Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "american idol"

Idol Live! a little green, but so pure of heart

2011-07-14T00:06:03Z

Monday, July 11, Power Balance Pavilion hosted American Idol Live! for the tenth time. Spectators waited - thick, glossy programs in hand - for a live glimpse of their season favorite. There were even several devoted fans with binoculars.

Power Balance Pavilion has hosted American Idol Live! every year since its inception. This year, the event exceeded expectations. The 11 young stars sang to a crowd of over 11,000 people.

The evening’s show opened with all five ladies, all in white, singing Lady Gaga’s, “Born This Way.” Naima Adedapo, Haley Reinhart, Thia Megia and Lauren Alaina in a walking cast, helped down the stairs by Pia Toscana, opened the show.

Start to finish, Idol Live! producers seemed to be working hard to allow each performer to shine in their own way. The group never seemed to be acting as a choir, but rather, as a group of collaborating artists. They performed background vocals for each other whenever the need arose.

With 10 background screens, one would have thought otherwise, but the show’s producer also did a good job of the background graphics and video, emphasizing and complementing the beat, but allowing the singing to speak for itself.

Pia Toscano performed early, introducing her new single, “This Time.” Toscano was one of three idol contestants to perform a single during Monday night’s show. Toscano also belted out “Empire State of Mind,” the 2009 Jay-Z, Alicia Keys duet. The version was tweaked to let Toscano shine. While it did not surpass Keys’ glorious vocals, it was inspiring all the same.

While Toscano’s presentation struggled - she missed an entrance slightly and let her eyes linger on the steps below her for a second too long - she got on track soon enough. With a bit more experience, we could be seeing more of this twenty-something New Yorker.

Toscano was then joined by Stefano Langone for “California King Bed,” a song that was performed by Rihanna in a memorable episode this season. It was clear throughout the show that Langone just can’t get enough of the stage. It was refreshing to watch a performer so intent on enjoying the show right along with the audience.

Langone and Adedapo each had their chance in the spotlight as well. Langone sang “Grenade,” a Bruno Mars ballad, performing on the keyboard as well as showing off his vocals.

Naima Adedapo had the most personality of the group. Among all the performers, Adedapo seemed to be the most likely to strongly forge ahead, vote besotted or not; an excellent personal trait for the celebrity world. Adedapo marked her performance with a memorable and spirited dance that pushed the boundaries of normal body movement.

If Adedapo had the most personality, then 16 year old Thia Megia was the most in love with what she was doing. The young singer from Hayward did a beautiful job, though the sound system surely had the worst effect on her voice. Unfortunate, really, considering the lyrics of her first song, “Who Says,” a tune originally performed by Selena Gomez and the Scene.

“Who says, who says you’re not perfect?”

Paul McDonald began his evening by performing “Maggie May,” his voice hoarsely Rod Stewartesque. The way the crowd was responding, it’s hard to imagine why an artist wouldn’t want this type of exposure for their music.

McDonald tried to liven things up, but it wasn’t until Steven Tyler came on screen, his vivid personality shining through in a ridiculous and slightly profane clip, that things really started to heat up. James Durbin came from the depths of the crowd to belt “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” a Guns N’ Roses classic. The crowd was on their feet and Durbin went down in the show’s history as the first big thing. Durbin later performed an outstanding and crowd pleasing rendition of “Uprising” by Muse.

Also in the first half, Casey Abrams and his bass won over the crowd. Abrams seemed to be intent on saluting the 90’s. Santana and Rob Thomas followed by Maroon 5’s “Harder to Breathe,” it’s a good thing he was in Sacramento, a place where there are more 90’s radio stations than anywhere else in the world.

Abrams seems to be an entertainer at heart, and not just because he looks so much like Zach Galifianakis. Abrams also paired with Haley Reinhart for a great duet before Reinhart went solo.

Reinhart sang “House of the Rising Sun” by Animals, and did it beautifully, although the cut of her dress nearly knocked the show up to NC-17. Her well-liked version of “Benny and the Jets,” was next. The Elton John classic charmed, as usual.

The second half started out with a short Lauren Alaina feature. Her incessant climbing up and down the stairs in a walking cast did nothing to enhance the show - or her performance. All around, spectators tittered their worry, astonishment and disapproval. Still, Alaina’s new single, “Like My Mother Does” was well-received.

“If I Die Young,” a song originally performed by the The Band Perry, came next and was beautifully done. Surely, this is not the last that Sacramento has seen of this artist. Alaina has more than enough talent to go around, her voice uncannily similar to that of her very own Idol, Carrie Underwood.

Jacob Lusk got at least a few crowd members to loosen up and groove. He sang several songs, the best of which was Marvin Gaye’s “You’re All I Need to Get By.” Like Adedapo, Lusk appeared confident in his style and abilities and was not afraid to prove it.

The males, McCreery excluded, also collaborated for a song or two. The group seemed to have more camaraderie than the females, where there seemed to be sharp edges, perhaps because it was so hard to walk up and down those stairs.

As the second half progressed, tension built for the big reveal. The audience had yet to see Scotty McCreery, American Idol 2011. It was easy to see and hear that the crowd loved him. There were posters and signs, and outside of the women’s restroom - formerly a men’s room - a young girl sported a puff-painted t-shirt reading, “I love you Scotty McCreery.”

Finally, after a brief overview of every Idol, “S-C-O-T-T-Y” appeared on the center screen and the star himself stepped out on stage. McCreery started with “Your Man,” a Josh Turner melody and his debut audition song.

During his first serenade, it was almost stunning how someone so young, who looks so much like the Mad magazine kid, can already be making it as a ladies’ man in the country music world. McCreery’s adorable presence added to his truly unbelievable vocal skills.

The 2011 American Idol also showed off his single, “I Love You This Big,” and performed “Kiss me or not,” a Thompson Square duet. McCreery has a voice so country and so like Randy Travis that it makes you want to check his lips to make sure that he is actually singing. There is no doubt that McCreery will be making tours and albums of his own in the very near future. The 16 year old’s voice is so big, in fact, that Grand Ole Opry status is imminent.

They called this season a season of remixes, and so it was. Langone and Adedapo began the finale with Aerosmith’s “Walk this way,” and slowly added from there until all eleven were on stage. The cast finished strong together, shifting into a bright rendition of Journey’s, “Anyway You Want it,” each letting their individuality shine through.

All in all, despite the cliché, there really was plenty of talent to go around. Performance skills and confidence were about as green as you could get, but this clearly comes with time. Sacramento was only the fourth stop on the American Idol Live! tour. The first tour just might serve as a rite of passage into the music world. One can only imagine the increased confidence and stair-stepping abilities of the final show of the tour.

American Idol Live! set to visit Sacramento early in their 2011 tour

2011-07-10T00:53:15Z

This coming Monday, July 11, the Power Balance Pavilion will host the top young stars of the music world. The evening’s events will include performances by the top 11 artists of the recently completed American Idol season, the tenth season of the reality series.

American Idol Live! will feature the deep, country voice of 2011 American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, as well as fellow country singer and runner-up, Lauren Alaina. Audience members will also have the opportunity to see 2011 stars Haley Reinhart, Naima Adedapo, Pia Toscano, Seattle-born Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Paul McDonald and the all-around musical talent of Casey Abrams. The top 11 are rounded out with James Durbin of Santa Cruz and Thia Megia, the youngest Idol of the group.

American Idol Live! began their post-season tour in West Valley City, Utah on July 6. They will perform in more than 40 cities over the next three months.

For ticket information, visit the Power Balance Pavilion box office or any online vendor where tickets are sold.

American Idol auditions bring hundreds of hopefuls to Sacramento

2010-08-18T01:44:14Z

The nerves, pressure and tension could be cut with a knife during the “American Idol” auditions at Arden Fair Mall. Seventeen-year-old Sam Cracraft drove from Vallejo early this morning to ensure his place in line.

“I feel like I am going to throw up,” Cracraft said. “I have never sung in front of anyone before.”

Cracraft didn’t throw up, and in fact did very well, singing a song by The Script while playing his guitar (that he only just learned to play this year).

When asked how he would feel if he didn’t make it, he replied, “if I don’t, it means I am not ready, and that’s OK with me. I will keep practicing.”

Chantel Robinson, 24, from Natomas said she is here to win.

“I know the judges are tough, and I have been turned down before, but this could be the one time it happens for me.”

The judges were indeed very tough on Chantel, turning her down again.

The panel of three judges comprised Larissa Bryski, director of education for Skip’s Music; Mitch Kolouris, CEO of Gigatone Records; and Marty Deanda, owner of Dig Music. They made for some very intimidated contestants.

Arielle White, 23, of Sacramento took home the crown or, in this case, the chance to wow the
producers and judges in San Francisco on Thursday. White, whose day job is as a hairstylist, beat out nearly 400 other hopefuls during the event sponsored by Fox 40 and radio station 107.9 The End.

Arielle said she was really nervous and wasn’t sure she was going to have the courage to go through with her audition. She even had to compete against some of her friends, which only added to her jitters.

The “Idol” hopeful said she has no professional experience singing, though she has been performing for family since she was 3 years old and has only sung in front of people at karaoke bars and at home.

If Arielle makes the cut in San Francisco, she will go onto the next round of competition in Southern California.

Erin Haight is a contributor for The Sacramento Press

Images by Erin Haight

Hundreds show-up for American Idol auditions in Sacramento

2010-08-18T00:48:11Z

American Idol held its first auditions in Sacramento at Arden Fair Mall's courtyard today from 10am-2pm. By the end of the four-hour competition, Arielle White of Sacramento, came away the winner. She heads to San Francisco tomorrow to audition in front of judges and producers of the popular FOX talent show.

If she is the winner of that she heads to Southern California for another round of competition.

Here are some snapshots of the competition today: Morning radio personality Paul Robins emceed the final round of competion in the courtyard as many people looked on from the second floor of the mall.

Hundreds stood in line, either waiting their turn to audition or to support someone.

Audtioners waited nervously and happily in line to be on the stage during the first round.

Judge Mike Mechanick gives a thumbs-up to a contestant after conferring with Liz Benson, left, a vocal instructor with Skips Music and Annalee Penny. Mechanick and Penny are employees with FOX 40 in Sacramento.

Dane Drewis leaves the stage happy after his thumbs-up from the judges during the first round which was held in a vacant store upstairs at the mall.

Contestants awaited their turn watching others audition.

The three judges in the final round of competition.

Albert Tejada performs in the final round while many watch from above.

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Idol Contestant Drewis Soulfully Seduces Crawdad's Crowd

2010-08-13T22:29:53Z

On Thursday August 12, Dane Drewis performed at Crawdad's on the River located at 1375 Garden Highway in Sacramento. Set on a floating stage that connects to a floating venue, the scene at Crawdad's is unique. River wakes cause the place to rock and roll. Boaters out on the river can pull up and dock alongside the floating venue and join in the festivities.

On this night, Drewis and his band were excited. Both Dane and his younger sister Janel are competing in the upcoming American Idol preliminaries being held first in Sacramento at Arden Fair Mall from 10am to 2pm on Tuesday August 17, and followed quickly by a round at AT&T Park in San Francisco on Thursday August 19.

The Sacramento Bee had a documentary team working to capture a much more complete story about what a day in the life of Dane Drewis is like. That Bee article, courtesy of writer Sam McMannis and photographer Autumn Cruz, is scheduled for publication on Wednesday August 18. What is certain is that whatever the day is like, when Drewis takes the stage, everything else fades away.

Drewis' soulful style resonates through both his vocals and his six string mastery. From "Sublime" to "Pink Floyd," Drewis showcased his incredible dynamic range playing hits from various genres. His band's original tracks brought the crowd out of their seats immediately. As with every performance, Drewis inspires a frenzy of dancing and smiling that prove his crowd-pleasing prowess.

If you haven't seen Dane Drewis perform, he and his band will be performing courtesy of SBL Entertainment on Saturday October 16 at Harlow's located at 2708 J Street in Sacramento. Quinn Hedges is scheduled to open. The show is scheduled to begin at 9:30pm, and there is a $10 cover. For more information, check the artists' websites, the SBL Entertainment Facebook page, the Harlow's website, or call 916-441-4693.

"Bring American Idol to Sacramento" rally at the Capitol

2010-05-25T23:42:11Z

Greg Saunders of FOX40 News, several radio stations, Jeff Keith - lead singer of Tesla, an American hard rock band formed in Sacramento, Sac Metro Chamber and passers-by, rallied enthusiastically at the west steps of the Capitol today, sending a message to American Idol: Bring auditions to Sacramento!

Here's some scenes:

Jeff Keith, Tesla, spoke and sang (below).

School-kids wholeheartedly supported the cause.

Representatives from The Wolf radio station (above) and Metro Chamber (below) lent their support for American Idol to bring auditions to Sacramento.

According to the Bring American Idol to Sacramento Facebook page, "American Idol has held auditions in 37 different cities. Sacramento is ONE OF ONLY TWO CITIES in the 20 largest television markets that has not hosted the auditions! 18 cities that are SMALLER THAN US have had Simon and friends." www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-American-Idol-to-Sacramento/108835239159386

Stay tuned, Sacramento!

SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

Carrie Underwood's Tour Stops at Arco Arena for the Fans and the Pets

2010-05-22T06:26:21Z

Did Carrie Underwood visit Sacramento for the dogs or her fans?

Both. Pop country singer and five-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood played Thursday at Arco Arena on her “Play On” Tour. Just hours before her sold-out concert, she and Pedigree Brand held a news conference, for the Pedigree Pet Adoption Drive to donate to Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary. Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary, a no-kill animal shelter in the Sacramento area, was presented with a check for $10,000 for its efforts in rescuing dogs and finding homes for them. The Pedigree Pet Adoption drive is encouraging Facebook users to become fans. In return, the pet food company will donate one bowl of food to shelter dogs per fan.

My first impression of Underwood was that she was a soft-spoken, down to earth, sweet individual. She spoke of her love for all animals. “I was always finding animals, especially cats and finding them homes.”

The press conference was very intimate; I was among a small group of journalists who interviewed Underwood.

What is your personal goal with the Pedigree Pet Adoption Drives? “All of our goals together is creating awareness for this problem, there are four million dogs sitting in shelters right now and half of them won’t find homes.”

Underwood said she supports dog rescue shelters, because of her adopted dog Ace. I asked about the rat terrier. “I didn’t know if I could have a dog in my situation. I didn’t know if it would be fair, but we get along great; he’s a perfect little road dog.”

Does Ace go on tour with you? “ He goes everywhere with me; he’s my best friend.”

Does he sleep in your bed? “He does, which I think is supposed to be a no-no, but he’s 10 pounds. How much space is he really going to take?”

What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done? “Tried out for 'American Idol,' biggest television show of my time. Could’ve ended up pretty badly, I suppose. It was a big risk, but it worked out alright, I think. “

I’d say so. Underwood spoke highly of Sacramento and the crowds she gets when she tours Northern California. After the interview, I headed outside to pick up my concert ticket. Thousands of fans waited in line for more than an hour and a half before the concert, most in boots and cowboy hats.

Sons of Sylvia opened the show and put on a very eclectic performance, featuring a variety of instruments. The lead singer vibrated and shook like a modern-day Elvis Presley.

Craig Morgan came on next and gave another high-energy performance, running around the arena with a big smile. He really looked like he was enjoying himself. I enjoyed his country version of Lionel Richie’s song “Easy (like a Sunday morning) ”.

After a short intermission, Underwood appeared, sitting on a red lounge chair to sing “Cowboy Casanova.” The stage was flashy, with platforms and props and a three-panel screen that showed images of Underwood and the outdoors. The most impressive prop was the overhead blue Chevy truck from which Underwood sang while circling above the audience.

She changed outfits with almost every song, dancing and encouraging sing-a-longs to “American Girl,” “Undo it” and a song she said she was most proud of writing, “This is our Temporary Home.”

The crowd swayed and sang along to the words of her first single, “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Underwood concluded the two-hour set with the all-girls' anthem, “Before He Cheats,” and “Songs Like This.”

My day with Underwood was incredible. I met her in a small setting and enjoyed her concert. Carrie Underwood showed that she is a talented singer, guitarist and pianist who has a big heart and is doing what she can to give back.

Daughtry, Lifehouse perform at Arco Arena

2010-05-10T04:23:38Z

Former American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry brought his self-titled band to Sacramento Friday night, playing before a half-filled Arco Arena. Daughtry has toured nonstop since 2007, playing tracks from the self-titled debut album "Daughtry" and sophomore album "Leave This Town," released in 2009.

The night began with an opening by rock band Cavo, whose song "Let It Go" was featured in the film "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." Cavo entertained the early crowd, playing for about 30 minutes as fans continued to file in.

You would have thought by the crowd reaction that Lifehouse, second in the lineup, was the headline act. Promoting its March 2010 record release of "Smoke and Mirrors," Lifehouse began with its newest single, "Nerve Damage." But it was classic back-to-back hits "First Time" and "Hanging By a Moment" that sent fans into a frenzy. Intoxicated by the soft melodies and soothing lyrics, the majority of fans spent the duration of Lifehouse's performance on their feet, arms pumping in the air.

"You guys are looking so good out there," said Jason Wade, lead singer of Lifehouse. "We've always dreamt of playing in front of people like you in a place like this."

After the 45-minute set, it was easy to forget there was one more act. Lifehouse left the stage to a standing ovation.

Fans took advantage of a 20-minute stoppage between stage changes to visit concessions, but the delay was quickly forgiven when the lights were suddenly shut off and the Batman theme rang out.

As their own music began to play, the shadowy silhouettes of Daughtry and his band members appeared behind a white curtain concealing the stage, intermittently flashing from normal size to large with the drum beat. In an instant, the curtain dropped and Daughtry wasted no time starting the show.

The band played tracks such as "No Surprise," "Life After You" and "Ghosts of Me" off the album "Leave This Town," and lead singer Chris Daughtry played an acoustic solo of Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight."

Later, Daughtry talked about the inspiration for "Leave This Town," describing the difficulty of coming from a small town and making it big. "(My hometown) had one stop light, I had to pay for everything myself," he said. "I knew I'd have to leave to make something (of myself)."

The music of Lifehouse and Daughtry were perfect compliments to each other. As a testament to their compatability, Chris Daughtry and Jason Wade have even collaborated by writing the song "Long Way" together, performed by Daughtry at the show.

Daughtry, along with Lifehouse, will resume the tour through June 20. Daughtry will perform Wednesday May 12 on American Idol.

2nd Saturday weekend doesn't disappoint

2009-07-09T21:14:51Z

Ahhh, yes, it's that time of the month again folks. Second Saturday weekend that is! Although there are great things going on all month long throughout Sacramento, many locals will argue that the second weekend of the month in Sacramento is their favorite time to venture out on the town. In addition to the Art Walk on Saturday, this weekend has a plethora of cool things to check out. And for Sactown, mid-July is looking to bring us some relatively mild weather to boot! Take a look to see if any of these events can lure you to venture out...try something different this week!

Thursday 7.9

Food & Wine: California Grape & Gourmet -- $50 ($70 day of)
Where: Sacramento Convention Center
When: 5:30-8:30pm
Why: A charity event produced by the California State Fair to benefit the Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Fund. This exquisite wine and food tasting event features more than 600 award winning wines and delicious food from nearly 90 of Northern California's best restaurants. Take home a commemorative wine glass and maybe even purchase some of the award winning wines! There will be also be live musical entertainment, an assortment of exceptional cheeses and award winning micro brews (Commercial Cheese and Commercial Craftbrew Competition winners) to enjoy. This is touted by many Sacramentans as “The Best Wine Event in Sacramento” as well it should be!
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Music/Nightlife: DJ Kaskade -- $17 (presale)
Where: The Park Ultralounge
When: 8pm
Why: If you missed him last time, you should really try to make this show. I am not much of an electronic music fan these days but Kaskade really knows how to mix some good music! He’s not your average DJ…
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Music: Beyonce -- $20.75+
Where: Arco Arena
When: 7:30pm
Why: She’s not the best paid celebrity in America under the age of 30 for nothing! Her big debut to fame was back in 1993 (!) with Destiny’s Child, but only after she broke away as a solo act did she really come out of her shell. She is now married to rap superstar Jay-Z and makes over $80 million a year! See what the hype is all about while she’s in town- you’re not likely to leave disappointed.
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Music/Nightlife: Cheese & Olive Oil Pairing -- $45
Where: Cest le Cheese
When: 6:30-8:30pm
Why: Decadent pairings inspired by ancient times. Explore the rich world of artisan cheeses paired with extra virgin olive oils. Laura Martinez, cheese and olive oil connoisseur and author, guides you through California's finest offerings while dipping into timeless and surprising food pairings. Perfectly accompanied by sparkling wine.
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Music/Museum: Night at the Museum featuring the Pyronauts -- $Free w/ admission ($8/7/4)
Where: California Auto Museum
When: 6-9pm
Why: Don’t miss your chance every Thursday during the summer to cruise down to the CA Auto Museum, enjoy the evening, & experience car culture as it comes alive! This Thursday enjoy live music from The Pyronauts, a local surf band who specializes in the sounds of Dick Dale and The Del Tones, The Surfaris, The Ventures and more! Take some time to browse around the museum’s current exhibit “Carved Elegance: Woodies, Wheels, and Waves” while you’re there.
Details: http://www.sacramento365.com/event/detail/39351

Friday 7.10

Music: Concert in the Park -- $Free
Where: Cesar Chavez Park
When: 5pm-9pm
Why: This week features Kate Gaffney & Boulevard Park along with West of Next, Christopher Fairman & The Stilts! If you live and Sacramento and have still not checked out a CIP, you are missing out! Its free family fun that the adults can enjoy too! Afterwards, don’t forget about the weekly concert crawl (Post Concert Specials!!): Show your concert wristband and receive specials at local bars and restaurants. Receive special happy hour deals on food and drinks when you ask for the Concert Crawl Deal.
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Music Festival: Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival --$
Where: Sleeptrain Amphitheatre
When: 2:15pm
Why: The most electrifying carnival to ever hit the summer concert circuit, is back…and bigger. MARILYN MANSON and SLAYER will top the bill on this year’s highly anticipated tour kicking off here in Sacramento! Featuring many of rock’s heaviest bands: Marilyn Manson and Slayer headline joined by Bullet for my Valentine and a special guest; also Trivium, All That Remains, God Forbid and the Jägermeister Battle of the Bands winner, Cannibal Corpse, Job for a Cowboy, Behemoth, Black Dahlia Murder and Whitechapel. In addition to catching a slew of “speaker-shredding performances”, play the newest video games, peruse vendors, attend autograph signing sessions and a host of other interactive activities that will add to the festival experience. Stage sponsor Jägermeister will be sampling their products and providing fun surprises for attendees.
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Special Event: News10 Blood Donor Day-- $Free
Where: News10 Studios
When: 6am & 7pm
Why: The summer months are a critical time for blood banks so we need everyone to be a hero and donate a life saving pint of blood. News10 Blood Donor Day with Delta Blood Bank is the perfect opportunity to do some good, and also have some fun!! Every donor will receive a free t-shirt, as well as a coupon for a pint of ice cream from Baskin Robbins!! In addition, you will also get a coupon for a free cherry limeade at Sonic!! Plus, you can get swabbed to be on the national marrow donor list and the swabbing fee will be waived for this one day only! Thank you for being a hero and helping us save lives. For more information, please visit news10.net.
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Film & Video: MOBS presents, Rock That Uke w/ Ukulele Loki's Gadabout Orchestra -- $5
Where: Guild Theatre (2828 35th Street)
When: Screenings, 7:00pm & 9:30pm; Performance, 8:00pm
Why: The screening of "Rock That Uke" will be accompanied by a live performance by Ukulele Loki's Gadabout Orchestra! Ukulele Loki's Gadabout Orchestra is a Denver based 6 piece chamber-pop band that features ukulele, tuba, trombone, clarinet, glockenspiel, drums, and synth. Additionally, the Director of the film- William Preston Robertson will be in attendance. Robertson has lent his voice to numerous Coen Brothers films and authored the definitive book on the Coen Brothers, "The Big Lebowski: The Making of a Coen Brothers Film!" Come see the movie at 7 and hang around for Ukulele Loki's performance at 8 PM, OR come to see Ukulele Loki at 8 PM and stay for the second screening. About the movie: “A funky, curiously philosophical cinematic love poem that examines the near mystical allure of the four-stringed underdog of the musical world and the recent surge of alternative, post-punk musicians on the American mainland who have taken up the instrument, and have incorporated the ukulele not just into their raucous and irreverent original compositions, but into a counter cultural, post-punk ethos.”
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Music: American Idols Live 2009 Tour -- $40.50+
Where: Arco Arena
When: 7pm
Why: Calling all American Idol fans!! It’s your chance to see your favorite “Idols” live and in person! Only featuring the top 10 contestants: Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre, this is sure to be a great show. The phenomenon that American Idol has become is sure to be well received here in Sacramento.
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Saturday 7.11

Kids & Families: Downtown Kids Week -- $Various
Where: Saturday 7/11-Saturday 7/18
When: Various
Why: Families from around the region are invited to join in the fun of Downtown Sacramento’s first annual Downtown Kid’s Week. The Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP), California State Parks, local museums, theatres and restaurants have come together to make Sacramento’s central city the place to be this summer vacation by offering family-friendly events, activities, exhibits and special offers throughout the week.
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Art: Progeny Exhibit w/Artist Talk -- $FREE
Where: 40 Acres Art Gallery
When: 4pm-5pm (Artist talk)
Why: Progeny pairs Deborah Willis and her son, Hank Willis Thomas, in their first official collaboration. Willis is a photographer, educator and curator. Thomas has become known for his stinging critique of advertising and its impact on contemporary life. Consisting of photographs and video, the exhibit is a narrative of their family history, their developments as artists, and the fusion of the two. Exhibit previously shown at the Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, Florida and the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery, Columbia University, New York. This will be an excellent opportunity to get the artists’ perspective before the exhibit opens July 14th.
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Music/Art: 2nd Saturday for Families: Gordy Ohliger, the Banjo-ologist -- $Free
Where: Crocker Art Museum
When: 12pm-3pm
Why: The Crocker aims to bring family fun events to the 2nd Saturday lineup! Banjo-ologist Gordy Ohliger will present a heritage you can hear with his movable museum of antique instruments. Toe-tapping, clap-along music, California paintings and hands-on art bring the early years of the Golden State to life. This is a limited seating event so reservations are required.
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Kids & Families: Butterfly Bash -- $6/5/4
Where: Discovery Museum Science & Space Center
When: 12:30pm-3pm
Why: The Discovery Museum hosts many fun and interactive exhibits for your little ones to enjoy. Have any fans at home of these mesmerizing winged insects? There is really no other insect that I can think of to hold such beauty as a butterfly. There will be cases of local & exotic butterflies on display to peruse. How many butterflies can you spot in our butterfly garden? Also, kids will be able to design their very own butterfly ring to wear.
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Film/Video: Esquire IMAX Theatre 10th Anniversary Celebration -- $Free
Where: Esquire IMAX Theatre
When: 10am-5pm
Why: To celebrate the Esquire IMAX Theatre’s 10th anniversary the public is invited to enjoy a free movie this Saturday! Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the Esquire IMAX Theatre will run eight free shows, up to 400 seats each, of the film Wild California! on the hour each hour. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Make sure to get there early!
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Food & Wine: Common Table: AgFest 2009-- $25-100
Where: Freemont Community Garden/Guild Theatre
When: Tours & workshops, 8:30am-3:00pm; Movie, 2:30pm & 4:00pm; Dinner, 5:30pm
Why: Brought to you by Slow Food Sacramento, Common Table is a day of tours and workshops culminating in a sit-down gourmet dinner in the Fremont Community Garden. Benefitting the Sacramento Hunger Coalition and the Sacramento Area Community Garden Coalition, the goal is to raise awareness about local urban gardening and food programs, as well as to advocate for improved city, county and state food policies that enable more locally grown foods in urban locations. The dinner of fresh, seasonal faire will be catered by Magpie Caters. Dinner speaker Braham Ahmadi of Peoples Grocery in Oakland will share his insights on Innovative Solutions for Food Justice. Additionally, the Avid Reader will be on hand selling a variety of books on gardening and the urban food movement, and a live auction will feature an array of culinary opportunities, including local gourmet restaurants that will offer private dinners, private gardening consultations and an opportunity to dine out with a prominent food critic Blair Anthony Robertson. During the day a variety of workshops will be held relating to community gardening, backyard organic gardening, composting, food gleaning and local food swap programs and a special showing of the movie "FRESH" will be showing at the Guild Theater. "FRESH" celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system.
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Classes & Workshops: Macrobiotics Wellness Class -- $20
Where: Arden Hills Resort & Spa
When: 10:30am
Why: Never heard of a macrobiotics diet before? It’s a low-fat, high fiber approach to foods designed for optimal health and longevity through nutrition. Don’t miss this special “Macrobiotics” class to learn how a simple diet rich in whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, vegetables and soy products might be the right approach to improve your diet and overall well being for a longer, more healthful life. We can all use a little dose of healthy habits right?
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Sunday 7.12

Kids & Families: Sacramento Street Scenes -- $Free
Where: Old Sacramento
When: 10am-6pm (Every Sat & Sun through August)
Why: The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation in collaboration with the City of Sacramento is proud to introduce a new Street Scene Program beginning this month. Calling upon the talents of musicians, jugglers, storytellers, re-enactors, volunteer fire fighters, artisans, and even some burros, Old Sacramento will offer free, family-friendly and historically educational entertainment every Saturday and Sunday June through August. This Sunday there will be Storytelling, Children's Games, Bowling- Gold Rush Style, Juggling, & Shootouts!
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Special Event: Antique Fair -- $3 Adults/ Children Free
Where: X & 21Sreets
When: 6:30am-3pm
Why: An Outdoor Antique and Collectible Marketplace held the 2nd Sunday of every month!! Hundreds of antique dealers from throughout Northern California selling furniture, textiles, architectural pieces, jewelry, cultural pieces, china and glassware, garden accessories, rugs, art and collectibles of all kinds will be on hand with their quality goods. Browse around and who knows what sorts of treasures you’ll find!
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Theatre: Much Ado About Nothing~ Sacramento Shakespeare Festival -- $18 General/15 Students
Where: William Land Park
When: Doors: 6:30pm; Curtain: 8pm
Why: This is the 24th season of the Shakespeare Festival in Sacramento! Its recommended that you buy your tickets online to avoid the ticket line. Plus, get free parking by showing your printout to the parking attendant. Don’t hesitate to bring a picnic, low lawn chairs and a blanket and enjoy Shakespeare under the stars!
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