Newest articles on The Sacramento Press written by David Alvarez

Sacramento Artists Council's speakeasy fundraiser

2013-05-22T06:01:42Z

Guys and dolls dressed in Prohibition-era attire attended Sacramento Artists Council's Speakeasy Fundraiser at the Antiquite Maison Privee on Saturday, May 18.

The fun-filled event included casino-style gambling for guests. Winnings could be used to purchase art donations scattered throughout the Antiquite Maison Privee's main entrance room.

The Sacramento Artists Council continues to support local artists, musicians and others through fundraisers such as the annual masquerade. This year, the SAC celebrated the 3rd Annual Masquerade Gala/Speakeasy Fundraiser and raised several thousand dollars to keep music and art in local schools (the final tally is not yet complete).

Spiffy dealers managed a blackjack, craps and roulette table where gamblers tried their luck. The Monte Carlo-style games were popular throughout the evening, and several guests were glued to the tables.

Many donated gift certificates were given out as guests played a fishing game.

James Cagney made a special appearance as a gangster in a Prohibition-era movie that played on the stage wall.

The juice joint was quite active and became a bit livelier as the Twilight Drifters came to the stage. The Sacramento band plays several different types of music and showcased their talents as they played swing and rockabilly sounds for the flappers and their partners to enjoy.

This year's event was different than the previous two masquerades. “This year we have a lot more activities going on. Instead of having a sit-down elegant feel we want people up and having fun,” said SAC’s founder and executive director, Susan Rabinovitz.

Proceeds from the fundraiser, Rabinovitz indicated, will help adopt art programs in local schools. “We want to make this fun and special while people are spending money and help support this charity event,” shared Rabinovitz.

Over 100 pieces of art as well as gift certificates from local businesses were donated for the fundraiser. Rabinovitz was thankful for and amazed by the show of support from artists and local businesses. “Actually it's been overwhelming,” she said.

Rabinovitz wanted to also acknowledge Dad's Kitchen, who partnered with SAC to supply food for the event. Speakeasy Ales & Lagers and 21st Amendment Brewery donated their specialty beers for the event.

Besides supporting local artists, SAC also helps with scholarships for high school seniors, and works to keep art alive in public education through its Adopt-A-School Art/Music Program. Log on to their webpage for more information about the organization and future events.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Concerts in the Park 2013

2013-05-17T06:19:27Z

This past Friday I attended my first Concerts in the Park of the year. The evening was spent with great friends, family and a full evening of phenomenal musical performances.

I could hear I'm Dirty Too playing from a block away before arriving at Cesar Chavez Plaza. I hurriedly made my way to the park entrance on 10th and I streets. My hurry was to no avail as I had to wait in a long line for 15 minutes for security to check everyone coming in.

Once inside I noticed a thirst had been built up so I got in line to purchase some drink tickets. After a short wait in line I got a drink and walked around the park.

Several food trucks and specialty food stations lined the park near 9th and J streets. Like last year Cesar Chavez Plaza had a large crowd that grew by the minute as the evening progressed.

Besides the many food trucks the Gypsy truck, a boutique on wheels, had many outfits and accessories available for buyers. The Gypsy mobile boutique is a black truck that's easily recognizable and participates at many events. Visit the boutique at Concerts in the Park or at their one year Gypsy celebration being held on Saturday, May 18 at the Truck Farm located at C Street between 14th and 15th.

As I walked around the park I could hear Zac Brown playing the guitar as he sang some tunes from their The Downhill Dive CD while Jess Gowrie delivered a raw and energetic beat on the drums. The Sacramento duo also perform with other bands but on Friday night they played as I’m Dirty Too and opened the second week of Concerts in the Park.

Dogfood, who played CIP last year returned to deliver another outstanding performance. Skyler Michael, Matt Harris and J.T. Reed brought a healthy doze of high energy to the stage playing original and cover songs. I particularly enjoyed their rendition of “Miss You” by the Rolling Stones.

Bad boy and often misunderstood Jonny Craig was joined on stage by Blake Abbe y, James Cavern, Jessie Brune and Zack Kampf. Craig's soulful voice continues to amaze and the crowd was treated to a great set.

The former Dance Gavin Dance singer also just recently released a video for his “The Lives We Live” single. Craig, after rehab (in 2012), appears to have a better outlook, looked very relaxed and treated the CIP crowd with his soulful lyrics and vocal range.

Craig's Tweeter account (@jonnycraig4L) has a profile note that summarizes his current state that says, “I am more insane sober than i ever was fucked up and i just found out for the first time in 27 years... im not black..”

Returning from last year and headlining the second CIP of the year was Middle Class Rut.

Once they took the stage there was no denying they're a good party band. What other band have you ever seen that brings their own keg to the stage?

Well the keg actually served as a drum as Zack Lopez and Sean Stockham were supported by some amazing backup players.

By the time MC Rut came on stage the park was packed. Fans of all ages made their way toward the front of the stage as MC Rut's music made the crowd jump up and down, dance and shout in approval.

MC Rut will be on tour across the country and will also be playing in London. The boys have been pretty busy and recently released a video “Aunt Betty” that's on their Pick Up Your Head album to be released on June 25. The video is a bit messed up but looks like they had fun making it.

CIP continues to be a great showcase for local artists. Come out every Friday from now until July 26 (except July 5) to catch your local favorites play at Cesar Chavez Plaza. This year's schedule features returning bands and DJs. The lineup for Friday, May 17 features DJ Whores, Live Manikins, Rasar, Syncro and Arden Park Roots.

Editor's Note: Ride RT to Concerts in the Park by jumping off at the stop on I and 9th streets. Sacramento Regional Transit supports The Sacramento Press and local journalism.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Créateur designs, hair and makeup

2013-05-15T19:23:55Z

This month's Second Saturday Art Walk in Midtown included a Créateur Hair and Fashion press party show at Hot Italian.

The fashion affair was a mixer to present the work of fashion, hair and makeup artists Yennie Zhou, Nikki Tran and Ling Chan. The mixer also served to introduce the upcoming May 18 Créateur Hair and Fashion Show.

Two models wearing Zhou's designs showcased not only her designs but also the artistry of the “Nikki+Ling” collaboration. The pairing will be featuring futuristic designs, fantasy hair and makeup at Friday's fashion show.

Several representatives, designers and photographers from Sacramento Fashion Week attended the mixer. A video showing the much anticipated, and recently released, 2013 Sacramento Fashion Show on DVD played in the background.

At the event, Duane Ram, representing DMR Productions shared that designer Saul Latvanen might be featuring his men's collection at the event. That information was confirmed on Monday.

The Créateur Hair and Fashion show will be held at the Marriott Courtyard located at 1782 Tribute Road. The event will include a fashion show and a fantasy hair and makeup quick demo. Designers will also be available for a meet and greet where guests will have the unique opportunity to learn more about the hair, makeup and fashion designers.

Tickets are still available for the May 18 event but are expected to sell out. Log on to the Créateur Hair and Fashion Show for further details.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

4th Annual Vida de Oro Folk Art Festival

2013-05-15T06:45:41Z

Families enjoyed a Mother's Day celebration at the 4th Annual Vida de Oro Folk Art Festival. The festival was held at the Good: Street Food + Design Market building located at 1409 Del Paso Blvd.

Vida de Oro (which means “golden life”) was a free, family-friendly event held Saturday, May 11. This was the first year that the event was held at this venue.

Artists, vendors and performers were on hand to help celebrate the event.

The Good warehouse building has a high ceiling, and for most of the day it helped keep things somewhat cool, bringing relief from the hot weather. Delicious food and drinks were sold at the back of the building, providing a picnic-type setting.

Vendors and artists offered merchandise suitable for collection, and visitors looking for a Mother's Day present had many delightful choices.

Children watched performances and participated in hands-on activities. Angela James had a table to sell handmade musical instruments used by her Fenix Drum and Dance Company. James also provided craft materials for children to create their own artwork.

Artist Rob-O had a couple tables set up for guests who wanted to create their own sugar skulls, enhancing the market experience for both young and old. Many of Rob-O's creations were in the same area, giving art collectors the opportunity to purchase his renowned traditional Dia de los Muertos art.

Two other well-known artists had tables next to each other. Both artists shared their art experience with guests. Felipe Dávalos, an artist and author whose work has been published by National Geographic, sat next to Juanishi V. Orosco, one of the founders of the Royal Chicano Air Force, aka Rebel Chicano Art Front.

Both internationally known artists remain busy. Dávalos has spent the past 15 years living in Sacramento. Orosco has spent most of his life in Sacramento and continues to create bigger-than-life-size murals.

Most Sacramentans have seen Orosco’s work and yet don’t know it. His art, along with the work of other RCAF members, can be seen at the Southside Park amphitheater. If you ever walk from Old Sacramento to the Downtown Mall Plaza and take the tunnel that connects them, then you have seen his work. Orosco and the RCAF created the colorful mural that lines the tunnel. When you exit the connecting tunnel, you’ll see other Orosco murals on the plaza walls.

Orosco shared that he became interested in art at an early age. “I remember when I was around 10 years old, my older brother used to draw cartoons and I wanted to draw like him. I would practice and practice until one day I was as good as he was,” said Orosco. His love for art continued, and he made it a life goal to learn as much as he could about art and artists. His influences include Diego Rivera, Michelangelo, Dali and others.

Orosco takes pride in his work and his face shows that as he speaks about his murals and growing up in the Sacramento area. Other murals he's created appear up and down the Western United States, from San Diego, to Idaho, to California and to a new project in Oregon. When asked what keeps him going he quickly and enthusiastically answered, “Murals!”

Since 1969 the RCAF art collective and Orosco have been a part of the Sacramento art scene and it's great to see artists as committed to their trade as he is. “I'm not as young as I once was but creating murals makes me feel young,” said Orosco.

Other artists and performers scheduled to attend included photographer Frederick Romero and Gillermina “Mina” Perez.

Performances during the event included dancers from the Miktlantekuhtli Azteca Dance Troupe, Ballet Folklórico de Beamer, Cheyenne Danner, Summer Lynn, Folklórico Latino de Woodland and the Yemaya Dance Troupe.

Other performers included trick roper, whip master and Vida de Oro Festival Promotions Director James Barrera. I have seen Barrera's rope and whip tricks at other venues, including the World Music Festival and Festival de la Familia.

Singers Arieana and Pete Vidales, Carlos Lastra, Rose and Cecelia Marin, and Melissa Cobian rounded off the wonderfully entertaining performances.

The festival allowed local artisans and performers from the Del Paso area the opportunity to showcase their work and show what's available in the community. The festival also gave out-of-town artists, performers and vendors the opportunity to feature their talent.

Vida de Oro, a nonprofit arts and publishing organization, put together a well-rounded event in this family-friendly venue. Festival founders Adrian and Mina Perez and Barrera continue to promote cultural arts and entertainment in Sacramento through events and their online publication.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Fashion at Sacramento City College

2013-05-11T09:53:41Z

Vintage fashion costumes adorned the entrance to Sacramento City College's campus' Student Center. The SCC City Fashion Club presented an enchanting evening of fashion on Wednesday night, May 8.

The Spring 2013 Fashion Show featured a classwork runway and designs by seven student designers.

Excitement and anticipation were apparent backstage as models and designers worked on last-minute details. Also backstage were beauty and esthetician school representatives from Paul Mitchell.

Faculty members Lynne Giovannetti and Jean Winchell represented the fashion club and managed the activity backstage and at the door.

Giovannetti, Applied Apparel Studies Program professor, shared some information on the City Fashion Club. “The club is open to students throughout the campus. You don't have to be a fashion student to be a member,” said Giovannetti and continued, “They have a faculty advisor who is Jean Winchell.”

Giovannetti indicated that the club's aim is to have a showing at the end of every semester. The shows' goal is to show what students learn in beginning to advanced classes during the semester of the showing. “In December we'll do another show, so we'll have something for every semester and the fashion club will be the ones who put it on.”

SCC offers several associate degrees and certificates for students wishing to study the different aspects of the fashion industry.

In order to keep up with vintage and current trends, Giovannetti said, “Our fashion program has been around for over 40 years. It just keeps changing. It changes to conform to the industry around every five years. We take a good look at the program and then we retool all the degrees and courses to match what's going on in the industry so we stay up to date.”

Winchell, an adjunct professor who teaches stretch fashion courses and is a figure skating costume designer, quoted the club's mission: “to share our love of fashion with the world in order to create a fashion-conscious campus where you can feel free to be daring and shock the halls with your fashion!”

Many of the concepts learned in stretch classes, Winchell noted, went into the design and construction of the fashion showed.

Winchell's enthusiasm was apparent as she described new equipment used at SCC. “We just got some new sergers about a year ago so that every student has the opportunity to sit down with an exceptional sewing machine,” said Winchell. She continued, “Getting these sergers was very fortunate, the students are going crazy. The one thing that this program really teaches is that the students here are taught to design and then construct the complete project.”

Once on the runway, student designers exhibited their passion as models paraded beautifully constructed fashion.

Student designers Crystal Gill, Sinan Dunlap, Temperance Bonner, Marcy Millet, KB Yang, Kaysy Xaynhalath, Ulysses Gonzalez and the fashion department classwork showcased an array of designs.

The Spring Fashion Show included fashion for men, women and children. Imaginative formal; casual, activewear; wedding; and urban styles graced the runway.

Each designer showcased their passion for fashion and incorporated what they've learned at SCC, while their individual creativity brought their designs to life and the delight of the audience. The City Fashion Club will soon be preparing for a show in December 2013.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Kaleidoscope fashion

2013-05-08T22:50:56Z

Psychedelic forms viewed through a kaleidoscope have fascinated me since childhood. With kaleidoscope images in the back of my mind I attended the American River College “Kaleidoscope 2013” fashion show held on May 3.

The American River College's 12th Annual Fashion Show brought 12 student designers to the campus' Black Box Theater stage for three showings. The air conditioned theater also served as a relief from the heat outside.

Stunning children, men and women's designs captivated the audience during each of the three fashion runway shows.

A production with so many designers and shows had to have many volunteers to make things move smoothly. ARC students and faculty worked hard to accomplish this as they worked backstage, on and offstage. Many of the volunteers, designers and models had only a few hours of sleep the night before, and many had been on campus since 7 a.m.

After the first runway show, Joanna Durkee, one of the show directors, shared a few thoughts about the fashion show. “The first show I think went well,” said Durkee as she prepared for the second show.

“The designers showed really well. It was very eclectic as it included children's, evening, resort and elegant fashion. You had something from every style,” continued Durkee. The show director also has experience as a designer and has participated at various fashion shows in Sacramento including including this year's Sacramento Fashion Week with her Niv Elliot line.

When asked about challenges and rewards for the ARC fashion show Durkee said, “I think the biggest challenge is the amount of people I have to work with because we have 100 models, 12 designers and three shows you have to organize. The most fun I've experienced is seeing it in person. Before the first show I was really nervous but as soon as the first set of girls hit the runway things changed. Everything came together and it was great, the music worked well and the outfits looked fantastic.”

Besides the 12 designers who showcased their talent, alumnus guest designer Michael Kouri was invited to share his “Forever Yours” line shown at this year's Sacramento Fashion Week. Ruchi Shah provided accessories for Kouri's line.

Kouri's dramatic designs set the stage as each ARC designer showed four or more pieces during their runway show.

A panel of judges was on hand for the early show and collaborated to vote in several categories. As they watched the morning runway show they could be seen talking to each other as each of the designers showcased their line. Before the second showing they also had a chance to speak with each of the designers.

Carolyn Keys' “Lil Madam” collection was the only children's line on exhibit. Adorable little girls walked down the runway in beautiful floral-patterned dresses. Wearing their “Sunday best” the little models drew audible compliments from the audience. The boy escorts stepped back slightly allowing the “Lil Madam” collection models to pose and show a true kaleidoscope display.

Each designer was inspired by different elements, styles and eras. Alexandra Kastner's showed her debut collection “Mod Me Up.” The collection was inspired by the '60s boxy mod look. The Brazilian native showed six bright one and two-piece outfits to showcase her talent.

Lisbeth Contreras showed a collection of day and evening casual wear. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, Contreras' collection was simple yet elegant, contemporary yet vintage, creating a diversified look.

Bright floral patterns adorned most of Svetlana Nalobina's “A Step Into Summer” collection. Nalobina's '70s inspired collection encompassed that decade's retro style look. The Russian native used bold floral prints to embellish each of her designs, creating a sophisticated style.

Tiffany Hagewood's “Mod-ish” brought five sleeveless one-piece dresses to the runway. Inspired by the '60s London Mod movement Hagewood's black, white and teal collection was quite enticing. Her vintage collection included contemporary touches giving the always stylish '60s an update for today's look.

The audience was thrilled to see Venice Ousley's collection “Incogneetah” as Michael Jackson's song “Thriller” was used to introduce her line. Ousley's alluring collection contained camouflage and cheetah prints. These elements, along with bright black and red colors, created a seductive look.

“Gods and Monsters” by Syu Martin brought a dark beauty to the stage. Martin's designs showcased her conspicuous Gothic Lolita style that separated her collection from most others. Martin's “You can be beautiful on the outside but be a monster inside” collection had the Japanese fashion pop-culture style that has become popular with today's youth. Martin's Prince Noir collection has won awards at the SacAnime fashion shows.

With 26 years of fashion construction and design experience, AnHa Tran showcased her colorful collection “Break Away.” Tran's collection, with its many colorful garments, reminded me of birds of paradise. Her elegant line was beautifully accentuated with very colorful and fashionable headwear and accessories.

The only men's collection showcased at the Kaleidoscope Fashion Show belonged to designer Saul Latvanen. Entitled “The Same Boy You've Always Known," Latvanen's designs were elegantly edgy and high-end couture Latvanen displayed a collection at last year's ARC fashion show and two of his garments from that show were displayed on last Saturday's red carpet. He also participated in last year's Sacramento Fashion Week.

Having met Latvanen before, I remembered he had mentioned he was going to be working on a men's line, and that this was the first time he'd shown a full men's collection. “My inspiration was 'The Same Boy You've Always Known' which is a new menswear fashion style but with different fabrics. For example, the models will be wearing lace, which is a feminine fabric but in this case I'm making it very masculine at the same time,” said Latvanen as he described his collection. The designer ended by saying, “Technically the collection is 1970s inspired while at the same time exhibiting an edgier couture men style..”

Dure Arshad’s “Diamonds in the Sky” collection brought a set of sleeveless and beautifully stylish wear to the runway. The collection of dresses ranged from outfits that could be work for a night on the town or to a formal event. Ar shad’s couture collection was very feminine, elegant and included meticulous patterns on each dress.

“La Beaute” was Helen Romero's line. The Romero collection was inspired by a Victorian elegance combined with a modern look. The black and white collection included fine and precise detail. Romero's designs were accentuated with precise hand stitching on her collection.

Kristin Huss brought delightful splendor to the stage with her “Echos of Morning” collection, inspired by the tragic loss of her mother to cancer. Huss wanted to create something beautiful in her honor. Huss' beautiful form-fitting collection was brilliant and paid honorable homage to her mom.

Kaleidoscope fashion

2013-05-03T09:14:14Z

American River College's Fashion Department will hold a gala fashion show this Friday, May 3.

Up-and-coming designers will be featuring creative fashion for women, men and children.

The 12th Annual Fashion Show will feature 12 designers with unique collections. Designers have been preparing for the show since before a casting call that took place in early April.

The May 3 event has three fashion shows and each shows differs in price depending on the time of the event. Show times are 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Student discounts apply for a limited time. A note from the ARC Facebook shows a discount code for ARC students when they use promo code: ARCSTUDENT.

The spring show is called “Kaleidoscope.” Designers showcasing their fashionable wear and their collection will be:

Dure Arshad, Collection: “Cloudwalk”
Lisbeth Conteras, Collection: “Wonderland”
Tiffany Hagewood, Collection:: ”(to be named)”
Kristen Huss, Collection: “Echos of Mom”
Alexandra Kastner, Collection: “Mod Me Up”
Carolyn Keys, Collection: “Lil Madam”
Syu Martin, Collection: ”Gods & Monsters”
Svetlana Nalobina, Collection: “(to be named)”
Venice Ousley, Collection: “Incognita”
Saul Ramirez, Collection: “The Same Boy You’ve Always Known”
Helen Romero, Collection: “La Beaute”
Anha Tran, Collection: “Resilience The Courage to Come Back”

Several of these designers have experience showing their lines at different venues.

ARC recently announced that alum designer Nolan Kouri (aka Michael Kouri) would also be presenting a special collection. The Kouri collection will feature accessories by local designer Ruchi Shah. A Kouri collection was featured at this year's Sacramento Fashion Week.

ARC is located at 4700 College Oak Drive and parking will be available in Lot D. Log on to the ARC website and their Facebook page to learn more about the event.

Mural unveiling at Rio Americano High School

2013-05-02T06:24:59Z

Paul Valéry, the French writer, poet and philosopher, once said, “An artist never really finishes his work, he merely abandons it.” Those words exemplify the process that took place over a three-year period to create a mural at Rio Americano High School.

On Tuesday night, April 30, the unveiling of the completed mural took place at Rio's band building.

The high school's “Rio Music” project commenced in 2010 with the sponsorship and support of the Sacramento River Cats and the Rio Band Boosters.

Artist Markos Egure was commissioned for the project, which proceeded in three different phases. Egure's other artistic work can be seen at various sites in the Sacramento area. Egure, and the company he founded, Wes Kos Images, have been creating projects in the Sacramento area since the company was established in 1997.

The Rio Music Project Mural unveiling and celebration included wonderful music by three young talented musicians.

A couple dozen supporters were on hand as they enjoyed the soothing sounds performed by the Rio trio.

The Rio Americano Band Program directors, Josh Murray and Max Kiesner, were also on hand to meet and greet visitors.

Murray addressed the crowd, thanking them for being at the event. Murray indicated the school had been built around 1965, and at the time was just going to be a temporary campus. “It was only supposed to be here 10-15 years, so they weren't thinking about aesthetics,” said Murray as he explained the mural project.

The idea of doing a mural was tossed around. “We wanted people to see the mural when they came to the school,” said Murray, and continued, “It would be the first thing they would see and notice that music is important and that it could be a source of pride for the whole school, for the community, for every kid that walks through this door.”

Murray also shared that after the decision was made to create a mural, the artist was found via a Google search, resulting in the selection of Egure, although his name did not pop up on the first page.

When Egure addressed the crowd, he talked about the process of beginning the mural in 2010. The artist gave some reasons for doing the project, and noted that the most important reason turned out to be the students, the future talent that practiced and played in the building.

“Overall the mural took one year and one week over three years’ time,” noted Egure, who said he was already looking at the other walls of the building. Egure's donated project took a lot of his time, but he noted that he does this type of work as part of giving back and being involved in community art. Egure has created 28 murals in schools he's been associated with and has donated 22 projects as part of giving back to the community.

As you drive into the Rio Americano campus, located at 4540 American River Dr., the band building is indeed the first thing that grabs you attention.

Egure has several other projects in the works. Beginning this summer, he will start on a mural at the YMCA, and also shared that he will be featured on a “Yard Crashers” episode in May or June of 2013.

Midtown Art Walk

2013-04-26T00:46:00Z

April's Second Saturday Art Walk drew the highest attendance of the year. More visitors and vendors enjoyed warmer weather as they visited the various art galleries and events in Midtown.

Sacramento law enforcement made its presence known as they patrolled Midtown on foot, bicycle, horseback, patrol car and I even saw a helicopter flying in the 20th and J Street area,

The added security made some people feel safer. “I like to see the police out here. I've heard about people getting robbed and assaulted the past few months around here and I do feel safer walking the streets,” said Grant Martin. Other people walking with Martin's agreed with his comments as they nodded.

20th Street between J and K had plenty of activity. War protestors occupied the corner of 20th and J streets. Live jazz music played at the Entertainment Plaza in front of the MARRS building. The art of John Huerta also graced the area and both activities brought plenty of shoppers and on-lookers to the street.

Vendors usually occupy the alley area between J and K streets behind The Depot bar but it had been empty the past few months. Many returned to sell their specialties this month. Across the street, the always busy, LowBrau hosted the largest crown on the block.

I made a list of places to visit during Second Saturday. One of the galleries I wanted to stop at was the Gallery 2110 and The Sacramento Art Complex located at 2110 K Street. This was the first time in several months that I had visited the gallery and noticed right away that many of the previous artists had moved out and new artists had taken up residence.

The Main Gallery at Gallery 2110 featured the art of Susan Ballenger. Ballenger's paintings and drawings of farm equipment and old rusty engines showcased the artist's perspective on Americana artifacts. The rustic and vibrant colors drew my attention which in turn made me inspect each piece of art closer as I marveled at the details.

An artist reception allowed invited guests to visit the complex before it was opened to the Second Saturday crowd.

The Sculpture Garden patio in the back exhibited three dimensional art and the Loft Gallery, on the second floor, showcased the work of Jenny Long.

Several of the resident artists were on hand to meet and greet visitors to the art complex.

Another place I planned to visit was the Spanish Fly Hair Garage to view their promoted live music, fashion show, art, tattoo and body piercing demos. “Fly Fest” as the event was tagged had many guests in the front salon where a fashion runway had been set up.

When I arrived, the patio in between the salon and the back room was overflowing with guests and Ghost Parade played in the back room.

Since no tattoo or body piercing demos took place when I arrived I decided to return later for the fashion show.

More protestors could be seen on the corner of 16th and J streets in front of the Memorial Auditorium. These protestors stood in unity calling for gun reform and to protest the sale of assault weapons.

Music coming from Barber's Shop Automotive grabbed my attention and noticed several people admiring cars parked in front of the shop. The new Fiat 500 along with other vehicles were stationed in front of the garage while the Bathtub Gins played inside to an intimate crowd.

The Bathtub Gins can be seen playing on many Second Saturdays at the Alfa Romeo garage.

Making my way back to “Fly Fest” I arrived in time to catch Daniel Osterhoff aka DJ Whores, spinning some of his mixes while Casey Inkdup Lewis set up his drum set.

A fashion show soon followed and was repeated later in the evening. Hair and makeup for the fashion show was done by Spanish Fly and its sister salons Maverique Style House and Crushed VLVT. Krazy Mary's Boutique provided the outfits.

I stayed to watch Diamond Dez perform while Lewis played the drums. As Diamond Dez performed a little girl from the audience stood up and joined Dez on stage showing her dancing abilities that delighted the audience.

The audience at the Spanish Fly Hair Garage increased as the evening continued and other performances took place.

I had one more place to visit on my list. I made my way to Courtney Cuts on 9th and K near the KBar where a friend had some artwork on display. The salon unfortunately closed before 9 pm.

The Art Walk was exhausting but there is always so much to see and experience in Midtown during Second Saturday. If you're looking for places to visit during the monthly Art Walk, Sacramento Press and Sacramento News & Review publish several suggested events in Midtown a few days before each Second Saturday.

Aztec dance ritual at Southside Park

2013-04-24T22:45:26Z

Sacramento's outdoor festivals and events increase during the spring and summer. The Xipe Colores Ceremony is one of these festivities that has been celebrated for the past 37 years.

The annual ceremony recently took place once again at Southside Park. The April 13 event began a little later than expected but brought a good size crowd of supporters to the event.

The Xipe Colores Ceremony was organized by the Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers and dancers from Kalpulli Itzkuauhtli also participated.

Xipe Totec was, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the Aztec god of spring and new vegetation and also the patron of goldsmiths.

The Xipe Colores Ceremony held at Southside Park celebrated the beginning of spring and honors children.

The celebration area was roped off for a dance and cleansing ritual. A series of drums stood in the middle among ornate incense holders and other items.

The ceremony paying homage to springtime, regrowth and children was very colorful. Dancers created music as they walked with “Codo de Flailer” (ayoyote-seeded) ankle bands. Other instruments made from these seeds were carried by other dancers.

The weather was rather hot during the ceremonial dances and little or no shade fell on the ritual area. Once the drumming began the colorful and frantic dancing began and continued for hours with a few seconds rest in between dances.

The exhausting dance is full of symbolism celebrating life.

“The celebration has slightly deviated from its roots and now we mostly celebrate the beginning of spring. The ceremony is performed in expectation of a bountiful harvest for farmers, “said Salvador Poulos. The nearby resident continued, “Now the ritual of honoring Xipe Totec is celebrated, as I understand it, in the 'Danza de los Voladores' (Dance of the Flyers).”

The Xipe Colores Ceremony returns next year and will continue to be held at Southside Park. Visit the Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers and Kalpulli Itzkuauhtli Facebook pages to view other upcoming events.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

ZuhG music, ZuhG Life

2013-04-20T05:46:56Z

ZuhG is a band with deep roots in Sacramento. They have been described as unique, energetic, funky, lively and above all, fun to watch live. ZuhG is a band that moves audiences to their feet and inspires them to move to their beats and to dance.

The talented musicians that make up ZuhG are not afraid to experiment with different types of music and do things differently. They have played most of Sacramento's venues and venture out to spread their brand of music as they constantly tour.

Although reggae continues to be what most fans enjoy when they watch ZuhG play, the band continues to experiment with different music genres, including folk music. Their last CD was “Calm & Clear,” a folksy album released on March 30, 2013.

ZuhG opened ZuhG Life in the Sacramento Downtown Plaza in 2010. The store sells art, clothing, jewelry and music by local artists, and is located near the food court on the second floor of the mall. It was at the store that I met Bryan Nichols, who talked about the ZuhG Life, ZuhG the band and other topics.

Describing ZuhG music:

My auto response answer to that is usually; funky, reggae jam music. You know people ask that a lot. My guitar player will say rock ‘n’ roll right away. I'll say funky, reggae, jam and then on the flip side of that we just released a somewhat folk music record. We like to dabble in several elements.

On the current ZuhG lineup:

It changes quite a bit you know. We've been on a couple of national tours that are like a month long and whatnot and it's not for everybody so sometimes we come home and someone says, “I don't want to do that anymore.” So the lineup has changed a lot over the years but it's always been me, Charlie (Wheeler) and JR (Halliday), the guitar player. Right now we got a guy name Joe (Arrington) on the drums. Jesi Naomi doing vocals. We got Shawn Tindell who just joined us recently on the bass. He used to be in a band called Monkey Flower and now he's our bassist because they had their last show a while back.

We've had from five and up to 10 onstage.

On coordinating tours and picking up other players:

When we're finally ready to go on a tour we find the musicians and people in our band that are for sure able to go. In case we have something like if a drummer can't go we'll get a different drummer. All members are from Sacramento and they all live in Sacramento.

On playing Concerts in the Park this summer:

This will be the second time we're playing Concerts in the Park. The first one we played was last year. We got to headline and we have another one on July 12 and we'll get to headline that one again.

Other projects:

Other big events coming up? We have a lot of festivals all summer long. Some big ones I'd like to point out we have Cosmic Family Gathering which we help organize. It's up in Placerville and it's a three-day festival, May 17 through 19, with a lot of local bands and some out-of-town bands as well.

We're doing that and then another big project is a Dr. Dre Tribute concert project. It's members of ZuhG, guitar players and bass players and then we have a bunch of Sacramento rappers doing the rapping. So it's like a live band-Dr. Dre thing which is super fun. It's fun to play hip-hop music.

On the 19th we're playing in Chico but the big one is the show on the 20th. We're doing a 420 show at the Assembly (Sacramento). It's new venue, the Assembly on K Street. Some big names will be going trough there. It's bigger than Harlow's a little smaller than Ace of Spades.

Special things about touring:

There's a lot of things to look forward to when touring. Just getting out of town and out of your house and just being out on the road and being in a different town every day it's just a lot of fun. It's like there's not a lot going on when you're driving all the way from one town to another but at the same time it's entertaining and it's fun. So yeah just being in a different town every day, playing for new people, meeting new people every day it's just a lot of fun and people are usually pretty responsive and supportive. We get to hang out with a lot of new people so I think it's great.

On drawing inspiration and motivation:

Lots of things inspire and motivate you know. Musicians that I look up to inspire me. We watch as much music as we can when we're not performing. We watch bands that have just been killing it and it's inspirational just because they're so talented. That's what inspires me just the musicians that are better than me.

On jamming:

We do have some songs that are live that end up being 10-15 minutes long for sure and yeah a lot of that depends on the crowd. If they're feeling it and we're having a dance party and it's keeping you going then we'll go for a while, and if they're not then we might end early. We don't practice elongated improv jams really. We don't get together and practice where we practice the parts and transitions and the core of the song any live improv or extension is unrehearsed which makes it fun and different every time.

Regarding the Kings possibly building a new arena where the mall stands:

Rumor has it that if the arena is built here, yes most of the mall will be I guess torn down and turned into an arena.

I've accepted both outcomes. If it doesn't come here and we have the opportunity to stay in the mall longer, I'll do that and I'll be happy to do that. It's been fun working at the store and it's been a good thing for local musicians and everybody. On the flip side of that if we have to close because the new arena comes I'm excited to see what I'll do with all my free time that I would have. I'm here six days a week and my other band member Charlie is also here five to six days a week and we have some other friends who help. With the amount of work I do I'd just have so much free time so you know I'm interested on starting a record label with all the connections we've made. So we have other projects in mind to occupy my time with and this is rewarding. It would be fun to do something with other local music artists.

So, if the store closes I'd have to look at other things. Right now I'm trying to buy a house with my guitar player JR and we have dreams of building a recording studio. After that maybe starting a record label you know. I would enjoy recording bands, booking them tours, printing out CDs for them.

Regarding the ZuhG Life store:

We've been open two-and-a-half years. We had a grand opening on November 13, 2010.

The idea behind the store is definitely local. The original idea was to sell local music and be like a merch booth for all the local bands in Sacramento like ZuhG and bands that we work with and then that grew into other things.

I enjoy painting so when we started the store I was selling my paintings in here and then we had artists coming in here saying “Hey, can I sell my art here too?” So now we switch the art once a month and we have local clothing companies, local jewelry, anything that is Sacramento. People can just bring it in and if we like it we'll work with them.

This is just a local hub for anybody bringing in anything crafty you know what I mean? Or teaching music lessons out of the back room.

We also have live music on the stages outside. So yeah the concept has always been the same but it's grown a lot since the early days.

On ZuhG Life and what would happen to Nichols and other vendors:

The revenue here isn't huge, we just pay the bills. I work for free, anybody that works here works for free, we're happy to do it but because a lot of the items are consignment.

Where will they go after if we have to close? I don't know, I'm not saying that opening up another store is not an option, there's definitely that possibility. I'm not going to sell my fixtures and clothing racks I'd probably put them in the garage for a while and see if any location opportunities arise and if they do then it will be a serious thought to keep ZuhG Life going in a different location.

On live music at the Sacramento Downtown Plaza:

I actually had a job booking music before I owned my store so I was booking music for the mall and then after a while they asked me if I wanted to open up a store, a music store. They knew I taught guitar lessons at the time and there were some empty stores and they asked if I wanted to open up some kind of music, guitar or some kind of store and I thought about it. I went on tour to Oregon and told them I'd think about it.

When we came back I said yes and then came up with this idea. So we have two stages in the mall, upstairs and downstairs. We've been doing this for over three years now and I get a lot of touring bands which is cool because we meet a lot of great bands from all over the world and then we have a lot of locals. Right now we have live music every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

It's so cool that my day job is booking music for the mall, I'm very grateful to have this. It's what I like to do so it's not hard, I like my job.

On future goals:

We've always focused on playing festivals and that's a constant. You want to upgrade each time you start off at festivals; opening up and maybe getting a bad slot and hope maybe you get a better slot next year. This upcoming festival season is full of great slots and good festivals all over California so we're going to continue that push, keep playing the festival circuits and keep getting bigger and better at it.

We also have a guy who is going to book us a big tour again in the near future. We don't have the dates yet or even where but we just found out that he is indeed going to book a tour for us.

At the moment we’re concentrating on summer events. We're booked all the way to September now and then I have a festival called ZuhG Fest in October so I'm going to be busy with that and then we'll see what starts happening in 2014. It's crazy to even think about 2014, I feel like 2013 just got here.

Thoughts on recording “Calm & Clear”:

Every album is different but this last one “Calm & Clear” is an acoustic folksy album. We didn't originally have that idea. We were in the studio recording a normal funky rock ‘n’ roll ZuhG album. We recorded a couple of songs and I also recorded a couple of acoustic songs.

We go to the studio we go once or twice a month, we like to spread it out. We don't go like every day and try to pump out an album. We go like once or twice a month for 10-hour days. So anyway we had a couple of acoustic songs and then we started adding stuff to them and adding different things and after a while we're like “Yeah let's just record an acoustic album.”

JR and I just kept going to the recording studio and recording these acoustic songs that had been on the waiting list forever. We didn't play too many acoustic songs live but we have them you know. So anyway yeah it just kind of started happening and we just kept going.

Jesi Naomi sings on it and we wrote a lot of music in the studio which was good for us and fun at the same time because you're creating things on the spot that will go on CDs that will last forever.

As a guitar player, singer and songwriter I write songs like you see us play live. I also sit at home with my acoustic guitar on my couch and I'll write some folk or acoustic songs. I know we'll not be getting the crowd dancing with songs like that. We're not going to be performing that at Concerts in the Park but that doesn't mean they're not good songs though. It's an album full of songs that you won't hear us playing live too much which is the unique thing about it.

Final thoughts:

Check out our new CD. We're excited about our 420 show and the Cosmic Family Festival and come by the store to chat and say hi.

Spring 2013 fashion show at Sac State

2013-04-17T19:50:40Z

“Project Runway” made its way to Sacramento State University's Union Ballroom this pastt Friday night.

Loosely patterned after the “Project Runway” reality television series, participants competed to be selected as the winning designer at SFA's spring 2013 “Project Runway” inspired fashion show. Designers were judged on their marvelous work and a winning designer was selected at the end of the competition.

KCRA anchor/reporter Lisa Gonzalez served as host for the evening. Minjeong Kang, Esther Amato, Simone Vianna and Duane Ram served as judges for the fashion shown and selected the top designer at the end of the showcase.

Eight designers and three boutiques showcased a variety of fashionable wear in the “Project Runway” inspired competition.

The audience cheered for their favorite designers and stylists and voted to select the most popular designer of the evening.

Months of preparation came to an end as each designer's hard work was greeted with great enthusiasm as their designs were paraded down the runway.

Madelynn Esquivias' designs were the first to be shown and included some men's designs. Esquivias' designs included colorful gowns accessorized with flowers and floral patterns. The intriguing collection was inspired by Esquivias' mom who is a cancer survivor.

Samantha Furno's fashion line had something for everyone. One, two and three-piece outfits graced the runway. Furno's outfits included a couple of gowns, including one with a black backless top. Short dresses complemented Fumo's line. A black short outfit had to be seen from the back where a “wow” factor shined as it had a floral pattern not seen from the front.

Chou Khang's line was dominated by beautiful, mostly one or two-piece black outfits. Khang's line was cheered on by members of the audience. One of the loudest cheers was for the designer and her outfit, which had a see-through back. A closer look at some of these outfits revealed intricate work that could not all possibly be seen during the initial walk down the runway.

Anastasia Kryukova, the only non CSUS student designer, showcased a wonderful line. Kryunkova's fashion collection made a dramatic entrance with a sophisticated black outfit that included an elegant hand bag and the model's fingernails were also painted with the same colors as the outfit and bag.

The Julia Moua collection included many more colors with floral prints. Accessories in the collection included matching hair bows and ties. Moua's collection included men's clothing, making her collection appealing to a wider and fashionable audience.

Diana Oulrey's collection included dresses, gowns, a shorts outfit and the use of colorful flower patterns. The colorful pattern was used for full and sleeveless blouses. Oulrey's outfits were quite colorful and a couple of dresses that were longer on the back than the front flowed like colorful flags as the models swayed and moved down the runway.

Diana Perez and Kirsi Sasso collaborated for their showcase that began in choreographed fashion as half the models walked toward the other half and disappeared on each side of the stage. In dramatic fashion, one model at a time emerged to move on the catwalk. Outfits with skull and rose prints were beautifully exhibited. The collection included a two-piece pants outfit and a black dress. One male outfit was included with the model wearing a shirt with an imprint that read KD Revolt.

The last designs of the evening belonged to Theresa Truong. The designs included island-looking apparel with floral hair accessories. The one and two-piece outfits were dominated by different shades of blue and black.

After the designer showcase ended three boutiques exhibited their fashion after a intermission giving guests the chance to view vendor tables and the judges were able to tally their results.

Near the Hair & Fashion Battle Expo vendor table a couple of ladies talked about the event. Leonora Taylor shared that she loved the student collection. “I loved the Diana Oulrey collection but each designer had something I liked," Taylor said. "I think it's wonderful that Sac State has this high caliber of student designers and can't wait to see their next fashion show. Actually I can't wait for the boutique stylists to show their collection."

Three local boutiques also shared the runway. Amy Banks, stylist for Sugar Shack Boutique, put together a wonderful collection to showcase fashion available at the boutique she represented. Each outfit was accessorized and made for an elegant showcase. Other stylists presented a collection to showcase other boutiques. Rachel Chardoir represented Article Consignment and Elysa Quintella showed for Sei Bella Boutique.

When the time to announce the winners came, the judges pretended to have a hard time deciding as they discussed the situation on stage. This charade helped spring a surprise on the audience.

As the winners were about to be announced SFA President Nikko Panganiban came on stage to announce a “surprise” presenter. Panganiban introduced "Project Runway" season 11 participant and local designer Richard Hallmarq. The Sacramento designer was received with loud cheers and applause.

Winners at the “Project Runway” inspired fashion showcase were marketing and design major Samantha Furno who won the judges’ top designer award.

Madelynn Esquivias, an international business and apparel marketing and design major, was selected as most popular by the audience.

SFA continues to excel in their fashion shows and by including boutiques it allows a collaboration between CSUS and other fashion industry members. By seeing designers who go out and make a name for themselves, such as Hallmarq, it gives other local designers the motivation to try and do the same. Such collaborations also help fuel Sacramento fashion.

Cesar Chavez Day in Sacramento

2013-04-11T23:38:37Z

Last year brave marchers participated in the annual Cesar Chavez march under rainy skies. This year it did not rain on their parade and a larger number of marchers participated on Saturday, April 6.

Participants gathered at the Southside Park Amphitheatre, near the corner of 7th and T streets. Marchers eventually paraded towards the Capitol Mall and advanced to Cesar Chavez Plaza that remains closed due to renovations.

This was the 13th year the march has taken place in Sacramento. This year many of the marchers also marched to demand legislation to give undocumented residents a path to the always controversial issue of citizenship for illegal immigrants.

A White House Presidential Proclamation released on March 29 proclaimed March 31, 2013, as Cesar Chavez Day. In that proclamation, President Barack Obama stated, “I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate service, community, and education programs to honor Cesar Chavez's enduring legacy.”

The legacy that Chavez left was celebrated by a crowd of over 350 marchers.

Banners from groups such as Primero de Mayo, Occupy Sacramento, Latin Democratic Club, Roger Dickinson California State Assembly member, Sacramento City Teachers Association, Sacramento City Teachers Association and many others were displayed as they marched.

Along the route some participants chanted “Si se puede!” (yes we can) , “El pueblo unido, jamás será vencido” (the people united will never be divided) as well as chants aimed against Obama's deportation policy.

A marcher, Marcos Sanchez, nodded as he recited, “According to the Department of Homeland Security, the federal government, in 2011, deported close to 400,000 people who were in the country illegally.”

Students from local colleges and high schools made up a good portion of the marchers. Some of the students in rhythm chanted, “Money, for jobs and education. Not for racist deportation.” Most marched with the same passion as Chavez himself and with as much fervor and enthusiasm.

The most colorful contingency belonged to the Kalpulli Itzkuauhtli Danza Azteka many of whom marched and danced the three mile route barefoot.

Once the march returned to Southside Park the Kalpulli Itzkuauhtli dancers performed in front of the park's amphitheatre.

Speakers from organizations took turns to thank the marchers and talk about their group.

Conscious of the growing power Latinos hold at the ballot box, Sacramento area politicians including Assembly members Roger Dickinson and Richard Pan joined the marchers. Both Assembly members thanked marchers for their support and for keeping the legacy and memory of Chavez alive.

Similar events took place throughout the U.S. commemorating Cesar Chavez Day.

March's Final Friday at Beatnik Studios

2013-04-02T07:32:00Z

Beatnik Studios' Final Friday attracted a crowd of over 100 guests to its monthly event.

Final Friday featured the artwork of David Mohr, Trent Liddicoat and James Angello. The three artists were present for a meet-and-greet.

I had met one of the artists at an artist reception last year at Sol Collective. Liddicoat indicated that his work, along with that of the other two artists, will be exhibited for two months.

“I was asked to exhibit because I'm friends with the other artists who are showing and they studied at Sac State with the curator (Kelley O'Connell) who is working here,” said Liddicoat.

The self-taught artist shared that he did not attend art school, has been friends with Angello for two years and that they met when they both previously worked together. Many of the artists and guests shared the commonality of being friends with others and made the event an intimate gathering.

Liddicoat stated that most of the art in this show, except for four pieces, was created for the Beatnik exhibit.

The musical part of Final Friday included the Rook Family, Orion Walsh, Musical Charis and Autumn Sky.

Musical Charis, which recently returned from their "Desert Dessert Tour" that also included Orion Walsh, took the stage first.

Musical Charis kicked off an evening of great music with “Eye Candy.” After playing “East West” it became evident that the local band was set to deliver a great performance. Different artists picked up instruments and joined Musical Charis at different points, making the event more like a family reunion than anything else.

Audience participation also contributed to the fun, with much hand clapping, foot stomping and joining in to sing to some of the songs.

Most of Musical Charis' songs are original, but once in a while they throw in a cover song. Their rendition of U2's “Sunday Bloody Sunday” with Orion Walsh was a great addition to their set.

Orion Walsh, accompanied by Musical Charis, also sung a wonderful rendition of "Amazing Grace." After Musical Charis had played for a while, they departed from the stage, leaving Orion Walsh alone onstage.

Visitors continued to enter Beatnik Studios throughout the evening to enjoy the art, music and socializing in a very casual atmosphere. On the side patio, several guests enjoyed the warm evening, while still listening to some of the music.

The Rook Family entertained with a folksy set that captivated the audience. This was the first time I've seen them perform, but at the same time they've only been together for a few months. The audience joined in with some hand clapping and foot stomping. Several members took turns at the microphone, sharing vocals.

Autumn Sky was the last performer to take the stage. Having seen her on stage before, I was quite pleased to see her performance at Beatnik Studios. Her energetic set had the audience involved as well, as she asked the audience to move closer to the stage.

Autumn Sky's set included a more traditional rock style, and she made it livelier by jumping and moving around the stage. Autumn Sky's musical talent was well-received, and she delivered a great closing performance.

Final Fridays at the Beatnik, from what I've witnessed, are a great showcase for Sacramento-area talent. By combining art, music and a great place for social gathering, Beatnik has created an entertaining venue for guests of all ages to enjoy.

Log on to Beatnik Studios to view their upcoming events during the month of April. Visitors can view some of their past events as well as other information about their space availability for venue rentals.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Final Friday at Beatnik Studios

2013-03-28T01:58:40Z

Expect an evening of art, music, food and family fun at Beatnik Studios during its Final Friday event. Final Fridays is a free monthly event that showcases local, regional and statewide talent and is open to an all-ages audience. Beatnik Studios is located on the corner of Broadway and 17th Street.

Final Friday will feature the art of David Mohr, Trent Liddicoat and James Angello. An artist reception will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 29.

Music will be provided by Rook Family, Orion Walsh, Autumn Sky and Musical Charis.

I sat with Wesley Davis, photographer and co-owner, Beatnik Studios to talk about Final Fridays.

Davis began by saying, “We actually have a new artist director. Her name is Kelley O'Connell who has been a friend of ours for a long time. She's a recent graduate of Sac State with a degree in Fine Arts. She has a good network of artists and is really passionate about doing new things with Sacramento artists.”

As the new Gallery Director, this will be O'Connell's first Final Friday. Davis stated, “She brought in all the artists which is exciting. The artists are David Mohr, Trent Liddicoat and James Angello. Both David Mohr and James Angello are Sac State graduates and Trent Liddicoat is a self-taught artist.”

Music is an integral part of Final Friday and Davis talked about the lineup saying, “I asked Musical Charis to host this Final Friday because they haven't done it in a long time. They're good friends of ours, they live right upstairs here. They're on tour and are basically bringing their tour package. It will be like their homecoming show they're touring with Orion Walsh. Autumn Sky will be here as well with the Rook Family. So Musical Charis put the music portion together for this Final Friday.”

As we talked about Final Friday, Davis shared some thoughts about how the event started.

“Final Friday started about three years ago. Beatnik opened five years ago, in reality it will be five years in May. Actually we may have been doing Final Friday for four years, maybe over four years. Anyway, we started doing them as an open studio it was called Last Friday Open Studios and it kind of disappeared for a while and then we brought them back. I was like the one that said 'Hey we should really be doing these Final Fridays because it's a night to showcase studio space and to invite the community to come in and see what we're up to.' So we started it back up and the venue is really accessible, it's open to people of all ages. We don't charge to get in and then we have live music. So our goal, our main goal, for Final Friday is just to kind of give a little cross section of music and art culture in Sacramento to as many people as we can.”

Davis has been at Beatnik since its beginning and he shared a little history about the studios.

“When we first opened up we were a shared studio. Our business plan was to have kind of like an Urban Hive, a common working space but for photographers specifically where we would have a studio then offices and spaces just to meet clients. That was really up and down and then we also had the gallery pretty much from the get-go. We would hang art and show art and that was also kind of up and down and then we started doing events here. That was never really the original intent, to do events, but the events were very popular and we saw the potential of having them.”

Davis saw the use of events saying, “Event revenue helped support the studios so we made the transition to become an event space and now you now we're a full out event space. We do weddings almost every weekend from spring to fall. Weddings are the big events but we also do fundraisers and all kinds of different parties. The cool thing about the events is that all those people who come for the events they get to see the art and they get to experience the culture that we provide.”

Beatnik has been around for almost five years and Davis noted that they must be doing something right and they're not planning on going anywhere as they continue to grow.

When asked why Final Friday was chosen instead of Second Saturday or First Monday or anything similar Davis said, “We're not trying to compete (with other events). We did Second Saturday but we want to provide a completely unique experience. We'd like to provide an evening where you can be in one place not hop from place to place to place. We want people to come and soak it all in, in one place and spend quality time with the artists' work. We wanted our own kind of night something out away from the grid, away from that cluster of galleries. We wanted to give people a night where they could really feel like they've been soaked in an atmosphere that we provide instead of going for 10 minutes and then leave.”

The public is invited to enjoy local art and music at Beatnik Studios every Final Friday. The venue is open to guests of all ages. Log on to the Beatnik Studios Facebook or website to find out more about the studio and other events throughout the month.

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Sacramento – in living color

2013-03-23T01:56:13Z

A colorful day of events transpired this past Saturday, March 16.

Run or Dye is a 5K event that took place at McClellan Park in Sacramento.

Run or Dye

Billed as the world's most colorful 5K the event lived up to its billing and was attended by over 2,000 participants.

Run or Dye has scheduled events that take it from coast to coast and is also open to participants of all ages.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

That same day Old Sacramento held its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade where green was the color most prevalent.

Participants followed the beat of drummers and marched behind bagpipers as Sacramento celebrated St. Patrick's Day.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets to watch the parade that featured Irish and Highland dancers, bagpipe and drum bands, several cultural organizations and community groups to celebrate the 17th annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

March's Second Saturday

2013-03-21T08:32:32Z

March's Second Saturday saw new art exhibits throughout Midtown and Downtown Sacramento. Next month Folsom will start their Second Saturday for 2013 and join Roseville's Third Saturday as alternative venues in Sacramento.

On a warm evening 20th Street between J and K had some activity, mainly anchored by patrons at LowBrau.

Kennedy Gallery made a move to the corner of L and 20th Streets some time in the last couple of months and that was my first stop of the evening

Scheduled showings at the Kennedy Gallery Art Center included an "Abstractions Show" featuring the work of Michael Kennedy, Maleheh Bartolomeo and others.

On the bottom floor the work of John Huerta was on exhibit. Huerta's art centers on Dia de los Muertos art. When I met Huerta he was excited about a project he had recently been commissioned for.

Huerta shared some good news about Hollywood Forever Cemetery's Día de los Muertos.

Huerta made some friends at Sacramento's Día de los Muertos and through those new acquaintances he was asked to become involved in LA's Día de los Muertos in Hollywood.

Huerta spoke about how he became involved saying, “My friend Sylvia said she knew, through a good friend, one of the main organizers of the event. They want to see about me doing a poster to advertise the festival. So it's a big honor and I'll pretty much need to go over the details.”

Asking if he had anything in mind regarding the poster Huerta answered, “I'm going to think about it and see what kind of ideas, once I discuss it with her, come up and then I'll go from there. I'm not sure when the event takes place if it will be on October 26 or November 1st and 2nd. In a couple of months we'll find out more about the details. So I'm really excited about it.”

One of my favorite stops on the Second Saturday venue has been the Viewpoint Photography Art Center on J Street.

The “Anasazi Project” was on exhibition at the main Viewpoint gallery. The work of husband-and-wife photographers Don Kirby and Joan Gentry was featured.

The Anasazi Project was a long-term photo exploration of Anasazi dwellings in the Four Corners region. The project resulted in a book published by Nazraeli Press in 2012. The magnificent photographs adorned the walls of Viewpoint’s main hall.

In the Step Up Gallery at Viewpoint the work of Jorge Santana was on exhibit. The exhibit "Cuba Today: Street Photography" was a much smaller exhibit and artist Santana was on-hand to talk to visitors. The photos shown were taken during a travel-study trip to Cuba in March of 2012.

Santana is a professor at Sac State and several of his students and friends joined Santana for an inside look at communist Cuba. Most of the photos were taken in the Cuban capital of Havana.

Having worked up a little thirst I made my way to Spanglish Arte to enjoy some sangria and view the artwork of artist Raul Mejia.

When I arrived the Folklorico Aztlan de Sacramento, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization had several youngsters dancing for a small crowd. Five dancers took turns entertaining the crowd in the front of Spanglish Arte. These dancers also danced on the back patio.

Mejia's art occupied the back patio along with a dj and a table that sold cupcakes for the event. The cupcake table was occupied by a student from Sac State representing the M.E.C.H.A. Club.

I met Mejia by the front entrance of Spanglish Arte and he was gracious enough to answer a few questions about his exhibit.

Not having met Mejia before I asked him to give me a little background about himself. Mejia answered, “My name is Raul Mejia. I'm 33 years old, I'm a hardworking father, artists, student, musician employee etc., etc. I'm a man with of many skills and I still have a lot to learn, yeah so, I'm a student of life.”

When asked to describe the art he had hanging in the back patio Mejia answered, “Things fluctuate for me a lot of the time. I have a lot of fun with my art where I don't necessarily have subjects. It's more along the line of abstract or wild things but specifically for those pieces. They're obviously catrinas but they're done in a certain way and a certain style which is different from the typical catrinas which are very well done and executed. My style is a very simplistic style, where I keep the most needed line work without going above and beyond to where you beat it to death. I would call it a simply complex style.

Asked when he became interested in art Mejia replied, “Oh wow let' see. Since I was a child I recall drawing everything from tigers to wolves to Ninja Turtles. It's been in my life, my whole life.”

As an artist Mejia had a hard time saying who he would consider an artistic influence. After thinking about it he said, “Wow that's always been kind of a tough one only because there's many artists that I appreciate and like but there isn't an exact artist that I completely emulate or find to be brilliant I find many of them to be amazing. I would say someone like Picasso with his simplified line works that he did and his cubism. I would say that a lot of that is like coming to fruition in my work, you know, a lot of the simplified lines.

As we were ending our conversation Mejia shared information about a new project. “I'm actually working out a new art show. I'm doing a collaborative with her (pointing to mutual friend Donelle O'Brien). We're going to do a collaborative. It's going to be called 'Pushing Daisies.' It's kind of a feeling of death and also rebirth and we're going to do it for an April or a spring show. It's going to be very metaphorical."

As the evening drew to a close for March's Second Saturday Art Walk visitors to Spanglish Arte slowly made their way out and I followed.

Last stop of the evening took me to Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen to listen to some music.

April's Second Saturday usually brings more people to Midtown and Downtown. Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Press, Sacramento 365 and other sites have helpful information on venues and artist exhibits.

Spotlight on Sacramento fashion with Simone Vianna

2013-03-19T06:04:49Z

Sacramento fashion has grown at a rapid pace during the past few years. Boutiques, salons, fashion shows and local designers have exhibited their talent on the local and national fashion scenes.

Creative interior and fashion designs created by Simone Vianna have resulted in unique collaborations. Models, designers, photographers and stylists enjoy collaborating with Vianna and look for her guidance when it comes to fashion.

Originally from Baru, Brazil, the multilingual and multitalented Vianna has created a priceless reputation for herself as a leading creative designer, stylist and consultant in Sacramento.

Besides being a talent coordinator for Sacramento Fashion Week, Vianna's tireless work allows her the opportunity to work as an editor and wardrobe consultant.

Vianna recently began hosting a radio talk show on cable FM 88.7. Vianna recently began work as a host producer for a weekly talk show on cable FM 88.7, in which she talks about fashion, art, interior design, health, beauty and other things related to the fashion industry. Once a month she airs a Portuguese-language talk show.

It was at the Access Sacramento, Coloma Community Center, that I had the opportunity to ask her a few questions for this spotlight.

Sacramento Press: Can you tell me about yourself?

Simone Vianna: My name is Simone Vianna. I am an interior designer and a wardrobe stylist. As a wardrobe stylist I do a lot of closet edits, workshops, editorials, runway shows and I help with the modeling industry as well.

SP: Where are you from?

SV: I'm originally from Brazil. I've been in the United States for the past 17 years. I've lived in Davis for nine years and have been in Sacramento since.

SP: How did you end up in Sacramento?

SV: I moved to Sacramento, but I was initially supposed to move to LA. I came here for a project I was working on. I fell in love with downtown, the trees, Second Saturdays and all of that. I wanted to be close to that, but I was not supposed to stay here. I lived in a very small apartment downtown at a very nice location and I ended up here. So here I am nine years later.

SP: How did you become involved with Sacramento Fashion Week?

SV: Two years ago Mykha (Duane Ram) approached me, wanting me to be part of the Fashion Forum for the 2012 event. I said yes of course, but it ended up that we didn't see each other for a while. He approached me a couple of months later. He knew I was in fashion and he was doing a jewelry video and asked me if I knew of a jewelry store. I said I didn't know any jewelry stores but knew of a store that sold jewelry and I was able to find him a venue to do the video. After that we met again when I was working as an apprentice for Stacy London back in October 2011. He went and attended the event at the Galleria in Roseville. He then asked me to be part of Sacramento Fashion Week and help with the editorials for the posters for 2012 event.

SP: Who or what inspires you when it comes to fashion?

SV: There's a lot of different people who inspire me. As a stylist, Rachael Zoe definitely inspires. She's so kind first of all, she's always a team player and she's always talking about her team. She has an amazing team that she works with, always trying to bring them together and keep them together as a team. That's very important. She doesn't have a great turnover as a team. I'm a team player so being part of a team comes first. As far as designer inspiration goes I look to Chanel and a couple of other vintage designers like Lilian, Oleg Cassini and Emilio Pucci, so I enjoy a variety of different designers.

SP: What have you found to be your toughest experience that you've overcome in life or fashion?

SV: Well in fashion it's probably the politics. It's very sad to see the politics involved because they keep talented people away and keep people whose dream, they think, is bigger than any event or any organization. In life I think I've overcome everyday things that challenge on a daily basis. When I first came here as an immigrant, learning a new language and trying to find a job and adjusting. With culture I really didn't have a problem with that but other people had problems with me adjusting and embracing. I try to embrace everybody; their food, culture and values. I work with people of all nationalities without judging. Another obstacle that I've overcome has been switching jobs, careers, and the recession. As an artist the recession hit hard; because of it nobody buys antiques, nobody buys vintage, nobody wants to remodel their home or embark on new construction.

SP: Can you share what's been the best advice you've received and from whom?

SV: The best advice I received was actually not long ago but it really hit me. I'm a Christian so it was a quote I saw that said something like 'If you get on your knees and pray to God every day you're never going to have to get on your knees to people and beg for anything in life.' So that's what I do, I get on my knees and pray to God every day.

SP: Tell me a little about your radio show on Access Sacramento, how it got started.

SV: I wanted to start a TV show first but it's taking longer than radio. I actually aimed for the TV show first and then I found out they had a radio program. I thought it was a great idea to have a radio show because it's transmitted through cable, meaning that everybody all over the world can listen to my radio show over the Internet. I thought it would be very interesting to have guests and use the same kind of frame I thought about for my TV show. My vision for the TV show was having people, different types of artists, and most important to share my experiences and try to help people wanting to be in fashion and the art industry. I want to bring professional people to be on the air and talk about how listeners can help and how they can perhaps become a better person, so it's all about community and helping the community.

SP: Where do you see fashion in Sacramento going in the near future?

SV: Well, I still think we need to raise the bar in construction first of all. Construction is important to me maybe because I have an interior designer background; it's all about foundation. So construction is important because trends, colors and styles, anybody can put something trendy together . Construction should be first and then quality. This foundation makes clothes last like vintage outfits from old designers back in the day from designers like Oleg Cassini, Lilian and others. Their designs are impeccable, have great construction and great fabrics. So I think the future of fashion is going to be great, but we still need to raise the bar in construction and quality.

SP: Define construction.

SV: Construction usually means containing a good seam, good lines, clean lines, no threads pulling or missing and no messy zippers. Good construction is something that will fit a body, any body, and is made to fit that certain body type that you're creating for.
SP: Any advice for young people trying to get into fashion, design or modeling?
SV: Well you know I'm always on a budget and I'm always very careful with people spending a lot of money going to a very expensive school. I think first they should try something like taking a sewing class. A lot of stores offer sewing classes so I think that's first, because if you're a good designer you must know how to sew, period. You have to. Second, learn a textile class so you know which textiles are good for certain coats or dresses or jackets and how they feel; if they breathe. Is it breathable? You have to know if it's going to stain, how it should be maintained and all that stuff. All that you learn on textile will pay off, that's a great class; it's a must. Then if you really like it everything else flows because the art is there; if you have it in you it's going to happen, but I think you know sewing and learning about textiles is a must.

SP: Anything else you'd like to add?

SV: Keep following your dreams. Make sure you do a lot of planning and preparation before you get into anything and don't let your ego get too big. It's all about the community, it's not all about you, it's about serving others. If you're a designer you have to know all about serving your clients. Serve the people who want to purchase from you, so make sure you help them and you'll become a better person every day.

Readers can listen to Vianna over Sacramento Community Radio every Saturday. Log on to “The Voice” to view their schedule. You can also follow Vianna via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Film on Fashion

2013-03-13T07:27:05Z

The California Film Foundation (CFF) in collaboration with Sacramento Fashion Week (SACFW) presented an event called Fashion on Film.

Filmmakers were invited to create a music video, short documentary or narrative using the California fashion industry as the focus.

CFF and SACFW were available for help if filmmakers needed guidance. Each film had to meet several conditions in order to show their film.

The completed films were part of the scheduled events during Sacramento Fashion Week.

Filmmakers, directors, models, designers, merchandisers, musicians and others engaged in the fashion industry gathered teams together to create film projects.

The completed films were shown to a sold out audience on Wednesday Feb. 27 at the Fusion International Arts Center.

Several vendors occupied spaces near the front entrance where they showcased fashionable outfits, shoes, bags, jewelry and other accessories. Each vendor was given the opportunity to say a few words about their shops and show off their wear during a couple of short fashion shows and in between film showings.

Vendors represented at the event were Nor Cal Fashions, Z Boutique, Nikki's Dollar Jewelry & More, Keepstars Clothing Co., and Designs by the Diva. Each vendor had plenty of merchandise and brought their products to show and sell.

The Fashion on Film event allowed artists, their supporters and guest the opportunity to make further connections with other film and fashion industry leaders.

Lari Miyamoto, model and CEO of Mad by Design Studios, served as host for the evening. Miyamoto wore an elegant black outfit and shoes by Z boutique making the statuesque model even taller. Miyamoto kicked off the first Fashion on Film VIP gala reception.

Will Rodriguez Creative Director and Co Producer of Sacramento Fashion Week was in attendance and welcome guests to the event saying, “I want to thank everybody here tonight. This is an exciting and new event we've added to Sac Fashion Week. We're fully exited to be working with global and regional creative talent and it seems like a natural fit where you have fashion, you have entertainment and you have filmmakers so why not come together and put it all together during fashion week.”

Rodriguez also introduced Film on Fashion. “We have a number of films to watch tonight and once again I just wanted to thank you for all of the love and support for Sacramento Fashion Week. We're really trying to make Sacramento get that exposure that it truly deserves. There's a lot of really great talent in this town and around this area that needs that exposure so that's what we're trying to do. With the partnership of California Film Foundation, Sacramento Fashion Week and some of our other partners it's been blossoming into something so grand and we're really exited to be sharing this experience with you guys. So thank you.”

Martin Anaya, Executive Director at Sacramento Film Festival (California Film Foundation), followed Rodriguez on stage. Anaya thanked guests and also thanked his volunteers. Richard Burnsed, Program Director CFF, also joined Anaya on stage. Before stepping off the stage Anaya announced singing artist Tia Ferrera was present.

Films shown included music, fashion, photography and designer showcases featuring Sacramento landmarks. Various boutiques and their owners were also featured in different videos.

Ferrera was featured in the first film which was a music video for her “Ladies Night” single from her upcoming “It's Complicated” debut album.

As the other films were shown the director of the featured film said a few words before or after the showing. Each film featured was well received and used local talent to create their project.

The last film of the evening was Fashion Alley directed by Richard Pannell. The film included the song “Be Fly” by Bellatre. The trio also performed live to the audiences' delight.

After the showings Bellatre performed an outstanding rendition of “Be Fly” and received great ovation.

Guests were invited to stay and mingle and be photographed at a photo booth set towards the back of the Fuse Center.

The Fashion on Film short films were very entertaining and each had its own following. It would be great if at a later time the films would be posted by the California Foundation Film in order for the films to be seen by a wider audience.

The inaugural Fashion on Film was a great addition to SACFW and allowed smaller boutiques and vendors the opportunity to showcase their products. Creative local talent showing an interest in film making and fashion also benefited from the event and several participants indicated they looked forward to next year's event.

Fabulous fashion forum

2013-03-09T03:46:56Z

Sacramento Fashion Week came and went much too quickly. The week dedicated to Sacramento fashion was not all glamor and included several workshops.

As part of the week long schedule there was the return of a panel discussion when Sacramento State University hosted the 2013 Sacramento Fashion Week (SACFW) Fashion Forum. In collaboration with Sacramento Fashion Association (SFA) the forum was held at Sac State's University Union on Monday, Feb. 25.

The moderator for the SACFW event was Tracy Saville, CEO & Publisher of Possibility Media Group.

The open panel discussion included various industry professionals and was open to the public.

Former International Academy of Design and Technology instructor Ester Amato was the first panel member introduced. Amato recently began teaching at Sac State. She began by describing her fashion background saying, “I just started here at Sac State, teaching, I've actually been in the industry for 30 years in every area of fashion designing. I've traveled all over the world in the name of fashion and had my own company for several years.”

Amato is proud of having had several of her students become involved in SACFW. “Several of the designers are students that I taught,” said Amato. She also takes pride in mentoring several of them and said, “ I'm actually going to be like a mother out there excited to see them go down the runway knowing that I had them when they started out so it's going to be amazing.”

Joining Amato was Uduak Oduok, Founder & Editor in Chief of Ladybrille Magazine and Attorney & Partner at Ebitu Law Group. Oduok welcomed the audience and during her introduction said, “I have been practicing for the past 12 years I look forward to sharing some insight and hopefully you'll walk away empowered and hopefully some of you might think about being fashion lawyers.”

With over 20 years of experience in the fashion and entertainment industry, Oduok brought a wealth of legal knowledge to the forum. Oduok has spoken at previous Sacramento Fashion Week workshops about contract, business, licensing, copyright and trademark law as it applies to business, modeling and everyday law.

Naima Mora, winner of America's Next Top Model (Cycle 4), also joined the forum panel. Mora competed with regional models Noelle Staggers (Reno, NV) and Lluviana "Lluvy" Gomez-Gibbs (Modesto, CA) in America's Next Top Model. Staggers and Gomez-Gibbs have modeled for local designers at Couture Press fashion shows in Sacramento.

Mora continued to model after the 2005 competition and has been involved in music and recently authored her first book “Model Behavior”.

Mora summarized her background saying, “I've been involved in the fashion industry over the last 6-7 years since winning America's Top Model. I'm the singer of my rock band, I sing and play guitar and I just published a book actually with Tracy (Saville) called Model Behavior. So I guess my favorite part about Sacramento Fashion Week is just being able to partake in supporting all the emerging talent that comes out of lesser known fashion cities.“

Mora let the audience know that she's from Detroit and said other smaller cities like Sacramento have a lot of unhidden talent. In describing local designer talent Mora said, “I'm seeing things I haven't seen before because the designers are like untouched, you know, they're not living in these huge fashion cities that are recycling ideas that you see over and over again.”

Returning as a panelist was Gerry Simpson, Model Coach/Visual Artist & Photographer for GOS” Art.

Simpson told the forum audience how he became involved in fashion. “I got into fashion when I was nine years old. I have a twin brother and my mother hired us out to model so I got my first job as a model. My twin became a mechanic and I kept on modeling,” said Simpson.

Simpson continued, “I took to modeling and my modeling got me into fashion design and making clothing. I won a trip to California 29 years ago. I was supposed to be here a week and I've been here 29 years. I've been in visual merchandising, stylist for Nordstrom. I'm currently a self-taught photographer and artist 13 years.

The talented artist will also be exhibiting a fine art and photo exhibit during this month's Second Saturday. An opening reception is scheduled on Mar. 9 from noon to 5 pm. The exhibit is being held at the Brickhouse Art Gallery located at 2837 36th Street, off of Broadway.

Amy Wister was also part of the panel. Wister told the audience, “I'm probably an anomaly in the panel here. I do not have a traditional fashion background. My background is in IT so I got here through a very interesting journey I'm the founder and CEO of a company named The Stylist Online. We have a proprietary system that teaches women a lot about their body types and really how to embrace their individual figure.”

The Stylist Online has many helpful suggestions for everyone on their website and as Wister put it, “We work with everyday people on an everyday basis.”

Wister also told the audience that the forum and other SACFW workshops would pay dividends for the students and commended them for being at the event.

Amber Collins, a former model, was the sixth and final panelist. The model talent agent began by telling the audience something about her Sacramento based company Cast Images Talent Agency and what they do.

Collins described her fashion background as a model working in the larger fashion trend setting cities such as Paris, Milan and other places. Her 20 year career as a model and casting agent has brought her to work with clients such as Calvin Klein, Trussardi, Abercrombie, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Kohl's Macy's, Nordstrom and many others.

Collins also said a few words about SACFW saying, “Everyone working in Sac Fashion Week is absolutely doing it for passion.” Collins continued, “Every year it gets better and better. There are so many things that are getting better but there's still not a lot of infrastructure in our city, so everybody who's working on this does it because they are very passionate. They're passionate about fashion, they're passionate about their community, they're passionate about working so that we all get together and together we raise this city and the things that are going on in it and that really moves me. I love seeing everyone working on this event and doing it as a volunteer. They do it just for the love of fashion and there is so much comradery as well so I think that's my biggest pleasure.”

Such passionate and positive words continued through the forum as the panel discussed their work and gave supportive advise.

Other interesting topics included the impact of social media. The panel offered suggestions on what to focus on such as quality not quantity, not overexposing personal information and being on point not just posting noise. Personal branding was another topic discussed as well as addressing opinionated social media exchanges.

After the forum ended a mixer hosted by the Sac State Student Fashion Association was held across the hall from the panel room. Students, guests and panel members chatted about the event and SACFW.

SFA together with SACFW did a great job in hosting the Fashion Forum which gave valuable information to students and guests interested in the fashion industry.

Behind the scenes at Sacramento Fashion Week

2013-03-07T02:18:39Z

Sacramento Fashion Week (SACFW) was a huge success this year as it expanded to three nights of runway fashion.

The 2013 SACFW had a full schedule of meetings, workshops, runway displays, showcasing local, national and internationally known boutiques, designers, models and speakers.

A launch party, model and designer practices, a fashion forum, workshops, a Fashion on Film event, designer meet and greet, VIP galas, afterparties and of course runway fashion took place from Feb. 24 – Mar. 2.

The full week schedule began early on Sunday Feb. 24 starting with a practice at the Elks Tower Ballroom.

The full practice on Sunday morning brought over 100 models, designers, photographers and volunteers to view the venue and establish a game plan. SACFW staff and interns worked feverously to ready themselves for the many planned activities.

As part of Kondrya Photography, for SACFW, several photographers met to cover the practice and other events.

Many of the people involved were at the Elks Tower Ballroom early in the morning and left early evening and this pattern continued throughout the week.

Work was hard but there was plenty of time for play and socializing. The SACFW Launch Party was held at the Mix Downtown allowing for interaction with fashion and other professionals.

Combining social events allowed fashionistas the opportunity to mingle with local talent who showcased their wearable art.

Mexican Flag Day at Sutter's Fort

2013-03-07T00:08:55Z

Sutter's Fort, built by John A. Sutter, is an American institution that continues to host events that feature California's early history. On Sunday, Feb. 24, Mexican Flag Day was celebrated at Sutter's Fort.

Sutter was a Swiss immigrant who took Mexican citizenship not long before the California Gold Rush. Sutter's Fort was established on the large track of land granted to Sutter by the Mexican Department of Alta California.

Events held at Sutter's Fort help bring California history to life and the many docents and volunteers help make this possible.

The celebration began with an American flag ceremony at Sutter's main gate. Mindy Orozco welcomed guests and after raising the American flag invited guests to say the Pledge of Allegiance.

Inside the fort guests could embark on self-guided tours and docents made themselves available for questions and posing for photos.

The Mexican flag ceremony took place inside the fort.

Omar Gonzale z welcomed guests saying, “Welcome to this year's celebration of Mexican Flag Day. This program is put on by the Comité Fiestas Patrias 2013 in collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California with the support and sponsorship of the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento.”

Gonzalez continued, “Now before we start I'd like to ask everyone to give a very loud round of applause for Sutter's Fort and all their wonderful staff and volunteers that made this event possible. My name is Omar Gonzalez I'm a local attorney and I'm also president of the Comité Fiestas Patrias and a member of the board of directors of the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California.”

Addressing students from Ethel I. Baker Elementary School who sat in the audience Gonzalez asked, “Do you know who California belongs to? Raise your hand, it belongs to each and everyone of you. You guys are our future, California is yours so it's important that you learn your history and that you appreciate your history because we have a beautiful legacy here between the state of California and the country of Mexico.”

Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, Ambassador and Consul General of Mexico also addressed the crowd. Gutierrez gave special thanks to Ethel I. Baker students for being in attendance and gave them a brief history of California's roots and its relationship to Mexico.

Maria Lesso, the 2012 Reyna Fiestas Patrias pageant winner made an appearance and also addressed the young students saying, “I just want to say some words to the kids. You guys, dreams can come true I'm living one of mine right now and you guys just have to keep on trying and never give up.” Students seated in the first row smiled as she addressed them.

Several Ethel I. Baker students were asked to read an essay they wrote about the Mexican flag.

Hot chocolate and Mexican sweet bread were provided by La Esperanza Bakery and were served by volunteer students from Sacramento State University who represented several fraternities and sororities.

Students were able to witness demonstrations at Sutter's Fort and were most excited to see docents wearing costumes firing off their weapons. A canon firing was also on the schedule of events.

Live entertainment was provided by Folklorico Aztlan de Sacramento. Their colorful outfits and lively dancing were well received.

Also in attendance were representatives from the State of California Franchise Tax Board who were there to answer questions regarding personal taxes. General information was given and they also answered questions about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provided by the IRS.

The free event was full of activities, it was educational and served as a family outing for many.

Word to Your Motherland at Sol Collective

2013-03-05T21:33:23Z

Sol Collective celebrated eight years of art, culture and activism as well as a recent community leadership award by hosting Word to Your Motherland.

The celebration took place on Saturday, Feb. 23 with an art show curated by Nisha K. Sembi and Mandeep Sethi.

Art from Word to Your Motherland will be on display at Sol Collective until March 18. The exhibit seeks to embody and inspire new ways of thinking and highlights artist collaboration and interaction with their cultural background.

The multimedia showcase was well attended and several guests came from as far away as the Bay Area just to attend the event.

Sol Collective invited special guests to a pre-event for the opening of Word to Your Motherland. Sol Collective treated guests to the pre-event party with samosas and wine.

Before doors were opened to the public for the free event I asked Sembi a couple of questions.

When asked to describe Word to Your Motherland Sembi gave an elaborate answer saying, “Word to Your Motherland originally started last year. This is the second Word to Your Motherland, the first one was held in Oakland last summer. I was a visual artist in the Bay Area and then I took a trip to India and when I went to visit India, which is where my family is from, I ended up meeting a lot of people that were involved with hip-hop out there and I really had no idea that they listed to hip-hop. When I went out there I got the chance to meet a lot of graffiti artists, break dancers and MCs. So when I came back from India I was just so inspired by the hip-hop movement out there. When I came back I was actually approached by a gallery curator who asked if I was interested in having my first solo show.”

Sembi continued, “At that time I was full of inspiration. So I said yeah let's do it and I decided that the show should be dedicated not just to my artwork but also towards shedding light on the hip-hop movement in India. I reached out to Mandeep Sethi who's helping me curate the show. He's an MC and I do a lot of work with spray paint and so together we sort of curated the art show and put together Word to Your Motherland which is basically just a show that transposes the culture of Indian people and their intersections with the hip-hop culture.”

Sembi's enthusiasm showed as she spoke about her project and I could see her passion in her eyes. “A lot of the artwork that you see incorporates a lot of traditional Indian elements and then they all have like a hip-hop twist. I have a lot of fine art pieces and street art mural pieces so we really try to make it like a mix-media show with visual elements, audio elements and then some live performances. We have the art pieces and we have the video projection that shows the documentation of the hip-hop movement in India. What we wanted to do with this space was really just to transform it into a space that embodied the five elements of hip-hop so MCing, DJing, break dancing, graffiti and some say the fifth element is knowledge and that's were Word to Your Motherland came from.”

The Berkeley native described the Word to Your Motherland logo saying, “My mom is from India and my dad is from Africa. So that's how we came up with the logo.”

Other artwork hanging from the walls of Sol Collective included the work of Puzzl3Peace, Fantauzzi Brothers, SETI X and FistUp.TV.

Spoken word performances and some break dancing also contributed to the evening's entertainment.

Word to Your Motherland showcased an exhibit that most of the visitors that attended could relate to. At the heart of the exhibit was culture. Culture that separates us can also work to connect us and the exhibit showcases our cultural links. Part of this culture is hip-hop that as Sembi points out can be seen as a revolutionary movement because it brings people together across religions, caste and socioeconomic levels.

Sol Collective has hosted many hip-hop events over the years. They have hosted these type of events from local and national performers as well as international guests. Sol Collective has introduced international hip-hop artists such as Brazilian born Zuzuka Poderosa and Chilean Ana Tijoux.

Word to Your Motherland focused on the connections between India and Africa and the role of hip-hop in those areas. Photography, murals, digital artwork, projection showings and other visually stimulating art gracing the walls created a magnificent exhibit.

The Word to Your Motherland display guides guests through different elements of hip-hop culture that now reshape and revolutionize global culture and daily life throughout India and Africa and many other parts of the world.

Live performances were provided by several guests including Jagmeet Hoodini Singh, Gunjiv Baagi Singh, Salvin Chahal, Simarpreet WiseChild Singh, Mandeep Sethi, Ras Ceylon, El Indio, DJ Smokestack and others.

The event was a joyous gathering bringing people of several cultures together to share something we have in common, the love of art, music, poetry, dance and sharing our similarities under the hip-hop umbrella that continues to spread globally.

Word.

SFA model casting

2013-03-04T22:31:12Z

Sacramento State's Student Fashion Association (SFA) recently held model castings for their April 12 fashion show. The castings took place on Feb. 22-23 at Sac State's University Union.

Over 80 models attended the casting and two judging panels evaluated them. Each model performed a short catwalk and posed for the judges. During Friday's casting three judges made notes for designers to review at a later date to help them select models for their showcase.

Serving as a judge was Simone Vianna, fashion editor, wardrobe consultant and she also serves as a talent coordinator for Sacramento Fashion Week. Alongside Vianna was Mary Kawano owner of Krazy Mary's Boutique and Sugar Shack Boutique. Jennifer Siopongco, fashion blogger and past SFA President served as the final judge for the first casting.

SFA Model Casting Director, Elysa Quintella, worked with judges and models to keep things going smoothly.

SFA board members guided cast members as they filled paperwork for the event. Measurements, head and body shots were also taken by SFA members and volunteers.

SFA's new board members were assisted by past members who continue to be involved.

SFA membership is open to students and its members are involved in producing and promoting a fashion show each semester. Student designers' creativity is showcased at these shows.

Casting models included many students and was also open to non-students. Male and female models regardless of size and height were invited to participate.

Networking opportunities with industry professionals are a great benefit for SFA members. At each of their fashion shows the community at large is given the opportunity to work with Sac State students and participate as sponsors and guests. Collaboration between fashion industry professionals continues to grow.

Nikko Panganiban, SFA President, talked a little about his role at the casting. Panganiban indicated the castings and show that follows are exciting. When asked what year of study he was in the Sac State senior smiled and said that he should have already graduated. As with many students searching for a career path he's switched emphasis until recently saying, “I finally found what I really have a passion for so it took me a while to find out what I wanted to do.”

Panganiban's attitude and personality are a great asset to SFA and his response to describing the most exciting and worst thing about being SFA President supported that assumption. Panganiban noted that he couldn't think of anything bad and said the most exciting thing was, “Seeing all the new members and seeing all the fresh faces and how enthusiastic people are about it. That's been the most exciting thing.”

SFA continues to allow students, with a passion for fashion, the opportunity to become involved in community and educational events. Membership to the club is open to all Sac State students regardless of major and allows them opportunities to network with industry professionals.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Metalphoria at Old Soul Co.

2013-02-26T21:26:37Z

Old Soul Co. at 40 Acres in Oak Park offers a delightful assortment of coffee and tea selections to go along with a breakfast and lunch menu. This month artists Kristen Hoard and Jessi Brooks are displaying an array of beautiful works of art for customers to enjoy.

As part of their February Second Saturday Art Walk Old Soul will display the metal sculpture artistry of Hoard and Brooks until Mar. 7. The sculpture and metal wall art are bent into incredible shapes and the use of color brings life to their work.

Hoard and Brooks have their own studio in midtown and their exhibits can be seen at many venues.

I found their Old Soul venue selection comforting and inviting. I can't think of another place where you can enjoy art, food, drink and free Wi-Fi at once.

Art aficionados have a great selection of Hoard and Brook's metal art to view and enjoy at Old Soul for another week. Art pieces are available for purchase giving art collectors an opportunity to add to their local artist collection.

Cave Women open for string master David Lindley

2013-02-20T21:40:29Z

Swell Productions presented an evening of music with multi-instrumentalist David Lindley and local artists Cave Women.

The concert was held at West Sacramento's Center for Spiritual Awareness (CSA) on Friday, Feb. 15.

Lindley has been creating astounding music for several decades. He has collaborated with well known musicians such as Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Rod Stewart, Linda Ronstadt, Warren Zevon, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Ben Harper and many others as well as being frontman for his band El Rayo-X.

Lindley's prolific music along with collaborations with top artists has made him a much sought-after performer. His much anticipated appearance at the CSA brought a near capacity audience to listen to the artist tell colorful stories of his experiences to go along with his music.

With an array of string instruments sitting on a rack near the back of the stage Lindley's entertaining stories amused the audience and his music transfixed those in attendance.

Local sensation Cave Women opened the show. The Sacramento based band recently released their first album “Cave Women” and played a wonderful set.

Casey Lipka, Kim Davis, Alicyn Yaffee, Emily Messick and Vanessa Cruz make up Cave Women. Cruz was unavailable for the concert and although the percussionist's sound was missed they still sounded great.

Cave Women came to the stage and Lipka began to strum her stand-up bass. Lipka began their set saying, “We just wanted to let you know that we are going to take you back to prehistoric times,” the audience laughed and as the other Cave Women joined in she said, “just kidding.”

As the audience settled in Cave Women began their set with “Blizzard.” Cave Women plays original music and they all take turns performing vocals. Other times that I've seen them they have also taken turns playing different instruments.

The talented group followed their opening song with “Who Needs Dreams?”

The intimate setting allowed for some dialogue between the musicians and the audience making things a bit more personal.

Cave Women's set was 7-8 songs long and ended with “White Lies.” They played all but two of the songs from their debut album.

All members of Cave Women play and compose for the group that was formed about a year and a half ago. They all met as students at Sac State. Their music is a mixture of jazz, folk, classical, Brazilian and African music among others.

After the show I asked Cave Women some questions. Davis and Lipka took turns answering while Yaffee and Messick gathered their equipment. In discussing their first album Cave Women indicated they worked on the music for about a year and that all except for Messick, who is working on a Master's program, have graduated.

Cave Women indicated that they are working and looking forward to making new music. When asked what was the hardest and easiest part of making an album they said, “Hardest? I wouldn’t say really that there was a hard part. It was a fun learning experience, a tremendous learning experience and it was an honor to create an album of original music.”

In response as to what they enjoyed about the concert for that evening they said, “It was so much fun to play with David tonight. It was a huge honor, he's so incredible.” That was a compliment uttered by others in the crowd.

After Cave Women left the stage, a loud reception welcomed Lindley. Lindley began by welcoming the audience. He continued saying, “Found a clean pair of pants.” The audience responded with laughter and cheers and that dictated how the rest of the evening would go with Lindley throwing in humorous statements to get the audience involved.

Lindley had a story either introducing or at the end of each song. This also allowed him the opportunity to change to a different string instrument while keeping the audience involved.

Lindley started his set with “Ain't no Way” a song written by a friend of his. Lindley introduced the song saying “I'd like to do this song by a friend of mine who's no longer with us (Robert) Frizz Fuller who was a prolific song writer.”

Lindley relayed that his friend joined the Coast Guard but ended up not liking it at all. Frizz ended up being a schizophrenic. Lindley's story about his friend continued as he said, “He got out and with his schizophrenic medicine he took acid and things like that and he would come over to my house and talked for a long time. “ As he told his story Lindley would be tuning up his instruments.

Lindley's stories amused and captivated the audience. Lindley has played with many great musicians and his other songs performed included collaborated songs he had played with Warren Zevon. For a period he said he even played in a band at Disneyland where he learned to drink. The Disneyland story led him to play “Pretty Polly” using the oud.

One of the most entertaining songs was “Little Green Bottle” a song about Excedrin.

The story teller continued with several other songs showcasing his playing ability. His music serenaded and enthralled the audience as his anecdotes made for a unique live performance that won't be forgotten soon.

As the evening came to an end Lindley played another Warren Zevon song and returned for an encore. The evening was quite a delight and Lindley received a standing ovation after the regular set as well as for his encore.

Guests remained to have their purchased CDs and merchandize signed by the artists. Lindley is on tour until mid March with several California stops.

Bless Me, Ultima plays at Downtown Plaza's Century Theatres

2013-02-17T11:17:55Z

The Sacramento International Film Festival presented the film premier of “Bless Me, Ultima” based on a book by Rudolfo Anaya. The film played to a full house at the Century Theatres in the Downtown Plaza.

In association with Agave 52 and Arenas Entertainment the Sacramento International Film Festival presented the by invitation only screening of the film on Wednesday, Feb. 13.

The Anaya adaptation tells the story of a family living in New Mexico in the early 1940s. Ultima, played by Miriam Colon, is a healer who comes to live in the Luna-Márez household. Antonio Márez (Luke Ganalon) is a 6-year-old whose heart is opened to nature, spirituality and the supernatural.

Directed by Carl Franklin the film is narrated first person by Antonio. The young boy narrates his struggles with religion, education, culture, traditions, friendships, family, love and death.

During the opening dialogue Antonio asks, "Why is there evil in the world?" The audience is soon introduced to Antonio and his family. Ultima, a curandera (a healer), enters their life when she moves in with the family.

The film follows the young boy as he tries to understand good and evil. The many characters and situations involved offer a glimpse of a family and culture in a small town in New Mexico during WWII.

During the screening many in the audience whispered to their neighbors how they found similarities in certain situations portrayed on the big screen to their own upbringing. Indeed I thought about my childhood and could relate with Antonio and members of his family.

After the film ended Frank Orosco, President LULAC #3206 and owner of Agave 52, announced that an after-party was being held at Tequila Museo Mayahuel. Orosco thanked the audience and asked them to share their experience with family and friends.

Martin Anaya, Executive Director of the California Film Foundation also addressed those in attendance and spoke about the event. In describing the film, Anaya said, “It's not a film about brujas (witches), magic and things like that it's a film about understanding and about the human experience.”

Anaya thanked guests saying, “On behalf of the folks at the Sacramento Film Festival I want to say thank you to each one of you.” Anaya gave special thanks to Adrian Perez, Dr. Jorge Santana and announced that the film will open on February 22 at selected theater locations.

The reception at Mayahuel featured hors d'oeuvres from the restaurant where 80 guests or more came to socialize and discuss the film.

Quality tequila samples from Tequila Alderete awaited guests who wanted to sample these treats. At another station Mi Sueño Winery brought several select wine samples for guests to enjoy.

As guests discussed the film Rocio Zambrano shared her thoughts saying, “I loved the movie. It was very well done and I could relate.” Zambrano expressed her delight of the movie and spoke about the wonderful portrayal of her culture in the film and how guests at Mayahuel could relate.

Bless Me, Ultima opens in selected theaters on Feb. 22 and some cinemas will also be showing pre-opening day screenings. Check the film's webpage for locations and previews of the film.

Sacramento Fashion Week introduces designer lineup

2013-02-06T18:59:04Z

Sacramento Fashion Week (SACFW) celebrating its 7th year anniversary this year, unveiled the selection of designers for this year's event.

The designer lineup introduced at a press party featured a piece from each designer. The event took place at The Find located at 817 16th Street on Jan. 31.

Sacramento Fashion Week takes place this year from Feb. 24 – Mar. 2.

The Spring/Summer Designer Showcase presents six designers and two featured student designers. Monica Buo, Rebecca Cahua, Britboy Fashions, Maisha Bahati, Jason Powers, Niv Elliot, Samuel Parkinson and Nelli Rosh are the designers featured on Friday, Mar. 1.

The Fall/Winter Designer Showcase features Yennie Zhou, Karisa Gold, Tawnya Jackson, Felix Rodionov, Ryan Douglas, Janelle Cardenas, Michael Kouri and Vasily Vein on Saturday, Mar. 2

Most of the designers will be showing for the first time while a few return from previous years. A Boutique Show and Shop will also be featured on Thursday, Feb. 28.

This year is the first time a boutique runway will be featured. Participating boutiques includes Trumpette, Violet Muse, Felicia Strati, Made To Fit Couture, Article Consignment and Aquamarine Jewelers.

The three runway showcases will take place at the Elks Tower Ballroom.

Beautiful outfits from each of the designers were exhibited at the press party event. Other community representatives from the fashion and other industries joined the gathering to view the magnificent designs.

This year SACFW has chosen the Junior League of Sacramento as the beneficiary for the 2013 event.

Karri Grant made a few announcements and covered some of the events planned during Sacramento Fashion Week.

A representative from the California Film Foundation spoke about the Fashion on Film project that will feature short films with fashion as its focus. The films will be presented on Feb. 27 at the Fusion International Arts Center.

Aimee Gillum, President of Junior League of Sacramento, said a few words about their participation in SACFW. Gillum expressed her gratitude saying, “On behalf of our organization we are very excited about this relationship and being Sacramento Fashion Week's beneficiary. Our two organizations are very similar. We're both volunteer based and our mission for both is to develop our members and train them. So for the league side, we're an all women organization and we are a volunteer and training organization developing the potential of women to become civic and community minded women who go out and make an impact in our community.”

Designers on hand, in dramatic and elegant fashion, walked in and showcased one of their designs worn by their selected models.

Showcasing an outfit from their line the designers stayed to pose for photos and talk to those in attendance.

I took a few minutes to talk to one of the designers showcasing at SACFW for the first time. Jason Powers who founded and designs apparel for The Rampant Fashion Cooperative shared his experience as a designer and being a part of this year's SACFW.

“I started Rampant three years ago in October 2009” said Powers. When asked if he studied fashion in school Powers indicated that he actually had a degree in business.

Powers spoke about how he started in fashion and said, “It all started because both my mom and my grandma both knit. So I've been playing around with texture, pattern and color since I was little so that's how this whole thing started.” He continued, “Oh my gosh, they had me doing things since I was 6 or 7 years old.”

Powers is a Montana native and indicated he moved about 12 years ago. I asked how many designs he was showing and when. Powers responded saying, “I have 10 designs for Sac Fashion Week. I will be showing on March 1.

When asked how he found out about SACFW Powers responded, “I had been in contact with Sacramento Fashion Week since last year. I chose not to participate in last year's event. I wasn't ready so I held everything back and got creative and got into this year's event ready to go.”

My final question for Powers was to ask him what was the hardest and easiest part of the application process to be in this year's SACFW. Powers did not hesitate and stated, “Waiting! The hardest thing was waiting. I feel like I waited forever I kept waiting for my phone to ring. The easiest part though I think was the submission process. It was super easy it was very detailed so once you have your design set, things go really easy. The hardest part was the waiting.”

Powers ended by saying, “I'm looking forward to doing Sac Fashion Week and perhaps do L.A. Fashion Week at the end of the month. It's all very exciting.” Powers' family is still in Montana but indicated his mom would be coming to see his showing.

Modeling a Yennie Zhou white design model Heather Dominguez-Cuevas also talked to me about the event. I asked Dominguez-Cuevas if she walked the runway for SACFW last year. “Yes I did, this will be my third time. This year I'm walking for Yennie Zhou and Maisha Bahati. I will be here Friday and Saturday night.”

When asked about her experience with SACFW Dominguez-Cuevas answered, “I've met a lot of really good friends. More than anything I've had a really good time meeting people and it's helped me network outside of Sac Fashion Week so it's been a really great network experience for me.”

Regarding schooling and what she wanted to study the model said, “I just left ARC and I'm looking for somewhere to transfer. I'm still trying to figure what I want to concentrate on and right now it looks like education.”

It was fascinating listening to Dominguez-Cuevas answer when and why she got into modeling, “I used to get picked on because of my height when I was in high school all the time. I was really awkward and tall. I was always the tallest kid in my class. One day a girl that I was friends with she said 'you know you should really just model' and I decided to do it and it's worked out really well for me.”

Regarding advice for a young model starting out in the business she said, “If you want to do it you really have to want it. You have to fight for it. Network but be smart. The most important thing is to be smart and do your research. That's more important than anything other than being tall. Being tall really helps.”

When asked what Dominguez-Cuevas was most looking forward to, the confident model enthusiastically said, “I'm looking forward to walking for Yennie because Yennie is the best designer in the world! Also the opportunity for networking!”

The final touches in preparation for Sacramento Fashion Week continues in the coming weeks. Designers will work up until the last minute to bring their designs to life. SACFW staff will also be working to present a series of scheduled events during Sacramento Fashion Week.

Tickets for the major showcases are now on sale. Log on to the Sacramento Fashion Week for information on the events planned.

Last year's event sold out and the same is expected to happen this year. Tickets are already on sale and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

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An evening with Emilie Autumn

2013-02-05T07:16:11Z

Months of waiting for Emilie Autumn and the Bloody Crumpets to grace the stage of the Colonial Theatre came to an end Friday, Feb. 1. The Sacramento Horror Film Festival presented the show.

Autumn's scheduled appearance last year in Sacramento was canceled last October due to illness. Autumn's return to the Colonial was well-received by the crowd that saw the theatrical performance by Autumn and her band.

Upon arriving at the venue, a line had already formed. Fans came to the Colonial Theatre in costume to support their idol. “Plague Rats,” as these fans are called, are also characters in Autumn's autobiography, “The Asylum for Wayward Victorian Girls.”

Although doors would not open until 8 p.m., the line had already formed at least two hours prior.

VIP and Meet and Greet ticketholders were lucky enough to enter the theater at 6:30 p.m. A line formed as each of these Plague Rats came to the front of the stage to meet Autumn.

Showing her love for fans, Autumn met each fan with a huge hug, making them feel appreciated. Many followers brought Autumn gifts to show their appreciation, and shared personal stories.

Two fans shared their encounter with Autumn. Kaitlyn Benson and Brittney Baron were two of the first devoted fans to stand in line at the meet and greet. Benson and Baron have been fans for the past five years.

Benson shared which qualities she admires about Autumn, saying, “Her strength and individuality in her music. When you listen to Rihanna or Lady Gaga it's not personal. It's like they're singing about sex and money and that's not interesting, it's sort of shallow. Here it's like this beautiful world with a passion that's she's created for herself and it's fantastic. You can watch it with her fans, she's loving, caring and it's wonderful. This is so raw and so real that it's attractive.”

Baron put it simply saying, “She's just all-around awesome. She's very different from many artists.”

Benson also shared her experience meeting Autumn at the event, saying, “She's very good at magnetizing what she wants in her world She wants everything to be a very personal experience and relationship. She's not like, 'Here, I've signed an autograph, go,' it's more like she wants to get to know you.” Benson followed, “She lets you know that you're loved.”

As the doors opened for the public the Colonial Theatre quickly began to fill and fans waited for the start of the Fight Like a Girl tour to begin.

Devoted Plague Rats in front of the stage talked about other places, such as the Bay Area, that they had seen Autumn perform. One fan, who drove from Reno for the concert, indicated that she too had been at the same show.

Fans waited in anticipation and cheered at every release of fog from the fog machine, erupting in glee as the Bloody Crumpets, Captain Maggot and Naughty Veronica, took the stage. The cheers became much louder as Autumn appeared.

Just when you thought the fans couldn't get louder, Autumn sang the tour's signature song “Fight Like a Girl.”

Most of the songs from the latest album “Fight Like a Girl” were performed onstage. The stage design, music, costumes and performance created a great atmosphere for a wonderful rock opera.

The Victorian Gothic costumes changed from time to time to bring life to the theatrics on stage.

The concert seemed to go by quickly, as Autumn and the Bloody Crumpets kept the audience entertained and filled with awe throughout their performance.

As Autumn and the Bloody Crumpets left the stage after “One Foot in Front of the Other,” the audience remained, chanting for an encore.

Autumn did not disappoint as she returned to the stage to say a few words to thank the staff at the Colonial for their hard work to produce the show.

Filled with emotion, Autumn addressed the audience to introduce the first encore song, saying, “Now I would love to sing with you a song that is in fact one of my very, very oldest songs, and I'm going to guess that a few of you know this song, but what you might not know is that this is in fact from long before the enchantment era. Of all things this is from when I was in fact, I think, 14 years old. And so the thing about this song is that it proves that love, in fact, does imitate art. However had it not all come true, I would not have a story to tell and I regret nothing.”

Playing the harpsichord, Autumn began her encore and the audience soon accompanied her with a sing-along of “Mad Girl.”

The evening's musical entertainment ended with “Thank God I'm Pretty,” with the audience once again joining in.

The Sacramento Horror Film Festival presentation was well-managed, and showcased a great artist. The Fight Like a Girl tour stop in Sacramento ended like it began, with fans discussing what a great person and performer Autumn is.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Fight Like a Girl tour brings Emilie Autumn to Sacramento

2013-01-31T06:32:54Z

Emilie Autumn's Fight Like a Girl tour comes to the Colonial Theatre this Friday, Feb. 1.

The Sacramento Horror Film Festival presents Autumn and her band the Bloody Crumpets. The current tour brings a delectable theatrical presentation by the versatile artist, who is also an author, poet, actress, singer-songwriter and trained violinist.

The North American tour that was scheduled to pass by Sacramento last year was rescheduled due to illness. The FLAG tour promotes their latest album “Fight Like a Girl.”

Local Autumn fans patiently waited for the tour to be rescheduled, and grabbed tickets as soon as they were released, nearly selling out the performance.

Autumn is no stranger to the Colonial Theatre stage. Last May, Autumn performed in SHFF's presentation of the cult film “The Devil's Carnival.” Autumn appeared in Darren Lynn Bousman's film as the Painted Doll. “The Devil's Carnival” is a musical horror film that continues to attract new followers.

Autumn has amassed a following of dedicated and passionate fans who love and appreciate her on-stage theatrics. The current tour aims to bring a spectacle to the stage that will showcase Autumn's musical and melodramatic antics as well as her theatrical talent, and she is also involved in costume and stage set design.

Autumn intends the Colonial Theatre (and all FLAG) performance to be more like a musical than a concert. These performances are a precursor to a full-blown planned musical that Autumn has been working on. That production will be based on her 2010 novel, “The Asylum for Wayward Girls.”

The FLAG tour is in essence part of the musical that Autumn plans to present in 2014. Who knows, it may also have the potential of being put to film. Autumn is always thinking about new projects to fill her talented creativity.

Autumn's writing, acting, songwriting, set design, costuming and music take center stage at the Colonial Theatre for an evening of pomp and musical entertainment. The creative performer, whose music touches classical, electronica, glam rock, industrial and other genres, will perform Feb. 1 at SHFF's presentation at the Colonial Theatre.

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A Fashion Affair at the Citizen Hotel

2013-01-28T00:25:40Z

The elegance of the Citizen Hotel was a great setting for Sacramento Fashion Week's “Fashion Affair” event. The gathering held on Thursday, Jan. 17 gave designers, models, hair, makeup and other fashion professionals the opportunity to socialize and network.

As Sacramento Fashion Week draws nearer designers for the event are introduced. Talent Coordinator of Sacramento Fashion Week Simone Vianna pointed out a couple of the designers at the event.

Monica Buo and Clifton Simmons sat at a table enjoying the event. I sat with both of them to get their thoughts on being involved in Sacramento Fashion Week.

Buo and Simmons met while attending the International Academy of Design & Technology (IADT). Buo shared how they met saying, “We had a couple of classes together. From there a connection evolved. He's like my other half.”

Both designers are working toward a B.A. in Fashion Design and Merchandizing. Buo sees herself as a student trying to build her own business. “We both have like a little business established already. I'm the founder of Buo-tiful Designs. What we do is w omen’s wear, I'm doing juniors right now and trying to build up my clientele” said Buo.

When asked for their thoughts about the process that they've gone through during the Sacramento Fashion Week Buo stated, “I think that it's a really good opportunity to be in this show. I know it's opened up the door for other designers who have participated and I'm really excited. I think they're doing a really good job of bringing people in for this event.”

Buo and Simmons will be showing on March 1.

Buo has established a WordPress blog called Buo-tiful Designs while Simmons has his own site Terrell Sim Fashion as well as another site called Silk Ties and Lace Pantyhose. Simmons stated that the silk ties and Lace Pantyhose started off as just a hobby and has grown to be much more.

In response to what inspired them Buo said, “I was 14 when I thought about being a designer. My grandmother taught me how to sew and by then I thought it was really amazing so when I started sewing I started becoming really inspired. When I went to high school I started to take every fashion course that was available and then I started going to college and went to school to study fashion.”

“I started in 2010 making clothing for friends and family,” said Simmons. He continuedm “I've always been altering and doing costumes because I'm a dancer so that inspired me. Actually I realized my gifts and I just started sewing and it just came out. I started out wanting to study Criminal Justice and switched to fashion. I wear a lot of different hats and try to stay diversified.”

Both designers are looking forward to the event and keep busy being involved in different projects.

Another designer, Niv Elliot, who will also be participating during Sacramento Fashion Week brought one of her designs. Model Amanda Christensen wore a ravishing Elliot design to the event soliciting wonderful compliments throughout the evening.

Not all designers have been announced and most models still wait in anticipation to find out if they will be modeling and for which designer. Announcements will be shared at the Sacramento Fashion Week website.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up. Join The Sacramento Press on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at Chops Steakhouse to honor Journalism Open winners. Get tickets!

Sacramento Kings lose to the Oklahoma City Thunder

2013-01-26T17:20:49Z

The Thunder roared past the Kings Friday night as they rebounded from a slow start to beat Sacramento 105 – 95.

A crowd of over 15,000 saw Oklahoma City take a half-time lead into the locker room. The Thunder then went on a 28-10 run at the start of the third quarter to take a 25 point lead and never looked back.

Editor’s note: Join The Sacramento Press on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at Chops
Steakhouse to honor Journalism Open winners. Get tickets!

March for the dream continues in Sacramento

2013-01-24T20:24:39Z

“We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

The words of Martin Luther King Jr. were quite evident as the 32nd annual March for the Dream took place on Monday, Jan. 21.

An estimated crowd of 30,000 marched to the Sacramento Capitol Building and the Convention Center. Marchers of all ethnic persuasions came to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. as they marched from the Oak Park Community Center, Sacramento City College and Grant High School.

Community representatives, local employers, healthcare professionals, small business vendors and others attended the event to supply guests with valuable information about education, employment and community services.

This year the event also featured a rally in front of the Capitol West Steps.

For the first time in several years rain did not come down on this parade allowing families to enjoy a car show and other outdoor events.

Crowds gathered inside two large halls to view high school marching band performances, poetry readings, community educational and employment panels. Dozens of community organizations were represented and had booths at different halls in the convention.

Educational videos played during the event emphasizing the work of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. The event also included many activities for children and adults to participate in. The hands on activities added to this year's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.

The work and name of Martin Luther King Jr. and the role he played in American history continues to be kept alive through the annual Sacramento celebration.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Phoenix rises over Sacramento

2013-01-24T19:18:03Z

The Sacramento Kings hosted the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night at Sleep Train Arena. Sacramento held the lead up until the beginning of the fourth quarter when a Kings season-high 25 turnovers eventually took its toll.

Mayor Kevin Johnson sat on the sidelines and watched the Suns quickly change the momentum of the game in the fourth quarter and ended up winning by the score of 106 – 96.

Sacramento Fashion Week casting call

2013-01-18T01:33:06Z

This year's annual Sacramento Fashion Wee k will be held from Feb. 24 – Mar.2.

In preparation for the event Sacramento Fashion Week held two casting calls for the 2013 showcase. One was held on Saturday, Jan. 12 at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Sacramento. A second casting took place on Sunday at the Capsity Offices located at 2572 21 st Street.

Sacramento Fashion Week is well known for showcasing talented local and regional designers. Sacramento Fashion Week has provided a platform for upcoming and established designers the opportunity to showcase their talent.

As the popularity and importance of Sacramento's Fashion Week continues to grow it attracts designers, hair stylists, makeup artists, fashion bloggers and models giving them the opportunity to participate and expand their experience and profiles.

Many models at both castings have walked the runway for Sacramento Fashion Week and showed up for this year's casting. Several other new models also nervously walked for the judges.

Sacramento Fashion Week staff and participating designers were on hand to evaluate and select models at the casting. Over 200 models participated at the castings and they will patiently wait to be notified if they have been selected to walk the runway during Sacramento Fashion Week.

Besides meeting an age, size and height requirement models also had to meet a minimum 18.5 Body Mass Index (BMI). Sacramento Fashion Week instituted the BMI standard of determining when one’s weight translates into a health risk for the first time this year. BMI is calculated by measuring a person's height and weight and stations were set up take those measurements.

Bridgétt Rex, Editor-In-Chief, Sacramento Fashion Week mentioned the new standard saying, “This is the first year that we've officially established this requirement.” Rex was at both casting days and earlier in the day, during the Sunday casting, along with Producer, Executive Director, Duane Ram were interviewed by KCRA TV about the event.

In a posted blog Sacramento Fashion Week noted the following as a guideline to help models understand how BMI is measured giving the following illustration, “As an example, a model who is 5’7’’ will need to weigh at least 118 pounds to achieve the minimum BMI of 18.5, while a 5’10’’ model will need to weigh 129 pounds. We will take weight and height at the casting call using the guidelines posted above to determine BMI.”

Models waited in line both casting days as they filled out an applications and walked for the judges and designers. Another new part of Sacramento Fashion Week this year will include a boutique fashion showcase to go along with two designer showings.

As models were being cast nervousness and excitement were quite evident on their part. Both male and female models were present.

Two models in Sunday's casting were sisters Giselle Colmenares and Naraly Vizcarra both who were trying out for Sacramento Fashion Week for the first time. This was Colmenares first casting and was a little more nervous. The sisters encouraged each other and conducted themselves professionally and stated that, “It was fun to try out together.”

Final selections for models, designers and boutiques participating will be declared at a later time. Sacramento Fashion Week will continue to hold events leading to the showcases. The next event is “Fashion Affair” scheduled for Jan. 17 at the Citizen Hotel.

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Kings win a hard fought game against Cavaliers

2013-01-15T20:29:18Z

The Sacramento Kings fought a hard and physical game against the Cleveland Cavaliers but ended up with a victory at the Sleep Train Arena. The game featured the return of Omri Casspi and a career high scoring night for the Cavaliers' Dion Waiters (33) and the Kings' Thomas Robinson who tied his career high (12).

SacAnime's growing pains

2013-01-09T11:12:17Z

A new year, a new venue and a new experience were all part of the winter SacAnime held at the Sacramento Convention Center and the Sheraton Grand Hotel Jan. 4-6.

SacAnime has outgrown several venues and the larger venue attracted a bigger audience. A larger crowd than the 7,700 who attended the summer convention held at the Woodlake Hotel was expected.

SacAnime fans from northern California and beyond gathered for the three-day weekend event dressed in their favorite cosplay outfit. Many planned their wardrobe months in advance and some came with three prepared costumes, one for each day of the event.

Alex Martin drove from Alameda with some friends and could not hold his excitement, saying his parents gave him a birthday present that included hotel and admission to SacAnime.

“I've worked on my two Soul Eater and a ninja outfits since Halloween and am stoked to meet others with similar costumes. I was so excited I talked my parents into letting me pre-register and pick up my pass the day before SacAnime opened,” Martin said.

Several fun events were included in the new venue, including the return of the Viewing Room that showed anime and other videos for most of the day during the weekend.

Friday and Saturday included dance workshops that included lessons in salsa, tango, foxtrot and waltzing. The lessons helped guests prepare for another new event: the Starlight Ball. Both the lessons and the ball itself were very popular and the Starlight Ball sold out. The ball gave guests the opportunity to attend a formal attire event.

The rave venue, now known as Late Nite Electronik Dance, was just as popular but was held at a large hall. The hall housed late night dancing on Friday and Saturday night.

Kazha, a Japanese rock band, returned to the SacAnime Concert Series. Kazuha Oda's vocals delighted the audience with songs that included “Wake Up,” “I Still Remember” and others. Band members Hideki Matsushige and Zen Takamura's hard rock sounds were well complemented by new drummer Kazumaru.

Kazha closed their show on Friday night with the popular, “Breath Through Your Dreams,” which highlighted the band's world music fusion and diverse sound. Kazha was available for autographs and held a Q&A panel session.

Besides the new events, SacAnime brought back many guests, vendors and events from previous years. Vendors, artists and featured tables filled the Vendor Hall and the large space was busy during the event.

The J-Fashion Show returned and showcased both professional and amateur designers and models on stage. Prince Noir, winner of the past two J-Fashion events, returned to showcase their wonderful designs. As winner of the last contest, Prince Noir was awarded a vendor table for the winter SacAnime, and because they were previous winners, they were not eligible to compete.

Carlyfornia Love was the gracious and charming host for J-Fashion and introduced an assortment of Asian-inspired fashion.

Several participants also had tables at the larger and much-improved Exhibitor's Hall. One of those tables was occupied by Scattered Comics. Visitors were treated to autographed free limited prints signed by Shadow Hunters characters. The Shadow Hunters 2013 calendar was also available and fans were given the opportunity to pose with their favorite characters for photos.

In appreciation and honor of its anime roots, SacAnime included several special guests from Japan. Mai Aizawa, a Japanese voice actress who might be best known for her role as Natsumi Murakami in the anime series, Mahō Sensei Negima, was one such guest.

Toshio Furukawa, known for his voice acting roles as Ataru of Urusei Yatsura, Inumaru of Gosenzo-sama Banbanzai and Piccolo of Dragonball, was also available for autographs.

Anime designer Tsuyoshi Nonaka held a Q&A session that used a Japanese translator. Nonaka seemed to have some command of the English language but relied on the translator to help things flow. Nonaka has also served as a toy designer and planner for Bandai Co. LTD (Japan) for over 20 years. Nonaka is probably best known for his work in shows from Ultraman Tiga and Kamen Rider.

Artists from Japan have been requested by many fans, and SacAnime heeded their advice by bringing in these artists to give fans a perspective of Japanese style and culture and a fresh look into the roots of the country that created anime as we know it.

Long lines are still a norm for autographs. SacAnime brought artists such as Kevin Conroy, Grey DeLisle, Maile Flanagan, Tony Oliver, Hynden Walch, Liam O'Brien and others to share their experience as voice actors and serve in panels and autograph sessions.

SacAnime staff was very helpful in keeping walking lanes open, helping in registration, checking credentials and providing directions for visitors, among other things. SacAnime is still one of the better-organized events of its size and cordial attendees create a friendly community that has grown over the years.

The convention has something for all anime fans and there is so much to do that attendees, coordinators, staff and vendors appear to be exhausted one day, only to return the next with a bright outlook. That bright outlook is something that SacAnime appears to have claimed as its own, as they continue to attract larger audiences.

Sunday's closing ceremonies allowed remaining fans to view the Anime Music Video (AMV) contest winners and to voice their concerns regarding the event.

Director of Programming Jodon Bellofatto reviewed several factors about the first SacAnime held at the new venue. The theme of the event was “Growing Pains” and Bellofatto shared that 7,500 attendees had been counted as of Saturday. Many estimates indicated that over 10,000 people attended the convention.

Bellofatto talked about the difference in attendance between summer and winter, saying the summer event draws more fans.
“They are still crunching the numbers. I can tell you things that I do know. We ran out of program books; we ran out of weekend badges. We had to run over to Kinko’s and have them print us out some more. We ran out of a whole bunch of different things,” Bellofatto said. “I haven’t gotten Sunday's numbers or the final tally. We'll make an announcement on our website once we have a true number, but our very rough estimate for this weekend, so far not including Sunday, is 7,500 attendees.”

Other findings discussed were how SacAnime would be received by new neighbors. Bellofatto shared that traffic slowed as people tried to drive by the event and marvel at the number and dress style of SacAnime attendees.

Nearby businesses were not expecting the large crowds and wish they had known about the event. Some businesses expressed a desire to partner with SacAnime, keep doors open longer and offer discounts to attendees.

Bellofatto shared comments from the Sacramento Police Department who paid a visit, saying, “This reflects on you, guys; you should be very proud of this, you guys should be very happy to hear that representatives from Sac PD came by all three days and sometimes twice a day to check on us. They were very happy with what they saw at the show. They think you're a great crowd. They think you're very well-behaved; they have no complaints.”

The Sheraton did not know what to expect with SacAnime and its fans, and were very flexible and accommodating. They were caught off guard as to how many would attend and book rooms and will be looking to make more rooms available for the next convention. Nearby Marriott and other hotels accommodated the overflow. SacAnime will be working on getting favorable room rates at the Hyatt as well for the summer convention.

Work for the next con has already begun, and Bellofatto shared that the size of the Exhibitor's Hall will again be increased. The third floor of the Convention Center, which was closed for the winter event, will be made available to SacAnime during the summer.

The Home and Garden Show shared the Convention Center during the weekend and it was discussed that the Greek Food Festival will be sharing the center with SacAnime. A badge for either event will be good for either gathering as well, but the logistics are still being worked on.
Concerns about the event centered around parking, which seems to have caused confusion in some cases. Other concerns about the event were discussed but did not seem to have detracted from the overall effectiveness of the event.

SacAnime returns to the Convention Center Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, Memorial Day weekend. Rooms can now be booked at the Sheraton. Early bookings provide extra perks, but rooms must be booked by January 31 for the initial release of rooms.

SacAnime is an all-ages event that allows a fun weekend for attendees. Follow the SacAnime website for further details on rooms, guests and other events. The webpage also includes a forum where visitors can discuss parking, carpool, cosplay gathering information, concerns and other valuable information.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up.

Ricky Berger concert at the Crocker Art Museum

2012-12-26T22:17:15Z

The Crocker Art Museum holds its doors open late during their Thursdays ‘til 9 program series.

This past Thursday, Dec. 20, as part of American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell, local talented musician Ricky Berger held a concert at the Crocker.

The Rockwell exhibit, located on the third floor of the Crocker, celebrates his work with several rarely circulated works from the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass. Several original oil paintings and other work created for The Saturday Evening Post are also part of the exhibit. A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Masterpieces Program, made the exhibition possible.

On the Crocker theater stage, Rika Nelson, Crocker Art Museum manager of public programs, welcomed guests. In her speech Nelson said, “It's been really an exciting time for us to do all this kind of programing. You may all probably already know, or you might not know, that we have a real exciting exhibition located in the third floor, and it’s up until February. It’s called the American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell.”

Nelson also described the concerts being held at the stage, saying, “This concert is a part of a series of concerts that we’ve been doing that we’ve sort of dubbed ‘American Storytelling.’ So we’ve brought in a variety of different performers who in our eyes are really great musicians and who are really fabulous.” Nelson continued, saying as far as storytellers went she immediately thought about bringing in Berger to perform, and she thought it was a perfect match, as Berger indicated Rockwell was her all-time favorite.

Nelson ended by introducing the show, saying, “Please join me in welcoming our opening act tonight. It’s his second time performing at the Crocker, a great performer and a super nice guy, please join me in welcoming Adrian Bourgeois.”

Bourgeois opened for Berger and performed a series of songs that included “Shot in the Dark,” “Here We Go Again” and “My Face in the Dark.”

Bourgeois plays different instruments while on stage, and the stage was full of different instruments, including a grand piano that took the space of about half the stage. He and Berger also performed together on a couple of songs.

Berger stepped onto stage, wearing a stunning glimmering dress. The Sammie award winner brought her Americana folk brand of music to an intimate setting. The theater was full of Berger’s family, friends and fans.

Berger took the stage, welcomed guests and noted the show was a big deal for her. She's been working on her sophomore album and had taken a hiatus from performing. Berger was excited when the Crocker asked her to perform.

Audience members responded with much enthusiasm as Berger performed crowd favorites. Berger began the evening by playing “You're No Good,” and although she had an assortment of musical instruments on stage, she used her mouth to imitate a trumpet sound during the song.

As a true storyteller, Berger's second song, “My Permanent Valentine,” was dedicated to her mom, who was selling Berger merchandise. Each of her songs was introduced by a short reference as to what inspired it or how it evolved. Before “My Permanent Valentine,” the introduction and story behind it was used to introduce Berger's repertoire for the evening. Later, Berger dedicated “The Man of My Dreams” to her dad.

Several songs also included recorded background music, all performed by Berger as well. It was something she had not tried out before, but which I think shows more of her talent.

Berger delighted the audience with original songs, and also performed “I'll Be Home For Christmas.” Later, with Bourgeois, she performed the Simon and Garfunkel classic “The Boxer.” Both Berger and Bourgeois also sang “Baby It's Cold Outside,” their duos showing how well they performed together.

Through the evening Berger showed her musical and writing talent. She ended her show with an emotional introduction to a song about her grandparents, and “Why Be Blue,” a song dedicated to her sister.

After the show, adoring fans remained to talk with her, pose for photos and get autographs.

I was able to sit with Berger and do a short interview, posted below.

Sacramento Press: You're a storyteller in many ways. You tell stories when you introduce a song, as well as when you're singing and in your art. How did you come about, or to what do you attribute, your storytelling talent?

Ricky Berger: I think it all started when I was a kid. I started writing songs when I was about 4 years old. I didn't write them with words, but I started writing songs around that age. I think I was a very lonely child in many ways. I think I had a lot to say, but I didn't know how to say it exactly out loud. I needed a way to express it, and recently I started doing therapy and I started learning how to communicate my feelings better. That has opened me up to a world of possibilities, I encourage that to anybody. Therapy has been amazing for a crazy person like me.

SP: The times I've seen you perform you're surrounded by several musical instruments. Were there any that you did not play tonight?

RB: Oh sure, plenty. A whole scads worth.

SP: When did your love for music begin and what inspired it?

RB: Actually the first memories I have of music was through movies. Cartoons like Bugs Bunny, I think it's 1947, you might want to check that. The very first time I remember hearing music I was about 3, and it was a 1947 episode of Bugs Bunny, and it was called “Gorilla My Dreams,” and there's a song in it called “Someone is Rocking My Dream Boat.” I just remember I saw “The Wizard of Oz”; the impact that it had was so great. It expressed what I was feeling inside so much. I think I was born with the love for music. There's like no difference between me and the music, in a way.

You know, honestly, I feel that if music is going well for me, everything is going well. If it's not going well, then nothing is going well. It's just a part of me like nothing else.

SP: I've noticed you like to collaborate with other artists (like tonight). Have you ever been part of a group or have you, for the most part, been a solo performer?

RB: I've pretty much always been solo. I think the way I share music is not really in a band setting, for myself. I'm going to be going to Eastern Europe to record with an orchestra and a choir. I'm not really interested in playing with a band, I'm more interested in playing with orchestras and choirs, and you know, having a full ensemble like that, which one day I'll have.

I will probably be there for a couple of weeks to visit places like Berlin, Prague and Budapest.

SP: Have you seen the Norman Rockwell exhibit?

RB: I haven't, but I'll be doing that in the next two days. It's been a crazy busy month.

SP: Do you have any current projects you're working on? Any future projects?

RB: Gosh! I guess I'm just working on my second album, that's the biggest thing. That's really the focus of my life at the moment, working on the arrangements. It's a lot of work.

SP: Take us through your process in doing an album. How long did it take to make your first album?

RB: Well, it's really strange because I started recording when I was 14, but I did not put my album out until I was about 20. I actually had it done. I had it done when I was about 18, but I didn't release it because I was so scared. I was so scared; I thought everybody would hate it. My therapist helped talk me through it and told me to put it out.

As far as making an album, for me the process usually goes. I guess I choose my very favorite songs, the ones that make me the happiest to play, and I guess usually I sit at home and I stay in my room for days and days or months and months at a time, arranging the harps, violins and flutes and oboes, bassoons and clarinets and tuba, trumpet, triangle, all of the above and different choir parts, and I do all of that on my little laptop. Then I go in the studio and I go track by track and recreate it in a very nice environment.

I think it's important; people don't take the time anymore. I'm in love with it.

Editor’s note: The “News Digest” goes out every Tuesday morning and highlights our best stories, photos and videos from the week prior. Sign me up .

The Nutcracker 2012

2012-12-26T21:20:12Z

Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet brought its troupe to Folsom's Three Stages to perform The Nutcracker. Performances took place on Dec. 21 – 23.

Friday's sold out performance of The Nutcracker 2012 brought a large audience to Three Stages to enjoy a beautiful performance. Children, along with their parents and other family members as well as friends enjoyed art in motion as the Pamela Hayes Ballet brought a colorful spectacle to the stage.

The Nutcracker is based on the book by E.T.A. Hoffman "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King."

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was commissioned by choreographer Marius Petipa in 1891 to write the music for the Nutcracker Ballet.

Throughout its history the story of The Nutcracker remains the same. On Christmas Eve the Silberhaus family hosts their annual Christmas party as they welcome the arrival of their guests. Suddenly, Clara's beloved Herr Drosselmeyer appears. Drosselmeyer entertains guests with magical tricks and life-size dolls. Clara embarks on enchanting travels through the Kingdom of Sweets with her Nutcracker Prince.

Since 2000 Artistic Director Pamela Hayes has brought The Nutcracker to the stage and has successfully worked to make the production one of the most entertaining.

The Nutcracker showcased guest artist Michael Onstad in the role of Herr Drosselmeyer. His talents are sought-after to perform this role each year and his performance was splendid.

Another guest artist was George Rusafov who performed the role of the Cavalier. The Bulgaria native joined the National Opera and Ballet Sofia Bulgarta after graduating high school. His masterful dance skills highlighted a wonderful performance.

Allyn Ginns, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Sarah Beth Kosterman, as Clara and Aly Andersen, as Spanish dancer were other guest artists for The Nutcracker.

Ginns, Kosterman and company dancer Kristoffer Reyes were made available for a quick photo or two by publicist Jan Hurst of Hurst Works. Along with other marvelous Pamela Hayes Ballet company dancers and over 70 ballet performers they delighted the audience from beginning to end.

A graduate of London’s Royal Academy of Dance and an alum of the Royal Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theater, Ballet West and Eugene Ballet, Pamela Hayes brought a delightful cast of dancers to Three Stages.

The audience was in awe during several scenes and oohs and aahs were heard from the audience. One memorable scene began with angels gliding through smoke machine fog looking like angels on clouds brought positive audible comments from the audience (specially from the younger fans).

This year new snow sets graced the stage. As if in a dream, sparkling snow flakes fell to the stage.

The costumes and stage production were beautifully designed. The Pamela Hayes Ballet production created visual spectacles on stage that went wonderfully with magnificent choreography.

The audience, as did I, enjoyed every aspect of the show. Families gathered in the theater lobby to share their experience. Jonathan Laundry and his family was invited by his neighbors and he shared a few words about what he saw. “I loved the scenery and I loved the dancers. I've always enjoyed the music of Tchaikovsky but I've never seen a live showing of The Nutcracker and I think it just might become a Christmas tradition for us.”

The Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet studio is located in El Dorado Hills and offers various ballet training classes and workshops that includes a summer workshop series. The series will feature Peter O'Brien's staging of “Giselle.”

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Christmas crafts, art, music and grand openings

2012-12-24T06:18:32Z

The last Second Saturday Art Walk of 2012 contained an assortment of events not only in Midtown and downtown but also in Granite Bay and Folsom.

Folsom hosted its 45th Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. Nearly 200 vendors, live entertainment and fun for the entire family was part of the event rescheduled from the week before because of weather.

Christmas craft vendors lined the middle of Folsom's Historic Sutter Street to sell goods suited for children, adults, pets and Christmas gift giving.

Businesses were open along Sutter Street as well and visitors were able to enjoy the pubs, restaurants and shopping areas in Historic Folsom.

The Folsom Historic District Ice Rink which had been closed because of the weather was re-opened for guests to enjoy. The rink will be open until Jan. 21 and is open seven days a week.

One of my favorite places for art, jewelry, and local crafts is Spanglish Arte. Their new location at 2512 J Street has more than double the space than their last site. The store also has a back patio that was available to house several art stations during Second Saturday.

Spanglish hosted a Holiday Bazaar that included holiday food such as pozole, hot chocolate, pan dulce and other items that went well in helping support local artists and vendors.

Artist John Huerta brought recently completed paintings and other items to the event. Huerta offered a large collection of art and had two tables set up, one was at the front of the store and the other at the back patio.

Lately, I’ve noticed new businesses starting up in Midtown, Oak Park as well as in other areas and December’s Second Saturday saw another grand opening event within days and within a block of each other. Muse Makeover held their grand opening on December 5 and Morris & Terry held their grand opening on Second Saturday.

Morris & Terry Athletic is located in an upstairs suite at 2115 J Street.

Many relatives and friends of owners Marisa Minasian and Terry Buccat attended the event. At times it seemed like a high school reunion as several friends indicated they attended high school together.

The J Spot, located next door to Morris & Terry Athletic, served as a gathering place where delicious food and drinks were served during the event. Kombucha Kulture served a variety of their organic and raw drinks for guests.

On the balcony outside the new shop artists and musicians entertained guests. Artist Gabriel Roberts and Samuel Ross Novinger exhibited their work. Martin Purtill and Jay Shaner shared their musical talents with the audience.

Buccat and Minasian were quite busy during the event but they took a few minutes to talk about the grand opening. In describing their business Buccat said, “We are Morris & Terry and we just opened our first women’s boutique which branches out from our women’s yoga active lifestyle line; Morris Terry Sport and we’re soon bridging more into day wear pieces and building a more overall Morris Terry brand and so you’ll see more of that transition in our store.”

Minasian and Buccat have been working together since 2010 and attribute their growth to word of mouth. Buccat shared that they were relying on word of mouth by friends, press outlets like Juniper James, Sister Brother Style, Eat Breathe Fashion, facebook and a segment that morning on Good Day Sacramento would help bring clientele to their grand opening.

Selection of their location was based on several factors. “We did a lot of research and it was good fit for us, for our size. We’re right in the middle of Midtown, it was a real nice space and our neighbors are so sweet we just kind of really love being back here,” Minasian stated.

Buccat and Minasian look forward to introducing new items to their store and holding future events. They also look forward to working with other local businesses saying, “Everything is made here in California we keep it as local as we can, we design everything ourselves here and we do a charity line that benefits foster youth.”

My last stop for December’s Second Saturday for the evening was a Christmas tree lighting event at the Quarry Ponds Shopping Center in Granite Bay. Artists Randy Rivera’s work was on exhibit at Crushed VLVT.

Fashion in the City

2012-12-23T01:51:57Z

Fashion in the City, a fashion, makeup and hair stylist competition was held at the Fusion International Art Center in Sacramento.

The event, held on Saturday, Dec. 15, drew a sizable audience where 15 of the best stylists in northern California competed for $3,000 in prizes.

The Fusion International Arts Center, located at 501 Arden Way has a large main hall that hosted Fashion in the City. A “T” shaped stage served as the catwalk for the fashion show. VIP tables were set around the stage and a DJ station were set up near

Beautiful gowns and dresses were provided by Georgene Originals. Georgene Scott, owner of Georgene Originals, is a fashion designer and pattern maker whose gowns are specially made for proms and weddings.

DJ Nez, DJ Memo Aguilera and DJ Essense shared their talents with the audience as they played music for dancing and listening enjoyment.

Rosa Jimenez and Sebastian Olvera C Bash served as hosts for the evening.

Each Fashion in the City model who walked the runway had their own following in the audience and wild cheering by audience members was loud and constant in an effort to sway the judges.

Solons and stylist participating in the event included Progressive Hair Salon, Expressions Hair Designs, Karina's Makeup, Maquillaje y Peinado by Sorelle, Irma Patiño, Chiklee Hair Studio and Rosario Tijeras Salon.

Also competing was Sandra de la Horta, Andre & Drea Designs, Judy & Anmarie, Beauty of the Art by Artemio Ibarra, Glammedup, Kurlz by Karla and Glamour Touch.

Fashion in the City is the brainchild of Vision Entertainment booking agent Cutberto (Beto) Aguilar. When asked about what inspired the event Aguilar said, “I came up with the concept because I think we need to showcase our local talent and this was the perfect event. This time I partnered with d'primeramano magazine and Borges Media.”

Aguilar indicated he expected an audience of about 400 guests for the evening's event matching last year's attendance.

This was the second year of the Fashion in the City event. Aguilar stated that last year's event was held at Antigua Ultra Lounge.

Aguilar explained why they chose to hold the event at the Fusion International Arts Center saying, “Miguel (Borges) has friends and he works here. I was looking for a good place that was larger and nice to make this a success.”

Aguilar is also CEO of Vision Entertainment a company that acquires and promotes talented entertainment for private and public parties and events. Vision Entertainment presented a well organized Fashion in the City event.

Sergio Romero from CBS TV, Cynthia Moreno of ~~Univision~~ Vida en el Valle and designer Rory Castillo were introduced as the judges for the evening's competition.

Miss Sacramento Latina Erika Vaca was introduced before the fashion show began and remained at the event socializing and posing for photos with guests.

Once the fashion show began models walked the runway and posed to showcase the hair and makeup stylist work as well as the beautiful Georgene Original outfits.

Three teams were selected as finalists; model Tania Cisneros represented Karina's Makeup, Yuri Munguia represented Chiklee Hair Sudio and Nancy Sanchez represented Irma Patiño.

After tabulation the Fashion in the City winner was Cisneros' team. The winning team, as expected, celebrated as their name was announced.

The Fashion in the City event was fun, well organized and showcased regional talent. Next year the event is expected to attract strong competition and local entertainment.

Editor's Note: Paragraph 15 has been edited. Cynthia Moreno is employed by Vida en el Valle.

Three Stages in Folsom hosts Posada Navideña

2012-12-18T08:12:35Z

An enchanting evening full of music and dance came to the Three Stages Performing Arts Center at Folsom Lake College. The Compañia Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento presented a festive Christmas performance on the main stage.

The “Posada Navideña,” a Christmas processional, was performed by a group of 30 dancers and musicians. They brought traditional live Mexican music and traditional Mexican dance mixed with ballet to the stage.

Executive director Yolanda Ramos-Colosio began teaching traditional Mexican folk dance in Sacramento in 1994. Four years later, as the school grew, she introduced a school (Instituto Mazatlán Bellas Artes) and a professional performing company (Compañia Mazatlán Bellas Artes).

Dynamic dancer and choreographer Steven Valencia became CMBA’s artistic director in 1998, and since 2000 the company has performed locally and internationally.

Under the direction of Valencia, the CMBA has toured throughout California, the Southwest, Mexico and China, and has won national and international competitions.

The Sacramento native announced his resignation as artistic director effective Dec. 31. Valencia's last performance was at Three Stages. The Posada Navideña in Folsom was also his final dance performance for CMBA.

Valencia's credentials as a dancer and choreographer are impressive. The award-winning director has also served as a grant writer for IMBA, and successfully secured several grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council and other organizations. Valencia has also been influential in creating in-school programs in the Sacramento region and partnering with the city's Any Given Child program.

Valencia's work in Sacramento is well-documented, and his work as a peace officer at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has helped him understand other local issues. His work at the CDCR made him see firsthand that many children may not have a positive outlet in life, and may turn to doing negative things.

He's been quoted as saying, “My goal has been to teach kids and young adults about culture, discipline and goal reaching through a positive forum: dance." Valencia's dedication as director, dancer and choreographer will be missed, and Friday's spectacular performance showcased his talent.

Three Stages at Folsom Lake College continues to attract top events and performances and Friday's Posada Navideña performance showcased the theater’s versatility, comfortable seating and magnificent stage.

A live band played in the background and brought life to the performances as regional dances came to the stage. Dancers in magnificent regional costumes began with a set of dances from Veracruz. The initial performance was choreographed by Valencia and guest artist David Lopez-Mancilla.

Wearing typical Veracruz outfits, dancers celebrated Christmas traditions. Several songs, including “La Bamba,” played during the visually enriching dances.

Other traditional dances and songs from Michoacán were highlighted by a whimsical dance in which dancers wore masks and costume to make them look like old men as they performed “Danza de los Viejitos.” The dance had guests laughing, especially the younger members in the audience.

"Yucatan- Fiesta del Pueblo" was a debut choreographed performance by Lopez-Mancilla.

Each dance was well-received by the audience, and regional pieces were welcomed by audience members with ties to those areas.

Christmas, or Navideña, songs and dances were performed, representing the pilgrimage made by Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem for the birth of baby Jesus. This posada celebration was celebrated on stage with classic ballet moves, and included a battle between the devil and the archangel Gabriel. The scene was colorfully performed and was followed by the arrival of the Three Kings at the site of Jesus' birth.

The final pieces performed included a full-blown fandango with traditional renditions of “La Piñata” and “Feliz Navidad” that also had audience members singing along.

The Posada Navideña was very colorful and the brilliant performances were very lively, leaving me with some lasting memories.

Some members of the audience shared that the program made them nostalgic for traditional celebrations. One member was Mona Almanza, who came to see her daughter Becca perform. When asked for her opinion on the show, she said, “Wonderful, it made me cry.”

The event continued in the lobby, as performers shared their experience with audience members who remained after the show.

Log on to Compañia Mazatlán Bellas Artes to find out more about their dance performances and programs. Three Stages' website has a full schedule of events for the rest of the year, as well as a 2013 schedule for visitors to view.

Sweet Dreams Foundation fundraiser

2012-12-16T23:30:32Z

Whole Foods Market in Folsom, in an effort to give back to the community, holds a 5% Community Giving Day. On Wednesday, Dec. 5 Sweet Dreams Foundation was the recipient of the event.

Sweet Dreams is a non-profit organization that seeks to, as their mission states, “improve the quality of life for children who have been diagnosed with a life threatening disease through the creation of their dream bedroom."

This year Sweet Dreams Foundation was able to raise money to create two rooms for two beautiful children.

Each room takes time to complete and it begins by selecting a child who would benefit from a Sweet Dreams room creation. There is an application process that helps in the selection.

This year the Sweet Dreams Foundation created a dream room for Virginia and Malena.

Virginia was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) a month after turning five years old. Chemotherapy and medication helped alleviate her illness by November of last year. Five months later Virginia relapsed needing an immediate blood transfusion and stronger chemotherapy.

Sweet Dreams president and interior decorator Jennifer Richards spent time with Virginia to find out what the little girl liked in order to incorporate those things in creating her room.

A bedroom was conceived and a collection of volunteers proceeded to help create Virginia's dream room.

A smile seems to always grace the little girl's face and her personality radiates warmth to those around her.

Besides volunteers a series of fundraisers are created to help create these rooms. The Sweet Dreams Foundation relies on volunteers, sponsors and a team of board members to help raise funds.

One of the main, and fun, events held during the year to help with the fundraiser efforts is an annual luau where past Sweet Dreams Foundation recipients attend. A dinner, silent and live auctions, live music and entertainment await visitors at the event.

At these events children who have benefited from dream rooms enjoy the company of family and friends. The many people who volunteer, donate or sponsor the room creation enjoy a wonderful evening to celebrate the completion of dream rooms

This was the first time two rooms were created during a year.

The second room was created for Malena who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. She has never been able to walk and learned to drive her mechanical wheelchair at the age of two.

Malena wished for an under the sea bedroom with a clam shell bed. The Sweet Dreams team and volunteers helped create a wonderful room with walls painted by Emiliano Campobello a muralist friend of the family.

Seeing the eyes of the little girls as they entered to see their new room for the first time is always such a delight to see. The awe inspiring rooms bring wonderful smiles to their face and the hard work created by a team of volunteers and sponsors lasts not only those first few seconds but it gives the girls a room where they can relax, enjoy and share with their loved ones.

The Wholefoods 5% Day will help with the creation of other rooms for kids with similar ailments. Sweet Dreams Foundation had an information table near one of the entrances to Whole Foods and they were able to answer questions about the foundation and becoming involved.

The 5% Day at Whole Foods Market in Folsom donated 5% of the day's net sales to the Sweet Dreams Foundation.

Whole Foods monthly calendar is full of activities for the community they serve. Besides the 5% Day this month's events include winter beer tasting, wine gifting event, a kid's pizza and movie night, a toy drive with Santa and many other events.

Turnout during the 5% Day was not hampered by the rain and a check in the amount of $2165.45 will be given to Sweet Dreams Foundation.

Richards sent Ciara Glass, Whole Foods Marketing Team Leader in Folsom a thank you letter for their contribution.

Sweet Dreams is very thankful to Whole Foods and all the other businesses that sponsor and hold fundraisers.

The next fund raising event is a Fun Run that will benefit Sweet Dreams Foundation and the Folsom Athletic Association. The run will start at 1 p.m. at Folsom's Lembi Park on Jan. 1, 2013.

Disclosure: I serve as a board member for Sweet Dreams Foundation

Luxe Salon & Spa and Muse Makeover host a holiday mixer

2012-12-14T07:47:45Z

Luxe Salon & Spa together with Muse Makeover collaborated to host a festive evening that included a holiday mixer with music, holiday spirits and a fashion show on Thursday, Dec. 6.

The event also served as Muse Makeover’s grand opening celebration.

Luxe Salon and Muse Makeover are situated in adjoining suites at 2015 J Street. The businesses share a front balcony area that also served as a catwalk for a fashion show.

Guests enjoyed complimentary hor’s de ov’res and drinks at both establishments.

Complimentary mini make-overs and chair massages were provided by Luxe's professional staff.

Hosts Mila Anatiychuk and Tennison Long were on hand to make sure guests were taken care of and many regular Luxe Salon customers also came to enjoy the event.

In the balcony area outside of Luxe Salon and Muse Makeover several boutiques participated in a trunk show. A wonderful selection of outfits from the Denim Spot Clothing Boutique, Krazy Mary's Boutique and BellaVUE Boutique were available for guests to purchase.

Denim Spot, Krazy Mary's and designer Rory Castillo provided fashionable wear for the models. Photography was provided by Tom Huynh and several of his photographers including Leonard Row, Nuriya Safarova-Sahlbach and Yao Saelee.

The balcony was filled with guest and models Anita Spoljar, Hallie Lewis, Alexis Pinkney, Marcus Cortez, Ryan Christopher, Lilya Liliya Karavan (Miss Russia California) and Heather Dominguez-Cuevas. Local singing artist Dinorah Curkendall besides modeling a Castillo outfit serenaded the audience following the fashion show.

Sarah Walker, Vice President of Muse Makeover took the microphone after the fashion show to welcome guests to the grand opening and introduced several representatives from other companies that they have partnered with to professionally attend to their clientele.

Shane McDaid, President of Muse Makeover, took a few minutes from the busy event to talk a little about Muse Makeover.

When asked to give a description of what Muse Makeover is all about, McDaid said, "Muse Makeover is a makeover company that’s also a partnership of small businesses from Sacramento. The idea is to help the customer, or what we call the muse, find the providers that they need in order to reach the goals they’re looking for. They’re in their 30s, 40s and 50s and they’re looking to change the way the world sees them. We give them the tools through our partnership with other small businesses in Sacramento."

McDaid noted that Muse Makeover partners with businesses in the greater Sacramento area including an exclusive cosmetic dentistry with partnerships with professionals like Monica Crooks, DDS,

McDaid shared his inspiration for creating Muse Makeover saying, "I’ve been in marketing for years and I began doing marketing for a plastic surgeon, Dr. Andy Kaczynski, who you saw tonight. In doing that part of my job I try to find out what motivates our clientele. I look for that motivation by interviewing patients and talking about what is it that they’re trying to achieve. I’ve learned that people are just not trying to achieve one little thing they’re trying to achieve a giant transformation and so I created Muse Makeover in order to tend to that entire transformation."

I asked McDaid how he met Walker. “We met a couple of years ago at a gathering like this and hit it off. She has worked as an image consultant in Europe and so when I was trying to create this concept it became a perfect fit and I asked her to jump on board and help me out with it,” said McDaid.

The evening was a lot of fun and McDaid summed it up perfectly when asked to describe the event he said it was “fabulous.”

Sac-Con fans pack Sacramento's Scottish Rite Center

2012-12-12T08:51:21Z

Sac-Con continues to be a popular attraction and the Sunday, Dec. 9 show once again packed the Scottish Rite Center.
The gathering was one of the largest and Sac-Con announced that nearly 2,000 fans attended the event.

Artists, authors, vendors and special guests talked to the many fans who stopped at their booths. In the spirit of the event, actor Ernie Hudson wore his Winston Zeddemore Ghostbusters costume. Long lines formed at Hudson's station as fans waited to obtain autographs and pose for photos with the popular actor.

Occupying the same area was Robin Shelby, who is known for her performance as Slimer in “Ghostbusters II.”

Long lines also formed at Steve Blum's autograph station. Blum might be best known as the voice of Spike Spiegel from “Cowboy Bebop.” Blum also does the voice for Wolverine in animated movies, games and the “Wolverine” and “X-Men” TV series.

Blum also participated in a Q&A session in the Back Panel Room of the Scottish Rite Center. The room full of fans asked questions related to Blum and his career as a voice actor.

Questions about other topics were also posed. One fan asked a question about prank calling people and asked if the actor had ever done that. Blum's answer was quite amusing.

“You know I used to do that before I became a professional voice actor,” he said. “I was always able to do a lot of different voices and what really ended up happening was I did, back when they had tape answering machines.”

Blum had a message recorded in a goofy sounding voice on his answering machine. He continued with the story saying that someone called the wrong number and got his answering machine.

“I heard them laughing in the background saying to someone else, 'you got to hear this,' and then click. Minutes later somebody else called and I could hear them laughing and so I guess they told their friends to call this number because they would call every week. Then this group of people started calling saying, ‘change your message; I want to hear something else.’ So I would change it to something else and so it kind of became a thing and I never thought I would get paid for that. I started doing something where I would aim the messages at different numbers.”

Using voices that sounded like Donald Duck and others, he finished that question saying, “That's as far as it went; I never really made prank calls.”

Someone else asked how many tattoos he had and Blum indicated he had three. One of them, on his left forearm brought forth other questions.

“Oh, yes this tattoo is my voice. That's the last thing that Spike says in the series,” said Blum, drawing oohs and aahs from the audience. The clever voice-inspired tattoo is a snapshot of the last words of the Spike Spiegel character.

Fans enjoyed a nice sunny day which allowed them to mingle with each other outdoors. Many attendees spend countless hours making their own cosplay outfits. Elaborate work showcases talent from cosplay costume makers, and many are worthy of being cinema costumes.

Other artists and vendors returned to showcase their newer creations in art, crafts and fashion. Carlyfornia Love had one of her latest creations on hand. A comic book-print dress attracted customers for a close-up view.

Anthony Leano occupied the space next to his longtime girlfriend, Carlyfornia. Leano, who books and promotes guests for Sac-Con, SacAnime and other events, sold movie poster prints and avant-garde DVDs as well as other items. Leano, like other artists, is more than happy to share expertise and talk about similar events around California.

Many other guests lined the main halls where a Christmas tree offered a festive mood amid the organized chaos. Vendors filled the stage areas and offered comic book-related items that included action figures, posters, swords, clothing and other collectables.
The stage itself served as a place to hold card tournaments that transpired throughout the day.

A room straight across from the main entrance housed the Small Press Zone. The artist-themed zone featured several comic book creators, writers and artists who showcased new works. The zone included amateur and professional artists.

Many of the artists lining the walls of the Small Press Zone have attended other Sac-Con events and understand the importance of meeting with their ever-growing audience. Fans, in turn, are appreciative of being able to talk to these artists about their talent and how they got started.

Jason Dube's Scattered Comics booth included a Shadow Hunters signing session. The Shadow Hunters #2 (Cosplay Edition) premiered at Sac-Con. I had spotted Dube earlier waiting in line to get Hudson's autograph; it was great to witness one artist appreciating the work of another.

Winning cosplayers from a Shadow Hunters contest were also on hand to sign copies of the new edition. Characters included Victoria Augusto as Firewire, Tina Bird as Eileen, Maria Crawdad as Kala and Iris Elvirus as Jessika. The cosplayers posed for photos and signed copies of the Shadow Hunters release.

The Shadow Hunters Cosplay Edition includes photos of the cosplay contest winners as well as a double-page centerfold suitable for decorating any wall.

Comic book writer Peter Quinones hosted a “Writing for Comics” workshop where he shared his expertise on how to develop a storyline and work with other artists to create a comic book.

Quinones' credits include: G.I. Joe, Phantom 2040, Quantum Leap and others. He is also the co-creator of the Epic/Marvel series, Dragon Lines.

Future writers and artists attended the workshop and were treated to valuable insights in creating a superhero comic book story from beginning to end. Quinones covered story development, plot, themes and touching on emotions such as fear, loss, love, laughter and loneliness. Touching on these emotions brings in the reader, as we all have these feelings. Quinones emphasized that loneliness is one aspect that touches most superheroes - as well as villains - and allows the audience to be drawn into and relate to this powerful emotion.

The Sacramento Ghostbusters were quite visible around the convention and their Ghostbusters vehicle was parked in front of the auditorium. The group participated in the Toys for Tots Drive along with the Bay Area Ghostbusters.

Hudson and Shelby co-hosted another Q&A session and many attended. Hudson is a likeable, laid-back guy who enjoyed the session and answered questions about his Ghostbusters experience, how he got started in the movie business and what he's been up to.

One of the recurring questions asked was regarding when and if a third “Ghostbusters” would come out and if he would be in the movie.
“Everybody says they would like to see it happen, but nothing yet,” Hudson said. “When I see the money, then I know it's for real, but until then....” Laughter from the audience erupted as he shared his insight.

When someone asked if he'd heard about what the next “Ghostbusters” movie might be about, Hudson stated, “I've heard Bill Murray is going to be a ghost and things are floating around. There's also a lot of fans who write scripts. My son wrote a script - you'd be amazed and it would be a great fan movie... Do I know anything about seeing a script? No, not really.”

Hudson's insights were quite revealing. He shared, to the amazement of many, that he's not a big movie fan and can not recite his roles line by line like some actors and fans do.

Hudson and Shelby answered many questions and then returned to the autograph tables to continue to talk to fans.

A charity auction was also held to benefit local charities such as Loaves & Fishes and the Mustard Seed School.

The ever-popular Cosplay Costume Contest took placed in a room full of guests, and again, the talent of the fans who attended was quite impressive.

Craftsmanship judging results were announced after cosplayers showed their talent in creating costumes or performing on stage.

Stephanie Rector, organizer of Sacramento Geeks, set the stage and introduced the presentation host for the Best of Geeky Sacramento awards.

The guest host was writer and comedian Robert Berry who announced and presented the winners for each category.

Poll award winners were the Sacramento Ghostbusters for Best Local Geeky Club or Social Organization, Seeker for Best Local Geeky Band or Live Entertainment Group, Chris Wisnia for Best Local Comic Book Writer or Graphic Artist, Best local Weekly or Monthly Event or Meetup went to the Sacramento Comic Creators Group, Best Local Comic Book Store or Anime Shop was won by Empire's Comics Vault, and Best Local Sci-Fi Fantasy or Horror Author was Nicholas Grabowsky.

Evangeline’s took the Best Place to Find Costuming Supplies in the Sacramento Area award, the Best Semi-Regular or Annual Local Event winner was Sac-Con, the Best Local Gaming or Hobby Shop was Great Escape Games, the Best local Maker/Inventor/Techie went to Fred Jeska, and the award for Best Place for a Geeky Date winner were the Sac-Anime and Sac-Con Conventions.

Sunday's Sac-Con was once again a fun-filled family-oriented event. Sac-Con will return to Sacramento's Scottish Rite Center on Sunday, March 3, 2013. Log on to the Sac-Con website to view who the invited special guests will be for the event or to find out more about participating as a vendor or artist.

Several artists from this year’s Sac-Con will also be participating at the Drawing for Toys event on Dec. 15 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Empire's Comics Vault. Artists will create original works of art, as well as commission work, to benefit Toys for Tots. Empire's Comics Vault is located at 1120 Fulton Ave.

Uptown Fashion Night 2012

2012-11-30T00:16:42Z

For the second year in a row The Pink House, Sparkle Bridal Couture and Krazy Mary’s Boutique combined efforts to bring East Sacramento an evening full of music, shopping, socializing and fashion at the Uptown Fashion Night 2012. The event was held on Thursday, Nov. 8 and drew many friends and shoppers to the event.

The three businesses are located next to each other on the corner of 32nd Street and Folsom Blvd.

Peggy Orr, owner of The Pink House, Sandra Gonzalez who owns Sparkle Bridal Couture and Mary Kawano, owner of Krazy Mary’s Boutique opened their shops to customers for the 2012 Uptown Fashion Night.

The event drew hundredths to the event and visitors were able to enjoy sale items being offered at each shop.

Guests were also invited to donate to Sacramento Crisis Nursery. Sacramento Children's Home operates the Crisis Nursery Program whose mission is to prevent child abuse and neglect by providing support to families at times of crisis.

The Pink House offered a selection of fashionable items, hand bags, shoes, jewelry and other accessories.

Delicious appetizers and drinks provided a relaxed setting for visitors to shop and enjoy sale items at The Pink House.

Krazy Mary’s Boutique carried a wide assortment of the newest trends. Kawano and her staff shop for the latest trends and know what customers are looking for. Krazy Mary’s staff is courteous and was very attentive to customers indulging them with a vast inventory suitable for its wide customer base.

Kawano and staff were busy catering to their customers at Uptown Fashion where they also provided visitors with music, appetizers and wine.

Sparkle Bridal Couture’s bridal showroom showcases wedding gowns as well as bridal and special occasion dresses. The bridal showroom is California’s first and only bridal salon solely dedicated to bridal and special occasion outfits sizes 14-30.

Sparkle had several vendors and a DJ on hand. Gonzalez also had several members of her family helping making this event a true family affair.

Sponsors and vendors at the event included Jaime Becker of Lyon Real Estate, Deeda Salon, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, La Trattoria Bohemia, Girls on the Grid, Good Day Sacramento, Rinfrancare, DJ Esef, Thai Basil, DJ Trait, Leslie Andrews Photography, Strands Hair and Spa and others.

All three shops also collaborated to bring a fashion show at Sparkle Bridal Couture.

The fashion show was the highlight of the evening and brought guests and store owners together to enjoy a red carpet fashion walk highlighting various styles and accessories that helped create a delightful Uptown Fashion Night 2012 event.

Grammy-nominee Ana Tijoux performs at Sol Collective

2012-11-21T09:31:49Z

Sol Collective hosted Grammy-nominee Ana Tijoux and other artists on Monday, Nov. 19.

Tijoux was up for Best Urban album at the Latin Grammy Awards that transpired on Nov. 15.

International and local talent continues to be showcased at Sol Collective and Monday night provided over five hours of entertainment. Andru Defeye served as host for the evening and kept things moving along.

Once onstage, Tijoux, who is currently six months pregnant, thanked the audience for attending and apologized for not being able to perform the last time she was scheduled to appear at Sol Collective, in late August.

Tijoux started off with “Obstaculo” (Obstacle) and “Partir de Cero” (Starting From Scratch) off her “1977” album. Rhythmic, thought provoking and catchy Spanish rap lyrics were presented with enthusiasm and expressive style. Five other songs from Tijoux's “La Bala” album followed.

Music provided by two talented backup musicians helped Tijoux deliver an impressive performance that showed how rap continues to transcend language and international borders to bring music and the voice of the people to all. Tijoux's talent also showed that rap in Spanish continues to grow and attract audiences throughout the world.

Before the show, I was invited to go backstage and hold a short interview with Ana Tijoux. We spoke in Spanish and I translated her answers for this story The interview has been included at the bottom of this article.

Sol Collective and its team of community members, educators, activists and volunteers put together a great show that showcased both local and international artists. They continue to make their building available for art exhibitions, community forums, and advocacy and other community programming. On Monday nights they make their space available for an open mic night as well as live art demonstrations such as those done by Fresno's Barrio Art Collective. The open mic is available for community members to share their poetic, rap, comedic, musical and singing talent.

Microphone Monday was held earlier than usual this week to accommodate the musical acts of the evening. Monday night's crowd welcomed over a dozen performances to the stage.

Monday's open mic brought some heart-wrenching spoken word poets to the stage and audience support was instrumental in allowing these artists to share their message. Some participants took the stage for the first time, and many awed the audience and inspired others to take the stage.

Topics covered during open mic included a gamut of topics including sex, drugs, politics, love, Kurt Cobain and comedy.

Performances by participants were very impressive. If you've ever had an inkling to share your talents, Mic Mondays at Sol Collective provide a great atmosphere in which to share those talents.

Host, Defeye, also served as the opening act for the evening full of music at Sol Collective. Defeye's rap and lyrics were well received by the ever-growing audience on hand.

Pro Mañon followed Defeye and also entranced the audience with their rap style. This was the first time I've seen Pro Mañon perform, and although I only caught part of their act, I became an instant fan.

Mentes Diferentes took the stage, and although they were missing several members, their performance had everyone moving to the beat. Mentes Diferentes continues to rap about political, social and community awareness. Their catchy beat and lyrics also capture the imagination as they reach out to English, Spanish and Spanglish speaking audiences.

Oakland's Bukue One brought his brand of rap to Sacramento and the audience loved the performance. The creative lyrics of Bukue One also had the audience moving, and he was not shy to get them involved.

As Bukue One performed, he threw in some Jamaican-style rap as well as some light-hearted lyrics dealing with taking long walks, hip-hop shows, being a momma's boy, sex, freakiness, Romney and more sex.

Bukue One's rapid rap style, lyrics and personality captivated the audience as he delivered an outstanding performance.

Ana Tijoux Interview

Sacramento Press: When did you arrive in Sacramento?
Ana Tijoux: We arrived today from Los Angeles.

SP: Can you tell us a little about yourself for our readers who may not know you?
AT: I'm a musician from Chile and I've been doing rap for the past 15 years. I have three solo albums. I used to be in a band before going solo. I'm a mother; I have a 7-year-old son and am pregnant with my second child.

SP: Do you know if you're having a boy or a girl?
AT: This will be a girl.

SP: Are you currently on tour?
AT: Yes, I am. It's not a long tour and this is our third stop.

SP: Have you played in Sacramento before?
AT: Yes, and every time I come to Sacramento I perform at Sol Collective.

SP: Do you have any other current projects?
AT: No, but right now we're touring to promote the last album entitled, “La Bala” (The Bullet), and possibly start the next record, so that's the plan at the moment.

SP: When did “La Bala” come out?
AT: It came out last year. Wait, it was released (in the U.S.) at the beginning of this year in January 2012.

SP: Have you picked out a name for your child?
AT: Yes, she'll be named Emilia.

SP: Is she named after a family member?
AT: It's my mother's name.

SP: So you were a Latin Grammy-nominee this year. What are your thoughts about that?
AT: It was held in Las Vegas. It was an interesting event to be in and enjoy. I was very grateful for the nomination. Although we did not win we are thankful for the opportunity.

SP: What are you doing after the show?
AT: Going to sleep (laughing). Like a good pregnant mom I need to rest. I'll drink orange juice, milk and go to bed.

SP: What kind of music do you listen to?
AT: Wow, let's see. I listen to a lot of Latin American music. I love Brazilian music, Chilean folkloric songs; well, I like a lot of other music like African music, jazz, soul...

SP: Any future plans for tours, books or records?
AT: Yes, I have several projects under my belt. At the moment creating a new album comes to mind. I hope to take the time to create and release it in the near future. I would also like to publish something but I don't want to rush any projects.

SP: Any closing remarks for the Sacramento audience?
AT: I would like to tell readers that it is always a pleasure to visit and perform here. We find it full of surprises and I like Sacramento. This city cultivates a lot of talent and there are many creative and inspirational people here.

Art and music

2012-11-14T09:33:13Z

November's Second Saturday event continues to attract visitors to Midtown and other areas to enjoy art, music, food and now holiday shopping.

The cold weather kept many art aficionados home this month but some venues continue to bring visitors to their art walk events.

I passed by several galleries and made a longer stop at Union Hall Gallery located at 2126 K Street. Some construction work was being done near the front and guests entered from the back entrance.

The Union Hall Gallery showcased the work of artist Leonardo Ceballos’ exhibition entitled “Un suspiro por México (A sigh for Mexico).”

The art on exhibit showcased things that Ceballos misses from his native Mexico and each piece includes art that is political, cultural or symbolic in nature.

Several guests remained after enjoying the exhibit in the hopes of meeting the artist.

As I walked around Midtown near 20th and J I heard a band playing off in the distance. The music drew me in and I followed the sound that emanated from the Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen (SBK).

The SBK is managed by community volunteers who work to bring do-it-yourself bicycle repair, maintenance and education to members of the Sacramento community. Outreach Coordinator Donald Bybee and other SBK members were on hand to ensure the event went as planned.

SBK has been at 1915 I Street since it began operations in 2006. The bike shop is run by volunteers and donations help pay the bills. Paid services include instructional classes and shop fees that also help keep SBK running.

The Nov. 10 Second Saturday event featured several local bands. The bands I was able to enjoy featured band members who for the most part were 16 years old or younger.

When I arrived at SBK, Sidetracked was already performing. Their lead singer reminded me of a younger Chloe Chaidez from Kitten. The four member band, like other bands, counted on the support of parents, teachers and friends who attended to support the bands.

Sidetracked and other musicians who attended the SBK event participated at Skip's Music's Stairway to Stardom this year.

The Sacramento based band claims the music of Nirvana, Paramore, Rise Against and others as influences. Brianna Hernandez-Maldonado, Tucker Lee, Robert Anderson and Tristan Williams make up the recently formed band Sidetracked.

Another band of young musicians was Broken Chains. The four member band includes James Dial, Ryan Smith and brothers Timothy and Jonathan Aldama.

Broken Chains was also involved in Skip’s Music Stairway to Stardom. The young members took turns doing lead and backup vocals. Most of their set included original tunes.

Alive and Burning was, I believe, the youngest band to play at SBK.

Members of Alive and Burning range in age from 10 to 14 years of age.

Their spunky young lead singer Josephine Minnick started off their set with a great cover rendition of Papa Roach’s “Last Resort.” The song showcased Minnick’s energy and the band’s instrumental cohesiveness. Jacob Hite, Anders Swanson and Tristan Warten showcased their musical talent as they played crowd favorites like "Attack of the Fruit", "Zombie Apocalypse" and Green Day's "When I Come Around."

The headline act for the evening was Dog Party. Sisters Gwendolyn (16) and Lucy Giles (14) continue to amaze and amuse crowds as they play cover and original songs.

The Giles sisters brought copies of their second release and first full length recording of P.A.R.T.Y. to sell at the SBK.

Dog Party has been doing a lot of touring lately and it was great to see them at SBK. The Giles sisters have been part of the Sacramento scene since 2009 and were recently recognized when they won a Sammies award for Outstanding Post-punk.

On Saturday night they showed why they’re considered one of Sacramento’s best young bands. Although they’re still quite young their music continues to impress and their repertoire of original catchy songs are always a hit with fans.

Dog Party can also play an array of cover songs but a personal favorite is X’s “Los Angeles” and I can’t recall but that could have been the only cover song of the evening performed by Dog Party.

The Second Saturday show at SBK was well received and the cold weather did not deter fans from enjoying some mighty fine music by several young up-and-coming Sacramento bands.

The Sacramento Bike Kitchen has been home to great musical venues during Second Saturday Art Walk shows and it offers music for fans of all ages.

Follow Sidetracked, Broken Chains, Alive and Burning and Dog Party at their Facebook pages and also check the SBK site for future events or for classes to help you fix or maintain your bicycles.

New Stockton Blvd. business offers elegant fashion

2012-11-13T05:52:48Z

Nor Cal Fashions, a new boutique for the fashion conscious, hosted its grand opening on Oct. 8. The store is located at 3600 Stockton Blvd., near the Colonial Theater.

Angel Basha is the owner of Nor Cal Fashions. Basha previously owned Satin Chic, a boutique on K Street in Downtown Sacramento.

Basha has a passion and love for inspiring women and motivating them to have better self-esteem through fashion and beauty, regardless of their size. This passion was behind the reason for opening the new boutique, which offers fashion for women of all sizes.

Nor Cal Fashions is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

In describing the vision for Nor Cal Fashions, Basha said, “I'd like to become more involved in the community and continue to uplift and inspire women. I am going to start a program where I select a woman in the community who is deserving of having her own special makeover beauty day. Nor Cal Fashions will donate an outfit and reach out to other businesses to have their hair and makeup done. I would like to reach out to organizations such as WEAVE to find deserving candidates.”

Nor Cal Fashions caters to young and older women alike. Colorful outfits suited for everyday wear, as well as business attire, design clothing and outfits for going out on the town, are just a portion of fashionable items that can be found at the boutique. Other fashion accessories, including handbags and shoes, are also available. The day I went to the boutique, a basket near the front also offered men's dress socks on sale.

Since opening up, Basha shared that they've held several special events and plan to continue offering them to their customers. Basha stated, “Nor Cal Fashion offers in-store fashion, shoe and purse parties in our VIP lounge. The first three Saturdays in November and December, we are having vendor events. Many of the vendors are from the Oak Park community. On Nov. 14 we are having a meet-and-greet luncheon for the UC Davis, Shriner Hospital and DMV staff. On Nov. 15 we are having a Diva Night Out and shopping event from 4-7:00 p.m. We are also participating in helping the organization Simply United Together with their toy drive. The toy drive goes from Nov. 21-Dec. 21. Nor Cal Fashion will be a donation center to drop-off point for the unwrapped new toys. Their goal is 1,000 toys. I will give everyone who drops off a new toy a raffle ticket to enter for a $20 gift certificate from Nor Cal Fashions.”

Being part of the Oak Park community and the building itself were the two primary purposes for selecting the current location for Nor Cal Fashions. The location offers plenty of parking and is near the Streetcar Cafe for people wishing to experience another new business in the area.

Nor Cal Fashions also offers men’s and women’s clothing alterations, and has an in-house jewelry and outfit designer.

When asked what she'd like to see in the future for her shop, Basha answered, “Right now I have three departments. The clothing department that also caters to plus-size women, a shoe and purse department, which we call 'Keepin' It Klassy,' which is operated by Christy Kennedy, better known as Chyna, and an alteration department for men and women. My seamstress, Wanda, and Pat Sumpner also have their own clothing line called PatWanna Creations, which is sold at the store and is their ring design clothing. My husband Fred Basha has been very instrumental in helping my vision and dream come true with Nor Cal Fashions.”Nor Cal Fashions offers new, chic and contemporary fashion items on a regular basis, and looks forward to serving its community for a long time to come.

New Stockton Blvd. business offers "Good Food for Good Neighbors" cuisine

2012-11-09T09:09:34Z

New businesses have opened up along Stockton Boulevard during the past few months. Streetcar Cafe, located at 3520 Stockton Blvd., next door to the Colonial Theater, is one of these newer establishments.

With the purpose of providing “good food for good neighbors,” Nina Correia opened the Streetcar Cafe. The cafe offers dine-in, takeout and lunch delivery. Event catering is also one of their specialties, and the restaurant provides free Wi-Fi for its dine-in customers.

Streetcar Cafe prides itself on dishes reminiscent of “Mom's home cooking,” creating food made with fresh and natural ingredients from local suppliers.

Streetcar Cafe opened Aug. 19, and will have another grand opening celebration in December, when they anticipate their liquor license will come through.

Correia knows her neighborhood extremely well, and when asked what used to be at the cafe location, she knew not only the last establishment at the location, but also several other businesses that occupied the space.

Correia noted that Sinaloa Mexican Food Restaurant served food there; before that it was the Colonial Cafe, and prior to that the Cobbler Inn Soul Food Restaurant occupied the space. The stage and bar setup by the Cobbler Inn remains near the entrance. A pool table occupies the main eating area across from the kitchen.

This is Correia's first personal business. Giving some background as to what inspired her to open her restaurant, Correia said, “I have always cooked. I'm also a bartender at Club Raven in Downtown, located on 33rd and J; it's one of the oldest bars in Sacramento. I work there and I've always wanted to own my own business, and I loved to cook. When this space became available, I jumped on it. This neighborhood wants something fresh. Our Yelp page is actually a big reason why we're busy. Yelp is awesome. And we've gotten good reviews; people like our food. We get people from Roseville, and the other day we had a lady from Lincoln who saw our Yelp review. She works downtown, and she came down and ate, and now she's passing the word around.”

Correia continued, “I'm from this neighborhood and I kind of recognize most people who come in, and they know me. If I see somebody new I ask how they know about us, how they heard about us, so we try to improve on what they tell me.”

When asked what inspired her to open the restaurant, Correia said, “I've always wanted to own my own business and I just turned 30 so I think I was like 'The clock is ticking; it's now or never.' I'm young and I have the energy to work a bunch of hours and not care, so I realized it was time to start the business.”

As we talked, some customers sitting at a couple of tables began to leave. Correia turned to the customer to ask how the food was. Customers replied, “Excellent, wonderful.” One of the customers was pregnant and while rubbing and pointing to her belly said, “She liked it.”

The Streetcar Cafe is open for lunch Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Friday until 9 p.m. Correia indicated that they're looking to expand their hours around the holidays when the liquor license is secured.

Correia is happy with her restaurant location and one of the reasons, besides serving community residents, is that there is a lot of spillover business on the weekends from the Colonial Theater.

The restaurant's goal is “to make it a breakfast, lunch and dinner service restaurant.” Other plans for the cafe include having her artistic and performing friends perform on open mic nights. Plans for art shows are also in the works. Correia said, “I feel like the whole Second Saturday movement is getting closer to this neighborhood, and I think it's a good idea. This neighborhood is becoming what Oak Park used to be; an affluent neighborhood.”

Many framed pictures surround the eating areas as well as the future bar. Correia's knowledge of the community's history is very impressive, and each of the photos has a history behind it that Correia is more than willing to talk about.

The Streetcar Cafe, and the neighborhood in general, has ties and important Sacramento history behind it.

Correia's optimism for the restaurant and serving the neighborhood is very impressive. She feels that we're coming out of a recession and that the restaurant will help the neighborhood return to the era of prosperity it once was a part of. She takes pride in saying, “I'm from this neighborhood, I love this neighborhood, and almost everybody that comes here is from the neighborhood.”

The Streetcar Cafe has opened its doors to neighborhood watch meetings and private non-profit organization meetings as well. The cafe is also open during off days for other similar events.

Correia's selection for the current location is owed to, as she said, timing. “It's all timing; I used to live across the street. I originally was going to do catering, I was going to use this place. I knew the owner here and I was going to ask to rent the kitchen to prepare our food for catering, and it turned out the owner was going out of business. They offered me the spot so I rearranged funds and priorities, and here I am.”

The main goal in opening the restaurant is to provide the neighborhood with something they can be proud of.

The menu is simple and the prices are very reasonable. Daily specials are posted on billboards outside the restaurant. Visit their Streetcar Cafe website, Yelp and Facebook pages for more information and a sample menu.

New Stockton Blvd. business offers Caribbean style cuisine

2012-11-09T08:45:57Z

The Caribbean Breeze Cuisine Restaurant opened its doors to the public Aug. 15. The restaurant is located at 5015 Stockton Blvd., across the street from Kmart and next door to Thrift Town.

The restaurant is owned by Vincent Semper, who hails from the Virgin Islands, and his wife Amelia, a Panama native.

The couple's passion for food preparation and the opportunity to offer authentic Caribbean dishes is at the heart of their business. Caribbean specialties like stew oxtail, brown stew chicken, curry chicken, pork and chicken jerk, and island-style fish are just a few of their menu options.

The decor is very pleasant and the establishment is very clean. While executive chef Vincent prepared meals in the kitchen, which can be seen from inside the restaurant, Amelia talked about the Caribbean Breeze.

The Caribbean Breeze is open Tuesday-Saturday,11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sundays, noon- 6 p.m. An official grand opening will be announced at a later date.

Owners of the Caribbean Breeze indicate the restaurant caters to individuals, families, churches, businesses and social groups in the area. They also offer reservations for small groups for meetings, luncheons and dinners, and can accommodate a party of 10 or more. Catering services for these same groups are available, with food offerings suited to the individual celebration.

During the upcoming holiday season, the Caribbean Breeze will also offer customized Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner specials. To take advantage of the holiday specials, customers need to order two weeks in advance. More information on these planned specials can be found by email at caribbeanbreezecuisine@gmail.com, or by calling the restaurant.

The owners of this specialty cuisine restaurant welcome the opportunity to serve neighbors in the Sacramento area with the finest in Caribbean (and select American) cuisine, saying, “We are excited and eager to meet and serve the community at large. We believe that once you visit our restaurant, you will return. Our food is very pleasing to the palate, of high quality and prepared with the best care. You will always experience a very friendly and hospitable environment.”

Día de los Muertos celebrated in Midtown

2012-10-30T21:16:43Z

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a day for honoring the life and memory of loved ones was celebrated over the weekend of Oct. 27-28.

The event, known as Panteón de Sacramento (Sacramento Cemetery) was celebrated with dance performances, music and family oriented activities.

Dozens of altars honoring loved ones who have passed away were set up at the Native American Health Center’s parking lot on J Street.

I attended part of Saturday’s event and was captivated by many of the altars I stopped at. Individual and community groups participated in building elaborate altars.

The event is hosted by La Raza Galería Posada and many people and organizations that participated last year and years before returned once again.

One of the many altars was created by Marco Ferrero who returned to celebrate his new book Esperanza & Don Marco. Ferrero also worked on a painting at his altar station showcasing another of his many talents. Ferrero participated last year as he read part of his book on stage.

Other artists returned from last year's event with new altars and several performances were also part of the daily events.

The event included workshop classes offered by La Raza Galería where visitors could create sugar skulls or skull masks.

This year it took two parking lots to handle the many altars and activities offered. Yolanda’s Tamales sold its delicacies and many other eateries around the event benefitted by the many visitors who attended.

The 3rd Annual Día de los Muertos was once again full of activities and intriguing altars honoring the dead. Community information booths on hand disseminated valuable information for visitors who stopped at their booths and many vendors and artists who sold merchandise received exposure as thousands of visitors stopped at their stands.

The laughter of children at the Panteón de Sacramento reminded me that life is to be lived to its fullest and that death is imminent so why not respect and celebrate both.

La Raza Galería Posada’s Día de los Muertos annual celebration continues to bring many visitors to its free event. Follow their website for future events and if you’d like to participate next year, information will be posted as the event draws near.

Shannon McCabe's Vampire Ball

2012-10-30T06:28:35Z

Shannon McCabe’s Vampire Ball made a successful debut at Roseville’s Placer County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 27. The theme for this year’s event was “The Vampire Chronicles - A tribute to all things Anne Rice."

The evening event brought several hundred visitors to a venue full of live music, tribal dancers, carnival food and a beer garden for guests to enjoy.

Having outgrown previous venues, the Placer County Fairgrounds hosted the Vampire Ball as well as Callson Manor Haunted House.

The Vampire Ball included an area that looked like a graveyard, a plantation, Queen Akasha’s throne room, a VIP cemetery and other scenes inspired by Anne Rice’s Vampire Ball Chronicles, from her books that have been made into movies. The scenes included actors interacting with visitors.

Besides some on-stage dancing, a Queen Akasha character from time to time sat at her throne. The “Queen of the Damned” character gave a great interpretation of the Kemet queen.

Other actors on hand included characters from Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire” and “Vampire Lestat.”

Several vendors sold merchandise in the outdoor area. Because this was an event for the over-21 crowd, some of the vendors showcased merchandise geared to this specific age group. Gothic merchandise, a hookah tent, cigars and other items were also available for visitors.

Some of the vendors and sponsors included Freebird Designs by Berta, Box Boy Boxes, Hook It Up Hookah Lounge, Art of Cigars, Passion Parties, Ms. Macabre’s Alchemy, Pumpkin Geek, Wildfire Promoting and many others.

Live performances by Tribal Fusion Bellydance and rock bands New Pioneers, Restrayned and Vamp Le Stat entertained visitors on the outdoor stage.

DJs David V, Bryan Hawk and Norman Stradley spun popular groves for the indoor crowd.

As the evening continued, guests enjoyed the Vampire Ball inside a large warehouse. A stage had vamps dancing as Skip’s Music played for the audience below. The dance area was a popular spot and the music attracted many monsters and vampires to the dance floor. At one point a monster mosh erupted, but only lasted a few seconds, fun for the participants nonetheless.

Many of the costumes worn by guests were very impressive. I would loved to have seen a best costume contest.

Another highlight of the evening included the 2013 Vampire Queen contests. Eleven contestants battled for the title that was decided half by online voting and half by a judging panel. Contestants with names like Quinn Sin Kitten, Ginger Cleary, Belladonna, Mistress Rue, Kadaver O’Keefe, Jezebel, Scarlet Ardeur, Miss Giselle, Mistress Mina, Bad Penny and Mama Satan Vamp made an impression on visitors and judges.

Toward the end of the evening, I asked McCabe how the Vampire Ball got started. McCabe said, “I was sitting with my friend Carol Gillis and we were talking about what we should do for Halloween, and this was back in 2009, and we were drinking a bottle of Vampire Vineyards wine, and I said, ‘What should we do for Halloween?’ She said, ‘I don’t know, what about a vampire ball?” I said, Oh my god, what a great idea.’ Vampires are so big right now. Twilight was in its infancy and in its prime as well, and it just made sense. So we did it and it was a huge success that was barely promoted and we had 125 people there. The place was packed, and we just kept on moving up and up from there.”

Asked how long the event has been held at the Placer County Fairgrounds, McCabe stated, “This is the very first year for Placer County Fairgrounds, and I think we did pretty well for the first year.”

“We had it at Vega’s the first year in Old Sacramento, and then the following two years we had it at the Crescent Club,” McCabe said.

When asked about what she thought were some of the highlights of the event, McCabe said, “The highlights of the night, for me, were having our actors portray the scenes that were in the movies, and that’s what I want people to walk away with, that they felt like they were in the movie.”

McCabe talked about coming back next year, saying, “We’re definitely going to have it here next year. We’re looking for a long-term deal with the Placer County Fairgrounds, and just to let you know that our sound and lighting guys came from Skip’s Music.”

Skip Maggiora (of Skip’s Music) was one of the judges for the Vampire Pin-up Pageant. McCabe’s outgoing personality has attracted many friends, business partners and volunteers to become involved in the Vampire Ball, making the event a success.

The Vampire Ball was a fun event that brought a large audience to this Halloween weekend venue. Look for updates on their Facebook page to volunteer, or to participate as a vendor, sponsor, actor or vampire queen contestant for next year’s event.

Another zombie attack: Zombie mud run a ' tough' but fun event

2012-10-23T08:44:07Z

We are doomed! The days of George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” are long gone. No more slow-walking zombies trying to get you. You have to be quick, as was shown this Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Running Dead Zombie Mud Run event held at Gibson Ranch.

Thousands upon thousands (no official attendance released as of yet) of runners faced a 5K obstacle-course mud run at various intervals. Many runners came in uniform to compete.

Runners had to maneuver around military-style obstacles. They were given flag-football flags to wear around their waists, and zombies along the course attempted to grab the flags. Not only that, but these zombies were allowed to run to grab those flags.

Runners began running the course at 8 a.m. Saturday, and ran at half-hour intervals.

When I arrived, a long line of vehicles was waiting to enter Gibson Ranch, and parking near the beginning of the course was at a premium.

Lines formed and remained at the registration table throughout the day. Volunteers were recruited to alleviate the line, but to little avail. Lines also formed at makeup stations.

Obstacle courses included a couple of mud pits and other boot-camp-style obstacles. Injuries in this type of run can occur, and being chased by zombies did not make things easy for runners.

Runners who successfully ran and made it to the finish line, or the “Center for Disease Control,” as it was called, officially survived the zombie apocalypse. Participants who made it without at least one flag were considered lost to the world of the undead.

Blake Ottoman, one survivor, said, “Man, this was a tough run. I literally ran into one of the zombies who seemed to have taken his job too seriously. My girlfriend got knocked over by another zombie. It was an exciting run though, and we both made it. I hope they have this again, but maybe it needs more organization. We’re going over and grab some beers with some friends. See you next year.”

Other people also complained, but many more said how much they had enjoyed it. Many supporters sat on grassy areas waiting for their runners or zombies to end their race. Race results were posted at the event and a listing can be viewed online.

On their Facebook Page, the staff at Running Dead noted, “Our apologies for our first year mistakes (first race ever for us) and please understand we are working very hard on fixing them.”

If you attended the event, what are your feelings about the event? What did you like or not like? What, in your opinion, would make this a successful event?

Overall the event appeared to be enjoyable, which was quite evident as runners with glee in their faces ran with friends.

Zombies who volunteered for the event came in costume and makeup. Trash Film Orgy did some professional makeup.

Many sponsors helped make this a fun event, and for zombies, runners and guests, a beer garden was provided.

Most of the participants seemed to have enjoyed the race, meeting new and old friends and enjoying a beer or two as concession stands and the beer garden opened at 9 a.m.

Blood Moon Regale

2012-10-23T05:58:55Z

Free spirits moving under the night sky while music played in the background entertained a standing-room-only audience, as they watched dancers move in fluid motion while using fire as their vehicle to bring light and warmth to the audience.

On Friday-Saturday, Oct. 19-20, Unmata presented the “Blood Moon Regale,” bringing Sacramento 10 magnificent years of Unmata choreographies live on stage.

The Friday night, fire show lit up an outside patio of Hot Italian facing Q Street. The packed area saw fire performances by Arexia, SamiTe, Kamille, Pirotechnics, Vulcan Crew, Obsidian Butterfly and Controlled Burn.

Fire dance performers delighted the audience with their spectacular, fluid dance movements and use of fire with poi, hoops, whips, staffs, torches and other pyrotechnic paraphernalia.

To prevent these amazing dancers and fans from being injured by fire, a safety team worked seamlessly in the background putting out ignited tools used by dancers.

In front of the standing-room-only audience, tribal and modern dancing was fused with great choreographed fire performances.

On both Friday and Saturday nights, an after-party event was planned, giving the audience the opportunity to mingle with the many dancers.

On Saturday the 10-year “Blood Moon Regale” celebration continued. A sold-out Kami Liddle workshop, held at the Hot Pot Studios on K Street, was also part of the day’s showcase.

Later that evening, fans continued to enjoy “Blood Moon Regale” as the dancers graced the stage at the Colonial Theater. The packed theater encouraged the performers, as fans loudly cheered for each act.

Performers for the Saturday show included Ami of Ooh La La, April Rose, Calamity Sam, Cera Byer, Dahlia, Danse Du Ventre, Danagerie, Djeynee, Kami Liddle, Lorraine, Modern Gypsy, Phenomenon Dance Company, Origin, Sam Riggs, Shakra, Suhaila Dance Company, Heather Shoopman, Sooz, Tangerine, Tatseena, Tjarda and Tyra.

Entertainment was nonstop (except for an intermission), and the audience sat in amusement as dancers brought an array of modern and tribal dances to the theater.

In between acts, viewers watched videos showing Unmata members talk about their involvement and experiences during the past 10 years.

Unmata fans were treated to a star-studded cast and amazing performances during the two days of “Blood Moon Regale.”

The performances were superbly choreographed, and the selection of music also added to the wonderful dramatic dances. Unmata continues to awe audiences wherever they go, and this weekend’s presentations showcased many of the best performers Sacramento and Northern California have to offer.

Sacramento Horror Film Festival

2012-10-17T06:48:00Z

For the past six years the Sacramento Horror Film Festival (SHFF) has brought hundreds of short and full-length films to the big screen. This past weekend, films, live music and performances by Amber’s Sweets created a great event for horror film fans at the Colonial Theater.

Mr. Lobo was SHFF host and shared responsibilities with co-host Blake Reigle. Both are walking horror genre encyclopedias who shared their valuable insight and knowledge with the audience.

Mr. Lobo welcomed guests, and as always, made audience participation part of the show. A bowl of candy accompanied him most of the time he was not on stage, making him a popular guest.

The 6th Annual Zom-Bee Beauty Pageant, which has been part of SHFF, was also introduced.

The Miss Zom-Bee Queen 2013 was chosen from a field of seven contestants. Judges for the contests included Reigle, Carlyfornia, Marilyn Ghigliotti and Kevin Tenney.

The Zom-Bee Channel and Cinema Insomnia presented the pageant and fans loudly cheered for their favorite contestant in an effort to influence the judging.

Contestant costumes were very detailed and the judges had a hard choice to make. Nonetheless, a winner was chosen and was given a cleverly created crown made of fingers to go along with a photo shoot for Horror Host Magazine. The winner will also serve as spokesmodel for Zom-Bee TV.

Tim Meunier, producer and founder of SHFF, selected the films shown at the Colonial from those submitted during the 2012 submission period. The selections made by Meunier were truly amazing.

Mr. Lobo introduced the film for Friday evening, the 1988 film, “Night of the Demons.” Tenney, one of the judges, was also the film’s director. Tenney talked about the film when it ended and fans were given the opportunity to be involved in a Q&A session.

Tenney also talked about the type of budget needed to bring a film like “Night of the Demons” to the screen, revealing that he was not the initial director chosen for the movie and had been in negotiations with another film at the time. As he waited for a written contract, negotiations went back and forth and he eventually signed with “Night of the Demons” two days before the other film brought forth a written offer.

Fans were also treated to a revelation by Tenney indicating that a “Night of the Demons” remake was in the works.

The evening was topped off with a screening of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” with Amber’s Sweets performing live on stage.

Did you know that the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” was released in 1975? Most audience members were not born when the movie was released; nonetheless, most fans in attendance knew the lines from the movie. Audience participation started even before the film began and comments from the audience did not stop.

The Amber’s Sweets performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was very entertaining and well performed. The audience was amazing as they followed the dialogue with dialogue of their own and participated in several dance scenes. It was the perfect ending to the first evening of SHFF.

As I walked to my car, off in the distance I could hear voices in the night sky.

“It's just a jump to the left. And then a step to the right. With your hand on your hips. You bring your knees in tight…”

Saturday began with a series of short horror films. Horror, life, end of life, love, special effects, music and comedy were mixed in to, in a manner of speaking, give life to the macabre flicks that were shown.

Cheryl Goodman shared some thoughts on the event. The Davis resident made her way to Sacramento to see the film festival with several friends.

“This will be my third year at the festival and when I heard a production of the Rocky Horror Show was going to take place I was very excited. My friends know how much I love Rocky and they bought me a weekend ticket for my birthday. The show last night was great. It’s one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had.”

“Profesor Brofman,” a short from Spain, kicked off Saturday’s shorts. International short films were part of SHFF and were well-received. Period pieces, love stories, gore, suspense and other topics were covered as several dozen short films by international and local filmmakers were shown.

The titles of several films gave the plot away, but the way the films materialized on the big screen, they were actually wonderfully delivered.

Reigle’s “Damn Love” was followed by a discussion with the director. Reigle shared background on his short film as well as how long it took to film, who the actors were, and the use of the words “damn, love, I love you,” which comprise most of the film’s dialogue.

Reigle also shared tools that help him put his films together. He also spoke on music licensing and how some filmmakers use free sounds and music when finance is an issue.

Anthony Aguiar, director of “Posthumous,” was also on hand to talk about his film. Aguiar shared his use of cameras, angles, sound and location. He also wrote the script and indicated that multiple endings had been shot for the film. This particular film took two days to shoot.

Other writers, directors and actors also shared their experiences, allowing a behind-the-scenes view of what they have to do to create a film. They talked about how important film festivals are in promoting their work and hopefully securing funds for a full-length film.

Independent international and local filmmakers depend on festivals like SHFF for promotion and showcasing their work. This type of venue can expose hidden talent to the film industry.

After the last short film on Saturday a live musical performance by Creature Feature ended the second day of the festival. Sunday’s films and activities capped the horror-fun-filled weekend. Fans who attended the weekend showed great support. Audience participation made this a very entertaining event for both filmmakers and fans.

SHFF was sponsored by Metropolis Comix, Phono Select, Hot Italian and Callson Manor. SHFF will soon be soliciting films for next year’s event. All information is available on their website as well as a listing of several Best in Festival awards given at the festival.

More photos can be found here.

6th Annual Sacramento Horror Film Festival

2012-10-12T21:47:15Z

The Sacramento Horror Film Festival (SHFF) presents a weekend full of live and film entertainment. SHFF runs from Friday, Oct. 12 – 14 at the Colonial Theater.

Zombee Channel and Cinema Insomnia kicks off the Friday event with The Zombie Beauty Pageant. The event is scheduled to be hosted by Mr. Lobo and will feature over 30 short and long films showcasing horror on the big screen.

Opening night features a showing of 1988's "Night of the Demons," with director Kevin Tenney in attendance.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show," will also be showing on Friday with live performers also taking the stage. The.1975 film will bring many fans to the event and is sure to make fans sing along as the film is shown.

Last month a fundraiser for the 6th Annual Sacramento Horror Film Festival was held at the Greens Hotel located at 1700 Del Paso Blvd., on Sept. 21. The fundraiser, known as Zombiefest, brought dozens of horror film fans to the Greens.

Zombiefest was a fundraiser that included live entertainment and zombie short films. Tim Meunier, Producer and Founder of SHFF and his crew put together an enjoyable show.

As guests mingled they also visited several vendors on hand. Anthony Leano had CDs, DVDs, posters and other horror genre materials on hand. Leano talked to visitors who came to view what he had available and many stayed to hear Leano’s tales about conventions he has attended.

Other vendor boutiques included Side Show Studios, Rain’s Embellishments and others.

A special performance by members of Amber’s Sweets kept the audience entertained underneath the stars at night.

Many fans came in costume and some participated in a costume contest. This was an all ages event but not many kids were in attendance.

The evening ended with a special screening of George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead.”

Like many other independent events the support of fans goes a long way to keep festivals such as the Sacramento Horror Film Festival going. The 6th annual festival includes live events on Friday and Saturday. Log on to the SHFF for further details and for a complete schedule of the films and events planned for this year.

Vibe Urban Lounge's Catwalk on K Street

2012-10-10T20:48:45Z

Catwalk on K Street, a much anticipated event brought close to 200 attendees to the Vibe Urban Lounge fashion show.

The event was held at St. Rose of Lima Park in front of the Antigua Ultra Lounge. The event on the corner of 7th and K Street took place on Sunday, Sept. 23.

One of Vibe Urban Lounge’s goal is to provide its members ways to acquire academic and vocational skills. That goal was clearly met, in part, during the Catwalk on K Street event as community members were able to witness Vibe’s teens come together to not only work on a fashion show but work on other life learning concepts.

With the help of several mentors associated with Sacramento’s fashion industry Vibe teens learned about designing, walking the runway, wearing and taking care of fashionable outfits provided by boutiques.

Besides being involved in the fast growing Sacramento fashion industry Vibe teens were able to see their hard work showcased in front of guests, family and friends giving them a sense of respect and appreciation. Teens worked behind the scenes and helped guests at the event enjoy a fun-filled evening.

Teens have been hard at work learning about the fashion industry and worked as stylists, models and stage production. For many of them this was the first time they have been involved in model casting and organizing, planning, promoting, sales, modeling, stage and lighting production, DJ and other entertaining aspects and duties required to put on a successful fashion show.

This was a learning experience for all involved.

The hard work by Chaez Boswell Interim Executive Director at Vibe Urban Lounge and his team created a successful event. It showcased the type of work Vibe and its members can accomplish in a matter of months.

Radio station 102.5 KSFM had a booth at the event and a sponsor repeat wall was set up for photos.

Mentors helped put the show together. Designers, hair and makeup artists, local boutiques, stylists and professional models lent their expertise to help with this amazing fashion show.

Crimson & Clover, Express, Heart Boutique, Racks, Freestyle Clothing Exchange, Getta Clue, Legacy Boutique and the Salvation Army provided fashion wear and mentoring for Catwalk on K Street.

The Vibe also paraded their own line of clothing showcasing several of their Respect My Fresh shirts.

Kristin Smith, Samuel Parkinson, Ronnee Larae, Nickolas Willrich, Rubie Simonsen, Divina Aramkul and Zarina Dhami served as mentors as they worked with the featured boutiques.

Overall the event was well received and the hard work put into the event was evident as guests enjoyed a great fashion show and production.

After the event I asked Boswell for his thoughts on the event.

Boswell indicated that putting the show together had its challenges but was very rewarding. The planning and execution of the fashion show, Boswell noted, took about two and a half months from beginning to end.

Boswell also said the event brought around 175 people to the show.

When asked how he felt now the Catwalk on K Street was over Boswell said, “Tired but I’m really happy. I can’t wait for us to debrief and just talk about it so that we know what to do better next time and keep it moving.”

Boswell continued, “This being the first time we’ve put the show on we noticed a lot of rough edges but all in all we learned a lot as a team. The teens learned a lot about what they can do; their potential and I think that’s the most important thing. Later we’ll talk about what we can do better, what we can do differently and go from there.”

Positive role models made this a learning event that hopefully will create a lasting collaboration between Vibe and its community.

The Catwalk on K Street showcased the Sacramento fashion industry and also helped teens involved in the project learn lessons on business, entertainment, collaboration and possible career opportunities.

More photos can be found here.

Sac-Con returns to the Scottish Rite Center

2012-10-04T06:10:39Z

The popularity of Sac-Con, Sacramento’s comic, toy and anime show, continues to grow, and this year’s event broke its previous attendance record. Attendance for the show brought over 1,900 fans to the Scottish Rite Center on Sunday, Sept. 30.

The day after the event, Sac-Con director Dan Houck and his team began preparing for the next convention, Dec. 9, 2012.

The comic book convention, which began in July 1986, had a long line waiting to enter the convention when I arrived.

Vendors, artists and fans dressed as comic book characters packed the Scottish Rite Center. Over 100 vendor tables carried everything comic book-related, including comics, and toys, as well as anime, sci-fi, horror and many other pop culture-related items.

Several artists posed for photos and signed items that became instant collector’s items after being autographed.

The growth in attendance was quite noticeable as guests maneuvered between spaces to view vendors’ tables.

The many trees surrounding the center brought great relief for those who wanted to enjoy the outdoors during the hot afternoon.

Groups of guests mingled with new and old friends. Although many visitors wear costumes to Sac-Con, I recognized several who attended the recent summer SacAnime event.

Sac-Con provides guests, panels and other activities for a low entrance fee of $6.

The event strives to provide a fun and safe family-oriented environment, and judging by the number of kids and adults that show up to Sac-Con, they succeed in meeting that goal.

Scheduled artists for Sac-Con included Tone Rodriguez, Jeffrey Combs, Hynden Walch, Liam Sharp, Joshua Ortega, Morrie Turner, Ron Lim, Dan Brereton, Mick Gray, Rafael Navarro, Andrew Yang, Mike Gray, Eben Burgoon, D. Bethel, Tomas Overbai and Brandon Bracamonte. These artists have made important contributions to the comic world, and are much sought-after as presenters.

Video game tournaments, art contests and card tournaments are also part of the event, and are popular gatherings.

Once again, a charity auction was scheduled. The auction proceeds benefit local charities such as Loaves and Fishes’ Mustard Seed School for Children.

Many vendors also return to the event, and I certainly expect to see them at other similar events.

As expected, Miss Carlyfornia, a designer, artist, seamstress and model was present at the event. Her charm and personality bring people coming back to her booth to see what new items her creative mind has come up with.

Most of the time, Miss Carlyfornia’s partner, Anthony Leano, occupies a booth next to or near hers. Leano is involved in programming, bookings and promotions for Sac-Con, SacAnime and other similar gatherings. His booth sells DVDs (music and video), movie posters and similar items.

Vendors like Leano and Carlyfornia also become involved in shows offering classes or information about upcoming conventions in California.

Jason Dube, head of Scattered Comics and Scattered Comics Studios, was on hand promoting his recently released “Shadow Hunters #2, Volume 1.” As always Dube re-directed my focus to celebrate the accomplishments of others.

Dube introduced me to Melissa McCommon who sat at a table next to his. Dube and McCommon had collaborated on the just-released “Caffeine Poisoned #1 Vol. 2,” from Scattered Comics.

Vacaville native McCommon and Dube met at a charity event when Dube noticed her talented work at an art charity event, and soon thereafter brought her into the Scattered Comics Studio.

In addition to the artists on hand showing their talented work, several panels and workshops were available.

I missed the morning events, but caught a couple of the afternoon artist events and part of the Combs Q&A. Combs continues to have a loyal following from the Re-Animator movies, and many came to listen to him speak.

Guests signed up for the Cosplay Costume Contest which is one of the most popular events. Other guests packed the hall to watch the contest performances.

The hospitality offered by the vendors, guests, artists, presenters and Sac-Con promoters created a great atmosphere for those in attendance. Sac-Con returns to the Scottish Rite Center on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012.

Miss Misery's Days of Terror

2012-10-03T07:43:50Z

Days of Terror brought horror, renowned guests and artists, movies and music to the Scottish Rite Center.

Miss Misery hosted the Days of Terror convention, a new event in Sacramento, on Friday and Saturday this past weekend. The convention was the brain child of its producer, Reyna Young, aka Miss Misery, and others.

Actors, writers, artists and vendors filled the hallways and main floor while horror fans walked the hallways and talked to artists, actors and vendors, often standing in line to get autographs from their favorite horror movie stars.

The Sacramento Ghostbusters were on hand to collect costumes for a kids’ costume drive. The Ghostbusters had their vehicle parked in front of the Center to collect costumes as well as a booth inside.

Many actors on hand had banners hanging behind them to help visitors identify some of their favorite personalities. Some of them were easily recognizable while others wore full makeup like Eileen Dietz, who played the demon that possessed the Linda Blair character. Sometimes you could not tell who they portrayed without makeup.

Guest appearances by Ari Lehman, Amy Steel, Lynn Lowry, Jimmy O & April Burril, Bianca Barnett, Jason Dube, Lord Blood Rah, Marlena Midnite, and many others helped the convention attract visitors.

Guests also shared some fascinating stories. Scott L. Schwartz, a 6’10” giant of a man who said he usually plays a bad guy, was unbelievably friendly. Schwartz has been in a variety of movies and television shows, “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Spiderman,” “Star Trek” and many others.

Schwartz hasn’t forgotten his roots and shared his story when he talked about “Killer” Kowalski, a well known wrestler. Schwartz indicated he attended the Killer Kowalski wrestling school in the late 70s, wrestling under the name, Joshua Ben-Gurion, "The Israeli Commando" for a few years.

Schwartz gave me a postcard that included photos of some of his characters. The actor stated that he carries these cards for fans.

“I get approached so many times at airports and I bring that for them,” Schwartz said.

Some fans tell him that their friends will never believe they met and him and Schwartz says, “If you show them one of these they will and I’ll sign it for them.”

In reality most of the invited guests were very courteous and extremely likeable. Their horror roles, however, have a different effect.
Screenings of several movies were also shown in a screening room at the Scottish Rite Center.

Films screened at the convention included: “They Came from the Attic,” “The Good Sisters,” “Frankenstein… Day of the Beast,” “Welcome to my Darkside,” “Bloody Bloody Bible Camp” and “The Black Dahlia Haunting.”

Brandon Slagle, writer and director of “The Black Dahlia Haunting” was on hand for the movie screening along with actors Jessica Cameron, Devanny Pinn and Britt Griffith, who talked after the screening about the movie and their other roles.

The wit, knowledge and down-to-earth personalities of Slagle, Cameron, Pinn and Griffith kept the audience longer than others as they shared their experiences in Hollywood. Each actor took turns talking about their acting careers while touching on the different aspects of creating films. Castings and raising money for producing a movie were also discussed.

A zombie walk, costume contest and a scream competition were also included as part of the show. The winner of the screaming competition won a screaming part in an upcoming film.

An after party on Friday night with live music also took place at the Rite Center. First Jason and Dammit! took the stage with their raw metal punk beats that kept the party going.

There were so many invited guests, activities, artists and screening during the two day event. I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to see and do.

Days of Terror show also revealed Jason Dube’s Shadow Hunters #2 comic that debuted during Friday’s show. The comic was delivered at nine that morning, making the artists a little tense in anticipation of the delivery.

The second issue release, which had arrived that same morning from the printers, was also complemented by a contest. Artist Benjamin “Benny” Jordan was on hand for the comic premier and to sign copies of the Shadow Hunters #2 comic.

The love and dedication for their art brings a sense of camaraderie among invited guests at the event.

The Sacramento Horror Film Festival (SHFF) will be held at the Crest Theater Oct. 12-14 and founder and festival director Tim Meunier has been hard at work promoting the event.

SHFF had a station set up promoting the event and selling other products, I was able to ask about the process of submitting films for the festival.

“We take entries year round through our submission site. Entry forms can be found there, where questions are answered. I get anywhere between 400-500 films and I review them all personally and try to select the best of the best,” Meunier responded.

I pointed out the SHFF booth to several vendors who had shown interest in participating at the next festival. Since many of the vendors and guests come from the Bay Area or Los Angeles, the Miss Misery convention helped in networking as well as just meeting and making new friends.

Kaci Hansen has many titles under her belt, but besides being the Miss Misery Costume Contest host she had a slideshow presentation running at her table where you could see several ghouly recipes.

As The Homicidal Homemaker, Hansen creates recipes in a fashion, as she states it, "Where home economics meets horror.” Her site includes some interesting recipes.

“They refer to me as the macabre Martha Stewart,” Hansen said.

She has started several clubs and events dealing with the macabre in the Central Valley and has a monthly horror movie night presenting B-movies and brews.

Two Itasha vehicles were parked at the front of the Scottish Rite Center and representatives from Team LoveHate handed out “Wanted” posters of characters from the Shadow Hunters comic book. Guests could participate in a Scattered Comics Monster Hunt.

Cosplay actors portraying Jessika, Kala, Eileen and Firewire signed the Wanted flyers and guest turned them in after getting all signatures for a chance to win prizes.

The convention also had another surprise, an official announcement of the pre-production for a Shadow Hunters movie.

Actor, casting director and producer Wolfgang Meyer occupied a booth right next to Dube and Jordan. Wolfe is active in several projects and he will be working with Dube in the Shadow Hunters film.

With so much activity going on I was still able to catch up with Miss Misery, who talked about her satisfaction with the convention, the turnout, and the enthusiastic guests in particular.

When asked if there was anything that she could have done but did not get a chance, Miss Misery said, “Yes, actually there is. We tried our best to get a haunted house person to come in and do a good haunted house and we couldn’t get one because it’s so close to October and everybody is getting ready for their own thing. So that’s why we put quickly put together the torture chamber photo op room where you could take pictures in the electric chair, the pillory and so on… if I could have done something different I probably would want to bring in that haunted house.”

Asked if she will bring back the event next year Miss Misery said she’s considering it.

“I’m thinking about it. I have to let the dust settle, I have to relax a little bit - it’s been stressful but great stress because I love doing this; it’s my passion, horror. I’ve had a lot of people asking to come back so that’s awesome.”

Miss Misery also has a couple of things going on, sharing, “We partnered up with Landmark Theaters and Clay Theater in San Francisco where we’ll host a midnight show once a month. During the first Saturday of the month we’re showing horror films, Italian horror films, all kinds of things.”

My last question had to do with the event taking place in Sacramento.

“It used to be the Sac Horror Sci-Fi show and (Dan) Houck who had it decided to change it. He approached me and asked, ‘Hey, you want to change it up, do something different? Miss Misery, do you want to come in and help me revamp it?’ I said, yeah, let’s do this. I’ve always wanted to do a con, you know you only live once, so I partnered up with Dan and here we are.”

The collaboration worked well and brought in many horror fans. Hearing vendors, fans and guests rave about the event, it may be that the Days of Horror will return next year.

Photos from the event can be found here.

Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra performs Viva la Musica

2012-10-02T05:59:59Z

The Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra presented an afternoon full of dance, music, entertainment, community informational stations and children’s hands-on activities.

“Viva la música!” was performed at the Community Center Theater on Saturday, Sept. 29.

The Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra, in association with La Raza Galería Posada, Festival de la Familia, the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the San Joaquin County Chamber of Commerce brought a festive event to the Sacramento Community Center Theatre. Concert sponsors included the Teichert Foundation and Univision.

The cultural event opened the Sacramento Philharmonic’s 16th season. “Viva la música!” was a philharmonic concert celebrating Latin music, with musical influences from Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Uruguay, Peru, Brazil and the U.S.

Before the concert began, several fun activities were set up inside the theater’s lobby.

The Instituto Mazatlan Bellas Artes brought a troupe of Mexican folk dancers to entertain, and Firehouse 5 Dance Studio offered a tango performance. A street parade of drummers and dancers from the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento paraded down 13th Street.

The Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra’s principal flutist Matt Krejci led a 15-piece flute ensemble inside the theater lobby before the concert began.

The second-floor mezzanine featured several art activities, including Skull Mask and Sugar Skull workshops.

La Raza Galería Posada brought art supplies for visitors to use and create individual masks. Sugar Skull artist Rob-O shared his talent with attendees, who could also create their own sugar skulls.

The preconcert activities were free of charge, and the public was invited to attend and participate.

A brief presentation, “Speaking of Music,” by music director and principal conductor Michael Morgan, along with a Q&A panel, was a great addition to the event.

Guest host and attorney Gabriel Vivas introduced the concert.

Vivas said a few words in English and then repeated them in Spanish. He welcomed guests, saying, “Good afternoon and welcome. My name is Gabriel Vivas. I will be working as a co-host, and with me this afternoon I’m honored to say and I’m honored to introduce someone who is very special in our community, someone who really doesn’t need much of an introduction, but for those of you who may be living outside of where there’s newspapers, TVs, radios or anything else, I have the honor of introducing Congresswoman Matsui.”

Congresswoman Doris Matsui also welcomed guests to the philharmonic orchestra’s 16th season, saying, “I want to welcome all of you here today. It’s such a wonderful afternoon to welcome you to the opening concert of the SFO 16th season. The SFO is important to our region and the people who live here. Today’s concert is very special because it’s a celebration of Latin American and Central American composers who have contributed to much in the field of classical music.”

Vivas translated Matsui’s speech at several intervals.

Matsui stated that the philharmonic wanted to thank supporters who helped raise the base goal of $150,000.

Matsui said, “The need for support continues. In challenging economic times such as these, funding for the arts and cultural programs are all too often thought of as an easy area to cut. I can’t believe that at all, because without the arts there is no humanity, there is no soul; the arts provide us a way for communicating, and sometimes in nonverbal ways, with the richness of our diverse feelings, cultures and expectations. So enjoy the concert and activities today; please consider continuing to support the orchestra.”

As Morgan noted, the first piece performed, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” needed no introduction.

Morgan soon introduced the first composition by Jimmy López, saying, “Let’s start with our Peruvian piece which is the most modern of the pieces you’ll hear today. Actually, this piece of music ‘Fiesta’ (‘Fiesta! Four Pop Dancers for Orchestra’), which combines some elements that are somewhat folkloric but is more … I don’t know, hip-hop?” The piece began with several instruments playing a few solo chords and then mixing it all together for a dramatic and soul-touching composition.

Blas Galindo’s composition “Sones de Mariachi” was introduced by Vivas. This time around, Vivas said that audience participation was expected, and introduced the chant response of “Viva.”

After guiding the audience as to when to shout “Viva,” the audience enthusiastically responded “Viva” when asked for participation, something that ocurred throughout the concert.

The next piece was by M. Carmago Guarnieri, and was followed by “Homenaje al Tango: Double Concerto for Piano Bandoneón and Symphony Orchestra.”

Guest musicians Polly Ferman, pianist, and Juan Pablo Jofre, bandroneón player, accompanied the orchestra.

Ferman wore a glamorous outfit as she sat in the middle of the stage in front of her piano, and powerfully delivered an enchanting performance.

Fofre’s bandoneón was just as dramatic, and I’m sure it made many wonder what musical instrument the bandoneón really was. Its looks are similar to an accordion. The instrument is popular in Argentina and Uruguay, and is used in tango compositions.

When he first had the bandeneón, Jofre shared that he took it back to where he bought it because he thought the instrument was broken. He soon found that it was in perfect shape, and he needed to learn how to play it. Jofre played without instruction for about a year before deciding to look for lessons.

Compositions by Miguel del Aguila, “Caribeñ, Op. 105,” José L. Elizono, “Estampas Mexicanas,” Chirstopher Caliendo, “Construir” and Manuel de Falias’ “Three Dances from the Three-Cornered Hat” were also performed. Caliendo had earlier participated in the Q&A session.

The Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra continues to bring music from around the world, along with world-renowned talent, to Sacramento audiences.

In my opinion, watching the philharmonic live is one of the greatest pleasures in life. How else can you enjoy timeless live music performed by musicians from around the world, listening to the greatest composers that ever lived? Where else can you enjoy world, national and regional music in the same venue? The arts continue to suffer during hard economic times, and they depend on the continued support of community members.

The Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra is very involved with its community and has offered educational programs and open rehearsals for 16 years.

Folsom Live

2012-09-25T03:52:47Z

This year’s Folsom Live event had 15 bands performing on five outdoor stages. The event took place in Folsom’s Historic District on Saturday, Sept. 22.

Folsom locals could use shuttle service to get to Sutter Street, and out-of-towners could access free public transportation with their Folsom Live ticket. Extended rail service out of Folsom lasted until 11 p.m.

Lines materialized early to purchase tickets and drink tokens, and to gather other information. Drink tokens were available at many parts of the venue in order to save some time and shorten lines.

Each of the five stages had two or three bands playing, and each band had a lengthy amount of time to play in front of their fans.

East Bay Soul, Journey Unauthorized and Jack Ingram played at the Main Stage.

The new Amphitheater Stage included the Battle of the Bands winner, Maxx Cabello, Jr. and Arden Park Roots. The Battle of the Bands winner was Kattywompus but due to a booking conflict they conceded the Battle of the Bands to first runner up Old Screen Door.

The Hacienda Stage featured the Chris Gardner Band and Inspector 71.

The Balcony Stage scheduled Tom Rigney & Flambeau and the Rhythm Vandals.

Wonderbread 5 and the Atomic Punks performed at the Powerhouse Stage.

It was impossible to see all the bands, so fans had to choose which bands they most wanted to see. Fans who did not allow for enough time to stand in line for food or drinks were disappointed. Some complained that the lines for drinks were too long, and missed most or all of a performance they wanted to see.

Mark Kessler showed up at the event for the third year.

Kessler noted that he liked the two-day event last year, and wondered why it had returned to a one-day event. Kessler compared last year’s and this year’s event, saying, “I liked last year’s lineup that included better-known bands. This year I came to see and support one of my favorites, Arden Park Roots. They’re a Sacramento band that I think has a chance to make it big in the larger markets. Not only that, they have a large following here in Sacramento.”

No matter which band people came to see, each stage was packed and each band provided great entertainment for its audience.

Every year the streets of the Historic Folsom District are packed with people attending this event. Historic Folsom establishments also planned their own activities in an effort to attract their share of visitors from the Folsom Live event. Other businesses took advantage of the evening’s traffic and remained open late.

Art galleries like Gallery Impasto were open during the event, and were able to get some foot traffic. Other new businesses in the 700 block of Sutter Street also had heavier traffic in their shops.

Across the street, the Rainbow Bridge Band played inside the Sutter Street Theatre. The theatre also held an after-Folsom Live practice performance of “Evil Dead: The Musical,” which will run Oct. 11-28. Their whimsical production was done well, and showcased the talent of regular performers at the Sutter Street Theater.

Other after-hours entertainment was also included, and visitors could use their Folsom Live wristband for free entrance at the Powerhouse Pub, Folsom Hotel and other places.

Folsom Live continues to be one of the biggest attractions in Folsom, and the Folsom Chamber of Commerce continues to improve this event.

This year several Sacto MoFo food trucks served food until 11 p.m., and some local restaurants and pubs were also open late.

Once the event was officially over, Folsom Hotel & Saloon, Lockdown Brewery, Samuel Horne’s Tavern and the Powerhouse Pub continued to provide live music and drinks for visitors who were still around.

Folsom Live is organized by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce, and next year will celebrate the venue’s 10th anniversary.

The Folsom Chamber of Commerce requests suggestions for improvement on the Folsom Live Facebook page.

Without the organization by the chamber and its recruitment of the many volunteers that come to the event, Folsom Live would not be as successful in attracting large audiences. The event also allows visitors the opportunity to visit Historic Folsom’s many shops on Sutter Street.

Runway to Health & Beauty Expo 2012

2012-09-20T05:53:14Z

Health and fitness, beauty, dance, fashion, entertainment and fun were all part of the Runway to Health & Beauty Expo held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Northeast.

The expo held on Sept. 8-9 was full of on-going events. Dance and fitness classes were presented and guests were invited to participate. Seminars and workshops also added to the health and fitness experience.

Attendees at the event had the opportunity to participate in fitness sessions led by leading fitness professionals. Fitness sessions were offered throughout the weekend from Macumba Fitness, Hip Hop U, Kick my Abs, Rhythmic Rootz Fitness, Samba Brazil, Salsa Sizzle, Flashback Funk, ZumbAtomic for Kids, Hot Hula, Sumba and others.

Vendors and sponsors occupied areas on the side and facing the stage. These organizations offered the latest products in dance and fitness and had many giveaway prizes for attendees.

The expo also included complimentary 30 minute to 1 hour Master Classes each day. Several fitness professionals, including featured Zumba presenter Raquel Call, came to the event from all over the world and the U.S. to illustrate different fitness dances.

Tanya Hernandez, CEO and Executive Producer of the event was on hand to meet guests and was seen busily working backstage, with designers, vendors, sponsors and making sure things went according to plan.

The busy entrepreneur, dance instructor and mother of two, Hernandez, created an event that not only included top fitness instructors but also involved representatives from the health, dance, beauty and wellness markets.

At a break in between acts on Sunday Hernandez addressed the audience saying, “Good afternoon everybody. My name is Tanya from Teez Backstage Productions and I wanted to say thank you for coming out to our runway show. We have a very special show for you. The models have worked very hard and the designers have been sewing, sewing, sewing, sewing. We’re going to start the show off with a little hip hop number by Jeannie Riley she came to us from Florida she’s going to do a little hip hop number and then we’re going to go straight into our first line of clothing which will be, so you guys ready?

After the Hernandez introduction a series of performances ensued. .

The Paul Mitchell Hair Schools, besides doing hair and makeup for models involved in the fashion show, presented a hair show and competition event.

Other entertainment that followed the hair show and competition event included dancing by the Kundalini Bellydance Troupe.

A performance by the productive Fenix Drum and Dance group delighted the audience with their rhythmic beats, energetic dances and colorful outfits. The group recently performed at Fairytale Town and the Banana Festival as well as at other venues. Their African dances always include beautiful movements and colorful performances.

Fenix Drum and Dance also lead a conga style dance around the room and included audience participation.

Once the fashion show began Amanda Chan showcased an unusual but still dazzling line called “Designing Eden.” Chan also exhibited her “Feelings, Such Strong Feeling” line. Both Zubauen lines were strongly distinct in their own right.

Tonya Felish’s designs followed with several Bijouz outfits that catered to the full figured woman. Felish’s line is always well received as it showcases high fashion outfits available for the plus size woman.

The Camelia Williams line “Cam-Marie” contained a series of elegant gowns. Other outfits showcased included cocktail dresses and colorful wear for going out on the town.

The Zarah’nized Wear line was well put together. The colorful and imaginative outfits were cheered on by guests and a girl’s fashion line went well when they were paired with a similar outfit for women.

The Zarah’nized Wear line is always shown in an effort to entertain as they walk and perform down the walkway. Their performance during the Runway to Health & Beauty Expo was well received with cheers and applause.

Virtuous Designs showcased a colorful and varied range of styles that had something for almost everyone in the audience.

Marrin Costello Designs paired up with Exception Designs to showcase a wonderful collection of outfits that can be worn for the office or an evening out. The detail and color of the designs made this a complimentary fashion showcase and exhibited outfits for every occasion.

Rhythmic Rootz also performed a special fitness fashion show that launched their fashion line. Rhythmic Rootz is principally a dance fitness program created by Hernandez. The fashion line allows Hernandez an outlet to use her fashion design creativity.

Designs by Utsav Gupta showcased some beautiful outfits. A risqué red outfit was particularly stunning. The full length gown exposed the back of model Anjelica Victoria Ishima and exuded glamour as the dress was paraded on the walkway.

The last performance of the evening included a “Miss Rare Bird” fashion challenge. Several teams accepted the challenge that was judged by Sacha Davis, Susan Pimenta and Bridgétt Rex.

Criteria for judging included a runway performance, versatility, innovation, fashion and stage presentation. Contestants were initially given 15 days to design their compositions and hair and makeup was also a factor in the judging.

After the judges tabulated their scores awards were given to Robin’s Nest for third place, Cathy Rieger earned second and Kaddy Saephanh was the winner of the competition.

The winner received a hand-made crown created by Rex.

The Runway to Health & Beauty Expo brought together a team of fitness instructors, international presenters, designers, sponsors, exhibitors, models, fitness presenters, dancers, fashionistas and many performers to provide a fun filled entertainment package for every member of the family.

The event was full of activities and brought the latest products, classes and fitness experts to share their expertise. The two-day event was full of fun and entertaining activities that brought a health, beauty and fitness experience to visitors who attended this weekend event.

Hernandez’ Teez Backstage Productions has created strong foundations for future shows. Volunteers, choreographers, performers and top fitness instructors put their talent and efforts together to produce a fun and balanced event.

Top of Folsom

2012-09-18T06:17:48Z

With a beautiful panorama view of night lights in and around Historic Folsom, guests at “Top of Folsom” enjoyed a festive evening of fine art, food and wine.

On Saturday, Sept. 15, a couple of hundred visitors enjoyed a gathering on the upper deck of the Folsom Historic District parking garage.

The garage is located at the corner of Leidesdorff and Reading streets in Folsom. “Top of Folsom” offered a delightful vista of Historic Folsom, the Lake Natoma Crossing bridge and the Folsom Boulevard area.

Over 20 artists, 15 chefs and 20 Northern California wineries were invited to share some of their creative specialties.

The unusual setting atop a parking garage worked well for this event. Wineries, eateries and artists occupied spaces, and live musical entertainment provided an elegant and joyful atmosphere.

“Top of Folsom” also brought TV personalities from DIY’s “Yardcore” brothers Joel and Jake Moss to create an on-the-spot urban sculpture. Together with licensed contractors Doug Tolson and Terrance Martin, the foursome created an art piece that will be displayed at the Folsom Zoo.

The “Top of Folsom” affair was a benefit for the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary and the Folsom Historic District. Some art pieces created by animals of the zoo were also available for purchase. These creations would look great in any home, not only because they were made by an animal, but also because some of them were quite creative and well-done.

The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary has housed hundreds of animals since it opened in 1963. The zoo is adjacent to Lions Park, Dan Russell Arena, the city library and the Folsom Valley Railway.

Janet Cho and her husband Matt were guests at the event. Janet Cho said, “When I heard this was an event being put on to help the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary, I knew I wanted to attend. It wasn’t hard to convince other friends to attend, especially when they heard wine tasting would be included. We had a great time this evening, and hope the event comes back next year.”

The price of admission included wine, beer and food sampling. The price of the ticket also included entertainment and a commemorative wine glass.

One of the evening’s highlights occurred when Karen Holmes, of Folsom’s Karen’s Bakery Café, demonstrated the art of making a salad. The super-sized salad made was poured into a tarp from the fourth story of the parking garage. Culinary students from American River College caught the salad ingredients on the third level of the garage, as Holmes poured from above.

Pitchforks were used to toss the greens and dressing, and the unique salad-making showcase provided delicious food for the many attendees.

“Top of Folsom” guests sampled delicious treats from local eateries that included Bidwell Street Bistro, Sutter Street Steakhouse, Karen’s Bakery Café, Source Global Tapas, Mulvaney’s B&L, Red Rabbit, Hawks, Matteo’s Pizza & Bistro, Bacon and Butter, Bistro La Petite France, Dry Creek Olive Co. and Snook’s Candies.

Visitors sampled wines from several wineries, including David Girard, Madroña, Boeger, Miraflores, Skinner, Shadow Ranch, Bumgarner, Helwig, Petra, Fiddletown Pruett and Cielo. Samples from the Sonoma and Napa Valley wineries included Schrader, Trefethen, Trattore and Rutherford.

A couple of local breweries, Track 7 Brewing Co. and Lockdown Brewing Company, provided samples for the beer drinkers in the crowd.

“Top of Folsom” was an enjoyable event that offered great entertainment, sips of local and regional wine and beer, delicious food samples and beautiful art.

Henry Rollins' Capitalism tour to visit every capital city in the U.S.

2012-09-15T10:39:24Z

The Henry Rollins “Capitalism” tour bus came into Sacramento on Thursday, Sept. 13. The bus parked at the corner of 11th and J streets while Rollins performed at the Crest Theater.

Rollins’ “Capitalism” spoken word tour brought the outspoken world traveler, author, actor, ex-front man for punk band Black Flag and the Henry Rollins Band, to Sacramento.

Rollins kept the audience entertained with stories about politics, music, traveling, touring and his experiences with people he’s met during his travels.

The “Capitalism” tour kicked off in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Sept. 6, and will hit every state capital in the U.S. and end with a visit to the nation’s capital on the eve of the 2012 presidential election on Nov. 5.

Rollins’ tour bus travelled from Salem, Ore., and made its fifth stop of the tour at the Crest Theater.

Rollins stood in the middle towards the front of the stage as he began his performance. Once he started speaking, he described the Crest as, “The most challenging theater I do in America,” mostly because of its lighting.

Once he got that out of the way, he described what the “Capitalism” tour was all about, and that his performance that evening was his 120th show of the year.

Rollins stated that his agent came to him with the idea for the tour, saying “’How about if you do the capital city of every state in the U.S., and poetically it ends on election eve in Washington D.C., and we’ll call it ‘Capitalism?’” I said, “Damn, man, that’s a great idea, and to get all those dates it will be pretty tricky; you would have to start yesterday.”

That’s how the idea for the new tour started to roll.

Rollins’ command of U.S. and world history is commendable, and this became quite apparent as he talked about the first stop of the tour in Honolulu, Hawaii. He spilled facts and observations about the 50th state to join the union, then noted that Hawaii has given us the first African-American president.

As Rollins spoke, he often chose to sidetrack, and brought in other related issues to clarify a point. His quick, witty and articulate comments always came back to the main topic, and added to the story.

Rollins talked about electing President Obama, saying, “America collectively lost all the gills on its neck and twitching primordial tail, and had a non-partisan ‘Wow, look how far we’ve come’ moment.”

Rollins continued, “When I was a kid — and I’m older than all of you — in 1830, when I was born, you could not have a guy like Barack Obama as president.” Again, as with almost any narrative he brought to the stage, he included supporting facts. Electing Obama, in Rollins’ view, validated that the civil rights movement was not a failure, and allowed this proud moment in American history to occur.

Rollins’ magnificent story telling had the audience clapping, laughing and enjoying the anecdotes he brought to the stage. He constantly reminded the audience that his views are his and his alone, and in no way would he discourage anyone from having or expressing their own views.

Rollins noted that he did not care whom voters vote for, but hoped people would vote and exercise their rights, saying, “Democracy needs you.”

Captivating storytelling is a Rollins forte, and as he moved from one annecdote to the next he covered stories about his own family and upbringing. He also touched on racism, capitalism and the punk music scene that was part of his life in the ‘80s.

The raw sentiments, rock and rage of punk music was a completely transformative scene in Washington D.C. for Rollins and life-long friend Ian.

Rollins talked about going to the up-close-and-personal punk shows, where he heard bands like the Cramps, Ramones, Iggy Pop and the Stooges. He also related stories about his shows with Black Flag.

Rollins shared that he answers all his mail. He has received some extraordinary comments, and talked about some of them on stage.

Rollins feels passionate about many topics, and shared his thoughts on how our wars are affecting those who serve, as well as their families and community.

His interest in international travel was also full of tragic and touching stories. Rollins’ view seemed to be that people are people, no matter what part of the world they live in. Making the effort to get to know them might change an unfounded perception we might have.

The Crest Theater audience delivered a standing ovation as Rollins ended his show.

Rollins’ stories, frequency, passion and method of delivery were delightful, resulting in a very entertaining performance.

Several fans walked from the Crest Theater to the corners of 11th and J streets, where the “Capitalism” tour bus was parked. A couple dozen or more fans waited for Rollins’ autograph by the tour bus.

One fan had several items she was hoping Rollins would sign. When asked how long she’s seen Rollins perform, Alex Morales said, “I actually saw him this year; I think it was in March in San Luis Obispo on his previous tour. I’ve seen him three times, and twice this year.”

Morales said she brought several items to be autographed: “a book of Black Coffee Blues, a State of Alert vinyl album, Black Flag’s ‘Damaged,’ two posters and a couple of T-shirts.”

Morales said, “I came all the way from Fresno. It took three hours to get here, two-and-a-half hours for the show, waiting here, and I have three hours to drive home.”

Morales was the last fan to speak with Rollins and have her items autographed.

Rollins spent much time signing autographs and talking to every single fan. He was genuinely interested in what they had to say, and continued to share stories, showing that he really cares about his fans.

As Rollins signed his last piece for Morales, she said that he told the truth about answering every piece of correspondence he gets. She shared that she has sent Rollins emails, and he has answered.

The very busy “Capitalism” tour continues with a visit to Carson City, Nev., on Sept. 14, then hits the capital cities of Arizona and Utah, performing four shows in four cities.

Catwalk on K Street

2012-09-13T07:01:57Z

The Vibe Foundation Urban Youth Lounge and Career Center is a teen operated center where Sacramento teens acquire academic and vocational skills. Vibe Lounge encourages members to engage in service learning, socialize and network with Sacramento based private, public and nonprofit organizations.

The Vibe Lounge is located at 1725 K Street and teens, with adult supervision, conduct the daily operations of the center. In exchange for running the daily operations teens earn ROP school credit.

Teens that live in the Sacramento region can use the center and its resources that include job search assistance, monthly events for youths in the 14-18 age group and scholastic activities such as preparing for SAT, job fairs, life and skills workshops. Tutoring is available and the VIBE has laptop computers with internet access that can be checked out.

Fun and learning activities are always sought. One of the newest events created by the Vibe is Catwalk on K Street. The event is presented by the Vibe Urban Teen Lounge and will take place on Sunday, September 23.

For the past few weeks Vibe, Chaez Boswell, Interim Executive Director at Vibe Urban Lounge created a team to help make Catwalk on K Street a successful and fun event for teens.

Designers, local boutiques, hair and makeup artists, stylists and other community members involved in the fashion industry have also collaborated by mentoring Vibe teams.

Nayshia Streator helped with registration and shared some thoughts about the casting. When asked about her role at the Vibe she said, “Well I’m an intern here at the Vibe and I’m also an event planner. I came up with this fashion show concept. We’re working hard for the event and have encouraged hairstylists, makeup designers, stylist for teenagers and those that want to be models to become involved.”

Streator has been involved at the Vibe since it first opened. Speaking about the Vibe, she continued, “We heard many kids saying that there’s nothing to do for youth here in Sacramento if you’re under 18, especially downtown.” The center has created a fun and educational atmosphere and continues to look for events to bring teens together.

Teens on hand filled out their paperwork to be involved in the Catwalk on K Street event. Some parents were on hand and signed off on their child’s participation. Teens also noted on their paperwork if they wanted to model and/or be involved as a stylist.

As paperwork was being filled out announcements went over the speakers going over some future events and to help with the paperwork. Teens were advised to ask questions, listen to music and enjoy socializing.

Chaez Boswell also made some announcements and described the fashion show event that will include a red carpet event, food and vendors will also be participating, DJ music will be played and radio 102.5 would also have a booth.

Boswell also made an important announcement regarding how they would be evaluated saying, “Remember that it’s not how you look but your attitude that will get you a spot.”

Some of the boutiques showcasing at the event were announced and Boswell also talked about a t-shirt designed by the Vibe and indicated other designs were being worked on.

Forty modeling spots were open and stylist spots would also be available.

Models, 10 at a time, were called to walk at a hall where several judges would be evaluating them and asking pertinent questions. Boswell tired to encourage the teens telling them to try and show their personality, not to worry and to have a good time.

Models were shown how to walk and each teen walked towards the judges' table and back twice giving judges time to evaluate the walk and ask the modesl questions.

Given a sample walk, ten models lined up. Several models exhibited confidence, good personality traits, courtesy and intelligence when answering questions.

As each set of models were evaluated they made their way back to the main hall and later were told they could go home once they walked. Announcements as to who made the cut would be made at a later time.

In the main hall I recognized one of the models by the name of Elizabeth Green who had performed at the Hair & Fashion Battle as a dancer.

Green shared how she found out about the event saying, “My cousin told me about it. I’ve been modeling since I was 12 and I’ve been looking around to see if there were any other modeling things I could participate in. It’s been kind of hard because I’m short.”

When asked what type of modeling she liked Green stated, “Anything that I can find that’s runway, because I really love runway.”

The Monterrey Trail High School student has many interests sharing that she likes to dance and model and also noted she’d eventually like to be in involved in the medical field or engineering.

Teens selected for the event will now begin rehearsals as they’re paired with boutiques and stylists.

Some of the stores and boutiques participating include Express, Crimson & Clover, Heart Boutique, Racks, Freestyle, Getta Clue, Legacy and Salvation Army.

Vibe hopes this will be the start of a long lasting collaboration with community and business groups. The first annual Catwalk on K Street features a wide variety of clothing styles and entertainment that reflects the interest of Sacramento teens.

Local businesses are encouraged to partner with Vibe and a long-term partnership would help Sacramento youth and give them exposure to different businesses. Sponsorships are also available.

The event will provide a safe and fun event for local area teens, showcase diversity, bring awareness to Vibe and bring local community business together.

Professional soccer returns to Raley Field

2012-09-11T08:43:08Z

The last time professional soccer was played at Raley Field was June 12, 2010. The game two years ago featured the San Jose Earthquakes playing Chivas USA.

On Saturday, Sept. 8, two of Mexico’s premier soccer teams played a friendly match. Club Atlético Monarcas from Morelia, who appeared to have more fans at the match, faced off against San Luis FC.

Gates opened four hours before the game, and tailgate parties attracted many fans. One of the fans was Ivan Zhukov, whom I met while he was walking toward the main gate with several children. I asked him about attending the match and about his companions.

Zhukov said, “Yes, these are my kids. They all play football (soccer), and I used to play in Russia. They have never been to a professional game and they’re very excited, as you can see. I’m very excited too; I hope many goals are scored.”

Inside Raley Field, a band played in front of one of the concession stands. A crowd gathered to watch them play, and several danced to the music.

Another band played near the Home Run Terrace, and fans kept the concession stands busy.

The two clubs played an exhibition match and attracted a sizeable crowd that sat in the stands. VIP seats on the field were full to capacity.

The U.S. Soccer Federation sanctioned the match. Raley Field staff had their hands full during the game, and did a great job controlling the crowd and keeping things moving.

José Luis Trejo coached the San Luis FC, and tried to overcome a handicap when Sebastián Fernández received a red card. This meant that the club had to play with 10 players for the rest of the game.

Rubén Omar Romano coached the Monarcas of Morelia.

San Luis FC had Oscar “El Conejo” (The Rabbit) Pérez playing goalkeeper. Pérez is known throughout the world as one of the best keepers around. Other world-renowned players for the team included Cesar Villaluz and José Antonio “El Gringo” Castro.

The Monarcas team from Morelia is currently one of the top teams in the Mexican professional league.

Monarcas featured well-known players Miguel Sabah, Joel Huiqui and Federico Vilar.

The game was televised in Mexico and the U.S.

The friendly match was exciting and saw six goals scored, with Morelia scoring five of them.

Scoring began early when Ángel Sepúlveda sent a header down the middle of the goal with an assist by de Francisco Torres. With three minutes in the game, Morelia led San Luis 1-0.

A chance for a second goal manifested itself when Morelia’s Uriel Álvarez outplayed two or three defenders in the goal box before being taken down. The referee pointed to the free kick area and called a penalty kick.

One of the premier scorers in Mexican soccer is Miguel Sabah, and he took the penalty. Sabah kept the ball low and kicked it to Pérez right, Sabah scored Morelia’s second goal.

The second goal gave an early indication that San Luis’ goalie Pérez and his defense were going to have a hard time containing the opposition.

At the 37th minute a hard tackle by San Luis’ Fernández on Enrique Pérez brought an immediate red card from the referee. Down 2-0 and now playing with 10 players for the rest of the game, San Luis had a large deficit to overcome.

Sacramento Ballet auditions for Ron Cunningham's The Nutcracker

2012-09-11T06:57:29Z

Hundreds of Sacramento Ballet fans lined the streets at the corner of 17th and K streets. Parents brought their children for the Sacramento Ballet’s auditions for “The Nutcracker.”

Several tables selling sweets and merchandise to raise funds for the ballet were set up in front of the 17th Street entrance. Parents and other volunteers staffed the tables.

The Sacramento Ballet estimated that over 800 kids and their parents would attend the audition that took place from Sept. 5-9.

Inside the studio, a lot of activity went on in different rooms. Sacramento Ballet dancers rehearsed for upcoming shows, while other rooms housed the many dancers onsite.

Meanwhile, the Sacramento Ballet’s artistic director, Ron Cunningham, and the children’s cast coordinator, Marla Quinn, conducted auditions in another room.

I sat in for part of the “Clara Party and Prologue Girls” audition, in which 23 girls participated. Cunningham showed the group steps to a routine he wanted the girls to perform.

After showing the dancers what to do, they came up, five at a time, to showcase some of their talent.

Once the girls performed their routine, Cunningham and Quinn evaluated their performance, and told the girls that they would be asked to return to continue the audition. If they were not called back, the young participants could audition for another role if they met height and skill requirements.

The little dancers were also told to smile, and the smiles showed off a little bit more of their personality.

Cunningham and Quinn held auditions Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., making for a long day. They followed on Sunday with more auditions that lasted from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Cunningham’s and Quinn’s dedication was just as obvious with the parents that volunteered.

Michelle McKibben and Michelle Martin attended to a food table and other activities inside the studio. “It has become a Christmas tradition,” said McKibben, referring to “The Nutcracker.”

McKibben relayed a brief description of what the audition process entails and how Cunningham makes his selections, saying, “He kind of likes to see what he has to pick from. He has this vision in his head about what he’s looking for, and evaluates the talent of each dancer. So, every year it’s different.”

Martin added, “Cunningham is also looking for the dancers’ personality, manners, behavior and ability. ‘The Nutcracker’ is such a huge production, and he’s looking for children that can cooperate and follow directions.”

When asked how they became involved as volunteers for the ballet, both moms indicated they had daughters who took lessons from and danced for the Sacramento Ballet. McKibben noted that their daughters had been in the ballet for eight to nine years.

They also noted that once children audition for “The Nutcracker,” many return for lessons, having had a good experience in the audition process.

Once callbacks are announced, children who get a role receive a packet with more details about their role, rehearsals and other valuable information.

Children who are not selected are encouraged to return and audition for another part.

Parents sat on garden chairs outside the ballet studios, waiting to see if their children were given a role.

Jennifer Toy shared her experience. “I have one child auditioning today. She’s auditioning for the role of a party child.”

When asked if her daughter Kylie had auditioned before, Toy said, “This will be her sixth time auditioning for ‘The Nutcracker.’ She was a party girl last year.” We laughed at the sound of “party girl.”

Toy arrived at the audition around 10 a.m., and sat with a group of other moms and a couple of other children. When asked how long she was going to be at the audition, Toy stated, “We could be here all day; it depends on whether she gets the part or not.”

Selections for the roles are made the day of the auditions and Toy added, “They’ll release them at 2 p.m., but if she doesn’t get the part she’ll just get back in line and try for the next part.”

Many roles are offered for casting, and more than one person at the audition indicated that Cunningham selects as many dancers as possible. Sometimes roles are expanded, or more soldiers, attendants, party boys and girls, mice, bunnies, cooks and other dancers might be added.

Cunningham’s “The Nutcracker” comes to the Community Center Theater for performances Dec. 7-23. Log on to the Sacramento Ballet website for more information about “The Nutcracker” and other performances.

Fiestas Patrias 2012

2012-09-08T01:51:32Z

The Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California (MCCNC) will present “El Grito” at the Capitol West Steps on September 15.

“El Grito” (the cry for independence) marked the beginning of Mexico’s fight for independence against Spanish rule on September 16, 1810. The MCCNC is a nonprofit cultural arts, education and community service organization that brings the annual event to the Capitol West Steps. Their on-going mission has been to share and preserve the region's unique and special Mexican heritage.

A prelude to this event also took place at the Crest Theater on Saturday, August 25 where the Reina Fiestas Patrias 2012 pageant occurred.

Before the pageant began, a long line formed outside the Crest Theater and many carried billboards and other home made signs with photos supporting their favorite contestant.

The pageant has been celebrated in Sacramento since 1928 and is usually held a few weeks before the Mexican Independence Day celebration in Sacramento.

The pageant also celebrated its 84th anniversary and paid tribute to the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema. A period of history that spanned from 1936 to 1969 and became an economic success for Mexico’s cinema is considered the Golden Age.

The Fiestas Patrias pageant had 13 candidates competing for the 2012 title. Each of the candidates was sponsored by local businesses.

Once inside the theater guests were able to enjoy some delicious food and a no-host bar was also available. Dinorah Curkendall entertained visitors as she sang in the lobby before the event.

Inside the theater seats were quickly filled as guests listened to music over the speakers. Chants arose from the theater as attendees chanted for their favorite contestant.

The candidates introduced themselves and answered questions in Spanish. Most of the commentary was in Spanish and is translated for this article.

An Aztec dance group, Kalpulli Xihuacoatl, performed on stage wearing colorful and traditional Aztec outfits. Groupo Folklórico Los Alteños and Sergio Serrano also performed live on stage.

Alejandro Celorio representing the Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento welcomed guests. Celorio said, “I want to recognize the effort the participants have put into the pageant and to congratulate them since they’re all already winners as they enthusiastically prepared for the past three months. The 13 candidates are now winners and they’ve also made us winners. What better way to enjoy our Fiestas Patrias and feel proud of being Mexican than to enjoy and recognize the beauty of Mexico through its women. Good Night and thank you for coming.”

Judges selected for the event included Victor Rodriguez Tafoya, Lupe Leyva, Rory Castillo, Gloria Gonzalez, Juan Gonzalez and Melinda Guzman.

Andrea Hinojosa, Lizette Rocha, Maria Lesso, Flor Zolano, Mariza Jaimes, Lizeth Fernandez, Yvette Ramirez, Lizbeth Valdez, Diana Garcia, Viviana Gomez, Claudia Salomon, Andrea Paz and Karla Diaz introduced themselves to the audience at hand.

Candidates also shared something about themselves that included their education, current employment and future dreams.

Several of the candidates noted that they were the first in their family to attend and graduate college. Manly of the candidates are attending Sac State, U.C. Davis and other local schools. Candidates thanked their sponsors, friends and family for their support and inspiration.

As most pageants go some awards were given. The Miss Congeniality selection was Valdez and Miss Photogenic went to Hinojosa. Two other non traditional awards went to Ramirez who was selected as Miss Punctual and Miss Social Media went to Lesso.

Later on the five finalists were selected and included Lesso, Diaz, Salomon, Hinojosa and Garcia.

Vickie Gutierrez who had performed a dance earlier in the show came on stage to crown this year’s winner. Gutierrez was selected as Queen Fiestas Patrias in 2011.

Gutierrez thanked parents, friends, and sponsors and talked about the great experiences she’s enjoyed this past year.

After waiting for the judges choices to be tabulated the 2012 Queen Fiestas Patrias was selected. Lesso was chosen as the new queen and the audience showed its approval by cheering and chanting for Lesso. Fans shouted, “Maria, Maria, Maria.”

“It really felt unreal. I wasn’t ready for it. I was like oh my God it’s really me. I’m so excited to represent my culture and I’m very proud of being a Mexican woman. That’s all I have to say,” said Lesso, in English, when I asked how she felt about being the new queen.

When asked about what her first role as queen of Fiestas Patrias Lesso said, “I will be at the Mexican independence day at the capitol on September 15.” Her enthusiasm, radiant smile and personality could not be contained as thanked her family and supporters.

This year’s event celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day will also include several of Sacramento’s food trucks serving selected items from their delicious menu. Miniburger, Wicked Wich, La Piedad, La Mex, Chando’s, Drewski, CornCake, Mama Kims, VolksWaffle, Emmas Tamales, Pizza Company and Fat Face will bring their food trucks to the event.

Several live performances are also scheduled and guests of all ages are encouraged to attend the September 15 event.

SacAnime Summer 2012

2012-09-05T17:37:08Z

SacAnime Summer 2012, for the last time, was held at the Woodlake Hotel Aug. 31 to Sept. 2.

Competing with several other events in Sacramento Labor Day weekend, SacAnime successfully competed for a large audience. Fans gathered to enjoy a full three days of anime, cosplay, video games, workshops, panels, autograph sessions, karaoke, and many more activities dealing with Asian pop culture.

SacAnime has outgrown its previous venues, including the initial gathering in 2005 at the Sunrise Mall, and attendance continues to grow. In September of last year 4,800 attended the event. Winter 2012 attendance grew to approximately 5,000 and SacAnime reports that over 7,700 fans attended this past weekend.

The event is well-organized and the SacAnime staff takes suggestions to heart and does what it can to fix complaints. At each closing ceremony fans are encouraged to talk about what they liked about the event and what they would like to see at future events, including what SacAnime can do to make the event better. The show is geared to the fan base, which has made the event a successful celebration and gathering.

All things dealing with Japanese pop culture have become very popular and a vendor room full of this type of merchandise was available for SacAnime fans. Over 70 tables were set up throughout the venue for dealers and exhibitors and the vendor room was full throughout the day.

Voice actor guests included Jennifer Hale, Johnny Yong Bosch, Roger Craig Smith, Travis Willingham, Michelle Ruff, Billy Martinez and Laura Bailey. These entertainers held panels that included audience participation and Q&A sessions. They also patiently and eagerly sat at autograph tables where lines stared inside the halls of the Woodlake and made their way outside.

These autograph sessions are very taxing for voice actors, entertainers and fans. SacAnime, however, continues to listen to fan suggestions on helping this become a smoother process.

SacAnime has some of the most loyal followers who are very cordial and attentive. At the heart of the event is the great community of anime fans who plan for the event months in advance. The weekend event allows for fans to attend each day or just one of the dates. The most popular day seems to be Saturday when the majority of attendees come to enjoy cosplay.

Fans make friends at the event that last for years. One demonstration of fan camaraderie was shown by a memorial event held for 21-year-old Harison Randall, who was struck by a hit-and-run as he walked with his girlfriend and her dogs on July 29.

Randall’s family was on hand at several events and fans came together to donate funds to help the family with medical and funeral expenses. Fan support was overwhelming.

A video honoring Randall played at the memorial service. Soon after that, several Randall family members shared their experiences and memories of him. Fans were invited to also share their memories and a long line formed.

Many who came to the microphone to say a few words about Randall noted they hardly knew him but remembered saying hi or meeting him, if only briefly. It was heart touching just to see the SacAnime community come together to honor one of their own.

The weekend’s events also included live outdoor concerts performed by returning musical guests, Eyeshine and akai SKY. Other popular segments included a fashion show, video game tournaments, the artists’ alley, workshops, panels and the Cosplay Masquerade. Yet another event that continues to grow is Café Hoshi, where now several café shows are being hosted throughout the weekend.

There was so much to see, do and experience at SacAnime. The SacAnime staff is to be commended for their organization and the quality of guests they select for each of the events. Director of Programming Jodon Bellofatto, along with Dan Houck, Jason Dube, Chris Costagnetto, Topher Nguyen, Katie Bair, Adreena Smith and Jonas Cassation coordinated a successful event, as shown by the record attendance.

Bellofatto shared that volunteers are also a big part of SacAnime and encouraged those in attendance to continue to take advantage of the many volunteering opportunities.

Obviously this convention would not be possible without the attendees as well.

The Anime Music Video Contest winners were announced and Bellofatto noted that the number of entries has grown to where the next contest will be broken down into categories.

As soon as the 2012 summer event ended on Sunday, Bellofatto announced special guests scheduled to attend in 2013. Bellofatto also noted that SacAnime 2013’s event at the Convention Center will include several events at the Sheraton Hotel, where they have sealed a hotel room package for attendees.

Log on to SacAnime to view program details as they occur. The Sacramento Convention Center and the Sheraton Grand Sacramento will host SacAnime Winter 2013 Jan. 4-6.

(Please note, ,ore photos from the event can be found here.

Preparing for Sacramento Fashion Week 2013

2012-08-29T23:39:33Z

Preparation for Sacramento Fashion Week 2013 has begun. A workshop was presented at Sacramento’s International Academy of Design & Technology on Del Paso Road on Monday, August 27, 2012.

Simone Vianna, Fashion Design Coordinator for Sacramento Fashion Week (SFW), presented the “How to Prepare for Sacramento Fashion Week” free workshop.

Vianna welcomed aspiring and established designers to the workshop and covered several important items to help designers improve their chances for being selected as one of the designers for Sacramento Fashion Week 2013.

The majority of the designers at the workshop made the trip from Stockton. Vianna joked that Stockton could become the new west coast SoHo.

Vianna covered several items to help attendees at the workshop to ready themselves for the premier fashion event by following certain requirements.

Workshop participants were instructed on developing concept boards, selecting colors, fabrics and following business etiquette when using social media. Other helpful hints were shared to better the designers’ chances of being selected.

Participants shared their fashion experience with the group. Designers learned some valuable lessons as they listened to others share their knowledge.

The experience from designers at the workshop ran the gamut from little or no previous experience to others who have already participated in several fashion shows.

Vianna also covered a couple of topics that attracted the attention of the attendees. Participants were encouraged to volunteer at fashion shows to gain valuable fashion show experience. Participation as designers, models and working on set productions is a big plus when writing their biographies and experience.

Guests were also encouraged to look into small business participation by acquiring a small business permit and perhaps acquire a Square Card Reader for financial transactions.

A Sacramento Fashion Week designer was at the workshop to learn about this year’s event and to share her valuable insight. Joycelynn Brown who participated at the last SFW shared her experience.

Brown’s lessons learned included making sure designers begin preparing early and making sure that requirements are met in a timely manner as they continue to plan ahead.

Brown shared that participation in SFW changed her life. Brown said, “My life changed completely and although I had a really hard time making it through the show I was so proud of myself for getting through it. My life did change and now I have so many show offers that I have to turn some down. I have people from the bay area wanting me to come down and do shows. I’m a single mom, just finished college, I have a full time job and if I wasn’t working I would be able to do this full time. “

Organization, preparation and persistence are keys to participating in SFW as a designer. Both Vianna and Brown emphasized the importance of being prepared and not postponing involvement.

The workshop was a great eye opener for those in attendance and was very informational.

Another workshop is planned for September 14. Vianna emphasized the importance of attending these workshops and encouraged those in attendance to pass the word and get designer friends to attend.

Workshops for models are scheduled for October.

Visit the Sacramento Fashion Week f acebook or webpage for further information.

Deadline for submitting required materials must be completed and received by SFW by September 21. Designers will be selected and announced after that date. All requirements have to be completed by the application deadline in order to be considered for selection.

Interview with Henry Rollins

2012-08-28T05:27:20Z

The Henry Rollins 2012 Capitalism tour comes to the Crest Theater on Thursday, Sept. 13.

The spoken-word tour by Rollins, an outspoken world traveler, musical genius and intense speaker and performer, will hit all 50 state capitals. The tour begins Sept. 6 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and ends Nov. 5 in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the 2012 presidential election.

Last Friday, Aug. 24, I was fortunate enough to conduct a phone interview with Rollins before his visit to the Crest Theater.

Rollins, as expected, did not hold back, delivering his thoughts on politics, travels, international experiences and music. His thoughts were refreshing and quite fascinating.

The interview, via phone, with Rollins follows.

Q: Can you tell me a little about this tour?

A: Well, these tours are basically the same in that I’m on stage alone with a microphone, with the basic information being where I’ve been and what I saw and how I feel about it.

I’ve travelled to some fairly interesting points fairly often. I’ve traveled all over Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and so I come back with stories from North Korea, Buton, Mongolia, China, Mali, Haiti, Cuba, Uganda, Sudan and all these places that I’ve been to in the last few years.

Those travel experiences form material that I talk about on stage. Also, I have decades of travel experience to draw upon as far story-telling on stage. The format doesn’t change much year to year, but the material does.

Q: How did you come up with the name for this tour, “Capitalism”?

A: Well, I’m going to be in the capital city of every state. My agent came up with this idea about a year and several months ago in the spring of last year. He said, ‘What do you think about that as an idea for 2012?’ I said that’s a really cool idea, let’s do that.

Q: Do you think there might be a chance of meeting any of the candidates on your tour? Any chance of you being at the same capital or at the same place during the tour as one of these candidates?

A: I don’t know if any candidate would be interested in meeting little ol’ me, but it would be interesting to talk to some of these people; that would be interesting.

Q: If you did get a chance to meet one of the candidates, what would be one question you would ask them?

A: It depends on the politician. Ask someone like Michele Backmann, ‘How do you expect to be elected when you’re so bat-crap crazy?’ That’s a question I’d ask. “How can you live your life being such a hypocrite?’ I’d love to ask her that question. I would be just dying to hear the answer to that one.

There are a lot of questions to be asked of a lot of politicians, even the ones I like.

Q: You’re involved in a lot of things. Every time I hear your name you’re traveling abroad, you bring back some of your experiences, you’re doing things for National Geographic, and it just seems you’re a very busy person. What keeps you going? What drives you?

A: Curiosity and anger, in that I take every day and do a lot of things.

I come from the minimum-wage working world. I come from the world of $3.50 an hour; this is in the late ‘70s, early ‘80s, and what I thought was going to be a life of that for me. I’m not putting that kind of work down, nor am I putting down the people who do that work. As an 18-year-old I told myself, ‘OK, this is my life, this is going to hurt,’ and then I got the opportunity to be in the band Black Flag as a singer. So my life has kind of been like I won the lottery.

So now I go to work like if I’m in a film; to me it’s work in that once you get on the movie set anybody will tell you, you’re working. It’s not easy, it’s fun sometimes, but it’s mostly work.

That work is important and I’ll take it and I’m not trying to say that I approach all of this with some dull utilitarian point of view. I’m damn grateful that anyone cares to allow me to go do some work, and so when Hollywood came calling and they said ‘Hey can you act?’ I said, ‘Yeah can you pay?’

In the ‘80s I realized that if I don’t have plans B, C, D, E, F and G, I’m probably not going to do very well in this environment. Plus I saw really good musicians around me not being able to make ends meet. I said OK, if they’re not able to make ends meet what the hell do I think I’m going to be able to pull off.

So I set about making things better for myself.

Q: Have you done a school tour to share your thoughts and feelings?

A: I’ve spoken at many universities in America, Europe and Australia.

I’ve done commencement speeches and have been on campuses speaking since the ‘80s, actually. I've done that everywhere, Harvard, Yale, Loyola, big schools and small ones. I have an agent who just books university shows, that’s all he does. I do between zero to three proper university shows a year. These are not available to the general public; it’s campus only, student ID to get in, etc.

Q: My kids and I really love your music going back to Black Flag. Are you still involved in creating your own music?

A: No, I stopped doing it a few years ago when I could no longer come up with new song ideas. I realized that would put me in a position where I would have to go out and play old material. Which to me, I can’t put people down, it’s not for me to judge you or anyone, but for myself I don’t want to go and be the weirdo guy on stage playing the hits. To me it’s artistically dull or cowardly. It’s just not facing the present; it’s just forestalling the inevitable, you know, like here comes the guillotine and well, you’re trying to tell jokes on your way up the scaffold stairs to delay the inevitable chop.

That to me is what some musicians do when they’re about my age. They go play the hits, and quite honestly no one give a damn about their new record.

I’d rather play to a smaller audience, or be told, ‘We don’t want you anymore; go away.’

I have to live in the present, so if I’m not feeling the music, well, just stop making it. That’s where I found myself six years ago. I stopped and I said to myself, ‘I’ll give it a year and see if I can still remain busy.’

I like to be working seven days a week. I became incredibly busy doing everything else. It’s been great, I feel nothing but lucky that there was life after music for me.

A lot of my peers can’t make good transitions, don’t want to make a transition, and they’re kind of locked into this perpetual period in their lives which kind of looks depressing to me at points.

Trust me; I’m in no way trying to judge these people. It’s not for me to tell any of these people, ‘Hey, you got it all wrong.’ I mean, who the hell am I? I get to do what I want for myself, and that’s what I choose to do, and I’m just moving on to different stuff, and so far it’s been awesome. I’m having a good time.

Q: How would you describe punk? What does punk mean to you?

A: I think it’s a massive umbrella, and underneath it you can have everyone from me to Einstein, you know, just people who’ve thought differently, who challenged the status quo.

Shakespeare as much as Johnny Rotten, and in a way it’s just a word that if you basically have to ask you’re never going to know. So who was the first punk rock band, was it the Ramones? I don’t know; ask the Ramones what they were listening to. Stooges, Velvet Underground?

The Velvet Underground; to do what they were doing when they were doing it, are you kidding? It was a recipe for amazing starvation; there was definitely an ass-whooping after their show in some towns.

The New York Dolls, a bunch of New York guys in chicks’ clothing on stage doing that in the Midwest? That’s how you lose a finger. I mean, that’s not really the way to get home in one piece. Try it in Missouri, and so that predates the Sex Pistols, and I don’t think any band, genre or year gets real ownership of it, and I tell you this hoping that someone reads or hears these words and it may expand their idea of what they can appreciate.

Some people are very locked-in, musically. ‘Well, I don’t listen to anything past 1977 because they lost the plot.’ Really, there’s lots of wonderful music that came after that wonderful year, and there’s great music that came out this year. I would hope that someone leaves themselves intellectually available to come to the conclusion that there’s too much good music to listen to, and that’s fine.

I buy minimal one record a day, that’s my rule. I must buy a record every day. I don’t care if it’s recorded in 1951; I need new information musically coming to my office daily. I already bought my record for today; I just bought it a couple of hours ago. I’m hoping one or two things pop up on the radar and I’ll pick up those as well. I might never get to hear all that I have in my office, but I’m having a really good time trying. So when someone says ‘Music sucks now,’ I say, ‘Pal, you suck, music is just fine.’

There’s so much great independent music coming out now you do not have time to keep up with it.

The music is fine, it’s always been fine, and there will always be punk music as long as there is one person in the world going, ‘No way, man,’ and they’re doing his or her own thing.

Bob Dylan was very punk in his day; so was John Coltrane. Sun Ra, every damn note that came out of his piano was punk rock, as far as I’m concerned. I would hope that a young person won’t negate all this wonderful music that’s out there that would really blow their minds. Hope they don’t fall so to some negative ideology that precludes them from really grooving to their parents’ record collection. Man, you should have seen my mother’s record collection, everything from Hendrix to Thelonious Monk; she had perfect taste in music.

Q: Any thoughts about Pussy Riot?

A: Yeah, I bet you anything three, at least the three incarcerated, three very intelligent young women who knew, absolutely the wrath, the potential wrath of Vladimir Putin, the president; that guy just doesn’t play around.

They dared to tread on the tiger’s tail.

I do not in any way think the punishment fits the crime; it’s just ridiculous. They really were messing with the wrong guy, and he has to put them in jail because if he doesn’t … , it’s kind of a great insight into the mind of some Russians. I’ve been to Russia five times, it doesn’t make me an expert at all, believe me, but Russian people, some of them at least, really admire their idea of strength.

Putin went after them personally, and was anyone killed in this thing? No, these girls went up and did their punk rock on stage in a church and probably really bummed out the people in that church. Is it worth jail time? I think it’s worth like one hundred hours of community service. You know, go pick up garbage in the park this summer and that’ll learn you. However, Putin cannot just say, ‘OK, you can just go home,’ because his followers will just go, ‘Oh, you’re going soft on us?’

Russia is really tough and so the point I’m making is this: Girls knew what they were getting into. They must have thought before they went into that church that jail time was a definite possibility.

You really have to understand how Putin plays. It’s amazing that it wasn’t more time and it’s amazing one of them didn’t get worked over or accidentally fall down the stairs while handcuffed.

I think they should be out of prison. I don’t want them to do time. I’m just saying they picked the wrong guy to mess with and there’s no way they didn’t know the potential consequences. I’m not saying that they deserve it I’m just saying there’s no way they didn’t see this coming. Trust me on this; there’s no way they went, ‘Really, we’re going to jail?” I mean, they’re too smart for that.

They will get out and they will have, I think, a really successful punk rock life.

They will be able to play two summers from now or thereabouts. They will be playing at the Reading Festival, Roskilde, Pukkelpop and big European festivals. Perry Farrell will put them on Lollapalooza, they will be at Coachella, I mean, if they want to. So a good life waits for them at the private sector.

Q: You have extensive international traveling experience. What would you say is one positive thing about America that non-Americans see?

A: I travel all over the world, pretty much any land mass you can imagine. I go to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, all over Africa, and wherever I go, in villages, slums, bazaars and so on, I ask people, ‘What do you think about America?’ Overwhelmingly, I’ve asked this question in Tehran, in Beirut, in Damascus, in Pyongyang. All over the world I’ve asked this question, and overwhelmingly people love America. They want to come here, they want to meet Americans, want to try the food, and some of them get food-crazy.

Some kind of freak out and get very excited. I was traveling when Bush was president and asked, ‘You like America; we love America. You like Americans; we love Americans. What do you think about Bush?’ They didn’t say they hated him, they said ‘I’m afraid.’

I asked a lot of Iranian people when I was in Iran, ‘What do you think about Bush?’ They would say, ‘We are terrified.’ No hatred. I asked, ‘Do you hate him?’ They replied, ‘No, no, no, we’re afraid.’ I said, ‘What are you afraid of?’ ‘We’re afraid of your military turning our country into a gleaning parking lot of melted sand. We fear it every day you guys talk about it.’ Some politicians do, like (John) McCain. He talked about it; you think these people don’t get the news?

In Tehran they watch the BBC World News every day. You can watch Oprah Winfrey and other things.

These people are proud, they’re Persians. The government of that country is one thing, and the people are quite another. I also ask, ‘What do you think of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad? They say, ‘That psycho, are you kidding?’ I say, ‘You don’t like him?’ They say, ‘No one likes him.’

Everyone, well, I mean sure, there’s some people that like him, but the overwhelming majority of people in Iran, they definitely want democracy, in my opinion.

I think democracy is a beautiful model. I mean, it’s the one that I support. I don’t want to live in a communist state and I don’t want to live in a socialist country. I’ve been to those places and it sucks.

I think people like democracy. I think it’s a great idea. Tough to uphold all the time, but I think the world, generally, would rather go in that direction. That’s just my opinion.

Q: It sounds like you don’t have any spare time, but when you have a couple of minutes to reflect, what do you like to do?

A: Any time I have a moment I like to listen to music. I enjoy sitting in front of a stereo with a few records. It’s Friday and that’s what I’ll do after I get off work tonight; I’m going to do a whole lot of music listening.

Q: Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to seeing you at the Crest Theater in September.

A: I absolutely can’t wait, I’ll see you soon.

Prelude to Niello Concours at Serrano

2012-08-25T02:00:28Z

The 2012 Niello Concours at Serrano will take place on October 7, 2012. Automobile enthusiasts throughout northern California and beyond look forward to this annual event.

On Wednesday, August 21 the final Concours Raduno at Sienna, a prelude to the Niello Concours at Serrano, took place in El Dorado Hills.

Sienna Restaurant located at 3909 Park Drive in El Dorado Hills hosted the event where vintage vehicles were showcased around the restaurant.

The 2012 Niello Concours at Serrano will take place on October 7. This elegant event will feature the Marque of Pierce Arrow and will be celebrating 50 Years of the Cobra honoring Carroll Shelby. The gathering at Sienna included several Cobras that sat in front of the restaurant.

The powerful streamline Cobra vehicles at the Sienna grounds attracted the attention of many spectators.

Guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting and DJ music. Several automobile owners form the June 19 Concours at Sienna returned. A comradely has been established among these car owners and many of them will be showcasing their vehicles at the October 7 event.

Hor d’oeuvres were available at the back patio of Sienna. Borjón Winery, a family owned winery located in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County served wine samples. I sampled the two red wines, a Barbera Reposado and their Sangiovese Reposado; both wines were very tasty.

A flyer near the wine offerings advertised Borjón Winery’s “Revolución De Vino” event. The second annual event will take place on September 1 and will feature live music, sale of select wines and new releases as well as authentic Mexican food by Nora Borjón.

The Concours at Sienna was hosted by Brian and Michele Moore, Premier Concours Promotions. Throughout the evening the hosts mingled with guests and provided information about the October 7 event.

Serrano at Concours will showcase hundreds of vintage vehicles in an elegant and family friendly atmosphere. The Serrano Visitor’s Center, located at 4525 Serrano Parkway will serve as the setting for the event.

The event runs from 10 am – 5 pm., parking is at a premium and shuttle services will be available at Oakridge High School.

Classic vehicles will be on exhibit and several awards will be presented. A fashion showfeaturing Felicia Strati's newests trends will also be included as part of the event. Many vendors from the El Dorado and Sacramento area will have booths at the event.

A portion of the net proceeds from the Niello Concours at Serrano event will benefit The Concours Foundation. The Concours Foundation is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation.

The Concours Foundation’s mission is to, “Provide education, resources, grants and funding to teenage youth in the areas of safe and sober driving practices. Work to encourage and reward outstanding achievements in automobile restoration, preservation and education.”

The Niello Concours at Serrano is a fun event that will capture your imagination and keep you coming back.

2012 Banana Festival

2012-08-22T08:16:25Z

The Sacramento Banana Festival returned to William Land Park this past weekend for the third time. This year’s theme was Bananarama. Dozens of performances took place during the two-day festival celebrating community involvement, art, music, food, diversity, health, wellness, culture and of course, bananas.

Two acts performed simultaneously throughout both days. In between the two stages, the Children’s Stage and the Main Stage, an open air marketplace housed vendors, informational booths and a food court that offered an assortment of banana and other dishes.

This year’s hosts were poet, Frank Withrow, and former News 10 reporter, Karen Massie. The hosts kept things moving at the main stage and were full of inspirational messages.

Local chef Richard Pannell brought a comedic blend to the show and also presided over the chef challenge and other events. For cooking enthusiasts a chef’s challenge was held featuring several of Sacramento’s finest chefs. The “Smashed Challenge” was very popular and showed several novel ways of cooking or using bananas in flavorful dishes.

The children’s area included rides, jump houses, games, educational exhibits and a children’s stage featuring educational and fun performances. Dance, music, magic, storytelling and other fun activities kept the audience entertained.

The Children’s Stage featured acts like Rappin Ratz, an adorable rap group in rat costumes rapping positive and safety messages for children. As with many of the performers on the Children’s Stage, audience participation made faces light up.

The Banana Slug String Band from Santa Cruz graced the Children’s Stage several times throughout the weekend. The band promotes conservation and the importance of math and science. The Banana Slug String Band also encourages support for music appreciation, building children’s self esteem and other positive community qualities.

In fostering positive attitudes the Banana Slug String Band played wonderful music. Their performances included one of my favorites, “Dirt Made My Lunch.”

The Banana Festival is hosted by the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum and its founding director, Shonna McDaniels. Event organizers would like for the Banana Festival to be a catalyst to support local non-profit organizations in their efforts to benefit the Sacramento community. In striving to achieve this goal the festival collaborated with several local non-profits to assist them in their fundraising efforts.

The Main Stage had dozens of performers filling the two-day event, bringing the audience to its feet and to the dance floor in a shady area in front of the stage. Acts included the Ras D Reggae Band, Umoja Productions, Tina B. Soul Line Dancers, Fenix Drum, Jodama African Dance, Ital Reggae Band & Urban Fire, the Latin Magic Band, Obsidian Butterfly Silk Dancers and others.

Several groups returned from last year’s festival and delighted the audience with their colorful performances.

Marie Clark has brought her family to the event for the past three years. When asked what keeps her coming back Clark said, “The first year I went because I was helping one of my friends who had a booth. I fell in love with the event and when the festival moved to Land Park, which is closer to home, I brought my kids. We look forward to trying new dishes, learning about other cultures and meeting other people from our community. I love it because we get to see Brazilian, Polynesian, Latin, European, African and other cultural performances. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event.”

A new Banana Festival Queen was also coronated. The two finalists had a very close contest, with Tyniece Hall and Jade Ross vying for the banana crown. Last year’s winner, Marisa Adams, crowned Hall as the 2012 Banana Festival Queen.

Last weekend I attended the Fire Spectacular where I saw several fire dancing groups. The main act at that event was Obsidian Butterfly, who brought another aspect of their performances to the Banana Festival stage. Their daylight spectacular was nonetheless just as entertaining and enjoyable.

The International Academy of Design &Technology (IADT) brought a fashion show to the Main Stage. The IADT student fashion showcase showed designs by Eshonna Trice, Jasmine Sewell, Stephanie Harris, John Thao and others.

Sharon Sutherland provided wonderful jewelry designs for models to wear which accentuated the designer’s work. Several hair and makeup artists applied their stunning art to the models. Overall, more than 30 models, hair and makeup artists, designers, students and mentors participated in the fashion event. An IADT booth offered information about the many programs offered at the academy.

The Banana Festival provided a great community event to celebrate community, culture, health, dance, fashion, music and much more. Besides festive activities and performances, the Banana Festival also provides an educational scholarship for a community youth demonstrating exceptional artistic talent. This year's scholarship winner was Faison Jackson. Jackson is 21 years old and is currently a Senior at Clark Atlanta University studying Biology.

More photos of the 2012 Banana Festival can be found here.

2012 Capitol Indie Collective Fashion Challenge

2012-08-18T06:19:00Z

The Sacramento Film and Music Festival kicked-off on Wednesday night.

As part of the opening night program at the Sacramento Film & Music Festival (SFMF) a Pop-Up event was held at the soon to be Sharif Fine Jewelers. Sharif will occupy the space next door to the Crest Theater on the corner of K and 10th Streets.

Article Consignment Boutique, La Fem Sophistique and Stella & Dot Independent Stylist Sarah Clark had stations set up inside Sharif’s where they showed their fashion, jewelry and other accessories.

The Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar, Black Bird Kitchen and Bar and Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters were at the Sharif building as well, handing out delicious samples.

Opening night for the SFMF also included the Capitol Indie Collective Fashion Challenge.

Last year’s challenge was won by Melinda Carrie Dougan who served as one of the judges for the fashion event.

Inside the Crest Theater lobby Dougan’s winning entry was on exhibit next to a Christina Marie, Executive Director at Capitol Indie Collective, design made out of t-shirts from last year’s SFMF.

Musical guests Thomas & Plecker performed inside the Crest lobby. Derek Thomas’ soothing vocals are always a treat. Backed by Sam Plecker on guitar and Nolan Le Vine on drums the trio dished out classics made famous by Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and others.

While watching Thomas & Plecker perform, Lisa Lee, a guest at SFMF commented, “I heard them from inside the theater and when I came out I couldn’t believe how young these guys are. They’re great.” I have seen Thomas & Plecker play before and they always elicit comments similar to Lee’s.

Fashion Challenge designers, hair and makeup artists and models were at the Crest Theater hours in advance. Makeup and hair styling was done by Allure Salon and Spa.

Last year’s Fashion Challenge theme was “Newspaper Couture,” and designers produced some memorable outfits.

This year’s theme was “Fashion Pairings” and designers produced many original creations. Participating restaurants were paired with designers to create their outfits.

Restaurants participating in the fashion show included Thir13en, Blackbird Kitchen + Bar, Fox & Goose, The Red Rabbit Kitchen & Bar, Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters and The Shady Lady Saloon. Other sponsors of The Capitol Indie Collective Fashion Challenge included Allure Salon and Spa, Sharif Fine Jewelers and the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission.

Designers were given 13 days to complete a runway ready outfit for the Fashion Challenge. The designs also had to include the restaurant name and one menu item and had to be done with a $50 budget. The outfits created were judged on how well the defined elements were included in the design, construction and visual appeal.

Designers who participated met the requirements and created stylish fashion.

Allure Salon worked their magic and provided hair and makeup for the event and also provided some prizes for some guests.

Panda Express sponsored the food theme event and provided some of their delicious specials for guests to enjoy. I enjoyed their scrumptious chow mein and broccoli beef.

Backstage, designers and models worked on last minute adjustments and if they were lucky enough enjoyed some Panda Express.

Once the fashion show began, Christina Marie gave some information about each of the designs as the models entered stage left did a couple of poses and exited stage right.

A marvelous parade of beautiful designs paraded on stage and it became apparent that choosing a winner would be a difficult task.

Once all designs were shown, the Fashion Challenge took a break for judges to cast their ballots. Nate Schemel and Tony Sheppard, Festival Directors, delivered welcoming remarks to the audience during this break. The 13th annual Sacramento Film & Music Festival officially started.

Laurie Pederson, Executive Director of the Capital Film Arts Alliance was presented the 2012 Film Arts Service Award. Cécile Downs, Executive & Artistic Director – Founder at Sacramento French Film Festival presented Pederson with the award.

The five judges were able to agree on the winner of the fashion challenge.

Spectators also helped select the Audience Choice winner.

Three finalists were chosen to vie for the Audience Choice award and Niv Elliot’s design won. As it turned out the judges also selected Elliot’s design, worn by model Leslie Grace, as the First Place winner.

Once the Capitol Indie Collective Fashion Challenge ended the opening film program at the 13th annual Sacramento Film & Music Festival began with a series of locally produced short films.

The festival runs from Wednesday, August 15, through Sunday, August 19, at the Crest Theatre.

Besides the works of local film pioneers the festival also includes films from many film genres from filmmakers around the world

NOTE: More photos from the event can be found here.

A Fire Spectacular

2012-08-16T20:04:21Z

The fifth annual Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest brought several premier poi, hoop, belly and fire dance groups to the William Land Park Amphitheatre.

The event was held on Saturday, August 11 at a new venue.

Drumsum, a world music group entertained guests before the Land Park Amphitheatre was taken over by dancers. Drumsum is a regular performer at the annual Fire Spectacular.

This year’s Fire Spectacular attracted a good sized audience who enjoyed a family festival atmosphere.

The first dance performance was a belly dance duo known as ShupaDa. I saw ShupaDa perform earlier in the year at Sacramento Raks. At that time they were performing for the first time as ShupaDa and since then they have appeared a many events and won several awards.

ShupaDa’s dazzling belly dance performance at the Fire Spectacular was very entertaining and set the stage for the many other groups that followed.

Hillbelly, a dance troupe from Big Bend California brought their fire dance techniques to the stage.

The Hillbelly trio describe themselves as “hip mothers, organic gardeners and land lovin’ devotees of Mama Earth!” Their performance was phenomenal and delighted the audience that grew by the minute.

Music selection for Hillbelly and other performers also captured the attention of the audience. Mystic, eastern and rock music selections allowed performers to further express themselves as they moved to the rhythmic beats and sounds of their music selection.

Several vendors were on hand and included Farm Fresh to You, Brenda Maureen Belisama Brennan, Rebecca Mann and Art by Jennifer Young who was also doing henna art.

Arctic Fire is a group from Anchorage and Wasilla in Alaska who have expanded their base to include California.

The trio was truly amazing and their fire dance choreography was very entertaining.

One of the Arctic Fire members surprised the audience as during her performance she spit a magnificent fireball that caught everyone by surprise. Unfortunately I was not expecting it and missed the opportunity to capture it on a photo.

Andrew Sanchez and his wife Hilda, along with two of their children enjoyed the show from a shady bench seat.

When asked about what Sanchez though about the event he said, “This is great! My kids loved the music Arctic Fire used for their act. They kept looking around the stage looking for kids because they heard children laughing when the music started and I had to tell them it was the song selection. I loved the show last year but we did not bring the kids then. This year we had to bring them and they love it.”

A solo hoop dance performer from the foothills Sonya Castoe brought her theatrics to the stage.

Castoe has performed at the Fire Spectacular for three out of the five annual events.

Castoe was one of the few solo acts and her mastery of the hoop was showcased as she maneuvered her fire hoop around the stage and moved with elegance and ease.

A white water rafting trip was included as a raffle prize for audience members who purchased raffle tickets. The raffle prize was to be drawn at the end of the event.

Performers were quick in taking the stage and for the most part the short break in between acts was almost unnoticeable.

Crimson Muse brought a theatrical cabaret dance display to the Amphitheatre. Crimson Muse, like other fire dancers, performs with other fire acts.

Crimson Muse performed at the first two Fire Spectacular events. Crimson Muse is also the founding director, of Healing Pathways Psychological Services.

As Crimson Muse started her performance she took the stage wearing a mask. At first I did not notice anything unusual but soon realized the mask was on the back of her head but to me it appeared as if she was facing the audience. The illusion worked great and Crimson Muse’s performance was magical.

Another performer who returned this year was the artist known as Vikram. When asked what he wanted on his bio Vikram was quoted by the emcee as saying, “Just tell them the disco ball shorts are coming back.” Indeed the disco ball shorts attracted as much attention as his fire dance maneuvers.

Vikram performed at the Fire Spectacular for the third time.

The Unmata Street Team is the “little sister” to Unmata and Verbatim at Hot Pot Studios. Many of the members appeared to have been from a troupe that tried to perform at Hot Pot Studios during July’s Second Saturday but were shut down by Sacramento Police before they could light up their performance.

Street Team demonstrated their fire dance technique and visionary choreography. They delighted the audience with their combination of belly dancing and what they call Improvisational Tribal Style. Selective music and fire dance demonstration awed the audience.

By this time the darkness of night and the feel of a slightly cooler evening manifested upon the stage and fire dancing created a greater spectacle as the fire danced higher and more intense creating for a great visual experience.

Flux has been around since 2007 performing at many public and private events. They have performed at Burning Man, weddings, fundraisers, parties and the annual Fire Spectacular.

Flux’s second appearance at the Fire Spectacular included rapid movement that showcased a wonderful display of dance and fire.

Sacramento based Flux is well known for being the home base for various skilled fire spinners, poi, contact staff, zip and hoop dancers.

Appearing for the first time at the Fire Spectacular was Fire Pixie who brought a wonderful show to Sacramento.

The San Francisco area based group was established by Erin St. Blaine in 2002. Fire Pixie now includes over 20 amazing performers.

Fire Pixie performed at the California State Fair two or three years ago. Their Cal Expo performance caught my attention but at the time I did not know who they were. Their amazing performance at the Fire Spectacular gained new followers.

Fire Pixie has also developed an entertainment package that includes a fashion line; kids show entertainment and their fire dance troupe.

Obsidian Butterfly continues to electrify Sacramento’s night skies at various performances throughout the year. Since forming in 2003 Obsidian Butterfly has developed a loyal following.

Audience participation is part of the Obsidian Butterfly repertoire and at the Fire Spectacular they were able to hypnotize the audience through artistic fire dances. The group used the stage and also had performers moving in front of the stage and walked among the audience. Willing audience participants were allowed to be part of the show as they touched the dancing flames.

The Fire Spectacular was an exceptional event that included many of Sacramento and northern California's premiere fire dance performers. The performers involved in this year’s event provided great family entertainment.

Many of the troupes are also available for private parties and other bookings. The last time I saw Obsidian Butterfly they performed at a Sweet Dreams fundraising event and many in attendance were awestruck and happy as they left the event.

Log on to the performer's webpage to learn more about each of the groups and to find their performance schedules if available. Several of the performers also offer workshops and classes for the public.

The Fire Spectacular was a visual delight that lit up the Land Park Amphitheater as well as the faces of children and adults who witnessed dazzling performances at the event.

Sequoia Jennifer Dawn together with Obsidian Butterfly continues to create a very entertaining annual event that amuses and inspires its audience. Like many of the visitors who attended the Fire Spectacular I look forward to next year's event.

Hot Italian Hot Lunch Concert Series continues

2012-08-09T06:34:55Z

Friends of Fremont Park in Midtown have teamed up with Hot Italian again to present the Hot Lunch Concert Series, Thursdays from 11:30 a – 1:00 p for...

Hot Italian’s Hot Lunch Concert Series continues until August 30 at Fremont Park.

The lunch time weekly concert series on August 2 featured the talents of Gabriella Ruiz and Survival Guide.

The Jerry Perry production feature continues to present gifted local artists in concert every Thursday from 11:30 – 1 p.m.

Because of the heat a canopy covered the performers providing much needed shade.

Gabriella Ruiz was performing when I arrived at the concert and noticed right away that her lovely melodies enchanted guests and friends in attendance.

The 15-year-old Ruiz played several original and cover songs including “Santeria” and “Ain't Nothing 'bout You.” Ruiz played a great acoustic guitar and her refreshing presentations came through drawing new fans.

I was fortunate to watch her perform at Concerts in the Park last year while Perry was still promoting the event. Many of this year’s Hot Italian concert performers have performed at Concerts in the Park in previous years.

The relationship that Perry has established with local performers allows for joint collaboration between music promoter and musicians. That collaboration will probably come together as musical guests are being put together for the Chalk it Up event scheduled in September at Fremont Park.

The featured band for this concert was Survival Guide.

The duo of Emily Whitehurst and Jaycen Mckissick played a variety of instruments while performing.

The Survival Guide duo performed some of their original tunes along with some covers and treated the audience to a yet unnamed song.

Survival Guide also took the opportunity to play a song or two never played in public before. Both performers complement each other as lead and backup singers.

As Survival Guide came down to the end of their set they played a wonderful rendition of “Straight Up” with a beautiful piano accompaniment.

Their “Shrouded in Steel” was the last song performed and Whitehurst thanked guests for showing up to the event.

When visiting their webpage visitors can watch Survival Guide's You Tube video “Prohibition Pts. 1 & 2."

The Hot Italian Hot Lunch Music series has come down to its last four concerts of the year. Exquisite Corps who recently released their debut CD will be the featured guest of the next concert.

Moonlight Costume Ball at Fairytale Town

2012-08-07T02:13:35Z

King Arthur’s Castle, a pirate ship setting and Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest were a great background for the third annual Moonlight Costume Ball held at Fairytale Town on Friday, Aug. 3. This year’s theme was “Men in Tights.”

The event was held to raise funds to renovate Fairytale Town’s Sherwood Forest playset. Sharlene Lal-Hernandez, education and program manager at Fairytale Town, estimated that over 400 people attended the 21-and-over ball.

The Mother Goose Theater served as a concert stage for the Celtic rock band Tempest. This prolific San Francisco-based group was formed in 1988, and has 15 CDs to their credit. Tempest continues to tour regularly and is currently on a West Coast tour until Nov. 17.

Fusing rock, Irish, Scottish, Norwegian and other world music styles, Tempest entertained its audience, and many took to the dance floor in front of the stage. Their elaborate costumes fit the “Men in Tights” theme.

The Pirates of Sacramento Meetup group attended, having encouraged their members to attend the ball and help with the fundraiser. The group was in character, wore splendid pirate costumes and spoke in “pirate” style.

The next big event for Pirates of Sacramento will be Oct. 20-21, at the Folsom Renaissance Faire.

The weather on Saturday night was pleasantly cool. However, the Sizzling Sirens Burlesque Experience changed that, as their sizzling hot performance lit up the audience when the group took the stage.

The Sizzling Sirens can be seen at many venues in Sacramento, and have performed at the Crocker Art Museum, Dive Bar and regular gigs at Harlow’s.

The talented group was quite entertaining, and had a captive and responsive audience who cheered what they saw on stage. This imaginative group is in the process of bringing the tasteful (and at times, not so refined) art of burlesque back to events in Sacramento and surrounding areas.

The Sizzling Siren Show performs every third Thursday of each month at Harlow's.

Food was available at the Dish & Spoon Café and the Wicked ‘Wich food truck. A no-host bar sold alcoholic beverages to keep the merry men and women in good spirits.

Another highlight of the evening was a costume contest. Several categories were announced, and the audience cheered for its favorite contestants.

Prizes were awarded for best costumes, and dancing followed until the event ended.

Noting that the ball was in its third year, I asked Lal-Hernandez who came up with the event. She told me that Fairytale Town’s executive director Kathy Fleming came up with the idea.

Asked about the concepts of themes for the ball, Lal-Hernandez said, “We change the concept every year. Last year it was ‘Arabian Nights,’ the first one was ‘Once Upon a Night’ and it was a fairytale theme, and last year we had ‘Arabian Nights.’”

Lal-Hernandez also said that it took about six months of planning to do this year’s event.

During the event, DJ Matt from Extreme Productions, who was playing in between acts, continued playing as guests danced the rest of the evening away.

The event was quite a hit, and allowed guests to showcase often homemade elaborate costumes.

Entertainment for the evening was just as intricate, as sizzling performances hit the stage.

As Prince John in “Men in Tights” said, “Tell everyone that when the day is out, we shall have a wedding. Or a hanging. Either way, we're gonna have a lot of fun, huh?” Indeed, although there were no hangings or weddings, the third annual Moonlight Costume Ball was a lot of fun!

More photos from the event can be found here.

Final show of the year for Folsom's newest concert series

2012-08-04T01:39:30Z

The Folsom Palladio music series “On the Stage” celebrated its last show of the year on Wednesday, August 1.

The latest Wednesday night concert series in Folsom began on June 3 and ended with The Department of Rock performing at the last concert of the year.

The concerts were held at Palladio at Broadstone during its inaugural year. Judging from the shows I saw I’m certain the concert series will return.

The Department of Rock is a retro rock band that delighted the audience at hand at the Palladio shopping center. Playing music from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and beyond, The Department of Rock’s music enticed audience members to move, jump and dance.

The band’s website describes them as; “The Department of Rock is a secret organization that monitors, supports, and defends your right to party. This organization was created under a presidential directive to police and monitor all partying rights. The Department of Rock’s ultimate mission is to protect and defend the nation from sub-standard rock. The Department of Rock will not rest until they have reshaped the world in their own image.”

Four Go-Go dancers performed during the performance. The dancers encouraged the audience to dance and their beauty and charm could not be refused. Fans of all ages danced and enjoyed the family friendly concert.

Retro covers songs were performed by the band and their repertoire was quite impressive as they sang songs by Michael Jackson, The Police, Beatles, Beastie Boys, Billy Idol, AC/DC and many more.

The Department of Rock has toured across the U.S. and internationally. Their current August tour will take them to Swabbies on the River on August 5, the San Bruno Summer Concert Series on August 10, San Clemente Fiesta Festival on August 12, Thunder Valley Casino on August 17, Palo Alto Art & Wine Festival and the Power House in Folsom on August 25. Their last show of August will be on the 31st at Bergmann’s in Lincoln.

The Department of Rock website is quite comprehensive and includes some cover songs, music video links, photos, tours and much more information.

The inaugural 2012 Palladio at Broadstone concert series came to a close as The Department of Rock played one encore song. The concert series was well attended and helped draw customers to the outdoor mall.

Several stores held grand openings and offered shopping discounts during the period “On the Stage” concert series was presented. The two month concert series was well received and audiences grew larger as local and regional acts were brought to the stage. I look forward to next year's concerts at Palladio.

Hair & Fashion Battle Fundraiser 2012

2012-08-01T07:29:00Z

The 2012 Hair & Fashion Battle Fundraiser was held at the Sacramento Scottish Rite Masonic Center on Saturday.

The competition serves as a fundraiser for the Roberts Family Development Center. The center provides services to families with children facing challenges in school and to families who have a desire to improve their existing circumstances.

This fundraiser helps set up scholarships for deserving children and allows them to participate in fun, recreational activities year-round and hands-on education.

The annual competition showcases innovative hair and fashion styles and designs and brings them to the runway. Cash and other prizes are awarded to the top salon and designers and raffle prizes, donated by the many sponsors of the show, are given away throughout the show.

The Hair & Fashion Battle Fundraiser was presented by A Berry Special Event. The all-in-one wedding and event planning service provider can supply everything needed for a successful event. Decorations, planning, designs, florist service, equipment rentals and DJ services are just a few of the personalized services they provide.

The Hair & Fashion Battle Fundraiser featured celebrity guest Jackie Christie, also known as the wife of former Sacramento Kings player, Doug Christie. Looking quite ravishing, Jackie Christie was a gracious host, introducing the salons and designers as they took the stage and announcing raffle winners during breaks. Throughout the event Christie’s comments were pleasant and encouraging. Christie will soon be starting her second season in Basketball Wives LA.

A few hours before the Hair Battle a casting call for the Jackie Christie Fashion Line took place. Models selected from the casting, administered by Magnum Opus, will walk in a future Jackie Christie Line runway show.

The 2012 theme of “Past, Present, Future" gave each designer and salon an opportunity to showcase their many talents and visitors to the event waited in anticipation. Fashion was not restricted to the stage as several guests showed up in stylish outfits. Vendors at the event also shared their fashionable goods and services and allowed guests the opportunity to network with each other and the showcased businesses.

Salons, models, vendors, photographers, entertainers and designers were on hand hours before the show. Preparation for the event had started months in advance and continued until the last minute before the competition began. Before the event most of the salons and designers prepared backstage. Others came to the battle ready to go except for a few last minute changes.

I took time to speak with one of the salons that was getting ready for the event. The large group worked on elaborate makeup and practiced their runway walk.

The collaboration of Bernae’s International Academy (BIA) and Transformations Makeup Institute won the Salon 2011 competition. Carnette Burnett, Yolanda Gibson and Ginger Wong talked about their strategy and last year’s event.

“…We’re actually the reigning winners, the champs. We were last year’s champs and we’re back to defend our title,” Burnett said.

BIA and Transformations partnered for the event and worked well together. Last year was the first year of the event and the partnership won Best Hair, Best Makeup and Best Models.

Burnett followed up saying, “We don’t really know who the competition is this year. We just go into these things because it’s a lot of fun for all of us.”

BIA The Salon is owned by Carnette and Maurice Burnett. They are located at 1320 20th Street in Sacramento. Burnett said they have been at their current location for the past 10 years and have been in business for 28 years.

“We were surprised as to how many awards we won last year,” Burnett noted. “We were excited we won but we took nothing for granted. When we do a competition like this we do two to three months planning for the show.”

When asked about this year’s expectations Wong said, “I think we’ve won just by doing this and being involved.”

Burnett followed saying, “We love the camaraderie with Transformations and BIA.”

After winning last year’s event BIA and Transformations were asked by Channel 10 to bring extreme makeup and signed a contract to do hair and make-up for the station for a year. The competition helped bring the teams to the attention of a lot of people.

The first half of this year’s show brought four teams to the stage. Salons and designers took turns taking the stage. Jacks Hair Shop, Hair by Darlene with stylist Darlene Ragan was the first salon to participate. Tailand Designs by Latiya Gholar-Abdullah represented the first designer in the battle. The Cleo Cartel Hair Concept salon with stylist Cleo Cartel and designs by Jewlz by Tonya Felish showcased their wonderful creations as well. An entertaining show by Salons Within with stylists Andrea Avilla and Christa Fisher closed the first half.

A performance by the RTB Dance Group followed the intermission break.

Magnificent designs from Electrik by Eshonna Trice began the second half of the Hair Battle. Stylist Madrid Johnson also brought his Madrid’s International salon to the battle. Madrid International was another salon that thoroughly entertained spectators.

Designer Faatui Toele, last year’s design winner, brought his 2WEE collection to the stage in the second half, and the final contestant for the event was the BIA and Transformations team. The team impressed the audience and judges as they tried to retain their title.

The five judges for the event gave their thoughts at the end of each designer and salon presentation. The judges were at times brutally honest and each judge spoke after each showing.

Judges for the event were makeup artist Eddie Clark; hair stylist and makeup artist Sidney Lee; fashion photographer Tom Huynh; Bay Fashion Magazine, Volo and Haute Couture Magazine publisher Shankha Goswami; and fashion designer Rory Castillo.

After all the performances and fanfare, the BIA and Transformations and 2WEE designs held their titles and were proclaimed the winners of this year’s Hair & Fashion Battle Fundraiser.

After the show I again approached the BIA and Transformations team to get their thoughts on the evening’s event.

“I felt that all the hard work, planning and the partnership of the two teams, BIA and Transformations is always a winning combination whether we win or not, because it’s all about the process,” Wong said.

When asked if they would return to once again defend their title Wong stated, “Absolutely! You know what? I’m really proud of all the talent and I know how hard this industry, the beauty industry is, and I commend everybody for giving their extra time in addition to earning a living to do all the work that it takes to do something like this. Best wishes to everybody.”

A Berry Special Event owner Marlett Berry put together a wonderful show that brought many northern California fashionistas together for an entertaining show. The collaboration between designers, models, style and community vendors, photographers, salons and many other groups provided a great fashion venue.

The Hair & Fashion Battle Fundraiser showcased the marvelous salon and design talents of Sacramento and surrounding areas and benefited the Roberts Family Development Center. The addition of Jackie Christie to this year’s event gave the battle more credence and prominence.

Disclosure: I served as one of the Official Show Photographers for the Hair & Fashion Battle Fundraiser

Midweek in Midtown at Launch 2012

2012-07-27T23:05:26Z

Launch 2012 presented an exciting evening full of art and music on 20th Street between J and K Streets.

The front of the Midtown Art Retail Restaurant Scene (MARRS) building served as the stage for some great music. The Honey Trees, I’m Dirty Too and Doombird played and also featured a CD release and performance by Exquisite Corps.

Terra Lopez of Sister Crayon was also on hand and served as DJ for the event.

The first band to perform was The Honey Trees. The band is composed of musicians from Sacramento and San Luis Obispo. Becky Filip and Jacob Wick founded The Honey Trees in 2008. The current line-up includes Jacob’s brother, Aaron Wick on drums and Austin I'Anson on bass.

In between acts I was able to ask The Honey Trees a few questions about the event. The band members are very cordial and from the time I spent with them seemed to be a fun group to hang around with.

Filip noted that she’s from Roseville and Jacob Wick stated that the band is based out of San Luis Obispo.

When asked if they met in San Luis Obispo Filip said, “We met up here in Roseville.” Wick followed saying, “We met seven years ago and then the drummer Aaron who is my brother and Austin who’s a friend of ours play together in a band as well.”

Wick said that he met Filip and they started playing together in 2008. The foursome has been playing together as a group for about two years.

Filip followed saying, “We’ve had people playing in and out of the band and we don’t have a set band yet so they fill in when they can.”

The Honey Trees shared that they were glad to have been part of this year’s Launch. Since they’re based in San Luis Obispo they usually don’t know about many of Sacramento’s events but would like to be more involved.

Filip shared that the event felt like a much larger venue than Second Saturday. The Honey Trees have played in Sacramento before. They have played at Luigi’s several times as well as at the Shady Tree and the Crest Theater and are looking for other Sacramento venues to play.

The Honey Trees New also have record is in the works. Wick shared that they have a You Tube music video that’s doing well and has received a lot of attention.

At the moment they have no other events booked and are focusing on writing.

The Honey Trees shared what they enjoyed about the show saying things like, “I thought it was really fun. It was cool to see people stop and actually listen to the whole thing. We fed off the audience as they showed their appreciation while we played. We got a lot of good feedback and enjoyed the show.”

Down the middle of 20th Street the magnificent work of talented architects and designers showcased work made out of recycled materials and original work.

The middle of the street was decorated with art, furniture, architectural and miscellaneous designs. An elaborate structure filled most of the middle of 20th Street by an Architecture Pavilion. The structures fascinated the many visitors to the event. The project was built out of cardboard bales showcasing a very creative use of the recycling process.

The Architecture Pavilion will be on display once again on Saturday, July 28 at the Cesar Chavez Plaza Launch Music Festival event.

Launch Events’ Clay Nutting at one point welcomed guests saying, “Welcome to Launch Midtown Edition our little street festival is underway. Make sure you go to check out all the vendors.”

Nutting also introduced Jason A. Silva who designed the Launch 2012 Architecture Pavilion, “You might notice we have some amazing architectural installations and I love to introduce Jason to give us a few words about it.”

Silva began by saying, “I’m glad you guys could all come. This is a really exciting opportunity that we’re able to present something that came out of the bowels from a bunch of us in my office.” Silva thanked people at his office as well as the firm of Dreyfuss & Blackford Architects.

A brief description of the pavilion was made by Silva. As he pointed to the structure that started near J Street, “It grows out of the ground and then stands up basically going through a birth. The growth period continues until a point of stability at the end. Then it’s sliced off and this is like the guts.” Silva’s enthusiasm as he spoke showed his passion for the project.

Silva continued saying, “The cardboard and what it represents is the process where after the cardboard is gone it gets shredded up and the shredded process will also be fed into a digester at American River Packaging.” Silva noted that American River Packaging is a sponsor that provided all the cardboard used.

Silva continued and described the process further saying, “The cardboard will be mixed with a little bit of a food product, like squished up tomatoes and other things like plant processing and it will produce methane gas. The methane gas is fed into a turbine and then the turbine makes electricity which powers the plant that makes the cardboard so that a full environmental circle takes place.”

Describing the rest of the structure Silva noted that the structure then grows out of the ground, almost like a phoenix. “It starts out from the earth and then grows again and then flies off at the very end,” Silva said.

The last piece of the structure was just as fascinating and Silva continued, “At the end we have a square structure that you slide in on the side and you’re able to look up at the sky and have it framed by the cardboard as well as there’s a mirror at the bottom that gives you a reflection up to the sky of the cardboard.”

Silva once again gave thanks to American River Packaging, Dreyfuss & Blackford Architects and SMUD.

I’m Dirty Too followed taking the stage to rock the Midtown Launch. Zac Brown on guitar and Jess Gowrie on drums make up this dynamic duo.

The local band played a series of songs that showcased Brown’s vocals and guitar while Gowrie held nothing back as her hair flew in all directions while she played the drums. The hard rock duo electrified the air.

Doombird brought their popular sound to the stage and delighted the audience.

As I walked around the 20th Street earlier in the day I heard several comments about Doombird by several fans who indicated they came because Doombird was playing.

One of Doombird’s fans, Dani Walker said, “I’ve been a fan for a while now and if you haven’t seen them play before you’re in for a great musical treat.” Walker’s words came to be as Doombird played a wonderful set.

The headline act was Exquisite Corps who also released their new CD.

Exquisite Corps was one of the most popular bands at last year’s Launch at the Greens Hotel.

Bryan Valenzuela’s lyrics, vocals and guitar were impressive and the stylish string section takes Exquisite Corps to where few bands have ventured.

The harmonic compositions and blends by Krystyna Taylor on cello, Reylynn Goessling on violin and Krisint Arnold on viola add a pleasant and dynamic mix to their sound.

Robbyn Dean on Drums and Nathan Webb on bass add the rock blend into the mix creating for impressive performances. The classical/rock compositions leave new audiences in awe and Wednesday’s performance was no exception. Their performance was exquisite and delighted new and established fans.

It will be interesting to get public opinion after Launch 2012 ends but by looking at the audiences that have been showing up to each Launch event it appears to be a success.

Launch Events continues with the Launch x Fashion Showcase on Friday, July 27 and the Launch Music Festival on Saturday, July 28.

Launch screening of Shut up and Play the Hits at the Crest

2012-07-25T09:26:34Z

On July 18 Launch Events presented a screening of Shut up and Play the Hits at the Crest Theater.

Before the screening began DJ Whores entertained at the bar in the lobby where fans enjoyed some of their favorite alcoholic drinks.

The movie screening documents the last few days of LCD Soundsystem. Part of the focus also covers their last show held at Madison Square Garden.

The screening played for one night only, on July 18 in 19 theaters throughout the U.S. The one-day showing has now been extended and will play at many more theaters beginning this week. The movie will play at the Tower Theater on August 1.

LCD Soundsystem fans at the Crest clapped at the end of songs being played on the big screen. Appreciation for the movie was apparent and the end of the film also received an ovation from fans at the Crest.

Launch Events had a table in the lobby where tickets to Launch were being sold and included other information on the event. Launch Events’ Michael Hargis and Clay Nutting also attended to answer questions fans might have.

The screening of Shut up and Play the Hits also served to showcase the commitment and appreciation Launch has for music.

Since Sacramento's Launch music and design festival has continued to grow every year so does the quality of musicians, artists, fashion and furniture designers and other artistic entertainment.

Last year’s event at the Greens Hotel showed that the one day event needed to expand as well. As a result of the growth his year's Launch will take place at different midtown and downtown venues and will be a six day series of events.

On Saturday, July 28 an all-day concert featuring nearly 20 musical acts will be held at Cesar Chavez Plaza.

When asked about the evening’s event Hargis said, “This is Shut up and Play the Hits, tonight is the world premier of the movie and it’s playing all around the United States. It’s about LCD Soundsystem and their last few days and what the group was all about and what they went through.”

Inside the theater guests waited in anticipation and could still hear DJ Whores’ set from their seats.

Before the actual movie screening began Launch Events’ Nutting spoke about the show and Launch.

Nutting gave a short rundown on what to expect during Launch 2012 saying, “We have six days of events starting on Monday July 23rd and ends on July 28 with a big festival at Cesar Chavez Plaza. Performing will be Chromeo, Grouplove, The Joy Formidable, chk, chk, chk (!!!) Gardens and Villa, the line up just goes on and on. We feel that we’ve worked really hard to put together a very compelling and unique event that showcases a lot of local talent and a lot of emerging artists. We hope you’ll get out there and support us.”

Launch has received much fan support but since the venue has grown so much the support of Sacramento audiences is crucial this year. Nutting continued, “It’s important to have word of mouth so let people know you’re going to Launch and you can use hashtag Launch2012 to let them know you’re going. Please use twitter and other social media to get the word out. We have something special here that we’re trying to make it bigger and better to compete against some other festivals across the country. “

Nutting ended by saying, “Your support is very important to us and we appreciated it."

Comparisons to Coachella, South by Southwest and Launch are being made. Launch Events hopes that it continues to attract fans to the Sacramento festival on a yearly basis. Looking at the caliber of the many musical acts, fashion, architecture and designers that have attended in previous years I can envision Sacramento to one day be known through the U.S. and maybe the world for this event.

After the movie an after party with Shaun Slaughter followed at K BAR which is on the corner of 10th and K Street across from the Crest.

Launch Events has embarked on an ambitious project with Launch 2012 and has worked hard to bring this large venue to Sacramento. Their hard work, organization and perseverance have the potential to pay off and can help get other name acts to attend the yearly Launch festival.

Support local talent by supporting one or several of the venues created by Launch Events. More information and ticket information can be found on their webpage and Facebook.

Third Annual Wine, Cheese & Bread Faire

2012-07-24T06:18:47Z

The Old Sugar Mill hosted the Third Annual Wine, Cheese & Bread Faire on Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22, 2012.

Guests to the event received a thermos tote bag with the Old Sugar Mill logo for keeping purchased items cool. A commemorative wine glass was given to guests 21 and over for sampling the many wines.

The main entrance building housed local wineries that offered free samples, and also offered a larger wine sampling for wine aficionados willing to pay a small extra fee.

Artisan cheese tasting and fresh-baked breads were available at an adjacent building for visitors to enjoy. Guests sampled other regional items such as olive oils, chocolates and other locally made products.

Many of the items available for sampling were perfect pairings for parties, picnics and other similar events. Several people who bought wine, bread and cheese took their purchases and appreciated sharing them outdoors, while enjoying live music from Solsa Entertainment.

To keep guests cool on this hot day, a series of canopy tents were set up, which provided pockets of shade in their courtyard.

A cigar lounge, along with arts and crafts areas, also attracted guests to the outdoors. The historic beauty of the Old Sugar Mill attracts groups that use the facility for various events. Both occupied and abandoned buildings add ambiance to this old site.

Several wineries are housed at the Old Sugar Mill. Heringer Estates, Clarksburg Wine Company, Elevation Ten Winery, R. Merlo Family Vineyards, Todd Taylor Wines, Three Wine Company, Rendez-Vous Winery and Carvalho Family Wines currently occupy the space. These wineries offer wine tasting throughout the year, and an exquisite wine sampling of mostly Clarksburg American Vitcultural Area (AVA) vineyards.

The event was well-attended, and at times lines of people waited for a wine tasting spot to open. The wineries have sitting areas and several patrons enjoyed a bottle of their favorite vintage wine with friends.

Guests were also treated to cheese education seminars, where classes were offered on cheese-making. These classes were offered for a small extra fee. The live-chef demonstrations were quite popular and included chefs from Sacramento restaurants.

I attended a cheese-making class offered by Mulvaney’s at the B&L of Sacramento, in which the chef created a delicious blend of mozzarella cheese and guests were able to enjoy the recently made, and still warm, cheese samplings.

The Old Sugar Mill presentation of the Wine, Cheese & Bread Faire was a lot of fun, and the many samplings available made this a savory experience.

About the only thing missing from the event was a place to lie down and take a nap. The many gourmet food samplings, wine and heat wore down several guests. Event coordinators did include information about discount rates at the Le Rivage Hotel, located about 10 minutes from the Old Sugar Mill.

The Old Sugar Mill offers various events throughout the year, and the wineries on site offer wine tasting from some of the best local vineyards.

The Old Sugar Mill is located in scenic Clarksburg, about 15 minutes from downtown Sacramento. Winery tours, barrel tasting and wine tasting are available daily.

Weddings and special events can also be coordinated with the Old Sugar Mill. Their next public event will be Hot August Whites on Aug. 25-26.

Padres overtake the River Cats

2012-07-24T01:53:46Z

The Sacramento River Cats faced off against their division rival the Tucson Padres on a hot Sunday afternoon at Raley Field.

The Tucson Padres were quiet for the first four innings as the River Cats’ starting pitcher Tyson Ross kept them without a hit.

In the first inning the River Cats looked strong, as Jermaine Mitchell started off the River Cats’ bottom of the inning with a double. Collin Cowgill followed with a walk and Josh Donaldson singled to left field.

With the bases loaded and nobody out, prospects looked good for a high-scoring first inning.

Kila Ka'aihue registered the first out as he popped to second base. Michael Taylor reached first on a fielding error and Mitchell scored the first run of the game.

The error also moved Cowgill to third and Donaldson to second.

With the bases still loaded, Daric Barton came to bat. Barton hit into a confusing double play, ending the River Cats’ rally. The double play was contested by manager Darren Bush and other players, but to no avail. Somewhere between the bottom of the first and the top of the second, Bush was ejected from the game.

No other scoring by either team materialized until the top of the fifth inning.

Tucson was hitless until Matt Clark started off the top of the fifth with a triple to center field. Jeremy Hermida followed with a single and Clark scored Tucson’s first run and tied the game.

Sawyer Carroll grounded into a force out, and Hermida was out at second base. The Tucson threat ended when Beamer Weems grounded into a double play.

When Mitchell came to bat to start the fifth, he delivered a go-ahead home run to right field. With the River Cats leading 3-1, Cowgill flied out to record the first out of the inning.

Donaldson must have received a tip from Mitchell, and he followed with his 11th homer of the season to left field.

Ka'aihue and Taylor recorded outs that ended the fifth inning, and neither team could muster any runs in the sixth. The River Cats could not score any more runs after the fifth, but Tucson was not done scoring.

At the top of the seventh inning Clark struck out for Tucson’s first out. Hermida followed with his first homer of the year on a fly ball to right field. Carroll grounded out and Jesus Merchan followed with a single.

Ross was replaced by relief pitcher Rich Thompson. Thompson walked the first batter he faced, and that moved Merchan to second. Robert Kral followed with a single, Merchan scored and also moved Weems to second.

Robertson flied out to left field, ending the inning, and by this time the score was once again tied at 3-3.

The Padres scored again in the eighth when Merchan was walked with the bases loaded. Tucson did not give up their first lead of the game as they went ahead 4-3.

A Tucson victory was sealed in the ninth after a wild pitch brought pinch runner Andy Parrino home.

The Sacramento River Cats, who have the best record in the Pacific Coast League, Pacific Southern Division, lost to the Tucson Padres, who hold the worst record in that division, by a final score of 5-3.

“Art-rageous Cars” at the California Automobile Museum

2012-07-21T07:38:21Z

The California Automobile Museum, located at 2200 Front St., holds a monthly Third Thursday event, with activities for all family members.

On the third Thursday of every month, the museum keeps its doors open until 9 p.m. These events are free to California Automobile Museum members, and for nonmembers admission is half off from 5-7 p.m. Kids under five are admitted for free.

Children’s activities are provided inside the museum, helping make this a family-friendly event.

Live music by the High Strung band also provides entertainment inside the museum.

Exhibits at the museum are always changing. A current exhibit features the “Citroёn: L’icône français” (“Citroen: The French Icon”) that runs until July 29. The exhibit opened on May 26 and showcases several vehicles that are now everyday icons of French culture. Legendary Citroen vehicles include the Traction Avant, 2CV and DS models.

Another current exhibit is “No Job Too Big,” which showcases vehicles used on the job. Police cars, buses and other such vehicles will be on exhibit until Sept. 9. One working vehicle that was not part of the museum exhibit but did a great job was a roadside assistance AAA vehicle. I accidentally locked my keys inside my car and AAA was able to get into my vehicle to retrieve my keys.

“No Job Too Big” displayed various vehicles that keep our communities moving, such as taxis, hauling trucks, tow trucks and utility vehicles. The exhibit was put together to help visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the role these vehicles and their drivers play in our communities.

The mission of the California Automobile Museum is “to preserve, exhibit, and teach the story of the automobile and its influence on our lives.” Docents play a big part in helping to accomplish the museum’s mission, and they are very knowledgeable about almost every vehicle on display.

Docents at the event are very hospitable. The friendly docents I met were able to tell stories going back to the beginning of the museum.

For example, one of the docents told a story about the Towe Ford Museum, which was first conceived when a bunch of car enthusiasts got together for coffee and began talking about their vehicles. Edward Towe at the time had the largest collection of any one make of cars in the world. The Ford vehicles he owned proved to be the impetus for the Towe Ford Museum.

The current California Automobile Museum has gone through many changes and has come to a point where it is reaching out to the community through various new programs. One of their goals is to grow their educational program.

As part of Third Thursday, the museum’s theme for the event was “Art-rageous Cars.” The evening’s event was created as a family fun night at the museum. Hands-on activities for children were provided at a large table near the entrance.

Free guided tours also created a fun learning atmosphere for visitors,

Natalie Minas, a marketing specialist at the museum, talked about the event and exhibits on display. Minas indicated that the museum rotates exhibits throughout the year to attract visitors and tell the history of the automobile.

When asked about the privately owned vehicles in the parking area, Minas said, “The cruise in is held every third Thursday of the month. We open the museum doors until 9 where normally we close at 6 p.m. The idea is to get people in here who love cars. We want to have a family-oriented event with live music and have some type of food here so that people can have dinner at the museum and have a good time. We want to show the community that we’re here and our doors are open.”

Minas stated that their next exhibit will be called “1968.” Minas explained, “The ‘1968’ exhibit is going to tell the story of that year and we’re going to have a lot of cars from that time. It’s going to be something new for us and will be a lot bigger.”

The Third Thursday Cruise is new this year. Minas said, “The cruise is our inaugural for this year. My job here is to help coordinate these kinds of events and I wanted to bring in something fun for everyone. We’re thinking about doing themed car shows in the future, but for now I want to leave it open.”

When asked about the “Art-rageous Cars” theme Minas responded, “We want to boost our education department and that was the whole idea behind this. We wanted to get more parents and kids involved and understand more about what we do here. We want to reach out to that audience, to get them here and work together on projects with each other. The idea is to have them come in, have fun and leave with a souvenir.”

There are about 150 docents at the museum, noted Minas. “They go through a lengthy program and are all very dedicated. They love it here, they love the cars, are super enthusiastic, and they love giving tours they’re one of our biggest assets,” said Minas.

The California Automobile Museum’s next event will be held Aug. 4. Minas said, “The fourth annual CAM cruise will take place on Fulton Avenue. We’re expecting about 500 cars to participate in the cruise and at 4 o’clock they’re going to cruise from Sac State to Fulton and Marconi and will have a big car show there. It’s free for spectators and we’ll have live music, a beer garden, food trucks and huge car show. This will be a fun summer event.”

The museum offers an extensive selection of classes for both children and adults. School tours are also provided and are in line with the California curriculum standards and frameworks.

Visit the California Auto Museum to see a listing of vehicles on exhibit, view photos, read about current and past exhibits, and enjoy a full listing of future events. Membership, volunteer and donation information is also available on their website.

CIP on Friday the 13th

2012-07-20T22:57:52Z

Concerts in the Park is about to close the 2012 season. The last concert will be held on Friday, July 27.

The July 20 concert has Walking Spanish, Jack and White, Autumn Sky and features CrookOne. The season finale will feature The Brodys, Early States, Hero’s Last Mission and features Chaotic Fusion.

This has been one of the most well attended seasons of Concerts in the Park also still known by many as Friday Night Concerts.

The July 13 show included The Left Hand, A Single Second, The Walking Dead, Another Damn Disappointment (ADD) and featured Blackheart.

Not only were these dynamic bands on the main stage but the show included performances by Supreme Pro Wrestling (SPW) who had a ring set up near J Street.

The always entertaining Supreme Pro Wrestling put together a handful of wrestling events for fans to enjoy. The ring was set close to J Street and a good size crowd gathered to see the good guys take on the wrestling villains to see who would claim bragging rights in and out of the ring.

The fantastic wrestling event entertained fans of all ages as SPW showcased various flying and stunning moves by the wrestlers.

A Single Second continues to be part of the CIP year in and year out. Shawn Peter, Aaron Holt, Jason 'Mogley' Tilsley and Dave Girard, as always, put on a great show.

A Single Second will be playing at the California State Fair on July 27. They will take the stage at 6 p.m. and Joan Jett will be headlining the show. This will be a great show and a good chance to show support for local bands.

I missed Left Hand and as I enjoyed the other sights and sound at CIP only caught a couple of songs by The Walking Dead.

Punk bands seem to outdo themselves and create a great atmosphere at the park. Mosh pits are pretty much controlled and are a great way to release tension and enjoy great music.

ADD did not live up to its name and their show had everyone moving to their deafening beats.

Join the many fans at Cesar Chavez Plaza to enjoy the last two shows of the year. Enjoy great ambiance, food, drinks, fun, friends and some great music from local bands.

Trash Film Orgy returns to the Crest Theater

2012-07-17T06:09:56Z

Trash Film Orgy returned to the Crest Theatre for the 12th season of its popular film festival on Saturday night.

The film festival began with the midnight showing of “Army of Darkness.” Each subsequent Saturday will feature other cult classics such as “Battle Royale,” “The Terminator,” “Flesh Gordon” (yes, “Flesh” not “Flash”), “Five Deadly Venoms,” and ends with the August 18 showing of “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School.”

Trash Film Orgy Productions has organized the Zombie Walk and the midnight movie festival since 2001.

Coinciding with July’s Midtown Art Walk, several bloody Zombie Walk participants enjoyed the sights and sounds of the Second Saturday events.

The Zombie Walk continues to grow in popularity, and has attracted hundreds of participants over the past few years. This year the crowd appeared to have been the biggest walk to date. No official count was taken, but I would guess over 1,200 participants made the walk.

Fans were encouraged to apply makeup before assembling at Cheap Thrills, located at 1712 L St. Zombies gathered at 9:30 p.m., and the walk to the Crest Theater was scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m.

Kill the Precedent, a Sacramento metal band, played as the zombie gathering brought dead heads, draggers, crawlers and other stiffs together.

KTP played an amazing set that temporarily brought the zombies back to life, as they grunted, shuffled, danced and bounced to the music. Several zombies even attempted to mosh.

A couple of makeup stations applied finishing touches for people that still needed bloody makeup. TFO and David Ainsworth, owner of Alchemy FX, helped to apply zombie makeup for people wanting to participate in the walk.

TFO organized the walk, giving instructions to the zombies. Zombies of all ages walked down L Street in droves and moved as directed by organizers. While following directions the zombies from time to time moved towards spectators who enjoyed their shenanigans.

The Zombie Walk continued to 13th Street before making a left on K Street towards their final destination.

The parade ended at the Crest Theater, where remaining ticket sales for the opening night of Trash Film Orgy 2012 were crisp.

TFO is for an 18-and-over crowd.

As the Crest Theater doors opened to the public, informational tables for TFO, Running Dead Zombie Mud Run and Callson Manor promoted current and future events.

Games were also part of the festivities before the movie, and many guests participated. The Crest Lounge was also open for business, serving wine and beer for guests 21 and over. This gave zombies time to recover before any more walking or staggering was to be done.

As midnight came around most of the guys and ghouls moved inside the theater. The sold-out performance began with the Mighty Tiki making some opening remarks, telling jokes, making other announcements and encouraging audience participation.

A short skit was performed by TFO and got the audience riled up for “Army of Darkness.”

The audience soon became involved, chanting “trash, trash, trash” as the Trash Film Orgy’s featured film began.

“Army of Darkness” fans soon began to cheer for Bruce Campbell’s character Ash (and Evil Ash) when he appeared onscreen. The 1993 film continues to entertain, and many in the audience had already memorized the movie dialogue, repeating meaningful (for the most part) lines as characters delivered them.

TFO Productions is a partnership between Darin Wood, Christy Savage and Amy Slockbower. TFO Productions has been working hard on their next future film, “Badass Monster Killer.” Funding for this feature is being acquired through various fundraisers, and the TFO Film Festival will help with its fundraising.

Next Saturday’s feature is the 2000 film “Battle Royale.” In this movie the Japanese government forces a group of ninth graders to kill each other. Thrilling, edge-of-your-seat plots like this are sure to be popular.

TFO encourages fans to attend wearing crazy and movie-themed costumes each night to enhance the experience. The TFO experience also includes stage shows and game booths for their TFO movies.

Help support the Sacramento-based motion picture production company by attending their fundraising events, as they include many fun activities for supporters. The TFO Film Festival runs from July 14 to August 18.

Sacramento River Cats beat Las Vegas again

2012-07-17T03:48:08Z

Much of the excitement during the River Cats game on Sunday afternoon happened during the bottom of the second inning as they faced the Las Vegas 51s.

The game did not start well for the River Cats, as Brad Peacock walked the first Las Vegas batter he faced. Las Vegas’ Anthony Gose wanted to test Peacock’s delivery and tried to steal second base. However, catcher Josh Donaldson was ready, and threw to second basement Eric Sogard as Gose was trying to steal second base.

Peacock proceeded to strike out Adeiny Hechavarria for the second out. Peacock pitched a strong six innings, and struck out eight Las Vegas batters.

David Cooper popped out to first baseman Daric Barton and ended the top of the first inning.

The River Cats started on the right foot on the bottom half of the first, as Sogard singled to center field. The quick start came to a screeching halt as Collin Cowgill grounded into a double play.

Donaldson tried to keep the inning alive by hitting a single. Kila Ka'aihue, however, popped out to end the inning.

Peacock started off the top of the second by striking out Travis Snider, and then struck out Yan Gomes. Eric Thames then singled to right fielder Michael Taylor. The 51s’ Mike McCoy grounded into a force out and Thames was called out at second base.

The bottom of the second inning decided the game.

Taylor began with a single to center. Barton hit his fifth home run on a deep drive to center field, scoring Taylor and making the score 2-0.

Las Vegas pitcher Scott Richmond appeared shaken, and walked the next batter Grant Green. Stephen Parker followed with a single, sending Green to second.

When Adam Rosales came to bat Richmond threw a wild pitch, sending Green to third. Rosales stood his ground and followed with his 16th double of the season, scoring Green and sending Parker to third.

Sogard followed with a single. Cowgill popped out for only the first out. Instead of the second out being recorded, Donaldson reached on the force attempt and as a result of a fielding error. The error caused confusion and Parker scored, Rosales ended on third base and Sogard was at second. By this time the River Cats led 4-0.

Ka'aihue followed the commotion with his ninth double of the season, allowing Rosales and Sogard to score, and sending Donaldson to third. Now with a 7-0 lead, Peacock had room to work with.

Taylor then singled to score Donaldson and send Ka'aihue to third.

Taylor sent Richmond to the showers, and Clint Everts was brought in to relieve.

The change quickly produced an out too, as Barton sent a sacrifice fly ball to left field, but it allowed Ka'aihue to score. Everts proceeded to strike out Green for the third and final out of the inning, but by this time the River Cats were up 8-0.

The River Cats would not have to score anymore, as the game ended up being 12-5 in favor of the Cats.

In addition to Barton, two other River Cats players, Green and Taylor produced homers. A strong six innings pitched by Peacock also ensured the River Cats win.

4th Annual Race for the Ring

2012-07-16T16:26:45Z

The 4th Annual Race for the Ring brought friends, co-workers, mothers and sons, fathers and daughters, and other family teams together at Raley Field on Saturday. About 300 people participated in the annual race, which was sponsored by Bank of America and had teams of two vying to win the race by going from place to place gathering clues at different sites in Sacramento. The teams biked 12-15 miles during the course of the event.

Using mobile phones and riding bicycles, each team received clues via text messages and moved to find the site in the clue. Teams raced to the spot and then picked up more text message clues. Points were awarded for reaching each destination and the time involved. Not all teams used bikes, and at least one team was seen riding scooters.

The winners of the adventurous scavenger hunt and Race for the Ring would eventually be rewarded with a ring that was valued around $5,000. The ring, donated by Rogers Jewelry Co., could be chosen from a selection of nine unique rings offered by Rogers.

Each participant also enjoyed lunch, a t-shirt and entry into the after-party at a Raley Field beer garden.

The Sacramento Press dug into personal stories of several participants as the race date approached. Their stories and interviews leading to the race allowed for sharing human stories regarding The Race for the Ring.

Many volunteers from Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services (SFBFS) provided wonderful hospitality to riders, greeting participants and watching over a silent auction table.

The event raised over 12,000 dollars for SFBFS, which offers free educational services along with emergency goods such as food and clothing.

All goods and services provided by SFBFS are free of charge to people in need. Donations from caring community members and companies make SFBFS services possible. Sacramento donors provide a majority of the donations, as SFBFS does not receive government funding.

SFBFS also has many volunteering positions and these volunteers help the organization succeed.

A mass exodus from Raley Field began the race and participants began to decipher the text messages received. I noticed a few puzzled looks and "friendly" disagreements among some teams as the race began. I would have loved to have had a bike of my own to follow a team.

After a couple of hours some teams came into Raley Field to gather other clues, and slowly other teams began to trickle in as they finished the race.

Waiting for the Race for the Ring participants was lunch, a beer garden, a buffet table full of fruit items and entertainment by Unlicensed Therapy.

Several prizes were given out, but the biggest prize was won by Bill and Ashley Ferreirae, a father-daughter team from Rancho Cordova.

Bill allowed his daughter to select the ring of her choice. I’m not sure how well they did in deciphering clues and where to go, but Ashley had a hard time selecting a ring. Her hand shook with excitement as she looked at and tried on rings.

Participants stayed to mingle and many sat at tables sharing their experiences and strategy. This is a fun, annual fundraising event that will continue to grow. Additional support for SFBFS comes from the Run to Feed the Hungry fundraiser.

Donors can participate in these two events or donate directly to SFBFS through their website. Volunteering opportunities are also available. For more information about Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, visit www.sacramentofoodbank.org.

La Bohème at Sacramento Crocker Park

2012-07-14T07:10:49Z

The Mondavi Center and the Crocker Art Museum offered a free opera screening in the park Thursday, July 12.

The screening took place across the street from the museum at the Sacramento Crocker Park. The marvelous Italian opera “La Bohème,” written by Puccini and performed by the San Francisco Opera, was presented when the weather had finally started to cool off.

Before the outdoor screening the Crocker Art Museum hosted their Thursdays ‘til 9 Art Mix series. Guests enjoyed live music by Yolo Mambo.

Yolo Mambo played an array of international songs. As I walked around Friedman Court I heard "Quizás, Quizás, Quizás” being performed and the song drew me in. The group played a blend of jazz, salsa, folk and other soulful tunes.

Yolo Mambo has released two CDs: “The Roulette of Romance” and “World Wide.” Several songs from each CD were shared with the audience. The group also mixed original tunes with cover songs and sang in Spanish, French and English.

Thursday’s Art Mix at the Crocker also included a tour of the exhibition “Red Hot and Blown: Contemporary Glass from the Crocker’s Collection,” which inspired this event.

The exhibition celebrates the 50th anniversary of the 1962 American studio-glass movement started in Toledo, Ohio. The process of creating several of the pieces in the exhibit was explained, and these explanations helped guests appreciate the finished work.

The exhibit, located on the third floor of the museum, will be on display until September 23.

A video showing behind-the-scenes footage of “La Bohème” played for visitors to enjoy. Looking outside the window, a few steps from where the video played, one could see the screening area at the Crocker Park, and several people had already set up areas from where they could enjoy the screening.

Rod Gideons, general director of the Sacramento Opera, had a table on the first floor that included information about the Sacramento Opera’s events.

Gideons pointed out that a Second Saturday event, a photographic exhibit celebrating the Sacramento Opera’s last three decades, was being held at 20th Street.

The showing of “La Bohème” was free to the public. People spread out lawn chairs and blankets on park grounds before the 8 p.m. screening.

A huge outdoor setup provided by ATV Video Center showed crisp video, and guests enjoyed the wonderful sound of an outdoor theater.

The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis and the Crocker Art Museum allowed the audience to enjoy the San Francisco Opera’s production.

The opera also included individual support from Barbara K. Jackson. The Puccini opera showed in front of over 150 guests.

“La Bohème” follows the story of starving artists falling in and out of love in 19th-century Paris. The opera includes comedy, love and tragedy, and the magnificent singing awakens the ears, heart and soul.

The digital recording was very well done and included the conducting mastery of the San Francisco Opera's music director Nicola Luisotti.

Guests were treated to a cast that included soprano Angela Gheorghiu as the ill-fated Mimì and tenor Piotr Beczala as her lover, the poet Rodolfo.

The screening went great for the first 25 minutes before some technical difficulties stopped the show. The patient audience sat and waited for the showing to restart. The break gave the audience time to mix.

By this time the weather was very pleasant. Mario Forte shared some thoughts, saying, “You know I was in Milan last year and saw ‘La Bohème’ at a small theater. My wife and I enjoyed the opera by Puccini and loved it. We heard about tonight’s event and we had to come. I think once the screening starts again you’re going to love it. Let’s change that … you will definitely love it.”

The four-part opera restarted after a 20-minute wait. The opera was sung in Italian and included English subtitles.

“La Bohème” at Crocker Park was quite enjoyable and Forte’s words came true. I definitely loved the showing and shared that feeling with others in the audience.

The Mondavi Center and Crocker Art Museum collaboration was well-received.

The Crocker’s Thursdays ‘til 9 series continues next Thursday with The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet, part of the Jazz in the Courtyard series.

The Perfect Summer 2012 Fashion Show

2012-07-11T23:31:14Z

Couture Press of Sacramento put together another memorable show on July 1 at Roseville’s The Station Bistro and Lounge.

The Perfect Summer 2012 fashion show featured an array of designs by local and Bay area designers. Models from the northern California region were able to showcase their talents as well.

Eddie Clark, Hairstylist and Makeup Artists, provided a staff to provide their specialty services for models at hand. Following designer requirements the Clark team created pieces of art showcased on models as they paraded down the runway.

Several vendors occupied stations in the back patio. On this hot day the vendors were able find shady spots to display their merchandise.

Leticia Vincent, Independent Passion Consultant, from Passion Parties returned as a vendor for the event. Vincent also offered readers of this article a 10% discount during July on products purchased by mentioning “Couture” when they order.

Yah Baby designers of sport tote bags had a display area with an assortment of bags in different styles, sizes and designs. Information requests about the individually made bags can be made by sending an email to mmspmc@pacbell.com.

Another station belonged to BeautiControl (BC) Spas with Mo. BeautiControl is a beauty company that specializes in Spa treatments, Personalized skin care and Advanced Anti-aging products (SPA).

Crystal Marie is a singer in the Sacramento area who recently branched out to create an accessories line crafted out of bottle caps. A table full of Cap’d Out 227 creations were exhibited and appeared to be quite popular.

Inside the lounge television sets ran video from the last Couture Press event.

Entertainment was provided for guests. Comedian Janelle Murphey spent some time doing stand up and entertained the audience before the fashion show began.

The Perfect Summer 2012 show began with Saul Ramirez Latvanen’s Goddess Warrior collection. His collection paid homage to strong women who evoke a hard work ethic.

Latvanen sited his mother as the inspiration for his remarkable collection.

The Goddess Warrior collection included several colorful outfits that made it look as if a mythical goddess walked down the runway.

Latvanen’s dramatic collection included footwear that looked as if wings ala Hermes were part of the shoes making for a theatrical look that had guests admiring the models from head to toe.

I talked to Latvanen and asked him several questions about his collection.

When asked if Latvanen was attending design school he noted that he was currently attending American River College. ARC has a fashion design department and Latvanen was able to participate in a recent fashion show at the school.

Latvanen indicated the Goddess Warrior was a recent collection saying, “This is my latest collection but my first collection was the one I designed for Sacramento Fashion Week.”

I asked Latvanen what other shows he had coming up and he indicated he was thinking about his next step. “I’m trying to figure out if I want to do men’s wear. I’m thinking about trying to showcase a men’s wear collection perhaps in spring of next year. I might show a small preview in a couple of months” said Latvanen."

The Goddess Warrior designer has attended ARC for a year and a half and will be earning a Fashion Design degree. When asked if he was planning on continuing his education after that Latvanen said, “I don’t know yet. I’m debating whether to move to L.A. and maybe go to design school there or move to New York I haven’t yet decided.”

Asked about his inspiration for fashion Latvanen said, “I’ve always seen my mom working in sewing but I wasn’t very interested in it until later when I wanted to help her out. I then fell in love with fashion. This collection is inspired by powerful women like goddess warriors so that’s my main inspiration.”

Latvanen shared some advice for new designers saying, “Apply yourself and go after something you want to do. If fashion design is calling, then they should just go straight into fashion design. That’s what I’m doing right now. I actually wanted to be a hairstylist. However once I started designing I fell in love with the process. Follow your passion and do your best.”

After Latvanen’s collection the audience saw designs by Crafty Creationz who create children’s clothing, accessories and customized wear.

Colorful dresses with matching shoes were also accessorized with beautiful bows on the models’ hair. The little models were not shy and it was obvious they had taken their training seriously as they posed while walking down the runway.

The Ajiale Couture followed showcasing all that is summer fashion.

Starting off by showing one and two piece crochet swimwear Ajiale Couture made a grand entrance.

The cutting edge collections also showed contemporary clothing meant for women from all walks of life and all sizes.

One and two piece outfits also paraded down the runway displaying various custom one of a kind outfits.

Ajiale’s collection showed the intricate handwork required to create this extensive collection.

Dericka Porter, Couture Press CEO and President, introduced Crystal Blue who performed a series of songs. Their set began with a great rendition of “Valerie.” Crystal Blue followed with “The House That Built Me” and continued to entertain the audience.

As visitors mingled they also were invited to visit the vendors in the back patio.

Crystal Blue continued to play other cover songs like “Ain’t no Sunshine” and “Free Falling.”

A raffle also gave guests the opportunity to go home with some prizes. One lucky lady kept going up to the stage as her numbers kept being selected.

As the show resumed guests were treated to Joycelynn Brown’s collection. The Kennie’s Doll collection featured colorful spring and summer outfits.

Several skirts and other outfits had floral prints and also include a 70s look.

Brown also walked down the runway with model Amara Carey wearing a stylish breathtaking sleeveless, floral summer outfit.

Philip Noynosoudachanh had a simple yet astonishing elegant collection. Several sleeveless dresses with exquisite lines varied in length including above the knee, at the knee as well as below.

Noynosoudachanh’s designs have already graced the pages of Sacramento News and Review, Submerge Magazine, ARC Arts Catalog and Helium Magazine.

Lacey Bannister’s Straight-Laced Boutique creations were the last set of outfits paraded down the runway.

Stunning headdresses created a theatrical showing. No less stunning were the outfits themselves.

Visions of futuristic tribal costumes paraded down the runway. The primary color for most of the collection was black. Another outfit brought a vision of a Brazilian Carnaval dancer and two beautiful white outfits completed the collection.

With a flair for the dramatic the Straight Laced Boutique made quite an impression.

Once the show ended I spent a few minutes with model Vanessa Briseño. At most of these fashion events, if time permits, I try to interview a model and designer to get some thoughts about the work they do.

I have seen Briseño at various venues and asked her about the event and about herself. The pleasantly enthusiastic model shared some thoughts.

Briseño stated that she walked the runway for Ajiale Couture and Joycelynn Brown. The model also shared how long she’s modeled saying, “I’ve modeled for two years now, still a newbie.”

Briseño was also the cover model for the flyer advertising the event. I asked about her association with Couture Press. “When I first started modeling they picked me up from a show I was doing for a vintage fashion line and I’ve been with them ever since. That happened within the first two months after I started modeling so I’ve been with them for almost two years.”

When asked about how many signed models Couture Press has Briseño answered, “I think we’re up to four or five models and I believe we have makeup artists now. I think that’s all so far, we’re still growing.”

Briseño also shared how she became interested in fashion. “I always wanted to do it. I’ve always been interested in fashion. I’m the one that everyone gets their outfits approved by in my household. My dad can’t even go out on a trip without me picking out all his outfits for his trips.”

Briseño indicated that she will be enrolled in school full time in the fall. She is hoping to enroll in Fire Technology and an EMT course. “I want to be a firefighter” she stated.

At the moment Briseño hopes to keep up with modeling even after becoming a firefighter saying, “I would definitely keep it up as long as I’m doing what I love and hope modeling will be a part of that.”

The Sacramento model keeps busy working two other jobs and will be doing another Couture Press show in October. Briseño’s future photo shoots for a boutique opening in Paris and New York will also keep her busy.

At the last Couture Press show I met model Noelle Staggers who had participated in Cycle 4 of America’s Top Model.

Since I last spoke with Staggers she related that she’s done a couple of artistic shoots in Reno. Staggers has also booked some photos hoots for a couple of lines that were shown and is looking forward to working with those designers.

Staggers shared that she’s slowly getting back into modeling. “I’m feeling comfortable with the designers I’ve been working with lately who make me want to model,” she said.

When asked about doing acting Staggers said, “I love acting I did a lot of improv stuff in theater when I was in school. Do I look like a theater geek? I’m a total drama geek. I love to do it and I’m very much an opportunist and feel you have to keep all your options open and as things approach you, you have to consider them.” Staggers noted that if an acting opportunity came her way she might just take it.

Staggers is a positive influence on other models and the younger ones really look up to her. Talking about model Alexis Pinkney and how she looks up to her Staggers said, “You know she’s very sweet. She’s been calling me her big sister a lot. The other day she was sick and she had to miss a show. I told her health is very important and you can’t be a good model if you’re throwing up on the runway; it’s not too cute. I have to remind young models, and others, not to forget to love yourself.”

When asked what advice she would give people wanting to become models Staggers stated, “I think I told you this the last time we talked but you have to love yourself. In addition to that, do it because you love it not just to feel pretty. A lot of young women think you have to be a model to be pretty. If you enjoy it and like being in front of the camera enjoy it but the second you stop enjoying it run in the other direction as fast as you can.”

Staggers revealed that during her stint at America’s Next Top Model she learned a lot and appreciated the feedback that kept her going. “An important thing I really learned from the show was networking. Everybody you meet you should be sweet to them, be endearing to them and keep their name because you never know when you might meet that person again.”

Staggers ended by saying, “I want to thank everyone for supporting me. I’ve had a lot of good fans who’ve stopped by to say hi. I want to thank people for looking out for me and wanting to come and see me. I appreciate all their support.”

Staggers’ charm and positive personality serve as a great example for other models. Her confidence on and off the runway is admirable and shows how much she enjoys what she does.

The Perfect Summer 2012 fashion show once again showcased some of northern California’s leading designers.

Couture Press continues to provide a platform for designers, models, hair and makeup artists to promote their work and style.

Independent talent in fashion is represented by Couture Press and during the fashion show their coordinated efforts were in top form. It took a lot of time and effort to coordinate the Perfect Summer 2012 show but the whole production flowed flawlessly.

Going Tribal Fashion Show at Sol Collective

2012-07-10T08:53:19Z

Alias Pink clothing and New Eruh presented a fashionable affair at Sol Collective on Friday, June 30. The “Going Tribal” fashion event showcased a variety of summer wear by designer Alisa Correa.

Entertainment was provided by DJ Mr. Vibe. The Sacramento DJ provided a very impressive collection of melodies that kept guests at the event bopping to the beats.

Appetizers and drinks were provided by Triple “A” Catering. A Delicious sampling of appetizers and drinks were prepared for guests. The many offering were provided by the family owned catering service.

A live performance by The Real Ill and DJ Mr. Vibe by kept the audience moving to their beats. The hip-hop performance by Real Ill was upbeat and entertained the audience.

Backstage hair and makeup was provided by the creative talents of several students from the Paul Mitchell School located at 2100 Arden Way. The school has provided services to many fashion events throughout the Sacramento region.

Paul Mitchell School students provided high quality work and their styling continues to develop and many students get hands-on training via venues such as “Going Tribal.”

Correa is a humble individual who is very talented and looks to her designs as pieces of art.

When asked about inspiration for the evening’s fashion Correa said, “I based the designs on Aztec tribal designs. Tonight’s designs are authentic and genuine designs patterned to reflect modern Mexican and folk art.”

I asked Correa if she had an initial concept for her designs and she said, “I did and I wanted to get in touch with my heritage. I’m half Mexican and half black so I wanted to share my heritage and to express it through my art and my art comes through my fashion.”

Correa has been designing for only a year but says she’s been doing art work since she was in high school.

When asked if she was looking to get a degree in fashion or design Correa stated, “Actually my degree will be in Psychology but fashion is my passion.”

I asked Correa how long has she’s had that passion. “Since I was young it was the one thing that I continually did and worked on. It’s something I was really good at and it allowed me to express myself,” said Correa.

When asked what she wanted the audience to notice when they see her designs Correa said, “I’d like them to see how original they are. They’re one of kind designs just like like a piece of art. I want them to feel like they’re seeing an art piece from a gallery and make them feel like they're wearing a priceless piece of art when they see my clothing.”

At the moment Correa does not have any upcoming shows but shared she’d like to participate at the next Sac State fall fashion show.

The Alias Pink Summer 2012 collection “Aztec Warrior” collection was showcased at the event.

Alias Pink has been growing thanks to the contemporary designs by Correa. The Alias Pink Clothing creator has an eye for young urban fashion and visitors to the event were able to admire a summer collection with influences of tribal patterns and styles.

The day wear collection was a special collaboration with High Standards Clothing.

Day wear outfits contained different style shorts. Some were plain while others had native tribal patterns. Several outfits were accentuated with skull patterns reminiscent of sugar skulls and Dia de los Muertos.

An evening wear collection contained sensual summer tops paired with short skirts. Head tribal band accessories and feathered earrings complemented the outfits.

Another performer, Poetiic, also entertained as the fashion show ended and also came to the stage in between collections and other breaks.

Poetiic is a recent Sac State graduate who shared her creative talents.

After the show guests were invited to stay and talk with designer Correa. Several of the models also remained and guests enjoyed dessert and more DJ music.

The event showcased the creative and expanding talents of Correa. “Going Tribal” allowed family and friends of the designer to support a very talented local designer.

Support for local talent continues to bring out the best in regional artists and Correa’s first fashion show was well received.

Many of the Alias Pink Summer “Aztec Warrior” collection can be viewed and purchased at Alias Pink Clothing.

Fairytale Town hosts International Celebration

2012-07-09T07:26:55Z

Sacramento’s Fairytale Town, located at 3901 Land Park Drive, hosted the colorful and ethnically rich International Celebration on Saturday. A day of international music and dance performances took place around Mother Goose Stage. With its colorful background, the stage provided a great setting for the many local acts showcasing Sacramento’s great cultural diversity.

The Eastern Ways Martial Arts Chinese Lion Dancers and Bhaskar’s Arts Academy kicked off the International Celebration. The families attending were treated to morning performances.

On such a hot day most visitors found shade underneath the many trees around Fairytale Town. The day was a fun outing for local families to come share their own culture and learn about others through music and dance.

Petra Koln Servin spoke about the event and why she brought her family to the park.

“I am German and Scottish and I married a man whose mother is French and father is Mexican. We are culturally diverse and try to attend cultural events like this so that our children are exposed to the many people whose culture makes up America.”

Servin continued, “Today will be the first time my two kids are exposed to Scottish dancing. I think this will be a fun show.”

The Kyla’s School of Highland Dance was represented by three Scottish Highland Dancers. Each dance had a story behind it. Knowing a little about the dances helped visitors enjoy the stories told by dance. Each interpretive dance looked like a fairy tale story coming to life. The Mother Goose Stage added ambiance and the Highland dancers’ dramatic moves created folkloric visions.

Fenix Drum and Dance Company’s African drummers and dancers brought a large group to the stage and warmed up the audience. The African drum beats made the audience move no matter where they were situated. The group included a few children that danced their little hearts out.

The beautiful African outfits were very colorful. As the dancers onstage entertained visitors, Fenix Drum and Dance also got the audience involved in their performance as they passed out various hand held musical instruments. Children in the audience smiled as they played along with the performers. An Afro-Colombian cumbia was also part of the repertoire of songs played by the dance company.

The Folklorico Aztlan de Sacramento made a dramatically beautiful entrance. With their back to the audience, five young girls spread a colorful “robozo” (shawl) above their head. As the music began playing they turned to face the audience, revealing gorgeous outfits.

Most dances were performed by children, who delighted the audience. Wearing black and gold outfits, a couple also performed traditional dances from northern Mexico.

The Minyo Tanoshimi Kai group interpreted several Japanese dances. As dancers were about to perform, the audience was given a short description of the dance. Several of the dances were named after Japanese festivals.

The Minyo dancers also took the time to involve children (and adults) in a dance. After teaching the audience participants dance steps, “A Miner’s Story” was danced by both the audience and the Minyo Tanoshimi Kai group.

A set of Polynesian dances were performed by the Ka Pa Hula O Kalama. As with other groups who had previously performed, the Polynesian dancers were represented by several children.

Dances performed by Ka Pa Hula O Kalama also told stories that were explained as they were brought to the stage. As a Hawaiian dance was being performed by a boy dancer, a couple of children sitting next to me in unison said, “That’s a boy dancing.”

The Polynesian dancers asked for volunteers to come to the stage as they were finishing their performance. As if inspired by seeing a solo dance by a boy, other boys volunteered to take the stage and learn a little hula dance.

The last group to perform was the Maquilli Tonatiuh Aztec Dancers. The dance was also recently performed at the Piñata Festival at Southside Park.

Maria Miranda introduced the group. The Aztec drum beat and a conch announced the beginning of the traditional set of Aztec dances. The dancers began by following tradition and paying homage to nature. As the conch sounded dancers turned to each corner, and after the initial ritual began a series of dances.

The Aztec dance contingency was quite large and used almost every inch of the stage. As they were about to finish their performance they performed a dance and asked for volunteers. The grass area in front of the stage was used for audience participation.

In her closing remarks Miranda invited the public to attend the 36th Annual Xilonen on Aug. 4 at Southside Park.

The International Celebration was a fun family event. Fairytale Town continues to reach out to the community and offer various programs throughout the year.

Fairytale Town will be hosting a concert by Mumbo Gumbo on July 11 and a Very Special Arts Day on July 14. More information on these and other programs can be found at www.fairytaletown.org.

4th of July in Roseville

2012-07-07T10:20:46Z

As our nation celebrates another Independence Day all throughout the United States parades and fireworks are the primary way to celebrate the 4th of July.

Other Sacramento celebrations occurred throughout the area.

The city of Roseville celebrated with a parade that began at the intersection of Riverside Avenue, Vernon Street and Douglas Boulevard.

Roseville Police on motorcycles opened the parade as they rode towards the parade route.

Floats, antique automobiles, boy scouts, girl scouts, brownies and cub scouts took their turn down the parade route and several military groups were also included.

Marching bands, equestrian and long horn riders, political and community organizations and many more groups paraded down Vernon Street, turned right at Lincoln Street and Park Drive and ended up at Royer Park.

2nd Annual Sweet Dreams Luau

2012-07-07T08:55:57Z

The Second Annual Sweet Dreams Luau was well organized and attended by the Sacramento community. The event took place at the Carriage House Gardens in Citrus Heights on June 23.

Sweet Dreams is a local non-profit organization that strives to improve the quality of life for children diagnosed with a life threatening disease by creating a “dream room” for a selected child.

The event was attended by supporters of Sweet Dreams. Along with past "dream room" recipients, family and friends the event helped all enjoy the Luau celebration.

DJ services were provided by Lakeside Sounds and live music was provided by Amy and Jimmy Bagshaw.

Sponsorship packages were sold for the event and most seats were sold. A goal of $20,000 was set for the event. A silent and live auction was also conducted to help in the fundraiser.

An elegant table was set up for guests to enjoy delicious appetizers. Next to the table was a section for guests to enjoy a back massage.

Fine wine and beer was sold and kids enjoyed soft drinks and other goodies.

The Sweet Dreams team who put in months of work in preparing for the event was able to witness the love and support of the community for their efforts.

A buffet style dinner was made available for guests as they continued to bid on the silent auction and enjoyed the company of other supporters.

Fun entertainment was also part of the evening. Dancers dressed in hula outfits provided entertainment as guests enjoyed dinner. Guests were able to enjoy the dances as they ate and soon after several guests were asked to participate in hula dancing.

Jenna Elkington, a poi dancer, also entertained as guests finished their dinner and started on their dessert.

Jimmy and Amy Bagshaw wrote and performed a heart-felt song written for Sweet Dreams. The Bagshaws touching lyrics filled the heart and eyes with emotion.

Obsidian Butterfly one of the premier fire dancer groups around awed the audience as they performed. As darkness came a magical and spontaneous fire dance performance kept the audience at the edge of their seats as they marveled over the show.

Obsidian Butterfly’s owner, Sequoia brought other dances to perform with her. Obsidian Butterfly performs throughout Sacramento and also hold an annual fire showing. Obsidian Butterfly will hold their 5th Annual Fire Spectacular; The Vision Quest on Saturday, August 11 at the Land Park Amphitheatre.

The 2012 Sweet Dreams Luau, besides being well organized, demonstrated the support of our Sacramento community.

The event was held to help create a dream room for two current applicants. Malena is a 6-year-old who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and soon to be 8-years-old Virginia who was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia.

Both bright and delightful little girls were at the event enjoying the company of family and friends. Sweet Dreams hopes to raise enough money to give both girls their dream room.

Over the past few years Sweet Dreams has created five dream rooms for children.

Each child’s room required different designs and met individual needs.

Past recipients are; Braycen diagnosed with Rubinstein Taybi Syndrome, Claire diagnosed with hypo plastic left heart syndrome, Aimee continues to battle Xeroderma Pigmentosa (XP) and Jackson who was diagnosed with Leukemia.

Although not all kids were able to show for the event they’re all wonderful kids who bring life wherever they are.

Their parent’s tenacious support is an encouragement to those around them. The positive attitude these parents project is an inspiration to us all.

As the Sweet Dreams community continues to grow they continue to give back to the community when they can. Jennifer Richards and Sweet Dreams continue to seek community support to help make dream rooms become reality.

To find out more about past and future dream room recipients and future events log on to the Sweet Dreams website.

Disclosure: I am a volunteer for the Sweet Dreams Foundation

Folsom Pro Rodeo Cattle Drive

2012-07-01T19:04:19Z

The Annual Folsom Pro Rodeo Cattle Drive took place on Thursday, June 28.

Historic Sutter Street was closed off to traffic as cowboys and cowgirls steered cattle down the street as hundreds of spectators watched as other Folsom based businesses and organizations followed the cattle drive path on foot, horse or carriage.

Many observers donned cowboy hats and outfits to relive a Pony Express ride. Entertainment also took place at the new amphitheater as well as other eateries and pubs. Did I say pubs? Make that bars and saloons.

Vendors occupied tables from the rail station up to the amphitheater and family fun events and western style activities kept visitors entertained.

The Folsom Pro Rodeo began on June 29 and runs until July 1 at the Dan Russell Rodeo Arena. A fireworks spectacular follows each rodeo night.

Before the cattle drive began the Folsom Leading Young Professionals (FLYP) staged a drive of their own collecting perishable food items that went to the Twin Lakes Food Bank.

The FLYP drive is called Bulls and Brews Urban Iditerod and teams pushed shopping carts collecting food items placed in the middle of the street. Visitors were also encouraged to bring donated food items and gave them to the shopping cart teams as they passed by.

Folsom continues to host one of the last cattle drives in Northern California. The event is sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank and they also provided the Wells Fargo Stage Coach which along with the long horns is an icon for the annual Folsom cattle drive.

Imagine Design Expo 2012

2012-07-01T09:31:48Z

Months of preparation culminated in a great fashion showcase for International Academy of Design & Technology (IADT). The Imagine Design Expo 2012 was held on Friday, June 22 at the Hilton Arden West Hotel.

An awestruck audience of approximately 250 attended the Imagine Fashion Show and enjoyed an evening of wonderful fashion designs created by IADT students.

The annual event began with an initial model casting in March 31. Magnum Opus producers of Sacramento Fashion Week contributed to the staging of this event.

The casting was followed by two fittings, a rehearsal and the fashion show itself on June 22.

IADT faculty, student body and supporters put their efforts together to create a triumphant Imagine Fashion show.

The Imagine Showcase Fashion Show has several components that allow IADT students to participate in promoting more than just their fashion designing department.

The Design Expo also helped to showcase other IADT areas of study including Building Information Modeling, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Graphic Design and Interior Design.

The Imagine Design Expo also serves as a benefit event for IADT’s Career Education Scholarship Fund, Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern California and Goodwill Industries of Sacramento Valley and Northern Nevada.

IADT provided the production team that helped put together a smooth flowing and elegant show. This team also helped with set up, lighting, coordinating hair stylists, designers and make up artists, photographers, ticket sales, catering and there was little that they were not involved in.

Displays from each of IADT areas of study were displayed in the hall outside the runway room. Students were busy helping where they could and served as ambassadors to the school as they mingled with guests.

A raffle also helped to raise funds where several art supply packages were put together as prizes.

The featured fashion designs were judged in several categories.

The panel of judges included Lyndsey Kacalek, Director of Fashion Design and Development at Apricot Lane Boutique and Julie Vue, Co-owner at BellaVUE Boutique. Joining them were Simone Vianna, Fashion/Wardrobe Stylist for Sacramento Fashion Week and The Stylist on Line, Dericka Porter, Couture Press Editor in Chief, Mario Lugo, French Cuff Consignment Stylist/Blogger and TV personality Courtney Dempsey of Good Day Sacramento.

Featured designs allowed designers to see their dream creations grace the Imagine Fashion runway.

James Macabago’s designs were outfits that looked like African tribal wear with a fashionable blend of leather giving it a unique style. Brown and black were the primary colors used and leopard or other big cat prints. Each outfit was layered with different accessories.

Rachael Goldmark’s designed colorful outfits with floral accents and as you admired each piece closer you noticed details not seen at first glance. A beautiful bare shoulder floral top with a layered purple bottom added glamour to another outfit. As the model walked back to the start of the runway she revealed an embroidered backing to her top giving the outfit added elegance.

The Mey Saechao and Sharon Sutherland designs were beautifully accented by elegant matching jewelry and accessories. The outfits included a two piece revealing outfit with a floral accented top. The beautiful designs had tropical floral patterns and each had an alluring slit bottom that accented the outfits.

One of the models from the Saechao and Sutherland designs was Leecy Marie who I talked to the previous week during final fitting.

The young model explained how she became involved in the show saying, “Actually a girl who I model with, Zamar (Mcgodman), called me a couple of days ago and was telling me she was supposed to come to this fashion show but she couldn’t make it because she’s introducing two more models to Brigandis so she asked me to fill in for her and I said yes.”

As with several of the models who had been there hours in advance, Leecy went through hair and makeup (with Paul Mitchell staff), final fitting, photography, rehearsal and judging before they took the runway. Leecy also modeled for Alias Pink and continues to work on her modeling at Brandy at Brigandis.

Sabriona Gilliam brought edgy designs to the runway. Reminiscent of Japanese samurai with an edge of royal flair, her black and white outfits were elegantly accented with accessories and different patterns within each fashionable wear.

The Fashion and Marketing student at IADT, Gilliam noted this was her first show. At the final fitting she relayed, “This is actually my very first show so I’m excited. Hopefully I’ll get my message out there.”

When asked if she’s always been interested in fashion design Gilliam replied, “Yes I’ve always been interested in fashion since I was 8 or 9-years-old. I just didn’t know where to start. I couldn’t find myself after high school. I didn’t know what I wanted to do so I looked back to my past and saw that fashion was one of the things I enjoyed but I didn’t take it seriously. Once I gave it a try I have been in love with it ever since.”

When asked what she called the line she was going to show Gilliam said, “My line right now is called SG Royalty. Basically I used the initials of my first and last name to keep it as my main staple to be known for. I came up with the name because the collection has this royalty feel to it and has a lot of history behind it and I was kind of influenced by it and wanted to bring it to the picture because people wear this all the time especially in Japan.”

Gilliam shared what she was looking for at the Imagine Showcase saying, “I just want people to look at my work as something different and to embrace it. It’s just a message I want to send out just don’t be afraid to be different -- embrace it.”

As the show continued Amanda Gazca’s designs included a pants outfit with a lavish top, a striking two piece outfit with a short skirt and a leopard like print dress that went with a black and pink vest. Gazca’s styles showed great diversity in her design and patterns.

Naly Thao showcased an elegant floral dress that was short in front and long in back that accentuated the model’s walk. The floral dress was lined in white and included a black vest. Thao’s designs were also quite different showing a dramatic and artistic range in her designs.

John Thao and Tawnya Jackson’s designs included two male models.

A sleeveless top with parachute pants gave one Thao-Jackson design an exciting debut. Two other outfits were also accessorized with colorful belts and scarves; actually I would describe them more as collar accessories. The outfits worked in combination to give them an exciting and stylish look. Jackson and Thao created a unique line by purposely bringing two different cultures together, Japanese and African.

Erika Diaz’s collection included a stunning brown gown that went over the shoulder and draped gown to the ankle. The dress did not have sides on the top but the body was covered by an embroidered liner. A sensual black and gold pants outfit was quite alluring and was accented with gold jewelry for extra glamour. No less glamorous was an elegant black outfit suited wearing at a Hollywood movie premier.

A live auction was also held where outfits created by AIDT students in response to a challenge to make outfits out of life vests. The challenge was in collaboration with AIDT and local TV channels KOVR/KMAX. Good Day Sacramento’s Courtney Dempsey served as auctioneer.

After the live auction and a raffle Allison Murphy brought her designs to the stage.

Murphy’s abstract creations were quite dazzling, colorful and used symmetrical shapes to bring attention to her designs. What’s Murphy’s Law? “Anything that can possibly go wrong, does.” Well, Allison Murphy’s designs dispelled that theory and I saw nothing wrong with her unique creations. Murphy's designs worked to captivate the imagination of on-lookers.

Murphy’s designs also included what looked like a deliciously stunning black leather two piece outfit, a pants outfit and a full body leather dress, again very symmetrical and dazzling.

Eshonna Watson’s collection “Crazy-Sexy-Cool,” brought more glamour to the stage. Watson’s fashionable wear included a leopard pattern skirt with a simple yet alluring see through yellow top.

Other designs by Watson exhibited exciting creativity in each outfit. Watson has had several shows in the past year in and around Sacramento and each exquisite showing allows her collection to move to different directions that always inspire.

Gabrielle Summers and Carolyn Hearn showcased a simple black dress that was accented by elegant draped patterns on the short in front long in back dress.

Other outfits included a short black dress hung from one shoulder with a fabric flower accenting a shoulder using the same fabric as the garment itself. A free flowing sleeveless silver dress was showed off as the model swaggered down the runway. Another stunning one shoulder sleeveless dress with a draped collar and a full length dress adorned with bell-like layered patterns with a revealing V shaped front that gave it an alluring design.

Ka Lor’s designs included a spaghetti strap red dress and a two piece black pants piece accented by an intriguing skirt like accent. The outfit was also complemented by see through back.

Another red dress with a short free flowing tail and black pant outfit with a skirt draping were also included. The black pant outfit was paired with a silver top with a zipper in front that could be used as a peek-a-boo accented piece. The last piece in the collection was a silver and black short dress with a free flowing sheer chiffon hanging from waist.

The last designer to showcase his line was Michael Vongphakdy who showed an elegant blue and black dress and two pant outfits one with a blue top and another with black. A strapless and elegant blue dress with a black accented top made for an evening out on the town and a strapless evening dress topped his collection.

Raffle prizes and award winners were presented after the show. Awards were given to the various disciplines provided by AIDT and that were on exhibit at the Imagine Design Expo.

Fashion awards were given with the Most Innovative award going to James Macabago and the Most Marketable award going to Gabrielle Summers.

The Best Construction award was given to John Thao and Best of Show was awarded to Michael Vongphakdy.

In the end all designers were winners and all deserve praise for their hard work.

More pictures can be seen here.

Concours Raduno at Sienna Restaurant

2012-06-27T00:56:21Z

Luxurious automobiles at a luxurious setting made for a great gathering at the Concours Raduno held at El Dorado Hills’ Sienna Restaurant.

The event gathering on June 19 and another scheduled for August 21 are a prelude to Niello Concours at Serrano in El Dorado Hills. The Serrano event will take place on Sunday, October 7.

Sienna and Concours Raduno offered hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting, a fashion show, cigar sampling and music for guests to enjoy as they viewed new and vintage automobiles parked around Sienna.

The free event was open for collectible luxury auto owners who were encouraged to bring their vehicles for display.

The event coordinated by Brian and Michele Moore, Premier Concours Promotions, was well planned and promoted. Guests at the event were able to enjoy dinner at Sienna inside the restaurant and at their outdoor patios.

The first Concours Raduno of the season also included a fashion show by Button Up. The Folsom boutique opened in February at the Palladio shopping center.

Carrie Simms, Manager, Buyer and Stylist at Button Up brought a group of models who showcased samples of what Button Up has to offer.

Elegant and casual outfits were showcased and included colorful one and two piece spring and summer dresses, jumpers and other fashionable wear. As each outfit was paraded down the runway Simms elaborated on the outfits giving more information on each outfit and covering different pairing options that could be worn.

Simms noted that Button Up has been at the Palladio shopping center over three months and the shop is a block behind Chicago Fire.

When asked how Button Up became involved with Concours Raduno Simms said, “Sienna opened their doors to us and this is our second year doing a fashion show.” Last year’s fashions came from El Dorado Hills’ Runway Boutique.

Runway Boutique and Button Up are two fashion stores owned by Robin Bernardoni. Both boutiques specialize in unique specialized women’s wear.

Button Up is a great boutique offering great styles for everyone and includes a large inventory of new brands and styles.

Another Concours Raduno at Sienna will take place on August 21. Brian and Michele Moore welcome new and established guests as they look forward to sharing this elegant event.

The 2012 Niello Concours at Serrano will take place on October 7. This elegant event will feature the Marque of Pierce Arrow and will be celebrating 50 Years of the Cobra honoring Carroll Shelby.

Sweet Dreams Foundation fundraiser

2012-06-22T00:07:03Z

Summer time is here! Kids are outside running around as summer break keeps them at home for most of the day. Public pools are full of kids enjoying relief from the heat.

The sound of laughter and joy are heard all around. Parents look forward to family time and running with their kids.

There are other children though that cannot enjoy the sun and who can’t experience the joy of jumping and running. Some children, because of illness, are restricted in what they can and cannot do.

Some children have had a hard and difficult short life and have been diagnosed with a life threatening disease.

There is an organization; Sweet Dreams Foundation whose mission is to “Improve the quality of life of children who have been diagnosed with a life threatening disease through the creation of their Dream Room.”

To meet that goal Jennifer Richards, Founder and President of Sweet Dreams Foundation has put together a team of volunteers and created a governing board for the foundation to move forward.

Two young girls, one diagnosed with ALL (a form of leukemia) and the other diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy applied for the opportunity for their dream room.

Virginia is an 8-year-old diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) a form of leukemia characterized by excess lymphoblasts.

Below is Virginia’s story as told to Sweet Dreams Foundation.

Virgina was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia on July 8, 2009 one month after turning 5 years old. We went through two and a half years of chemo, frequent spinal taps and many pills. We were finally finished with everything in November of 2011. We were free! Five months later on Easter, April 8, 2012 we knew something was extremely wrong. Virginia was not herself for a few weeks. People mentioned she was pale and on Easter morning when she could not even get off the couch to look for Easter eggs we knew we had to get her blood work done at the lab. Our hearts sank when the results we got showed that her counts were almost at zero. We called her oncologist and she thought it was a mistake. Virginia's chance of relapse was only 5 percent more and none of us thought this could happen including her doctors. We were told to check into the hospital and a few hours later our worst nightmare was confirmed. Virginia had relapsed and would need an immediate blood transfusion with intense 10 times stronger chemo over a shorter span of time. A bone marrow would be needed and our lives would be turned upside down with the chance of Virginia surviving at 50 percent. We were all tested in our family to be a marrow match and little sister Rebecca Rose was the match. We were extremely happy.

Virginia was also found to have leukemic optic nerve damage which required optic and brain radiation for 12 days. This is something very rare and this is probably why she relapsed because there were dormant leukemic cells hiding in the optic nerve.

Six-year-old Malena’s story is just as heartbreaking. Her mom Nina gave the following diagnosis.

We live in Sacramento and found out our baby was diagnosed at 15 months old with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2. This is the number one genetic killer for kids under 2 years of age. We were shocked.

At age six thankfully Malena is doing much better after two years of setbacks and three hospitalizations at Sutter Memorial in Sacramento. She can be seen driving her purple power chair rolling as fast as it will take her - she's an outside girl with a lot of enthusiasm! Malena loves anything princess but her love of nature and being outside also is a factor....she loves pink of course, but she loves calm environments and the sea - also loves interacting with girls her age. Malena recently got a cockapoo named Hannah, that she adores which is also helping her with the healing process....

We are blessed to have her in our life - she's a very gentle soul with a lot of love to give.

Upon meeting Malena late last month Richards noticed how vibrant and inquisitive the little girl was.

Richards meets each child to find out more about them and learn what they like. Malena obviously enjoys the outdoors and while visiting the little girl she moved around her back yard with speed on the wheelchair she has had her whole life.

Malena adores her little dog, a cockapoo named Hannah. Both Hanna and Malena were full of life the first day Richards met them.

The process of visiting and learning as much as possible about children who can benefit from the Sweet Dreams Foundation requires interest and patience. Richards asks many questions of the child. By asking questions Richards learns what the child likes to do and starts formulating an idea for what that child's dream room should look like.

Malena maneuvers around her home with ease but with some limitations and that will be one of the main considerations as the room becomes a reality. Richards asked as many questions about Malena’s bedroom. Richards’ enthusiasm is beyond comparison she loves children and kids are eager to return the love.

Richards asks about the child's favorite colors, books, videos, music, art and wardrobe. Malena and Richards share their similarities in outfits and shoes.

Enjoying a wonderful emerging relationship the inquisitive little girl asked if Richards was strong. Malena asks, “Are you strong enough to lift me to my bed?” Richards laughingly says, “Of course I am,“ and puts lifts the adorable little girl to her bed.

After a while of talking Malena turns to Richards and says, “Are you just going to leave me here?” Richards turns to me in disbelief and quickly turns to Melena and says, “Of course not Malena.”

Richards at this point has noticed how restricted Malena's movements can be and the little girl’s personality just melts your heart. She is very inquisitive, funny, charming and very adorable. Malena and Richards continue talking and then Richards said she already had an idea about a bed for her room. Richards’ idea could not be kept secret as Malena guessed what Richards had in mind.

Malena finally grew restless and asked Richards to move her back to the wheelchair. Richards amazed Malena by lifting both her and Hanna to the wheelchair.

The initial meeting went wonderfully and it was a wonder to watch Richards work with Malena.

Sweet Dreams tries to raise funds to help create dream rooms for children diagnosed with a life threatening disease or chronic medical conditions by seeking donations from the community. Several events are also planed during the year to help with this effort.

This Saturday, June 23 Sweet Dreams Foundation will hold their 2nd Annual Luau event. The Luau will have an assortment of entertainment, food and drinks. Visitors to the event will also have a chance to meet with families of past dream room recipients.

The event will be held at the Carriage House Gardens located at 6444 Sylvan Road in Citrus Heights.

Log on to the Sweet Dreams website to purchase tickets to the event. Also browse the “Events” page for more information about the event and see past Sweet Dreams events and to learn more about the foundation.

As of Thursday only two more tables of eight seats remained to be sold for the Luau. Tickets can still be purchased on line or by calling (916) 220-3203.

Disclosure: I am a volunteer for Sweet Dreams Foundation

Fiesta en La Calle

2012-06-21T00:45:55Z

Fiesta en la Calle made its much anticipated return to Cesar Chavez Plaza on June 9. The weekly event continues every Saturday until August 11, 2012.

Scheduled for the Saturday, June 16 event was Celso Piña, El Sonido Callejero and Latin Touch.

Piña had to cancel because of health issues and was a favorite performer that many in the audience came to see.

DJ Ricardo “El Niño” Rayas provides music before and in between acts allowing guests to warm up and enjoy his delectable mixes.

MC for Fiesta en la Calle is Vince Vicari who brings a likeable presence to the stage. Vicari’s humor (or attempt at humor) and confidence behind the mic keeps the audience entertained. At every opportunity Vicari also introduced vendors and organizations who attend and announced the various sponsors of the event.

The 2nd Annual Summer Concert Series has grown in attendance and many new vendors, food trucks and non profit organizations are on site for guests to enjoy.

Unlike Friday night’s Concerts in the Park a screened off beer garden still exists for the Fiesta en la Calle concerts.

Two non-profit organizations were on hand to hand out information about their community services.

Greg Pond, Art Director and Christy Correa, President of Arte Por Vida were on hand to answer questions about their foundation. A main goal of the organization is to share and promote the local artistic movement started more than 50 years ago. Several works of artist and RCAF member Ed Rivera were displayed at tent near J Street.

Roberto López representing La Raza Galería Posada also answered questions about the gallery that will be holding a Grand Opening on Saturday, June 23 for its new facility. The new gallery will be located at 2700 Front Street.

Latin Touch needed most of the stage to accommodate the large group and instruments. They played an assortment of Latin music, R & B, 70’s, Funk, Oldies and rock.

Latin Touch played tunes such as “Nena”, “Oye Como Va” and other Malo and Santana tunes.

Perhaps in singing about the weather Latin Touch played Santana’s “Smooth.” With lyrics such as “Man it’s a hot one. Like seven inches from the midday sun.” It summed up the weather and music on Saturday night.

To show their versatility Latin Touch moved from old school sounds to newer tunes such as Pitbull’s “Bon, Bon.”

Latin Touch’s forte is dance music whether singing in Spanish or English their music will make you move. Many in the crowd forgot about the heat and moved to the Latin Touch sound.

Dressed in military fatigue the Los Angeles based band El Sonido Callejero (Street Sounds) came to the stage to play music that can be described as a combination of cumbia, rock, norteño, reggae and rap.

After their first song I became and instant fan. Their lyrics, mostly in Spanish, were whimsical, thought provoking and fun.

Their mix of music was full of energy and as they came to the stage sound bytes from world leaders from the 1930s going forward played in the background. Sonido Callejero’s drummer and bassist picked up a beat and were followed by a guitar and accordion.

Lead singer Sargento Susej moved to the front stage saying “How are you feeling Sacramento?” The crowd cheered in approval as their rhythmic beat continued.

Following their initial song they played “Brujo” (shaman) another upbeat song showcasing the group’s musical talents and their lyrics full of hidden or multiple meanings.

Sonido Callejero then Introduced a cumbia song which turned out to be the classic “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás.” Sonido Callejero played an exquisite rendition of the song and more people began to dance in front of the stage.

El Sonido Callejero continued to play upbeat, danceable songs such as “Una Noche” and one of their best known releases “Oye Mami."

Sargento Susej announced the last song of the evening while introducing the other band members who took time to perform short solos. As the evening was coming to a close the number of dancers in front of the stage increased.

Their energetic set left the audience wanting more. El Sonido Callejero returned for an encore making them the first band that I’ve seen actually returned to perform more songs after their set. Up to now I have not seen a band from CIP or Fiesta en la Calle return to perform an encore.

To top it off Sonido Callejero continued to play several more tunes including “Cumbia Callejera” and a couple of more songs. At the end dancers and performers were exhausted and ready to cool off for the evening. The performances brought a great ending to another great fiesta.

The next Fiesta en la Calle features Inspector, Locos por Juana and Rocio y su Sonora.