The Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society (STJS) is the organization behind the annual Memorial Day Weekend Jazz Festival, which is reinventing itself this year as the “Sacramento Music Festival.” Executive Director of STJS, Vivian Abraham, explains that the event has gone through many name changes over the course of its 39 year run. Beginning as the Dixieland Jubilee, it morphed into the Jazz Jubilee, and then to the Jazz Festival. Despite these changes, Abraham says, “We still found people telling us they did not attend our Festival ‘because I don't like that kind of music.’” And so, last year, the decision was made to change the Festival’s name, reflecting a focus on multiple genres of m

Each year, parents are asked to bake cupcakes; sell wrapping paper, sees candies,magazines, cookie dough, and entertainment books, and all for the one thing our State undervalues most - public education.  With education funding in California challenging other States for the lowest of the low, parents are forced to reach into their wallets, again and again and again to support their child's school.  At its inception, Westlake Charter School decided that it would forego the frequent traditional small fundraisers in exchange for three large fundraisers; a golf tournament, student olympics, and ...well that has been the problem... that third large fundraiser.  No matter what we did, we never m

On October 1 and 2, Sacramento's annual Norcal Noisefest returns for its 14th festival. Founded in 1995 with a two-year hiatus in 1998 and 1999, the Noisefest (sometimes known as the Northern California Experimental Music Festival) is a weekend-long gathering of experimental musicians from across North America who come to Sacramento to provide an audio experience unlike anything else around. The Noisefest was described by Sacramento News & Review writer Julie de la Torre as "the musical equivalent of taking sandpaper to your eardrum, but in a good way." (http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/content?oid=1747208) Noise is not for everyone--but for those seeking musical experiences ranging fr

Does Sacramento have its own culture? Sacramento's culture might be difficult to define, but thanks to the Unity and Diversity Music Festival, we at least know that it's multicultural. "Having multiple ethnicities is a big part of Sacramento's culture," says Denise Carter, the festival's assistant organizer. "It's one of the most diverse cities in the state of California." All in one place, local reggae, soca, and R&B bands will share the same stage. The festival will also feature Ethiopian, Indian and Mexican food vendors, handmade soaps and jewelry, and kids booths. "We're trying to create togetherness," added Carter. "We want to bring everybody together as one." Sacramento lacks ev

The Sacramento Unity and Diversity Music Festival originaly Scheduled for May 2nd was rained, so we were forced to reschedule. Festivites were ready to get started bands were lined up, vendors and food booths were ready to go. People started lining up at the gate and down it came.. The City of Sacramento allowed us to cancel this event and come back with more strength and blessings. We know this is going to be a one of a kind festival, one that Sacramento has never seen. There will be Reggae, R&B, Salsa, Soca, Gospel Rap, Praise Dancers, Rock, and Dance Toops. We are working to bring All of Sacramento together with one rythem, one beat, one LOVE. You can purchase your tickets online at www

What do Cake, Deftones, Oleander, and Jackie Greene have in common? Besides that they are all from Sacramento, they are also all SAMMIES (Sacramento Area Music Awards) Hall of Fame members. Sacramento's music lovers, geeks, and fanatics rejoice -- Sacramento News & Review recently released this year's SAMMIES nominees, and eight shows between Thursday, May 21st and June 27th's awards ceremony and concert in Cesar Chavez Park will showcase the best of Sacramento's music scene. Thursday's 9 p.m. concert at Old Ironsides will showcase SAMMIES nominees The Generals, with Autumn Sky, Christopher Fairman and The Inversions opening the show. "I would totally recommend June 6, all singer-songwr