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Entertainment

23rd Annual Music for Humanity

Posted: 2/8/2012

The Toot Sweet Brass Co.

Auburn – Pioneer United Methodist Church is presenting the 23rd annual Music for Humanity program on Sunday, February 19th, 2:30 p.m. at 1338 Lincoln Way, Auburn.

Talented musicians will perform a wide variety of music including selections from classical, ragtime, jazz and contemporary genres. All of the performers are donating their services to benefit the Auburn Interfaith Food Closet and Foothills Habitat for Humanity.

Pioneer’s Music for Humanity “Encore!” program features audience acclaimed favorite musical groups. The fabulous Ragtime pianist, Tom Brier, will play his favorite solos as well as accompany the Raspberry Jam Band, a popular group at ragtime and jazz festivals. Colla Voce Chamber Singers, Auburn area’s premiere choral ensemble, will sing three folk songs from the British Isles. The Toot Sweet Brass Co., a brass quartet, will play Bach’s Little Fugue and two contemporary selections. Also performing, the Pioneer Chancel Choir will sing a new spiritual as well as a sing-along hymn with the audience. Annie Begin, by popular request, will play an encore performance of the Orange Blossom Special, with her talented Begin Family. Auburn’s famous Dixieland Band, Dr. Bach & the Jazz Practitioners plans to end the concert with their upbeat jazz numbers and their traditional When Those Saints Go Marchin’ In.

A tax-deductible offering will be collected to support the services of the Interfaith Food Closet and Foothills Habitat for Humanity.

The public is invited to a reception following the concert hosted by the Missions Committee and members of Pioneer United Methodist Church.

For information, call (530) 885-4196 or (530) 885-9009.

20th Annual Mardi Gras Weekend

Posted: 2/8/2012

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball, Featuring the Holcomb Brothers Band (Traditional Cajun food available)

Miners Foundry
325 Spring Street
Historic Downtown Nevada City
Saturday, Feb. 18
8:00-12:00
Tickets $12-$15

(Event usually sells out. Advance tickets recommended)
(530) 265-2692
www.nevadacitychamber.com. or www.miners foundry.org.

Mardi Gras Parade (Premier Mardi Gras celebration in the Sierra Foothills)
Broad Street
Historic Downtown Nevada City
Sunday, Feb. 19
2 p.m.
Free Event for the Whole Family. Dress in your finest Mardi Gras attire!

Mardi Gras Street Faire
North Pine Street
Historic Downtown Nevada City
Sunday, Feb.19
11:00-4:00
Food, craft, clothing vendors.

Carnevale! (New)
Miners Foundry
325 Spring Street
Nevada City
Sunday, Feb. 19
3:00-6:00 p.m.
After Parade Event for the whole Family
Food, Drink, Family Entertainment
$5 Adults, Children Free.

INFORMATION:

Nevada City Chamber of Commerce
(530) 265-2692
www.nevadacitychamber.com.

Pioneer Presents Community Concerts

Posted: 2/8/2012

Auburn – Help us in supporting the building restoration of Pioneer United Methodist Church, an Auburn Historic Landmark and home of many concerts.

Frederick Hodges – Pianist Frederick Hodges is well known to the ragtime world. He regularly performs solo piano and also serves as pianist with the Don Neely’s Royal Society Jazz Orchestra. Frederick is a noted silent film accompanist and is regularly featured at silent film festivals around the country. He serves as one of the house pianists for the Niles Essanay Film Museum. Frederick is a favorite at jazz and ragtime festivals around the country. He is San Francisco’s best society pianist playing the sophisticated and jazzy hits of the Great American Songbook, including the songs of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart, and the other exciting composers of the 1920s and 1930s.

More information can be found at his website: www.frederickhodges.com.

Writer and movie-lover Susan Rushton considers herself a Lifetime English Major. Toward that end, in addition to teaching creative writing, running Silver Screen Classic Movie Series at the Auburn Library and writing an opinion column in the Auburn Journal, she spends some time memorizing and reciting poetry. “I love to hear the words coming out of me, love to feel the sounds in my head,” she says. Best of all is the knowledge that the more she memorizes, the more she can memorize. “It’s fun, it’s delightful... but if someone wants a practical reason, I do it because it’s good for my brain.”

All About Love - A humorous skit by Julia Riley, “All About Love,” will be presented by Lydia and Curt Jones. They will portray a modern day couple sharing their opinions about love and marriage. Julia Riley is the co-producer of Pioneer Presents and a versatile and popular flutist.

February 12, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.
Pioneer United Methodist Church
1338 Lincoln Way
Auburn, CA 95603
Suggested Donation $20
www.auburncommunityconcerts.org

Lou and Peter Berryman in Concert

Posted: 1/4/2012

AUBURN – On January 22 Lou and Peter Berryman, authors of sixteen recordings and three songbooks of original material, have performed together for more than thirty-five years.

Their whimsical and wonderfully accessible performances of their hilarious, quirky, yet oddly profound songs leave audiences with cheeks aching from smiling.

“Lou & Peter Berryman! Long may they wave! Their song “A Chat with your Mother” is one of the great American folksongs of the 20th century.”—Pete Seeger

Reservations are required. Your entire contribution goes to the artists. Doors open at 2:30 pm, music starts at 3:00 pm.

Call (530) 885-4292 or email info@AuburnHouseConcerts.org for reservations and directions.

Dick Dale Returns to Auburn

Posted: 1/4/2012

Dick Dale with The Pyronauts. Photo by Kurt Bertilson

Auburn – Local “surf guitar heroes” The Pyronauts are hosting a rockin’ surf guitar night featuring guitar legend Dick Dale (aka: King of the Surf Guitar). Dick Dale, the inventor of the surf guitar sound, got his start in the late 1950’s, found fame in the early 60’s, had a major comeback in the early 90’s, and is still going strong today! His son, Jimmy Dale, will join him playing drums for the Dick Dale band. This will be Dick Dale’s 3rd appearance in Auburn and the 15th time The Pyronauts will have opened for their hero – an ultimate honor. Both groups are looking forward to providing a fun filled evening of music at the Auburn Event Center.

Dick Dale and son Jimmy Dale with The Pyronauts
Saturday, January 21st
Auburn Event Center
145 Elm Ave
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 823-8310

Doors open 7 PM, show 8 PM, All Ages.

$20 adv, $25 at the door.

Tickets available at: Dimple Records, Liquor Outlet, Cherry Records, Briar Patch, Encore Music, and Lake of the Pines Music at www.dickdale.com www.thepyronauts.com.

El Dorado Winery Association Annual Bring Out the Barrel

Posted: 1/4/2012

PLACERVILLE – El Dorado Winery Association (EDWA) invites you to hunt for your next favorite wine during their annual Bring Out the Barrel event on January 28 and 29, 2012. The event will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day.

Bring Out the Barrel is a self-guided tour of 27 wineries nestled in and around the Sierra Foothills of El Dorado County. During the event, wine lovers of all levels will get a special preview of wines that are about to be bottled, by tasting them straight from the barrel. There will also be an opportunity to taste extraordinary varietals that are ready to be purchased and enjoyed now. In addition, the weekend will feature learning more about winemaking from the vintners themselves, sales on wine futures, light appetizers and demonstrations.

As you’re discovering great wines, you can also be on the hunt for your ideal wine assortment as part of the Good Wine Hunting Treasure Hunt. A drawing will be held after the event and five winners will be selected to receive 2 tickets to EDWA’s upcoming Passport event, a free Passport designated driver ticket and gift baskets. Details regarding qualifications for the drawing will be posted on the EDWA website as soon as they are available and will also be provided on the day of the event.

To purchase tickets for this event, go to www.eldoradowines.org. Tickets are $35, which includes both days of the event. Only a limited number of tickets are available. Find additional information about the wineries, touring maps and touring tips on the eldoradowines.org website. For more information about the event, you can also contact the El Dorado Winery Association at (800) 306-3956 or info@eldoradowines.org.

Just about an hour from Sacramento or South Lake Tahoe and a little over two hours from Reno or the San Francisco area, El Dorado’s wineries beckon both beginning wine tasters and experts with award-winning wines, friendly tasting room staff and idyllic views.  El Dorado wineries are also family friendly with outside areas for picnics.

In El Dorado wine country you will find hundreds of microclimates, from 1,200 to 3,500 feet, nearly 50 varieties of grapes, and dozens of artisan winemakers with a passion for experimenting with all of the above to achieve exceptional wines. Our vintners credit mountain and hillside vineyards, along with a long growing season and cool nights for their stylish and unique wines. The terroir encourages a balance of fruit flavors, tannin and body that valley regions just can’t match.

Because our wineries are small, family owned wineries, visitors often have the unique experience of wine tasting with an owner or winemaker.  Come visit to explore the distinctive characteristics that sets El Dorado apart from any other wine region. Learn more about our wines and events, and get touring maps and tips at www.eldoradowines.org.

Please be our guest! If you and a guest would like to attend, please contact Betty Young-McIntire at (800) 306-3956 or info@eldoradowines.org for a pair of complimentary weekend passes. Thank you for your continued support of the El Dorado Winery Association.

Christmas with Placer Pops Chorale

Posted: 12/8/2011

Capture the spirit of the season with new and innovative arrangements of timeless and heartwarming Christmas classics, such as “White Christmas”, “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Believe,” and much more! The Placer Pops Chorale (formerly Sierra Community Chorus) and its orchestra present an unforgettable concert, featuring the very best and most beloved holiday favorites. Join us and make this your best holiday ever!

December 17 at 8:00 p.m.
December 18 at 2:00 p.m.

Three Stages at Folsom Lake College, 10 College Parkway, Folsom Cost: $21-$30

Information: (916) 608-6888 or www.threestages.net.

Toot Sweet Brass Co. Offers Holiday Program

Posted: 12/8/2011

Auburn – Friday, December 23 at 3:00 p.m, Toot Sweet Brass Co. will present a program of holiday songs in the sanctuary of Pioneer United Methodist Church, 1338 Lincoln Way in Auburn.

Traditional religious and secular Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs, and audience sing-along carols will be included, as well as a sing-along finale: Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus with brass and organist Marian Nowakowski. The public of all ages is invited to enjoy an afternoon of holiday brass music. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Interfaith Food Closet and the host church building fund.

Toot Sweet Brass Co. is an Auburn-based quintet of professional and semi-professional brass musicians, formed in 2008. They are Mike Koons, trumpet (Colfax); Erik Rose, trumpet (Loomis); Diana Haynie, horn (Pilot Hill); George Preston, euphonium (Auburn); and Nate Brown, tuba (Rocklin).

For more information contact George Preston, (530) 888 1801 or brass@georgepreston.com; or Sue Dings, (530) 885 9009.

Don’t Miss “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Show”

Posted: 12/8/2011

Auburn – Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center will present a unique Christmas celebration combining festive music and dance together with the life affirming story of Dicken’s “A Christmas Carol” at The State Theater December 9, 10, 11. This show will be done in the format of a live radio show by Tony Palermo with special music and dance directed by Glenda Gonzalez.

Long time Auburnite and Placer High School teacher, Glenda Gonzalez, brings the charming live radio show style to the stage for the third year; the first time, however, for “A Christmas Carol.” Done In full costume with live sound effects, the cast of 21 plus additional musicians and dancers, this year’s show adds the element of a musical revue which precedes the radio show. The musical portion will showcase traditional Christmas music and the dance of Roseville High School’s dance alumni.

Saturday’s matinee is a special family show where children who come in their pajamas get in for the low price of $2.

Evening shows at 8 pm on Friday and Sat. December 9, 10.
Matinees at 3 pm on Sat. and Sunday December 10, 11.
Tickets: adults $15, students $10, children $5 (except pajama day matinee.)

Seating at The State Theater is very limited and previous shows have sold out; we suggest you plan and purchase tickets early.

For a full schedule of upcoming events at the State, go to: www.LiveFromAuburn.com.

The One & Only Victorian Christmas Returns to Nevada City -- Its 33rd Year!

Gold rush town filled with Victorian Holiday Delights - Unique Gifts, Sumptuous Food & Drink, Entertainments Galore!
Posted: 12/8/011

The one and only Victorian Christmas kicks off this Wednesday, December 7th in downtown Nevada City. "Victorian Christmas brings back the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feel of the times that make this the most beloved holiday of the year," says Barbi Jackson, President of the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce who puts on the event. "Everything good about Christmas is here. It’s the holiday party that generations of families have enjoyed for more than three decades.”

New Entertainment and Indoor Venues Started in 1977, this beloved Northern California tradition draws thousands of visitors from all over the region. Attendance is expected to be high this year, drawn in by traditional favorites and new shows on two stages and new indoor venues, featuring story telling with Mark Lyon, the Ghost Man; magic shows by Peter Franchino; juggling with unicyclist Zed Friedman, traditional music and so much more. “We’ve put a lot of effort into attracting additional acts this year,” said Janet Cohen, the event coordinator. “And of course, we’re delighted that so many of our regulars like the Victorian Christmas Singers, the Cloggers, Highland Dancers and the Village Festival Recorders will be back in town too.”

Find the Perfect Gift Around every corner in the winding lamp-lit streets, there will be something to amaze and delight visitors’ senses; the opportunity to applaud, carouse, dance, and mingle in a festive Victorian world. “Victorian Christmas is a great alternative to the typical commercial fare of the season”, said Cathy Whittlesey, Executive Director of the Chamber, “While you’re listening to carolers and musicians you can shop at unique stores filled with handpicked items and one-of-a-kind artisan treasures. Who can resist coming to Nevada City to find that perfect holiday gift?” This year, organizers report that street vendor registration is at an all-time high with more than 90 spaces booked and a waiting list of people wanting booths.

Festive Feasting With costumed vendors and entertainers magically transforming Nevada City into a Victorian Christmas card come to life, there are also a variety of tasty treats and delectable dishes on sale to tempt all palates. When hunger strikes, visitors can refresh themselves with traditional holiday goodies, including mulled cider and hot roasted chestnuts. Each night and afternoon of Victorian Christmas will be different---with jugglers, story tellers, traditional music, choirs, and so much more. Children’s activities include craft activities, a bouncy castle and an opportunity to meet Santa. You’ll want to come to this free event more than once! More details and a full schedule of entertainment can be found at www.nevadacitychamber.com and a program of events will be available every night and afternoon.

Wednesdays, December 7th, 14th and 21st, from 5-9pm, Sundays, December 11th and 18th from 1:30 - 6pm. No admission charge. Visitors can make it easy on themselves and drop their friends and family off at town and then take the $5 shuttle bus service from the Eric Rood Center. Everyone takes the shuttle back for free. Children under 15 free shuttle to the event.

Soroptimist, Area Poets to Serve Cowboy Chow at Event

Posted: 11/6/2011

LOOMIS – Tickets are now on sale for Friday & Saturday dinners, including mealtime entertainment, with cowboy poets who will gather in Loomis on November 10 through 13 for The Cowpoke Fall Gathering. Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin will be serving up large baked potatoes stacked with hearty beef and a bazoo of tasty toppings, salad and dessert from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday night, November 11 for just $10. Tri-tip, baked beans, salad, cornbread and dessert are on the menu for Saturday, November 12 from 3 to 6 p.m. at $15 per person.

A no host bar will be available both days. Meals will be served at the Loomis Veterans’ Memorial Hall, located at 5945 Horseshoe Bar Road in Loomis. Tickets are available by calling (916) 652-6113 or online at www.cowpokefallgathering.com. The meals are open to the public.

The 17th Annual Cowpoke Fall Gathering performers will attend the dinners. “All Hat, No Cattle” will be performing on Friday during the meal. The band is known for a very unique cowboy-country style mixed with a little blues and distinctive originals. On Saturday, John Kintz will perform poetry and songs during dinner. Kintz resides in Loomis, raises cows and horses, and performs for trail rides and cowboy gatherings.

Funds from the dinner ticket sale will support Cowpoke Fall Gathering charities: Ride to Walk, Tough Enough to Wear Pink and the South Placer Heritage Foundation as well as Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin community projects. To learn more Soroptimist International of Loomis Basin, visit a Wednesday 8 a.m. weekly meeting at ‘The Train Depot’ (Taylor Rd. & Horseshoe Bar Rd.) in Loomis, or contact Nancy Hogan, president, at (530) 613-1541.

Free Tai Chi and Chi Kung Class

Auburn – Join Mariscela Alvarez to learn series of slow movements and stretches combined with deep breathing and meditation. Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese exercise, which involves the mind, breath, and movement to restore the flow of chi (energy) to a natural, healthy balance. Tai Chi, or moving meditation, is a series of choreographed movements, which enhances total awareness, and concentration of the energy flow inside the body. During class, you will experience physical strength, flexibility, balance, and reduction of stress; relieve arthritis pain, and more. Classes are easy, safe and fun to learn for all ages.

Take the first class for free on Saturday, November 12, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Canyon Spirit Yoga Center on 538 Auburn Ravine Rd in Auburn (located by Twin Dragon Chinese Rest). To register contact Mariscela at (530) 863-0003 or ma@fyspirit.com. Visit www.fyspirit.com. Regular classes continue every Saturday, from 9 to 10 a.m.

Pioneer Presents A New Concert Series

Posted: 10/5/2011

The Raspberry Jam Band – Ragtime to Contemporary Music. Photo courtesy of Sue Dings.

Auburn – Pioneer United Methodist Church is launching a new series of benefit concerts beginning Sunday, Oct 16 at 3:00 p.m. The church is located at 1338 Lincoln Way, Auburn.

The first concert features Tom Brier, Ragtime pianist/composer; Raspberry Jam Band and the Flutecakes Flute Choir. Tom Brier has entertained and amazed audiences by his artistry at several Music for Humanity concerts sponsored by Pioneer Church. The Raspberry Jam Band has also performed locally and throughout the Sacramento basin, gaining a following at Ragtime and Jazz Festivals. Their unique combination of instruments such as String bass, violin, flute, guitar, wash board, and piano has always left audiences smiling and humming favorite tunes. The Flutecakes Flute choir features four flutists playing all sizes of flutes including the large, deep sounding bass flute, to piccolo This group plays music from the classical and contemporary repertoire.

This first benefit concert has been organized by Pioneer members Julia Riley, flutist and Sue Dings, Choir Director. The purpose is not only to provide a wonderful afternoon of enjoyable music, but to support the downtown church’s debt retirement campaign.

According to Glen Cleveland, longtime member of Pioneer Church, “the necessary renovation of the Sanctuary Building in 1997 cost more than $900,000, including rebuilding the Crandall Memorial stained glass window. That cost has been reduced greatly through the years, but current financial woes felt by most citizens have made paying off the remaining notes more difficult.”

Quite often this church has been a favorite venue for civic meetings, schools, weddings, memorial services and as a meeting place for self help groups. Many concerts have been presented and well attended by audiences from Auburn and surrounding areas. The Christmas Eve Candlelight Services have always brought many visitors to swell the numbers of those who regularly attend services at Pioneer.

The donations at the concerts will help retire the building debt payments and keep Pioneer Church a vibrant part of downtown Auburn. No tickets will be sold. The suggested donation is $20.

For more information, call Julia @ 530 888-6493 or Sue @ 530 885-9009.

An Evening of Classic Blues and Jazz

Jimmy Robinson & Friends
Posted: 10/5/2011

Jimmy Robinson

World-renowned drummer and percussionist Jimmy Robinson and a group of highly-respected jazz musicians will perform Saturday evening, November 5th at 7:30 PM at the State Theater in Auburn. Known for being the driving force and inspiration behind the popular “Jazz @ 808” summer series at the Arts Building, Jimmy always provides his audiences with top quality jazz performances. Auburn audiences will have another opportunity to listen to this great musician and his jazz colleagues at this upcoming show in an intimate theatre setting.

A master at his craft, Robinson has carved out a world-class reputation, from steady gigs as house drummer for major jazz stars to touring Great Britain and Europe. His long and storied career includes organizing major jazz festivals in France and England and attracting prominent American artists to the European jazz scene. He is featured in Keeper of the Flame, a history of the early days of jazz in Manchester, England, and is cited as an important jazz personality in a French anthology as well. The Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center is proud to present this talented jazz icon for Auburn’s enthusiastic music audience. Tickets are $20.00 and may be purchased at www.livefromauburn.com, or the Box Office at 530-885-0156, or Cherry Records in Auburn (530-823-2147).

The Friends who will be joining Jimmy are:

Dr. Joe Gilman (Piano). Dr. Gilman is a prominent jazz pianist, composer, arranger and music educator, who teaches at American River College in Sacramento and at the Brubeck Institute in Stockton. Dr. Gilman founded the Capitol City Jazz Project, has toured as an International Jazz Ambassador through the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and was the grand prize winner of the Great American Jazz Piano Competition in 2004. His unique style incorporates his early influences in jazz, such as Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, and many others.

Garrett Perkins (Saxophone). Garrett Perkins, a native of Sacramento, studied at the prestigious Berklee School of Music in Boston. Recognized as a prodigy, at the age of 15 he opened for Freddy Hubbard and Mercer Ellington. As a very young man he toured Europe playing jazz with Reggie Graham, who has said “…by the time he was 21, he was the resident pro.” His debut performance was at the Sacramento Community Center Theatre and brought people to their feet, according to the Sacramento Bee’s music critic. He currently has a jazz quartet called the Garret Perkins Project, which he has had since he was 15 years old.

Matt Robinson (Bass). Matt Robinson (no relation to Jimmy) graduated from Sacramento State University with a Master of Music degree in 2003. He has played with important local jazz musicians such as Joe Gilman, Aaron Garner, Steve Homan, Rick Lotter, Steve Roach and others. He has been active as an acoustic and electric bassist all over California and the Pacific Northwest since 1993. Jazz is his primary creative outlet, but he also enjoys soul, classic rock, reggae, classical, romantic, baroque, country, salsa, and others. This wide exposure gives him a unique musical perspective for exploring creative avenues.

October Events - Maidu Museum & Historic Site

Posted: 9/29/2011

The Indigenous Art Gallery: 40th Anniversary Art from Pacific Western Traders

The Myron Zents Gallery: "The Americana Indian: American Indians in the American Imagination"

Historic Site: Guided Tours weekdays 10am, Saturdays at 10am & 1pm.

Fabulous Campfires
Friday, October 21. 7:30pm -8:30pm.
Fee: $5/ person or $16/family of four.

Enjoy an evening in the museum amphitheater with family and friends around a campfire. Listen to Native stories and songs under the stars and roast marshmallows for a sweet ending to the perfect family gathering. No reservations required.

DROP IN ACTIVITIES

3rd Sat Art Walk / Night Out at the Museum

Enjoy an evening at the museum with cultural heritage exhibits, and contemporary art gallery. A monthly free event. Refreshments served.

October feature: Opening Reception / Meet the Artists
Saturday, October 15 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm

We will be hosting an opening reception for Artists Jack Alvarez, Dugan Aguilar, Frank LaPena, Stan Padilla and Francisco Dominguez, in our Indigenous Gallery. In partnership with Pacific Western Traders of Folsom, we will be honoring the occasion of PWT’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. The Program will include meeting the Artists, who will talk about their work, plus an art exhibit and sale.

November feature: Gardening, eating and healing with Native plants.
Saturday, November 19 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Living Wild author Alicia Funk & Mountain Maidu Language teacher Ferrell Cunningham will facilitate discussion about gardening, cooking and healing with native plants of the Sierra Nevada, followed by a food tasting.

This event will serve as an appetizer for our upcoming Salmon Seaweed and Manzanita Cider Exhibit which opens in January!

EXHIBITS – New

The Indigenous Gallery at the Maidu Museum is pleased to announce a partnership with Pacific Western Traders (PWT). For 40 years PWT has been the showcase for California Native artists, basket weavers and cultural practitioners. A new permanent exhibit space will rotate important works of California Native art through the gallery. We are proud to collaborate with Herb and Kathe’ Puffer to display their world class collection of contemporary California Native art.

"The Americana Indian: American Indians in the American Imagination"
August 6th through November 30th in the Zents Gallery.

This exhibit features over 100 examples of the use of Native American imagery in advertising and popular culture. But these fictionalized, commercial representations steal the identity and mock the cultures of Native Americans, replacing the historical with something that never existed.

Learn how these stereotypes relating to American Indians are imbedded everywhere. Examples include old time elixirs, soda bottles and toys to movies, sports teams and much more.

Curator Brian Baker, Bad River Chippewa, associate professor of ethnic studies and American Indian studies at California State University, Sacramento will discuss his collection on August 20 at 7pm during the 3rd Saturday Art Walk Opening Reception from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Sierra Native Alliance Mural and Sculpture Installation.

The SNA youth group mural and sculpture are based on local Maidu Legends and incorporate the Maidu language. The sculpture is an impressive 10’ tall. Installation continues thru December 23, 2011.

EXHIBITS – Upcoming

Seaweed, Salmon and Manzanita Cider: A California Indian Feast
January 2012 through April, 2012 in the Zents Gallery

A unique exhibit that explores traditional hunting, collecting, food preparation and food preservation by California Indian cultures from all regions of the state. The exhibit showcases the extensive and sophisticated system of environmental knowledge underlying California Indian use of food resources. The exhibit includes many artifacts used for hunting, gathering and food preparation, historic and contemporary photographs, text panels, preserved or processed examples of types of foods, film footage of foods in the wild and tear off recipe pads to encourage viewers to try recipes at home.

3rd Saturday Exhibit Opening Reception & native foods tasting January 21, 2012
6:30 to 8:30pm.

Maidu Museum & Historic Site
1970 Johnson Ranch Dr.
Roseville 95661

MUSEUM: Please note new hours that began September 1!
Monday-Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday, 10:00am – 1:00pm
free 3rd Saturday evenings 6:30-8:30pm.

Web site: www.roseville.ca.us/indianmuseum
For museum and program information call (916) 774-5934

RAPUNZEL (OF THE BAYOU) AT ROSEVILLE THEATRE

Posted: 9/29/2011

ROSEVILLE, CA — The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy (RTAA) has created a brand-new fairytale for the Roseville community: Rapunzel (of the Bayou)! Opening on October 8 and continuing through November 5, this Treehouse production brings together the words of RTAA President Michelle Raskey and the music and lyrics of veteran Treehouse player Pam Coles. Raskey’s last original script, Fairytale Idol, was nominated for an Elly Award by the Sacramento Area Regional Theatre Alliance (SARTA).

Why is this Rapunzel set in the swamp? “I started watching ‘Swamp People’ as a joke, but then grew to absolutely love the characters of the bayou,” said Raskey. “They were some of the most generous people I ever saw on television. They would catch a gator or a crawfish and literally take it home and invite everyone they knew to dinner.” Raskey went on to say that the ‘characters’ of the bayou have a deep appreciation of the land. Even though most are securely under the poverty line, they are some of the happiest people around. They live off what mother nature provides, and readily share with their neighbors. “Make fun all you want,” Raskey continued, “but I have never seen a ‘Real Housewife’ share all they have.”

When thinking of her next adventure for RTAA, taking the Roseville community to the swamp seemed a nature progression. “It just came to me: What if Rapunzel were set in the bayou? What if her family were ‘characters’ I had fallen in love with in the swamp?” Here was an opportunity not just to entertain the children of the community, but to endear the adults as well—and Raskey grabbed it with gusto.

“The casting was really important,” Raskey continued. As the story stressed the ‘character’ nature of the bayou inhabitants, the cast needed to be amazing story tellers. After careful deliberation, the cast was hand-picked to include actors that would “tell stories with their faces, their expressions, their hands and their bodies.”

“I am so proud of this play,” Raskey commented. “The story flowed out of me like bayou streams. I hope everyone who comes to see it leaves with an appreciation of the ‘characters’ of the bayou and, above all, a deep understanding that, no matter what, we should always share all we have.”

The Treehouse is a program of the Roseville Theatre Arts Academy that focuses on utilizing adult talent to introduce young audiences to the magic of the theatre. This is the first Treehouse production written exclusively for RTAA.

The Roseville Theatre Arts Academy is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to fostering theatre arts within the Roseville community. Programs include children’s Workshops each season, a “Masters’ Series” for more experienced actors, a Community Choir, and one-day seminars such as Media and Audition Training. RTAA incorporated in January 2011.

For more information or to donate please visit www.rosevilletheatreartsacademy.com or call 916-772-2777.

“Six at Finn Hall” Talented Rocklin Artists to Participate in 18thAnnual Autumn Arts Studios Tour

Posted: 9/29/2011

The Placer Arts League celebrates the 18th Annual Open Art Studio Tour in Placer County. Visit Friday, Saturday & Sunday November 11th, 12th and 13th from 10am-5pm. Attendance is $10 for adults and free for students K-12. You may purchase tickets by visiting Finnish Temperance Hall at 4090 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA 95677 or from the Placer Arts League at 801 Lincoln Way in Auburn.

Gayle Rappaport-Weiland, Craig Johnson, Betsy Kritzon, Judie Larson, Connie Omans and Jenny Stepp will show their wide variety of artwork at Finn Hall in Rocklin, during the 18th Annual Autumn Art Studio Tour. Gayle is a well-known local artist-teacher-consultant and will be sharing her newest coffee table art book in addition to her instructional DVD, gift items and paintings. Craig Johnson, an award-winning photographer, will have greeting cards to framed originals to exhibit and sell. Betsy Kritzon has one-of-a-kind gourd purses and will demonstrate her work as well. Experience the talent that makes Connie Oman’s jewelry an heirloom art. Judi Larson’s skills range from illustrator to diverse mediums. It is a “must see”. New to Finn Hall, Jenny Stepp will showcase her glass and metal art including handcrafted furniture pieces. Let their passion for the arts “rub-off” on you.

Placer County Artist will show and demonstrate their artwork at a variety of locations including Finn Hall where the art of 6 local artists will be on display. While here, enjoy the wide variety of original art, demonstrations and gift items. There will be a drawing for art as well as tasty edibles.

Bringing Their Voices to Auburn: Frankie Armstrong and Linda Allen

Posted: 8/23/2011

Frankie Armstrong

Linda Allen

Auburn – “I first heard Frankie sing on a PBS special in the mid 1970s. I was blown away with the sheer power of her voice back then. She was singing ’I’m Gonna Be An Engineer,’ the classic feminist anthem that appears on her album “Out of Love, Hope and Suffering”. Linda Allen organized the Bellingham Threshold Choir. We have a chapter here in Auburn, and I have had the pleasure of singing with them. Linda’s passion is to help people find their physical, creative and spiritual voices. To have these two women performing here is truly an honor and a privilege. This will be a very special house concert.” —Sharon Carl

British singer Frankie Armstrong has sung professionally in the folk scene and the women’s and peace movement since the 1960s. She pioneered community voice workshops in 1975. She continued her previous trade as a trainer in social and youth work for a decade, before focusing exclusively on voice workshops and singing. www.frankiearmstrong.com

Linda Allen, from Bellingham, WA, is one of those rare performers who combine story and song into a rich and generous flow. Her songs are rooted in tradition and honed by years of commitment to an art that both informs and transforms. She has released nine original recordings and two Northwest song book collections. www.lindasongs.com

Reservations are required. Suggested donation is $20, or what you can afford. Your entire contribution goes to the artist. Doors open at 7:00 pm, Friday, August 26, music starts at 7:30 pm. Call (530) 885-4292 or email info@AuburnHouseConcerts.org for reservations and directions.

Sierra Gold Chorus and Heavenly Quartet Sing at Nevada County Fair

Posted: 8/9/2011

You won’t want to miss the Sierra Gold Chorus and Heavenly Quartet as they share the stage at the Nevada County Fair. The Sierra Gold Chorus, a Chapter of the award winning Sweet Adelines International, under the direction of Barb Tincher, will perform at the Pine Tree Stage at 11:00 am, and again at Noon, on Saturday, August 13, as part of the entertainment for the Nevada County Fair in Grass Valley. The featured Heavenly Quartet recently placed 3rd in the Regional Quartet Competition plus countless other awards. Allison Reason, Elizabeth Dyer, Courtney Anderson and Lisa Shortridge are all busy college students, and they enjoy singing four part a cappella harmony in barbershop style. They plan to attend the Rising Star Competition for Young Women in Harmony in Houston, TX in October. Come and wish them well!

Sierra Gold Chorus rehearses every Monday at 7:00 pm at the Burback Hall, 11577 E Ave., Auburn, CA. Women of all ages are invited to come and sing with the chorus. For more information call Carolie, at (530) 478-0130, Barbara, at (530) 885-4202, Bev at (916) 663-2105, or www.sierragoldchorus.org.

To Kill A Mockingbird

Posted: 8/9/2011

Auburn - The Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center announces its Third Thursday Film Series selection for August 18th and 21st, 2011 at the State Theater - the 1962 film To Kill A Mockingbird.

Gregory Peck plays Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Depression-era South, who defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his kids against prejudice.

Although Gregory Peck’s inspirational performance turned out to be a perfect highlight to his long career, Rock Hudson was actually the studio’s first choice for the role. James Stewart was also offered the part, but told the producers he believed the script was “too liberal”, and feared the film would be controversial.

Based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning book of 1960, and directed by Robert Mulligan, the film won 3 Academy Awards, (including Best Actor and Best Screenplay) and 3 Golden Globes (including Best Actor and Best Motion Picture Score).

Showtimes for the film are as follows: Thursday August 18th – 7PM; Sunday August 21st – 2PM matinee. Box office opens one hour before showtime. Admission is $8 and tickets can also be purchased online at: www.LiveFromAuburn.com.

Come early and enjoy a specially prepared dinner in the Marquee Room off the State Theater lobby beginning at 5:30PM on Thursday. Our featured restaurant for the Third Thursday Film Series is Marybelle’s in Old Town Auburn. Meal cost is $8; beverages may be purchased separately at the State Theater beverage bar.

For a full schedule of upcoming films at the State, go to: www.LiveFromAuburn.com.

Historic Downtown Truckee Arts and Crafts Festival

August 13-14, 2011
Posted: 7/24/2011

Truckee, Calif. – North Lake Tahoe will be teeming with art and activity during the Historic Downtown Truckee Arts and Crafts Festival, Saturday and Sunday, August 13-14, from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Hosted by the Truckee Downtown Merchant's Association, this free event welcomes visitors to browse and shop among the original work of artists and crafters from across the western United States showcasing their handcrafted creations including original photography, jewelry, sculptures, ceramics and much more.

Taking place in downtown Truckee’s walkable historic mountain setting on the closed street of Bridge Street between Donner Pass Road and Jibboom Street, the unique venue offerssomething for everyone, whether you want to experience the history of the area, meet artists and craftspeople, stroll along the river, shop among the many independent boutique stores or eat at any one of over a dozen restaurants.

Among the artists showcasing their wares at this year’s show is Gary Chappell of Nevada City, California who has been making jewelry since 1972. His creations, each crafted from metal fabrications, hard wax and other materials are all one-of-a-kind. Gary is also a gem cutter and enjoys using unique gems in his jewelry such as fossilized coral.

Retired from careers in the sciences, education and construction, Newman and Judith Whitmire moved to Incline Village nearly 10 years ago to set up a workshop to pursue their passion for woodturning and making other creations in wood including coat racks, functional vases, decorative cutting boards and candle holders. The bowls and platters they create are turned on a wood lathe while tools called gouges are used to shape the bowls. Artistry determines the outer shape butskill accomplishes the inner form of each piece.

Dirk Yuricich of Stateline, Nevada will be showcasing a variety of photos that feature the Lake Tahoe area, available in a variety of sizes from note cards to large pieces. The self-taught photographer uses a 35 mm SLR camera to capture landscape images, wildlife, abstract, travel, photojournalistic and documentary images. Dirk prints, mats, and frames all of his images, using archival, photographic paper, acid- free, museum quality mat board, and custom- cut frames.

Other artists participating in the event include Meg and Randy Black-Smith of Nevada City, California displaying their handcrafted sterling silver and gold jewelry; Sue Fox-Capeloto of Garden Valley, California showing her functional ceramic kitchen pieces; and Michael Kerby of Meadow Valley, California showing his watercolor and acrylic paintings inspired by the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Truckee is just 40 miles from Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento, and threehours from San Francisco with easy access off of Interstate 80. For more information about the Historic Downtown Truckee Arts & Crafts Festival, contact the Truckee Downtown Merchant's Association at (530) 587-3161 or Pacific Fine Arts at (209) 267-4394, or visit www.pacificfinearts.com.

“Art Can Heal” Photo Exhibit at Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital

Posted: 7/20/2011

Photo by Patrick Witz

Auburn – A free, beautiful photo exhibit entitled “An Eclectic Eye” by photographer, writer, artist, and teacher, Patrick Witz, is available for your viewing pleasure in the Garden “Art Can Heal” Gallery located within the Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital now through October 15, 2011. A “Meet the Artist” hospital hosted reception will be held, Wednesday August 10th, from 4 to 6 pm in Conference Room A, adjacent to the Garden Gallery (the hallway nearest the cafeteria and garden). The wonderful photos are available for sale via the Gallery or e-mail the artist at photowitz@pacbell.net. Feel free to enjoy the artwork anytime throughout the three-month exhibit by stopping by the hospital during visiting hours (however, please do not make it an Emergency Room visit).

Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital’s “Art Can Heal” Program in Auburn, displays quality artwork created by local and regional photographers, artists, and children to enhance the healing process through optimistic, inspiring, visual experiences that assist in reducing the typically anxious emotions associated with hospitals.

Patients, visitors, and hospital staff have the opportunity to enjoy heartrending, reassuring, and soothing creativity in the Art Can Heal galleries located throughout the hospital.

Auburn Parks and Rec Water, Music, and a Movie

Posted: 7/20/2011

Auburn – Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water…he’s back! Join ARD for an evening of swimming, music, a movie and food. Wednesday July 20 beginning at 6:30 pm is Family Night at the pool. Everyone in the family gets in for just one dollar. Public swim ends at 8:30, then walk out to the front lawn of the park where you can enjoy pizza and BBQ at family friendly prices. Sit out on the lawn and listen to the tunes from Bob Woods Friends. Bob Woods is a guitar virtuoso & Telecaster master. He has been playing for decades now and has played with some of the biggest names around. Bob combines his passion for Trains (he is an actual Engineer for the Skunk Train and other trains in Northern California) with his passion for music. A good train song will be in store, as will samples from his other influences, including a stint with the famous Surf Band the Surfarais (Wipe Out) — and with the beach theme of the movie, some classic surf tunes will be on tap. In addition Bob will play a combination of familiar tunes and originals from some of his many CD’s. You never know who will show up to play with Bob, but you know it will be fun!

The music will start around 7. When the sun goes down ARD will start the Free movie of the week, “Jaws”. Free popcorn will be served. Make it a summer night out with the family; bring a chair or blanket.

Summer Series Season Closes with Jazz Gitan on July 17

Posted: 7/13/2011

Auburn – Placer Arts’ 2011 Summer Series Concert Season concludes with Jazz Gitan on Sunday, July 17. The Auburn Library Garden Theater is the venue for this popular free concert series, celebrating its 23nd season.

The music of Jazz Gitan is inspired by “Le Jazz Hot”, the swinging jazz of the 1930s and 40s with a crossover of songs from the modern gypsy repertoire. With guitars similar to Django’s Hot Club de France, Jazz Gitan provides exciting and engaging music for all audiences.

Lead guitarist Don Price has performed memorable performances with BB King, Frank Gambale, Larry Coryell and Bruce Forman. Along with Ken Billeci on rhythm guitar and Jane Thompson on bass, the Jazz Gitan trio puts on a show that is virtuosic, musical, fun and family friendly.

Don personally credits Robin Nolan with teaching him the "authenticity" of playing gypsy jazz guitar, with acknowledgement to the great players such as Stochelo Rosenberg, Bireli Legrene, Angelo Debarre, to name only a few. Of course, last but not least, is the master player himself, Django Reinhardt, for giving us this inspired musical genre - le jazz hot!

Take a trip to the past and come tap your feet and sway to this mix of high energy music!

The free Sunday evening concert starts at 7:00pm.

The Library Garden Theatre is located at 350 Nevada St., adjacent to the Auburn Library. Bring low chairs, blankets and picnics for a delightful evening of music in this lovely outdoor theatre. No refreshments available.

A host of sponsors and community volunteers makes this free concert series possible, including sponsors Friends of the Auburn Library, Greater Auburn Lions Clubs, Auburn Rotary Club and Harris Industrial Gases.

Placer Arts is the Arts Council of Placer County, a non-profit, public benefit agency, and the designated state-local partner of the California Arts Council for the County of Placer.

Americana/ Bluegrass Band, Dehlia Low, Plays the Sutter Creek Theatre on Sat, July 30th with Rita Hosking & Cousin Jack

Dehlia Low Releases a New Album on Rebel Records August 2nd
Posted: 7/13/2011

Asheville, NC -- Newly signed to Rebel Records, Dehlia Low echoes the sounds of early country with a strong bluegrass flavor, crafting a fresh originality that feels like home in this new album produced by the Infamous Stringdusters’ Travis Book.

Dehlia Low pushes bluegrass music squarely into the emerging Americana genre, combining their gripping, rustic-flavored vocal style with extraordinary instrumental prowess in original songs that feel at once both old and new. The band’s Rebel debut Ravens & Crows is the eagerly-anticipated follow up to their acclaimed 2009 independent studio release, Tellico. Produced by Travis Book of Grammy-nominated and IBMA Emerging Artist winners The Infamous Stringdusters, Ravens & Crows will help firmly establish Dehlia Low as one of the most compelling and distinctive young groups on the acoustic music scene today. With their tasteful, sometimes moody blending of different styles, the group has created a unique sound that already seems fully mature and established.

Dehlia Low formed in late 2007 as part of Asheville, North Carolina’s roots music renaissance. Singers Anya Hinkle (from Blacksburg, VA on fiddle) and Stacy Claude (from Atlanta, GA on guitar) pulled together a group of talented pickers from the region: Aaron Ballance on Dobro (Winston-Salem, NC), Bryan Clendenin on mandolin (Hurricane, WV) and Greg Stiglets on bass (Jackson, MS). The group’s sound is focused on original music rooted in bluegrass but with a distinctive country/folk feel true to their southern Appalachian roots.

By early 2008, just a half year after playing their first show at Asheville’s Grey Eagle, the band’s first, self-titled EP was on radio waves across the US. Its astonishing reception on Western North Carolina’s WNCW as #16 of its best new releases of 2008 gave Dehlia Low an unexpectedly rapid regional notoriety. The group increased their touring radius and repertoire, resulting in their first proper studio release Tellico in 2009 and an exciting national tour in support of the album. That year, Dehlia Low recorded a video-taped set for PBS affiliates syndicating the “Jammin’ at Hippie Jack’s” series, performed at Rhythm and Roots (Bristol, TN), Pickathon (Portland, OR) and the Durango (CO) Meltdown in addition to extensive regional touring.

In 2010, Dehlia Low expanded its audience by leaps and bounds after well-received sets at several of the most prominent music festivals in the country, including MerleFest and the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival. Their MerleFest set was released by FestivalLink.net, and cuts from that same performance were selected for a Bluegrass Trust Fund compilation CD alongside the likes of the Krueger Brothers and Steve Martin with the Steep Canyon Rangers. The group recorded a number of other shows at some of the best venues in the Southeast such as the Grey Eagle, the Down Home and the Mockingbird; tracks from these gigs were included on their November 2010 release Live, capturing the magical intensity of a live Dehlia Low show.

"The heartfelt mountain sounds of this new band recall the Carter Family and the Stanley Brothers." ~ Diane Amov, Bluegrass Spotlight on MerleFest

"One of those kinds of bands that I just really fall in love with" ~ Iaan Hughes, No Depression

About Rita Hosking and Cousin Jack:

Kitchen tables, loggers, trailers, springs, loss, miners, culture clash, hope, forest fires— Rita Hosking's show is about all that and more, and always fierce and lovely. Her delivery is, to put it simply, intense. "From the first time I heard Rita sing, her voice gripped me and did not let go," (Joe Craven.) Her voice, called a "soulful howl from the mountains" is calling attention among country-folk fans everywhere. "This California girl comes by her mountain-music sensibility with true authenticity, with original songs deeply rooted in her family's frontier experience," (FestivalPreview.com.) Rita’s record was selected “Best Country Album” in the 2010 Independent Music Awards, 3rd Coast Music Magazine of Austin, Texas called her “Female Artist of the Year” for 2009, she was a finalist in the 2009 Telluride Troubador Contest, and the winner of the 2008 Dave Carter Memorial Songwriting Contest at the Sisters Folk Fest in Oregon. “The songs of Rita Hosking are as fragile as a newborn baby and as defiant as a West Virginia coal miner,” (Fiddlefreak Folk Review.) More info is at: http://www.ritahosking.com.

July 30, 2011
8:00 pm
$18/$20
(916) 425-0077
44 Main Street
Sutter Creek, CA 95685
www.suttercreektheater.com

Auburn House Concerts Presents Kristina Olsen

Posted: 7/5/2011

Kristina Olsen

Auburn - Kristina Olsen is one of the most entertaining and compelling performers on the international folk circuit.

A superb multi-instrumentalist (acoustic guitar, steel-body slide guitar, saxophone, concertina, mandolin and piano) as well as an award-winning songwriter with a big bluesy voice, Kristina has audiences around the world coming back for more.

Her mix of powerful songs ranging from sassy bottleneck blues to lilting ballads to swing jazz to raunch and roll (as well as her hilarious storytelling) makes for a diverse and satisfying musical experience.

Reservations are required. Your entire contribution goes to the artist.

Doors open at 7:00 pm, music starts at 7:30 pm. Call (530) 885-4292 or email info@AuburnHouseConcerts.org for reservations and directions.

Boys Of Summer, Eagles Tribute Band, Performs At Blue Goose

Posted: 7/5/2011

Loomis - Join the Boys of Summer with a tribute to Don Henley and the Eagles’ music at the Blue Goose Event Center, 3550 Taylor Road, Loomis, CA, on July 23, 2011. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at www.bluegooseeventcenter.com, and at Main Drug or Blue Goose Produce in Loomis. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase before the show.

Back in 1971, Don Henley and Glen Frey formed a little band called the Eagles and created the California sound. Henley wrote, sang, and played drums with the band from 1971-1980. Life after the Eagles led to numerous solo albums each with a different feel and attitude. The Boys of Summer respect Henley’s work and recreate the experience that is his music. They hope it is as much fun for the audience as it is for them.

The Eagles’ first single ”Take It Easy,” co-written by Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne, soared into the Top 20. Other hits quickly followed, including “Witchy Woman,” the first song where Don sang lead. That song introduced a distinctive voice that many fans regard as the voice of the Eagles. The Eagles would go on to become one of the most creatively and commercially successful bands of all time. Their albums, including Desperado, On the Border, One of These Nights, Hotel California, and The Long Run, would go on to sell over 100 million copies worldwide. In the course of the 1970s, the group won four Grammy awards, topped the album charts five times and became one of the top concert draws of the era. They were the first band in history to sell over 10 million copies of two separate albums – Hotel California and Eagles – Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975, which surpassed Michael Jackson’s Thriller as the bestselling album of all time in the U.S.

According to music historians, nearly one in every 10 Americans owns a copy of this greatest hits album.

4th Annual Historic Downtown Truckee Arts and Crafts Festival

July 30-31, 2011
Posted: 6/28/2011

Truckee, Calif. – The 4th Annual Historic Downtown Truckee Arts and Crafts Festival celebrates art in the outdoors Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31. Hosted by the Truckee Downtown Merchant's Association, this free event will give visitors the chance to meet with more than 45 award-winning artists and crafts people showcasing a wide variety of arts and crafts including photography, oil paintings, ceramic vessels, jewelry and much more.

Taking place in downtown Truckee from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day on the closed street of Bridge Street between Donner Pass Road and Jibboom, the 4th Annual Historic Downtown Truckee Arts and Crafts Festival provides a unique venue for patrons to view original handmade creations while enjoying the outdoors.

Among this year’s featured artists is ceramicist and Truckee resident Brad Henry who makes functional stoneware pottery, created on the potter’s wheel as well as by using slabs and handmade molds. Once cured, decorations are then applied with sumi brushes using wax or glaze, creating colorful energetic spontaneous swirls, circles, dots, stripes or scenes of nature. All of all Brad’s pottery is food,dishwasher, microwave and oven safe.

Laura Morton of Grass Valley has been a printmaker for over 35 years, specializing in etchings and etching collages. The natural world and its beauty have always been the inspiration for her creations, which range in size from miniature (1" x 1") to “as large as I can print on my press,” she says. All the materials Laura uses in her pieces, and all matting and framing materials, are acid free or archival.

Award-winning jeweler Meg Black-Smith of Nevada City has been making jewelry for more than 20 years and brings quality, professionalism and top-notch artwork to this year’s show. Meg uses karat gold and sterling silver to create her Victorian style pieces. By using precious metals and striking gemstones, Meg solders and casts the swirls of silver and gold into works of wearable art including rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants.

Other artists participating include Kathleen Burks of Fernley, Nevada who creates infrared landscape photography that can produce black & white images that have a dream-like or ethereal quality to them; Tim Lazer of Sacramento whose original hand-blown glass designs in vases, paperweights, perfume vials and other works are distinguished by dramatic, colorful compositions often accented with precious gold or iridescent decorations; and Karen Hale of Jackson, California showing her mixed media paintings that incorporate texture, dimension and a love of color.

Truckee is just 40 miles from Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento, and threehours from San Francisco with easy access off of Interstate 80.

Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day

Downtown Truckee, on the closed street of Bridge Street between Donner Pass Road and Jibboom

Hosted by the Truckee Downtown Merchant's Association, this free event will give visitors the chance to meet with more than 45 award-winning artists and crafts people showcasing a wide variety of arts and crafts including photography, oil paintings, ceramic vessels, jewelry and much more.

For more information about the Historic Downtown Truckee Arts & Crafts Festival, contact the Truckee Downtown Merchant's Association at (530) 587-3161 or Pacific Fine Arts at (209) 267-4394, or visit www.pacificfinearts.com.

Music in the Mountains Brings Cirque to Grass Valley

Posted: 6/14/2011

Christine Van Loo Static Silks

Nevada City, CA - Music in the Mountains (MIM), the largest and longest continuously running classical music organization in the Sierra Foothills, will present an outdoor concert featuring Cirque de la Symphonie on Saturday, June 25 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds. This world-renowned troop of aerialists, acrobats, contortionists and jugglers will perform to the music of Dvorak, Bizet, Tchaikovsky and others, played by the MIM Festival Orchestra.

Cirque de la Symphonie brings the magic of cirque to the orchestra performance. It is an adaptation of artistic performances widely seen in theaters and arenas. The visiting artists are veterans of leading cirque programs throughout the world and they include world-record holders and international gold-medal winners. Their performances are uniquely adapted to share the stage with symphonies, and each artist's performance is professionally choreographed to classical masterpieces in collaboration with the maestro, MIM's artistic director, Gregory Vajda.

The visiting Cirque de la Symphonie artists have extensive credentials. Christine Van Loo is a seven-time consecutive National Champion, Female Olympic Athlete of the Year and Athlete of the Decade in acrobatic gymnastics. She has performed in the 2002 Winter Olympics as well as at Grammy and American Music Awards shows and has been inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. The other performers, all originally from Russia, have similarly impressive backgrounds with experience in organizations including the Moscow Circus, Circus Circus and Festival Mondial Du Cirque De L'Avenir in Paris.

"We will also have an up-and-coming young prodigy in the performance," commented Terry Brown, MIM vice president and event producer. "Kai Newstead comes to us from the Mendocino Center for Circus Acts. He began performing at age five and already has an impressive resume - in spite of the fact that he's still a teenager."

Gregory Vajda, artistic director for MIM commented, "I love to mix art forms like this, to create an extraordinarily rich experience. When I performed with Cirque de la Symphonie and the Seattle Symphony last season we sold out five houses."

"The audience will love it when they see these performers flying around my head," he continues. "And Cirque even involves me in a special magic act. There has never been anything like this in our area and I think the audience will be astounded," says Vajda.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and gates open at 6:00 for picnickers. Tickets for Music in the Mountains' concerts and events may be purchased online at www.musicinthemountains.org or by calling the box office at (530) 265-6124.

Music in the Mountains, founded in 1982, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Nevada County by presenting outstanding performances of predominantly classical music and by offering educational opportunities for youth and adults in music appreciation, performance and composition. Fueled by hundreds of volunteers and donors, the organization includes the Festival Orchestra, with 55 professional players from around the country, and the 85-voice Festival Chorale a highly acclaimed, auditioned vocal group.

Auburn to Celebrate Party in the Park

Posted: 6/7/2011

Come and enjoy great music and a great time out with family and friends!
All Pics courtesy of Kurt Bertilson

Auburn - On Friday June 17th, Auburn’s Party in the Park will be celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary in a big way! With 2 headlining bands, the grandest Kid Zone yet, the Foothills biggest and best BBQ Pit, Beer Garden & Food Court, and of course numerous craft and demonstration booths.

Party in the Park started out as an idea for families to enjoy top notch live music, but still have fun with their children. With concert ticket prices skyrocketing, the cost & hassle of babysitters, as well as other roadblocks, a night at a concert for most of us were far and few between. The Auburn Recreation and Park District (ARD) was on board immediately as they not only saw the benefits listed above, it would also create an opportunity for folks in the community who might not otherwise use our parks to come out and enjoy some fun in a non-traditional recreation way. Of course to keep it free, we needed to find some sponsors, for which many have come forward and helped out. 10 years later, the fun of Party in the Park is better than ever, as it has become the premier concert and family event in the Foothills.

As always, music is the centerpiece for the party, and this year could prove to be the best combination yet. Mumbo Gumbo who was there on day one, returns as co-headliners of this years show. If you somehow have not heard or enjoyed a Mumbo show, do not miss this chance. Mumbo brings together a combination of influences styles, incredible vocals & a ton of fun. From Zydeco to Reggae their infectious sound makes it next to impossible to not get on your feet and get loose! Joining in the fun and sharing the main stage, is the Nationally touring & recording artists Great American Taxi (GAT). While former Leftover Salmon front man Vince Herman leads the show, this is truly a team effort of incredible musicians, vocalists and songwriters. Not only does GAT headline venues and festivals across the country, in their spare time they are also the backing band for “folk-rock legend” Todd Snider. GAT again combines & blends a variety of sounds from Jamgrass pickin’ to New Orleans-Cajun-Swamp-Boogie. This is their first visit to Auburn and a rare chance to catch them for FREE!

Again, Party in the Park is free to attend! The natural amphetheatre at ARD’s Regional Park provides the perfect setting for a sunset concert and while folks can bring their own treats (no alcohol) we hope they will leave the cooking and dinner to us. By supporting Party in the Park vendors, you are helping some great non-profit causes & Service Organizations, as well as keeping the party free. There is something for everyone, from Tri-Tip Sandwiches to veggie treats & home-made ice cream. Of course to stay cool beverages of every sort will be on hand – from Margarita’s to Slurpee’s ! Supporting the Kid Zone helps too, there are wristband and individual tickets available, from a petting zoo to carnival rides, there is a ton of fun for kids of all ages.

I hope you all circle your calendar and come up to enjoy the heapin’ helpin’ of hospitality’ the ARD and Co-Hosts have for you & get ready for an incredible night of great music, great food, great company and a ton of fun! Feel free to visit www.PARTYINTHEPARK.NET or call the ARD at 530-885-8461 for more information. I hope to see you there, in the mean time and as always…….

Keep Smilin’ Scott Holbrook, ARD Board member, as well as Party in the Park Pied Piper & Purveyor of Fun.

Come Enjoy the American River Confluence Festival!

Posted: 6/7/2011

nefit Silent Auction kicks off with Wine & Beer Tasting featuring wines from Auburn area wineries and beers from Sierra Nevada Brewery. Enjoy cabaret swing-jazz music provided by the Tepid Club of Cool and tasty finger foods for a $15 donation.

This year we will be featuring recreational gear, fine art work and dozens of other items and services. PARC is fundraising through the silent auction to promote permanent river protection, to provide river education programs, sponsor river clean-ups and help build a new shade structure for the Confluence Visitors Area. The silent auction bidding concludes on Sunday afternoon. When: Saturday June 11th 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Overlook Park

Join Protect American River Canyons, PARC, for the Twentieth Annual Free AMERICAN RIVER CONFLUENCE FESTIVAL at the American River Overlook Park on Pacific Avenue in Auburn. PARC’s annual river festival features family-friendly nature, art, and canyon recreational activities, a rock climbing wall information booths and vendors, and delicious food in a shaded river village atmosphere. The Confluence Festival is an opportunity to learn more about the recreational and educational opportunities the river and canyons have to offer and how we can responsibly care for and protect the natural resources of the American River.

The American River Stage features continuous music and entertainment including multi-instrumentalist Joe Craven; fashions from recyclables by Haute Trash http://www.hautetrash.org/; Wild Things will bring our favorite canyon animals http://www.wildthingsinc.org/ ; The Tepid Club of Cool Swing-Jazz Band, Loping Wolf Cedar Flute Ensemble, http://www.lopingwolf.com/ Placer Buddhist Taiko Thunder Drummers; and the River Plump Fairies making river magic. When: Sunday, June 12, 9am to 4pm at Overlook Park

For more information and a schedule of events please visit PARC’s website http://www.parc-auburn.org/, or contact Andrea @ 530-887-9314, email parcauburn@yahoo.com

PARC - Working to build community through education, conservation, stewardship, and responsible recreational use of our American River resources. PARC - PO Box 9312 - Auburn, CA 95604.

"African Queen"

Posted: 6/7/2011

Auburn - The Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center announces its Third Thursday Film Series selection for June 16th and 19th, 2011 at the State Theater - the 1951 film African Queen.

Starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, and directed by John Huston, the film won an academy award for Bogart (Best Actor) and nominations for Hepburn (Best Actress) and Huston (Best Director; also nominated for an Oscar for Best Writer and Best Screenplay.

The film takes place in Africa in WWI where Bogart plays a gin-swilling riverboat captain who is persuaded by a strait-laced missionary (Hepburn) to use his boat to attack an enemy warship. This is a must-see for any fan of classic movies, and so timeless that you can also enjoy watching it numerous times.

Showtimes for the film are as follows: Thursday June 16 – 7PM; Sunday June 19 – 2PM matinee. Box office opens one hour before showtime. Admission is $8 and tickets can also be purchased online at: www.LiveFromAuburn.com.

Come early and enjoy a specially prepared dinner in the Marquee Room off the State Theater lobby beginning at 5:30PM on Thursday. Starting this month, our featured restaurant for the Third Thursday Film Series will be Marybelle’s in Old Town Auburn. Meal cost is $8; beverages may be purchased separately at the State Theater beverage bar.

For a full schedule of upcoming films at the State, go to: www.LiveFromAuburn.com.

Auburn Family Night Out 2011

Save This Date...June 18th
Posted: 6/7/2011

Auburn – A safe and sober evening is planned for the 12th Annual Auburn Family Night Out. The event this year is underwritten by the Auburn Recreation District with all net proceeds to benefit their youth programs.

Between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m., on June 18th, the longest Saturday night of the year, this mile long event promises to have something for everyone. More than 15 locations will follow a path between Old Town and Downtown, bringing these historic districts together again.

Entertainment abounds with the PUHSD Summer Theatre Academy’s production of their current musical, dancing and demonstrations at the Clock Tower; a historical display of wagons at the Courthouse, the “Safety Zone” behind City Hall has many activities planned. A children’s area including rock climbing, pony rides, and the S.P.C.A. Pet Mobile, a petting zoo, face painting, “Never Cry Wolf” Rescue, a carnival provided by ARD, vendors, and, by popular demand, our annual “Chalk-A-Lot! Art contest for ages 3 to 15. Chalk Art contestants meet at the Union Bank lot on High Street at 5:15pm. In addition to the “Chalk-A-Lot! Art, we are introducing a new “Street Chalk Art” contest this year. For an application, go to www.auburnrec.com

The Pioneer Methodist Church will provide a variety of walk-around food, an ice cream social and non-alcoholic beverages again this year. Visitors will use a “passport” to help them work their way through the mile long event along Lincoln Way and High Street, which will also qualify our visitors for grand prizes donated by the community. “Passports” can be picked up at the Clock Tower or any numbered location.

The event is free. For information or a vendor application contact: Linda Robinson 530/888-1585 or sunriver@inreach.com . For a downloadable application go to: www.auburnrec.com

Roseville’s Tower Theatre: Invaded by Elves?

Posted: 6/1/2011

Sacramento thespian Bobby Grainger has written and directed The Elves and the Schumachers, a children’s play which premiers at the Tower Theater in Roseville, Calif. starting June 4 at 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. The production will run at the same times and location every Saturday through June 25.

BG Productions’ theatrical re-telling of The Elves and the Shoemaker is adapted for all ages. Mom and Dad will have just as many laughs as the kids with references that span the 80s through today. The play also benefits two non-profit organizations through the Bobbie Wortell Memorial Education Fund: Sacramento SPCA and Reece’s Rainbow, a non-profit ministry dedicated to promoting the international adoption of orphan children with Down Syndrome and special needs. Two dollars of every ticket purchased will be given to the aforementioned charities.

It’s difficult for families to find high-quality entertainment that also teaches a valuable lesson. It’s even more difficult to do so on a budget. For less than the price of a movie ticket, The Elves and the Schumachers offers a welcome entertainment alternative for children of all ages with tickets only $7. Parents usually plop their kids in front of the TV and once an hour has passed the experience fades away. A play brings the characters to life in front of their eyes, suspending their disbelief and deepening their imagination.

Grainger’s play is based on the Grimm’s Fairy Tale about a shoemaker (Bernie) and his wife (Gladys) who are down on their luck. With the help of two magical elves they are able to turn things around and become very successful. And with each success the couple always remembers to “pass it on,” the heart of the play’s message.

The play is fun for the entire family, with the action directed at children and the dialogue fit for all. If one hasn’t been to children’s theater because it’s “only for kids” The Elves and the Schumachers proves that reputation wrong.

The Elves and the Schumachers is written, directed and stars local thespian Bobby Grainger. He has acted and directed in various plays in the Sacramento area for the last 15 years. His previous credits include directing The Singing Christmas Tree and A Christmas Story.

Tickets are available for $7 each at http://TheElfPlay.com. Additional information about the cast of characters and the charities can also be found on the website.

FIFTEENTH ANNUAL MEADOW VISTA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD 2011

Presentation and Celebration

Each year the The Placer County Board of Supervisors and the Meadow Vista Municipal Advisory Council present the “MEADOW VISTA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD”. This year the selection committee unanimously selected Fred Eichenhofer for contributing his time, energy, and leadership skills in service to the community of Meadow Vista. The award will be presented on June 1, at 6pm in the Meadow Vista Placer Hills School. There will be a celebration immediately following with music from local band TJ Wrightly performing. The public is invited to attend.

Fred has been on the board of directors of the Meadow Vista Community Center for several years, and accepted the position of president when Erv Morgenthal passed away last year. In 2005, Fred resurrected the Oktoberfest event, donating both time and money to make the event successful. The proceeds from the event are donated to the Meadow Vista Community Center.

Along with his daughter, Katherine Katches, Fred organized the “Movie Night Under the Stars” events last summer. He purchased a projector, speakers and concession stand materials for these events, and donates the proceeds to the Meadow Vista Pool project. Fred also organized and financed a Gingerbread Decorating Event held at the Beda Place, and again donated proceeds towards the pool project.

Fred installed a stage next to his real estate office in town and lets community groups use it free of charge. He installed water and electrical to the field next the office to help facilitate all of the functions held there. Fred opens his office during annual local events such as Pioneer Day, Christmas in the Village and the Trick of Treat Trail and offers free food and beverages during those events.

Fred is also an active member of the Meadow Vista Lions Club and the Meadow Vista Merchants Association. Fred has been an inspiration to others in our community and a wonderful example of leadership for the residents of Meadow Vista.

TJ Wrightly Band

ften bringing two, three or four part harmonies into their music, the members of TJ Wrightly present an engaging blend of contemporary folk music. The five member’s unique musical backgrounds come together and give rise to an evening of soothing harmonies and tuneful entertainment.

Covering such diverse influences as Lori McKenna, Dave Carter, The Jayhawks and Eliza Gilkyson, their music is lyrically driven and thoughtful – backed by skillful musicianship. If you’re a fan of acoustic folk and Americana music featuring great harmonies then don’t miss The TJ Wrightly Band with their refreshing songs and vocal versatility.

You’ll also find a certain playfulness as evidenced by the group’s name, which is crafted from each member’s name, and has come to represent their fictional band leader, TJ Wrightly (who’s evidently stuck in Argentina on passport issues and unable to make most shows).

For more information on the event contact Gil Jaramillo at 530-878-2310 or go to www.meadowvista.com.

Music in the Mountains Announces SummerFest Schedule

Posted: 5/18/2011

MIM Festival Chorale sings American favorites at July 3 “Happy Birthday USA” concert. Photo courtesy of Music in the Mountains.

Nevada City, CA (May 13, 2011) – Music in the Mountains (MIM), the largest and longest continuously running classical music organization in the Sierra Foothills, announces the full schedule and details for SummerFest 2011, the 30th anniversary concert series.

The two-week Festival will kick off with “Dinner Divertimento,” an elegant and intimate evening of fine food and chamber music performed by Music in the Mountains Players at Miners Foundry on Saturday, June 18. Gregory Vajda, MIM’s artistic director, comments, “This is the way great music was typically shared in the old days – people would gather in small groups at various homes to enjoy fine music with a meal.”

On Thursday, June 23, MIM will present The 30th Anniversary Concert, with orchestra and chorus. Works will include “Happy Birthday Variations” by John Williams and pieces by Bernstein and Brahms. Ryan Murray, choral conductor, will conduct the 85-voice MIM Festival Chorale and the orchestra for Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Toward the Unknown Region.” According to Murray, “This is truly one of the great choral master works of all time and we are looking forward to sharing it.”

Saturday, June 25 will bring a special treat to our area with “Cirque de la Symphonie,” a world-renowned troop of aerialists, acrobats and jugglers who will perform to the music of Dvorak, Bizet, Tchaikovsky and others, played by the MIM Festival Orchestra. The audience can picnic under the stars at this outdoor concert. According to Terry Brown, MIM vice president and event producer, “There has never been anything like this in our area and we know the audience will be astounded. Gregory Vajda brought this group to Portland, where they sold out four houses.”

“Orchestra Masterworks” is the title for the Saturday, June 26 concert, which will include timeless classics like Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, along with the West Coast Premier of a piano concerto written by MIM’s own Gregory Vajda.

Tuesday, June 28 will feature “All that Brass,” an energizing evening brought back by popular demand. The MIM brass and percussion sections will perform.

The orchestra and chorus will perform together again on Tuesday, June 30, offering up the great work, “Carmina Burana.” The other half of this concert will include works by Mozart and Haydn. “We’ve performed ‘Carmina Burana’ several times in our 30 –year history and it always packs the house,” comments Brown.

On the evening of Friday July 1, students in the unique MIM Young Composers program will present their pieces, performed by the MIM professional musicians. Then on Saturday morning, July 2, MIM transforms the traditional KinderKonzert into a Family Concert with lots of background information on the symphony and how it works, as well as the music itself. Prior to the concert, kids can try out instruments at the MIM “petting zoo,” which will be outside the concert hall at the fairgrounds.

As always, MIM wraps up SummerFest with the traditional “Happy Birthday USA” picnic and pops outdoor concert on July 3 at the fairgrounds. In addition to patriotic marches and old American favorites performed by the orchestra and chorus, there will be a Marine Corps color guard and a flyover. This concert is a great way to kick off the July 4th weekend.

Tickets for Music in the Mountains’ concerts and events may be purchased online at www.musicinthemountains.org or by calling the box office at (530) 265-6124.

Lincoln Arts & Culture Foundation Announcements - Day on the Green

September 19, 2009

Lincoln, Ca ~ Saturday, Sept 19 Lincoln Arts & Culture Foundation presents Day on the Green. Tickets: Visa, Master Card, Pay Pal, or cash are available at Lincoln Arts, at www.lincolnarts.org, and at the gate. Adults: $10, Children $6. The day will include: vendors, a, raffle, BBQ, and a beer and wine garden. Families are also welcome to bring picnics. For a full 8 hours -- from 12PM – 11PM -- professional bands: One Drop Redemption, Bob Marley Tribute Band, Sacred Fire, Santa Tribute Band, Tempus Fury, 89’ 80’ Rock, Private Criminals, Alternative Rock, Cold Sweat, Blues and Highway 49 Band, Original Rock, will entertain. Call the gallery for driving directions, tickets, or more information: (916) 645-9713. [More]

Fountains at Roseville Offers Region’s Most Extensive Free Outdoor Concert and Entertainment Series Three Nights per Week through September

August First Friday features Country dance lessons, and a varied lineup of band genres all month

Fountains at Roseville’s summer entertainment series has been very well received by the community with an average of 600 people attending each of our First Fridays in June and July and 200 or more people attending each interactive entertainment night or concert. Fountains at Roseville will continue to offer Wednesday and Saturday night concerts featuring high-quality live music through September 30. August 7 is the next “First Friday” street festival. Guests may want to bring along a folding chair or blankets to enjoy the entertainment.

Wednesday night concerts feature a range of bands, trios and duos on stage from 7-9:00 p.m. Many of the Wednesday night featured bands were fan favorites during the 2008 Fountains at Roseville series.

Friday Entertainment – The First Friday of each month includes closing main street to only pedestrian traffic for a great street fair experience with farmers market, strolling performers, sidewalk sale and car show from 6-8:45 p.m. On the stage, All Star DJ Group will host an on-stage dance exhibition, karaoke or music for dancing from 7-8:45 p.m. Saturday Night Concert Series – All Saturday night concerts are located on the main stage and begin at 7:00 p.m. featuring an all-new lineup of bands.

Fountains Kids Club - August

Every second Saturday of the month throughout 2009, Fountains at Roseville will host the Fountains Kids Club with entertainment crafts and activities for the kids beginning on the community stage at 10 a.m. August 8 will feature a back-to-school craft, face painting and stickers for the kids. Kids Club continues through October.

“Last summer’s concerts were a big hit with our guests,” said Gloria Wright, Fountains at Roseville general manager. “We’re thrilled to see its popularity soaring this summer as well. Many people are coming out to multiple events each week and really supporting both our concerts and interactive entertainment. We’re happy to offer our entertainment series through early fall this year.”

An Evening with Strangers That Could Change Everything… or not…

Roseville, A mismatched group of travelers are stranded together for a night in William Inge’s comedy, Bus Stop, opening in Magic Circle Theatre’s Roseville Theatre location on March 27, 2009. This production is sponsored by Squier Real Estate.

A freak snow storm hits Kansas City one evening in the 1950’s. As the roads close and the phone shuts down, a variety of people seek shelter in the only place possible, a diner. Will the lonely find love, or at least companionship? Will friends stay friends? Will the innocent remain innocent? It’s a warm, funny evening of mismatched pairings and missed possibilities.

Bus Stop will play Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 and Sunday afternoons at 2:00, through April 25, in the Roseville Theatre, 241 Vernon St., Roseville. Tickets are $22 - $25 general admission, $20 - $22 seniors, $15 - $17 students, $12 - $14 children 11 and under. Call (916) 782-1777 for tickets.

Interesting extras: William Inge was known as “the playwrite of the Mid-West”, and won a Pulitzer prize for his play Picnic. Inge also won an Academy Award for his movie script for Splendor in the Grass. In 1961-62 the television show Bus Stop was loosely based on the play, and Inge himself wrote the episodes.