Juneteenth Celebration at Pops!

Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 19, 11 am to 3 pm
Juneteenth Faith & Freedom Film Screening
Music by Victor Martin and Friends and Barbecue
Reciproka, in partnership with Pops,  present Juneteenth Faith & Freedom film screening followed by a barbecue and music with Victor Martin and Friends. James Langford former professor of Black History at College of the Siskiyous who co-produced the film  from the Quarters of Lincoln Heights with Mark Oliver will provide remarks on the film.

Why celebrate Juneteenth?

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation declared that as of January 1, 1863, all slaves of the states in rebellion against the Union “shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free.” It was not until June 19th, 1865, however, when the U.S. Army took possession of Galveston Island in Texas and began a campaign against the defenders of slavery, that the enslaved people in Galveston could begin their journey towards freedom. A real reason to celebrate.

Delbert Bump Trio – Jazz Funk

Pops is very honored to host Delbert Bump Trio on Saturday, June 15 for an evening of Jazz Funk. Delbert Bump will perform on keyboards, Rich Defazio on drums and David EL on guitar. Listen here. 

Advanced tickets are $15. They will be $20 at the door.

Delbert Bump Bio
Delbert Bump began his musical training at nine years old on the piano and was leading bands by the age of 13. At 14 he played ragtime in pizza parlors. During high school, he also learned to play drums, bugle, French horn, trumpet, and the sax. His keyboard abilities took over, and he began playing in his own jazz trios at the age of 17.

When Joe Morrello, the famous drummer from the Brubeck Group, came to town, Bump was able to play with him. “He liked my playing and that was it –I was on my way”, he said. 

Delbert attended Chico State as a piano major and studied with Fred Laxton. In Chico he led various bands and explored rock and roll and free jazz which was popular in the beat era. He played funk with a band called the Big Timers, which he describes as a James Brown-type review with lead singer John Henry and three female vocalists. “We were hot”, he says about this band. 

After Chico, he went on the road playing in funk bands and show groups, but still maintained my interest in jazz music. Delbert graduated from San Francisco State with a Masters degree in composition and upper division piano status. He became college-level music professor, and continued that aspect of my musical life for the next forty years. He was a professor of jazz studies and music theory at Solano College, and taught at U. C. Davis for seven years as Director of jazz ensembles, combos, and improvisation.

Bump  has produced, directed, and performed on over fourteen records of his own music using top-notch sidemen from all over the country.

Richard DeFazio on Drums

Rich DeFazio began drumming at age 7, doing casuals from age 13, performing jazz, latin, R&B, and Top 40.Studied under local teachers and others, such as Mel Brown (who was with Diana Ross), and Murray Spivak in Los Angeles, CA. Jazz band drummer at Sacramento City College (studied for three years under Vern Proctor, as well as Percussion Ensemble under Don Silva), Cosumnes River College, and California State University at Sacramento.He worked with numerous local bands (Sacramento, CA), as well as doing lounge, concert, jazz, and studio dates from Sacramento to the Bay Area. For a four-year period was leader of own band. Toured the West Coast, Las Vegas hotel/nightclub/lounge circuit, across country from the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania to Florida, to the Catskill Mountains of New York, working the resort areas with various groups. At Sahara Tahoe, drummer for FIRE and ICE Dance Review, the GARFIN GATHERING and a six-month stint on the French Riviera with an En Vogue/Pointer Sisters type review. Spent nine years in Las Vegas, working for many bands, including THE COASTERS, sister DEBBIE DE FAZIO, SIDROS ARMADA, COCHO ARBY from Peru (keyboardist for Alex Acuna band), BILLY YOUNG (jazz keyboardist) and PAUL TAYLOR (Paul, jazz saxophonist now with the Rippingtons and his own solo act).

David EL on Guitar

David El

Allison Scull / Victor Martin – Memorial Day Weekend

Allison Scull and Victor MartinPops is pleased to host Allison and Victor on Saturday, May 25, 7 pm. Tickets are $10 at the door.

With singer-songwriter, Allison, on guitar and vocals, Victor performs on saxophone and vocals. Together, they create a fusion of musical forms uniquely their own by blending roots music — a fusion of jazz, folk, blues, a little funk, originals and some standards laced with some French lyrics. Allison learned French where she grew up in Belgium while Victor was born and raised in Middletown, Delaware.

The duo have released their fourth recording Nation of Jubilation with a host of stellar area musicians such as bassist Bruce Calin, drummer Patrick Wiseman and percussionist Mike Harris. One listener described their new recording as “ Funky, Fresh, Smooth, Pop, Jazz With a World Music flavor. This one defies Genres! Musicians being Musicians unbounded by definitions of what genre of music they play. They are showcasing their musical journey to this time and space. Get it for a fresh listening”

As a duo, Allison and Victor have shared the stage with The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tuck and Patti, Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Craig Chaquico, Shana Morrison, Archie Lee Hooker, Acoustic Alchemy, blues legend John Hammond, Lazy Lester, famed drummer Akira Tana, hall of famer Terry Robb and most recently Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Their constant performance schedule has contributed to their growing fan base on the West Coast, USA. While their music has struck a chord in the wine country of Northern California and Oregon as well as the festival circuit, Allison and Victor also perform in Arizona and in Mexico.  In 2021 and 2022,  they were honored to be invited to perform for the first and second Juneteenth Celebration at the Coos History Museum in Coos Bay Oregon.

To learn more about these artists and to check out their new music visit www.allisonandvictor.com

Introducing The Greg Takemoto Trio: Redefining Jazz Classics with a Modern Twist

Pops is very pleased to host The Great Takemoto Trio on Saturday, April 20, 7:30 m. Advanced Tickets $10, At the door $15.

The American Songbook comes alive with The Greg Takemoto Trio, a dynamic and versatile ensemble dedicated to breathing new life into traditional jazz standards. Led by Greg Takemoto, a seasoned alto saxophonist with deep roots in the Northern California jazz scene, this quartet is redefining jazz music with their innovative take on classic standards.

A Blend of Styles: Straight Ahead Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, and Groove, The Greg Takemoto Trio is known for their ability to seamlessly transition between different jazz styles. From the smooth melodies of straight-ahead jazz to the intricate rhythms of contemporary jazz, and the infectious grooves that get your feet tapping, this quartet is a musical chameleon, able to adapt to any setting with style and grace.

Meet the Talented Trio Members:

Greg Takemoto (Alto Sax): Originally from Northern California, Greg Takemoto has been a figure in the Rhode Island jazz scene since 2000. With his mastery of the alto saxophone, he’s the driving force behind the quartet, always pushing the boundaries of jazz music.

Danny Castro (Bass and Guitar): Hailing from the Bay area, Danny Castro is a versatile musician excelling in multiple musical styles. His successful YouTube channel is a testament to his passion for all things bass and guitar.

Cleveland Boney (Piano): Cleveland Boney is and has always been a virtuosic pianist. With breathtaking talent, he owns and operates Clevie B Good studios, crafting, producing, and performing spellbinding music.

Experience the Magic of The Greg Takemoto Trio
Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or just looking to enjoy a night of timeless music with a modern twist, The Greg Takemoto Trio has something for everyone. With their captivating performances and refreshing approach to jazz classics, they are a must-see live act.

Shiny Eyes – Ambient Music meets Shadow Art

The serene world of ambient electronic music meets the captivating realm of shadow art. A unique live performance that melds the sounds of analog synthesizers with elements of rhythm and interaction with light and shadow. The addition of turntables spinning ethno-musical collages adds to the immersion. Prepare to be mesmerized by this innovative and ethereal performance. 

Shiny Eyes is a two man group from Eureka/Arcata California. Utilizing keyboard and modular synthesizers, drum machine, ethnic instruments, turntables, tape decks, and effects.  For fans of ambient, dub, kosmische, psych.

In addition to his shadow puppet shows, Sean Powers (AKA DJ Dental Floss) hosts a weekly show on Arcata’s, Humboldt Hot Air radio. Robert Tripp also plays synth in The Freeks from Southern California.

Countercurrent to play Sat March 9

Listen here. 

Saturday, March 9, 7:30 pm
Countercurrent
(folk – featuring iddle, guitar, harmony vocals, and foot percussion)
$5 to 15 sliding scale at door

Countercurrent is a powerhouse acoustic duo based in Seattle WA, featuring fiddle, guitar harmony vocals, and foot percussion.In nature,when two flowing bodies moving in opposite directions share energy with each other, the process is called countercurrent exchange.

Countercurrent is a powerhouse acoustic duo based in Seattle WA, featuring fiddle, guitar harmony vocals, and foot percussion.In nature,when two flowing bodies moving inmopposite directions share energy with each other, the process is called countercurrent exchange.

Countercurrent met at Oberlin College in 2009 and have been performing at concerts, festivals, and dance events ever since. As concert performers, they have played at such venues as Club Passim in Cambridge, MA, andFreight and Salvage in Berkeley, CA. As dancemusicians, they have regularly been the closing band for Northwest Folklife Festival, and have played for contra dance festivals and events all over the country.

Brian and Alex are highly collaborative musicians;in addition to Countercurrent, they have toured in other bands (including One Dollar Whiskey, Gallimaufry, and the Iona Fyfe Trio).

Alex Sturbaum is steeped in musical traditions from both sides of the Atlantic, equally comfortablemperforming for dancers in a crowded grange hall, singing original songs at an intimate house concert, belting out sea shanties at a pub sing, or playing bluegrass music at a festival.

Brian Lindsay has been dancing since he could walk, singing since he could speak, and holding a fiddle to his chin for most of his life. Surrounded by both contra dance and Irish music and dance throughout his childhood, Brian spent much of his youth going to sessions in the NY area and studying with respected Irish fiddle player Brian Conway. An accomplished peformer and Mid-Atlantic Irish Fiddle champion by the age of 17, Brian has also finds the influences of many other musical styles and traditions make their way into his playing.

Sacramento Fans – Voices of the Golden Ghosts

Victor Martin, owner of Pops Performing Arts & Cultural Center, and a cast of talented performers from Siskiyou and Shasta Counties are performing in a play about the untold story of African Americans during the Gold Rush.  Produced and directed by Siskiyou County’s Mark Oliver, the play Voices of the Golden Ghosts will play Friday & Saturday January 19 & 20th at the Black Box Theater in West Sacramento. Martin wrote some original music for this play and will be play the saxophone during the performance. Allison Scull, Martin’s musical partner,  will have a minor role. She wrote a song from the character she is playing.

Tickets are available at goldenghosts.org. The Black Box Theater is located 1075 West Capital Avenue at West Sacramento, Northern California, USA.

 

Pops/Victor Martin and the Crew Nominated Exemplary Equity Work

We are so pleased to let you know that POPS Performing Art and Cultural Center has been nominated  and named a finalist by the United Way of Northern California at “A Toast to Equity” Awards. Pops Performing Arts is one of three finalists in the Business Category. This nomination means that POPS Performing Art and Cultural Center has demonstrated a commitment to creating more inclusive and equitable spaces in our community.

 

Winners will be named at the upcoming A Toast to Equity event on Friday, January 26th, at the Win-River Event Center. Guests at the event will be treated to a variety of local wines, artisan charcuterie boards crafted by local restaurants, and a plated dinner as we recognize the many organizations in our nine-county service area that are playing an indispensable role in promoting equal access and inclusivity.

To purchase tables and/or additional tickets, at: https://norcalunitedway.networkforgood.com/events/62738-a-toast-to-equity-share-love-spark-change.

 

 

New Year’s Evening at Pops

Sunday, December 31, 2023
On New Year’s Eve, Pops is pleased to present two performances Louis Gustafson Spoken Word/Hip Hop at  8pm followed by Sound Advice Dance Party at 9 pm. You can see both shows for $15. For a printable flyer, click here. 

8 pm Louis Gustafson Spoken Word
Louis Gustafon is a Native American hip-hop artist from northern California. Pit River tribal member specializes rap and spoken word.

 

Sound Advice Blues

9 pm Sound Advice Dance Party
$15 Entrance – Buy here, While supplies last… (tickets are selling fast.)
Come join a dance party and ring in the New Year’s. Victor Martin on Sax and vocals, Kenny Blockman on Bass and Vocals, Jimmy Pryor on Drums, and Carl Swinderman on Electric Guitar.