Back by popular demand! All the way from Haifa, Israel, world-renowned performer LIOR SUCHARD. Lior Suchard was born and grew up in Haifa, Israel. At the age of six he began to reveal unexplained phenomena, like moving teaspoons and other lightweight objects without touching them, the ability to stop watches, and reading thoughts of his family members and friends. He developed a distinct sensitive and special intuition. At 14 years old, Lior began making use of his special talents for entertainment purposes and realized his second love: the stage. At age 18 Lior enlisted in the Israeli army as a combat soldier and during his three years of service contributed his capabilities to the army

‘Charms, Spells and Enchantments.' The title alone was enough to intrigue me. But the question remained: Would the Camellia Symphony Orchestra’s performance entrance me? For 47 years, the CSO has brought its breathtaking sounds to Sacramento, showcasing the work of its talented and passionate volunteer musicians. And for 47 years, area residents have enjoyed and supported the orchestra. The music unveils a tale that words perhaps cannot, but a little background information helps set the stage. ‘Charms, Spells and Enchantments’ is composed of three unusual masterpieces that are not frequently played. Each one is “derived from worlds of fantasy and magic … capable of transporting the recept

  FICTION by Steven Dietz at Capital Stage There’s an old adage in theatre that audiences attend with ‘a willing suspension of disbelief’. That is to say that they willingly set aside the truth and accept the fact that Peter Pan can fly even though the wires holding him up are plainly seen. That applies to theatre, film, and especially literature. But what if we believe every word we read? Can fiction become fact? Is something true simply because we believe it? In 2003 author James Frey wrote a memoir of his struggle with addiction called ‘A Million Little Pieces’. He was lauded as a troubled genius with a brilliant future, and America loved him. When the truth came out that a portion of

Graduating Master of Fine Arts candidates are performing two new choreographed pieces at the Vanderhoef Studio Theater in the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at UC Davis.   Nina Galin’s three-part dance/theater/musical piece, “Jointedness,” is composed of two solo performances and a quartet. According to Galin’s program notes, it explores different senses of “joint” through her “long-term engagement with two literary texts: Shakespeare’s ‘To be, or not to be’ soliloquy from Hamlet, and Rilke’s poem ‘Sense of Something Coming,’ translated by Robert Bly.”   Jess Curtis’ excerpt from “Dances for Non/Fictional Bodies” is an hourlong piece featuring five talented performers, a variety

The Harlem Globetrotters made a stop in Sacramento Monday as part of its "2010 'Magical Memories' World Tour." They wowed the thousands of fans at ARCO Arena and faced its long-time rival Washington Generals, but the game was only part of the show. The team's dancing, antics, and fan participation showed that the Globetrotters are more than high-flying dunks and spectacular passes. It's also about entertainment. "That's the best part of it all," Firefly Fisher said about making fans smile. "It's entertainment, plus basketball and you put those two together, it's fun." The Cordero family experienced the fun first-hand when Laurie and Tim were invited onto the court, while their son, Tyl

What do a Sac State student, an entrepreneur, an emcee, a visual artist, a photographer and a sound technician have in common? They're all part of Leverage Sacramento, a new arts organization seeking to expose untapped local talent. The group threw a launch party Monday night at Tré Nightclub with several local spoken word performers, comedians, and hip-hop, soul and R&B performers. Hosting the event was The CUF emcee Marc "Crush" Hayes, who also sits on the seven-member Leverage board of directors. The party, which was only expected to draw 50 people, drew an estimated audience of 200. The idea of creating an arts promotion company began when 24-year-old entrepreneur Justin Eve was ask

Sacramento jazz band, Counter Intelligence, just announced two new shows in Sacramento. The first show will be on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at Oshima Sushi, Natomas, Ca. The band will play from 6-9:30 p.m. The second show is at Revolution Wines in mid-town Sacramento. The band will play from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Counter Intelligence is a Sacramento based instrumental jazz band. The band has four members: Mark Buchholtz, keyboardist; James Radkins on electric bass; Joe Poteet, drummer and; E.J. Koford playing the flute and saxophone. Counter Intelligence has a history of playing songs ranging from classical jazz titles to blues and funk. The flute and saxophone add an interesting twis

Sacramento's mid-town area has its very own winery, Revolution Wines. The winery is a unique place, offering a great courtyard and a wine tasting bar. Both the bar area and the courtyard have bistro tables where you can enjoy a bottle of wine or just a glass. On Friday, December 18, 2009, Revolution Wines is also hosting an incredible band, Counter Intelligence. Counter Intelligence is a local band, with members from around the Sacramento area. Although tecnically a jazz band, they play songs we all know and love.  Covered songs include: Hard Day's Night, Ease Back and Moondance.  Counter Intelligence plays a mix of danceable songs and those that you can sit back and relax to. Revolution

Thursday at the Blue Room Nightclub (inside the Cap City Hotel) heats up the night with "Hot Blues" music from talents like the Band           " Black Cat Bone" who play the blues with the best.  Then there is Fretea Davis who is presently singing in clubs all over town, we have the singing/guitar talents of Justin DeGuzman, and the comedy of Chris Lange and Carlos Rodriquez.... Oh, and don't miss "Cuba" Live on stage. Cheap drinks...Good fun....Great Music! There is an Open Mic from 7 to 8pm Come out and try your hand on stage! Sponsored by the Sacramento Entertainment Agency www.sactotalent.com Regular show is at 8pm...cover is Only $5 and it is 17 & over Karaoke after! Blue Room Nig

  At 6’9 and 250 lbs, it is amazing that Big Easy Lofton made it across the zip line. Big Easy Lofton and his friend and teammate Flight Time Lang of the Harlem Globetrotters were recently on the Emmy award-winning CBS television show, “The Amazing Race.” One of their challenges was to cross a zip line suspended over water. In an interview with both Flight Time and Big Easy, Big Easy said the challenge was “exhausting.” He told me that he was told the zip line was tested, but just never tested for someone of his size. Luckily, his strength and athletic ability allowed him to finish. Flight Time and Big Easy finished fourth in the race that premiered the season final on December 6, 2009.  

Tonight at the Blue Room Nightclub (inside the Cap City Hotel) warms up the night with "Hot" music from talents like "Cuba" who sings the blues with the best. He was a Finalist at the Sacto Has Talent competition. Then there is Justin Deguzman who is presently in a big TV show in the Phillipines (here during break), we have the dancing talents of "No Strings Attached" and the comedy of John Richards and Carlos Rodriquez.... Oh, and don't miss Rap Artist "Mongoose" Live on stage. There is an Open Mic from 7 to 8pm   Come out and try your hand on stage!  Sponsored by the Sacramento Entertainment Agency www.sactotalent.com Regular show is at 8pm...cover is Only $5 and it is 17 & over    Ka

There is no doubt that businesses in general have suffered through our ever-changing economy. Businesses on multiple levels have had to make sacrifices; downsizing, cutting salaries, furloughing, laying off, and certainly cutting expenses.Small business, especially in Sacramento, is no exception. One expense that seems to be a commonality, is the Company Holiday Party. Historically, no matter how large or small an office or business is, company's have celebrated the holidays and their accomplishments with their partners, employees, and sometimes, vendors and customers. It is a time when people put work aside, and come together over food, drinks, entertainment and memories that often survi

Michael McDonald is a very funny man. And a great storyteller.Just ask the 1200+ people who came out to see him Thursday night at the Sacramento State UNIQUE event in the Grand Ballroom. It was standing room only! Many people remember McDonald's signature character "Stuart," a strange little boy with the body of a full-grown man from his many years on "MADtv." Now McDonald is simply... well, Michael McDonald, a storyteller extraordinaire. Right from the beginning, when "Last Comic Standing" alumni Jason Downs opened the show, everyone was ready to laugh. Downs, a San Francisco comic, delivered jokes about Sarah Silverman, a bong trade show in Las Vegas and masturbating in front of a lapt

Sacramento rock-n-roll band, The Q Balls, will play a benefit show on Saturday, November 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Torch Club, 904 15th Street, Sacramento. The event is Free with donations taken at the door. Proceeds will go to Pops in the Park and in turn be used for East Sac and River Park parks. In 2009, Pops in the Park funds were used to leverage funds raised by the community to help restore swim pool hours cut through the City's budget at Bertha Henschel Park, Glenn Hall Park and McKinley Park. The Q Balls manager Sol Siler said: "The Q Balls are really looking forward to the November 14th gig at the Torch. All members save one were born and raised in the East Sacrament

Some people are still scratching their heads over Whiskey Wild Saloon. As recently as two weeks ago, regulars posting on yelp.com wrote to ask what had happened to the tavern, where for two years, people danced on the bar and drank $2 "train shots" whenever trains rolled by. "Did this place officially close?" wrote someone who stopped by, only to find the place dark and the front doors chained and bolted. The bar at 1910 Q St. closed over the summer for reasons that aren't clear. The owners surrendered the bar's liquor license to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control on Sept. 9. The bar closed at least a month earlier, according to its MySpace page, where someone post

"There's the normal world and then there's Dumbworld," according to filmmaker Jayson Woodward. Hundreds of people came out to see unique art at the first Dumbworld Expo at the newly renovated Capitol Towers apartments. All of the art, showing space, lighting, food, drinks, music, and entertainment were donated and dozens of people volunteered to work the expo. "Sometimes I buy spray paint before I pay the bills," coordinator Mary Louise Picerno said. The whole complex, which includes various restaurants that opened especially for the expo, participated. The restaurants, vacant stores, and top floor penthouse acted as galleries that held unique mixed media pieces as well as graffiti whi

The Sacramento Entertainment Agency and Tommy T's Comedy Club have worked through 100 acts and over 3 months of shows to finally present the "Best" five acts as voted on by the audience. Here they are...... Kenn Serrano: Magician, Juggler, Comic, Unicyclyst, amazing entertainer "No Strings Attached": Innovative Dance Team that combine talent, dance & humor. Michael Mann: Guitarist/Singer who shares his talent with music. He also has a great beat as his partner plays the "Box" you need to see & hear these guys! "Cuba": Young rough edged Blues Guitarist who will keep you listening with his honest heartfelt music. Justin DeGuzman: Singer/Guitarist who perfectly blends great original song

Are you ready to experience true fear? The Downtown Plaza will be hosting Fear Overload, a haunted house that has replaced Gyros and will now be terrorizing the mall for the first time. "We have had people come out who have wet their pants and run into walls," said David Polanco, owner of the haunted house. "It's crazy what people will do when they are scared." The haunt features dozens of rooms that brave attendees can wander through unguided, for maximum scare, in groups of one to four. "A tour guide in a haunted house is not very scary," Polanco said. Polanco promises that no one is safe, even if you're in the middle of the group, in the haunt, with inmates, psychotic serial killer

The Naked Lounge is ready to turn it up a notch. On Oct. 15 at their Downtown location on the corner of H and 11th streets, the coffee shop will roll-up their garage doors for an all ages music venue.   "We opened this coffee house in February," said Jenn Fox, General Manager.  "We never wanted music inside the coffeehouse, we focus just on coffee. But then we got to thinking ... it's already next door, it's a great space, let's do a venue."  Over the next few months, the Naked Lounge music venue quickly started to form. The rented space, known as "Retrolodge," is aptly named after the Astro and Elroy motels. The style for both motels was modeled after the 1950s and 60s Palm Springs loo

The Sacramento Kings are offering a new opportunity this season for local artists to display their Kings basketball inspired artwork. The Kings are asking that local artists submit their artwork for a chance to see it displayed on billboards across Sacramento. Interested??? The opportunity is open to any artists working in 2D media on a large scale. The final pieces will be expected to be as big as 12’ X 25’ and 14’ X 48’. If you are interested in submitting your Kings basketball inspired artwork, you can do it by emailing a thumbnail of the piece to Heather Vaughan at vaughan@arcoarena.com by the deadline, October 15, 2009. The billboards will be throughout the Sacramento area and the