Seeing Sacramento & Beyond » Art & Culture

When Cultures – and the Living and Dead – Mingle

melanie noel light — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:40:38 +0000

Life and Death = ?

When I saw the altar in the middle of Sacramento’s popular Zocalo restaurant, and the lights dimly lit all around, I grew more curious than usual. What exactly was this Day of the Dead celebration? Resembling a miniature Tim Burton movie set, the table had shelves and curvaceous lines with gangly skeleton-like figures fully clothed and even fuller of life. With large hats, feathery boas and musical instruments, they made death seem like nothing to fear, perhaps just an after-hours party to celebrate the freedom from mortal existence and bad mortgage loans.

The celebration typically takes place on November 1st and 2nd – in conjunction with Catholic holidays All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day – although some in America (perhaps incorporating Halloween) begin celebrating on October 31st. Instilled with rich culture and long-standing history, el Dia de los Muertos is a traditional holiday in Mexico and other North, Central and South American countries.

Not to say there isn’t mourning for loved ones who’ve passed, but this is a celebration of their lives, their spirits, their transcendence, and their return as well. Marigolds, for instance, are often chosen because it is believed that their scent can lure the dead back to visit. And since “the path back to the living world must not be made slippery by tears,” this celebration has all the fixings of one hearty party.

People gather in cemeteries, cleaning and decorating gravesites, making offerings to the departed, enjoying picnics and socializing with others. There are large feasts – often in the early morning or evening hours – and town center gatherings with street vendors selling colorful decorations and treats like sugary skulls and sweet bread made with “bones of the dead”. The holiday can be traced back to the Aztecs, and according to Wiki, “similar observances occur elsewhere in Europe, and similarly themed celebrations appear in many Asian and African cultures.”

A great deal of art is inspired by el Dia de los Muertos and much respect is paid to this multi-faceted holiday. It makes me think about how often we speak of our dead in the past tense, and how it feels so untrue… Borrowing from other cultures, perhaps I can start a new tradition within my own family this year

This one’s for you, Dad.

For some related Sacramento area events, visit:
www.sacramento365.com/search/results

[Image from Wikipedia]

Bows & Arrows: “Other” & Everything all at Once

melanie noel light — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:22:40 +0000

In the mood for something fresh, a bit different, perhaps eclectic, useful and entertaining? How about a Downtown boutique that sells vintage and second-hand clothing, jewelry and art… One that also has a mini café with treats, spirits and plenty of space in which to relax, read or ponder the state of your reality… A spacious outdoor patio with an almost other-worldly feel, straight from a whimsical dream… A creative venture-venue that hosts artists, Second Saturday parties and unique musical guests…

Bows & Arrows – It’s a one-stop-shop for things a little left of center and experiences akin to a slightly alternate dimension. Check them out for a pair of 80s jeans, a glass of Allagash White, an artist’s rendition of the atmosphere (this Friday), or a gaggle of musical groups you’ve never heard of (but likely won’t forget).

Tues – Sat, 11-11
1815 19th St., 916.822.5668

http://bowscollective.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bowsandarrowsvintage

Summer: Don’t Kiss it Goodbye Just Yet

melanie noel light — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:54:03 +0000

What wonderful weather we’ve been having in the greater Sacramento area! While I see back-to-school supplies and Halloween decorations in the stores, as long as it’s August, it’s still summer to me! So before school, Halloween and the nippier weather are actually upon us, here are a few things going on around town that you might like to check out:

August 17 (through the 21st) – Yolo County Fair Opens – It’s the last free fair in the state! Woodland, CA, www.yolocountyfair.net

Thursdays ‘til 9 – The Crocker Art Museum will remain open until 9PM on Thursdays through August and September. In addition, every third Thursday of the month the Crocker concert series continues through September 15. Sacramento, CA, www.crockerartmuseum.org

Mondays Added – Old Sacramento Underground Tours have added Mondays to their days of operation now through Labor Day. There’s still time to get a peek. Old Sacramento, CA, www.historicoldsac.org

May Madness: So Much to See & Do in Sac & Beyond!

melanie noel light — Mon, 02 May 2011 16:12:24 +0000

If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring?
FUN, of course~

OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Announcing the kick-off the 20th season of Friday Night Concerts in the Park.
May 6th and every Friday night, 5-9PM, through August 12.
Cesar Chavez Park, Downtown
www.SacFridayConcerts.com

ART & WINE AFFAIR
20 area wineries, artists, vendors, live entertainment.
Saturday & Sunday, May 7 & 8, 11-4PM
El Dorado Hills
916-802-6924, www.eldoradohillsartaffaire.com

PIXAR COLLECTION
Disney Fine Art by Collectors Editions presents the Pixar Collection worldwide debut — One Day Only!
Sunday, May 15, 11AM to 4PM
California State Railroad Museum, Old Sacramento State Historic Park
916-445-6645, www.csrmf.org

NATURE TOURS
Delta Eco-Tours – Take a short or long nature and cultural history tour of California’s best and most breathtaking locations along the Sacramento Delta.
Saturday, May 21, 2-hour History & Riparian Cruise
Saturday, May 28, 4-1/2 hour Tule Wilderness Adventure
Delta Ecotours/Hartland Nursery
13737 Grand Island Road (P.O. Box 439), Walnut Grove, CA 95690
(916) 775-4545, www.DeltaEcoTours.com

HISTORY TOURS
Gold Rush Legacy Tours and Old Sacramento Architectural Tours begin in May and go all summer long.
Saturdays & Sundays at 11AM
916-808-7059, www.historicoldsac.org

And for more ongoing, engaging and special events check out www.Sacramento365.com!

Singing and Dancing: What a Way to Make a Living

melanie noel light — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:54:37 +0000

Are you old enough to remember ‘9 to 5’ the movie? Have you ever heard Dolly Parton’s song ‘9 to 5’? Have you ever had to work a 9 to 5 job, Monday through Friday, or had a chauvinistic boss? Have you ever wanted to get revenge or just facilitate some level of justice in the world around you? Do you like to be entertained by good old-fashioned fun?

I know there’s a “yes” in there somewhere…

Before ‘The First Wives Club’ with Goldie, Bette and Diane, there was ‘9 to 5’ (1980) with Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. So it only took about 30 years for this cute classic film to get its due recognition. I mean, you know you’ve made it when they make a musical about you.

‘So grab (well, don’t literally grab – have I learned nothing from this movie?!) your mothers, grandmothers, daughters, friends and any willing males because 9 to 5: The Musical’ is coming to Sacramento. Call it entertainment or call it education, but admit we’ve come a long way, Baby.

Brought to you by Broadway Sacramento, ‘9 to 5: The Musical’ is playing March 9 through the 20th at the Community Center Theater. For more information visit: http://sacramento365.com/event/detail/440912413/9_to_5_The_Musical

All Aboard! for New “Fruit” Exhibit at Raiload Museum

melanie noel light — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 22:09:59 +0000

If I could just absorb all the vitamin C in this upcoming exhibit, I doubt I’d currently be home nursing a sore throat and chest cold. But lucky for me, there’s still time to recuperate and get myself to the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento for the “Pick Me! Fruit Crate Art & the California Dream” exhibit. Starting March 5th (and running through March 30), we can view more than 80 iconic and whimsically designed fruit crate labels from the 1880s through the early 1950s that inspired many to “Go West” in search of the California Dream.

Gain an appreciation for an early art form that featured beautifully bold imagery, learn how California’s fresh produce was kept cool during transport before refrigerated cars, and discover why the railroad was the key to the early success of the California agriculture industry. Dripping with color, these labels depicted verdant fields and idyllic pastoral scenes, subtly suggesting that California was a magical place – a place where it was always sunny and the grass was somehow greener. To those of us who live here, we know there’s a certain magical aura around California, one usually best seen during dawn or twilight hours. Of course, we still have to deal with real-world stuff – just like everyone else. And no matter how much succulent fruit we produce here, we still get sick sometimes.

Widely regarded as North America’s finest and most popular railroad museum, the 100,000-square foot Railroad History Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

More Information: www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call (916) 445-6645

Cost: $9 adults; $4 youths ages 6-17; free for children ages 5 and under

Art, Culture & Ice Cream…. All Free!

melanie noel light — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 14:27:25 +0000

Planes, trains and automobiles…
Settlers, science and space…
Art, history and education…
Gold, pottery and artifacts…
Lions, tigers and bears… Say it with me now…
It’s time for the 13th annual Sacramento Museum Day, and all it costs is your time in return!

When: Saturday, February 5, 2011
What: 26 local Museums
Where: Sacramento, CA
Why: Why not?!
Who: Find out at www.sacmuseums.org
How: Presented by Sacramento Association of Museums and sponsored by Umpqua Bank

And for the icing on the cake… free ice cream will be served at locations to be determined!

Do Something Different from the Masses

melanie noel light — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:20:48 +0000

Have You Ever Been Moved by a Bird?

How many engaging, moving, thrilling or mind-altering movies are out there that most of us miss?! Looking at the line-up of Movies on a Big Screen, I’d say, “a lot.”

Movies on a Big Screen – mostly hosted at the historic Guild Theatre – is an ongoing film festival/microcinema that started in Sacramento in 2006. They show independent films, documentaries and shorts, host community-based special events, and on occasion have late night audience participation screenings. Many screenings include filmmakers and guest speakers in attendance for Q&A.

This Sunday, October 24th, Movies on a Big Screen is hosting ‘Ghost Bird’, along with the director Scott Crocker.

About the movie: Set in a murky swamp overrun with birders, scientists, and reporters, “Ghost Bird” explores the limits of certainty, the seductive power of hope, and how one phantom woodpecker changed a sleepy Southern town forever.

Extinction means that a species has ceased to exist forever. The term is meant to be definitive and final. But what happens if an extinct species isn’t really dead? In 2005, scientists announced that the Ivory-billed woodpecker, a species thought to be extinct for 60 years, had been found in the swamps of Eastern Arkansas. The story was celebrated around the world as the rediscovery of a lifetime. It prompted the largest recovery effort ever undertaken for a lost species. Millions of dollars poured in from the government as ornithologists and birders flooded the area. Along the way, the town of Brinkley, Arkansas – itself on the brink of extinction – was transformed by the hope, commerce and controversy surrounding the bird. But continued credible sightings by expert birders were coupled with a mysterious absence of evidence. And five years later, the Ivory-bill remains as elusive as ever. “Ghost Bird” brings the Ivory-bill’s blurry rediscovery into focus revealing our uneasy relationship with nature and the increasing uncertainty of our place within it.

“[Director Scott] Crocker has turned a bird-watching tale into a multilayered story that will fascinate practically everybody.” – The New York Times

“Beautifully crafted…heartbreaking, ironic and infuriating. It’s a stunner.” NPR

“‘Ghost Bird’ is a rare beast indeed — a matter-of-fact documentary about a seemingly innocuous subject that manages to become profoundly moving.” – IFC

Sunday, October 24, 2010
7:30 PM
Admission: $5.00
Movies on a Big Screen at The Guild
2828 35th St, Sacramento, CA

All movies shown at Movies on a Big Screen are $5 unless otherwise noted.
www.MoviesonaBigScreen.com

p.s. If you’re around for Halloween, check out their old school horror flick marathon.

Lights, Camera, Action, Enjoy

melanie noel light — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:06:02 +0000

Crest's Marqui Being Remodled

The Sacramento Film & Music Festival is soon to be under way – July 23 – August 1 at the historic Crest Theatre in Downtown Sacramento. In addition to a dozen feature films, 65 shorter films from the submission pool include 18 animated films, 9 foreign shorts, and over 20 films in the student category, including most of the top film schools and a few surprisingly sophisticated films from high-school-aged students.

Now in its 11th year, the SF&MF has grown quite colorfully to embrace and encourage new facets of filmmaking. Two programs for local filmmakers, both in their seventh year, encourage and support community engagement. Sac Music Seen is a program that matches local filmmakers to local musicians to make original music videos, with almost 150 completed projects to date. The 10×10 Filmmaker Challenge is SF&MF’s own answer to the guerilla filmmaking phenomenon, with teams being allowed ten days to make a ten minute movie.

The Festival also partners with other longstanding community events, such as the Sacramento International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. This year, one evening includes a fascinating pair of documentaries about the dangers to senior citizens in the LGBT community who sometimes find themselves going back into the closet to avoid discrimination in settings like assisted living facilities, and a film about transgendered musicians and singers.

SF&MF’s ongoing relationships allows for further interesting partnerships, including Sony, Rubios, Sacramento News & Review, Capital Film Arts Alliance and Mayor Kevin Johnson’s Arts Initiative. “Our primary mission is to showcase the work of talented filmmakers, but we’re also very much a community arts event and we work closely with our partners…to promote local interest and involvement at all levels.”

www.sacfilm.com

Freeport Festa: You are Cordially Invited

melanie noel light — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:27:25 +0000

Mary, Monica & Justina Invite you to Festa

Craving a particularly easy and fun-loving event? Do as the Portuguese do (and some not-so-Portuguese) and attend the annual Freeport Festa this holiday weekend. Food, drinks, dancing and general frolicking beneath large shade-providing old river trees makes for an inviting and pleasant spring-day escape. And with a 75-degree-day expected, there’s no excuse not to dip your toe into a new experience. Since the Festa is open to everyone, ‘the more the merrier!’

Festa Dinner
Saturday, May 29
Tri-Tip, Beans, Bread, Salad, Dessert
$15 per person
Music

Festa
Sunday, May 30
Parade starts at 10am
Mass at 11:30am
Auction at 1:30 (Donations are welcome)

Freeport-Clarksburg
Portuguese Hall
54113 South River Road
[North of Clarksburg in Yolo County - 2 ½ miles north of Freeport Bridge]

For more information, contact Monica Souza at (916) 925-8661.