The Boardwalk  is set to host what is being bannered as one of the most exciting international Americana acts on the rise this Saturday, May 17, as Italy’s own Lovesick takes the stage for a rare U.S. tour stop.

Known for their electrifying fusion of vintage country, rock and roll, and western swing, Lovesick has been gaining serious momentum across Europe and beyond—and now, Northern California fans have the chance to experience their dynamic sound live and up close.

Formed in 2015, Lovesick is fronted by the magnetic duo of Paolo Roberto Pianezza and Francesca Alinovi. Both are seasoned multi-instrumentalists whose musical chemistry powers the band’s authentic throwback style. Pianezza delivers soaring lap steel, resonator, electric and acoustic guitar work, while Alinovi lays down punchy upright bass lines—often enhanced with a unique built-in brush pad for percussive rhythm—and hauntingly smooth harmonies. Rounding out the trio is Alessandro Cosentino on fiddle and percussion, further enriching their sound with Americana textures that pay homage to 1940s and ’50s-era American roots music.

Lovesick’s latest album Remember My Name was recorded in Los Angeles in the spring of 2023 and officially dropped June 28, 2024. Produced and mixed by Fabrizio “Fab” Grossi and mastered by Grammy-winner Gavin Lurssen, the record features a fresh take on classic American tones while firmly planting the group in the global roots revival. Its double A-side singles, “Goin’ Down” and “Until I’m Done,” have already generated critical buzz, and a new track, “You and I,” was just released in early May. The album is distributed worldwide, including Europe, the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

Their reach continues to grow. Lovesick’s music has been broadcast across Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, the U.S., and Brazil, and their recent 20-date U.S. tour was met with sold-out shows and overwhelming praise from new fans discovering their energy for the first time. Their stage presence—rooted in authenticity, high energy, and infectious rhythm—has earned them slots at major festivals alongside The Offspring, Social Distortion, Walter Trout, Fu Manchu, and more.

Lovesick has also shared the stage as openers for legends like Ben Harper, JD McPherson, Zucchero, Toquiño, and Edoardo Bennato. Their performances across Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Bologna, Treviso, and Verona are routinely met with standing ovations and sold-out venues. That excitement now follows them across the Atlantic, as they continue to build their American fanbase.

In February 2024, Lovesick received a nomination for Best Western Swing Band at the Ameripolitan Music Awards in Austin, Texas—cementing their growing credibility in the American roots scene. Their viral appeal has also expanded into the entertainment world. Pianezza and Alinovi have appeared as actors and musicians in multiple film and television productions, including the Francesco Totti biopic Speravo de morì prima and the feature film Lamborghini, released worldwide and streaming on Amazon Prime. A new project featuring the duo will appear in a global TV series about Italian journalist Oriana Fallaci later this year.

To date, Lovesick has independently sold more than 19,000 records worldwide, a feat for any modern band—especially one based far from the traditional centers of American country music. With over 125,000 followers on Facebook and a fanbase that continues to grow with every performance, Lovesick has quickly become one of the most exciting international acts in the roots revival movement.

Adding to the evening’s talent is Northern California’s own Geoffrey Miller, a standout figure in the West Coast honky tonk scene. Miller’s albums All Night Honky Tonk Man and Leavin’ 101 have both topped alt-country charts, earning high praise for their blend of Bakersfield tradition and modern Americana grit. Backed by a team of seasoned pros, Miller brings a high-energy set full of danceable shuffles, heartfelt ballads, and Telecaster twang that perfectly complements the evening’s retro-country spirit.

The show kicks off at 8:00 p.m. at The Boardwalk, 21+ only. Tickets are $20 and available now at rocktheboardwalk.com.

Boardwalk Blitz brings four NorCal bands to the stage Friday night

The weekend kicks off with a powerful local lineup on Friday, May 16, as the Boardwalk Blitz showcases four Northern California bands bringing a range of sound from reggae soul to thrash metal and classic rock.

Headlining the night is Sometime Tomorrow, a Sacramento-based quintet delivering a reggae- and soul-infused rock style, fronted by a dynamic female lead and already boasting six studio releases with more in the works. They’ll be joined by Acid Thrower, a fierce three-man metal outfit blending thrash, punk, and hardcore into a crushing sound that has landed them soundtrack placements and guest performances with members of Megadeth.

Also on the bill is Not The Same, adding fresh local flavor to the mix, and Bushwacked, a four-piece band delivering classic rock with a twist, rounding out the night’s genre-spanning energy.

Doors open at 8:00 p.m., and this is an all-ages show with a responsible adult. Tickets are available now, with prices increasing the day of the event. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets directly from their favorite band’s link to show support.

Here Kitty Kitty fundraiser brings music and meows to The Boardwalk Sunday

The Boardwalk closes out the weekend with a heartwarming and high-energy benefit on Sunday, May 18, as Here Kitty Kitty – A Fundraiser for the FieldHaven Feline Center brings together music, magic, and meows starting at 2:00 p.m.

The event supports Lincoln-based FieldHaven Feline Center, a nonprofit committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats across the region. Headlining the afternoon is Sacramento’s own Skyler’s Pool, an original indie rock band featuring longtime iHeart Radio KFBK personality Kitty O’Neal, along with Kurt Spataro, Bob LoRusso, Lori Sacco, and Curtis Blankenship.

The event will be emceed by Kitty O’Neal herself, and in addition to live music, attendees can expect to meet adoptable cats, learn more about FieldHaven’s mission, and enjoy a community-focused day filled with compassion and good vibes. Every ticket helps save feline lives, and all proceeds go directly to the FieldHaven organization.

Tickets are $31.84. The event is all-ages with a responsible adult, and all ticket sales are final.

Tommy Tutone, Big Country and more coming in June

Looking ahead, The Boardwalk will turn back the clock for one of the biggest throwback events of the summer when the Totally 80’s Tour hits the stage on Saturday, June 7. This all-star lineup features four iconic acts from the golden age of MTV: Big Country, Tommy Tutone, Bow Wow Wow, and Gene Loves Jezebel.

Big Country, originally formed in Scotland in 1981, soared to fame with hits like “In a Big Country” and “Fields of Fire.” Their anthemic sound and legendary performances—including at Live Aid—made them one of the defining bands of the decade. Today, they continue to tour the globe, celebrating 40 years of music.

Tommy Tutone, best known for the infectious hit “867-5309/Jenny,” brings a set filled with power-pop energy and sing-along favorites. Rounding out the lineup are Bow Wow Wow, the British new wave band behind “I Want Candy,” and Gene Loves Jezebel, known for their gothic and glam-infused rock, now revitalized with their critically acclaimed 2023 album Love Death Sorrow.

This 21+ event is expected to sell out. Tickets range from $55 to $130 and are available now.

For tickets and full event details, visit rocktheboardwalk.com.

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