Sound Go Round

TRIUMPHANT TRIO: Get ready to rock on March 1,
as the Eric McFadden Trio blasts its electro-acoustic sound at
SOhO. Underground rock musician Eric McFadden united acoustic
bassist James Whiton and drummer Paulo Baldi in 2004 to create the
threesome’s sound. McFadden brings his flamenco-rock guitar
improvisations as well as funk, jazz, and experience in such bands
as Liar, Eric McFadden Experience, Alien Livestock, and IZM to the
group. The classically trained Whiton’s sound was recently
described as “an amplified cello from hell-o,” based on his
experimentation with percussive slaps and electronic effects on the
acoustic bass. An innovative blend of American, European,
Pan-African, and Latin influences, the music presents jazz runs,
neo-classical chords, and hardcore R&B rhythms highlighted with
mandolin trills. Before the trio takes the stage, welcoming the
crowd will be openers Soledadeez — an S.B. acoustic groove
band — and Pat MacDonald, the former guitarist and lead singer for
TIMBUK3 who pioneered “Roots-Techno” music. — Stephanie Cain

SCREAMING GEOMETRY: When considering Savannah,
Georgia, even the well-versed indie kids don’t necessarily think of
the city’s underground music scene. Well, meet your ambassadors:
the four-piece scream-o team Circle Takes the Square. Not only have
they drawn continual praise since the release of their last album,
the supremely hard-to-find 2004 debut As the Roots Undo, but
they’ve also been compared to some brilliant, shrieking child of
Fugazi and X. The rarity of Circle Takes the Square’s only album
coupled with the almost call-and-response style of dueling male and
female lead vocals has allowed this talented band to hover below
the mainstream radar since they formed in 2001. Add a few points to
your music-snob quotient by catching them as they play alongside
Ventura rockers Glass & Ashes at the Hard to Find on Tuesday,
February 28 at 8 p.m. — Drew Mackie

CARNAVAL AQUÍ: There’s no need to go all the
way to Rio de Janeiro for your Brazilian culture. Not only does
Santa Barbara County have the second-largest Portugese community in
the West (second only to San Jose), but we’ve got our own Carnaval,
complete with Rio-style bacchanalia. The third annual festival
comes for two days this year, starting with the Carnaval Ball at 8
p.m. on Friday, February 24, at Cooney’s ($12 presale, $15 at the
door), followed by a free screening of the Lazaro Faria documentary
film City of Woman at noon on Sunday, February 26, at the Cabrillo
Recreation Center. The ball is sure to be a blast, with music by
Lula & Afro Brazil, New Cycle, and Arlindo Jr., an appearance
by former Miss Brazil-U.S.A., dance by S.F.’s Aquarelle Dance
Group, demonstrations by Santa Barbara’s best capoeira performers,
and traditional caipirinha cocktails flowing to keep the party
going. In keeping with true Carnaval style, attendees are welcome
to wear costumes, and there will also be accessories available for
purchase during the event. Call (818) 468-6474, (323) 428-1963, or
visit sbbraziliancarnaval.com. — Molly Freedenberg

TRANSYLVANIA MEETS BRAZIL: This weekend, five
prominent names are combining forces to raise money for the arts
program of the Santa Barbara Charter School. Gilles Apap, virtuoso
violinist and founder of the Transylvanian Mountain Boys, and
world-class bossa vocalist/guitarist Téka will be joined by
guitarist Chris Judge, bassist Brendan Statom, and percussionist
Kevin Winard to make unclassifiable music at the Unitarian Society
on Saturday, February 25, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale at Folk
Mote Music. — Stanley Naftaly