People around the world celebrate the French for inventing cinema and for making kissing an art form. On Saturday, Sacramento united with hundreds of other countries to celebrate with the French for the Fête de la Musique, which translates to World Music Day.

Alliance Française de Sacramento, a non-governmental organization promoting French culture and language, encouraged the city to join in the French-inspired music festival held annually on June 21, the same day as the summer solstice. Sacramento obliged, and hosted its first Fête de la Musique on Saturday.

“Fête de la Musique’s origins began in France,” said Beatrice Hildebrand, executive director of Alliance Française de Sacramento. “It is a yearly event in Europe. It’s a global celebration of music, and it’s a good way for musicians to show their skills. People play music in the streets and on sidewalks.”

Spontaneous music could be heard in Sacramento, like at R5 Records on 16th Street and Broadway. R5 Records participated in Fête de la Musique by setting up chairs and providing an open mic outside its doors. The store encouraged people like amateur musician Tony Silva to grab his instrument and share his music with the audience.

“I forgot the lyrics,” Silva sang melodically toward the end of his Johnny Cash cover.

However, Silva did not seem fazed by his stumble.

“I like music,” Silva said. “I came out with my guitar and it’s very important to play music.”

The festival was created by a French official who thought it was important to further promote music after he saw a study claiming that half of all French children could play an instrument. Inspired by this fact, the French official worked to establish the first Fête de la Musique in 1982.

The event is set aside for musicians to perform impromptu jam fests along the sidewalks. Beside sidewalks, professional and amateur musicians play concerts organized in civic centers and parks in cities.

Hildebrand says that the Fête de la Musique is popular in cities in Western Europe, especially in Berlin. But the festival has crossed the Atlantic and has woven itself into other cultures, reaching other cities such as Tel Aviv and Manila.

Alliance Française de Sacramento has hosted several private concerts for Fête de la Musique at their headquarters for the past few years. However, Hildebrand says this year’s festival in Sacramento mirrors the true spirit of Fête de la Musique.

“It’s on the scale of France,” Hildebrand said. “Musicians play classical or jazz for free. We wanted to get people on the streets celebrating. It’s a spontaneous event.”

Though it was Alliance Française de Sacramento’s idea, there was no structure to Sacramento’s Fête de la Musique. Participants were able to sign up to participate on the website, pledging to take over a street and perform for others.

“There is a guerilla aspect to the Fête de la Musique,” said Steve Nikkel, an employee of R5 Records.

Nikkel said he enjoyed the spontaneity of the day-long festival and feels gratified in hearing the free music.

“I saw some kid on the highway playing music on a wall. That is the ultimate expression for playing music.”

JACKSON YAN can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com.

The restaurant, which operates out of the renovated former City Hall at 226 F St., also holds Poetry Night every first and third Wednesday of the month.

Each Curtain Call showcases a three-piece performance, made up of a host, headliner and feature comic. Sacramento and San Francisco-based comedian Eric Miller, who finds and books comedians, puts a tremendous amount of thought behind the entire presentation to create a well-balanced mix of performers.

“I spend a lot of time putting together a very good host to compliment a very good feature,” said Miller, who occasionally hosts the event himself. “I look for [a host] who will make the headliner look hilarious.“

Many well-known comedians are set to take the stage in the following weeks. Tuesday’s performance will feature Gene Pompa, a comic who has appeared on NBC’s Scrubs and Late Night with Conan O’Brien as well as on a special on Comedy Central. Other features will include San Francisco International Comedy Champ Johnny Steele and Comedy Central and VH1 stand-up veteran Jerry Corley.

Past performers include Robert Mac, Flight of the Conchords‘ Arj Barker and comedian and actor Todd Glass, who is currently on tour with David Spade and has appeared numerous times on NBC’s Last Comic Standing.

The close, intimate atmosphere of City Hall is designed for a personal and comfortable setting. Miller said that comedians are clean to semi-clean, drinks have no minimum and hecklers are shunned.

“People will have their meal beforehand, and will go in to the [show] and have a couple drinks and maybe a dessert,” said Brian Fernandez, manager and events coordinator for Bistro 33.

“Bistro 33 is perfect for what I do,” said Joe Klocek, a Bay Area comedian who has performed at Bistro 33 multiple times. “I like to talk to people, and I feed off of that energy.“

In the past, the performance has attracted a wide range of audiences from both Davis and surrounding areas, and many audiences include Sacramento and Woodland residents as well as locals.

“There’s a very good mix of townspeople and students, and I’m surprised there aren’t more students because of the price,” Miller said. “A lot of regulars have gotten to see America’s best comedians and can still be home by 11.“

When asked about the differences of performing to a college crowd as opposed to other club audiences, Klocek offered a mixed response.

“The college crowd will sometimes not get a joke, or will just respond to dirty jokes,” Klocek said. “Other times, I’m in front of a college crowd and they get the stuff that you don’t think they’re going to get. They like the more avant-garde stuff or the stuff that you can’t always do for a typical audience.“

Tickets are $5 and are available at the restaurant, which is located at 226 F St. For more information about the event and upcoming comedians, go to bistro33comedy.com.

JUSTIN HO can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com. 

Gavin Rossdale

Wanderlust

Interscope

Rating: 1

Gavin Rossdale said it himself when he repeated in the opening track, “I’ve been gone too long.” The sexy post-grunge Brit has been busy doing a whole lot of nothing since his escapades leading the alternative rock pioneers Bush; he’s just been married to faux hip hopper-gone-bananas Gwen Stefani. But demonstrated in Tuesday’s release of Wanderlust, Rossdale has been “rediscovering himself” as a musician, only to find that life after the ‘90s is terribly boring.

After a full listen of Wanderlust, I realized that all my heroes are falling apart.

“The kids have gone mad,” Rossdale explains in “Forever May You Run,” or “maybe they’ve been insane all along.” The anti-climactic track exemplifies how Rossdale has clearly downgraded his abilities as a guitarist and instead provides basic scales, simplistic synth and sorry lyrics throughout the girth of the record.

Maybe it’s not the kids; maybe Rossdale has gone mad and forgotten how to make multidimensional music. Wanderlust sounds as if Rossdale has been either locked up in his Hollywood home listening to Sting or wishing that if he had another chance, he’d go the Chris Martin route. Did he forget the guitar-driven aggression he once projected into songwriting with Bush? For instance, this record has a reggae-esque track, “Future World,” which sticks out so badly from the rest of the watered-down style of Wanderlust that I actually reacted – though, I cringed. The track lives a double life as a call-and-response theatrical verse and a palm-muted, faster chorus appropriate for wearing a Hawaiian shirt.

One thing for sure is that the record as a whole is forced – overproduction using studio musicians like drummer Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, The Vandals) provide substandard, hollow melody behind elementary “dark” lyrics. Rossdale commissioned Shirley Manson of Garbage for “The Trouble I’m In,“ though it’s likely that she forgot everything dynamic about music once the ‘90s ended, too. The way Manson’s voice is blended into Rossdale’s is soothing, but again, the song creeps dangerously close to the likes of Coldplay, further confusing the album’s comprehensive sound.

More constructively speaking, Rossdale emanates in the few times he decides to get aggro. An example of this is “If you are not with us you are against us,“ which is the heaviest track on the record.

Gavin, the chemicals between us have died. I missed your rusty vocal texture that was so pitifully imitated by the Jesus-like frontman of Nickelback. You stood right next to Nirvana’s accomplishments when you wrote Sixteen Stone, and then what? You wrote Wanderlust and served up the cheese with happy epic-rock and several down-tempo numbers that don’t reflect your aggressive id. I guess we can’t always save the best for last.

Nicole L. Browner

For fans of: Nickelback, Bob Rock, Bush

Give these tracks a listen:

“Forever May You Run“

“The Trouble I’m In“

Lyrics to “Another Night in the Hills“

Exiles and strangers

Living in danger

Hollywood faces

Could you take me to the races

She’s a diamond made of coal

Truth is nobody knows

He’s a gambler and a cheat

He got very small feet

And if there is forgiveness

I haven’t seen it

Don’t let your friends fall to pieces

Another night in the hills

Blow blow blow blow

On a buffet of bills

Blah blah blah blah

But the true work of art

Is how we got this far

The Department of Theatre and Dance eighth annual UC Davis Film Festival kicked off Wednesday with screenings of student documentaries, commercials and short movies.

The two-day festival continues today at 7 p.m. at Varsity Theatre. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the Varsity Theatre box office, located at 616 Second St.

Produced in association with the technocultural studies, film studies and art studio departments, the film festival gives the opportunity for student films to be presented to the public. UC Davis professor and award-winning production designer John Iacovelli created the film festival in 2000 to support developing artists and enrich the film community in Davis.

“I wanted to bring the same kind of support and recognition to developing artists here at UC Davis where there is no film school,“ Iacovelli said in an event press release.

For the past month, students from diverse academic backgrounds submitted films no longer than 10 minutes, which were judged by a panel of professors and experts in the film and television industry.

The opportunity for students to see their films on the big screen is a new addition to the film festival. For technocultural studies alumnus Michael Kim, who submitted his short film “untitled,“ this was a much welcome addition.

“For anyone who shoots a video or film seriously, it‘s an exciting prospect to think about viewing your film in a larger setting,“ Kim said. “It‘s everyone‘s goal to at least have some audience. The biggest and traditional one is a large theatre venue.“

Also new to the film festival this year were pre-screening sessions for students to receive feedback on their films. The festival judges offered helpful criticism and encouragement for the budding filmmakers.

“[The pre-screening session] was really a helpful opportunity to meet the judges instead of being faceless,“ said Paris Perrault, the festival‘s student coordinator. “The judges [were] really supportive and definitely come from the same background.“

From “2Vote08“ to “How Many Heroes Do We Need,“ the range of film titles suggests a diverse showing for this year‘s film festival. Perrault, a senior double majoring in dramatic arts and political science, said she is excited about the mix of film contributions this year.

“The films are really diverse. There are an equal number of comedies, dramas, experimental [films] and commercials…. It‘s a really interesting mix and evenly spread.“

Because of the wide-ranging number of submissions, the film festival expanded to include categories like “Best Animation“ and “Best Music Video.“ The awards will be presented at the end of tonight‘s screening.

Perhaps most importantly, the film festival brings awareness to Davis‘ growing film community. Part of the festival‘s value is the ability for filmmakers to collaborate with other students in future projects.

“It‘s good seeing the community grow,“ Kim said. “It announces the filmmaking presence and it motivates the students to create films in Davis – there is a community and it will continue to grow.“

CHRIS RUE can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com.XXX

LAYOUT:

Shadowbox:

The following films will be presented at the eighth annual UC Davis Film Festival:

“school daze“ – Michael Sun

“untitled“ – Michael Kim

“Bike PSA“ – Golda Criddle

“Jammer“ – Denise Nicole Green

“No Talking“ – Andrew Cholerton

“Bleach“ – Allison Arachea

“Radiohead“ – Rodney Moreh

“Somewhere in Between“ – Denise Nicole Green

“Hooked“ – Kevin Okulolo

“Another Saturday“ – Birdstrike Improv and Sketch Comedy

“My Life‘s Flavors“ – Kanako Hayamizu

“Crash“ – Christine Samson

“Eau D‘Uncanny“ – Andrea Manners

“Unwritten“ – Daniel Leighton

“Smoking is Cool“ – Birdstrike Improv and Sketch Comedy

“How Many Heroes Do We Need“ – Matthew Gottschalk

“2VOTE08“ – David Coduto

“Everything is Nothing“ – Jonah Cox

Music in the college scene has always been about artistic
expression, but never has it been restricted to bored undergraduates
with a guitar, mic and Garage Band. A select group of Davis professors works hard outside of the lecture writing music, playing in bands and studying the fundamentals of sound.

The following is a brief list of professors outside the music department who express themselves both verbally and musically on and off-campus by day and night.

CHICKEN TRACTOR – ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLICY DEPARTMENT

Who would have ever thought the environmental science and policy department would make its way into the arts section of The California Aggie? Thank Professor Mark Lubell and fellow department researcher Jim Thorne for paving the way with the acoustic bluegrass band Chicken Tractor.

Named after the oddly-shaped chicken fertilizing mechanism, Chicken Tractor started out as a graduate student project. Lubell, the band’s guitarist, has been a member for roughly five years, a time that has coincided with his entire tenure as a professor at UC Davis.

“I arrived and recognized that the mandolin player, Jim Thorne, was also in my department,” Lubell said. “He was sort of attached to the previous incarnations of the group, and I joined him, and we built it over time into what it is now.”

Lubell was introduced to the guitar as a child when he and his father began taking lessons together. His early influences include rock and blues giants such as B.B. King, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan, and later influences include bluegrass players like Bryan Sutton, Norman Blake and Tony Rice.

Chicken Tractor remains a private outlet for the band members, and though they fully enjoy their membership in the band, marketing and promotion is in low priority.

“There are enough people that know about us, but we haven’t done very much that we should in terms of marketing,” Lubell said. “All of us have our own full-time jobs, and we’re satisfied if we play in front of people a couple times a month.”

When asked if there are any links between teaching and the band, Lubell denied any relation between the two, except for the solace that playing with the band provides.

“Music for me is kind of a hobby … another creative outlet besides work,” Lubell said. “As far as my own life goes, I feel it’s connected. I wouldn’t be very good at [my job], because I would get bored, so music gives me an outlet.”

Chicken Tractor plays in many local venues, fundraisers and the Farmers Market.

“It’s nice to have people show up and appreciate the music,” Lubell said. “Playing for people makes the music all more worthwhile to you.”

ROD COLE – PHYSICS DEPARTMENT

Another unlikely musical member of the Davis faculty is Rod Cole, a lecturer in the physics department.

“In high school, I was in a group – [we] just played dances and some local bars, that was it,” Cole said. “Since then, I get together with some people to jam. We normally play blues and rock.”

Though not a formally trained musician in terms of theory and technicality, Cole enjoys playing the guitar in his spare time and has been known to incorporate lessons about the electric guitar in his lectures.

Students of Cole’s Physics 9B: Classical Physics course may remember his in-class guitar demonstrations. Cole said his knowledge of the guitar lent itself to a captivating and effective teaching tool that uses the same physical principles as any other model or demonstration.

“It’s a very important introduction,” Cole said. “We’re always doing spectral analysis on different types of systems, whether it’s about stars or whether you’re looking at vibrations that a building can sustain. All that stuff is basically analyzed using the same technique that you would look at these issues with.”

The application of guitar to physics is also effective because of the instrument’s recognizable image. Cole’s lectures discuss boundary conditions, which are reflected in the guitar string’s constraint between the bridge and nut.

“It’s a lot of fun – when you start discussing harmonics, it’s a good application of physics to music,” Cole said.

BLACK CAT BONE – SPANISH DEPARTMENT

Out of Sproul Hall comes Black Cat Bone, a bluesy acoustic four-piece group that includes Spanish professors Travis Bradley and Charles Oriel and French professor Julia Simon.

The band was formed five years ago at the time of Oriel and Simon’s addition to the Davis staff. Deriving their influences from Chicago and Delta-style blues, the band covers material including Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton, B.B. King and Freddy King.

Oriel, the band’s guitarist, is a long-time musician who started out with basic piano lessons at an early age before moving on to the guitar at 15. He, along with his wife and drummer Simon, provide lead vocals for the band.

“[My interests] started out with folk … [but] I’ve been involved with blues for a long time – probably for twenty years,” Oriel said.

As a member of the faculty, Oriel finds some similarities between his profession as a teacher and a musician. The performance aspect of music is very similar to teaching, he said.

“There are connections only in the sense that teaching is a form of performance. [Both] involve being in front of a group, communicating something, trying to express something and leading people to think or work in a certain way.”

However, Oriel draws a clear distinction between the arenas of teaching and music – which, despite their common performance-like characteristics, are entirely different in their overall approach to expression.

“At the same time, being involved with music is a world apart from the world of academia,” Oriel said. “It’s like going on vacation – it’s something so wholly different.… If you [perform at] a bar, you’re exposed to a different type of person than you’d meet in my office in Sproul.”

Oriel said he enjoys the relaxation he gets from teaching through performing. When asked to consider what life would be like in a musical career, Oriel expressed little interest in becoming a full-fledged musician.

“A musical career, involving performance, can be a pretty grueling lifestyle. I’m not sure if it’s a lifestyle that I would particularly enjoy.”

See Black Cat Bone perform in the upcoming months at the Downtown Davis Friday Night Concert Series at the E St. Concert Plaza on June 13, June 12 at Woodstock’s Pizza and in the Vacaville Town Square on June 25.

JUSTIN HO can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com.

Sex and the City

Directed by Michael Patrick King

New Line Cinema

Rating: 4

Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda have captured the hearts of dedicated fans for six seasons of “Sex and the City.” The movie continues from the series finale from four years ago. The opening night started off with a long anticipated fanciful explosion of New York City’s two L’s – Labels and Love.

At the midnight showing in Davis, girls came dressed up as glitterati, many even attending the film in groups of four. The estrogen-filled theater held less than 10 men. It would not give the movie justice to call it simply a “chick flick.” It would be more accurate to deem it a documented New York Fashion Week fashion show sprinkled with drama, betrayal and love.

The sixth season left off with four relatively steady relationships – Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and “Mr. Big” (Chris Noth), Samantha (Kim Cattrall) and “Smith” (Jason Lewis), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Harry (Evan Handler) and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Steve (David Eigenberg).

Carrie, who works for The New York Star as a columnist who writes “Sex and the City,” narrates the entire series and film. At the start of the 145 minute movie, Carrie provides a recap of the past, ensuring that those who have never seen the TV show will be ready to journey knowledgably along with the rest of the audience.

The vast amount of product placement and label luster drew gasps and coos from the audience. The New York City portrayed by director Michael Patrick King reveals lifestyles of endless wealth and luxury. Going out to lunch and cocktails everyday, dropping everything to go on vacation, taking flights from L.A. to N.Y. every week and building a walk-in closet the size of the average New York apartment are just a few signifiers of the affluence the storyline embellishes.

Naturally, one would find great fun in living vicariously through these financially carefree ladies. But reality sets in when King adds a new character, Louise (Jennifer Hudson) into the mix. Her character acts as Carrie’s middle-class, purse-renting personal assistant who reminds Carrie which “L” should matter most.

Each leading lady, with the exception of Charlotte, deserves moments of sorrow. Unlike the series where external forces (a.k.a men) find ways to twist and torment these ladies‘ lives, the plot focuses on the internal issues that the four create for themselves. Outsiders can no longer remedy the problem. Rather, it has come time for Carrie, Samantha and Miranda to search within themselves to independently analyze their own faults and diagnose their own cures.

But of course, the four soulmates will always be each other’s backbones and shoulders to cry on. The dynamics of their friendship give everyone something to relate their own relationships to.

Lastly, what would this movie be without sex and cocktails? Rest assured, your palate will not be left bland. Carrie brings the heaven of “Sex and the City’s” materialistic vanity back to earth by ending the movie with a very human, very sentimental, very real comment – “the best label a woman can wear is love.

By the Aggie Arts Desk

It‘s a common predicament: You‘re stuck in Davis for the summer, you‘re bored and you have no money. If you‘re looking for a better way to spend your time than watching reruns on television, MUSE provides a suggestion of fun – and more importantly, affordable – things you can do if you‘re in the area.

Second Saturday Art Walk

You know that dream girl you want to impress? Or that hunky guy on your radar? For the ultimate cheap night out, head to downtown Sacramento on the second Saturday of the month for an art walk. With galleries opened late into the evening, this should be the perfect place to show that girl or guy how cultured you are. The galleries feature an array of local artwork, from paintings to installation art. To top off the night, take your date to one of the many restaurants within walking distance of the galleries.

For the non-lovers, Second Saturday is a great way to socialize and people watch, as the event attracts an eclectic group of artists and locals. And best of all – free wine!

The next art walk is June 14. More information is available at 2nd-sat.com.

Chris Rue

Slidehill Park

Bring a piece of cardboard big enough to sit on, or find one at the bottom of this giant cement slide.

June Quan

Sacramento French Film Festival

Pay homage to French cinema this summer at the eighth annual Sacramento French Film Festival. It will take place from July 17 to 28 at the Crest Theatre. The festival will feature full-length movies and short films in French with English subtitles.

Tickets can be purchased in packages or for individual showings. Admission is $9 for students and $10 for non-students. The Crest Theatre is located 1013 K St.

Jackson Yan

A mini-guide to free music in town

You‘re broke, but your ears are itching for some orgasmic sounds. Don‘t fret, there are more options than you‘d suspect for a night of free live music. The 21-and-under can park it next to Sophia‘s at the “Balcony B“ (a.k.a. the Fish ‘n‘ Chips outdoor seating) and enjoy a view of folk-inspired performances from some of Sacramento, Bay Area, Portland and Seattle‘s best musicians. Then there‘s the traditional house show, which can serve as a multi-functional venue in terms of eat, drink and entertainment, above and beyond music. Check local message boards such as daviswiki.org/events_board, kdvs.org/events or undietacos.org for more information on local, underground shows located in anything from living rooms to coffee shops. For more information on Sophia‘s entertainment schedule, go to sophiasthaikitchen.com.

Nicole L. Browner

Poetry Night at Bistro 33

From Sacramento rapper Random Abilideze to Native American professor Jack Forbes, Poetry Night at Bistro 33 offers a wide range of readers for any creative persuasion. Held every first and third Wednesday of the month, it also gives up-and-coming poets a chance to showcase their own work with an open mic that follows the featured reader. Take the time to start working on your prose this summer in anticipation for the event – an intimate and friendly crowd is sure to be welcoming to any aspiring writer. Poetry Night is hosted by University Writing Program lecturers Andy Jones and Brad Henderson. Bistro 33 is located at 226 F St. For more information, check the Facebook group.

–Rachel Filipinas

Mr. Glass at Delta of Venus

Looking for a weekly escape for the summer nights? Hear DJ Nix, a.k.a. Mr. Glass, at the Delta of Venus 122 B St. every Thursday and Friday. Mr. Glass spins a diverse set of genres, including soul, jazz, downbeat, and funk. Mr. Glass has been known to mix a variety of underground rap and has been known to play balls out-funk mixed with Bjork‘s haunting vocals. To hear more of Mr. Glass‘s playlists, check out his KDVS show “Good Good“ every Monday at 9:30 a.m.

Justin Ho

American River

People complain that there is nothing to do in Davis, but I don‘t think enough take advantage of the fact that there is a lot of outdoorsy stuff that‘s only a short drive away. Located halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, American River is the probably one the finest places in California to go kayaking or rafting. Calmer types can find just as much on the quieter stretches as the whitewater thrill-seekers. Take a best friend or a date and picnic basket, and you‘re set.

– Sonia Parecadan

RACHEL FILIPINAS can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com. XXX

Well folks, this is it – it’s the end of the road for “Nothing to see here….” For some, this might be our very last intimate conversation. For others, this might only the beginning. In this long year, I’ve admitted things to you, put myself out there beyond embarrassment and I hope you’ve enjoyed it.

And despite the denied marriage proposals, jabs at my own cliché hipster, vinyl snob, fixie riding steez – despite so pitifully defending Britney Spears, gender-bending punk rock and sexualizing facial hair – looking back, there are some things I’m butthurt about.

One is that I didn’t get laid because of my column.

Or did I? Perhaps such a claim is up for debate. What I do know is that my witty commentary didn’t beat Jon Gold’s daily weather in garnering attention – he’s gotten numerous dates from writing a measly two sentences a week. And he doesn’t even have his picture alongside his name, what the deuce is that? Is it because I don’t leave you any mystery, readers? Is it because atop my poetic nonsense every week, I gift you a ridiculous new mug shot, making it so that what you see is what you get?

Maybe I’m just not provocative enough.

This year I’ve attempted to tickle your artsy libido, to get you to tell me I’m a douche bag and to challenge you to intellectual duels regarding morality and art. And yet, little-to-no emails found their way into my box after each Thursday. Le sigh.

Fine. Have it your way, readers. But before you go, let me bequeath upon you a little secret I discovered through laborious weeks spent being the eyes and ears of the arts community.

There is so much talent here in Davis, providing endless things to do.

Since Davis is in reasonable proximity to the Bay Area, it’s almost too easy to drive the hour down the I-80 and attend a more notable show featuring bands that sell out venues small and large. But this doesn’t mean that what Davis has to offer is in the slightest bit inferior.

I’ll never forget my first show experience in Davis. I went to the Delta of Venus in September of 2006 to see The Finches, who at that time I hadn’t heard of. Regardless, I kept my eyes wide, my ears open and ended up liking what I heard, so I bought their record.

Since then, nothing has changed; week after week, I survey the upcoming shows of more bands even someone as well-versed as I, the arts pwner, hasn’t heard of… but I don’t give up. Partly because of my duty as the author of Artsweek, I give each band a listen on the ol’ MySpace and realize how they sound like something I’d like to see IRL.

There is a ton of artistry here in Davis that is practically given to students for free. On any, one can choose from a spoken word event, an open art reception or a band-house party combo and often will have to decide between such things on a single evening.

Many claims that Davis’ nightlife is lacking may be justified, but in all honesty, there is something for everyone here who is open to new things. And so I urge readers to get more involved, to consider new possibilities and demand what you want to see in Davis, and it will come to you.

I’d like to conclude with saying that it’s been an honor reporting on the Davis arts community these past two years. This is truly one of the last college towns with such unassuming character, unmatchable affability and a relentless passion to express itself.

Without so many people in this community my job would have been impossible – and so I’d like to thank the students and faculty of the art studio, design, theatre and dance, music and English departments, respectively. I am equally gracious for the forces driving the arts community here, such as local businesses like Sophia’s, Bistro 33, Delta of Venus, Primary Concepts and campus-based entities like the Robert Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, KDVS 90.3 FM and the ASUCD Entertainment Council.

Thanks for reading, and all I can ask of you now is to keep your punk rock ethics intact.

NICOLE L. BROWNER hates to say goodbye, but you can expect more of her wisecracks come fall quarter in the form of low-rated CD reviews. Feel free to contact her at any time at nlbrowner@ucdavis.edu.

Most art reflects one person’s unique vision and perspective. In contrast, the CO/LAB – an art and design collective that was created by UC Davis students in November 2006 – explores the idea of combining their efforts to produce projects that are inevitably multidimensional.

An exhibition of the group’s work will be on display from June 14 to July 8 at Olipom Vintage Clothing Store at 1115 21st St. in Sacramento. A reception will be also take place at the location at 6 p.m. on opening day.

The group, founded by UC Davis graduate Milan Pham, has about 15 to 20 regular members who meet one to two times a week to work together on projects that anyone can contribute to. The idea with a collaborative project, said first-year design major Arianne Azevedo, is to see how people interpret art in different ways.

“You get a whole bunch of points of view – you see something one way, and then you work with someone else and then the whole thing changes,” Azevedo said. “It‘s cool to see people’s different perspectives.“

The sharing of ideas is another valuable aspect of being part of a creative community, she added.

“Instead of just sitting in your room by yourself thinking of what to do, you actually have people to bounce ideas off of,” she said. “It seemed like a way for me to motivate myself to do something and be productive.“

One of the projects that will be on display is a collection of photographs of all the members that have been “defaced“ in some way by another member. Defacement, the group decided, can include anything from Photoshop work to painting or printing over the original photo.

Greg Wahnon, a fifth-year microbiology major, said being part of the group has helped him grow as an artist. Wahnon is one of the few members not a student within the design, art studio or technocultural studies departments.

“It’s just helpful to have that many viewpoints and sources for inspiration and creativity,” Wahnon said. “I am definitely more confident in my ability to turn out something that I’m proud of and willing to show.“

Another project currently in the works is an “imaginary map“ – a collage of images by individual members that represent their imaginations. Beyond this basic concept, there were no other strict rules.

“We try to keep things really open-ended. You can pretty much make your contribution to the project, whatever you want it to be,” Wahnon said. “There are usually no strict guidelines with whatever we do, which is where I think a lot of the fun comes from.“

“When you work on something with someone else, you can’t help but add some of your own style, which makes the piece all that much more unique,” he added.

Group coordinator and alum Cory Keller said that he hopes members take something worthwhile from the group experience.

“Hopefully, everyone is a better artist or collaborator than they were when they first started,” he said. “I hope we look back at this and are proud of what we were once a part of.“

For more information and meeting times, visit the facebook.com group The CO/LAB: An Art Design Collective or the website at collablog08.blogspot.com.

SONIA PARECADAN can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com. XXX

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Foot Foot

Today, 8 p.m., $5

Old Firehouse

Holding it down for the 650 is the solo project from the Redwood City-born, Chicago-based Owen Ashworth. The digital tunes from this enterprising young man are a bit more polished since his earlier days as a musician, but the melancholy tendencies still live on – be sure to listen for his take on Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia.” A similar woeful-but-likable attitude can also expected from Los Angeles-based folk-pop duo Foot Foot.

The California Honeydrops

Today, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen

The Yay may not seem like a hotbed for good ol’ fashioned roots and blues, but this ensemble from Oakland proves otherwise. With their soulful harmonies and instrumentals, The California Honeydrops provides a combination of ragtime, soul and gospel.

KWOD Rock the Vote Concert with MGMT, Alkaline Trio, Pennywise, Anti-Flag, The Whigs, Middle Class Rut

Friday, 5:30 p.m., $25

Empire

Sure, they’re supposed to be dark and everything, but there is something strangely wholesome about the catchy pop-punkers Alkaline Trio. Perhaps it is just a wave of nostalgia for my pre-college days. Acting as a Warped Tour preview of sorts is a bill with Pennywise, Anti-Flag and other artists within the same vein. A bevy of acts are on the bill, but I’ll be holding out for energetic dance-pop group MGMT.

Warp 11, Fall of the Face of the Earth

Friday, 10 p.m. $3-5, 21

The G St. Pub

Warp 11 takes sexy to an uncomfortably new level – anticipate a group of shamelessly proud Trekkies-turned-rockers: Their debut album was titled “Suck My Spock,” and they also had a song dedicated to Captain Kirk himself with “Everything I Do, I Do With William Shatner.” Hey, you’ve got to give them a hand for being spirited. I only wish the shows I watched could lend itself to such musical enterprise.

JimBo Trout and the Fish People, Shotgun Party

Saturday, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen

These fishies are pulling out the big guns for the sake of honky-tonk bluegrass music – expect fiddlers, banjo players, kazoo users, washboard washers and more. Also making a strong case for classic Americana is the brassy vocals of singer Jenny Parrott of Shotgun Party.

Rock the Light, Dead Americans, The Products, Ahoy!

Thursday, June 12, 9 p.m., $5, 21

The Stag in Woodland

A “Rock the Light” MySpace search generated two results: One was a Christian group on a nationwide tour, the other a rock band from Sacramento. I think it’s pretty obvious who to expect and who to avoid, and the answer isn’t mutually exclusive.

Great White Jenkins, 13 to the Gallows, Missouri Mule,

Thursday, June 12, 10 p.m., $3-5, 21

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen

A slightly sinister take on gospel is to be expected from the Virginia-based Great White Jenkins, while 13 to the Gallows balance the classic (think old time guitar picking straight from the South) with the modern (think vocals akin to any indie pop heartthrob). As for Missouri Mule, a bar seems like a fitting backdrop with songs like “Heartbroken and Hungover.”

Honeyspot, Mike Comfort

Friday, June 13, 10 p.m. $3-5, 21

The G St. Pub

Based strictly on the names of the headlining acts, it would seem as if a curiously cozy night would be in store for G Street on such an auspicious day. But all you bar hoppers should know better than that, right?

Boca do Rio

Friday, June 13, 10 p.m. $3-5, 21

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen

News you can use: Boca do Rio translates to “mouth of the river” in Portuguese. Even more useful: Boca do Rio will provide a sweet mix of Latin, funk and Afro-beat music that is perfect for warm summer nights.

Teddy Geiger, Hillary McRae, Scott Harris Project

Friday, June 13, 6 p.m., $17.50 in advance, $20 day of show

Empire Events Center at 15th and R Street, Sacramento,

That hair, those eyes – Teddy Geiger is an oh-so-dreamy poster boy of pop with an equally saccharine sound.

French Quarter; MOM; Alas, alak, Alaska!; James Fella

Saturday, June 14, 9 p.m., $3-5

Old Firehouse

For those who enjoy a more spacey, less rootsy take on folk are sure to warm up to the quiet mysticism of Alas, alak, Alaska! Also within the same understated, experimental vein is French Quarter, who actually hail from Arizona.

Devine’s Jug Band

Saturday, June 14, 10 p.m. $3-5, 21

Sophia’s Thai Kitchen

Yes, yes – quality bluegrass is to be expected at Sophia’s Thai Kitchen once again, but also make sure to check out the homemade instruments from this Americana ensemble. Band founder Pete Devine plays something called the “cheek-o-phone,” and I’m curious as to see what that could possibly be.

John Thill, No Paws (No Lions)

Thursday, June 19, 8 p.m.

Old Firehouse

Lo-fi singer/songwriter John Thill has a warbly quality to his voice that has drawn him comparisons to Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst, but I suggest you make your own judgment. Meanwhile, No Paws (No Lions) will surely liven up the mood with their upbeat pop diddies.

Mia and Jonah, Ben Lewis

Friday, June 20, 8 p.m.

Delta of Venus

Damien Rice or Iron and Wine fans are bound to take a liking to the unobtrusive folk-rock of Oakland band Mia and Jonah.

ART / GALLERY

human/nature

Friday, 4 p.m.

University Club

Man’s relationship with nature is explored in this three-in-one presentation of poetry reading, musical performance and an art installation.

Technocultural Studies and Film Studies End-of-the-Year Party

Friday, 6 p.m.

TCS Building

Say farewell to the graduating seniors in the technocultural studies department. This will also be an opportunity to see their hard work in a gallery of music, video, photography, live performance and installation art.

Second Saturday Art Walk

Saturday, June 14, 6-9 p.m.

Downtown Sacramento, CA

What better way to spend a warm Saturday evening than in the downtown Sacramento amongst some of the community’s most cultured art folks? For an even better reason to visit, the CO/LAB student-based exhibition, see page M__.

DANCE

3D Spring Showcase

Saturday, 8 p.m., $10 for non-students and $8 for students

Main Theatre in Wright Hall

Jazz, tap, salsa, hip-hop – you name it, it’s probably there. Watch for the spring showcase from this home-grown dance group created by two UC Davis students. See page M __ for an in-depth look.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Wizard of Oz

Saturday, June 21, 7 p.m. $22 for non-students and $18 for students

Jackson Hall in the Mondavi Center

A double feature of theatrical dance will be at the Mondavi with this program created by artistic directors Jen Bradford, Kelly Archer and Theodore Constant.

AT THE MOVIES

UC Davis Film Festival

Today, 5 p.m., $5 at Varsity Theatre on Second Street

The eighth annual festival gives budding student filmmakers a chance to showcase original work as well as the opportunity to receive constructive criticism from peers and a panel of judges. For more information and a full schedule, see page M __.

Son of Rambow

Opens Friday at the Varsity Theatre on Second Street

Sylvester Stallone as someone’s muse? Two boys from opposite ends of the tracks – one’s a troubled youngster, the other’s devout member a religious Christian sect – are aspiring filmmakers inspired by Sly in this coming-of-age story that takes place in the ’80s.

You Don’t Mess With the Zohan

Opens Friday at the Davis Regal Holiday 5 on G Street

Tomorrow will be the last Friday before finals – take a study break and enjoy two hours of mindless entertainment from Adam Sandler as an Israeli secret agent-turned-hairstylist.

Editor’s picks:

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone, Foot Foot

Today, 8 p.m., $5

UC Davis Film Festival

Today, 5 p.m., $5

Blurbs:

5 QUESTIONS WITH CASIOTONE FOR THE PAINFULLY ALONE

Find out more about this enterprising one-man wunderkind.

3D SPRING DANCE SHOWCASE

A wide array of styles is in store from this Davis dance ensemble.

UC DAVIS FILM FESTIVAL

Budding student filmmakers get the chance to flaunt their work on the silver screen!

RACHEL FILIPINAS can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com.

Editor’s note: MUSE offers a monthly feature to highlight artists in and out of Davis that impact our community. This month‘s “Five Questions“ is with Owen Ashworth of Casiotone for the Painfully Alone. He will be performing along with Foot Foot tonight at 8 p.m. for $5 in the Old Firehouse, located next to the Music Building on campus. For more information on the band, visit cftpa.org.

1. Your “band name“ says it all, but what else do you want people to know about CFTPA?

I think the name of my band has become less and less relevant over the years. I have never liked the name, to be honest with you. I think I would be pretty hesitant to try to enjoy a band called Casiotone for the Painfully Alone if I wasn‘t the dude himself. I hope people are more open-minded than I am and give the songs a chance despite the really dumb name on the record cover.

2. Tell us about one of your favorite musical toys.

I have a Raagini Digital Tanpura that I bought in England a few years ago. It‘s basically a drone generator that was designed to be a rehearsal aide for sitar and flute players, but I think it sounds really lovely on its own. I liked mine so much that I bought one for my brother for his birthday.

3. Have you considered a career in making ringtones?

No, I don‘t think I would find that to be a particularly rewarding career. It was fun to make a few for the Laurel Nakadate video project [Stay the Same Never Change], but I definitely prefer making songs that feature words and a broader audio frequency than my little cell phone is capable of broadcasting.

4. Do you agree that other taquerias fail to compare to the ones in Redwood City?

There are some pretty great taquerias in Redwood City. Someone told me that Neil Young eats at La Azteca. I have found some pretty quality taquerias in Chicago as well. You know where they have some really great taquerias? Mexico.

5. Describe your band‘s sound in three words.

Broke-ass torch songs.

NICOLE BROWNER can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com.XXX

080605_ar_3D.C

Headline: Dance group put on their dancing shoes

Layercake: Spring showcase Saturday at Wright Hall

By JACKSON YAN

Aggie Staff Writer

It is not Carrie Bradshaw’s closet, but the Sex and the City character would approve of the members of 3D “Diverse Dance Dimensions” and their variety of shoes. Not only are there shoes for tap and jazz numbers – but there are also Pointe shoes and Chucks for their ballet and hip-hop routines.

For the 3D spring showcase “Come So Far,” they will even go without shoes. The spring showcase will be held at Wright Hall on Saturday at 8 p.m. Admission is $8 for students and $10 for non-students. Tickets can be purchased at the Freeborn Hall ticket office.

3D is a 12-member all-girls dance group founded by senior sociology major Tiffany Ferry and senior human development major Megan Forcum. The two, who have been friends since their days in El Cerrito High School in Richmond, started 3D as first-year students in 2005. As first-years, they wanted something different from what was offered at UC Davis.

“I took a class here and was not enjoying the experience,” Forcum said. “It was a completely different style of dance. We are used to choreographing [our routines.]”

The pair choreographs the majority of the routines for the dance group. Usually, the genesis of each idea forms in their two-bedroom apartment. They will turn on music and begin to attach body movements to each beat.

“It is a lot of work,” Ferry said. “We begin by picking a song. We’ll mess around, do a movement and collaborate.”

As their group names implies, members of the group are diverse in their disciplines. They are versed in different genres of dance including jazz, tap, ballet, salsa and hip-hop.

However, there is a distinct Bay Area flavor to their dance – or as Ferry said, a “Yay Area” style. Ferry was initially trained as a jazz dancer, while Forcum practiced in salsa. As they were growing up in Richmond, they began to immerse themselves in Bay Area hip-hop and incorporated their personal backgrounds to the scene.

“We are representing the Bay,” Ferry said. “We are fooling around, acting ghetto, but it’s who we are. We’re hardcore but we are representing the city. We dance grimy – down and dirty.”

Sophomore political science major Liz Perez described her costume as befitting in the emotion of her portion of the performance. Perez and her group will go sans footwear for their ballet piece.

“We like the support of shoes, but it doesn’t show the rawness of the dance [for my routine],” Perez said. “Dancing without shoes is painful, but it helps bring out the emotional side.”

The group has practiced all year for this event, sometimes in less than favorable conditions. Ferry and Forcum said they had to improvise locations for the group to go over routines.

“We have practiced in our two-bedroom apartment,” Ferry said. “One time, we reserved the racquetball room in the ARC. We did not know we were not allowed to [practice] until they kicked us out.”

“We’re hustlers,” Forcum added. “[We’ve practiced in] dorm lounges, sidewalks in front of our apartment.”

As graduating seniors, this will be Ferry and Forcum’s swan song, and they have several surprises in store for their last performance.

“We have been at a point where we go ‘Why continue?'” Forcum said. “But I couldn’t give up the goal. This is our child.”

The 3D dance showcase “Come So Far” will be held Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Freeborn Hall for $8 for students and $10 for non-students. For more information, check the Facebook event.

JACKSON YAN can be reached at arts@californiaaggie.com.