Sacramento Events

Second annual Southside Sessions comes to Second Saturday

2010-08-12T07:44:30Z

Saturday’s second annual Southside Sessions will bring together people, music and food for an afternoon of memory making.

This year’s event is expected to be much bigger than last year’s, said event coordinator Josh Robichaud. “There were some smaller bands and food donations. This one is going to be bigger and better. We want to make it a force to be reckoned with.”

Full of musical performances by bands like Prieta, Smirker, O Street Dub, Majesty and Esteban Villa, Southside Sessions will feature skateboarding by amateur riders and art demonstrations by local professionals.

Following the day’s activities, there will be a movie night featuring “Monsters vs. Aliens.”

Other artists include Alchemy FX, Erick Veil, Rocío Mo, Dezi Bush, Charise Marie, Mariana Alverez, Christian DeWild, Cristina Avramoni, Alexandra LeMay, Kenya Cavaso, Hannah De La Rosa and more.

People of all ages are encouraged to come.

“My favorite aspect would be the people coming together for a mostly free event,” Robichaud said. “Bringing an organization of a Second Saturday event to bring together a community that hasn’t seen a Second Saturday before is what I look forward to.”

Contributors include Red Bull; The Home Depot; Art by Dumas; Opa! Opa!, Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar; Buckhorn Grill; The Melting Pot; Nopalitos Southwestern Cafe; The Cheesecake Factory; The Old Spaghetti Factory; Nine 16 Skate Shop; Kline Music; Tricks Gymnastics, Dance & Swim, Bucca Di Beppo; SacDine.com and UrbanSac.com.

Southside Park is located at 2115 Sixth St. Southside Sessions runs from 3-8 p.m. Saturday.

Photos courtesy of Southside Sessions.

La Raza Galeria Posada brings "Celebrations of Home"

2010-08-11T03:54:58Z

The new Alta California - Celebrations of Home celebrates the memory of Sacramento Mexicans for more than 40 years with photos, newspaper articles and historical documents.

La Raza Galería Posada staff spent nine months building an exhibition full of rare photos and memories from Sacramento residents.

La Raza Galeria Posada is a multi-disciplinary cultural center and public space for the Sacramento community by offering Latino/Chicano and Native arts programming as well as art education workshops, according to their website.

“(My favorite part) has been (being) able to comb through the Sacramento history and being able to present it all to the public,” said La Raza Galería Posada Education Manager Michael Collett.

This is the first time this exhibit will be displayed.

“We’re looking forward to the opening,” Collett said. “Being 30 or 40 years ago, we’re glad to be able to replicate feelings and memories people had.”

The photos presented in the exhibition include pieces by Michael Marcos Sanchez, Hector Gonzalez and Freddy Remoro. Posters include collections from California State University, Sacramento, and pieces from the La Raza Galería Posada collection. Also, there will be a visual collage work by Collett.

Though there is no admission fee for this exhibit, donations are gladly accepted, Collett said.

Celebrations of Home opens Friday and goes through Sept. 27.

“This exhibit is the first piece of many by the Mexican community,” Collett said. “We’re very excited to host this.”

The exhibit is a community participatory exhibit that is meant to get people to think, Collett added. It is meant for people to remember their heritage.)

The community participation part of the exhibit is where people are asked to bring in their own memories, photos and memorabilia to be a part of the second iteration of the exhibit, when it moves to the new Mexican Consulate building in 2011.

La Raza Galería Posada is located at 1022-1024 22nd St. and can be reached by phone at (916) 446-5133.

B Street Theatre's "Old Love" is a must see production

2010-08-03T03:21:02Z

From the B Street Theatre comes a story of a fight for love with a sparking sense of humor and a touch of romance, “Old Love.”

This two-person play by Norm Foster begins with a very detailed internal monologue from Bud Mitchell, played by David Silberman. Bud is an older fellow who 25 years before fell in love with his boss’ wife, Molly Graham, who is played by Judy Jean Berns.

Set in Toronto, “Old Love” presents the idea of love for older, more mature adults and how they feel about it.

Molly has recently lost her husband of 34 years when Bud suddenly comes into her life. Meeting at her husband’s funeral, the two interact awkwardly due to Bud’s nervousness.

Making the mistake of asking Molly out on a date at her husband’s funeral, Bud faces constant rejection throughout this two-act performance.

Switching between Molly’s and Bud’s internal monologue’s, the audience learns about the two and their lives before meeting each other.

Throughout the course of the play, Bud pursues Molly in hopes to win her love with his awkward charm and witty personality, but Molly constantly rejects him.

This sophisticated performance shines a comedic light on romance and affection only found in the love in a pair of old hearts.

Silberman and Berns have remarkable chemistry on stage and are a delight to watch. Bringing out their characters with their witty senses of humor, both perform one of the most extraordinary plays of the summer season.

“Old Love” runs until Sept. 12. Tickets can be purchased here or by calling the box office at (916) 443-5300.

Tickets: $22-$30

Showtimes:
Tues. - 6:30 p.m.
Wed. - 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Thu. and Fri. - 8 p.m.
Sat. - 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Sun. - 2 p.m.

Photo courstey of the B Street Theatre

LAUNCH 2010 blasts off

2010-08-02T05:32:08Z

The second annual LAUNCH showcase hit the Artisan Building Saturday for a night full of music, design, art and fashion.

Artists and designers from Sacramento, Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco flocked to LAUNCH to show off their stuff, and the turnout looks even more promising for next year.

Designers of clothes and jewelry hung out in the outside venue, presenting handcrafted jewelry, buttons and clothing. Most vendors had mainly vintage jewelry and clothes, some more unique than others.

The outdoors also contained several booths from locals who handcraft jewelry and trinkets and sold vintage clothing, as well as live music.

“Launch really seemed like a good vibe,” jewelry artist Nora Kniveton said. “It’s a place where people would like my weird stuff. And it’s true.”

Kniveton created earrings, bracelets and rings out of microchips and keyboard buttons, making anagrams such as I.Q.

“I just thought this would be the right kind of crowd to appreciate my upcycling,” said Karen Gunby, a vintage jewelry artist. “I makes things from the things I get from yard sales.”

Some of the jewelry was created out of other pieces of jewelry as well as other trinkets and cool little knickknacks. Gunby recycles old used jewelry into hip new designs.

Live bands performed the entire night. Bands like RESA, Doom Bird and The Generals kept crowds of people entertained for hours.

Inside the Artisan Building, displays of art hung up for viewing. Modern photography and graphic design portraits spread through the aisles of the gallery. Different DJs such as Sex & Weight, Dj Whores, Mike Diamond, Jon Droll and John Michael Michaels, jammed throughout the night, with food provided by Hot Italian. All the music consisted of a twisted remix of different songs and retro beats that got the crowd pumping.

The New Humans rocked out just before the heavily anticipated fashion show, causing a crowd to fill the room with screaming, dancing and entertainment.

Creative designs and clothing appeared on the models from Van Der Neer, R. Douglas Custom Clothier, Krazy Mary’s, Vintage YSJ and Fringe. Vintage was the basic theme of the fashion show, simple and fancy lace dresses and even full one-piece outfits crossed the runway.

A huge wave a people rushed through the Artisan Building to watch the show.

Remixes and rave music pumped through the speakers as each model strutted down the runway, getting the crowd even more excited. The runway stretched a few yards into the center of the room, with ramps in the back where the DJs played their songs.

Each designer had about five models that strutted down the runway.

From clothing to Fringe’s furniture designs, the LAUNCH fashion show brought out creative vintage designs.

While the fashion show went on inside, food vendors and jewelry sales still kept on.

Many organizers, like Bespoke, Boys Noize, Downtown Grid, Enotria, Lumens and The Greens Hotel helped sponsor this year’s LAUNCH.

LAUNCH truly was a night to remember.

Photos:
1-3 courtsey of LAUNCH 2010

"The Little Mermaid is Not for Children" hits Cosumnes River College

2010-08-02T03:55:39Z

“The Little Mermaid is Not for Children” premiered at Cosumnes River College’s River Stage, providing an assortment of laughter and entertainment with a witty twist for all ages.

The tale of the Milton family begins during the summer in Pennsylvania. The three sisters (Elizabeth played by Lynn Damme, Alicia play by Andee Saenz and Carrie played by Jessica Eichlin) bicker constantly about their mother as well as argue among themselves.

The three sisters also play the counterpart mermaid sisters as well, with Carrie as the Little Mermaid.

Gloria Milton, played by Claire Lipschultz, is the dying mother of the three sisters and also the reason for most of the family drama. As a former performer, Gloria sings to her family and hums tunes right until her very last breath.

With Loren Taylor as Keenan Milton, the loving father and husband, this play brings together the emotions of the loss of a loved one and the moment of finding peace.

Laura, played by Lexie Schneider, keeps a steady balance between the three sisters and acts as Carrie’s supporter of sorts. Although, Act 1 ends with the two in a disagreement.

The seven actors have nothing but their chairs and their lines to put on a brilliant performance.

Unlike the traditional theater performance, this two-act play is presented without props or costumes. The actors provide dialogue and movements but leave most of the setting to be imagined by the audience.

Narrator Maxwell McKee reads off stage directions to provide a clearer picture for the scenes performed.

Award-winning director Frank Condon concludes the 15th anniversary season with a masterpiece and a unique spin to theater performances.

The only showings were July 30-31 at CRC and it is no longer running.

Community Conversations talks budget

2010-07-15T01:32:54Z

Sacramento residents meeting at the second session of Community Conversations Tuesday night gave their suggestions for dealing with the current Sacramento budget crisis, with ideas ranging from eliminating parks and recreation programs to more spending on prisons and education.

“Budget Cuts: What are we willing to do without and what are we willing to do about the rest?” was the question posed for the second of eight Community Conversations - one in each City Council district - sponsored by The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Region Community Foundation and Capital Public Radio. It was a striking question that produced several different thoughts from members of the Sacramento community.

Ten Sacramento residents joined in this week’s conversation, held at the Starbucks on 6013 Florin Road.

Under the direction of Oak Park resident Brian Fischer, the conversation about budget cuts led to talk of more being spent on education and prisons, with less money spent elsewhere.

Activities in the parks department could be cut, said Oak Park resident Amy Byerhoff, adding that volunteers could possibly replace those who would be laid off.

Some residents participating in the conversation disagreed, insisting on keeping certain activities alive to keep children out of trouble as well as hiring more police officers.

“If there is nothing else to do but get into trouble, then young people are going to get into trouble,” said Josh Francois, an Elk Grove resident.

Several attendees agreed.

“There’s a lot of young people who counted on the pool, and now it’s gone,” said Ron Cooper of Access Sacramento. “We created a storm for them to get into trouble. And where do they go? Prison.”

Discussing the budget and where its primary focus should go is a difficult topic, said Fischer, but with help from those who are directly affected by the budget cuts, citizens become more informed about the issues their community face.

Lasting about an hour and a half, the residents participating in the conversation provided personal opinions and insight of how residents of different communities in Sacramento feel about the new budget cuts and the affects they are having, including the loss of activities in K-12 schools and the possibility of more layoffs.

Community Conversations meetings are held every two months. The date for the next meeting is not set yet, but more information can be found here.

"Curtains" takes the stage

2010-07-13T04:15:27Z

Performers from Runaway Stage Productions sang and danced their way into the hearts of many Sacramento residents with their performance of “Curtains” at the 24th Street Theater.

The two-act musical comedy is set in Boston, Mass., in 1959. The characters are cast members for a theater troupe, and the play begins during the bows after a performance of “Robbin’ Hood of the Old West,” when leading lady Jessica Crenshaw - played by Amy Jaques-Jones - is murdered.

Lt. Frank Cioffi, played by Darryl Strohl, appears the next day to investigate Crenshaw’s murder, though he seems more interested in improving the musical performances by the cast members than solving the murder.

As deaths of cast and crew members progress, Cioffi leads a heavier investigation as well as tries to help make improvements to the characters’ own show with music provided by the Runaway Stage Productions resident orchestra, directed by James Lohman.

Loud applause followed brilliant performances by Andrea St. Clair as Niki Harris, Kate Richardson as Georgia Hendricks and Lillian Baxter as Carmen Bernstein.

With a plot-twisted ending and witty comedy mixed in, Runaway Stage Productions provides head-rocking numbers up until the very last scene.

Through various laugh-out-loud jokes and foot-tapping tunes, “Curtains” invites the audience to join in the mystery and try to figure out the killer’ identity.

Runaway Stage Productions staffers truly outdid themselves by providing an evening of fun-filled music and a cast passionate about theater, earning two thumbs up. “Curtains” is a summer must-see.

"Curtains" runs until August 1.
For more information, visit here.

Rihanna and Ke$ha rock Arco Arena

2010-07-12T02:44:26Z

Headliner Rihanna with Ke$ha and Travie McCoy blasted through Arco Arena Friday with a laser-filled, glittery performance for the Last Girl on Earth Tour.

Opening act McCoy proudly came on stage to roars from the audience of about 9,000 people. The upbeat “Dr. Feelgood” and “Billionaire,” pumped up the crowd.

Ke$ha, in all her hot-mess glory, skipped out on stage to “Right Round” by Flo Rida, a song in which she is featured. The pop star stood confidently in front of the bright lights with her gun-shaped guitar before starting right in with “Blah Blah Blah.”

Ke$ha’s silly antics and popular rhymes had most of the audience on its feet.

To introduce her hit single “Tik Tok,” she walked into the audience, causing an explosion of cheers and dancing.

Ear-piercing screeches soared through Arco when Rihanna finally came onstage in her long black, dress after a dream sequence video prepped the audience for a “dream” that was about to begin.

Beginning with a heartfelt “Russian Roulette,” the singer from Barbados pointed her fingers like a gun at the audience.

Through several outfit changes and changes from upbeat to mellow songs, the Last Girl on Earth put on a great show.

Plastic Army tanks, broken-down cars and guns appeared onstage as Rihanna and her dancers moved through “Rude Boy,” “Hard” and “Shut Up and Drive.”

Dancers dressed as monsterlike creatures on stilts engulfed the stage during “Disturbia,” as screens behind Rihanna projected creepy images. Video clips matched the mood of the song.

The night ended with “Umbrella,” which got the audience up and screaming. Lasers and lights flashed as a giant screen fell from the top of the stage to show Rihanna’s last dream sequence video.

As Rihanna exited the stage, the crowd continued to cheer. The first night of the Last Girl on Earth Tour was a success.

Photos courtsey of Steven Chea

Fashion design students compete in Design Vendetta

2010-07-09T05:19:56Z

Four student designers went head to head in competition to see who was the top designer at Harlow’s for the first ever Design Vendetta, Wednesday.

The designers, Tamika Bellamy, Jules Thor, Yennie Zhou and Faatui Toele, were given an hour to complete an outfit based on the fabric and material they were randomly given. At the end of the hour, two designers were picked for the final round.

“The four finalists will be competing tonight for a spot in the fashion show in August,” said Dave Icarangal, the vice president of Tiana Vega.

Starting at roughly 8:30 p.m., Rickey Sanchez, the announcer for the evening as well as Couture Connection’s marketing director, asked how excited the audience was. A loud wave of cheering quickly followed, raising over the booming techno music blasting through the speakers.

“This evening is completely unscripted,” Sanchez said. “All the models are going through hair and makeup on stage, in front of the audience.”

The four judges, Kimblerly Daya, Tiana Vega, Jennifer Richards and Sean Thomas Bjers, judged the outfits that the four designers created on creativity and completeness.

After the hour, Sanchez gave the cue for the designers to finish up and fit their models.

Zhou’s model was first up, wearing a silky brown and blue mixed dress with fabric roses in her hair, belt and shoes. Her strut was confident and classy as she walked the room of Harlow’s.

Next was Bellamy, whose model wore an “unfinished, messy-looking” top. When her model strutted through Harlow’s, she stopped for pictures pridefully.

Then came Toele, whose dress was “totally hot,” Bjers said. His model went around the room with a confident walk, with tight curls in her hair flowing behind her.

Lastly was Thor. The moment her model came onto the stage, a loud explosion of cheers sounded from the audience. Her model wore a tight green dress with a floral pattern skirt connecting to the back.

Each judge gave their criticism and compliments to each designer for their outfits, concluding in their final decision for who moved on to the next round.

Thor and Zhou were picked to continue to the finals. They were given only a half-hour to complete another outfit. When the time was up, the judges again gave critiques.

Zhou’s model wore a silky white polka-dot dress with a back belt. The backing of the dress was mixed with more black fabric.

Thor’s model had a “Japanese, Tokyo look” to it, Thor said, with a plaid skirt and halter top combination and a scarf to finish.

“Let it be known that I had no intentions of this, but I want you both in the fashion show,” Vega said. “Since it’s my fashion show, I say, you both win.”

A soft roar from the audience followed shortly after Vega’s announcement.

“It was so hard to be under that pressure,” Thor said afterward. “I had to keep pushing it though, just keep pushing.”

This event was produced by Couture Connection and Tiana Vega. All event proceeds went to Sweet Dreams Foundation, which sponsors children who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, creating their dream bedroom in hopes to change their quality of life. The next fashion competition will be the Design Dreams Charity Fashion Show on Aug. 7.

Photos:

1. Design Vendetta Brouchure
2. Model Shelby Campbell in Yeenie Zhou's first outfit
3. Model Bri Metcalf in Tamika Bellamy's first outfit
4. Model Haley Glasco in Faatui Toele's first outfit
5. Model Savannah Rodriquez in Jules Thor's first outfit
6. Shelby Campbell and Yeenie Zhou
7. Tamika Bellamy and Bri Metcalf
8. Faatiu Toele and Haley Glasco
9. Jules Thor and Savannah Rodriquez
10. Shelby Campwell in Yeenie Zhou's second outfit (front)
11. Shelby Campwell in Yeenie Zhou's second outfit (back)
12. Savannah Rodriquez in Jules Thor's second outfit (front)
13. Savannah Rodriquez in Jules Thor's second outfit (back)
14. Shelby Campwell, Yeenie Zhou, Jules Thor and Savannah Rodriquez

"The Purse and the Person" comes to Sacramento

2010-07-01T05:32:24Z

The California Museum will present "The Purse and the Person: A Century of Women's Purses," an exhibit dedicated to revealing the change of women's roles throughout history by the use and contents of purses.

Beginning Saturday and running through Sept. 26, "The Person and the Person" will be giving another look into the history of women.

“Purses provide a peek into history. This exhibit tells the story of what we took with us and why,” said Amanda Meeker, deputy director of The California Museum, located at 1020 O St.

This exhibit looks at purses from the contents inside to the outside design of the purses, connecting day-to-day life to the hidden artifacts women keep in their purses, according to the press release.

During the exhibit, the California Museum will also host a purse drive, the proceeds of which will be donated to St. John’s Shelter for Women & Children. Those who purchase a ticket and donate a new or slightly used purse will receive one free admission ticket. The "Bring a Purse, Bring a Friend" campaign runs through the month of July, according to the press release.

This exhibit is a part of a nine-city national tour over a three-year period, containing about 100 purses and hundreds of other artifacts and photographs, developed by Smith Kramer Fine Arts Services.

"The Purse and the Person" has been a part of many different museum's across the country for many years, including Texas' Women's Museum and South Carolina's State Museum.

The California Museum
1020 O St. in Sacramento
Open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.
Tickets: $8.50 for adults, $7.00 for seniors and students with I.D., $6.00 for kids ages 6-13 and free for kids under 6.

Photo courtsey of "The Purse and the Person."

King of Feasts arrives Saturday

2010-06-25T03:52:16Z

Bring your appetite and your camera for the Sacramento Zoo's King of Feasts Wine and Food Luau on Saturday, where the hot summer gets a taste of the jungle.

King of Feasts has been running since the 1990s, though it took a hiatus for several years. This event is hosted by members of "Good Day Sacramento" and is a successful fundraiser for Sacramento Zoological Society.

"The funds raised benefit zoo improvements, education programs and wildlife conservation, while at the same time providing the community a chance to get together and enjoy an evening at the zoo with good food and drinks," said Lauren Kraft, the zoo's public relations coordinator.

This is the first year that the luau theme was added since the start of King of Feasts to "spice up the evening along with a mixology competition and more eateries and drink area," Kraft said. Entertainment will be provided by the Na Aikane Ukulele Band, VFW Ukulele Band and Hawaiian guitarist Kalei Kema, as well as the Polynesian dancers of Hula Event.

King of Feasts is directed towards a more adult audience, 21 years or older is recommended.

The Classic Tiki Cocktail Mixology Competition, hosted by the local Bartenders Guild and coordinators of Midtown Cocktail Week, gives attendees a taste of mixing drinks with more experienced bartenders.

Food will be provided by several restaurants, caterers and bakeries like L&L Hawaiian Barbecue Greenhaven, Nugget Market and Vic's Ice Cream. Wines and other beverages will be provided by the likes of River City Brewing Company, Twisted Rivers Wines and Vino Noceto.

"Many of our guests at this event are repeat attendees, and enjoy coming back year after year to see all the new restaurants and wineries," Kraft said.

If you check in at the Sacramento Zoo on Foursquare for the event, you will receive a free King of Feasts poster, Kraft said.

Pre-sale: $50
Pre-sale for zoo members: $45
Day of event and at the door: $60 (no discounts)

Tickets can be purchased online
By phone: (916) 808-5888
In person: At the zoo, daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
King of Feasts: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

Photos courtesy of Lauren Kraft and the Sacramento Zoo.

Off Balance 6 opened Thursday

2010-06-21T05:21:47Z

The Offstage Actors Group's "Off Balance 6: Freaks, Geeks and Bad Choices" opened Thursday at Clubhouse 24, bringing a new kind of comic relief to real-life and even fairy-tale situations.

This two-act performance, broken up into eight total scenes, gives the audience a taste of real life if it had a narrator's voice or a do-over button. With a soundtrack by Brother Dan Palmer, this show kicks off the summer with a cynical twist to how the average person sees oneself.

Though "Off Balance 6" isn't directed toward a younger audience due to profanity and mature themes, the comedy sheds a new light on the characteristics of people and how one word or question can change everything.

The first scene, "The Sure Thing," takes place in a coffee shop with three people inside. Mark Dias and Lynn Baker perform as two strangers. When Dias' character says something offensive or awkward, a bell chimes and he changes his wording or tone of voice, which in turn changes the entire conversation.

Offering a break from the live action, "Paper Thin" and "Russian Roulette" are short films the actors put together for Act 1, Scene 3 and Act 2, Scene 2. "Paper Thin" is about a man looking into his past to find out why he lost his wife, while "Russian Roulette" is literally a game of Russian Roulette. Two men play with a gun loaded with one bullet and end up shooting themselves and one another through the different alternate endings.

"Dwarf Love" is an alternate world to the popular "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" fairy tale most know and love. With a cynical twist to the story, the actors play out the life of Happy and Doc after the prince rescues Snow White.

Each scene provides a new view on people and their quirks, getting the audience to laugh along with the actors.

This show will last through July 9, playing every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.

This comedy truly is "an evening of alternative shorts, movies, music, theater and comedy," said the Off Balance 6 flier.

Clubhouse 24
920 24th St.
Reservations: (916) 400-4126