What’s going on? June 18–24

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


Taking a short break from spectator sports? Chico News & Review has other entertainment options for you with highlights of what’s on tap at local clubs, theaters, galleries and performance venues. Visit the CN&R’s FREE online calendar for listings, all week long, in the Butte County area.



Jonathan Richman (right) with drummer Tommy Larkins at a 2023 performance in Chico. CN&R file photo

Jonathan Richman with Tommy Larkins

Thur, June 18, 19, 20; 7:30pm-10:00pm
Naked Lounge
118 W. 2nd St.
Anyone who listens to music and has been in Chico for awhile knows that our town adopted Jonathan Richman as a favorite son several years ago. The world-renown troubadour who first shot to fame with his proto-punk band Modern Lovers in the 1970s, now lives a more quiet life in Chico, when not out on an occasional tour. His creativity is only matched by his humility as he annually gifts this community with multiple performances in intimate settings, at a ridiculously low ticket price. Together with drummer Tommy Larkins, these three shows promise different material each night. Read more about this songwriting luminary in CN&R’s Our neighbor Jonathan. All-ages show, $10 at the door. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.




Frozen–The Broadway Musical

Thur, June 18–Sun, June 28; Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30pm; Sunday at 2:00pm
Center for the Arts
1475 East Ave.
Disney’s box-office juggernaut is getting a live-stage makeover in Chico this month as California Regional Theatre brings the winter magic of Frozen to the local stage, running now through June 28th. Based loosely on Hans Christian Andersen’s classic 1844 Danish fairy tale The Snow Queen, Disney’s original 2013 animated film shattered records by pulling in an astronomical $1.2 billion worldwide. While local audiences may be intimately familiar with the story of estranged royal sisters Anna and Elsa, the live stage play version offers a markedly different, more mature experience than its cinematic predecessor. This show is based off the Broadway musical and includes an expanded song list that pushes the theatrical runtime to include over 20 live musical numbers. The local production is spearheaded by director Bob Maness, the founder and driving creative force behind the California Regional Theatre group. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Tickets online. Check the CN&R Calendar for more information.




Guttermouth, Cryptilians, Grimedog

Fri, June 19, 8:00pm; Doors open 7:00pm
Lost on Main
319 Main St.
90s punk fans can rejoice as veteran skate-punk band Guttermouth (shown here) heads to Chico. Spanning a career of more than three decades, the group has released nine studio albums and drawn inspiration from punk icons NOFX and The Offspring. Their 1997 album, Musical Monkey, is frequently cited among the standout independent punk releases of its era. Joining them are Nevada-based skate-punk acts Grimedog and Cryptilians. Tickets online or without service fees at The DownLo. Ages 21 and over. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.



Grateful To The Core

Sat, June 20, 6:00pm
Paradise Brew Werks
132 Myers St.
Fans of the Grateful Dead can catch a unique tribute band carrying the torch of the legendary group’s music. “Sea to Shining Sea” is a passion project of Grateful To The Core, dedicated to creating a “lost album” from material never recorded as a follow up to the 1970s album, American Beauty. The special project features studio versions of songs that were previously available only through live performances. The group returns to this craft brewery venue, after a show in November, 2025. This free, all-ages event offers Deadheads and newcomers alike a chance to experience familiar tunes in a fresh way. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.



Aman Cowell (on trumpet) with some of his quintet friends. Photos by Ken Pordes

Cloud Jazz with the AC Quintet

Tues, June 23, 7:00pm-8:00pm
Cloud Social
1001 Main St., Ste 100
The giant mural proclaiming “LOVE” may be gone from the outside of the building, but inside Chico’s newest venue the joy will still be felt by all jazz enthusiasts. Musician and Butte College instructor Aman Cowell, who plays trumpet, reveals his eclectic inspiration from jazz greats such as Pat Bartley, KNOWER and Nate Smith. Cowell has assembled this quintet of high-caliber, local musicians to perform a set of jazz selections, some inspired by contemporary jazz giants, and some original work. Baynayah McConnell, Chris Nichols, Ethan Swett and Shigemi Minetaka are all familiar names in Chico music circles, gathering for the first time with Cowell to perform as the AC Quintet. This is an all-ages show, $10 at the door. Performance starts exactly at 7pm. Check the CN&R calendar for more information.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*