Celebrating Diversity

Sacramento has PRIDE!

2009-06-22T05:34:45Z

It’s 9:43 a.m. Saturday, June 20, and the participants of the 2009 Sacramento Pride Parade are still stationary; onlookers begin to gather on L Street alongside Capitol Park. Winding her way through the various spectators, Sacramento native Rose Brun passes out flowers.

“I’ve been doing this since 1974,” she says, doling out a cala lily, “When I was younger, friends lost their jobs by being gay, but every year it gets better. Stuff like this brings us together. We need to break down barriers. ”

Breaking down barriers—a lot of balloons, music, dancing and good vibrations—seemed to be one of the parade’s objectives as it made its way from L Street through the downtown district to Sacramento Pride Festival’s Southside Park location.

Among the marchers were Sacramento City Unified School District’s Vice President Patrick Kennedy, Miss Gay Rodeo 2009, Empress XXXV of the Court of the Great Northwestern Imperial Empire, Miss Precious Taylor’d Cargo, California Faith for Equality and Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce. The Cal Aggie Marching Band-uh! and a group of sash-sporting dancers from Dancing with Pride kept energy high with spirited performances. The procession culminated at Southside Park with lots of cheer and goodwill from the crowd waiting to welcome them inside the rainbow-ballooned arches.

This year’s festival featured an alcohol-and tobacco-free area with Youth Pride Zone. The safe Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning Intersex space included activities like bungee runs, a dunk tank and a youth performance stage. The day-long celebration also included three separate stages, a beer garden for the 21 and over and a classic car show. Event-goers could stroll along the Southside Park Pond, stop at various booths and receive free goods like waters, popsicles and food and beauty coupons from Midtown businesses.

The main stage included tented seating where audience members watched musical performances such as A Church of all Gospel Choir, The Verve and the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus. Cheer San Francisco and Sacramento Sirens Cheer Elite got the crowds excited with high-flying stunts and lively dance routines.

The Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center event was backed by quite a few big sponsors such as Outword Magazine, Ikea, Rainbow Chamber of Commerce and Barefoot Wine. The Wells Fargo tent handed out rainbow leis that added even more brilliance to the colorful atmosphere.

The vibrant and stimulating entertainment provided a complementary backdrop to the true stars of the festival: the community. Sacramento resident and veteran PRIDE attendee Nastscha Storm talked about her favorite part of Pride: “I like all the people. I get to see all my friends again. I posted on my MySpace ‘queers wanted’ because I like the term queer. Everybody, if you’re queer, you’re probably my friend, so get over here.”

Even first-time Pride goers connected with the ubiquitous feeling of acceptance and tolerance.

“I’m having a great time,” said first timer and Folsom resident Alexandra Boirasky. “I think it’s great that the community is supporting all people, not just straight people. I think it says Sacramento is ready to accept all and moving on to be a more cosmopolitan, diverse city.”

Having completed her 2007-2008 reign as Most Imperial Majesty Empress XXXIV, mainstage hostess Deneka Ashely St. James reflected on the 2009 Pride Festival’s turnout: “It says that we are committed, that we stick together, that we take care of one another and that we embrace each other fully,” St. James said.

“Gay Sacramento is in. Just the amount of straight people here; the brothers, fathers, sisters that come out and support the gay members of their family show that we embrace one another and love one another,” added St. James.

The Donnas Show

2009-07-23T05:06:20Z

This Friday Marilyn's on K Street gets a dose of good old-fashioned American Rock 'n' Roll courtesy of The Donnas.

The 8 p.m. event is part of a string of headlining shows incorporated into their 2009 Summer Tour. The Donnas also open for Blondie and Pat Benatar on this summer's Call Me Invincible Tour. The girls will be joined by Aroarah and Triple Cobra (click links for band websites).

The band got its beginnings in Northern California at a Palo Alto middle school. Influenced by groups such as KISS and The Ramones, in 1993 the four 13-year-old self-described "dorky preteen girls" formed The Electrocutes.

Toward the end of high school the girls decided to form another band that would play a different style of music and named themselves The Donnas. To help distinguish between the two bands, each member took on the stage name Donna accompanied by the first letter of her last name.

The original group remains intact with Brett Anderson (Donna A) on vocals, Allison Robertson (Donna R) on guitar, Maya Ford (Donna F) on bass, and Tory Castellano (Donna C) on drums.

In an interview with Evelyn McDonnell of Interview Magazine, Anderson described the sound of The Electrocutes as speed metal.

"The Electrocutes were kind of confusing and enigmatic; we understood it, but nobody else did," Anderson said. "And so we decided that if we're gonna be playing live, we should play something that somebody besides us understands. We started doing the Donnas more, and we finally just merged them together, so instead of saving all of our ideas for the Electrocutes, we used them for the Donnas."

A little over a year ago, The Donnas started their own record label Purple Feather.

"Economic times are bad, not as much money floating around and it's harder for people to take risks," Anderson said. "I look at the music industry as a sinking ship. [With Purple Feather] we just had more control and efficiency with dealing with the economic situation. We didn't have to go through the whole process with asking for permission, waiting till you get it. It's easier to just be like 'We got to do this now!' and do it, and be done."

The label's name was inspired by the group's love of all things furry.

"We were at a photo shoot at Echo Park Lake, and there were all these ducks and we were obsessed with the ducks. We are really into animals in this band," Anderson said. "The ducks were just being so funny and we kept watching them. And there were these ones, that if they raised their wings they had a purple feather underneath. So we were like 'Show your purple feather ducks!' like a pride thing, and then it turned into like 'Hey man, show your purple feather' or 'Hey, don't try to hold me down, I'll show my purple feather.'"

On July 9, the band released its eighth album "The Donna's Greatest Hits Volume 16" through Purple Feather. Donna super-fans (also known as Donnaholics) can hear five re-recorded tracks as well as rare unreleased tracks "I Don't Wanna Break Your Head" and "Teenage Rules."

"[Teenage Rules] is such a funny song, and we barely remembered it," Anderson said. "And when we listened to it again, we hadn't even heard it since we recorded it, so we learned it the day we recorded it. It was this crazy travel through time."

In an industry that isn't always known for producing lasting relationships, the bond of the four original members remains strong. They recently celebrated their 16th anniversary in May.

"We just really like each other, we respect each other," Anderson said. "It's not neccessarly an eye-for-an eye equality, but an overall, at-the-end-of-the-day equality. Moneywise, we split everything four ways, no one's time is more important than any one else's time. I think that makes everyone feel equally valued and I think that makes people want to be more invested."

"I mean there are bands out there where it is a class system, where some members are deemed more valuable. It really sucks for those ones, its like you're a lesser person or something," Anderson said.

The band's sixteen years of touring, writing and rocking has produced not only a slew of anthems, but also the maturity to reflect on the creative process in regards to their work, Anderson said.

"I look back at some of the stuff we did early on, when I thought it wasn't good enough," Anderson said. "I look back on it now and you know it was way better than I thought. We are our own worst critics, that voice in your head. Making something and coming back to it later is a really good way to get over that feeling."

The Donnas have done four shows so far on their summer tour. When asked what it was like to open for icons like Benatar and Blondie, Anderson said even their sound checks blew her away.

"It was really exciting to hear all that stuff live," Anderson said. "I mean songs get over-played by the radio, you can get burned out by songs that are really great. But when you hear "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" live it's like you hear them all over again. You can remember what it felt like the first time you heard them and it's like, 'This is a great song!'"

As touring veterans, the group has had their share of bizarre moments, Anderson said. She attributes some of it to time changes, lack of sleep and foreign food.

"I think a lot of it had to do with jet lag. Like when you get to Europe or Australia, everything seems surreal and you're eating some weird food. There's this mode, and we call it 'jelly fungi mode' when you're like hysterical and everything's funny. We're all hysterically laughing," Anderson said.

"Jelly Fungi Mode" aside, what can Sacramento expect from the lady rockers live?

"There will be a lot of chances for people who daydream themselves about being in a band to participate in the singing and the shouting and the hair," Anderson said.

Who: The Donnas w/ Aroarah and Triple Cobra
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Marilyn's 908 K St
How much: $20 at the door $18 in advance

All photos courtesy of The Donnas Myspace.

Anime convention celebrates fans

2009-08-31T00:58:02Z

Last Saturday, the SacAnime Convention kicked off with the highest number of attendees in its five-year existence.

Anime, the pop culture term for animation that is distinctly Japanese, was celebrated by fans from all over northern California at the Radisson Hotel. Security official Peter Kraus said that in his four years working the convention, he has never seen a crowd this large.

"Last year we were at the Scottish Rite Center, and it moved to this location, which is significantly bigger. It's pretty incredible, the way it's grown each year," Kraus said. "I just asked the folks up front what the official number was. They said they are low-balling it at three and a half to four thousand."

Attendees, many of them decked out in full costume, walked shoulder-to-shoulder through the hallways to get to areas such as the main banquet room, where vendors and their tables were packed in selling items like original art, costumes, wigs and books on how to draw Manga.

Event-goers could access a video room through a black-curtained doorway in the vending room. A giant screen played anime films in a theater-like setting.

The outdoor pavilion featured live music from bands like Tanuki Suit Riot, which as part of its set covered popular video game tunes. Despite the 100 degree weather, fans peppered the area in front of the stage, waving their weapons the air, moving to the music.

The smaller banquet room featured a stage and seating that hosted a variety of panels as well as the cosplay masquerade, a choreographed spectacle that featured dance performances from anime fans dressed in detailed costume.

In the celebrity panel, voice actors Paul Mercier, Liam O'Brien, Roger Craig Smith and Alyson Court fielded questions about anime and manga, their favorite anime couples and how to break into the industry. More than 200 fans piled into the room to hear the established voice actors speak.

The vibe was interactive, and the actors teased and bantered with audience members. Fans with questions held everything from costume weaponry to stuffed animals to notepads up high in order to attract the panel's attention.

"No one's overcompensating for anything, are they?" asked Smith as he fielded a question from a young man waving a giant sword.

When asked if the panel members had crushes on any anime character, O'Brien started describing a certain female character, but he could not immediately recall her name. The audience was quick to help him out and reminded him almost unanimously that the animated girl in question was Rukia Kuchiki from the anime and manga series Bleach.

"That's it, Rukia," O'Brien sad. "She's a classic, girl's got spunk. Maybe a little young for me though."

The panel's anime and manga favorites were not the only subjects touched upon. Mercier spoke on the process of becoming a voice actor. He told the crowd how he got his beginnings in the theater and on shows ike Beverley Hills, 90210 and Melrose Place. Learning how to act, Mercier said, was the way to enter the voice industry.

The convention offered a slew of other activities such as console gaming featuring the latest games from different consoles as well as all-time favorites such as Guitar Hero and Halo 3. There was also a collectible card game tournament, and later in the evening, attendees could play anime bingo.

However, the most popular activity for those in attendance--being able to interact with other fans in costume--was not on the schedule. Hundreds of different characters gathered in small huddles to socialize, meet, take pictures and admire each other's getups.

One foursome, dressed as Decus, Wonderchef, Genis and Zelos from the video game Tales of Symphonia drove 45 minutes from Galt with a life-size, hand-crafted coffin prop in the back of a jeep. The cost of constructing the coffin alone was close to $300, said Derek England, dressed as Decus.

"It was about eight weeks of frustration and a definite group effort. This is our first time at one of these things, so we're starting off with a bang," England said.

England and his friends have been anime fans since childhood, he said. They respond to the fact that in terms of story-lines, anime doesn't have the same constraints as other entertainment industries.

"There's not the restriction of having to produce something that will make money," England said. "In anime, you can make a movie for the story's sake, and it's really imaginative and unique."

First-time convention goers Carlie and Kayla Guadagnolos said their time at the Radisson was one of the highlights of their year.

"We got stopped all the time! So many hugs from different people, everybody recognized us and wanted hugs," said younger sister Kayla.

"We've never been to anything like this before, like we watch this stuff on YouTube," said Carlie. "Best day of my life."

Photo Credit: anthonybento.com

Summer ends in rainbows

2009-09-07T21:58:55Z

Sunday, the giant Midtown block party known as the Rainbow Festival, came to its celebratory end.

The three-day event held to raise money and awareness for local lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) charities in Sacramento as well as celebrate community pride has raised over 500,000 since its inception according to the 2009 website.

Vendors lined 20th and K Streets, offering everything from jewelry to T-shirts to rainbow-hued paraphernalia. Local LGBTQI institutions such as the Lavender Library and Sacramento's Gay Man's Chorus hosted booths, handing out fliers and pamphlets with information on events, clubs and volunteer opportunities.

Sacramento State's Queer Straight Alliance's tent featured a "Kissin' Booth," where participants could receive a little love for only a dollar.

A main stage at the corner of K and 20th, adorned with an arch of rainbow balloons, provided a day-long bevy of performances from local and internationally recognized talent. Participants gathered at the foot of the raised stage to watch performances by groups such as Small Difference Women's Choral Ensemble, Unity Dance Troupe and local band Rendezvous With Cool Beans.

Cheer San Fransico took over a section of the street in front of the stage to thrill onlookers with high-flying stunt action and upbeat dance performances.

A few of the performances, much to the delight of those watching, encouraged audience participation. Jay Henslee, winner of nightclub Faces' eight-week competition "Queer Idol," tossed shakers to the crowd so they could keep time with his song.

Lauren Hildebrant, a dance artist performing in Sacramento for the first time, had audience members dance on stage during her last song. She then asked the crowd which member "shook it best."

International recording artist, Kristine W, brought a young man on stage to whom she and the crowd sang "Happy Birthday" during her set. One audience member offered the birthday boy a dollar.

"I tell you a drag queen has to shake it long and hard for that," said Kristine. "You did good, honey."

The day's entertainment kept coming, not only from the artists who took to the stage, but also the drag queens who introduced them. First-time festival attendee Thomas Arballo voiced his appreciation for the emcees.

"My favorite part of the day? I think it would have to be those hot-piece drag queens over there," Arballo said.

Monique Moore, host of the weekly Dragalicious Show at Faces, kept the crowd laughing in between introducing the performers.

At one point she brought a fellow drag queen on stage, asking, "Want to switch hair?" Long, light brown and curly was traded for short and platinum blonde with bangs.

"Don't you steal that, girl," Moore said as she watched her wig walk off the stage. "That hair ain't cheap."

The antics of the emcees contributed to the festive environment that continued throughout the day. Kalia Sandoval, Sacramento resident and first-time festival attendee said she and her friends experienced a new and "cooler" side of Sacramento at Rainbow Festival 2009.

"We came because we wanted to have fun, and we definitely did," Sandoval said. "It's been a crazy day. Lots of love."

"Queer Idol" winner Henslee noted how the communal and family-friendly atmosphere of the festival allowed Sacramentans from all walks of life to enjoy the weekend-long party in Midtown.

"I think it's a great representation of not just Sacramento diversity, but also of people respecting others," Henslee said. "I love that Sacramento does this year after year. It says a lot about the city and also the people who organize it."

Photo Credit: anthonybento.com

Red, White and Blue Agenda: What to do this 4th of July

2009-07-02T05:04:48Z

With so many ways to show your patriotism, there will be no excuse to be blue in Sacramento this weekend.

Daytime Fun on the Fourth

Annual East Sacramento Parade
Parade begins: 10 a.m.
Route: Walking 41st and 42nd streets at M Street in red, white and blue.

Pyrospectacular at Cal Expo
What: Independence Day fireworks celebration
When: Gates open at 4:30 p.m., fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m.
Where: Cal Expo. Guests should use the East Gate, located at the intersection of Exposition Boulevard and Challenge Way, as the main entrance to the event. Enter through the D Lot parking area.
Highlights: Largest-scale pyrotechnics display in the area’s history; music and dancing in the Grandstand area; live harness racing starting at 5 p.m. in the Miller Lite Grandstand; live music and dancing with Mobility, a subdivision of the U.S. Air Force band of the Golden West
What to know: General admission is free, but parking is $10 per vehicle. A limited number of $10 reserved seats are on sale. Arrive early and bring lawn chairs and blankets. Fireworks, cans, glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Bags and ice chests will be searched at the gate. The grass infield will be open on the north side with a section for persons with disabilities set up on the apron by the Winner’s Circle.

Rancho Cordova Fouth of July What: The 25th annual Rancho Cordova Fourth of July celebration
When: July 3 and 4
Where: Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Dr., Rancho Cordova
Highlights: Pablo Cruise performs July 3,Double Funk Crunch performs July 4, five nights of carnival rides, two nights of fireworks, community parade, food and craft vendors and a Guitar Hero competition.
More info: http://www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com/ or (916) 851-8818

33rd Annual Fourth of July Five-miler
What: Sacramento’s oldest running event!
When: July 4
7:15 to 7:45 a.m. — Sign in (everyone must sign a waiver)
7:45 a.m. — Start of Kids’ Half-Mile Race (ages 10 and younger)
8 a.m. — Start of Five-Mile Race
Where: Glen Hall Park, on the corner of Sandburg and Carlson Drive in River Park, directly north of Sacramento State.
Highlight: This event is free!

Esquire IMAX Theatre $5 Movie & Dinner Deal What: Guests who show a $20 receipt from any downtown area restaurant can purchase a standard IMAX ticket for $5. Hollywood films receive $5 off ticket price. This offer is valid Sunday through Friday only at the Esquire IMAX Theatre in Downtown Sacramento through Aug. 20.
When: July 4 at 3 p.m.
Where: Esquire IMAX Theatre

Pub Crawl
What: Join the First Annual Sacramento Fourth of July Pub Crawl as it celebrates independence. When: 3 p.m. Where: 1. Bonnlair
2. Club Raven
3. Limelight
4. G.V. Hurley's, Blue Cue or Harlow's
5. Monkey Bar
6. Golden Bear
7. Distillery
8. Stone Grille
9. Old Tavern
10. Zebra Club
11. Whiskey Wild
12. Benny's (Q Street)
13. Press Club More info: sjwolfgram@gmail.com

Night Life on the Fourth

Torch Club
What: Based in the San Francisco Bay Area , David Landon creates plenty of excitement with his metal-edged rock guitar sound. He refreshed several of the very standard standards he takes on, especially a funked up version of Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes."
Where: 904 15th St., across from the Memorial Auditorium.
More info: $6 cover. http://www.torchclub.net

Harlow's
What: Nikolas Willrich and Eric Wade present Top 40 DJ with a live drummer.
Where: 2708 J St.
More info: http://www.harlows.com

Empire
What: TAT Productions and One Vision team up for the ultimate Saturday party, Rejuvenate. DJ Illest keeps the dance floor hot with his wicked mix of hip-hop and R&B.
Where: 1417 R St.
More info: $10 cover. For VIP booth reservations, e-mail vip@empireeventscenter.com.

SAMMIES take the party outdoors

2009-06-29T03:53:28Z

The Sacramento News & Review Music Fest and SAMMIES (Sacramento Area Music Awards) Ceremony made its outdoor debut Saturday at Cesar Chavez Park in the sweltering heat but kept music lovers cool with the help of a dunk tank, beer and wine garden and the park's fountain.

In the past, the annual event has been held at the Crest Theatre, but this year, organizers of the 19th annual fest chose to celebrate in the sun, with art and fashion vendors and a huge inflatable slide.

The mood was celebratory throughout the festival. Children and adults alike splashed in the park’s central fountain as the 14 bands performed on two stages. The beer garden offered shaded areas for the 21 and over to lounge, and everyone stayed hydrated with Green Sol Water.

The various bands hailed from vastly different genres, from indie to country to heavy metal.

Terra Lopez, lead singer of the Outstanding Indie-nominated Sister Crayon, said she was happy for the exposure the event brings

“There are people here who probably would never have heard or seen us if it weren’t for events like this, " she said. "It brings people of different genres together…We played after a metal band. It’s awesome.”

“The News and Review, the whole SAMMIES thing, is the most legit event Sacramento has for its musicians,” said Tyler Campbell, lead singer of Arden Park Roots, which took home the SAMMIE for Outstanding Reggae/Ska/Funk/Jam. “ It’s the most supportive event and the most prestigious thing you can be a part of as a Sacramento band.”

The day concluded with the SAMMIES Award ceremony, where recipients came to the stage to accept their plaques and give brief acceptance speeches.

Members of the Outstanding Singer-Songwriter winner Be Brave Bold Robot paid homage to the late Michael Jackson by singing an a capella version of “Man in the Mirror” upon receiving their award. MC Rut (which was not present due to its tour obligations) swept the ceremony with awards in all three categories in which the band was nominated.

The 2009 Sacramento Area Music Awards Reader’s Choice Winners are as follows:

Outstanding Emcee:
Random Abiladeze

Outstanding Rock:
MC Rut

Outstanding Punk/Hardcore:
Final Summation

Outstanding Hard Rock/Metal:
Prieta

Outstanding Hip-hop/Rap:
Righteous Movement

Outstanding Turntablist:
DJ Epik

Outstanding Jazz/Blues/Latin:
Ross Hammond

Outstanding Indie:
the New Humans

Outstanding Country/Americana/Folk:
Light Rail

Outstanding Experimental:
Mom

Outstanding Singer-Songwriter:
Be Brave Bold Robot

Outstanding Teen Band:
Red Wire Army

Outstanding Reggae/Ska/Funk/Jam:
Arden Park Roots

Outstanding Pop:
Agent Ribbons

Outstanding Electronica:
Tha Fruitbat

Outstanding Hip-hop Producer:
Jae Synth

Outstanding Release/Album:
MC Rut, MC Rut

Outstanding Sacramento Band:
MC Rut

Author's Note: The photo credit goes to Jessica Zou

Elly Awards Celebrate Sac Theatre

2009-08-09T01:04:59Z

The Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA) will announce the nominations for the most outstanding theater performances of 2008-2009 at its Elly Nomination Party, said SARTA office administrator Benjamin T. Ismail. Sacarmento City College will host the celebration on Aug. 9 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Held and named in honor of the late Eleanor McClatchy, a devoted patron of local arts, the Elly's are in its 27th year. On Sept. 20, SARTA will honor the winners with a ceremony at the Crest Theatre. Tickets are $25 general admission, $20 for group rate and SARTA members. They go on sale Aug. 10 and can be purchased by calling SARTA's office or the day of at the Crest box office.

There are seven categories from which theatre members are nominated: comedy, drama, educational musical, educational play, musical, original works, young people's musical, young people's play. Within each category, awards are given to the best in costume design, direction, lead actor, lead actress, lighting design, overall production, set design, supporting actor and supporting actress.

The judging is done by theatre members and enthusiatsts referred to by SARTA as "super-volunteers." Judges cannot be involved in any theatre company in the category they are judging, said Ismail, and usually have backgrounds in theatre. There are five judges in each category, and each of them may attend between a minimum of 15 and maximum of 45 shows during the year-long season.

This year's event will be arranged so that the first two hours focus on the awards to the educational categories while the last half focuses on the adult and musical categories. Some of the night's highlights, said Ismail, will be the performances from musical-nominated companies.

"All the best musical nominees bring their shows back together and they do a performance, Ismail said."[The process is] very similar to the Tony's."

The performances are as full-production as possible, Ismail said, including full costume, make-up, choreography, sound quality, and theatrical lighting. Besides putting on a dazzling show, the Elly performances allow for company member to reunite and redo the number that got them noticed.

"What's really cool is you will get casts of 30 people who all come back to do the Elly's," Ismail said. "Its a fun reunion opportunity for these casts."

Being nominated for an Elly is no walk in the park. According to Ismail, there are around 50 shows in each category and for awards like supporting or lead actor/actress, there can be two or three leads per show. Therefore, the five nominees for each award have gone up against hundreds of people, Ismail said.

"It's a very competitive award—I mean musical judges go to a show a week," Ismail said. "A lot of theatre happens in Sacramento so it's quite an award to even be nominated for. There are so many things you go up against."

While the Elly's offer prestige for theatre companies and entertainment for the general population, the award ceremony also facilitates a wider purpose of bringing together participants, lovers and new talents of Sacramento theatre.

"I think it's a really great opportunity for unification among over 100 theatres, to get to know other people and showcase what we've done for the past year," Ismail said. "SARTA has really worked so that Elly's meet the needs of the community in offering different aesthetics and styles."

Ismail said Elly attendees can expect not only to see talented people performing the best and most exciting numbers of the year, but also to learn what productions may interest them in the future.

"People will really enjoy getting to see, especially in musical category, what has been going on in the community," Ismail said. "You get to get excited about the next season, get to see what's available. Also, you get to see and hear from a lot of new companies coming up. There has been 10 or 15 new companies nominated this year."

"Its a review of the year when you think about it, it's quite a fun thing," Ismail said.

For more information, Click Here for SARTA's website.

Drag Queen Bingo Raises Money for Charity

2009-08-13T20:55:00Z

"Pelt her, pelt her, all the way down!"

A lively crowd chanted their intentions as they pelted a wig-wearing bingo winner with crumpled paper score cards. The ritual was repeated with all ten of the winners during last Wednesday's first ever Drag Queen Bingo at Hamburger Patties.

Approximately 75 prize-hungry people showed up to the 7:00 p.m. event produced by Outword magazine. The night's proceeds went to Women Escaping A Violent Environment (WEAVE), an organization that provides crisis intervention services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The idea for Drag Queen Bingo came about a year ago, said Hamburger Patties co-owner Richard Borill. Borill and fellow owner Davin Mansch worked with Outword Publisher Fred Palmer to get a charity beneficiary on board for Drag Queen Bingo's launch.

Palmer asked WEAVE if they would want to collaborate, and according to WEAVE's Director of Development and Communication Relations Julie Burnhoeft, the organization jumped at the chance.

"Anytime Outword and Fred Palmer do something, it's going to be a good time," Burnhoeft said. "There have been budget challenges for everyone, so anytime someone can support us it's great. Every little bit counts."

The event will currently run every other week and will support different charities Mansch said. Eventually it is his hope that the turnouts will allow Drag Queen Bingo to be weekly.

Mistress of Ceremonies Rusty Nails made it clear that the night was about audience participation. She kept players on their toes and the entertainment coming with one-liners like "I told you I had Kathy Griffin in the trunk of my car, I'm not going to let her steal my gays," and "When you were 24, Judy Garland was alive."

Palmer met Nails when he saw her hosting a previous event. Her sharp and hilarious energy was the type of presence Drag Queen Bingo needed.

"We [Palmer, Mansch and Borill] wanted someone who was over the top, very fun and energetic," Palmer said. "Not tragic drag, if we wanted tragic drag we would do it ourselves."

As promised in the flyer, this was not "your grandmother's bingo." Winners donned a wig and tiara for their victory dash through the restaurant and a few were pulled onto stage and spanked by Nails.

If there was a tie, the two potentials played a sudden death round. The victor went away with prizes such as a "movie night" gift basket or a $50 Hamburger Patties bar credit, while the loser thrust his or her hand into a large red bag as the crowd chanted "Bag of Crap, Bag of Crap!" Much to the audience's delight, the Bag of Crap yielded gag prizes such as Paul Cameron's Gay Guide.

Drag queens have long been a visible force in the fields of activism, charity and good will. June 28 marked the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, an event remembered partly through the stories of young drag queens refusing to submit to police raids. As Nails continued to incite laughter and participation from her audience, it was clear how her presence was the catalyst for the night's success.

Felicity Diamond, of Divine Divas of Diversity and the next Emcee for Drag Queen Bingo, said the effectiveness of drag queens as communicators stems from their abilities to combine humor and spectacle.

"We bridge the gap between communities with laughter and fun," said Diamond. "Everyone can relate to and enjoy having fun."

"It's all about selling," Burnhoeft said. "They can make a fabulous case for whatever they're putting out there. Who doesn't love a good drag queen? How can you not do what they tell you to?"

The evening concluded with the 10th and final winner receiving 12 tickets to the California State Fair. There was a bit of a mix-up as Nails thought the prize was only for two tickets. Her reaction when she realized it was 12?

"That bitch is going to have an orgy on the Zipper."

Join Felicity Diamond Aug. 26 for the second installment of Drag Queen Bingo. 6:30 @ Hamburger Patties, 1630 J St.

For WEAVE's Website click here

Photo credit to Charles Peer

SacAnime Convention

2009-08-26T21:52:17Z

This weekend Sacramento fans can get their fill of everything anime during the 5th annual SacAnime Convention at the Radisson Hotel.

The event has increased in popularity since its inception in 2004. In an e-mail interview director of console gaming and press liaison Jason Dube said last year's event was attended by several thousand people. This year the numbers are expected to be even bigger.

According to SacAnime's website the convention began as an extension of the Sac Con show, an event geared more toward comic books, toys and collectibles. In 2004, the manager of Waldenbooks at the Sunrise Mall store approached founder and convention organizer Dan Houck and his Sac Anime volunteer staff with the idea of holding an anime convention at Sunrise Mall. The team took him up on his offer and SacAnime held its first convention that July.

Since then, the number of bodies attending has increased so much, said Dube, that the convention moved to the Scottish Rite Center in 2007 and finally to this year's largest location, the Radisson.

The event will feature a plethora of different activities throughout the two days and take place throughout the entire hotel, said Dube. Vendors will show their merchandise in the main banquet hall and art from contests such as Manga and Amateur Art will be displayed in the Small Press Zone, which will run along the hallway. Live music from artists Tanuki Suit Riots, Buranden, and akai SKY will entertain attendees in the outside pavilion.

Saturday will have events such as the "Free Hugs: A Guide to Conventions" discussion panel to educate and answer questions of first time attendees. Storyboard artist Brandon McKinney will be leading the "Storyboarding for Animation" panel, which will review the process of creating storyboards for animated television shows and movies.

There will also be special appearances by accomplished voice actors, writers, artists, and directors such as Alyson Court, voice of Lydia Deetz (originally played by Winona Ryder) in the animated adaptation of the 1988 film Beetlejuice and Claire Redfield in the video game Resident Evil 2, Liam O'Brien, Paul Mercier, andRoger Craig Smith, who will be available for discussion in panels such as the "Resident Evil Panel."

An aspect of SacAnime that is particularly well-received is "cosplay," or costumed role play, said Dube. The event will feature two cosplay displays, a masquerade on Saturday and fashion show on Sunday.

Cosplay is not just for performers, according Dube many of the convention's attendees engage in cosplay.

"It’s a remarkable spectacle to see. The most amazing part is it doesn’t have to even be something in anime," Dube said. "I've seen people in costume from Batman, Dr. Who, and Johnny Depp’s character from his 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' The only thing that seems to be an unspoken rule is to be in costume."

The popularity of cosplay not only contributes to the colorful atmosphere of the convention, but also facilitates a celebratory and social vibe, Dube said.

"People love to interact with each other in costume," Dube said. "I've seen the attendees get very excited to jump into spontaneous dance circles or line dancing."

The Sacramento anime scene itself is an exciting thing to be around, Dube said. The fans' energy and passion is representative of why SacAnime has had such growth over the past five years.

"I would characterize the scene as being on fire, wild and growing every year. The Sacramento anime fans have a spirited passion for the genre; the likes [of which] I have never seen before," Dube said.

And what of those who are new to anime? Is there room for them at SacAnime?

"The community is the most friendly and welcoming," Dube said. "As long as you are there to have fun and make new friends, you're going to have a blast."

For more info, visit SacAnime's website

WHAT: SacAnime Convention
WHERE: Radisson Hotel. 500 Leisure Lane
WHO: all ages

SAT ONLY: $25
SUN ONLY: $15
BOTH DAYS: $30

SHOW HOURS:

SATURDAY:
10 a.m. - 2 a.m. Sunday morning
Vendors Room:10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Registration opens at 9 a.m.
Anime Viewing Room: TBA
Console Gaming Room: 10 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Cosplay Masquerade: 6 p.m.
3pm Concert with: Buranden, Tanuki Suite Riot and akai SKY
Sac Club Rave w/the Random Dj's: 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

SUNDAY:
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Vendors Room: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Registration opens at 10 a.m.
Anime Viewing Room:10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Console Gaming Room: 10 a.m - 5 p.m.

Photo Credit to Jason Dube