Can’t decide? Chico News & Review will help you with this week’s 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.
Ride the Cyclone
Thurs, March 26,–Sun, April 12; Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30pm; Sunday 2:00pm
Theatre on the Ridge
3735 Neal Road, Paradise
Trapped in a carnival-esque limbo, this darkly comic musical follows six choir students who perish in a tragic roller coaster accident. Guided by Karnak, a mechanical fortune teller who exists between worlds, the group is offered a grim bargain: compete for a chance to return to the living. Based on the original 2008 stage production, the show found viral fame in 2022 after a haunting clip of its Jane Doe character took off on TikTok. This local production is directed by Jerry Miller. Tickets online, or at the door. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.
Kyle Smith’s Backwoods Tour, Fayuca and Amp Melo
Fri, March 27, 6:00pm-11:00pm
The Commons Social Empourium
2412 Park Ave.
Cali reggae rocker Kyle Smith (shown here) returns to Chico on his 2026 Backwoods Tour after his previous stop at The Commons last year. Smith has built a strong digital following, with his 2021 release Lost Cause climbing to No. 2 on the iTunes reggae chart. Joining the bill is returning reggae-rock Latino outfit Fayuca, led by frontman Gabo Fayuca, alongside hip-hop fusion artist Amp Melo, who dropped his last album, Off the Bench in 2024. All ages. Tickets online. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.
Charliefest 3 with Live Music
Sat, March 28; Doors open 3:00pm
The Commons Social Empourium
2412 Park Ave.
Nothing puts a spring in your step like supporting a good cause. Charliefest 3 was started when a young North State child, Charolette “Charlie” Monroe was diagnosed with Ring 14 Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing developmental disabilities and delays. Kicking off this event are some storied music winners, including “Best Blues Band” CAMMIES award for Big Mo & the Full Moon Band (shown here). And also favorite local party band, The Funnels, who took home Best of Chico awards 8 years in a row, playing their 80s cover material. Also performing at the benefit is west coast Americana rock band Stoning Giants who released a new single, In the Way, in 2026. Four-piece rock cover band Irish Cement adds to the fundraiser along with a few other surprises. All ages, with tickets online and kids 10 and under free. Check CN&R Calendar for more information.
Hot Buttered Rum and Lydia Cooley & the WoodPickers
Sat, March 28; Doors open 8:00pm
Lost on Main
319 Main St.
Live music with a lineup rooted in rich folk and bluegrass traditions comes together in Chico. Hot Buttered Rum (shown here), a nationally-touring, progressive bluegrass sextet is making a return visit. Releasing their latest album, Uphill Highway, this band is a festival favorite. Also performing is Chico’s Lydia Cooley, who says her live sound has only recently “reached its fullest form.” She first gained wider attention during the early 2020s lockdowns, blending folk, bluegrass and soul into a genre-crossing style. Recently, Cooley rebranded as Lydia Cooley & the Woodpickers, exhibiting even more musical talents. Tickets are online. Also available without service fees at The DownLo. Must be 21+. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.
The Skyway Blues Band
Mon, March 30, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Paradise Brew Werks
132 Myers St., ste. 120
Looking for a weekly blues fix? Skyway Blues Band is a regular on Monday nights at Paradise Brew Werks. This NorCal-based blues and rock band began in 2020, and more members came on board in subsequent years as they frequently jammed together at the Down Lo Open Mic night. Currently the crew is: Hunter Lay, guitar; Rich White, drums; Scott Hitch, harmonica and vocals; Troy Dye, bass; and Mike Houar, guitar and vocals. They perform blues standards, modern blues and crossover Southern rock. You’ll also hear some original material and an occasional guest performer sitting in. No cover. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.
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