Sound Advice: Goodbye CIP, hello country bar

Jazz but funny: Construction across from Fremont Park could not deter the FreeBadge Serenaders. Instead, the hilarious “discount jazz” duo—plus one—opted to play an improvised “Buzzsaw Blues” when it played the weekly Hot Lunch Concert Series.

Greg Sabin played banjo. Patrick Skiffington was on washboard. An auxiliary member switched off between upright bass and tuba. Kazoo solos seemed to be of utmost importance, except during “Buzzsaw Blues.” For that, the three dapper men would stop on cue and point to the construction mess: “Take it away!”

It was perfect lunchtime entertainment—perhaps made even more perfect at night, with a flapper dress and cocktail in hand. Even still, the FreeBadge Serenaders had me roaring with laughter and tapping my feet, all the while eating potato salad.

Serendipitously, they launched into an ode to mayonnaise, with crowd participation. “Shout out if you have mustard in your fridge,” Sabin said, met with cheers. “How about ketchup? Miracle Whip?” The crowd of 50 booed. “Relish? Vegenaise?” Sabin was met with silence, though Skiffington slowly raised his hand. No shame—I have Vegenaise in my fridge, too.

There was a lovely old-timey, radio-theater quality to Sabin’s interludes. And with so many children sitting around, it sometimes felt like educational storytelling. He sang about things of local importance, such as Shakey’s Pizza Parlor and Apple Hill.

The Serenaders concluded with what might be my favorite song about Sacramento ever: “Sacramento, Ca USA.” It’s sassy, self-deprecating and, mostly, I just adore this line: “Why don’t you come and stay in the city by the city by the bay?”

The free Hot Lunch Concert Series continues at Fremont Park, located on 16th Street between P and Q Streets, with Bellygunner today and Hans! and the Hot Mess, KB & the Slingtones, Broken Voice Club, and Dinorah Curkendall on subsequent Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

#CIP2014: The city’s biggest, free summer concert series has come to a close. Last Friday night, a most amusing cross-section of Sacramentans converged on Cesar Chavez Plaza for the final installment of Concerts in the Park. Suburban empty-nesters taking advantage of their big night out, hip music scenesters, awkward punk teenagers, tiny children and, most importantly, Kenny “The Dancing Man” Buchanan.

Over 12 weeks, more than 70,000 people attended CIP. A new record! Congratulations, everyone.

In the supporting slot, Jeremy Briggs showed off his post-The Voice pipes. Briggs used to be the frontman for southern rock band Relic 45. He landed on the NBC singing competition show and lasted a couple rounds. And though it seemed brief to viewers, Briggs has said it was an amazing learning experience. Concerts in the Park marked his second local gig since the show aired. While there were definitely some fans in attendance, there seemed to be more murmurs of, “Holy crap, who is this guy?” Now playing under his own name, Briggs’ sound is full and rockin’, his voice powerful and precise.

Crowds rushed the stage for the Brodys—the band’s 18th performance at Concerts in the Park. It’s like a tradition, including the Brodys’ “Hungry Like the Wolf” cover. Or should I say, cover medley. The band moved quickly through a number of iconic songs—verse to verse, mention to mention—such as “I Melt With You,” “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” “Blister in the Sun” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” At least 50 people jumped on stage to dance for the last few moments, screaming and waving, until the music stopped and an organizer immediately took the mic: “Thanks so much for a great season, now please, everyone, get off the stage.”

A new weekly party, Concerts in the Plaza, launches at the Downtown Plaza in front of Macy’s. Starting Friday, August 1, through Friday, September 5, local bands will play free shows from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Next up is rock band Hero’s Last Mission. For the full lineup, head to www.sacdowntownplaza.com.

Gold country: A new country bar, restaurant and live-music venue opens on Friday, August 1. Led by Bret Bair and Eric Rushing of Ace of Spades, and Tyler Williams of Tank House BBQ and Bar, Goldfield Trading Post has some serious promise.

The venue replaces Hamburger Patties at 1630 J Street. So far, the weekly lineup includes a Monday-night open-mic hosted by James Cavern, free line-dancing lessons on Tuesdays and live country band karaoke on Wednesdays. Friday night will feature up-and-coming Nashville country singer Joey Hyde—the official after-party for Jon Pardi’s show at Ace of Spades. It starts at 10 p.m., and there’s no cover. For more, check out www.goldfieldtradingpost.com.