community gatherings

Cultural fiesta dances into Sacramento

2009-04-26T05:14:03Z

With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, watching a Mexican folkloric
ballet performance might be the perfect pre-fiesta event with its
detailed costumes, complex dances and loud mariachi music -- all on
one stage.

The group Raices de mi Tierra has been around since 1995, and performs
traditional Mexican folk dance. This year is their 14th annual show.
The focus of the show is migration stories.

Highlighted in this show will be stories of migration journeys told
through a variety of dances. Although all the dancers originate from
the country of Mexico, each group involved is from a different Mexican
state and will showcase the vast amount of diversity in their songs,
style of dance, and wardrobe.

The group interprets how dance has always been involved
in Mexico's history. Many regions are influenced by other countries,
like Germany and Poland, whose people have settled in Mexico. The
Mexican people have adopted the cultures and incorporated them into
things like dancing. One of the dances has a polka
influence and another has a Caribbean influence.

Raices de mi Tierra puts on this event every year to celebrate the
culture and history of Mexico. A two-year member of the group, Laurie
Perry-McCord, is of European heritage but enjoys learning about the
culture and thinks it is important to learn about other arts in the world.

"It’s about keeping the heritage and culture alive through all the
unique dance styles that are available," she said.

There will be a special performance from movemento ballet latino which
fuses classical dancing and traditional Latino dance music. A champion
trick roper Esteban Escobedo will be included in this show and will
use a lasso in dynamic ways, making acrobatic moves with his body
and lasso.

If you catch the matinee performance you will get to see a very
special folkloric ballet performance by the Sacramento Language
Academy, a two-way Spanish immersion charter school located in south
Sacramento. Raices has provided dance instructors for them in the past
and works closely with them. A portion of the proceeds for the ticket
sales of the matinee will go to the school.

There will also be a V.I.P gala show at 6 p.m. where people can get a
glimpse of what the performers do outside of dance, as some of
them will showcase artwork and sing live. The gala will have
different dance costumes on display from different regions and they
are going to have a member of the Latino caucus to speak about
immigration issues as well.

This event takes place on May 2 at the Benvenuti Performing Arts
Center at 7:30 p.m. and the matinee is at 3:00 p.m.

To purchase tickets visit raicesdemitierra.com

New group offers slow bike rides around the city

2009-04-09T02:58:26Z

While some bicyclists seek the thrill of speed, it’s not for everyone, and a new group in Sacramento caters to those who would rather take a leisurely ride and enjoy the scenery. Sacramento Slow Riders is offering a group ride at your own pace. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, anyone who is a kid, adult, senior and everything in between can take advantage of these bimonthly meetings.

Starting Saturday, April 11, riders will meet at the bike kitchen at 10 a.m. The routes include Downtown, Midtown, East Sac and Sacramento's bike trail. Typically, the rides will go for an hour, and the length of the ride is about four miles. This Saturday will be more of a Midtown route just to start things off. The goal of the group is to ride bicycles, see some sights, exercise and have a good time.

This club was started by Midtown resident and bicycle enthusiast Tom Brown. The idea for the Slow Riders club came from a group he knew about in Lake Tahoe called the Slow Cruisers that did something similar. Brown noticed that there are many experienced bicyclists with cycling jerseys and all the fancy gear in Sacramento. He wanted to create a group that perhaps did not have all the gear and that did not have to go for long-distance rides.

"There are mainly only bike groups that go for 20 to 100 miles at one time, and you have to be in good shape to keep up with them," Brown said. "I am a senior, and I cannot keep up with them, so I decided to get people together who just want to ride at a normal pace."

Brown said he hopes that this group will lead to other group activities like a bicycle scavenger hunt or an after-ride picnic. Also, Brown wants riders to know they are riding at their own risk. Brown checked with the California Highway Patrol, and he learned that group rides are legal as long as all bike laws are followed.

When they go on the Sacramento trail by the river, Brown hopes it will draw in those who may not feel safe riding alone on those trails. This event is completely free, and there will be no rides on rainy days, or days when rain is forecast.

For more info slowriders596@gmail.com

Sammie award nominees are announced at the Press Club

2009-03-27T06:11:22Z

Local musicians get their own awards every year from the Sacramento News & Review. For a lot of them, it is quite the honor to be nominated and even more exciting to win. On Wednesday, March 25 at the Press Club, The Sacramento News and Review hosted a Sammie Nominees’ party, which included live performances from T.O.P. (The Other Poets), Citystate with Bones and Live Manikins.

At about 10 p.m. a crowd of about 70 people gathered at the small stage of the Press Club to watch DJ/Producer Citystate play his latest productions. While newcomer emcee Bones waited for his part to come, he kept the crowed entertained with random dancing and jokes. After being a longtime producer and selling beats, Bones finally decided to buy recording equipment and formally start his rapping career. Bones has currently performed at casual talent shows. Although he last performed at a step show at Raley Field, he was more than happy to be performing at the Press Club as he announced to the crowd, "It's an honor to be performing at the Press Club right now!" The Clarity and appealing flow that Bones provided was tantalizing to see on top of the hip hop electro blend of Citystate.

"I've voted for the awards in the past, and it hadn't been on my radar until last night, I started to think maybe I can shoot for that next time around," said Bones, who is now filling a spot for a member of the Addict Merchants, a hip-hop group with a long history in Sacramento.

Next was the hip-hop group Live Manikins – former Sammie nominees who provided the crowd with the old-school hip-hop feel. They worked the crowd, which was very involved and enthusiastic.

They took a pause so one of the members, Mr. Linguistics, could do a verse or freestyle without the music as he preached about the ignorance of those who listen to mainstream hip-hop.

"We had Masta Ace, you grew up on Master P, we had Chuck D, you know Flavor of Love but don't know about Public Enemy." The crowd went wild, and as their set ended, the official list of Sammie Nominees was posted up all over the club walls.

As that was much of the reason people showed up, by the time T.O.P., also a hip-hop group, got on stage, the crowd became a bit smaller. Random Abiladeze, a nominee in the group, started out by saying, "I want to thank everybody who came for the music first and didn't just leave when they didn't see their name on the list…Can someone just go tell the people outside to come on in?" The slightly reduced crowd still bobbed their heads and put a hand or two up as the rap duo displayed their quick flow over heavy jazz-influenced beats, rhyming about their truth and vision.

This year, things were different in that the SN&R had online voting by fans to determine the nominees, which made some attendees upset.

"I think this list is biased and a popularity contest, what's popular isn't always quality," said Justin Thyme a fan who came out to see T.O.P. Others were fine with the idea.

"Everyone on this list, even though I don't know them personally, I know has worked hard all year, so they deserve it," said Billy Hi-life, a local producer and bass player.

Nominees will be listed in print in the April 2 issue of the Sacramento News & Review. Sammie showcases will take place in May and June, eventually leading to the award show on June 27 at Cesar Chavez Park.

50/50 art show

2009-03-13T07:01:13Z

Anne Shulock will join 69 other artists, completing one piece of art every day for 50 days in the third annual 50/50 show hosted by the 20th Street Gallery. She has been working on a painting a day for the past 43 days.

Although it has not always been easy, she enjoys the process and is excited for the outcome.

Shulock got started in art when her parents set a rule that for every sport she took up she had to pick up an instrument. The piano and violin were not things she felt she excelled at, so in the seventh grade she decided to give art a try.

As she went through school she experimented with different styles. There was even a time in her life where she could tell that her art was going through a Picasso phase.

"I remember I used to draw weird things with lots of eyes in weird places," she said.

After high school, Shulock went through a media studies program at Pomona College where she dabbled in video, art and writing. After college, she was still looking for a way to get back into art and had gone to the 50/50 art show last year and decided that this year she would apply to do the show. She sent in some of her sample work and was chosen.

Now, in a small space by her kitchen, she works on a 6X6 panel every night with oil paints. It has been challenging working a full-time job and finding time to work on the paintings, but she still finds herself giving the paintings all her effort and a minimum of three hours per night.

"I went to visit a friend in San Francisco, and she asked me to stay for dinner and a movie, and I couldn't. I had to go back to doing my paintings," she said.

All the artists' paintings have to have one common theme. Shulock chose book covers because she loves books and knew that this would be a subject that would keep her attention for 50 days. Her paintings are her own interpretation of her favorite book covers and will be sold between $80 and $100.

This is the biggest show for 20th Street Gallery, which last year sold 800 pieces. Organizers said they believe it’s an art show that benefits everyone.

"It's good for the artist because they get a lot of exposure, and they sell a lot of their art. It's good for the buyer because they get exposed to new artists and they can afford to buy several pieces – not just one," said Teri Marquat, manager of 20th Street Gallery, "and it's good for the gallery because with 73 artists in the show, they bring in a lot of new people who haven't been to the gallery, and they often return."

After she completes the 50/50 art show, Shulock plans on painting something on a larger scale, as she feels confined by the small canvases she has been painting. If the show goes well, she will work more on building a portfolio to show to galleries and develop her true style.

"I am not going to change the face of modern art," Shulock said, "but it will always be a part of my life, and I'm think I'm good at it."

The 50/50 art show will hold its opening reception Wednesday, April 8, at the 20th Street Art gallery and ends on Saturday, May 30.

The galleries hours are, Wednesday through Friday 12-5 p.m. at 911 20th St.

For more information, visit 20art.net

MOD '09 brings fashion, art, and music together

2009-03-09T08:08:10Z

Fashion, music, art, Hipsters, hip hop-heads, well-dressed moms with their kids…Where can you find all this? Sacramento's very own MOD ’09, an electrifying fashion event that brought all kinds of people together.

On the night of Saturday, March 7th, at the artisan building in north Sacramento hundreds of people came to support Sacramento's finest boutiques and designers.

Movement of Design was organized by a large group of people that included boutique owners, designers and artists. Among those in the group was Paul Bricuela the owner of United State Boutique, Bricuela worked hard to get the music together and worked with designer Michael Hargis to fuse things together.

"We basically wanted to build this synergy of art, fashion boutiques, have some vendors plus a music event,” Bricuela said. “There wasn't really anything going on beside the sell-out buy-out event."

A trunk showroom where about 15 boutiques and designers set up clothes and accessories to sell was busy all night. One of the designers was Donald Ambroziak, who for the first time ever sold his screen print shirts and walked away surprisingly happy. For the low price of $5 he almost sold out, leaving with only four shirts. Not only did Ambroziak do so well in sales, but it also allowed him to network with already-established boutiques that have requested to sell his T-shirts.

"I didn’t really think this through,” Ambroziak said with a smile. “I just did it for fun. This night turned out so much better than I expected.".

Other Midtown favorites such as French Cuffs, Buff Castle, Artifacts and Faedrah clothing all had booths. This was much needed in a time when boutiques are suffering from the economic state.

The art in the gallery by Julie Baker could not have been more fitting, with all soft fashion inspired pieces, including a mini dresses made of paper towels. This room was also never empty, and people were left in awe after viewing Baker’s art.

Upon walking in, the lounge area had a DJ spinning dance hits. The cafe was selling food and drinks, including fine pastries and coffee blended drinks, alcohol was served to those 21 and older. Still, this event was family–friendly, and visitors saw a good handful of children with their parents in their most stylish outfits.

The fashion show was packed and quite possibly the highlight of the night for many. The spacious theater room turned into a runway, and the band New Humans played live as Atelier and Van Der Neer displayed their vintage and unique designs. This alone created an atmosphere that could only exist in Sacramento. After a full set by the band, singer Melee Beats, who was reminiscent of Robin Thicke, started things off for Havoc boutique. United State followed. They both had independent urban designs being modeled by women and men with a lot personality. At the end of the show, free T-shirts were thrown into the crowd, and the DJ played music for dancing.

With so many DJs, including Rock Bottom, The Robot&JJ and Greg G, people stayed to dance and enjoy themselves. Bows and Arrows dropped off free sunglasses while supplies lasted. MOD ’09 was a successful event that differentiated Sacramento’s fashion scene from any other city. That is how MOD attendee Nick Stephenson, who attended the event to support Havoc boutique, said he feels.

"I like the fact that when I shop here, I know it’s less likely that I'll see someone wearing the same shirt as me,” Stephenson said. “It'd be very sad if these boutiques closed, because then more people would walk around dressed the same."

Don't be left without a music performance this week.

2009-03-08T08:51:50Z

With so many things to do in the state's capital, here are some excellent music events in the next week to add to your calendar.

The high energy of punk band Final Summation will be rockin’ out at the Fire Escape Sunday. Two of the band members have been around the Sacramento punk rock scene since the mid 90s. Bastards of Young, Get Dead, Down We Go and Lesson in Failure will be there as well. 6 p.m. all ages.$7. Fire Escape Bar and Grill 7431 Madison Ave., Citrus Heights. For more info visit

myspace.com/finalsummation

.

Don't miss Grammy-winning producer Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings sing blues/Americana at the Powerhouse Pub in Folsom Sunday at 4 p.m. 21 and over.$10. Powerhouse Pub 614 Sutter St., Folsom. For more info visit

roy-rogers.com

.

For an easy-going but quality time be sure not to miss the alternative sounds of Yuba City's The Mainland on Sunday. They will be performing at The Boardwalk along with A bird A Sparrow, Running Riot and Condition Zero. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. 18 and over. $10. The Boardwalk 9426 Greenback Ln. For more info visit

boardwalkrocks.com

.

Monday night catch the good rock vibes of Call Me Ishmael at the Press Club. They have just returned from a three-year snooze and are back with new material. 9 p.m. 21 and over $4. Press Club 2030 P St., Sacramento. For more info visit

myspace.com/callmeishmael

.

Come support your friendly neighborhood hip hop artists. Neighborhood Watch presents Press Release. Come see the best emcees Sacramento has to offer. After a year in the making, 5th Ave performs all new songs. Also performing will be Chuck T, C Plus and the turf hop General Blee. This event will be at the Press Club Wednesday at 10 p.m. 21 and over only. $3. Press Club 2030 P St., Sacramento. For more info visit

myspace.com/theneighborhoodlum

.

If you’re in the mood for Latin, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra will be at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium Thursday. For their 30th anniversary, Capital Public Radio will celebrate with the Latin ensemble. This is sure to be a hot one. 8 p.m. all ages $25. Sacramento Memorial Auditorium 1515 J Street. For more info visit

capradio.org

.

Also on Thursday catch the funky-haired Agent Ribbons, who have been said to sound like the White Stripes but in Alice in Wonderland. Agent Ribbons as well as Bearkat and The Loblolly Boy will be at Old Ironsides 9 p.m.21 and over. $6. Old Ironsides 1901 10th St., Sacramento. For more info visit

theoldironsides.com

.

A real musical treasure, Carmichael's own Autumn Sky will be performing at Vox Cafe Saturday March 14th at 8pm. For free you get to listen to the beautiful voice and songs of this charming local talent. Don't miss this one in Sacramento. All ages are invited. Free. Vox Cafe 19th and X St., Sacramento. For more info visit

myspace.com/autumnskymyspace

.

Tais is one of URB Magazine’s NEXT 1000. He and his hip hop group Righteous Movement will be live at the Kennel Club in Carmicheal for $10. Joining the movement will be Mr. P Chill, Smoke and Fair Game. Saturday. 21 and over. $10. Kennel Club 5821 Auburn Blvd. #8, Sacramento. For more info visit

myspace.com/kennelclub

Wine and dine on chocolate and wine.

2009-02-21T01:29:02Z

Even though Valentine’s Day is over, that doesn't mean the chocolate has to stop.

On Saturday, Feb. 21, the L Wine Lounge will host its first wine and chocolate tasting.

The tasting includes an informational speaker from Ginger Elizabeth chocolates, who will also provide a chocolate dessert bar.

The L Wine Lounge will specially pair seven artisan chocolates and seven wines and will offer a unique chocolate cocktail.

The cost is $45 per person and includes tasting of selected wine and chocolates. The tasting is from 1-3 p.m.

Seating is limited, so to reserve a spot call the L Wine Lounge at (916) 443-6907

Community dance jam tonight

2009-01-30T21:16:03Z

If you ever wanted to connect with your spirit in motion and enjoy
yourself at the same time, the Body Joy Dance Jam may be just what
you're looking for.

Bella Driezler, a.k.a. DJ Delight, has organized her first monthly
Dance Jam for the community to dance the night away in a "positive
atmosphere." Attendees can expect free form dance to a wide variety of
music.The music starts off slow and gradually picks up as the night
progresses, Dreizler said.

Unlike going out to your local club, it is suggested that you go
barefoot or wear soft-soled dance shoes. It is a place where the
people who dance at home in front of the mirror alone can come out and
express themselves freely.

Driezler, a physical therapist for 35 years, realized that she had to
pick between her current career and her love of dance. She sold her
physical therapy clinic and used the space above her garage in her
east Sacramento home to create Body Joy.

Body Joy is the joy people get when they get in touch with their
bodies. This will be the theme throughout the Dance Jam.

Although this is the first Dance Jam, community dancing happened
frequently in the 1980s in Sacramento, and Driezler considers this to
be the revival. Dance Jam is for everybody age 15 and older who love
to dance, and it isn't just for those who take her classes.

"I wanted to draw together all those who wanted to dance, not only
those who want to take a class, because this not a class," Driezler
said.

Most of all, Dance Jam is a social event. Besides the free dancing,
there will be a potluck table for people to share snacks and
nonalcoholic beverages. There will also be plenty of places to sit and
connect with the other dancers.

Driezler hopes to attract all types of dancers, whether they are
stressed out or perfectly relaxed, tired or full of energy.

"It brings me great joy to see people walk into the space looking
tired, not quite sure that they want to put themselves out there," she
said. "Once they just start up and release, they have a great amount
of fun."

The Dance Jams are scheduled every last Friday of the month from 7-10
p.m., and the cost is $15.

For more information visit Bella Driezlers website: bodyjoy.net

Image from bodyjoy.net