Mat Marucci sets the standards at JB's Lounge

Sacramento-based drummer and composer Mat Marucci has long maintained an active and varied musical career.

A nationally known percussion expert and educator, Marucci produces work that ranges from in-the-pocket groove to free jazz. He's shared stages with luminaries such as Jimmy Smith, Kenny Burrell, James Moody, Eddie Harris, Les McCann and Pharoah Sanders, among others.

Marucci's most recent recording, "Why Not?" (Cadence Jazz Records), with co-leader and saxophonist Doug Webb and bassist Rob Lemas, finds him in a hard-swinging, piano-less trio playing a set of original songs.

On his previous record, "Live at the Jazz Bakery" (Marco Records, 2010), Marucci and a piano trio delved deeply into the classic jazz songbook with tunes such as "Stella by Starlight" and "Here's That Rainy Day" along with the Marucci-penned classic "Ulterior Motif."

On Sunday at JB's Lounge, Marucci brings a new quartet of old friends to the club to mix standards from the likes of Miles, Coltrane, Monk, Tyner and Shorter with some of the drummer's own compositions. Mike McMullen on saxophones, Chet Chwalik on Hammond organ and Lemas on bass join Marucci on the bandstand for the Sunday night show. First set at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10, $5 for kids 10 and under.

JB's Lounge is in the Red Lion Inn, 1401 Arden Way, Sacramento. Call (916) 723-5517 or email vtlee54@gmail.com for reservations.

'City of Angels' in Davis

Davis Musical Theatre Company opens its 2012-13 season with "City of Angels," a satirical nod to film noir and all things Hollywood, with a show directed by John Ewing and choreographed by Michael Cross, with musical direction by Steve Isaacson and Jonathan Rothman.

Given the big-time pedigree of "City of Angels," it's a little surprising the show hasn't received more play in a musical-centric region like Sacramento. With music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by David Zippel and book by Larry Gelbart – and all of them winning 1990 Tony Awards – the comedy-romance would seem to have much recommending it.

"City of Angels" runs today through Oct. 7, with performances at 8:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2:15 p.m. Sundays. At the DMTC Performing Arts Center, 607 Peña Drive, Davis. Tickets are $18 general, $16 students and seniors. For information, visit www.dmtc.org or call (530) 756-3682.

Still time to see 'Red'

B Street Theatre turns its productions over so quickly that truly outstanding shows can get lost in the shuffle. There are just two more weeks for John Logan's 2010 Tony Award-winning drama, "Red." B Street has added an extra last performance, so the show now closes on Sept. 23.

With Brian Dykstra as abstract expressionist master Mark Rothko and David McElwee as his young assistant, "Red" pivots on a prickly commission Rothko has agreed to. The performances are bracing and the production has a vibrant, visceral quality reflecting the energy of Rothko's work.

7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays; 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 p.m. Sundays. B Street Theatre B3 Stage, 2711 B St., Sacramento. Tickets: $23-$35. Information: (916) 443-5300, www.bstreettheatre.org.

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