Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "free"

Experience Sacramento Museum Day this Saturday

2012-02-02T00:17:59Z

Want to check out some of Sacramento’s wonderful museums but have not yet had the time or budget to do so? Mark your calendars for this Saturday and head out to the 14th Annual Sacramento Museum Day.

A record 28 museums are participating this year, including newcomers the Center for Contemporary Art and the Sacramento Children’s Museum. 26 participating museums are offering free admission all day (10am-5pm; last admission at 4pm), and the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town are offering half-price admission in order to offset parking control and security costs.

Sacramento has a wide variety of Museums featuring everything from art, science, and history to children’s exhibits, wildlife, and more.

If you’re having a difficult time narrowing down the options, take these suggestions into consideration:

In order to have sufficient time at each spot, it is recommended to visit no more than two or three Museums for the day
Many of the Museums are within walking distance of one another so, if you plan accordingly, you can park only once and still make your way to two or three spots. Check out the map.
If you will be taking your car, be sure to read over the Parking Suggestions to make sure your day goes smoothly and you avoid any tickets or fines.
If you don’t want to drive, but don’t live within walking distance, consider taking Regional Transit! A great way to avoid the hassle of parking on a crowded day.
Keep in mind that Sacramento Museum Day is a very popular event and that, due to safety reasons, some museums need to limit the number of admissions.
Consider attending Museums that are less well known to avoid crowds at some of the more popular spots (such as the Sacramento Zoo, Railroad Museum, and Fairytale Town) and to check out something you may not otherwise have gone to see!

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

Disclosure: Rachael Lankford is the Managing Calendar Editor for Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Complimentary Bridal Open House at Arden Hills this Sunday!

2012-01-27T18:49:13Z

With spring here before we know it, wedding planning is already in full bloom! Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa invites brides, couples and event planners to a complimentary “Bridal Open House” this Sunday, January 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. where they will enjoy tasty appetizers and refreshments while touring the gorgeous site with three elegant ballrooms, two lush wedding courtyards, the luxurious overnight villas and award-winning spa and salon. Known as the area’s premiere wedding destination, Arden Hills is the perfect venue for creating events to remember.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa.

Goodies & Glam in the Heart of Midtown

2012-01-27T01:44:01Z

Face It Salon, Spa, & Boutique is opening its doors Thursday, February 2nd for the ultimate ladies night out in Sacramento! There is NO cost to attend, and from 4-8pm, Face It will be transformed from chic boutique to a one stop glam session, featuring complimentary makeup application by GloMinerals, and skin care consultations by Dermalogica. TreyBCakes Gourmet Bakery & Eatery will provide sweet treats, and Midtown winery Revolution Wines will be pouring locally crafted reds and whites to taste throughout the night.

The Goodies & Glam continue with custom spray tanning, swag bags, and in store deals that make Valentines shopping easy. “We love collaborating with local businesses to make our event a truly Sacramento experience. We pride ourselves on carrying Sacramento based clothing, jewelry, and candle companies in our store. Midtown is a great part of our city-we love how it’s represented at Face It!” said Face It owner, Cherie Scalzi.

The night gets even more glamorous with the coveted Adirenne Maloof by Charles Jourdan shoe collection. Maloof, a Sacramento celebrity and Real Housewife collaborated with iconic French design house Charles Jourdan, to create gorgeous heels, available exclusively to this region only at Face It.

Call to schedule your complimentary GloMinerals makeup application at (916) 441-4270 or email your appointment request to faceiton19th@gmail.com.

Face It is a full service salon, spa, and clothing boutique nestled in the heart of Midtown Sacramento on 19th & L streets. Services include, but are not limited to wedding packages, permanent makeup, skin care, men’s and women’s hair services, and a clothing boutique featuring local Sacramento designers, as well as elite collections from around the world. Visit Face It online at http://www.faceitsalonandspa.com and http://www.facebook.com/faceitsacramento

Disclosure: The author is the social media manager and event planner for Face It Salon, Spa, & Boutique.

Ways to spend your MLK, Jr. Day in Sacramento

2012-01-12T21:22:34Z

Not everyone has this coming Monday off (alas!) but for those that do, Sacramento has a few options for using your day off to celebrate the man it honors—Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK365 is presenting the 31st Annual March for the Dream, which includes a peaceful march (choose to begin from the Oak Park Community Center, Grant High School, or Sacramento City College) that convenes on the Sacramento Convention Center for an afternoon of celebration. There will be something for all ages and interests—vendor booths, kids’ crafts & activities, entertainment, an art village featuring local artists, and more.

The Crocker Art Museum is opening their doors for their free Holiday Monday program. Monday’s event—“MLK Day – Lift Every Voice”—is a music-infused celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr, with regional choirs performing throughout the day. The event concludes with a screening of Not in Our Town, a documentary about the movement to stop hate.

If you think both those celebrations look fun—and you're also looking to listen to some jazz—consider signing up for Sacramento Wine & Nightlife Tours' MLK Day Experience & Smooth Jazz Celebration. This event meets for the March in front of Sac City College, attends the Celebration at the Convention Center, and then shuttles you to "Lift Every Voice" at the Crocker. From there, the shuttle will take you out to the Old Sugar Mill to enjoy musical performances by Tony Elder & Westbound Groove, Cynthia Douglas, DJ Rock Bottom, and more. This is a great way to make the most of your day!

Also open for the Holiday Monday, though not MLK-themed, is the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, which is celebrating the opening weekend of their new Blast from the Past Exhibit. Kids can enjoy a day of hands-on fun learning all about dinosaurs! There’s a Dinosaur Train creative play area, dinosaur bone replicas on display, a “dino-nest” photo opportunity, and a dinosaur diorama craft.

If you are looking to give back with your day off, consider one of Hands On Sacramento’s volunteer opportunities for MLK, Jr. Day of Service.

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

Mark Your Calendar - “Sacramento Museum Day” Returns February 4!

2012-01-05T22:50:56Z

After a record-breaking attendance of more than 115,000 visitors last year, 28 Sacramento area museums will offer free or half-priced admission all day on Saturday, February 4, 2012, during the 14th Annual Sacramento Museum Day. New this year, 26 of the 28 museums will offer free admission whereas two destinations located in residential areas -- the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town -- will offer half-priced admission to offset parking control and security costs. This hugely popular community event is presented by the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) and proudly supported by Umpqua Bank. Sacramento Museum event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with the last guests admitted at 4 p.m.).

Sacramento Museum Day, a popular Sacramento cultural tradition, is designed to encourage all members of the community to experience the Capital City’s incredible wealth of art, history, science and wildlife -- at little or no cost.

“After our record-breaking attendance last year, the momentum continues as more and more community members are discovering the amazing array of arts, culture and museum offerings available in the Sacramento region,” said Sacramento Association of Museums Chair Roxanne Yonn. “Due to the overwhelming popularity of Sacramento Museum Day, we’ve made some changes this year that we hope will encourage visitors to explore a museum they haven’t been before to gain a new perspective and appreciation for what our diverse and rich community has to offer.”

Event coordinators suggest that guests plan to visit no more than two or three different museums on this day in order to allow adequate time to enjoy the experience and to travel between individual sites. And, since some museums must limit the number of admissions for safety reasons, guests are asked to check out detailed Sacramento Museum Day information online at www.sacmuseums.org prior to the event.

More detailed information about participating museums, suggested parking and public transit options is available at www.sacmuseums.org (click on “Events”), or by calling the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau at (916) 808-7777.

Sacramento Museum Day 2012 is proudly supported by active and engaged community partners. In addition to title sponsor Umpqua Bank, other sponsors include FOX40, KSEG 96.9 FM, Outword Magazine, the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sacramento Regional Transit and STAR 106.5 FM.

Participating Museums for Sacramento Museum Day 2012:
Aerospace Museum of California – California Automobile Museum - California Foundry History Museum – California State Military Museum – California State Capitol Museum – The California Museum – California State Indian Museum – California State Railroad Museum – Center for Contemporary Art – Crocker Art Museum – Discovery Museum Science and Space Center – Don & June Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum – Fairytale Town – Folsom History Museum – Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park – Heidrick Ag History Center (Woodland) – Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park – Museum of Medical History – Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum – Old Sacramento State Historic Park – Sacramento Children’s Museum – Sacramento Zoo – Sacramento Historic City Cemetery – Sacramento History Museum – Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Museum – Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park – Wells Fargo History Museum (Capitol Mall) – Wells Fargo History Museum (Old Sacramento)

About the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM):
Comprised of 28 greater Sacramento area museums working in partnership with the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, SAM’s mission is to raise awareness of local museums by giving the community the opportunity to discover California’s fine art, history, science and wildlife treasures. SAM achieves its mission through implementing cooperative promotions and developing strategic marketing alliances, by encouraging sharing of knowledge and resources among its partner institutions, and by conducting Sacramento Museum Day each year.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Sacramento Association of Museums.

The Sacramento Zoo hosts annual PJ Party

2011-12-25T23:06:59Z

While last-minute shoppers set out to get that final gift on Christmas Eve the Sacramento Zoo filled with visitors who took advantage of free admission as the Zoo held its annual PJ Party. Opening the Zoo on Christmas Eve has been a tradition for more than 12 years and while wearing pajamas is not required to attend, admission is free during the three hour event. Tonja Swank, the Zoo's public relations coordinator, said the Zoo typically draws 500 to 600 visitors on a regular Saturday but on days like Christmas Eve or Free Museum Day when admission is free the number jumps into the thousands.

Christmas celebrations, Sacramento-style

2011-12-22T00:43:49Z

As always, Sacramento steps up to the plate with holiday events of all sorts. At Sacramento365.com, we see a lot of events come through the site every day. Though there are myriad options in our Holiday Event section, we've narrowed down the list to 10 to get help you pick your Christmas Eve & Christmas Day festivities.

Christmas Eve Events:
Sure, the night before Christmas should be spent snuggled in bed waiting for Santa Claus, but why not get out and about during the day. Here are some options to keep you entertained around town:

1. Free Admission at Fairytale Town & Sacramento Zoo:
FTT 10am-2pm; Zoo 10am-1:30pm
Treat the kiddies to a day out while both Fairytale Town & the Sacramento Zoo offer free admission to all guests. The Zoo encourages participating in their pajama party, so you needn’t even change

2. Downtown Holiday Ice Rink:
St. Rose of Lima Park, 10am-6pm
Located outdoors near Westfield Downtown Plaza, the Downtown Holiday Ice Rink is the perfect holiday experience for the young and young at heart.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play:
Capital Stage, 11am
Inspired by the classic American film of the same title, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience.

4. Holiday Film Screenings: It’s a Wonderful Life:
Crest Theatre, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm
If you can’t make it to Cap Stage’s live performance (see above), you can still catch the original film rendition live on the big screen at the historic Crest Theatre.

5. Theatre of Lights:
Old Sacramento, 6pm & 7:30pm
A symphony of lights, sounds, and visual effects will take the audience back to a time when the beloved poem "The Night Before Christmas" was first introduced in Sacramento in 1857.

Christmas Day Events:
Looking to entertain friends & family in town after your regular traditions are over? Or just looking to get out of the house after so much family time? Sacramento doesn’t disappoint. Here are a few options for

1. Christmas Brunch:
Hyatt Regency, 10am-3pm
Enjoy this holiday season with all of the trimmings. Join for a bountiful buffet brunch featuring breakfast items and traditional holiday favorites.

2. Christmas Day Supper Cruise:
Empress Hornblower, 3:30pm-6:30pm
Join Hornblower for Christmas Day with your family and celebrate the season with a delicious meal, relax and enjoy the holiday. The Cruise includes traditional holiday dishes, festive music, and beautiful views of the Sacramento River.

3. Bah Humbug!:
MiX Downtown, 8:30pm-2am
Get out from under your tree and continue the holiday partying at this special Sunday Circus night. Spend the evening with your "other" family at Mix Downtown!

4. Christmas with Arden Park Roots:
Harlow’s, 9pm
Join reggae/rock/punk band Arden Park Roots for a festive Christmas show.

5. Asylum:
Barcode Nightclub, 9pm-1:30am
Featuring resident DJ Bryan Hawk, Asylum is a night of the best cutting edge goth, industrial, nu-darkwave, EBM dance music.

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

Disclosure: Rachael Lankford is the Managing Calendar Editor for Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Pets invited to Santa’s Workshop in Midtown!

2011-12-16T20:24:29Z

Skip the crowded malls this Saturday and bring your wish lists and your camera down to the MARRS Building to visit Santa’s Workshop! Santa and his elves have opened up their workshop for the past two Saturdays and this Saturday they are inviting the whole family, even the pets!

Residents and visitors are invited to visit Santa’s Workshop at the MARRS Building from 11am-4pm. Pets are welcome to come down from 2pm-4pm. Grateful Dog Daycare will even be on hand to give the photogenic pooches a special treat.

The MARRS Building is located in the heart of Midtown at 20th & J Streets. MARRS retailers invite all, big and small, to join them at this festive event. Retailers at MARRS include Pete’s Coffee, Mr. Pickles, Sacramento Comedy Spot, Azul, Luigi’s Slice, Denim Spot, LoungeON20 and Asha Yoga.

“We are excited to offer Midtown families and visitors the opportunity to meet Santa here at the MARRS Building as part of their Holiday festivities,” said MARRS developer Michael Heller.

Families and their pets will have the opportunity to take their own photos or they can purchase an instant photo for $5 from the on-site photographer. Children are also encouraged to bring their letters to Santa and place them in Santa’s Mailbox for express journey to the North Pole.

Parking will also be FREE during all hours of Santa’s Workshop thanks to the City of Sacramento, who is providing Midtown with FREE Street metered parking all day on weekends and after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays through December 25th.

Please check out marrs-sactown.com for more information specific to each event.

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the Communication Coordinator at the Midtown Business Association and is a producer of the annual Halloween festivities.

QUICK QUACK GIVES A GIFT OF FIVE DAYS OF FREE CAR WASHES DECEMBER 18TH THROUGH 22ND

2011-12-14T01:12:25Z

Special Holiday Offer Available to All New and Existing Customers at Two Quick Quack Car Wash Locations on Watt Avenue and Madison Avenue

Sacramento, CA – December 13, 2011 – Quick Quack Car Wash, a growing chain of Sacramento area exterior-only, express car washes, has announced that it will be offering five days of free car washes to anyone visiting two of the seven local car wash locations from December 18th through December 22nd. The seasonal special will be available only at the car washes located at 7145 Watt Avenue and 4301 Madison Avenue.

“We wanted to do something special for the holiday season to let our customers know that we appreciate that they trust us to keep their cars clean while saving them time and money,” said Jason Johnson, President and CEO of Quick Quack Car Wash. “We also wanted to give anyone who hasn’t tried us yet a great reason to do so. We love having our company based in Sacramento and enjoy being a part of this wonderful community.”

The seasonal special will be available only at the Quick Quack car washes located at 7145 Watt Avenue and 4301 Madison Avenue. Customers will receive the basic wash at no charge. No coupon is necessary and there is no catch. Directions can be found at www.DontDriveDirty.com or via the Quick Quack Mobile App available on iPhone and Android.

Disclosure: Travis Kimball is the Marketing Director for Quick Quack Car Wash

Your Favorite Neighborhood just got Merrier!

2011-11-29T02:09:55Z

2nd Annual 12 Days of Midtown

Midtown Sacramento is all dressed up for the holiday season with events and specials that are sure to fill visitors and residents with holiday cheer. Festivities will occur December 1st - December 12th with a variety of activities for all ages. The 2nd Annual event will feature various local businesses throughout the Midtown district.

The 12 Days of Midtown kicks off with the Winter Wine & Jazz Mixer featuring the Sacramento Philharmonic on Thursday, December 1st. The full calendar of merry activities includes a Hot Toddy contests at Santa’s Tavern (The Golden Bear), a gingerbread cookie workshop at artBEAST, Santa’s Workshop at the MARRS Building, multiple holiday showcases by the region’s best performing arts organizations, and of course unique shopping opportunities and holiday sales.

Also back for its 2nd year is the Light Up Midtown contests. MBA has challenged 100’s of businesses to transform their store-fronts into the most impressive winter wonderland that their elves can engineer. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 businesses, with the top Midtown business receiving a $1,000 advertising grant. Resident and visitors are encouraged to vote. One lucky voter will win a $100 Gift Card to a Midtown business of their choice.

Plus for the 15th year in a row the City of Sacramento is providing Midtown with FREE Street metered parking all day on weekends and after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays through December 25th. So grab your loved ones and a pair of mittens, and check our events listing below for all your Midtown holiday happenings!

12 Days of Midtown events include:
• “Winter Wine & Jazz Mixer featuring the Philharmonic” Kennedy Gallery & Headhunters | Dec 1
• “SGMC Holiday Concert” First United Methodist Church | Dec 2
• “Santa’s Workshop” MARRS Building | Dec 3
• “Midtown Monthly’s Holiday FUNRaiser” Luigi’s Fungarden | Dec 3
• “Free Holiday Gift Wrapping” French Cuff Consignment | Dec 4
• “Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Party” ArtBeast Studio | Dec 5
• “Santa's Tavern & Hot Toddy Competition” Golden Bear | Dec 6
• “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” Capital Stage | Dec 7
• “Holiday Shopping Kick-Off Party” MAIYA Gallery | Dec 8
• “The Nutcraker, Opening Night” Community Center Theater | Dec 9
• “Emigrant Christmas” Sutter’s Fort | Dec 10
• “The Snow Queen” B Street Theatre | Dec 11
• “Season of Giving Blood Drive” BloodSource | Dec 12

Please check out exploremidtown.org for more information specific to each event.

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the Communication & Events Manager at the Midtown Business Association and is a producer of the 12 Days of Midtown.

Free Holiday Music Presented by the California State Capitol Museum Begins 12/1

2011-11-28T18:56:41Z

Get ready for some holiday fun on your next visit to the California State Capitol Museum! To set a festive stage and spread holiday cheer, visitors to the State Capitol will enjoy free holiday music daily from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. December 1 through 23, 2011. Beautiful vintage decorations create a lovely backdrop for a variety of diverse and amazing live holiday musical performances in the Capitol Rotunda each day. Visitors will enjoy live musical entertainment that includes a Salvation Army brass quintet, a Cal-Trans choir (made up of a spirited group of state workers), trombone jazz, world and baroque music, bell-ringers, a harp circle, a youth violinist, a number of talented school choirs and many more. This special holiday experience is made possible by the State Capitol Museum and California State Parks in association with the California State Legislature Joint Rules Committee, the Governor’s Office and the Department of General Services who have worked collaboratively to preserve holiday traditions inside the Capitol. For more information about scheduled performances, call (916) 324-0333 or visit www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Sing-Along Messiah Tradition Returns to South Sacramento Dec. 11

2011-11-14T23:04:30Z

Singers and audience members are invited to a free "Sing-Along Messiah" concert Sunday, December 11, starting 4 p.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625-24th Street, Sacramento (off Fruitridge Road between Freeport Boulevard and Highway 99). Ample free parking is available.

Choral conductors from area churches and schools will take turns leading the massed volunteer choir, which is expected to consist of more than 100 singers. Participants are encouraged to bring their own Messiah music scores; a limited quantity of Messiah scores will be available for purchase ($10) at the door.

"By popular demand, we are repeating last year's very successful event, says Dr. May Tuan Tucker, Bethany Church music director. "This year's concert will again offer the opportunity of singing solos to anyone and everyone wishing to perform them in group fashion at the front of the church." She points out that most Sing-Along Messiah events feature guest soloists, with participation by all others limited to chorus selections. The 2010 Sing-Along Messiah attracted participation by more than 200 people from throughout the region.

There is no charge to participate as a singer or audience member, and free refreshments will be served following the concert. A goodwill offering will be taken to benefit the South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet, which is struggling to provide emergency supplies of groceries to thousands of in-need area residents this holiday season.

The Messiah, composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741, is based on biblical passages that tell the story of Christ. This musical celebration has since become a Christmas tradition in many parts of the world. The December 11 concert will feature primarily the Christmas portions of the Messiah, and will include the triumphant "Hallelujah Chorus."

Singers of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend either or both of the informal "drop in" rehearsals prior to the December 11 concert. Rehearsals are set for Sundays at 4 p.m. at Bethany Church on November 20 and December 4. For more details, contact May Tucker at (916) 428-5281 or e-mail cathy@bethpres.com.

A downloadable flyer is available at www.bethpres.com.

The Sing-Along Messiah is presented by volunteers of Bethany Presbyterian Church, which is the oldest Presbyterian church in the South Sacramento/Land Park area. Bethany has long been known for its "welcoming" attitude and openness to all, regardless of background or faith tradition. The church's guiding vision affirms that in all things church members are to be "authentic, loving, caring, compassionate, courageous, accepting, and people of hope, joy and love." The Rev. Lorie Sprinkle has served as pastor since 2007. Bethany is the host site of the South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet and the Southeast Asian Assistance Center, as well as the venue for diverse community group gatherings such as the Sacramento Banjo Band, the Daughters of Scotia and the Capital City Squares square dance club. Bethany, which was founded in Oak Park and eventually relocated to South Sacramento due to freeway construction, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2014.

Disclosure: Cathy is Hospitality Commission Chairperson at Bethany Presbyterian Church.

Sacramento History Museum Celebrates Veteran’s Day With FREE Museum Admission and Discounted Underground Tours for Military Personnel & Their Families

2011-11-07T23:45:39Z

In celebration of the Veteran’s Day holiday, the Sacramento History Museum is offering FREE Museum admission for military personnel and their families on Friday, November 11. In addition, and with an expanded holiday schedule, discounted Old Sacramento Underground tours are available on Friday, November 11, for military personnel as well as for their entire families. To receive free Museum admission and/or discounted underground tours, military personnel must present a valid military ID.

With visually exciting and educational exhibits and artifacts on display plus interactive offerings and special hands-on activities on weekends, the Sacramento History Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the region’s rich history from the days before the Gold Rush to the present. The Museum also offers the perfect starting point for exploring Old Sacramento State Historic Park and for understanding how the area developed and grew to the vibrant community it is today.

In fact, the Sacramento History Museum is the starting point and check-in for the popular Old Sacramento Underground tour program. For the Veteran’s Day holiday on Friday, November 11, an expanded underground tour schedule is available with a total of six tours offered at 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Underground tours are also available on Veteran’s Day for the general public at the regular prices. Underground visitors will need to be prepared to walk on uneven surfaces in areas that have low ceilings and in occasional small spaces. After the Veteran’s Day holiday, the regular underground tour schedule resumes through November 27, 2011.

The Sacramento History Museum is located at located at 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. More information about the Museum or Old Sacramento Underground Tours is available by visiting www.historicoldsac.org by calling 916-808-7059.

About the Sacramento History Museum
Supported by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento History Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) and is located at 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children five and under. For more information, call (916) 808-7059 or visit www.historicoldsac.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Assemblymember Dickinson Hosting a Free Citizenship Fair

2011-11-07T20:25:16Z

On November 19, Assemblymember Dickinson, along with Senate pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and U.S. Congresswoman Doris Matsui, is hosting a free Citizenship Fair at Pacific McGeorge School of Law Student Center in Sacramento to assist legal permanent residents in good standing with the citizenship application process. Currently, California has over 2.4 million eligible legal permanent residents.

As immigration policies and procedures continue to change, it is increasingly important to apply for and to obtain citizenship. Benefits for legal permanent residents who obtain citizenship include the ability to vote, the opportunity to reunite with family members and the continuance of health care coverage.

At the fair, attendees will:
• Receive free legal help completing and filing their naturalization application (N-400 and N-600)
• Receive free help with the fee waiver to apply for naturalization, if they qualify
• Receive study materials for civics and English tests

When:
Saturday, November 19, 2011
9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where:
Pacific McGeorge School of Law Student Center
3200 Fifth Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95817

For more information, click here.

Disclosure: Taryn Kinney is Communications Director for Assemblymember Roger Dickinson.

FREE CAR WASH FOR VETERANS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 AT ALL QUICK QUACK CAR WASH LOCATIONS

2011-11-04T17:11:07Z

Sacramento, CA – November 3, 2011 – Quick Quack Car Wash, a growing chain of exterior-only, express car washes, has announced that it will be offering a free car wash to all veterans and active military personnel on Veteran’s Day in conjunction with the nationwide “Grace for Vets” program.

Veterans may visit any of Quick Quack’s car wash locations from 7am to 7pm on Friday, November 11, 2011 to receive a complimentary wash. Customers will only need to inform Quick Quack employees verbally that they are veterans in order to receive their free car wash. Quick Quack has six locations in the Sacramento area including the newest location in Roseville. Addresses and directions can be found at www.DontDriveDirty.com or via the Quick Quack mobile app available on iPhone and Android.

“We are excited to again participate in this effort to pay tribute to some of our heroes,” said Jason Johnson, President and CEO of Quick Quack Car Wash. “Quick Quack Car Wash believes that it is important to remember those who have served our country as often as we can and this event on Veteran’s Day provides us a perfect opportunity to show our appreciation.”

Started in 2004, the “Grace for Vets” program is designed to honor Veteran’s Day, to show the car wash industry’s support for our armed forces personnel and to reward veterans for their service. “Grace for Vets” happens each year on Veteran’s Day. In 2010, the program reported record numbers. More than 1,200 car wash locations, representing more than 500 companies, washed 101,537 cars. This year, there are over 1,450 participating locations representing more than 620 companies.

Disclosure: Travis Kimball is the Marketing Director for Quick Quack Car Wash

This Weekend! Midtown Trick-Or-Treat & Pooch Parade

2011-10-25T18:37:26Z

Midtown Merchants are brewing up a bewitching good time for kiddos and pooches of all ages and sizes. Midtown's Annual Halloween celebration is just a few days away. Join us for the Midtown Trick-or-Treat and Pooch Parade this Saturday, October 29th from 11a.m.- 3p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of Trick or Treats from over 70 participating Midtown businesses, as well as a parade of dressed up pooches strutting their stuff throughout the district.

In addition to satisfying your kids sweet tooth, bring the whole family down to Mixed Bag (24th & K) and Relles Florist (24th & J) for a variety of FREE family friendly activities. Catch the hourly magic show, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon twisting, the fall arts corner, and a tons of goolish treats including apple cider, cotton candy and popcorn.

Families seeking a spooktacular experience are encouraged to stop by the Haunted Fort at Sutter's Fort or Casa de Espanol's haunted house on J Street.

For the four legged lovers, make sure to catch the 2nd Annua l Pooch Parade and “Yappy Hour”. Pooches of all shapes and sizes are invited to come out in their Halloween best, to try to capture one of the 8 coveted Pooch Parade Awards. Awards included: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Overall, Midtown Spirit , Cutest Costume, Spookiest Costume, Best Duo and Funniest Costume Award

Pooches will parade around Midtown and then return to the 24th & K location for “Yappy Hour” and Judging. While your precious pets are chomping on treats you can check out the vendor booths, all dedicated to promoting a happy and healthy life for your pet. MBA asks that each participant donate $10 (or whatever you can afford) as a registration fee. 100% of the donations collected will go to the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter to support the incredible work they do to help animals in need.

A complete map of Midtown Trick-or-Treat locations and the Pooch Parade route are available to download here, as well as on-site during the event. For more information visit ExploreMidtown.org or contact Heather Philpott at heather@mbasac.com.

See you Saturday for a ghoulishly good time!

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the Communication Coordinator at the Midtown Business Association and is a producer of the annual Halloween festivities.

Free event this weekend in Midtown- Midtown Modern Arts Festival

2011-10-13T20:08:37Z

The Capital Cities Artober celebration is in full effect and Midtown is excited to give the Sacramento region another opportunity to explore and commemorate the arts in a big way. This Saturday, October 15th, the Midtown Modern Arts Festival (MMAF) will take place on 20th Street between J & K. The FREE family-friendly street-fair will occur from Noon – 6:00pm and is guaranteed to offer attendees a broad spectrum of creativity including Music, Dance, Comedy, the Visual Arts and every medium in-between.

The festival will feature a performance program on two separate stages: the KlickNation Stage and the MARRS Building Stage. Performing artists include the Sacramento Ballet, The Sacramento Philharmonic, Capital Stage Company, The Sacramento Comedy Spot, Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet, the Harley White Jr. Orchestra, the Element Brass Band and many more.

"The Midtown Modern Arts Festival presented itself as a great opportunity for the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra to reach out to our community in a fun and unique way. Sacramento's arts are so diverse and we are fortunate to have an event like this that showcases the different art forms” stated Greg Wellman of the Sacramento Philharmonic.

In addition to the live performances there will be a variety of interactive art activities and live artistic demonstrations. Some activities to look forward to are: Sugar skull decorating led by the La Raza Galería Posada, the musical instrument petting zoo, and the children's craft corner. Attendees of all ages will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of innovative art process that will be demonstrated during the festival, such as sculpting and portrait drawings.

"The Midtown Business Association is happy to be able support and promote the performing arts groups and galleries that represent Midtown and the greater Sacramento area. This event showcases the great talent and creativity our community provides and we are thrilled to be a part of this premier event." Amber Schmaeling, Program Director.

Don't miss out on all the excitement and entertainment this Saturday, October 15th from Noon-6:00pm at the Midtown Modern Arts Festival!

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the producer of the Midtown Modern Arts Festival. She currently works for two of the sponsoring organizations, the Midtown Business Association and the Heller Pacific Company.

1st Annual Bands, Beans and Brews at Howe Park Oct. 23rd (FREE)

2011-10-12T21:15:30Z

Come join us for our 1st Annual Bands, Beans, & Brews on Sunday, October 23, 2011

in Howe Park, 2201 Cottage Way. Enjoy local bands, including Still Kicking and JackWagon from 1pm until 5pm. For purchase, enjoy the beer garden sponsored by Hoppy Brewing Company (ID required) and additional food vendors.

As an added fun treat, enter the homemade Chili contest for prizes, $5 per entry, please inquire about entry form and rules at www.fecrecpark.com or by calling 916/927-3802. Six categories include meat (mild, medium and hot) and vegetarian (mild, medium and hot).

Chili’s will be available of purchase during the event at $1 a cup…or you can participate in choosing the “fan favorite” for $10 which includes samples of the 6 winners and a chance to cast your vote!

So break out that family recipe to compete in our chili contest or just come out and enjoy a great Sunday afternoon in Howe Park with free live music at Bands, Beans and Brews!

Disclosure: I am currently a Recreation Intern at Fulton-El Camino Recreation and Park District from CSUS.

Women’s Vote in California - 100-Year Anniversary Living History Day!

2011-10-10T20:44:54Z

In conjunction with a compelling new exhibit titled We Won the Vote! 100 Years of Equal Suffrage in California on display inside the State Capitol Museum (Room 105), docents in period attire will present engaging Living History performances on Saturday, October 15, throughout the State Capitol specially designed to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of when women gained full voting rights in California. Interested guests should meet in the First Floor Rotunda to view the series of performances (guided by docents) that leave every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Visitors of all ages will encounter politicians and key women suffragists from an earlier time as docents re-enact several episodes that led to the historic achievement for California women. For more information, call 916-324-0333 or visit www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

FREE Sacramento Archives Crawl This Saturday!

2011-09-28T16:48:18Z

Come one, come all! In celebration of National Archives Month, archives and special collections libraries from throughout the region will showcase their rarely seen holdings for the public in the first ever “Explore History: Sacramento Archives Crawl” this Saturday, October 1. Historic treasures from twenty-one Northern California institutions will be on display at four downtown host locations – the California State Archives, the California State Library, the Center for Sacramento History, and the Sacramento Public Library. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

Participants will “crawl” between four host locations, all located within downtown Sacramento. At the four locations, the public can view archival collections on display and take behind-the-scenes tours. A sampling of the items on special display for the event include a double elephant folio set of Audubon’s Birds of America; the papers of Nathaniel S. Colley, Sacramento’s nationally known civil rights attorney; and ephemera documenting California’s women’s suffrage movement.

California Department of Transportation Library and History Center
California State Parks Archives
California State Railroad Museum Library
California State University, Chico – Meriam Library Special Collections
California State University, Sacramento – Special Collections and University Archives
El Dorado County Historical Museum
Lavender Library, Archives and Cultural Exchange
Little People of America Archive
National Archives at San Francisco
Placer County Museums Archives & Research Center
Root Cellar – Sacramento Genealogical Society Library
Sacramento City College Library Special Collections
Sacramento Historic City Cemetery Archives
Society of California Archivists
Temple/Congregation B'nai Israel Archives
University of California, Davis – Shields Library, Special Collections
Yolo County Archives

Archives Crawl Passports will be given to guests as they visit the host institutions. The passport provides a map of the event and information about the participating archives and special collection libraries. Event attendees who get their passport stamped at three of the four host sites will be given a set of limited-edition commemorative coasters. The coasters honor the pub crawl theme by featuring reproductions of the city’s former Buffalo Brewing Company and its advertising campaigns.

The California State Archives is located at 1020 O Street; the California State Library is located at 900 N Street; the Center for Sacramento History is located at 551 Sequoia Pacific Boulevard; and the Sacramento Room of the Sacramento Public Library is located at 828 I Street. Crawl participants may begin at any of the four locations.

This event was made possible by financial support from the Sacramento History Foundation, the California State Library Foundation, and the Gordon-Goldstein Foundation. For more information about the crawl, visit www.sacarchivescrawl.blogspot.com.

The Sacramento Archives Crawl is part of Archives Month, a nationwide celebration held each October to raise awareness of the value of archives and to recognize the archivists who bring the past to the present. For information about other events in California, visit www.calarchivesmonth.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Center for Sacramento History.

We Won the Vote! Exhibit Opens at Capitol Museum October 1

2011-09-19T21:34:24Z

Young women today may take their right to vote for granted but it took a major equal suffrage movement 100 years ago for women to gain full voting rights in California. Not long after, and with the help of mounting political pressure and momentum from new voters in the West and in California, the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution awarded women across America the right to vote in 1920.

And to chronicle this feat -- that was monumental in its place and time -- the State Capitol Museum will proudly display the exhibition titled We Won the Vote! 100 Years of Equal Suffrage in California for a full year beginnin on October 1, 2011.

Visitors of all ages will have the opportunity to see and hear the interactive displays, historical photographs, period campaign materials, clothing worn during the campaign and oral histories that led to the historically significant triumph in California. For more information, call 916-324-0333 or visit www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Complimentary Bridal Open House at Arden Hills this Sunday!

2011-09-06T18:28:52Z

Don’t miss your chance to watch talented local athletes compete in a weightlifting competition where they hoist as much as twice their body weight over their heads!

Put on by the Strength & Conditioning instructors at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa, you’ll see Olympic lifts including the “Snatch” and the “Clean and Jerk.” Don’t miss the fourth annual T. Brooks Open (re-named to honor former Sacramento State Coach Terrance Brooks who recently passed away) on Sunday, September 11, beginning at 10 a.m. The special event will take place on an outdoor tennis stadium at Arden Hills. Spectators are welcome to enjoy an exciting athletic competition at an amazing facility.

For more information, call 916-955-1586 or visit www.ardenhills.net

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa.

First Ever “Sacramento Archives Crawl” Debuts October 1

2011-08-22T19:05:44Z

In celebration of National Archives Month, archives and special collections libraries from throughout the region will showcase their rarely seen holdings for the public in the first ever “Explore History: Sacramento Archives Crawl” on Saturday, October 1. Historic treasures from twenty-one Northern California institutions will be on display at four downtown host locations – the California State Archives, the California State Library, the Center for Sacramento History, and the Sacramento Public Library. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

In addition, representatives from other archives and special collections libraries will be at the host locations to discuss their archival collections - historic photographs, rare books, historic artifacts - and answer questions about how to connect with local history resources. Participating institutions include the following:
California Department of Transportation Library and History Center
California State Parks Archives
California State Railroad Museum Library
California State University, Chico – Meriam Library Special Collections
California State University, Sacramento – Special Collections and University Archives
El Dorado County Historical Museum
Lavender Library, Archives and Cultural Exchange
Little People of America Archive
National Archives at San Francisco
Placer County Museums Archives & Research Center
Root Cellar – Sacramento Genealogical Society Library
Sacramento City College Library Special Collections
Sacramento Historic City Cemetery Archives
Society of California Archivists
Temple/Congregation B'nai Israel Archives
University of California, Davis – Shields Library, Special Collections
Yolo County Archives

Archives Crawl Passports will be given to guests as they visit the host institutions. The passport provides a map of the event and information about the participating archives and special collection libraries. Event attendees who get their passport stamped at three of the four host sites will be given a set of limited-edition commemorative coasters. The coasters honor the pub crawl theme by featuring reproductions of the city’s former Buffalo Brewing Company and its advertising campaigns.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Center for Sacramento History

Native American Day Celebrating Honored Elders on September 22

2011-08-19T21:53:55Z

Sponsored by the State Tribal Liaisons of California, the Department of Justice, the State Indian Museum and California State Parks, the 44th Annual Native American Day Celebrating Honored Elders event on Thursday, September 22 has been combined with the State Indian Museum’s Honored Elders Day for 2011.

The free event will take place on the south steps of the State Capitol from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is devoted to honoring the Elders who maintain Native culture, including stories, languages, and traditions for today and for future generations. Guests will enjoy cultural demonstrations, compelling guest speakers, the Tule River Color Guard, traditional games, music and dancing, artisans showcasing their wares, informative booths, including an update on the exciting new California Indian Heritage Center project and much more.

Then, following the fun and lively event, it’s a perfect day to stop by the State Indian Museum (located on the grounds of Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park) to learn and explore even more about Native culture. While the event at the State Capitol is free that day, normal Museum hours and admission prices apply.

For more information about the Native American Day Celebrating Honored Elders event, contact the State Indian Museum at 916-324-0971 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Free Admission Day Celebration at State Capitol - September 9!

2011-08-19T21:35:24Z

Californians deserve a day to celebrate their great state and on Friday, September 9 at 11:30 a.m. (on the north steps of the State Capitol), the public is invited to a special -- and free -- event in honor of California’s 161st year of statehood!

Visitors will enjoy patriotic live music, birthday cake and ice cream provided by California State Parks, the State Capitol Museum and with support from the California State Capitol Museum Volunteer Association. Come one, come all and be sure to stop by the California State Capitol Museum located inside the Capitol that offers free admission all year long.

For more information about the special Admission Day Celebration or other events and activities happening at the California State Capitol Museum, please call 916-324-0333 or visit www.capitolmuseum.ca.gov.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Free Ice Cream August 16 at 4th Annual South Area Neighborhood Ice Cream Social

2011-08-13T00:31:27Z

The 4th Annual South Area Neighborhood Ice Cream Social is set for Tuesday, August 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at 5625-24th Street in Sacramento (the corner lawn of 24th Street and Fruitridge Road, midway between I-5 and Hwy. 99). Bethany Presbyterian Church is again serving as the host location for this event, which last year attracted more than 100 members of the community.

The event will feature old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream makers, unlimited ice cream and toppings, cookies and goodies, live banjo band music and children’s activities. There is no cost to attend.

Information and useful resources to help families make the back-to-school transition for their students will also be available.

The all-you-can-eat event is free of charge to all. The Neighborhood Ice Cream Social is presented by community volunteers.

Directions and a downloadable flyer are available. Interested persons may also contact the church office by phoning (916) 428-5281 or e-mailing.

Bethany Presbyterian Church will observe its 100th anniversary in 2014. Originally established in the Oak Park neighborhood, the church has been a fixture in the South Sacramento community since its move to 24th Street in the mid-'50s. The multi-generational, ethnically diverse congregation has a membership of more than 100 and holds Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Lorie Sprinkle serves as pastor. Bethany is the oldest Presbyterian church south of downtown Sacramento.

Volunteers & Artisans Needed During Gold Rush Days - Monday Deadline!

2011-07-28T14:25:27Z

From friendly greeters to crafty artisans and everything in between, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is now accepting applications for more than 200 volunteer positions during Gold Rush Days 2011 and the deadline to apply is Monday, August 1. Widely known as Old Sacramento’s annual heritage celebration, Gold Rush Days volunteers are needed over Labor Day weekend (September 3-5) and for a preview “education day” on Friday, September 2, that is set-up primarily for area school children. Gold Rush Days 2011 is free to the public and produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Sacramento and California State Parks.

Given the sheer magnitude of the large-scale community event that transforms Old Sacramento into a scene straight out of the 1850s, a large number of volunteers are needed to help with the Gold Rush Days information booth, hospitality tent, first aid station, security booth, children’s activity areas, and much, much more. Some, but not all, positions require period appropriate attire that will be provided. Additionally, interested artisans are encouraged to submit applications to participate in a new “Artisan Alley” happening this year in the Freight Depot -- candle dippers, soap tanners, gold panning experts, dyed wool makers, basket weavers, leather makers, silver smiths and barrel makers are just a few of the artisan opportunities during the three-day community event. Those chosen to participate in the period appropriate “Artisan Alley” will be asked to demonstrate their craft to Gold Rush Days visitors and can also sell their wares at the event.

While the crowd pleasing Gold Rush Days event is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, interested volunteers are encouraged to apply now.
Orientation workshops are scheduled to take place on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20. Volunteer/artisan applications can be downloaded at www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays and more information is available at 916-808-7059.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Friday Night Concert in the Park: see The Nibblers here

2011-07-07T21:42:44Z

Friday night’s concert in the park at Cesar Chavez Plaza features R and B, funk and soul from local sensations The Nibblers. Supporting the headliners will be sets from The Gerald Isaac Pease Combo and The Bellboys.

This week’s show kicks off at around 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m.

If you can’t make the show, The Sacramento Press will also be live-streaming video of each band’s performance, which can be found in this article on the day of the show.

Located between Ninth and 10th and I and J streets, this free, all-ages outdoor concert series will run every Friday until Aug. 12. See a full schedule of this season’s lineup here

In its 20th year, Friday Night Concerts in the Park attracts huge crowds of music lovers from all walks of life. Bring the whole family and enjoy fantastic live music, delicious food stands and some of the best people-watching in town. The ever-popular beer garden features local brews and old favorites.

Stop by the Sacramento Press booth, get a balloon for the kids and sign up for our weekly newsletter and weekly local events page, Go.See.Do. You can even rent a blanket to lounge on the lawn while you watch the bands. All blanket rental proceeds will be donated to charity.

To avoid hunting for a spot or parking blocks away from the all the fun, parking is available at the City Hall Garage (10th and I) for $5 after 5 p.m.

Come by and check out the festivities!

Free live streaming by Ustream

Call Out Now for Volunteers & Artisans During Gold Rush Days!

2011-07-05T20:13:51Z

From friendly greeters to crafty artisans and everything in between, the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is now accepting applications for more than 200 volunteer positions during Gold Rush Days 2011. Widely known as Old Sacramento’s annual heritage celebration, Gold Rush Days volunteers are needed over Labor Day weekend (September 3-5) and for a preview “education day” on Friday, September 2, that is set-up primarily for area school children. Gold Rush Days 2011 is free to the public and produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Sacramento and California State Parks.

Given the sheer magnitude of the large-scale community event that transforms Old Sacramento into a scene straight out of the 1850s, a large number of volunteers are needed to help with the Gold Rush Days information booth, hospitality tent, first aid station, security booth, children’s activity areas, and much, much more. Some, but not all, positions require period appropriate attire that will be provided. Additionally, interested artisans are encouraged to submit applications to participate in a new “Artisan Alley” happening this year in the Freight Depot -- candle dippers, soap tanners, gold panning experts, dyed wool makers, basket weavers, leather makers, silver smiths and barrel makers are just a few of the artisan opportunities during the three-day community event. Those chosen to participate in the period appropriate “Artisan Alley” will be asked to demonstrate their craft to Gold Rush Days visitors and can also sell their wares at the event.

While the crowd pleasing Gold Rush Days event is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, interested volunteers are encouraged to apply now. The deadline to apply to become a Gold Rush Days volunteer or participate as an artisan at the event is Monday, August 1.

Orientation workshops are scheduled to take place on Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20. Volunteer/artisan applications can be downloaded at www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays and more information is available at 916-808-7059.

Disclaimer: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations located throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Gold Rush Days 2011 -- Bigger & Better Than Ever Over Labor Day Weekend!

2011-07-05T20:08:14Z

Free to the public and a favorite Sacramento heritage celebration, Gold Rush Days 2011 promises to be bigger and better than ever before with all the popular period-appropriate attractions plus FREE ADMISSION to all Old Sacramento museums! Produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Sacramento and California State Parks, Gold Rush Days 2011 is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend -- September 3 through 5 -- and will take place throughout the 27-acre historic district in Old Sacramento.   On Friday, September 2, some Gold Rush Days activities will be set-up for a preview “education day” -- primarily for school children -- but museum entrance will not be free to the general public on that day.

With 200 tons of dirt to help turn back time to the 1850s, the unique three-day event will feature crowd-favorite cannon firings, wagon, pony and train rides, historic re-enactments, lively entertainment and dancing to Gold Rush era music, period games and re-creations, hands-on children’s activities, gold panning, and the popular Embarcadero Tent City depicting daily life during the Gold Rush.   New this year, an Artisan Alley will be set up in the Freight Depot with local artisans -- such as candle dippers, soap tanners and silver smiths -- demonstrating their craft-making skills and showcasing their wares.

A favorite stop with lots of hands-on crafts and activities, the traditional Embarcadero Tent City in Old Sacramento State Historic Park offers a mercantile, boarding house, millinery, hardware store, bank, various saloons, the first theater, and even an old time doctor and pharmacist. In addition, visitors can pan for gold, sample real sarsaparilla, meet an old miner and his burro, discover lace making, hat making and embroidery, or simply enjoy dancing and music.

Of course, an impressive and varied line-up of free, live entertainment will be available on various stages throughout Old Sacramento, including a variety of bands playing many different genres in the popular Save Mart BBQ Patio & Farmers’ Market.

Presented by Save Mart Supermarkets and Wells Fargo Bank, admission to Gold Rush Days 2011 is free and event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. all three days.    New this year, admission to the five museums in Old Sacramento is also free to the public, including the California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento History Museum, California State Military Museum, Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum and the Wells Fargo History Museum. For a complete listing of activities or more information about Gold Rush Days, visit www.historicoldsac.org/goldrushdays or call 916-808-7059.

About Gold Rush Days
Gold Rush Days is Sacramento’s annual heritage celebration and is produced by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Sacramento and California State Parks.

Disclaimer: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a variety of businesses and organizations located in the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Friday Night Concert in the Park: watch Mumbo Gumbo here

2011-06-23T16:26:59Z

Now that summer is finally in full swing, join The Sacramento Press at Cesar Chavez Plaza for Friday Night Concerts in the Park.

Los Blazing Hangovers will open the evening with zesty Latin honky-tonk. Headliners and longtime Northern California favorites, Mumbo Gumbo blend the flavors of Cajun, zydeco, blues, folk and good old rock and roll to create the unique of form of Americana that has kept crowds dancing for 20 years.

This week’s show kicks off at around 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m.

Located between Ninth and 10th and I and J streets, this free, all-ages outdoor concert series will run every Friday until Aug. 12. See a full schedule of this season’s lineup here.

Street parking can be a challenge for this Friday night music favorite. To avoid hunting for a spot or parking blocks away from the all the fun, parking is available at the City Hall Garage (10th and I) for $5 after 5 p.m.

In its 20th year, Friday Night Concerts in the Park attracts huge crowds of music lovers from all walks of life. Bring the whole family and enjoy a summer evening full of FREE and fantastic live music, interesting vendors, delicious food stands and some of the best people-watching of the season. The ever-popular beer garden has been expanded for this concert season. Stop by after work and sample a local brew or an old favorite.

This year, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership has launched a new SCVNGR Trek for Concerts in the Park. Download the SCVNGR app before you head out to the show so you can play the “Friday Night Concerts” trek. Complete the challenges to earn points all season long for a chance to win prizes each week.

If you can’t make the show, The Sacramento Press will also be live-streaming video of each band’s performance, which can be found in this article on the day of the show:

Come by and check out the festivities!

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

Lively & Interactive “Time Travel Weekends” Resume in Old Sacramento on July 2

2011-06-20T23:43:50Z

The past will mingle with the present once again when the popular “Time Travel Weekends” program resumes in Old Sacramento on Saturday, July 2. The free street theater program debuted in 2010 and was an immediate crowd pleaser.   Designed to delight, entertain and engage Old Sacramento visitors with good, old-fashioned fun reminiscent of the Gold Rush era, “Time Travel Weekends” are offered weekends July through August from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with expanded performances during Gold Rush Days over Labor Day weekend). The “Time Travel Weekends” program is presented by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

The centerpiece to this free and highly interactive program includes a series of Old West stage shows -- including the much acclaimed Golden Melodeon Review -- performed by teams of talented actors and actresses in period attire. Weekend performances with rotating themes are scheduled on four stages located throughout Old Sacramento including in the Eagle Theatre, Passenger Station, Pioneer Park and Waterfront Park. Additionally, the talented performers will roam the streets of Old Sacramento throughout the scheduled weekends, putting on spontaneous and often-elaborate skits and performances so visitors can step back in time to the 1850s, 1860s and 1870s.

The “Time Travel Weekends” program is also showcased by historic re-enactments complete with wagons, wild characters that include heroes and villains, children’s pioneer craft activities, historic gambling, bowling, juggling, singing, dancing and other forms of musical mastery, military encampments, mining camps, parades, historic events, medicine shows and even Civil War cannon firings. Old Sacramento visitors may also meet 19th century shopkeepers, blacksmiths and railroad engineers as they stroll along the historic streets.

The continuing program is designed to bring a lively and theatrical flair to the streets of Old Sacramento reflecting the exciting atmosphere and character of the early gold mining period.   For a complete and updated performance schedule, visit www.historicoldsac.org/timetravel.

About the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. Old Sacramento is a living historic district.   The mission of HOSF is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento as a place that connects our past to our present and future through engaging and entertaining events, activities and programs. More information is available at www.historicoldsac.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Old Sac Launch Site for New Postage Stamp Honoring Mark Twain

2011-06-20T23:38:23Z

Old Sacramento State Historic Park has been selected by the United States Postal Service (USPS) as the site to help launch a new postage stamp that honors Mark Twain. With the historic site as a backdrop and amidst a spirited rehearsal for the “Time Travel Weekends” program, a stamp dedication and presentation by an engaging Mark Twain re-enactor will take place on Saturday, June 25, at 1 p.m. in the historic Passenger Station in Old Sacramento State Historic Park.

The activities are open to the public and the community is invited to attend the stamp dedication that will also include a performance by a local Boy Scout Color Guard. The United States Post Office will be on-hand to provide an opportunity for interested community members to be among the first to purchase the new Mark Twain anniversary postage stamp soon after its public release.

Additionally, the public is encouraged to stay and watch one of the final and highly entertaining theatrical rehearsals for the “Time Travel Weekend” program -- featuring Mark Twain -- that debuts the following weekend.   Designed to delight, entertain and engage Old Sacramento visitors with good, old-fashioned fun reminiscent of the Gold Rush era, “Time Travel Weekends” are offered weekends July through August from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with expanded performances during Gold Rush Days over Labor Day weekend). The “Time Travel Weekends” program is presented by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

For more information about the new Mark Twain postage stamp, visit www.usps.com/shop
and for more information about the “Time Travel Weekends” program and other summertime fun activities in Old Sacramento, visit www.historicoldsac.org/timetravel.

About the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation (HOSF) is a 501(c)3 public benefit corporation. Old Sacramento is a living historic district.   The mission of HOSF is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento as a place that connects our past to our present and future through engaging and entertaining events, activities and programs. More information is available at www.historicoldsac.org.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

Free Family Fun Day at the Crocker on June 19

2011-06-17T19:19:39Z

This Father’s Day take the whole family to the Crocker Art Museum’s "Free Family Fun Day.” On Sunday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., enjoy a Museum-wide celebration of Impressionism and summertime with a host of family programs, including hands-on art making, interactive tours, dance and music performances, and much more.

“Free Family Fun Day” is a unique opportunity to sample the Crocker’s family programs, such as Drop, Yak, Splat!, studio art workshops, and family-friendly art tours. Visitors can try their hands at creating landscapes, sculpting with clay, or crafting portraits of their favorite heroes.

Artist Sarma Karsiere will lead a draw-along session focusing on landscapes. Classic children’s musician Mister Cooper will perform at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. while Mistura Brasileira, a local Brazilian dance troupe, will take the stage at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

“Free Family Fun Day” is sponsored by a grant from the James Irvine Foundation. Sunday, July 19, is also “Pay What You Wish” Sunday, sponsored by Bank of America.

For more information, visit crockerartmuseum.org or call (916) 808-7000.

The Crocker Art Museum was one of the first art museums in the U.S. and is now one of the leading art institutions in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art.

The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Tuesday–Wednesday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays; 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday–Sunday. Every Third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” sponsored by Bank of America.

Friday Night Concert in the Park, see Debora Iyall here

2011-06-16T16:06:53Z

Join fellow music lovers and The Sacramento Press at Cesar Chavez Plaza for Friday Night Concert in the Park

This week’s show kicks off at around 5 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m.

The action starts with glam rock and Brit pop influenced Breaking Glass, followed by popular Sacramento alt rock duo The Generals, then a set by the indescribable chamber rock ensemble Exquisite Corpse. Headlining the evening is dynamic solo artist Debora Iyall, former lead singer of new wave innovaters Romeo Void.

Located between Ninth and 10th and I and J streets, this free, all-ages outdoor concert series will run every Friday until Aug. 12. See a full schedule of this season’s lineup here.

Remember, street parking can be a challenge. If you want to avoid hunting for a spot or parking blocks away from the action, parking is available at the City Hall Garage (10th and I) for $5 after 5 p.m.

In it’s 20th year, Friday Night Concerts in the Park remains the best way to start off our warm summer weekends and showcase Sacramento’s vibrant music scene.

Friday Night Concerts in the Park attracts huge crowds of music lovers from all walks of life. Bring the whole family and enjoy an inexpensive summer evening full of fantastic live music, interesting vendors and delicious food stands. The ever-popular beer garden provides some of the best people-watching of the summer season.

To add to the fun, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership has launched a new SCVNGR Trek for the Concerts in the Park. Download the SCVNGR app before you head out to the show so you can play the “Friday Night Concerts” trek. Complete the challenges to earn points all season long for a chance to win prizes each week.

Stop by the Sacramento Press booth and sign up for our weekly newsletter and weekly local events page, Go.See.Do. You can even rent a blanket to sit on while you watch the bands. All blanket rental proceeds will be donated to charity.

If you can’t make the show, The Sacramento Press will also be live-streaming video of each band’s performance, which can be found in this article on the day of the show:

Come by and check out the festivities!

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

Are You a Leader Who Loves the Water? Become a Coxswain this Summer!

2011-06-15T13:51:35Z

If you love spending time on the water and enjoy leading a team of sports enthusiasts, consider volunteering your time this summer as a coxswain for the Sacramento State Aquatic Center’s Adult Master Rowing program!

No experience or equipment is necessary and, once properly trained, you’ll be in charge of motivating the group during practice, steering the boat and communicating drills and exercises throughout the row. It’s a fun way to learn the fundamentals of rowing and be an integral part of a team while surrounded by the beauty and tranquility of Lake Natoma. Find out more about volunteering as a much-needed coxswain this summer -- teens and adults welcome!

The group practices on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 7-9 a.m. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer coxswain, email lakenatomarowing@gmail.com. It's a fun, rewarding and refreshing way to spend your time this summer!

Note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the great Sacramento area.

Community Call Out -- California Questers Forming New Chapter in Sacramento!

2011-06-06T18:30:40Z

California Questers invites interested participants to attend an informational meeting on Saturday, June 11, at 11:00 a.m. at the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park, 1526 H Street in Sacramento. With the intent of starting a Questers chapter in the Sacramento area, the meeting will highlight the organization’s interest in educating members by research, the study of antiques as well as donating funds for the preservation and restoration of artifacts, memorials, historic buildings, landmarks, and educational projects.

Questers chapters work on defined projects often working with local historical society’s preservation and restoration projects including preservation of lighthouses, historic homes, monuments and artifacts in museums and missions. They donate their time, raise funds and do research to accomplish these goals.

This year the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park has been the benefactor of the efforts of the California Questers. Questers representative, Claragene Rainey, works with the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park staff to identify acquisition needs. This has led to a series of projects, each of which contributes to the restoration of this state historic park and Sacramento landmark.

Projects specific to the mansion include replacing curtains, commissioning painting reproductions and acquiring the silverware to complete the set once used in the family dining room at the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park. Earlier this year, California Questers restored an Eastlake style billiard table for the mansion’s third floor billiard room including a donation a matching cue rack by the restoration firm.

Questers is an international nonprofit organization, founded in 1944 by Jessie Elizabeth Bardens, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its major objectives are to stimulate an appreciation of antiques and to encourage the preservation and restoration of historical landmarks. With a strong desire to see that the best of American heritage preserved for future generations, Questers sponsor graduate level scholarships at Columbia University as well as a fellowship at Winterthur/University of Delaware. Questers’ chapters number 800 and 13,000 members in 43 states and two provinces. In California, there are 35 chapters with more than 500 members.

Prior to the its work with the Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park, California Questers restored the statue of the Pioneer Mother and its base in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. The Pioneer Mother was designed by Charles Grafly for the Pan Pacific Exposition of 1915.

For more information about the upcoming June 11 meeting, please contact Sylvia Rathbun at 408-267-3879 or visit www.calquest.com.

Special note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents numerous businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Kick Off the Kids' Summer at the Free Safety Fair

2011-06-03T01:05:56Z

Sacramento families can jump-start their children's summer fun at the neighborhood Kids' Safety Fair taking place Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The free event will be held on the lawn of Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625 24th Street in Sacramento (corner of Fruitridge Road and 24th Street). Among the free activities offered are a bounce-house, face-painting, crafts, music and helpful information from local family and safety resources. A free hotdog lunch will be served.

A map and directions, plus a downloadable print-friendly flyer, are available.

The safety fair is presented as a community service of Bethany Presbyterian Church volunteers.

Bethany Presbyterian Church is the oldest of the Presbyterian churches in the South Sacramento/Land Park area, drawing participation from as far away as Pocket/Greenhaven, Elk Grove/Laguna, East Sacramento/Rosemont and midtown/downtown Sacramento. The church, which moved from Oak Park to its current site in 1954, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2014.

For details about the Kids' Safety Fair and additional summer activities, see the church website or call (916) 428-5281.

History Museum Offers Free Summer Admission to Military Personnel and Their Families!

2011-05-27T17:44:47Z

The Sacramento History Museum announced its participation in Blue Star Museums -- a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and more than 1,300 museums across America -- to offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2011. Last summer, an estimated 300,000 military families visited partner museums as part of the Blue Star Museum program.

“We are proud to participate in the Blue Star Museums program for the first time this year,” said Historic Old Sacramento Foundation Deputy Director Kristina Swanson. “It is our way of giving back to military families who sacrifice so much.”

This year, more than 1,324 (and counting) museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative, including more than 500 new museums this year.

The free admission program is available to any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card, which includes active duty military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard), National Guard and Reserve members and up to five immediate family members.

About the Sacramento History Museum
Supported by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, the Sacramento History Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) and is located at 101 I Street in Old Sacramento. Admission is $5 for adults; $4 for youths ages 6-17 and free for children five and under. For more information, call (916) 808-7059 or visit www.historicoldsac.org.

About Blue Star Museums
Blue Star Museums runs from Memorial Day, May 30, 2011 through to Labor Day, September 5, 2011. The free admission program is available to active-duty military and their immediate family members (military ID holder and five immediate family members). Active duty military include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members. Some special or limited-time museum exhibits may not be included in this free admission program. For questions on particular exhibits or museums, please contact the museum directly. To find out which museums are participating, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

Special note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento region including the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation.

“One World, Many Stories” -- Summer reading fun for all ages at the Sacramento Public Library

2011-05-24T21:14:14Z

Readers of all ages will travel the globe this summer as the Sacramento Public Library presents the 2011 Summer Reading program, One World, Many Stories. Sacramento Public Library locations will offer more than 600 free entertaining and educational summer reading programs, between June 1 and through August 31, 2011, for school-age children, teens, adults, and families.

“While One World, Many Stories makes reading fun for kids, parents and teachers appreciate that children’s participation in Summer Reading helps develop and expand reading skills, encourages lifelong learning habits, and fosters an appreciation of all the services and resources provided by our public library branches in the community,” said Rivkah K. Sass, Sacramento Public Library director.

Everyone is invited to the Summer Reading kick-off celebration on Sunday, June 5, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the Central Library, 828 I Street, Sacramento, featuring award-winning bilingual children’s author Matthew Gollub. There will be free activities for kids and families, including costumed book characters, face painting, balloon art, henna tattoos, an Instruments of the World demonstration with Catherine Mandella, and craft activities with Very Special Arts. Plus, metered street parking is free on Sunday.

Starting June 1, library customers can either sign up to participate in Summer Reading online at www.saclibrary.org or at their closest Sacramento Public Library branch.

Participants will receive a bingo game card featuring several Summer Reading activities. When a participant finishes a bingo row of activities, he or she will receive a prize: a book for pre-readers, school-age children and teens, and a book bag for adults. Each completed card will be entered in a grand-prize drawing at summer’s end. Winners receive: a $100 Target gift card for pre-readers, a Nook Color eReader and a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card for school-age children, an iPad 2 for teens, and another iPad 2 for adults.

Please telephone the Sacramento Public Library at (916) 264-2920 or visit saclibrary.org for more information. Summer Reading programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento Public Library Foundation, and News10, with additional support by Target.

# # #

Don Burns is the public information coordinator for the Sacramento Public Library.

Friday Night Concert in the Park, watch Agent Ribbons here

2011-05-19T00:35:40Z

The weather forecast is positive for this Friday Night Concert in the Park.

Join The Sacramento Press at Cesar Chavez Plaza for an eclectic evening of indie music with a visit from headliners Agent Ribbons, former Sacramento girls.

This week’s show kicks off at around 5 p.m., runs until 9 p.m. and will also feature sets from Roman Funerals and Golden Ghosts.

Located between Ninth and 10th and I and J streets, this free, all-ages outdoor concert series will run every Friday until Aug. 12. See a full schedule of this season’s lineup here.

In it’s 20th year, Friday Night Concerts in the Park remains the best way to start off our warm summer weekends and showcase Sacramento’s vibrant music scene.

Stop by the Sacramento Press booth and pick up a free balloon for the kids, sign up for our weekly newsletter and weekly events local page Go.See.Do. You can even rent a blanket to sit on while you watch the bands. All blanket rental proceeds will be donated to charity.

If you can’t make the show, The Sacramento Press will also be live-streaming video of each band’s performance, which can be found in this article on the day of the show:

Come by and check out all the fun!

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

Watch this week's Friday Night Concert in the Park here

2011-05-12T21:10:53Z

Join The Sacramento Press for Friday Night Concerts in the Park at Cesar Chavez Plaza.
Located between Ninth and 10th and I and J streets, this free, all-ages outdoor concert series will run every Friday until Aug. 12.

This week’s show runs from 5 - 9p.m. and will feature an evening of California country, Americana and roots music from headliner The Golden Cadillacs and supporting acts Miss Lonely Hearts and Kerri Carr. See a full schedule of this season’s line-up here.

In it’s 20th year, Friday Night Concerts in the Park remains the best way to start off our warm summer weekends and showcase Sacramento’s vibrant local music scene.

Friday Night Concerts in the Park attracts huge crowds of music lovers from all walks of life. Bring the whole family and enjoy an inexpensive summer evening full of fantastic live music, interesting vendors, and delicious food stands. The ever-popular beer garden provides some of the best people-watching of the summer season.

Remember, street parking can be a challenge. Parking is available at the City Hall Garage (10th and I) for $5 after 5 p.m.

If you can’t make the show,The Sacramento Press will also be live-streaming video of each band’s performance, which can be found in this article on the day of the show:

Free video chat by Ustream

Moms offered free Shakespeare on Mother's Day

2011-05-05T18:25:17Z

Are you looking for a fun free afternoon of comedy to entertain mom on Sunday? The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy, housed in the historic Roseville Theatre, is offering moms free admission (with one paid admission), to the Sunday, May 8 matinee performance of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. The classic Shakespeare comedy about the adventures of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and their interactions with mischievous fairies – is staged underwater in Atlantis – it is Shakespeare submerged. The production opens May 6 at 7:30 p.m. and continues Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m. through May 21 at the historic Roseville Theatre, 241 Vernon St., Roseville. $10 general (moms free with a paid admission on May 8). For more information call (916) 772-2777.

Disclosure note: Gary Giacomo is a volunteer with the nonprofit theatre group Roseville Theatre Arts Academy.

State Indian Museum Celebrates Native California Heritage With Free Community Day!

2011-05-02T22:34:17Z

In an effort to honor and commemorate California’s Native Elders, the State Indian Museum will host the 34th annual “Gathering of Honored Elders” on Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. During this special event each year, the State Indian Museum and California Indian community honor the Elders—the keepers of the traditions—for their role in passing down the important history and culture of Native California people.

In addition to complimentary admission for the special “Community Day,” a sponsored lunch will be provided to the tribal Elders—which will include the ever-popular authentic Indian tacos—and is also available for purchase by Museum visitors. Native American dancers, community service organizations, and arts and crafts vendors will be on hand to enrich the experience. An official proclamation from the Governor’s office in celebration of the contributions of California’s Indian people will be shared by Larry Myers of the Native American Heritage Commission. Also, the event will include door prize drawings for unique, native-made arts and crafts.

The Gathering of Honored Elders event is co-sponsored by California State Parks, the California Indian Heritage Center Foundation, the Sacramento Native American Health Center, Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Barona Band of Mission Indians, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk, and Elk Valley Rancheria.

For more information, call 916-324-0971 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum.

Special note: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations in the greater Sacramento area including the Capital District State Museums and Historic Parks.

Bike Month Kicks Off This Sunday

2011-04-29T22:56:54Z

The weather should be perfect this weekend as May is Bike Month kicks off in the Sacramento region. Get your bike tuned up and ready to ride this weekend and then ride to work on Monday, May 2, and come out for a lunchtime ride led by the Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates.

The kick-off will start at 11:30 a.m. along the Sacramento Riverfront Promenade, located at 1800 Front Street in Sacramento, just south of O Street. The low-speed bike ride will start at noon, traveling through downtown and midtown and ending by 12:50 p.m.

Bicycling has taken off in the Sacramento region as an easy way for people to get to work or school, run errands, or just ride for fun. Sacramento was recently ranked fourth in the nation for bicycle commuting and the region is a prominent part of the Amgen Tour of California.

May is Bike Month is a campaign to get people on bikes for the first time, as well as encourage regular bicyclists to keep it up. At Mayisbikemonth.com you can pledge miles to ride during May that add up to a regional goal of two million miles. You can also use the bicycle trip planner to choose from bike-friendly or direct routes.

Other things to look forward to in May include a Bicycle Film Festival, the Amgen Tour of California and lots of local events. Find out what’s happening close to where you live or work on the events page.

When you're cruising around town, look for the Pedal Saver window decal at restaurants and shops to save money when you ride in.

May is Bike Month is coordinated by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the region's transportation management associations and organizations. Learn more at Mayisbikemonth.com or find us on Facebook.

Erik Johnson is the government and media affairs coordinator for SACOG.

Get in Gear for Bike Month

2011-04-22T18:58:21Z

May is just a few days from now, so tune up your bike, visit May is Bike Month.com, and get ready for a month of great events, promotions, and rides.

Spend a few minutes today at Mayisbikemonth.com and register for 2011. Every week that you log miles in May, you'll be entered into a drawing for bike socks and gift certificates to local bicycle shops.

Once you're on the website, click over to the calendar and see over 40 events scheduled. Check back whenever you visit the site, as we're adding new events every day. We'll have Bike Month gear to giveaway at many of the events, so come out and get yours.

New this year, our Pedal Saver discount program will earn you freebies and discounts when you bike to participating businesses. See a listing and map of participating businesses as well at Mayisbikemonth.com, and look for the Pedal Saver logo when you're on your bike.

We're also cranking up the mileage goal this year because of the continuing success of the campaign. This year, we're aiming for 2 million miles logged at Mayisbikemonth.com. Share this email with a friend or use our enhanced "challenge" feature to encourage a little friendly competition.

You can also find us on Facebook.

May is Bike Month is coordinated by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments and the region's transportation management associations and organizations. Erik Johnson is the government and media affairs coordinator for SACOG.

Downtown businesses paint the town purple to support the Kings

2011-04-22T01:12:06Z

Downtown businesses are getting in on the underground social media campaign #HereWePurple. They’re supporting the Sacramento Kings while the NBA is in town through displays, specials, deals, freebies and more.

The social media campaign #HereWePurple has encouraged Sacramento to show support for the Kings by “painting the town purple” today while the NBA is in town meeting with local business leaders. The facebook event encourages residents to wear purple, sport a Kings jersey, put sign in your windows and cars, put up flags, wear your purple jewelry or whatever you've got all day long.

“We've been watching the campaign on Twitter and wanted to get our downtown businesses to encourage Sacramentans to get involved” said Lisa Martinez, DSP Director of Marketing and Outreach. "We've been overwhelmed by how many downtown businesses were willing to support the team and offer specials to residents to do the same.”

A number of downtown businesses have answered the call, most offering specials, deals or freebies. Additionally, many of businesses have created outward displays of support as well through lighting, uniforms, napkins, balloons; even logos and websites are turning purple.

Offers from downtown businesses include:

Mayahuel / Special: Purple Margaritas / Display: Purple balloons outside for support
Esquire Imax / Special: Free Popcorn to patrons in purple
Grange & The Citizen Hotel / Special: Kings Preservation Cocktail featuring local 209 gin, preserved grape jam, Dolin Blanc, and lemon / Display: Purple lighting in the windows
Ten22 / Special: Purple Reign Cocktail: Gin, cranberry juice, blue curacao, sweet & sour and lemon-lime soda / Display: logo with a purple border, and Ten22 Power Point presentation
3 Fires Lounge & The Residence Inn / Free scoop of purple ice cream for patrons in purple / Display: Employees dressed in Purple
Ella Dining Room & Bar / Happy Hour all day for patrons in purple – ½ price cocktails, $5 wines
Sheraton Grand Hotel/ Special: $1 Purple Sangria with Purchase of an Entrée / Display: Windows lit with purple lights, Purple napkins in Morgans Restaurant.
de Vere’s Irish Pub / Special: $4 “Kings Hooters” (purple hooter shooters) til close
The Melting Pot / Special: $5 “Kingsberry” Margaritas (Blackberry Margaritas)
Strings Express / Special: Free Cheesy Garlic Bread for patrons in purple
Chocolate Fish Coffee / Special: Free Slam Dunk Freespro (double shot of Espresso) to patrons in purple

In addition, the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Downtown Sacramento Partnership have created window displays to support Sacramento’s team. The US Bank Building, Memorial Auditorium, Ziggurat Building will join the Sheraton and Citizen Hotel in displaying purple lighting on their buildings. To stay abreast of new downtown deals and updates for the "Here We Purple" campaign, follow Downtown Sacramento Partnership on Twitter: @DowntownSac.

Disclosure: Megan Emmerling is Marketing Manager for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

Easter Events Extravaganza

2011-04-20T05:02:44Z

Spring is nearly a month in, and as April turns into May, the forecast promises warmer weather and plenty of outdoor activities, especially this weekend, as Easter is Sunday.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Easter, whether you’re looking for a traditional egg hunt or a nice place to eat Sunday Brunch.

What: Southside Park Spring Egg Hunt

When: Saturday, 11 a.m. - noon

Where: Southside Park, 2107 Sixth St.

Cost: Free

With help from the Southside Park Neighborhood Association and St. John’s Baptist Church, Vineyard Church, the city of Sacramento will host the Southside Park Spring Egg Hunt, which will have a plethora of activities for the kids, including an egg hunt, face painting, carnival games, pictures with the Easter Bunny, various bunny-related crafts and Easter-related worksheets. Mounted police and the K-9 unit have also been invited to join the festivities.

Orange juice and coffee will be served, and there will be a raffle for two $250 Safeway gift cards.

The egg hunt will begin at 11:30 a.m. with 15,000 eggs for the hunting. There will be a total of four hunts, divided by age group. While most of the eggs are easily accessible, there will also be 10 golden eggs that will be a little more difficult to find. The golden egg discoverers can exchange their find for an Easter gift basket filled with various stuffed animals, games and toys.

Jessica Equihua, event coordinator and executive assistant for council member Rob Fong, said they are preparing for 500 participants on Saturday.

“The event is free, and there are plenty of fun takeaways, and one of the major highlights is that families are also provided with resource bags filled with information about services and events, such as this Easter event, in Sacramento,” she said.

For more information, call 808-7004 or go the the city events website.

What: Easter Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast

When: Saturday, 8 - 11 a.m.

Where: Clunie Clubhouse at McKinley Park, 601 Alhambra Blvd.

Cost: $5 for adults and $3 for children. Tickets are available at the door.

“The Kiwanis community, along with local Key Club and Circle K volunteers, has been putting on this event for hundreds of parents and children for about 24 years,” said Michael Flynn, coordinator of the event.

Traditionally, thousands of eggs are filled with goodies and hidden each year. The hunt will be done in age groups, beginning at 9:30 a.m. starting with the youngest and adding the next age group every 15 minutes up to the age of 9, according to Flynn. The breakfast is all-you-can-eat and includes pancakes, orange juice, fruit, coffee or tea and bacon or sausage.

There will also be face painting, carnival games and of course the playground itself for the children to roam free.

President Leslie Merker said, ”The Kiwanis’ mission statement is to serve the children, one child and one community at a time. It will be a fun event for the children, very family-orientated.” In fact, Flynn noted that the proceeds of the event will be for improvement and maintenance of the play structure in the park.

For more information, call 484-1314 or go the the Kiwanis’ website.

What: Spring Egg’stravaganza

When: Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: The Pavilion, Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road

Cost: Prices vary, $0.50/ticket

Kristyn Staby, recreation supervisor in special events, said that while the name has changed over time, the Spring Egg’stravaganza has been going on since the Cosumnes Community Services District (CCSD) came into place in 1985.

This year, the event will boast several carnival games, an egg drop competition and even a petting zoo by a local nonprofit 4-H Club. Last year, they welcomed about 1,800 guests and are expecting a similar number this year.

From 8 - 10:45 a.m., the Pride of Laguna Creek Lion’s Club will be offering a pancake breakfast for $5, children under 2 can eat free with a paying adult.

Outside of pancakes, they will also be serving ham, fruit and orange juice or hot chocolate. This Breakfast with the Bunny event usually draws about 600 people, according to Staby.

Carnival games and the Egg Scramble, the CCSD’s egg hunt, will occur all day.

The egg drop competition is done in partnership with the CSD Fire Department and takes place at 11:30 a.m. Children construct a simple holder for their egg in hopes that it will not break when dropped from the fire department’s ladder truck. Undamaged eggs are awarded a prize.

For more information, call 405-5300 or go the the CSD’s main website.

There will also be two other Easter hunting events in the area.

Westminster Presbyterian Church will be holding its very first Easter egg hunt in Capitol Park on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon. The event is free and hunting will begin at 11:30 a.m.

For more details, call 747-9592.

Fairytale Town will be hosting its annual Spring Eggstravaganza on both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Both days will be filled with egg hunts, prizes, pictures with Peter Cottontail, puppet shows and spring-themed hands-on activities.

For more information call 808-7462 or check out Fairytale Town’s event list.

BYOB: Bring your own basket to all egg hunting events.

For those of you who want to head straight to the meal and skip the hunting altogether, there are a couple of local places offering an Easter feast or just a few special eats.

What: Easter is Easy at Ten22

When: Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: 1022 Second St.

Cost: $12 per special; prices vary on regular menu items

Ten22 will be adding three brunch specials to its regular menu this Sunday: Walnut Levain French toast, a Dungeness crab omelet and roasted apple crêpes.

Jay Veregge, the executive chef, said, “We want to provide our customers with the regular menu and have additions for holidays.”

Veregge also mentioned that the restaurant really tries to stay organic and farm-driven.

While the restaurant has only been in Sacramento for a little over a year, it was voted “Best New Restaurant” in 2010 by subscribers of Sacramento Magazine.

Specials will be available from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

For further details, call 441-2211 or log onto their website.

What: Celebrate Easter at the Firehouse

When: Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: 1112 Second St.

Cost: $39.95 for adults, $14.95 for children 12 and under

The Firehouse is the sister restaurant to Ten22 and they have been hosting Easter Day Brunches since 2001, said Christi Stevens, marketing specialist.

The Easter brunch was specially created by Chef Deneb Williams and diners will enjoy a three-course menu beginning with a buffet of freshly baked pastries by Pastry Chef Jill Berger, seasonal fruit and assorted meats and cheese. Guests are provided with five entree options of pork chop and eggs, Newport eggs Benedict, Santa Fe tenderloin scramble, vegetarian polenta and prawns and scallops and either chocolate-peanut butter gâteau or lemon cheesecake for dessert.

A three-course children’s menu is also available. This menu also includes the starter buffet and a choice of Triple Berry Pancakes, chicken Alfredo or the Rise & Shine dish, which consists of scrambled eggs, crisp bacon and potatoes. For dessert, an oatmeal raisin cookie sundae is served.

Both The Firehouse and Ten22 have outdoor seating for you to enjoy that great spring weather.

More for information, call 442-4772 or check out the website.

Those in search of some Easter entertainment can check out either of the following two events.

A local church is changing up its regular routine this Sunday, with a performance in place of the normal service.

What: Easter Sunday Performance: Bow at the Knee

When: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:45a.m.

Where: 2805 El Camino Ave.

Cost: Free

This will actually be the second year that El Camino Baptist Church will be putting on this specific production. Last done in 2004, Pastor of Worship David Burckhardt said it was very well-received and looks forward to watching the production again.

April Schrokosch, the ministry arts director, said “Bow at the Knee” is a very relatable play.

“It’s a great production about a man who struggles with looking at two different worlds. He is confronted with a different way of thinking and this applies to many people.”

With a cast of over 50, both Burckhardt and Schrokosch said, it was a true and full-on musical Broadway-style production about the story leading up to Jesus’ death and Crucifixion through the eyes of a Roman Centurion.

More further details, call 488-1522.

If daytime outings aren’t really your thing and you’re interested in something different, you might want to check out Easter Sunday School at Movies on a Big Screen.

What: Easter Sunday School

When: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Where: The Guild, 2828 35th St.

Cost: $5.00, advance ticket sales on site, cash only at door

This Sunday night, Movies on a Big Screen (MOBS) is showing a collection of vintage Christian material including but not limited to Christian scare films, kids’ shows and other religious video strangeness.

Robert McKeown, co-founder of MOBS, said, “We always try to play with special times of years or holidays. For example, around August, when school usually starts back up, we do a Back-to-School-Night with old educational films from the 50s and 70s. This year’s Easter viewing will be pretty similar.”

MOBS had always done Easter-related films before, such as a showing a Peeps documentary, shot in Sacramento, two years ago, but McKeown said that last year was the first year they had to deal with a movie viewing actually on Easter. So, they wanted to do something different and decided to show the video, “Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter.”

For this event, McKeown scoured through hours of obscure videos for the night’s line-up, which remains a secret until the big night. But after some prodding, McKeown hinted that film clips may include material from an old Christian children’s show with a real life amputee dressed up as a pirate doing autopsies on sinners.

Themed snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, and you are also allowed to bring your own food.

For advance tickets or further details, check out the event page.

If you know of any events not mentioned above, please feel free to put the suggestions in the comment box below.

FREE Youth Summer Job Fair Saturday, April 2nd

2011-03-25T19:58:59Z

The City of Sacramento's Neighborhood Services Division of the Department of Parks and Recreation, the VIBE Foundation, the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) and the Walmart Foundation are sponsoring a FREE Youth Summer Job Fair on Saturday, April 2nd at Cesar Chavez Park and Historic City Hall. Here is more information:

Saturday, April 2, 2011 ~ 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM ~ Cesar Chavez Park (910 I Street, between 9th & 10th Streets) & Historic City Hall (915 I Street)

Are you between the ages of 16 and 22? Then don't miss out on this opportunity! Over 30 organizations will be available to offer full time and part time job opportunities, internship opportunities, college recruitment information, US military information, and so much more. In addition to resource booths, free workshops are offered across the street at Historic City Hall. This workshop (two sessions) will teach you how to dress to impress and how to nail an interview. If you have a resume, remember to bring several copies, and first impressions go a long way, so dress professionally.

Don't have a ride home? We've got you covered! Regional Transit is offering FREE bus and light rail passes.

For more information please call the Neighborhood Services Hotline at (916) 808-6525.

Sacramento Artist Jeff Felker Shows in Elliott Fouts Gallery Group Show

2011-03-11T01:57:20Z

While planning your route this 2nd Saturday, be sure to stop by Elliott Fouts Gallery (4749 J Street, Sacramento) for the reception for Go Figure!, a group exhibition of figural paintings, from 6pm-9pm.

Among the artists showing in the exhibition is Sacramento-based painter Jeff Felker. His paintings included in the show address revisiting abandoned places and moments in time, marked by emotional significance to the figure. Each painting captures fragments, as once forgotten and neglected as the scenery, with a desire to find new meanings and relevance within the same space.

The show also features work by Candice Bohannon, Derek Gores, James Crandall, Kenney Mencher, Peter Wedel, Sara Zin, and Tracey Harris.

Go Figure! remains on view through March 31, 2011. Elliott Fouts Gallery is open Tues-Fri 11am-6pm; Sat & Sun 11am-4pm.

About Jeff Felker:
Born in 1980 and raised in a world of latchkeys, comic books, and urban exploration, Sacramento-based artist Jeff Felker weaves those early inspirations into the visual narratives he creates today. Exploring themes reformulated from life and his formal background in literature, he creates narrative paintings that blend reality and dreamscape--the human figures within are located in conflicted worlds of emotional isolation. Using oil to juxtapose bright and muted color schemes, Jeff executes his paintings on canvas and board.

For further information about Jeff Felker and to see more examples of his artwork visit his website. Prints are available in his Etsy Store for $25-$50.

______________________________________________________________

Disclaimer: Alison Kranz is Public Relations contact for Jeff Felker.

Chris goes to CARES

2011-03-08T19:46:28Z

CARES (the Center for AIDS Research, Education & Services) is across the street from the Townhouse, which is quiet at 4:00pm on a Monday afternoon long before they open up for Open-Mic night. I walk there after my obligatory after-work nap, still a little groggy, stopping at Old Soul for a mocha to keep my hands warm and bumping into customers who find it strange to see me on the other side of the counter. Mocha in hand, I’m heading across Midtown through the alleyways and wondering if the sun-turned-overcast sky is going to turn to rain, which would put a damper on the bonfire plans I’ve set in motion for later in the day. Over at 21st, I make a right and tell a homeless man I’ll help him out with a cigarette on my way back, then follow some fellow into the CARES building with its reflective front windows and No Smoking signs posted on the pale brick walls.

It’s a miniature hospital. Think linoleum floors, Top-40 turned Elevator Muzak playing from the radio, hard plastic waiting room seats with outdated magazines splashed about like an afterthought—Hurricane Katrina on the cover of a National Geographic, posters that say “Compliance is Not A Crime” and rotating towers of pamphlets marked “Women’s Support Groups” and “Addiction Recovery,” a defeated, yet hopeful feeling among the patients waiting in slow-moving lines at the Pharmacy, people idling at the Check-In windows waiting for someone to wave them forward. I check in and fill out my HIV/STD Test form, the same form I filled out last time, and wait for a while near the elevator and watch people come and go, old friends, usually, who catch up with each other in the Pharmacy line. I see a kid getting the same test as me (“My girl, she wants me to get the test, she don’t trust me. I tell her I love her but she don’t believe me,” he tells the Check-In nurse), a woman who tells her entire life story to another nurse, as well as a man who is worried about “Mother missing her appointment.” In the back of my mind I can’t help but think that most of these people, mostly middle-aged men, have HIV or something. They’re here for something, and that makes me sad. Then I realize that they’re probably thinking the same thing about me: Poor guy, so young. I’m glad they—we—have a place like this to go to.

I mean, where would I go? With no health insurance, what would I do?

I’m eventually led upstairs to the same little room where I was taken last time, where I took my cotton-swab HIV test (negative results, thank goodness), and have to explain that I’m not here for another cotton-swab. I'm here to feel good about knowing I'm clean of STD's, and this is the first time I've been tested. My nurse leaves to put my information in the computer, again, I guess, and while I wait I grab a couple more condoms from the party bins in the bookshelf and read about post-Katrina New Orleans, which makes me sad, though the photographs are phenomenal. My nurse comes back and tells me to follow her downstairs, down to the bottom floor.

Now this part of CARES looks even more like a hospital. More official. Here there’s a white-coated doctor off to the side, stuffed away in a cubby full of biohazard signs and computers and centrifuges and urine sample cups and boxes of gloves and a sign that says “Warn Your Phlebotomist If You're Allergic To Latex.” When I arrive, I sign in on a sheet outside of his window and take a seat in the waiting area across from the bathroom. I read a magazine about Sacramento and don’t learn anything new. Makes me want to write for a magazine about Sacramento… Then my name is called, I go into the doctor’s cubby, sit in a padded chair with one of the arms lifted while he looks up information about me in the computer. Nothing shows up. He asks me, twice, my phone number—he was off by a digit—and my date of birth, but there are no results. Like I snuck in or something. So he sends me back upstairs to confirm with the nurses that yes, I was in the system, and the nurse is confused and tells me she’ll take care of it for me. Within twenty minutes, the information has been processed.

So I get my blood taken. Reminds me that I should get back into donating blood again. The Doc takes just a little bit of blood—a little glass vial, “Still warm,” he laughs—and then I hold gauze against my elbow to keep from bleeding out all over the floor. Wouldn’t that be terrible? Next thing, Doc gives me a urine sample cup with my name printed out all official-like on the side, and I pee into it. Good thing I drank that mocha. I leave the warm sample on the metal cabinet near the Doc’s door. Test over.

“When do I hear back?” I ask him. “If you don’t hear anything by Wednesday,” he says, “then that’s a good thing.”

CARES is located at 1500 21st St.

Local Community Offers FREE Film Screening

2011-03-08T19:36:29Z

FUSION Ministries is hosting a free screening of "TONY"; the latest film by Invisible Children , and this is no normal indie film.

There is a long-running conflict in in Africa by which Joseph Kony terrorizes 5 countries with soldiers who are children abducted from their homes and forced to fight. Invisible Children is an organization which defines themselves as a movement seeking to end this conflict and bring them home by rebuilding schools, educating future leaders, and providing jobs in northern Uganda. Their mission statement indicates their motivation to "redefine what it means to be an activist."

"TONY" is the story of just one child rescued from this situation, but the film follows his journey from child soldier to the freedom he knows now. In so doing, the film gives clear picture of what Invisible Children calls "the longest-running conflict on the continent". The film presents an opportunity for knowledge and attention to an issue that has gone invisible.

The film is being shown on March 13 at 7pm @ First Covenant Church, 10933 Progress Ct., Rancho Cordova, CA

For more information, you can email FUSION Ministry Director

Free 10-Week Music Program for 4th-6th Graders Starts During March, "Music In Our Schools Month"

2011-03-07T23:38:48Z

Children in grades 4-6 are invited to participate in a new 10-week community-wide music program.

Under the leadership of educator and choral Dr. May Tuan Tucker, this new youth choir will rehearse Mondays and Thursdays, 5:45-6:30 p.m., at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5625-24th Street, in Sacramento (off Fruitridge Road between I-5 and Highway 99). Rehearsals start Monday, March 14, 2011. There will be no rehearsals the week of April 18, when most local schools are on spring break.

To sign up or ask questions, parents may contact May Tucker by e-mail or telephone (916-428-5281), or simply show up at rehearsals. The first rehearsal will be Monday, March 14 at 5:45 p.m.

Rehearsals will lead to a free community performance on May 22 of Project: Peace, a chorale composed for public school choirs by Roger Emerson. With over 900 titles in print and 30 million copies in circulation, Emerson has been the recipient of ASCAP’s Standard Award for 20 years running, and his works have been performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. In addition to composing, Emerson teaches music at the College of the Siskiyous in Northern California. Project: Peace is a hauntingly beautiful work that communicates the benefits of peacemaking, tolerance and teamwork. The chorale features nine uplifting and inspiring musical numbers created specifically for children and youth to sing.

Free refreshments will be served at rehearsals. Parents and siblings are welcome to remain for rehearsals.

Bethany Presbyterian Church, which in 2014 will celebrate its 100th year of serving Sacramento, is hosting the children's music program as a community service. "We know that funding for music in schools is scarce," says choir director May Tucker. "The science behind music education is there, though: kids involved in music education typically outperform their peers academically, as well as gaining an understanding and appreciation of collaboration and teamwork. Children who participate in this program will learn music fundamentals and build new skills while having fun preparing for a live community concert."

The new music program is being launched during March, which is celebrated as Music In Our Schools Month across the nation.

There is no charge to participate in the children's music program.

A downloadable flyer and parent/guardian information letter are available at www.bethpres.com.

Native American Film Festival: An Afternoon of Three Films, including "Smokin' Fish"- March 6

2011-02-22T19:37:11Z

California State University Sacramento’s Serna Center and La Raza Galeria Posada present an afternoon Festival of Native American Films on Sunday, March 6 from 2pm to 4pm at Hinde Auditorium on the campus of CSUS. Admission is free, donations gladly accepted.

Three original films, presented courtesy of Native American Public Telecommunications located in Lincoln, Nebraska will be screened for the first time in Sacramento. Special guests Shirley Sneve, Director, Native American Public Telecommunications and producer Luke Griswold-Tergis (Smokin' Fish) will be on hand to introduce the films and answer questions from audience members. Smokin' Fish, (2011, a work in progress) will have it’s California premiere at the prestigious LA Film Festival this coming spring .

The three films are:

RIVER OF RENEWAL- winner of "Best Documentary" at the American Indian Film Festival in 2008, traces the tumultuous back story of recent historic accords in the longtime battle over salmon and water in the Klamath Basin. The Klamath Basin in Northern California and southeastern Oregon is home to ranchers, farmers, commercial fisherman and the Yurok, Karuk and Hupa tribes. Since the mid-1800s, these groups have vied for rights to the Klamath River and its tributaries, which are vital spawning habitat for wild Pacific salmon. Hydroelectric dams have impeded the salmons’ ability to migrate between the ocean and their breeding grounds, and low river levels resulting from agricultural use have caused the mass death of migrating fish.

THE LAST CONQUISTADOR - John Valadez and Cristina Ibarra’s documentary, The Last Conquistador, had its national broadcast premiere in 2008 on PBS. When the El Paso City Council commissioned artist John Houser to create a larger-than-life statue of the Spanish Conquistador Juan de Oñate, artist Houser envisioned a magnificent and long-overdue tribute to the contributions of Hispanic culture and history. But the area’s Native Americans had their own very personal memories concerning Oñate. They recalled massacres, slavery and terror. Neither Houser nor El Paso’s city councilors had intended any offense or controversy. When the storm of protest arose, they were taken by surprise. But should they have been?

SMOKIN' FISH (work in progress-2011)- ~~Soon to have it’s California premiere at the prestigious LA Film Festival~~ ! Cory Mann is a quirky Tlingit businessman hustling to make a dollar in Juneau, Alaska. He gets hungry for smoked salmon, nostalgic for his childhood and decides to spend a summer smoking fish at this family's traditional fish camp. The unusual story of his life and the untold history of his people interweave with the process of preparing traditional food as he struggles to pay his bills, keep the IRS off his back, and keep his business afloat. By turns tragic, bizarre, or just plain ridiculous, Smokin' Fish tells the story of one man's attempt to navigate the messy zone of collision between the modern world and an ancient culture. The film's editor is Maureen Gosling, renowned for her work with both Werner Herzog and Les Blank.

Native American Public Telecommunications (NAPT) , a non-profit 501(c)(3)which receives major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, shares Nativestories with the world through support of the creation, promotion and distribution of
Native media. Founded in 1977, through various media—public television, public radio andthe Internet—NAPT brings awareness of Indian and Alaska Native issues. NAPT operatesAIROS Audio, offering 24/7 downloadable podcasts with Native filmmakers, musicians
and Tribal leaders. VisionMaker is the premier source for quality Native Americaneducational and home videos. All aspects of our programs encourage the involvementof young people to learn more about careers in the media—to be the next generation of storytellers. NAPT is located at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. NAPT offers studentemployment, internships and fellowships. Reaching the general public and the globalmarket is the ultimate goal for the dissemination of Native-produced media. To find out
more, visit www.nativetelecom.org.

The Serna Center @ Sacramento State - Consistent with the lasting vision of Joe and Isabel Serna, the Serna Center aims to encourage policy and political knowledge, activism and engagement, student access and excellence, and community service. The Center's primary but not sole focus is Chicana/os and Latina/os in the Sacramento region. www.csus.edu/sernacenter/

La Raza Galería Posada is a multi-disciplinary cultural center and public space serving the Sacramento community by offering Latino/Chicano and Native arts programming, art education workshops, and a community-gathering place. www.larazagaleria.org. More details at (916)446-5133

The Native American Film Festival screenings are made possible by a grant from the National Association of Latino Art Centers and Strategic Solutions Advisors of Sacramento.

Editorial note: The film Smokin' Fish is a work-in-progress and is not currently scheduled for any premieres.

Orangevale Grange to hold 6th Annual Family Fair

2011-02-17T20:39:24Z

To celebrate Grange Month, Orangevale Grange presents The Orangevale Grange Family Fair for the 6th year and extends an invitation to the families in and around the community to come to their Grange and have some fun.

Admission is FREE for this community event.

Offered is a diverse collection of activities so that each member of the family can find something to do, something to watch, something to intrigue them. There will be many vendors, performers, animals, crafts, games, and activities, along with food, live music, public service displays and much more. There will be other local not-for-profit organizations and businesses on hand demonstrating or exhibiting as well.

The Grange, the oldest agricultaural organization in the nation, is a non-profit family fraternity whose roots are in agriculture. Their focus today is still on agriculture as well as community service and legislative activities. Local community growers, family gardens and the Grange garden provide important educational opportunities and valuable and delicious results!

Why was the Grange started? It was formed in the years following the Civil War to unite private citizens in imroving the economic and social position of the nation's farm population. Over the past 135+ years, it has evolved to include non-rural families and communities as well.

What do I gain by becoming a member? The Grange offers it's members:

•a friendly, family oriented organization that provides membership at any age
•an opportunity to join with others (individuals & organizations) to improve communities
•a chance to influence local, state and national laws
•a social gathering place for activities & recreation
•a place to develop skills for a lifetime

During the month of April each year, dues for new members are FREE. New members are offered the opportunity to experience the Grange for free and then consciously decide to continue their membership in the years to come.

The Orangevale Grange No. 354, organized March 31, 1910, is the oldest service organization in the town of Orangevale. For over 100 years, the members have been active in the community, not only participating in many community activities and events but sponsoring them as well. THe members are honored to be a part of a community that posesses such a long and rich history.

Today's Grange provides an opportunity to serve by providing leadership for local community service projects. For more about the Grange in general, click here.

For Orangevale Grange No. 354, other projects include: distributing personal dictionaries to third graders (Words for Thirds), serving breakfast to the community every second Sunday of the month, celebrating our country's independence with a fireworks booth and demo each July, sponsoring informational workshops and seminars such as Identity Theft Awareness, First Aid & CPR classes, making our Grange Hall available for rentals and for community events.

River Cats launch first-of-its kind iPhone app

2011-01-27T23:20:53Z

The Sacramento River Cats have launched the official River Cats iPhone application. The River Cats are the first Minor League Baseball Team in the country to release an iPhone application that allows fans the ability to purchase tickets directly through the app. The app was developed in partnership with Critical Technologies Group and is available for free for all Apple mobile products including iPhone, iPad, iTouch, etc via the iPhone App Store.

In addition to purchasing tickets from the application, other features include:

- Live game pitch-by-pitch and in-game updates
- A social media hub with direct Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare feeds
- The season schedule integrated with Art of Baseball pictures drawn by students from around the Sacramento community
- Promotion and giveaway listings
- River Cats news and standings
- Special offer notifications

An Android version of the River Cats app will be available in early 2011.

Disclosure: Nick Lozito is the Media Relations and Interactive Media Coordinator for the River Cats

peace. love. swap. ~ Don't consign it, swap it!

2011-01-13T21:49:40Z

peace. love. swap. is a one of a kind independent coalition that organizes ongoing kid's swaps. The swaps are for local eco-minded parents to get together and recycle (exchange) their kid’s stuff (ages 0-14 and maternity). After the swaps, I donate the leftovers to local charities and needy families.

I'd like to invite you to view more information, read our mission statement, and see what moms are saying about our swaps at: www.peaceloveswap.com. Parents love the swaps, as much as I love coordinating them ! In order to make the swaps a success, we need as many parents as possible to participate.

Kids grow up so quickly and always need new stuff just as quickly. In this economic climate, what better way to get “new” stuff than to swap with other families? These swaps are beneficial for each and every community in which they take place. It’s green, fun, philanthropic & catching on fast!

The next swap in your area is:
Sacramento swap and play
Location/Sponsor: The Bounce Spot 2939 Promenade St.
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Date: Friday, January 28, 2011

Time: Drop off items between 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm (clothes should be clean and on hangers - except for shorts, pants & skirts size 0-18 months) ~ Swap starts at 7:30 pm until 8:30 pm

Cost: $5 admission per swapper* & stuff to swap** and $5 to play in the indoor bounce facility. (We are always in need of volunteers if you can not afford the cost.)

If you have any questions or would like to be added to our update list, please feel free to email me at plssacramento@gmail.com.

Also, check us out on YouTube to see what we're all about! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLdNt6V3QUM

Light Up the Night in Old Sacramento for a FREE New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular!

2010-12-14T18:06:15Z

Looking for a festive (and free!) way to ring in the New Year?

Following a New Year’s Eve tradition 11 years in the making, visitors to Old Sacramento will be treated to a free New Year’s Eve celebration all along the waterfront. Prior to the two dazzling firework shows scheduled to light up the night sky at 9 p.m. and midnight, the festive community event also features live music, food and drink vendors and a variety of lively street entertainment, all taking place throughout Old Sacramento and lasting from 6 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Of special interest to children and families, kid-friendly entertainment will be provided from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. under the tent in Waterfront Park.   The free celebratory evening activities are produced by the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Guests to Old Sacramento can enjoy two different firework shows -- both stunning and memorable -- as part of the high-energy community celebration. Choreographed to pop music and other family-friendly tunes, the exciting 9 p.m. fireworks show will be tailored to children and families. This early show will last more than 10 minutes in length and can be seen from virtually any vantage point in Old Sacramento. Then at midnight, the “main event” sky concert will be scripted to crowd-pleasing classic rock tunes by musical legends such as Aerosmith, Twisted Sister and Bruce Springsteen, to name a few. The midnight fireworks extravaganza will last nearly 15 minutes in length and originate from both land and the iconic Tower Bridge, providing even more depth and visual intensity.

Both shows promise to take revelers on an emotional journey filled with twists, turns and heart-pounding inspiration. Additionally, guests are encouraged to keep an eye out for a variety of today’s high-end fireworks shaped as hearts or willows, with flashing strobes or even color-changing shells that burst into multiple hues.

The special children’s programming will feature the Radio Disney Rockin’ Road Crew, Hip Trash & Friends (a talented hip-hop dance crew new to event this year), and a variety of other live entertainment performances sure to delight young audiences. Throughout the evening, other highly anticipated entertainment will include Arrival: A Tribute to Journey, the Ralph Woodson Experience, a Jimi Hendrix Tribute Band, the Obsidian Butterfly fire dancers, and more.

Ample pre-pay parking is available in all Old Sacramento and Downtown Plaza parking garages.   In preparation for the evening activities, the Tower Bridge will be closed to vehicle traffic from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. For additional safety, the bridge will be closed to pedestrian traffic for 15 minutes leading up to and after each of the two firework shows.

For more information about times, locations, hotel recommendations or other event details, call 916-808-7777 or visit www.nyesacramento.com

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack handles media and public relations for various local clients and events

Everything is Awesome: Photographs by Keith Telfeyan

2010-12-07T02:04:02Z

Everything is Awesome, a solo exhibition of photographs by Keith Telfeyan, opens at Cuffs, 2523 J Street, Midtown Sacramento, on December 11, 2010 and will remain on view through January 7, 2011. Cuffs is open Mon-Sat 11am-7pm and Sun Noon-7pm.

The public is invited to a reception with the artist on December 11, from 6pm-10pm, as part of Sacramento’s 2nd Saturday Art Walk. Enjoy holiday snacks and drinks and Christmas tunes dj-ed by Shaun Slaughter while taking in the show. Cuffs is also sponsoring a toy drive to provide holiday gifts for children in need. Anyone who donates a toy will be entered in a drawing for a $50 certificate to the shop.

For his first solo show at Cuffs, Keith has created a series of digital C-prints from 35mm film entitled Everything is Awesome. Focusing on seemingly mundane, everyday sights, he executes the photographs in a way that causes the viewer to take a second glance—realizing the series title is, in fact, true.

With photography, Keith is able to capture scenes exactly how he perceives them, delivering his fresh take of the world to people who may otherwise be unswayed by a lamp post or a flock of birds. His work offers vision fields that give a lush and clean vicarious experience, bringing out transcendence through texture while alluding to the banal, ordinary moments of life being lived.

In Keith’s words: “Everything is everything. Sorrow and trees and architecture and love and chemistry and politics and the world. It’s awesome…to see a wave of oneness within each particular thing. Or perhaps the everyday itself is simply worth seeing in a new way.” Keith’s philosophy is tied in intrinsically to the photographs in this show. Attendees will leave with a novel view of the everyday and the knowledge that, yes, everything is awesome.

About the artist
Keith Telfeyan makes video art, short films, and photographs. He received his MFA from Parsons the New School for Design in 2009, and his Bachelor’s degree in Film from the University of California, Berkeley in 2003, where he also studied Philosophy and Rhetoric. His artwork has been exhibited throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. He was born and raised in Sacramento, California and resides in Brooklyn, New York. He is left-handed and keeps an active dream journal.

For further information about Keith Telfeyan and to see more examples of his artwork visit his website.

______________________________________________________________

All images by Keith Telfeyan:
1. Electric Spirituality
2. Pixilated Abyss
3. Slow Motion Explosion

Disclaimer: Alison Kranz is Public Relations contact for Keith Telfeyan.

What Rural Issues Mean To You: Make the Rural-Urban Connection

2010-12-01T18:12:58Z

What do farms in our region have to do with the quality of life in your community? Where we build homes and which roads we invest in affect urban and rural communities equally. The Rural-Urban Connections Strategy is the next step in implementing the Blueprint, the region's vision for growth promoting housing and transportation choices, use of existing assets, and natural resources conservation.

On December 10, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments is holding a regional forum on the Rural-Urban Connections Strategy, a project looking at how to keep rural communities rural, farmers farming, and protect our natural resources. It's also looking at how to increase access to local food. At the event, you'll:

Learn about the Rural-Urban Connections Strategy, the greenprint to the regional Blueprint
Understand the importance of agriculture to our urban places.
Hear from USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Victor Vasquez
Identify opportunities for expanding the agricultural economy

The event will take place at the Sacramento Convention Center from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and it's free. A locally focused breakfast will be served as well. Space is filling up, so register today!

SACOG will also be presenting its annual SACOG Salutes! awards to 10 organizations who have made a significant difference in the region in 2010.

Bill Hughes Elected Official: Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui
Blueprint Excellence: Yolo County 2030 General Plan
Businesses of the Year: Bogle Vineyards and Mulvaney’s B&L
Citizen of the Year: Joanne Neft
Employee of the Year: Jim Campbell, Yolo County
Organization of the Year: Soil Born Farms
Mary Brill Youth Excellence: GEO Environmental Science & Design Academy at Grant Union High School
Project of the Year: Highway 70 East Nicolaus Bypass
Special Recognition: Apple Hill Growers Association

Whether you live in midtown or Meridian, this is an event not to miss. Learn more at www.sacog.org/rucs/forum2010/about/.

Erik Johnson is the government and media affairs coordinator for the Sacramento Area Council of Governments.

Land, Food & You: Make the Rural-Urban Connection on Dec. 10

2010-11-20T01:17:11Z

The Sacramento region is home to over 2 million people, but did you know that farms in our area contribute over $2 billion to our economy? And of all that food, only about 2% is consumed locally? On December 10, the Sacramento Area Council of Governments is holding a regional forum on the Rural-Urban Connections Strategy, a project looking at how to keep rural communities rural, farmers farming, and protect our natural resources.

The event will take place at the Sacramento Convention Center from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and it's free. A locally focused breakfast will be served as well.

SACOG is best known for the Blueprint, a bold vision for growth that promotes compact, mixed-use development and more transit. The Rural-Urban Connections Strategy is the rural companion to the Blueprint--the "greenprint".

Through presentations, videos, and real-time polling activities, the event will explore current agricultural conditions and challenges, identify market opportunities for expanding regional agricultural activity, delve into the role of rural communities, rural transportation issues and agriculture in the region, and share innovations from the project that will help shape our region's future economic and environmental health.

The forum will also feture a keynote address from USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Victor Vasquez.

Erik Johnson is the government and media affairs coordinator for the Sacramento Area Council of Governments.

The Westfield Downtown Ice Rink Grand Opening Features Free Skating All Day

2010-11-05T03:02:55Z

Today marks the official Grand Opening of the Westfield Downtown Ice Rink! Cue the trumpets, cut the ribbon, lace up those skates, because the Ice Rink is back.

The best part is the folks at the Westfield Downtown Ice Rink really like to celebrate the Grand Opening with everyone in the Sacramento area. So from the minute the ribbon Mayor Johnson cuts the ribbon at noon to the moment the gates close at 10 pm, skating is 100% absolutely free of charge. Free to get in, free to rent skates, and free to bring all your friends.

The little ice rink that you remember has some surprises in store this year, because the fact of the matter is, it is all grown up. This year the rink is turning 19 years old. It’s shaking off that adolescent awkwardness and coming into its own as an adult. Your kids will marvel at the oversized lollypops and sparkling tree lights. Your date will fall head over heels, in a good way, as you swirl across the ice under the strings of market lighting twinkling above. The gingerbread inspired office and tents will give you nostalgia for holidays past, and our pretty white benches will give you a place to snuggle up when you get too cold, too tired, or both.

If you and your friends and family can’t make it to the Grand Opening free skate festivities, you’ll have plenty of chances to stop by. The rink will be open for the next 10 weeks. It will only cost you $8 to get in, and if you need skates, that is no problem. You can borrow a pair for $2. Even better, every Tuesday is Family Night. So bring the kiddos and they will get in free when you pay to skate with them.

Fun Facts about the Downtown Ice Rink:

• Did you know they make training wheels for ice skates? Well, they kind of do. There are double bladed skates for toddlers to make it easier for them to learn. Ask for them at the rental tent; there’s no extra charge.

• Speaking of skating rookies, ice skating lessons are available this year too. If you want a professional to show you how its done, its no problem. Lessons are offered Saturday mornings at 9 am and 9:30 am before the rink opens to the public. Call ahead to make a reservation.

• The rink is open daily through January 17th as weather permits, every day but Christmas, even Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and New Years Day.

• Hours are Sunday - Thursday: Noon to 8pm; Friday - Saturday: 10am to 10pm.

• Parking is validated! Park at the Downtown Plaza Garage at 5th & J or 4th & L. Don’t forget to bring your parking ticket to the rink.

• Plan a birthday party, soccer party, or other group event. Special rates are available for parties of 10 or more with advance reservations.

• Harry Potter Theme Night will be on November 18th before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows premieres at midnight at the Esquire IMAX Theatre. Wear your best Harry Potter gear and get free skate rental.

Weekly events for this season include:

• Family Skate Night Tuesdays: Purchase an adult admission and your kid skates free
• Westfield Wednesday Deals: Downtown Employees receive free skate rentals all day
• Theme Night Thursdays: DJ's and music & costume themes (I love the 90's and the ultimate ugly sweater party to name a few)
• Ice Skating Lessons every Saturday morning

There are all kinds of activities planned for this year’s Westfield Downtown Ice Rink. For up to the minute information on the Westfield Downtown Plaza Ice Rink, follow us on Twitter (@DowntownIceRink), find us on Facebook, and visit us at the Downtown Ice Rink Website.

Disclosure: Megan Emmerling is the Marketing Manager for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership

Doug Benson of Super High Me, Marijuana-Logues & Last Comic Standing- to perform at Sac State

2010-10-21T17:00:19Z

Sacramento State’s University Union UNIQUE Programs is pleased to announce a free comedy show featuring DOUG BENSON at the University Union Ballroom on Thursday, October 28, 2010.

Doug Benson is a man of many credits. He has his own own documentary called Super High Me based on a joke from his standup act. He finished in the top six of the 2007 season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and was a series regular on four seasons of VH-1’s Best Week Ever. He makes recurring appearances on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. His second Comedy Central Presents half-hour special premiered in January ’09. He has appeared on the classic sitcom Friends,HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, and CBS’ How I Met Your Mother, and is a character on The Sarah Silverman Program.

Doug is also a creator/writer/star of The Marijuana-Logues, a show that’s been a hit in clubs and theatres from Los Angeles to New York – and drew rave reviews. Now there’s a CD, also called The Marijuana-Logues, and a book, The Marijuana-Logues: Everything About Pot That We Could Remember. Doug also has two comedy CDs out, Unbalanced Load and Hypocritical Oaf, both on Comedy Central Records. He continues to express his love of movies on his Doug Loves Movies podcasts (available on iTunes). His upcoming Comedy Central show The Benson Interuption, will begin airing In November 2010.

Doug Benson and opening guest, Graham Elwood, will perform at Sacramento State’s University Union Ballroom on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 7:30 pm. Admission is FREE for students and the general public.

For more information, please visit www.SacStateUNIQUE.com or call (916) 278-6997.

Disclosure: Zenia Diokno is the Programs Advisor for UNIQUE

Bike around town? Free classes will help you tune up your skills

2010-10-08T16:48:28Z

Bicycle riding on the road is as complex as driving on the road. Anyone that wants to be more confident riding on the street will enjoy the Urban Cycling Skills classes on October 19, 23 and 30 at Bicycle Chef Bicycles, 32nd & N in Sacramento.

The instructors are certified by the League of American Bicyclists, which designed the course. The information is presented in three sections so students can absorb the information, study the manual and practice the skills. Don Bortel, a bicyclist who took the class in July says, “I got something from all three sections. The combination of printed materials, off-bike instruction, and on-road practice have made me a more confident and skilled cyclist.”

The first class covers basic bicycle maintenance, bike and helmet fit, equipment, clothing, and safety gear: Classroom instruction includes rules of the road; reasons for crashes and how to avoid them, bike security and route planning. On the street, cyclists learn to bicycle safely and predictably, communicate with motorists, practice hazard avoidance skills, lane positioning and how to cycle safely through intersections.

The class is free, funded by a grant from SACOG and coordinated by the Sacramento Transportation Management Association. Students that complete the nine-hour class receive a certificate from the League of American Bicyclists. Diane Miller, who completed the none-hour course, said, “We tend to forget (if we ever knew) the best strategies to ride safely in traffic. I didn't think it would need nine hours, but there was so much great information, I’m still reviewing the manual and practicing the skills.”

Register or learn more by contacting Marilyn Bryant at sactma@surewest.net or 916-737-1513, or visit: www.smart-cycling.org

Erik Johnson is the government and media affairs coordinator for SACOG.

The Poetics of Music at Sea - Paintings by Jeff Felker

2010-09-28T01:57:30Z

The Poetics of Music at Sea, a solo exhibition of new paintings by Jeff Felker, opens at the CSUS Union Gallery, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, on Mon, Oct 4, 2010 and will be on view through Nov 4, 2010. The public is invited to a reception on Thurs, Oct 14, 2010 from 6pm-8pm.

For his first solo show at the Union Gallery, Jeff has created a series of new, original, paintings in oil on canvas and board. Reflecting Jeff's strong passions for literature, painting and music these works tie the three art forms together to create a string of individual narratives. When taken together, these paintings attempt to confront an often repressive environment.

Inspired by the romanticized interpretations of music and water that emerge as major themes and influences in Walt Whitman’s poetry in Leaves of Grass, Jeff uses quotes from Whitman’s poetry as a central catalyst for his narratives. Each piece is titled with a quotation that speaks to/gestures toward a desire for a sense of harmony, balance or quest within a dystopian landscape. The music and instruments within the paintings communicate each figure's relationship for that desire and become their apparatus for survival in an otherwise emotionally complex and overwhelming world. In a reversal of the typical oppressive dry wasteland, the paintings position water as negating life and as challenging the figures in a frenzy for self control and self identity. These conflicts are purposely left unresolved as part of a continuous and ever present struggle for life.

About the artist
Born in 1980 and raised in a world of latchkeys, comic books, and urban exploration, Sacramento-based artist Jeff Felker weaves those early inspirations into the visual narratives he creates today. Exploring themes reformulated from life and his formal background in literature, he creates narrative paintings that blend reality and dreamscape--the human figures within are located in conflicted worlds of emotional isolation. Using oil to juxtapose bright and muted color schemes, Jeff executes his paintings on canvas and board.

Jeff has been interested in writing and literature from a young age, which shows in the narrative qualities of his paintings, as well as his scholarly pursuits. He received an MA in English Literature from California State University, Sacramento in 2009, and currently teaches English at American River College. The themes he encounters in literature continue to permeate throughout his simultaneous pursuit and love of painting.

For further information about Jeff Felker and to see more examples of his artwork visit his website or email Jeffjf@hotmail.com

The very last Concert in the Park Live Stream

2010-08-13T20:20:52Z

Here it is, folks. Your very last chance to catch Friday Night Concerts in the Park at Cesar Chavez Plaza! This finale, outdoor, all-ages concert features The Phantom Jets and This Luxury and Headliners The Brodys.

The music and festivities begin at 5 p.m. and run till 8 p.m. The concert features local rock and punk bands.

In its 19th year, Friday Night Concerts in the Park still attracts huge crowds from all walks of life. Interesting vendors, delicious food stands, great live music and the ever-popular beer garden make for a fun and inexpensive summer evening for the whole family.

Stop by The Sacramento Press booth and pick up a free balloon for the kids, enter a raffle, and sign up for our weekly newsletter and brand-new promotion, Deal Ticket.

We will also be live-streaming video of each band’s performance, which can be found here on the day of the show:

Free live streaming by Ustream

Concert in the Park, 7/30 Live Stream

2010-07-29T22:32:12Z

Stop by Cesar Chavez Plaza, located between Ninth and 10th and I and Jstreets for this week's Friday Night Concert in the Park! This will be one of the the last three installments of the free, all-ages outdoor concert series, which ends Aug. 13.

The music and festivities begin at 5 p.m. and run till 8 p.m., and the concert features Final Summation and Bastards of Young, and local, Irish-punk band Whiskey and Stitches will be headlining.

Stop by The Sacramento Press booth and pick up a free balloon for the kids, enter a raffle, and sign up for our weekly newsletter and brand-new promotion, Deal Ticket.

We will also be live-streaming video of each band’s performance, which can be found here on the day of the show:
Free live streaming by Ustream

Sunday Funday GrubCrawl

2010-07-29T07:25:34Z

Rollin' on the BikeCrawl
The latest "bicycle-themed" Grubcrawl is Sunday. Aug. 1st, promptly at 4:30 starting @ Bikes and Bites, 12th & J st, Downtown Sac..... Grubcrawlusa.com in partnership with Bikes & Bites presents one of many Bikecrawls, rollin' spot to spot enjoying free appetizers and drink specials all night long! Soooo,....Bring your cycles, trikes, and appetites! Join us @ Pyramid, Brew It Up, Table 260,...and other Sacramento Hot Spots. See ya there!

Rent-A-Bike or bring your own!
Bring your tour cycle, beach cruizer, road or mountain bike, or tandem to the starting venue at 4:30 pm, your reservation and your appetite!

Or for a small additional sum, rent a ride from the fleet of rental bikes: which includes both men’s and women’s classic single speed beach cruiser style bikes, a combination lock, front and rear light set, an optional helmet, and a front-mounted basket. Call to reserve: (916) 705-0452 or visit 1013 12th st. @ Bikes & Bites.

Jump in our Pedicab!
Don't wanna ride onder your own power? Why use your OWN legs when there are plenty of young, energetic pairs of other peoples pedal pumpers to propel you and your friends around the Grubcrawl route. Dial-a-Bike Pedicab provides free, door-to-door transpo between restaurants and back to your car at the end of the night! Ride in style with Jake (pedicab guru) a fit, fun, upbeat, & young driver,...just be sure to tip him for his prompt and professional service!

Join the Leisurely Cyclist and the Avid Biker alike as we embark on this "Riders Romp" to the best eats & drinks Sac has to offer! We pedal "en-masse" to 5 of your favorites; for FREE APPETIZERS, DRINK SPECIALS, PRIZES, and other GIVEAWAYS,... spending about an hour at each location. REGISTER NOW!

See what Sac Media Moguls have to say about the previous BikeCrawl:

http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/11162/Tour_de_Sac_ends_with_Pub_Crawl

Wheeeew! Thank Gawd! It will cool off for the Bikecrawl this Sunday. Not only are we starting in the shade of the city after the heat breaks, the Delta breeze off the river makes this Crawl the coolest place to be in Sac! As we slide from one air-conditioned venue to another, cooling the engines with refreshing drinks and recharging the system with tasty appetizers,... The outside temp. will steadily drop... while the fun and excitement inside grows and builds, with prizes and givaways, meeting and eating with the popular party crowd. Have to work Monday??? Don't worry!!! We pull up to our last destination, 9:00 or so, for scrumptious snacks and a nightcap. If you gotto go then, in order to get to work in the morning,..say goodnite and be home before 10:00pm!! For those who can stay out past curfew, Grubcrawl is taking it till last call and you can party with us all night! Reg. now @ Grubcrawlusa.com or call (916) 730-0977.

Written & Posted by

Cline Moore, GrubCrawl Founder

See Friday Night Concert in the Park here

2010-07-22T23:58:43Z

Join The Sacramento Press for Friday Night Concert in the Park at Cesar Chavez Plaza.
Located between Ninth and 10th and I and J streets, this free, all-ages outdoor concert series will run every Friday until Aug.13.

This week’s show runs from 5-8 p.m. and will feature local headliners Lite Brite, and include sets by Prieta and Musical Chairs.

Stop by the Sac Press booth and pick up a free balloon for the kids, enter a raffle, and sign up for our weekly newsletter and brand-new promotion, Deal Ticket. We will also be live-streaming video of each band’s performance, which can be found here on the day of the show:

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

Come by and check out the festivities!

McClatchy Parks offers up FREE Community Gospel Concert

2010-06-25T16:40:28Z

The Summer Gospel Fest Concerts are a collaboration of talented gospel music artists, poets, comedians, and dancers who will perform their talents on Saturday, July 3, 2010 at McClatchy Park, 3500 5th Ave., Sacramento.

Families, youth groups and entire congregations will be attending from the Bay Area, Stockton, and throughout the Greater Sacramento area. The public is invited to come and fellowship at the event – one of three scheduled over the next three months.

The Concert is FREE and begins at 11:30 am and ends at 7 pm. and is hosted by People of the Way Ministries, a non profit organization,

Summer Gospel Fest Concerts help support BloodSource - which was founded in 1948 and since then has been collecting blood donations and providing life-saving blood products to local communities.

For more information, to perform, to a be vendor, or to inquire about remaining available sponsorships email the organizers at peopleoftheway500@yahoo.com. or, call (916) 772-0482.

Free Party in the Park with Outlaw Country Legend Billy Joe Shaver!

2010-06-18T01:18:23Z

You may have heard about Billy Joe Shaver in recent news as this 70 year old songwriting legend was acquitted on aggravated assault charges resulting from a bar room brew ha ha that ended with Billy shooting a man in the face! Outlaw legend is an understatement when it comes to Billy Joe Shaver, who is widely credited with starting the whole “outlaw country” thing in the first place. Rumor has it, at least according to itunes, Outlaw Country was born when Waylon Jennings showed up at a studio with a fist full of Billy Joe Shaver songs & recorded the classic “Honky Tonk Heroes” Album.
Billy most likely would be as well known as Waylon, Willie, Johnny or Merle had the wind blew a little differently. Alas he has remained in the background as his peers and friends have had a lot more glory. But don’t fool yourself, a Billy Joe Shaver show is truly special, and this Friday you will have a chance to find out why & to top it off the show is Free!
You know the songs, You Asked Me Too was made famous by Elvis, Old Five & Dimers was recorded by Bob Dylan & many others, Johnny Cash has done numerous Billy Joe Shaver songs from Old Chunk of Coal to singing duets on Billy’s most recent CD Everybody’s Brother. But Billy is not the only star of Party in the Park.
One of Sacramento’s best kept secrets Bob Wood’s will be bringing his trio to the party, along with some special guests, including the incredible Pete Grant. Bob has shared the stage with Commander Cody & Bill Kirchen as well as Albert Lee, Pete Grant has played and recorded with everyone from Willie Nelson to the Grateful Dead. The Bob Woods trio will put on an incredible show & will get old and young on their feet & out on the dance floor!
But music is not the only reason to come Party in the Park – The Sierra Foothills biggest and best BBQ Pit & Beer Garden is a must do too! Tri-Tip, Chicken, Burgers & more (vegans are covered too!) and of course and in spite of my protests wine will be available too – but they had to have some Margarita’s to get me to relent!
Kids are included too, for a small fee they can have unlimited fun on the giant interactive inflatable devices, and also available are pony rides, face painting and other fun! Grandma and Grandpa may enjoy some of the many craft booths!
The weather will be perfect, the music is great and the company can’t be beat. You do not want to say on Saturday, woulda – coulda – shoulda! No you need to commit and come enjoy the fun!
Party in the Park starts, but rest assured Billy Joe Shaver will not hit the stage before 7:45. It is at Auburn Rec Districts Regional Park, 3770 Richardson Dr., Auburn CA 95602 – visit www.partyinthepark.net or call 530-885-8461 for more info. I hope to see you there, and in the mean time…. Keep Smilin’! Scott - ps Support Local Music!!

Live video of this season's 5th Concert in the Park

2010-06-11T22:07:15Z

Join The Sacramento Press for a little taste of country this evening at the 5th Concert in the Park of the season.

Concert in the Park, a free outdoor concert series, takes place every Friday of the summer at Cesar Chavez Plaza, 10th and J Streets from 5:30 to 8:30.

The Nickel Slots headline tonight's event. Los Flaming Hangingovers have the set just before the headers. Mae McCoy and the Neon Stars start off the show.

The series, now in it's 19th season, features local artists representing a range of genres including rock, pop, punk, hip hop, blues, folk and country.

Starting at 5:30 this afternoon, The Sacramento Press will provide live streaming video of all the action including interviews of the local bands and footage of each bands' performance.

This year the famous beer garden has been expanded to accommodate the growing happy hour crowd. As always, there are lots of great food and vendor booths.

Concert in the Park is a great event for music lovers of all ages and admission is free.Bring the whole family!

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

Live video of Concert in the Park

2010-06-05T00:00:05Z

Join the Sacramento Press for an evening of Hip Hop, Funk and Soulful Electronica at the 4th Concert in the Park of the season.

Concert in the Park, a free outdoor concert series ,takes place every Friday of the summer at Cesar Chavez Plaza, 10th and J Streets from 5:30 to 8:30.

Live Manikins open the showcase of great local talent followed by The Nibblers and headliners Method Echo.

The series, now in it's 19th season, features local artists representing a range of genres including rock, pop, punk,hip hop, blues and folk.

Starting at 5:30 this afternoon, The Sacramento Press will provide live streaming video of all the action including interviews of the local bands and footage of each bands' performance.

This year the famous beer garden has been expanded to accommodate the growing happy hour crowd.As always there are lots of great food and vendor booths.

Concert in the Park is a great event for music lovers of all ages and admission is free.Bring the whole family!

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

3rd Concert in the Park of the season -live video

2010-05-28T21:56:41Z

Join The Sacramento Press for the 3rd Concert in the Park of the summer season.

Starting at 5:30 this afternoon, The Sacramento Press will provide live streaming video of all the action including interviews of the local bands and footage of each bands' performance.

One eyed Rhino starts off the evening of music at this week. Next up is Aaron King and the Imperials.Long time Sacramento music scene favorite Mike Farrell heads the bill.

Concert in the Park , a free outdoor concert series, takes place every Friday of the summer at Cesar Chavez Plaza, 10th and J St. in the heart of downtown Sacramento .

The live music starts 5:30 in the evening and usually lasts until about 8:30. The series ends with headliners The Brodys on August 13th
.
Now in it's 19th season, Concert in the Park features local artists representing a range of genres including rock, pop, punk, blues and folk.

In addition to the fantastic live music and fresh air, come and enjoy the great food and browse the vendor booths.

The famous beer garden is bigger and better than ever this year.

Bring the family... Admission is FREE to this all ages show!”

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

Concert in the Park - See it here!

2010-05-22T00:10:42Z

Join the Sacramento Press for Concert in the Park right in the heart of downtown Sacramento.

Starting at 5 p.m.,The Sacramento Press will provide live streaming video of all the action including interviews of the local bands and footage of each bands' performance.

Concert in the Park, a free outdoor concert series, runs every Friday of the summer from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. until August 13 with headliners, The Brodys.

The series, now in its 19th season, features local artists representing a range of genres including rock, pop, punk, blues and folk.

Music addicts from of all walks of life fill up Cesar Chavez Plaza at 10th and J streets to enjoy live music, fresh air and great food.

The famous beer garden for the happy hour junkies is bigger and better than ever. Admission is FREE for this all ages show!

Dance Gavin Dance headlines tonight's event. Also playing sets are Phallucy (with Sacramento Press' own Sonny Mayugba on guitar), Con of Man and Desario.

Free live streaming by Ustream Free video chat by Ustream

WILLIAM LAND PARK OFFERS UP A FREE GOSPEL FEST SATURDAY- JUNE 12TH

2010-05-19T22:55:17Z

The Summer Gospel Fest Concerts are a collaboration of talented gospel music artists, poets, comedians, and dancers who will perform their talents on Saturday, June 12th at William Land Park, Village Green Area, located at Freeport Blvd. & Sutterville Rd., Sacramento.

The Concert is FREE and begins at 11:30 am and ends at 7 pm. People of the Way Ministries, a non profit organization, will also be hosting concerts on July 3 at McClatchy Park and August 14 at Hagginwood Park.

Summer Gospel Fest Concerts help support BloodSource - which was founded in 1948 and since then has been collecting blood donations and providing life-saving blood products to local communities.

For more information, to perform, to a be vendor, or to inquire about remaining available sponsorships email the organizers at peopleoftheway500@yahoo.com. or, call (916) 772-0482.

A Chorus Line to Highlight Harvey Milk Day Rally Entertainment

2010-05-10T21:15:00Z

To commemorate Harvey Milk Day, on his birthday, May 22, 2010 Equality Action Now will host a fun and historic Rally and March on the West steps of the State Capitol. Invited guests include adult and youth speakers from the community as well as entertainment. Highlighting the entertainment will be the cast of Broadway’s hit, A Chorus Line.

The road tour of A Chorus Line will be playing at the Sacramento Community Theatre May 19-23. According to their tour manager the cast will perform their matinee show then head over to the Capitol to perform a musical number from A Chorus Line, “What I Did For Love”.

A Chorus Line, one of the most recognized Broadway musicals, won nine Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. This singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever.

Additional entertainers at the Harvey Milk Day Rally will include:

Small Difference Women's Choral Ensemble is a group of women of all orientations who are dedicated to performing music that has a message. It is one way the members have channeled their activism to change this world for the better. We sing songs for peace & justice, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender equality, women's liberation, the environment, and human rights for all. We are a proud member of Sister Singers Network and GALA (the Gay & Lesbian Association of Choruses).

Irina Rivkin is an Outmusic Awards Recipient for OutSong of the Year 2003, & Nominee for Outstanding Debut Recording 2005, Rose Street House of Music founder and singer-songwriter Irina Rivkin has performed for 25 years, from her childhood singing Russian folk and American Jazz in a family band, to performing her own songs for the last 12 years. She expresses insightful, gutsy, vocal world-folk originals, journeying into the personal and political, with occasional travels into Russian and Spanish language lyrics. Irina layers her poetic lyrics with rich textured harmonies, swirling with vocal percussive beats, all created live on-the-spot using her loop station instrument.

Cooper Rae, a performance artist from Midtown Sacramento. Rae is committed to creating music and art that effects a social change, Her performance is inclusive and combines a variety of styles into her music – jazz, blues, alternative, neo-soul, r&b, funk, even country. Rae’s original songs touch on a multiple subjects: politics, love, sex, heartbreak, and personal strength. She says that her music is very reflective of her life; therefore it’s very lesbian.

Jovi Ratke and C. Foster “Spoken Word” artists:

Jovi Ratke is a new face on the spoken word scene, but this up and comer has been throwin down words since she learned how to speak them. Over the past few years, she has been a strong and inspiring voice at rallies for marriage equality, events to benefit our homeless communities, and everywhere she can find a mic. Jovi is compact fluorescent lighting meets the energizer bunny with more heart than she can contain folded in. She writes like pen to the page creates oxygen and she possesses a voice that begs to be heard.

All the world’s a stage for performance poet, C.Foster. She can be found reciting lines while shifting gears and pounding pavements. Foster’s work centers on the complexity of love and all the unusual places it exists. With a cracked rearview and a rusty heart, she finds beauty in the breakdown.

Eric Baldwin, an accomplished actor/director has performed across the United States as well as Europe will be playing Harvey Milk, reciting from two of Milk’s speeches, including his inspiring “Hope” speech. Eric as Harvey Milk will then lead the grand finale march around the State Capitol Building.

Harvey Milk Day Rally and March May 22, 2010 at the California State Capitol Building, 10th and L Streets, from 4-6pm is sponsored by Equality Action Now, Outword Magazine, Uptown Studios, Stephan’s Auto Haus, Rainbow Chamber, SIGLFF, EQCA, Faces, B’nai Israel, and Badlands and Depot. For more information on this free, family-friendly event: www.EqualityActionNow.org or call (916) 446-1082.

The 4th annual Celebrate Oak Park is today

2010-05-08T17:29:43Z

Free video chat by Ustream

Join us for the 4th Annual Celebrate Oak Park Party in the Park Saturday, May 8, 2010.

The Sacramento Press will be live streaming video of ' The Party in the Park' today from 12 pm to 5 pm at McClatchy Park, 35th Street and 5th Avenue.

Celebrate Oak Park brings residents from all neighborhoods together to celebrate the diversity and beauty of the Sacramento's oldest suburb .

This wonderful family friendly event includes performances by local musicians, great food, and information about various organizations and agencies geared to enhancing our community.

Kids will love the UC Davis Med Center Passport Play area featuring a Rock Climbing Wall, Velcro Wall, Bounce Houses and Crocker Art Activities.

Celebrate Oak Park is a free event.

Music Schedule for the Day:
· 12noon Opening Ceremonies
· 12:30pm Tribe of Levi - Conscious Hip Hop
· 1:00pm Flat Busted - Blues Rock
· 2:00pm Fo’ Shang - Jazz Funk
· 3:00pm The Nuance - Lite Alternative Rock - Covers & Originals
· 4:00pm The Solicitors - Rock - Covers
· 4:40pm Project - Conscious Hip Hop
· 5:00pm Closing

Concert in the Park Starts Tonight !

2010-05-07T23:00:25Z

This evening kicks off the first of the seasons' Friday night 'Concert in the Park' series right in the heart of downtown Sacramento.

Starting at 4 p.m.,The Sacramento Press will provide live streaming video of all the action including interviews of the local bands and footage of each bands' performance.

This free outdoor concert series, which runs May 7 - August 13 is the hottest summer spot every Friday night downtown.

The shows feature local artists representing a range of genres including rock, pop, punk, blues and folk.

Music addicts and happy hour junkies fill up Cesar Chavez Plaza at 10th and J streets to enjoy live music, fresh air, good food, and the famous beer garden.

Admission is FREE to this all ages show!”

“Kepi Ghoulie will headline this week, with Simpl3jack, Dog Party and The Kelps opening the show.”

Pay It Forward

2010-04-30T22:25:43Z

People tend to shy away from blood or bone marrow donations because their automatic reaction is almost always pain. But, once you get past the thoughts of your own discomfort and realize that your actions are going to help literally save someone’s life, that 20 minutes of discomfort becomes not so important or trivial.

In fact, many first time donors I have heard from say the process was not as bad as they anticipated. It’s like judging a book by its cover, but in this example you are the one who is writing its final chapter. One donation can save as many as three lives. Many people want to leave a legacy or help better their community. In my opinion, donating blood or bone marrow is a great legacy. This action could potentially enrich the lives of four people, one donor and three recipients; it keeps on giving.

Best of all, it’s free, and isn’t that the saying for all the best things in life?

CHAVEZ PARK OFFERS UP A FREE GOSPEL FEST SATURDAY- APRIL 24

2010-04-20T15:13:52Z

The Spring Gospel Fest Concert is a collaboration of talented gospel music artists, poets, comedians, and dancers who will perform their talents on Saturday, April 24 at Cesar Chavez Park located at 10th and J Street, downtown Sacramento.

The Concert is free and begins at 11:30 am and ends at 5 pm. People of the Way Ministries will also be hosting concerts on June 12 at William Land Park, July 3 at Oak Park and August 14 at Hagginwood Park.

Spring Gospel Fest Concert will help support BloodSource - which was founded in 1948 and since then has been collecting blood donations and providing life-saving blood products to local communities. The proceeds will also help support local Gospel artists.

For more information, or if you’d like to perform, email the organizers at peopleofthewayministries500@yahoo.com. Or, call (916) 772-0482 to inquire about remaining available sponsorships.

Don't consign it, swap it!

2010-04-09T21:55:08Z

Peace. Love. Swap. is a one of a kind independent coalition that organizes ongoing kid's swaps. The swaps are for local eco-minded parents to get together and recycle (exchange) their kid’s stuff (ages 0-14 and maternity). After the swaps, I donate the leftovers to local charities and needy families.

How it works: You bring items to swap (clothing, toys, sports equipment, etc.) plus $5 per family. While the volunteers set up, the kids can play in our family friendly venues and parents can look around at our vendor tables. Once set up is complete, families can come in and take as much or as little as they need.

I'd like to invite you to view more information, read our mission statement, and see what moms are saying about our swaps at: www.peaceloveswap.com. Parents love the swaps, as much as I love coordinating them. In order to make the swaps a success, we need as many parents as possible to participate.

Kids grow up so quickly and always need new stuff just as quickly. In this economic climate, what better way to get “new” stuff than to swap with other families? Please let me know if you are interested in joining our email newsletter or becoming a vendor at one of our events. It’s green, fun, philanthropic & catching on fast!

The next swap in your area is:

Sacramento Kid's swap and play
Location/Sponsor: Funderland
1350 17th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95822-1200
(916) 456-0115
Date: Wednesday May 12, 2010
Time: Drop off items between 7:00 AM and 8 Am~ Swap starts at 8;30 AM until 10 AM (This first swap is live on Good Day Sacramento and will have drops off dates before the event. Please check the website and join the mailing list for more details.)
Cost: $5 admission* & stuff to swap**

Here is a link: http://www.peaceloveswap.com/findanevent/sacramentoca.html

Capital Public Radio Presents "Tarmo Returns" at Second Saturday in April

2010-03-30T17:15:38Z

Capital Public Radio’s quarterly Second Saturday artist reception will be held Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 6 to 9 pm. Presented in partnership with Solomon Dubnick Gallery, “Tarmo Returns,” includes oils by artist Tarmo Pasto, Professor Emeritus, CSUS.

“Man walks about in two space dimensions, the vertical and the horizontal, interpenetrating volumes of which he is the dynamic and controlling center………. In my paintings I have attempted to create sensory space so that the beholder could feel at one with the painting,” Tarmo Pasto.

The Capital Public Radio Community Room at 7055 Folsom Boulevard will display the show from March 30 through June 30, and is available for public viewing during business hours 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

The reception is free and open to the public.

Capital Public Radio serves more than 420,000 listeners per week with classical music, jazz, and in-depth news and information. Capital Public Radio operates seven listener-supported, non-commercial public radio stations. 88.9 KXPR (Sacramento), 90.9 KXJZ (Sacramento), 91.7 KXSR (Groveland), 90.5 KKTO (Tahoe City), 88.7 KXJS (Sutter), 88.1 KQNC (Quincy), and 91.3 KUOP (Stockton) are licensed to Sacramento State.

QUICK QUACK LOCATIONS TO HOLD FREE CAR WASH DAY ON MARCH 23RD TO BENEFIT CHARITABLE EFFORTS IN HAITI

2010-03-17T16:08:09Z

SACRAMENTO, CA – March 16, 2010 – Quick Quack Car Wash, a local chain of exterior-only, express car washes, has announced that it will be offering free car washes at all five Sacramento area locations on Tuesday, March 23rd from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm to thank customers and to encourage donations to support Haitian Roots, a non-profit organization focused on assisting and educating children in Haiti. In addition to donations from customers, Quick Quack also will donate to Haitian Roots an additional $1.00 for every customer who upgrades from the free basic wash package to the Best Wash package. All wash packages take only three minutes and self serve vacuums are available and always free for customers.

Quick Quack Car Wash has five Sacramento area locations including Folsom, Rancho Cordova, North Highlands, Foothill Farms and South Natomas. In addition, Splash & Dash Car Wash, a full service car wash in Carmichael will also be accepting donations. Locations, address information, maps and directions can be found on the company website at www.DontDriveDirty.com.

“We are pleased to be involved with this wonderful effort at this time,” said Jason Johnson, President of Quick Quack Car Wash. “We believe that we have the best customers in the world and we wanted to thank them and give them a chance to share in an opportunity to help the children in Haiti, especially given the recent tragedies experienced by the people of Haiti.”

“We are thrilled that Quick Quack Car Wash has joined with Haitian Roots to help relieve suffering in Haiti,” said Shannon Cox, Co-Founder of Haitian Roots. “Even before the earthquake, the situation was extremely difficult. Things have become even more desperate in Haiti. We are so grateful for this offer to help raise the funds necessary to provide relief to the families in our program. One hundred percent of donated funds go to the needs of educating the children of Haiti.”

About Haitian Roots:
Haitian Roots is a licensed non-profit, 501(c)3 organization designed to provide educational opportunities for impoverished Haitian children. Haitian Roots offers a continual path of academic education through the Haitian education system as well as additional instruction such as ESL and computer basics. Haitian Roots believes that education is the key to changing Haitian society. The Board of Haitian Roots is committed to fighting against the atrocities that are happening to the youth of Haiti. The organization gives the children of this nation an alternative to the path of poverty they are currently embarked upon. Its financial security relies upon donations from generous supporters. For more information, please visit www.haitianroots.com.

About Quick Quack:
The Quick Quack Car Wash concept grew out of a desire to provide a very clean car wash, but to do it much faster. Customers stay in their vehicles while being automatically guided through the glass enclosed tunnel where the vehicle is soaked, soaped, washed, polished, rinsed with spot-free water and blown dry all in a matter of minutes. For more information, please visit www.DontDriveDirty.com.

Sac Show winner Autumn Sky's annual Valentine's Day Show

2010-02-06T03:15:55Z

Valentine's Day can be challenging for everyone out there, whether you've got a special someone to impress or not. The choices are limitless, and it can be hard to set something up that everyone will enjoy. This year, why not please the whole crowd with a just-before-Valentine's Day show starring local indie pop songstress Autumn Sky and up-and-comer Tre Burt?

Miss Sky, who recently won the Sac Show award for best Acoustic Show, holds a Valentine's Day show each year. 2009's show at Luna's Cafe drew a huge crowd, where patrons and audience members alike sat on floors and laps to fit in the tiny room. This year will prove to be no less of a good time, especially considering that the rules have changed some. This year's show is free, all ages and will be on the second saturday artwalk. It also happens to be hosted at a venue famous for it's tasty frozen treats. Feel the Valentine's Day blues coming on? Then make a stop over at this show and just try not to smile.

Autumn Sky with Tre Burt

Yogurtagogo, 17th and L Sacramento, CA

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13th

All ages, no cover!

7pm

For more information, please e-mail Autumn Sky at mermaid_sings@hotmail.com.

PAST SHOW R EVIEWS

"Then something unusual happens: as Sky begins to strum and sing, the audience chatter instantly stops. Adults, teens and toddlers are all held in rapt attention as Sky’s pitch-perfect voice fills the room. (Her) voice is on par with Joanna Newsome’s poetic warble, Chan Marshall without the baggage and Jolie Holland, minus the Vaudevillian rain clouds." - Tony King, Midtown Monthly

"Autumn Sky...has a lot of potential to be one of Northern California's break out folk artists as Joanna Newsome, Vetiver and Devendra Banhart have done in the past." - PerfSpot.com

Joe Turner's Come and Gone - A Free Staged Reading

2010-01-06T01:15:57Z

STC Presents a special staged reading of one of the country's most cherished playwrights.

Battling themes of immigration and discrimination while in search for a lasting and true identity, the characters of "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" cross paths at a Pittsburgh boarding house where their journies are exposed and questioned as they embrace their deeper ancestral connections and work to transcend the trials of slavery and exploitation in an evolving America.

"Set in 1911, and the second in the series of Mr. Wilson’s 10-play cycle of the African-American journey through the 20th century, “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” is about nothing less than the migration and dispersal of a race and culture, searching for an identity and home." Ben Brantley NY TIMES

Sacramento Theatre Company Mainstage
Friday, January 15th 8 PM
Saturday, January 16th 8 PM
Sunday, January 17th 2 PM

**This is a free event and seating is limited.
**Please call in advance to reserve tickets: 916-443-6722

Unique elementary school in South Sacramento to celebrate the winter season

2009-12-01T11:55:48Z

One of the best kept secrets of the South Sacramento area is a small, private school tucked away in the Lanai Shopping Center on Freeport Boulevard, neighboring the Sacramento Executive Airport, where it has existed in rented space for 21 years.

Over the years, most of the shopping center tenants have moved away. Meanwhile, countless hours of parent, teacher and student work have gone into transforming a run-down property into a school with colorful classrooms and playgrounds.

It has an understated entrance, but Camellia Waldorf School is an oasis for children.

The kindergarten yard is home to Mr. Mountain, a big pile of dirt, and Ms. Sandy, a big pile of sand. There are climbing structures in trees, hay bales, a water pump, chickens and a garden of oak and fruit trees, flowers and vegetables.

Young children run, jump, play and are close to the elements. Walking down the central corridor, a visitor may hear music, singing or poetry being recited. Watercolor paintings line office windows.

The community at Camellia Waldorf School is a diverse group, including families from Sacramento, West Sacramento, Elk Grove, Carmichael and Rancho Cordova. Parents are engineers, pastors, attorneys, health practitioners and public school teachers.

Many parents work for the government (federal, state and local), and in a variety of occupations. Families are from a wide range of social, economic, cultural and spiritual backgrounds.

With regard to racial/ethnic diversity, 8 percent of students are African American, 8 percent are Asian American, 17 percent are Hispanic American, 10 percent are from other racial/minority groups and 57 percent are Caucasian.

Families are Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim. Camellia is one of the most diverse Waldorf schools in Northern California. Diversity is important, but what bring families together are deeply shared values regarding how children should be raised and educated.

The school and its values, in many ways, resist the tide of mainstream society. Public schools emphasize academics at younger ages; preschool children are being taught phonics. Camellia remains steadfast to its protection of childhood – encouraging preschool children to play outside, rain or shine.

Rooted in the tenet that a child learns through movement in his or her first seven years, the early child curriculum encourages movement through creative free play and in structured activities. Woodworking and finger knitting, learned in kindergarten, develop fine motor skills for writing in later years.

Storytelling and song stimulate creativity and nonlinear thought, vital to the development of critical thinking skills and problem-solving. Gardening teaches children about the life cycle and our environment, while keeping in tune with the seasons and harvesting healthy foods to be eaten at snack time.

In this digital age, media and technology are central to our lives. Camellia encourages keeping both from young children until they are developmentally able to handle the intense sensory input.

The interdisciplinary curriculum for the grades balances the sciences, humanities, and the arts. Subjects include math, science and history, as well as music, art and woodworking.

According to a standardized test used at Camellia, 8th graders' average scores over the past 3 years were higher than the expected Grade Equivalent for all 9 academic subjects tested. Scores for 8 of 9 such subjects were at 10th grade level and higher.

Some Camellia graduates continue their education at the Sacramento Waldorf School in Fair Oaks, while others transition to public schools or private schools such as Christian Brothers and St. Francis High School.

According to a study of Waldorf graduates in North America, 94 percent attend college and nearly 80 percent intend to attend graduate school.

The same study reported that 47 percent of undergraduates majored in arts and humanities, 43 percent in math and science, and the remaining 10 percent in a variety of other fields.

Camellia Waldorf School’s annual tuition is $8,675. Considered low for a Waldorf school, it is expensive for the average family.

What most people do not know is that, perhaps unlike other local private schools, Camellia provides more than $170,000 in tuition assistance to an unprecedented 42 percent of its student population.

Contrary to public perception, 10 percent of Camellia students would qualify for free or reduced lunch in a public school. This Waldorf School is committed to providing its integrated curriculum to a socio-economically diverse population. Parents of all backgrounds make sacrifices to send their children to this school.

The school's mission is to educate by “honoring childhood, appreciating the individuality of each student and nurturing a sense of moral and ethical responsibility while building capacities for learning and encouraging clear and creative thinking.”

Camellia Waldorf School is more than a school. It is an educational community of committed staff, faculty and parents that strives to achieve and live a shared mission.

On Dec. 12, the school will host its 21st Annual Winter Faire, open to the public. This event offers a variety of activities for children such as puppet shows, storytelling, craft activities, and a store just for children to select gifts for family and friends.

Over 40 local artisans and craft vendors will be selling handcrafted items and unique gifts for holiday shopping.

This year the Faire will offer free demonstrations on beekeeping, hand-blown glass ornaments, and blacksmithing.

Festive and culturally diverse music and dance performances will also be free and include Kalpulli Xihuacoatl - Danza Azteka, the Southern Brothers Drum Group, Val Shadowhawk, the Nada Brahma Music Ensemble, Agua de Beber Capoeira, The Benny’s and the Ntshiab Li Nag Hmong dancers.

A “Gingerbread Creations” exhibit will feature the "work" of local architects and housing developers. The public, too, will be invited to build gingerbread structures.

The “Golden Ladle Soup Competition” will serve gourmet soups from local restaurants including Ella Dining Room and Bar and Magpie Café to be judged by local celebrities, such as Mai Pham from Lemongrass Restaurant, Sonney Chong from CAPITAL, Paulette Bruce of The Dining Divas, and Councilmembers Rob Fong and Kevin McCarty.

This event is open to the public and free. Some activities require nominal fees. Celebrate the winter season at this exciting event! CWS, 5701 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, (916) 427-5022. See www.camelliawaldorf.org for more information.

This article was submitted by Marisa Cheung, Camellia Waldorf School Parent, and Meredith Johanson, Camellia Waldorf School Administrator.

Time Change Brings Greater Dangers of Assault

2009-10-29T17:40:33Z

A greater awareness of danger is called for when the time change brings us early dark days and cold, dark mornings. While everyone needs to pay more attention in the seasonal time change, women especially need to increase their vigilance as predators often use darkness as cover. While spending time out and about shopping women would be more vulnerable to assaults as they are often alone, in unfamiliar settings and distracted by holiday stresses.

Join the Robinson's, Sacramento's first name in family martial arts, for a special free clinic in safety awareness and simple self defense. Just keeping personal safety in mind helps increase the odds against any problems. By learning some simple self defense and practicing escape scenarios keeping yourself and your family safe is much easier.

A great turnout last year, and requests for more opportunity to attend these free clinics, has prompted Robinson's Taekwondo to offer two different sessions in 2009. On Friday, November 13th the first free clinic is offered at 6:30 PM, and a second 90 minute session will now be available on Saturday, November 14th beginning at 11 AM. The clinics will be offered at all eighteen Sacramento regional Robinson's TKD locations. Visit www.robinsonstkd.com to reserve space at a location near you.

Women will unite with Robinson's Black Belt instructors who will empower them with information, self defense technique and the confidence of knowing how to respond in the dark days ahead. Just by attending, women will come away with a safety 'mindset' that goes a long way toward keeping them from harm.

Free SMUD trees support the 5 million tree campaign

2009-10-28T17:33:28Z

Tree clean our air and water, store carbon in their trunks, create habitat for wildlife, reduce air pollution, increase property values, and provide countless other benefits. The Sacramento Tree Foundation works to leverage all of the benefits that trees provide to create healthy and sustainable communities through building the best urban forest in the Sacramento region. A major keystone in building the best urban forest is the Greenprint initiative, a multi-decade regional framework created to meet Sacramento's sustainability and livability goals by expanding urban forests and optimizing the benefits of tree canopies. Greenprint partners, comprised of 22 cities and 6 counties, have agreed to double their tree canopy over the next 40 years. In order to achieve this goal, we need to plant 5 million new trees by the year 2025.

SMUD customers can join the 5 million tree campaign by planting free energy saving SMUD trees. Through the Shade Tree Program, the Sacramento Tree Foundation, in partnership with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, has planted over 450,000 trees in Sacramento County since the program’s inception in 1990. If you wish to receive free shade trees, a Community Forester from the Sacramento Tree Foundation will visit your property and help you select the best trees, determine the strategic locations for maximum energy savings, and provide you with information on planting and care. When you are ready to plant, your trees will be delivered to your home, along with stakes and ties – all at absolutely no cost to you. To sign up for a free appointment or to learn more about trees and the 5 million tree campaign, please contact the Sacramento Tree Foundation at (916) 924-8733 Ext. 121 or visit Sactree.com.

FREE EVENT: Family Disaster-Preparedness Day

2009-09-09T16:43:06Z

Join South Sacramento VISIONS at their annual Family Disaster-Preparedness Day, a family event sponsored in part by Kaiser Permanente and Sacramento County, feautring classes, games, entertainment and more! Kids will enjoy the kids zone with bounce house, all will enjoy entertainment by J. Rene Academy of Dance and Vocalist Sheryl Counter. Saturday, September 26, 10:00am-2:00pm at the Jose Rizal Community Center, 7320 Florin Mall Drive, Sacramento, CA. For more information contact mswhitton@aol.com or 916-391-3107

Hot Lunch Concert Series

2009-08-28T04:19:10Z

The vibe at Fremont park was laid-back and friendly during the new Hot Lunch series presented by Hot Italian and The Sacramento Press.

Dozens of people sat scattered through the park on blankets and in lawn chairs, bobbing to the live music and chowing down on the food that was delivered from Hot Italian, just across 16th Street. Most people in attendance were on their lunch breaks some were just walking their dogs and got pulled in by the delicious smells and intriguing sounds.

Attendee Melissa Olsen said, "I'm here on my lunch hour, and I think this is a good morale booster for all of the state employees in this hard time, to have somewhere near the end of the week to just unwind and listen to music for an hour."

At this week's concert, Kate Gaffney entertained the crowd with songs from her two latest albums as well as some old favorites from bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

"I'm happy to be a part of the Sacramento music scene," Gaffney said. "This is a great little event to have for lunch."

Hot Lunch will take place every Thursday until Sept. 24 on 16th and Q from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Some of the food available included pizza, panini and salads. A crowd favorite in the drink category was Limonata, an Italian lemonade.

Attendees said they hope that the concert series will gain popularity as it goes on, creating a type of concert in the park following.

The next concert will feature music from Richard March.

You can check out Richard March's music at: http://www.myspace.com/richardmarch
and Kate Gaffney's at: http://www.myspace.com/kategaffney

BikeCrawl II

2009-08-20T23:19:57Z

Rollin' on the BikeCrawl II
The 2nd "bicycle-themed" Grubcrawl is Wed. Aug. 26, promptly at 5:30 starting @ Bikes and Bites, 12th & J st, Downtown Sac..... Grubcrawlusa.com in partnership with Bikes & Bites presents the second of many Bikecrawls, rollin' spot to spot enjoying free appetizers and drink specials all night long! Soooo,....Bring your cycles, trikes, and appetites! Join us @ Brew It Up, Sofia's, Three Fires @ the downtown Marriott, Table 260,...and other Sacramento Hot Spots. See ya there!

Rent-A-Bike or bring your own!
Bring your tour cycle, beach cruizer, road or mountain bike, or tandem to the starting venue at 5:30 pm, with $25 and your appetite!

Or for an additional $15.00 borrow a ride from the fleet of rental bikes: which includes both men’s and women’s classic single speed beach cruiser style bikes, a combination lock, front and rear light set, an optional helmet, and a front-mounted basket. Call to reserve: (916) 448-1799 or visit 1013 12th st. @ Bikes & Bites.

Jump in our Pedicab!
Don't wanna ride onder your own power? Why use your OWN legs when there are plenty of young, energetic pairs of other peoples pedal pumpers to propel you and your friends around the Grubcrawl route. Dial-a-Bike Pedicab provides free, door-to-door transpo between restaurants and back to your car at the end of the night! Ride in style with Harmon (the owner and pedicab guru) and his crew of fit, fun, upbeat, & young drivers,...just be sure to tip them for their prompt and professional service!

See what Sac Media Moguls have to say about the previous BikeCrawl: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/11162/Tour_de_Sac_ends_with_Pub_Crawl

Wheeeew! Thank Gawd! It will cool off for the Bikecrawl this Wed. Not only are we starting in the shady of the city after the heat breaks, the Delta breeze off the river makes this Crawl the coolest place to be in Sac! As we slide from one air-conditioned venue to another, cooling the engines with refreshing drinks and recharging the system with tasty appetizers,... The outside temp. will steadily drop... while the fun and excitement inside grows and builds, with prizes and givaways meeting and eating with the popular party crowd. Have to work Thursday??? Don't worry!!! We pull up to our last destination, 9:30 or so, for scrumptious snacks and a nightcap. If you gotto go then, in order to get to work in the morning,..say goodnite and be home by 10:00pm!! For those who can stay out past curfew, Grubcrawl is taking it till last call and you can party with us all night! Reg. now @ Grubcrawlusa.com or call (916) 730-0977.

"Earthlings" free Showing

2009-07-13T18:03:57Z

EARTHLINGS
FREE • LIMITED SEATING • ONE NIGHT ONLY • DON’T MISS IT • FREE
www.earthlings.com

Where: SACRAMENTO BICYCLE KITCHEN
1915 I Street (between 19th and 20th, along the railroad tracks).
NOTE: Seating is limited. Please bring a lawn chair or two if you can.

When: FRIDAY, July 17, 2009

Time: 7:00-10:00 PM
Director’s featurette at 7:30
EARTHLINGS at 8:00
About the film: EARTHLINGS (95 mins), written and directed by Shaun Monson and narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, is about the suffering of animals for food, fashion, pets, entertainment, and medical research. Considered the most persuasive documentary ever made, EARTHLINGS is nicknamed “the Vegan Maker” for its sensitive footage shot at animal shelters, pet stores, puppy mills, factory farms, slaughterhouses, the leather and fur trades, sporting events, circuses, and research labs. Moby, a dedicated vegan, provided the eerie, haunting soundtrack for the documentary. His beautiful yet melancholy tones serve as an allegory for the innocence and beauty of domestic and wildlife animals subjected to the cruelest treatment. The images and video used in the documentary, which were obtained over a five-year period with undercover cameras, are powerful and disturbing. Almost no narration is needed; the video lens unflinchingly tells the whole story for the animals. NOTE: This film is not rated—viewer discretion is strongly advised. “Of all the films I have ever made, this is the one that gets people talking the most. For every one person who sees EARTHLINGS, they will tell three” - Joaquin Phoenix, actor/narrator “If I could make evernone in the world see one film, I’d make them see EARTHLINGS.” – Peter Singer, author, Animal Liberation “For those who watch EARTHLINGS, the world will never be the same.” – Tom Regan, author, A Case for Animal Rights

Presented by the Sacramento Animal Rights (SAR) Meetup Group
(www.meetup.com/Sacramento-Animal-Rights-Meetup-Group/)
Special thanks to the Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen for the use of their space.
Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen is not affiliated with SAR or Earthlings.com.

2nd Saturday weekend doesn't disappoint

2009-07-09T21:14:51Z

Ahhh, yes, it's that time of the month again folks. Second Saturday weekend that is! Although there are great things going on all month long throughout Sacramento, many locals will argue that the second weekend of the month in Sacramento is their favorite time to venture out on the town. In addition to the Art Walk on Saturday, this weekend has a plethora of cool things to check out. And for Sactown, mid-July is looking to bring us some relatively mild weather to boot! Take a look to see if any of these events can lure you to venture out...try something different this week!

Thursday 7.9

Food & Wine: California Grape & Gourmet -- $50 ($70 day of)
Where: Sacramento Convention Center
When: 5:30-8:30pm
Why: A charity event produced by the California State Fair to benefit the Friends of the California State Fair Scholarship Fund. This exquisite wine and food tasting event features more than 600 award winning wines and delicious food from nearly 90 of Northern California's best restaurants. Take home a commemorative wine glass and maybe even purchase some of the award winning wines! There will be also be live musical entertainment, an assortment of exceptional cheeses and award winning micro brews (Commercial Cheese and Commercial Craftbrew Competition winners) to enjoy. This is touted by many Sacramentans as “The Best Wine Event in Sacramento” as well it should be!
Details

Music/Nightlife: DJ Kaskade -- $17 (presale)
Where: The Park Ultralounge
When: 8pm
Why: If you missed him last time, you should really try to make this show. I am not much of an electronic music fan these days but Kaskade really knows how to mix some good music! He’s not your average DJ…
Details

Music: Beyonce -- $20.75+
Where: Arco Arena
When: 7:30pm
Why: She’s not the best paid celebrity in America under the age of 30 for nothing! Her big debut to fame was back in 1993 (!) with Destiny’s Child, but only after she broke away as a solo act did she really come out of her shell. She is now married to rap superstar Jay-Z and makes over $80 million a year! See what the hype is all about while she’s in town- you’re not likely to leave disappointed.
Details

Music/Nightlife: Cheese & Olive Oil Pairing -- $45
Where: Cest le Cheese
When: 6:30-8:30pm
Why: Decadent pairings inspired by ancient times. Explore the rich world of artisan cheeses paired with extra virgin olive oils. Laura Martinez, cheese and olive oil connoisseur and author, guides you through California's finest offerings while dipping into timeless and surprising food pairings. Perfectly accompanied by sparkling wine.
Details

Music/Museum: Night at the Museum featuring the Pyronauts -- $Free w/ admission ($8/7/4)
Where: California Auto Museum
When: 6-9pm
Why: Don’t miss your chance every Thursday during the summer to cruise down to the CA Auto Museum, enjoy the evening, & experience car culture as it comes alive! This Thursday enjoy live music from The Pyronauts, a local surf band who specializes in the sounds of Dick Dale and The Del Tones, The Surfaris, The Ventures and more! Take some time to browse around the museum’s current exhibit “Carved Elegance: Woodies, Wheels, and Waves” while you’re there.
Details: http://www.sacramento365.com/event/detail/39351

Friday 7.10

Music: Concert in the Park -- $Free
Where: Cesar Chavez Park
When: 5pm-9pm
Why: This week features Kate Gaffney & Boulevard Park along with West of Next, Christopher Fairman & The Stilts! If you live and Sacramento and have still not checked out a CIP, you are missing out! Its free family fun that the adults can enjoy too! Afterwards, don’t forget about the weekly concert crawl (Post Concert Specials!!): Show your concert wristband and receive specials at local bars and restaurants. Receive special happy hour deals on food and drinks when you ask for the Concert Crawl Deal.
Details

Music Festival: Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival --$
Where: Sleeptrain Amphitheatre
When: 2:15pm
Why: The most electrifying carnival to ever hit the summer concert circuit, is back…and bigger. MARILYN MANSON and SLAYER will top the bill on this year’s highly anticipated tour kicking off here in Sacramento! Featuring many of rock’s heaviest bands: Marilyn Manson and Slayer headline joined by Bullet for my Valentine and a special guest; also Trivium, All That Remains, God Forbid and the Jägermeister Battle of the Bands winner, Cannibal Corpse, Job for a Cowboy, Behemoth, Black Dahlia Murder and Whitechapel. In addition to catching a slew of “speaker-shredding performances”, play the newest video games, peruse vendors, attend autograph signing sessions and a host of other interactive activities that will add to the festival experience. Stage sponsor Jägermeister will be sampling their products and providing fun surprises for attendees.
Details

Special Event: News10 Blood Donor Day-- $Free
Where: News10 Studios
When: 6am & 7pm
Why: The summer months are a critical time for blood banks so we need everyone to be a hero and donate a life saving pint of blood. News10 Blood Donor Day with Delta Blood Bank is the perfect opportunity to do some good, and also have some fun!! Every donor will receive a free t-shirt, as well as a coupon for a pint of ice cream from Baskin Robbins!! In addition, you will also get a coupon for a free cherry limeade at Sonic!! Plus, you can get swabbed to be on the national marrow donor list and the swabbing fee will be waived for this one day only! Thank you for being a hero and helping us save lives. For more information, please visit news10.net.
Details

Film & Video: MOBS presents, Rock That Uke w/ Ukulele Loki's Gadabout Orchestra -- $5
Where: Guild Theatre (2828 35th Street)
When: Screenings, 7:00pm & 9:30pm; Performance, 8:00pm
Why: The screening of "Rock That Uke" will be accompanied by a live performance by Ukulele Loki's Gadabout Orchestra! Ukulele Loki's Gadabout Orchestra is a Denver based 6 piece chamber-pop band that features ukulele, tuba, trombone, clarinet, glockenspiel, drums, and synth. Additionally, the Director of the film- William Preston Robertson will be in attendance. Robertson has lent his voice to numerous Coen Brothers films and authored the definitive book on the Coen Brothers, "The Big Lebowski: The Making of a Coen Brothers Film!" Come see the movie at 7 and hang around for Ukulele Loki's performance at 8 PM, OR come to see Ukulele Loki at 8 PM and stay for the second screening. About the movie: “A funky, curiously philosophical cinematic love poem that examines the near mystical allure of the four-stringed underdog of the musical world and the recent surge of alternative, post-punk musicians on the American mainland who have taken up the instrument, and have incorporated the ukulele not just into their raucous and irreverent original compositions, but into a counter cultural, post-punk ethos.”
Details

Music: American Idols Live 2009 Tour -- $40.50+
Where: Arco Arena
When: 7pm
Why: Calling all American Idol fans!! It’s your chance to see your favorite “Idols” live and in person! Only featuring the top 10 contestants: Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre, this is sure to be a great show. The phenomenon that American Idol has become is sure to be well received here in Sacramento.
Details

Saturday 7.11

Kids & Families: Downtown Kids Week -- $Various
Where: Saturday 7/11-Saturday 7/18
When: Various
Why: Families from around the region are invited to join in the fun of Downtown Sacramento’s first annual Downtown Kid’s Week. The Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP), California State Parks, local museums, theatres and restaurants have come together to make Sacramento’s central city the place to be this summer vacation by offering family-friendly events, activities, exhibits and special offers throughout the week.
Details

Art: Progeny Exhibit w/Artist Talk -- $FREE
Where: 40 Acres Art Gallery
When: 4pm-5pm (Artist talk)
Why: Progeny pairs Deborah Willis and her son, Hank Willis Thomas, in their first official collaboration. Willis is a photographer, educator and curator. Thomas has become known for his stinging critique of advertising and its impact on contemporary life. Consisting of photographs and video, the exhibit is a narrative of their family history, their developments as artists, and the fusion of the two. Exhibit previously shown at the Bernice Steinbaum Gallery, Florida and the Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery, Columbia University, New York. This will be an excellent opportunity to get the artists’ perspective before the exhibit opens July 14th.
Details

Music/Art: 2nd Saturday for Families: Gordy Ohliger, the Banjo-ologist -- $Free
Where: Crocker Art Museum
When: 12pm-3pm
Why: The Crocker aims to bring family fun events to the 2nd Saturday lineup! Banjo-ologist Gordy Ohliger will present a heritage you can hear with his movable museum of antique instruments. Toe-tapping, clap-along music, California paintings and hands-on art bring the early years of the Golden State to life. This is a limited seating event so reservations are required.
Details

Kids & Families: Butterfly Bash -- $6/5/4
Where: Discovery Museum Science & Space Center
When: 12:30pm-3pm
Why: The Discovery Museum hosts many fun and interactive exhibits for your little ones to enjoy. Have any fans at home of these mesmerizing winged insects? There is really no other insect that I can think of to hold such beauty as a butterfly. There will be cases of local & exotic butterflies on display to peruse. How many butterflies can you spot in our butterfly garden? Also, kids will be able to design their very own butterfly ring to wear.
Details

Film/Video: Esquire IMAX Theatre 10th Anniversary Celebration -- $Free
Where: Esquire IMAX Theatre
When: 10am-5pm
Why: To celebrate the Esquire IMAX Theatre’s 10th anniversary the public is invited to enjoy a free movie this Saturday! Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the Esquire IMAX Theatre will run eight free shows, up to 400 seats each, of the film Wild California! on the hour each hour. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Make sure to get there early!
Details

Food & Wine: Common Table: AgFest 2009-- $25-100
Where: Freemont Community Garden/Guild Theatre
When: Tours & workshops, 8:30am-3:00pm; Movie, 2:30pm & 4:00pm; Dinner, 5:30pm
Why: Brought to you by Slow Food Sacramento, Common Table is a day of tours and workshops culminating in a sit-down gourmet dinner in the Fremont Community Garden. Benefitting the Sacramento Hunger Coalition and the Sacramento Area Community Garden Coalition, the goal is to raise awareness about local urban gardening and food programs, as well as to advocate for improved city, county and state food policies that enable more locally grown foods in urban locations. The dinner of fresh, seasonal faire will be catered by Magpie Caters. Dinner speaker Braham Ahmadi of Peoples Grocery in Oakland will share his insights on Innovative Solutions for Food Justice. Additionally, the Avid Reader will be on hand selling a variety of books on gardening and the urban food movement, and a live auction will feature an array of culinary opportunities, including local gourmet restaurants that will offer private dinners, private gardening consultations and an opportunity to dine out with a prominent food critic Blair Anthony Robertson. During the day a variety of workshops will be held relating to community gardening, backyard organic gardening, composting, food gleaning and local food swap programs and a special showing of the movie "FRESH" will be showing at the Guild Theater. "FRESH" celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system.
Details

Classes & Workshops: Macrobiotics Wellness Class -- $20
Where: Arden Hills Resort & Spa
When: 10:30am
Why: Never heard of a macrobiotics diet before? It’s a low-fat, high fiber approach to foods designed for optimal health and longevity through nutrition. Don’t miss this special “Macrobiotics” class to learn how a simple diet rich in whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, vegetables and soy products might be the right approach to improve your diet and overall well being for a longer, more healthful life. We can all use a little dose of healthy habits right?
Details

Sunday 7.12

Kids & Families: Sacramento Street Scenes -- $Free
Where: Old Sacramento
When: 10am-6pm (Every Sat & Sun through August)
Why: The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation in collaboration with the City of Sacramento is proud to introduce a new Street Scene Program beginning this month. Calling upon the talents of musicians, jugglers, storytellers, re-enactors, volunteer fire fighters, artisans, and even some burros, Old Sacramento will offer free, family-friendly and historically educational entertainment every Saturday and Sunday June through August. This Sunday there will be Storytelling, Children's Games, Bowling- Gold Rush Style, Juggling, & Shootouts!
Details

Special Event: Antique Fair -- $3 Adults/ Children Free
Where: X & 21Sreets
When: 6:30am-3pm
Why: An Outdoor Antique and Collectible Marketplace held the 2nd Sunday of every month!! Hundreds of antique dealers from throughout Northern California selling furniture, textiles, architectural pieces, jewelry, cultural pieces, china and glassware, garden accessories, rugs, art and collectibles of all kinds will be on hand with their quality goods. Browse around and who knows what sorts of treasures you’ll find!
Details

Theatre: Much Ado About Nothing~ Sacramento Shakespeare Festival -- $18 General/15 Students
Where: William Land Park
When: Doors: 6:30pm; Curtain: 8pm
Why: This is the 24th season of the Shakespeare Festival in Sacramento! Its recommended that you buy your tickets online to avoid the ticket line. Plus, get free parking by showing your printout to the parking attendant. Don’t hesitate to bring a picnic, low lawn chairs and a blanket and enjoy Shakespeare under the stars!
Details

Also, if you want to mention an event that I didn't squeeze into this little article- add it to the comments below! Have a great weekend!!

Red, White and Blue Agenda: What to do this 4th of July

2009-07-02T05:04:48Z

With so many ways to show your patriotism, there will be no excuse to be blue in Sacramento this weekend.

Daytime Fun on the Fourth

Annual East Sacramento Parade
Parade begins: 10 a.m.
Route: Walking 41st and 42nd streets at M Street in red, white and blue.

Pyrospectacular at Cal Expo
What: Independence Day fireworks celebration
When: Gates open at 4:30 p.m., fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m.
Where: Cal Expo. Guests should use the East Gate, located at the intersection of Exposition Boulevard and Challenge Way, as the main entrance to the event. Enter through the D Lot parking area.
Highlights: Largest-scale pyrotechnics display in the area’s history; music and dancing in the Grandstand area; live harness racing starting at 5 p.m. in the Miller Lite Grandstand; live music and dancing with Mobility, a subdivision of the U.S. Air Force band of the Golden West
What to know: General admission is free, but parking is $10 per vehicle. A limited number of $10 reserved seats are on sale. Arrive early and bring lawn chairs and blankets. Fireworks, cans, glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Bags and ice chests will be searched at the gate. The grass infield will be open on the north side with a section for persons with disabilities set up on the apron by the Winner’s Circle.

Rancho Cordova Fouth of July What: The 25th annual Rancho Cordova Fourth of July celebration
When: July 3 and 4
Where: Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Dr., Rancho Cordova
Highlights: Pablo Cruise performs July 3,Double Funk Crunch performs July 4, five nights of carnival rides, two nights of fireworks, community parade, food and craft vendors and a Guitar Hero competition.
More info: http://www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com/ or (916) 851-8818

33rd Annual Fourth of July Five-miler
What: Sacramento’s oldest running event!
When: July 4
7:15 to 7:45 a.m. — Sign in (everyone must sign a waiver)
7:45 a.m. — Start of Kids’ Half-Mile Race (ages 10 and younger)
8 a.m. — Start of Five-Mile Race
Where: Glen Hall Park, on the corner of Sandburg and Carlson Drive in River Park, directly north of Sacramento State.
Highlight: This event is free!

Esquire IMAX Theatre $5 Movie & Dinner Deal What: Guests who show a $20 receipt from any downtown area restaurant can purchase a standard IMAX ticket for $5. Hollywood films receive $5 off ticket price. This offer is valid Sunday through Friday only at the Esquire IMAX Theatre in Downtown Sacramento through Aug. 20.
When: July 4 at 3 p.m.
Where: Esquire IMAX Theatre

Pub Crawl
What: Join the First Annual Sacramento Fourth of July Pub Crawl as it celebrates independence. When: 3 p.m. Where: 1. Bonnlair
2. Club Raven
3. Limelight
4. G.V. Hurley's, Blue Cue or Harlow's
5. Monkey Bar
6. Golden Bear
7. Distillery
8. Stone Grille
9. Old Tavern
10. Zebra Club
11. Whiskey Wild
12. Benny's (Q Street)
13. Press Club More info: sjwolfgram@gmail.com

Night Life on the Fourth

Torch Club
What: Based in the San Francisco Bay Area , David Landon creates plenty of excitement with his metal-edged rock guitar sound. He refreshed several of the very standard standards he takes on, especially a funked up version of Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes."
Where: 904 15th St., across from the Memorial Auditorium.
More info: $6 cover. http://www.torchclub.net

Harlow's
What: Nikolas Willrich and Eric Wade present Top 40 DJ with a live drummer.
Where: 2708 J St.
More info: http://www.harlows.com

Empire
What: TAT Productions and One Vision team up for the ultimate Saturday party, Rejuvenate. DJ Illest keeps the dance floor hot with his wicked mix of hip-hop and R&B.
Where: 1417 R St.
More info: $10 cover. For VIP booth reservations, e-mail vip@empireeventscenter.com.

SAMMIES take the party outdoors

2009-06-29T03:53:28Z

The Sacramento News & Review Music Fest and SAMMIES (Sacramento Area Music Awards) Ceremony made its outdoor debut Saturday at Cesar Chavez Park in the sweltering heat but kept music lovers cool with the help of a dunk tank, beer and wine garden and the park's fountain.

In the past, the annual event has been held at the Crest Theatre, but this year, organizers of the 19th annual fest chose to celebrate in the sun, with art and fashion vendors and a huge inflatable slide.

The mood was celebratory throughout the festival. Children and adults alike splashed in the park’s central fountain as the 14 bands performed on two stages. The beer garden offered shaded areas for the 21 and over to lounge, and everyone stayed hydrated with Green Sol Water.

The various bands hailed from vastly different genres, from indie to country to heavy metal.

Terra Lopez, lead singer of the Outstanding Indie-nominated Sister Crayon, said she was happy for the exposure the event brings

“There are people here who probably would never have heard or seen us if it weren’t for events like this, " she said. "It brings people of different genres together…We played after a metal band. It’s awesome.”

“The News and Review, the whole SAMMIES thing, is the most legit event Sacramento has for its musicians,” said Tyler Campbell, lead singer of Arden Park Roots, which took home the SAMMIE for Outstanding Reggae/Ska/Funk/Jam. “ It’s the most supportive event and the most prestigious thing you can be a part of as a Sacramento band.”

The day concluded with the SAMMIES Award ceremony, where recipients came to the stage to accept their plaques and give brief acceptance speeches.

Members of the Outstanding Singer-Songwriter winner Be Brave Bold Robot paid homage to the late Michael Jackson by singing an a capella version of “Man in the Mirror” upon receiving their award. MC Rut (which was not present due to its tour obligations) swept the ceremony with awards in all three categories in which the band was nominated.

The 2009 Sacramento Area Music Awards Reader’s Choice Winners are as follows:

Outstanding Emcee:
Random Abiladeze

Outstanding Rock:
MC Rut

Outstanding Punk/Hardcore:
Final Summation

Outstanding Hard Rock/Metal:
Prieta

Outstanding Hip-hop/Rap:
Righteous Movement

Outstanding Turntablist:
DJ Epik

Outstanding Jazz/Blues/Latin:
Ross Hammond

Outstanding Indie:
the New Humans

Outstanding Country/Americana/Folk:
Light Rail

Outstanding Experimental:
Mom

Outstanding Singer-Songwriter:
Be Brave Bold Robot

Outstanding Teen Band:
Red Wire Army

Outstanding Reggae/Ska/Funk/Jam:
Arden Park Roots

Outstanding Pop:
Agent Ribbons

Outstanding Electronica:
Tha Fruitbat

Outstanding Hip-hop Producer:
Jae Synth

Outstanding Release/Album:
MC Rut, MC Rut

Outstanding Sacramento Band:
MC Rut

Author's Note: The photo credit goes to Jessica Zou

Lots of free (and cheap) events this Weekend!!

2009-06-17T23:55:20Z

It has never occurred to me that Father's Day weekend always happens at the same time as the summer solstice. Is that by coincidence? The longest, sunniest day of the year falls on the weekend that we celebrate our Dad's. That's kind of cool! At least for those of us who celebrate them. Otherwise, think of it as an extended day for you to be having fun! This weekend is packed with family friendly events for the whole family to enjoy at budget friendly prices. There are a few things I've mentioned that are a little more pricey... but they sound so fun! Whatever your budget is and whomever you'd like to spend your time with, check out what this weekend has in store.

Thursday 6.18

Class: Small Business Forum: Going Green -- $FREE
Where: SHCC Offices (1491 River Park Dr)
When: 9am
Why: Every month a different topic is featured in these workshops. From accounting practices, legal issues, buying new technology and creating a business plan—they’ll teach you all you need to know to be more efficient in your business. This month will focus on the latest trend in business…Going Green. It won’t cost you any green to come so check it out!
Details

Food & Wine: Wild West Cheese Adventure -- $45
Where: C’est le Cheese (Penthouses at Capitol Park)
When: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Why: “Artisan cheese makers are pushing the frontiers of flavor into an entirely new world by using the sweetest, creamiest milk from locally raised cows, goats and sheep to create an exquisite array of stupendous artisan cheese. Join Laura Martinez, author of "The Everything Cheese Book", in a tasting adventure of these wild and wooly cheese creations paired with wine and beer from pioneering vintners and brewers. This class is guaranteed to transport you to the best of the Wild West!”~ C’est le Cheese
Details

Music: Third Thursday Jazz Summer Concert Series -- $10 (FREE to Crocker Members)
Where: CSUS Capistrano Hall
When: 5:30pm-8pm
Why: The Garrett Perkins Project will entertain with their versatile range of Jazz from bebop to modern contemporary jazz. The Garrett Perkins Project is dedicated to promoting music that is at once educational and entertaining. Garrett has had a Quartet since the age of fifteen as an avenue for playing his beloved alto saxophone.
Details

Friday 6.19

Festival: Sacramento French Film Festival—Opening Night -- $10/ $9 students (single ticket)
Where: Crest Theatre
When: 6pm (Movie at 8:30pm) ***The festival runs through Sunday, June 28th***
Why: Opening night and reception! You cannot see the film tonight without going to the reception. Enjoy an open wine bar and catered hors d’oeuvres by local restaurants and music by DJ Christophe. The Sacramento French Film Festival is an annual event held in July. It celebrates the present as well as the rich history of French cinema featuring new releases and rarely seen classics. It is the only festival dedicated to French cinema in Northern California and one of only two on the West coast. The Sacramento Bee described the Festival as “the Cinematic Highlight of Sacramento's Summer”. All of the films are in French with English subtitles. (Psst! Check out the website for more fun events like the fashion show on Saturday the 21st!!)
Details

Festival: All American Tattoo Festival--$15 at the door/$30 for the weekend
Where: Sacramento Convention Center
When: 2pm-11pm (also Saturday, 11am-11pm & Sunday, 11am-7pm)
Why: Tattoo lovers unite! Tell all your ink loving friends to come over to the CC this weekend. There will be tattoo contests for prizes in addition to the artwork and music. Whether you’re a seasoned (or should I say fully decorated) tattoo lover or a novice, this is the place to find what you’re looking for. Even if you’re not much of a tattoo fan, you got to come if only to see George the Giant. He is himself a complete sideshow performance- known for his fire breathing, sword swallowing, glass walking stunts and many more, he is sure to entertain! Plus...the world wide debut of SHIGE a book by Horitaka from the Yellow Blaze Tattoo Studio in Japan.
Details

Kids & Families: Wet 'n Wild Family Night @ the Y! -- FREE
Where: Sacramento YMCA
When: 6pm-8pm
Why: Join the Sacramento Area YMCA for a free Wet n' Wild Family Night with musical guests, Prima! Bring your swimsuit, flip-flops & towel, there will be plenty of wet n' wild games including a fundraiser dunk tank! This is a free community event where everyone is welcome so don't forget to tell your family & friends! Jamba Juice and Yogurtagogo will also be on hand selling their tasty juices and yogurt to help beat the heat!
Details

Kids & Families: Disney Train Comes to Sacramento! -- $FREE
Where: California State Railroad Museum
When: 9am-7pm (also Saturday, 9am-7pm & Sunday, 9am-4pm)
Why: Bring your family and friends to Old Sacramento to see the Disney Train on the tracks near the California State Railroad Museum. Disney is pulling out all the whistle stops and taking its show on the road with a spectacular immersive and interactive 40-city train tour, including a 3D sneak peek of film footage from the upcoming movie “Disney’s A Christmas Carol.” Enjoy a snowy backdrop in June in Old Sacramento, complete with all of the sights and sounds of Christmas including carolers, decorations, giveaways and many more surprises. This Disney family event is for guests of all ages and is free to the public. Starring Jim Carrey and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” opens in theatres November 6 in Disney Digital 3D and in IMAX 3D.
Details

Music: A Classic Rock Tribute with “ATB” -- $
Where: Double Tree Hotel
When: 8:30pm-11pm
Why: After the Beatles, music has never been the same. Or so believes ATB, which stands for After The Beatles. They are a classic rock tribute band keeping the Beatles alive by playing the music that the Beatles made, after the Beatles.
Details

Music: Les Claypool -- $25 adv/ $30 at door
Where: Radisson Hotel
When: 7:30pm
Why: Legendary Bassist from the popular band Primus. Back in their heyday (aka the 90’s), Les was recognized for his inventive, funky style. Advance tickets can be purchased at any Dimple Records store, The Beat and R5 Records.
Details

Saturday 6.20

Art: Stellar Studios’ Summer Solstice -- $FREE
Where: Stellar Studios (23rd & C St.)
When: 5pm-12am
Why: Celebrate Summer Solstice and support some local artists while you’re at it! Stellar will be featuring new work in glass, ceramics, metal & mixed media from all local artists. Get a glimpse into the future of art spaces. Also, it’s a great excuse to peruse and shop around with music & fire to compliment the atmosphere on the longest day of the year.
Details: http://sacramento365.com/event/detail/38873

Art/Class: Figure Drawing Marathon for Adults -- $65 ($45 for Crocker Members)
Where: Crocker Art Museum
When: 10:30am-4:30pm
Why: Back by popular demand! This workshop is for beginners and advanced students looking to learn or improve drawing skills. Draw from nude models while exploring the figure through warm-up exercises, gesture drawings and long poses. Note that this is an adult class! You must be 18 years or older. Drawing materials will be provided. Make sure you call to reserve your spot because reservations are required.
Details

Festival: 8th Annual Juneteenth Festival-- $FREE
Where: William Land Park
When: 11am-6pm (also Sunday, 11am-5pm)
Why: A Celebration of Freedom and the Emancipation Proclamation. What a way we’ve come! This is a two-day event featuring two stages of live musical entertainment, vendors, children's activities, spelling bee, fishing derby, The Juneteenth Educational Theater, essay/poster contests, theater, cultural dance performances, and more on Saturday! The Juneteenth Talent Show is probably the highlight of the event where local aspiring talent takes a stab at the stage. Nearly 8,000 people attend Juneteenth annually. On Sunday check out the 3rd annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament, the Juneteenth Gospel Extravaganza featuring Sacramento’s best gospel artists, food/ware vendors, and all kinds of children’s’ activities. Be there!
Details

Fundraiser: Round ‘em Up Barbeque -- $10 adults/ $5 kids
Where: Swanston Park
When: 3pm
Why: Grab the kids and head to the park for a family friendly BBQ! The Sacramento Children's Chorus will be performing an informal concert for entertainment. All of the proceeds for this event benefit the Sacramento Children’s Chorus. With all of the funding cuts happening with children’s programs, makes sense to support them in family fun ways such as these…
Details

Music: Pops in the Park Concert Series -- $FREE
Where: Bertha Henschel Park
When: 6pm-10pm
Why: This week is featuring the George Bruno Big Band. I don’t know much about the band- and couldn’t find any information on them other than they play at all kinds of family friendly events- but I do know that the Pops in The park Concerts are a great night out for families. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets and prepare to have some fun!
Details

Sunday 6.21 (Dad’s Day!)

Film: IMAX Father’s Day Package -- $Varies
Where: Esquire IMAX Theatre
When: 11am, 12:15, 1:15, 2:15 (Start Times)
Why: Take your Dad to see an IMAX show this weekend- or dad’s, take your kids out and save. In addition to the Stimulus Deal IMAX has been promoting, this Sunday Dad’s get in Free! You still need the receipt from a restaurant though. So the Stimulus Package Deal goes like this: Visit any Downtown/Midtown Sacramento Restaurant and spend $20…then bring your receipt to the Esquire IMAX Theatre and purchase any ticket to see Dinosaurs Alive 3D, Under The Sea 3D or African Adventure 3D for $5 or get a $5 discount off the full price admission ticket to Monsters vs. Aliens 3D, Star Trek, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian or Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. (Subject to availability) Up to 4 Tickets can be purchased with receipt.
Details

Music: Father’s Day BBQ Train -- $49 Adults/ $25 Kids (plus taxes & Service charge)
Where: Sacramento River Train
When: 11am
Why: Why not? When’s the last time you rode the train? This 3.5-hour trip includes a 28-mile train ride with a stop for a barbecue lunch at Elkhorn Park. The Sacramento River Train, which has three open-air cars and three enclosed air-conditioned coaches, operates between Woodland and West Sacramento.
Details

Keep in mind that all of these events and many more can can be found on Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events. If you have an event you would like to add to Sacramento365.com, visit the website. Its easy and free to add your events! Also, if you want to mention an event that I didn't squeeze into my little article- add it to the comments below! Have a great weekend!!

Monday: workshop aims to "Let the Crazy Child Inside Write"

2009-06-14T01:10:00Z

Clive Matson is more than a legendary Beat poet. He's a little bit younger than the Beats, and a lot more honest and raw, which he'll tell you himself.

He's a nature lover, a teacher and a father. And on Monday, June 15, he will be teaching a free public workshop entitled "Let the Crazy Child Inside Write" at the Sacramento Poetry Center.

Poets Q.R. Hand and H.D. Moe will also be reading at the event, which begins at 6 p.m. Matson plans to read from his heralded 1966 poetry collection Mainline to the Heart, along with some more recent works.

When Mainline was published, it was described by one reviewer as "more edgy than the Beats," a critique Matson agrees with.

"I'm carried away either by angst, the pain of what I see, or just the urge to figure out what is going on in the world," Matson said. "Writing is a healing journey, an adventure that takes you places that you'd never expect to go."

It was this attitude that took Matson from an avocado farm in Southern California to the University of Chicago on a full scholarship. Dropping out only two years later, he hitchhiked around Europe for a year before settling in Lower East Side New York.

There he became associated with the Beat Generation writers, wrote poetry and dabbled in drugs. After kicking his drug habit, Matson kept writing essays, poetry and fiction, eventually becoming a teacher in 1978.

In 1998 he published Let The Crazy Child Inside Write, a book about teaching writing. Its thesis says that the source of our writing is an internal "creative psychic passion."

Since he began teaching, Matson has enjoyed watching many of his students become published writers. He's even held writing retreats in the jungles of Costa Rica and at a former student's house in Italy.

An upcoming retreat into the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains will position his workshop at 7,500-feet high during the same time as the Perseid Meteor Shower on Aug. 7.

"I invite anyone to come and join us on that journey, it's healing and growth producing," he said of his workshops.

"People can get in touch with strong passion, feelings, and write quite a bit of raw material, opening a door to the power in our bodies and psyches," Matson said of Monday's workshop. "It doesn't matter whether you think you're a poet, an essayist, or a journalist. Even just having an inkling to do some writing, it will work for you."

The Sacramento Poetry Center is located at 1719 25th St.

*Images courtesy Clive Matson

This week's slew of music, festivals, classes & comedy

2009-04-29T00:51:55Z

Spring is almost over and so begins the onslaught of fun, fabulous things to do during the summer months in Sacramento! It's not quite time to break out the bikinis and flip-flops, but I have spotted some sleeveless tops and open-toed shoes lately...my all-time favorite season in Sacramento is almost here! This week, and particularly this week-end, is already jam-packed with music, festivals and outdoor events with the promise of the heat soon to come. I hope you haven't made plans already...

Tuesday 4.28

Music: Rev Theory-- $12 at the door
Where: Marilyn’s on K
When: Doors- 6:30pm, Show- 7:15pm
Why: You may get an idea for their music-style by the bands they’ve opened for: the likes of Evanescence, Papa Roach, Buck Cherry and Saliva to name a few. Supporting bands for the night include: Divide The Day, Trackfighter, Man Automatic. Four bands for $12 bucks- that's $3 a band!
Info: (916) 273-3269

Wednesday 4.29

Comedy: Norm MacDonald-- $$?
Where: Punchline Comedy Club (Howe & Arden)
When: Doors- 6:30pm; Show- 7:30pm
Why: He continues to regularly tour the country performing his popular stand-up comedy, however, he is perhaps best known for his offbeat delivery of "the fake news" on "Saturday Night Live" for five seasons. Norm MacDonald continues to be a major comedic presence. His totally hilarious impersonations of Bob Dole and Burt Reynolds on “SNL,” were my favorites. However, MacDonald proved that his wit and writing were not to just for small screen. Among others, MacDonald played roles in Billy Madison with Adam Sandler, The People Vs. Larry Flint and the 1999 Andy Kaufman biopic Man on the Moon.
Info: Tickets

Music: Mary Mary-- $40/30 in advance, $45/35 day of show
Where: Crest Theatre (10th & K)
When: Doors- 7pm, Show- 8pm
Why: Urban gospel superstars Mary Mary like to do everything on a big scale. All of their pursuits- musical, spiritual, or otherwise-are larger-than-life: not a single thing is left to chance. Their latest disc melds the twosome's love of truth-grounded gospel music beautifully woven with a colorful patchwork of R&B, pop, soul, jazz, electronic music, and then some.
Info: The Crest Calendar

Thursday 4.30

Music: Tony! Toni! Tone!-- $20
Where: Avalon Nightclub (805 15th Street)
When: 9pm-2am
Why: Attention all children of the late 80’s-early 90’s! If you didn’t listen to Tony! Toni! Tone! when you were growing up, you probably didn’t listen to music. With hits like "It Never Rains in Southern California", these guys had us all saying ”It Feels Good.”
Info: (916) 670-5944

Sports & Recreation: Fight Night Boxing-- $20-$100
Where: Arco Arena (1 Sports Parkway)
When: Parking- 5:30pm, Doors- 6:30pm, Show- 7:30pm
Why: If you are the type that considers boxing a sport, then check this out. This guy is from Woodland! Talk about support local, this guy may need some encouragement from the crowd. Vicente Escobedo (19-1-0, 12 KOs) is going up against Kevin Kelley (60-9-2, 39 KOs). Vicente Escobedo has won his last 10 fights including an impressive 6th round Total Knock Out of previously undefeated Dominic Salcido. Kevin Kelley is a former WBC featherweight champion.
Info: Arco Arena Events

Literature: Meet “Pucci Lewis” Author Margit Leische-- Free w/ Museum admission: $6-$8.50 (Kids 5 & under Free)
Where: California Museum for Women History & the Arts
When: 6pm-8pm
Why: I find it interesting to hear how authors come up with the stories the write, particularly fiction. What inspires them and how much do they really know? Liesche is the author of Hollywood Buzz, the second edition of the World War II era Pucci Lewis series. “The book is rich with drama, historical fact, female sleuths and old Hollywood mystery.” Liesche extensively researched the film industry during World War II and female organizations like Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), which is the setting for this novel. She will give a lecture on the background of the book incorporating documentary footage of the WASP and film clips from the First Motion Picture Unit, featuring Hollywood stars. This should be a very interesting event. Bring your books if you got ‘em! If not, I’m sure there will be some to pick up at the signing.
Info: (916) 653-7524

Friday 5.1

Music: First Friday Night Concert in the Park!--FREE
Where: Cesar Chavez Park
When: Every Friday Night, 5:00-9:00pm
Why: This 15-week concert series will rock Cesar Chavez Plaza every Friday night from 5 pm to 9 pm with the sounds of live, local music. It’s sort of the “unofficial start” to summer for many Sacramentans.
Even in its 18th season, the Concerts in the Park series remains true to its roots by continuing to showcase Sacramento’s local music scene with this free, family friendly event. This season’s line up features a total of 51 local bands including 27 new acts to the park series. The bands reflect a broad spectrum of musical acts including blues, punk, country, rock, indie, soul, pop, reggae and hip hop. And for after the show, keep your concert wristband and receive specials at local bars and restaurants for that night.
Info: (916) 442-8575

Comedy: Chelsea Handler
Where: Community Center Theatre (13th & L St)
When: Doors, 7:00pm; Show, 8:00pm
Why: Handler has performed nationwide as a stand-up comedian and appeared on many TV shows. Most recently, she is known for hosting her own late night talk show on E! titled “Chelsea Lately”. With her style of ridicule and sarcasm, she draws more than a half million viewers with the show despite the fact that her guests often are not A-list celebrities. To give you a little perspective, in a 2008 interview Handler said, "The worse the guests are, the more pathetic they are, the funnier the show is”.
Info: (916) 808-5181

Film: Found Footage Festival--$10
Where: Movies on a Big Screen (600 4th St W. Sac)
When: 7pm & 9:30pm
Why: I am going. This is what sold me: “The Found Footage Festival is a one-of-a-kind event that showcases footage from videos that were found at garage sales and thrift stores and in warehouses and dumpsters throughout the country. Curators Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher (whose credits include "The Colbert Report," "The Late Show with David Letterman" and "The Onion") will host the screenings in-person and provide their unique and hilarious observations and commentary on these found video obscurities. So yes - that means plenty of live comedy along with the found footage! From the curiously-produced industrial training video to the forsaken home movie donated to Goodwill, the Found Footage Festival resurrects these forgotten treasures and serves them up in a lively celebration of all things found.”~ Movies on a Big Screen
Info: http://www.shiny-object.com/screenings/

Fundraiser: An Affair to Remember--$45 adv/$60 at door
Where: Radisson Sacramento (500 Leisure Lane)
When: 7pm
Why: You may know someone who was a foster child or may have been one yourself. I hear it’s not always the easiest way to grow up. This event is a benefit in honor of foster care youth in transition. Guests will enjoy an exciting night of fine food, live music, and spring fashions while showcasing former foster care youth and their stories. Lots of “celebs” will be there too! A portion of the contributions from this event will be donated to foster care youth that "age out” of the system. The goal is to support 50 foster care youth throughout the Sacramento region.
Info: (916) 440-9703

Saturay 5.2

Festival: California Celebration!!-- $7-$9.50 (Kids under 2- Free)
Where: Sacramento Zoo (Land Park Drive & 16th)
When: 9am-4pm
Why: California Celebration is a fun-filled day all about the rich cultural diversity in our state. Animal talks, cultural groups, live performances and activity stations will fill the Zoo! Bring the kids and get some sun!
Info: (916) 808-3713

Music: The Skinny Singers- Jackie Greene & Tim Bluhm
Where: Marilyn’s on K (908 K Street)
When: 9pm
Why: They’re skinny but man do they have big voices!! These shows always sell out! If you haven’t seen them yet, make sure you make it to this one.
Info: (916) 446-4361

Festival: Indie Sacramento May Market-- FREE
Where: Fremont Park (15th & P St)
When: 12pm-3pm
Why: The purpose behind IndieSacramento is to help spread the word about locally owned businesses and to help Sacramento gain the reputation it deserves as a city with cutting-edge art, crafts, and fashion — plus great local shopping and eats. Some highlights:
* FREE swag bags to the first 150 patrons!
* Shop for hip, handmade goods, clothing, and accessories!
* Enjoy live entertainment!
* Appreciate local food & drink or plan a picnic lunch with the family!
* Attend IndieSacramento's Craft University for craft classes & demos!
Info: IndieSacramento.com

Festival: Dragon Boat Festival-- $50/person, $450/ Table of ten
Where: Radisson Hotel(500 Leisure Lane)
When: 3:30-5:30pm, outdoor reception; 5:30-8:00pm, formal dinner & program
Why: The Dragon Boat is a symbol of unity, civil rights and the future of our Asian Pacific Islander Community. About 2300 years ago, Qu Yuan, a Patriotic Poet and an exemplary for integrity and loyalty, advocated for justice and the rights of the common people. This year, OCA will honor Assemblymember Dave Jones for his commitment to the Asian Pacific Islander Community. OCA will be honoring Dr. Sonney Chong for his many years of community service. This year we are celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival as "A Timeless Tradition, A Culture We Treasure."
Info: (916) 627-5165

Class: Model A Tune Up Class-- $170 (includes instructional materials and lunch)
Where: California Auto Museum
When: 9pm-3pm, May 2nd & May 9th
Why: If you are lucky enough to own one of these bad boys, you probably know a thing or two already about fixing them up. Maybe you don’t. Maybe you want to take on a new hobby. If you’re an antique car junkie, this is a two-part class that teaches how to tune up Model A Fords. The first day focuses on demonstration of tests and measurements. The second day will consist of performing each of the demonstrated tests and measurements on Model As. Students who have a Model A are encouraged to bring their car with them and all checks will be performed on the owner’s vehicle. Students who do not have a Model A will still have the opportunity to assist with tests and measurements.
Info: (916) 442-6802

Festival: Unity & Diversity Music Festival-- $13 Adv/$20 at Gate (Kids 10 & Under FREE!!!)
Where: Southside Park
When: 10am-6pm
Why: The event will have fun & entertainment including a host of vendors, cultural foods, arts & crafts, raffles and prizes. The headliners are Butterscotch, a Sacramento/Davis native and former final contestant on NBC's America's Got Talent; and Mystic Roots, a talented reggae band from Chico. Other performers include: Ras D, Mr. Majestic, The Soulcialites, Ralph Gordon, Orquesta Bakan, Mystic Man & Lakay amongst others. Guaranteed to be a day of family fun and entertainment!! The website requests: NO ALCOHOL, COOLERS or PETS.
Info: (916) 993-3691

Fundraiser: Prelude d’ Elegance-- FREE
Where: Town & Country Village (Fulton & Marconi Avenue)
When: 10am-4pm
Why: A Concours d'Elegance is a show of vehicles that are judged on their elegance and pristine condition. Shriners' Prelude d'Elegance is a sneak preview of extraordinary classic and vintage automobiles, wooden boats, motorcycles and bicycles. Have some fun with their Keystone Cops and the Shriners Paddy Wagon – enjoy informal fashion shows and special discounts at participating stores throughout Town & Country Village.
Info: http://www.shrinersconcours.com/

Sunday 5.3

Festival: Jewish Heritage Festival--FREE
Where: California State Capitol- West Steps (10th and L St.)
When: 1pm-4pm
Why: In conjunction with national Jewish American Heritage Month, the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region* brings a new tradition to Sacramento - the first annual Jewish Heritage Festival. Celebrate all that unites us with traditional food, live music and entertainment, dancing troupes, cultural exhibits and displays, family and children’s activities, a special teen zone and much more.
Info: Jewish Heritage of Sacramento Website

Class: Yoga for Teachers--FREE
Where: It’s All Yoga (2405 21st St.- Between Broadway & X)
When: 2:00pm
Why: As a teacher, you work really hard. And you probably don't get the pampering you deserve. That's why It’s All Yoga is offering a FREE class just for you. In honor of Teachers Week, their very own Linda Wagner will stretch, open and pamper you with yoga! No yoga experience necessary. They have everything you will need - just wear comfy clothes.
Info: (916) 501-4692

All of these events can be found at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events. For more information and details about the venues and organizations involved, click on the title of the events or visit www.Sacramento365.com.

Budget friendly events this week

2009-04-20T07:09:49Z

There were so many events going on this week in Sacramento that I had to break them up into two articles (and still there are so many more!). This is a diverse compilation of things to do under $20 this week. From lectures, concerts & festivals, to health classes and job fairs, you are bound to find something you'll like! Keep an eye out for my next article in which I will feature all of the fundraisers and benefits this week...

Monday 4.20

Lecture: Andrew Sean Greer - Free
When: 1pm
Where: CSUS- Union Ballroom (Free parking on Lot 10)
Why: Andrew Sean Greer is the bestselling author of The Story of a Marriage, a lyrical novel about love and longing, and the political, sexual, and racial tensions set against the backdrop of the early 50s. The New York Times Book Review hails it as “Wondrously unsettling…A timeless story of conflicting loyalties.” For more Info: #(916) 737-1300

Tuesday 4.21

Career: Sacramento Diversity HIREvent /Career Expo - Free
When: 10am-2pm
Where: Sacramento Convention Center
Why: The unemployment rate in Sacramento has reached around 11% in the past few weeks. Don’t be a statistic! Get out there and keep looking. Luxe Salon and Spa is even offering free makeovers for jobseekers. Know the resources out there to help in this difficult time.For more info: # 1(888)THE-JOBS

Dance: Inside the Director’s Studio- Virtuosity and Passion - $15
When: 6pm-7pm
Where: Sacramento Ballet Studios (1631 K St)
Why: Are you a fan of the classic Pas de Deux? Then you won't want to miss this working rehearsal as the professional dancers of the Sacramento Ballet perform the Pas de Deux from Swan Lake, Don Quixote, Diane & Acteon, and others. For more info: #(916) 552-5800 x2

Wednesday 4.22

Food & Wine: World Wednesdays “Fiesta Cubana,”- $ Cost of food & Drinks
When: 5pm-7:30pm
Where: Masons Restaurant @ The Park (15th & L St)
Why: An ongoing spring and summer series of “World Wednesday” food and music celebrations will be bringing the flavors and rhythms of Latin America to downtown Sacramento this week!! Food & Drink specials offered on the outdoor patio include Latin-inspired small plates, half price bites and half off the “Fuegotini,” a daring martini with flair, hand shaken to the beat of live Cuban and Latin-based musical performances. Specialty Mojitos and Margaritas will also be available. For more info: #(916) 492-1960

Thursday 4.23

Music: Living Legends - $ TBA
When: 7:30pm
Where: CSUS University Union Ballroom
Why: A hip hop concert plus special opening guests, , 7:30 pm, ticket prices TBA. Sponsored by the University Union UNIQUE Programs. All ages welcome. No alcohol served or permitted at venue.

Entertainment: Talent Search - $
When: 8pm
Where: Dante Club (2330 Fair Oaks Blvd)
Why: Enjoy the talent of local singers, comics, magicians, jugglers and bands.

Friday 4.24

Food & Wine: Fast Food, Slow Food & Popular Culture in America - $15 adv/$20 door
When: 7pm-10pm
Where: Revolution Wines (2116 P St)
Why: Professor and writer, Kevin Wehr, will team up with The Sacramento Institute of Fun to discuss the question “Are we really what we eat?” This discussion will be centered on fast food, slow food and how it all relates to American popular culture. Learn more about popular culture today and the roles our food plays in it!

Festival: Acupuncture Awareness Day & Rally - Free
When: Fri & Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-2pm
Where: Hyatt Regency (1209 L St)
Why: Learn Why Acupuncture can Change Healthcare and Change your Life! Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine has been practiced for more than 2500 years. Increase your awareness and understanding. Experience Acupuncture. Learn more about the profound impact AOM can have in improving your overall health! Acupuncture Demonstrations will be offered to the Public from 2:00-5:00pm. Enjoy live music and refreshments! For more info: #(916) 443-4770

Kids & Families: Challenger Learning Center: Voyage to Mars - $15/$20
When: 5:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Discovery Museum Science & Space Center (3615 Auburn Blvd)
Why: You and your friends and family can choose your roles on a simulated mission in space and learn what astronauts really do! Experience the wonder of space exploration! See what it’s like to work for NASA while you perform hands-on science experiments nodeled on real-life astronaut tasks. You’ll be working in the Challenger Space Center’s Mission Control room, designed after Johnson Space Center and the Spacecraft, designed to simulate a room onboard a future inter-planetary space vehicle. Children must be over the age of 9 (9 & 10-year-old astronauts must be paired with an adult crewmember). It's fun! It's interactive! It's educational! Reservations are required, because even "outer" space is limited. For more info: #(916) 575-3942

Saturday 4.25

Class: “Artomotive” Photography Class with Jim Richter
When: Call (916) 442-6802 for details
Where: California Auto Museum (formerly the Towe)- 2200 Front Street
Why: Enjoy a morning of cool cars and photography, with local photography enthusiast, Jim Richter. Jim will guide you in the basic steps and skills needed to capture that perfect picture. Whether you are a classic car owner and want to photograph your cool ride or just interested in the art of photography – this class is for you! Students are asked to bring their own cameras & supplies (including a flash and/or a polarizing lens if you own one). Students must be at least 12 years old (minors must be accompanied by an adult). All skill levels welcome! For more info: #(916) 442-6802

Network/Workshop: SacBarCamp - Free
When: Sat 6pm- 11pm & Sun 8am-5pm
Where: Sat @ Bricka Bracka (21st& P), Sun @ Capsity Offices (24th & P)
Why: An informal event where you will network, learn, and share with other Sacramento techies, helping to create a local community for the industry. All types of people - developers, publishers, bloggers, marketers, designers, students, networkers, etc. will be participating. BarCamp is an ad-hoc gathering born from the desire for people to share and learn in an open environment (open source model). It is an intense event with discussions, demos, and interaction from attendees. It is an international network of user generated non-traditional social conferences— open, participatory workshop-events, whose content is provided by participants.

Dance: The Unicorn Fountain - An Original Ballet - $12/10/8
When: Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm
Where: Hiram Johnson High School (6789 14th Ave)
Why: This original ballet is set in the mythical village of Eudora during its annual Seed Time Festival. A rainbow’s appearance has signaled the coming of a magic unicorn in generations past, a beautiful creature able to bring forth a plentiful harvest by drinking from an enchanted fountain. Prince Frederick is to award a medal of merit to the most deserving girl in the village. Maidens Charity and Dahlia vie for the honor. Only one will win. The other’s jealous actions, with help from some magic marionettes, threaten the unicorn and the prosperity it can bring. The outcome is a moral of triumph over adversity. For more info: #(916) 453-0226

Sunday 4.26

Festival: Festival de la Familia
When: 10am-6pm
Where: Cal Expo
Why: Tempt your taste buds with Latin flavors and savory dishes; view authentic arts and crafts or create your own; be awed by the variety of exhibits where you can learn about Latin heritage; or get involved in one of the numerous community outreach opportunities. More than 200 vendors are participating in this year's event!

Kids & Families: Kids Cooking Class
When: 3pm
Where: Arden Hills Resort & Spa (1220 Arden Hills Ln)
Why: A hands on class where children will learn how to make low-fat pumpkin and zucchini mini-muffins. Start your children off early with practicing healthy eating habits. For more info: #(916) 609-8209

Sports & Rec: The 34th Annual Haggin Oaks Golf Expo - Free
When: Fri, Sat, & Sun
Where: Haggin Oaks Gof Complex (3645 Fulton Ave)
Why: Golfers from all over California, Oregon and Nevada descend on this award-winning facility to see all the latest from around the golf industry- from the latest in golf equipment to the best vacation destinations- and everything in between! The expo is taking another giant step forward at this year’s event by doubling the amount of complimentary hitting stalls available to the public, adding a new area hosting dozens of golf courses from around Northern California and beyond and offering a new promotion that pays you in store credit the more you spend. This is truly the show of all golf shows with over 150 different manufacturers and booths scheduled to appear and hosting over 17,000 golfers over the three-day event. For more info: #(916) 481-GOLF

For more info on these and many other great events in Sacramento, visit www.Sacramento365.com or simply click on the name of the event.