Go. Speed Racer, go!

Judging from their moniker, the Zim-Zims sound like they should be some kind of Elroy and Judy Jetson band with an affinity for buoyant early-’80s new wave. Yes, the Davis-based trio is buoyant, but its appeal is more Yo La Tengo guitar-driven dazzle than A Flock of Seagulls MTV fodder. After last year’s swell debut, the band, fronted by singer-guitarist Jake Mann, switched bass players and recorded a new five-song EP, which just got released. The Zim-Zims are playing the Fox & Goose, at 1001 R Street, on Saturday, November 20, with stripped-down singer-songwriter Garrett Pierce; the show starts at 9 p.m., and the cover’s $3. And if you are reading this on Sunday morning, don’t fret: At 2 p.m. that day, November 21, Big Mike Balma will be hosting one of his blues barbecues at the Sacramento Horsemen’s Club, at 3200 Longview Drive, with Mississippi Delta blues acts Michael Burks, Lil’ Dave Thompson and Zac Harmon & the MidSouth Blues Revue on the bill. It’s the last one this year. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door, and there’s fine food and a full bar available.