Sacramento’s music community rallies to support promoter Brian McKenna with Harlow’s concert

Ever heard of the bands Nirvana, No Doubt or Smashing Pumpkins? How about locals-turned-superstars such as Deftones and Cake? If you saw them in Sacramento when they were still playing clubs, you can thank Brian McKenna.

McKenna gave them all a Sacramento stage as one of the city’s signature concert promoters. Over the past three decades he’s become synonymous with Sacramento music, booking touring bands and local acts from across the musical map at the legendary Cattle Club, the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, Ace of Spades, Harlow’s, ARCO Arena and nearly two dozen others.

So, when word spread that McKenna was hospitalized with an incarcerated hernia and risk of sepsis — and no medical insurance to cushion the financial blow — the local music community rushed to support. Now, the guitar amps and microphone stands are about to come out.

A benefit show with a who’s-who of local musicians will be held Monday night at Harlow’s to raise funds for McKenna’s medical expenses. Sets will feature such signature Sacramento acts as Will Haven, Th’ Losin Streaks, The Snobs, Kill The Precedent and Anton Barbeau. There’s also talk of an all-star jam to close out the gig.

Tickets are available at the door for $20 cash; the 21-and-up show kicks off at 6 p.m.

The gig is organized by Abe Cunningham, drummer of Deftones, along with Sonny Mayugba from the bands Phallucy and Daycare, and Anthony Paganelli, co-owner of Old Ironsides and guitarist for Horseneck. Deftones are also providing gear, such as drums and bass amps, in support of the show.

“The response has been overwhelming,” said Paganelli. “We got it all together in less than 24 hours and bands were responding like crazy. Whether (Brian) booked your favorite band, or let you open for your favorite band, he has been there.”

A friend to fans and musicians

McKenna started his music promoting career in the late-1980s with a show at the long-gone Lite Rail Inn on Auburn Boulevard. The gig was headlined by It’s Not What You Think, an eclectic jazz-punk group that McKenna had managed in high school.

Now, he’s 55 years old, with upwards of 4,000 promoted gigs under his belt. McKenna has since established himself as one of Sacramento’s great tastemakers, especially with ushering the 1990s alternative-rock explosion through Sacramento.

With fellow promoter Jerry Perry, the two formed New View Productions and established the Cattle Club as their home base in 1989. The club’s decor wasn’t much to marvel at, a 350-capacity room on a nondescript stretch of Folsom Boulevard near Sacramento State. But for those who stepped inside, musical magic just about burst through its janky walls.

Perry specialized in booking top local bands like Cake, Phallucy, Far and Deftones. McKenna rounded up the national acts, many of whom were fairly unknown at the time. Among them: Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, No Doubt, Primus and Korn. Some of these shows hold mythic status in Sacramento music circles, such as a young Pearl Jam performing under the name Mookie Blaylock, and Tool blowing minds as the opening act for Far and Phallucy. (The cover charge was $5).

The club’s run was brief but intense, like a classic 7 Seconds song. Perry and McKenna parted ways by the mid-1990s, with McKenna and Christine Grace Irish founding Abstract Entertainment in 1994.

But for all the triumphs and tales of Gen X glory days, making your livelihood in live music is especially grueling. The hours are long, the exhausting equipment load-ins never get any easier. One show that tanks with low turnout can set you back financially for months. Then, you have the bands that flake at the last minute, or a tire blows on their touring van en route to the gig.

“Mainly, I just have a real passion for live music, seeing it and producing it,” said McKenna, sounding groggy but upbeat in a recent call. “Even at my busiest points when I’m doing four to five shows a week, I still go to a show on my day off.”

Over the decades, McKenna established himself as a genuine friend to both fans and musicians. He’s regarded for his open mind with musical styles, his chill demeanor — even in the midst of a gig going awry — and simply an affable guy who lives and breathes Sacramento live music.

Testimonials of McKenna’s influence spread quickly on social media as news of his medical condition was shared.

Christopher Amaral, drummer for The Nickel Slots: “Growing up in Woodland late ’80s my punk friends and I would always go to Sacramento to see shows. Brian McKenna was responsible for many of those shows which allowed a small town kid to see his musical heroes at a time when being a punk was not mainstream. Fast forward to now, Brian has given the Nickel Slots so much opportunity to open for touring bands. ... (He) has always treated us great!”

Sam Miranda, singer/bandleader of Sol Peligro: “Brian would always listen to show ideas I threw his way, even though the Latin music scene wasn’t necessarily his forte. (He) has always supported Sol and any project I would be a part of.”

Jen Moore, longtime local music fan: “I remember Brian when he worked at Spirit Records in Rancho Cordova. He’s been influencing my musical choices for so long. ... His knowledge of music is endless! I love seeing the overwhelming outpouring of love Sacramento has for him.”

Benefit show on Monday night

The hernia was nagging McKenna for months, until he finally went to the emergency room in excruciating pain. He figured the hernia’s root cause was from loading heavy stage gear over the past three decades. McKenna also does side work as a stagehand at area shows.

McKenna was diagnosed with an incarcerated hernia and hospitalized for two days. He also found out that his health insurance had lapsed and would need to pay out of pocket for the stay, not to mention an upcoming surgery to fix the hernia. The reality of losing income from not being able to work in the near future was another blow.

Shayne Stacy, a longtime friend of McKenna’s who also oversees the online Sacramento Music Archive, stepped up to organize a GoFundMe campaign. In less than 24 hours, as the link was shared in local music circles and beyond, it raised more than $20,000. As of Thursday afternoon, nearly $33,000 had been donated.

The rally of support continues with Monday’s benefit show. Funds are needed to support his recent hospitalization and plans for upcoming surgery as McKenna and his live-in partner, Jennifer Curtsinger, seek insurance options. McKenna is also dealing with loss of income while he recuperates and unable to work.

So, it’s McKenna’s turn to be the beneficiary of a benefit show. He’s organized numerous ones for others in the past, including one in 2018 to support his former promoting partner, Jerry Perry, as he recovered from a major stroke.

The musicians he championed are now eager to rock McKenna toward a full recovery.

“I’m really just humbled but everyone’s generosity and seeing people stepping up and helping me out,” said McKenna. “Sometimes over the years there are points it felt like a thankless job. I just enjoy it. There’s nothing better than seeing that connection between the band and the audience when it’s locked in.”

This story was originally published December 20, 2024 at 7:00 AM.