The group is an acoustic jazz trio that carries on the tradition of gypsy swing created by Django Reinhardt together with Stephane Grappelli during their domination of the Paris jazz scene in the 1930s.

The music of Jazz Gitan is the swinging jazz of the ’30s and ’40s, plus a cross-section of songs from the modern Gypsy jazz repertoire. It includes latin, blues and original styles combined to create a unique foot tapping and high energy Parisian influenced experience.

The band has performed for all types of venues, events and festivals both regionally and locally and assuredly provides exciting, engaging music for all to enjoy.

Drop in for good music, good friends and a fun atmosphere.

There is no cover charge with a purchase from Zia’s menu of treats. Beer and wine are also offered, as well as incredible coffees and desserts.

For more information call 530-642-9427.

The bride is a 2005 graduate of Laurel Valley Middle High School in New Florence, Pa. She is a 2009 graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a BS in kinesiology. She is expected to graduate in May from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pa. with an MA in public health and medial science.

The groom is a 1999 Ponderosa High School graduate. He attended Santa Barbara School of Photography. He is a corpsman in the United States Coast Guard, stationed at Cape May, N.J. He also works as a lead physical therapy assistant and in the outpatient medical clinic for the Guard.

The couple plans to wed on Saturday, June 13. They plan to reside in Kodiak, Ala. where the groom will be stationed for the next three years.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills, military weapons, chemical warfare and bayonet training, drill and ceremony, marching, rifle marksmanship, armed and unarmed combat, map reading, field tactics, military courtesy, military justice system, basic first aid, foot marches, and field training exercises.

Fonseca is the son of Juan Fonseca Uribe and Maria Delgadillo Mancillas, both of South Lake Tahoe.

He is a 2011 South Tahoe High School graduate.

Paco Pena’s Dancers

Beginning their current tour in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Paco Peña and his sextet brings the true spirit of flamenco to audiences all over the world.

As guitarist, composer, dramatist and mentor, Peña’s imagination, dedication and skill constantly renew this archetypal Spanish art form. As the leader of an immensely talented ensemble — in dance, voice and music —  he has assembled a stellar lineup for his Folsom debut.

Readers of Guitar magazine judged Paco Peña “Best Flamenco Guitarist of the Year” for five consecutive years.

Peña’s program, entitled “Flamenco Vivo,” is a musical journey that displays the highest level of modern flamenco, highlighting the rhythmic complexities of its latest variations of dance, song and guitar.

“Flamenco Vivo” also looks back to the most primitive and pure forms of this captivating art and pays respect to the legacy of this tradition.

Born in the Andalucian city of Cordoba, Peña began learning guitar from his brother at the age of 6 and made his first professional appearance at the age of 12. In the late 1960s he left Spain for London, where his recitals of flamenco music captured the public imagination.

Venues for his solo performances have included the intimate Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the monumental Royal Albert Hall in London, New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

He has shared the stage with fellow-guitarists, singers and instrumental groups, bridging diverse musical genres, including classical, jazz, blues, country and Latin American.

Peña has performed regularly with his own hand-picked company of dancers, guitarists and singers in a succession of groundbreaking shows.

The Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company has taken flamenco into the realm of music-theatre with regular seasons in London  and festival appearances in Edinburgh, Adelaide, Amsterdam, Athens, Israel, Istanbul, Singapore and Hong Kong.

What: Gabriel Silva and Sue Ann Pinner in concert

Who: El Dorado County Community Concert Association

Where: Union Mine High School, Theater at the Mine, 6530 Koki Lane in El Dorado

When: Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.

Information: Normadene Carpenter at 530-622-4218

Acclaimed American tenor Gabriel Silva and international recording star, composer and Emmy Award-winner Sue Ann Pinner will unite their sensational voices in an uplifting and inspirational concert of popular and classical music on Tuesday, Feb. 19.

This will be El Dorado County Community Concert Association’s fourth concert in its six 2012-13 concert series.

Silva was raised in Placerville, studied on a full scholarship for his bachelor’s degree from University of California, Irvine, and received his master of music in vocal arts from University of Southern California where he was awarded the Jeanette MacDonald Operetta Scholarship and a teaching assistantship in voice.

Silva’s voice has been described as “a rich tenor sound … sometimes a gentle stream that comforts, and other times a raging torrent” and a “voice that is striking and immediate.”

He has performed internationally in Tel Aviv, Israel with the New Israeli Opera Studio; in Austria at the Palais Theatre, and in Dubrovnic, Hvar, and Korčula, Croatia; and from Vienna to Broadway with the International Vocal Institute.

He has enthralled audiences in the title role of Werther with the Los Angeles Orchestra, Des Grieux in Auber’s “Manon Lescaut” with the Lyric Opera of Los Angeles; Alfredo in “La Traviata” with the Pacific Palisades Symphony; and his notable Mozart performances.

Silva’s performances as tenor soloist in concert include Bach’s “Christmas Oratorio;” Mozart’s “Grand Mass”and Dvorak’s “Requiem Mass” with the Pacific Palisades Symphony; Handel’s “Messiah” and Mozart’s “Requiem” with the Winchester Lutheran Cathedral Orchestra, and Obadiah in Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” with the Westwood Presbyterian Orchestra.

Silva has also sung in several opera films and television productions including the title role in Wordnet Production’s premiere of “Paul.”

Music is equally deep within Sue Ann Pinner.

The daughter of a United Methodist minister, she studied piano at 6, becoming the organist in her father’s church at the age of 12.

A full voice scholarship to Michigan State University led to graduation with honors.

At the University of Texas, Austin, she studied under Ducloux. By the age of 24, she had performed many leading operatic roles with full orchestra.

She received a master of music degree in opera performance and went on to a career in opera. She sings in 10 languages. Students flock to her classes at Santa Monica College in the Los Angeles area, where she is a professor of voice and opera.

In her life, as in her music, Pinner reaches mass audiences and she touches the lives of individuals. She sang as principal soloist for Pope John Paul II and 65,000 people at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles during the 1987 historic Papal visit that reached millions of people through an internationally televised broadcast.

She sang the “Ave Maria” for 22,000 people at the Anaheim Convention Center performing music from her top-selling bilingual sacred classical recording “Mariachi” with the internationally renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico.

All El Dorado Community Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are performed at Union Mine High School, Theater at the Mine, 6530 Koki Lane in El Dorado. Some concerts will be available to area students at no cost to the schools.

For information on the availability of new memberships or to obtain tickets for a single concert call Normadene Carpenter at 530-622-4218.

The fifth concert of the season, on Wednesday, March 20, will bring Presidio Brass, a brass ensemble, to El Dorado County. Since forming in 2006, Presidio Brass has rocketed to success as the face of a bold new generation in brass entertainment.

By combining a brass quintet, piano and percussion instruments with fresh, original arrangements, their unique sound from San Diego has become a trademark for the ensemble, captivating audiences everywhere.

The sixth, and last concert of the season, on Thursday, April 18, will bring William Florian. An upbeat, energetic, musical journey of America’s greatest songs of the ’60s including songs he performed as lead singer of the famous New Christy Minstrels plus the music of Peter Paul and Mary, John Denver, Pete Seeger, The Mamas and The Papas, and uplifting originals presented with amusing stories.

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Linda Purl and Lee Lessack return to Three Stages in a powerhouse evening, dedicated to the heartwarming music of Georgia’s favorite son.

Four-time Academy Award-winning songwriter Johnny Mercer comes to life as the two artists weave heretofore little-known stories with his timeless tunes, including “Moon River,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Black Magic,” “My Shining Hour,” “Come Rain or Come Shine” and more.

Brought to the stage by TV actress and singer Purl, originally Fonzie’s girlfriend on “Happy Days;” more recently on “The Office” and “Homeland” and Lee Lessack, the performance will feature some of Mercer’s unforgettable songs performed by two top-notch singers.

“This duo is delightful, the songs are time-tested and classic … it will surely warm these February nights, and is a perfect Valentine for our audience,” Three Stages Executive Director Dave Pier noted.

Born in Connecticut and raised in Japan, Purl’s television credits range from “Happy Days” as Fonzie’s fiancée to Charlene Matlock on “Matlock” to Joe Mategna’s wife on the acclaimed Supreme Court series “First Monday.”

Purl  has more than 30 television movies credits to her name, such as “Born Free,” “The Last Days of Pompeii,” “The Manions of America” and “Like Normal People,” the award-winning docu-drama about a mentally retarded couple.

Her feature film credits include Disney’s “Mighty Joe Young,” “The Walking Major,” “Crazy Mama” and “Leo and Loree.”

Stage credits include Broadway’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” “Getting and Spending,” Off Broadway: “The Baby Dance” and Off-Off-Broadway: “Hallelujah, Hallelujah!”

Purl is the recipient of six Dramalogue Best Actress Awards and two Dramalogue Awards as “Best Producer.”

She has received two Robby Awards for “Best Actress,” is a three-time nominee of the Los Angeles Drama Critics’ Award for “Best Actress” and is the recipient of the Connecticut Critics’ Award for “Outstanding Performance in a Play” for her work in The Baby Dance.

Leesack’s graceful lyric baritone vocals and endearing persona have made him a shining star of the international concert scene. Touring extensively in the United States and Europe to sold-out performances and releasing five albums, Lessack has proven himself both as performer and recording artist.

His newest concert is titled “Chanteur,” an homage to the Great French Songbook, celebrating music by Michel Legrand, Jacques Brel, Gilbert Bécaud and Charles Aznavour.

Leesack’s fifth and most ambitious recording to date, “In Good Company,” features duets with music notables like Michael Feinstein, Maureen McGovern, Amanda McBroom, Ann Hampton Callaway and Stephen Schwartz.

It has earned a MAC and Bistro Award for Best Recording of the Year.

Musical Director John Boswell has served as musical director for Judy Collins, Andy Williams and Bob Newhart.

Boswell played the role of “Moose” in the national tour of “Crazy For You.”

Broadway/Off Broadway credits include “Crazy For You,” ” The Secret Garden,” “Back To Bacharach And David,” and “The Kathy And Mo Show: Parallel Lives.”

Boswell also composed music for the HBO special “Kathy And Mo: The Dark Side.”

Tickets are $39 to $45. They may be purchased online at threestages.net or from the Three Stages ticket office at 916-608-6888 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday and two hours before show time.

The de Young will host 35 paintings from the collection, including the renowned “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer, “The Goldfinch” by Carel Fabritius, and four works by Rembrandt van Rijn.

Highlighting the spectacular artistic achievements of the Dutch Golden Age, these works reflect the culture of artistic, economic and technological innovation that allowed the Netherlands to prosper in the 17th century.

At the center of this exhibition is one of the world’s most famous paintings, Vermeer’s masterpiece, “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

This work, sometimes called “the Dutch Mona Lisa,” is one of only 36 known paintings by the artist and rarely travels outside the Netherlands. Though little is known about Vermeer’s life, the quiet grace and virtuoso technique evident in his paintings, and in particular his rendering of light, have placed him among the most important artists of the 17th century.

Many of the details of his technique can only be appreciated through close examination of the painting surface, such as the few tiny brushstrokes that indicate the reflection on the pearl, and the broader, more expressive painting of her ultramarine and yellow turban.

During the Dutch Golden Age, a significant shift occurred in both the technique of painting and in subject matter, particularly as secular subjects began to replace religious themes.

Portraiture focused increasingly on ordinary people, like the man depicted in Rembrandt van Rijn’s “Portrait of an Elderly Man.” The sitter seems not to be posed, but presented in a matter-of-fact way that differs from the idealized formality of traditional portraiture.

“The hierarchical social structure in other European countries no longer monopolized art production in the Netherlands,” said Dr. Lynn Orr, curator in charge of European art at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. “As the middle class prospered, an unprecedented market for portraiture developed. Successful individuals, married couples, and civic leaders wanted likenesses to pass on to posterity.”

Like the more relaxed approach to portraiture, the paintings known as genre scenes also mirrored life as it was actually lived in the Netherlands.

These often depicted some aspect of everyday life, like informal musical performances or simple domestic activities. Jan Steen’s painting “The Oyster Eater” is an example of telling a story using a domestic setting. Lavish detail is used to depict the space, furnishings and costume. However, as is often the case with Dutch paintings, something more is going on: the young woman looks out to the viewer with a coy glance that is open to interpretation. Is her meal simply interrupted or does she also invite us to join her in eating oysters — the food of seduction?

The Dutch were proud of the commercial success and technological achievements that supported the Netherlands’ thriving economy during the 17th century, including the massive engineering projects that allowed the country to reclaim large areas of land from the sea.

Landscapes like “View of a Lake with Sailing Ships” by Salomon van Ruysdael can be read as descriptions of the Dutch countryside, but they also often reference technological innovations. Here Ruysdael includes ships designed specifically to navigate the shallow waterways of the Netherlands, as well as the windmill and portage equipment in the distance.

Taken as a whole, this exhibition reflects the political, economic, technological and cultural accomplishments of an extraordinary society.

“The Fine Arts Museums are thrilled to have this rare opportunity to share these works from the Mauritshuis,” said Orr. “The brilliant flowering of the Dutch school exemplified in these paintings was a unique achievement and the works continue to intrigue and delight to this day.”

About the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis

This prestigious Dutch museum, which has not lent a large body of works from its holdings in nearly 30 years, is undergoing an extensive two-year renovation and expansion that makes this opportunity possible.

Following two stops at Japanese institutions, the exhibition debuts in the United States at the de Young Museum, then travels to the High Museum of Art in Atlanta in the summer of 2013.

A smaller selection will be on view at The Frick Collection in New York in October 2013. Emilie Gordenker, director of the Mauritshuis, commented, “We are delighted to have three excellent museums as partners for our U.S. tour. This agreement allows us to present our collection on both the west and east coasts of the United States, in large as well as more intimate venues.”

Housed in a magnificent 17th-century city palace, the museum is celebrated for its masterpieces from the Dutch and Flemish Golden Age, including paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Steen, Hals and Rubens.

The works on permanent display provide a magnificent panorama of Dutch and Flemish art of the 15th to 17th centuries; from Flemish primitives to sunlit landscapes, from biblical characters to meticulous still lifes, and from calm interiors to humorous genre scenes.

The core holdings of the Mauritshuis were acquired by Stadholder William V, Prince of Orange-Nassau (1748–1806), whose son, King William I (1772–1843), presented them to the Dutch nation in 1816. Consisting of nearly 300 works in 1822, the holdings of the Mauritshuis have grown to approximately 800 paintings.

Exhibition catalogue

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue, “Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis,” published by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco in collaboration with the Mauritshuis, The Hague.

The volume guides readers through the highlights of the museum’s magnificent collection and features 35 masterpieces of portraiture, landscape, genre painting, history painting, and still life, each accompanied by text illuminating its context and significance.

Curatorial essays provide an overview of the extraordinary world of the 17th-century Dutch Republic, explore the history and future of the Mauritshuis building and collection, offer an in-depth look at “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” and chronicle fascinating conservation treatments and technical research undertaken by the museum on behalf of its treasures. It is hardcover with 144 pages and a cost of $34.95/$31.46 members.

It is available in the museum stores or online at shop.famsf.org.

Exhibition organization

This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco with gratitude for exceptional loans from the collection of the Mauritshuis, The Hague. Major Patrons are Penny and James George Coulter, Cynthia Fry Gunn and John A. Gunn, J. Burgess and Elizabeth B. Jamieson; Benefactors are The Selz Foundation Inc. and The Richard C. von Hess Foundation; Sponsors are Phoebe Cowles and Robert Girard and Supporters of the exhibition are Greta R. Pofcher and The Netherland-America FoundationMedia.

The exhibition will run from Jan.26 to June 2 at the de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.

Museum hours are  Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and closed Mondays. Admission cost is $25 adults; $22 seniors; $21 college students with ID; $15 youths 6 to 17. (These prices include general admission.) Members and children 5 and under are free. General admission is free the first Tuesday of every month.

Tickets can be purchased on the de Young’s Website deyoungmuseum.org. All online tickets include a $1 handling charge.

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” which ran from Sept. 28 through Nov. 18, was the final show produced by CMT at the venue, located at 10th and K streets in downtown Sacramento.

Paragary Restaurant Group, which recently opened Café Bernardo and K Bar in the space adjoining Cosmopolitan Cabaret, took over management of the venue on Dec. 5, according to David Taylor, managing partner of building owner David S. Taylor Interests Inc.

The new venue will feature cutting-edge comedy and eclectic styles of music, from progressive rock to jazz, according to Randy Paragary, owner/partner of Paragary Restaurant Group. Paragary said that programming details will be announced soon.

“The cabaret is a wonderfully intimate entertainment space with perfect acoustics and not a bad seat in the house,” Lewis said. “So we’re very excited that Paragary Restaurant Group will be taking the venue in a new direction. Both David Taylor and Randy Paragary have been wonderful partners since 2008, when we began programming the cabaret and we look forward to helping with the transition in every way possible.”

In recent weeks Taylor, Lewis and Paragary have had conversations about a new direction for the venue, and they believe that providing live entertainment directed at a broader audience will be a better fit with the other area businesses, including Paragary Restaurant Group’s adjoining Café Bernardo and K Bar.

“Richard was a pioneer in bringing live entertainment to K Street,” Paragary said. “He deserves total credit for creating a wonderful space. As we move in new directions, we will be building on the venue and atmosphere he created.”

Since it opened four years ago, the Cosmopolitan Cabaret has had a string of critically acclaimed productions.

“We’re very proud of the wonderful shows we’ve produced at the cabaret,” Lewis said. “And we’re very appreciative of the fantastic audiences that have come to see those shows.”

Lewis said CMT will continue to focus its efforts on producing world-class Broadway musicals for the summer Music Circus series at Wells Fargo Pavilion, which recently ended its 62nd season, and presenting top touring Broadway shows for the Broadway Sacramento series at Community Center Theater.

The Holiday Market and Bazaar is a great opportunity to pick up some unique and hand-made holiday gifts, and while you’re at it, support neighbors, friends and local crafts people and the co-op.

Shoppers will find Fair Trade, local and internationally handmade and artisan created gifts, as well as foods and other handmade goodies.

Most of these items are not found in other stores or on the internet and shoppers will get to meet the makers.

Organizers invite everyone to support the co-op, support Cedar Springs, support friends and neighbors — and help build a strong, vibrant, and sustainable local economy.

For more information call 530-621-3663.

Among the many numbers the group will play are Telemann’s “Water Music,” Handel’s “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba,” Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Strings,” and Johann Christian Bach’s “Grand Overture in E-Flat Major, Op. 18, No. 1.”

All 27 members don’t necessarily play at the same concerts, but the lineup consists of violins, violas, string bass, cello, bassoons, oboes, flutes, guitar, sometimes horns, and, of course, the harpsichord.
In keeping with a baroque ensemble performance, the group performs without a director. Historically the composer would play with the group, probably on harpsichord, nodding his head as a cue to the other musicians.

Camerata Capistrano musicians take their cues from one another. “Whoever has the main part gives the cue for the whole group to come in and we work on doing that together,” said violinist Amanda Lostritto.

While most of the musicians are music majors, that isn’t a hard and fast rule.

“We have a violist who isn’t a performance major, she’s a biology major,” cellist Carrie Miller said.

Camerata Capistrano began in 2005.

It didn’t take long for word to spread. A video of the group performing in Berkeley received a lot of attention on YouTube, and many incoming Sac State music students already are aware of the ensemble.
Violinist Paolo Reyes was invited to join the group and has found baroque an enjoyable challenge.

“I especially enjoy the amount of detail work we have to look at and observe and remember every single time,” Reyes said. “There are a lot of nuances.”

Students who join the group are demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to their craft. “This is an extracurricular activity,” Music Professor Lorna Peters said. “This is on top of all their required ensembles, their lessons with their teachers and all their coursework.”

But all that work can pay off. Faythe Vollrath was a harpsichordist during the group’s first year and said the experience proved invaluable.

“To get the opportunities as an undergrad to play with so many different people gave me a much bigger foundation than other students when I went to graduate school,” Vollrath said.

Vollrath recently completed her doctorate in harpsichord performance at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where she studied with Arthur Haas, Peters’ former teacher.

Tickets are $10 general, $7 for seniors and $5 for students, and are available at the University Ticket Office, or call 916-278-4323.

For more information on Sac State’s music department visit csus.edu/music or call 916-278-5191.

Gallery members hope visitors will take the opportunity to visit the gallery and see these artists demonstrating their creative process.

The schedule for Dec. 8 is as follows:

11 a.m. — Susan Polstra, well-known watercolor artist here on the Divide, will share her painting techniques for a full composition watercolor painting, starting from preliminary drawings.

1 p.m. — Jodi Reed, talented gourd artist, will show the process of working on gourds from cleaning them to the finished product. She will demonstrate painting, carving, and her favorite technique, pyrography (wood burning).

3 p.m. — Victoria Perez Mott, one of our newest artists, will demonstrate lampwork glass bead making using a live torch with Italian and German glass. She will create some of the intricate designed beads that she uses in her jewelry.

Gallery members invite the public to come see the artists working, and do some Christmas shopping at the same time. There are many new items made especially for the holidays.

The winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The gallery will be open the entire week before Christmas (Dec.16 to Dec.23), for your shopping convenience.

Art On the Divide Gallery is located in one of Georgetown’s historical buildings at 6295 Main St., halfway between the fire station and the American River Inn.

For more information call 530-333-2787 or visit artonthedivide.com.

Meet Santa at the Western Railway Museum on three Saturdays, Dec.8, 15 and 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be hot cocoa, hot cider, and story readings for kids provided by the Solano County Library.

Trains depart at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m, 2 p.m, and 3:30 p.m. for a ride through rural Solano County. Photos are encouraged.

Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors 65 years and older, and $7 for children 2 through 14. Admission includes unlimited train rides, parking, hot cider or hot cocoa, story readings, and visits with Santa. Reservations are not necessary.

The Western Railway Museum is open for the holidays, each and every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum will also be open and running for historic trains on Thursday, Dec. 27 and Friday, Dec. 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.

The museum store is having a holiday sale throughout December. Get 10 percent off on selected items in every department: books, DVDs, clothing, Thomas the Tank Engine, and much more. Museum members get an extra 10 percent off, for a 20 percent total discount.

The Sierra Nevada Ballet will present the popular, “Peanutcracker — The Story in Nut Shell” with two shows at the Carson City Community Center on Dec. 1 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Pre-show entertainment starts 45 minutes before the shows with the Tintabulations Hand Bells at 1:15 p.m. and the Carson City Strings in the Schools performing at 6:15 p.m.

Song and dance favorites continue with two holiday productions of “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” at the Performance Hall of the Brewery Arts Center over three weekends. Show times for this Wild Horse Productions event are Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 2 p.m.

Carson City’s theater troupe, the Proscenium Players, will provide its take on the holidays with the Dickens-esque production of “A Christmas Chaos.” This is a family-friendly tale of mishaps, mistaken identities, mischief and merry mayhem. Shows are Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 and 8 at 7:30 and Dec. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m.

Holiday music

Strings in the Schools, Carson City Symphony’s after-school program, presents its third annual concert, “This is not a Christmas Concert” Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center. Directed by Carson City Symphony’s education director, Sue Jesch, it features beginning violinists in grades two through five, a youth string orchestra for all ages including adult mentors and STRAZZ, an advanced jazz and fiddle ensemble. For more information call 775- 450-5584.

The Carson City Symphony presents the 29th annual Holiday Treat concert on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center. The Symphony will be joined by the newly formed Carson City Symphony Chorus and the Victorian Dancers. Pre-concert entertainment begins at 3 p.m. Conducted by David Bugli, the symphony will perform several works of Christmas and Hanukkah music. Norma Conway’s Victorian Dancers will complement the music of Johann Strauss Jr. Tickets are available at Play Your Own Music in the Carson Mall, online at CCSymphony.com or at the door.

Holiday trains

Although the 2012 Polar Express train aboard the historic V&T Railway in Carson City has sold out, Santa Claus will make an express run on the Nevada State Railroad Museum’s steam train pulled by V&T Railway locomotive No. 25 for two December weekends. The museum’s Santa Train departs Carson City’s Wabuska Depot at the corner of Fairview Drive and U.S. 395 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1, 2, 15 and 16. Trains run continuously throughout the day. Each Santa Train trip leaves the depot as soon as Santa and passengers have boarded. Tickets are $3 per seat and available at the depot. Santa Trains are first come first served so passengers should arrive early. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the exhibits of magnificently restored locomotives and rolling stock in the museum’s main building before or after riding the Santa Train.

Festival of lights

Carson City’s annual Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights has become so well received over the years that the 2012 festival will now run for two days. The enhanced event is Friday, Dec. 7, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. Friday night’s festivities begin on the Capitol grounds with the state tree, a bristlecone pine, and downtown Carson City being lit along with a procession including Santa, Mrs. Claus and the 300 voices of the Carson City fifth grade music students singing ensemble. Highlights include ice skating at the Arlington Square Ice Rink and the Carson Nugget serving caramel apples and roasted chestnuts at the Laxalt Plaza will highlight the night. The Santa parade along Carson Street from Musser Street to Telegraph Square starts at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Following the parade, merchants from around downtown Carson City will roll out their holiday fare at Telegraph Square. Ice skating, a bounce house and winter art contest make the event a day full of old-fashioned Nevada camaraderie and cheer.

Ice skating

With the arrival of cool weather and the holiday season, the Arlington Square Ice Rink  across from the Carson Nugget offers outdoor ice skating in downtown Carson City. Family skate nights are Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m. Regular skate sessions are Monday through Thursday, 3 to 9 p.m., Fridays, 3 to 10 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Wine walks

Winter Wine Walks through historic downtown Carson City are the first Saturday of each month. The route features strolls through art galleries, restaurants and local shops. Tickets include a commemorative wine glass with a map of stops featuring wine, hors d’oeuvres and shops. Wine glasses and maps can be purchased at the Carson Nugget, Cactus Jacks, HorseShoe Club, Carson Jewelry and Loan or Bella Fiore.

In addition, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval will lead the sixth annual Wreaths Across America ceremony Monday, Dec. 3, to honor the nation’s veterans of military service. The Battle Born Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution event begins at 10 a.m. on the front steps of the Nevada State Capitol.

The Carson City Historical Society hosts its annual Christmas Party at Bliss Mansion, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. The three-story, 8,500 sq. ft. home was built in 1879 by millionaire and lumber magnate Duane L. Bliss. The sprawling 15-room Victorian was built in the Italianate style and was the largest and most elaborate home in Nevada at the time.

Nestled 30 minutes between Reno and Lake Tahoe, Carson City boasts an array of fine restaurants, challenging golf courses, historical attractions, museums and gaming opportunities. Visitors will find plenty of open space, fresh mountain air and friendly residents.

For more information regarding any of Carson City’s annual events and attractions or for room package information call 775-687-7410 or 1-800-Nevada-1, or visit visitcarsoncity.com.

What: Brothers of the Baladi

Who: The Cozmic Café

Where: The Cozmic Café, 594 Main St. in Placerville

When: Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.

Tickets: $10 for general admission

Information: 530-642-8481 or visit ourcoz.com

Brothers of the Baladi, a 2008 Grammy nominated band, returns to the Cozmic Café, 594 Main St. in Placerville on Saturday Nov. 10.

The Brothers of the Baladi plays Middle Eastern/world music, and performs vocals in seven languages — Arabic, Turkish, Spanish, Farsi, Armenian, Berber, French and English.

The band plays exotic rhythms mixed with familiar grooves and traditional instruments and songs fueled by guitar, bass and drums. The Brothers of the Baladi has been blazing world music trails around the globe for more than three decades.

The quartet will feature music from its 2008 Grammy nominated CD “Just Do What’s Right” as well as its other 10 CDs.

The band is currently working on its 12th CD, and bandleader Michael Beach is also about to release his second solo CD.

Beach delights audiences with his diverse vocals, high energy Middle Eastern drumming on a traditional Middle Eastern drum.

The lineup also includes J. Michael Kearsey on vocals, electric bass and percussion; Clark Salisbury on both acoustic and electric saz, a Turkish electric guitar; and Ashbolt Stewart on drum kit, davul and doumbek.

Local dancers and instructors Cintia, Vahana, Carolina, Sahrina and Sarpika will also perform.

The show is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.

For more information about tickets call the Cozmic Café at 530-642-8481 or visit ourcoz.com.

For more information on the band visit baladi.com, or baladi.com/music/middle-eastern-world-music or its Facebook page at Brothers-of-the-Baladi.

We had just moved into our house and were barely unpacked, let alone ready to tackle a major backyard project. I say major because he wanted to plant not just a few trees, more like 20 or 30. So my planning instincts kicked in and we started to research.

There are so many factors that one needs to consider prior to planting a home orchard. Site selection is foremost on that list — not just where in the backyard does one put it, but what is the soil type and drainage, is there too much wind and not enough sun and is there enough space for the plants to mature and grow.

And then there is the local climate. Here in the foothills of El Dorado County, we are blessed with so many variations in climate, including microclimates, where the temperature can vary by several degrees within a few feet.

Not the greatest spot to grow citrus (though it can be done) and the best species that grow here all require between 200 and 2,000 chill hours in the winter in order to break dormancy and enter springtime with a productive bud set.

All plants need water. Our irrigation system needed a new layout to provide the appropriate deep water delivery fruit and nut plants need to thrive. Protecting our orchard from the locals was also a priority; deer, rodents, rabbits and squirrels are most common where we live but elsewhere in El Dorado County there are hungry birds, opossums, raccoons, porcupines and bears that would love to nibble on fruiting trees and vines.

We happily set to the next task of selecting our trees. Sweet cherry and pistachio were on our list, both varieties that usually need a pollenizer plant since they cannot produce fruit from their own pollen (self-sterile or self-unfruitful plants). Add the pollenizers to our list. Some varieties were too tall, others too short but we managed to compose a list of 30 trees that included persimmon, pomegranate, apple, cherry, walnut, pistachio and fig.

A year after our planning begun, we had the site mapped out with twine and flags and our bareroot trees ordered (now is a great time to order those, by the way). The pre-planting process took several months and two rentals of equipment, including a jackhammer and a gasoline-powered, two-person auger, and a 20 pound javelin-shaped metal rod to enable my husband to dig sufficient holes for the 30 trees.

My pregnancy thankfully and conveniently relegated me to the position of supervisor.

When the trees arrived it took an entire day to plant them; each plant was appropriately pruned and each hole needed proper placement of the young plant and filling and mounding of the natural soil mixed with a soil amendment. Once the irrigation hoses were in place, it was done. All we had to do was wait.

Of course I filled the time doing more research and filling our orchard binder with information about first year care, pruning and training, fertilization, pests and disease, fruit thinning and harvesting, all carefully catalogued by variety.

There was much more to do the following year. The first year in a fruit or nut tree’s life is very important as it establishes its root system and develops its architecture, both of which are very important to fruitful production (pun intended).

Stay tuned for more about our orchard’s first year. In the meantime visit the UC Master Gardener Programs’ “The California Backyard Orchard” page at homeorchard.ucdavis.edu/ to find details about planning, planting and maintaining a home orchard. From my experience, it is a project well worth doing and well worth planning ahead.

Master Gardeners are available to answer home gardening questions Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon by calling 530-621-5512. Walk-ins are welcome. The office is located at 311 Fair Lane in Placerville.

For more information about public education classes and activities go to the Master Gardener Website at ucanr.edu/sites/EDC_Master_Gardeners/. Sign up to receive online notices and e-newsletter at ucanr.edu/mgenews/ or find Master Gardeners on Facebook.

Master Gardeners welcomes the donation of plant containers. Call the Master Gardener Office before dropping them off. Thank you for the donation.

Join the All Star Gymnastic Team for a safe night of fun and excitement. The Halloween event is designed to entertain kids of all ages and is open to the public.

Come at any time and leave at any time, the awesome activities continue throughout the entire evening.

Play the spooktacular carnival games for fun prizes, hop and howl in the “haunted” bounce house and tumble tunnel, make a caramel apple, get your face painted, adopt a baby pumpkin and more

Everyone is encouraged to wear family-friendly costumes and participate in the costume contest at the end of the carnival.

Admission to the carnival is $12 for the first child, $10 for additional children and free for adults with all the fun and games included with admission fee.

Call 530-622-7684 or stop-in to register or for more information.

Since 1971, the Art and Antiques Show and Sale has been a local treasure where visitors can find collector items; from vintage jewelry to antique furniture and more, while supporting the exhibition and education programs of the Crocker Art Museum.

Forty-five regional and national dealers will showcase one-of-a-kind wares and exceptional heirlooms at this year’s show.

“This show brings together a broad array of top-notch collectors and experts,” said Chip O’Neill of the Art Service Group, an all-volunteer organization formed in 1963 to support the Crocker Art Museum. “It’s a very different experience than buying antiques online. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, the dealer will often be able to help you find it.”

Experienced specialists will be on hand to answer appraisal and conservation questions.

A silent auction and benefit drawing will run the entire weekend, and Ambrosia Café will make lunch available for purchase.

Run entirely by volunteers from the Art Service Group, proceeds from the sale will benefit the Crocker Art Museum.

The show will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Center, at H Street and Carlson Drive, across from the main entrance to California State University, Sacramento.

Parking is free of charge. General admission is $7.

For more information call 916-807-0158 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

For more than three decades, Tahoe South has hosted the largest, weirdest Halloween costume party, long considered one of the West Coast favorites.

Spread out over three MontBleu venues — Opal, Blu and the Convention Center — party goers can get one admission ticket and get in on the lunacy that drives this freaky gathering of costumed misfits until the sun comes up.

Besides all the flair, farce, crack-ups and contests that give the Freaker’s Ball its attitude, MontBleu will unleash new venues including The Haunted Zone and Party Pit to add to the already outrageous lineup. And of course it wouldn’t be a Freaker’s Ball without exotic go-go dancers, spooked-out decor, freakish cocktail concoctions and the funky fashion costume contest with a $10,000 purse.

The revelry is wild with past costumes known to feature the likes of a 16-foot clown, Lady Gaga lookalikes, the entire Addams Family, decks of playing cards, a human lobster bib and dozens of zombified super heroes.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online at montbleuresort.com or ticketmaster.com or call 888-829-7630.

For information on lodging packages, events, activities, accommodations and showroom entertainment call 800-648-3353 or visit montbleuresort.com.

Many artists will open their private studios for the weekend, while others will participate in group shows at The Arts Building, the Old Library Art Studios and Finnish Temperance Hall.

Placer County is a natural habitat for artists, who translate the foothill vistas, wildlife, historic buildings and gardens into a stunning variety of interpretations including paintings, pastels, photography, prints, functional pottery, jewelry, glass, sculpture, wearable art and mixed media.

Artists relish this opportunity to explain and demonstrate their work as much as visitors appreciate the opportunity to discover new artists each year.

Six talented Rocklin artists are participating in the tour at Finnish Temperance Hall.

PlacerArts is the Arts Council of Placer County, a non-profit, public benefit agency founded in 1983 and the designated state-local partner of the California Arts Council for the County of Placer.

Perfect for foodies, wine and beer enthusiasts and travelers looking for a weekend getaway or a chance to explore an off-the-beaten trail, this annual agri-tourism adventure showcases 28 participating wineries and specialty farms throughout Butte County and provides trail goers with a once-a-year chance to savor the amazing farm-fresh bounty produced locally.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, travel the scenic agricultural trails of Butte County, sampling local fare including artisan olive oil, grass-fed meats, specialty nuts, award-winning wines and more.

Visitors don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event, the only weekend every stop along the trail is guaranteed to be open.

New stops in 2012 include Emerald “C” Vineyards in Chico and Calolea Olive Oil in Bangor.

Passports cost $25 per person and include a 2012 map and free commemorative wine glass. Based on availability, Passports will cost $30 per person the day of the event.

Passports are also available at all stops on the trail; at the Chico, Paradise and Oroville Chambers of Commerce; and Butte County Tri Counties Bank locations. All proceeds benefit the Sierra Oro Farm Trail Association to further develop agri-tourism in Butte County.

For more information visit Sierraoro.org, e-mail info@sierraoro.org or call 530-891-5556 or 800-852-8570.

Sierra Oro Farm Trail’s Passport Weekend is sponsored by the Butte County Farm Bureau, Chico Chamber of Commerce, Tri Counties Bank and Quadco Printing.

The theme of this year’s soiree is “California Dreamin’ ” and runs 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7, in the University Union Ballroom.

It includes emancipated foster youth as well as younger teens still in foster care. Funds are raised through ticket sales, donations, a silent auction and raffles throughout the evening.

When young people in the state’s foster care program turn 18, they no longer receive state support. Many are left to fend for themselves right out of high school, with few prospects for decent jobs or higher education.

Guardian Scholars offers help to those young people attending Sacramento State by providing scholarships, stipends, financial aid, school supplies and mentoring by campus faculty, staff and members of the community.

Funds from last year’s event provided five, $5,000 scholarships, $5,000 for smaller aid packages, and funding for programs that cover needs for young people still in foster care, says Joy Salvetti, Guardian Scholars program director. This year the funds are helping 62 students.

Chamalbide is a fourth-year student majoring in Health Science. Since becoming emancipated she has worked two jobs and received scholarships, grants and financial aid, and still wouldn’t have been able to make it without the help of Guardian Scholars.

Fourth-year student Hamlett, a criminal justice major, found out about Guardian Scholars through his high school counselor.

“For most of these foster youth, they didn’t get a chance to go to the prom,” said Hamlett. “So this is their time to wear fancy clothes and get their hair done. It’s more … replacing something they didn’t get.”

The clothes are donated by Macy’s. While the students have to return the clothing after the show, each receives a $50 gift certificate from the department store.

The fashion show was started by the Foster Youth Education Fund, a local organization with connections to state administrative officials and local businesses, said Salvetti. When the Guardian Scholars formed in 2006, they were approached by FYEF about taking part in the show, and other fundraising events.

“It’s a great collaboration,” Salvetti said. “They’ve become one of our major scholarship funders.”

Beyond the help with school costs, finding a place to live and other basics, Guardian Scholars becomes a home for its students.

“I’ve had many times when I’ve felt so alone and they were the net to catch me,” Chamalbide said. “The fact that I know they’re here, and they’re someone I can go to and someone who I can ask for help without getting some kind of negative repercussion from it, I feel safe.”

“A lot of people think that college is just where you come, get your education, and go,” added Hamlett. “But college is where you set up your life. Most of the people you meet in college are people who are going to be around for the rest of your life, and that’s the best thing that could happen for a former foster youth.”

Both students have high praise for Salvetti and Administrative Support Assistant Charlotte Van Wagner.

“Joy is like your school mom and Charlotte is like the aunt who calls and checks on you to make sure you got things done,” said Hamlett.

“And you can’t hide your feelings from Joy,” said Chamalbide. “She knows you.”

The program is in the midst of expansion with an offshoot called Young Guardian Scholars, Salvetti said. Each participating Guardian Scholar will be assigned three high school students to mentor, helping them to explore their own interests and determine what they want to do in life, then constructing a blueprint for academic success.

“We will be showing them the pathway to get to where they want to be and achieve their goals,” Salvetti said.

Tickets to the Oct. 7 Fashion Show are $25 for adults and $15 for children and students. Tickets may also be purchased for donation to friends and relatives of the show’s participants.

To buy tickets go to info@fyef.org or call 916 412-7118. For more information on the Guardian Scholars visit csus.edu/gs/index.html.

All classes are led by skilled teaching artists and are designed to encourage students to unleash their imaginations while receiving formal lessons in a variety of media.

Highlights for children include Saturday Kids Art Club sessions where children ages 5 to 8 will have fun using simple shapes to create 2-D and 3-D art.

At Crocker Kids Drama Club, tweens will use art as inspiration for creating dramatic skits. College-bound artists or career-minded teens can gain insight from a professional artist and participate in an authentic critique of their work in the Crocker’s first Master Artist Workshop for High School Students.

For adults, the Crocker will feature classes for a variety of skill levels, including drawing classes for beginners as well as introductory- and advanced-level painting courses.

In iPainting, participants will discover the latest means of expression by creating art on their iPad, iPod or iPhone.

For those looking for a relaxing weekend, Breathe, Stretch, Paint combines the art of yoga with watercolor painting and perception exercises for a fresh take on the creative process. Shutterbugs can learn how to capture the perfect shot amidst the excitement in Event Photography.

October studio art classes

Classes for the Whole Family — every third Sunday beginning Oct. 21, 1 to 3 p.m.
The whole family is invited to come, make and mingle. This monthly gathering will inspire a family’s creativity, strengthen bonds and help families find new ways to relax and create together.

Participants will make simple crafts that celebrate the season, using a variety of beautiful materials, while enjoying soothing music and warm seasonal drinks.

For ages 3 and up with adult participation (children 2 and under are free). Fee per adult per session: $7 museum members, $10 nonmembers. Fee per child ages 3-17 per session is $5. Instructor is Nancy Ciraulo.

Classes for ages 3-5 with adult — four Saturdays, Oct. 13 to Nov. 3, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

From family pets to mythical creatures, children adore animals. This class will show little ones how artists depict animals in different ways as they go on a search for furry, feathered, and even scaly creatures in the museum’s galleries.

This class will develop children’s fine motor skills through the creation of fanciful animal portraits using watercolor paint. $40 for museum members per pair ($15 per additional person), $50 nonmembers per pair ($15 per additional person). Instructor is Mary Kaltenbach.

Classes for ages 4-5 — five Thursdays, Oct. 11 to Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to noon.

This new class will help prepare children for time away from home in a fun and engaging setting. Each session will begin with children observing and discussing a featured artwork of people engaged in all manner of movement. They will then act out the scene before and after the “frozen moment” they see. The idea of how artists depict movement in art will be reinforced as the children create dynamic art of their own. $95 for museum members, $110 for nonmembers. Instructor is Jennie Simpson.

Classes for ages 5-8 — four Saturdays, Oct. 6 to 27, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Students will assemble their very own drum using recycled materials and compose a painting made entirely of shapes. After exploring how artists use simple shapes to create 2-D and 3-D art, they will use a variety of material and techniques to get to know shapes in art. $40 for museum members, $50 for nonmembers. Instructor is Shirley Fox.

Classes for ages 9-12 — nine Thursdays, Oct. 11 to Dec. 13, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

This unique drama club uses art on view in the galleries as inspiration for dynamic theatrical experiences.

Students will begin with skill-building exercises, including theater games and improvisation. After examining works from the Crocker’s permanent collection and the exhibition “American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell,” students will integrate what they learn into dramatic skits.

The club will culminate with a student-created, Rockwell-inspired original performance on Thursday, Dec. 13. Space is limited. $170 for museum members, $200 for nonmembers. Call 916-808-1182 to register and save $20 per additional child (this discount is only available through phone registration). Instructor is Lynn Baker.

Heroes, Demons and Dragons of Asia — four Saturdays, Oct. 27 to Nov. 17, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Asian cultures are rich with visually dazzling heroes and mythical creatures.

Children will hear stories from all over Asia while looking at gods, goddesses and more in the galleries. They will learn how to depict heroes such as Buddha, the frightful Bhairava, the elephant-headed Ganesha and Chinese dragons through sculpture, Chinese brush painting and mask-making. $85 for museum members, $95 for nonmembers. Instructor is Laurie Seban.

Classes for ages 13-17 — two Saturdays, Oct. 6 and 20, 1 to 4 p.m.

The Crocker’s first Master Artist Workshop for High School Students, this intensive class focuses on Stephen Kaltenbach’s “Portrait of My Father,” a signature painting in the Crocker’s collection that leaves many viewers mesmerized and moved.

Designed for high school juniors and seniors who are considering a career in the arts, this class will examine the personal discoveries and technical challenges Kaltenbach overcame in realizing his artistic vision.

Students will gain insights from the artist, create artwork of their own and participate in an authentic critique of your work. Drawing and painting experience required. $70 for museum members, $90 for nonmembers. Instructor is Stephen Kaltenbach.

Classes for adults — three Saturdays, Oct. 6, 12 to 5 p.m., Crocker Art Museum; Oct. 13, noon to 3 p.m., Lava Cap Winery in Placerville; Oct. 20, noon to 3 p.m., Dai Loy Museum in Locke.

Curator William Breazeale will take students for an in-depth look at “The Artist’s View: Landscape Drawings from the Crocker Art Museum.” Participants will then head into the great outdoors with local artist Sarma Karsiere to learn about drawing tools and techniques while portraying local landscapes in the foothills and the Delta. $135 for museum members, $155 for nonmembers. Supplies are included. Instructors are William Breazeale and Sarma Karsiere.

iPainting — Saturday, Oct. 13, noon to 4 p.m.

Participants will discover the latest means of expression by creating art on their iPad, iPod, or iPhone. Students will learn how to work with the Brushes application, create studies, save and export artwork and create a simple landscape. $45 for museum members, $65 for nonmembers. Instructor is Anthony Montanino.

Beginning Drawing — eight Sundays, Oct. 14 to Dec. 9, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Students will acquire basic drawing skills by drawing from observation and learn how to use pencil, charcoal and markers to depict value, texture and space.

Students will study and discuss a variety of original drawings. In addition to occasional sketching in the galleries, they will visit various scenes around the museum. A sketchbook will be provided so they can practice their techniques in between classes. $180 for museum members, $205 for nonmembers. Instructor is Karen Roughton.

Mural Painting — six Tuesdays, Oct. 16 to Nov. 20, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Participants will learn about the history and significance of muralism and check out local public murals. They will analyze the visual elements that successfully convey a concept and how the setting shapes the concept.

The class will gain experience in all aspects of collaborative art-making, from idea generation to finished product.

Working as a team, the class will develop a mural concept, prepare a proposal and present it to “clients,” and scale, execute, and seal the mural in the Crocker’s Education Center for display. Experience in drawing and painting recommended. $150 for museum members, $175 for nonmembers. Instructor is Marsha Schindler.

Breathe, Stretch, Paint, Flow — Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The retreat will explore more intuitive ways of making art through stretching creative and physical muscles.

This unique team-taught retreat will combine the art of yoga with watercolor painting and perception exercises for a fresh take on the creative process. The yoga practices will be accessible and easily modified for those with limited mobility or who may be new to yoga.

At the same time, the creative incorporation of painting will allow more seasoned yogis a special opportunity to practice from a new perspective. Experienced painters will find new ways to access their creative energy, while beginners will enjoy an enlightening introduction to watercolor.

The unique cross-pollination process will blend words, images, music, painting, and the physicality of yoga as tools to dismantle barriers to creativity, with special emphasis on direct perception, intuition, visualization and meditative concentration. $165 for museum members, $185 for nonmembers. Supply fee is $25 (waived if student brings their own). Instructors are Madeleine Lohman and Kathy Lemke Waste.

Event Photography — four Tuesdays, Oct. 23 to Nov. 13, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

For beginners familiar with their cameras and experienced shutterbugs alike, students will learn how to get the perfect shot in the middle of the excitement.

This class will cover all aspects of successful event photography: challenges that might be encountered and how to navigate them without interfering with the attendees’ experience; gain insights into how to photograph all types of events; learn how to convey the right tone for different types of events through composition and lighting; prepare digital-ready files; and discuss career possibilities in event photography.

Assignments will include photographing Crocker events and programs for the purpose of class discussion and critique, with the possibility of being published in museum publications. Participants must have the ability to download images, produce jpegs, and e-mail them to the instructor. $95 for museum members, $115 for nonmembers. Instructor is Wes Davis. Supplies: an SLR digital camera is preferred, or a digital camera with a manual shooting mode.

Color and Design in Contemporary Painting — four Tuesdays, Oct. 23 to Nov. 13, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Ideal for those interested in contemporary art, this class will focus on how to appreciate contemporary art, gain an understanding of key basic art concepts, and hands on acrylic painting.

The class will cover color theory, the formal elements of composition, and the methods and materials of painting. Students will gain insight into how contemporary artists use principles of design, and review a short history of contemporary painting and its influences on local and regional California artists. The class will include an evening at Park Fine Art Gallery for a fun, casual gathering and an insightful examination of the instructor’s works currently on view. $110 for museum members, $130 for nonmembers. Instructor is Kristine Bybee.

Nepal Odyssey — Saturday, Oct. 27, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Curator Nancy Tingley will lead a trek through the exhibition “Celestial Realms: The Art of Nepal from California Collection.” This is a rare opportunity to see an exhibition devoted exclusively to Nepalese art and gain an in-depth understanding of what objects mean to their makers and the cultural and intellectual context from which the objects were created.

The gallery tour will be complemented by a lecture and slide presentation, with questions and casual conversation encouraged. $45 for museum members, $60 for nonmembers. Instructor is Nancy Tingley.

Gorgeous Gourds — Saturday, Oct. 27, 1 to 4 p.m.

Gourd decoration is an ancient tradition spanning various cultures including African, Asian and Native American, all of which showcase cultural ties. Traditionally a craft that produced functional objects such as musical instruments, gourd decoration has evolved into a fine art utilizing everything from natural embellishments to intricately burned designs.

A demonstration of different decorative techniques will provide inspiration for you to decorate a gourd of your own. $40 for museum members, $55 for nonmembers. Instructor is Daphne Burgess.

The Crocker is located at 216 O St. in downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays. Every third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” sponsored by Western Health Advantage.

For more information call 916-808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

For a complete schedule of classes and registration visit crockerartmuseum.org call 916-808-1182 or e-mail education@crockerartmuseum.org.

The Paley Collection is a markedly personal one, reflecting the broad tastes of a singular art collector, rather than one unifying historical period or theme.

The work selected for the exhibition, “The William S. Paley Collection: A Taste for Modernism,” focuses on the extraordinary French School and School of Paris, late 19th- and early 20th-century artists who, like Paley, helped redefine modernism.

Paley, founder and force at Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), was a leader in communication, entertainment, and broadcast journalism. His innovations in radio programming and advertising, his balanced commitment to entertainment and news dissemination, and his acute awareness of popular trends revolutionized broadcasting’s business model, and set new standards in broadcast journalism.

Paley’s professional interest in emerging technology and new media undoubtedly encouraged his personal interest in modernist art.

Despite his professional success and stature, as a son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Paley was not spared the religious discrimination encountered by many Americans of his generation. While his power as a media titan opened many doors, others remained closed, including those of several prestigious clubs that denied him membership. Paley’s art patronage, showcased during parties held in his palatial 20-room apartment on Fifth Avenue, projected an aura of cultural sophistication comparable to that cultivated by New York’s social elite.

As a master of emerging media in his own era, Paley was keenly aware that generous gifts of art to The Museum of Modern Art would help to augment both his public image and his stature as a significant philanthropist. He was one among the many Jewish collectors and donors who helped to found or shape some of America’s major museums, including the de Young Museum and the Legion of Honor Museum in San Francisco.

Paley’s distinguished collection was initially very much a part of his private world, and is often intimate both in scale and in quality.

Many of the paintings, sculptures, and drawings provide an individual, contemplative experience with the art.

The collection commenced during a trip to Europe in 1933, when Paley acquired his first purchase: Paul Cezanne’s precious “Self-Portrait in a Straw Hat” (1875–1876), directly from the artist’s son. Shortly thereafter, he acquired the artist’s “L’Estaque” (1879–1883).

The selection of Paley’s collection hosted by the de Young is particularly rich in the works of Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse, with significant works by Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre Bonnard, Georges Roualt, and Andre Derain.

Among the pieces offered are Gauguin’s “The Seed of the Areoi” (1892) from the artist’s first visit to Tahiti, Degas’ large-scale pastel and charcoal “Two Dancers” (1905), Picasso’s celebrated monumental painting, “Boy Leading a Horse” (1905–1906), Derain’s vibrant Fauve painting “Bridge over the Riou” (1906), and Matisse’s “Odalisque with a Tambourine” (1925–26).

“The William S. Paley Collection: A Taste for Modernism” was organized by William Rubin in collaboration with Matthew Armstrong and Lynn Zelevansky, and brought to the de Young by The Museum of Modern Art, New York, with which Paley was affiliated beginning in 1937. Serving as trustee, chairman of the Painting and Sculpture Committee, president of the museum, and chairman of the board, Paley was chairman emeritus from 1985 until his death in October, 1990.

This exhibition, featuring more than 60 paintings, sculptures, and drawings, represents the accomplishments of many seminal artists, reflects the modern art patronage of a remarkable man, and celebrates his contributions to, as Robert E. Oldenburg, director emeritus of The Museum of Modern Art states, the very “fabric of modern life.”

The major patron of the exhibition is The Ray and Dagmar Dolby Family Fund. The exhibition Patrons are Hanson Bridgett LLP, Andy and Carrick McLaughlin, the Estate of Henry Perin, and Jeanne and Sanford Robertson.

Visit deyoungmuseum.org for more information on events and public programs.

The de Young Museum, designed by Herzog and de Meuron and located in Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive in San Francisco, is part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the nation’s fourth most visited art museums.

For more information go to deyoungmuseum.org.

The tall ship will arrive in the late afternoon and tie up just upriver of the Tower Bridge near 1210 Front St. in Sacramento. Hawaiian Chieftain will stay in Sacramento through Dec. 9.

The ship is currently taking reservations for one-hour dockside and three-hour sailing programs for K-12 schools, youth service groups, and other organizations. Most available dates and times are on Saturdays and Sundays at this time.

For pricing visit the Historical Seaport’s Voyages of Discovery program page at historicalseaport.org/education-programs/voyages-of-discovery.

To make reservations call 800-200-5239.

Throughout the ship’s visit, the general public is invited to tour Hawaiian Chieftain Tuesdays through Fridays, 4 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Crew in 18th century costume will be available to answer questions about the vessel’s voyages and discuss her educational programming.

A $3 donation per visitor is appreciated. The ship will be closed Thanksgiving Day.

Launched in 1988 at Lahaina, Hawaii, Hawaiian Chieftain is an interpretation of a typical early 19th century coastal trading vessel. The ship sails to more than 50 ports a year in California, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia delivering living history educational programs to K-12 students, service organizations, and the general public.

Hawaiian Chieftain is also available for charter to film and television production companies, private individuals, and local businesses.

Hawaiian Chieftain is owned and operated by the non-profit Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority, which is based in Aberdeen, Wash.

Sammy Hagar (of Van Halen fame) put on a special concert that everyone enjoyed. Roseville declared Saturday Sammy Hagar Day — complete with a key to the city.

Jon Yip, one of the business partners in this venture, is husband of Gretchen (Schwinck) Yip, who is a graduate of Golden Sierra High School. The Yips invited a few friends and family members to attend the Saturday event. The group included Gretchen’s parents, Kirby and Linda Schwinck.

VIP treatment included special parking, Jon escorting them to the private entrance and up to a separate balcony and booth that overlooked the stage and main floor of the new restaurant.

The décor features surf boards, guitars and a huge mural of Hagar over the bar. Everyone agreed the American food with an island flair was delicious, if the limited opening menu is any indication.

The official opening of Sammy’s Rockin’ Island Bar and Grill, 238 Vernon St. in Roseville, is Saturday, Sept. 22.

The soloists’ four-concert series continues Nov. 30, and Dec. 1 and 2 with performances of the popular “Winter’s Eve” concert, celebrating the musical traditions of the winter solstice. The “Winter’s Eve” concert has sold out so often that the group added a Friday evening performance this year.

On Jan. 26 and 27, cellist Michael Lawson and harpsichordist Ellen Defner warm the depths of winter with an evening of Baroque cello songs and sonatas, featuring works by Berteau, Marcello, Geminiani and Vivaldi.

The Soloists bring back the “Concerto Grossi!” concert on March 9 and 10, with the larger ensemble performing works by Corelli, Vivaldi and Bach.

“Musicians playing such instruments perform in spaces with resonant acoustics, which give the sound a natural reverberation that highlights the harmonic colors of the music,” Lawson amplified.

The Soloists’ evening performances this season will be performed at St. Pauls’ Episcopal Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sacramento, which have spaces that naturally amplify the period-style instruments. The Soloists will perform the Sunday afternoon concerts at Stegman Hall at the Rudolph Steiner College in Fair Oaks, another space with excellent acoustics for Baroque instruments.

Subscriptions to the 2012-13 season are now available. General admission, senior admission and student passes range in price from $36 to $90.

Subscriptions  may be purchased through the Sacramento Baroque Soloists by phone at 916-705-3806 or online at sacramentobaroque.org.

Sacramento Baroque Soloists’ Saturday evening performances are at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 1430 J St., in October, December and January, and at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 1701 L St., in March. All Sunday afternoon performances are at Stegmann Hall on the campus of Rudolf Steiner College at 9200 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Fair Oaks.

Now some of the artistic treasures from that cache are being brought into the light with, “Lost and Found: Selections from Sac State’s Art Collection,” in Kadema Hall’s Else Gallery.

The collection includes limited edition lithographs by luminaries such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Frank Stella and Rufino Tamayo.

Other sculptures, paintings, drawings and prints are by regional masters and familiar Sac State names such as Robert Else, Ruth Rippon, Robert Arneson, Irving Marcus and Jack Ogden.

The exhibit runs through Sept. 27. Gallery hours are noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

“The works on view have been selected to give viewers insight into more than half a century of art history in the Sacramento region,” said exhibit curator and Art History Professor Elaine O’Brien.

A number of events are being held in conjunction with the exhibit.

O’Brien will lead a panel of former art department chairs to discuss the history of the exhibit 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in Mariposa Hall 1000.

Documentary filmmaker Laurence Campling will present a lecture with video and images about the Candy Store Gallery in Folsom, where Sac State and UCD artists exhibited their works in the late 1960s and formed a community around what became known as “Funk Art.” Campling’s presentation will take place 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, in Mariposa 1000.

For more information call the art department at 916-278-6166.

“American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell” offers a rare look at nostalgic and historic works from the Norman Rockwell Museum collection that explores the artist, his images and their impact and influence on American culture.

This exhibition will feature 50 paintings and 323 original “Saturday Evening Post” covers.

“Rockwell’s images have become icons of the American experience and continue to resonate with each generation,” said Scott A. Shields, the Crocker Art Museum’s associate director and chief curator. “This exhibition includes numerous paintings that have helped define who we are.”

The timelessness and emotion of Rockwell’s work draws every generation.

This exhibition explores his themes of family, “Freedom from Want” and “Christmas Homecoming,” innocence “Girl at Mirror” and hometown heroism, “Mine America’s Coal,” that permeate Rockwell’s work.

His unique artistic legacy offers a personal chronicle of 20th-century life and aspirations that has both reflected and profoundly influenced American perceptions and ideals.

Rockwell’s paintings narrate life with love, affection and humor, and he used these uplifting sentiments effectively while creating commercial and advertising work during his 47-year tenure at the “Saturday Evening Post.”

Then, in 1964, Rockwell used his illustrative and storytelling skills at “Look” magazine to illuminate social issues such as war, racism, poverty and injustice.

His Jan. 14, 1964 cover, “The Problem We All Live With,” documented the traumatic realities of desegregation in the South. The painting still receives national acclaim and was recently on display at the White House at the request of President Obama to commemorate the event that inspired Rockwell to create the bold illustration: the 50th anniversary of Ruby Bridges’ history-changing walk on Nov. 14, 1960 that integrated the William Frantz Public School in New Orleans.

A fully illustrated catalog of the exhibition will be available in the Crocker Art Museum Store.

”American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell” has been organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Mass.

“American Chronicles” has been made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, American Masterpieces Program. Sponsor support has been provided by Robert W. Baird and Co. and Hanson Bridgett LLP.

Publication support has been provided by the Henry Luce Foundation. Media sponsorship has been provided by the Curtis Publishing Company and by the Norman Rockwell Estate Licensing Company. Conservation support provided by the Stockman Family Foundation.

The Crocker is located at 216 O St. in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursdays.

For more information call 916-808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

At the special event, adult guests are invited to visit the Center for Sacramento History to indulge in special brew tastings from three local breweries set-up on-site — Ruhstaller, Track 7 and Two Rivers Cider — and the rare chance to take a tour inside the prized collections vault to view some of the brew-related historic artifacts and memorabilia.

Some of the brew-related items on special display include a still-full bottle of beer from the 1910s (approximately 100 years old), a glass chandelier from Buffalo Brewery (that opened in the 1890s and was the largest brewery in the area) and the iconic weather vane that stood atop the same local brewery for decades.

Historic beer bottles including ceramic ones from the 1850s, bottle caps, kegs, spigots and turn-of-the-century advertising memorabilia from a variety of local breweries will also be available for public viewing.

Ed Carroll, local beer historian and author of “Sacramento Breweries,” will be on-hand for the special event and brew tasting.

The unique “Untapped Sacramento History” brew tasting and tour event is from 5:30  to 8 p.m.

Tickets are $35 per adult (ages 21 and over) and include two pints of beer of choice in a complimentary pint glass. Additional pints can be purchased for $5 each.

The Center for Sacramento History is located at 551 Sequoia Pacific Blvd. in Sacramento.

For advance reservations and/or more information about “Untapped Sacramento History” call 916-247-1234 or visit centerforsacramentohistory.org.

The show will be presented on Saturdays and Sundays, Aug. 18, 19, 25 and 26, at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

In “Sleeping Beauty in Space: Episode 3,” the Sisterhood of Space Fairies joins forces with the brave Astra-Knights of Earth for one last confrontation with the evil Drakonian Empire. “Episode 3″ is the final chapter of this trilogy and features thrilling lightsaber duels in the dark.

“Sleeping Beauty in Space: Episode 3″ stars Talia Magallan as Princess Déjà Vu; Elliot Herzer as Captain Carter Prince; and Miranda Drolet as Drakkis Drakulina.

Performances will be held in the Children’s Theater at Fairytale Town, 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento. Tickets are $1 in addition to paid park admission. Fairytale Town members receive two-for-one admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Fairytale Town box office or at the entrance to the Children’s Theater.

The Fairytale Town Troupers is a unique theater arts program that teaches the essentials of live stage production in a practical rehearsal and performance format. Novices work side-by-side with seasoned veterans to gain invaluable hands-on experience in the art of producing live theater.

The Troupers program is open to young actors ages 5 to 18 as well as college interns and adult volunteers ages 18 to 21.

Original productions for the Fairytale Town Troupers are written and directed by Fairytale Town’s theater arts educator, John E. Lee, an award-winning local playwright, director and actor.

For more information visit fairytaletown.org or call 916 808-7462.

Playing the Sunset Strip Music Festival 2012, Street Fest, on Saturday, Aug 18 in Hollywood.

Force Multiplied is one of Cameron Park/Sacramento’s hardest working and fastest growing hard rock bands.

Band founder Parker McKee at 14 picked up his first guitar and never set it down.

After many hours, days and months of playing and learning the guitar, Parker started creating his own sound and music.

He started to record his music, playing all the string instruments with his dad, Doug, playing the drums.

“My dad was just learning to play the drums and his beats were very basic. But having him on the drums helped me with creating music,” Parker said.

Parker wanted to share his music with the public. He had all the gear, an in home studio, a great sound and the dream of starting a band. In late 2010, he started looking for musicians for Force Multiplied.

Putting ads on the Internet, talking to fellow students at his high school and with months of searching, he found his rhythm guitarist, bassist and drummer.

Thirty days later on Aug. 4, 2011 Parker and his band, Force Multiplied, hit the stage at Orangevale’s The Boardwalk and the group took off like a rocket.

“We ended up being the headliner, due to selling the most tickets. The night was amazing. We left our mark on the Sacramento music scene,” Parker said.

After that night, Force Multiplied was booked to open for world-famous bands such as Saxon, Kill Devil Hill, Anvil and MSG, as well as national bands.

They were on the fast track to stardom and things couldn’t be better. Force Multiplied even set up a show for Halloween to help bring some awareness to the Food Bank of El Dorado County and to help collect food for the holidays.

“It hit me like a ton of bricks,” said Parker. The band members, at that time, decided they didn’t want to stay in the band and chose to move on.

That was Jan. 3. Force Multiplied was booked to play Sacramento’s Ace of Spades, for the second time. Parker only had three days to find three new members and get them up to speed with the music.

“I wasn’t going to let this stop the band from going on. We have never missed an obligation to perform,” Parker said.

That’s when Parker made a call to his friend Christian Bower.

Bower, a guitarist, never playing bass, had three days to learn the bass tracks to five songs and get them down.

Not able to find a drummer in the same three days, the two were hard at work. Teaching and learning the riffs to five songs for the show. Parker had some drum tracks from recordings from a recent EP they were working on. He knew he had to use the tracks and hope for the best.

The show started with a bang. Three quarters of the way into the first song, the computer crashed. The show wasn’t the best but Parker and Bower and Force Multiplied picked up new fans and major props, from the other bands performing that night.

Parker had his new guitarist, but no drummer or bassist. Force Multiplied’s next big shows, were only a month away, opening for Anvil and MSG.

He found Steven Martin, a young drummer that has been playing drums since he was 7. He also found Tim Kaltsas (Tim Savage), to play bass, who had been playing bass for more than 10 years.

“I couldn’t have found any musicians better than these guys. Any band would be lucky to have any one of these three great, hard-working musicians,” Parker said.

Force Multiplied just ended its On TAP Tour 2012, in June. That took them all over California, playing venues such as the Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood, on the Sunset Strip.

After the last show on the tour, the group received a call from the Key Club, in Hollywood, and they were asked to open for The Moby Dicks. A Tribute to Led Zeppelin featuring Brian Tichy: (Whitesnake, Billy Idol, Lynch Mob, SUN) Drums. Brent Woods: (Brentwood Forest, Vince Neil) GTR. Michael Devin: (Whitesnake) Bass. Chas West: (Bonham, Lynch Mob) Vox. Stephen Leblanc: (Jason Bonham Led Zep Exp.).

After the performance at the Key Club, Force Multiplied was asked if they would like to play the 2012 Sunset Strip Music Festival. The festival was honoring Sunset Strip legends, The Doors with headlining acts, like Marilyn Manson, The Offspring and Black Lable Society.

The three-day festival was a huge success closing the Sunset Strip to traffic for the fourth time in history.

“We thought we would be performing on Thursday or Friday, not the Street Fest on Saturday,” Kaltsas said.

“Seeing our band name on a billboard in Hollywood, on the Sunset Strip with Marilyn Manson and The Offspring, is off the hook. That was unexpected,” Martin said.

The festival was created by the Sunset Strip Business Association, music venues and member businesses to promote, preserve and perpetuate the live music scene on The Sunset Strip.

Each year the festival has continued to grow — expanding from performances in the venues to an all-day street festival featuring outdoor stages and performances from more than 70 artists in the venues.

Check Force Multiplied out at force-multiplied.com, facebook.com/forcemultiplied, or reverbnation.com/forcemultiplied.

All-American Rejects band will appear on Tuesday, Aug. 14.

Other performers are actor and comedian Tracy Morgan and the “Comedians From Chelsea Lately,” featuring Brad Wollack, Josh Wolf and Jen Kirkman.

From humble beginnings out of a garage in Stillwater, Okla., All-American Rejects shot to the top of the charts in 2003 with its self-titled album and the hit single “Swing, Swing.”

From that album the band secured its loyal following, produced three more albums that have sold more than 10 million CD’s worldwide. This year’s tour supports the latest album, “Kids in The Street.”

Island soul comes to Tahoe when Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff performs at the 4,000-seat outdoor amphitheater on Saturday, Aug. 25.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, Cliff’s contributions to reggae music have been relentless. He’s best known for songs “Sitting in Limbo,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “Many Rivers to Cross” from the “The Harder They Come” soundtrack.

On Thursday, Sept. 27, energetic rock, reggae and hip-hop will dominate the stage with Matisyahu/Dirty Heads. Matisyahu mixes reggae, hip-hop and rap with beatboxing and witty banter for a unique performance style that has earned several Grammy nominations and a massive fan base.

Laced with the signature carefree southern California attitude, the Dirty Heads deliver a blend of rock, reggae and hip-hop reminiscent of Sublime.

For information on lodging packages, events, activities, accommodations, ticket sales and showroom entertainment call 800-648-3353 or visit montbleuresort.com.

The annual event, sponsored by the Placer County Vintners Association, is a tour through 15 Placer County wineries with wine tastings at each venue and food at several locations. In addition to satisfying the taste buds, the event weekend will feature:

•“From Vine to Wine” vineyard tours
•Wine-blending seminars and wine samplings from the barrel
•Vertical tastings and wine-making education (A vertical tasting involves the sampling of different vintages all from the same winery.)
•Live music at several wineries

Other highlights include “Roam the Rhône,” offered by Lone Buffalo Vineyards where guests will learn about Rhône-style blends, go through interactive blending trials and enjoy special food and wine pairings from Smoky Ridge Charcuterie.

Viña Castellano Winery will showcase the flavors of Spain with a live flamenco guitarist and sangria-making demonstrations. History buffs on the tour should also visit Bonitata Boutique Wines at the historical Bernhard Museum, which was founded in 1874 and is one of Auburn’s oldest surviving buildings.

Not to be missed is a stop at Fawnridge Winery for tasting from the barrel paired with engaging presentations about the barrel-aging process and Casque Winery where visitors can enjoy music performances throughout the weekend as well as learn about the Roussanne white wine varietal.

A complete list of activities for each participating winery and event map are available online at placerwine.com.

Tickets to the event are $30 in advance, $40 at the door and include admission to the event both days, wine tasting at all participating wineries, food, music and educational activities, plus a special event wine glass. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10.

When you take Celtic, Spanish and Italian music, and mix it up, you get the true nature of the Black Irish Band.

For 22 years this band has created an original sound that no other band has. More than Celtic, they perform traditional maritime and railroad music that captures the spirit of the immigrants of this country and they’ve shared it around the world.

With more than 500 concert performances to date, 80 videos on YouTube, and 22 albums, the Black Irish Band has kept very busy spreading their brand of acoustic progressive folk music to large audiences of all ages.

Their strong vocals and up-tempo instrumentals give new life to old numbers and pizzazz to its original material.

Band members are Patrick Michael Karnahan on banjo, melodeon, octave mandolin, trumpet, guitar, concertina, vocals; Steve McArthur on accordion, guitar, piano, vocals; James Nelson on banjo, guitar, vocals; and Richard Restivo- acoustic bass, trumpet, vocals.

Mollie Joyce Park in Pioneer will be the venue for this performance. No outside beverages will be allowed at this park, but picnics are welcome. Food and beverages will be available at the park on Carson Drive. Follow the signs to the entrance. Bring your folding chairs.

For more information visit amadorarts.org.

Celebrating the Olympian ideal, the exhibition features ancient Greek and Roman coinage, contemporary work from artists including Robert Mapplethorpe, Diane Arbus and Alex Katz, advertising labels, and a variety of sculptures, works on paper, antiquities and textiles.

Curated by Renée Dreyfus, curator in charge of ancient art and interpretation, “Gifts from the Gods: Art and the Olympic Ideal” begins at the intersection of athletics and religious practice.

“The ancient Greeks believed that victory at Olympia was owed to the favor of the gods,” said Dreyfus. “The Athenian philosopher Plato especially was of this opinion when he wrote about striving for perfection and the ideal. He was an athlete, trained as a wrestler and his love of the games is seen in his frequent use of athletic analogies and examples, which were probably drawn from his own experience. To him, divinely inspired art and athletic prowess were truly gifts from the gods.”

Focusing extensively on the permanent collection of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and featuring ancient coins lent by the San Francisco Ancient Numismatic Society, “Gifts from the Gods: Art and the Olympic Ideal” is an exploration of physical beauty in the context of both the ancient and modern Olympic Games.

The exhibition reveals how the games were central to Greek culture from 776 BC to the mid-fifth century AD. Those Games, originally dedicated to the Olympian gods, eventually lost their religious emphasis and died out until being revived as an entirely secular event in 1896.

The exhibition’s featured coins include images of traditional foot and horse races in addition to trumpet blowing and more brutal events like the pankration, a no-holds-barred wrestling event, offering a window to games both similar and very different to our own.

The continuity of the Olympic ideal, and the inspiration that modern artists find in the physical grace of Olympic athletes, brings “Gifts from the Gods: Art and the Olympic Ideal” into the more contemporary realm — with works including Rodin’s sculpture of American athlete Samuel Stockton White III and Diane Arbus’ portrait of a muscle man contestant.

The exhibition illustrates artists’ continuing fascination with the ideal human form while also exploring the commercial images that are a major part of the modern Olympics.

Though the ideals expressed through the Olympics are put to different uses, they all share a common sense of optimism and purpose.

A showcase of the rich and diverse works in the permanent collections of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, “Gifts from the Gods: Art and the Olympic Ideal” offers an intimate view of the Olympics as a cultural construct and an individual endeavor, both spiritual and commercial, from the ancient world to modern times.

As Dreyfus notes, “Almost 3,000 years after the first recorded Olympic Games, we still see the games as the ultimate competition. It is only the champions who return home triumphant and whose fame endures. Theirs are the perfect bodies creating unbelievable feats of sheer strength, extraordinary movements and beautiful forms.”

The Legion of Honor displays a collection spanning more than 4,000 years of ancient and European art and houses the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts in a neoclassical building overlooking Lincoln Park and the Golden Gate Bridge, 34th Ave. and Clement Street in San Francisco.

Hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.and closed on Monday.
Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $6 for youths 13–17 and students with college I.D. Members and children 12 and under are free. General admission is free the first Tuesday of every month.

For more information go to legionofhonor.org.

Music Matt and the Whole 9 Yards will bring their high-energy, fun music to Fairytale Town on Saturday, July 28.

A trio of performers from the Sacramento Youth Symphony, founded in 1956, will perform on Sunday, July 29.

Ericka Davis and Kiss N Tell will perform energetic covers of today’s pop and rock hits on Saturday, Aug. 4.

The series wraps up with a day of carnival games, arts and crafts activities and music at Kids Day on Sunday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Musical Charis, the Freebadge Serenaders and Ricky Berger will perform.

The Children’s Concert Series and Kids Day are free with paid park admission. Weekend admission to Fairytale Town is $5 for adults and children ages 2 and older and free for children ages 1 and under.

For more information visit fairytaletown.org or call 916-808-7462.

The Children’s Concert Series is sponsored in part by the Loveall Foundation. Kids Day is sponsored in part by ScholarShare College Savings Plan and SAFE Credit Union.

Fairytale Town is a non-profit children’s park and educational center in Land Park whose mission is to promote the imagination, creativity and education of children. Established in 1959, Fairytale Town is home to 25 three-dimensional play sets based on favorite fairytales and nursery rhymes, a family of 22 rare and miniature breed animals, three interactive learning gardens and two performing arts stages.

From March through October, the park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From November through February, the park is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting.

There’s trouble in River City when traveling salesman Harold Hill comes to town promising to form a children’s marching band to chase away the city’s imagined ills. His plan hits home, but his motives are questioned by the spunky librarian Marian.

Playing Harold Hill in this iconic musical will be Patrick Cassidy, whose Broadway credits include “Annie Get Your Gun” and “42nd Street,” in which he starred with his mother, stage and screen star Shirley Jones. And playing Mrs. Paroo will be Shirley Jones, who starred in the classic films “The Music Man,” “Oklahoma!” and “Carousel,” as well as the popular TV series “The Partridge Family.”

Playing Marian Paroo will be Brandi Burkhardt, whose Broadway credits include “Mamma Mia!” and “A Tale Of Two Cities” and who has played a variety of film and television roles.

Kevin Cooney, whose Broadway and touring credits include “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “M. Butterfly” and “Big River,” will play Mayor Shinn.

Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn will be played by Paula Leggett Chase, whose Broadway credits include “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Pajama Game” and “Kiss Me, Kate.”

Bradley Benjamin, whose Broadway and touring credits include “Oklahoma!” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” will play Zaneeta Shinn.

Tommy Djilas will be played by Michael McGurk, whose Broadway credits include “The Wedding Singer” and “The Music Man.”

Marcellus Washburn will be played by Jason Graae, who has performed on Broadway in “A Grand Night For Singing,” “Falsettos” and “Stardust.”

“The Music Man,” with book, lyrics and music by Meredith Wilson, features the classic songs “Seventy Six Trombones,” “Goodnight My Someone” and “Till There Was You.”

The original Broadway production, starring Robert Preston and Barbara Cook, opened Dec. 19, 1957 and ran for 1,375 performances, closing April 15, 1961.

It was nominated for 10 Tony Awards in 1958 and won six, including Best Musical, Best Actor (Robert Preston) and Best Featured Actress (Barbara Cook).

There were two subsequent Broadway productions in 1980 and 2000. The beloved film “The Music Man,” based on the musical and starring Robert Preston and Shirley Jones, was released in 1962.

Music Circus is produced under the leadership of California Musical Theatre Artistic Director Glenn Casale and Associate Producer Scott Klier. The Music Circus production of “The Music Man” will be directed by Glenn Casale. Choreographer is Dan Mojica and music director is Dennis Castellano.

Music Circus productions are presented at the Wells Fargo Pavilion, 1419 H St. in Sacramento. Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Thursday and Saturday at 2 p.m.

Tickets start at $30. Tickets are available by phone at 916-557-1999, online at tickets.com, or in person at the Wells Fargo Pavilion box office.

The 62nd Music Circus season continues with “Fiddler on the Roof” (Aug. 14 to 19) and “Crazy for You” (Aug. 28 to Sept. 2).

For more information visit SacramentoMusicCircus.com.

Menzel and D’Aluisio will bring their conversation and insights gained while producing the book, along with a photographic presentation, to Tahoe for a farm-to-table dinner lecture presented by Squaw Valley Institute on Saturday, Aug. 18.

The dinner, curated by Highlands Dinner Club, a mobile culinary and social laboratory, will bring together Tahoe’s finest chefs for a five-course meal inspired by the book and sourced through locally produced ingredients.

From Masai warriors to a Tibetan yak herder to an Arctic hunter, the people at the heart of the book not only give us food for thought on their own daily fare, but also the overall implications of the modern diet and its impact on the planet.

Adding context to the profiles are essays from Wendell Berry, Mary Collins, Michael Pollan, Ellen Ruppel Shell, Bijal P. Trivedi, Richard Wrangham and Lisa R. Young that approach food politics and our endless obsession with diet.

Several of Tahoe’s premiere chefs are collaborating to prepare a stunning array of healthy gourmet dishes.

Those chefs include Ben “Wyatt” Dufresne of Plumpjack Café, David Lutz of Moody’s, Douglas Dale of Wolfdale’s, Elsa Corrigan of Mamasake and Chad Shrewsbury of Six Peaks Grille.

In addition, brewer Emily Thomas of Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing company will be offering samples of her organic ales and a taste of her porter bon bons.

Also on hand to talk about the area’s own food movement and happenings is Polly Triplat, leader of Slow Food’s Lake Tahoe chapter.

“This dinner is designed to pay homage to our local culinary leaders and providers, and to provide an intimate evening where we can truly digest the topic and the conversation over the course of the evening, which is exactly what Squaw Valley Institute is about,” said Renee Koijane, executive director of the institute.

Adding to the ambiance is the carefully chosen venue: a rammed-earth home situated on 20 acres overlooking Truckee and peering out to the peaks of Squaw Valley. Owned by Truckee residents Bob and Penny Fink, the home is designed for entertaining, and features a commercial kitchen for accommodating the evening’s chefs and an expansive grass lawn for the outdoor dinner.

Tickets to this limited-seating event are $125 per person for Squaw Valley Institute members and $135 for general public,tax and gratuity included. Included in the cost of the ticket are dinner, drinks and a copy of the book.

Visit squawvalleyinstitute.org to for more details and to purchase online. To learn more about “What I Eat” and its authors visit menzelphoto.com.

The filled-to-capacity summer venue swayed and bobbed to a total of 48 songs, broken into two sets, that was easy on the ears and gave fan’s their money’s worth — allowing most to ride the waves of the classic sound many associate with long and endless summer days of a time since past.

Sunday’s appearance by the 1988 Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne had tie-dye apparel on hold; replaced by the Hawaiian shirts favored among the mostly older crowd.

The Reunion Tour had the band’s creative force, Brian Wilson, back in the fold as well as original members Mike Love, Al Jardine and very early members David Marks and Bruce Johnston, backed by a nine-piece band.

Two Wilson brothers from the very beginning, the late Dennis and Carl Wilson, participated in video tributes: Dennis sang “Forever” while Carl took the lead on “God Only Knows” from 1966s ‘Pet Sounds’ album.

The first set, featuring “Surfer Girl,” “Be True To Your School” and “Don’t Worry Baby,” reaffirmed that the Beach Boys are second to none in layered vocal harmonic ability — and a tease of what was ahead. The set closed with the band’s nod to hot rod racing: “Little Deuce Coupe,” “409,” Shut Down” and “I Get Around.”

If a blemish could be found it was the on-stage promotion of the group’s merchandise, unnecessary to say the least.

The second set was loaded with the hits.

Brian Wilson had everyone’s attention singing “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times.” Content while seated at his baby grand, Wilson’s role in developing the Beach Boy’s signature sound was not lost on the crowd as was Marks’ surf-guitar licks. Brian took it up a notch, both vocally and physically while singing “Sail On, Sailor.”

The new single “That’s Why God Made The Radio” was well received and what can you say about the show’s later stages that contained such classics as: “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “Sloop John B,” “In My Room,” “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Rock and Roll Music,” “Barbara Ann,” “Surfin’ USA,” and the encores “Kokomo” and “Fun, Fun, Fun?”

You could say it was good vibrations for all.

First set: “Do it Again”, “Little Honda,” “Catch A Wave,” “Hawaii,” “Don’t Back Down,” “Surfin Safari,” “Surfer Girl,” “Gethcha Back,” “Marcella,” “Wendy,” “Then I Kissed Her,” “Please Let Me Wonder,” “Come Go With Me,” “Why Do Folls Fall In Love,” “When I Grow Up” (To Be A Man), “Kiss Me Baby,” “Isn’t It Time,” “Disney Girls,” “Good Timin,’” “It’s OK,” “California Saga,” “Be True To Your School,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Little Deuce Coupe,” “409,” “Shut Down” and “I Get Around.”

Second set: “Pet Sounds,” “Add Some Music To Your Day,” “Heroes and Villains,” “I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times,” “Sloop John B,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “All This Is That,” “That’s Why God Made The Radio,” “Sail On,” “Sailor,” “In my Room,” “Forever,” “God Only Knows,” “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls,” “All Summer Long,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Rock And Roll Music,” “Barbara Ann” and “Surfin’ USA”

Encore: “Kokomo” and “Fun, Fun, Fun.” 

Featuring a line-up consisting of more than 30 classic and cutting edge artists on two stages, the festival will celebrate Jamaica’s 50th anniversary of independence from imperial rule and will honor this momentous occasion by presenting some of the island’s best talent.

These festivities will include performances by next generation rising stars like Romain Virgo; Duane Stephenson; Turbulence; a rare U.S. appearance by the triple-platinum recording artist and reigning queen of Jamaican dancehall, Lady Saw; stalwart performers like Fantan Mojah and Yami Bolo; elder statesmen such as Winston Jarrett; and the one and only Toots and The Maytals, the artist credited with coining the term “reggae” with his 1968 hit, “Do the Reggay.”

The festival will also feature a rich selection of artists from the fertile soils of St. Croix, one of strongholds of modern reggae music, with sets by the island’s two premier bands, Midnite and Bambu Station, along with debut ROTR performances by two of the island’s most exciting female vocalists, Reemah and Lady Passion.

Coming all the way from Argentina to represent South America’s burgeoning reggae scene is Alika, a nominee for Best Independent Artist at the 2009 MTV Music Awards and a beautiful bi-lingual vocalist known as her nation’s “queen of reggae and dancehall.”

From the continent of Africa, the festival will showcase one of Zimbabwe’s most prolific artists, Oliver Mtukudzi and Black Spirits, who has released more than 57 albums since his start in 1975 and is also recognized as one of the Africa’s greatest humanitarian artists for his groundbreaking work to combat HIV/AIDS.

Also featured will be the emerging talent of South Africa’s Nkulee Dube. The daughter of reggae legend, Lucky Dube, she fuses ethno-soul, jazz, reggae and African influences and received a whopping six nominations at this year’s 31st annual International World and Reggae Music Awards, where she’ll appear just before coming to ROTR.

The event will also feature a rare West Coast appearance by the legendary Calypso Rose who hails from the island of Tobago. With more than 800 songs to her credit, she is the most prolific and accomplished female calypso artist of all time.

U.K. favorite, Pato Banton, is also back after a hiatus from touring to present his classic British reggae flair in the company of his new ensemble, The Now Generation.

Of course, the festival will also feature a host of top-notch homegrown talent, including the award-winning Native American artist, Casper Loma Da Wa and The Mighty 602 Band of the Hopi Nation in Arizona; Hawaiian faves, Humble Soul and Guidance Band; Miami’s own Streetkind; U.S.-based/Jamaican-bred talent like Tosh Meets Marley, Junior Toots, Winstrong, and Daniel Bambaata Marley; top West Coast acts including Quinto Sol, Indubious, and The Lions; and local faves, Synrgy and Juce.

Additionally, the event will host more than 80 craft, food, and non-profit vendors; a lively kid zone; and a weekend full of happy reggae fun on the banks of the majestic Eel River.

For the full scoop, check out a copy of the official program guide at select newsstands or visit reggaeontheriver.com, where stage schedules, artist bios, sales links and all other festival info can be found.

Tickets are still available at reggaeontheriver.com. Visit the ticket page of the festival Website for a list of ticket outlets and note that advance tickets are advised. Single day tickets will be available at the gate only this year and will be priced at $60 per day even if weekend passes sell out in advance.

For more information about camping options visit the camping page of reggaeontheriver.com and it is advised these reservations be made in advance.

Significant improvements have been made to the festival shuttle service and this complimentary and efficient shuttle will offer the best way to get to and from the event, with regular service and direct routes to the main festival campgrounds, plus the towns of Redway and Garberville. There are also limited free and paid parking options in the town of Benbow.

For more information call the festival office at 707-923-3368 or visit reggaeontheriver.com.

Part Magic 8 Ball, part electronic truth serum, this game pushes and tests users and their friends to fess it up — or not. After all, sharing revealing truths and embarrassing photos is basically what Facebook was made for, right?

Facebook-savvy users are up for the newest, latest challenge, especially when the grand prize involves something beyond some basic bar swag — how about a stay in South Lake Tahoe.

In this game, a free trip to the 24-hour high-energy Sierra town is up for grabs for one lucky soul and three wild friends. In addition, 50 summer essential party packs complete with satchel, waterproof phone pouch, Tahoe South t-shirt and sunglasses are up for grabs.

This bold challenge to Facebook users is all about giving up unknown truths about themselves to their friends.

“Tahoe South is a playground built on mountains of truth, extreme dares and blood pumping challenges, so why not create a Facebook game for users,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “We’re challenging our followers to see if they have what it takes to tell some unexpected truth, act out on some wild dare and raise the bar among trusted friends.”

Maneuvering through the game, users are after the ultimate prize: a three-night stay in South Tahoe where the winner and friends can explore their wild side with the destination’s promise of 24-hour gaming and nightlife, top-notch entertainment and adrenaline seeking outdoor recreation.

Interested parties should e-mail rsvp@rsvpchoir.org to set up an audition time. Auditions will be scheduled for the first two weeks of August.

RSVP is looking for singers with choral music training, sight reading skills and the ability to sing a wide variety of styles.

RSVP is a vocal ensemble based in Rocklin. The group comprises members from various walks of life, from professional musicians and music teachers and professors to those in other fields such as science, computer technology and social work.

All are dedicated to sharing their talents with the community; all donate their time so that contributions received at concerts go directly to the sponsored nonprofit organization.

They collaborate with other choirs, storytellers, authors and other musicians to present concerts with fresh ideas and imaginative programs. Performing genres from classical choral literature and madrigals to contemporary music, folk tunes and jazz, each RSVP concert is tailor-made for the particular charity organization supported.

In addition to concerts, RSVP provides music education services benefiting the greater Sacramento region.

Commercial artist Walter J. Wedlock gifted the complete set of 52 drawings and one watercolor to the California State Railroad Museum in 1985 after seeing the collection together for the first time during a special exhibit.

The second phase of “Wedlock’s Gift: California Depot Images in Ink” exhibit will remain on display until March 4, 2013.

A few highlights of the second set of sketches include the following: the picturesque and charming Menlo Park station that opened in 1867 and still serves Caltrain commuters today; the Placentia station of the Santa Fe Railway, built in 1910, was the second that Wedlock drew and was demolished a week after he completed his sketch in 1971; and two stations in Fullerton built in 1922 and 1930 that are still standing today, one serving as a busy stop for Amtrak and Metrolink trains and the other of which has been moved and adapted for reuse as a restaurant.

Wedlock’s quest to interpret many of California’s disappearing historic railroad depots in brush and ink began in the 1970s, when he realized the depots that had once dotted the rail lines of California were in danger of being demolished due to the decline of rail passenger travel.

Racing against time and the wrecking ball, Wedlock sketched his compelling images on-the-spot after tracking down various depots built primarily between the 1880s and the late 1930s.

Wedlock did not concentrate on any one architectural style, railroad company or structure, but instead focused on capturing the unique personality of each historic railroad depot, many of which had been the center of their communities at an earlier time.

While more than a third of the depots sketched by Wedlock have been demolished, many communities subsequently launched successful efforts to save their endangered depots. Today, many serve as museums or have changed to some other adaptive reuse. Happily, several are once again busy transportation centers for the communities they serve.

Each drawing in the “Wedlock’s Gift: California Railroad Depot Images in Ink” exhibit will include information about the structure’s heritage including the date it was built, the architectural style and building materials used, the railroad company with which it was associated, and whether the station still exists today and, if so, its current use.

The California State Railroad Museum is located at the Old Sacramento State Historic Park. The exhibit runs Aug. 3 through March 4.

The cost is $9 adults; $4 youths ages 6-17; free for children ages 5 and under.

The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information about this exhibit or other exhibits on display at the museum visit californiastaterailroadmuseum.org or call 916-445-6645.

Four of the most popular bands of the era will be featured at the Golden1 Stage.

Gary Puckett and The Union Gap was one of the most successful musical groups throughout the 1960s. Puckett’s signature voice earned the group several top 10 Billboard hits, such as “Young Girl” and “Woman Woman.” Although the group disbanded in 1971, Puckett continues to tour nationally.

The Grass Roots burst onto the scene in 1967 and never looked back. Some of the group’s Top 40 hits include “Sooner or Later,” “I’d Wait a Million Years” and “Let’s Live for Today.” The Grass Roots set a record for being on the Billboard charts for 307 consecutive weeks, while also setting an all-time attendance record for a concert consisting of one-act.

In 1968, The Turtles released the first concept album, “The Turtles Present the Battle of the Bands,” proving that they are a one-of-a-kind band. “It Ain’t Me Babe”, “Elenore” and “She’d Rather Be With Me” are among their nine smash hits. The Turtles’ No. 1 hit “Happy Together” topped the charts nearly 45 years ago, yet still remains a staple on classic rock radio.

After the release of its 1966 self-titled debut album, The Monkees quickly skyrocketed to stardom. Smash hits from this legendary band include “Last Train to Clarksville” and “I’m a Believer.” In 1986, the four members of the group got together for the The Monkees 20th Anniversary World Tour, which became the largest-grossing tour that year. The band, which got back together earlier this year, is now embarking on yet another iconic tour keeping the memory of the late Davy Jones alive.

The California State Fair will take place at Cal Expo, at 1600 Exposition Blvd. in Sacramento. The fair will run to Sunday, July 29. The fair will be open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Admission is $12 general, $10 for ages 62 and over and $5 for children ages 5-12. Children 4 and under are free. Parking is $10. For more information on the fair, visit bigfun.org.

Designed to entertain and engage Old Sacramento visitors with good, old-fashioned fun reminiscent of the Gold Rush era, the free “Time Travel Weekends” street theater program first debuted in 2010 and will be offered again on weekends through Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The “Time Travel Weekends” program is presented by the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation in partnership with the City of Sacramento, California State Parks, Old Sacramento Business Association and participating merchants and businesses.

“Time Travel Weekend” performance themes vary each weekend and are scheduled as follows:
July 14-15 : Heroes and Villains: Melodrama and Darling Damsels in Distress
July 21-22 : A People at Play: Victorian Pastimes
July 28-29 : Politicians, Patent Medicine men, and other Purveyors of Pomposity
Aug. 4-5 : Founders of Sacramento: featuring Sam Brannon and The Founding of Sacramento Pageant, Road Raising debates
Aug. 11-12 : A People at Play: Victorian Pastimes
Aug. 18-19 : Civil War In Sacramento: The Union Stronghold of the West
Aug. 25-26 : Pioneer Skills: Mountain Men

In addition to toys, games and “make and take” craft activities for the kids at the Victorian Academy located at the corner of Front and J streets, plus special “meet and greet” opportunities with period-appropriate living history characters from the past, the centerpiece to this free and highly interactive program includes a series of Old West stage shows.

The shows includes the much acclaimed New Golden Melodeon Review each day at 2 p.m. in the Eagle Theatre — performed by teams of talented actors and actresses in period attire.

Special performances are scheduled on four stages located throughout Old Sacramento including in the Eagle Theatre, Victorian Academy (north end of Train Depot), Pioneer Park and Waterfront Park.

The talented performers will roam the streets of Old Sacramento throughout the scheduled weekends, putting on spontaneous and often-elaborate skits and performances so visitors can step back in time to the 1850s, 1860s and 1870s.

The “Time Travel Weekends” program is also showcased on special weekends by historic re-enactments complete with wagons, wild characters that include heroes and villains, historic gambling, bowling, juggling, singing, dancing and other forms of musical mastery, military encampments, mining camps, parades, historic events and medicine shows.

Depending on the weekend theme, Old Sacramento visitors may also meet 19th century miners, ranchers, railroaders, Civil War soldiers, politicians, sailors, magicians, shopkeepers, actors of all kinds and much more as they stroll along the historic cobblestone streets.

The continuing program is designed to bring a lively and theatrical flair to the streets of Old Sacramento reflecting the exciting atmosphere and character of the early gold mining period.

For a complete and updated performance schedule visit historicoldsac.org/timetravel or call 916-808-7059 .

The Historic Old Sacramento Foundation is a public benefit corporation. Old Sacramento is a living historic district. The mission of HOSF is to convey the importance of historic Sacramento as a place that connects our past to our present and future through engaging and entertaining events, activities and programs.

Presented as a just added event to the 2012–13 10th anniversary Mondavi Center season, “Hamlet” will be performed on Thursday, Nov. 1 and Friday, Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. There will also be a school matinée on Friday, Nov. 2.

Shakespeare’s Globe reinvents Elizabethan touring theater for the 21st century. Using stage design inspired by images from the time, the Globe’s players recreate all the fun and excitement of early theater, with Jackson Hall ideally configured to catch the nuances of one of the Bard’s great dramas.

Featuring some of Shakespeare’s best known speeches, this pared-down production of “Hamlet” brilliantly captures the corrupting influence of power, the intensity of young love and the passion of a wronged man.

Tickets are now on sale to Mondavi Center subscribers and go on sale to the general public on Sunday, July 15.

Tickets and information are available at mondaviarts.org and the Mondavi Center ticket office at 866-754-2787 toll-free. Just added events tend to sell out quickly, so patrons are encouraged to purchase early.

Subscriptions for the 10th anniversary season are on sale now at 866-754-2787 and at mondaviarts.org. Single tickets for all other 2012–13 performances will go on sale Aug. 10.

For details about the school matinée program visit mondaviarts.org/education/.

Drawing tickets are given at all table games at Red Hawk Casino for specific outcomes. Players can collect their drawing tickets and use them in the weekly and grand finale drawings. Weekly drawings will award 10 winners, $1,000 in chips and are held every Sunday through Sept. 23 at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. The $165,000 Ticket to Ride Grand Finale includes $10,000 cash drawings with a grand prize of a Mustang GT on Sunday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

For more information call 888-573-3495 or visit redhawkcasino.com.

One hundred craft and graphic artists, live music by Tom Rigney and Flambeau, Tessie Marie and The Poor Man Band, Starlight Serenaders, street performer Captain Jack Spareribs, a custom car show and wine tasting by  the Twain Harte Chamber of Commerce makes this a festival with something for everyone.

Wines in the Pines, a Twain Harte tradition for 27 years, showcases vintners from Amador, Calaveras, Mendocino, Sonoma, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties. Angels Flight, Barefoot, Chatom, Cooper, Gianelli, Irish, Jazz Cellars, Mt.Brow, Quady, Sierra Cellars (Scott Harvey and Wilderotter) and Terra d’Oro are pouring their wines.

Besides sampling wine, taste olive oils and fine finger foods provided by Black Oak Casino, The Jamestown Olive Oil Company and area restaurants.

The wine tasting is from noon to 3 p.m. and a commemorative wine glass with tasting booklet is $15. The tasting is in the shade at Meadow Plaza (between the CDF Fire Station and Twain Harte Mini Golf) with music by local musicians Jana and Leroy.

Starting at the Twain Harte Arch at Joaquin Gully Road, nearly 100 high caliber artists will display and sell their fine wares which include watercolors, metal sculptures, iron work, pottery, photography, candles, fine jewelry of gold and silver, clothing and accessories, woodworks, stained glass, folk art, florals, leather goods, soaps and lotions, garden art, gourmet food products, and much more.

Tom Rigney and Flambeau head up a great lineup of entertainment.

The entertainment runs continuously on the Main Stage. Public parking is located at Twain Harte School.

This festival helps to benefit the Twain Harte Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Watch Program, Sierra Quilt Guild, Twain Harte Chamber of Commerce, Viet Nam Veterans and other community groups in the area.

For more information see fireonthemountain.com or call 209-533-3473.

Joined by original frontman David Lee Roth, the L.A. based Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees tore through a 22-song set including a drum solo followed by a guitar solo from Eddie Van Halen whose signature shreds recalled the 1970s and ’80s of big feathered hair, bell bottoms and an MTV that actually played music videos featuring none other than the evening’s top act.

The Bay Area can consider itself lucky as Van Halen postponed all dates after June, including an August date at Sacramento’s Power Point Pavilion, due to what the group claims is exhaustion but what some speculate could be in-fighting. Tuesday’s show came two days after an Oakland stop.

All was good at the HP. Eddie wore a grin the entire night; brother Alex kept time on drums like he’s done 1,000s of times before; and Eddie’s son, 21-year old Wolfgang, continues to grow into his role on bass in place of former bassist Michael Anthony.

Diamond Dave (Roth), at 57, is still the showman though not quite to the degree he was in the band’s infancy. He also, as expected, has lost some vocal range but not the case for Eddie and Wolfgang whose harmonies were dead ringers to the original vinyl, eight-track and cassette recordings.

It’s the band’s second tour since Roth returned to the fold for ’07s Reunion Tour. This time around Van Halen is out to support “A Different Kind of Truth,” its first studio release in 14 years — first with Roth since 1984.

After opening with “Unchained Love,” the band killed it on “Running with the Devil.” “Tatoo,” the album’s single, came across well live as did the cover of Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Women” and the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me.”

The second half of Tuesday’s show cooked. “Dance The Night Away” got the fans to their feet through “I’ll Wait” and “And The Cradle Will Rock.” Roth broke out some moves and shtick through “Beautiful Girls” before shifting gears while describing home footage on the big screen of two of his favorite dogs.

Roth then broke into “Ice Cream Man” before Eddie revved up the lead-in to “Panama.” Eddie’s guitar solo — most delivered while he sat on the stage’s steps, was impressive and illustrates why Rolling Stone magazine has placed him on its top-10 list of all-time guitarists.

Next, “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love,” had the band flowing on all cylinders and the night closed with the synth-oriented classic crowd-pleaser “Jump” before Van Halen, three-fourths related, hugged one another and took a bow.

Kool and the Gang opened. Highlights were “Get Down On It” and the set-closing “Celebrate.”

Tickets are available online at sacfair.com and at the Sacramento County Fair office. Admission for adults is only $5 and kids 12 and under are free.

Consumers can save up to 40 percent by purchasing tickets in advance for the Demolition Derby and the first ever Star and Stripes Invitational Bull Riding as well as the unlimited carnival wristbands.

“We are doing everything we can to make sure the fair is an affordable and enjoyable experience for the community,” said Pamela Fyock, Sacramento County Fair CEO.

This year’s theme is “Let’s Eat, Have Fun and Celebrate the Red, White, and Blue.”

This year’s fair offers many attractions including: the demolition derby, bull riding, carnival rides, The American Farmer, (a traveling agricultural display), a corndog eating contest, All Alaskan Racing Pigs and much more.

Feature days

Thursday, May 24: Opening day  — Community Night featuring Sacramento County food trucks, local bands and the National Street Rod Association Car Show

Friday, Night May 25: Dollar food items from 4 to 9 p.m. and Demolition Derby

Saturday, Night May 26, Stars and Stripes Bull Riding sponsored by Lasher’s Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram

Sunday, May 27: Junior Livestock Auction from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday May 28: Girl Scouts and Military Appreciation Day

More than 70,000 guests will enjoy the Sacramento County Fair to May 28 on the grounds of Cal Expo. Close to 10,000 school children enjoy free educational school tours. Over 5,000 local residents compete for awards in the livestock and competitive exhibit programs. Kids under 12 enjoy free admission every day at the fair.

For more information visit sacfair.com or visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/SacramentoCountyFair.