What’s going on? October 23–29

A Weekly Preview of North Valley Music, Entertainment and the Arts


Ghastly good fun this week. Chico News & Review has you covered with highlights of what’s on tap at local clubs, theaters, galleries and performance venues. Visit the CN&R’s FREE online calendar for all of the listings in the Butte County area.

The Mother Hips plus Manzanita

Thur Oct. 23 & Fri Oct. 24, 7:00pm; Doors open 6:00pm
Sierra Nevada Big Room
1075 East 20th St.
The SF Chronicle has claimed The Mother Hips (shown here) as “one of the Bay Area’s most beloved live outfits,” but many Chicoans know that this band was birthed in an off-campus Chico State dorm in 1990. They often played at parties and later La Salles, Juanita’s and other venues, while honing their craft that fused alternative/indie rock, folk, Americana and power pop to become their own “California soul.” Over the years they’ve returned to Chico with fresh material as chronicled more than a dozen times in the CN&R archives. No surprise that they get a warm welcome at each homecoming. Opening the show is two-man crew Manzanita, hailing from the foothills of NorCal and bringing their blend of indie folk/Americana with country and bluegrass influences. Two complete shows are scheduled on back-to-back nights. Tickets online for show #1 and #2.

Jenny Don’t and The Spurs

Fri Oct. 24, 7:30pm
Argus Bar + Patio
212 W. Second St.
Jenny and her three “Spurs” bring a style of country western that takes traditional sounds such as Patsy Cline and Hank Williams and adds a twist of garage rock and “cowpunk”. Based in Portland, Oregon, touring the country, and with several recordings under their belts, they return to Chico in their rhinestoned outfits. Tickets online are $17.85 at eventbrite, or purchase at the door. Must be 21+. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.

Wonderfully Weird events

Fri Oct. 24–Fri Oct. 31; check individual dates, times, locations

Chico Haunted Tours
Fri & Sat Oct 24-31; 6:00pm-9:00pm
Meet at Naked Lounge
118 W 2nd St.

Pumpkinhead with Nightmare in the Plaza
Sat Oct. 25, 8:00am-6:00pm
Chico City Plaza
132 W 4th St.

Trunk or Treat
Sat Oct. 25, 12:00pm- 3:00pm
Glen Oaks Memorial Park
11115 Midway, Chico

Frankenstein: Film with North State Symphony
Sun Oct. 26, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Laxson Auditorium
400 W. First St.


There’s still plenty of family-friendly happenings before Halloween such as dog & kid costume contests, spooky-themed vendor fairs and music events. But here’s a few of the more unusual offerings:
Chico Haunted Tours offers guided walking tours with details of some of downtown’s most infamous haunts. Update–tix are sold out for this spooky season but while they plan for future tours, you can always book a private group one. All proceeds go to preserve the El Rey Theater. Pumpkinhead is a wacky endurance test requiring pre-registered contestants to stand still for hours on a box, wearing a real gourd over their head, until there’s only one survivor. (For last year’s winner, Megan D., that was over 9 hours and $1,000 cash prize). The public’s invited to cheer them on starting at 8am, or attend less-strenuous, all-ages activities starting at noon, including Halloween costume and dance contests, giveaways, music, an Escape Room and more. Trunk or Treat is an alternative to kids collecting Halloween candy at strangers’ houses. It’s the concept of organized groups adorning their Halloween-themed car trunks with treats and prizes, then parking together in a large, safe parking lot for the kids’ sweet enjoyment and playtime. This year, Glen Oaks Trunk or Treat is offering a more surreal backdrop. The local cemetery promises a safe, family-friendly community event with treat bags for the kids. For those who like their high-brow music more haunting and spine-tingling, Frankenstein: North State Symphony is your ticket. The 1931 black & white horror classic will be screened while NSS performs the score written in 2002 by Grammy-nominated composer Michael Shapiro. Dress code: monstrous Halloween costumes (optional), of course! Find more info and links about all of these events in the CN&R calendar.

Display from the 2024 Northern California Mock Cat Show.

Northern California Mock Cat Show

Artists Reception: Sat Oct. 25, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Exhibition: Now-Sun Nov. 2, during regular gallery hours
1078 Gallery
1710 Park Ave.
Meeee-ow! The felines are back, or at least artwork depicting them. It’s the second “Annual Northern California Mock Cat Show”, an exhibit of artwork submitted by local artists, with proceeds helping support the local Cat Coalition. The 200+ pieces on display can be viewed at the opening reception or during regular gallery hours through Nov. 2. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase at reception, and while entry is free, donations are always welcomed. Remember to wear your cat ears. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.

Demun Jones plus Zach Smith, No County Rednecks, Blake Banks

Wed Oct. 29, 8:00pm; Doors open 7:00pm
The Tackle Box
379 E. Park Ave.
Demun Jones (shown here) returns to Chico bringing his country-fused rap/hip-hop. Born and raised in rural Georgia provided a strong work ethic and Southern rock influences. This songwriter shares “I’m giving you country stories told through the lens of rap music.” He believes “music and art are magic”, so expect to hear some from his recent album Road to Heaven while donning his signature straw hat. And it will be a full night of country/rock/blues/roots-country and blue collar rock with support from Zach Smith, No County Rednecks and Blake Banks. Tickets online or locally at Diamond W Western Wear. Must be 21+. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.

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