumphant return, the beloved Sunmonks. YAY!
There is something for everyone at this fest, it’s a grand display of the lovely diversity that often goes unseen (unheard?) by the mainstream Sacramento population. Tickets are available now at Eventbrite, but be warned, this event will likely sell out! This is ALL AGES fun, and costs $25.00.
You can also visit The Red Museum for more details by clicking HERE!
If you’re still not feeling like you want to physically search and discover local music (sadness), well I’ve got you covered! All you need to do is click on this link to the SacIndieMusic bandcamp page and browse the collection of Sacramento music. That’s it, it’s all right there for you to dig into!
Well, that’s it. That’s all I’ve got for you today. I typed all these words knowing I am not getting paid, but because I wanted to let you know about these two really rad events, so pretty please take the time to explore the local music scene. Do something different and see a local band!
ByyYyyyEEEEeeee!!
Sacramento Pop Fest
RED EX VOL 666
Sac.Indie.Music 