Although much smaller, this project in Birmingham, AL is an inspiring look at what could be; coming in a few hundred million dollars cheaper too. As the article states, not everything needs to be as large as NY's High Line project... http://www.fastcodesign.com/1664364/birmingham-aims-for-efficient-urban-renewal-with-175m-rail-park#9

So much heart and soul was poured into this project! An inspiration for the creative class they represent so well! looking forward to having a beer for their grand opening on Saturday... I appreciate all thier hard work!

Sudwerk is releasing their Imperial Pilsner at this event on Wednesday March 2nd at The Townhouse Lounge from 7-11pm. http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=151071828283414

It's not really the location that lends to sound quality, it's all the technical/environmental things that the architect of the system and the engineer have to consider when building and then managing the sound system. The few shows that I went to the sound was okay, it was more about the environment and the curfew that I wasn't to stoked about... I don't know how to explain it, but when I go to a Filmore, or Warfield, Bimbos 365, or Great American Music Hall... I just feel like I am in a concert environment... I never got that feeling at Empire, but I really wish Ace of Spades the best of luck... it will be great to have some shows in town that are bigger than Harlow's but smaller than the Memorial....

Keep up the great work!

So glad Skinner's art wasn't destroyed. Thanks for bringing this to my/our attention.

It was a great time, and Concerts 4 Charity was able to raise some money for the upcoming Ballet + Live Local Music event this Friday at the Crest. www.balletandmusic.wordpress.com However, want to make one note, the singer, outside of Nic offer, was Sacramento native Savannah Macias (who just learned the songs in two days leading up to Mondays show) replacing !!!'s regular "other vocalist" Shannon Funchess (of Light Asylum) who could not make the show...

Thanks for sharing Jackson! I really appreciate the references to comparative bands and artists, my music library has grown significantly and awesomely since knowing you! I also heartily agree with this article, DoomBird's album is really head and shoulders above a lot of stuff I am listening to right now. For those interested in hearing a few songs, here is a link to DoomBird's myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/doombird

Speaking of successful, walkable/destination concepts. Sure the Ferry Bldg. and Pikes Place are great, but those cities have a greater City population than Sacramento... Recently, I was in Fort Collins, CO and they had an amazing walkable district... Fort Collins is much smaller than Sacramento... I began to wonder how a smaller city was able to have such a lively district and it turns out that Fort Collins has a college nearby and Downtown does not... I wonder if there is a connection... students would certainly liven up a dead zone... hmmm.... Has anyone ever brought that up? Bringing a UC to Downtown. I went to college in Worcester, MA and there were at least 6 colleges and universities within a few sq. miles... just a thought...

"Bold as in asking the city for $100 million during a period of enormous deficits?"... yes, but someone is going to get this money right? ... and if that is the case I do like SOME/MOST of the things that Boqueria is promising. Just wondering, does the City Council, just approve these proposals, or can they tell someone who is submitting a proposal to make some changes... Does the City Council have some kind of developer liaison that could help make recommendations to the projects?

Well all things considered, there are plenty of projects that have moved forward in spite of financial and/or historical ramifications, and certainly some project will be moving forward in the Downtown area, and if that is the case, this project would definitely have my vote.

I think this sounds really amazing, but I always defer to Bill Burg on these matters... Bill?

Jake, thanks so much for this very nice piece. I wanted to make sure I acknowledged both Kline Music (2200 Sutterville Road) and Skip's Music (2740 Auburn Boulevard) for generously allowing my organization to purchase guitars at a great discount over the past 5 years. Of course I would also never be able to do what I do without many contributions from the Sacramento music community, I am so grateful for all of their support as well, because we all know nobody would show up to one of my shows just to see me, without the artists, the mission of C4C could not be accomplished. Thanks again!

Thanks for this write up Casey. I thought the event was a success considering the blazing tempature. We are so thankful to the vendors and participants that braved the elements. We were happy to get this event under our belt, so to speak, so that we could look for ways to improve the event, work out some logistical issues, and continue to build something great downtown. We are collecting feedback from vendors this week and if any of your readers have feedback please fire away. We are really looking forward to the next event August 15th... we may have some empty buildings to use by then... which should be interesting... I will keep you posted. Also, thanks to Suzanne Hurt for the article last week as well. Clay SN&R