More than 150 short scripts from children in elementary and junior high schools were submitted to the B Street Theatre's annual playwriting contest for kids, but only five plays were selected for this year's 26th annual Fantasy Festival tour, which runs through June 8. The Fantasy Festival is a spring segment of what is now called B Street Theatre School Tour, according to B Street Theatre School Tour Administrator Alison Whismore. The festival was created to assist children in developing literary skills, problem-solving techniques and a mode of artistic expression, according to B Street Theatre's website. The Fantasy Festival reaches more than 60,000 children per year through its 155 a

Desperate Visions Productions announces the premiere of “Mondo Sacramento” at the historic Crest Theatre April 24 and 25. It is the newest production from its creative filmmaker Jason Rudy.   I sat down with Jason at a coffe shop in mid- town Sacramento and asked him some questions about what he does.  Tell readers a little about yourself.  I have always loved movies and began my research into creating movies at the age of 15. From there I got into the underground scene, like “Pink Flamingos” and “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” I read and read to learn everything I could possibly know about it. I am a self-taught filmmaker with much information on anything that has to do with making movie

The River City Saloon is the 'The last Old West Saloon' in old Sacramento off 2nd street. The Saloon is managed by Sean Derfield, and in mid March, he will be having a film shot at that location. The project is actually a PROMO for the movie titled 'Men on Film' is written by Narmandi Zaurice Parker. I sat down with Narmandi for an interview. This is his story... J: Where did you get your name, Narmandi Zaurice Parker? N: My father was a part of the Normandy Invasion during WWII and chose to name me after that, but my mother decided to change the spelling of my name to fit my personality. I’m still to figure out what that meant. Anyway, I grew up in Hudson, Maine. The town only had fo

There is a new wizard in town! A wizard who loves gardening, planting and designing art on clothing, for all to see. This is 'The Wizards' story... J: Tell us a little bit about yourself? W: My boyfriend and I have been in love for over seven years. We met in high school and have been joined at the hip ever since. We moved in together right out of high school. I went to college and attend Sacramento State University.. I graduated with a bachelor's degree of science in business, entrepreneurship in 2011. My boyfriend and I have always wanted to own a business together. Now we show case all of our designs to local events in Sacramento. We have always been passionate about our community h

   'No Apparent Reason' is a book created and written by Frankie Vanity and the WNG. It’s a wonderful creation of an original world from the mind of Frankie Vanity and her creative team the WNG who help with editing, layouts and story ideas. It's about an eclectic group of misfits in college and their misadventures along the way. It is set in New Orleans and has Paranormal Investigators, a bit of supernatural and pop culture references. The book draws on life experiences and relays those experiences through humorous, fun and crazy characters. Frankie Vanity, tell the readers a little about who you are? I am a costume designer, event coordinator, public relations, artist and writer to name

I was inspired to interview Oscar Benjamin because of all that he has accomplished. So many friends and colleagues told me how dedicated he is at being a successful photographer and columnist. I was so glad he took the time to enjoy our annual Christmas party, where there was lots of food and drink, and we enjoyed watching him sing karaoke. It was a great time. Before the party started, I sat down with Benjamin. Before we knew it, a half hour passed and I realized this was going to be a great article. Tell me a little bit about yourself. What do you do? I can say I’m a photographer, but that would be too simple of an answer. I'm also a writer, and I'm also a radio host. This is my 10th

[Jim Krall’s six year old daughter has just been kidnapped] ...from her own birthday party in front of his family and friends-and no one seems to care but him. Alone in his devastation, Jim Krall sets out on a nightmarish quest to find his child. This obsession will lead him into a world of Dark Pool investments, DNA manipulation, String Theory, time travel and alternate realities...   It started with Sam. Sam was a graduate of Natomas Charter School. He was bright and creative and bored. He isn’t any of those things anymore. Last year he took his own life. Now he is an inspiration. Rick Gott is an actor. Rick Gott is a teacher. He was Sam’s teacher. He sees a lot of students gra

I I met Tom Presler at a meeting for the Vampire Ball put on every year October 22nd by Shannon McCabe. I had interviewed Tom about his experiences acting. He then informed me that he is the founder of the Zombie Club and is a local comedian. I was intrigued by his vast interests and wanted to interview him further. He is what I call the "free thinker of artistic individuality of this decade." Question: Tell the readers who you are? Answer: I'm a writer, entertainer, artist, social commentator, comedian, songwriter, thinker and passionate activist. What I want, more than anything, is to bring creative and free thinking people together to do good things and sometimes funny things. Questio

The Historical Guild Theater in Oak Park was alive with poetry, fashions and music for Ladies Night Out this past Saturday night, April 2, 2011. Award winning local poet and community leader Terry Moore hosted the sold out event as a benefit for the Center for Families and Fathers Sacramento. The Emcee for the evening was Petri Hawkins-Byrd, is best known as the bailiff on the television show Judge Judy. Hawkins-Byrd did a wonderful job keeping the audience laughing and the show moving with jokes, heart-felt commentary on the poetry and light-hearted introductions for the wide variety of local talent recruited by Moore for the occasion. The ladies night theme of the evening started off w

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

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

Heh everyone! Semi-Finals of "Sacramento Has Talent" competition went great at Tommy T's last night, and the winners were (drum roll) Austin & Owens (Flamenco Guitar duo), "No Strings Attached" (Dance team), Sarah Crandall (Broadway star),Justin DeGuzman (Guitarist/singer/comic),and Autumn Sky (Singer)..Don't miss next Tuesday's show...more exceptional talent! The Sacramento Talent Agency and Tommy T's Comedy Club are happy to host such a great community event. And, Sacramento Does Have Talent...the acts have been amazing, the shows fun, and the crowds (who voted eveyone through) Great! Keep an eye out for these talented local acts in a club, show, or restaurant near you.

This coming Tuesday August 4th is the Final preliminary level show in our "Sacramento Has Talent" Competition. Held at the "New" Tommy T's Comedy Club (above the ole' Spaghetti Factory on Hwy 50 & Hazel) Tuesday at 7:30 (out early) and only a $5 cover. A whole lot of fun because the audience votes the talent through to the next level, some come out and vote! Ages 16 & over welcome for this special Local Talent Event. Anyone that wants to sign up for this last opportunity to perform should visit www.sactotalent.com for details.  

Planning a Fundraiser, Event, or Party...check out the new & locally operated website www.SactoTalent.com. Much more than just an event planning tool, this site also acts as a great location to find and book local talent. All kinds! Clubs, Events, Fundraisers, or Kids Parties; they have something for everyone. Unlike other talent registries which just list either musical or comedy talent...This site has a larger variety of talent including speakers, celebrity MC's, singers and more. This site is being marketed all over Northern California. To date this new site has already been seen promoted on several cable networks, ads in SN&R,  Sac State Hornet, and Sac City College papers, and is goi