March is buzzing with live music echoing from every corner of Sacramento’s tight-knit music scene. Jenny Don’t and the Spurs ride into the historic Torch Club from Portland with their cowpunk tunes and honky-tonk grit. Hardcore bands Worst Ways and Anxious Arms take over Cafe Colonial unleashing a fury of heavy breakdowns and thrash-fueled guitars. Pop punk sisters Dog Party head to Tokyo in April, supporting garage rock darling Peach Kelli Pop with their signature drums and guitars; but before they head out, you can catch both bands at the Press Club for a special show. Band of Coyotes is ready to unveil new music, with live video performances set to debut on YouTube this month, and new songs dropping in May.
For beer lovers, there are a couple of different hop-related affairs. First, be sure to stop by the Capitol Beer Fest, marking its 15th anniversary with over 100 brewers pouring 300 styles of sudsy beverages — and 20 different food trucks to feed the masses. And it wouldn’t be a proper March without the annual Fox & Goose St. Patrick’s Day party where patrons can raise a glass of Smithwick’s or Harp while toasting 50 years of Irish tradition. Lastly, Crocker Art Museum hosts a Selena dance party that promises to fill the night with cumbia, pop and disco hits. With so much happening this month, here’s where to start as you plan your weekend
Music
Outlaws of cowpunk
Thursday, March 6: Portland’s Jenny Don’t and the Spurs ride into town bringing their signature cowpunk edge and honky-tonk grit to the historic Torch Club. Fresh off the release of “Broken Hearted Blue,” their fourth album released last summer, the band continues to blaze trails across the country and overseas with galloping rhythms, reverb-soaked guitars and Jenny Don’t’s howling vocals.
From the haunting Spaghetti Western spirit of “Sidewinder” to the boot-stomping vibes heard in “Pain In My Heart,” their sound is equal parts dusty outlaw ballad and raucous garage rock. With roots in punk and a deep love for classic country, they deliver crowd-pleasing live shows packed with high energy and roadhouse soul. Saddle up, because Jenny Don’t and the Spurs ain’t your grandpa’s country band. Torch Club, 904 15th St.; 9 p.m.; $15; 21 and over.
New music alert!
Sunday, March 9: Band of Coyotes has been busy creating new music, refining their sound and embracing a clear direction while maintaining their signature blend of indie, soul and rock influences. Now performing as a trio with a keyboard-driven presence, the band has found creative rejuvenation, according to vocalist/keyboardist Mason Durst.
Fans can expect new material soon — two freshly recorded songs will debut in March as live video performances on their YouTube channel, captured at Rosa Mortem recording studio with producer and studio owner Ashley Rae. The momentum continues as Band of Coyotes heads back into the studio later this month to record two more tracks, set for release in May. See the pack live with indie rock band Push to Feel, and Inner Nature, a chillwave-inspired project that weaves evocative samples into immersive, dreamlike sequences. The Golden Bear, 2326 K St.; 8 p.m.; $5-$10; 21 and over.
Rebel girls
Sunday, March 30: Pop-punk band Dog Party is kicking off 2025 right with a string of live performances and the continued success of their 2024 album “Dangerous,” released on their label, Sneak Dog Records. After more than 15 years of writing music together, sisters Gwendolyn and Lucy Giles have matured their sound without losing the catchy melodies and upbeat tempos that made them famous.
Their upcoming show at the Press Club features a solid lineup from all over the Golden State, including Worm Shot visiting from Reno, the SoCal indie-garage vibes of Peach Kelli Pop (with Gwen and Lucy playing guitar and drums, respectively, as part of their Tokyo tour), and Tororo with their tight, precise guitar work and crazy-shifting tempos. Press Club, 1119 21st St..; 8 p.m.; $12-$15; 21 and over.
Fuzzed-out frequencies
Friday, March 28: Psych-rock standouts The Snares bring their electrifying sound to The Starlet Room for a night of reverb-drenched riffs and hypnotic grooves. Fresh off the release of their debut EP, “Damaged Goods,” the four-piece fuses 1960s garage, noise rock and post-punk into a swirling sonic storm. One of their latest singles, “What You Said!?”, recorded live-to-tape at Atomic Garden Studios, is a high-energy preview of their forthcoming full-length album, set to drop sometime this year.
Known for their dynamic keyboard rhythms, hard-hitting drums and catchy yet off-kilter melodies, The Snares are quickly becoming a must-see act throughout California’s music scene. Joining them are Animals in the Attic, delivering dreamy, sun-soaked melodies, and The Pseudo Mystics, bringing their experimental charm. The Starlet Room, 2708 J St., above Harlow’s; doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.; $21.60 in advance; all ages.
Hardcore fury unleashed
Sunday, March 30: Sacramento hardcore powerhouse Worst Ways is bringing their relentless energy to Cafe Colonial, delivering a set packed with fast, thrashy riffs and heavy breakdowns. With members hailing from bands like Hell Crew, Five Victims Four Graves and Boundaries, their sound is a crushing blend of punk fury and melodic hooks.
Worst Ways’ debut self-titled album, released Nov. 1 on New Age Records, features 10 tracks built for two-stepping and singalongs. Fans of Carry On and Trapped Under Ice won’t want to miss this show with Anxious Arms, Ingrata and Under Ego delivering an evening of intensity from start to finish. Worst Ways’ blistering single “Shattered” even features Marshall Lichtenwaldt of The Warriors, adding his signature ferocity to the track. Expect a packed night of hardcore hits — circle pits encouraged. Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; doors at 6:30 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m.; $15.15 in advance, $18.15 day of show; all ages.
Culture
300 bottles of beer at the mall
Saturday, March 8: The Capitol Beer Fest is brewing something special for its 15th anniversary. With over 100 brewers pouring more than 300 different beverages, this year’s hop-fueled affair along Capitol Mall is overflowing with sips for every palate against the beautiful backdrop of California’s Capitol Building. Imbibe your way through crisp lagers, hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, and even wine, cider, mead and kombucha — because variety is the spice of life — and beer.
Pair your pours with bites from 20 delicious food trucks, shop from 30-plus vendors and why not test your liquid courage against the mechanical bull? With three DJs spinning tunes and a variety of crowd-favorite beer games in full swing, the Capitol Beer Fest is a full-bodied experience for a great cause — supporting youth fitness programs through Runnin’ for Rhett.
For those attending, note: There are entrances on both the north and south sides of Capitol Mall at 5th Street. Capitol Mall, between 3rd and 7th streets; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; $20-$85; 21 and over.
50 years of cheers
Monday, March 17: Fox & Goose is painting Sactown green for its 50th annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration — and you’re invited to join the craic! Feast on hearty Irish fare, from steaming lamb stew in a sourdough bread bowl to the classic corned beef and cabbage comfort dish.
Raise a pint of Guinness, Harp or Smithwick’s and toast to good friends and lively music provided by the Celtic Charms, who kicks off the party at 5 p.m., followed by a charming group sing-along led by a beloved Irish folk singer at 6 p.m.
Bagpipes will fill this cozy tavern with festive cheer, leading into rollicking sets from the Pint Thieves and Stout Rebellion. Sláinte to 50 years of revelry at one of Sacramento’s oldest pubs. Fox & Goose Public House, 1001 R St.; 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; $5-$10 cover after 4 p.m.; all ages until 10 p.m., 21 and over at the bar after 10 p.m.
“Anything for Selenas!”
Thursday, March 27: The Crocker Art Museum’s Global Rhythms: ¡Órale! spring concert series continues with an incredible evening featuring performances by Dia Luna and Maya. Dia Luna, the art-pop project led by Andrea Diaz and her cousin Tomas Deltoro-Diaz, brings a spellbinding blend of storytelling, ancestral exploration and personal transformation. Their album “Camellia” weaves tales of identity and freedom through songs like “Grapevine” where Andrea Diaz’s voice evokes a striking combination of strength and delicacy as her breathy vocals weave through lush arrangements of strings, heart-pounding percussion and electronic beats. Collaborations with musicians like Joe McGinty (Psychedelic Furs) and Stuart Bogie (Antibalas and Arcade Fire) have also shaped her unique sound.
As one of Northern California’s busiest Latin tribute bands, Maya rounds out this night of live music with their power-packed, Selena-inspired set that blends cumbia, pop and disco hits that pay homage to the Tejano icon. Songs like “Como La Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Baila Esta Cumbia” are sure to get the entire museum onto the dance floor. Crocker members can enjoy a special happy hour from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. with complimentary wine from Heringer Estates, while non-members can sip on the same vino for $5 per glass. Tasty bites from Chando’s Tacos will also be available for purchase. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St.; 6:30 p.m.; $10-$30; 18 and over.
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This story is part of the Solving Sacramento journalism collaborative. This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics, the city had no editorial influence over this story. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
Steph Rodriguez
