It is fun to have fun at Seussical the Musical

Jason Graae as the Cat in the Hat. Photo by Kevin Graft.

As we streamed through the front gates of the Wells Fargo Pavillion, my 9-year-old daughter and I were giddy with anticipation for the opening performance of Music Circus’ Seussical. The welcoming courtyard with fountain added just the right ambiance to assure us that we were going to have a wonderful time.

Once seated, we noticed the stage set up was simple, yet impressive; there was a giant red and white striped Cat in the Hat hat, placed in the center of the round stage. As soon as the show started, you were quickly drawn into the whimsical world of all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters. The main theme for Seussical is “a person’s a person no matter how small,” but there are many, many other familiar messages hidden throughout the show as well. My daughter loved the story line; she was especially impressed when Horton the Elephant saved the Who’s in the end of the play. Young actor Josh Davis and his wonderful voice were truly impressive.

Josh Davis as JoJo. Photo by Kevin Graft.

While this was not the first time we’ve seen Seussical, we were delighted to see that Music Circus had added a few embellishments of its own to the musical. Having the moving stage in the middle of the room, like a circus arena, made the performance very intimate and gave everyone in the audience a great view of the stage.

All in all, Seussical is a whimsically fun treat for people of all ages. Seeing audience members from ages 4 to 84 reminded me that Dr. Seuss’ stories are just as relevant today as they were when first published.

Seussical takes over the Wells Fargo Pavilion through July 17. For tickets and showtimes, visit the musical’s listing on Sacramento365.

Note: If you and your little one are planning to snack, head to the concession stands before the show (treats are welcome inside the theater during performances.) The 20-minute intermission gives you enough time to stand in line to purchase food, or run to the restroom, but probably not both.

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This blog post was written by Sacramento Kids contributor Ida Christian.

2nd Saturday Roadmap: The Colors of Summer

This 2nd Saturday is going to be packed with great art, music, and tasty treats! Join me on my jaunt around town to some of the art exhibits and events that I’m most excited for this July!

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Bare Earth:
My first stop of the day will be at the Elliot Fouts Gallery to check out Micah Crandall-Bear’s latest exhibit, Telluric. Stripping down the details and focusing on colors palettes, this exhibition features a series of abstract landscapes, making you rethink the fine art form. Afterwards, I’ll jet over to Ginger Elizabeth to snag one of their delicious ice cream sundaes (limited supply, be sure to get there early!).

Photo courtesy of Micah Crandall-Bear

Bright and Sunny:
My next stop of the day will be at the Tim Collom Gallery to check out their exhibit, simply titled, Summer. Through a variety of mediums, 17 Northern Californian artists will show off works that define what the season is truly about. After scoping out a slice of summer, I’ll head over to Sawasdee to cool off with a Thai iced tea and some Tom Kha.

Photo courtesy of the Tim Collom Gallery and Cindy Wilson

Chaos of the Streets:
My yearning for midday coffee will lead me to Shine and Anthony Anderson’s Street Squares. Each piece in this collection is an abstract compilation of building texture/decay, graffiti, and the miscellaneous items you’d find on the street. Sandra Dee’s is just a block away, offering soul food and its famous House Lemonade.

Photo courtesy of Anthony Anderson

Double Digit Party:
My last stop for the day will be Sacramento Bicycle Kitchen’s (SBK) 10th Anniversary Party. This party is sure to be a good one with music from three local favorites — The Nickel Slots, 50-Watt Heavy, and The Brangs. New Belgium Brewing will also be on hand to provide some tasty brews; proceeds from the beer sales will be donated directly to the Sacramento Bike Kitchen, too! If I feel the need to keep the party rolling, I’ll cruise down the street to Easy on I for another drink.

Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Bike Kitchen

Looking for more 2nd Saturday outings? Check out our 2nd Saturday section on Sacramento365.com!

Whether you follow my map or make your own plans, you can’t go wrong this 2nd Saturday. Whatever you plan to do, make sure to get social with us by using the hashtag #Sacramento365.

***This blog was written by Sacramento365.com’s Content Specialist, Dylan Fisher.

Sports365: Off With a Bang

This month is loaded with fun sports happenings in the heat. Luckily for you, I’ve rounded up the best events in this month’s Sports365! Whether you want to see our country’s top young athletes, do some tailgating, stretch out, or take a moonlit ride, Sacramento has got you covered!

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Sacramento will host the 50th Annual Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships at the end of the month from July 25-31 at Sacramento State. This event has hosted many of America’s past Olympians and maybe even a few who should be competing in Rio this summer.

Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Sports Commission

Only the best-of-the-best young athletes, ages 7-18, are invited to participate, so you’ll get a chance to see world-class athletes growing into their potential.

Hurdles, shot put, long jump, and more; what more could you ask for? Whether you don’t know a thing about track and field or you’re a relay running fiend, there’s something for everyone. This weekend will be the perfect opportunity to enjoy great performances, nice weather, newly renovated facilities, and a great community of fans and family.

Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Sports Commission

If you want to get more involved in the championships, but weren’t invited to compete (or are just too old like me) then make sure to join the Sac Event Crew. This dedicated group of volunteers will get up and close to the action and make sure that the events run smoothly.

For more information about this event, click here.

Party, Play, and Philanthropy:
If the track and field championships are too competitive for you, then check out these more lighthearted events.

Sacramento PRO Rugby Tailgate
Woodlake Park
July 9
Nothing goes better with sports than a great party! This is your chance to join the first official Sacramento Express tailgate and score discount tickets to the game!

Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Express

The Beer Yogis
Yolo Brewing Co.
July 21
I’ve always wanted to get into yoga, but never quite had the guts to try it out. Now, I’ve got the chance to partake in a little liquid courage while working on my flexibility. Sounds perfect!

Photo courtesy of the Beer Yogis

Lunar Lunacy
Capitol Mall Greens
July 23
Riding your bike is always fun, but cruising with hundreds of others under the glow of the moon really kicks up the excitement. Plus, you’ll help raise funds for local charities!

Photo courtesy of Lunar Lunacy

Check back with Sports365 in August to see what activities I am most excited for…or plan ahead on your own by checking out Sacramento365.com’s Sports page!

***This blog was written by Sacramento365’s Content Specialist, Dylan Fisher.

Get to Know July Featured Artist Steven Valencia

Enchanting, colorful costumes. Skillful footwork. A high pitch grito (shout). These are the familiar elements that define Mexico’s ballet folklórico or “folkloric dance.” Our July Featured Artist Steven Valencia might add “his inspiration”, too.

This month, we connected with Calidanza’s Artistic Director to learn more about his life-long passion. As the leader of the Calidanza folk dance company, Valencia seeks to advance, celebrate, and preserve the culture of Latino, Chicano, and Native populations for generations. And he’s been pretty good at it. He’s worked and toured with some of the best instructors from across the border, choreographed traditional and modern professional productions in and around the Sacramento region, and was even awarded the 2011 Maestro Award from The Latino Arts Network of California for his efforts. What may be the most peculiar thing about Valencia’s success is that he juggles his time at Calidanza with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Read on and discover what quite literally moves our featured artist here.

Say “Hello” to Your New Favorite Musical

California Musical Theatre’s (CMT) production of Hello, Dolly! is brisk, animated, and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. Hello, Dolly! tells the tale of Dolly Levi, a matchmaker who rediscovers what love is truly about. This classic American comedy is sure to lift the audience’s spirit with fits of laughter. It was so much fun being surrounded by an audience who sang quietly or hummed along to every tune, laughing, smiling, and clearly enjoying every minute of the performance.

Photo by Kevin Graft

Of course, the key to an enjoyable production is the people behind it. Lynne Wintersteller (who plays the matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi) delivers each of her lines with perfect timing. She was funny, ironic, beautiful, and oozes charisma with every song, turn of a phrase, a flick of a hand, and even while comically stuffing food down her face. This is perfectly exemplified in the scene at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant when all the young men fall at her feet. While Winterstellar may have stolen the show, she is raised up by the immense talent that surrounds her.

Photo by Kevin Graft

The casting was also superb across the board; not a single actor felt out of place or unprepared for their role. There is palatable chemistry between Cornelius Hackl (played by John Scherer) and Irene Malloy (played by the stunning Jacquelyn Piro Donovan). The intricate net of crushes and schemers will have you on your tip toes until the play’s end. This group of talented actors, featuring many Music Circus veterans, puts on a show that you won’t want to miss!

Photo by Kevin Graft

While the choreography and staging was exemplary throughout, the performances of “The Waiters Gallop,” and “Hello, Dolly!” were my favorites. As the cast sings and dances across the stage, the members of the audience around me lit up with excitement and cheer. When a production has the power to do this you know it’s a great show.

Cheers to Director Glenn Casale, Choreographer Randy Slovacek, and Musical Director Craig Barna for putting together a fantastic show that did more than just cheer me up on a hot Tuesday night after a long day of work. I can’t recommend Music Circus’ production of Hello, Dolly! enough.

If you’re interested in learning more about this wonderful musical comedy, visit the musical’s listing on Sacramento365.com. The show will run until this Sunday, July 3, so make sure to get your tickets fast because soon Sacramento will be saying, “Goodbye, Dolly!”

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***This blog was written by Sacramento365.com’s Content Specialist, Dylan Fisher.

Celebrate the 4th in Sacramento!

For many, Memorial Day weekend evokes the start of the summer season—warm days, cool nights, and lots of outdoor fun. On the other hand, Memorial Day itself serves as a day of remembrance for those that have given their lives for our country. Sacramento events this weekend take on both those meanings, with ways to honor those that have fallen, plus plenty of outdoor festivities and summery fun – See more at: http://blog.discovergold.org/blog/sacramento365-2/memorial-day-weekend-events-in-sacramento-v1#sthash.qAYFqN0I.dpuf

Want to celebrate the 4th of July the right way? Then check out these awesome Independence Day events happening all over Sacramento. Not just your one-day celebration, these events will have you eating, running, and partying before and after the 4th. – See more at: http://blog.discovergold.org/blog/sacramento365-2/sacramento365s-special-feature-4th-of-july-events#sthash.Nbtu4kkM.dpuf

ant to celebrate the 4th of July the right way? Then check out these awesome Independence Day events happening all over Sacramento. Not just your one-day celebration, these events will have you eating, running, and partying before and after the 4th. – See more at: http://blog.discovergold.org/blog/sacramento365-2/sacramento365s-special-feature-4th-of-july-events#sthash.Nbtu4kkM.dpuf

Showing your national pride could never be more fun this Fourth of July weekend!

Not sure how to celebrate the USA’s birthday next Monday? Then check out this lineup of Independence Day events happening all over Sacramento. With amazing fireworks, spectacular parades, social festivities, and more, you’ll be eating, partying, and even running before and after the 4th of July.

Boom goes the dynamite:

Sacramento Independence Day Celebration
Cal Expo; Mon 5pm~10pm
Come and enjoy the largest annual fireworks show in the region! This year’s event includes music from iHeartMedia stations, a new kids festival area, and even more food and fun!

Fourth on the Field
Raley Field; Mon 6pm-10pm
Celebrate the USA’s birthday at the ballpark! Bring your blankets and grab a spot on the field for food, fun and — of course — a killer fireworks show.

Salute to the Red White and Blue
Elk Grove Regional Park; Mon 4pm-10pm
Be a part of Elk Grove’s premier patriotic celebration marking the nation’s freedom! Along with fireworks, families can enjoy live music, great food, and games in the park.

Independence Day pomp and circumstance:

Spirit of Freedom 4th of July Parade
Howe Park; Mon 10am-1pm
See creative floats, patriotic bikes, decked-out classic cars in honor of America’s birthday. After following the parade route, Howe Park will be filled with informational booths, family activities, and food vendors.

City of Roseville 4th of July Parade
Downtown Roseville; Mon 9am-1pm
Come out for a parade and stay for the fun in Royer Park! Carnival games, bounce houses, food vendors, and music by the Capitol Pops Concert Band are just some of the festivities planned.

Other festive fun:

Folsom Pro Rodeo
Dan Russell Rodeo Arena; Sat-Mon 6pm-10pm
Come experience a great American tradition! The Folsom Pro Rodeo has been kickin’ it for over 50 years. Don’t miss this fun family event that includes: bull riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, mutton busting, and a nightly fireworks show.

Red, White, and Brews
Old Sacramento; Sun 5pm-2am
Why wait for the fourth of July when you can party on the third? Old Sacramento bars will be celebrating the holiday early with a 15 bar crawl and $3 drink specials on American beers!

Rancho Cordova’s 4th of July 5K Color Run
Hagan Park; Thurs 4pm-11pm, Fri Noon-11pm
Dazzling colors aren’t just limited to the skies — get doused with powdered dyes before heading out to Rancho Cordova’s annual Independence Day festival!

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For even more ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in the region, visit the Sacramento365.com’s Holiday Events page.

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This blog post was written by Sacramento365.com’s Content & Social Media Coordinator, Jamila B. Khan.

Celebrate Pops this Father’s Day Weekend

Photo courtesy of Sacramento RiverTrain.

This Sunday it’s time to cheer for Sacramento’s doting dads and fabulous father figures! June 19 is Father’s Day, so why not give the men in your life — and maybe even yourself — a much needed day (or weekend) of fun.

Sacramento365.com has curated a short list of local outings that’ll help you give thanks all weekend long:

For the real-life superhero:
Wizard World Comic Con Sacramento
Sacramento Convention Center; Fri 3pm-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-4pm
Think your daddy-io has super powers? Let him show them off this weekend at the region’s ultimate gathering of sci-fi and animation fans!

For the foodie father:
Father’s Day BBQ Train
Sacramento RiverTrain; Sun 10am-1pm
Memories make the best gifts, so give the men in your life a Father’s Day adventure they won’t forget with a ride aboard the RiverTrain. Plus, they will appreciate the momentary break in BBQ duties!

Photo courtesy of Great Race.

For the auto aficionado:
Dad’s Day at Denio’s
Denio’s Farmers Market & Swap Meet; Sat 10am-2pm
Celebrate early and bring the father’s in your life to Roseville for classic cars, craft beers, live music, and hand-dipped corn dogs!

Great Race
Old Sacramento; Sat ~5:15pm-8pm
See 120 of the world’s finest collector cars as they make a pit stop in the historic district; these classics will be making their way to Moline, Illinois along the famous Lincoln Highway.

Father’s Day Celebration at the California Automobile Museum
California Automobile Museum; Sun 10am-5pm
Along with receiving free admission, dads of all ages can take a free ride in one of the riverside museum’s hottest cars. Other automotive treats will be on hand to show ’em how much they mean to you!

For the sports lover:
Maddbacker Celebrity Basketball Game
Sleep Train Arena; Fri 7pm
Does he love hoops? Take him out to celebrity game brings together 30 current and former professional athletes from around the country and includes many sports heroes from the greater Sacramento area.

Sacramento Republic FC v. Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Bonney Field; Sat 8pm-10pm
Although Sacramento isn’t near the Copa América action, you can still see live soccer action this Saturday night! Their games are always action packed and fun.

Sacramento River Cats v. El Paso Chihuahua
Raley Field; Sun 1:05pm
Join the River Cats as they celebrate all things dad this Father’s Day! As well as peanuts, and Cracker Jack, families can enjoy a special pre-game barbecue.

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To find even more Father’s Day festivities, visit the Sacramento365.com Holiday Events page. However you decide to celebrate the day, we hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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***This blog post was written by Sacramento365.com’s Content and Social Media Coordinator, Jamila B. Khan.

Our Night Out with Elle Woods

Lauren Zakrin as Elle Woods and Chico as Bruiser in Legally Blonde. Photo by Charr Crail.

In honor of the start of the Music Circus 2016 season, Sacramento365.com is giving you two perspectives of Legally Blonde the Musical. Read up on how two-thirds of our team — Karlee Cemo and Jamila Khan — rate the musical that proves staying true to one’s self never goes out of style.

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15 years ago a little film called Legally Blonde debuted on the big screen and left a big impact on our teenage selves. After watching the hilarious Reese Witherspoon-led comedy, we both became a little obsessed. Karlee wanted to be blonde, a lawyer, and Reese Witherspoon’s carbon copy, while Jamila wore a lot of pink accessories and would respond to her friend’s butchering legal jargon like Ms. Elle Woods. The film was Jamila’s first ever DVD and Karlee’s favorite film on VHS (Jamila’s note: Kickin’ it old school, Karlee!). To this day, it’s each of our favorite movies and we can pretty much recite the script from beginning to end.

When hearing that a musical rendition of the film would kickoff of the 2016 Music Circus season, we were stoked. Music Circus has been a summer tradition for both of our families, so seeing this non-conventional opener piqued our interest. Given that the film wasn’t originally a musical, we both wondered how exactly song and dance would be incorporated into the storyline.

Our excitement and expectations were high, and the luckily, the production did not disappoint. Elle Woods, played by Lauren Zakrin, sensationally channeled her inner Reese Witherspoon with a spunky performance that fantastically captured the perky essence of Elle Woods. We both coveted her chic pink wardrobe and well-trained Bruiser, Elle’s beloved chihuahua, played by two very cute dogs. Bruiser’s few appearances definitely provided for some hearty laughs from the audience; but then again…who doesn’t love a tiny dog “acting” on a live stage?

Karlee’s highlights:
– The clever and upbeat song lyrics lyrics incorporated a mixture of lines from the film, modern day references, and a pinch of adult humor. A few of my favorite numbers were “There! Right There!”, “Bend and Snap” (obviously), and “Whipped Into Shape,” which had fitness phenom and defendant Brooke Wyndham (Grace Stockdale) singing while jumping rope. Very impressive.
– The exaggerated mannerisms of hairdresser Paulette Bonafante’s (Ryah Nixon) love interest Kyle the UPS guy (Seth Danner) make him an unexpectedly entertaining and hilarious addition to the show.

Seth Danner as Kyle in Legally Blonde. Photo by Kevin Graft.

Jamila’s highlights:
-Female empowerment and sisterhood is even more front-and-center in the stage production than in the film. Without spoiling the revised plot, let’s just say that mousy Vivienne Kensington (Shannon O’Boyle) is a little less witchy…
-Added to the story is a hilarious subplot related to Paulette’s Bonafante’s obsession with Ireland. I now will use the line “give my love to the leprechauns” whenever I can.

Were you a fan of the original Legally Blonde, too? Then make sure you grab a ticket to the pop-culture musical before it’s too late. Production runs through Sunday, June 19. Tickets start at $45. For times and ticket information, visit Legally Blonde’s Sacramento365.com event page.

***This blog post was written by Sacramento365.com’s Content and Marketing Manager Karlee Cemo and Content and Social Media Coordinator Jamila B. Khan.

2nd Saturday Roadmap: New Beginnings

June’s 2nd Saturday is sure to be a blast with galleries and pop-up events celebrating everything that makes Sacramento great. I’ll be making stops at some of the most exciting art events around town, so clear your Saturday plans and join in on the fun!

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Party With the Crocker:
I’ll be starting off this 2nd Saturday by heading out to Steve Jones Park for the Crocker Art Museums’s 2nd Block-by-Block party. This traveling block party aims to unite the community and the Museum by featuring over 10 performances, great food, and awe-inspiring art. After enriching my creative spirit, I’ll jet over to Las Islitas (7240 24th St, Sacramento, CA 95822) for some ceviche and a Mega Michelada.

Photo courtesy of Crocker Art Museum’s Block-by-Block

A Play on Words:
My next stop will take me back to the grid to R St Corridor’s ARTHOUSE See It With Words exhibition. Showcasing the work of local artists/authors Michelle Andres and Judy Jacobs, the duo will present the inner-workings of an author’s mind through abstract spoken, implied, and visual representations.

I know a cold-pressed drink from WAL Public Market’s Metro Kitchen+Drinkery will be calling my name afterward! While getting my juice fix, I can scope out more art at WAL’s Peaceful Protest exhibit.

Photo courtesy of Michelle Andres

Curated Art and Cured Meats:
Heading over to the heart of Midtown, I’ll be checking out Little Relics’ Wheels: An Ode to Dad. Featuring work from a trio of talented artists — Char Hall, Chad Lenzi, and Peter Wedel — the show focuses on father figures behind the wheel. Charcuterie and a cocktail from nearby Block Butcher Bar will be the perfect treat after all that walking. To make this stop even sweeter, eat out on the patio to enjoy the sounds of the June edition of THIS Midtown.

Photo courtesy of Chad Lenzi

First of its Kind:
My final stop for the night will be at Chief Piercing’s first ever art exhibition, Agony X Ecstasy, featuring the joint works of Adam Gee and Ben Robin. Gee’s works range from collages to drawing “tattoos” on photographs, while Robin has some seriously cool abstract creations. This stop is particularly exciting to me because it’s a first time exhibit; I can’t wait to show support in hopes of more exhibits in the future. The Roaming Spoon will be on hand to dole out some tasty vegan treats, but if that doesn’t fill me up I’ll definitely be sliding over to Tapa the World for some more small bites.

Photo courtesy of Chief Piercing

Looking for more 2nd Saturday outings? Check out our 2nd Saturday section on Sacramento365.com!

Whether you follow my map or make your own plans, you can’t go wrong this 2nd Saturday. Whatever you plan to do, make sure to get social with us by using the hashtag #Sacramento365.

***This blog was written by Sacramento365.com’s Content Specialist, Dylan Fisher.

Sports365: Clash of Nations

Summer is really here and whether you want to heat up your competitive spirit or cool off and have some fun, our Content Specialist Dylan Fisher has found the perfect blend of sports fun for all.

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This June I’ll be kicking back, staying cool, and watch the professionals show off their athletic prowess. No matter what you’re into, there’s sure to be something for you in this month’s Sports365 roundup!

Photo courtesy of USA Rugby

This month, the USA Rugby Eagles return to Bonney Field to take on Russia in a friendly match (as friendly as rugby can be). This will be the Eagles last match of the summer, so you won’t want to miss your chance to chant “U-S-A.”

Photo courtesy of USA Rugby

More importantly, the Eagles will be defending two unbeaten streaks in this match. The Eagles have never lost a match at Bonney Field (beating Canada and Japan in 2015) and will defend a six-game win streak against the Russians — in fact, they’ve never lost to them!

Photo courtesy of USA Rugby

And if you’re a fan of our local Pro Rugby squad, the Sacramento Express, then you can also root for our home squad’s Olive Kilifi as he helps defend our nation’s honor. Don’t miss your chance to cheer on the Eagles as they soar to another victory against Russia! For more information about this match, click here.

More Playtime:
If your itch still hasn’t been scratched, then check out these fun local sporting events.

Paddle 4 D.A.R.T.
Crawdad’s River Cantina
June 11
Help raise funds for D.A.R.T. (Drowning Accident Rescue Team) by testing your balance on a stand-up paddleboard.

Photo courtesy of D.A.R.T.

Maddbacker Celebrity Basketball Game
June 17
Sleep Train Arena
Basketball returns to Sleep Train Arena with a celebrity game featuring many prominent sports figures, including Terrell Owens and Mark Cuban!

Photo courtesy of Maddbacker Celebrity Basketball Game

California Storm vs. Primero de Mayo
June 18
Elk Grove High School
June is the month for soccer! Check out Sacramento’s amateur women’s soccer team as they take on Primero de Mayo.

Photo courtesy of the California Storm

Check back with Sports365 in July to see what activities I am most excited for…or plan ahead on your own by checking out Sacramento365.com’s Sports page!

***This blog was written by Sacramento365.com’s Content Specialist, Dylan Fisher.