The last time I saw Eric Volz, I was 11 years old. We were fifth graders at Green Oaks Fundamental Elementary School. I don’t remember much about the fifth grade, but I remember Eric. I remember the friendly but fiercely independent look in his eyes. I remember thinking there was more to him than recess and ringlets. I remember wanting to wear his jacket (because that’s what you did back then). I wanted to be as effortlessly stylish as Eric’s mother, Maggie. And I wanted a rock star dad, like Jan. My stomach hurt the day we heard Eric’s family was moving to Nashville. My heart broke on his last day of school. I didn’t want him to leave. I was convinced I would never see my friend again.

As an event planner, it’s hard not to consider venues in terms of their capacity and cost. And, when you are well acquainted with an event space, you can’t help but take its amenities for granted. For example, I know how cold it is when you arrive at the Memorial Auditorium (as early as the Convention Center staff). I can point out all of the electrical outlets and I know what your feet feel like after you’ve spent hours scurrying across the concrete floors. That being said…I feel like I owe my old friend, the Memorial, an apology. While it may not be state-of-the-art, the Memorial Auditorium has a mystique that is missing from most contemporary venues. Last night, Natalie Cole and the

I'll be the first to admit it. I was drawn to Spring Awakening for all the wrong reasons. I was disappointed, but I won't fault anyone but myself for that. And, as much as I'd like to blame the marketing for this musical, I can't. I knew Rachel Berry was not going to grace the stage. I knew better than to think the practically perfect cast of Glee would surprise me in Sacramento with their best Duncan Shiek. Regardless, I approached Spring Awakening with a complete lack of common sense. I can honestly say I had no idea what my Spring Awakening experience would be like. Regrettably, I did very little research on the plot or protagonists. The only thing I knew was that "everyone" was doin