Can a New Yorker magazine music critic connect a pre-1500s New-World dance form to Bob Dylan? Alex Ross, The New Yorker magazine classical music critic since 1996, does so in his latest book, “Listen to This,” which follows his critically acclaimed “The Rest is Noise.” Alex Ross will be appearing at the next California Lectures Monday evening at the Crest Theatre presenting “Chacona, Lamento, Walking Blues: Bass Lines of Music History.” “Things really opened up for me when I went to The New Yorker,” Ross said. At his previous job as classical music critic at the New York Times, he was “closely read” by those very seriously into classical music in New York City. He talked of having a mu

Step into the Wells Fargo Pavilion and be transported back to Springfield High School’s 1958 Senior Prom, “Marvelous Dreams.” The evening’s entertainment was supposed to be provided by The Crooning Crabcakes. Alas, Crabcakes lead singer and preacher’s son Billy Ray was caught smoking behind the school. So as not to set a bad example, the principle has canceled their show. The Marvelous Wonderettes are brought in as a last-minute substitution. The Marvelous Wonderettes are Cindy Lou Huffington, Missy Miller, Betty Jean “B.J.” Reynolds and Suzy Simpeon. They are all Springfield High School’s (Go Chipmunks) Song Leaders. For the next couple of hours, we learn about the Wonderettes’ relati

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson advice on what makes other cities successful at a meeting in New York City. Johnson also met with NBA Commissioner David Stern and Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren. "You have to be responsive to the needs of your city," Johnson said that Bloomberg told him.  "You have to not only prioritize, but you have to be able to implement, execute and actualize whatever those happen to be." Johnson listed public safety, education, job creation and economic development as the city's top priorities. There are other issues that Johnson will be looking at. "Then he said that (there are) things that aren't your priorities that you shou

Mayor Kevin Johnson announced he would be travelling everywhere from Sacramento Elementary Schools to New York City in a press conference Tuesday. Johnson made it clear that education is on his long term agenda. Johnson visited Oak Ridge and Sequoia elementary schools for their first day of school Tuesday to participate in back-to-school rallies. He also announced his desire to take a more active role in schools, perhaps even creating an "education liaison" position. The position would help work on five issues of reform for city's schools announced in his recent White Paper Document: improving school accountability, increasing school choices, supporting educators, engaging and empowering

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 Directed by Tony Scott By Tony Sheppard Capitol Weekly In the early-mid 70’s, my father subscribed to the Reader’s Digest Condensed Book series. This was my introduction to “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three,” “Jaws” and assorted other titles. I remember liking the story and, later, I enjoyed the 1974 film adaptation starring Walther Matthau and Robert Shaw. I don’t recall watching the 1998 TV remake, which, based on web comments, may have been a good thing, but it’s fair to say that this 2009 adaptation had to fill some pretty big shoes from my adolescence. It’s a different film for a different time – there’s more blatant violence than I remember. John Trav