An exquisite celebration full of music, ballroom dance, costumes and a masquerade was enjoyed by many at the Artisan this past Saturday evening. The 2nd Annual Autumn Harvest Masquerade Ball also served to benefit Wind Youth Services. Masks and formal attire were required for the event. 18th century costumes were recommended and most guests stayed with the theme. Masks were available for purchase at the door. Inspired by Paris, high fashion and ballroom dancing, guests enjoyed a gala evening. A poker tournament, a raffle and prizes for best costumes were other highlights of the event organized by Susan Purdy and her husband Jamie. Appetizers and desserts were provided for guests. Win

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

Rehearsal photos by Paul Le and Tony Sheppard – taken at the Artisan, 1901 Del Paso Blvd.   “Tick, Tick…BOOM” Book, Music, and Lyrics: Jonathan Larson Script Consultant: David Auburn Directed by Connor Mickiewicz and Erin island New Helvetia Theatre officially opens its second full production on Saturday, with previews starting Wednesday, of “Tick, Tick…BOOM.” The show is by Jonathan Larson, who won three posthumous Tony awards and a Pulitzer for “RENT.” I had the opportunity to sit in on a recent rehearsal and it literally had me both laughing and crying uncontrollably (not at the same time). The timing was also interesting after the recent movie release of Jane Campion’s beautiful “

Hedwig and the Angry Inch New Helvetia Theatre By Tony Sheppard Capitol Weekly This column normally focuses on film, but occasionally something else comes along that warrants attention. “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” the first full production of the New Helvetia Theatre, is one of those. Familiar to many from the film adaptation or prior stage productions, “Hedwig” tells the story of a transgendered East German who undergoes a botched sex change operation in a bid to emigrate to America. That brief description alone makes it clear that it’s not material that would appeal to all audiences, and it’s certainly not a show for most kids. But this is a phenomenal production of a heartfelt and in