KC Turner Presents: 11th Annual Concert Series at Hopmonk Tavern Novato

July 15, 2024 by Jessica Klausing

By Jessica Klausing

Day 1 - Friday

Victor Krummenacher
Camper Van Beethoven
Cracker

KC Turner Presents is hosting the 11th annual concert cookout series at the Hopmonk Tavern in Novato. KC Turner, a prolific promoter known for organizing quality music events and private house concerts throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, is behind this event. If you’ve never been to a KC Turner event, do yourself a favor and go! KC is an all-around great guy, who always ensures his audience has a great time!

As soon as Cracker was announced to perform for three days at the Hopmonk Tavern, I bought the tickets and made the travel arrangements. I had a feeling this was going to be special—and I was right! It turns out the rumors were true: Greg Lisher joined Victor Krummenacher and David Lowery for a surprise Camper Van Beethoven mini set!

My last Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven show was in 2014 at their Camp Out festival, which used to take place every September at Pappy & Harriet’s in Yucca Valley, California. You can read about it HERE

Victor Krummenacher Band

Victor Krummenacher photo by Jessica Klausing.

Victor Krummenacher and his band opened the show on Friday. Victor has been a musical hero of mine since middle school when I discovered his other band, Monks of Doom. Seeing him perform his solo material was a real treat. His vocals are both beautiful and emotive. Blue Pacific is my favorite solo album of Victor’s, and it’s one I listened to on repeat during a particularly rough time in my life. Hearing the title track, “Blue Pacific,” transported me back to that healing period. Additionally, hearing the heartbreak in Victor’s voice during “If I Could Only Close My Eyes” nearly brought me to tears.

Joining Victor onstage were Paul Olguin (bass), Greg Lisher (guitar), and Loralee Christensen (backup vocals). Loralee stole the show with her gorgeous, powerhouse bluesy vocals on “Hard to See Trouble Comin’” and “The Cock Crows at Sunrise.” Loralee and Victor complement each other vocally. I can only hope these two continue to make music together.

Victor Krummenacher:
Head for the Hills
Blue Pacific
I Aint Got No Home
If I Could Only Close My Eyes
Hard To See Trouble Comin’
The Cock Crows at Sunrise
Autoluminescent

Camper Van Beethoven

David Lowery and Carlton Walker Owens (Cracker’s drummer) joined Victor and Greg onstage for a surprise Camper Van Beethoven set. Despite the absence of Jonathan Segel and Chris Pederson, the band delivered a solid four-song mini-set of their renowned psychedelic rock quirkiness. “Take the Skinheads Bowling” was a crowd favorite, inspiring lots of dancing and singing. The band closed their set with “Club Med Sux,” a rarity from their Telephone Free Landslide Victory album. As much as we all wanted CVB to continue, it was time for the main act of the night—Cracker.

Camper Van Beethoven:
Good Guys and Bad Guys
Take the Skinheads Bowling
Pictures of Matchstick Men
Club Med Sux

Cracker

From left to right: Johnny Hickman (lead guitarist), David Lowery (frontman, guitarist), Bryan Howard (bass), and Cracker night one setlist photos by Jessica Klausing.

Cracker’s co-founders, David Lowery (lead singer) and Johnny Hickman (lead guitarist), have been playing together for three decades and are still going strong! If I had to describe night one, I would call it "lightning in a bottle."

Johnny was on fire! Watching him shred his guitar and feeling his blissful energy was truly infectious. Despite the scorching 104-degree heat that evening, it didn’t stop me and countless others from singing and dancing our butts off! Bassist Bryan Howard even got into it and was seen headbanging during “Get Off This.” Drummer Carlton Owens was all smiles, keeping tempo during the hype.

Crowd favorites like “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now),” “Low,” and “Eurotrash Girl” prompted some of the loudest sing-alongs. As the night went on, David slowed things down with the beautiful and reflective “I Want Everything,” while Johnny shined vocally on his heartbreaking “Another Song About the Rain.” The band closed out the night with “El Cerrito” for their encore. My body was buzzing from all the energy—it was a high I never wanted to come down from.

Cracker:
St. Cajetan
Someday
Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)
Mr. Wrong
Low
Loser
Get Off This
Been Around the World
I Want Everything
Happy Birthday To Me
Eurotrash Girl
Another Song About the Rain
Encore:
El Cerrito

Day 2 - Saturday

Megan Slankard
Cracker

KC Turner at Hopmonk Tavern. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

Just when I thought nothing could top day one, day two took it to the next level with more talented musical guests and surprise Cracker rarities making it into the setlist.

Side note: My friend Arie and I embarked on the California Cheese Trail. This is an absolute must for cheese and wine lovers! We followed the trail from Novato to Petaluma, visiting four delicious creameries. The drive is stunning, with breathtaking views of vibrant mountainsides and bustling small coastal towns.

Marin French Cheese Co. was our favorite stop. As the country’s oldest cheese company, they offer a huge selection of cheeses, jams, chocolates, wines, and various charcuterie snacks. You can enjoy these delicious treats beside a lake on their property. It’s the perfect spot for a date night or a picnic with friends and family. As much as we wanted to continue our cheese journey, we had to cut it short to make it to Hopmonk Tavern for the show.

Megan Slankard

Megan Slankard opened the show on Saturday, and seeing her live is a truly captivating experience. She's a phenomenal guitarist with boundless energy! From the moment she stepped on stage, her presence was magnetic, drawing the audience in with a combination of genuine charm and impressive talent. Her music is characterized by remarkable emotional depth and a seamless blend of folk, rock, and pop influences, showcasing her versatility as both a vocalist and a songwriter.

Opening the set with “You Got This” had everyone on their feet, bouncing along to the beat. Megan brought the sass with “California,” delivering lines like, “Did you get what you came here for?/Did you get what you wanted?/Will it fix all of your problems you’ve had since college?” The standout track of the night was her cover of Melanie’s “Brand New Key,” where Megan’s peppy vocals perfectly conveyed the joy of this timeless tune.

Megan Slankard:
You Got This
California
How Can You Tell
Dirty Wings
Brand New Key (Melanie cover)
A Token of the Wreckage

Cracker

Cracker returned for a sold-out night with new surprises added to the setlist. Tonight, we were treated to some hits from their third studio album, The Golden Age. I lost my mind when the band launched into “I’m a Little Rocket Ship” from that album. Of all the songs Cracker played during their three-day stint, this was the one I secretly hoped would make it into the set! A huge thank you to Megan Slankard for making this possible—she played the string arrangements via David’s laptop from the side stage. Many hits from the previous night made it into tonight’s setlist, which meant LOTS of dancing and singing!

Bryan and Carlton’s powerful and rhythmic presence in “100 Flower Power Maximum” fueled the fire. Johnny slowed things down with the sentimental “Hold of Myself.” At one point, the band tried to play “Happy Birthday to Me” but kept messing up, so they ended up playing “Friends” instead. “Happy Birthday to Me” did make it into the encore, with the band closing out the night with the riveting, honky-tonk-esque “Lonesome Johnny Blues.”

Cracker:
The Golden Age
I’m a Little Rocket Ship
Useless Stuff
Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)
100 Flower Power Maximum
Time Machine
Hey Brett (You Know What Time It Is)
Get Off This
St. Cajetan
Low
Don’t Fuck Me Up (With Peace and Love)
Hold Of Myself
The World is Mine
How Can I Live Without You
Friends
Eurotrash Girl
One Fine Day
Give Me One More Chance
Encore:
Happy Birthday to Me
Lonesome Johnny Blues

Day 3 - Sunday

David Lowery
Cracker

Hopmonk Tavern outdoor stage. Photo by Jessica Klausing

Cracker closed out the final night with another stellar, sold-out show. The past three days have been unforgettable and special. Attending a Cracker show feels like a family reunion. The Crumbs (Cracker fans) are some of the nicest music fans I have ever met. Saying goodbye after a show is never easy; the post-concert depression is real! That’s the beauty of concerts—they bring wayward souls together. I will cherish these memories always.

The final night featured an acoustic set by David Lowery and even MORE surprise rarities from Cracker.

David Lowery

David Lowery opened Sunday with a set of songs and stories. His banter between songs was charming and engaging, filled with anecdotes and reflections that provided insight into his creative process and personal experiences. His wit and humor added a layer of warmth to the performance, making the evening feel like an engaging conversation with an old friend.

Opening with the introspective "(I Don’t Wanna Go to the) Lincoln Shrine," he immediately drew the audience into his world, his storytelling style creating a sense of intimacy and connection. “Disneyland Jail” offers humorous yet wise life lessons. "Giving Tree Father" was a standout, weaving together a narrative that reflects on fatherhood, with David's rich and resonant voice carrying an emotional weight.

David Lowery:
(I Don’t Wanna Go to the) Lincoln Shrine
Super Bloom, 1973
Disneyland Jail, 1977
It Don’t Last Long
I Wrote a Song Called Take the Skinheads Bowling
Giving Tree Father

Cracker

From left to right: Johnny Hickman (lead guitarist), Carlton Owens (drummer), Bryan Howard (bass), and David Lowery (vocals, guitarist) photos by Jessica Klausing.

Cracker saved their biggest surprise for the final night. They opened their set with the ethereal, trippy “Bicycle Spaniard,” a rarity that has not been played live in eight years! Apologies to anyone recording near me, as I may have blurted out, “Holy Sh*t!” a bit too loudly in shock.

David Lowery, with his unmistakable voice and commanding presence, led the band through a set that revisited hits and introduced new ones like “King of Bakersfield.” The chemistry between David and Johnny was palpable, and their interplay was one of the night’s highlights. Johnny’s guitar work—whether searing solos or more subtle, nuanced riffs—provided the perfect counterpoint to David’s gravelly vocals. A huge shoutout to Bryan and Carlton for holding down the backbone of this well-curated journey through Cracker’s greatest hits and deeper cuts.

Cracker’s concert was a reminder of their impressive longevity and their knack for delivering a memorable live performance. If you get a chance to see them, don’t miss it—this band still knows how to put on a hell of a show.

Cracker:
Bicycle Spaniard
Friends
King of Bakersfield
St. Cajetan
Someday
Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)
Wedding Day
Eurotrash Girl
California Country Boy
Get on Down the Road
Low
Loser
Movie Star
The World Is Mine
The San Bernardino Boy
Get Off This
Encore:
The Man in Me (Bob Dylan cover)
El Cerrito

CONCERT REVIEW: Szlachetka's Heart Of My Hometown @ Hollywood's Hotel Cafe

May 13, 2018 by Jessica Klausing

Written by Jessica Klausing

Szlachetka and his band perform at Hotel Cafe. Photo by Jessica Klausing.

Szlachetka (pronounced SLA-HET-KA) is out on tour in support of his new album release, Heart Of My Hometown. Rolling Stone Magazine praised the album citing Szlachetka as a ‘New Country Artist to Know.’ That was evident as many Angelinos packed into the Second Stage venue at Hollywood’s Hotel Café on Wednesday night. The music was Americana roots rock superb, the storytelling honed the heartland spirit, and with the added chemistry of Szlachetka’s full band— it was transcendence into musical nirvana.

The minute Szlachetka crooned into the steel guitar opener “Algebra” the audience knew it was on a heartfelt journey. Bathed in blue stage lights and clad in a button up faded shirt and jeans, Szlachetka exemplified raw emotion and musical prowess. Delicate guitar strums coupled with rich, warm vocals. Electric guitars cranked up for the rock n’ roll road trip anthem, “Ready To Run Again,” forcing everyone up on their feet.

Szlachetka followed with the titular, “Heart Of My Hometown,” which prompted many cheers from the audience. Szlachetka bids farewell to his home place in route to a new adventure as he sings, “Farewell/ don’t look back just make ‘em proud/ No matter where I go/can’t let go to the heart of my hometown.”

Szlachetka’s talented bandmates had their own time to shine in the set: Dave “Mustang” Lang (organ, keyboards) brought out the funky soul swag in the Ry Cooder cover of “Jesus On the Mainline,” Derek Brown (drums, percussion) and Kurtis Keber (bass) flawlessly held down the rhythm in “Until That Echo,” and Jillinda Palmer (vocals) and Samantha Smith (vocals) harmonized pitch perfectly in “Don’t You Think It’s Time.”

Heartfelt life lessons were shared in the latter half of the set. “Wildflowers On The Highway” teaches us to look for the beautiful things from the uglier parts in life. In light of the untimely death of a close friend, Szlachetka sorrowfully shares the importance to cherish life in “Cheated Time.”

Szlachetka closes with "Back Into Your Heart." Photo by Jessica Klausing.

Closing with the upbeat “Back Into Your Heart” off the Waits For a Storm to Find album, Szlachetka was greeted with blazing smiles and hearty handclaps as the show came to an end.

Szlachetka performs his eclectic twist on the Americana sub genres, bringing together singer-songwriter sentiments, country western, 1970’s California roots rock, and so much more. His songwriting captures plenty of emotional moments on par with legends like Jackson Browne and Jason Isbell. Szlachetka and his band deliver a top notch intimate performance worthy of a big stadium.

SETLIST:
Algebra
Ready To Run Again
Heart Of My Hometown
Jesus On the Mainline (Ry Cooder cover)
Until That Echo
And I See You Now
Don't You Think It's Time
Giving Back The Best Of Me
Wildflowers On The Highway
Ladder To The Stars
Cheated Time
Back Into Your Heart

CONCERT REVIEW: YARN @ NYC's American Beauty

August 19, 2017 by Jessica Klausing

Written by Eric Ruth

My friend Sandi and I made it to the American Beauty after catching a train and trekking through the rain. Side note: The venue's name is taken from the Grateful Dead's first album, American Beauty.

Upon arrival members of the band came over to say hello to me. They all gave me a big hug and asked me how I was doing. Yarn's acoustic guitar player and harmony man Trevor asked me what concerts I've been to lately. We talked about bumping into each other at a Ryan Adams concert. I can't think of any other band, small or famous, who is that nice and down to earth. They genuinely care about you and make you feel welcomed.

After I talked to the band I set up shop. I placed my book bag down on one of the couches which is off to the side of the venue and then wondered around. I got to watch a few innings of the Yankee game on the TVs' in the front bar. The venue is broken into two sections. When you first walk in you have a bar, some tables, and stairs which leads to the free pizza. Every drink comes with a ticket for free pizza. Beyond the bar is a set of doors which leads you to another room with a stage, couches, dancing cages, and another bar. It's a small cozy room with a great sound.

At about a little after nine the lights went down and the house music came to a stop. The opening band Kevin Harrison & True North took the stage. I'll be honest and say I knew very little about them. I sampled one song before the show. They sounded like a cross between The Black Crowes and Rob Thomas. I know that's a weird combo. The guitars were a little Southern Fried Rock mixed with some Rob Thomas vocals.

I only heard Rob on some songs but it was enough of a sample size to take notice. The band had a generic set up with two guitars players, bass, and drums. Nothing special or earth shattering. I perked up when they played a cover of "Midnight Rider" and some song about NYC. Before you know their set was over and the lights came on and the house music began to play.

Ricky B plays the upright bass photo by Sandi Atkinson.

Shorty after the opening band was done, Yarn made their way to the stage. They opened with a new unreleased song called "In the Moonlight." It's one of my favorites. Not many people in the crowd other then me knew this song. This fact did not matter because less then a minute into the song everyone was on their feet dancing up a storm.

After that song came to an end the band played "Now You're Gone" off of the band's most recent studio album, This Is The Year. Some bands take a few songs to get warmed up. Not Yarn. They came out swinging from the minute they took the stage. They have so much energy. They literally play like it's their last show on earth.

Yarn's bass player Ricky started out with his long hair tied back in a man bun, but as the night progressed on, his man bun came undone. His long hair started flying everywhere as he thumped on the upright bass. Sweat dripped everywhere! After playing more songs new and old the band had time for one more. They decided to throw out a curve ball. Yarn may be categorized as an Americana band, however, they are so much more. They effortlessly blend classic Country, Folk/Folk Rock, Singalongs, and Jams to create the Yarn sound.

However this curve ball proved that they can also play some 70's Disco. That's right Yarn played a cover of KC and the Sunshine band's "Get Down Tonight." This song got the crowd in a frenzy. The place turned into a disco. Is there anything Yarn can't do? Once the song came to an end the lights came on and the house music began to play one final time. Before leaving the venue the band came over to ask me how I liked the show.

Like a fine wine.... I swear this band gets better with each show. Unlike established bands who have roadies to set up and dismantle the stage Yarn has to do it all. This includes driving their own van and paying for gas and a place to sleep. They don't live in the lap of luxury and they truly do this for the love of the music. After a final goodbye I pulled a flyer off of the wall and headed back home.

Go see Yarn if you ever get the chance. I guarantee you'll have a good time. If not your next drink is on me.

SETLIST:

In the Moonlight

Now You're Gone

Tennessee

Heaven in You

Down on your Luck

Bobby Weeks

Music's Only Outlaw

Roadhouse

I Let You Down

This is the Year

Long Way To Texas

Bad Bad Man

Strikes and Gutters

Sioux City Gypsy

Turn The Lights Off

I'm the Man

Get Down Tonight (KC and The Sunshine Band Cover)