Nightbeats: Oakland's Phenomenauts bring sounds of the future to Petaluma

SCIENCE AND HONOR - If five spacemen and robots survived a supernova, the soundtrack of the explosion would likely sound like the galactic adventures you experience when listening to The Phenomenauts.

Hailing from a galaxy where “science and honor” rule supreme, the band crash-landed on earth to play music that's simply out of this world.

Coming together during the early 2000s in Oakland, or “earth's capital” as The Phenomenauts prefer to call it, the group has merged music of the past, present and beyond.

Since its inception, the group has never stopped short of committing to its space roots. From the early days of cruising to concerts in singer Commander Angel Nova's space car, the “Phenomenator,” to upgrading to a galactic touring van coated in metallic electronic gadgets titled the “Phenomabomber,” the band always takes you on a stellar journey from the moment the members pull into a venue parking lot to the last song on the set list.

Over the years, songs like “Earth Is The Best” have become infectious anthems that audiences chant loud enough during live shows to transmit the tunes through time and space.

Other classic songs include “Galactic Pioneers,” a pumped-up dance number off the band's 2003 “Rockets And Robots” album with a rockabilly dance beat, and “Progress Vs. Pettiness,” a surf-rock inspired track from the “Re-Entry” album which makes you feel as though you're surfing space waves.

After performing a number of notable shows in the North Bay, playing alongside some of earth's coolest bands like The Aquabats and The Epoxies all over the United States, Oakland's favorite space cadets return for a concert at The Phoenix Theater.

Catch the band on their upcoming “mission” to Petaluma with Tsunami Bomb, Kepi Ghoulie and The Exit Plan.

If you're still on the fence about a musical space mission, proceeds from the show go to the Redwood Empire Food Bank and to the SoCo Music Coalition, which provides scholarships for kids affected by the North Bay Fires.

Details: 8:30 p.m. April 20, The Phoenix Theater, 201 Washington St., Petaluma. $15; thephoenixtheater.com

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GUEST STAR ON A RECORD - If you've heard Royal Jelly Jive's records, you'll agree the songs are spectacular, regardless of where you hear the music, but seeing this band live is pure magic. You'll want to watch show after show.

Maybe it's the roar of the crowd, or those small moments when you feel like you're on a trip to an old school speakeasy during the roaring ‘20s. Whatever the reason, Royal Jelly Jive is the type of band you need to experience in person to fully appreciate.

Singer Lauren Bjelde has powerful pipes that command a room as soon as she utters the first note and the band's infectious tunes always start a dance party. From sassy, brass-driven numbers to swing and hip-hop-inspired tunes, this band plays it all.

Though these are all things you usually can't catch outside of a concert setting, we're in luck because the band is recording a live album in Napa, so you'll be able to relive live shows regularly, and maybe even have a few of your cheers wind up on the tracks if you attend.

Details: 7:30 p.m. April 20, Blue Note Napa, 1020 Main St., Napa. $15-$29.95; bluenotenapa.com

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PEACE, LOVE AND FIRST YEAR FEST - With spring weather blooming through the tail end of the cold winter blues, one thing is for sure, most music lovers are all ready to ditch the blankets and cocoa for a daytime festival.

For its first year, the Peace, Love and Unity Festival brings together more than 20 different performers and a good chunk of Sonoma County artists to showcase local talent.

The line-up includes Foxtails Brigade, Honey of the Heart Duo, Afrofunk Experience, Boilermaker, Big Kitty, Supperbloom, Midnight Sun Massive and Clementine Darling.

For a full list, of artists showcasing work and musical performances log on to the Harmony Connects website.

Kids are welcome and part of the proceeds will go to volunteer firefighters.

Details: 2 p.m. Saturday; The Arlene Francis Center for Spirit, Art, and Politics, 99 6th St., Santa Rosa. $15-$25; harmonyconnects.com

Help us keep the beat. Got a music tip? Email Estefany Gonzalez at nightbeats@pressdemocrat.com