Hey, fit some fun time into your schedule 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 Brothers Comatose (2 Shows)
Thur Dec. 4, & Fri Dec. 5, 7:00pm; Doors open 6:00pm
Sierra Nevada Big Room
1075 E. 20th St.
The tight harmonies of bluegrass are sometimes known as “the lonesome sound” but San Francisco-based band The Brothers Comatose (shown here) are anything but lonely. Started in 2008 by brothers Alex and Ben Morrison, the band includes bassist Steve Height and violinist Phillip Brezena. After several years of playing big music festivals and releasing several albums, the band grew even more. In 2024, the brothers welcomed multi-instrument musician Addie Levy, who plays everything from guitar to mandolin. On this long-awaited return visit to Chico, expect to hear cuts from the band’s recent album, Golden Grass where they retain traditional bluegrass instrumentation, but infused with rock- and folk-rock energy. Opening for the Dec. 4 show #1 is Los Angeles punk rock bluegrass band Water Tower. Opening for Dec. 5 show #2 is TBA. Tickets available online, or at the door. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Thur Dec. 4–Sun Dec 14; Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm; Sunday at 2:00pm
First Street Theater
139 W. First St.
A Charlie Brown Christmas is a mainstay of holiday classics. The animated short film was released on TV in 1965. Based on the Peanuts comic strip created by Charles Shultz, it was a huge hit but did not get adapted as a stage play until 2015. Now, California Regional Theater brings it to life using local talent on stage, complete with the memorable jazzy sounds from composer Vince Guaraldi in the background. An added touch: a hot cocoa bar and appearance by Santa for your family and friends to experience a memorable time full of holiday magic. Tickets online, some dates are already sold out. Check the CN&R Calendar for more information.
Amy: Unplugged
Fri Dec. 5, 7:30pm; Doors open 6:30pm
Argus Bar + Patio
212 W. Second St.
Amy Winehouse, known for her distinctive, rich contralto singing voice and very personal, brutally- honest lyrics, resonated with a worldwide fan base. Several documentaries about Amy have been produced posthumously, and it’s no surprise tributes to her continue. Some of Chico’s female powerhouse vocalists are gathering to pay homage to her in this show called “Amy: Unplugged”. Lorna Such, Lydia Cooley, Stevie Saffen, Ilani Welsh-Johnson and Marina Welsh-Johnson will deliver a soulful evening with their renditions of Amy’s distinctive style of jazz and R&B, backed by a six-piece band. And to get your Amy fill, local event promoter Vita Nova has also arranged with Argus Bar for a special Amy-inspired cocktail menu, and has teamed up with Mink Studio Tattoo in Chico to offer a flash sale—earlier that day—on Amy-inspired tats. Tickets online, or $15 at the door. Must be 21+. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.
The Sam Chase & The Untraditional with Wreckless Strangers
Sat Dec. 6, 8:30pm; Doors open 8:00pm
Lost on Main
319 Main St.
Sam Chase, lead singer of folk-rock/Americana group The Sam Chase and the Untraditional (shown here), describes his music as tunes that make people go “hell yeah.” Besides guitar, drums and keyboard, Chase and his 8-member band brings an epic assortment of instruments including cello, violin, and trumpet to play their genre-bending style. Now on a return visit to Chico, this self-proclaimed group of “musical warriors” hail from San Francisco where they’ve won numerous “Best of” awards. Also in a return performance for Chico is Wreckless Strangers, the San Francisco-based group that describes their style as a “Bay Area gumbo” mixing contemporary blues tunes with the soul of funk and strong vocal harmonies. The band has an eclectic range of influences — from Bonnie Raitt and Sly Stone to The Grateful Dead. These two high-energy bands will be heating up the dance floor. Tickets online and at the door, or available without service fees at the Down Lo in Chico. Must be 21+. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.
Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw
Wed Dec. 10, 7:30pm; Doors open 7:00pm
Laxson Auditorium
400 W. First St.
Multi-award winning vocalists Caillat and DeGraw—both also guitar and piano players— have previously collaborated numerous times. Recording their chart-topping songs for albums, TV shows and film has garnered them a reputation for performing a blend of both pop-acoustic and soulful pop/rock in synch with each other’s style. This limited, 8-stop West Coast tour includes Chico, a first-time visit for each of them. The tour covers songs from both artists’ holiday-themed albums, and expect to also hear their twist on other artists’ holiday classics, in duets and solo. Tickets online, with youth and Chico State student discounts. VIP tickets for $211 in limited supply. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.
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