Category Archives: Uncategorized

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.

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

A Blend of Styles: Straight Ahead Jazz, Contemporary Jazz, and Groove

We are very excited to host the Greg Takemoto Quartet here at Pops on Saturday, December 9 at 7 pm. Advanced tickets $11 or At the Door $15

The American Songbook comes alive with The Greg Takemoto Quartet, 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.

The Greg Takemoto Quartet 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 Quartet 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.

– **Ross Perry (Drums)**: A graduate of Chico State, Ross Perry is a drummer with a wide range of styles. When he’s not keeping the rhythm for The Greg Takemoto Quartet, he’s jamming with them and Tyler Mansfield in the 7-piece funk group, Soul Punch.

– **Tyler Mansfield (Guitar)**: Tyler Mansfield, a graduate of both Chico State and the University of Reno, is a talented guitarist who juggles multiple musical projects. From Supertonic Jazz Duo to Danger Kitty Rock Group, he brings his unique guitar skills to every performance.

**Experience the Magic of The Greg Takemoto Quartet**

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

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness the magic of The Greg Takemoto Quartet. Catch them at various venues as they continue to share their love for jazz and spread their unique musical vision.

Siskiyou County X Days

SISKIYOU X DAYS
Pops is pleased to participate in SISKIYOU X DAYS. SISKIYOU X DAYS is a ten-day all-county open studio/art experience event featuring and connecting the diverse and unique talent of Siskiyou. For a guide book of Siskiyou X days, click here. 

Thursday, November 2, 6-9 pm
Louis Gustafson is a Native Hip Hop Artist from Northern California. Pit River Tribal member who specializes in Rap, spoken word and as a facilitator.

Damilola Afolabi, affectionately known as Dami, is a remarkable individual whose journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to Redding, California, has shaped him into a unique and multifaceted artist and community leader. Dami’s mission goes beyond personal achievement; he has a heart dedicated to seeing people set free and made whole. He believes that his artistic endeavors are not just for his own glory but for the empowerment and upliftment of others. He is not merely an artist but a bridge builder, mending fractured relationships and fostering connections through the medium of dance.His willingness to connect with others and foster genuine relationships speaks volumes about his character. As an independent performing artist, Dami’s work extends far beyond the stage. He is a culture enthusiast, a storyteller, an actor, a dancer, a teacher, and an activist. His art is deeply rooted in his Nigerian heritage and informed by his experiences as a Black man in the United States. Through his Afrofusion movement, storytelling, music, poetry, and visual art, Dami tackles both political and personal themes, using his talents as a vehicle for social commentary and change. Furthermore, Dami wears many hats in his community. He is a community organizer and the founder of AfroLatino Nights, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting diversity and cultural representation in Northern California. This movement brings together people from various backgrounds through their shared love for diverse cultures, music, food, and dance, fostering unity in a region where “minority” groups often struggle to be seen and heard.

Maria Schafer Quartet October 19

Looking forward to hosting Maria Schafer and her quartet on Thursday, October 19 at 7 pm. Ticket available here.

♫ Follow on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/43tCYWd
♫ Bandcamp: https://bit.ly/YBC-MariaSchafer_on_BandCamp
♫ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@mariaschafermusic

“A knockout debut… leaves you wondering what she can’t do.” – The New York City Jazz Record

“…makes you beg for more of the same. Impressive foray.” – Jazz Weekly

A rising star in the Los Angeles vocal jazz scene, singer Maria Schafer seamlessly blends a jubilant, “journey-bound” jazz mixture of swing, Brazilian, and Afro-Cuban concoctions for an evocative program of heartfelt and enchanting tunes. Her remarkably memorable originals, velvety sweet vocals, and beguiling poise help listeners land somewhere between tasting the best whiskey-laden cocktail of their life and falling in love.
Maria spent two years touring as the featured vocalist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, has performed at festivals including the Monterey Jazz Festival and Montreal Jazz Festival, won awards at the Next Generation Jazz Festival and Reno Jazz Festival, garnered ensemble wins in the Student Downbeat Awards, and appeared on performing arts center stages across the USA and Canada, Riga Jazz Stage in Latvia, and Bunkamura Orchard Hall, Blue Note Tokyo, and Blue Note Nagoya in Japan. Her two full-length albums feature folk-tinged jazz originals and new-fashioned standards and are played regularly on radio stations across North America including KKJZ (Los Angeles), KNKX (Washington), KCSU (Colorado), WDCB (Chicago), and CBC Radio in Canada.
In October, Maria will be touring the USA West Coast spanning jazz clubs, radio stations, and performing arts centers in CA, OR, and WA.
On the timing of the tour, Maria shares that this tour will “be a sneak peek of my next album featuring my newest songs, expanded instrumentation, musical alchemy, and continued musical growth. My songbook has joyously developed with original songs melding jazz and world genres, spanning the heartfelt to the cheeky and playful- but I am also still indulging my growing taste for exploring and arranging lesser-known jazz standards.”
Though the October performance tour is not Ms. Schafer’s first foray through the western USA, this time she travels with more friends in tow than on previous visits. Having played many years together in the greater Los Angeles areas, previous tours centered on a duo with Ventura-native guitarist Shane Savala, and this time Schafer and Savala will be joined by bassist David Reynoso and drummer Karo Galadjian, all based in southern California. Together they breathe life into Maria’s compositions and arrangements as well as originals written together by Schafer and Savala, creating a bed of joyous jazz interplay in support of Maria’s lithe voice and adventurous yet intimate lyrical and melodic interpretations