Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "frank sinatra"

Rock & Roll Tour and Pub Crawl

2011-05-09T09:54:54Z

The Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP) conducts several walking Tours in the downtown area. The walking tours introduce visitors to people, places and events that have created California history. DSP’s mission is to establish downtown Sacramento as a vibrant business, cultural and entertainment destination in Sacramento via private and public partnerships consisting of residents, visitors and investors. This Friday they conducted a Rock & Roll History Tour and Pub Crawl.

The tour began at the corner of 9th and J Streets at one of the entrances to the Concerts in the Park held at Cesar Chavez Plaza. The walk began at 6 in the evening. By this time, Wahnder Lust had begun their set at the first Concerts in the Park event. This year marks the 20th year anniversity of Concerts in the Park and Jerry Perry has been promoting the event for the past 15 years.

The series of walks around downtown Sacramento being offered includes one especially for kids, a Speakeasy tour, a Sacramento architecture and art tour as well as the Rock & Roll History Tour and Pub Crawl. It's a walk that explores the history of Sacramento’s music scene. This tour is still being developed but it will run every Friday until the end of May. The day of the tour may or may not change after that depending on how it develops.

The tour guide for the walk is Shawn Peter who’s been with DSP since 2000. John, who also works for DSP, was on hand for the tour as well. Shawn has been part of the Downtown Walking Tour Program since its inception. Besides his vast knowledge of Sacramento’s Gold Rush-era and historical architecture styles, Shawn is well versed in music and is a member of a band named Single Second. His music knowledge of Sacramento and bands who have played here allow him to discuss many genres and time periods of music. During the tour, performers such as Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys, the Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, Nirvana, Beastie Boys, Tesla, and many others are discussed and how they fit in the Sacramento music scene.

As we started the walking tour Shawn began by saying, “A lot of people seem to think Sacramento is a really boring town where nothing really happens. You know what? It’s quite the opposite really.” Shawn’s personal knowledge of the Sacramento music scene is immense and through the walk it was apparent that this would be an educational and fun walk as we departed from the corner of 9th and J streets.

Shawn talked about the two radio stations that started the music scene in Sacramento. One of the stations was KBFK who Shawn said had a house band that ended up playing for many of the touring acts that came through town including Frank Sinatra, Jack Benny and others. Shawn was very enthusiastic while relating this and other stories.

As we walked down J Street away from 9th we could still hear Wahnder Lust as they continued their set. Shawn related that the other local station that helped the Sacramento music scene was KROY. KFBK and KROY were basically the only two stations, both AM stations, that played popular music. Shaw continued and passed on information spanning the 1920’s to the 50’s and the places where the bands played.

The tour becomes alive with Shawn’s storytelling as he relates stories that helped create the history of rock music in Sacramento and everywhere else. His stories were so intriguing that I feel like I should relay them to the reader in this article but the best part of the tour is the exchange of questions and stories. You kind of have to experience the tour yourself to get the most from it.

As Shawn talked about rock artists we were able to exchange stories about the artists who came from Sacramento as well as those who visited our town. These exchanges during the walk become meaningful as everyone was able to relate to the subject. We talked about the bands that visited Sacramento and the bands that could attribute their success to Sacramento.

The Memorial Auditorium has been one of the primary venues for bands coming through town and if you have a friend that loves music you’ve probably heard of a story about a band that played at the Memorial. How about you, do you have a memory of attending a musical event at the Memorial that left a lasting impression? One of my first recollections of the Memorial was taking a couple of my kids to go see Offspring and Cypress Hill at a show and seeing Scott Pollard while he was the Sacramento Kings at the concert. I’m sure many readers have a memory of their first concert in Sacramento or one that’s memorable.

KZAP, as Shawn tells it, was one of the first Sacramento FM stations and their original station was located within the Elks Tower on 11th and J. At the time KZAP had a free form format where they played everything from Frank Sinatra to Frank Zappa.

As the walk continued on J Street we turned left on 15th. The Memorial Auditorium was on one side of the street and since this is called a Rock and Roll Tour and Pub Crawl, Shawn talked a little about the Torch Club as we entered the first pub of the evening to enjoy a drink.

Shawn talked about Tesla, the Deftones, Cake and other Sacramento area bands. After the Torch Club, we passed by other venues that have moved to their current site from another part of town. Some of these clubs were the Capitol Garage, the Torch Club and others,

Other venues that have hosted music events were the Cattle Club, Lush, Cal Expo, ARCO, the Convention Center, Tower Records, the Crest Theatre and St. Paul's Church among others. Many of the clubs have a rich music venue history that continues to this day. We also discussed the new clubs that have recently opened and host music venues.

A couple of more pubs were visited and many other rock and roll stories were told. As we winded down the tour we talked about how the walk could be improved as well as what can be left out of the tour. The music scene from the 20’s to present came to light as we talked about Sacramento and music during the tour.

It turns out that there's a lot of history in the few blocks that we walked. Shawn Peter was a great guide and is very knowledgeable about the local music scene. He has over 25 years playing music and says that he does about 100 shows a year with his band.

As we came back to Cesar Chavez Park it was apparent how much fun these type of tour/walks can be. It's also a great way of meeting people and getting to know the downtown area as well as some of its pubs.

This tour takes place each Friday evening during the Friday Night Concerts in the Park season and it's scheduled to run from May 6 thru August 12, 2011. Guests must pre-purchase tickets via Event Brite to secure their place in the tour. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and participants must be 21 years of age or older. Ticket prices does not include the cost of drinks.

Once back at Concerts in the Park there was still time to enjoy more live music. The tour was scheduled to end in time for the headline act and that was the case. Aaron King & The Imperials had already performed and a young lady by the name of Gabriela was playing when we returned to Cesar Chavez Plaza. Gabriela wasn’t on the schedule and after she finished her set the Tattoo Love Dogs came on stage to end the first day of Concerts in the Park for 2011.

Log on to the Downtown Sacramento Partnership website to view other tours and walks being offered as well as to purchase tickets for the Rock and Roll History Tour and Pub Crawl.

Festa Italiana brings together Italian American community

2010-08-09T04:34:07Z

This weekend marked the 25th annual Festa Italiana celebration of Italian heritage in Sacramento.

Sponsored by the Sacramento Italian Cultural Society, Italians, Italian Americans and beyond gathered at the Croatian American Cultural Center Saturday and Sunday for a festival resembling a two-day-long Italian wedding.

Under the hot Sacramento sun, shaded by large canopies, festival-goers enjoyed musical entertainment by the likes of Italica and Moreno Fruzzetti and dancing from the society’s Balliamo dance troupe.

Husband and wife Victor and Eva Musammam have been attending the festival for 20 years and are big fans of Fruzzetti.

“I have all of his CDs,” Eva said.

Eva was born in Bari, Italy, and moved to Hoboken,N.J. (birthplace of Frank Sinatra) at age 11. Victor, who was wearing a T-shirt that said “Pray for me, my wife is Italian,” has Italian grandparents, although he is from Palestine.

“We come here every year with these friends, family,” Eva said. “Actually, we look forward to it. I enjoy coming, seeing people and listening to the music.”

“Every year they add more to the festival,” Victor said. “I think this year is the best organized. They improve every year.

Throughout the day, the main stage outside held raffle prizes announcements, singers and dancers. The inside of the cultural center had vendors selling everything from Venetian glass jewelry, to olive oil.

Walking through the mercato, the smell of fried calamari and pasta was apparent as local businesses advertised their products. One booth sold varieties of mushrooms, while the booth next to it sold Italian license plate frames with phrases such as “Happiness is being Italian.”

Activities for children were also available, such as an arts and crafts booth, face-painting booth and rides. Applicants for the 2010 Festa Queen pageant helped out in the children’s area.

Toward the late afternoon on Saturday, Jennifer Caruso Stone invited former Festa Queens on stage from the last 25 years for the coronation of the 2010 Festa Queen.

Jacqueline Traverso Hamilton, a UC Davis graduate, won this year’s title.

“My favorite part about the festival is working with the kids — it’s my passion,” she said. “And of course, spreading the Italian spirit.”

Applicants are judged based on an essay, panel interview and participation in the festival.

Nora Biundo-Salazar was one of the first Festa Queens, crowned in 1987. She said they also had to write an essay, but the interview was done on stage and in Italian if possible.

“We were escorted by Italian Marines in uniform” she said. “And the cars that were on display, the owners let us ride into the festival on them. Mine was a red Fiat.”

Today, the queen receives a $1,000 scholarship, although in 1987 the sum was much smaller. Biundo-Salazar, who now has three children, said the society has grown in these last 25 years.

“I’m proud to be Italian and grateful to have been a part of the society since 1985,” she said. “I’m thankful that this opportunity still exists and hope that it continues for at least another 25 years.”

For more information on the Italian Cultural Society, visit italiancenter.net

Photos by David Alvarez.

My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra Opening This Week

2010-01-24T21:23:26Z

Get ready to tap your toes and remember the past. The Cosmopolitan Cabaret is celebrating Ol' Blue Eyes with My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra.

The show will follow Sinatra's music from his swinging beginning in the 1940's, through the 1990's, bringing jazz, big band and swing to life. It will feature such Sinatra songs as "New York, New York," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Strangers in the Night," "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "My Way."

My Way was co-created by David Grapes and Todd Olson, who are responsible for four musical revues, including ones about Johnny Mercer’s American Songbook and Tony Bennett. Their musical tributes have played in over 200 theaters worldwide.

Chris McSwain, from the California Musical Theatre, said that the show portrays Sinatra's life through his moods and attitude.

Glenn Casale directs, with musical direction by Chris Schlagel. Casale has directed Tony-nominated and Emmy-winning productions throughout Europe. Schlagel has directed Sacramento's Music Circus productions for 20 years.

The show has four cast members: Michael G. Hawkins, a 20-year Music Circus veteran, Karole Foreman, Laura Dickinson and Jeffrey Christopher Todd.

"Since the show is a tribute to Sinatra, the singers are able to play themselves and perform the songs as they relate to them," said McSwain.

He said the show will "take people back, and for the younger generations, introduce songs they knew about and give them a backwards glance."

The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, 1000 K St., at 10th Street. Tuesday-May 9, with two performances on weekends.
Tickets are $33-$38, available by calling (916) 557-1999; (916) 808-5181; or (800) 225-2277.

Photos by Charr Crail

1. Left to right: Chris Schlagel (at the piano), Michael G. Hawkins, Karole Foreman, Jeffrey Christopher Todd and Laura Dickinson
2. Jeffrey Christopher Todd and Laura Dickinson
3. Left to right: Laura Dickinson, Jeffrey Christopher Todd, Michael G. Hawkins and Karole Foreman
4. Karole Foreman and Michael G. Hawkins

Cosmopolitan Cabaret announces 2010 season

2009-11-25T03:44:12Z

On Monday, Cosmopolitan Cabaret announced its 2010 season, the cabaret's first scheduled season with a full lineup of shows. Nov. 30, California Musical Theatre, which runs the Cosmopolitan Cabaret as well as the Music Circus and Broadway Sacramento, will begin selling tickets for the three shows making up the season.

The 2010 season will begin Jan. 26 with My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, followed by a murder-mystery non-musical play called Shear Madness and end with Suds, an upbeat love story with a 1960s top-40 soundtrack.

Last September, the cabaret began its first show, Forever Plaid, as an open-ended run. It ended after a year, earlier than had been hoped. But it lasted 387 performances and drew 46,000 people before closing as the longest-running, professional-equity theatre production in Sacramento history.

"We were hoping it was going to run for five years and be a smash hit," said Christopher Bower, CMT's director of marketing. "But we didn't really have a certain date in mind (to close), we were just going to see how it went."

Last spring, CMT management decided to move to a normal cabaret season with several productions per year.

"We got hit pretty hard with the economy going down the tubes right after we opened, but it started to get its legs and we decided last spring that it might be better to go with a season format," Bower said.

As CMT executive producer Richard Lewis saw ticket sales dwindling, he decided to close Forever Plaid, according to an article in the Sacramento Bee. On Sept. 22, CMT opened Late Night Catechism: 'Til Death Do Us Part, a one-woman show which ended Nov. 22.

The production featured a minimalist set, with Emmy-Award winning actress Nonie Newton-Breen playing a nun who offers humorous lessons on various Catholic sacraments.

She will reprise her role as a nun for six weeks beginning Tuesday, Nov. 24 in Sister's Christmas Catechism, followed by a one-week encore show of 'Til Death beginning Jan. 5, 2010. Both shows have improvised material with heavy audience interaction.

Bower said that there is much to be learned from the first year, and the CMT won't know if the cabaret is a success until having completed several more seasons. He also said Forever Plaid was so funny and well done, once the word got out, people started buying tickets quickly.

"Artistically, the show itself got great reviews and great audience response," Bower added. "Financially, (the year) had its ups and downs but it's a learning process. We didn't really know what to expect, we'd never run a cabaret-style theatre before."

Cosmopolitan Cabaret is located on the corner of 10th and K streets.

The following is the Cosmopolitan Cabaret's 2010 season schedule and plot summaries, taken from www.californiamusicaltheatre.com:

My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra

Jan. 26 - May 9 (previews Jan. 26 – 28, opening night, Friday, Jan. 29).

The four-person musical review celebrates the music of this icon of cool: a singer whose style, voice and attitude defined much of 20th century music. Two dynamic couples perform 58 songs made famous by the Chairman of the Board, including "Strangers in the Night," "I’ve Got You Under My Skin" and “New York, New York.”

Shear Madness

May 25 - Sept. 5 (previews May 25 – 30, opening night, Tuesday, June 1).

Taking place in a beauty salon, this uproarious whodunit includes colorful characters, spontaneity and topical humor. And the audience gets to solve the crime! "Shear Madness" has had long-running engagements around the country including Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C. (9,000 performances and counting) and the original Boston production which opened in 1980 and is still going strong.

Suds

Sept. 21 - Jan. 9, 2011 (previews Sept. 21 – 23, opening night, Friday, Sept. 24)

Suds is a delightful musical about a teenage girl and the guardian angels who come to teach her about finding true love. This bubbly musical set in a laundromat features hits from the '60s including "Where the Boys Are," "These Boots Are Made for Walkin’," "Respect," "I Feel Good" and "Do You Want to Know a Secret."

Subscriptions are available for purchase beginning Monday, Nov. 30, at the Wells Fargo Pavilion Box Office, 1419 H St., Sacramento, or by calling (916) 557-1999.

Subscription tickets are discounted more than 20 percent off the price of the tickets sold separately. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening performances and Thursday matinee performances are $79 for the three-show package. Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinee packages are only $89. Subscriptions for premium tables on the first tier are $89 and $99 respectively. Discounts are available for groups from 12 to 199 by calling (916) 557-1198.

Single-show tickets for each of the productions will go on sale at a later date.