Smooth jazz, freeform radio

Visual and sonic art: Jazz night at the Crocker Art Museum is a fine way to get lost.

The cathartic sort of lost, of course. Every third Thursday of the month, the Crocker offers an evening of artistic respite through two means: wandering forever through the museum’s breathtaking gallery maze, or drifting along to daydreams accompanied by a breezy jazz score in the open air.

Last Thursday’s bill presented two talented ensembles: Sacramento’s own the Bumptet and Bay Area saxophonist Greg Chambers with a full backing band. Both instrumental acts wedged two sets between one another, with the Bumptet jamming in the front courtyard outside the cafe and Chambers performing on the main stage in a courtyard further back.

The Bumptet introduced itself with a jazz epic, guiding us through an abridged sonic tour of the universe that lasted shy of 20 minutes, or close to half of its first set. The song wove together tightly with well-versed hooks, then derailed boldly into improv chaos. The intergalactic tone was in part due to Andre Fylling’s keyboardist-from-Mars sound, his electric organ eerily shifting pitches like a weeping UFO in certain moments. The four men conjured a range of vibes: upbeat and skippy; mellow and reclined; down-to-earth and transdimensional.

Chambers and friends’ set felt jubilant and celebratory, convincing some folks planted in their folding chairs to rise up and jig a little. The sax lead the way, with Chambers breathing cheerful melodies that resonated well through the night and the ride home. Those brass hooks wore a brim backing sound, a parade of clicky slap bass, warm electric wah and lullaby-soft keys elevated by up-tempo percussion.

Intermissions were meant for roaming the Crocker’s boundless art spaces. If you’re seeking fresh exhibits, Glass for the New Millennium just opened up on the third floor, a globally curated set of 3-D sculptures pristinely crafted with vibrant colored shards.

Considering the normal price to experience the Crocker’s vast art assemblage is $10, $14 isn’t bad for the additional access to the curative magic of live music. Jazz night returns in August. Ready to get lost?

—Mozes Zarate

Community on the airwaves: Since 1967, free-form community radio has thrived in Davis thanks to UC Davis station KDVS. Tune into 90.3 FM and you might hear thrash metal, blues, ’60s Cambodian pop, poetry or musings on current affairs. But what about Sacramento?

KUTZ FM wants to be the KDVS for Sacramento, and fittingly, the effort is led by a group of KDVS alumni. For the past two years, the project has been in the works, gaining momentum slowly. Now, KUTZ FM has a frequency—106.9 FM—and is actively fundraising to hopefully launch this fall. Find the crowdfunding campaign at www.indiegogo.com/projects/kutz-radio-launch. Donations are tax deductible.

Anneliese Kaufman, one of the station’s core volunteers, says KUTZ FM will dive into local culture, including food commentary and Sacramento Kings coverage.

“A lot of it is highlighting local artists, musicians, events—and reflecting a lot of the great things happening in Sacramento,” she said.

And music, obviously.

“With radio, we’re noticing a generation gap with music programming. KUTZ will reflect younger musicians making music now. … Noise, punk, whatever deejays want to play.”

Hopefully, one day, KUTZ will invite live bands or record sessions in its studio, which Kaufman is aiming to be located downtown. It all depends on what the engineers determine is best, and of course, money. Though the KUTZ crowdfunding campaign technically concludes on August 31, KUTZ won’t be able to broadcast until it reaches its $7,500 goal—the minimum needed for basic equipment, Kaufman says.

Since it’s a community-oriented station—a completely volunteer-run, non-profit supported directly by donations from the community it serves—there’s plenty of room for folks to get involved. Watch out for community meeting announcements, or shoot a message to the KUTZ team through Facebook or the KUTZ FM website, www.kutzfm.org.