In Concert, February 18  & 19, 2012
“’s Wonderful: The Great Lyrics of Ira Gershwin”

 Citizens Who Care presents its 20th Annual benefit concert “ ‘s Wonderful: The Great Lyrics of Ira Gershwin,” at the Veterans Memorial Center Theatre, 203 E. 14th St., Davis, on Saturday, February 18th  at 7:00 pm, and on Sunday, February 19th  at 2:00 pm.

Ira Gershwin is best known for his work with his brother George–one of the most successful and prolific collaborations in popular music history.  Their many hits include  “Fascinating Rhythm,” “The Man I Love”, “Someone To Watch Over Me” “’S Wonderful,” “How Long Has This Been Going On,” “I’ve Got A Crush On You,” “Embraceable You,” “I Got Rhythm,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” “A Foggy Day,” “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” and “Our Love Is Here to Stay.”

After George’s death, Ira worked with Kurt Weill (“The Saga of Jenny” and “My Ship”), Jerome Kern (“Long Ago and Far Away”) and Harold Arlen (“The Man That Got Away”).

Producers Stephen Peithman and Martha Dickman and Musical Director LuAnn Higgs have selected these and other great songs for the 20^th Anniversary concert, a “bookend” to the first concert, which honored George Gershwin. They will be joined onstage by performers Joe Alkire, Bob Bowen, Gwyneth Bruch, Lenore Heinson, Lenore Sebastian, and Peter Shack, plus percussionist Jim Nakayama.

All proceeds will benefit Citizens Who Care, a nonprofit organization in Yolo County, dedicated to improving the quality of life for the frail elderly and their family caregivers through social support programs.

All seats are $30. For tickets and information call (530) 758-3704 or go to www.citizenswhocare.us.  Tickets are also available at the Citizens Who Care office, 1017 Main Street., Woodland, CA 95695 (United Way Building).

More on Citizens Who Care:

The Yolo County charity Citizens Who Care (CWC) has offices in Woodland at the United Way building; Executive Director Joanne Bell heads the professional staff. CWC seeks to improve the quality of life for the frail elderly of Yolo County and their family caregivers through social support programs and services. Trained, caring volunteers, with the support of our professional staff, provide these services.

CWC offers three kinds of social support programs and services:

THE IN-HOME RESPITE VISITING PROGRAM provides family caregivers of older adults with a weekly break from care-giving. We provide companionship and social support to both the older adult and the caregiver. Our respite volunteers are trained and supported by CWC’s professional staff.

THE CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL VISITING PROGRAM provides companionship and mental stimulation to socially isolated elderly residents. Volunteers of all ages are matched with residents. Some visiting volunteers bring their friendly, well-behaved pets to lift the spirits of residents. Our Director of Volunteers trains each convalescent hospital volunteer.

THE TIME OFF FOR CAREGIVERS PROGRAM offers site-based social respite (time off) activities at the Davis Senior Center on two Saturdays each month, giving caregivers a five-hour break each program day. The program includes a healthy lunch and a variety of stimulating activities. Our professional staff provides periodic individual assessments of the participants.

The photo was taken by Todd and Barbara Photography, who donated their time.

Putah Creek Winery Wins Four Medals in San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

•    Silver medal winner, 2010 Viognier
•    Silver medal winner, 2009 Zinfandel
•    Bronze medal winner, 2010 Chardonnay
•    Bronze medal winner, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Sacramento Youth Symphony’s

Along with the Premier Orchestra, this concert will feature two dynamic young musicians, winners of SYS’s Concerto Competition! The winners are Alex Chong (from Davis!) playing cello and David Looi on piano.

Tickets are $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for seniors/students, and 10 and under children free with an adult

More details are available at www.sacramentoyouthsymphony.org

Hi.  I’m Walking Bob, and I was browsing the shelves of my local used stereo equipment, book and office supply store, also known as the SPCA Thrift Store, when I saw a familiar face.  Former Emerson teacher and current performer on the Americana music scene, Rita Hosking, didn’t have a guitar in hand, but she was eager to tell me about an upcoming concert  to support the Davis High Drama Department.

The Davis Senior High School Drama Department has been selected to perform at the prestigious Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Neither UniTrans nor Yolo Bus have stops in Edinburgh, so this is going to be an expensive trip and the Drama Department needs your support.  The concert by Rita Hosking & Cousin Jack and Misner & Smith on Friday, January 27 at 8:00 in the Brunelle Performance Hall at Davis High School will be a key fundraiser.

Rita Hosking recently released a new CD, “Burn” and it again highlights her haunting voice, great musicianship and songs that tell stories rooted in history yet deeply personal.  The winner of the Best Country Album in the 2010 Independent Music Awards will be joined by the group known as Cousin Jack with Sean Feder on banjo, dobro and bass; Bill Dakin on bass and guitar; and Andy Lentz on fiddle.

Misner & Smith are known for their musicianship, their two-part harmonies, and the clever songs that they write or carefully select from the works of people like Woody Guthrie, John Prine or The Band.   Their background in theater contributes to their stage presence, and their songs, many written by Sam Misner, often tell great stories.  One of Sam’s songs, “Madeline (Paradise Cracked)” won the West Coast Songwriters Association Award in 2007.

Sam’s partner, Megan Smith, was raised in Davis, and she was a Davis Madrigal when she attended Davis High School.    Misner & Smith often perform locally at Rominger West or Armadillo Music and in the Bay Area, and they have also toured England.  Their latest live CD “Live at the Freight and Salvage “ is available from CD Baby or at Armadillo Music.

Don’t miss this chance to support the Drama Department.  You’ll get a full evening of enjoyable Americana/folk entertainment and know that you’re helping make it possible for this year’s talented Drama Department students to perform in Edinburgh.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at Armadillo Music, from DHS drama students or at the door for the show, which begins at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 27.

Life can be hectic sometimes. Just when things start to calm down (you don’t have as much homework, there’s a break in whatever extracurricular/s you do, etc.) you suddenly get hit with another big thing. Last week, it was midterms. Once those were over, well, I’m a high-school junior.

Thirty Years, Thirty Views of the Huntington Gardens

They said, ‘You have a blue guitar, 

 You do not play things as they are.’

 The man replied, ‘Things as they are

 Are changed upon the blue guitar.

~ from The Man With The Blue Guitar by poet Wallace Stevens

The fine art photographer has the unique ability to study something through the metaphoric lens and, with that lens, to make definitive pictorial statements. Henry Paine’s thirty year study of theHuntingtonGardensinSan Marinois a photographic verification of Wallace Steven’s astute observation, “Reality is not what it is. It consists of the many realities which it can be made into.” Each year Paine journeyed south toHuntingtonhe brought a different view and, as a result, experienced a different vision. During the month of February you can share three decades of Paine’s visions on display at Gallery 1855 in his black and white images, “Succulents of the Huntington Botanical Gardens.”

While influenced greatly by Edward and Brett Weston, as well as Ansel Adams, Paine credits the inspiration for this series to “Don Worth’s stunning images of succulents and other plants,” first seen by Paine in 1973, “which especially blew my mind with their beauty.” Whether or not you know and love succulents, Paine’s study of them will bear out Alfred Stieglitz’s insight, “In photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.”

You are warmly invited to meet Henry Paine and immerse yourself in his amazing images of succulents at a free reception on Sunday, February 12, 2012 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Gallery 1855 in the office of the Davis Cemetery District, 820 Pole Line Road, Davis, or to view the work Monday through Friday between 9 AM and 3 PM during the month of February. For more information, please check www.daviscemetery.org or call (530) 756-7807 during regular business hours.

Free Family Circus Arts Workshops at Mondavi Center Feb. 5

If you’ve ever dreamed of running off to join the circus, now’s your chance with two family-friendly circus arts workshops offered by the UC Davis Institute for Exploration in Theatre, Dance and Performance. The ninety-minute workshops are free and open to the public at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday Feb. 5 at Mondavi Center’s Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. Reservations are encouraged as participation is limited.

The workshops are open to all ages including families with youngsters and grandparents. Instruction will be in climbing and swinging on aerial rope, juggling, creating pyramids and other acro-partnering skills, basic acrobatic moves and group improvisation games.  Platforms will be no more than one foot off the ground.

The event will foster a sense of the techniques and skills required to be a circus artist, as well as develop confidence, creativity and responsibility for the body. Participants will discover the discipline and fun of circus arts. Events center on physical participation and the exchange of expertise. The classes emphasize building strength, accomplishing circus actions safely and deepening each individual’s own set of personal best physical skills.

Given a maximum of 50 participants per each session, reservations are recommended by emailing ucdavisdance@gmail.com. (There can be no more than seven participants per family/email request.)

The circus arts workshops are led by Department of Theatre & Dance Master of Fine Arts candidate Kevin O’Connor who has worked for ten years as a professional circus artist, choreographer, improviser and dancer. He has taught circus arts around the world including classes for professional artists, children and families. He trained for two years at the National Centre for Circus Arts in London and completed a 3-year diploma in circus arts (where he specialized in aerial rope) from the National Circus School of Montreal. Kevin has performed around the world and has received numerous commissions to create and develop his circus and dance pieces.

Kevin O’Connor is one of two artists presenting MFA Thesis Choreographies at Mondavi Center’s Vanderhoef Studio Theatre, February 16-26. His interactive new work will fuse dance, circus arts, acrobatics, multimedia and improvised vocals in an examination of the “sensing” of community.

What: Two circus arts workshops presented by UC Davis Institute for Exploration in Theatre, Dance and Performance and taught by MFA choreography candidate Kevin O’Connor. Event is free of charge and open to all ages of the public.

When/Where: 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday February 5 at Mondavi Center’s Vanderhoef Studio Theatre

Reservations: Please email your desired session time with number of participants to ucdavisdance@gmail.com. You will receive a confirmation email in return. No more than seven participants per family/email request.

More information: http://theatredance.ucdavis.edu

Alex Taylor

Hola! Today’s random rider is Alex Taylor. Alex is a bus service trainer. Thanks to him our bus drivers get us safely to our destinations!

Alex is a recent UC Davis graduate. He majored in wildlife, fish and conservation biology and is a former intern of the Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology. When he isn’t training bus drivers, Alex takes to the skies. He nonchalantly mentioned that he takes flying lessons at a local airport. The roads and the skies need to make room for Alex!

One of the things that Alex likes best about his job has to do with the types of buses he drives to train drivers. He loves the vintage double-decker buses. Alex explained that of the three older double-decker buses, two run on diesel and one runs on compressed natural gas. What’s even more special is that the bus that runs on compressed natural gas is the only one of its kind in the world.

Alex encourages anyone who’s interested in becoming a bus driver to apply. As a bus driver, you have unique opportunities, especially when it comes to acquiring managerial positions.

In high school, Alex was involved in cross country and he runs on a regular basis (this guy has every mode of transportation covered.)  If there was transportation royalty in Davis, Alex would be a duke. Until next time, have a nice ride.

For the most part, I like blended things.  I like that Davis is a community of all sorts of different people with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.  I like a blend of musical styles coming together to make something new.  I like that church is often a blend of innovation and tradition, ancient and new, young and old. I like smoothies blended with ice and different fruits.  But for the most part, I don’t like blended beer.

I have always disliked blending beer with other things: I don’t like beer and bloody mary mix, or beer and liquor, and no, I never really cared for the quintessential party trick – black and tan where a dark beer, usually Guiness is poured over a spoon into the same glass half filled with a lighter bill.  (Truthfully, that’s not even a blend.)  And for whatever reason, blending different styles of beer together always felt a bit lazy to me.  Like the brewery couldn’t come up with a good idea for a new recipe, so they just started throwing together existing beers to see what happened.  Sometimes I’m forced to cook this way if I’ve forgotten to go the store, and often the results are not good.  On occasion, however, I’d stumble upon a new dish that the family likes and it becomes something we try again.  With my family, a general rule of thumb was: simpler was better – in other words, the more ingredients I tried to get creative with, the more catastrophic the result.  This is generally a lesson we learn in kindegarten.  Yellow and blue make green.  Red and blue make purple.  Put all the paints together and you get a slimy looking blackish grey.

The same is often true for beer. Blend two, three, or even four styles together and you may get something interesting.  Blend five, six or seven and you are playing with fire.  A brewer with talent can successfully blend different styles together and come up with something unique and exciting, but generally, I’ve never been impressed.  Blending beer is certainly nothing new and Firestone Brewery has been playing with blending for their annual Anniversary Ales for 15 years.  The release for this year, however, Anniversary Blend XV, pushes boundaries even for them.  This limited release beer was on tap at the Davis Beer Shoppe, and while looking over the tap list a staff member suggested I give it a try.  “It certainly is unique,” he said, ” but be warned, we serve this as an 8 ounce pour for a reason.  It’s over 12% alcohol and you’ll notice it.”  Never one to ignore the suggestions of the Beer Shoppe folks, I gave it a shot.

A blend of 8 different beers, I had my doubts Firestone could pull this off successfully.  Comprised mostly of Barley Wine style beers, I wasn’t sure I’d like this anyway, but with 8 different beers it seemed destined for a mushy blackish grey crayon mess of a beer.  The nose was decidedly complex and the alcohol was in your face.  The beer looks as though it were a mass of crayons – a brownish, blackish, just darkish blend of colors.   But the taste, while incredibly complex, unique even, managed a decidedly integrated feel.  This beer, however, is not for the faint of heart.  It felt like I was drinking liquor the entire time and sipping was a necessity.  Apparently a gentlemen in the table next to me hadn’t been forewarned about the strength of this ale because he sat down, took a big swig, then nearly spit it out while with eyes wide simply said, “Wow, I wasn’t expecting that – my goodness that’s strong.”  Allowing the beer to warm up a bit released even more flavor, enabling the flavors to mingle, make friends, and blend in together as if they were meant for one another.

You always tell your child his painting is lovely, though in reality it is a mash of greyish non-color, but Firestone doesn’t need to be treated with kid gloves.  This is a brewery gaining a reputation among some, and Anniversary Ale XV is an ambitious release.  Far from a mess of mixed up color, this blend is seamless and worth a try.  Just remember: little sips.

Cheers.

Yelena is from Russia and has lived in Davis for 6 years.  She has 2 girls, ages 7 and 9 who seem to be just as crafty as their mom; I watched the eldest sew a purse together while I interviewed Yelena.  A nutritionist by training, Yelena works for the Buckhorn restaurant in Winters, running their booth at Farmer’s Markets and figuring out nutrition facts when needed. She also teaches cooking classes at Waldorf and in every other free moment she runs “Snoozles” from her home studio.

What is “Snoozles”? 

It is a business started by Yelena 3 years ago when she took up crocheting as a hobby while she was recovering from an accident which took place downtown Davis. Confined to a chair, she began adding fluffy edging to the tights that had been worn thin in the toes by her daughters who kept wearing them outside without shoes. She was soon inundated with compliments and requests from other parents and friends and then an offer to have a booth at the Davis Art Center. Yelena says that her first year selling at the Davis Art Center was just amazing and overwhelming – she had to go home the first night and refresh her entire stock, hanging the freshly tie-dyed, still wet items, out to sell the next day.

Besides the embellished, recycled tights and leggings, Yelena screen prints children’s designs onto clothing. These items are customizable which allows the customer to be able to wear the art of their 3 year old forever!

You can find your own “Snoozles” on etsy at mysnoozles.etsy.com and keep up with shows and sales on Yelena’s blog: “Snoozles and Second Life”.   Want to see some of these items in person and simultaneously support other local businesses? Yelena sells some of her items locally at Sweet Potato Pie in Woodland.

Who do you know that needs a little bit of fairy outfitting? Join me in supporting yet another local seller, and good luck sticking to your resolutions this year!