Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "celebration"

Saturday: Verge Ahead into 2012

2012-01-19T20:28:22Z

Verge Center for the Arts has remained a consistent hub of creativity for Sacramento since they first opened their doors as a private art gallery in 2009. In 2010 they expanded into their current space—a 22,000 square foot warehouse in Downtown Sacramento—and organized as a nonprofit. Now home to 30 resident studio artists, plus extensive gallery and event space, Verge continues their mission of exposing Sacramento to the contemporary art and artists of the region.

2011 was a particularly big year for Verge. Among many other achievements, they had a more-than-successful Kickstarter campaign ($9,165 raised on a $7,500 goal!), won the First Place award of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Arts Innovation Fund, and Executive Director Liv Moe was named Arts Executive of the Year at the Arts & Business Council’s “Prelude to the Season” event.

This Saturday, celebrate Verge’s 2011 successes and help them “Verge Ahead” into 2012 at the “Verge Ahead Success Party” (6pm-Midnight at Verge, 625 S Street, Sacramento). If you have yet to check out this innovative local arts spot, there’s no better time than this!

In addition to exploring the studios of resident artists, you’ll be able to play “Art Golf” (each hole is specially designed by a Verge artist, and be sure to try for a hole-in-one at the Sac365 hole!), get your photo taken at the photobooth for instant sharing of the fun on your social media networks, see live performances by a multitude of bands (Mom, Christine Shields, Fine Steps, Gentleman Surfer, and Ganglians), and dance the night away to tunes spun by DJ Scott Soriano and DJ Hailey. If that’s not enough, arts collective Future Art Notables will take over the temporary gallery with their installation “Assorted Spaces”, which allows viewers to walk among the pieces, fully immersing themselves in the art.

And, don’t worry, tasty beer is provided for the evening by local brewers Ruhstaller, as well as coffee from Insight Coffee Roasters (each $15 ticket includes two refreshments!). Plus, receive free giveaways throughout the night, and a little something extra if you're among the first 50 to arrive.

Come enjoy this soiree and celebrate Sacramento’s burgeoning arts community.

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Find more detail on this event along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

Hundreds gather to celebrate cars returning to K Street

2011-11-14T06:54:21Z

On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of people came to support and honor the decision for cars to return to K Street after 42 years. People rallied behind the development and celebrated the change at the Cars on K opening event. Guests seemed to be in consensus that cars returning to K Street was cause for celebration.

“K Street is the spine of downtown,” Mayor Kevin Johnson said. “By opening it up, we start to get connected again.”

It was all smiles as the first inaugural drive down K Street took place.Over 40 old and new cars paraded down the street while bystanders clapped and cheered as red, white and blue confetti rained down from the tops of surrounding buildings.

“I can remember when cars were on K when I was a little girl. I am happy that they are back,” said Virginia Steele. “After the cars weren’t allowed on K Street, less and less people came and visited. I am glad that we are moving forward again.”

James Brown’s “I Feel Good” blasted through the streets while old and new Chevrolet trucks, Mustangs, Lamborghinis, Camaros and other show cars revved their engines and drove down K Street for the first time.

Johnson rode passenger in a red Ferrari resembling the one from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Families strolled down the street as music and applause filled the surrounding blocks with celebratory noise.

“The vision is to reconnect K Street to the rest of the grid,” said Lisa Martinez, Downtown Sacramento Partnership marketing and outreach director. “This is forward momentum and is a positive step in the right direction for both businesses and the city.”

Families, business owners, politicians and visitors of all ages surrounded the stage at 12th and K streets while Johnson and other local dignitaries spoke about the importance of cars returning to K Street.

With throwback prices, restaurant specials and retail deals at nearly every business on K Street, people flowed in and out of the buildings as if discovering them again for the first time.

“Ideally, I hope that the whole block can be a vibrant walk for someone that wants to experience Sacramento,” said Ernesto Delgado de Tequila, owner of Tequila Museo Mayahuel at 1200 K St. “It connects Old Sacramento to the Convention Center to the Capitol, and we are working to bring some positive energy to this section of town.”

Street performances by a mariachi group, the Sizzling Sirens Burlesque Experience dance troupe, DJ 7evin and many others kept the energy high and the excitement flowing throughout the evening.

“By reopening K Street to cars, there will be a surge of energy in regards to safety and economic growth,” said Maurice Chaney, Economic Development Department’s media and communications specialist.

Performers walked on stilts along K Street as cars continued to circulate. A skate park between Capitol and K streets attracted crowds as skaters of all ages took turns showing off their tricks.

Many guests walked with smart phones in-hand as they participated in a K Street scavenger hunt with prizes that included $100 gift card to Chops, tickets to events like Marilyn’s on K New Year’s Eve Party and a hotel night at the Residence Inn at Capitol Park, Citizen Hotel and the Hyatt Regency .

The Cars on K event was a celebration that honored and marked cars returning to K Street as an important day in the history of Sacramento. K Street is now open to vehicles. Enjoy the ride.

Editorial Note: A spelling correction has been made to this story after it was published.

Invited to our first La Quinceañera: coming out party for a zealous debutante named Padilla!

2011-09-29T03:02:36Z

Leonard and Rose Padilla have always been trusted as great civic activist in the regional metropolitan area. Beginning with his commitment as a Air Force Chief. And co-currently as of the earlier 70's they have not just peacekeepingly worked in Bondsmen ships, but founded the Lorenzo Patino Law School on J Street between 11th and 12th in Sacramento, California. With my understanding Leonard served the public to finally establishing succinct work patterns performed by him to bring justice to law. Their likes include water skiing and river rafting, picnicking, politicking, and gerrymandering, because they have always lived beside the levee' up the Sacramento River. But what comes first?

When I first meet the family I was probably fourteen. They had four children. Two boys; Alejandro & Greg, and one sister my age named Julie, in between. And even at fifth-teen everyone knew she was going to live exceptional. I loved Julie for her directness. She was a character. She knew in advance what was going where, in when to put it there! We became on good terms as I admired some things she would say about me too. Like I like your dialect and your courtesy drawing improving watchtower of malaise!

Two years later, she sent me a beautiful announcement invitation to participate in her La Quinceañera. And that I would be one of several young men that would require rehearsal for a ballroom dance we would fulfill on her birthday at the Red Lion Inn, one evening night in 1983. But carefully until then I was on my talent. I would follow all of my mother’s rules of etiquette and still consider my deportment. I still do remember going to practice twice a week at the Catholic Cathedral downtown on K Street. Back then I was just old enough to drive my father’s car, and park it in the garage across the alley.

One thought I more recently found cherished was my youthful frame of age sixteen which was somehow measured up to be worth pinches and smirks of the ballroom partner I drew attention from. Smile it's me Cindy, long time for you to remember just see if I can fathom to walk in step with you for a while. As I attended rehearsals I unfortunately was rather shy, and only took time out to know my dance partners wishes. But for now I'll say so far who couldn't be as light as I, on your weary toes. My parents were glad to see I had learned so how to bend and not take the Quinceañera halfheartedly, simply because all of the guest in the party were aware that her father was going all out and ravishing her with a classic ‘57 Thunderbird.

Yes, inspite of your days inpiration we were as glad too. You had a way of making everyone in their natural selves and making them feel they matter. Has there ever been a discussion about a Reunion of the Quinceañera and Ballroom dancers. Thanks for your sympathy. It seems like a long time.

Officials share fireworks and water safety tips

2011-07-02T00:16:28Z

Lighting fireworks at the Fourth of July block party is a common tradition in Sacramento, and local firefighters shared tips to make sure those fireworks are used properly so the holiday is a safe one.

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Assistant Chief Dale Turner said the two most important safety concerns with fireworks are making sure they are used correctly with adult supervision and that they are used in a safe area away from combustible materials.

There should also be 30 feet of pavement, concrete or dirt around fireworks to ensure no fires are started, Sacramento Fire Department Deputy Chief Lloyd Ogan said.

He added that only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are legal to use in the city.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks are approved by the State Fire Marshal and are sold by reputable dealers.

When shooting off fireworks, Turner advised having a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby to put out any fires that could start.

“Don’t put used fireworks directly in the trash can,” he said. “Even an hour, two hours, six hours later, they can actually cause a fire.”

He said that with most people storing garbage cans near their houses, those fires can spread and become potentially lethal house fires.

“It always happens every year,” Turner said. “It’s absolutely life-threatening, especially in the middle of the night.”

Ogan stressed the need to follow instructions on the fireworks themselves.

“Fireworks should never be held in the hand unless they are designed for that, but most aren’t,” he said.

He added that any firework that leaves the ground – such as bottle rockets – is illegal.

Fireworks should not be modified, Turner said, since they are designed to work in a certain way, and modifying them makes them illegal.

“You can get really life-changing injuries,” he said. “We want you to have fun with fireworks and celebrate our independence, but do it with conscious thought and in a safe area.”

Turner stressed the importance of supervising children with fireworks.

“When my children were young, my eldest son burned my youngest son with a sparkler, and the scar is still there 15 years later,” he said.

Anyone who has illegal fireworks can drop them off at any fire station for disposal, and they will not be penalized as long as they have not been used, Ogan said.

To ensure a firework is legal, check for the “Safe and Sane” emblem shown in the image below.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks may be legally used from now until noon on Tuesday, Ogan said.

Water Safety

With the Fourth of July weekend drawing people to the rivers, Turner stressed the importance of water safety, adding that this year’s river flows are stronger and higher than in years past.

“This year is worse than any other year,” he said. “We’ve had 89 rescues since June 17, and we usually have about 30 all year.”

Ogan added that anyone using the rivers, especially at Discovery Park at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers, should wear a life vest and supervise children.

“Also pay attention to how long you’ve been in the water,” he said. “The water is going to be cold, and you shouldn’t be in for more than a few minutes.”

Dangers of exposure to cold water include hypothermia and lack of strength to leave the water.

For more information on water safety and how to check the fit of a life jacket, click here.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Man on the street : How do you make your mom feel special?

2011-05-05T06:44:11Z

The time to recognize our mothers has come again: Mother’s Day.

The Sacramento Press recently took to the streets and asked people how they make their moms feel special on Mother’s Day.

Here is what they had to say:

Olegario Casas, 39, is an iron worker who lives in Elk Grove.

“Two weeks before Mother’s Day, I call my mom, and I send her a card and flowers because she is in Mexico,” Casas said. “I tell her I love her and I miss her and I can’t wait to see her.”

Vanessa Young, 28, is a student at Syracuse University, but she comes from East Sacramento.

A phone call is important, Young said.

“We also go out to lunch, take a walk or go hiking – my mom likes that,” she added.

Arturo Vasquez, 23, is a coach cleaner for the railroad, he lives in North Sacramento.

“I try to make my mom feel special every day,” Vasquez said. “ My (siblings) and I get together, I buy something nice for her – whatever she wants – and we have dinner together.”

Joshua Corona, 19, is a student at Sacramento City College, and he lives in Natomas.

“I clean the house and I cook breakfast for my mom,” Corona said.

Taylor Priestly, 29, is a student at UC Berkeley, and she comes from the Pocket area.

“We usually donate to a charity or a cause that my mom believes in,” Priestly said. “This year, we are donating to Planned Parenthood.”

City Cemetery tour celebrates Black History Month

2011-02-24T06:43:06Z

In celebration of Black History Month, the Old City Cemetery Committee will be giving a free tour at 10 a.m. on Saturday detailing the fascinating history of African-Americans during the 1800s.

Bob LaPerriere will be the main tour guide Saturday along with other members of the committee.

“I was involved in starting the Old City Cemetery Committee,” LaPerriere said. “ Now I’m the tour coordinator for this particular tour”.

LaPerriere has been giving tours for 25 years. Every year he conducts a tour at the old cemetery, which covers the extensive history of physicians and medicine from the 1800s.

This tour celebrating Black History Month is not shown every year. It’s been at least eight years since the committee has been able to do this type of tour.

“It’s just a matter of volunteers,” LaPerriere explained. “If we get more volunteers, we can have these tours on a more regular basis. It takes an awful lot of work to put these tours together, a lot of research and a lot of work”.

Laperriere said the main purpose of this tour is, “ to make people more familiar with the history of African-Americans in the 1800s”.

Some of the key individuals being discussed include: Edwin Crocker (an abolitionist), Vaardmen Bullard (a former slave), Ernest Houston Johnston (an African-American graduate of Stanford University, first graduating class), Sarah Jones (a prominent African-American educator), and Henry Yantis (a church deacon and champion of education).

“It’s important that people realize the struggles that African-Americans went through in the 1800s for independence in the time of slavery, even though California was a non-slave state,” LaPerriere said.

“You have to research old burial records and old written records from the area, and sometimes it is very difficult to find any information on a particular person,” he said.

The Old City Cemetery is located at 1000 Broadway, between Muir Way and Riverside Boulevard. Parking is free and is located across the street from the cemetery.

Earth Day Celebration 2011

2011-02-24T00:59:50Z

Come along and be a part of the FREE fun at the City of Sacramento’s 2011 Earth Day celebration! Earth dwellers of all ages are invited to come celebrate and learn about our majestic world, and the Sacramento community’s role in helping to make our area a green and even more environmentally friendly city.

The Earth Day celebration takes place on Thursday April 21st, at the City Hall Plaza located at 915 I Street, and Cesar Chavez Park located just across tthe street in downtown Sacramento. Our celebration kicks off with lively entertainment at 9 :00 AM with the festivities continuing until 2:00 PM. The green fun includes interactive learning, complete with clean air demonstrations, ring-a-round the recycle, prizes, giveaways, and even Radio Disney! So, save the date, and come join the City of Sacramento’s Neighborhood Services Division for an Earth Day celebration that’s out of this world. See you there!

For additional information, call 808-6525.

Sponsors and Vendors sought for 2011 Juneteenth Celebration

2011-01-23T07:22:58Z

Summer is months away but organizers of Solano County’s only free community-wide Juneteenth Celebration are already planning the 23rd annual event scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 11-6 at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in downtown Vallejo. The celebration was recently named one of the top five community events in 2010 by the Vallejo Times-Herald.

The event theme for the historic observance is “Creating healthy communities through education and empowerment.” Organizers say the celebration will focus on self-development and making informed choices by providing access to a variety of community resources and services that help families live better.

“This event is about celebrating the end of slavery in the United States but there’s more to it than that,” said Juneteenth committee president Angela Jones. “Through partnerships with local health care providers, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, small business owners and some major companies, we’re able to connect families from all walks of life with quality health care services, opportunities for educating our children, and the chance to support the local economy which are important ingredients for a healthy, vibrant and sustainable community.”

The celebration will mark the 23rd year that Vallejo has observed Juneteenth. Historians say Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865, when the civil Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with the news that the war had ended and the enslaved were now free. The announcement was delivered two and a half years after President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation which had become official on January 1, 1863. African Americans commemorate Juneteenth with a celebration of family, friends, community and freedom.

The celebration is free and open to the public. Organizers estimated 3,000 visitors at the previous event. However, the committee receives no public funds and is seeking charitable contributions and sponsors to help pay expenses. As part of the festivities, the Committee is soliciting vendors for food, craft and specialty sales, non-profit organizations that can provide free helpful information and services, and a variety of other exhibitors. The event will promote education and literacy through an essay contest for students. There will also be live on stage entertainment. Interested performers should contact the committee on the website for more information. Details including sponsor opportunities and application packets are available on the website at www.vallejojuneteenth.com.

Camerata California to sing "Child's Christmas in Wales"

2010-12-19T01:39:56Z

Child’s Christmas in Wales is a new work, at least on the West Coast. It was commissioned in 2003 for a mixed choir, soloists, and chamber symphony in New Jersey.

Matthew Harris comes to us this Sunday with a composing track record as long as Santas beard, and with the kudos that come from doing much more with his choral scores than anyone ever expects. So I found out by Googling “Matthew Harris Composer”.

I asked two of the Chanteuses, who are also in the Camerata, how they liked the work. They were excited, and now so am I. went to his website to check things out. He is quite modest about commissions for choral works. There are plenty of them, and serious choral directors say it is a great pleasure to direct and produce his works. One group, a Galway, Ireland Men’s Choir commissioned a work “Three Plums”, which they used to win acclaim at the Cork Choral Festival. He also makes it very clear that his arrangements of choral pieces are easily accessible to community choral groups.

I am sure Child’s Christmas in Wales will exceed expectations tomorrow Sunday December 19th at Westminster Presbyterian Church 4 PM. They have plenty of seats, and the price is right, $22 for adults, and $20 for seniors. Ed Ortiz wrote three columns in Friday’s Ticket section. You should read it before going.

I did engage in about an hour of conversation with Matthew Harris. He answered every question I could think of, like: Why do A Child’s Christmas?

“I thought I could add some music that would create an ambient cultural setting. You know Welsh Choirs have a long history of beautiful singing, and that was what Thomas was hearing in his village, and others. These hymns and drinking songs were what remained with him as he grew into a justly famous adult poet, and began his concert tours in Europe and the US. If you want to hear Thomas read this work, like I did, look for a podcast on iTunes.”

How do you handle all the “he saids?” I asked, carefully.

“I get the chorus to be like a Greek chorus to create a kind of village dialog. I just love creating a setting for the eccentric characters that Thomas put into his poem, ”

I, myself, remember meeting Thomas, in a Greenwich Village bar after one of his readings. He was full of wonderful gestures, and lilting voice, very musical without rehearsed vocalese or reliance on specific tunes. He was also very good about downing pints and keeping a running conversation of poetic merit without losing his place.

Harris plans to work this inner music and rhythm into his solo lines, and choral parts, and also to inject instrumental snippets from the BBC radio in the British Isles of the 1930’s and 40’s, Thomas’ formative years. He says these are embedded in larger chunks, and that there is a minimum of dissonance for dissonances sake.

Harris has the Camellia Symphony, the Camerata California Choir, and four very adept solists. One of them, Pedro Betancourt, was featured in a recent fall Turner Harmonie concert to a great deal of adulation. Pedro also sang at the Carmel Mission Messiah, all of the very demanding tenor solos.

I asked Harris what he is working on now.

“A work about Cain and Abel, “Mark of Cain”--that draws more recent scholarship into the family relationships depicted in the book of Genesis. I have a solo soprano taking the role of the serpent. And another work is called “In the Arms of Music”, which celebrates all the music I really love.”

So I am sure you readers will like this Sunday’s program. Let me know your comments, as I will also be reviewing it for this paper.

"Theater of Lights" brings holiday charm to Old Sac

2010-11-29T03:40:27Z

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Old Sacramento, what with Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, stepping out onto the Shasta House balcony for readings of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and all.

Volunteer actors from the Old Sacramento Living History Program played the roles of Clemens, Santa Claus, and an anonymous sleeper roused awake by the loud crash of Santa’s sleigh in the holiday production “Theater of Lights.”

The quaint historic portion of K Street between Second and Front streets became the audience floor as a theatrical light show was presented from the balconies of buildings on either side Saturday night.

Production and inspiration for this event began last year by Stage Nine Entertainment Group owner Troy Carlson.

“We wanted to develop a Christmas program that was not only historical but also entertaining,” Carlson said.

Historical lessons of the night came from a narration provided by the Clemens character, who revealed that Sacramento was known in his time as the “city of saloons” and had a reputation for kindness.

“Our ultimate goal is to make this not only a regional but a statewide draw as something that people plan as part of their holiday celebration to come and see,” Carlson said.

With a team of decorators, scriptwriters and actors volunteering months in advance, the first show of this year began the day after Thanksgiving and will run two shows daily Thursday through Sunday at 6 and 7:30 p.m. through the first week of January.

Sound effects, provided by George Lucas’ Skywalker Sound, broadcast in stereo. The narration is enhanced by the lively sounds of jingle bells, holiday cheer and lights beaming to life.

“It’s the same type of sound you’d get when going to a movie,” Carlson said.

As the Polar Express steam train rumbled its way to a stop nearby, a sense of magic and nostalgia added to the night’s ambiance. A towering Christmas tree at the intersection of K and Front streets was lit up by Christmas stockings and sugar plum lights, illuminating in sequence with the narrator’s cues.

Roseville resident Kat Durr didn’t know about the event but happened upon it while enjoying an evening of shopping with a friend.

“It was cute, ” she said. “I liked the lights.”

Some 200 people stood in the middle of the street, mesmerized as the first of two 20-minute shows came to life around them. According to Carlson, about 20,000 people enjoyed last year’s production throughout the course of the holiday season.

Seattle resident Kelsey Ryland proved that it’s not only regional visitors who are enjoying the festive charm of Old Sacramento during the holidays.

“The lights were fabulous and it was so well orchestrated,” Ryland said. “I don’t always love the holidays, but this was awesome.”

Photos courtesy of Laurieann Cunningham

Grant's 4th Annual Hmong Club New Year Celebration

2010-11-23T05:45:27Z

It’s afterschool at Grant Union High School and the crowd goes wild!
No it is not Grant’s Friday night football game and no the crowd is not at Grant’s football field either.

Just before the thanksgiving break Grant’s auditorium is packed with not just any students of Grant but the Hmong students of Grant and their family, friends and other Hmong within the community.

In celebrations to Hmong New Year, Grant’s Hmong Club hosted their 4th annual Hmong New Year event which was opened to the community at Grant’s soccer field and in the auditorium Nov. 17.

Grant Union High School is well-known for their football team, but what you may not realize is that Grant is a really diverse public school and one of its major diversities is Hmong students and Hmong club is based on anybody and everybody who wants to enjoy the culture, support the culture and take part in the culture. Although mainly Hmong students, everyone volunteered to help out and support the club and the culture.

Grant’s Hmong Club is a minority club that has been around for quite some time. There are about 40 members this year and five available officers: the president, the vice president, the secretary, the treasurer and the public relations. Every year the officers change. Hmong Club advisors help supervise and advise; this year the three advisors are English teachers Mr. Xavier Young and Ms. Julie Lee and Mr. Thai Yang who works in the special education department.

According to Yang, Hmong club can be a place for Hmong students to meet and greet either because they are new to the school, returning or just wanting to make more Hmong friends. It is also to familiarize themselves with their culture and to express themselves.

The first half of the event took place on Grant’s soccer field. The club invited two people in the community with their family or friends to be venders at the event. Rio Linda High School Hmong Club had a booth and Grant’s Student Council joined in as well. Members of Hmong Club provided tables for the venders and booths and helped set up.

School ended at 2:30p.m and the outside event was schedule to open at 2:45p.m. Other Grant students came by the soccer field to check out what’s going on. Some bought food and drinks and stayed to watch performances by Foothill High School’s dance team, Grant’s cheerleading squad, Grant’s Drum Line and the Aztec dancers. Even a few teachers stopped by.

“They kind of help bring in more attention to the event,” said Diane Lee, treasurer of Hmong Club, who was happy that a lot of other students that weren’t Hmong came.

A volleyball net was provided and set up in the middle of the soccer field. Couples and friends toss tennis balls back and forth, a traditional custom during Hmong New Years. Venders sold food and drinks such as eggrolls, papaya salad, and meat balls with sauce and orange chicken. There was even speakers and music provided by a volunteer.

The majority of Grant’s Hmong club and Hmong students all wore their best traditional Hmong clothes. Most of them even wore the outfits the whole day! Grant teachers and other students did not mind at all. In fact, they enjoyed it.

“We reached out into the community a little bit more,” said Panhoia Lee, vice president of Hmong Club, who thought that this year’s event was better than last year’s because more people attended.

The event inside the auditorium started around 5:30p.m. with introductions from the advisors, the officers and then given to the hosts. The first show was a fashion show, where members and students in their Hmong outfits walk down the aisles and up to the stage. The crowd cheered and clapped excitedly throughout the whole event.

There were a lot of volunteered performers. The performances included Hmong traditional dancers, Hmong singers and bands from all over Sacramento. Some Hmong students and Hmong Club members even participated in performing. Every performance received rounds of applauses until the very end.

This whole event was based on doing culture activities such as meeting and greeting new friends, old friends, the community, and being able to toss ball, eat and perform traditional dances, sing, and dress up in the most beautiful traditional outfits and showing it off by wearing it proudly.

“I feel that we did a wonderful job, everyone came out together and threw out there a wonderful event; we never thought how good it all worked out,” said Mr. Yang who is very proud of his Hmong Club students because the show was scheduled to end at the latest 10p.m. but because of the student’s good work, it all ended before 9p.m.

Nancy Lo, Hmong Club’s PR thought the event was a great idea and said, “The Hmong community isn’t really big and the event was to kind of let others know about our culture and that we exist here at Grant.”

Aimee's September Dream

2010-09-28T04:29:29Z

Aimee’s September Dream celebration benefiting the Sweet Dreams Foundation was held on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Carriage House Gardens in Citrus Heights hosted the event. This fun filled celebration commemorated the completion of Aimee’s Dream Room (see Sacramento Press story on 8/30/10 for more infomation).

A luau celebration featuring Island food, musical entertainment and Polynesian Fire Dancers were on hand to liven up the evening. A Silent Auction was also held and several items also went to other high bidders as the auction was about to close.

Aimee, along with her siblings and friends enjoyed the evening running around and playing in the garden areas. Once the Polynesian dancers started their routines, the kids sat on the grass and enjoyed the show. Music and dance entertainment was provided by Uncle Pete’s Shipwreck Crew. The music and Hawaiian dances were very entertaining. At one point audience members were invited to learn some Hawaiian dance steps. Those that participated enjoyed learning some moves.

The fire dancers ended the show. Some dancers that had not participated in other dances joined in the pyrotechnic dance exhibition. After the show ended a video made by Brand-Aid Media was shown documenting the creation of Aimee's dream room.

Silent Auction winners were announced and most of the guests started to leave. Several bottles of wine were then live auctioned and for a short time it became an exhilarating bidding war. It all went to benefit the Sweet Dreams Foundation and the event was a successful and fun evening.

(kids; Christian, Aimee, Katelyn Milota with mom Michelle and Jennifer Richards)

Francis House of Sacramento Announces 40th Anniversary Party

2010-09-18T15:16:31Z

Francis House of Sacramento is announcing its 40th Anniversary Party to be held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Friday October 29, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. This event celebrating 40 years of serving the homeless and poor of Sacramento County will include a four-course dinner and fine wines served by the best restaurants and caterers in the city. The dinner will be followed by a dance featuring the popular band, Mumbo Gumbo.

Forty years is a long time for a faith-based non-profit to survive, however Francis House of Sacramento is not just any non-profit. The organization sees that over 30,000 men, women, and children each year receives personal attention for their problems.

The mostly volunteer staff of Francis House provides resource information and counseling for the poor. Seventeen churches and the community-at-large support their efforts.

Francis House Executive Director, Greg Bunker explains, “In many cases, we provide the last hope for those disenfranchised from the mainstream of society. Anyone in need is welcomed at Francis House with a warm cup of coffee and a dose of compassion. Our counseling is very much like you would experience with a friend who is interested to help problem solve their dilemma.”

Francis House resources are distributed directly to the poor in the form of vouchers for emergency transportation, shelter and identification, or used to provide direct counseling and hospitality services.

Forrest Reed, Program Director for Francis House pointed out, “I am encouraged by the number of people in new jobs or in permanent housing due to our efforts. But personally, the best way I gauge our successes is by the smiles, appreciative words and expressions of hope I get to experience from those we help every day I come to work.”

The goal of Francis House is not to sustain people where they are now, but to help provide the way to pull themselves up and off the streets and into jobs and permanent housing. The process of getting them there doesn’t happen over-night so Francis House is right beside them every step of the way. Not everyone has the physical or mental ability, however for others who can do more, they expect sobriety, responsibility, hard work, and ultimately self-sufficiency.

One way to honor and celebrate Francis House of Sacramento and their 40 years of service and to help make sure they stick around another 40 years is to attend this very important fundraising dinner and dance event. Restaurants such as Mulvaney’s, Evan’s Kitchen, Tuli Bistro, Sampino’s and others will provide the four-course dinner and wine pairings.

You can purchase your tickets online (individual, couple, or corporate table) at www.francishouse.info or for more information call (916) 443-2646.

Greek Sacramentans celebrate their heritage

2010-09-06T02:22:02Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson gave full endorsement of the 47th annual Sacramento Greek Festival on Friday, its opening day. In his address to festival-goers, Johnson shared his appreciation of the great music, art and food provided by the Greek community over the course of the weekend’s festivities, which took place at the Sacramento Convention Center.

“It’s all about the gyros for me,” Johnson said. “We’ve got a lot of great Greek restaurants in Sacramento, but what’s neat about this event is that they all come here.”

With more than 10,000 people attending the three-day event, Johnson clearly isn’t the only Sacramentan in support of celebrating all things Greek.

Chefs from some of the best Greek restaurants in Sacramento, including the Greek Village Inn and Cafe Europa, performed cooking demonstrations at the festival. Some chefs even shared recipes and techniques from their own cookbooks.

As visitors shopped at the makeshift market stalls and sampled the overwhelming variety of Greek cuisine, traditional bounisi folk music filled the Convention Center’s cavernous space.

Clarinet player Geoffrey Antipa explained that the word bounisi means “people of the mountains.”

“If you were to go out into the villages, you might hear people sounding just the way we’re playing now,” Antipa said.

His band included a guitar, a santouri (much like a hammered dulcimer) and three vocalists. Their traditional contribution to the event’s live soundtrack was balanced out by the more contemporary Mythos Band, who performed to a livelier crowd in the late afternoon and evening hours.

Hundreds of parishioners from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church served at different stations throughout the event, including food preparation and service, security, cleanup, setup and take-down, and vending.

The celebratory mood at the festival was expressed by its volunteers just as much as by those visiting.

Helen Psihopaidas has volunteered at the event for the last 46 years, witnessing it outgrow the church’s facilities on Alhambra Boulevard, move to Cal Expo and then eventually overtake the Convention Center.

“It’s grown a lot over the years, and every year they get better and better,” she said.

Her station at the appetizer’s booth had her serving up kalamari and loukanico (Greek sausages with a hint of orange) to the hungry dancers and performers nearby.

Across the way from Psihopaidas, Jimmy Pappas ran the festival’s watering hole. Over the course of the weekend he and his crew went through 220 24-pack cases of “Marathon Beer.”

In addition to the beer, small cups of ouzo (licorice-flavored aperitif), metaxa (brandy) and retsina wine began their circulation from Pappas’ “Taverna,” which was also the source of most “Opa!” proclamations, as it appeared that’s where attendees enlivened their moods enough to shout the Greek phrase for “hurray!”

Pappas said his favorite part of the festival is getting to see people enjoy everything they taste and see, while also getting to experience a little bit of his Greek heritage.

Although many at the festival are not Greek, they find themselves drawn into the culture because of a relationship with someone who is. Alester Thomas is one such example.

Thomas said he had been exposed to great Greek food ever since he started dating his Greek girlfriend, but that didn’t stop him from joining the long line of hungry visitors in the cafeteria-style food court. When asked what he would be choosing from the à la carte menu, Thomas replied, “I have no idea. I’m letting my girlfriend decide.”

To non-Greeks, wandering the festival without a Greek significant other to guide them, a warm hospitality and openness was extended by the event’s parishioners and volunteers.

Father James Retelas explained that this hospitality is an important expression of Greek culture. The culture is one that celebrates filoxenia (love for the guest), Retelas said.

Non-Greeks’ response to the event is “overwhelmingly positive,” said Father Timothy Robinson of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.

Visitors could visit Father Robinson in his chapel — surrounded by religious icons and golden censers — to ask questions about Greek Orthodoxy and history.

Robinson explained that non-Greeks’ curiosity is satisfied by the accessible representation of Greek culture, history, food and religion at the event.

Chairperson Gerri Magers has helped organize the event for the last three years. Magers said this year’s event was especially exciting because of the new features involved.

World-renowned landscape artist Gregory Kondos was on hand to sign posters and talk art, while wine-tasting exhibits offered wine from all different regions across Greece.

“In comparison to past years, it’s got a lot of energy,” Magers said.

Like a batch of loukoumathes (Greek doughnut puffs), the warmth and flavor of Greek culture welcomed Sacramentans in to join the celebration of Hellenic heritage in the area.

Mayor Johnson referred to the rich Greek tradition in Sacramento as a strength of the community.

“It’s one of the best in Sacramento.”

Photos one through six by Brandon Darnell

Photos seven through eleven by Dane Johnson

Art, music, and magic at CurtisFest

2010-09-03T05:28:49Z

Whimsical ceramic characters that wink as you walk by, domestic and exotic animals who allow you to pet them, a fairy who paints a glittering swan on your face, and musicians whose songs are brand new each time they perform. These are only some of the imaginative artists and activities that await kids and adults at the 4th Annual CurtisFest on Saturday, September 11th. Presented by the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association (SCNA), Curtis Fest will be held from 10am until 4pm in Curtis Park, an eighteen-acre parcel of ground surrounded by quaint bungalows and shaded by heritage trees.

CurtisFest was established in 2007 to give local artists a venue at which to exhibit and sell their work. This free fall event will feature almost sixty artists and artisans who will present samples of their creations, great food from local vendors, live music, and a craft area where kids can have fun and make art themselves. Ceramicists, watercolorists, jewelry artists, photographers, potters, portraitists, fabric and giclee artists, and many more will be on hand to provide a fall feast of visual delight.

The photography of Eleakis and Elder, Francisco Dominguez and Donald Satterlee will be displayed at the festival. Doug Wylie, Lori Ervin and Wes Ervin will present their ceramics and pewter; Gerilyn Maslowski her vases, wall tiles, and pottery; Mickey Abbey his stained glass; and Patt Illouli her ink, watercolor house portraits and general portraits. Laville Logan will display her original and giclee prints, watercolors, and soft pastels; Wendi Weston her handmade totes, and Susan Barnes’ her oils and watercolors. Yoly Petra Stroeve will also offer her paintings, and Robyn Slakey her garden totem poles and ceramic vertical sculptures. Painter Reine River will be there with her watercolors, acrylics and pastels, and Natalie Thiele with her broken tile mosaics.

A number of innovative ceramicists will bring their work to share with attendees. Ellen Huls fanciful “kitschy characters” will be joined by the ceramics of Sharon Bloom and the creations of Rosalie Roth. Phyllis Koessler’s pottery and ceramics will be on display, as well as Denise Wilken and Joan McClellan’s handmade scarves, jewelry, birdhouses, and table runners. Marsha Elam will offer her ceramics, jewelry and collage.

Heading off the early-entry artists who work in jewelry and related media are Olga Barmina and Paula Forman with their “From the Heart Hair Clips” and June Bug Jewelry, Caron Gregg and her beaded jewelry and jewelry boxes, and Dot Edwards with her jewelry, glass and mosaics. The jewelry of Mary and Lee Coldren will be shown, as well as the jewelry and mixed media of Jodi Queenan, and Gale Lee and Jodi Vidad’s handcrafted costume jewelry and handmade fabric totes. Attendees at this year’s CurtisFest will also be able to enjoy the jewelry art of Linda McAtee, of Leticia Botello, and of Sandi Osterman. Finally, Christi Hunter will be at the event with her sterling silver jewelry and art glass vessels.

There will be lots more for attendees to do as they delight in the work of the visual artists. Offering their musical take on the richly creative atmosphere of CurtisFest will be the improvisational project band Instagon. Begun in 1993 as a musical experiment in the unexpectedly compelling sounds that can be created from everyday objects and situations, Instagon formed when a number of local musicians began incorporating this “noise” into a fusion of progressive rock, jazz, and drunge punk. Different musicians join Instagon for each performance, keeping the vibe crisp, intoxicating, and very much alive.

In 2007 a trio of musicians from Instagon developed the idea of creating a band with a solid lineup of jazz cover-versions of popular songs and riffs. The idea caught on with fans, and Garage Jazz Architects was born. Now on indie label TIF Recordings, Garage Jazz Architects will bring their spontaneous garage-jazz covers to CurtisFest to share with all.

The third musical group on board for CurtisFest is The Mike Justis Band. After performing together throughout northern California for twenty-five years with the popular band, Poetic Justis, Steve Mc Iane, Kathy Barwick and Mike Justis formed a trio to bring their mix of country rock and blues to venues in and around Sacramento.

Children are perhaps the most special part of CurtisFest, and this year’s festival offers two events that have proven to captivate children of all ages. Voted 2010 Family Favorite by the Bay Area Parent magazine, Happily Ever Laughter is an ensemble of specially-trained performers who’ve created a cast of singular characters to entertain at all sorts of children’s events. These professional “faeries” are known to enthrall children with not only their extraordinary face-painting, singing, magic, and balloon art, but also their genuine connection to the children with whom they “play.”

After conversing with the fairy from Happily Ever Laughter, kids can wind their way over to visit the animals of Pony Ranch Parties. The law firm of Soluri Meserve is sponsoring this first-ever CurtisFest petting zoo. Expert at providing a safe and fun experience for both children and animals, Pony Ranch Parties introduces children to a variety of domestic and exotic animals. The adult staff members of Pony Ranch Parties go the extra mile to share and teach in this memorable interactive experience.

No event would be complete without great food, and CurtisFest’s blend of culinary items will not disappoint. The first vegan food cart in Sacramento, Happy Go Lucky will offer its gourmet, healthy street food to the patrons of this year’s festival. Happy go Lucky was voted Best Vegetarian Food Cart by the Sacramento News & Review. Soon to be featured on an episode of the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Dad’s Kitchen will be on hand to offer its scrumptious cuisine. Chunk's Stand By Me is the lifelong dream of street food enthusiast Ryan "Chunk" Filippini, who prides himself on his quality hot dogs, hot links and hot pastrami, all served on fresh baked rolls. And when ready for something cool to finish the experience off, kids and adults can enjoy Shasta Valley Shaved Ice’s frozen treats.

This richly-conceived celebration of creativity and community is offered free to children and adults of the Sacramento area. “It’s got something for everyone,” says Dusty Miller, one of the event’s organizers. “And it’s a great lead-in to Second Saturday.” Event chairperson Nicole Soluri agrees. “The community of artists and artisans participating in this year’s CurtisFest is incredibly talented, diverse and enthusiastic” says Soluri. “Our city will not be disappointed.”

For more information on the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Associations 4th Annual CurtisFest, call (916) 452-3005 or email faith@sierra2.org. Those interested in knowing more--and in hearing about new participating artists and vendors--can also follow CurtisFest on Facebook. Posters and postcards highlighting the event, designed by Curtis Park artist Scott Gordinier, can be seen throughout Sacramento.

The Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association (SCNA) formed in the 1970’s to rescue the old Sierra School from demolition. Since then, SCNA has brought neighbors together for a diverse slate of year-round events, and has offered a cohesive voice for community concerns. The restored Sierra 2 Center serves as a focal point for artists, teachers, students, parents, children, and seniors, who rely upon its dance studios, gardens, performance spaces, meeting halls and class rooms to provide a secure, charming home. Curtis Park is a neighborhood of approximately 2500 homes, a patchwork of diverse architectural styles situated around a quaint park.

Greek for the weekend

2010-08-30T23:20:34Z

One big fat Greek festival offers all you need for Hellenistic acculturation. Fortunately for Sacramentans, the Sacramento Convention Center will host the 47th annual Sacramento Greek Festival this weekend to make this possible.

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church’s Mike Dariotis has been involved in the event for 15 years and said his favorite part of the weekend is, first, the food; second, the folk dancing and then of course working together with the church community and fellow parishioners.

In recent years, the event has served around 10,000 people over the course of the three-day festival. So what is it about this event that brings both Greek and non-Greeks out?

The answer is simple: food.

Love’s universal language expresses itself at the festival through the sweet, flaky crunch of warm baklava, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies (Kourambiedes) and Greek doughnut puffs (Loukoumathes).

When asked which was his favorite food at the event, Dariotis listed five. Past attendees have had a similar problem in deciding on just one.

Hundreds of volunteers from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church sacrifice hours of time, resources and energy to share their culture with Sacramento. One can better understand the love put into the event by knowing that all food served at the festival is made from scratch by event volunteers.

The festival began when early Greek families in the community decided to share their culture in a celebratory manner with Sacramento.

Like any culture, Greek celebrations offer much more than food. The festival displays the fullness of Greek culture by providing folk dance performances, live music and a marketplace, selling imported goods from Greece.

San Jose-based Mythos Band has performed at the festival in years past, but has been absent for the last five festivals. The band’s co-founder and Bouzouki (Greek guitar) player, Bobby Kalivitis, said he is excited to return to the festival this year.

“If you go to the Greek festival you can get up and dance, be yourself and nobody is going to judge you.” Kalivitis said. “We are a very welcoming people.”

Mythos Band will perform traditional and contemporary Greek songs both Friday and Saturday.

Whether you’re Greek or not, Dariotis said people love the festival’s atmosphere, food, music and Greek culture.

General admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (55 and older) and free for children under the age of 12. Admission is free between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Friday.

Funds raised from the event “are used for many different missions our Church serves and philanthropic organizations,” Dariotis said.

The festival is a one-stop shop for ouzo, spanakopita, cooking lessons, wine tasting and a Greek dance party; all the essentials for a very Greek weekend.

Photos courtesy of Mike Dariotis

Bazaar meets year 64 with chopsticks in hand

2010-08-16T02:04:00Z

It wasn’t hard to find the Japanese bazaar’s location. Once within a few blocks of the Buddhist Church of downtown Sacramento, one could simply follow the mouthwatering aroma of teriyaki chicken rising from the barbecues.

A tent canopy lined with lanterns was stretched over the Buddhist church’s parking lot. This makeshift construction presented a nomadic food court of delicious proportions. Booths with games and food lined the area’s perimeter as rows of tables and chairs filled in the center. A stage sat prominently in the large outdoor area in view of hundreds of spectating diners. Hundreds more made there way slowly through crowds of hungry people, drawn out to the bazaar by their appetites and curiosity of Japanese culture.

“The bazaar is always wonderful. People are able to experience many different aspects of Japanese culture in a welcoming environment,” said Stacey Ting. Ting has attended the bazaar for the last 10 years while working with the Koyasan Taiko group.

A culturally diverse attendance sat around tables eating sushi and teriyaki chicken. Others mingled while having casual conversation and an ice cold Sapporo.

Brian Hatano followed in his father’s footsteps as a volunteer at the beer booth. They worked side by side popping off bottle caps and delivering Japanese brews to thirsty customers. He said he got the best booth at the whole bazaar. Instead of working over a hot grill, he pulls cold beers out of ice all day.

“Over the years, I have seen people from a lot of different backgrounds come to the event,” said Tim Castle, who has volunteered at the event for the last 15 years. “You have the motorcycle guys from down the street, Midtown people and then the church members as well.”

It’s no wonder why so many people come out, considering the quality and selection of food. The line for the chicken teriyaki booth snaked its way through a maze of caution tape and out into the courtyard. People were willing to wait up to an hour for this treat, but was it worth it? According to Crystal Courtright, “the teriyaki chicken was bomb.” Considering the satisfied looks on people’s faces, all the food seemed worth the wait.

Babies sat on tables as they were fed rice by their mothers. Elderly people slowly maneuvered their way through human traffic jams. Groups of teenage cliques formed in the far-off corners of the dining area.

“It’s impressive and fun” said Jeff Patton. He doesn’t attend the church, but that hasn’t stopped him from volunteering at the sushi booth for the last six years. “I’ve met some great people over the years, both customers and fellow volunteers.”

He claimed that he hasn’t seen one bad bazaar, which is why he chose to volunteer both Saturday and Sunday this year. Some of the people he has met here he only sees once a year at the bazaar, so his sushi booth takes on the feel of a family reunion.

“Most people come out because they like the vibe here, even if it’s to volunteer,” Castle said. He alluded to a greater cause than throwing a gigantic community barbecue. “It’s about people coming together, working hard and enjoying one another.” And enjoy each other they must as Castle estimated that nearly 1,000 people volunteered this year.

Beyond volunteers there were thousands of people making there way in and out of the bazaar all day. A free shuttle ran people from a nearby parking lot to the main entrance. Others found parking in the surrounding neighborhoods and could be spotted walking back to their cars with large bags of food strung over both arms. With so much great food available, it’s easy to understand their need to stock up and share with those who weren’t able to attend.

“I’ve always been into Japanese culture,” said Richelle Ward as she proudly held a Pokémon balloon in one hand and a Japanese fan in the other. Ward had heard about the event through Facebook and thought it would be fun to go. She wasn’t disappointed. Others like her had heard about the event through various social networking sites. Their smiles revealed teeth stained red and blue by snow cones as they watched a performance by the Japanese Folk Song and Dance Society.

“The food brings me back year after year,” said Michelle Watson, a long-time Sacramento resident. She has attended the bazaar since she was six and sheepishly admitted that she was now in her fifties. “They are more organized this year and the lines are going a lot faster.” Sometimes she attends both days, and with the quality of food and entertainment available, it’s easy to understand why.

Attendees could learn about bonsai plants, Japanese calligraphy, koto music, kendo sword fighting and other subjects pertaining to Japanese culture. In the end, however, one wouldn’t be able to partake in everything offered over the course of the weekend. There’s too much to see and way too much to eat. Obviously, this isn’t a bad thing — it just means that you’re going to have people coming back next year.

“Every year you learn a little bit more,” Patton said. He’s been coming back for six years now. “You’re going to want to come back.”

Steve Kawano has been the event’s chairman for 13 years. He attributed the success of the bazaar to “stubborn pride.”

Volunteers from the Sacramento community and the Buddhist Church of Sacramento have been handed down the bazaar’s standards from the generations of volunteers before them. Their pride in maintaining that standard has helped the event grow in popularity each year.

All proceeds from the bazaar help fund the Buddhist Church of Sacramento and their affiliate programs.

The Salvation Army Celebrates 125 years of Service to the Sacramento Community

2010-06-16T21:45:17Z

This year marks the 125th anniversary of The Salvation Army, an internationally known and respected community assistance-based organization.

Currently present in 121 countries around the world, The Salvation Army was founded in the United Kingdom in 1865, and later brought to the United States and Sacramento in the 1880s.

May 19 marks a special day for the organization and The Firehouse restaurant, as it was on that day in 1885 that The Salvation Army held its first meeting in Sacramento at The Firehouse.

While pitched as a planning session, the meeting lent itself to another task – a celebration of and for The Salvation Army officers who had come to make a difference in the Sacramento community.

The celebration was, however, short-lived, as The Salvation Army and its officers experienced rough beginnings in Sacramento. Officers received little to no pay, were responsible for finding their own funding and shelter and were commonly mistreated by members of the community.

This, like the Sacramento-area, changed over time, as the good performed by The Salvation Army helped transform people’s initial feelings of hostility into feelings of gratitude and respect.

This feeling continued to grow with the expansion of their services, which now include holiday assistance, recovery, after-school and youth programs, as well as church and senior services and the operation of homeless shelters and food banks.

“They have the resources,” said Wornel Simpson, Salvation Army board member. “They have the right kind of mission (and) great volunteers. Everything just seems to come together under The Salvation Army.”

Simpson said the Salvation Army encompasses many things, but operates under one general idea – love.

“It’s about showing people love,” he said. “It’s about showing people that someone else cares about them.”

Photos: Tết Festival and Little Saigon celebration

2010-02-17T01:05:23Z

Sunday was the Lunar New Year for several Asian cultures, including the Vietnamese. The Vietnamese New Year celebration, Tết, began Saturday morning in a parking lot on the corner of Stockton Boulevard and Fowler Avenue. It started with the City of Sacramento's ribbon cutting ceremony for Little Saigon. This was followed by a New Year parade proceeding south down Stockton Boulevard to Florin Road, where participants viewed the County of Sacramento's ribbon cutting ceremony and participated in the Tết Festival. The following is a photo journal of the weekend's events and festivities. For more photographs and information, please read this article on the festival and celebration.

Councilman Kevin McCarty, who was instrumental in the creation of Little Saigon, talks to the crowd. Foreground: Vietnam War Veterans wearing maroon Berets.

State Assemblyman Dave Jones supports Little Saigon, congratulates the crowd of nearly 300 people.

Dancers dressed in traditional Vietnamese clothing.

Councilmen Rob Fong and McCarty, State Assemblyman Dave Jones, State Senator Darrell Steinberg and SMUD Board Director Nancy Bui all help cut a ribbon in celebration of a 1.5-mile stretch of Stockton Boulevard being named Little Saigon. White doves (left, bottom) are released into the air simultaneously.

Lion Dancers entertain onlookers and lead the parade down Stockton Boulevard.

A CHP Officer makes sure traffic is blocked along Stockton Boulevard as the parade marches toward Florin Road.

Bright balloons and a large Little Saigon sign are carried by Little Saigon committee members and women in Vietnamese dresses.

County Supervisor Jimmie Yee speaks to a crowd at the County of Sacramento ribbon cutting ceremony for Little Saigon.

Kim Quang Lion Dance Troupe performs at the Tết Festival in front of hundreds. Deafening firecrackers and drums accompany the performance.

Food vendors are a big part of the Tết Festival.

Food included bún (rice noodle), bánh mì (sandwich), phở (soup), papaya salad, egg rolls (pictured) and skewers.

A carnival area included rides, midway games and a large slide.

Celebrate New Year's Eve 2010 in the Central City

2009-12-28T20:03:10Z

So, you survived Christmas. Now the big question isn’t whether or not you’ve finished your holiday shopping, it’s all about what to do this New Year’s Eve. This four-part series aims to take the mystery and anxiety out of what to do in Sacrmento to ring in the New Year. Each day, we’ll feature very different downtown ways to celebrate 2010. Whether your idea of a perfect New Year’s Eve involves funky beats, bottles of bubbly, a caravan of kids, or haute cuisine, the Central City is the place to be!

Part One: Family style
Got kids? Start your evening early with a visit to the California Museum’s Out of this World exhibit, an exhibition of famous television and movie costumes sure to delight movie buffs from ages 8 to 80. View iconic movie garb like Darth Vader’s cape, helmet and lightsaber or Indiana Jones’ whip from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The museum is open daily until 5 p.m. Admission is $8.50 for adults, with discounted admission for children. Visit californiamuseum.org for details.

Afterward, head down to Old Sacramento to catch the 6:30 or 8:00 p.m. showing of Theatre of Lights, a symphony of lights, sounds and visual effects that accompanies a narrative reading of the beloved poem, The Night Before Christmas, first introduced in Sacramento in 1857.

Take a break from the winter chill with a visit to Old Sacramento’s newest restaurant, Ten 22. Brought to you by the owners of landmark establishment, The Firehouse, Ten 22 offers unique, family friendly fare like Corn Flake Chicken Wings, Dungeness Crab Tater Tots or hand dipped Mini Corn Dogs. Call Ten 22 at 441-2211 to make reservations.

Cap off your evening with a post-dinner stroll around this historic district and enjoy free family entertainment at Waterfront Park courtesy of Radio Disney’s Rockin’ Road Crew. If you can, be sure to stick around long enough to catch the 9:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular, a free fireworks show set to children’s music. For those who want to party past bedtime, a second fireworks show starts at midnight-just in time to usher in the New Year. Visit discovergold.org/nye for complete schedule and information. Pre-paid parking available at both Old Sacramento garages beginning at 3 p.m. for a flat rate of $8.00.

Need a room? The Citizen hotel is offering a special $99 room rate (with late check-out) for the holiday; book online and use code NYECVB to receive discount.

Tomorrow’s Itinerary: Party like a rock star!

Hmong New Year celebration

2009-11-30T06:14:33Z

Thanksgiving Day usually means eating turkey. But for thousands of local Hmong, it means eating Hmong sausage, grilled pork and sticky rice while attending the Sacramento Hmong New Year celebration at Cal Expo.

More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the four-day celebration which begins Thursday and ends Sunday, said John Thao, Hmong New Year Committee board member. The board formed six years ago and consists of one representative from each of the 18 Hmong clans which make up Sacramento's community of approximately 26,000 to 28,000 Hmong. Hmong come from the mountainous regions of China and other countries Southeast Asia.

Nov. 14 and 15, Hmong already celebrated the new year at home with their immediate families and close relatives, Thao said. The celebration at Cal Expo is more than a New Year celebration - it's a festival of unity, a way to show wealth, meet new faces and come together to show support for the Hmong community in Sacramento, he said.

At 10 a.m. Thursday, General Vang Pao, will be cutting a ceremonial ribbon and giving a speech during the celebration's opening ceremony. A Hmong American born in Laos, the General fought in the Royal Lao Army and is revered by both Hmong in the U.S. and Asia. He was recently released of conspiracy charges.

His speech will kick off four days of events including a Miss Hmong California pageant, a Hmong Idol singing competition and a play reflecting on why the Hmong celebrate the new year.

The celebration will include local and international performers singing, playing music and dancing, said Tony Moua, the event's entertainment chair. Hmong people from China, Thailand and Laos, as well as other Asian American groups from Sacramento, are expected to attend the festival.

Moua and Thao both said they were excited that General Vang Pao will attend the celebration.

"He doesn't visit the area very often, (so) this is a wonderful event for Sacramento," Moua said. "It means the whole world to me, and it means that the region is strong and dynamic."

"It's important to all the Hmong, he's a hero to the people," Thao added.

Sacramento and Fresno both have about the same population of Hmong, the largest in California. Thao said that Fresno's Hmong International New Year celebration will be held Dec. 26 - Jan. 2, and will hold the Miss Hmong International pageant.

He also said he was looking forward to watching the play, which will reflect the history of why Hmong people celebrate the new year. This will be the first time the play will be produced, and it will be held on the first day of the event.

One New Year tradition is playing "Swb Pob", pronounced "pah-bah," which Moua said has similar rules to an egg toss. It acts as a way to socialize and meet new people.

Competitors wearing traditional Hmong clothing begin standing 10 feet apart while tossing a ball to each other. Each team must back up five feet every three minutes until they are 35 feet apart. The last person still tossing at the end will win a $100 cash prize.

"It's a celebration of life and for people to meet each other and promote culture," Moua said. "We are extending our hands to reach out and we would hope others do the same."

Hmong New Year takes place from 10 a.m. until an unspecified evening closing time, Thursday through Sunday at Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd. Click here for the full schedule.

Photographs credit Lou Lo Photography. Photos show My Tzer Lao, last year's Miss Hmong California.

New Helvetia Theatre's "Tick, Tick...BOOM" - Preview, interviews, and photos.

2009-10-20T05:35:31Z

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 “Bright Star,” a film account of the end of the life of the poet John Keats. “Tick, Tick…BOOM” chronicles a period in Larson’s life when he was struggling with little recognition, unsure of his future, just as Keats died prior to his work receiving the acclaim that was later associated with it. Ultimately, Larson died before the first full production of “RENT” and its success has rekindled interest in his other works.

“Tick, Tick…BOOM” stars Tristan Rumery, Nanci Zoppi, and New Helvetia’s Founder and Artistic Director Connor Mickiewicz, who also co-directed the show with Erin Island. Between numbers, I bounced a few questions off Connor, his deserves-to-be-proud mother Erin Mickiewicz, and Music Director and destined-to-be-legendary cabaret impresario Graham Sobelman.

Connor Mickiewicz:

SacPress: “RENT” has become well known through multiple productions from Broadway to High Schools, as well as a film adaptation, but “Tick, Tick…BOOM” is less familiar to most people. Can you explain a little about the show and where it fit in Jonathan Larson’s career?
Connor: He had started developing it before “RENT” and with the success of “RENT” and his subsequent passing – there’s this voyeuristic sentiment that drives through it. This musical could not exist without the success of “RENT” and I think if it had been the other way around and this musical had been produced before “RENT” it would have been a lovely, moving show but I think part of the reason that people are interested in seeing this show is knowing the story of Jonathan Larson and what happened with “RENT” – which is still playing in San Francisco and around the country.

SacPress: So what made “Tick, Tick…BOOM” a good choice for New Helvetia’s second full production?
Connor: One that it’s a three person rock musical – and a Sacramento premiere, which lives up to our mission. And it’s accessible for younger audiences as well as more mature audiences.

SacPress: And part of your mission is to produce shows that are less well known – and this would fit that bill.
Connor: This would fit that bill, definitely.

SacPress: You produced the extremely well reviewed “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” earlier this year, and you got to sit up in the booth and watch every performance, but you are producing, co-directing with Erin Island, and also acting in “Tick, Tick…BOOM” – how has the multitasking experience been different?
Connor: It’s completely different and I was so nervous going into it and just working on the show with Erin and Caitlin [Caitlin Sapunor-Davis], the stage manager, we knew from the beginning that the piece was going to have to be more collaborative because I was going to on stage. So it was almost more like a scene study and the actors, Nanci and Tristan, could suggest something – or if something was not right we would get together rather than them being on the outside. That has made…the show that I had in my mind three months ago is not the same show that we have today and we’re all the better for it. So it’s been stressful but also more rewarding.

SacPress: “Hedwig” may well have been the best reviewed show in town – I don’t think I saw anything that was less than the highest possible rating or commentary. Does that make coming out of the gate the second time easier or does that make it harder?
Connor: For a minute I thought that it was going to be harder – but in the end, the respect that the audience has now for the company from “Hedwig” and from “Celebration” [an earlier one-night, semi-staged production and fundraiser] - that’s what I’m interested in, watching the audience grow and develop. I stopped thinking what the critics are going to say about this production – I don’t know if they could have…or if they can top “Hedwig.” If they do, that’s amazing for us but I’m more interested from this point on in just growing the audience and growing the audience’s trust in the company, more than the critics at this point.

Erin Mickiewicz:

SacPress: What and when was Connor’s first foray into theater?
Erin: I love this story: He played competitive soccer for a number of years and when he was 12, he had to try out every year and he didn’t make and we got the news in the mail and he was devastated. So Kiera [Kiera O'Neil], his older sister, said I’m doing “Music Man” why don’t you do [that] – it’s a children’s theater company. So he did it and that was it, he just fell in love with it.

SacPress: This is a silly question that occurred to me – kids transition from being child actors with varying degree of success, or not. How is the transition for the stage mom – do stage moms ever “grow up” or is it much the same, albeit with less carpooling?
Erin: That’s such a good question [laughs]. Because I was involved before Connor was involved with Kiera mainly and then I was the Director of the Arts of St. Francis High School, so even when my kids weren’t involved I’ve stayed involved. So I have a passion for it myself. It’s a fine line though when to back off and with Connor going professional, with his own company, the whole family has been involved - but we still respect the fact that he has to make decisions that we need to stay out of.

SacPress: With Connor as a fifth generation Sacramentan, what does this mean to you and the family to see him doing this here?
Erin: In Sacramento? Oh, I just love it. Selfishly I love him being back from New York – I love that my other son’s here and he can be part of it – he’s a total jock but he really loves his brother. I think it’s fun for us because we didn’t get to see much of him in New York and I think this is really his calling. He’s always an actor first to me but I really do think he can pull this off.

Graham Sobelman:

SacPress: Your main project for most of the last year has been the cult hit midtown cabaret Graham-A-Rama. That’s on hiatus for a couple of weeks for “Tick, Tick…BOOM” so does this feel like a vacation or like work?
Graham: Work - but I love my job so…. [smiles].

SacPress: You work with a lot of the same people in multiple projects….
Graham: That’s why it doesn’t feel like…well, it’s a job but it’s also hanging out with my friends.

SacPress: How do you balance multiple projects in production and development?
Graham: A very detailed calendar and very little sleep!

The last few questions with Graham were squeezed into an extremely short break in the rehearsal, with about one minute to talk and we were walking back into the theater by the end of the third answer, but they still illustrate one of the secrets to the success of these productions: Not only is this a very talented group of individuals who have the skills and vision to pull these things off with great success, but they are doing what they love with people they love. Not all of us have the opportunity or benefit of a workplace environment like that, but at least we can witness it in action – and it certainly shows in their work.

“Tick, Tick…BOOM”
October 21- November 14
Performance Times:
Thursdays and Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 8 pm
All performances at the Artisan, 1901 Del Paso Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815
Gallery and café open 1 hour prior to show

Associated links for more information:
New Helvetia Theatre: www.newhelvetia.org
Paul Le’s photography and design: www.paperwhitedesigns.daportfolio.com
Graham-A-Rama cabaret: www.grahamarama.com

Last Night at the Mayor's Meeting ...

2009-02-20T16:52:57Z

... I pitched an idea for an event that celebrates the arrival of John Sutter and the subsequent founding of the city of Sacramento. While Old Sacramento annually hosts Gold Rush Days around the Labor Day weekend, I am not aware of an event that celebrates the city's founder and his fort. Is he too controversial? I hope not. A city should be able to celebrate its history and events such as this help promote civic pride and a sense of community.

Proposal
A celebration of the founding of the city of Sacramento that highlights the lower American river and Sutter’s Fort and encourages folks to come out for the day and participate in period attire.

A family event commemorating the landing of John Sutter in this area in August of 1839 and the subsequent building of Sutter’s Fort and the eventual establishment of California’s first incorporated city in 1850.

In cooperation with:
City of Sac Dept of Parks & Rec - Sutter’s Landing
Sacramento County - Discovery Park; The American River
CA State Parks - Sutter’s Fort

When
Annual event held mid-August which is when Sutter arrived in the area (August 12) or in conjunction with Gold Rush Days (Labor Day weekend). Breakfast kicks off at 8:00am at the fort; race begins at 9:00am at Sutter’s Landing.

Where
Sutter’s Landing Park (28th and B) at the river front. This is the site of the old city dump; currently there is a skate park and a dog park is planned for development. Sutter’s Fort is the other point of activity. Wagons and carriages can run the 1 mile distance between the two locations. Parking is available at Sutter’s Landing Park and throughout midtown.

What Takes Place
• a kayaking race on the American River that starts and ends at the 28th Street river access point. It can go to Discovery Park and back or even go down the Sacramento River and back (whatever the kayaking community wants to stage). There could be a one-mile run to Sutter’s Fort after the kayaking.
• Kids games/activities at the 28 Street river access point – identify the animal tracks in the sand, name the trees, rock skipping, history of Native culture in the area, basic kayaking and canoeing
• orienteering course and treasure hunt for gold for kids and families
• a pioneer pancake breakfast at Sutter’s Fort (8am – noon).

Additional Considerations
Organizers and participants might be encouraged to dress up in period attire. If the Sutter Scramble takes place during Gold Rush Days (Labor Day weekend), the hay wagons and carriages can transport participants to Old Sac for that event.