Best Places To See Local Musicians In Sacramento
1001 R St.
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 443-8825
foxandgoose.com
Housed in a century-old brick old building, the Fox & Goose has been serving up English pub food, libations and great music since 1975. On Wednesday evenings, local performers fill the pub with Motown-esque Northern soul dance music. Individuals offer acoustic tunes on Thursdays; on Fridays and Saturdays, Goose typically resounds with iconic music from larger bands. Genres include rock, reggae, punk, bluegrass, metal, jazz, folk and indie-pop, and the intimate setting is perfect for local favorites and up-and-coming stars. Performers have included Nevada City faves The Rattlin' Bones, Kevin Seconds, Sacramento "dream rock guitarist" Dolores 5000, Ish, Pants Da Buzzard, Chicken & Dumpling, long-time Goose performer Steve McLane and two-time SAMMIES winners Whiskey & Stitches.
5201 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 457-5997
eastsacshack.com
Although the interior and covered patio areas are relatively small, guests love this longtime East Sacramento spot for the food, the great beer selection and especially for the eclectic mix of live music. The Sacramento-based Harley White Jr. Orchestra performs everything from blues, funk and Latin to electronica, burlesque and Tiki-lounge exotica, playing both classic and original tunes. For acoustic, blue-grassy Americana, Shack customers can enjoy the music of Sacramento's Drytown Smugglers; funk, rock, folk and blues music are offered up by creative local band Schwamigos.
1111 H St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-1927
www.nakedcoffee.net
Naked Lounge's laid-back downtown location offers totally addictive coffee and tea concoctions, beer, wine, food and free Wi-Fi. The vibe is hipster-friendly, and live music is performed in the cool, intimate back room. Many local bands are featured, including the indie, rock and acoustic stylings of fun and funky Vinnie Guidera & The Dead Birds. Ebb Tide plays progressive, cinematic rock and jazz, with inspiration drawn from Pink Floyd, Liszt and Animal as Leaders. Other Sacramento favorites include the reggae, twang and folk music of Rubbidy Buppidy and Dandelion Moon's combination of blues, classics and current pop and folk.
1901 10th St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-9751
theoldironsides.com
The venerable Old Ironsides was established in 1934, by members of the same family that operates it today. It is a friendly neighborhood bar that offers lunch on weekdays and open mike comedy on Wednesday nights, but is especially popular for the local performers who offer tunes of many genres. Recent and upcoming musical performances include reggae music from Sacramento bands Urbanfire and The Scratch Outs, hard rock and metal from Malcolm Bliss and old school, grunge and modern rock of Fudi. Sacramento's Ken Arcadia bring alternative and hard rock to Old I, and They Went Ghost of Vacaville and Salinas-based Midnight Thieves provide great performances as well.
5871 Garden Highway
Sacramento, CA 95837
(916) 920-8088
www.swabbies.com
Located on the Sacramento River, Swabbies has a tropical ambience and a private dock for customers. While known for serving fresh fish tacos, the place is best loved for the rustic outdoor area where live music, drinking, dancing and casual dining take place. Popular groups from Sacramento include The Cripple Creek Band, which plays lively southern rock and country, AC/DC tribute band RIFF/RAFF and the diverse genres of danceable covers by Groove Thang. Buffett and Grateful Dead tunes are the bailiwick of Garratt Wilkin, while Ranell Carpenter's sets include blues, soul and country; both artists are from Placerville. San Francisco band Spazmatics has also performed at Swabbies.
