Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "entertainment"

Major League Baseball returns to Sacramento in March

2012-02-09T01:10:39Z

Before the Sacramento River Cats begin the 2012 season in defense of their 10th division title in 12 years, one of the most successful American professional sports franchises will host one of Major League Baseball's most storied champions.

For the first time in half a decade Major League Baseball will be played in Sacramento as the River Cats host their parent affiliate Oakland Athletics on March 31, 2012. Following a successful 2011 season, in which Sacramento won its 10th Pacific Coast League South Division title, the River Cats kick off the 2012 season against some familiar faces who have found success at the Major League level.

The River Cats will host the four-time World Series champion Oakland A's for a fifth time – the first four were sellouts – at Raley Field in West Sacramento.

Since moving to Sacramento in 2000, the River Cats have been one of Minor League Baseball's most successful franchises – winning two Triple-A Championships (2007, 2008), four PCL Championships (2003, 2004, 2007, 2008) and drawing more fans than any other Minor League team over the past 12 seasons.

The roster of former Sacramento River Cats who had successful careers with the A's and the rest of Major League Baseball is an elite one.

Sacramento has graduated more than 200 players to the Majors, including 2002 Cy Young Award Winner Barry Zito, 2002 American League Rookie of the Year Eric Hinske and Dallas Braden, who famously pitched the 19th perfect game in MLB history for the A's on May 9, 2010.Braden, pitcher Brett Anderson, shortstop Cliff Pennington, catcher Kurt Suzuki and second baseman Jemile Weeks are among current A’s players who passed through Raley Field.

The March 31 exhibition game will be the first time a Major League team has played in Sacramento since the River Cats last hosted the A's in 2007. In 12 years, Raley Field has hosted eight Major League games – four between the River Cats and A's (2001, 2003, 2006, 2007), twice against the San Diego Padres in 2001 and the Colorado Rockies in 2004.

The A's will hit the bags at Raley Field against the River Cats just two days after a five-game tour through Japan.

For more information visit www.RiverCats.com/Oakland

Disclosure: Brett Ransford is a Media Relations intern with the Sacramento River Cats.

Cronenberg Goes Freudian

2012-02-06T19:31:34Z

“A Dangerous Method”
A Film Review by Gary Chew

Not being a student of Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung or Sabina Spielrein (not to mention Otto Gross), it's difficult knowing to what extent accuracy has been taken in David Cronenberg's “A Dangerous Method.” But suppose that what's depicted in this really chatty film is what happened, starting - as it did - one century and eight years ago. Right now, the film is playing at Sacramento's Tower Theater, Broadway at Land Park Drive.

Let's begin with a line spoken by Viggo Mortensen (as Dr. Sigmund Freud). With the soaring phrase of the sentence being “...the black mud of superstition,” it's easy to infer that Cronenberg continues his intellectual-like and rather kinky cinematic surveys.

With “Method” there's guilt, doctor/patient and teacher/student relationships, as well as what drives human sexuality and any connection it might have to death...all with occasional strains of Wagner quietly sounding in the background. Cronenberg and Lar von Trier (“Melancholia”) were big on Wagner in 2011. Surely somewhere in one of these movies, there's a Siegfried.

As I watched “A Dangerous Method,” I expected Friedrich Nietzsche to suddenly appear any second. But he didn't, which says something about the historical accuracy of the film. Nietzsche died a hundred and twelve years ago.

”Method” is a curiously constructed triangle of real persons in a story that has only two of them involved sexually, but all three intellectually engaged.

The intellectual part has to do with what makes human brains tick which, in turn, signals emotions and thus, actions taken...due to the kind of ticking going on. In this case, in the brain of Spielrein (Keira Knightley). Actually, Spielrein was Russian-born and became one of the first female psychiatrists.

Sabina, “almost in a basket,” you might say, is institutionalized and comes under the “talking cure” of Dr. Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender). Jung's wealthy, lovely and mild-mannered- yet intuitive -wife, Emma (Sarah Gadon) is with child.

After some overacted scenes by Knightly in varying states of hysteria, which seem to be a product of Sabina's earlier life with a jerk of an authoritarian father, she and Jung succumb to sex play (definitely a doctor/patient no-no).

The couple then swears-off the liaison (Jungian guilt?) for a while and Carl becomes Sabina's unofficial graduate adviser as she finalizes her doctoral dissertation (definitely a teacher/student no-no). The subject of her dissertation brings the principals closer together.

Thickening the psychological brew a bit is a real psychoanalytic pagan of a fellow called Otto Gross (Vincent Cassel). It's decadence in full-swing as Gross, in therapy with Jung, nearly persuades his somewhat religious psychiatrist to a rather anarchistic attitude of life and sex.

Does it just happen, at about that time, Carl and Sabina become intimate? Maybe a question on her final quiz should've been, “Who's treating whom?” It comes out that, like Sabina, Otto also has a very strict father.

Freud's character is held at somewhat of a distance, although it plays an important part in the script. I've never seen Mortensen better in a role.

Fassbender, doing Jung, is smooth as glass. Cassel, you'd swear, is Otto Gross, particularly if you’ve ever happened to look up information on the historical Mr. Gross. Although hardly as well-known as Freud, Gross was on a Freudian path maybe a bit before Sigmund, but apparently he wasn't nearly as well-organized and responsible as the Father of Psychoanalysis.

“Method” is much with conversation and little on action, but the historical importance of the film and its personalities, as they relate to the beginning of the 20th century and what's soon to follow (WWI), provide most of its fuel. Closing the eyes occasionally won't cause you to miss a lot of this movie, even though there's a lot to get.

A play titled “The Talking Cure” was used by its playwright for the “Dangerous Method” adaptation. He also did the screenplay for the excellent film, “Atonement.” Christopher Hampton is his name. Both his play and movie script about Freud, Jung and Spielrein rattle about, ironically, what might be called the “psycho-circumstance” of today. All the debate of how the mentally disturbed are best treated, particularly as Freudian Psychology was coming into vogue, seems to pale and fall moot, since fewer contemporary patients receive “the talking cure,” unless they can afford it.

It's more often that a cathartic shrink one-on-one is supplanted by a vial of capsules or tablets prescribed by a psychiatrist in an office somewhere.

Don't forget to sign-off on the Seroquel, Sigmund.

"Where We're Born" - Solid Ensemble Brings Big Talent to Small Space

2012-02-06T03:57:09Z

Where we’re born is more than a location, it’s part of who we are.

Where We’re Born, the stage play by Lucy Thurber, is a strikingly simple and honest look at a young woman’s struggle with life change, the desire to and difficulty of leaving the comfort of your home and history—however hurtful it may have been. It is not a story, but a more like a series of snapshots taken during the course of a few days when the relationships and potentially, lives of three people are forever altered.

The catalyst for all of this is Lilly (Jessicah Neufeld), on a quasi-vacation from college. She arrives back in the small Western Massachusetts hill town she calls home just as a domestic crisis is unfolding between her cousin, Tony, (Brian Harrower) and his girlfriend, Franky (Kelley Ogden), but rather than creating a welcome diversion, she unleashes unexpected drama of her own.

The cast of five, under the direction of Lisa Thew, gives solid individual performances, as well as performing keenly and comfortably as an ensemble.

Harrower gives an especially subtle, but emotional and compelling interpretation of Tony, a guy who spends most of his time drinking beer, smoking pot, playing pool, and listening to rock and roll with his best buddies, but also has a deep-seated need to keep all of the women in his life happy.

David Chernyavsky and John Gregory Young round out the cast as Tony’s ever-present pals.

Ooley’s is a little-known theater, intimate, but more than adequate. KOLT Run Creations makes good use of the space, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Even the concessions are notable, provided by Num Nums, homemade for each performance and chosen specifically for each show. (Lime mini-cupcakes: To. Die. For.)

Having just seen another local show earlier in the week, it was impossible not to compare and contrast the quality of the productions. The lead actress in the previous show tripped over numerous lines (more than a week into the run) and--along with others in the cast--over the area rug that kept flipping up throughout the show.

Not fatal mistakes, but distracting flaws.

When the lights came up at the end of Where We’re Born, my guest and I turned to each other and marveled that two hours had already passed.

That’s a rare and excellent entertainment experience.

If only there’d been more people there to share it.

Where We’re Born, February 3rd-26th. Ooley Theater, 2007 28th Street (near T Street). Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM; Sundays, February 19th and 26th at 2 PM. koltruncreations.com or (916) 454-1500. This production contains adult content.

Punch Line Teaching Us to Laugh at Ourselves

2012-02-03T05:12:22Z

“Laugh at yourself first before anyone else can.”

Sure, those words were written over five decades ago by gossip columnist Elsa Maxwell, but they still ring true in every comedy club today.

The ten talented comedians who performed at the Punch Line Comedy Club Wednesday night showed how self-depreciation can be one of the most entertaining elements of the show.

Stand-up comedians are notorious for having the gift of somehow making all things taboo sound hilarious, and there certainly was no shortage of racial insults and sexual innuendos directed at each other as well as the audience members. A few of them poked fun at a friendly couple sitting up front who shared that they had been dating for 43 years. The comedians used the fact that they have never been married (and just about everything else they said) as goofy improvisational material.

Many of the performers were African-American and were having a great time referencing racial stereotypes as they celebrated the beginning of Black History Month.

Tristan Johnson talked about growing up in a rough gang neighborhood and referred to himself as "hoodie-two-shoes."

The very animated Andre Bailey took the stage afterward and focused more of his jokes on cigarettes and weed. He sent out a humorous plea for the audience to pray for him in his endeavor to quit smoking marijuana and mentioned one of his recent conversations with God. "Father, as soon as you stop growing it, I quit!"

Eight more witty and vulgar men (including host Lance Woods) and women took the stage to share odd pieces of their lives that most, if not all, patrons in the room found hysterical.

The show included everything from Daniel Humberger taking pride in what he called ”high-brow toilet humor: poop jokes that make you think" and his ideas for chloroform towelettes, to Gina Ritter sharing her recent dating and sexual adventures and her disdain for large mustaches.

"I would rather give CPR to a dead ferret than kiss someone with a Tom Selleck mustache," she giggled.

Each and every comedian had something clever and unique to add to the show. Steve Danner, the only little person at the event, said he could beat Black History Month with December, which is the official month for little people as well as breast cancer awareness.

"What puts more smiles on peoples' faces than dwarves and boobies?" he asked.

With every jab they made at each other and themselves, they seemed to also promote a sense of mutual respect and admiration.

Seems that laughing at oneself makes everyone laugh right along with you.

Good, good, good, good vibrations: Consummate cast overcomes overlong, disjointed script in Capital Stage's 'In the Next Room'

2012-01-30T14:10:52Z

With a title like "The Room Next Door, or the vibrator play," audiences might well expect a jolt or two – and not of the AC variety the newfangled electric gadgets of the late-19th century were known to occasionally deliver.

For those looking for a bit of shock and awe from J Street's "bold, intimate, live" theater, the current Capital Stage production of Sarah Ruhl's comedy does not disappoint. Though Ruhl's script goes for the gag switch a few too many times, and changes polarity with unsettling frequency, the uniformly strong cast led by Michael Stevenson, Elena Wright and Katie Rubin shine brightly and consistently.

Playing through Feb. 26, "The Room Next Door" is set in the late-19th century when the country was getting wired up, and men and women were getting buttoned up. As men's and women's fashions were adding layers and layers of floor-length outer and undergarments (fabulously designed here by costumer Gail Russell), so too were they masking their most primal emotions and desires in what was perceived as civility.

Dr. Givings (well-played with appropriate restraint by Stevenson) is a respected New York gynecologist who proudly refers to himself as a "man of science." His clinical bedside manner is respectful but wholly detached as he prattles on about the accomplishments of Ben Franklin and Thomas Edison and their contributions to the electrification of America while matter-of-factly applying what looks like a hand-held floor polisher to his patients' nether regions.

Convinced of the therapeutic value of the experimental contraption (which he believes cures a host of female-centric ailments, including "congested wombs" and the resulting "hysteria" they cause), Givings offers quick two- or three-minute applications (isn't that always the case?) to "release the juices downward."

He promises the women (and their husbands) who visit his home-based "operating theater" that they will see immediate results.

Among those calling on the good doctor are Mr. Daldry (a suitably stoic Alexander) and his wife, Sabrina (Rubin). Daldry is concerned that his wife is no longer the woman he married and that "there is very little sympathy between us."

"You have no idea what a source of anguish my wife's illness has been to me," he says, pausing just a moment before thinking to add, "And to her, of course."

Other concerns dominate the Givings household as well. Givings' wife Catherine is unable to properly nurse the couple's newborn daughter, who is losing weight. Offering the same clinical compassion to his wife as he does to his patients (whose moans and occasional cries to "God" go unnoticed), Givings flatly tells Catherine, "Your milk isn't adequate."

As he explains, he's not leveling blame, just stating the medical facts.

The grateful Mr. Daldry offers the services of their maid, who recently lost her own newborn, and is willing to serve as a wet nurse.

Frustrated by her inability to properly bond with her baby daughter, as well as with her husband, the always prowling, cat-like Catherine increasingly looks to her husbands' patients for conversation and more. One might think the Givings' home, which begins to feel like Grand Central Station in the second act, would annoy after a fashion, but Wright (in a marvelously antsy, even "hungry" performance) delivers a Catherine who doesn't mind the constant interruptions, but welcomes them to escape her passion-free home life.

"Experiment on me!" Catherine pleads to her husband, longing to witness the bright lights some of her husband's patients have reported seeing during their treatments. Essentially, she, too, would love to be blinded by science.

The era's repressed sexuality is repeatedly used as a punch line throughout the first act, as Sabrina's early trepidation evolves into a daily sprint through the Givings' parlor and into "the room next door" for longer and longer sessions.

These scenes become repetitive and merely stretch out what is already an overlong second act in which one wants to shout out, "Yeah – we get it! The vibrator is getting them off!" The larger joke (one that is also overused) is that the doctor seems oblivious to what his "treatment" is actually doing.

Adding to the bloated second act, and its deviation from massage-and-tickle farce to a more-serious treatise touching on everything from interracial relationships, gender preferences and death and dying, is the focus on two new characters – Elizabeth (Victoria Alvarez-Chacon), the Daldrys' African-American maid who is nursing the Givings' baby, and Leo Irving (Kirk Blackinton), an artist whose recent breakup during a European sojourn has resulted in a stifling creative malaise.

Those who love the vibrator of the title will love what the doc comes up with to alleviate Leo's artist's block.

Under the direction of Peter Mohrmann, there's really not a false moment delivered by the cast. Even in the most-absurd "Saturday Night Live" sketch-like moments of the play, they are true to their characters and rise above Ruhl's material. During the show's quieter scenes, such as in the climax (no pun intended) when Givings and his wife shed convention (and a good many layers of their wardrobe) to finally make a true emotional connection, Stevenson and Wright are absolutely mesmerizing.

Rubin, too, is very good – especially in her scenes with Wright in which the ladies let themselves into Givings' locked operating theater to do a little AC/DC experimentation on their own.

Alvarez-Chacon, who delivers her predominantly poignant lines as mandated by the script, seems a bit out of place. Her character seems like she's on loan from another play. It's not her fault – she, too, does the best she can with Ruhl's occasionally unruly script which is somewhat of a letdown following the pace and comedic tone of act one. Also, a case could be made that her character's speech about sexual satisfaction being best achieved through relations with a flesh-and-blood husband versus a power tool is a bit racist.

At Elizabeth's suggestion of such a scenario, both Catherine and Sabrina pooh-pooh the very thought, as if white, well-to-do women couldn't possibly understand the sexual honesty an "earthy" housekeeper of color such as Elizabeth takes for granted. One could also argue that Ruhl is saying that all lower-income African-American women have a genetic trait that makes slipping and sliding to Morris Day & The Time's "Jungle Love" second nature. Either way, it presents uncomfortable stereotyping.

Whether those who go to "In the Next Room, or the vibrator play" do so for pure titillation, for a glimpse at 19th-century sexual mores, as fuel for a discussion on playwriting, or simply to witness actors on top of their games, there are plenty of reasons to plug in.

JUST THE FACTS
WHAT: The Capital Stage production of Sarah Ruhl's "In the Next Room, or the vibrator play"
WHERE: Capital Stage, 2215 J St., Sacramento, Calif.
WHEN: Plays Jan. 25-Feb. 26, 2012, with performances at 7 p.m. Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 7 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays (special Valentine's Day performance at 8 p.m. Feb. 14)
HOW MUCH: $20-$32; call (916) 995-5464, or go online at www.capstage.org
DIRECTOR: Peter Mohrmann
CAST: Michael Stevenson (Dr. Givings); Elena Wright (Catherine Givings); Katie Rubin (Sabrina Daldry); Greg Alexander (Mr. Daldry); Shannon Mahoney (Annie); Kirk Blackinton (Leo Irving); Victoria Alvarez-Chacon (Elizabeth)

Getting Righteous at Thunder Valley

2012-01-30T01:30:28Z

Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame member and legendary Righteous Brother Bill Medley brought a crew of extremely talented individuals to Thunder Valley Casino Resort Friday, including daughter McKenna.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Righteous Brothers. The second half of the duo, Bobby Hatfield, died of a heart attack back in 2003; Medley now tours with the 3 Bottle Band and McKenna.

Kicking off the show was a video showing Medley as he made appearances in various shows throughout his career, including the David Letterman Show and the hit television series, Cheers. As the video ended, Medley started to sing “A Song for You” while he was still offstage. After about a minute he started to make his way to the stage, providing for a nice dramatic entrance.

71 year old Medley’s voice has taken a beating over the years. While sounding coarser and a bit rough at times, he was able to make it work. The audience was enthralled with Medley from the start as he continued with “Ready, Willing and Able” and “Soul and Inspiration.” In between songs he would talk about life and joke with the crowd.

For his hit song, “Time of My Life,” from the movie “Dirty Dancing,” Medley brought out McKenna to perform Jennifer Warnes’ part. McKenna did an awesome job and has a very melodic voice with a bit of a country/blues flavor.

McKenna went on to perform solo, singing “Silk Flowers” and “Give Me One Reason.” When McKenna completed her set, Medley sat down at the keyboards and called on band member Bob Gulley to sing some songs with him and McKenna. This is where Medley shined, providing the audience a glimpse of what it’s like to jam with the best.

3 Bottle Band has been playing together with Medley for over 35 years, and it shows. This is a very talented group of musicians including Gabe Rabben (drums), Bob Gulley (bass), Tim Lee (keyboards) and Larry Hanson (lead guitar). Also a member of the band is America’s Got Talent winner Michael Grimm. However, Grimm was not present at Friday’s show.

Sacramento Theatre Company Cabaret Series revue aims to 'Make 'Em Laugh'

2012-01-28T12:13:36Z

Remember when musical theater was called musical comedy?

True, dramatic plot turns have consistenly been essential elements in most of the Great White Way's all-singing, all-dancing productions. From the issue of racial discrimination explored in Jerome Kern's landmark "Show Boat" (1927) to the gritty realities of abortion, rape and suicide facing teenagers in Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater's "Spring Awakening" (2007), musicals often have featured some measure of conflict.

Maybe it's the rose-colored opera glasses audiences tend to slip on when looking back, but some still bemoan Broadway's shift away from happy-go-lucky book musicals in which the most-serious issue was the question of who's taking Laurey to the box social.

The truth is even after the musical scale tilted toward heavier fare (think "Evita," "Les Misérables," "Phantom of the Opera," "Side Show," "Parade," and "Spring Awakening"), most every tuner – no matter how dreary the score – continues to feature at least one or two songs that provide some measure of comic relief.

During this cold midwinter, Sacramento Theatre Company presents more than just a few LOL numbers in "Make 'Em Laugh: Broadway's Best Comedy Songs," its latest Cabaret Series revue.

Set to run Jan. 26-28, 2012, "Make 'Em Laugh" is geared to leaving audiences humming (and not bumming) as they exit the STC lobby by showcasing songs from such carefree shows of yesteryear as "Guys and Dolls," "Wonderful Town" and "Once Upon a Mattress."

Directed by STC Producing Director Michael Laun, with musical direction by Sam Schieber, "Make 'Em Laugh" features Jessica Crouch, Christine Nicholson, Madeleine Wieland, Robert Irvin, Devon Hayakawa and Laun. Accompaniment is provided by Schieber (piano) and Kellen Garcia (bass).

"Make 'Em Laugh" plays at 7 p.m. Jan. 26, 8 p.m. Jan. 27, and 2 and 8 p.m. Jan. 28. Tickets, priced at $25, are available by calling (916) 443-6722, or by going online at www.sactheatre.org. Please note that $12 student rush tickets go on sale 30 minutes prior to performances (subject to availability).

'Forbidden Broadway' vet Selby sings praises of Cosmopolitan Cabaret's game-for-anything cast

2012-01-27T03:04:26Z

William Selby remembers well when he first heard about a little cabaret show that was generating buzz among New York theater fans.

“I was a full-time actor at the time, and I had a roommate who was a waiter at this place – Palsson’s (Supper Club) on West 72nd Street,” Selby said. “He came home one night raving about something called ‘Forbidden Broadway’ and did a number for me.

“I fell off the bed laughing – I knew I loved it right then and there.”

Selby wasn’t the only one who embraced Gerard Alessandrini’s concept of a satiric revue that both celebrated and skewered musical theater.

Since its opening 30 years ago this month, “Forbidden Broadway” played almost continuously in New York (after more than 9,000 performances and 20 editions) before closing in 2009. Additionally, Alessandrini’s parodies of both popular and pompous Broadway tuners have spawned a worldwide cult fueled by a continuously updated score and countless tours and special engagements.

One such production, directed by Selby, opens in Sacramento Jan. 27 for an eight-week run at California Musical Theatre’s Cosmopolitan Cabaret.

Selby joined his first “Forbidden Broadway” cast in 1985 when he was selected for a Washington, D.C., production.

Just as he imagined, Selby found it was love at first spoof.

Beyond the joy of performing twisted versions of the Great White Way’s greatest hits to wildly appreciative audiences, Selby said he became a part of something more permanent than a Playbill listing.

“One of the nice benefits of being part of ‘Forbidden Broadway’ is that it’s a family,” he said. “I’ve made some of the truest friends I’ve had.”

“I’ve always come back to it because I love it,” Selby continued.

After 15 years of playing dozens of theater legends in their best and worst roles from San Diego to Singapore, Alessandrini and producer John Freedson suggested Selby join the team’s directorial staff.

“By that time, you know what works,” said Selby.

Since making his directorial debut in Minneapolis in 2001, he has led shows in New Orleans, Chicago, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Long Island, N.Y., and at sea onboard a Regent Seven Seas Cruise Lines voyage.

The production at the Cosmopolitan Cabaret marks his 15th show at the helm.

While he said he keeps “pretty busy” with “Forbidden Broadway,” both as a director and performer, the Emerson College alumnus continues to take acting gigs that are far from his “FB” roles, including playing the prompter opposite Keith Baker in “Barrymore.”

Selby said working on both sides of the “Forbidden Broadway” footlights gives him invaluable insight on what works – and who works – on stage.

He said he was quick to pick the four performers ultimately selected for Sacramento’s production from the L.A.-based auditions.

“I know in the audition if they can do it – it’s a matter of confidence,” Selby said.

Freedom from fear of failing is an important trait shared by successful “Forbidden Broadway” cast members, he continued. Most of those who try out aren’t professional impressionists, “But as we always say, you don’t have to be a great impersonator, just be willing to try.”

Selby gushed about the way his cast (Marc Ginsburg, Jerry Lee, Jessica Reiner-Harris, Melissa WolfKlain) has shed all self-doubts and vanity to take on the diverse numbers (and costumes) demanded of “Forbidden Broadway” performers.

Jerry Lee and Jessica Reiner-Harris have River City roots, and WolfKlain recently spent eight months at the Cosmopolitan Cabaret performing as the soubrette in “A Grand Night for Singing,” and Cindy in “Suds.”

Ginsburg is a Philadelphia native and former New Yorker now living in Los Angeles ~~Sacramento~~ .

“These guys have totally nailed it,” Selby said of the quartet that escorts their audiences through a whirlwind tour of classic and contemporary musicals from “Hello, Dolly!” to “Hairspray,” and from “Man of La Mancha” to “Jersey Boys.” “Even after all of these years, I don’t take the show lightly. They have to perform the numbers as if they’re actually doing the original shows.”

Selby stressed that one does not need to be a fan of said original productions – or musical theater in general – to enjoy a “Forbidden Broadway” revue.

“You don’t even need to be aware of all of the shows,” he said. “The costumes alone are hysterically funny.”

Selby said Alessandrini and his creative team are very conscious that their audiences aren’t all New Yorkers with easy access to the Times Square TKTS booth, and dismiss more-obscure titles from their list of shows ripe for mocking.

One of the things his New York-based team does in tailoring a “Forbidden Broadway” show for a particular city is to look at what tours recently played in that area. (“Mary Poppins,” which recently played at the Sacramento Community Center Theatre under the California Musical Theatre banner, is featured in Sacramento’s “FB” revue.)

But he also said they try not to underestimate audiences as they’ve found audiences in the hinterlands who were crazy for numbers culled from lesser-known shows.

Call “Forbidden Broadway” a parody, a spoof or a mock-musical, but Selby said it’s not an all-out farce.

“You can play it too broadly,” he said, switching gears to offer up an example of a Carol Channing impression gone awry.

“It can be grotesque,” he said. “There’s a level, and you have to keep that level.”

It’s a balancing act his current cast has perfected, he said.

“They’ll give you what you ask for – they’ve found capabilities even they didn’t know they had.”

Selby said all four shine as newly minted mimics.

“Jessica does a tremendous Patti LuPone. Marc’s Mandy Patinkin … well, I was proud of mine, but his is better. … Melissa – her Carol Channing is so funny. ... Jerry is a terrific Robert Goulet. These four have very strong voices.”

Along with kudos to his cast, Selby applauded the California Musical Theatre/Cosmopolitan Cabaret creative team, including Executive Producer Richard Lewis, Artistic Director Glenn Casale and ~~Company Manager~~ Cosmopolitan Cabaret Associate Producer Marlene Shire-Anderson.

“I’ve decided this is the best team by far that I’ve ever worked with,” said Selby. “They dot every ‘I,’ cross every ‘T.’”

JUST THE FACTS
WHAT: “Forbidden Broadway,” a musical revue parodying classic and contemporary musical theater hits from “Man of La Mancha” to “Wicked.”
WHEN: Jan. 27-March 18, 2012 (7 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 and 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays)
WHERE: Cosmopolitan Cabaret, 1000 K St., Sacramento
TICKETS: $33-$43; call (916) 557-1999 or go online at www.tickets.com
FOR INFO: www.calmt.com

Editor's Note: Edits have been made to this article after publication.

Two Actor Oscar Nominations for "Nobbs"

2012-01-27T01:01:52Z

Surely destined for cable on Lifetime or Oxygen, “Albert Nobbs” is now playing downtown at the Crest Theater on K Street in Sacramento. The movie is a longtime project of the renowned film actor Glenn Close. She just took an Oscar nomination for her lead performance in the film. Ms. Close is one of its producer and also co-wrote the screenplay with John Banville. “Albert Nobbs” was adapted from a 1927 novella by the Irish Realist George Moore, a male* literary figure who influenced the work of James Joyce.

It was a friend of mine who jokingly mentioned once that cable TV channels marketing entertainment for women should be lumped into a single category, and also offered up a name for such a niche. It would have a 5-letter identification like MSNBC, but instead, would be called MANDG. “It stands for 'Men Are No Damned Good,”she told me with a grin.

Any female reading this should not push my words aside just yet, for “Albert Nobbs” serves a very good purpose to identify the lay of today's land---and why---as the sexual orientation fracas and its ramifications hopefully edge forward.

Albert (Close) is a woman in waiter's garb. The phlegmatic Mr. Nobbs is by all exterior appearances

a small, retiring man who works in a mid-19th century Dublin hotel that today would rate five stars. Certainly it was a man's world then. Had there been buses to take, working class females would have been riding the vehicles' back bumpers...or walking...or hustling.

Albert recounts to Hubert (also a cross-dressing woman) that she, Albert, had been gang raped at 14. The horrific event (not shown) traumatized Albert into asexuality and threw her into a life of servile isolation attending to needs of the upper-middle class. No one else knows Albert's true gender, except maybe a little boy who occasionally stays with relatives at the hotel.

Hubert---played by Janet McTeer, who's just taken an Oscar Nomination for Best Supporting Actress doing the role--- learns of Albert's actual sex only because Hubert accidentally sees Albert's bare breasts while in the room they're sharing. Nobbs has been ordered by the domineering hotel manager, Mrs. Baker (Pauline Collins), to let Hubert stay the night with Nobbs in the modest waiter's quarters. After all, the pseudo-religious and obsequious-to-guests Mrs. Baker apprehends both Albert and Hubert as male. The Baker role is the juiciest of the cast, by the way.

It's especially apparent in several scenes that show Close and other actors playing their subservient parts with expressionless, downcast eyes. The waitpersons seem to be hoping they “aren't present” right there on the premises among the convivial guests---until a task needs to be performed. Mrs. Baker is most strict about her help being overly deferential to patrons.

Hubert, in her closeted identity as a tall, well-grounded handyman, is married, so to speak, to another woman who lives her life as a female. On a per chance visit to the couple's Dublin home, Nobbs sees the pair together. Thus is born in Albert's head that she, too, might make an effort to enrich her life but maintain her secret.

Albert is responsible, hard-working, obedient and keeps a nice stash of saved-up cash under the floorboards in her quarters. She dreams of owning, one day, a tobacco shop. She longs to live above

the shop with a wife, like “regular” people in Dublin did then. Mr. Nobbs is a withdrawn and reticent entreprenurial lesbian who only wants to settle down to a quiet, independent life in the sexually-repressed Victorian culture.

Another worker at the hotel suffering the slings and arrows trickling down from haughty guests, seemingly inundated in their own sense of entitlement is Helen, a young, randy maid, played by Mia Wasikowska. She is the very model of the Victorian lustful female---who goes for guys. The joe she goes for is called Joe and played by Aaron Johnson. The out-of-a-job Joe happens on to employment with Mrs. Baker by repairing her non-functioning boiler in the hotel basement just as more important people are about to arrive at the establishment.

It's not long before Helen and the handsome Joe are lovers, and Helen becomes pregnant. All the while, Albert has been setting “his” derby---in a very proper way---for Helen, what with the waiter's domestic-inspiring visit to Hubert's comfy home with wife.

That's when the “Men Are No Damned Good” cable channel concept goes full-throttle: Joe gets cold feet about being a husband and father. Helen is smashed by his turn. It also stimulates Albert to pursue Helen even more (in a proper suitor-like manner) to become her spouse and the “father” of Joe's child. What happens thereon: my lips are sealed.

Another interesting supporting character in the picture is the hotel physician, played by the very excellent Brendan Gleeson. Dr. Halloran, along with some of the male help, is usually in his cups; a good man yes, but still with a Victorian perspective about the intimacies on which “Albert Nobbs” focuses.

The non-explicit love scenes are primarily heterosexual, except for some transient kissing between Ms. Close and Ms. Wasikowska. That afternoon moment, a on park bench, seems more educational on the part of Helen showing Albert how kissing done rather than anything related to foreplay.

Rodrigo Garcia, son of the famed Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Márquez, draws fine performances from his mostly Irish cast, and helps bring to our time---and probably not a minute too soon---George Moore's very un-Victorian message: what's best for a person is being him or herself, whatever Queen Victoria might otherwise think or decree.

*Amantine Lucile Dupin (aka George Sand) made me write this line into the text.

"Carnage": Albee Style, Almost

2012-01-21T02:27:27Z

“Carnage” A Film Review by Gary Chew
Sacramento, California January 20, 2012

Occasionally a play is good enough that it will eek itself into a motion picture. Since plays tend to be rather static, it's common that when they're made for cinema, people who seldom go to the Theater complain about the movie being different from most other films they see.

That can be said of Roman Polanski's new film, “Carnage.” As a play, it won the 2009 Best Play Tony. On stage it was known as “Le Dieu du Carnage” (“God of Carnage”), written by Yasmina Reza, the Paris-born Jewish playwright/actress/screenwriter of Iranian/Hungarian parentage. Ms. Reza and Polanski wrote the screenplay.

The first 10 minutes of the picture had almost put me in a snit for what looked to be a slow-rolling ninety minutes or so to come, when, all of a sudden, it didn't matter it was a movie of a play I was seeing. As Leon Russell once wrote in his best song, “... the words got in the way.”

Well actually, it was the dialogue.

And it was Jody Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz and John C. Reilly up there being the only characters in this work that speaks volumes about the real possibility that many contemporary people are determined to be so terribly“civilized” that they're savage.

I knew that what we had here at the neat, old Tower movie house at Land Park and Broadway in Sacramento was the Theater---at work. I settled in.

Who's afraid of a little carnage when it takes place in a nicely appointed middle-class apartment overlooking the big city, I ask. There live Mr. and Mrs. Longstreet (Foster plays Penelope; Reilly is Michael). Visiting the Longstreets for the first time (the couples have never met) are Mr. and Mrs. Cowan (Winslet is Nancy; Waltz, Alan).

Penelope, or Penny, is into art and saving Darfur. Michael sells products for the home. He's done well. Penny is sort of liberal and wannabe art patroness, working part time in a bookstore. She's even co-authored a book. And it comes out later, after a few scotches, that Michael might listen to right wing talk radio when no one's around. But he's nice guy.

A little higher-up the money chain, Nancy doesn't work, and Alan is an attorney who is called on his cell every 3 or 4 minutes regarding a legal matter connected with one of his clients (a pharmaceutical firm) and the sale of a particular medicine that could be dangerous to the health of a patient using it. And guess what son named Michael has an elderly mother who takes that med.

What brought on this afternoon chat at the Longstreet's is that their son, Zachary, has been smacked in the face with a stick by the Cowan's son, Ethan. It happened in the schoolyard. And Zac sustained incisor damage. Otherwise, he's good to go.

The Longstreets and the Cowans are rational human beings, living urbane, responsible lives. Each of them only wants to do the right thing. How could anything go wrong?

Stuff starts going wrong about 10 minutes in, just when I was trying to pull myself out of the snit about this being a sluggish, static stage play put to film.

This brings me to a point I like to make, now and then: dude, it's the story that's important...then the “cinemagic” or the great film director/auteur stuff follows right behind it. Some movie experts tend to forget that. Taking one more shot at this point: Have you ever seen a really visually astounding film that's well-directed in the many ways it takes, but has a script that sucks? I have.

Digression finished: “Carnage” really gets terribly ugly and you get to laugh much of the way. Nancy barfs on expensive art books. Alan's cell gets thrown in the bowl of water, just under the real tulips. In the living room, Penny gets agressively physical---in a non-amorous way---with her husband. And Michael gets out his 17-year-old-scotch for everybody in this party of four. As stated earlier, he is a nice guy.

All it is...is...just really great actors, really getting into some really juicy roles...and probably having a ball while on the shoot that was done in Paris yet, through the windows, looks like New York. And don't forget the really fine music, at the top and bottom of the film, composed by Alexandre Desplat.

My only criticism is that the role of Alan should have been played with a little less snark. The words Alan speaks do the talking. And the script is a little limp keeping the Cowans there so long for the melée. (Maybe a storm, outside, could have kept them there.) I think I would've walked out of the Longstreet digs about ten minutes after being let in---unless, of course, Liz and Dick had been the couple who'd asked me over.

Mr. Albee, your cell phone is buzzing.

Creativity Revived

2012-01-21T01:04:05Z

Growing up, sometimes we forget to exercise our creative activities. For some, our creative drive dies right along with the hand-me-down car from Grandma senior year in high school. Sometimes our creative energy is put on the backburner as stresses and responsibilities of being an adult such as finding a job, keeping a job, paying bills, the mortgage and providing for our families take over… or our creative energy fades away completely.

Here in Sacramento, we love each other. We support each other. Seriously, we do. Just stop for a moment and think back on how many creative projects, ideas and businesses that have thrived in the last decade or so. Regardless if the doors of any of these ideas or businesses are still open or not, the point is... they made it happen. There is no denying the inspiration of such creative ventures have spread faster than a California wildfire during a dry, hot heat wave.

The latest album you’ve had on repeat is your best friend’s band. The last film you watched was your boyfriend’s short film that was screened at the local art collective spot. The earrings you are wearing are handmade from a local designer bought from the boutique your neighbor owns. Within the last few years Sacramento has built a pretty comfortable and welcoming cushion for the our creative class to fall on.

We were fortunate enough to have events like SellOut/Buyout, which was a combined art and trade show that called for local artists and designers. For some, Sellout/Buyout was how we were introduced to many of our favorite local designers and artists today. Annually, Sacramento hosts Launch, an art, design and music festival. Launch highlights some of the most talked about local artists, musicians and designers. Both events like Sellout/Buyout and Launch were opportunities for artists of any avenue to showcase their creative pursuits and network with like-minded people.

Julie Cassotta, 29, a Sacramento native who recently discovered her talent and love for handcrafting jewelry, recently said goodbye to an 8-5 office job to pursue more satisfying opportunities. She admits she used to do a great deal of creative writing when she was younger that she no longer does. She is also a graduate from the Elite Academy pursuing hair and makeup, but hasn’t been using those skills as much as she would like to these days.

For the last 14 years Julie has learned the art of repairing and building custom guitars at her family owned shop, SonFather Guitars, alongside her brother, Jesse and her Father, Dave. All those years working intensely with her hands has acquired her precise skills that have helped her with her jewelry designs, as she works towards a collection of hand crafted one of a kind pieces of jewelry that includes a bevy of necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets.

For Julie, what started out as a creative hobby for herself now has her pieces for sale at Bows and Arrows Vintage clothing store in midtown Sacramento as well as her Etsy online shop, Real Life Dollhouse.

Julie's pieces are reconstructed, mixing different types of materials together such as vintage charms with modern, and she has taken the time to share some information in the interview below regarding her new jewelry designing success, and how it has revived the creativity back into her life.

Question: What inspired you to start designing jewelry?

Answer: Initially, I was frustrated with buying cheap jewelry that fell apart and not being able to afford some of the rad jewelry that I was seeing online and whatnot. I started remaking pieces that had broken or lost parts or were out of date, etc. Then one day I was looking for a lion necklace and couldn't find what I was looking for so I decided to use my inlay knowledge and make something myself. A light bulb kind of went off in my head and it just took off from there.

Question: When did you realize your creative endeavors could become more than a hobby?

Answer: I started posting some of the pieces I had made on my blog and had received great responses. I figured it was time to take it seriously and put together a collection and start an Etsy store.

Question: You know you've found the perfect material to incorporate into one of your pieces when...........

Answer: …… I find something interesting or just catches my eye really. If there's something I'm looking for but can't find, I'll try to make it myself.

Question: Do you have a plan of attack when you start creating pieces such as sketching ideas or do you just dive into it?

Answer: Both really. Sometimes I have a clear vision of what I want to make and other times, more often actually, I just look around at what I have and start piecing things together. Especially when working with natural materials like stone and wood, sometimes they have a mind of their own and will only let me manipulate them so much.

Question: You also repair guitars at your family owned custom guitar shop, SonFather Guitar. Explain how working there has influenced or helped your jewelry design?

Answer: Well, I've been working with wood from a very young age because of the shop and my father being a woodworker. The inlay aspect of guitar building has always been an interest of mine and has become a skill I have developed and specialized in for over 10 years now. The influence it has had on the jewelry is very literal and apparent, I basically use the same materials, mostly scraps or samples that we've had lying around for years. I started with the lion piece that I made for myself, then I started making similar ones for friends then I just kind of developed a "let's see what else I can do" mentality about it.

Question: Your Soapstone, Heartbeat Wooden Double Finger and Ebony and Turquoise statement rings are featured in your Etsy Shop. All very unique, and obviously hand crafted. Tell us about the work that goes into those pieces compared your reconstructed pieces.

Answer: The wood and stone work is definitely more unique and personal. A lot more work is involved. It takes time and planning, templates, samples, test runs, etc. The reconstructed pieces are simpler, easier, the kind of thing I put together sitting on the floor in my living room watching a movie. Those are more about having a good collection of interesting items to work together.

Question: Do you favor making one style of jewelry over another?

Answer: I love both really, the ones that I wear the most myself are the reconstructed ones, they're a little bit more casual, easy to wear with many different things. The statement pieces have to wait for the right occasion but they're more challenging for me to make so I take a bit more pride in those pieces.

Question: Do you have a favorite local designer(s) that createhandmade items? ( jewelry, clothes, accessories, etc.)

Answer: I have a friend in San Diego, Georgina of Trevino Joyeria, who makes fantastic jewelry. Also, Tessa Parks has been making some really rad stuff lately, although I'm not sure if she has any for sale yet.

Question: What direction do you see your jewelry designs going?

Answer: I honestly have no idea, I'm inspired by all kinds of things all the time, I think it will always be changing and evolving. I'd like to learn how to do some metal work, so maybe things will go that direction? I don't know. I'm not much of a planner. I just do things and see what happens.

Hopefully for some of you who have shelved your canvases in the depths of your closet or let dust collect on your camera in the recent years, remember why you had those items in your pocession in the first place. Make time for your long lost creative activity or try a new one you never imagined you had in you. Who's next, Sacramento?

Please Know: "Shame" Is Not "Shane"

2012-01-19T20:05:07Z

“Shame” a Film Review by Gary Chew
Sacramento, California January 7, 2012

You’d think seeing this film way back in 2011 that I’d probably forgotten most of it by now, but since it has such an out-of-the ordinary theme, it’s kept itself more clearly in my mind than maybe I’d really like for it to. The movie is now playing downtown on K Street at Sacramento’s Crest Theater. Its title is, “Shame.” No, I said “Shame,” not “Shane.”

“Shame” is rated NC-17. And nowhere do you ever see an image of Alan Ladd on a horse. And how could it be directed by anyone else except David Cronenberg? ...the man who also gave us such heart-warming motion pictures as the first film titled, “Crash,” “A History of Violence,” “Eastern Promises,” “Naked Lunch,” “Dead Ringers,” “Scanners,” “Videodrome,” “Rabid,” “eXistenZ,” “The Fly” and another favorite, “They Came From Within.”

But back to “Shame.” What you get, here are bare breasts, pudenda of both genders, fleeting glimpses of Michael Fassbender's unfettered package...and bodacious, but genitalia-out-of-frame sex-play. It all shows up just quite a lot in “Shame” for those who can handle loveless, self-absorbed coitus with serial partners; 99% of it, hetero. There’s also more than enough of---if you will---onanism implied in the film.

Fassbender is a busy boy. He's also in a movie soon to play in Sacramento called “A Dangerous Method,” displaying in it his Jungian method of acting as a professional fellow named Carl. And if that weren't enough Fassbender does a few rounds with Gina Carano in Steve Soderberg's new fast-paced action/sort-or-parody called “Haywire” now opening.

Mr. Fassbender's character in “Shame” is Brandon, a sex addict, if you haven't already guessed. But putting the, umm, cherry on top of this sex sundae, it's Carey Mulligan as Sissy. As his sibling, Sissy is a bit younger and has more issues than a porcupine has quills.
Sis's biggest problem, and her brother's as well, is that they have sex with lots of people but, more to the point---WITH EACH OTHER, too. Yip...but I don't want to write the word used to describe such carryings-on, even though the late, great George Carlin could’ve easily spewed it on a live broadcast without so much as taking one wound.

Ms. Mulligan is stellar in “Shame.” Her scene, done in almost one take, of slowly singing all of “New York, New York” in the lounge of a small, contemporary New York City club approaches the mesmerizing. It's one of “Shame’s” best.

With “Shame,” however, Mulligan seems to be slipping, onto sort
of a Jody-Foster-like victim-track---that, despite Carey being known for playing much more agreeable characters than the mighty Ms. Foster. At a fast pace, Mulligan has been showing up often in good films over recent years. Also in 2011, she was in “Drive”...and in 2010, “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” and “Never Let Me Go.” She was nominated for an Oscar playing the lead in the excellent 2009 film, “An Education.”

Mulligan and Fassbender, both, have received nominations for their performances in “Shame although the film really belongs to Fassbender.
It seems the lank, muscular actor was almost destined to have gotten the part of Brandon, what with seeing him play the role of the late Bobby Sands in the gaunt and excruciating film, “Hunger.” That's Steve McQueen's 2008 picture about up-close conflict between Northern Irish captives and their British-loyalist prison guards. Fassbender, when only partially clothed in either movie, may be the skinniest, yet most svelte string bean in the garden.

He's outstanding in “Shame” and that's in spite of it not being possible to care for his debauched character. Depraved almost as much as Cronenberg's aforementioned “Crash,” “Shame's” subtle message, which doesn't come until its final seconds, is: how especial love and respect are to a bonded relationship. You have to keep yourself focused on the faces of the actors doing this last scene---on a subway---in order to pick-up on it, but...it's there.

Cronenberg has given “Shame” this very fleeting, but powerful payoff. But, it’s a good one, even for a movie that's packed with
moments that are bound to generate unease for anyone who has the courage to see it.

Sometimes All It Takes Is One

2012-01-18T18:21:18Z

The first question presented to the panel was "What does Sacramento have that other cities don't have, and what don't we have?", and with that, the passionate discussion about 'The State of Live Music in Sacramento' was off and running. It was one question that fueled one-and-a-half hours of enthusiastic discussion.

On Sunday evening The Sacramento Living Library (curated by Time Tested Books' Peter Keat and hosted by Midtown Monthly Editor Tim Foster) brought together five notable Sacramento music industry insiders to talk about music, politics, venues, history, and demographics. Jerry Perry (legendary Sacramento promoter), Brian McKenna (Abstract Entertainment), Rick Ele (KDVS), Mindy Giles (Swell Productions), and Olivia Coelho (Bows & Arrows), comprised the panel of promoters with Dennis Yudt (contributing writer for Midtown Monthly), acting as moderator. Among the audience members were other promoters, musicians and many, many fans.

Addressing the packed house, the one and only Jerry Perry picked up his mic and responded to the query knowledgeably and passionately, "First of all, Sacramento has the bands, bands that other cities don't have." Certainly Sacramento's music scene has had its ups and downs, but one thing that hasn't changed over time is the fact that there are an impressive array of really, really talented people in this city. Everyone on the panel nodded in agreement with Jerry's succinct and simple answer.

From that point on the conversation tried to answer other portion of the question - "What doesn't Sacramento have?" And over the course of the next eighty-nine minutes it became clear that mainly due to policies and politics that make live music venues the "red-headed stepchild" in a city that has a golden opportunity to become another Austin or Portland (cities that embrace their musical culture), there simply aren't enough venues showcasing live music in Sacramento.

Listening to Olivia Coelho recount her recent trying experiences with the permit process in bringing live music to Bows & Arrows, it's no wonder we don't have more venues. As Olivia put it, "minors have been criminalized"; crackdowns in the downtown area on minors who violate Sacramento’s 10pm curfew make it hard to fill seats at all-ages gigs. Those curfew crackdowns were spawned by Second Saturday incidences which had nothing to do with live music. Additionally, venues with a capacity over 49 persons must provide (i.e. compensate) two security guards on show nights; whether or not there are 5 or 100 people in attendance. (The higher the occupancy the higher the number of security guards is required; however, Olivia was able to work with city and received a modification of this requirement for her 105 person occupancy business.) Still the issue seems to be a lack of respect for businesses that offer live entertainment. Regardless of a venue's record of incidences, any place wanting to bring the art of "amplified music" to the community is instantly subjected to far more regulation and scrutiny than say, a gallery, or a diner.

As fans it is our duty to show support for the venues by showing up, paying the cover, and acting responsibly. But is there more we can do? Mindy Giles cited an article from Irvine.org titled "Getting Into The Act", which promotes an entrepreneurial shift towards 'arts participation': Traditional media outlets are laying off arts & culture reporters so if you want to help your favorite band or artist get noticed you must take matters into your own hands and help spread the word; share invites to shows on Facebook, Twitter a link to a favorite artist’s latest release, write a review, join a street team, start a fan club, start a record label, and if you have the ways and means, by all means open a live music venue.

One audience member pointed to a lack of diversity in Sacramento's live music scene. Mindy’s response made a lot of sense, "There are many diverse and talented bands from Sacramento and coming through Sacramento, but they need "a home." In other words, as Rick Ele reiterated, hip-hop doesn't really have a "home" in Sacramento, nor does traditional Dixieland or a multitude of other genres, so music lovers seeking a place to consistently be able to listen to their favorite type of music face a challenge locating where reggae, or grind-core, or bossa nova, might be happening on any given night. Adding multiple smaller venues to the current mix would greatly benefit the promoters, the bands, the fans, and this city.

Getting those venues approved (let alone encouraged) is another matter entirely. Sadly, it appears that rather than supporting live music in Sacramento, the city is currently planning to charge an even larger "entertainment permit" fee, raising the rate from $1400.00 to a whopping $4000.00. This is a permit that must be renewed every two years! Every promoter, every musician, and every fan in attendance decried this as unfair, unjust, and unnecessary. An unidentified gentleman suggested that a petition be circulated and presented to the city council renouncing the fee increase. All in attendance applauded in agreement. Another participant suggested creating an association which would act as a lobbying group when it came time to publicize and challenge city policies, and champion city politicians whose cultural agenda echoes those of live music proponents in Sacramento.

The State of Live Music in Sacramento boiled down to four major points that are in need of support from the city government and from music lovers across the region are:
1) A larger, scalable all-ages venue; seating 300 - 1500.
2) Many smaller venues to give local and touring musicians a place to call "home" in our fair city.
3) Policy changes to enable business owners to provide "amplified music" without going broke.
4) A way to reach people and get them excited about live music in the city. As Jerry Perry pointed out, the city seemed more "alive" when postering and flyering were acceptable forms of communication. The connection between the band, venue, and fan was made right there on every street corner via those flyers - we need to breathe that colorful life back into the Sacramento music scene!

One question was asked tonight, and after ninety minutes of impassioned, intelligent, inspiring responses, the unified answer I heard from promoters and audience members alike was, ‘The possibility is there, it’s time for everyone and anyone who appreciates live music to participate.’

Disclosure: I am a live music fan. I am not a critic, nor a musician. Just a fan that would love to see Sacramento embrace is wonderfully talented pool of bands and musicians and become a nurturing "home" for more of them.

Local Comic Creator of 'No Apparent Reason'

2012-01-17T19:35:49Z

'No Apparent Reason' is a book created and written by Frankie Vanity and the WNG. It’s a wonderful creation of an original world from the mind of Frankie Vanity and her creative team the WNG who help with editing, layouts and story ideas. It's about an eclectic group of misfits in college and their misadventures along the way. It is set in New Orleans and has Paranormal Investigators, a bit of supernatural and pop culture references. The book draws on life experiences and relays those experiences through humorous, fun and crazy characters.

Frankie Vanity, tell the readers a little about who you are?
I am a costume designer, event coordinator, public relations, artist and writer to name a few. I am a single mother who has had an eclectic life. I started writing when I was in high school with poetry and journals. I still love to write the old fashion way with a book and pen, mostly in my journal or one of my poetry books. I am a geek at heart and hopeless romantic.

Who or what inspired you to write you own comic book?
I have been writing in a journal for years and have several books of poetry. A few years back I was writing movie reviews for a website and it got me thinking about writing a novel. I started creating a character bible and writing story ideas down. Last year it popped into my head that maybe I should make this story and characters into a comic book. I present my idea to one of my best friends, Scott Armstrong, and he loved it! He then had me write down my ideas and characters and 3 months later, here we are!

Have you always been a fan of the comic book world? If so, how did you get involved?
I have attended my first convention in the early 90’s, TimeCon. I love Sci-Fi and comics. My first comic introduction was Batman and then Watchmen and V for Vendetta. About 10 years ago I dated someone who was a vendor at comic and anime conventions. And my love was renewed for comics. I love Lenore, Batman, Gotham City Sirens and various vampire comics.

In your own comic book, where did the idea for your characters?
Many of the main characters are pieces of me and loosely based on people I know. There are some characters that my team help created and they helped me fine tune others. But Raven, Kat, Austen and Vlad have been up in my head for years. It is amazing to see it come to life!

'No Apparent Reason' was written and created by you and WNG. How did you get involved with WNG? What is it?

The WNG is a group of friends who are now my creative team. We have been meeting up once a week to talk comic books, movies, music and whatever else comes up. They are my anchor.

I read that you have many popular artists in Hollywood and throughout the comic world create the art for your cover. Can you name some of those people? How did you get them to create your cover(s)?
After spending many years in the comic world through the conventions, you make a lot of friends. When I started talking to them about the idea, they actually jumped at the chance. I can’t release too much of what the future holds, but I will say that Paul Allen, who is the artist for “Brains” has agreed to do our second cover. We have artists lined up for at least the next 4 covers as of this time.

When is your book coming out and how many books do you have lined up for release?
We are debuting the comic in February 2012 at Gallifrey One. We are doing a run of 100 issues with a one of a kind lithograph created for the release only at the convention. Then we will have the general release to the comic stores. It should be hitting the comic stores about the week of February 22. We will have a list of the local shops that will be carrying it on our website http://www.fornoapparentreason.net We aren’t resting on our laurels though. We are going straight into creation and production of issue #2 as we speak. The goal is to have it debut at a convention in May.

Were do you get the funding to distribute the books?
We are getting the funding through Kickstarter. It is a website where you can announce your project, and people will donate money to your project. They receive awards for their pledges, such as t-shirts and autographed books.

Although this book is based in New Orleans is there references to Sacramento?
New Orleans is the perfect setting because of the mystique around it, but we are grounded here in Sacramento. The house they live in is based on a very popular “haunted house” here in Sacramento. A lot of our fan base is here, and we are glad to be a part of the Sacramento culture. We are planning to attend one of the Sac-Con’s later this year! Also, most of the readers will recognize the names of our artist & colorist as they have been staples of the local conventions for years, all local.

Do you have another projects besides the comic book?
I currently have several other projects. I work for Callson Manor as costume designer, it is a local haunted house. I just recently acted in an local upcoming independent film called -" Rikki...the Vampire of Sacramento" segment of "Mondo Sacramento" by Desperate Visions. I play Rikki’s mother and the film releases in early Spring 2012. I am also head of Randori Productions wardrobe department , which is also local . We will be filming “Rocket Patrol in spring. I am also doing some bit acting for them as well

Where can we get in contact with you?

We can be reached at our Facebook page, or directly at noapparentreasoncomic@gmail.com
Kickstarter : http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/278064209/no-apparent-reason-comic-book

Website : http://www.fornoapparentreason.net/ contact: noapparentreasoncomic@gmail.com

Anything else you would like to add...

We can’t wait for the comic book to come out so that everyone here can experience it. The Sacramento arts community has fully embraced us and for that we are grateful. We hope that everyone will check it out, and that everyone enjoys it. This has been a labor of love from everyone involved. Thank you.

'Aliens With Extraordinary Skills': All they need is love

2012-01-17T02:08:55Z

photographs by Barry Wisdom

Everyone wants to be appreciated for who they; for their personalities, for their accomplishments, for their talents – for their “extraordinary skills.”

On the surface, “Aliens With Extraordinary Skills” – Saviana Stanescu’s seriocomic play now on stage at the B Street Theatre – is a story of the new generation of immigrants who are coming to America.

Some, like Nadia (Stephanie Altholz) and Borat (John Lamb) have landed with less-than-legal credentials and are on the run from the INS.

Lupita (Rinabeth Apostol), a wannabe actress from the Dominican Republic who pays the rent by working as an exotic dancer and renting out her living room, is more pragmatic. She has followed the rules and holds a Green Card.

Also in the mix is Bob (Brian Rife), a recently divorced former musician, who connects with Lupita via Craigslist in order to buy her used couch (and provide a handy love interest).

Stanescu, herself a Romanian immigrant, focuses on what she knows.

In her center ring are Nadia and Borat, professional clowns from Eastern Europe who have given their trust (and most of their money) to an unscrupulous agency responsible for arranging work visas on behalf of “aliens with extraordinary skills.”

But the duo soon discovers the circus they were told had hired them does not exist, and with no employer to sponsor them, the INS has politely told them to drop their dreams, pick up their luggage, and exit coast left.

The chronically upbeat Nadia, who has recently been orphaned, and can’t bear the thought of returning to the “unhappiest country in the world” where she can’t realize her dreams of making people laugh, follows Borat to New York City.

More than a land of endless McDonald’s PlayPlaces where happy-go-lucky, balloon animal-loving kids and their parents frolic, it’s also the home of her “Sex and the City” idols. Nadia may want to bring laughter to the Big Apple’s populace, but she would also love to have a Mr. Big bring her a perfectly brewed cup of coffee to her Manhattan bedroom.

Once in New York (well represented by Catherine Frye’s scenic design), Borat finds refuge in the basement of a fellow immigrant, for whom he participates in an illegal cab-driving operation, and Nadia plants herself on Lupita’s couch, suggesting they could be like “sisters.” Enter Bob, six-pack in hand, who is slow to let go of his claim on Lupita’s couch and slower still to let go of the notion that he’s God’s gift to women.

From the first few scenes, one is inclined to feel smug in the feeling that the storyline is an express train to predictability.

But what might seem to be another made-for-TV plot featuring a bumpy romance sprinkled with mild laughs and even milder conflict, actually develops into a charming, heartfelt play that’s more amusing, moving and surprising than typical Hallmark Channel fare.

Credit director Buck Busfield’s well-balanced cast, and Altholz and Lamb in particular, for extending both the highs and lows of Stanescu’s script.

Altholz, who, like Lamb, is a graduate of the B Street’s apprenticeship program, and a current company member, is both sweetly funny and sad as the fresh-faced, rainbow sock-wearing naïf whose innocent desire to make others laugh is shaken by the harsh brutality of New York’s flip side.

In handling Nadia’s accent, Altholz’s expert vocal modulations – which are showcased during her squirrel-and-dog balloon animal playlets – simply make one laugh. Call them guilty pleasures, but they’re just goofy bits that serve to leaven more serious moments and they’re welcome.

Borat, too, transitions from what looks to be a static “clown,” into a more fully developed character with a clearer set of priorities. The leather jacket-wearing, cell phone-snapping Borat is revealed to be a much more sensitive and family-oriented than his initial wild-and-crazy, vodka-swilling, Green Card-hungry persona might suggest, making the show’s longest (and most satisfying) journey.

During the course of Lamb’s time on stage, one can almost see the Lupita-chasing Borat’s heart grow three sizes larger. This is an impressive achievement considering the organ Borat spends most of the play working to triple in size.

As Lupita, Apostol offers a more serious performance from start to finish, providing a no-nonsense center for the dreamers who enter her orbit. She, too, has her dreams, and in one the play’s poignant moments, psychs herself up for another “performance” at the club where she dances by repeating the mantra that it’s simply a role she’s playing. Lupita also is changed by her association with Nadia and Borat, realizing that what she needs may not have been what she wanted.

In the larger sense, we see that the word “aliens” in the title is more than a reference to citizenship, but to a sense of belonging.

Not only are Nadia, Borat and Lupita “aliens” in the legal sense, but are alienated from their dreams, emotions and – most importantly – from real, human connections.

Beer-guzzling Bob, though an American by birth, is also alone amidst the bright lights of the big city. Despite his bravado and easy-going (though sometimes obnoxious) personality, Bob’s over-eager attempts to jump back into the saddle are merely avenues to escape loneliness.

Kudos to Rife for being able to transform Bob from irritating has-been musician to hero – a Dudley Do-Right who is actually as sweet and loyal as the wide-eyed Nadia.

B Street acting interns Katie Rose Krueger and Stephen Rowland, who play the INS agents in pursuit of Nadia and Borat, are a Greek chorus of sorts, popping up to provide a bit of narrative and wardrobe-changing help here and there.

They provide the perfect support for leads Altholz, Lamb, Rife and Apostol, who easily move the audience from giggles to gasps. One might even want to change the title from “Aliens With Extraordinary Skills” to “Actors With Extraordinary Skills.”

JUST THE FACTS
WHAT: The B Street Theatre's production of Saviana Stanescu's "Aliens With Extraordinary Skills"
WHEN: Jan. 15-Feb. 26, with performances at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; 2 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 and 9 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays
WHERE: B Street Theatre Mainstage, 2727 B St., Sacramento
CAST: Stephanie Altholz (Nadia); John Lamb (Borat); Rinabeth Apostol (Lupita); Bob (Brian Rife); Katie Rose Krueger (INS agent 1); Stephen Rowland (INS agent 2)
DIRECTOR: Buck Busfield
HOW MUCH: $18-$30; $5 student rush
INFORMATION: (916) 443-5300, www.bstreettheatre.org

Harlem Globetrotters at Power Balance

2012-01-16T20:41:51Z

The world renowned Harlem Globetrotters were at Power Balance Pavilion Sunday to take on the International Elite, as they went head-to-head to determine who would be the world champions.

Globie, the team mascot, came out before the show to entertain the crowd with a little bit of magic and some dance moves. As Globie strutted around like Michael Jackson the crowd went wild with some kids jumping up to dance along with Globie.

Even though the stadium was far from sold out, the audience members made up for it in enthusiasm. Throughout the game the crowd was cheering and clapping for the Globetrotters, with a few boos thrown in for team Elite.

As with all Globetrotter games this was an audience participation sport. One couple found out the hard way with the wife having her purse taken and then the husband being dragged out on the court to dance with Big Easy.

Kids joined in on the fun too, with several young kids competing for a team jersey. They had to dash across the court, shoot a basket and then head back to the other side of the court and get into a makeshift bed. The first to complete the task wins. In the end they all were winners.

Some of the Globetrotters were in town earlier to visit with fans. You can read all about their visit here.

KOLT Run Creations Celebrates Their First Season

2012-01-16T17:19:12Z

Every beginning writer at one time or another has been admonished to “Show me, not tell me,” by a mentor or instructor.

If last night’s Revelations 2012 is any indication, theater companies would be wise to follow the example of KOLT Run Creations and take the same advice to heart.

Revelations 2012 was a party, a preview, and review, all in a tidy little two-hour time frame. It was a chance for patrons and potentials patrons to appreciate past productions and sneak a peek at what’s ahead in the season to come.

Actors from past seasons and the upcoming shows were on hand to present a forty-five minute performance of short scenes that did a brilliant job of showing the flavor of the company in the past and the direction it will be going with the next three productions. Very clever. It helps that KOLT, as intimate as their productions are, always manage to secure some of the most accomplished actors in the area.

Show us, don’t just tell us.

Also on hand was a gold buyer, so, theoretically, one might have raised the money for a season subscription right then and there—pretty savvy, huh?

There were snacks and desserts from Num Nums, a catering company whose sole mission is to provide concessions for independent theater.

Raffle prizes were handed out.

It was fun.

Perhaps interest in local theater would increase if more people experienced the fun component.

Kudos to Kelley Ogden and Lisa Thew of KOLT Run Creations for taking that first shot!

KOLT Run Creations will present Where We’re Born by Lucy Thurber at Ooley Theater, February 1-26th. Tickets and more information about the entire season can be found at koltruncreations.com or (916) 454-1500

Motown comes to Thunder Valley

2012-01-16T02:45:19Z

Armed with 20 vocalists, six band members and four crew members impersonating the legends of Motown, RPM Crown Productions brought their Hitsville USA Legends of Motown Tribute Show to Thunder Valley Casino Resort on Saturday.

There was a sold-out crowd of diehard Motown fans there to enjoy some of the greatest hits from the Motown era. It was perplexing that more people weren’t up on their feet during some of the performances. However, after each performer finished their set they were met with more than a few people giving them a standing ovation.

The all-star lineup included acts such as The Four Tops, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and even a brief break from Motown for a little bit of Prince’s “Purple Rain.”

With the plethora of tribute shows currently playing across the country, it’s refreshing to see a solid lineup of talented individuals bringing not just one, but nine legendary acts to the stage in one spectacular show.

I was worried that with so many acts playing on one stage we’d be there all night slogging through hit after hit. That wasn’t the case. Each act played full versions as well as shortened versions of their respective hit songs, keeping the show moving at a pretty good clip.

Emceeing the event was Nick Harper, a radio personality from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. As he introduced each act he provided a brief history and highlighted some of their hits.

Kicking off the show was The Four Tops. Decked out in white suits and moving in perfect harmony, they sang their hits, “Sugar Pie Honeybunch,” “Standing in the Shadow of Love” and “Ain’t No Woman Like the One I Got.”

Following The Four Tops were The Supremes in evening dresses singing, “Just Keep Me Hanging On,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Love Child.”

Al Green was handing out roses to a number of the female audience members as he sang, “I’m so Tired of Being Alone,” “Let’s Stay Together,” and “Love and Happiness.”

And so it went throughout the evening as nine artists entertained the crowd bringing hit after hit.
Don’t miss the next tribute show at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, the Legends of Soul Tribute Show. These shows sell out fast, so get your tickets ahead of time.

Below is a complete list of artists and the songs performed.

The Four Tops
“I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)”
“Standing in the Shadows of Love”
“Ain’t No Woman (Like the One I’ve Got)”

The Supremes
“You Keep Me Hangin’ On”
“You Can’t Hurry Love”
“Love Child”

Al Green
“Tired of Being Alone”
“Let’s Stay Together”

Smokey Robinson
“More Love”
“Ooo Baby Baby”
“Tears of a Clown”

The Spinners
Intro to “I’ll Be Around”
“Ghetto Child”
“Sadie”
“Rubberband Man”

Chaka Khan
“Sweet Thing”
“I’m Every Woman”

Prince
“Purple Rain”

Gladys Knight
Intro to “Use My Imagination”
“Save the Overtime”
“You’re Number One (in My Book)”
“Midnight Train to Georgia”
“Neither One of Us”

Stevie Wonder
“Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours”
“My Cherie Amour”
“You Are the Sunshine of My Life”
“Superstition”

The Temptations
“Getting Ready”
“I Can’t Get Next to You”
“Cloud Nine”
“Don’t Let the Joneses Get You Down”
Intro to “Super Star”

Lewis Black In Sac

2012-01-15T20:48:12Z

Lewis Black had high expectations for the 21st Century. They have not come anywhere close to being met, and he is not amused.

He is, however, quite amusing.

Although he claims to be disappointed by the direction the world is taking, he also admits to being swept up in the inevitable pull of progress. He started a web site; every performer needs a web site. But then he found out he needed a Facebook page to promote his web site!

It all came to a head when one morning he woke up after a drunk and discovered he was now on Twitter!

All this, he laments, and not a single flying car.

Not what he had hoped for at all.

The Community Center Theater was respectably full on Saturday night when first John Bowman and then headliner Lewis Black took the stage.

Bowman did about 45 minutes, focused mainly on the travails of touring: lesbians in New Hampshire, being bored in Biloxi, and perils of pooping on the tour bus.

Black took the stage at nine, revved up and ready to rant.

His signature finger shaking singled out the shame of the 21st Century, the onset of adult ADD due to a surplus of electronic technology, and his confusion over why anyone would want to “keep up with the Kardashians.”

The last 30 minutes of the 80-minute set were devoted to politics.

Black scolded audience members for being members of the Republican Party—or the Democratic Party. He blamed them for supporting anything that was happening in Washington. He assured all of the Republicans that President Obama is not a Socialist, because, he, Lewis Black, is a Socialist, and he would know. He said there are too few of them to take over the country and most of their leaders are in cemeteries, so not to worry.

There were times he looked as if he was having a seizure.

Clearly, he was in his element.

At the opening of the show, Black cautioned the audience that, “Humor is not the best medicine; medicine is the best medicine,” and advised not to howl through an illness, but to see a real doctor!

I certainly wouldn’t argue with that that.

On the other hand, I think everyone in the audience felt a lot better after the show than they did before the show.

There’s something to be said for humor done well.

B Street's Stephanie Altholz: 'There's no other place I'd rather be'

2012-01-15T13:22:57Z

photographs by Barry Wisdom

People around the world may burn the Stars and Stripes, hang our leaders in effigy and protest the U.S. government’s involvement in everything from the assassination of foreign leaders to the selection of Miss Universe finalists, but the United States remains a top destination for those seeking a better life.

And whether one is an illegal immigrant from Moldava or Russia, a Green Card holder from the Dominican Republic, or even a divorced good ol’ boy from the Deep South, nothing embodies the American Dream like New York City.

It’s a story old as time, a song as old as rhyme, but given a fresh chorus by playwright Saviana Stanescu, herself a Romanian immigrant, whose quartet of struggling dreamers find their paths crossing in her 2008 dramedy “Aliens With Extraordinary Skills.”

Stephanie Altholz, who plays Nadia, a classically trained clown (her “extraordinary skill”) from Moldava in the B Street Theatre’s Mainstage production of “Aliens” (opening Jan. 15), said it’s easy for her to relate to the young woman’s cockeyed optimism and unabashed desire to succeed at her craft while taking a bite out of the Big Apple.

“Nadia has this line: ‘I feel like it’s impossible to die here.’ She’s so naïve,” said the 25-year-old Altholz, accentuating and stretching out the word “naïve” like an articulated Gray Line tour bus. “She’s obsessed with ‘Sex and the City,’ and even when she discovers it’s not what she’s seen in movies or on TV, and she finds it’s still a very, very tough city, she still loves it. Her romantic side is unstoppable.”

“I love her – I do.”

Like Nadia, Altholz set her sights on NYC as the epicenter of creative fulfillment.

“I was always interested in acting,” said the Illinois native, whose family – guided by her airline pilot stepfather – landed in Sacramento midway through her high school career. “I just knew that was what I wanted to do. I remember being in the seventh grade (in Arizona) and being told I couldn’t take drama until the eighth grade, and being furious about it. That was my first memory of desperately wanting to do it.”

“I was the youngest in the family, and I’m sure there’s some sort of psychological reason for my wanting to be the entertainer in the family,” said Altholz. “When people were fighting I made them laugh – or wanted to – at all costs. I always felt appreciated for it, never vilified for it. I never felt I should shut my mouth. I’m lucky. I know a lot of people aren’t.”

Following graduation from Sacramento’s Rio Americano High School, and a string of classes taught by local theater guru Ed Claudio, Altholz enrolled in the two-year program at New York’s New Actors Workshop.

While at the lauded New York school co-founded by director Mike Nichols, she was immersed in a mix of Stanislavski-based “Method” training and improvisational theater skills – as well as a myriad of New York-centric life experiences understandably absent from the school’s catalog and the Time Out guide.

“I worked in restaurants, went on auditions, lived in ‘interesting’ places,” said Altholz. “You get hard when you live in New York – things stop fazing you so much. I lived in the Bushwick neighborhood in Brooklyn, right on the border of Queens. It was terrifying, it was unsafe. Once, somebody got shot on my stoop.”

“I was home and I heard the gunshots and there was a dead body,” Altholz remembers. “There was a break-in when I was home, my roommate almost got attacked. Then there was the time my brother was visiting and taking a shower, and the bathroom wall crumbled into the bathroom. I look back at it now and it sounds awful, but at the time it was just another story. I adapted pretty quickly.”

Altholz said she would keep such tales of the city from her mother as long as possible (“No need to make her worry.”), but there were many. While perfect fodder for a late-night chat show visit with David, Craig or the Jimmys, she knew some of her acting school anecdotes might not elicit foot-stomping laughs or thunderous applause from mom and dad.

“My mom, who has a PhD, always emphasized education,” said Altholz, whose older siblings are both doctoral candidates. “But she understood very early on I wasn’t a dilettante, that I wasn’t dabbling in acting. She knew it was something I wanted to do the rest of my life. My parents were always supportive and were 100 percent behind my decision to pursue theater.”

But also like Nadia, Altholz herself occasionally had cause to rethink her choices.

“I think it’s the greatest city in the world, but sometimes I hated it,” admitted Altholz. “Like when you forget to pick up your prescription and you have to get back on the subway at 10:30 p.m. when you’re sick with a cold, and someone shows you his penis on the way to the pharmacy.”

Despite the hardships, Altholz embraced Gotham and piled on as many or more positive experiences as negative ones, including working with the Dutch West sketch comedy/web video troupe, and performing at the Upright Citizens Brigade theater in Chelsea where she had the opportunity to rub elbows with the likes of Bobby Moynihan, who went on to NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”

Nadia’s naivety extends beyond her New York state of mind, and her desire to satisfy artistic desires, said Altholz.

“She feels the same way about love,” said Altholz. “She wants to fall in love, live in the city and meet her Mr. Big. And New York, more so than any other city, can take so many shapes and provide so many things. It’s a character of its own. It really is a magical city – as cheesy as that sounds.”

The spell cast by New York City lasted two years beyond her 2006 graduation, but by the end of those 24 months Altholz was feeling restless.

“I moved back to California because I wasn’t doing what I wanted to do,” she said. “I wanted to act. And I defined being a successful actress as someone who made their living doing it.”

Like Dorothy Gale, who discovered all her heart’s desires could be found in her own backyard, Altholz found her own scarecrow, tin woodsman and lion in the personages of the B Street Theatre’s Buck Busfield, Jerry Montoya and Dave Pierini, who auditioned Altholz for the company’s internship program while she was still in New York.

Her internship, which included stints with the B Street’s traveling children’s troupe, a Mainstage debut in 2008’s “A Christmas Carol,” and occasional trips up very tall ladders for tech work, led to her selection as a full-fledged company member and the title role in “Extraordinary Things: Through the Eyes of Anne Frank.”

Last year, she put her New York-forged improv skills to good use as part of the B Street’s “B on K” improvisation performance at the Cosmopolitan Cabaret.

Altholz solidifies the connection between her and Nadia a bit further.

“I think we both have been through a lot and both in the end have a sort of unswerving feeling of what we want and what’s going to get in our way. But it doesn’t change the prize that we have our eye on.”

“I am in my definition of success, so I’m very happy and blessed to have found the B Street Theatre,” she continued. “I love every person here. There’s no other place I’d rather be.”

JUST THE FACTS
WHAT: The B Street Theatre's Mainstage production of Saviana Stanescu's "Aliens With Extraordinary Skills"
WHEN: Previews 5 p.m. Jan. 14 and 2 p.m. Jan. 15; opens 7 p.m. Jan. 15; continues through Feb. 26 with performances at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays; 2 and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 5 and 9 p.m. Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays
WHERE: B Street Theatre Mainstage, 2727 B St., Sacramento
DIRECTOR: Buck Busfield
CAST: Stephanie Altholz (Nadia); John Lamb (Borat); Rinabeth Apostel (Lupita); Bob (Brian Rise); Katie Rose Krueger (INS agent 1); Stephen Rowland (INS agent 2)
TICKETS: $18-$30; $5 student rush; $10 preview performances
INFORMATION: (916) 443-5300, www.bstreettheatre.org

'The Giver' to open on B Street Family Series stage

2012-01-14T13:46:48Z

“Imagine there's no countries ... It isn't hard to do ... Nothing to kill or die for ... And no religion, too ... Imagine all the people living life in peace.”

In “The Giver,” playwright Eric Coble’s adaptation of Lois Lowry’s 1993 Newberry Medal award-winning novel, John Lennon’s concept of a Utopia free of conflict where all the people share all the world has come to pass.

There have been a few compromises on the way to this “same” new world, however. Yes, war and want are things of the past. But there is also no passion, no feverish love — and no choices.

Genetic engineers have even rendered all people colorblind as a means to further homogenize a once-disparate (and desperate) society.

Opening Saturday, Jan. 14, as part of the B Street Theatre’s Family Series, “The Giver” looks at the flipside of such a reality – a view of the emotional turmoil facing children who have been taught to conform since birth, and who are then faced at the dawn of adolescence with integrating their emerging gifts as individuals.

“This is a coming-of-age story about a boy deciding his own fate, and the consequences that come with it,” said director Laura Baker. “This is also a show about censorship, about choice. If we take away the ability to choose, we take away what it means to be human.”

“We follow Jonas (Grant Jordan), who has just reached the age of 12, and is assigned the coveted position of ‘Receiver of Memories.’ Through this knowledge that he receives from the previous receiver, who’s now called ‘The Giver’ (Gary S. Martinez), it changes his life and society entirely.”

“He’s absolutely frightened by it,” continued Baker, 23, a B Street artistic associate who graduated from the company’s internship program for directors in 2011. “His society doesn’t understand what it means. It’s a position of honor, but not of power. It sets you apart, so it’s something to fear.

“They spend their childhoods being part of a group. They don’t know how to be individuals.”

A change of pace from previous B Street Family Series offerings that have been heavy on laughs and history lessons, “The Giver” has been called controversial due to its comparatively mature subject matter.

It’s a label that Baker doesn’t completely agree with.

“We don’t give kids the credit they deserve,” said Baker, who recommends the play for ages 10 and older. “It’s a story that they can fully relate to.”

JUST THE FACTS

WHAT: The B Street Theatre's Family Series production of "The Giver," Eric Coble's stage adaptation of Lois Lowry's 1993 novel
WHEN: Previews 1 p.m. Jan. 14; opens 4 p.m. Jan. 14; continues through Feb. 19 with performances at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 and 4 p.m. Sundays
WHERE: B Street Theatre B3 Stage, 2727 B St., Sacramento
DIRECTOR: Laura Baker
CAST: Grant Jordan (Jonas); Gary S. Martinez (The Giver); Brittni Barger (Lily); Erika Lecaj (Fiona/Rosemary); Brandon Alexander (Asher); Jason Kuykendall (Father); Elisabeth Nunziato (Mother/Elder)
TICKETS: $13-$22 ($7-$10 preview)
INFORMATION: (916) 443-5300, www.bstreettheatre.org

photographs by Barry WIsdom

Harlem Globetrotters Dribble in to Sacramento

2012-01-13T02:00:11Z

The world renowned Harlem Globetrotters are scheduled to appear at Power Balance Pavilion this Sunday.

As is customary, the Globetrotters have had a couple of players in town before the big event on Sunday. They were meeting with television and radio stations in the area, but more importantly they were getting out to meet their fans.

I was able to meet up with “Handles” Franklin and one of their newest members, “TNT” Maddox. TNT is only the ninth woman in 86 years to play with the Globetrotters and the first woman since 1993.

I found the two at the Project R.I.D.E. facility next to Jesse Baker Elementary School in Elk Grove. The two Globetrotters participated in a bit of horseplay — literally. Project R.I.D.E. offers therapeutic recreational horseback riding instruction to riders with disabilities.
When it came to mounting the horse, I have to give TNT credit. She jumped on as if she did it every day. Handles, on the other hand, was a little timid getting on his horse and looked to be a bit nervous, too.

In between horsing around, TNT talked about what it’s like being one of the few female Globetrotters.

“Honestly, it’s unbelievable to be only the ninth woman in 86 years to play for the Harlem Globetrotters,” she said. “What they’re about is charity, and we’re allowed to go to hospitals, schools and things like that and do things that money can’t buy. That’s something that’s special to me, and I’m happy to be a part of the organization.”

As she talked, she constantly had her basketball in motion, so I asked if she did this while sitting down to watch a little television. She said she has to in order to keep up with the likes of Handles and the rest of the team. Being one of the new kids on the block, the team is continually showing her new moves, so she’s constantly practicing to get up to the caliber of her teammates. Trust me — she’s already there. After only two weeks of training, she said they had her playing at a junior high school.

As for the rest of the team, it looks like this will be an exciting year with 10 new players.

The 2012 rookie class has a total of three 7-footers including 7-foot-4 Jermaine “Stretch” Middleton, the third-tallest player in team history, and 7-foot Anthony “Biggie” McClain. However, Paul “Tiny” Sturgess towers over even the tallest of the tall at a whopping 7-foot-8.
Sturgess was recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's tallest professional basketball player. He is also the tallest player in the Globetrotter history.

Not only do they have the tallest player in their history, but the shortest, too. Jonte “Too Tall” Hall is the shortest Globetrotter ever to play at 5-foot-2.

Other team members you may recognize are “Big Easy” Lofton and “Flight Time” Lang who, together, made their way around the world on CBS’ “The Amazing Race.”

If you’ve never seen the Globetrotters in person, you have to get off your butts and get out to Power Balance this Sunday and take in the 1 or 6 p.m. showing. These guys (and gal) are amazing to watch and extremely entertaining.

Interview with photographer Oscar Benjamin aka ‘Compassionate Wolf’

2012-01-06T04:22:21Z

I was inspired to interview Oscar Benjamin because of all that he has accomplished. So many friends and colleagues told me how dedicated he is at being a successful photographer and columnist. I was so glad he took the time to enjoy our annual Christmas party, where there was lots of food and drink, and we enjoyed watching him sing karaoke. It was a great time.

Before the party started, I sat down with Benjamin. Before we knew it, a half hour passed and I realized this was going to be a great article.

Tell me a little bit about yourself. What do you do?

I can say I’m a photographer, but that would be too simple of an answer. I'm also a writer, and I'm also a radio host. This is my 10th week of my show called 'The Hour of the Compassionate Wolf'. It's a show where I play television music, video game music, all types of music. I also talk about my adventures in Hollywood and people I have met in the industry, the notables I've met and the tons of stories I have to tell.

What is the origin of the name Compassionate Wolf?

In the late '80s and early '90s, I was just starting out doing photography, and I listened to this station that's still in existence but was more popular back then, called KMEL. It's in the San Francisco the Bay Area where I used to live. So there was this show on KMEL called 'Love Lines' and it was on Mondays to Friday nights. Evan Luck was the DJ.

This was the beginning of hip-hop, and back then the music was high-energy. I started analyzing the show and thought...."Ok, how do people get on the show? How do they break into the whole radio thing?" I began to notice there was a common denominator, which was the use of pseudonyms, like false names and names they created just being on the air, air names. Evan Luck is an air name also. Needless to say, there was this character on there called The Surfer, and I started using him as an inspiration and thought...."Ok, how can I get on the show?"

So I thought,....."Ok, I consider myself a wolf, but I'm not the typical wolf". People think aggressive when they think of wolf. I’m different because I have compassion, and I came up with the name 'Compassionate Wolf'. It's like a contradiction, but it's fascinating and it rolls off the tongue. I knew it would be a name that got me on the show. I started writing the station and Evan started reading the stories.

It helped because I had a background in journalism, so I wrote stories more literary compared to anyone else. So I created a niche for myself, and Evan calls me and says: “Hey, you want to be one of my characters on my show?” I said, “Of course.” I started broadcasting live with Evan at the Club Mirage in San Francisco. So that’s how Compassionate Wolf got started and I just kept the name because people recognized the name.

I started the Compassionate Wolf Production doing photography, event photography, weddings and celebrity events, red carpet events, anything and everything to do with photography.

How do you differ from other photographers and journalists?

This is not meant to be a jab to other photographers, but I noticed in my travels to L.A. and San Francisco and other parts of the country that photographers and..........................this is difficult to say without coming across as pompous or arrogant.......but most photographers lack certain social skills and lack of sense of style and presentation. They think, well, I’m not being photographed, but I think the whole point of presentation is important especially at a red carpet event. You want to grab the attention of whatever celebrity you’re screaming at. They will focus in on you because you’re different from everybody else. I always wear a suit when I travel to conduct interviews or take photos. This is how I perceive myself, and this is how I want people to see me as well.

If I'm in a very competitive market, I have to secure whatever edge I can.........with presentation, style and not fearing approaching or talking to people. I also think eye contact is very important, as well as projecting confidence. First impression always counts, and I think a lot of people forgot about that. It's not like I'm the cat’s meow or anything like that, but if I'm trying to secure a job in a tough industry, I do think it's very important. So I think that's what makes me stand out from the rest.

What schooling did you take to get started in photography and writing?

It's a funny story. I’m also an artist. I also draw and paint, but I don’t really talk about it too much. Anyways, besides that, this goes back to junior high school when I began to study the anatomy.

I would have my friends stand there for three or four hours while I drew them, and they’re getting really tired. You can see the expression, like I need to move now. So I picked up a camera and took several pictures at different angles so they would not have to stand there and I could draw from the photos. I thought...."Wow, this is pretty fun!" This is how I introduced myself to photography.

Then while attending Castro Valley High School, I was the editor and photographer of my high school paper. My family moved from New York were I was born, the biggest city in the U.S., to Oakland then Castro Valley.

Why do like living in Sacramento?

I like Sacramento because it's very centrally located. If you need to run to the Bay Area, you can run there, or if you need to get to Reno, you can. Not only that, it's the Capitol of the state, and it's also cheaper to live here. The cost of living here is a lot more affordable. I think it’s a great place to live.

What makes you proud?

The path that I’m on in the entertainment business not relative to anyone, and yet I am breaking down the doors in a manner that is very original. I’m approaching it as a writer. I am able to access the people I want to interview. So at the end of the interview, I will talk to them off the record and establish a lot of good contacts.

Who has inspired you?

Mick Garris. I eventually want to thank him because he's an inspiration to me.

Why did you create 'The Hour of the Compassionate Wolf' radio show?

It's a means to an end and it brings me back to my roots of when I started off in radio. I always had the desire to return to radio and it's also a way to get my name out there more. I would say I have a lot of irons in the fire that I'm juggling, but it's an exciting way to live your life where you’re literally losing so much sleep and you’re running around so much that you’re like......"Wow, I never have a chance to breathe".

I wouldn't trade it for the world because it's exciting. Like last week I was in L.A. for the Video Game Awards covering that and then at your party, and then tomorrow at the TFO thing. I’ll be interviewing and photographing an aspiring actor one day and then his or her career goes up because of my photography. It's exciting.

Who is you favorite actor or actress?

One that I have talked to when covering a story is Zachary Levi. He's such a gentleman, and he's fantastic. He's a great guy and he's a lot nicer than his character on 'Chuck' the TV show. He's 10 times better, he's very cool. He seems to enjoy the press as company and he's just a great guy.

Whats your favorite science fiction movie?

'Inception' was a great film. It was more science fiction than science fantasy. Like 'Star Wars' is as good as they are. It was science fantasy. We don't have too much peer science fiction in films except for maybe the exception to 'Prometheus' coming out next year and of course 'Gattaca' was a great movie. '2001: A Space Odyssey', that was science fiction. It may seem like I’m being a nitpicker, but it really bothers me that science fiction is not portrayed correctly on the screen.

What do you think science fiction is?

It’s basically an exploration of.....or maybe I would say, speculation of whether it's our future or past or present. It's taken from a hard scientific viewpoint where science is correctly researched and you extrapolate from today’s conditions to possibly the future. 'Gattaca' is a good example of that.

Do you read a lot of science fiction novels?

Yes, I do. I have a favorite author, Harlan Ellison, and I read a lot of horror too, like Stephen King. 'Rendezvous with Rama' is my favorite classic by Arthur C. Clark. It would make for such a great film. It would be hard to do, but it would be a great.

Where can people get in contact with you?

Facebook would probably be the best. All of my information is on that page.

Thank you so much Oscar AKA 'Compassionate Wolf' for your inspiration and sharing your story with all of us!

Edit by- Elisa Houg and Paul Dale Roberts

Woody Guthrie, Born 1912: Country Joe McDonald Remembers Him at the 24th Street Theater

2012-01-05T23:48:36Z

Country Joe McDonald Remembers Woody Guthrie's100th Birthday in Sacramento, Saturday, January 7, 2012.

Woody Guthrie was born in July of 1912. My father was born in January of 1911. My dad always reminded me of Woody Guthrie. Both men were short, wiry and grew up poorer than Job's turkey.

My father didn't play the guitar or compose songs and sing them. He worked in the oil fields of Oklahoma and Kansas, not far from where Woody did much of his growing up. My dad kept his job all through the not-so-Great Depression.

Woody WAS the Depression. He lived it. And so, a man who died too soon in 1967 lives on through his astonishing legacy of gritty, honest songs for working people. Why, you might ask. It's because Woodrow Wilson Guthrie's songs, then and now, inform ordinary folks of their importance to the success of this American Experiment that continues.

Country Joe McDonald appears Saturday in a tribute to Guthrie at Sacramento's 24th Street Theater in the Sierra 2 Center for Arts and Community. Tickets are available at http://www.swellproductions.com/pages/countryjoe.html Showtime: 7:30 pm.

This Guthrie remembrance won't be any kind of an experiment, whatsoever. A more recent legend himself, Country Joe has asked Alex Nelson, Sherman Baker and Richard March to be his special guests. Such a roster of musicians indicates lots of experimentation and research has gone before, and what you get is to just sit back and drink-in the musicianship of these talented guys saluting that scrawny but “ten-foot-tall” kid who rode the rails out of Okemah, Oklahoma, knowing so well what land belonged to whom.

On a recent trip back to my adopted hometown of Tulsa, about 65 miles north and a bit east of Okemah, I stopped by the offices of a new periodical (also online) called THIS LAND. The publication is replete with new literature and art that fits that region of the USA. Woody is prominent in the tone of these times there. An old broadcast colleague of mine boasts a son who is the poetry editor at THIS LAND.

The New York Times recently published a lengthy story about big money in Tulsa taking notice of Guthrie's contribution to American folk music, not unlike the recent and also long overdue recognition of Tulsa's own singer/songwriter, Leon Russell. It's always good going back to Tulsa one more time.

The time now is ripe for a boxcar load of Woody's songs to be sung right in front of you and your friends. Country Joe McDonald is the man to do the performance.

The socially consciously Country Joe (and the Fish), as most everyone knows, not only rattled cages back in the Sixties with just about all the other famous bands of those vigorously political days, but did a 1971 movie written by the zaniest heavy comedy group I've ever heard on vinyl, The Firesign Theatre. The film was called “Zachariah,” and starred that adroit Kansas native, Don Johnson. The movie was billed as history's first Electric Western. I saw it in Tulsa and wouldn't have missed it for the world. As I still write film reviews, I recommend you see Country Joe in that nutty Western.

I would be almost as stoked thinking about re-seeing “Zachariah,” as I'm now getting pumped to see Country Joe McDonald doing Woody Guthrie songs this Saturday at Sacramento's 24th Street Theater. Check it out. You never know, one of Woody's most attentive and loyal students, Bob Dylan, might show up.

Unlike Woody with migrant workers, my dad didn't travel West to California in the Dust Bowl Days with two of his brothers from southeast Kansas. They needed a job...bad. Both had long, successful careers with McDonald/Douglas down in Long Beach. Both of my uncles are now at rest up in the foothills near Magalia and Paradise. They, too, were a bit like Woody Guthrie.

Solving the Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy Puzzle

2012-01-05T21:57:50Z

“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” A Film Review by Gary Chew
Sacramento November 14, 2011

The film had run only five minutes duration when something in my head told me that, before getting too comfy in my seat, maybe I should have become a member of the “mens club” sponsoring this movie screening. There was nothing to indicate such a club, and if there were, I certainly wasn't part “it. No one had asked me to leave yet. But that silent, but nagging voice persevered throughout “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.” If you might not remember, it's the durable story taken from the same-titled novel by John le Carré.

This new edition of TTSS outclassed me by a least two polo fields. It's a very well made picture with marvelous players. There they were up on the screen: Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Ciarán Hinds, Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Simon McBurney and other fine British, Hungarian and Russian actors.

But gee, what was going on with the film? At first, I couldn't tell. Then much later, I still couldn't figure out what was happening but the movie was really well done and the topic was dreadfully important: Brits cold-warring against Ruskies with those bloody Yanks helping out. No, not soldiers or sailors or marines or even air force personnel, these guys were all spooks and, as John Hurt (in the role of Control) advises a colleague in TTSS's first scene, “Trust no one.” Sure enough, they don't. Not even one another. But that's okay, because these blokes are only tacky to one another there in their isolated guys spy club. And in a most mannerly, umm...manner.

Gossip has it that someone highly placed in the Her Majesty's Spy Club (fondly and privately referred to as “The Circus”) has burrowed into top-secret data that moves through the office. The clever mole is feeding it to Moscow!

Gary Oldman plays George Smiley, the retired and out-of-favor former operative brought back into The Circus to run the investigation and remove the mole that's burrowed. The terms, “mole” and “The Circus” were brought to espionage literature by John le Carré.

Years ago, I'd seen Richard Burton in “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold.” It was taken from Mr. le Carré's best-selling same titled novel. I read the book too, but since that was a half century ago, there isn't a keen sense of memory about turning its pages. However, the movie lingers a little.

I do remember le Carré's writings as a sort of an antidote to Ian Fleming's 007 escapades. At the time, Mr. Bond's capers seemed well on their way to breaking records selling tickets and moving books. Sure enough.

Shot in black and white, The “Spy Who Came In from the Cold,” was dreary, real and relevant...about a character who seemed to be, perhaps, more what a spy was during the Cold War.

Both Fleming and le Carré were spies; Fleming, a British Naval Intelligence Officer and le Carré serving in MI 5 and MI 6. Fleming wrote with style and flair; le Carré went for what's real and more internal at a spy agency as well as the main characters in it. Both authors were overwhelmingly successful.

It's taking a long time to say that...if you haven't read the book, seen the BBC and PBS television miniseries...or heard the BBC radio productions of “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” the movie may not be your pint of ale...unless you enjoy watching really talented actors delivering obtusely written lines of quite abstruse dialogue as to how to neutralize the mole in their midst. Just know there are copious blanks that need filling-in as TTSS carries on. Readers of the book and avid viewers of the TV programs do have the distinct advantage of memory and thus, clarity.

I was naive enough to think that the screenplay might be crafted to bring what the story is about to those of us who'd missed the book or don't have a television set. Seems to me one of the most important efforts in adapting a novel to cinema is giving as much as possible about what and why stuff happens. Otherwise, inform the prospective viewers of TTSS that it---alone---doesn't relate enough of the story to discern what the bloody hell is going on. The notice for this could be given using much the same language as just written.

This “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” is directed by Tomas Alfredson. By the way,

recent picture by Alfredson is one of the best films I've seen in the last few years: “Let The Right One In.” Capital cinema!

Looks like the scriptwriters of the new “TTSS” kept a firm hold on the book, not
making any special effort to get the story across to a moviegoer. Such is the challenge for one who adapts books to cinema.

Mr. le Carré not only plays one of the guests seen in an obstreperous TTSS holiday party scene, but is also one of the film's producers. I was wondering how much sway le Carré had over Peter Straughan and Bridget O'Connor when they were busy writing the screenplay.

Oh yes, le Carré is listed in the cast as a Christmas party guest. It's not clear whether or not Mr. Le Carré appears as Santa Claus (sans lines) at the spy guy's holiday bash wearing a falsified face of Vladimir Lenin..................well............

...the Santa scene worked for me. Lenin as Santa? Don't you just love irony? Especially when it shows up in a re-do of a British spy yarn about mates who love to eradicate moles and solve puzzles and riddles---in an exclusive mens club.

“Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy opens Friday, January 6th, at Sacramento's Tower Theatre, Land Park Drive and Broadway.

CD review: Nathan Dale's "Major Keys Parade"

2012-01-03T02:47:34Z

Nathan Dale is a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Sacramento. Some locals may remember Dale as the founding member of Sweet Vine back in the 90’s. The band went on to sign with Columbia Records, recording their self-titled CD at the famed Bearsville Studios in Woodstock, New York. The band toured nationwide before separating in the late 1990's.

Dale currently tours with The Jackie Greene Band and has recently release his own CD, “Major Keys Parade.” After listening to his new CD, it became quite obvious that Dale is an extremely diverse musician. The album has a little something for everyone including a little rock, folk and even a tad bit of a Hawaiian sound.

The CD starts off with “Him,” a brief instrumental with the sound of an old style film projector starting up. As it happens, the last song, appropriately named, “The End,” is another brief instrumental which winds down with the sound of the same old style film coming off the reel. Nice touch.

As you get into the meat of the album with “Ten Tiny Fingers,” you feel like you just walked under the big top. Sounding more like a circus waltz, this song might have been better played on a calliope rather than a piano. I didn’t care for the circus beat, but about halfway through it faded into the background.

Next was “Major Keys Parade,” which has an awesome driving beat with some equally awesome guitar riffs. Couple that with some great background vocals playing off of Dale’s chorus and you have one pumped up song that is deserving of the title slot.

“My Wonder Girl” is a great tune that really brings home the folk rock, weaving a tale of a young boy in love with a young girl. Followed by “Oh Messiah,” they are both great folk style tunes.

The CD takes a turn to the darker side with “One Bad Day,” followed by an even darker tune, “Way Down.” The latter has some really awesome guitar riffs bringing out the hard rock side of Dale. This song reminds me a lot of some of Alice Cooper’s work - yes it’s that dark - exquisitely so.

“With the Sea,” is a Hawaiian style tune that really rounds out the CD, showing just how diverse of a sound Dale has.

Using his music as his canvas, Dale paints his heart and soul into everything he writes, each song painting a story for all to hear. His latest CD is worth a listen. It’s a great album with some very diverse songs, leaving you wondering what other sounds Dale might have up his sleeve. I guess we’ll have to wait for his next CD to find out.

You can find out more about Dale’s latest projects at http://www.nathandale.com

Catch Nathan Dale at Naked Coffee in Sacramento on January 4th at 8:30. They are located at 1111 H Street.

Sinbad

2012-01-03T02:41:36Z

The purple one was in-the-house at Thunder Valley Casino Resort Friday.

Okay, not The Purple One (as in Prince), but the 55 year old standup comedian Sinbad, who was decked out in a freshly tailored purple shirt. I also wouldn’t say “in-the-house,” more like in-the-tent, since it was held in Thunder Valley’s Holiday Pavilion. While it’s a tent, it’s extremely spacious and exquisitely decorated, complete with several bars, restrooms and a whole lotta seats.

Sinbad put on a great show, playing to a full house of young and old alike. As soon as he hit the stage, he started talking about how this was such a great location for a casino like Thunder Valley.

There’s nothing around for miles except for cornfields and a landfill, he joked. He warned everyone that they should hold their breath when they walk outside and then come back inside and gamble some more, referring to the occasional minor aroma coming from the landfill a few miles down the road.

Continuing his rant about the location, he explained that after he put the address into his GPS, it asked him why he wanted to go there.

Sinbad wanted to know why it is 1200 Athens Road when there’s nothing around. Who came up with the number 1200, he wondered. There’s nothing around for miles, so why not a 1?

As he was going through his routine, bantering back and forth with audience members, he asked the ladies in the audience what made them angry. Several shouted out “Cheating!” To which he replied, if a man cheats or if he leaves the cabinet door open, you’re just as pissed. It’s the same thing, so why not cheat.

He’d rather not, but give us some options, he pleaded.

He also wanted to know why it is that everyone says it’s the man that’s cheating. There’s always a woman he’s cheating with. Sinbad used Herman Cain as his specific example for the evening.

Continuing with his questions for the ladies he asked them what they wanted and in time, dealt with a number of responses; money, communication, sleep and sex among them.

The best part of Sinbad’s shows will always be his interaction with the audience, responding without skipping a beat, and joking about real life situations. A fun time was definitely had by all in attendance.

As Sinbad ages like a fine wine (in his purple shirt), his jokes remain fresh. Add to the mix his quick wit and audience participation, and you end up with a very entertaining night out.

It’s refreshing to listen to a comedian who doesn’t believe he has to be crude to make people laugh. Sinbad is one of the few remaining comedians that puts on a clean and entertaining show.

Roaring into 2012 at the Crescent Club

2011-12-29T02:10:40Z

Earlier this year, Woody Allen allowed all those who desired to take a step back into Paris in the 20’s with his hypnotizing film, “Midnight in Paris.” This New Year’s Eve at midnight, an underground speakeasy in Sacramento will play host to another world as well. The Crescent Club Speakeasy in Old Sacramento will host a Roaring 20’s party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Upon entering the concealed back door through the Firehouse alley, visitors will enter an enchanting underground world complete with prohibition era cocktails and appetizers.

Music for the evening will be the Crescent Katz. The six-piece group has performed in the past at events such as the New Orleans Jazz Festival and the French Quarter festival. Throughout the night a Burlesque dancer will perform as well, bringing vogue old and new to the evening, considering the recent popularity of Burlesque groups of all kinds.

The speakeasy will also serve as a speakeasy casino for the night. Visitors ringing in the New Year will receive $500 of gambling “cash” upon arrival and are encouraged to dress for the occasion by donning flapper or gangster attire. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed flapper, the couple with the finest attire and the person who wins the most money at the casino. Champagne and appetizers will be served at midnight in celebration of the new year.

The Crescent Club is located at 1150 Firehouse Alley in Old Sacramento. The speakeasy shares its ownership and management with the Café Americain just up the stairs and hosts live music; namely gypsy swing, jazz and blues; every Friday and Saturday night.

Buy tickets for the New Year’s Eve event by visiting the Crescent Club website. Currently there are less than 20 tickets left at $50. If tickets remain on December 31, tickets will be sold at the door for $65. In addition, a New Year’s Eve dinner will be hosted by the Crescent Club Speakeasy and Café Americain starting at 6 p.m.

For those who dare to be involved in the illicit activities at the Crescent Club this Saturday night, be sure to read the fine print on your registration. Without the password, you may find entrance to this secret and exclusive night in the 20’s unattainable.

Al Stewart presents pre-Christmas treat to fans at Harlow's

2011-12-27T09:03:36Z

Photographs by Barry Wisdom

There's a wee bit more gray in the thinning hair of Scottish singer-songwriter Al Stewart, but the 66-year-old performer best known for such hits as "Year of the Cat" and "Time Passages" presented a note-perfect pre-holiday show to a packed crowd at Sacramento's Harlow's Dec. 18.

His wry sense of humor was on full display – as was his guitar virtuosity – as he shared the stage with fellow guitarist David Nachmanoff.

The long hair from the mid- to late-'70s may be gone, but his voice and nimble fingers seemed to have been frozen in time.

Here are some shots from the Dec. 18 show – frozen in time.

Jingle Bells Rock Thunder Valley

2011-12-17T02:39:29Z

Sixty-two-year-old veteran rocker Eddie Money brought his Jingle Bell Rock tour to Thunder Valley Casino Resort on Thursday. Scheduled to appear was former Foreigner frontman Lou Gramm and former Jefferson Starship lead singer Mickey Thomas.

The day before their performance at Thunder Valley, it was announced that Gramm would not be performing for the remaining tour due to acute laryngitis, so Gramm was not in attendance.

As the concert kicked off with Money and Thomas taking the stage, the audience immediately started chanting, “Lou! Lou! Lou!” Money responded by explaining the situation and said they had added a couple of songs to their setlist to make up for the missing Gramm. This was followed by more than a few polite boos – is there really such a thing as a polite boo?

Money exited stage left while Thomas started singing “Jane.” Thomas wore a striped shirt with a loosely worn red Christmas tie, while he banged out “Sara,” “We Built This City,” “Nothings Going to Stop Us Now.” Thomas ended his set with “It’s Christmas Time Pretty Baby,” singing in the style of Elvis Presley.

The 62-year-old Thomas’ vocals really stood out throughout his set, sounding just as good as he did all those years ago, in particular when he sang Annie Lennox’s “Winter Wonderland.”

Backing Thomas was Money’s regular crew consisting of longtime band members Tommy Girvin (lead guitar) and Glenn Symmonds (drummer), with more recent additions Lee Beverly (bass) and Chris Groves (keyboards).

Following Thomas, Money came out singing “Baby Hold On” and “I Wanna Go Back.” As Money sang, he shuffled back and forth across the stage and even pulled out the saxophone to show everyone he can still play.

Rounding out the show, Money and Thomas took the stage together singing “Jingle Bell Rock” and a rocking version of “Jingle Bells.” For their encore they performed John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).”

While Money’s vocals were not as pristine as Thomas’, he made up for it with his overall stage presence, sense of humor and kindness toward the audience, reaching out to shake hands with a few people in the front row.

Offstage, Money is extremely generous and cordial to all those around him, introducing himself to anyone standing near. His generosity doesn’t stop there.

Money is a strong supporter of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which helps support families of military personnel lost in service to our nation and for severely wounded service members and veterans.

Money is hoping fans will help bring some holiday cheer to heroic members of the armed forces by going to eddiemoney.com and purchasing his single “One More Soldier Coming Home.” All the proceeds will go to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.

Crest to host holiday film fests for fans of camp, Capra and corpuscles

2011-12-15T12:20:26Z

For those whose Christmas season isn't complete without watching Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed stroll through Bedford Falls warbling "Buffalo Gals," Sacramento's Crest Theatre is bringing director-screenwriter Frank Capra's 1946 Liberty Films classic, "It's a Wonderful Life," back to the big screen for nine holiday screenings Dec. 22-24.

It's just one of three yuletide-themed events scheduled for the 975-seat art deco movie palace during the week leading up to Christmas.

Also on tap: the G-rated "Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival" (Dec. 17 and 18), a syndicated package of "Greetings from the Theater Management" trailers, vintage TV segments, cartoons and the so-bad-it's-good 1964 theatrical feature "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians."

And for those who prefer strychnine to egg nog, an adults-only (18 and older) holiday movie edition of the Crest's long-running Trash Film Orgy series will showcase the 1984 UK slasher flick "Don't Open Till Christmas," along with live pre-show entertainment, including a "Trash Santa" accompanied by a posse of scantily clad elves, games, prizes and a full bar (Dec. 17).

While the Crest has established a successful tradition of showing a much-beloved, classic Christmas title each holiday season, general manager Sid Garcia-Heberger said slotting a quirky, retro festival featuring a lesser-known cinematic centerpiece like "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians," or scheduling a decidedly edgy attempt at counter-programming such as TFO's holiday show, is "a roll of the dice."

"We've been showing 'It's a Wonderful Life' for the last 20 years, and in the early years business was OK, but not fantastic," said Garcia-Heberger. "But in the past five or six years, when we've been alternating 'It's a Wonderful Life' with 'White Christmas,' they seemed to really catch on."

Helping ticket sales along has been the Crest's recent partnership with social media outlets, whose heavily discounted offers like Groupon's recent 50 percent-off deal for "a movie outing to 'It's a Wonderful Life' with large popcorn and large drink" resulted in more than 1,000 $9 admission/concessions package purchases.

"But this year's festival shows are new for us," Garcia-Heberger said. "It's hard for us to gauge at this point."

But Garcia-Heberger, an admitted Christmas fan whose family's own holiday traditions include listening to the 1947 Lux Radio Theatre production of "It's a Wonderful Life" while on local road trips, said she's hopeful that the nostalgia factor and innocence of Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival, and the "irreverent Christmas fun" of the TFO holiday show, will capture the attention of both the unapologetically sappy fans of Dec. 25 like herself, as well as those whose take on the holiday season is more "snarkly" than sparkly.

Among that latter group – who are unlikely to queue up for a chance to tearfully watch Zuzu's dad "paste" her precious flower's petals back into place, but are eager to embrace a humor-laced '80s film featuring a serial killer out to off anyone donning red velvet and fur ("Fur is murder," after all) – is TFO Productions co-founder Christy Savage.

"I'm pretty damn excited about our TFO show this month," said Savage, who formed TFO Productions with fellow artists/filmmakers Darin Wood and Amy Slockbower in 2001. "I think it'll be a fun TFO show, it's pretty ridiculous. I'm more excited about Christmas than I have been for ages."

Though the six to 10 annual TFO shows have consistently proven popular – especially those featuring films by Russ Meyers, Roger Corman, and anything with a zombie – Garcia-Heberger is guardedly optimistic about the TFO show.

"The TFO audience is definitely not your general John Q. Public," she said. "They are seeking out unusual, different things for their entertainment."

In the beginning, she said the Crest had expected TFO audiences to be primarily 20-somethings. But as the series continued, they saw that TFO ticket buyers were generally in their late-30s or early-40s.

Garcia-Heberger said she and her TFO partners thinks the Crest finally has the perfect mix of salty-and-sweet holiday treats this year, and that there really is something for everyone.

The shows in detail

Described as "the funkiest, silliest and least emotional movie experience you'll have this holiday season," Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival is a cornucopia of Christmas hors d'oeuvres ranging from such tasty tidbits as the Fleischer Studio's original Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer animated short, to a main course that rockets a kidnapped St. Nicholas to the Red Planet where he must outwit the Martian high command in order to return to Earth and save Christmas.

With its cardboard robots and television-antenna Martian headgear, "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" is ripe for mockery, and one of the best jibes was delivered by orbiting space janitor Joel Hodgson and his robot pals (and fellow Satellite of Love castaways), Crow and Tom Servo, in a nonstop stream of sarcastic comments during their screening of the film on a December 1991 episode of "Mystery Science Theater 3000."

That episode was later included on Rhino Theatricals' 1988 DVD release "The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection – The Essentials."

In 2010, Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira, Mistress of the Dark) added her own twisted take on "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" when her "Elvira's Movie Macabre" series put the bite on the what has been called one of the worst movies ever made. Like "MST3K's" mock-fest, Peterson's television "roast" is now available on DVD.

In 2005 – more than four decades after the film's theatrical release – Roadside Amusements published Lou Harry's novelization of Glenville Mareth's screenplay – proof, of a sort, that "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" (and its peppy theme song, "Hooray for Santa Claus") will live forever as successive generations discover what can be best described as Flash Gordon meets Kris Kringle. As a special treat, Roadside Amusements' hardcover book also includes a stocking stuffer: a DVD copy of the movie.

Also on the Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival bill: two of Max Fleischer's classic pre-War theatrical cartoons, 1936's "Christmas Comes But Once a Year," in which "whimsical inventor Grampy creates a whole Santa’s workshop worth of toys for some poor orphans," and 1944's "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," a charming adventure that should not be confused with the 1964 Rankin/Bass TV classic.

But the Crest's cool yule lineup doesn't end there, fans of Christmases past will get to set their Wayback Machine dials for additional stops in the 1950s and '60s to visit such cathode-ray icons as Ozzie and Harriet Nelson and their sons David and Ricky, ventriloquist Shari Lewis and her sock-puppet pal Lamb Chop, and marionette Howdy Doody and his comrade, Buffalo Bob Smith.

Rounding out the roster of retro shorts are a series of "Greetings From The Theater Management" trailers that were made for cinema audiences in the days when filmgoers came dressed in suits and dresses, and looked forward (literally and figuratively) to take in a widescreen VistaVision spectacular, and not straight down to focus on a 2-inch cell phone text.

Like Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," the premise of Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" has seemingly been adapted a million or so times, with each retelling focusing on how the suicidal protagonist has positively touched the lives of those in his orbit - and how his life has truly been wonderful. Among the latest TV shows receiving the "IWL" treatment was the Syfy network's "Warehouse 13."

And also like "A Christmas Carol," the sentimental "It's a Wonderful Life" has spawned its own roster of parodies, including "Saturday Night Live's" uproarious "lost ending" sketch featuring Dana Carvey as a revenge-minded George Bailey, Jon Lovitz as the evil Mr. Potter, and Jan Hooks as a club-wielding Mary Bailey.

The Trash Film Orgy's holiday show may feature an honest-to-badness movie ("Don't Open Till Christmas"), but it may be the "extras" like the "Trash Santa" and his bevy of comely elves that may turn out to be the real stars of the show.

"There will be a Santa's workshop where you can make crafts, have your picture taken with the sexy elves, and have a drink at the bar," said Christy Savage, co-founder of TFO. "And if you come in costume, you can save a dollar on admission."

Savage said audience members are encouraged to "play along," and embrace the interactive nature of the event.

"It's all about fun," she said. "It's an adult, interactive type of fun, in which we encourage audience participation – even heckling."

Just the facts

Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival | 1 p.m., 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18 | Featuring "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians," Max Fleischer's theatrical cartoons "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1944) and "Christmas Comes But Once a Year" (1936), plus additional shorts. | Regular admission prices apply ($6 for first show of the day – all seats; $9.50 for afternoon and evening shows – $6 for children, seniors and students)

Trash Film Orgy Xmas | 10:30 p.m. (doors open for pre-show festivities at 10 p.m.) Dec. 17) | 18 and older only | Featuring the movie "Don't Open Till Christmas," plus art-and-crafts, "Trash Santa" and his sexy elves, and more. | $10 admission ($9 if in costume)

"It's a Wonderful Life" | 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22-24 | Starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers, Thomas Mitchell | Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes | $9.50 general admission; $6 seniors/students/matinees (Groupon alert: everyone who purchased a Groupon deal for this film may exchange their Groupon certificate for a specific show time and a concession coupon in person at the Crest during regular operating hours.) | Advance tickets available online at www.tickets.com.

Directions to the Crest

For more info: (916) 44-CREST

Kicking it at Thunder Valley

2011-12-13T02:42:34Z

A few weeks ago I covered the Chippendales out at Thunder Valley Casino Resort. If you recall, I really started to question my “maleness,” since I kind of enjoyed the show. So to test my maleness I decided to take in a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event.

It just so happened that Gladiator Challenge, a promoter of all things MMA, was hosting an event out at Thunder Valley Casino Resort. There were sixteen fights on tap, so I was going to get my fill of fights.

It was nice of Gladiator Challenge to have some really nice young ladies walking around in between rounds letting us know what round it was. I found them extremely helpful.

For those of you who may not know, an MMA event consists of two fighters getting into a cage that resembles a boxing ring, only this ring has a cyclone fence encircling it so spectators don’t end up getting a lap dance from one of the fighters being thrown out of the ring. There are three rounds for non-championship matches and five rounds for championship matches, with each round lasting five minutes each with one minute breaks in between.

The two fighters wear small gloves and have complete control of their fingers, unlike boxing gloves. Some wear little booties while others go barefoot. I guess they probably don’t call them little booties. Let me see - tiny little shoes?

Just prior to entering the ring their faces are given a coat of grease. As the half-naked men enter the ring you get a sense that the grease is bothering them, because that’s when they start looking all mean and nasty like they want to kill somebody.

Keep in mind this is the first time I’ve watched an MMA match, so I’m still somewhat unclear as to the rules. It appears that once they’re in the ring, they are required to run around in circles screaming at the audience and pounding their chests for effect – such brutes.

With sixteen fights scheduled, I thought I would be there for quite some time. Turns out these fights don’t last nearly as long as a boxing match. Most ended just minutes into the first round. A couple went to the second round and that was it. One ended within 45 seconds!

First up were John Younger and John David Reynolds. Reynolds, fists blazing, had Younger on the mat in a little over a minute and BAM! Game over.

In the fourth bout it was Jamie Hantz and John Wigglesworth, with Hantz winning by a technical knockout. Hantz came into the ring kicking and screaming – seriously kicking, because he proceeded to kick the crap out of Wigglesworth. I don’t think Hantz threw a punch. All I saw were his legs pumping out the kicks.

Oh, yeah. In between bouts someone had the unlucky role of cleaning up the blood spattered on the mat. Oh, joy.

There were several title fights, which I’ve listed below with the winner in bold.

Light Heavyweight Title: Don “The Predator” Frye vs. Reuben Villareal
Heavyweight Title: Rob “The Caveman” Jackson vs. Josh Appelt
Welterweight Title: Jeff Morris vs. Justin Baseman
Super Fight Title: Chris Wood vs. Cal Worsham

Air Supply in demand at Thunder Valley

2011-12-12T03:12:11Z

Wow. What the hell happened out at Thunder Valley Casino Resort Friday night?

It seems soft rock group Air Supply, playing to a packed house of lovesick fans, actually came out and rocked the house.

I know. I still don’t believe it, but it’s all true! It was bedlam, I tell you.

“Here I Am” thinking “Sweet Dreams.” What are the “Chances” I would find myself in a “Sanctuary” where “Me Like You” can feel “The Power of Love” “Everywhere,” only to have a real rock concert break out. Seriously!

Air Supply started out innocently enough with “Even the Nights are Better,” and then segueing into “Every Woman in the World.”

OK so far, but as veteran performers Russell Hitchcock (lead singer) and Graham Russell (lead guitar) weaved their hits through the guise of soft rock, I should have noticed the younger band members standing at the ready. That should have been my first clue.

The newest members to the band could have been playing for Papa Roach the way they were attacking their instruments, running and jumping around the stage. This should have been my second clue.

Jonni Lightfoot (bass guitar), CJ Burton (drums), Amir Efrat (keyboards) and Aaron McLain (guitar), all kicked out some serious tunes.
As the band made their way through their repertoire, the crowd started to react more and more with every hit played, but that all changed when Russell went acoustic with their new song, “Everywhere.” Just prior to the song, Russell requested that some audience members crowd down on the floor in front of him, having them sit on the floor.

While everyone was gathering around Russell, he explained how he enjoys sitting on his balcony at home and looking off into the mountains. He pointed to the spotlight, saying it represents the sun going down, and you all are the mountains.

“This song is about how love is all around us, and it’s called ‘Everywhere,’” he said.

Now I know you’re asking yourself, how is this not soft rock? Well, it is, but it’s really rocking in a Tesla/Eric Clapton unplugged kind of way.

But really the trick here is how Air Supply corralled a large portion of the audience to the very front of the stage and between the aisles. As soon as Russell was done with “Everywhere,” the band struck up “The One that You Love,” and Hitchcock headed out into the sea of madness, followed by Russell on guitar, neither of them missing a beat. That’s when they begin working the crowd into a complete frenzy.

Hitchcock was handing out hugs and kisses as he made his way up one aisle and down another. Women were grabbing at him as his crew fought to keep them at bay. Once they made their way back onstage, it was too late for the audience. They were under Air Supply’s spell, swaying to the music, with the periodic fan jumping up to grab Russell as he came close to the edge of the stage.

For their encore they played “Me Like You” and “All Out of Love.” It was quite obvious the crowd was not ready to leave, and there could only have been a handful of people who left before the end of the show.

I hate to say it, but Air Supply is a master of entertainment. There, I said it.

I like Air Supply.

Marching bands, sports cars and beauty queens featured in Sacramento's annual Santa Parade

2011-12-11T21:34:47Z

photographs by Barry Wisdom

It wasn't the glitziest parade on the block, and more ads passed by than during a Talladega Superspeedway Nascar event, but the smiles that beamed from the shoulder-to-shoulder spectators at Sacramento's 2011 Santa Parade are the stuff that Christmas dreams are made of.

Presented Dec. 9 by D&H Special Event Management, the capital city's 29th annual holiday tradition once again delighted young and old with an eclectic lineup of merry marching bands, a spate of sports cars, a bunch of Boy Scouts, a gaggle of Girl Scouts and a Santa in a pear tree. (OK – a Santa in a horse-drawn carriage.)

Horses aside, chances are if it had an internal-combustion engine, it traversed the parade route. A two-story grocery cart, sponsored by Save Mart Supermarkets, provided an impressive visual and provided a distinct counterpoint to the mini CHiPs cart that also "roared" past. Along with the novelty vehicles, there were ample examples of high-powered parade staples, including a volley of vintage Chevrolet Corvettes (many of which squired local pageant winners) and siren-blasting police cruisers.

In addition, equestrians mounted up, beauty queens charmed, the Sacramento River Cats' mascot Dinger waved, and KCRA news anchor/reporter Walt Gray donned his motocycle leathers to enliven the Saturday-morning event which launched at the corner of Ninth and I streets, and completed its rectangular route at the Westfield Downtown Plaza Ice Rink at Seventh and K streets.

KCRA and the now-defunct Weinstock's department store founded the parade in 1983, with D&H taking the reins in 1991.

Today, some 16 "presenting partners" sponsor the event, including Westfield Downtown Plaza, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Macy's and Sactown magazine.

MidLife GridLife - Cougar Daze

2011-12-10T19:31:27Z

Online dating became exasperating. The real proof of that was when I pulled my profile even though I had to continue to pay for it for two more months; it just wasn’t worth seeing that same rotation of hiking, grilling, great outdoorsman with stellar senses of humor continue to taunt me, day after day, week after week!

I had decided I ‘d try it “old school”—just talk to men in bars and restaurants like the old days—and see how that worked in 2011.

It did. Almost too well.

I went to Sweetwater Bar and Restaurant hoping to chat some folks up for this column, and ended up in conversation with a charming young lawyer. It wasn’t—I swear!—until we were standing outside on the sidewalk, having both eaten at the bar, that I realized he’s timed his exit to coincide with mine.

I can’t remember the entire exchange, which I began entirely speechless, but I do know at one point I managed to blurt out, “You know I’m old, right?”

He did. But we spent a couple of lovely hours not dwelling on it. I did not go home with him, nor vice versa, because he’s 29. I’m looking for a relationship. He is younger than my older son.

No.

One of my male admirers has become obsessed with this encounter, and continues to bring it up, long after it has lost its interest in my life.

“Have you heard from him?” he asks.

“Are you kidding?” I respond.

“He seemed pretty interested at the time,” he presses.

“And then what?” I play through, “I was going to have his children? I think not.”

This is one of those cases where if the shoe was on the other foot, the foot would be feeling pretty cozy!

A few weeks later, sitting on the patio at R15, a really hot guy, say mid to late 20’s hanging out with a friend starts chatting with me. He buys me a drink while I’m waiting for my date to show up (I was uncharacteristically early) and his friend was inside hitting on a bachelorette party.

He asked if I lived nearby. Just then I saw the guy I knew must be my date walking toward the door and waved at him.

“Why,” I say, returning my attention to Hot Patio Guy, “Do you ask?”

“You just have a Midtown vibe about you. Most women I see down here really don’t.”

My date arrives at the table with a portable oxygen tank. Timing is everything.

Fast-forward to this past week. I posted the following on my Facebook status:

Tonight I get hit on in the Walmart parking lot by a guy in his twenties selling bootleg (or just plain hot) DVDs and CDs who told me "Seriously, you have hella hot a**!" Forties are not only fabulous, if you shop at Walmart, they're a little freaky!

I am coming to terms with the fact that I give off some sort of amusing Cougar energy. Flattering, but unproductive in my world. But flattering.

I received the following round of replies (my responses in italics):

#1 I see a column evolving

LOL

#2 I detest ‘hella.’

Slanguage of the street—or in this case, parking lot!

#2 Back in Texas guys would say “Buh” who were too lazy to say “Bubba.” Same thing.

Okay, you changed my mind; not going to go out with him after all! ; )

#2 Nah. Go ahead. Get some 20s nookie. It’s probably…hella good!

Touché!

#3 You will have access to hella movies!

#4 All guys in their 60’s are creepy :-P [from guy in his 60s]

#5 Count your blessings!

#6 Well, at least you know the dude was not lying!

#7 That is great—the story, not the situation!

There are probably women who wouldn't chat up a young dude selling black market stuff out of his car after dark in the parking lot of the Walmart (I told him I'd been selling my stuff off, too), and, here, it was the highlight of my day! ; )

#4 This screams for a romantic comedy, starring James Franco and Cameron Diaz. Possible flick title: "Save Money, Live Better" ;-)

#6 I'll have what she's having...

In addition to reaffirming my egotistical belief that my friends are some of the most clever in cyberspace, it made me wonder, what about a web site where friends could sign an on and rate your date? They do it with exes, they do it with hookers, why not this?

Even the simplest encounters have, if nothing else, entertainment potential. In the old days, we got on the phone and dished, but no one talks on the phone anymore. And not everyone is as willing to post their shenanigans for their entire friend list as I am. What if you could come home and post your evening’s events and get feedback from all of your besties, good, bad and brutal?

www.creeporkeeper.com?

www.mindovermate.com?

Start checking those copyrights. I’m off to Walmart to find a date for New Year’s Eve.

Iceland celebrates North Sacramento's 21st tree lighting with free skating

2011-12-09T06:59:44Z

The North Sacramento Chamber of Commerce may have thrown its annual holiday tree lighting a 21st birthday party Dec. 8, but even the adults who donned skates, munched cookies and quaffed hot chocolate eschewed the slightest trace of yuletide cynicism in favor of youthful Christmas-morning smiles.

Hosted by Iceland, the men and women, boys and girls who laced up courtesy of the venerable Del Paso Boulevard ice rink, barely noticed when the switch was thrown, and pumped current through the strings of multicolored lights that formed the "tree."

Those who didn't hit the ice themselves, found plenty of pre-Christmas cheer in picking out rinkside vantage points to watch singles, couples and entire families merrily go 'round and 'round covered by nothing but a starry, starry night.

This Modern Christmas Carol Sings

2011-12-09T00:26:25Z

Ben Scrooge is the Founder and CEO—Billionaire Boy Wonder—of Humbug , a video game company that his now deceased partner, Jake Marley, helped put on the map. But Ben is not a happy guy, a bit of a…

Scrooge as an 18-year old video game magnate? If you’re having trouble imagining it, that’s okay; I’d much prefer you buy a ticket and see it played out on stage. It’s well worth the ticket price!

I, too, was a skeptic.

No more.

Karen Pollard has conceptualized and carried out a clever modernization of the Christmas classic—a dash of Rent here, a dollop of High School Musical there--without straying so far from the original as to be disconcerting.

The staging and choreography are fairly intricate, and even at almost two hours without intermission, the show never bogged down. Nor did I—not traditionally an enthusiastic when it comes to musicals in general—ever say to myself, They’re going to sing again!? In fact, I found myself intently focused on the music, because, although some of the songs were necessarily sentimental, the lyrics of many were full of wit that threatened to whiz right by if I wasn’t paying attention.

The show is a production, of Natomas Charter School and Fine Arts Academy, where Pollard and her husband, Rick Gott teach. The cast of students, led by Christian Wheeler as the “mature” Ben Scrooge” is generally very talented and extremely energetic. The school is also fortunate to have a wonderful theater in which to perform.

A Christmas Carol runs through December 10th at 7:00pm at the Benvenuti Performing and Fine Arts Center on the Natomas Charter campus. For tickets and information www.benarts.org or (916) 491-1028

Adam Carolla's heedless high speed

2011-12-08T06:54:27Z

Adam Carolla’s wheels aren’t spinning. In fact, his engine has literally stalled.

“I’m down in the garage trying to get a Lamborghini 400GT to start. And I narrowed it down to the fuel pump or the fuses right before I came up here to call you,” the comedian, podcast host and amateur mechanic says in an exclusive phone interview with The Sacramento Press. He’ll perform his stand-up routine at The Crest Theatre on Friday.

In some ways, Carolla’s career has switched to high gear. A decade ago, he co-hosted goofy fare like “The Man Show” with Jimmy Kimmel and “Loveline” with Dr. Drew. Now he’s taken more creative control on projects like Fox Sports’ “The Car Show” and his own wildly popular podcast, which won the Guinness World Record for most downloads. But the flack Carolla’s been hit with because of his edgy jokes and social commentary, especially on the unrestricted podcast, just might send him into a tailspin.

“It drives me nuts… when you put your opinion out there, people grab it, turn you into whatever,” he says of all the ire “The Adam Carolla Show” has drawn. “Back in the day, in order to be a racist, you had to be in the clan or you had to light a cross or lynch somebody. You had to do something to be a racist. Now, just make a Pollack joke and you’re a racist. You can have gay friends and black friends and never have laid a hand on a woman in your life, and still (be called) a homophobe and a racist and a misogynist, and never (have) done a f—kin’ thing.”

But many say Carolla has done plenty. In August of this year, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation lambasted the comedian after hearing his then latest podcast. On it he said the LGBT (lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender) moniker should instead be called “YUCK,” before rhetorically asking, “When did we start giving a s---t about these people?”

Critics have always condemned Carolla for frequently targeting illegal Mexican immigrants in his monologues and rants. In 2003 they blatantly called him a racist after he joked about Hawaiians being “dumb” and “in-bred” on “Loveline.”

But the deepest furor of all came during a 2010 episode of “The Adam Carolla Show,” when the comedian made a boxing joke that hit too close to home for anyone hailing from the Philippines: “All you have over there is (heavyweight champion) Manny Pacquiao and sex tours.” Hate mail and accusations of racism promptly followed.

“Nah, I don’t give a f---k about any of that stuff,” Carolla says of being called a bigot. “I don’t care what they call me. Am I a Martian? Am I Jewish? What if you just called me something I had nothing to do with? I don’t give a f---k. But (broadcasters like) Ryan Seacrest do… he’s got nine shows. He doesn’t say anything. He’s got sponsors, so he’s gotta give a s--t. I do (my podcasts) for guys that hang around at race tracks.”

Carolla did care enough about the Filipino community’s heated reaction to apologize online, Tweeting, “I try to be provocative [and] funny but I crossed the line and I'm sorry.” That held as much shock value as any of his jokes, considering how rarely he rescinds a comment.

“I gave a f---k then, yeah, because… I got death threats. I got a family. Daddy’s gotta provide,” he says of the pressure that mounted in those weeks, before elaborating on where his most controversial slurs stem from. “On the podcast it’s easy to cross the line, because… I don’t plan out what I’m saying in advance. I just start talking. It can go any thousand different directions. And listen, the line’s been moved. And the line’s different for everybody.”

Carolla dismisses some demographics as simply being more sensitive than others. Meanwhile, those groups feel some comedians are more outrageous than others.

“Some groups don’t give a crap and don’t get offended. Some have a guy, like Asians have Guy Aoki who’s in charge of being offended for them even if they’re not offended,” Carolla says of the Media Action Network for Asian Americans co-founder, who has had heated exchanges with comedian (and former Jimmy Kimmel flame) Sarah Silverman about one of her “chink jokes.”

“I don’t even know what (Guy Aoki’s) nationality is, but he (seems to) represent all Asians, which is semi-racist in and of itself. But I don’t know if there’s any Koreans who know who he is or give a s--t about what I say.”

There are, however, plenty of Americans listening to Carolla — enough to complain and force an apology out of him, enough to help his podcast reach the Guinness milestone, and enough to put his book on the New York Times bestseller list. 2010’s “In Fifty Years, We’ll All Be Chicks” is essentially a series of Carolla monologues strung together across 250 pages.

“My second book will be nothing but (personal) funny stories. My first book had a couple of stories, but mostly lots of ‘let me tell you about this, and here’s what we ought to do,’ moments,” Carolla says, adding that the sequel won’t be out until Father’s Day 2012. “I guess it was Carlin-esque, but I’ve never really read anyone else’s (comedy) book, which does not pay dividends when writing the first book.”

Carolla says he had no idea how to even begin that first manuscript. His editor clarified: The book had to be between 75,000 and 90,000 words. Carolla then wondered how many pages that would equate to, and whether one of those pages or a single line should be devoted to each joke.

“I spent most of my time just trying to wrap my mind around the format of the thing. I’m definitely mechanically oriented. I always think that way.”

He means that both figuratively and literally, especially as of late. Last month Carolla bought a new warehouse for his hot-rod tinkering. He hopes to house all his cars there, including the Lamborghini 400 GT now sitting in his garage — once he gets its engine started.

“I want to have (the warehouse) like a full race shop, and I’m excited to see the air compressors and the hoists and the tool cabinets all set up,” he says, before elaborating on the practicality of his mentality: one that leaves little room for the abstract, the politically correct, or any other mindset but his own.

“I like the beginning, middle and end of the process,” says Carolla, adding that life’s a matter of getting the job done, seeing it through to the bitter end and through anyone’s bitter griping.

“It’s not just a sense of accomplishment — it’s a sense of not being impotent. It’s knowing, ‘OK, here’s what I want to do,’ and the next thing you know, you did it.”

The ‘Adam Carolla Hates the Holidays’ tour will hit the Crest Theatre on Friday, Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.). For more information, the Crest Theatre's calendar here or call 1-800-225-2277. Check out Carolla Podcast here.

Blame Sally performs at KVIE

2011-12-07T02:30:05Z

Public Broadcasting’s KVIE studios in Sacramento was transformed into a concert venue Saturday night as Blame Sally took the stage for a fundraiser.

This was not your run of the mill fundraiser either. KVIE recorded the performance and will be using the footage to produce a PBS Special, which will ultimately be used in pledge drives across the country and made available in DVD format.

So why choose Blame Sally for such an event? KVIE is using Blame Sally to show women of all ages, middle age in particular, that you can accomplish so much more. In their 30’s and 40’s they put their individual careers on hold to start Blame Sally. As a role model, Blame Sally proves that women in their 30’s and 40’s can get together and form, of all things, a rock band. Let me add – a successful and great sounding rock band.

Not only are they an inspiration to women around the world, but to anyone out there who has thought about walking away from their career to pursue their bliss.

Blame Sally had a large contingent of diehard fans in attendance, with most traveling from the San Francisco Bay Area by car, train and bus. Okay, not so sure if anyone took a bus, but I did talk to someone who took the train from Berkley. It took her four cabs to finally find a driver who knew how to get to the KVIE studios.

This was my first Blame Sally concert, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had listened to some of their music prior to attending the show to see what I was in for, so I knew I was going to enjoy their sound, which I did – immensely.

What I didn’t expect was the relaxing back and forth banter amongst the group. They looked completely at home as no less than eight cameras were rolling, including a boom camera reaching out over the audience zooming in on unsuspecting band members and concert goers alike.

Blame Sally kicked it off with “Big Big Bed” off of their latest album, “A Speeding Ticket and a Valentine.” Pam Delgado was on percussions, Renee Harcourt on guitar/bass, Jeri Jones on guitar/bass and Monica Pasqual on piano and accordion. All band members share the responsibility of lead vocals and switch off as the song dictates.

I totally missed the fact that there was a man playing bass. Rob Strom, who recently joined Blame Sally, could be seen in the background. All I had to do was focus and look beyond all the stunning beauty at the front of the stage. Not to say Rob isn’t stunning, he is – at least when he’s playing with Blame Sally.

The only case of nerves I noticed? As they were a few chords into their second song, Pasqual shouted “Cut!” stating she started off with the wrong chords because she was just noticing all the cameras.

Pasqual didn’t leave it at that either. Just prior to “Orange,” she was ready to go with her accordion at the ready. Only problem was, the song called for keyboards. It was comical as the band members would exchange barbs back and forth during times like this.

They had plenty of time to exchange those barbs too. Why? In between songs Jones and Harcourt would tune their guitars. Okay, Harcourt would sometimes tune her guitar and then wait for Jones to finish tuning hers, but that was all good. During those times it was as if I was at a comedy club with the jokes going back and forth.

Let me see, there were comments about someone’s new hairdo, wardrobe malfunctions, instrument malfunctions and so much more. You’ll have to wait for the DVD.

For their last song, Delgado led the audience through a chorus of do-da’s and da-doo’s or some such nonsense. Did I say nonsense? I don’t think so. The result was nothing short of amazing. She taught the audience their part and explained that everyone was to start as soon as she signaled to them. The audience started right on cue. As the song started to come to a close, the instruments started to slowly die down with the audience still singing. It was a serious goosebump moment. The song? Again, you’re going to have to wait for the DVD!

If you’re in the Bay Area make sure you catch Blame Sally at Berkeley’s Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse on December 9th. They will be touring out of state during January and February, returning to California in March. Their complete schedule can be viewed at http://blamesally.com/shows/

Give them a listen – you’ll be glad you did, and if for some reason you don’t like them? Blame Sally, not me.

Sacramento's Year for Al Stewart

2011-12-06T21:15:21Z

In 2011---A Year of the Cat---
Swell-Productions and SBL Entertainment Bring Al Stewart to Harlow's

by Gary Chew

I've wanted to see and hear this dude in person ever since first listening to his recording of “Year of the Cat.” Now in this Year of the Cat, 2011, my wish comes true Sunday, December 18th at Harlow's, 2708 J Street, across from Sacramento's Marshall Park.

If you know the words to Al Stewart's “Year of the Cat” and have hassled with your pals conjecturing about what those gauzy lyrics mean, you know that The Year of the Cat is a stretch of time in the Vietnamese version of the Chinese Zodiac. A Year of the Cat, in terms of, uh...time passages...relates to sensitivity, gentleness and kindness.

Just about a year after the US military exited Vietnam, Stewart recorded this haunting song that has become a quiet classic. Every dozen years a Year of the Cat comes along. Looking backwards on the calendar, here are those years from recent decades since Stewart made the record: 2011, 1999, 1987 and 1975.

If you don't know the words, Google “Year of the Cat” and put your mind to the text of its fetching imagery, like (if you're a Bogart fan): “...strolling through the crowd like Peter Lorre contemplating a crime.” The lyrics are a sensual allusion of images that can hook a listener, I guess it could be said---but changes in the music might be a bigger hook.

In an amateurish way, I analyzed the chord structure to the so singable “Year of the Cat” to find how much of it might contribute to the secret of the song's strong appeal. Each time Mr. Stewart holds the note singing the last word in the title, the piece takes on a lamentably lovely tone color. That note is in strong dissonance with the fundamental foundation of the chord of notes being played on the stringed instruments and keyboards---but such a gentle, half-step dissonance it is.

Then suddenly, the chord shifts to a somewhat more somber, pure, minor chord with the same note Al has sung stressed. At that moment, that note now becomes a part of another set of notes the band has played on to. Repetition of that sequence through the song with resolutions to a brighter, major chord nails your ears to the back of your head, if the championship words haven't already captured your heart and soul---as does the girl in the silk dress who Stewart and his co-composer, Peter Wood, imagine in “Year of the Cat.”

Just hearing Al Stewart sing and play “Year of the Cat” is worth the price of admission. (Online at www.Harlows.com is where to get tickets.) But there are other unforgettable songs Stewart sings. A few are: “Time Passages,” “Running Man,” “Delia's Gone,” “Roads to Moscow,” “Song on the Radio,” “Midnight Rocks” “Lord Grenville,” “Merlin's Time,” “On the Border” and---looking ahead---“Nostradamus.”

Al's latest CD is titled Sparks of Ancient Light.

Natomas tree lighting suffers gusts, but boasts gusto

2011-12-02T03:22:34Z

photographs by Barry Wisdom

Wednesday's Grinchy wind storm may have turned the centerpiece of the South Natomas Community Center's holiday tree lighting into a slightly bent, Whoville caricature, but the shiny bright ornaments, entertainment, refreshments and neighborhood fellowship were straight-up festive.

Emceed by Sacramento Councilmember Steve Cohn, the ceremony featured music by the drummer boys and girls of the Natomas High School Drum Corps, as well as the Natomas Middle School Choir and the Heritage Park Chorale.

"Santa Claus" also made an appearance to lend an ear to the whispered wishes of the children during the event's post-lighting reception in the community center.

NBA lockout ends and hundreds return to work

2011-11-30T00:03:59Z

Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Tuesday that with the NBA lockout over – and the Sacramento Kings resuming their season – more than 700 workers at the Power Balance Pavilion will be able to return to their jobs.

“We are excited. With the lockout ended you will see people returning to work,” Johnson said.

Since the lockout began, Power Balance Pavilion employees have lost a significant amount of work, and businesses that rely on the traffic that NBA games bring in have suffered financially.

With the four-plus month lockout and all pre-season games cancelled and a shortened season ahead, employees have missed out on a substantial amount of work.

On Del Paso Boulevard, businesses have reported 20-30 percent losses in revenue due to the NBA lockout, Johnson said. “We need people to be working and we know money needs to be spent,” he added.

The range of employees feeling the impact of the NBA lockout is widespread.

The Hyatt Regency Sacramento, for example, is losing what Johnson speculated to be $50,000 a month due to NBA teams not visiting Sacramento for games and staying at the hotel.

The Kings will start their shortened 66-game season in late December.

Millions of dollars would have been lost if the lockout continued, Johnson said.

“We will be able to say ‘go Kings,’again,” he added.

Plans for the new arena in Sacramento continue to develop as the NBA season kicks off. Johnson said he hopes to get up to speed on all the components of the new entertainment and sports complex this week.

March 1, 2012 marks the date when Sacramento must have its plans finalized for the new arena. If not, the Maloof family, owner of the Sacramento Kings, has permission by the NBA to take the Kings elsewhere.

Dec. 13 is an important deadline in the planning process. According to the City of Sacramento website, the Sacramento Entertainment and Sports Complex must have finalized its “research, evaluations, negotiations on the finance (and) development and operation” plans by the Dec. 13 City Council meeting.

“We are excited the lockout is over and the city will do its best to step up and make a new sports entertainment center,” Johnson said.

KVIE PBS Teams up with Blame Sally

2011-11-29T04:17:06Z

I was recently approached by Todd Wagner at Ninth Street Opus to help publicize an upcoming event over at Public Television’s KVIE in Sacramento. Ninth Street Opus represents a San Francisco all-female group, Blame Sally, scheduled to perform at the KVIE TV station on Saturday, December 3.

KVIE and Blame Sally are working together to create a pledge program to help raise money for Public Television on a national level. KVIE will be filming Blame Sally during their performance and using the footage to produce a PBS special which will ultimately be used in their pledge drives across the country.

I don’t think I need to go on about the value of public television and what it means for the community as a whole, but I do want to make sure that everyone understands who Blame Sally is and why they were chosen to perform at KVIE.

PBS wants to use Blame Sally as a role model for women everywhere. They are an example of healthy, authentic women, proud of their age and defying the odds by forming a successful rock band in their 40’s and 50’s. What they have accomplished is an inspiration to women across America.

Blame Sally is a little bit country, a little bit of rock, a little bit of folk and a whole lot of heart. They have been compared to the Indigo Girls, Dixie Chicks and even Radiohead - but forget about all that, because one day some all-female band is going to come along and they will be compared to Blame Sally.

The band is made up of four young women, alright, let’s say four not-so-young women. They bring a lifetime of love, happiness, disappointment, trials and tribulations, and really just a whole lot of life to the table. It shows in their music, especially in their latest album, “A Speeding Ticket and a Valentine.”

A few tracks really stood out on their fifth album, “Living Without You,” named for a hard-rocking song about a woman uncertain whether to be devastated or exhilarated by a relationship’s end. “Countdown,” with its driving beat and “Big Big Bed,” which you gotta love simply because of the washboard playing in the background, are just a couple of them.

So who are these women of wisdom and why do they work together so well?

Pam Delgado, on percussion and vocals, wishes she still owned the family car from when she was just a kid. It was a Lavender Pontiac Bonneville complete with a Clamshell from Sears.

Renee Harcourt on guitar, bass and vocals is really the talented one out of the four, but don’t tell the others that. She can juggle, ride a unicycle and whistle loudly with or without fingers, though not all at the same time and hopefully not onstage.

Jeri Jones is on guitar, bass and vocals. I tried to call Jeri but never did get through. All I heard on the other end of the phone was, “Who the &$@%# is calling me before I’ve had my morning coffee!”

I did hear she’s prone to pre-coffee accidents. Luckily all their performances are late in the day.

Monica Pasqual, on piano, accordion and vocals, has started a billion songs and never finished them. There’s something about being superstitious when it comes to songwriting. She has to have at least two good verses and a chorus before she can walk away, otherwise it’s a lost cause.

All the other songs she’s completed? Perfection.

Together these women make up Blame Sally. Granted, they are an odd bunch and there’s not a Sally in the lot, but it doesn’t matter as long as they keep pumping out some really awesome tunes.

Get out there and show your support for Public Television and Blame Sally.

I'll see you there.

You can get more information here.

Where:
KVIE TV Station
2030 W. El Camino Ave. Sacramento, Calif. 95833

When:
Saturday, December 3
7:00-8:30 p.m. and 9:00-10:30 p.m.

Cost:
Regular Admission: Per Show: $25 / Both Shows: $45 (150 seats available)
VIP Seating: Per Show: $100 (Only 50 VIP seats available!)

Christmas with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

2011-11-21T03:25:35Z

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra mesmerized the audience Saturday afternoon at Power Balance Pavilion in the first of two Christmas shows.

For those of you who may not be familiar with TSO, they are a progressive rock band that incorporates classical, orchestral, symphonic and progressive elements into hard rock and heavy metal. They are famous for their series of rock operas and storytelling.

This was a high-energy show with a combination of lasers, lights, pyrotechnics and video screens all synchronized to TSO’s music.

Dressed in black, the orchestra made their way on stage while chimes were playing. As they were assembling onstage, there were clips of Martin Luther King Jr. from the famous "I Have a Dream" speech, as well as John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan and others, with each round of new faces drawing applause and cheers. Once onstage they started playing “Who I Am,” with video screens and lights blazing in perfect unison.

The talented storyteller Phillip Brandon started weaving a tale of an angel coming down to Earth on Christmas Eve. Brandon’s phenomenal voice, reminiscent of the famous James Earl Jones, drew the crowd into the tale as a hush came over the audience. After the introduction, the orchestra started playing “An Angel Came Down,” complete with lights and lasers.

As the orchestra began “First Snow,” it actually started to snow in the arena. OK, not really snow, but the pretend kind of snow. You know the one with tiny bubbles raining down? Couple that with all the video screens filled with snow added to the sensation of real snow. It was quite breathtaking, leaving the audience in complete awe as they listened to an extremely talented line-up of musicians.

A newcomer to TSO, violinist Asha Mevlana was off the charts rocking it with her purple high-tech violin. As she ended a solo routine, the crowd gasped in unison as she snapped her bow in half over her knee, ending the song. This was so much more dramatic than smashing a guitar to smithereens, since it was completely unexpected.

As they wrapped up the story, the orchestra treated the audience to a number of songs, including a mix from one of their albums, “Christmas Canon Rock,” at which point they brought out founder, composer and producer Paul O’Neill.

This was my first exposure to TSO, and I have to say they left me wanting more, even after a two-and-a-half-hour performance.

Chippendales seducing the ladies

2011-11-18T02:56:36Z

OMG! I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to write this after the Chippendale’s performance at Thunder Valley Casino Resort Wednesday night.

It was only after taking a cold shower and having a glass – scratch that – a bottle of wine that I was able to start thinking clearly.

What? No! The water heater went out and a “glass” of wine is how I like to end my day.

My intent on writing this is to warn any unsuspecting women who may decide to take in a show like the Chippendales’. Don’t. Seriously, nobody liked the show!

It was quite obvious that every woman in the place, which was around 99.9 percent of the people, couldn’t stand the show. I couldn’t believe it! I was completely dumbfounded. They were screaming “Get off!” almost the entire show. The Chippendales never got the message. They stayed onstage the whole time!

The strange thing is when they finally ended the show and did get off the stage, all the women started screaming “More, more, more.” I know, I find women confusing, too. They say one thing and mean another. (Come to think of it, they may have been screaming “Take it off!”)

As for the men onstage, I felt bad for these guys. It appeared to be a little chilly in the room, but that didn’t seem to dampen their enthusiasm. All I can say is I was feeling a tad inadequate at this point.

The biggest criticism I have of the show? It was the most disgusting display of pure animalistic behavior I have ever witnessed. It was really quite a sight to see. None of the women could keep it together. They were falling over in the aisles, standing on chairs, trying to get back stage, onstage, or anywhere close to those big hunks. Now hold on a minute! I’m only referring to them as big hunks because I know that’s how women refer to those large glistening bodies of pure muscle and all their gyrating ways.

I will say there was definitely an excitement in the air as the show progressed, but it’s difficult for me to explain the atmosphere. I liken it to when I receive a package from FedEx that I have to sign for because I know it’s got to be something really cool, otherwise I wouldn’t have to sign for it. Well, that’s the way all the ladies were acting, but I guess they weren’t interested in a FedEx package.

Speaking of packages – the Chippendales were the complete package, with eight of the most physically perfect male dancers all competing for the audience’s attention, all dressed in their trademark bow ties and shirt cuffs with bare torso, at least some of the time.

The opening was quite dramatic with the stage dark and ominous and smoke filling the air. One by one they took center stage with a lone spotlight lighting their muscular curves and superior physique. Is it getting hot in here?

The first few routines found these delectable morsels stripping down to pretty much nothing – why do I keep writing like this? Delectable morsels? Now I’m starting to worry.

As each layer came off, the decibel levels in Pano Hall rose exponentially. People were gathering outside trying to get a glimpse of the show. Quite the curious crowd.

A couple of times during the show, they danced around the audience, going down aisles and over chairs. One of the Chippendales was looking for someone to give an autographed poster to. He found her when he exclaimed she deserved it for grabbing his penis. Yes – there you have it. I said it, now it’s out there for all to see.

Several people had the opportunity to jump onstage. In one case three ladies were in a game show where they were told to complete a task. The first one had to perform her best lap dance on one of the Chippendales. The second had to demonstrate her favorite position when making love, and the third had to demonstrate her favorite way of putting on a condom. The third won due to her technique and the timely fashion of completing her task. Oh – I should clarify. She put it on a banana.

This was definitely ladies’ night out. There were a few men in attendance, and you could tell which ones were straight. They were carrying a ball and chain and didn’t look all too happy. I believe my count was two husbands/significant others in attendance.

The show was so successful that Thunder Valley had to provide additional seats to accommodate the larger-than-expected crowd.

After the show, the Chippendales remained onstage so audience members could have their photos taken with their favorites. I declined. They also announced they would be going to Thunder Valley’s Falls Bar for an after-party. [Insert loud cheers here.]

So at the end of the day I feel like I was able to embrace my inner gayness and survive. As I’m sitting here writing this, I’m convinced that I have no lingering side effects from the show.

British invasion causes riot at Thunder Valley

2011-11-15T02:29:40Z

Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone played to a full house of old diehard Herman’s Hermits fans at Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s Pano Hall Sunday night. That’s not to say everyone in the audience was old, just older than most.

The Noonatics, those who carry around vinyl albums and old Herman’s Hermits 8-tracks, may have known what they were in for, but I sure as bloody hell wasn’t.

The 64 year old rocker joined the British band as the lead singer (Herman) at the young age of 15. You do the math.

I went to see Herman’s Hermits to relax and enjoy some oldies but goodies, so when Noone took the stage and started singing, “I’m Into Something Good,” I was thinking, “Ahhhh, this is perfect.”

Then the bloody bloke started yapping and from that point on there was no relaxing for anyone. All we could do was laugh at the bugger. He’s completely bollocks!

He explained to everyone that a friend told him that Sacramento, Yuba City and Clarksburg were way out in the country and if he wanted to make us happy he had to play some country music. He started singing Johnny Cash’s, “Ring of Fire,” resulting in the audience laughing throughout the song.

Noone was all over the map, singing songs from Johnny Horton, Tom Jones, Mick Jagger, and of course Herman’s Hermits hits as well.

At one point, one of the noonatics in the front row pulled out an old vinyl album cover from years and years ago. Noone, the mad hatter that he is, grabbed the album and stuck it over his face, displaying the old photo of himself. He then started singing and marching across the stage. It was quite comical.

Another rant was about looking like Nick Nolte. He said as he was coming through the casino someone stopped him and asked about the show. They got all excited, screaming as they pointed at him, “Hey! You’re Nick Nolte.”

In between jokes he actually did sing a hit or two. This guy has a great voice and as soon as the band started up any of their past hits, the audience erupted in cheers and clapping.

Those that could still stand did.

Noone sang most of their hits including "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter," "I'm Henry the Eighth, I Am” and “There’s a Kind of Hush.”

Prior to the show, Noone went out of his way to engage people, shaking their hands and saying hi. You could tell he lives for this stuff and thoroughly enjoys it.

After the show, a path was cleared by the ever so diligent security staff at Thunder Valley to make way for Noone as he made his way to the exit. There he started signing autographs and chatting it up with anyone who would listen. The guy just can’t help himself – It’s who he is. After all, what do you expect from the son of an accountant!

Peter Noone is the real deal. Not only does he sing, but he entertains too – with a smile.

Cirque Shanghai’s Bai Xi

2011-11-14T04:21:33Z

The Cirque Shanghai’s Bai Xi put on a breathtaking show Thursday and Friday night at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, playing to a standing room-only crowd both nights.

Bai Xi translates to “100 amazing acts.” However, I only counted 16, but they were 16 amazing displays of physical strength and grace. The show was full of spectacular colors, talented young men, women and a number of young girls. It was a magical night with some mind-boggling performances and a variety of visually stunning costumes.

As the show opened, the performers started in the back of Pano Hall dressed in spectacularly colorful costumes. Working their way through the audience with a winking parade-style dragon and waving giant flags, they were saying hi to audience members and shaking hands.

Once onstage they immediately started in with their incredible balancing act with a unicycle riding on top of a red umbrella and then appearing to fall off stage.

These guys had everything from contortionists to roller skating, including juggling pottery and even juggling hats!

The contortionists, dressed in yellow, ranged from little girls to young women. They started by arranging themselves in a single-file row from front to back, with the smallest in the front as they spread their arms out. They started climbing over each other, bending into unimaginable positions. It was quite the spectacle.

Next up was a number of young men balancing on a single ladder. As one man made his way on stage, he was balanced on a ladder, wiggling his way to center stage. Once there another man climbed on from behind and made his way to the shoulders of the first man. They finally ended up with four men balanced on the ladder.

At one point a number of young kids came out stuffed in colorful barrels, and I mean stuffed. These kids were very bendable, and at one point there was one in one end of the barrel and another in the other end and then they would trade off balancing each other on the one end. Crazy!

There was an awesome hat routine that was very well choreographed. These guys made their routine look deceptively easy, until they called a few audience members onstage to help them out.

That was when I noticed Rachel Steele, lead singer of local country rock band Road 88, sitting in the audience. As they were looking for volunteers it was obvious that Steele did not have her hand up, but one of the men went right to her and insisted she come up onstage. It was funny watching Steele, who is used to leading, having to follow these guys as they directed her, and three other audience members through several routines.

I’m thinking with fellow Road 88 band members Scott Prentice and Billy Haggard in attendance that they had prearranged Steele’s selection. Steele was definitely caught off guard and very entertaining.

Steele was doing a great job, and you could tell she felt this was in the bag when they had her dancing and clapping her hands above her head. However, once they started showing her their hat routine, she had quite a bit of difficulty duplicating their moves.

The other two audience members didn’t fare any better than Steele, but kudos to the young lady who actually did a cartwheel, much to the audience’s delight.

This was a fast-paced show with stunning acrobatics, gymnastics and a whole lot of grace. The only downside of the night was the height of the stage. During several acts the stage was so low that it was difficult to see what was going on. Luckily there were only a few parts where it was difficult to see.

I’m sure they will be back to perform at Thunder Valley again, and if they do, you don’t want to miss it!

The best things happen while they're dancing (and singing): Runaway Stage opens 'White Christmas'

2011-11-13T00:12:51Z

photographs by Barry WIsdom

There's no bigger fan of the 1954 Paramount Picture production of "White Christmas" than yours truly. Frankly, I do not trust anyone who doesn't want to eat up this all-dancing, all-singing holiday confection with a great big spoon ("Yum! Yum!").

The Technicolor/VistaVision musical offers a solid score by Irving Berlin, and a host of cinematic triple-threats including Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. (OK - the women are really just double threats: the diminutive Vera-Ellen's singing voice was dubbed and Clooney is pretty much stiff as an overcooked gingerbread woman).

The film also features a batch of wonderful supporting performances. These include turns by Dean Jagger, Mary Wickes and, if you look quick, George Chakiris (Sharks leader Bernardo in 1961's "West Side Story") as a chorus boy who backs Clooney in her solo nightclub performance.

It took 50 years, but a stage version of "White Christmas" was finally unwrapped for überfans such as myself, opening in San Francisco in 2004. I still have my program.

The plot is basically the same as the story conceived by screenwriters Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank: a pair of World War II veterans become a successful song-and-dance team, get roped into reviewing a sister act as a favor to "an old pal in the Army," then head to Vermont, where the sisters are booked at a ski lodge/resort for the holidays.

There, they mount an impossibly lavish show to save the "Tyrolean haunted house"-turned-lodge that just happens to be owned by their former commanding officer. Romance, hilarity and sparkling production numbers ensue.

There are a few alterations for the stage show, including the addition of songs from Berlin's deep catalog ("I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," "I Love a Piano," "Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun" the expansion of intimate numbers into full-blown spectaculars ("Snow"), and a reworking of a few characters. Emma, the nosy housekeeper in the film, is now a retired Broadway vet who wants to be in the show, and granddaughter Susan is an aspiring performer. Both characters enjoy featured solos.

Today, this stage adaptation of "White Christmas" is becoming an annual yuletide treat for repertory and regional theaters throughout the United States.

On Nov. 11, Runaway Stage Productions opened the "Sacramento community premiere" of the musical (which features the company's 18-member resident orchestra and an immensely talented cast). Directed by Bob Baxter, "White Christmas" continues through Dec. 4 at Sacramento's 24th Street Theatre (at the Sierra 2 Center), 2791 24th St. (For tickets, call (916) 207-1226.)

I was lucky enough to shoot dress-rehearsal shots of the show a day earlier.

Enjoy!

MidLife GridLife - Going to Temple on Sundays

2011-11-11T22:45:30Z

A year and a half ago, give or take, I was unemployed.

For seven months.

Long, terrifying, faith-shaking months.

A period of time that began optimistically with the idea that I would give myself until after the first of the year (I was fired at the end of November—the most wonderful time of the year; the hap-happiest season of all!) before I panicked, and spiraled into a cold sweaty pool of disbelief, when my father died unexpectedly just before my birthday in May.

I am fortunate to have terrific friends, some of whom came quite unexpectedly out of long ago created nooks and crannied to offer tremendous comfort and support. I also learned that I have amazing colleagues, some of whom are now friends, who offered everything from an empathetic ear and free lunches, to job leads.

By June, one of those colleagues, Rick Jennings from The Center for Fathers and Families was even kind enough—among other things--to call my former employer (the one I had left for a theoretically “better” position) and offer to hire me part-time, if they would do the same, despite not really having a position available.

Happily, it never came to that.

In the year or so I was gone, my former employer, Cottage Housing, had not filled my position, due to all of the budget issues being discussed in the governor’s office. The position opened up again shortly after Rick’s intervention on my behalf, and I was able to apply for and regain it.

But for the unlucky seven months in between, I filled out three applications for loan modification, saw my father pass away, and followed the feds as they changed their collective mind about how long I should be able to collect unemployment.

All things I could have done from the comfort of my bed.

I’m bipolar. When things go sideways, the only place I want to be is my bed.

I’m bipolar; the last place I should be when things go sideways is my bed.

Being bipolar is a different column. This is about where I went for seven months to keep myself sane—or at least as sane as I ever like to be.

I went to Temple Coffee—on S Street (there’s a difference).

Sometimes I went there as many as five days a week.

My sister had told me about Temple in passing once, and I had taken a friend there and really like the atmosphere.
It now became my home away from home.; and by association, my home office.

I am not a person who says things like, “It has great energy,” but it does.

I tried taking my laptop to various other coffee establishments, both independent and corporate—including those in bookstores--but I had very little luck getting anything of substance done. I could check my email, play a little Scrabble, update my Facebook status ad nauseum, but I wanted to write, to feel productive, and that just didn’t seem to happen.

Until I started going to Temple.

I wrote my first play at Temple.

An entire play.

Poetry, some articles for an insurance web site, cover letters…

A play.

I found out my sister went to Temple for coffee on Mondays and started seeing her every week, sometimes as her date, sometimes just to say hello. Sometimes on Sundays, as well.

Soon I could order my latte and inquire, “Has my sister been in yet?” and the person behind the counter—Luke or Spenser or Lauren, say—would reply, “No, I haven’t seen her this morning yet,” or (most often on Sunday, because I tend to move a lot slower than she does), “She was here, but she left awhile ago.”

The Temple Coffee crew is so impressive. They know their business and they know their clientele. If I’ve talked to them more than a few times, they know my order and my name. This has also been true at Starbucks, but the vibe is just different. It’s quieter.

It’s an added source of fun that when I tell people “I was at Temple yesterday,” the uninitiated still think I may have converted to Judaism. They are fewer and fewer these days, however, as I spread the word.

I am now thankfully employed, but I still spend my Sundays and Mondays at Temple. Now I do homework or write; or play Scrabble or update my status on Facebook.

And I am grateful with every sip for the way it made me feel during those scary seven months.

It just has a great energy about it.

Temple Coffee has two locations: 1010 9th Street and 2829 S Street, both open 6am-11pm daily. www.templecoffee.com

2011 Ghost Tour of Sacramento

2011-11-04T02:21:36Z

On October October 27, 2011 Haunted & Paranormal Investigations regional manager Paul Dale Roberts took 14 paranormal enthusiasts on a “Ghost Tour” around Sacramento.
Roberts believes that certain locations can leave a “residual or intelligent haunting.” * The group of new investigators traveled to many locations in Sacramento in search for these ghosts.
The first location was the Old Sacramento City Cemetery. We stood at the gates and took pictures of the many graves. We tried to see any anomalies in our photos but none could be found. Every October, many tours through the cemetery but this night it was closed.
The Old Sacramento City Cemetery was established in 1849 and holds many War Veterans, Mayors, Governors, and those who perished in the 1850's Cholera Epidemic. It is the oldest known cemetery in the Sacramento Area.*
We continued our tour to the Dorothea Helen Puente residence. Robert tells the group that Puente was a serial killer. She kept her home as a 16 room boarding house in the 1980's , taking many elderly people and promising to care for them. She eventually killed them by over dosing them on their own medication and stole their social security. It was a horrific crime, and the news had spread like wild fire in Sacramento when it had occurred. One of the individuals in the tour group had lived two homes down from Puente. The person claimed that when she would walk by her home, the old women would always be petting her cat and seemed to be friendly.
The next location was a park not far from the Puente home. Roberts told us about the victims in the park and how a man would strangle women in his car and dump their bodies. He quickly freaked us out when he told us about the mentally unstable Richard Chase who had killed many people in California.
While in the park many weird things happened. We picked up an EVP (Electronic voice Phenomena) of a man saying “I want her.” Someone from the tour group had electronic malfunctions with the vehicles. Was this paranormal? I don’t know, but it sure was eerie out there in the pitch black hunting for the unknown.

The last location was the notorious Martinez Home

There have been so many stories of the paranormal and people saying that there are deaths that have occurred in the home. Well, I have done my homework and, though the outside of the home is old and dusty and creepy in a beautifully rustic way, I really couldn't tell if it was haunted just by looking at it.

Roberts said the stories he had previously published were just that: stories. Even when I was there investigating a neighbor by and told us it was burned up on the inside and that’s why no one lives in it. Roberts said he believes that the house could be haunted but most likely it is just an amazing home that people should appreciate. I would have to agree with Roberts because there are not many homes in Sacramento that have such a rich history.

How the name became the "Martinez Home” is unknown, but according to the owner the only known owners before them were Dr. Aden C. Hart and then his Grandparents who bought the home in 1942. It’s believed that the architecture comes from Dr. Hart , who had a gothic taste. Maybe it’s due to him being a member of the Sacramento Commandeer Knights Templar or the Temple of the Shrine and Sacramento Chapter Royal Arch Masons. No one really knows.
Now, do I believe the home is haunted? No probably not. My question is why are the owners so private about their historical home?
I am a member of the Elk Grove Historical Society, and I know if the owner opened up the doors about his historical home, it could be a landmark for Sacramento. Not all rumors are bad rumors if it gives you popularity, and that’s what this home is: popular. I am not gullible to the rumors, but those who want to believe that a place is haunted may find more excitement in it and get interested in the history of the home. It's a selling point, and I think the owners should take advantage of it.

More photos of the ghost tour are in this Photobucket album.

*Residual haunting, repeated activity that is attributed to a traumatic event. An intelligent haunting — a spiritual entity is aware of the living world and interacts with or responds to it through intelligent responses such as electronic voice phenomena (EVP) or electromagnetic field (EMF or EM field).

Boston Takes Over the Naked Lounge This Tuesday

2011-11-03T06:38:39Z

In the mood for a low-country Regina Spektor-meets-Jimmy Buffett-on-whiskey act followed by a Dave Matthews crossed with a beached-out Buddy Holly number? Well, you can... this coming Tuesday, November 8 at the Naked Lounge in downtown Sacramento (1111 H St.), starting at 8:30. This all ages show features two of California's up-and-coming, on-the-scene singer-songwriters, Jo Elless (www.joelless.com) and Mike Macchia & Tyler Canaday (Mike's Lost and Found, http://www.youtube.com/TheMikeMacchia). Midwest and northeastern roots, with a little dixie thrown in for good measure, Jo Elless is a Berklee-trained multi-instrumentalist who arranges her songs for wind orchestra (all of the instruments, of course, she performs herself-- ranging from flutes to tinier flutes to saxophones and various clarinets). Her songs feature musings of foggy, city, subway life and Decemberists-like folk tales of the deserted south. Her latest album, Copley Inbound, received national acclaim, including landing Elless a spot on the cover of the magazine Saxophone Journal. Coincidentally, Boston native Mike Macchia will also perform along with Tyler Canady, in the form of Mike's Lost and Found (it's also his birthday, so join in the party!) follow her with a blend of sultry, acoustic rock sure to get you kickin' back, tapping your toe, and reminding you of past summers in love. It's all this coming Tuesday, November 8 starting at 8:30 at Sacramento's downtown Naked Lounge, 1111 H St. Sacramento CA 95814.

Disclosure: Sacramento music scene columnist

Mastodon's Beastly Inspiration

2011-11-02T00:44:22Z

Amongst the buzz saw riffs lies a tale twisted as knotted lumber’s grain. It was chiselled, grinded, and chipped at until the words surrounding that deep woods howl splintered as if to catch beneath your skin.

That, at least, could be one way to look at the fresh cut tune “Curl of the Burl,” from the latest album by heavy metal craftsmen Mastodon. The song’s title refers to the bloated burr growths swelling under the bark of injured hardwood trees. Such deformities hold a special beauty to certain artisans.

“There’s a group of people in the Pacific North West… They get hopped up on meth, get in their trucks and go into the woods with their chainsaws to hunt for the burl in various trees,” Mastodon singer and bassist Troy Sanders says of the strangely gnarly prey these rabidly fiendish predators work to uproot and mow down.

He went on to describe the value of those knots, which warp the wood in such a beautifully rare fashion that furniture makers and sculptors will pay top dollar.

“These meth addicts will fill their trucks up with these burls, take them into town, sell them to these wood sculptors,” Sanders added. “They take the money and re-up on their meth, then go back in the woods. It’s kind of this crazy circle of insanity.”

Such a tightly wound cycle could aptly describe the songs that accompanied “Curl of the Burl,” on their latest album, The Hunter. The band severed out several of those songs in a slipshod matter, leaving a leaner offering than anything their listeners are used to- especially compared to the ten minute operatic anthems that rounded out their previous release, Crack the Skye.

That album was the most complex they’d ever crafted, and not only on a technical level. Its lyrical narrative centered around a quadriplegic’s out of body experience, a celestial journey that helps him see Stephen Hawking’s scientific wormhole theories up close, then glimpse the impending assassination of Rasputin before striving to save the Russian Tsar from that grisly fate.

Those bizarre themes were concocted by Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor. They stemmed from two decades worth of rescue fantasies starring his sister Skye, who succumbed to suicide at the age of 14.

“Brann approached us and said ‘Guys, I think I’d like to explore this though our music.’ And we said ‘Hey man, if you want to go there that’s fine. We’ll go there with you," Sanders says of the band's pledge to their tenacious drummer. "He wanted to ultimately have a record based on her memory, her spirit, and have something that would live forever.”

The album connected with fans on a level the band hadn’t reached since they released Leviathan in 2004. Both discs featured the intricate song stylings fans had come to expect and adore. And that earlier album also featured a high concept that equalled Crack the Skye's. Leviathan’s lyrical narrative was loosely based around Herman Melville’s classic epic “Moby-Dick.” Songs like “I am Ahab,” and “Seabeast,” still bring crowds to an uproar at Mastodon’s gigs. But the album’s standout track was “Iron Tusk,” named for the rusty harpoon Ahab obsessively longed to pierce the elusive mammoth’s flesh with.

“Within the book Melville refers to the whale as a sea salt mastodon, so it just felt like it was a perfect fit,” Sanders says of the timeless passage that inspired the song title and album’s concept. “It paralleled with how we were feeling in our own band, (after) 200 days a year in our white van. We were like ‘what are we searching for? Are we driven, or are we crazy, or is it a little bit of both?’ It completely mirrored Ahab.”

And just like that fictional sailor’s hulking, floating, elusive muse—or the ghost of Skye that tenderly lingered throughout the recording and tour behind Crack the Skye—the band also pursued a similarly haunting creature on their latest album.

It's a gaping triple jawed beast, its two horns jutting forth like tree branches- a charging minotaur that adorns the album cover of The Hunter. That image didn’t stem from a painting (unlike the cover art for Mastodon's other albums). Instead of a flimsy easel, it was crafted from a burly, curling, warped woodwork.

The towering 3 dimensional wood carving (depicted in a photo on the album’s cover) was the creation of AJ Fosik (who’s work can be viewed at this link http://www.fecalface.com/SF/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1581&Itemid=92). The Philadelphia based wood sculptor’s creations look like psychedelic totem poles, or a perverted taxidermist's rendition of peacock bright muti-eyed carnivores from a forgotten tribal legend.

As the band hammered out fresh tunes for The Hunter near a mixing board, Fosik toiled away on the minotaur in his Philadelphia art studio- his saws and chisels rabidly gnawing at the wood as if they were fangs frothed with sawdust instead of saliva. Those simultaneous projects were captured in a music video for the album's lead single ‘Black Tongue’ (the clip can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwgqenxNUfs).

“We’re big fans of anything prehistoric and mythological. So we knew AJ’s epic wood carvings were a perfect fit for our new, rawer songs,” Sanders says of Fosik’s savage stylings, before pondering what such a ghastly creature could possibly symbolize. “That minotaur, that beast, could represent anything. It could be us, or it could be something we’re hunting for.”

Mastodon will perform at the Ace of Spades on Nov. 2. For more information visit mastodonrocks.com/tour or aceofspadessac.com.

Midnight Star Shines on Thunder Valley

2011-10-31T03:17:55Z

Seventies musicmakers Midnight Star and A Taste of Honey packed Pano Hall at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort Friday night, keeping the audience on their feet for most of the show.

A late start didn’t dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm as Grammy Award-winning A Taste of Honey, featuring original band member Janice Marie Johnson, stormed the stage. Johnson was decked out in a pink sequin dress and high heels and sporting her bass guitar.

As soon as the band kicked into gear, the audience was on their feet, as the band played all their hits like “I’m Talking About You” and “Disco Dancin’.”

After a quick wardrobe change into an orange kimono, Johnson sang her hit song “Sukiyaki” as the audience settled back in their seats.

The audience catapulted out of their seats as Johnson finished the set with their biggest hit, “Boogie Oogie Oogie.”
Prior to the show, Johnson was backstage meeting some of her fans. I’ve attended a number of meet-and-greets, and Johnson was one of the most down to earth artists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. She asked everyone their name, repeating it back to ensure she got it right. She would give them a hug and then start asking them questions while they were getting their picture taken. Class act all the way!

After a longer than expected break to change out equipment, the audience was back up on their feet as founding Midnight Star members Belinda Lipscomb (vocals), Melvin Gentry (guitar/vocals), Bo Watson (keyboard/vocals) and Bill Simmons (keyboards) took the stage with longtime bandmates Kenneth Gant (bass) and Bobby Lovelace (drums).

Pumping out their signature R&B electro-funk sound, they had the crowd singing and cheering to “Electricity,” leading into a brief version of “Headlines,” “Wet My Whistle” and “Midas Touch.”

I thoroughly enjoy bands like Midnight Star that take the time to choreograph their moves for each song. It adds a completely different dynamic to the performance, and it just plain looks good. Obviously the crowd agreed, because as soon as the band started moving in sync with each other, the audience responded with a round of applause.

After ending their set with “Freak-A-Zoid” and “No Parking (On the Dance Floor),” it was obvious the crowd was quite satisfied with the night’s performances by both bands.

Día de los Muertos Festivities with La Raza Galería Posada

2011-10-30T01:51:28Z

Día de los Muertos—Day of the Dead--is a Mexican tradition that stems from
Meso-American societies, and was heavily influenced during the Spanish Conquest of Mexico in the XIV Century.

During Día de los Muertos families create ofrendas (offerings) for loved ones who have passed. Día de los Muertos is observed in various forms throughout the American Continent and is an important pillar of Mexican, Latino and Chicano culture in the United States (La Raza Galeria Posada).

Although the Day of the Dead actually falls on November 1st, festivities are being held this weekend by La Raza Galeria Posada in a special location, between J and K, 20th and 21st Streets in Midtown.

The central focus is the display of altars.

They are as diverse as the souls who inspire them; some are small and simple, others large and elaborate. Many are traditional. They include the bread, salt, foods and flowers, and many other ingredients culturally appropriate for sending someone safely into the next life. Others are less orthodox.

All are an obvious labor of love, born of loss.

For the uninitiated, the exhibit may be unique in its blend of sorrow and celebration.

It’s also an opportunity to teach children and young people about grieving and loss.

The festivities resume Sunday morning. Admission is free.

8 am: Panteón Re-opens.
12pm-6pm: DJ-Albert Garnica playing oldies, rancheras, viejitas, and other requests ($1/song)
12-2pm: Cempazuchitl Flower Making Workshop*- ($5/person)
2:30pm-4pm: Mask-painting Workshop*- ($10/person)
4:30pm-6pm: Mask-painting Workshop*- ($10/person)
7:30pm: Closing Ceremony

Halloween sizzles at Thunder Valley

2011-10-29T00:58:44Z

Thunder Valley Casino and Resort kicked off the Halloween spirit Thursday night with the sexy Lodi native and star of the reality TV show “The Girl Next Door,” Bridget Marquardt. DJ D-wrek from MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out” was — you guessed it — the DJ, and Tone Loc made a special guest appearance.

Pano Hall at Thunder Valley Casino was transformed into a nightclub, complete with semi-private lounge areas, a couple of dance floors, a popular DJ, a well-stocked bar and a few hot babes thrown in for good measure.

Most of the attendees dressed for the occasion. Some wore evening wear, while others wore their favorite Halloween costume. Myself: jeans and t-shirt (just thought you’d want to know).

Marquardt was a Playboy Playmate and one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends, which was the basis for the TV show. Luckily she brought a few of her close friends and playmates along to show off her new line of Halloween costumes called Bridget by Roma.

Marquardt wore her Peacock costume, which she designed with the help of fellow playmate and Hefner girlfriend Holly Madison.

Prior to the show, a number of the “girls” were working the room and taking pictures with audience members, while DJ Dwerk attacked the turntables. There was even a photo booth where people were taking their pictures and having them printed out.

Once the fashion show started, everyone crowded around the runway to take a gander at the new costumes — or should I say the ladies.

Starting off the show was Branae Whitney, a Playboy Live model wearing the Ring Master outfit. I won’t go into all the details of the ensemble other than to say it was red — hot.

There were 11 costumes in all ending with the Fruit Cup worn by Leticia.

Tone Loc took the stage armed with his deep, gravelly voice, a Nike T-shirt, sunglasses and a towel wrapped around his neck. I’m sure a large portion of the crowd was wondering how the rapper was doing in light of recent events.

A couple of weeks ago, Loc collapsed during a performance in Atlanta while singing “Funky Cold Medina.” He had a similar incident at a Pensacola, Fla. concert back in 2009 while singing the same hit.

If I’m not mistaken, Loc didn’t play “Funky Cold Medina” and ended his set with “Wild Thing.”

Loc’s voice has stood the test of time. He sounded just like he did all those years ago, and the audience ate it up. He walked up and down the runway shaking people’s hands while he belted out his hit songs.

He appeared to be in good health and spirits, joking around with the audience and remaining active most of his performance.

Continuing with the Halloween theme, Thunder Valley Casino is hosting a huge Sinners and Saints party on Saturday at 9 p.m. I have it on good authority that the photo booth will be back. Sorry, guys, the playmates won’t be there, but they will have go-go dancers!

Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival

2011-10-20T16:50:22Z

This past weekend marked the 20th anniversary of the Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (SIGLFF) at the Crest Theatre. The festival ran selected film series each evening from Thursday to Saturday.

Founder Alan Cole started the project in 1992 as a student-run film festival that received support from Sacramento State University, Gay and Lesbian Alliance students with grant funding from Associated Students Inc. , which is a official governing body which operates the sponsorship of programs and services to CSUS students.

A bevy of sponsors and volunteers support the board of directors, programming and gala committees to prepare and organize the annual festival that takes place in October to celebrate National Coming Out Day. The festival showcases handpicked films by the committee that are created by filmmakers of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The festival serves as a vehicle for LBGT talent such as actors, writers, producers and directors from around the world to showcase their abilities.

Thursday evening kicked off the festival with two works: one 18-minute film called "The Rescue" by director Phillippe Gosselin and an 88-minute film called "Morgan," directed by Michael Akers.

Board of directors president J. Todd Lohse explained that each night centered around a theme. Thursday evening was films directed toward men , Friday evening was ladies night with films based around lesbians, and Saturday was a series of short films that touched on subjects such as sexual identity, race and struggling relationships.

The large crowd at Friday’s screening was mixed with people of all ages from all walks of life, but it was apparent that the female population dominated the night’s attendance.

Well before the films started, members of the public, LGBT community, volunteers and workers were busily flurrying around the Crest Theatre concessions stands for popcorn, drinks and snacks, grabbing a cocktail and mingling with other filmgoers. Even after the lights flickered to warn everyone the film was starting soon, people were still falling behind with cocktails finishing a great conversation or in line for last-minute snacks.

Cole and Lohse introduced the films, speaking of their love and commitment to the organization. They thanked their sponsors, such as Fred Palmer from Outword Magazine, who has been a sponsor for the last 14 years.

The first film was "Lesbian Cliche Song" by director Bob Koherr. At five minutes long, the film served almost as a satirical music video of all the typical lesbian cliches perceived by society, which the audience seemed to agree with as they responded with laughter.

The second was a feature film, "Jamie and Jessie Are Not Together" directed by Wendy Jo Carlton. The dramedy musical focuses on two best friends who blur the line of friendship and romance.

Afterward, one of the film’s stars, Fawzia Mirza, took the stage to answer questions from the audience.

"Are you single?" was the very first question asked. (The answer was yes.)

After her Q&A, she encouraged everyone to carry the party over to Headhunters nightclub for the after-party.

"We are loving the idea that gays and lesbians are receiving recognition not only for their filmmaking but that stories about the private struggles of being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender are being artistically told,” said one woman who wished to remain anonymous, standing hand-in-hand with her partner outside the theater.

Visit siglff.org for updates, volunteer information and details for 2012's festival.

See you next year!

Albie Ribbin' BBQ Cook-Off Fundraiser for Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation

2011-10-19T23:33:11Z

Annual Rib CooQue-Off Fundraiser
Answers the Age Old Question…
Where’s the PorQue?

We Ain’t Ribbin’…. We’re Ribbin.

Seems like a contradiction in terms, right?

Very WeaQue Translation: We’re not Quidding… we’re Q-ing.

It’s the 3rd Annual Albie Ribbin’ BBQ Cook-off to benefit the Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation.

Saturday, October 29th, from noon to 6pm, at the Hilltop Tavern (4757 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento) …. 15 Q-teams, comprised of everyone from local bars and restaurants to open competitors, will be “slathering slabs” of St. Louis style ribs in hopes of winning first ribbon for best ribbin’.

And if you were thinking we’d run out of puns and wordplay…not so fast…for who better to play live music at a Q-off than Sacramento’s favorite good time party band…the Q-Balls. (Ok, we didn’t make that one up…that really is their name, and this band roQues!!)

This is an all age event, fun for the whole family, with Quiller barbeque (St. Louis style ribs, Q’d by the folks at the Round Corner Bar) , Quollasal silent auction and a remarQable raffle with great prizes. Admission is just $20. Quite a smoquin’ deal!

Lunch served from 1pm to 4pm. Q-Balls play from 2pm to 5pm.

For advance tickets, call 927-1592

You’d be Qrazy not to attend this event!!

albieaware.org

Your mother, your sister, your daughter, your best friend.....Who Cares?
Albie Aware.
Albie Aware sounds Like "I'll Be Aware" and that's our purpose: To encourage self-examination and a follow-up doctor's appointment for early detection of a recurrrence. To make others aware of the diagnostic testing available to determine the best treatment of a recurrence. To provide financial assistance when these tests are not covered by the insurance provider.

Disclosure: Steve LaRosa is the Media Director for Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation

Demented Salvation

2011-10-19T05:22:10Z

Few might expect to find salvation inside a prison’s walls, but that’s exactly what rap’s most famous supposed Satanist glimpsed.

Tech N9ne (performing at the Ace of Spades on Oct. 24) visited fellow hip-hop eccentric Lil Wayne at Rikers Island while the latter MC served a year- long sentence in 2010 for weapon possession. The three hour dialogue touched on everything. They started with their families and children. Then, their peculiar career paths. Before long, N9ne was opening up about how his success had been hindered by years of anonymous blog posts and whisperings about his supposed 'devil worship.' Then, he revealed to Wayne why those rumours could never be true.

“We talked about spirituality,” N9ne, who was born Aaron Yates in Kansas in 1971, says of the bond he briefly forged with Wayne on that day.

“We talked about how we believe there’s a higher power, how those elderly cats in there (in jail) were tellin’ him it couldn’t be. We have that in common; we wanna believe there’s something there that we’re prayin' to.”

It was towards the end of the conversation, as the guards pointed at the clock and a weary Weezy blinked a little more slowly, that N9ne’s eyes were opened.

“’Fear God.’ It’s on his eyelids, tattooed,” N9ne says of his cohort’s pious emblem. “I think real people recognize other real people. Everybody’s reality is different so I can’t tell you to keep it real, you can’t tell me to keep it real… with me and Wayne it’s different because his reality is bigger than mine, with album sales and business. But on a personal level, we’re right there together, real dudes, and I think that’s what we both sensed when I visited him in Rikers.”

Despite such blessed moments, N9ne has longed for something more from another reality- one that isn’t tangible, but far more spiritual. Much of that hereafter desire stems from the health issues that plague his mother. First there was epilepsy, then lupus, pancreatitis, diabetes and now a blood transfusion to treat a clot in her leg.

N9ne spoke of the doubt that mounted during his mother’s ailments before elaborating on what those qualms of faith led to.

“I thought, the devil tried the righteous, but is she gonna be tried her all her life? Then she dies, is that when she’s worthy? What kinda God is that, when all that happens? I realized [I] needed to find out.”

It was a search that led to his signature song, “Show Me A God." Its verses are tersely bitter, ranging between somber and anger before rising to a seething chorus:

“I’m kinda feelin’ that it is a façade, show me a God.”

Over the years, those kinds of lyrics have left many hip-hop fans dubbing him a heathen.

“People said all that shit then just because I was different. It was never true that I was ‘the devil worshiper,’” he says of the rumours that plagued him since the new millennium and stifled his career right up until he released his first platinum album, “Killer,” in 2008. “They didn’t know that I grew up in the church and I was tryin’ to tell them that, but because of (my dark lyrical) imagery, I was shunned.”

He hopes to convey that upbringing lyrically and in interviews, how his mother raised him to know right from wrong-a value he constantly tries to instil in his own children.

"They’re why I’m still alive. That’s why I got off ecstasy,”

He says that the young ones' creative spirit pushed him to stay clean for more than four years now.

“They love my music. They love Eminem, Adele, Avenge Sevenfold… But I taught ‘em right from wrong, that they’re not supposed to curse. So when they sing along to Eminem and he curses, they make up another word to go (over) it.”

His mother’s approach was much more strict, but not at first. She may have brought home Sugar Hill Gang albums for him to dance to when he was in the fourth grade, or even used rap style vocals for spelling lessons, but soon things changed.

“That’s how my mom and auntie taught me to spell my name, rappin’ the letters in rhythm form. I don’t know how (they realized), maybe I was always beatin’ on stuff, but they said I couldn’t spell my name unless we did it in rhythmic form.”

Those hip-hop beats were quickly replaced by church choirs. N9ne’s devoutly Christian family brought him to weekly mass. Then his pious parents split, his mother remarrying a Muslim when her son was 12 years old. His new stepfather forbade hip-hop in the household as a consequence for the would-be rapper’s slipping grades.

“I had to go sneak and buy it and put it at [a] friend’s house across the street," N9ne says of his father's tough love. “He told me I wasn’t buyin’ rap or tennis shoes, but dress shoes and ties. He was just tryin’ to make me a man, tryin’ to make me intelligent, but I didn’t know it at the time. I was young and dumb.”

Once again, he was left to turn elsewhere- sneaking visits with his biological father’s side of the family, which couldn’t have been a more polarizing influence.

“He was LAPD, but he’d come back to KC (Kansas City) once in awhile. I remember ridin’ on his motorcycle when I was five, then I never saw him again ‘til I was 14. (Meanwhile) I’d go over to his mother’s house and they were hardcore drinkers… liquor everywhere, kids drinkin’.”

“They lived in the hood… I think growin’ up around my mom and aunties made me spiritual. That part of Tech N9ne wouldn’t be here, that big heart, if I’d been raised by my Dad’s side... Mom taught me love, so I know how to put that love in my music to connect with my fans. But if grew up around my dad’s side? Man, I would’ve been Ice Cube, ultra gangster.”

Despite all that wandering through the moral middle ground, N9ne still longed to travel further- to that other reality, that more spiritual level, even if it meant glimpsing actual spirits.

Just over a decade ago, when N9ne had grown into a young man, and fanfare around creepy flickslike “The Blair Witch Project” had grown fervent, the struggling MC rummaged around abandoned buildings with his best friend Brian Dennis.They hoped to capture a ghost on camera, but N9ne had no idea how much his friend would soon literally haunt him.

“We said ‘Let’s go find something.’ Me and Brian wanted to search for something greater, even if it was an alien or a ghost. We wanted to know there’s something here besides us.”

He and Brian set out, visiting broken down insane asylums and caves that were the subject of countless local ghost stories. They went to old hotels like The Eldridge in Lawrence, Kansas-- where the elevator features a picture of a ghost-- and then ride from the top floor to the basement again and again.

“I would stand in the elevator and ride it for like 30 minutes at 4 a.m. and find nothing… I wanted something to startle me, to say ‘Get the hell outta here’ and scare the shit outta me. Then I’d know there’s something here besides us.”

Dennis died before that wish was granted. The rapper says what he misses most about his best friend is his edgy creative streak, rife with dour sounds and creepy lyrics.

“He was always tryin’ to create new music, put the super darkness on me. I was always infatuated with horror films but… he took me under the underground, beyond the catacombs… Brian created that depth and that darkness in my music, and I wish he was still here to enjoy it.”

In a way, N9ne is convinced he still is.

“Sometimes I don’t even know these words comin’ out of my mouth,” the rapper says of his recent freestyles. “I’ll think, ‘Where did I get that word?’ Then I’ll check the dictionary to make sure I’m usin’ it in the right context and it’s always right. It feels like Brian is putting these words in my head. It’s wonderful because I’m getting’ better and better (lyrically).”

By better, he may mean vulnerable as a fresh wound.

“I Love Music,” a highlight from N9ne’s latest lauded album, “All 6’s and 7’s,” features searing, honest lines that detail his burdensome dedication to the rap game that “...saved my life, paid my lights [and] made my wife say, ‘Bye, bye.’”

But much of the album doesn’t stray too far from the demented, edgy imagery he’s famous for. One of its opening cuts, “Am I a Psycho?” features “Why did I let this stripper burn me on the arm with a cigarette, in the same spot 10 times in a row?” as one of its tamest lines.

Aside from switching between such wildly eclectic themes, N9ne’s prowess also lies in his ability to rap backwards on early fan faves like “Absolute Power,” or rhyme at a speed that would leave many listeners wondering if he was speaking in tongues.

With those consecrated microphone skills, he hopes to reach out to each equally twisted fan, together building the new reality he’s always longed for.

“My fans saved my life… I had nothing. I was a bum livin’ in my wife’s mother’s basement, writing my songs,” he says of those dire early days. “She was sayin,’ ‘You gotta get a job; it ain’t workin,’ and I’d say, ‘No I got something.’ Now it’s come to fruition.”

Tech N9ne will perform at the Ace of Spades on Oct. 24.

No Prisoners Taken Tonight @ Harlow's

2011-10-16T05:26:56Z

Taking No J Street Prisoners by Gary Chew - Sacramento October 15, 2011

You'd never know it but, Louis Prima, Jr. is a very serious man. I thought he might not be that way after my being next to some of his dad's very jumping and jiving music over the decades.

I listened to his father's music, and played it on my record shows, as well. Yes, I'm sure there are very few people who don't remember Louis Sr., and Keely Smith burning-up the room with “I Got You Under My Skin,” “That Old Black Magic” and “When the Saints Go Marching In,” to name only three.

All seriousness aside: Louis Jr. with singer Sarah Siegle and the Witnesses, do music that, if it were tooling down I-80, would come straight at you like a ten-ton truck: no slowing down and always rendered in an absolute full-bore performance. No prisoners taken tonight at Harlow's.

Actually, Louis Jr. is only serious about having a good time. And what made this good time cool was...Prima's bass man wore a circa 1958 Frank Sinatra hat. Then there's Louis' drummer who can do Mick Jagger, singing “Can't Get No Satisfaction” better than Keith Richards.

The son had nice words about h is famous father, too. And the guys and lovely gal also did two standards composed by Louis Prima, “I Want a Sunday Kind of Love” and “Sing, Sing, Sing.”

I don't want to take anything away from the great drummer, Gene Krupa, but Mr. Krupa might not have been as famous at what he did so well if Louis Prima hadn't written that tune Benny Goodman put very much on everybody's map.

At the close, I got the feeling that Louis Prima, Jr. and his ensemble felt good doing their Vegas-esque show in the Capital City of California. I think the cat would like to come back to Sac and drive his really solid, tight, ten-ton truck right up J Street---spilling joyous music all over our clean, pretty sidewalks.

The only thing that might have been questionable about tonight at Harlow's is that...everybody probably had way too much fun.

International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival hits Sacramento

2011-10-14T22:37:56Z

The Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival kicked off Thursday evening, celebrating its 20th anniversary of great indie LGBT films and their filmmakers at the Crest Theatre.

The festival is a non-profit organization, dedicated to showing independent LGBT films in [in or from?] Northern California. The festival continues through Saturday, with each evening concentrating on different subjects. Thursday evening focuses on male relationships, Friday on female relationships, and Saturday showcases a series of short films.

Each year brings opportunities to show more films, give more money to nonprofit LGBT organizations and provide grants to filmmakers.

Each evening, films begin at 7:30 p.m. The Crest is located at 1013 K St. Tickets are on sale at the Crest, The Beat and tickets.com.

The Zombies Are Here

2011-10-12T23:37:30Z

There is a new independent production company in town, Zombie House Pictures. Founded by Sacramentans Geoff Foley, Josh Pierson, and Lodi native Tom Presler, ZHP came together through a mutual love of horror movies and all things zombie.

Presler and Foley are also the co-founders of the non-profit organization, the Zombie Club, based in Lodi, California. The Zombie Club focuses on community outreach, charity fundraising, and yeah, all things zombie.

Zombie House Pictures is the film production arm of the Zombie Club and they're currently in production on a new web series called Diary of a Dead Man that has been shooting here in Sacramento since the beginning of September. Locations have included Shenanigans on J Street, Zen Sushi on 15th Street, and various private residences in the greater Sacramento area.

Diary of a Dead Man, which stars local actors Antonio Mears and Kirsten York Saetes, is the story of James (Mears), a recently turned zombie, and how he not only comes to terms with his new "life" but also having to leave the old one behind. The series also follows the story of one of his first victims, Mary (Saetes), as she also has to deal with her new life as a zombie. Throw into the mix a team of zombie hunters, one of which is Mary's best friend Katie, played by local actress Heidi Briseño, and the drama, and gore, won't be in short supply.

The debut webisode is slated to be released this weekend on both YouTube and on the ZHP website. The production is set for six webisodes in its first "season".

Disclosure: Geoff Foley is a founder of Zombie House Pictures and is also one of the producers of the web series Diary of a Dead Man.

Prima, Jr. Plays Sacramento

2011-10-11T22:06:37Z

Jump Jazz Arrives Oct 15th at Harlow’s

Jumping, jiving and wailing debut all at once in Sacramento for one night only with Louis Prima, Jr. and his Witnesses, Saturday, October 15th at Harlow's. The sizzling nine piece dinner/dance group direct from Las Vegas boasts the regal Sarah Spiegel on vocals.

Two of America's greatest songwriters, Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer had a long procession of famous singers record their outrageously fine standard, “That Old Black Magic.” But the Arlen/Mercer collaborative never had it so good as when a really rarified version of that super song hit #18 on the Billboard Hot 100. The names Louis Prima and Keely Smith do have a familiar ring to them, don't they? Yes, they do. I can hear the solo cymbal introduction to their solidly swinging 1958 rendition of the the Arlen/Mercer fave in my head, right now.

It's more of the same as Louis Prima, Jr. hits this city, straight ahead, taking his famous father's group further into the future with the lauded jump jazz repetoire Dad always put over the plate and in the pocket for those who enjoy good music and good times---both at the same time. Using the original charts and doing the show called " The Wildest" that the Rat Pack loved--we'll get to hear " Just A Gigolo, " " Jump , Jive an' Wail", "Sing, Sing, Sing," as well as that well-woven, "Old Black Magic."

Louis Jr., the only boy in the Prima family, was a special arrival for Louis Sr. since the younger was born in 1965 on Father's Day. The talent definitely rubbed off. And the chance to see and hear just how well it did happens Saturday night, October 15th at Harlow's in Sacramento, 2708 and J St., just across from Marshall Park. The downbeat is at 7 PM.

From Gary Chew Sacramento, California submitted 10.11.11

Disclosure: I know Mindy Giles, who is part of the production team booking- the Prima people. She asked me to write it for her. gcin

The Ripple Effect: "The Dark Pool" Showcases A Cooperative of Cross-generational Creativity

2011-10-11T18:03:42Z

[Jim Krall’s six year old daughter has just been kidnapped] ...from her own birthday party in front of his family and friends-and no one seems to care but him. Alone in his devastation, Jim Krall sets out on a nightmarish quest to find his child. This obsession will lead him into a world of Dark Pool investments, DNA manipulation, String Theory, time travel and alternate realities...

It started with Sam.

Sam was a graduate of Natomas Charter School.

He was bright and creative and bored.

He isn’t any of those things anymore.

Last year he took his own life. Now he is an inspiration.

Rick Gott is an actor.

Rick Gott is a teacher.

He was Sam’s teacher.

He sees a lot of students graduate from his classes in theater and film who are bright and creative. Many of them go on to community colleges or university programs.

But for many of them, formal education is not a good fit. Their talent and energy buzzes and crackles and smolders in a post high school limbo that is frustrating and often depressing.

It is a feeling not unfamiliar to actors and other industry professionals in this town, many of whom commute elsewhere to ply their trade with any measure of success; many of whom have simply resigned themselves to other peripheral or even unrelated careers after years of bit work and unreliable pay.

Gott, a long time local actor himself, was becoming more and more discouraged watching his students emerge into the already stagnant job market, in danger of becoming jaded before they’d even tasted the success he knew they had the potential to earn.

What if, he theorized, there was a way to bring all of these people together,
the young, energetic students, still honing their various crafts and the myriad of seasoned professionals who have so much to offer in the way of experience?

“I realized when I opened my eyes that I have a gold mine here!” said Gott, when we spoke recently in the black box theatre that serves as his classroom at Natomas Charter School.

So, last spring he started pitching friends and associates of mine on the idea of collaboration.

“No one had money, but everyone had value to contribute.”

The project they settled upon was a Web TV series.

“It just made the most sense, financially,” explained Gott.

The result is “The Dark Pool,” set to launch October 13.

Gott penned the episodes and five have been produced with support from students; Iron Mountain Film; actors from B Street Theatre and Capital Stage, as well as other local talent; Frank Casanova, who offered his studio; and many others. Nationally syndicated financial columnist Phillip Larrea is acting consultant for the financial matters in the series.

The protagonist, John Krall, works on Wall Street - timely, hmm?

Council Member Angelique Ashby even makes an appearance. Each episode has a different director and a different producer.

To date, about $200 has been invested.

“I had some problems with my printer that had to be dealt with,” shrugs Gott, “Or we might be able to say we hadn’t spent anything.”

The ultimate success would be to create a company with no venture capital.

“Facebook has a partnership program,” explains Gott, who has clearly given the process some thought. “We’d like to be able to use that to finance the next five episodes.” The next goal would be to pay people a small stipend.

But for Rick Gott, it will never be about money.

It will be about watching his students continue to grow under the mentorship of those who came before them, of reciprocal learning.

It will be about providing opportunities and exposure for local industry talent of all levels.

It will be about Sam.

Support “The Dark Pool” project by hitting “Like” on the Dark Pool fan page on Facebook and by jumping into the series October 13 on YouTube. Your support will create further opportunities for young people in projects to come.

40th Anniversary of the Crocker Art Museum's Annual Art and Antiques Show

2011-10-10T04:12:54Z

The Art Service Group celebrated the 40th annual Art & Antiques Show & Sale, which benefits Sacramento's beautifully renovated Crocker Art Museum. Over 50 regional and national arts and antique dealers participated in the event Friday through Sunday in the historic Scottish Rite Center, which is known for its dedication to education, fellowship and charity.

Dealers and volunteers from Sacramento County to Shingle Springs and Klamath Falls, Ore., join together to bond over their love of art and antiques and donate their time and efforts to participate in the three-day event.

The $7 admission fee and proceeds from the silent auction will support the Crocker Art Museum. The silent auction was filled with donated fine art, depression glass, pottery and other miscellaneous collectibles.

As collectors entered the center, they were greeted with the smiling faces of seasoned volunteers from the Crocker offering programs and encouragement to enter a drawing which offered winners one of 10 prizes, such as limited addition paintings or a luncheon gift certificate.

Each dealer was spaciously set up and spread out as if you were walking into each shop of their own. The event showcased top-notch heirlooms that catered to serious collectors, with one-of-a-kind items such as furniture from the Victorian era, European pottery and plates, fine art, vintage Oriental rugs, jewelry and silver goods.

The venue was quiet and visited by what seemed to be mature crowds who occasionally approached a dealer softly talking to and quizzing them about their pieces. One woman picked up a silver necklace at Sylvia's Sterling booth and said, " Wow. This looks just like my grandmother's."

Also on hand where professional appraisers and evaluators for people who are always curious as to how much their beloved piece of history is worth. The Crocker also hosts "Evaluation Days" in October as Sacramento's version of “Antiques Roadshow."

San Bruno resident Willie Mitchell of Old Pump Antiques, who was participating for his fourth year in a row, said the show had been relatively slow until Saturday afternoon.

"Yesterday it was slow, but today the crowd has been picking up,” he said. “I guess people like to sleep in!"

Mitchell has been dealing antiques for over 35 years. "Yes, it has been slow, but that goes for all industries right now,” he said. “The sales, they come and go.”

Despite each dealer having their own focus, they all have the same intention at heart, which is to support the Crocker. Proceeds will assist a variety of projects, from "cataloguing the glass and master drawing collections to creating location records for the paintings from the original Crocker family collection," according to their July/August Slice of Life newsletter.

In past years, the Art Services Group has also provided funds for many projects including computers, Y2K readiness software, specialized lighting fixtures, art storage boxes, temperature and humidity monitors, art conservation, art library reference books and chandeliers.

If you missed the Art & Antiques Show this year, there is always next year and more opportunities to contribute to the museum. Please support and enjoy the museum by taking a look at the calendar of events.

Oktoberfest in SactoBavaria

2011-10-10T04:11:51Z

Dirndls and lederhosen on men, women and children of all ages were abundant this Friday and Saturday at the Sacramento Turn Verein (STV). Friday evening and all day Saturday the organization, founded in 1854 as a gymnastics club, hosted its 44th annual Oktoberfest.

The Turn Verein is a place “where folks with German ancestry and people with an interest in German culture congregate.” From the atmosphere this weekend, the STV has made it easy for families in the Sacramento area to keep their German heritage alive and thriving.

Surrounded by Bavarian blue and white, nearly every moment was filled with great German food, entertainment and company. Differing from typical Oktoberfest celebrations, real German beer brought in from Munich and sausages piled high with sauerkraut were only the tip of the iceberg.

The Gruber Family Band was a great addition to the weekend’s events. The band played throughout, integrating various competitions for Oktoberfest participants, a women’s stein holding contest and a children’s yodeling contest included. Nearly all of the participants wore traditional German dress. One got the feeling that the parents of the young yodelers have been training them for years.

One tiny participant, still too young to officially compete as a yodeler, was 17 month old Riley. Her mother, Cyndi McCluskey, found Riley’s tiny dirndl online. When asked if this was a family tradition, McCluskey responded positively.

“Every year!” She said.

Perhaps Riley will be ready for next year’s yodeling contest.

Later on Saturday night, a supposed men’s stein holding contest was announced. Eager participants gathered only to find that they would actually be participating in a yodeling contest. The results were quite extraordinary, really; the final yodel-off involved some mighty fine yodeling.

The Alpentänzer Schuhplattler, a traditional German folk dancing group, performed numerous times throughout the event. Their dances included a grand march, German hat dance, wooden pole dance and a maypole dance, among others.

Friday evening, the 2011 Turn Verein Oktoberfest maxed out at around a thousand people. This doesn’t usually happen on Friday evening, explained Heinz Ludke, Recording & Financial Secretary of the STV, though they usually reach maximum capacity sometime Saturday evening each year. Already at 4:00 on Saturday, the crowds were larger than usual. The Main Festhalle was full already at 4:30 and only got more packed as the night went on.

A lively rendition of “The Beer Barrel Waltz” really got things going Saturday night. Along with the lulling winding and unwinding of the maypole led by the Alpentänzer Schuhplattler, this perfect Oktoberfest only got better as the night went on.

There were German sing-a-longs and American sing-a-longs, the chicken dance and then the young folk dancers were up again. The dance floor cleared and the strapping young lads remained. There was dancing and box jumping, followed by a go at the Bavarian Hat Dance that broke out into a mock fight between two shirtless lads in lederhosen.

At times, if you found a spot on the dance floor you were lucky; a seat was a near impossibility.

In the upstairs hall, the mood was a bit more modern, with AKAlive rocking the room.

For a quiet escape, you could visit the Kaffeehaus for a cup of Jo(han) and a piece of cake.

Joann Schuler, a member of the Turner Harmonie, the choir that performed several times this weekend, helped man the Kaffeehaus. She seemed delighted to be a part of the event and was perfectly willing to discuss German culture, family stories, and best of all – she offered tips on the best German desserts at the Kaffeehaus.

The fruit basket dessert came highly recommended, as did the Black Forest cake, of course, and the Bienenstich, which Schuler described as containing, “almond and honey and creamy yumminess.”

One of the best parts of the event was the family feeling that filled the air. Everywhere you looked there were children, and large families congregating, usually three generations strong.

“Last time I was forced to wear lederhosen at the age of seven,” said Jordan Hess of Sacramento, “and now at the age of 27, I get to enjoy the beer!”

Hess’s parents were married at the Turn Verein and his grandfather participated in the STV soccer league in the 70’s. Saturday night it was just him and his younger sister Aubrey, who recently returned from a lengthy study abroad in Bremen.

Outside, both sides of the hall were flanked by a beer garden. While the white plastic chairs in the Turn Verein Biergarten were less charming than the wooden picnic tables in Bavarian beer gardens, everything else about the event certainly held its own.

I’ve been to the Hofbräuhaus, to a beer hall in southern Bavaria and a biergarten in Munich’s city park, but I never imagined that I would find such an enjoyable event right here in the middle of Sacramento.

“Durst ist schlimmer als Heimweh!” reads a sign in the main Festhalle.

“Thirst is worse than homesickness.”

There are many Oktoberfests that excel in celebrating drinking delicious German beer a liter at a time, but the Sacramento Turn Verein does much more than that - although there was plenty of good beer to go around. They show off the marvelous methods of celebration in Bavaria, bringing out German American families and friends for a night of celebrating what they are and what they have, a shared German heritage.

Late Saturday evening, while the rest of The Gruber Family Band took a break, Michael Gruber played “Amazing Grace” on what can only be described as a super-length beer bong. I had been there for almost six hours and I wanted to go home so badly. At the same time, I knew that if I went home, this magical German world would disappear.

Until next year.

The next event at the Sacramento Turn Verein will be their annual Christkindlmarkt. The Christmas market will include a unique holiday shopping experience, glühwein (spiced wine) and their usual abundance of delicious German baked goods. Admission is free for the whole family with the donation of a children’s coat.

Besides numerous annual events like the Oktoberfest and its spring counterpart, the STV Bockbierfest, the Turn Verein offers German language classes, athletic clubs and various other social activities.

A double dose of Cake

2011-10-08T22:23:49Z

Who gives a shout out to the Central Valley?

Well, someone from the Central Valley.

This week, Cake played twice for eager Central Valley crowds. The local band performed for happy Cakesters at Freeborn Hall on the UC Davis campus on both Thursday and Friday nights. Friday night, the Memorial Union hall was at capacity, 1,775 people deep. On Thursday, nearly 1,300 people came out to sway and nod with Cake.

An hour before the show on Thursday night, fans were already lined up outside, ready to vie for a good spot in the community center hall. Thursday night drew a devoted crowd with one (especially) veteran fan who declared she’s been to over 20 Cake spectaculars over the years.

The alternative rock band, as they are sometimes called - though those who try to truly define the genre struggle to do so in less than 30 words - started the show with a tribute to their local roots. The instrumental, “Arco Arena,” aided in building so much anticipation that one especially excited man nearly jumped up on the stage.

Early in the show, they played several songs from their newest album, “Showroom of Compassion." The song of the same name was first and was a song about “leaving the central valley,” said lead singer John McCrea.

Thus far, the album is proving to be just as addicting as previous albums, the unending commentary of an angry American running throughout. “Sick of You,” in particular, was another great addition to Cake’s sing-a-long favorites. “Long Time” and “Mustache Man,” featuring Xan McCurdy on guitar, were performed as well.

“Sad Songs and Waltzes” was an entrancingly mellow addition to the set list and featured the remarkable trumpeting skills of Vince DiFiori. While his trumpet skills were far more impressive in person, the acoustics of Freeborn Hall did nothing to enhance the experience.

The venue seems to be a terrific place for a college concert, but Cake’s performance was hardly that. There were more thirty-something spectators in attendance than anything else.

Cake played two sets split by an intermission, “Which, I think, is a very civilized thing to do,” said McCrea.

Whether it’s the fault of the genre-less music or audience skill level, it was obvious that Cake fans don’t really dance. The point was made apparent Thursday night during the “dance-off” for a blood orange tree, the most powerful moves being a strong “robot” and a kicky “shopping cart.”

In the end, the band gave Davis local Jacob Belway a healthy, young blood orange tree. On Friday night, the arboreous gift was a lemon tree.

The band played old favorites including, “Stickshifts and Safetybelts” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Lifestyle,” as well as newbies such as “Federal Funding” that were very well-received.

By the end of the night, the stage was practically dripping with sarcasm and disdain. You almost began to wonder if there really isn’t hope.

At times, it was even difficult to figure out if the band loves the central valley or hates the Central Valley, if they love America or hate America, and if they hate it so much, why they’re still here.

The answer, perhaps, is because misery loves company. If your favorite pastime is serenading fellow comiserators with cynicism and sarcasm, where else could you find such a goldmine of willing listeners than here, in the Central Valley?

Valley soil is caked on their shoes, and it’s not coming off.

There were just a few moments when you got a glimpse of the sweeter side of Cake. “Mexico,” for one, let the audience see that not all hope is lost in the race to an implosive bitter end. The ballad was quite therapeutic after a show filled with so much sarcasm and bitterness.

Perhaps our dear McCrea and Cake will someday find inner peace. Then again, how could we survive without the ever-present Cake criticisms of society?

McCrea reinforced this sentiment Friday night when he finished the weekend in Davis with “I Will Survive,” citing that it was the only hope he had.

Cake. Simple, home-baked, yet such a delicacy. This uniquely addicting group is sure to survive forever and ever, riling and romancing fans for many years to come.

Paula Poundstone: Storytelling at the Crest Theatre

2011-10-05T19:21:10Z

"The crowd was not what one would typically expect to see at a comedy show. This was not the typical venue for a comedy show and Paula Poundstone is not a typical comedian.

The Crest Theatre was full to the ceiling on Friday night. The older crowd crammed their way into the tiny seats of the main auditorium.

They were likely public radio enthusiasts who had heard Poundstone’s frequent appearances on NPR’s “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me,” or the “Prairie Home Companion.” Poundstone ambled onto the stage slightly after seven-thirty after a short hold while patrons who had arrived merely on time were herded to their seats.

Poundstone, who has been performing for over thirty years, entered in her trademark suit and tie and greeted the audience warmly, starting off with the (not-at-all) innocuous topic of Atheism and how atheists “have no mandate to convert anybody.” You are never going to find an atheist on your doorstep, she said.

Toward the end of this, some latecomers with seats down in front had the misfortune of arriving late. Poundstone immediately pounced on them and started ribbing them about being late.

They begged off, explaining that they were looking for parking as anyone who has gone to virtually anything out on the grid can commiserate. They were not the only ones; more latecomers filed in, culminating in a group of four who took their seats directly front and center.

Poundstone paused to gape and then good-naturedly comment, “Parking? Yeah,” as they attempted to shrink into their seats.

Poundstone’s particular genius is the effortless improvisational nature of her standup. In fact, it is closer to storytelling than a set-up-to-punchline joke delivery medium.

The portions where she simply chatted with the audience were easily the most entertaining of the night.

This is not to say that the prepared portions of the show were not entertaining. This was hardly the case. She talked about her kids, cats, politics and bits that would have been familiar to fans of her appearances on late night talk shows.

All were received with uproarious laughter from the audience but nothing provoked the kind of reaction that ensued when she began to talk to audience members, asking about their jobs and lives.

One, er…, victim identified as a structural engineer became flustered when she asked him what his job entailed saying, “I wasn’t prepared for this.”

Poundstone quickly replied. “Wow, you must be hell on wheels at a pickup bar.”

It was all in good fun though, and when she announced, after performing for over two hours, that it was time to leave, the audience hollered and booed in dismay.

“I don’t wanna go to Bend, Oregon. I want to stay here with you.”

Aw, Sacramento wants you to stay here too.

Cake to take on Freeborn Hall

2011-10-05T05:08:14Z

Cake. Simple, home-baked, yet such a delicacy.

The five member band will start the academic year off right for UC Davis students. The local favorite will perform at University of California, Davis’ Freeborn Hall this Thursday and Friday, October 6 and 7.

While the band's tunes are so rollicking and varying that they are essentially without genre, Cake is known for a number of hits including, "The Distance" and "Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle."

"Never There" and "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" also function effectively as cult classics for the current twenty-something generation. (Even if some have now reached their thirties.)

The band's newest album, "Showroom of Compassion," was released in January of this year. The album was produced in their very own studio, a solar-powered jewel right here in Sacramento. As always, lyrics succeed in making Christians blush and Patriots fume.

Read more on their highly developed website, complete with their regular website polling, mocking and cynical as it is. In addition, the Onion-like news headlines of their website newsfeed keep listeners on their toes.

Whether it's the semi-enthusiastic almost-singing of John McCrea that constantly draws you into a hapless and cynical political debate or the strong rhythmic line intertwining Gabe Nelson's bassline with Xan McCurdy on guitar, spectators are surely in for a great night both Thursday and Friday. Tom Monson will only add to the performance with his driving beat on drums.

Come Monday, the melody of Vince DiFiori on trumpet is sure to be hummed along the cycling paths of old Davisville.

Currently, Friday’s show is already sold out. Tickets for Thursday night’s show can be purchased online or through the UC Davis ticket office either in person or by phone at (530) 752-1915. The show will begin at 8 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday night.

MidLife GridLife - I Was A Radio Groupie

2011-09-30T06:54:44Z

I was a radio groupie.

Much like it sounds, it fell somewhere between teenaged werewolf and rock & roll groupie. I begged for the attention of silky or raspy-voiced radio guys, who, because the internet had not yet been invented, I was free to invent images of for weeks—or even months, until I could stalk them, that is, track them down, in person.

It was the ‘80s. Radio personalities were still allowed that luxury, personality.

They actually went to the State Fair and hung around in the sweltering heat under the tent and talked to people.

They went to clubs like the Shire Road Pub, Eldorado Saloon, Club Can't Tell or Oasis Ballroom and introduced the bands.

Some drank at the bar during the sets, or—if they worked at KROY, which was buried in the basement beneath Fanny Ann’s in Old Sacramento at that time—during the songs.

They answered the request lines.

Often, it was me at the other end.

I had a red princess phone, and a difficult time sleeping. At one or two or three a.m. I could be found with my head under the covers—and how creepy that must have sounded—or covered in an afghan on the family room couch in the dark, receiver pressed tight to my cheek.

Even with thirty years perspective I can’t clearly explain all of the things going on inside of me during those phone calls or how they evolved; it would be professional suicide. I have months of material yet to glean from that era alone!

Lest I digress too far, the point was that I was attached to those voices on the radio. We all were. We felt like we knew them. My father instinctive mistrusted them.

When I had my first really legitimate, long-term relationship with a radio personality, it came about completely by accident. And—through sheer coincidence, because he wandered in and met me at a department store where I was working—it happened that he was the morning host at my mother’s favorite station; my mom has never been as interested in one of the men in my life before or since!

I’m getting ahead of myself, because by then AM Radio was virtually dead, and it had felt like it happened overnight.

I listened to KROY-AM on a clock radio in my bedroom, back when Casey Kasem still counted down the American Top 40 on Sunday mornings, the stations all had 766- numbers, and you still dialed POP-CORN for the time.

I was lonely. I was an insomniac. I really didn’t care about music much.

I told myself—and the guys on the phone—that I was interested in radio. Sometimes, because it sounded less slutty.

Sometimes, because I really was.

I sent away for my Radio-Television Operators Permit when I was 15 or 16, which meant I could actually broadcast on the air. I remember that it pissed off a few guys, who had actual licenses that had to be studied for, and involved engineering. That, of course, just made it more fun to have.

Truth be told, I had no real intention of being a disc jockey. I just wanted to be one of the guys.

Dennis Newhall, who was the Program Director at KROY during the time (see Rock and Radio Redux in today’s Sacramento Press), once told me—years later—that I was one of a select few listeners he would allow to stay on the line more than about sixty seconds, “because you asked intelligent questions.”

Just the other day—Dennis and I have now been friends for over 30 years (apparently he really appreciates decent conversation!)--he confided to me that David Watts Barton, at the ripe old age of 14, was another. Small world.

What I eventually figured out was that I didn’t so much like music or radio as I liked radio people. They were a trip. I liked the conversation. It wasn’t like the conversation I was having anywhere else in my world.

And they got to say some crazy stuff—at least for a little while longer.

Personality was not quite verboten. "More rock, less talk" had not yet spread like the cancer it would become.

We had just flipped the page on the ‘80s, and Morning Zoos were all the rage. Personality was going global, or at least national. And, to my mind, vulgar. But I suppose that was always somewhere.

And then it happened.

Some poor Program Director got suckered into hiring me as a weekend DJ on a recommendation from another longtime pal from KROY.

I got a phone call—out of the blue—on the sales floor at work one day from my friend who was working part-time at a new rock station. He told me they were looking for a female air personality to work weekends and I should come down and talk to his boss, because I’d be perfect for it.

Uh huh.

If I’d had a radio resume, it would have said: Groupie. Mail order license. Dated a lot of DJs. And none of it recent at that point.

Seriously?

Apparently so.

One week I’m selling overpriced designer handbags and looking the other way while wealthy women shoplift costume jewelry at I.Magnin, within two months I was the full-time overnight jock and Promotions Director at 93 Rock.

My first night on the air, my dear, do-you-have-any-idea-what-you’ve-gotten-us-into friend, Rick Shannon, literally stood behind me for the first hour and pointed to which buttons to push.

And so began my illustrious 19-year career in radio.

The last seven were the best.

I did almost everything that can be done on the air at Capital Public Radio, from Classical and Jazz Announcing, to weekend news, entertainment reporting, and six years as film critic (so much fun, and my entrée into writing for Sacramento News & Review). My swan song was a final Thursday evening jazz shift, which, with a certain symmetry, I think, I turned over to Dennis Newhall over five years ago.

People ask if I miss radio. I do.

But the radio I love no longer exists, for the most part.

I didn’t leave it; it left me. In fact, it had one foot out the door by the time I arrived.

Rock and Radio Redux - New Space and Extra Dates to Visit Your Rock-n-Local Past

2011-09-30T05:20:30Z

As you enter, to the left is the cornerstone collection of Crabshaw Corners and Oasis Ballroom artwork from Roger Shepherd, Jim Carrico, and Jim Ford. Rock enthusiasts may marvel over the nearly complete collection of psychedelia from the Sound Factory. And any native Sacramentan over a certain age will wax nostalgic at the wall of Tower calendar posters on display.

Dennis Newhall, founder and curator of the Sacramento Rock and Radio Museum, has assembled and showcased a myriad of rock and radio memorabilia dating back to 1957.

Newhall started listening to rock and roll when he was six years old and Hounddog was at the top of the charts.

Every inch of his West Sacramento bedroom was covered with posters, but when he took them all down to study radio at CSUS, he stored them carefully away in a watertight box (a fact that would be surprising to no one who knows Dennis and his fastidious ways), and set them aside for a reason then unclear.

Dennis is still covering the walls with rock memorabilia, but thanks to support from Tucker Media, he has a lot more space to pursue his passion.

What is now the museum began as more of a memorial to local rock and roll.

Newhall, who had spent his radio career at, among other places, legendary rock station KZAP and KROY, was working at Nakamoto Productions. The studios happened to be located in the building that had once housed Crabshaw Corners, and later The Oasis Ballroom, site of countless concerts throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s and early ‘80s.

On a whim, Newhall and his friend Jeff Hughson began picking up promotional memorabilia from the old venues and hanging it in the studios. The idea caught on.

“Ray [Nakamoto] said, ‘If you keep finding them, I’ll keep framing them’,” Newhall recalls.

It wasn’t long until Dennis had covered a new set of walls. A few years later, in 2003, the collection had grown substantially, and they began opening for Second Saturday.

“We were right in the epicenter, here on 20th Street,” says Newhall of the former location between the 20th Street Gallery and Lush salon, “And people seemed to appreciate looking at the artwork and remembering the concerts they’d been to.”

Primarily through word of mouth, and Second Saturdays, word of the museum’s offerings and Dennis’s dedication to preserving local rock culture have spread.

After Mayor Kevin Johnson took a turn down Memory Lane, he commissioned Newhall to put together a small private collection for him.

This Saturday, Newhall has been asked to present the Jazz/Funk award at the Sammies, also a nod to his ongoing work as a jazz announcer at KXJZ. The museum will also be open from 5-9pm to take advantage of crossover fans from the Sammies Block Party.

Due to some changes in management, and with support from Tucker Marketing Group, the museum recently moved to a new home—next door to the old one, at 911 20th Street.

Newhall calls it a vast improvement.

“Being in the old Oasis Ballroom was a terrific inspiration for getting the museum started,” he concedes, “But this is a much better viewing space.”

Bill Tucker loved the idea of giving space to the newly formed non-profit.

“It’s a great environment to work in,” he smiles, gesturing around what is surely one of the coolest “lobbies” in town. “And it really puts the clients at ease.”

Having recently achieved non-profit status as a 501(c)3, the Rock and Radio Museum can now actively fundraise, which is an exciting prospect. Not only does the artwork cost money—although some of it, including those well-preserved childhood posters, has been donated—but the days of thumb-tacking things to the wall are over.

“Framing alone is a considerable expense,” says Newhall.

Currently, the museum is open only for Second Saturdays, April through October, or for occasional special events, like this weekend’s block party. They are considering making the space available for select fundraising events, and viewing is available by appointment.

You can also see some of the collection or make a donation at sacrockmuseum.org

Rock Allegiance at Power Balance Pavilion

2011-09-27T02:37:28Z

The Rock Allegiance Tour pulled out all the stops for the last night of their summer tour.

Sacramento’s Power Balance Pavilion hosted an unforgettable evening of loud riffs and primordial deafening screams. Seven bands were schedule to perform. Drive A, Crossfade, Red, P.O.D. and Puddle of Mud were scheduled to perform, as well as co-headliners Buckcherry and Papa Roach. Puddle of Mud was unable to attend due to an illness. Me be thinking hangover, but what do I know?

This concert was off the charts with people jumping over barriers to get to the bands and the bands jumping over barriers to get to fans. I didn’t know whether I should be watching the bands or the crowd. Both were entertaining, both were over the top and both were screaming at each other. It was a mess!

Out of all the bands, I think Buckcherry had the best performance of them all. While just as crazy as the other bands, they had a modicum of control to the point of sounding like a real band. Not to rip the other bands, but when these guys are screaming into their mics with their guttural growls and flying through the air like Mighty Mouse on crack, it’s hard to hear them because they’re out of breath - or headbanging with someone in the crowd. It was obvious that absolutely nobody agreed with me, since everyone was screaming and singing along with each and every band.

Once Buckcherry took the stage there were a number of people jumping the barriers, only to be rewarded with the ever so gracious security team greeting them and quietly and politely dragging their sorry arse to the curb. Once Buckcherry jumpstarted the crowd into a renewed frenzy, they passed the baton to Papa Roach to finish the night off in style.

Papa Roach hit the stage in full stride and had heads bopping, fans rocking and people jumping off the stage. It was quite an event and all caught on tape, since Papa Roach was filming their part of the show for a new music video. They even had a $100,000+ camera on a boom moving over the crowd to catch all the action.

This really was a night to remember – such a bestial display of pure testosterone all on one stage. As I was heading home listening to the Backstreet Boys I kept wondering what it would be like to fly around like Mighty Mouse on crack, maybe next time.

Figure skating fairytales at Fairytale Town

2011-09-26T07:25:03Z

This weekend, Fairytale Town was transformed into a menagerie of creative writing and reading. Fairytale Town hosted the 11th Annual ScholarShare Children's Book Festival this past Saturday and Sunday. Arts and literacy organizations were on hand, most of them providing information to parents and interesting literacy activities for children.

Mother Goose Stage was the centerpiece of the day. Authors and presenters sat in a giant and rather royal-looking throne at the center of the stage and the children crowded around. The weekend’s events included readings by eleven different authors including Olympic gold medal figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.

Trevor Wyatt was the MC and resident magician for the day. Wyatt entertained children and family members throughout the day and between author presentations. In previous years, the ScholarShare Book Festival hosted up to 13,000 visitors. This year they were expecting around 15,000.

Children and families moved around the park throughout the day, listening to authors or stopping by for a magic trick or two, and then heading off to various areas of the park. Children ran from the slide in Farmer Brown’s hayloft to visit the Three Billy Goats Gruff and then moved on to water the flowers in Mr. McGregor’s garden.

There was an abundance of hands on activities for children in the park, starting with MatrixArts. The MatrixArts booth helped kids create their own books using a plethora of arts and crafts materials.

Sacramento Parent distributed this month’s issue and two additional resources, their annual Sourcebook of parent and family resources and Dandelion, a publication specifically for the parents of children with special needs.

The Sacramento Public Library played many roles during the weekend. Their bookmobile sat outside the gate and its staff provided information on new materials and features. Some highlights included new apps for mobile devices and information on downloading eBooks, audiobooks and Freegal music. There were also $1 books for sale just outside the park.

“When can you get this many books for $15!?” One happy parent exclaimed.

The Sacramento Zoo brought a booth over from across the street, Sacramento Braille Transcribers made bookmarks for passersby, Red Rover handed out information on keeping pets safe and children had their faces painted by a kind woman I could only assume was a Fairy Godmother.

Bethanie Murguia, otherwise known as the bug book lady, had great rapport with the kids in just minutes. During her segment, she read her new book, “Buglette the Messy Sleeper,” taught a bug dance and even handed out antennae to some helpful, young volunteers.

916 ink is an organization dedicated to young writers in Sacramento. The program currently works with four area high schools in the Sacramento City Unified School District. Students from Health Professionals High School were onsite to help explain just what 916 ink does. Saturday afternoon a young poet and a young crime fiction writer were available for questions. Executive director Katie McCleary likened the program to 826 Valencia, a bay area organization for young writers. They plan to publish several anthologies of student writing in June of 2012.

Jeff Savage presented twice on Saturday alone, telling kids all about his experiences being a sportswriter and sports author and how they can become writers as well.

There are just two secrets, he said. After much buildup, he revealed the first.

“Pay close attention to your teacher!”

The second secret, he explained, was to write with confidence. Savage also explained how his first book was a short book on Jim Abbott. He explained to the kids how Abbott, born with just one hand, managed to play baseball and become a pitcher.

His presentation was engaging and active and his booming voice seemed to only enhance the performance. As Savage left the stage, he mentioned that Yamaguchi would be up next.

“I met Kristi Yamaguchi back in 1992…” he said.

Before the reading, I got to spend a few minutes with Yamaguchi. Since the birth of her children, she has taken the Always Dream Foundation in a special direction, working in support of early childhood literacy. Her best advice for parents, she said, was to start reading early.

Even at a young age, she explained, saying that she was regularly reading to her girls already at three months, “They listen to your voice, get used to seeing a book and touching the book…”

Her family still reads together; Keara, who will be turning eight next week, now reads to her younger sister Emma as well.

I asked her how often she skates, and to my surprise, she answered, “I don’t.”

“We went for fun last week,” she said. She does try to get out once a week, though she admitted she doesn’t do any tricks.

Yamaguchi was relaxed and natural throughout the day. It was easy to see that her attention has shifted.

When asked why she decided to try writing, she said that she had always wanted to give it a try. She had a good idea of what she wanted to write about, though her two daughters played a huge role.

She wrote the book for them and children like them, a sentiment that she repeated for spectators at Fairytale Town who came to see her appearance.

“All these faces,” she told the audience, are why she wrote “Dream Big, Little Pig!”

“The children inspired me.”

Her youngest daughter Emma plays a special role in the book. Poppy the pig’s best friend’s name is Emma.

Keara named Poppy herself, said Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi soon stepped onto Mother Goose stage to sit down on the author’s throne. Many children were already surrounding the chair, most holding their own copy of “Dream Big, Little Pig!” The parents surrounding the stage might have been even more excited than the kids.

Yamaguchi interacted well with the kids, who quickly took a liking to Poppy.

“…but they did not know Poppy,” she finished. “She was a pig who dreamed big.”

Following the reading, Yamaguchi took questions from her young fans.

“What if I can’t read a book?” asked one child.

Yamaguchi explained that you should bring a book and ask your mother or father or an adult, “Can you tell me a story?”

At the end of the book, Poppy the pig finds that she is a good figure skater, despite the fact that she is a pig.

“Do you skate?” asked one young reader as the adults in the audience chuckled.

“Yes, I did, before you were born,” said Yamaguchi, “at the Olympics,” she smiled.

“Is Poppy seven?” asked another child.

Clearly, Poppy was the real star of the show, and that, figure skating fans, may just be the real moral of the story.

Yamaguchi set out to write a book to promote early childhood literacy, and she succeeded. Children all around were interested in the activities that Poppy tried, and just why she decided to try again when she failed. They were interested to know why it was good to “Dream Big.”

The ScholarShare Book Festival did the same. Throughout the park, children and young adults were reading, writing, drawing and even chasing excitedly after Clifford the Big Red Dog.

The key to early childhood literacy is connecting with children. You can only wonder if there were two tables - one for Yamaguchi and one for Poppy - which would have the bigger line.

This event is a must for families with children of all ages. For more information on the next ScholarShare Book Festival and future literacy events and programming, contact Fairytale Town, Sacramento Public Libraries or one of the many arts and literacy organizations that are working so hard to get your kids addicted to reading.

The next special event at Fairytale Town will be a special Harry Potter event. This year is the 25th anniversary of the Safe & Super Halloween event. This year, Fairytale Town will celebrate - for the last time - the magical world of Harry Potter.

The event was organized following the outcry when the previous Harry Potter events were discontinued. This final event will celebrate the world of Harry Potter at a four day event at Fairytale Town October 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Vietnamese Autumn Breeze

2011-09-26T07:17:01Z

The Asian invasion was back at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort this weekend with the Vietnamese Autumn Breeze bringing some of the biggest names in Vietnamese entertainment. Most of the show was spoken in Vietnamese, but there was a scattering of English thrown in for good measure.

Due to a pretty cold evening, at least compared to recent nights this week, the audience was somewhat thin. Checking inside, it was obvious that many concertgoers made a last-minute decision to try their luck inside the casino rather than brave the elements outside.

Kicking off the show were the emcees for the evening, Leyna Nguyen and Trinh Hoi. As in past Asian shows I’ve attended, it was fun trying to figure out what was going on. At one point, Nguyen and Hoi were talking in Vietnamese, and Nguyen started saying “chop chop” and using her fingers as scissors. Hoi paled and the audience was on the floor laughing, so you can only imagine what they were talking about. Once I realized what they were talking about, I think I went pale too.

The first artists out of the gate were singing duo Truc Linh and Truc Lam. They brought along with them a small dance troop. The audience was pretty non-responsive through their set, as they were for most of the evening, until the later acts. Linh and Lam are sisters in their mid- to late-20s and got their start in 1992, when they performed for the first time in public for a television program in Saigon.

They sang two songs, “Xin Cho Anh Yeu” and “Bang Bang.”

Huong Thuy, a singer from southern Vietnam known for Ca dao and Cai Luong singing, was up next. Thuy appears frequently on the long-running Vietnamese diaspora variety show, “Paris by Night.”

Thuy sang “Ben Song Cho” and “Hop Mat Lan Cuoi.” The audience was a little more upbeat when she first came out but quickly settled down.

Vu Khanh, one of the crooners of the night, came out singing “Yeu.” As he started his second song, Y Lan joined him and they sang “Chieu” and “Tram Nho Ngan Thuong.” This was met with quite a bit of applause.

Lan finished off with a solo of “What’s Up,” which she sang in English. She did an awesome job, hitting the high notes spot on. This got a partial standing ovation – remember most of these people were freezing.

My favorite act of the night was Tuan Anh. She – scratch that – He came out making a couple of jokes. I have no idea what he was saying, but I was on the floor laughing. This guy is just plain funny with his mannerisms, accents and, of course, his style – very comical, but once he started singing, it’s obvious he’s a singer first, comedian second. He sang “Em Lat Tat Ca” and “I Who Have Nothing.”

Trieu Minh hopped on stage and sang “Chi La Di Vang” and “Tinh Yeu Khong Quat Ve.” She sounded great, and at one point she had the dance crew join her onstage.

Bang Kieu was up next singing “Chuyen Tinh Yeu” and “Nang Hoi.” He was a mix between crooner and pop.

Comedian duo Bao Liem and Bao Vy came out to a cool reception, but by the middle of their set they had the audience laughing. It’s at this point I wish I knew what the two were going on about, since I started laughing without knowing why.

The second crooner of the evening was heart throb Quang Dung – yes, I said dung. Stop laughing! It’s the guy’s name! So, Dung came out singing “Vi Ngot Doi Moi” and “Vet Thu Tren Lung Nguoi Hoang.” I heard many of the women screaming. I’m thinking they must have sat on a cold chair or something.

Headlining the evening’s event was Toc Tien. This young lady wanted to be a doctor as she was growing up and still aspires to do so, but her singing career has temporarily sidetracked her. She has a wonderfully soulful sound and definitely got the crowd going. She was the only performer of the evening who really got the entire crowd cheering. She is an awesome performer and earned the right to headline such an event.

As I’ve said before, although I don’t speak Vietnamese, it was interesting to attend a concert where you can’t understand the language. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what language you speak when listening to music. It’s what moves you that counts.

Girls' Night Out at Power Balance Pavilion

2011-09-26T06:53:46Z

Local radio station V101.1 hosted the Freestyle Explosion at Power Balance Pavilion, with radio personality Dr. Don Sainte-Johnn as the emcee and Expose headlining. Giving Expose top billing was a brilliant idea, since they are credited for bringing the freestyle genre of music to the forefront back in the ’80s.

The Freestyle Explosion revisits the freestyle sound that was popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s, an underground mixture of Latin hip-hop, electronic supplementation and the occasional house grooves. Despite their brief stint in the spotlight, the artists who brought freestyle music to the masses have been immortalized on the club circuit, with a die-hard fan base throughout Europe and in most major cities in the United States.

Friday night was definitely girls’ night out, as hundreds of women packed into Power Balance Pavilion, with a few guys dragged along, to see Expose, Lisa Lisa, Shannon, Debbie Deb and Cynthia. And there was some eye-candy thrown in for the ladies, like Johnny O, and Nice & Wild.

First up was David Torres, one of the three original members of Nice & Wild. He opened with “Diamond Girl,” gyrating across the stage, much to the delight of all the women. I’m not so sure the guys were happy with the opening, but, hey, they could have grown a pair and stayed home. I found his vocals flat, but he put on a good show.

Next up was Cynthia singing a medley of her hits, including “Change on Me” and “Gonna Get Over You.” She was less energetic than the others, but she made up for it with her stellar vocals.

Following Cynthia was Johnny O singing a medley of his hits, which included “Fantasy Girl.” He was joined by Cynthia, and together they performed a great rendition of “Dream Boy/Dream Girl.” Johnny O was very energetic, eliciting screams from all the women and a few men — but I’m sure you’ll never hear them admit it.

Debbie Deb came out with three ladies from the audience. She only introduced them as her backup dancers, without mentioning anyone by name. She sang two of her hits, “Lookout Weekend” and “When I Hear Music.” She sounded great.

The Cover Girls, consisting of Evelyn Escalera, Lorrain Munoz and Sabrina Nieves, came out singing “Wishing on a Star” and a number of other hits, ending with “Inside Outside.” They did a great job and had some old-school choreography going, which I think is just classy.

Shannon came out and sang several of her hits, closing with “When I Hear Music.” Prior to taking the stage, several enlisted soldiers were introduced to the crowd. Shannon and Debbie Deb had performed in Iraq, where she met Specialist Gonzalez, Sargent Gray and Specialist Bradford.

I spoke to Bradford prior to the show, as he was sipping his cocktail – compliments of Shannon. Hailing from the 49th Military Police Brigade, Bradford first met Shannon at Camp Liberty. He said Shannon committed to the troops during her visit in Iraq, and that they were welcome at any show, wherever she was playing. As she tours across the country, her tour manager has been keeping in touch via Facebook and phone, letting troops know her schedule and arranging VIP passes. All three soldiers wanted to be sure I mentioned how thankful they were to Shannon for giving them the opportunity.

Shannon danced with the soldiers during her performance. Having two left feet, as I do, Bradford struggled with his moves, but he gave it a valiant effort. Both Gonzalez and Gray were having a great time, getting down with Shannon.

After a brief intermission, the concert really took off with Lisa Lisa jumping up on stage. She played a number of hits, including “Can You Feel the Beat,” “Lost in Emotion” and “Kiss Your Tears Away.” She had the audience up on their feet the entire set. She sounded great, while her two male dancers rocked the stage. She looked like she was having a great time, showing us her infectious smile. From my perspective, Lisa Lisa should have been headlining, but I get it.

Finally Expose arrived singing “Seasons Change.” They sounded good and had a well-choreographed routine going. They sang several hits, ending with “Point of No Return.” While they did a fantastic job entertaining the crowd, I believe Lisa Lisa stole the show. By the time they were finished, many people had already started leaving. This may have been due to the concert going well past 11:30 p.m.

It was fun watching young and old enjoy a bit of old-school music. I didn’t mind either. Let’s face it — there was a bit of eye-candy there for the guys, too.

Rock Allegiance tour comes to Power Balance Pavilion Sunday

2011-09-24T06:31:45Z

The Rock Allegiance Tour will blow out Power Balance Pavilion this Sunday at 5 p.m. The early kickoff time is necessary to accommodate the packed lineup. Papa Roach and Buckcherry headline the lucky list of seven bands that includes Puddle of Mudd, P.O.D., Red, Crossfade and Drive A.

I talked with singer/songwriter, Jacoby Shaddix, the founder, and only remaining original member of Papa Roach about the tour, and what’s happening with the band.

Jacoby Shaddix, the founder and only remaining original member of Papa Roach, grew up in Vacaville, where the band graduated high school together before relocating to Sacramento. He says the Rock Allegiance appearance will be the last opportunity for fans to see the band perform live before they go off the radar and into the studio.

“Last chance to dance, bitches, ‘cause we’re gonna be away making a record!” he said.

Shaddix and guitarist Jerry Horton are die-hard Northern Californians, while Tobin Esperance and Tony Palermo have relocated to L.A. The band has a recording studio in downtown Sacramento where they’ll be putting together the record. While Shaddix says P. Roach (as he refers to the band) has a lucrative recording deal, the real money, he assured, is still in touring. But it isn’t the only reason they spend time on the road.

“Live shows bring people out of the woodwork and together,” he said. “It forges friendships.”

He says the Rock Allegiance Tour has significance for aspiring artists.

“All the bands on this tour are independent,” which, he says, is unusual. “It proves a (group) doesn’t always have to have major-label backing to be a success.”

Shaddix is particularly excited about the Sacramento gig — “a great way to wind up 2011” — because the band will be shooting a live music video. They teamed up with a local radio station [which one?] to provide a group of fans with video cameras. He figures the combination of live music and fan and audience participation should take things up a few notches.

“It’ll be a killer show from beginning to end!”

Lynyrd Skynyrd at Thunder Valley Casyno

2011-09-24T01:05:21Z

Lynyrd Skynyrd arrived with both barrels blazing promoting their latest album, “God and Guns,” in their Florida’s Finest tour at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort Thursday night. The band entertained and delighted a full house of die-hard Skynyrd fans – a.k.a. the Skynyrd Nation.

It was obvious that their music is enjoyed by a number of generations, as I watched young and old stand up and cheer. Crowds of non-ticket holders gathered in the parking lot area and on the sidewalks outside the amphitheater.

When they took the stage, the crowd erupted into cheers, with the band kicking it off with “Working for MCA.” As they were leading into “I Ain’t the One,” lead singer Johnny Van Zant said hello to the crowd and thanked everyone for being there.

The audience never sat down the entire concert, even through the slower medleys, such as “That Smell.” The band sounded great and had a solid stage presence, keeping the audience engaged throughout the evening.

Guitarist Rickey Medlocke was tossing out guitar picks to the audience and I thought to myself, how does he know they need a guitar pick, let alone that they play guitar? But it didn’t matter. They were gobbled up before they even had a chance to hit the ground.

They dedicated “Simple Man” to our troops as a huge backdrop fell into place showing the U.S. flag and emblems of the various armed services. It was a touching moment, with the crowd going quiet but remaining standing.

Toward the end of the concert, Van Zant waved an Alabama state flag attached to a microphone stand. He was encouraging the audience to scream “Alabama!” to prepare for their next song, “Sweet Home Alabama.” As soon as they started up the song, they were met with the wildest and loudest cheers of the show.

For their encore the band came out with Van Zant taunting the crowd.

“You know what you want to hear,” he said.

“Free Bird!”

“In the words of my brother Ronnie Van Zant, what is it you want to hear?”

“Free Bird!” And with that last request, they started up the song.

MidLife GridLife - Dating.com

2011-09-23T06:33:20Z

A couple of weeks ago I wrote a sort of mini-rant about the demise of manners in our town (society).

The response was pretty interesting.

My intention was to use dating as one example in making a point about the general lack of courtesy I experience in day-to-day life. I opened by using an example from television and followed by relating it to a similar one from my own life—Writing 101. I also touched on role-modeling and parenting.

But what seemed to resonate, not only with readers, but with editorial staff--who arbitrarily subtitled the column “dating woes” on one page—was the apparent disappointment involved in my dating life.

Whoa, says me!

If not for the entertaining tales of online dating adventure I’d been telling my friend, I wouldn’t be writing this column.

“You should be writing about this,” she begged.

Two years ago, I wrote an essay about the same subject, and an old friend who works at the Bee couldn’t understand why I wasn’t publishing my stories about dating.

Dating, for me, is anything but depressing.

It’s a constant source of wonder and amazement.

Interactive Animal Planet in my own backyard.

Certainly, it has had its high and low points, but my low points are hardly comparable to some of the stories I’ve heard from men.

Women often post pictures on line that are 10 years younger and many pounds lighter than their current selves.

This makes no sense to me.

Do they really imagine that their personalities are so fabulous as to overshadow not only the fact that they look nothing like the photos provided, but that they have painted themselves as outright liars at the outset of the acquaintance? Hunh.

Some women also believe that sending naked pictures at the beginning of a correspondence is the surefire way to a first meeting.

This is probably an excellent strategy on Craigslist, but less so on the more reputable paid dating sites. The response I’ve heard from men is the male equivalent of “ew,” and they didn’t bother to respond to the women at all.

The first thing I would say to women of a certain age who are dating online—or in any way, I suppose—is to lighten up.

Do not take every unreturned email or first and only date as a personal failure. This is the one time you can assume it’s not you, it’s him—because you’ll never know, will you? That said; don’t treat every message and meeting as if you’re auditioning for Girlfriend of the Year either. Relax. Be yourself. He’ll figure out who you are eventually anyway, and better to start out honest—or not start—than to be left later.

Know what you want.

This might sound obvious, but the guy you’re looking for now is probably not the guy you were looking for ten or twenty years ago. Are you looking for someone to grow old on the porch with, or to hang out with on the occasional Saturday night, people watching over beers at the Monte Carlo?

Be clear on your requirements, and don’t settle.

Steve Harvey does a great job helping women put all of that in perspective in his book, Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man. Laugh if you will, but the man makes a lot of sense.

Here are a few of the fun facts my friends find so amusing:

• I once cooked Christmas dinner for a first date, because I had no plans and I felt sorry for the guy. (Before you get too freaked out, it was only lasagna!)
• Ditto had a guy over for his birthday, though my friend was there to chaperone this time, and I ended up dating him for three or four months. We’re actually still in touch six years later.
• I was nearly engaged to a man who I met online and is now married to a close friend of mine
• I met my second husband online
• One of the most entertaining experiences I had was figuring out that someone I was emailing, although claiming to live locally, had to be lying, and getting him to admit it (He was actually in Minnesota, I think, but “intending to move here and just planning ahead.” Uh huh.).

I will say that, in my experience, you get what you pay for when it comes to online dating services. In other words, pay. It should be a red flag when the primary profile questions on the site are, Do you have a job? and, Do you have your own transportation?

As for me, I allowed my Match.com membership to lapse this month. The profiles all began to run together: “I enjoy anything outdoors, BBQing with friends and travel anywhere. “ Snowboarding. Hiking. Working out five days a week. All kinds of music, except Rap.

They started to sound like my son.

He doesn’t always return my emails, but he does have to go out with me—even if I do have to pay--and he’s a pretty good conversationalist.

And on the nights he’s with his dad, I’ll just go Old School and hit the Grid—for material, of course.

Fairytale Town hosts Kristi Yamaguchi at ScholarShare book festival

2011-09-23T03:02:33Z

This weekend, Fairytale Town will host the 11th Annual ScholarShare Children's Book Festival. The festival will include hands-on literacy activities for children, dramatic performances and readings and presentations by numerous authors and illustrators. The event will feature a special appearance by Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.

Yamaguchi will read her first book, "Dream Big, Little Pig!" on Saturday on the Mother Goose Stage at 3:00 p.m. The 2011 release by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky debuted at No. 2 on the New York Times Bestseller List. "Dream Big, Little Pig!" was illustrated by Tim Bowers.

Fairytale Town will host the book festival this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25. Opening hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thanks to the generosity of the ScholarShare College Savings Plan, guests are offered free admission throughout the weekend.

Author and illustrator presentations will be taking place on Mother Goose Stage on both Saturday and Sunday. Local authors featured at the event include Sacramento local, Tricia Brown, and Davis elementary school teacher, Nikki Smith.

Other notable children’s book authors and illustrators include Gianna Marino, Gretchen Maurer, Bethanie Murguia, Jeff Savage, Dashka Slater, Mira Reisberg, Jorge Argueta, Francisco Alarcon, Sue Fliess, Dianne Danzig, Ann Bowler and Janie Havemeyer.

Hands-on activities will be available throughout the weekend in addition to literacy activities and information and presentations sponsored by local arts organizations.

This weekend’s ScholarShare book festival will also be broadcast on Access Sacramento cable channel 17.

Sponsors for this year’s ScholarShare Children's Book Festival include ScholarShare College Savings Plan, KVIE, MIX 96, The Sacramento Bee, The Rivercats Foundation, Shirley Plant, Wells Fargo, IKEA and Sierra Health Foundation.

Success at the California Brewers Festival

2011-09-20T04:43:10Z

The 17th Annual California Brewers Festival took place this past Saturday at Discovery Park. Through the efforts of the Point West Rotary club, cheerful beer enthusiasts enjoyed an afternoon of cigars, beer and cider tasting, all while supporting a great cause. The Assistance League of Sacramento will receive the majority of event proceeds. Their successful Operation School Bell program provides school supplies for children in the Sacramento area.

“We sell booze for kids,” joked one friendly Rotary member who was donating his time to pour this past Saturday afternoon. Doug Weill and his wife Marcia poured at the Black Diamond Brewing Company station that afternoon.

Point West enjoys working with the Assistance League, Weill explained, because of the way they ensure that money and supplies get to the kids. The rotary club and its 150 members want to make sure that they really are making a difference in the lives of the children in this area. Over the years, the organization has raised over $250,000 for charitable causes.

Weill was very happy with the year’s turnout. He explained that this was the first year they used an online presence to advertise and sell tickets for the festival. This new strategy helped the rotary club sell over 700 tickets.

Discovery Park hosted breweries from all over the region, country and world on the sunny Saturday afternoon. Primator had more than a few bottled imports for beer lovers to try, including both Czech and Polish brews. Strangford Lough Brewing Co., whose slogan is “Born in Ireland, matured in America,” provided an Irish style ale for festival attendees. On the other end of the spectrum, River City Brewing Company came from just across the river. The brewpub had an interesting big amber ale called Woodhead. The nearly imperial amber was hoppier than their usual brews, oak aged and 7.2% percent alcohol by volume (ABV). River City was showing off 5 liter mini kegs, their kind of growler, available for sale at the pub.

Regional favorites were in abundance and they all brought their best and brightest. Moylan Brewery & Restaurant of Novato, Calif. had a couple of great brews on tap including the delicious Hopsickle and their most popular beer, a scotch ale called Kilt Lifter. Bear Republic Brewing Company had Racer 5, their well known IPA, as well as Heritage, their new scotch ale. Anderson Valley Brewing Company also kept their line long throughout the day, pouring Hop Ottin’ IPA.

Old favorites Lagunitas, Stone and Sierra Nevada were also present. Lagunitas had both their Pils and their IPA on tap. Stone’s representative, while manning their booth, was tweeting to get more people at the event. Sierra Nevada, in their shady green tent, was stocked with representatives. They, in particular seemed to enjoy hobnobbing with visitors and explaining all that Sierra Nevada has to offer.

The more distant Alaskan Brewing Company had several tapped and bottled selections including their 2010 Barley Wine. Just the wooden coin’s worth of tasting made me excited for the upcoming barley wine season. This particular barley wine is 10.7% ABV and has been a bronze medal winner at the World Beer Cup.

The festival had many brews available, and many genres to choose from, starting with the previously mentioned Black Diamond Brewing Company. The delta area brewing company had an extremely likable Belgian blond on tap, Freestyle Belgian blonde.

In terms of ciders, Hornsby's may have maintained the longest line throughout the day. They had two types of cider available, their amber and a crisp apple. Their small Hornsby's towels also provided head coverage for many festival-goers. ACE Ciders had a substantial line as well, although mostly female.

In my modest opinion, Mammoth Brewing Company of Mammoth Lakes, Calif. took best brewery of show. The up and coming brewery was pouring four beers. Their IPA 395, a double IPA brewed with wild desert sage was a favorite for many. They also had their Double Nut Brown on tap, as well as Epic IPA, another delicious choice on a hot summer day.

I was able to speak at length with Sean Turner, the owner of Mammoth Brewing Company. Turner explained that Mammoth, known for brewing in cans as well as bottles, is the only microbrewery to have an independent standing contract with Yosemite National Park.

As I was listening to Turner describe their brewery and location, it made me yearn for a Yosemite vacation and I found myself drifting into a hoppily delightful daydream. A Double Nut Brown with pancakes and maple syrup in the morning outside my tent, then a can of Epic IPA in the sun after a long afternoon hike. Before a campfire, I’d share a bottle of their newest beer, IPA 395, while watching the sun set over Yosemite Valley.

Beer Valley Brewing Company of Ontario, Oregon was an afternoon delight as well. They had an American style imperial stout available that was rich and delicious and boasted a bitter hoppiness that was nicely balanced with the rich darkness the stout had to offer. The blend of flavors found in Black Flag Imperial Stout was something that I’ve never before found appropriate in a stout, but that they did well. Beer Valley also brews the notable Leafer Madness, an Imperial Pale Ale. We can likely expect many more delicious brews from this brewery in the future.

There were many success stories at this year’s California Brewers festival. Knee Deep Brewing Co. of Lincoln is one such example. Knee Deep had three beers on tap, an IPA, their newly tapped Citra and Tanilla. Their Citra had a fresh bite that went well with the summer sun and the relaxing Discovery Park atmosphere. It was brewed using only citra hops and had a huge, fresh flavor.

Brewmaster Jeremy Warren was available to talk to visitors throughout the day. Warren informed us that Knee Deep is about to open a big production facility in either Reno or Lincoln. The brewmaster was quite pleased with their progress. They recently expanded to add eight more states to their distribution area. They now distribute to 13 states and hope to eventually have nationwide distribution.

Speakeasy Ales and Lagers of San Francisco mentioned that they were in the process of opening a tasting room as well.

Overall, cans are hot was the catchphrase for this summer’s beer season. Besides Mammoth, Caldera Brewing Company packages their beer in cans, as does Boulder Beer Company, the makers of the well-liked Hazed & Infused.

Gold Country Brewers Association had a flock of homebrewers, family members and children in their tent. They had both taps and bottles, provided by numerous members of the association. As always, group members were extremely knowledgeable and helpful.

Jason Kelly, who provided several bottled selections for Saturday’s festival including a wit, a stout and a porter, spent more than a few minutes sharing his knowledge on brewing and beer styles, as well as valuable advice on growing your own hops.

It’s these guys who really make the events and help to build the local brewing and beer loving scene.

The California Brewers Festival at Discovery Park is an annual event that is not to be missed. The open lawn on which the event was held was a great location for beer tents and food tents of all kinds. Surrounding the clearing, the shaded areas were a great place for beer drinkers to mingle and rest before selecting their next sample. In another area of the park, a cigar dealer had a tent where beer drinkers could purchase one their many cigar varieties.

Food vendors for the day included barbeque, teriyaki, Mexican, hot dogs, restaurants G-Dubbs and Pete’s, and a stand selling Tyson hot wings. Music provided by J Ras, ZuhG and Wooster added to the day’s ambience.

Event sponsors included Tyson and their hot wings, American River Bank, Clark Pacific, Fuse 3 Communications, Wells Fargo, Brew Your Own Adventures, AquaPerfect, Cherry Creek Mortgage Company and Warren G. Bender Co.

In addition to their annual brewers festival, Point West Rotary hosts a wine festival each April. For additional information, contact a Rotary member or visit the Point West Rotary website.

KC and The Sunshine on Thunder Valley

2011-09-20T03:12:31Z

Singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Harry Wayne “K.C.” Casey brought disco back, for at least one night, as KC and the Sunshine Band took over Thunder Valley Casino and Resort Sunday night. Creating a theatrical display of dance moves that he created back in the 70’s along with four stunning young ladies, KC had the audience putting on their boogie shoes - all under one huge disco ball.

But first, starting off the evening was the venerable Con Funk Shun, an R&B group made up of five frontmen and four band members. The band got their start out of Vallejo, Calif. back in the 70’s, churning out hits through the 80’s. They are responsible for a number of hits including "Chase Me," "Got To Be Enough" and "Electric Lady."

The frontmen, comprised of Michael Cooper, Karl Fuller, Felton Pilate, Paul "Maceo" Harrell and Danny "Sweet Man" Thomas, came out dressed in blue blazers and white pants. Immediately they jumped into a well-choreographed routine that had some audience members cheering. They looked classy performing in lockstep while holding their instruments.

That might not have come out right, but you get the idea.

It was obvious many of the audience members had not heard of Con Funk Shun, but they quickly became fans after the first couple of songs. With their six-part vocal harmonies, horns and more, they blasted out a whole lot of funk, some dance party grooves and a dash of romantic ballads, all to a very receptive audience.

Their set appeared to run long when the announcer jumped in.

“Let’s give it up one more time for Con Funk Shun.”

The band kicked it into another two songs; it was obvious they were up there having a good time and didn’t want it to stop.

During intermission I had a chance to talk to three individuals who I will affectionately refer to as the three stooges. Sporting afros, fake moustaches, headbands and other accoutrements, these guys had a following of their own.

They would only give me their stage names of Stefan, Jethro and Samson. I asked Samson what gives with the outfits.

“We’re f**king fans, baby. It’s disco and that’s why we go man.”

Women were having their picture taken with them almost the entire concert. They were very entertaining.

An instrumental introduction began and the crowd started cheering as, one at a time, each band member slowly took the stage, walked to the front, stopped for a beat or two, and then took their place on stage. This made for a very dramatic entrance. You could feel the tension build in the crowd as they anxiously waited for KC to make his way on stage.

Will he enter on the right, or the left?

People were looking back and forth trying to figure out where he would pop out.

Prior to KC arriving, the Sunshine Girls grooved to the beginning of “Shake Your Booty.” KC finally emerged (from the right) and went straight to the keyboard and started pounding away and doing what he does best – entertain.

A couple of verses into his first song, KC blasted from the keyboard, dancing with the ladies from one side of the stage to the other. As he started into his second song, “Boogie Shoes,” he sounded somewhat out of breath and was breaking out in quite a sweat.

At the end of his second song, KC acknowledge his weight gain and how much older he was. The catch phrase for the night was “What the hell happened?” in reference to how much time had elapsed since he started over 39 years ago.

He also tried to educate all the younger people in the audience as to who he was.

“For you young people, you’re probably wondering who I am. I was your mother’s *NSYNC.”

Going on, he warned them that this is what Justin Timberlake will look like in thirty years.

“I should change the name to KFC and The Sunshine Band,” said KC, referring to his weight.

He said he wanted to play a few slow songs next, but promised that the remainder of the show would remain upbeat. He went on to play a number of slow songs including, “Yes, I’m Ready,” “Let’s Just Kiss & Say Goodbye” and “Please Don’t Go,” before picking up the tempo with “I’m Your Boogie Man.”

At 60 years old, KC has been in the entertainment industry a long time and knows how to put on a great show. While his vocals are nowhere near what they used to be, he makes up for it by sheer energy, musicianship and by surrounding himself with some of the best talent in the industry – the lights aren’t bad either.

Ramon Ayala at Thunder Valley

2011-09-20T02:53:33Z

The “King of the Accordion” and four-time Grammy winner Ramon Ayala played to norteño and tejano fans from both sides of the border, with most fans singing along to every song. A mostly older crowd jammed into Thunder Valley Casino and Resort to watch their old favorite perform. There were a few younger fans peppered throughout, enjoying the music just as much as their elders.

Ayala arrived on stage with his trademark green, white and red accordion. The crowd erupted in cheers and several individuals made their way up to the stage to pay tribute to the man.

Ayala was joined on stage by his band, known as Bravos del Norte. Band members were Mario Marichalar (bajo sexton and vocals), Fidencio Ayala (bass), Jose Luis Ayala (drums and vocals), David Laure (percussion) and Raul Rosales (emcee and percussion).

Ayala played a number of his hits including “Mi Piquito de Oro,” a Latin version of "Cotton Fields," and “Un Puño de Tierra,” which had the entire audience on their feet.

I’m used to seeing Thunder Valley Casino’s outdoor stage packed with instruments, amps and gear of all shapes and sizes, but when I looked at the stage there was a set of drums, congas and some microphones. I thought for sure they hadn’t finished setting up. The band performs with a minimum amount of gear which consists of a set of drums, congas, two accordions, bajo sexto and a bass.

It was fun watching the crowd react to each and every song. You could see couples looking into each other’s eyes. I’m sure some were remembering when they first met, others their first kiss, all to the music they were listening to at the time. Some songs had people swaying in their seats, while others brought them to their feet. It was obvious they knew each and every song.

Ramon Ayala has been singing, composing and playing his accordion for over 45 years. He has recorded over 100 albums and has been featured in thirteen movies. He is considered a legend of norteño music and is one of the most recognized and bestselling artists of the genre.

Dazzling belt buckles at Thunder Valley

2011-09-18T03:47:39Z

Thunder Valley Casino Resort hosted Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson this Friday night in their outdoor amphitheater. It was a perfect summer night for an outdoor show. Both the performers and the audience fulfilled expectations. The Musik Mafia, as they call themselves, rocked a full house on Friday night.

“Sitting on your ass is extremely prohibited throughout the entire Xtreme Musik Show,” spoke an electronically-enhanced voice that served as a flight attendant style introduction to the concert.

John Rich seemed to lead the performance, the likely choice considering his successful stint on Celebrity Apprentice. Big Kenny sported his usual top hat. His fringed vest and snug pinstriped pants completed his attire and only added to his untamed dance moves onstage.

Gretchen Wilson was a strong and sweet hostess as well, constantly encouraging fan participation and calling out to the other “redneck women” in the crowd. Wilson was loved by the crowd, both women and men. The women were ignited by her enviable confidence and the men loved her as well - probably for the same reason that Shania Twain has always had such a large male following.

Road 88 was the show’s opening act. The local band, recently voted as 2011 Best Local Band on KCRA’s A-List, was well received by the audience. The act stayed around for the rest of the show, enjoying themselves amongst the audience.

Big & Rich, together with Wilson, began the show with “Fake I.D.” They were excited to announce that the recent release will be featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming “Footloose” remake starring Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell and Julianne Hough.

Wilson then kicked it up a notch with “Here for the Party,” the title track from her 2004 debut album. Big & Rich and Wilson hopped on and off the stage throughout the show. They performed a song or two before bowing out for a break. This strategy worked well and allowed them to keep the energy and intensity high.

It was almost impossible to decide whether the show was more rock or more country. With so many references to Tammy Wynette and Charlie Daniels, it would have to be marked down as country. Then again, with Cowboy Troy rapping and a couple of background guitarists riffing their way to Cleveland, the Musik Mafia certainly knows how to rock.

While introducing a cover later in the show, Wilson called out, “I’ve got a feeling…you know how to rock.”

A second later, the band launched into the opening of “I Gotta Feeling,” by the Black Eyed Peas.

“I’m not singing that!” Wilson cut in and the band shifted, starting into Foreigner’s “Hot Blooded.”

Whether country or rock ‘n’ roll, one thing’s for sure; these fans know how to party. The Thunder Valley Outdoor Amphitheatre was host to a rowdy crowd that night. The bar, manned by Zebra Club of Sacramento, was serving up Jack Daniels and Crown Royal like there was no tomorrow.

Even the three headliners took a moment to have a drink on stage. The performers took a few minutes to recognize National POW/MIA Recognition Day, which falls on the third Friday of September each year. MSgt. Surita A. Rorie and TSgt. Eric Grant, both currently stationed at Edwards Air Force Base, were brought up on stage for a toast.

MSgt. Rorie quite eloquently spoke a few words, remarking that they would never stop until every single soldier is home.

The show slowed down just once when Wilson invited the audience to join a bit of afterparty on the main stage. She explained that in the trailers after the show, they bring out the acoustic guitars and fiddles. She performed John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” with just an acoustic guitar alongside.

Audience members seemed to enjoy the departure. While she does perform this number regularly during concerts, you could tell that she enjoyed it and sang from the heart. One particular couple even made their way to the front to slow dance near the stage.

It was probably good the tender-hearted couple didn’t know that in that same spot a rowdier audience member had prepared to rally for the second half just a few minutes earlier, puke and rally, that is.

Rock ‘n’ roll and rhinestones were the theme of the country show. Between John Rich’s bedazzled suit, Wilson’s glittering belt, Cowboy Troy’s enormous belt buckle and the audience’s similarly sequined attire, the truckload of lights that the group brought in their caravan of semis was multiplied times ten.

The energetic women in the crowd were decked out in cowboy hats and glittering tank tops. The men were huge, tall and burly cowboys and ranchers coming from all parts of northern California and throughout the valley, and there were so many Camels and Marlboros - in back pockets, in bra straps - it was a real country show.

The show ended with Big Kenny shredding his t-shirt and throwing it into the crowd, much to the pleasure of one female audience member.

Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich, who together comprise Musik Mafia, sport matching bejeweled rings that mark their participation. The combination becomes more united with each passing year. The group nearly creates a new genre of music, so much rock and so much country. Fans have to wonder if the end result will be a country rock band playing under the name Musik Mafia, and if they would really mind if they did.

MidLife GridLife - 2 Cool 2B 4 Gotten

2011-09-16T07:07:50Z

Ah, September!

It used to be met with great anticipation. The Labor Day weekend marked the end of a long, hot summer, meant to be exciting, but quickly grown dull. September meant buying new clothes, reuniting with old friends, and stories to dish.

It can again. Along with Back to School Night and Homecoming, September is also High School Reunion time for more than a few classes.

When I told people I was going to attend my 20th high school reunion (Foothill High, Class of ’82, FYI) the most common response was “Why?!” The number of exclamation points attached varied from person to person, some using cartoonish elongation of the syllable and hand gestures to punctuate their disgust and disbelief.

My cousin had attended freshman and sophomore years of high school with me and we had long ago decided we would team up for the 20. We were looking forward to the event, but we seemed to be alone.

This assessment proved to be fairly accurate when I learned the party had almost been cancelled due to lack of interest. The “planning committee” was less than diligent in tracking down potential attendees and the number hovered precariously around 50 until the week before the planned date when the already committed began calling the formerly unreachable and the number swelled to a respectable 130.

The event itself was nothing more than an overpriced dinner party at that picturesque hotel off of Highway 160; pleasant ballrooms, lovely grounds, and seedy accommodations that my cousin referred to as “the cellblocks,” as in “turn left at the cellblocks and drive all the way to the back. Our room has a window, thank god!” But the party had a life of its own.

We walked around the “lake” and the swimming pool, and the concert venue, and the bar, and down the hall, following the signs that bore our alma mater’s mustang, glowing more with sweat than anticipation.

In the eleventh grade when my cousin and I decided we would commemorate the 20th with our class, it had been a long time away.

Three months ago when my cousin booked her trip, it had seemed like a little slice of Grease.

On the endless walk from room to reunion hall, one zit prominent half an inch below my lower lip, another clinging diligently to the side of my nose, carrying an extra twenty (or so) pounds in saddlebags below my waist, I felt more like Carrie on the way to prom.

Silly me! From the moment we hit the check-in table (where I was erroneously marked “unpaid,” but allowed to pass) the party was a blast. A blast!

First of all, I was apparently much more popular in high school than I realized, which is the ideal reunion revelation. People had stories to tell about me, men had crushes to reveal—cute men—and, like the gang at Cheers, everybody knew my name.

Well, everyone who mattered. A lot of them were probably lying, and I loved them all the more for it.

I was fatter than some and thinner than others—just like high school—and, as the evening wore on, it mattered less and less. We were divorced, had kids, didn’t have kids, remembered when we were kids. Right away it became apparent that everyone could find something to talk about for five minutes after 20 years.

By high school standards, it turned out pretty well.

Only two people fell down on the dance floor, only one ex-football player swam in the scenic man-made lake, nobody threw up and nobody punched anybody else out. I—president of the French and Forensics clubs who failed government and was prohibited from graduating with my class-- hung out with two football players, a renegade cheerleader, and a burnout all night.

At one point, the cheerleader decided we should go to a strip club so she could audition (we did, she didn’t), and the hotel management knocked on the door twice to ask us to turn the music down.

We drifted apart around 4:30 when the cheerleader fell asleep on the couch. For me, the evening ended as all good high school events should, sleep-deprived and shoeless, watching the sun come up.

2 cool + 2B = 4 gotten.

Tips for Reunion Revelry

1) Go. This is not high school; you can leave at any time. There will be people there whom you would never want to be, and this will feel great. Frequently, they will be people you did want to be while still in high school. This feels even better.
2) Leave your spouse at home. A spouse is an albatross around your neck as you crane it to see who the chick is that had the guts to bare her midriff. People you have never once mentioned, and never plan to see again will bore your spouse. A significant other cannot laugh at old jokes without lengthy explanations. They inhibit your ability to flirt shamelessly and often. Spouses are baggage. This includes you. Reunion-related family activities are the exception.
3) Get a room. Give yourself the opportunity to revel after last call, host an impromptu slumber party, fix your make-up at your leisure, and eliminate the temptation to drive home when only you think you’re sober.
4) Go! Do not be swayed by the scaredy-cats who affect disdain, only to go home and play At Seventeen over and over on their turntables. And, if possible, talk your classmates into going—who better to dish with later!

Blues Festival and Pasta Cook-Off Fundraiser-October 2nd

2011-09-15T22:27:11Z

10 Bands…10 Restaurants…5 years.

We did the math…it adds up to big fun at the…

5th Annual Blues for Life, which takes place on Sunday, October 2nd, from 1pm to 7pm, at the Torch Club, 904 15th Street. (inside and out in the parking lot…two stages)

This popular fundraiser, described in this news release, which has grown every year, benefits Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation, which raises money for expensive diagnostic breast cancer tests such as PET scans and mammograms for women in need.

At Albie, we like to say, “Your mother, your sister, your daughter, your best friend... Who Cares?…..Albie Aware!

Besides performances by the area’s leading blues bands, the popular Pasta Cook-Off featuring 10 top Sacramento restaurants, will be featured. Attendees will be able to taste them all for a mere $10. Doing the math again…we think you get it…

All Star Line-Up of Bands:

The Nibblers
Mercy Me!
Walking Spanish
Kaye Bohler
Ron Hacker
Gino Matteo
Bone MacDonald
Sista Monica
Trubaduo
Pailer, Adams & Joyce

Participating Pugilistic Potentates of Pasta
(aka: Competing Pasta Cook-off Restaurants)

Blue Prynt Restaurant & Bar
Clark’s Corner
Evan’s Kitchen
House Kitchen & Bar
Lucca Restaurant & Bar
Mama Susanna’s Ristorante Italiano
Michelangelo’s Italian Restaurant
Rio City Café
(2 restauarants TBA)

Silent auction items:
Flat screen TV
Signed art works
Trips and much more

50 Raffle Items
Including restaurants & local entertainment certificates

For more information, please visit: www.albieaware.org

Tickets available now at eventbrite.com

Disclosure: Steve LaRosa is the Media Director for Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation

Discovery Park to host California Brewers Festival

2011-09-15T01:16:34Z

Following the hot summer months of pilsners, pale ales, IPAs and golden ales, beer lovers are now preparing their palates for the tastes of fall and winter ales. This weekend, local beer enthusiasts will come together for a late summer afternoon of drinking great beer, fundraising for charity and enjoying Sacramento’s picturesque river views.

From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 17, Discovery Park will host the 17th Annual California Brewers Festival. The Saturday afternoon event is the perfect way to prepare for Oktoberfest and the beautiful canopy of trees at Discovery Park will surely be the perfect setting. The day’s activities, besides beer tasting, will include food venders, live entertainment and select cigar vendors. The day’s live entertainment will include performances by J Ras, ZuhG and Wooster.

Over 60 breweries will be present at Saturday’s festival, along with numerous distributors and suppliers. Plenty of regional brewers will be in attendance as well as special appearances by national and international breweries. Highlights of the festival are sure to include some of the more unique out of town breweries. Alaskan Brewing will be on site, as will Grand Teton Brewing Company. Representing Germany, Hopf and Schönramer are sure to stand out as well.

For cider lovers out there, no less than eight ciders will be available, including the ever popular Two Rivers Cider of Sacramento.

Up and coming brewery Firestone-Walker is sure to have some quality brews on tap, and Caldera Brewing with their cans of hoppy heaven is a lesser known brewery that is definitely worth a try. From the other end of the capital corridor, Speakeasy Ales and Lagers and Schmaltz Brewing Company will be on staff, as will Bison Brewing Company, an organic option for those who so desire.

Local brewery Knee Deep Brewing Co. of Lincoln will be serving three varieties and Lockdown Brewing Co. of Folsom will be pouring as well.

As for old favorites, Lagunitas and Anderson Valley Brewing Company will play a role, as will the ubiquitous Sierra Nevada tent.

The annual brewfest is run by Point West Rotary. Funds will go to the Assistance League (AL) of Sacramento. The Assistance League will be working to provide funding for local project, Operation School Bell. The project works to provide clothes and school supplies to school age children in the greater Sacramento area. Each year, the AL provides for more than 5,000 students.

So hopeful beer drinkers can plan accordingly, the temp is forecast at a perfect 85 degrees, ideal for sipping a hoppy IPA like that of local Hoppy Brewing. Later in the afternoon, attendees will likely switch to a fall bock, perhaps even a true German Oktoberfest lager. With a low of 55 degrees and the cool delta breeze on hand, let’s hope Deschutes brings one of their malty classics for the final pour at 4:45.

Festival gates open at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday with the first pour at 1:00 p.m. and the last pour taking place at 4:45 p.m. A festival ticket includes a brew cup and tokens for 10 tastings. Additional tastings are available at $1 per sample.

For additional ticket information, visit participating pubs and breweries or visit the California Brewers Festival website. Free bicycle parking will be available.

Country collaboration at Thunder Valley

2011-09-14T19:11:08Z

Thunder Valley Casino Resort will host Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson this Friday night, September 16 at 8 p.m. The event will take place in Thunder Valley’s Outdoor Amphitheater, an excellent venue for a fun night of country music.

The country duo of John Rich and Big Kenny will perform this weekend as part of their Xtreme Musik tour. The show will be one of just a couple of shows in California before the tour heads north. Grammy, CMA, ACM and AMA award winner Gretchen Wilson is paired with Big & Rich for the evening. Wilson has been co-headlining the tour since it began in mid-June.

The pairing is ideal considering the numerous collaborations among the three of them. “Fake I.D.” is one such example, released earlier this year.

Friday night’s show will also include appearances by 2 Foot Fred and rapper Cowboy Troy, as well as opening act, Road 88.

The event will likely bring country music fans from all over the Sacramento valley. Spectators should be in for a great show, Big Kenny in his top hat rapping hick-hop, Rich in his more traditional country attire but rocking all the same.

Wilson is sure to put on a great show as well. She brings a strong-minded feminine quality to the show, drawing like-minded women from all around. Just a few years ago, at the age of 34, Wilson finished her GED, an accomplishment that had fallen to the wayside as she worked her way through her teens and twenties.

The country artist currently has four albums, “Here for the Party,” “All Jacked Up,” “One of the Boys” and “I Got Your Country Right Here.” The latter is her first release from Redneck Records. Yet another of Wilson’s notable accomplishments is her recently launched label, Redneck Records, which she started in the fall of 2009.

Country fans are sure to see an excellent show this Friday night. For additional ticket and venue information, visit the Xtreme Musik tour website or check out Thunder Valley’s entertainment listings.

Following the Thunder Valley show on Friday, the tour will head to Molalla, OR and Puyallum, WA before heading to Canada where they will perform in various locations in British Columbia.

Broadway Stage in Sacramento

2011-09-11T22:58:51Z

If you’ve ever longed to see a Broadway Musical onstage, with a live 18-piece orchestra, here’s your chance, and in Sacramento! The Runaway Stage is presenting The Drowsy Chaperone through Oct. 2, 2011, with a cast of 19 talented performers. Singing, dancing, acting, they do it all with incredible talent and timing.

A campy 1920s musical comedy within a play, the show is narrated by “the man in the chair” - played by Steve Minnow. He shows us how to beat the blues by listening to old musical comedy records. (yes, records). My favorite line is when he drops the needle on his antique record player and says “You hear that static. I love that sound. To me, it’s the sound of a time machine starting up.” The characters come to life in his apartment, and his ability to stop the play’s action and comment on the storyline ties everything together with verve and nostalgia.

The 24th St theatre is large (with real theatre seats), the audience was large, and if you miss this show, you’ll regret it. “Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow; but soon, and for the rest of your life.”

http://www.runawaystage.com/broadway.html

MidLife GridLife - Homeless by chance or choice?

2011-09-09T06:05:28Z

Leaving Crest Theatre recently, my sister and I were approached by a man who asked us if we could spare a dollar.

My sister, to the best of my recollection, shook her head, which is what I would expect, as neither of us can generally spare any money, nor do we typically carry cash we might “accidentally” spend on non-essentials. I, however, went a step further.

“Where do you stay?” I inquired.

The man, a slightly overweight African American in his forties, smiled.

“We’re in West Sacramento, ma’am, me and my wife” he replied.

“Are you outside, then?” I continued, “Camping at the river?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Are you able to work or do you just prefer to be outside?”

“Yes, I am. I worked for quite awhile, but my wife, she has a lot of problems with her mental health. She doesn’t do well when I’m gone for very long, so eventually I had to quit. Now I just do what I can.”

“That must be really hard on you,” I said sincerely.

“Sometimes,” he admitted, “But not as hard as it is for her.”

What is the point?

Certainly not that if a homeless person asks you for money that you engage him or her in conversation.

I have spent the last five or so years working with homeless and formerly homeless people, and five years previously working with severely—severely--emotionally disturbed teenagers. For whatever reason, I have always felt comfortable among people who function outside the norm.

The point, if it can be so specified, is that homelessness is complicated. Homeless people are a diverse group just like the rest of us. This is seldom discussed in the media, who tend to get their quotes from politicians and committee members, but it’s a hot topic among those of us in the trenches.

Some things I can share, anecdotally, that you may or may not know:

• All homeless people do not consider themselves homeless; they do not want to live indoors.
• There are generations of homelessness in families and they take what they do—often panhandling very seriously; they have no desire or intent to change.

A local café owner shared the story of a man who used to sleep next to his place of business. He felt compassion for the man and did everything he could to find a place for him to stay, get him signed up for benefits, none of which he was really cooperative about. He continued to turn up outside the café, and eventually he became sick, and sicker. An ambulance was called, but the man refused to get in. He died outside the café, refusing medical help, while the owner stood by.

• Putting a roof over someone’s head does not mean they are no longer homeless.
• Homelessness is a life skill, and to acquire a different skill set requires support, especially if recovery from substance abuse or untreated mental health issues is involved.
• Very few programs can afford—or choose--to put services before housing. If that is the case, you might as well put revolving doors on the living spaces.
• Failure is more expensive than success. In so many ways.

As for being approached on the street or at intersections, that’s not for me to advise on. Personally, I am of the “Give a man a fish or teach a man to fish” school of thought. I always ask, when reasonable, if a person knows where to access services, but I don’t feel obligated to share my income.

Because I spend 40+ hours a week working with formerly homeless people, I can’t honestly say I do much volunteering either. I have served lunch at Loaves & Fishes, as has my son.

• Volunteer opportunities abound in social services, especially with all of the recent budget cuts.

Rumor has it, that at one point, the Department of Human Assistance was short-handed and thought they might be forced to use interns in some positions—until they realized they didn’t have a person with an MSW left in the department to supervise the interns!

Imagine how that translates to us in the non-profit world.

• If you have time, and a skill or talent, there is a place that needs you.
• If you have money to spare, spread it around; we all need it.

Look at your options, though.

Do the job training program “graduates” actually get and keep jobs?

Do the programs the agency says it created actually exist?

How does the staff feel about where they work? Is there a high turnover rate?

Spend a day getting a feel for what you’re supporting. If you like what you’ve seen and experienced there, share it with your friends or your company.

And your kids.

My son once donated all of his Circus Circus arcade winnings to Mustard Seed School when he was (I think) about 8 years old.

He received a tour and subsequent thank you letter in the mail, which I’m pretty sure he saved. It gave him a sense of accomplishment, and of helping the children—and it kept 20 stuffed animals from being introduced unnecessarily into his bedroom; win/win.

Back to the original issue of what to do when approached by someone for money. Again, I maintain that everyone has to make that decision individually.

What I will say is that, unless someone is in the midst of a psychotic break, he or she has no need to be hostile or rude in approaching you.

It’s an intimidation tactic, plain and simple.

Homelessness is not license to be a jerk, and almost any formerly homeless person will agree.

But neither is being the one with money.

Just sayin’.

The Human League

2011-09-09T00:47:43Z

The Human League teamed up with Men Without Hats at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort Wednesday night, playing to a less than packed house.

Both groups are synthpop bands who got their start in the early ’80s. The Human League has had a number of hit songs since and in March of this year released their 10th album, “Credo,” 30 years after their first album.

Men Without Hats kicked off the evening playing a number of their hit songs, including "Moonbeam," "Pop Goes the World" and "The Safety Dance."

The only original band member, Ivan Doroschuk, came out donning a cowboy hat. He was bathed in red or blue light almost the entire time on stage. Doroschuk was very energetic, dancing back and forth across the stage, waving his arms in the air and looking like he was having a good time.

The music was loud, making it difficult to hear Doroschuk sing. I don’t believe he sounded that great, but that may have been because he was being drowned out by his own music. I was really disappointed, and it seemed the audience agreed. Only a handful of people were up on their feet until the last song “The Safety Dance,” when everyone got moving.

I should have known the moment Doroschuk came on stage with a hat that this wasn’t going to be good. Let’s face it, Men Without Hats means men without hats. I kept looking for “America’s Got Talent”’s Piers Morgan in hopes that he could buzz them and be done with it. These guys were more reminiscent of a bad ’70s band than an ’80s revival band.

Once The Human League took the stage, it all changed. These guys put on a great theatrical production, complete with a video backdrop with the drummer playing front and center of the screen. The video splashing all over the drummer made for a great look.

Founding member and lead singer Philip Oakey was dressed in black with a black hood for the first song, “Never Let Me Go.” Oakey started by walking slowly into the spot light singing the chorus, “Go/ go/ go,” and then fading back, out of the light, until the next chorus. The whole time band mainstays Susan Anne Sulley and Joanne Catherall were singing and dancing in unison on both ends of the stage.

The Human League has evolved over the years but remains true to their unique electronic pop sound with smooth vocals overlaying synthesizers and digital keyboards.

They had the attention of the audience from the moment they stepped out on stage. They had several wardrobe changes, various videos playing in the background and good, solid vocals. All the band members were high energy, including Nic Burke, who was jumping from keyboards to guitars and back again.

I would highly recommend checking The Human League out the next time they are in town. They put on a great theatrical production and have a number of hits spanning several decades to enjoy.

Pirate Festival & Seafarers’ Marketplace

2011-09-08T18:53:18Z

FREE FAMILY EVENT with a canned food donation to the Sacramento Food Bank.

The Seafarer’s Marketplace & Pirate Festival captures the essence of a caribbean seaport in the 1800s. This family festival features live music, entertainment, contests, games, cannon battles, sword fights and other seafaring activities. Multicultural food and drinks will be available (Portion of food and beverage sales go to the A.T. Valdez Foundation).

The Rio Ramaza RV Park and Marina, and the entertainers, vendors and musicians have all have come together to help collect canned food and donations for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services while offering a fun filled adventure on the banks of the Sacramento River. Children ok but please, no pets.

The event is held outdoors on the Sacramento River, with plenty of shade trees and misters; and a wooden dance floor. Rio Ramaza Park, 10000 Garden Hwy. between Riego Rd. & Elverta Rd.. Parking is on Riego Rd. with free shuttle service to the venue. Parking fee is $5. Detailed directions are on the Web site.

You’ll see all kinds of Characters: Pirates, Sinbad the Sailor, Gypsies, Vikings, Mermaids, Jean Lafitte, Andrew Jackson, Blackbeard, Captain Jack and MORE !

Visit the Pirate Library and Book Store with local author Pamela Johnson “Heart of a Pirate”
See the river boat once owned by John Wayne and featured in the movie “Blood Alley.
Play in the Kids’ fun area

Musical Entertainment by:

The Black Irish Band
Skip Henderson & John Blakemore (playing some of the music featured in the first Pirates of Caribbean film)
Zydeco On Our Mind aka Z.O.O.M
Mz Myrna with Bobby Q & the Hot Licks
Vicious Groove (playing down home Louisiana R & B)

Savage Ear Entertainment

2011-09-06T08:19:16Z

In early 2001, Larry Olson got his first taste of the music industry when friend, Jeremiah Ferguson, asked Larry to book some shows for his band, Race Train Schizo. After a short while Larry became the band's manager. "It's funny, I never had any interest in the music industry before I met Jeremiah. I loved music, I had my favorite bands, but looking back on it now, I don't think I ever heard music before I met Jeremiah. I always listened to it, but I don't think I ever heard it."

In April of 2006, Larry established Savage Ear Entertainment as an artist management and booking company for long time friend Jake Ferguson and his band, The Grumpy. Booking shows for the band in Southern California on historic stages like the Whiskey a Go Go nine times, The Roxy Theatre, Viper Room and The Improv in Irvine, Ca. Here in Sacramento, Savage Ear Entertainment booked the band at Arco Arena twice, Raley Field, The Crest Theatre, and The Boardwalk to name a few.

In 2010, Savage Ear Entertainment established itself as a legitimate promotion company when they teamed up with some of Sacramento’s great promoters like Lionheart Entertainment, Big Jay Shows, AmbPirate, and 98Rock's Local Licks host Mark Gilmore to work together to remind everyone the most important aspect of the local music scene are the musicians.

"We have worked very hard to establish ourselves as an honest, hard working ally to the local bands of Sacramento. We’ve been lucky to work with some great national acts, venues and local talent and hope to continue to do so for many years to come."

Disclosure: Larry Olsen is the founder and owner of Savage Ear Entertainment

Taylor Swift performs at Power Balance Pavilion

2011-09-05T02:54:52Z

If a Disney princess decided to become a country pop superstar, then that superstar would be Taylor Swift.

She was so perfect, it seemed abnormal.

Everything about the Grammy Award-winning musician Saturday night was whimsically on-cue as she performed to a sold-out show at the Power Balance Pavilion, promoting her third album, “Speak Now.”

“This is the first time we’re headlining a big arena concert in Sacramento,” Swift said. “I can’t believe 13,000 of you decided to be here than anywhere else on a Saturday night.”

Swift’s movements on stage, while performing and speaking to the crowd, were that of the White Queen’s from Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland,” completely ethereal, while her facial expressions looked as if she were carefully trying to imitate Betty Boop’s.

“You’re more beautiful than I’d imagined!” Swift said, addressing the crowd in the same saccharin-sweet way a kindly preschool teacher might address her class: “Oh, gosh! Wow!”

The words whimsical, perfect and perhaps even ethereal may seem extravagant when describing a musician and her concert, but, again, this was more a princess singing her way through her own fairytale.

The stage was set to replicate a scene from “Cinderella,” with wrought-iron stairwells that Swift descended in an oversized, sparkling ball gown.

There were ballerinas, violinists, acrobats, fireworks and lots of talk from Swift about “magical first kisses.”

A white piano rose from the floorboards as she performed “Back to December,” while shimmering confetti fell from above.

During her Hayley Williams-esque song, “Better than Revenge,” Swift got a bit sassy, changing into a fitted, rhinestone-embellished red dress to match her painted lips.

Swift continued on with the sass as she sang “Speak Now,” stealing a groom from a supposedly wicked-witch bride in a wedding scene acted out on stage.

And for the “Love Story” finale, Swift sang in another glittering ball gown, her third of the night, while floating above the crowd on a balcony suspended by wires.

It’s no wonder the concert’s crowd was mostly middle to high school-aged girls and their fathers. Swift amps up the angsty highs and lows of adolescence in her songs, then grandly expresses it on stage, all while looking way better than beautiful.

Sacramento's Zombie Man Tom Presler

2011-08-30T20:31:28Z

I I met Tom Presler at a meeting for the Vampire Ball put on every year October 22nd by Shannon McCabe. I had interviewed Tom about his experiences acting. He then informed me that he is the founder of the Zombie Club and is a local comedian. I was intrigued by his vast interests and wanted to interview him further. He is what I call the "free thinker of artistic individuality of this decade."

Question: Tell the readers who you are?
Answer: I'm a writer, entertainer, artist, social commentator, comedian, songwriter, thinker and passionate activist. What I want, more than anything, is to bring creative and free thinking people together to do good things and sometimes funny things.

Question: How long have you lived and Sacramento?
Answer: I've lived in Sacramento for over a quarter century, and I'm surely going to be around for the next quarter as well. I love Sacramento because there is this great energy that is always buzzing in the air. Not only that I help take care of my brother who is mentally handicap and I would never leave him.

Question: What is the Zombie Club where did you come up with the idea?
Answer: It's a place where fans of horror flicks, fantasy and sci-fi, artists, free thinkers, musicians, creative people in general can network, come together to have fun, and possibly help change the world. It's about free creativity. We also have the principles of Peace, Equality, Independence and Community. We identify with individual-minded, unique people of all ages and backgrounds.

Question: What inspired you to start a Zombie club and what events have you done in Sacramento?
Answer: I don't like the current mainstream trends. I don't think you can ever expect The Government or a Politician to change society for us. I think we all need to do it.
Our group just recently did the Zombie Walks in downtown Sacramento in July and we have several other small events planned. Recently we filmed for an upcoming documentary about the rise in popularity of Zombies at the recent Trash Film Orgy. The Trash Film Orgy (TFO) is an annual event that our friends at the Crest Theater have been putting on for over 10 years now. It's a cool, horror and "B" movie film festival at The Crest. TFO is something they've been doing, and I'm a huge fan, so we go all out to support what they do. We also have a new film production company called Zombie House Productions.

Question: You had mentioned to me that you enjoy to go to Shenanigans on J street to preform your comedy skits, how did you become interested in the comedian's world?
Answer: I love Shenanigans, and I think it's one of the best kept secrets in Sacramento. Erik, the owner, is very supportive of musicians and artists in the area, and recently I have been working with The FUNstigators.... an upcoming comedy / amateur talent group emerging that's all creativity, fun... and not a lot of those uptight egos you find so often in local entertainment circles.

Question: Is there any other place you have performed your comedy or have you performed anywhere before? (Theater)
Answer: I had the incredible experience working with the Changing Faces Theater Company. They're a very professional and serious theater company in the area, and they cast me to play the primary Zombie character in their production of Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" earlier this year. I'm making the transition from writing to stage... sometimes I walk, sometimes I trip.... but it's been a great ride so far.

Question: Have you written your own material and is it comedy to you?
Answer: Everything I write is original... and my inspiration is just observing people and the world and everything around me. And yes, most of everything I see is comedy to me. Michele Bachmann, are you kidding me? It's a crazy, luny, funny world.

Question: What type of comedy do you perform and why?
Answer: I've been told many times that my humor is dry, but I think it can be rather wet sometimes too. I don't like to label anything and think inside a box. Sometimes, I think clucking like a chicken is funny.... if done in tune..... and sometimes just telling jokes is funny. In my writing, I usually try and put unique ideas out there or comment on society. I think I'm doing it more for MY entertainment than yours, actually.

Question: Who is your all time Idol?
Answer: Roddy Piper. He was the only reason I ever watched professional wrestling when I was a kid. The guy was hilarious and said whatever he wanted.... and was boo'd! He was "the bad guy," you know.... and didn't conform or care about what anyone else was doing, and I was really drawn to that when I was very young.

Question: What is your favorite quote?
Answer: "While it's True that Life's a Mystery, so too is the Human Heart." It's from a Mary-Chapin Carpenter song. She's an amazing poet.

Question: If you could tell free thinkers and artist some inspirational advise, what would it be?
Answer: Never seek approval from anyone, and always do whatever it is you want to do because you're entertaining yourself first. That's the only way it will be genuine, honest.... plus, if nobody else gets ya, you still had a great time!

Question: When is you next event and were can your fans or friends contact you?

My contact info: www.facebook.com/tpresler

www.thezombieclub.org

www.facebook.com/zombieclub

The Next event will be:

The Sac Sci-Fi & Horror Convention (www.sachorror.com)

also on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=250337651660271

presents:

The Zombies Vs Pirates Vs Ninja Walk!
A Pirate Walk
A Zombie Walk
A Ninja Walk
Saturday, September 24 · 9:00am - 10:00am At Areas surrounding the Scottish Rite Center Sacramento, California

Hope to see you there!

Pour for Prevention benefit for CAP Center

2011-08-29T04:01:30Z

A child is reported abused or neglected every minute in America. The Child Abuse Prevention Center is working to change that.

The CAP Center serves more than 140,000 children annually and manages the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Sacramento, Inc., Safe Kids California, Lift the Children and Prevent Child Abuse California.

Pour for Prevention was a benefit held for the CAP Center that incorporated food, art and, of course, lots of wine, with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward preventing child abuse. Over 16 vintners and eateries participated, and 15 artists displayed works in Jon Stevenson's historic three-story home/gallery/special events venue located on 1724 N St.

“Eighty percent of the photography I do is for donation, in order to benefit causes like the CAP’s” said Darrell O’ Sullivan, whose nature photographs of Lake Tahoe and Death Valley were on display.

Outside the home, individuals were given empty wine glasses and encouraged to stroll from table to table in order to fill it.

To complement the red wines, Capital Confections offered chocolate truffles. To accompany the whites, Mama Kim’s served chicken skewers and salmon banh mi.

“It’s been a great time,” said guest Melissa Pagluica, holding up her half-full glass of wine, “for a wonderful cause.”

Lost in the 80's at Thunder Valley

2011-08-29T02:04:44Z

Friday night was quite the ride down memory lane for everyone who listened to the radio back in the ’80s. The Fixx, Wang Chung and Naked Eyes all played to a packed Pano Hall at Thunder Valley Casino Resort.

You could say this was a British invasion of sorts, since all three bands hail from England. They were a smashing success in the ’80s, all with No. 1 hits. It was quite an impressive lineup, with only one concern: What time will I get home? There’s a whole lotta hits to be played from each band.

Naked Eyes, best known for their first single, “Always Something There to Remind Me," kicked off the evening with “Voices in My Head.” The band’s original members were Pete Byrne on vocals and Rob Fisher on keyboards. Fisher died in 1999, so Byrne is touring with three new members.

During his set he kept telling the audience that it was OK to get up, dance and have a good time. The audience was slow to respond. However, by the end of the set he had a few people on their feet dancing, but only a small fraction of the audience.

Byrne had a good stage presence and was very energetic, but the lack of vocals on some songs hurt his performance. He sounded great on some of his older hits but not so good on others, as he seemed to struggle on the higher notes.

Wang Chung followed with a number of their hits, including “Everybody Have Fun Tonight.” Original band members Jack Hues (vocals, guitar) and Nick Feldman (bass, guitar) were simply awesome. Hues worked up the crowd with his theatrics and excellent vocals, while Feldman did it with pure energy and total absorption in his performance.

The amazing story here is how awesome the band sounded, despite only rehearsing together for one day. I spoke to young keyboardist Dave Appelbaum, and, needless to say, he was quite ecstatic about being able to play a couple of gigs with the talented Wang Chung.

Appelbaum explained his involvement with the band, that it was one of those friend-of-a-friend-type of scenarios, and, before he knew it, he was hooked up with the band along with the drummer who happened to be in the same circle of friends. On Saturday they headed to Fresno to play another gig with the band, and they hope to hook up with them at future concerts.

Each of the “newbies” were armed with MacBooks and referencing their sheet music often. Regardless, they appeared to be playing effortlessly, as if they had been playing the songs for years. Appelbaum looked totally immersed in the moment, pounding on the keyboard and just plain rocking it.

Wang Chung had the crowd worked up in a sweat. Most of the seats were empty, with people filling the aisles dancing. They didn’t sound just like they did when they were younger, but they still sounded awesome with Hues’ deeper, more mature vocals taking center stage. They played “Rent,” a new song off their latest CD, “Abducted by the ’80s.” The song is a very ’80s reminiscent, catchy tune with Feldman throwing a bit of Prince-like vocals into the mix.

With such an exceptional set by Wang Chung, I started to wonder how The Fixx was going to be able to follow such a performance. I didn’t have to wonder long. Front man Cy Curnin was just as animated, if not more so, than Hues. As Curnin sang, his hands were always on the move, telling their own story.

The Fixx stills tours with all its original members: Curnin, keyboardist Rupert Greenall, guitarist Jamie West-Oram, drummer Adam Woods and bassist Dan K. Brown. The band’s dynamic style and high energy immediately created a connection with the audience, bringing the majority of people to their feet. By night’s end there wasn’t a single person sitting.

It was a fun night for all. Pano Hall started out full, but by the end of the night, about a third of the audience had left. I’m sure that was because the concert went past 11 p.m.

Groban brings music and laughter to Sacramento

2011-08-26T23:54:58Z

Who knew a bari-tenor could have groupies?

Josh Groban put on an excellent show Wednesday night at Power Balance Pavilion. Groban began the show on a stage in the center of the arena, dozens of Grobanites, as they are called, swarming around the raised platform.

“You guys are circling like sharks,” said Groban.

His show was spotted with comedy, which was a rather delightful surprise. One doesn’t necessary expect to laugh at a Josh Groban concert, and in fact, everyone did – and frequently. Throughout the show he was tremendously interactive with the audience.

“I had a Starbucks earlier,” said Groban. “I’m really sorry.”

It would be interesting to know if this is the vibe and character of a normal show, or if it was a uniquely caffeinated mood. Judging by his confidence, mixing at random - “I Wanna Sex You Up” and eggs over easy; it seems that he was born caffeinated.

Groban was excited to be back in Sacramento, citing that this was the place that he got his start. He referred to his performance at the inauguration of Gov. Gray Davis and also mentioned producer and composer David Foster on several occasions. Foster, who arranged Groban’s first gig at Power Balance, ARCO Arena at the time, is often credited for having “discovered” Groban.

Groban was preceded by opener, Elew, an exuberant pianist who was always standing, kneeling or dancing – never sitting. His pieces ranged from classical to “Sweet Home Alabama,” a unique choice for a piano solo that got the crowd clapping.

Elew played as if he were at home tinkering on his own set of keys rather than in a sizeable complex, even playing the strings inside the piano with his left hand as he tickled the ivories with his right.

He won the hearts of many in just a few minutes and was a nice opening act for Groban, particularly because of Groban’s light-hearted and goofy demeanor. I would guess that he and Elew have some fun head to head musical battles in their off hours.

Midway through his set, as Elew began to stoically play “Love Story,” a woman in the next row questioned a friend.

“Isn’t that the Young and the Restless?”

Her query demonstrated exactly why the tune was chosen, and gave insight into Elew’s creative sense of humor.

Yet another performer to watch for in the future is Groban’s musical director, Tariqh Akoni. Akoni played various roles during the show, a highlight being his acoustic guitar solo during “Just Walk Away,” which Groban performed in Spanish.

Throughout the show, it was very apparent that Groban loves music. He arrived in Sacramento with basically his own orchestra in tow, his musical peeps, as he referred to them. More and more people joined him on stage depending on the genre or style of the song at the moment. The musicians on stage with him, how they play, and how and when he brought them forward to play said a lot about his attitude towards the various genres.

Groban prides himself for the variety in his repertoire. He had just that, his set list including songs in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Latin. Then, suddenly, he’s pounding away on a trap set in center stage.

Admittedly, I think that I could do with his voice alone. The accompaniment was high quality, but when he really sings, there’s magic in it.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I thought it possible there would be some tears shed at this event. There were several moments when his voice really was that impressive, the first song and last song included, but throughout the bulk of the concert, while his excellent vocals surely got the job done, it seemed that he wasn’t taking full advantage of his incredible talent. With a voice like that, less is more, because it’s already so much.

Throughout the evening, Groban took advantage of his extraordinary range. “Changing Colors,” for one, took advantage of the upper extreme. His performance, of course, was flawless.

The romantic, “Galileo,” was also a crowd favorite. Another song was dedicated to servicemen and women around the world. “The War at Home,” was very well received, the somber sound of a military snare sequence in the background serious, yet heartfelt.

By the end of the show, I was even more convinced. All I wanted was that voice, Groban on stage, no mic, no graphics, maybe a grand piano.

One lucky woman in the audience, among hundreds participating, text her thoughts to Josh Groban and found herself onstage. Beth Guido explained via SMS that she had been inspired by Groban and still today continues to work towards a singing career. Groban and Guido sang a nice rendition of “Happy Birthday” to another audience member. It’s safe to say that the audience liked her; their voices blended quite well, in fact, it’s actually too bad she didn’t say, “The Prayer,” when he asked her what she wanted to sing.

Beth, please keep that in mind for the future.

Settlin’ for nothing less than Sugarland with a side of Sara Bareilles

2011-08-26T20:57:30Z

The warm voice of Sara Bareilles welcomed fans to Thursday night’s show at Raley Field. Bareilles seemed at home here in Sacramento, perhaps due to the proximity to her hometown of Eureka. There was an extra bounce in her step as she sang away to the ballpark stands, the smell of hotdogs wafting in the air.

She let fans hear, “Love Song,” early on, which made everyone happy, and followed up soon after with “Many the Miles.” Throughout her performance, Bareilles really took liberties with the sound and tempo for both old and new material. She also informed the audience that she had spent all of Wednesday filming the music video for “Gonna Get Over You,” her newest single, which she then performed.

Sugarland fans got a treat when Kristian Bush made an appearance onstage, collaborating with Bareilles on “Basket Case,” a sweet melody on her newest album, “Kaleidoscope Heart."

“Gravity” came next, a title off of her first album, “Little Voice.” As she strummed, there was something adorable about her knee-dipping sway that underscored the fact that she is just a sweet NorCal girl at heart.

Just after sundown, Sugarland came on stage to packed stands at Raley Field. By this time, the heat had begun to subside and the hope of an incoming delta breeze – plus a hard lemonade or two – had the crowd ready for a great sing-a-long show.

Sugarland, led by Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles, played all of their big hits, starting with “Settlin’” and “Stuck Like Glue,” as well as, “It Happens,” and of course, “California King Bed.”

Throughout the show, the audience was very engaged - dancing, singing along and letting out so many wolf whistles that it was almost distracting to the show.

Nettles was a great hostess, wishing happy birthday to anyone who asked, sending her well wishes to Indiana and the victims there, and encouraging the audience to get into the show and the music in any way that they could. She brought everyone to their feet on various occasions, some standing for the whole show, particularly those on the floor just couldn’t get enough.

When the duo needed a break, rather than just taking a break, Bush surprised the crowd by giving away his guitar. He took a nice 10 minute break to walk through the crowd looking for a worthy fan, and then they were right back on stage, singing their hearts out.

Late in the show, Sugarland performed, “The Incredible Machine,” the title track of their newest album and the inspiration for this tour. They also covered a number of artists - mashup style - Britney Spears, Simon & Garfunkel and Dolly Parton among them.

All said and done, Sugarland provided a fun night of music for Raley Field spectators. There was hardly a trace of sadness from the unfortunate events earlier in the month, just an infectious display of life, and a desire for peace and happiness for all.

Sugarland finished by bringing Sara Bareilles back on stage. Together, they sang, “Come on Eileen,” the audience belting every word along with them. It was a great audience for a great show; Sugarland would settle for nothing less.

MidLife Gridlife

2011-08-26T06:48:02Z

Is there a maximum age for Midtown?

The question had never occurred to me until someone said, with a disdainful sneer, “He’s almost forty and he’s still single and living in Midtown, so that should tell you something.”

The implication was that he had a Peter Pan complex. But not just a refusal to grow up, a refusal to grow up, stop drinking heavily, get a real job, stop dating women half his age, have a steady relationship, buy a house, have a couple of kids, and get to bed at a reasonable hour.

Hell hath no fury like a woman who has relocated to Tahoe Park!

Who knew the unspeakable havoc that Midtown could wreak on an unsuspecting life? And the whole time I couldn't help but take a mental inventory of my twenties, living in the CADA Victorian on 15th, the townhouse off Broadway. I didn't marry until I was almost thirty, and although I had a couple of longer relationships, loathe though I am to admit it, like sand through the hourglass, those were the dates of my life.

But should there be an expiration date on urban living in the Capital City?

Still, I might have let it go, but I was having coffee with a friend--married, one child, now living in a lovely planned community in West Sac—catching up. She works at a Midtown salon, and she was noting how easy it was to forget the age difference between she and her coworkers until the subject turned to men.

“Then they just get stupid,” she lamented. “These are bright, attractive girls, good jobs, but they come in crying about how badly they’re being treated, and it’s the same story time after time.”

“But what gets me,” she went on, “is that it’s never some guy their own age; it’s always that Midtown guy…[insert description above]”

Seriously.

So, like the blind men and the elephant, Midtown is many things to many people.

To the people of Rocklin and Nouveau Roseville, it is a bastion of filth and homelessness and liberal politics (Did you feel that generalization come sweeping past at warp sweep? Look out: here comes another one!).

To other suburbanites, it’s a place to be braved by day with visiting family and friends for stellar historical attractions, and occasionally, at night, in safe numbers, for dining or drama.

There is a contingent of people who actually like the idea of urban living--at least the approximation of it--they can find by living in the downtown and Midtown areas walking distance from coffee houses, restaurants, and arts venues.

And there is Midtown Guy.

Some people think of us as just the halfway point between Tahoe and San Francisco, but we’re a lot more complicated than that.

Think Big says 'pay to play' is another way to go for arena financing

2011-08-25T04:11:51Z

At the upcoming meeting of the Think Big Sacramento committee Friday, committee members will discuss construction loans for a new arena/sports complex and yet another potential financing idea: user fees.

For a project that organizers believe will bring regional public benefits of $7 billion in revenue over 30 years and 4,100 new jobs, working out the kinks of financing everything is a challenge.

The Think Big committee has been under a self-imposed deadline to come up with a “menu” of financing options – essentially, a 100-day brainstorm session that committee members hope will result in finding a viable way to pay for the $387 million endeavor.

Think Big has already determined that financing will require public-private partnership, and committee members have focused that definition to include private participation, public participation and – according to a report released Aug. 18 – user fees.

“User fees are ways to identify revenue sources from entities that will be benefiting from the arena,” said Think Big Sacramento Executive Director Chris Lehane in an email Wednesday.

Entities such as attendees who will go to the arena and pay a ticket fee, Lehane said, or businesses in the proximity of the arena that will benefit from 300,000 more people coming to the city.

The reasoning for this, simply put, is that “the people who use it should bear the greatest responsibility of paying for it,” said Think Big Sacramento project manager, Jeremiah Jackson.

User fees could be arena fees that are included in the price of things sold at the venue, such as food, drinks and merchandise, or it could be ticket fees – a $1 to $3 surcharge on the price of a ticket, for example.

User fees could also come in the form of naming rights (think: Power Balance Pavilion, AT&T Park, Staples Center), or the creation of Business Improvement Districts (BID).

The core of a BID is self-assessment – businesses and restaurants agree to pay a certain percentage on top of whatever else they’re selling, because they know they’re going to get a certain amount of increased business from being near the arena.

“With 3.1 million new visitors to downtown each year,” Jackson said, “we’ll expect to see increased spending at all of the businesses nearby.”

This concept of a BID has seen some success in areas like Portland, where the BID contributed about $21.5 M to the construction of a streetcar system, and in San Francisco, where 11 BIDs funded a variety of downtown revitalization projects around the ballpark.

Michael Ault, president of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, which represents 56 blocks in the downtown core including 800 property owners and merchants, said he is not entirely sold on the idea for Sacramento, however.

“If business and restaurant owners can readily identify an upside that justifies an assessment district,” Ault said Wednesday, “it could be a good thing.”

Ault said the the Downtown Sacramento Partnership hasn’t yet been engaged in any discussion of “real numbers” with the Think Big team yet, so he is hesitant to say how much support the idea would get.

“How much (fee assessment) are we talking about? For how long? At what level?” Ault said. “Until we know any of that, it’s hard to really say anything.”

According to a poll conducted for the Think Big committee, public support for user fees is strong.

Seventy-four percent of people polled said they would support the idea of charging for naming rights on the facility, and 57 percent supported a ticket surcharge and/or arena fees, the recent Think Big report states.

Ticket fees are common at similar entertainment and sports complexes, said Think Big representatives.

“Staples Center in Los Angeles has had them for years,” Jackson said Wednesday. “The Staples Center even has a contract with the NBA that allows them to raise it up to about $3 per seat.”

The Think Big report estimates user fees from ticket surcharges could total to about $20 million a year in revenue.

Naming rights have netted huge benefits for similar arena projects, too, arena representatives said.

For example, Amway Center in Orlando opened in 2010, and the city gets about $6.5 million annually from the naming rights contract with Amway. In Memphis, there’s the FedEx Forum that brings an average of $4.5 million annually.

“The name of the game,” Jackson said, “is to determine who are the parties that benefit from (the complex) and how can we spread some responsibility (for paying for it) across that group?”

Jackson said the Think Big committee is considering numerous ideas on financing, and incorporating user fees is just one part of that.

The 100-day summary report – including the full menu of financing options for a new sports/entertainment complex – is scheduled to be presented at the Sacramento Press Club luncheon on Sept. 8.

A follow-up report will be made to City Council at the council meeting on Sept. 13.

Read the user fees report here.

Melissa Corker is a Staff Reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

Blvd Park Returns to Sacramento

2011-08-25T02:15:59Z

Blvd Park is a former Sacramento band, newly transplanted to Seattle after the end of their “New American Dream Tour” in May. They are coming back to play a special show at Harlow’s Thursday night with Keri Carr Band and Kate Gaffney with Steve Randall. Founding member Brian Ballentine recently spoke to The Sacramento Press about the upcoming show.

What brings you back to Sacramento?

One of our friends down there is getting married. We haven’t been there in a while. It’s been half a year I think.

Have you ever played Harlow’s before?

Yeah, we played Harlow’s about a year ago with Split Lip Rayfield before, I think about two years ago.

What are you expecting from this show?

A couple local people are going to join us: Zack Sapunor, he’s going to play upright bass with us, and then Shea Trumbauer, he’s going to play snare. So we’re going to have like an eight-piece. Mick (“The Deli Lama” Stevenson) will be there probably, so it’s going to be kind of like a reunion show. I haven’t hung out with all my buddies in a while.

How is Seattle?

Seattle’s great. Our band is doing really well out here. We got into all the major clubs out here, and we’re starting to build a really good fan base, and we’re working on our new album. It’s going good. It was a good decision for a career move, for us to get to a bigger city. I think we’re going to be here for a while. No plans on leaving. We thought about going to the East Coast for a while, but I think we’re going to stay here because it makes more sense.

So you guys are working on a new album?

We have it worked out. We’re going (into the studio) in October. We’re just doing all the considerations to see what we need to do to get it taken care of. We found the producer and stuff and the place where we’re going to record.

What sort of an album is it going to be?

This album, it’s a little different from our first album. We’ve aged a lot more now. We can find our sound a lot more now. Much newer songs. Everybody’s writing. I did a lot of the writing for the first album, and now it’ s split pretty much evenly. Tekla Waterfield, Timmy Conroy and Jarrett Mason, he’s writing on it too. So it’s going to be a collective of all of us. That’s what we’re trying to (do to) begin with. No one’s the front man. Everyone’s all part of it, you know? All singer-songwriters, and it’s finally coming out that way. I’m really excited.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know?

We’re just excited to get down there. It’s going to be a fun show. Kate Gaffney and Keri Carr are very talented musicians. Have you heard them before?

No, I have not, so I’m really looking forward to it.

Kate Gaffney is playing Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, so she’s got her name out there pretty well. And she’s local too — actually she moved to San Francisco.

I’m excited to jam with (Zack). Our other bass player, he’s staying here. He doesn’t go on tour. When we get to play with Zack, our energy is a little bit different. It’s a little more upbeat. We should be an eight-piece that night. A new mandolin player from Seattle is coming, so we’ll have another member. It should be pretty cool.