MUSIC
Multimedia Ensemble
Today, 8 p.m., free
Technocultural Studies Building (formerly the Art Annex)
Silent films are like a blank slate for musicians, and the UC Davis Multimedia Ensemble definitely cultivated a new idea when they scored Yasujiro Ozu‘s 1934 silent film A Story of Floating Weeds. Led by music department lecturer Sam Nichols, the film is sure to provide an avant-garde and experimental version of one of film‘s early forms.
Ian McFeron Band, Shannon Harney
Today, 10 p.m., $3, 21
Sophia‘s Thai Kitchen
Any band named after its lead is suspicious, and often terrible (well at least one well-known one is). But the Seattle-based Ian McFeron band shouldn‘t be feared, with their laid-back fiddle, slide guitar, Dylan-esque vocals and major-key strumming. Davis student Shannon Harney will perform as well.
Urban Sherpas
Friday, 7 p.m., free
Delta of Venus
Whether you‘re swamped by finals or irked by Davis‘ unusual attraction to folk-rock bands, live jazz might be a fitting alternative. This Sacramento-based jazz ensemble should provide a night of relaxing entertainment (and excellent study music). If you miss it, check them out at Beach Hut Deli on June 13.
Or, The Whale; Silver Darling
Friday, 10 p.m. $3, 21
Sophia‘s Thai Kitchen
That‘s two bands, not three. Or, The Whale – a San Francisco-based folk-rock group – will slide through town on Friday after a West Coast tour. The sorrowful Silver Darling of Sacramento will join. This will definitely be a sit-down night to enjoy.
Dreamdate, Twig Palace, World History
Sunday, 5 p.m., donations accepted
Robot Rocket Residence
A Sunday BBQ sounds appetizing, but a break from finals sounds even better. Oakland duo Dreamdate, Twig Palace and Seattle-based World History are set to perform a poppy set – a perfect compliment to charred burgers.
AT THE MOVIES
Nameless Magazine Double Feature and Guest Speaker
Today, 7:30 p.m., free194 Chemistry
The student-run Nameless Magazine, an online-based literary publication run by student submissions, will present the appropriate Stranger Than Fiction and Running With Scissors tonight in Chem 194. The event will also feature guest speaker Jonathan Keifer, a notable film critic and a contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle, Salon, the New York Times Book Review and many other publications. I‘m sure he‘s really stoked about the new Transformers movie.
ART / GALLERYSmall Works 2009
June 12, open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pence Gallery at 212 D St.
June 12 sounds so far away right now, but that day marks the opening of the City of Davis‘ Civic Arts Commission‘s annual Juried Art Show. Yes, juried – each juror is an arts professional invited each year to jury the exhibit and merit awards to participating artists. Ironically, my roommate has jury duty on the same day. Works showcased are original with a 12-inch width and height limit.
THEATER / MONDAVI
Integrated Studies presents Shakespeare‘s Cymbeline
Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., free
Wyatt Pavilion
William Shakespeare‘s Cymbeline definitely wasn‘t part of my high school English curriculum. The Freshman Integrated Studies 8B class and the University Writing Program will present this lesser-known Shakespearean play Friday and Saturday at the Wyatt Pavilion. And though it‘s one of Shakespeare‘s tragedies, don‘t expect a modern-day movie remake any time soon.
Choral Soundscapes
Sunday, 7 p.m., $30 general admission, $15 with a student ID
Jackson Hall (Mondavi Center)
The Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra will present the last of concert of their season, with pieces ranging from Baroque composer Handel to contemporary composer Eric Whitacre. According to the Mondavi Center, this event is not appropriate for children under six. Keep that in mind, undergraduates.
Madama Butterfly
June 25, 7 p.m. $15 general admission, $7.50 with a student ID
Jackson Hall (Mondavi Center)
Opera isn‘t normally a part of the usual Davis nightlife, but on June 25 the San Francisco Opera will bring a high definition screening of Giacomo Puccini‘s Madama Butterfly to Jackson Hall. Recorded in San Francisco, the screening is part of the San Francisco Opera‘s Grand Opera Cinema Series. Be sure to bring your binoculars and your handkerchiefs – this one‘s a sad one
JUSTIN T. HO can be reached at arts@theaggie.org.
