Brave the heat and head outdoors to the first of the Music in the Park concert series in Curtis Park this Sunday, 6:30pm. Photo courtesy of Mister Cooper.
What are you going to do for these last few days of June? Our Weekend Events Slideshow has a nice round-up of fun things to do in Sacramento this weekend, as per usual. Check it out on the KCRA website and then get out and attend one or two!
The Sacramento French Film Festival continues this weekend, June 28-June 30, at the Crest Theatre. Photo by Alexandra Auger.
The 12th Annual Sacramento French Film Festival launched this past weekend with a fantastic opening night at the historic Crest Theatre. The night began with a delightful reception, beautifully catered by a fantastic group of restaurants including French cuisine provided by Bistro Michel, Café Rolle, and Estelle’s Patisserie, a fantastic French bakery from Downtown Sacramento. There was delicious wine provided by Barefoot Wine that included a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
In honor of Fête de la Musique, the annual music festival in France, the film festival opened with the movie, Cloclo, about one of France’s largest music stars, Claude François. Before the showing of the film began, Cécile Mouette Downs, Executive & Artistic Director and co-founder of the Sacramento French Film Festival was awarded a medal in front of the audience by San Francisco French Consulate cultural attaché, Denis Bisson. The medal marks her as a knight as awarded by the French order of Arts and Lettres, which is coincidentally something Downs shares with Florent Emilio Siri, director of Cloclo.
As we were introduced to the film, we were notified that they had a surprise for us; as the film began its opening music video scene of Claude Francois performing his disco jam, “Alexandrie Alexandra,” a group of dancers and a Claude Francois look alike took the stage to dance along with the video. Following this opening scene, they paused the film and the Claude Francois look-a-like took to the stage with a piano accompaniment to perform Claude’s hit song, “Comme d’habitude.”
Leave all cares behind and head to the Crest Theatre for the Sacramento French Film Festival. Photo by Dimitri Stanich.
The film walks through the different chapters of Claude Francois’ life and ultimately builds up to his success with the song, “Comme d’habitude” (French for “as usual”), as well as his untimely, unfortunate death. After the film, everyone converged in groups of conversation where all made a fuss over how much they loved the film.
My friend and I both agreed that we weren’t distracted from the film for a single second, which is saying something considering the fact that the film is two and half hours long. Jérémie Renier, the actor who portrayed Claude Francois, did an excellent job drawing the audience right in to the story of the famous French musician. We could not look away, we became emotionally attached, and by the end of the film, we felt we had lived through the stages of Claude’s life, right there with him.
The hit song was heard by Paul Anka while he was visiting the South of France on vacation; he was intrigued by the song and negotiated the rights to it right away. He knew he could write it, but he had someone else in mind to sing it—Frank Sinatra. Sinatra was originally uninterested, but after Anka reworked the song with the mindset, “How would Frank say this?” Frank agreed to record it. It was released in March 1969, and has since been recorded by several different artists such as Elvis and Sex Pistols’ bassist, Sid Vicious.
Cécile shared an important note about the difference between the original song in French and the way it was translated and interpreted in English—in French, the song translates as a song about losing love, it is very sad, while in English it is interpreted positively. Even my friend, who has studied French for eight years, informed me that the song is very, very sad (the French version, at least). She told me that Claude sang, “As usual, I will pretend…we’ll be together, but we will pretend.”
Watch films in the beautiful, historic Crest Theatre during the Sacramento French Film Festival. Photo by Dimitri Stanich.
The second weekend of the French Film Festival features an assortment of wonderful films including two films starring Audrey Tautou, the French actress known for her lead role in Amélie. As a fan of Audrey Tautou, I look forward to seeing the two films (Delicacy and Thérèse) that showcase Tautou in two very different roles, one being a woman who finds love twice, and the other a wife who takes a shocking route out of an unhappy marriage. There are few things better (when it comes to cinema), than seeing an actor you enjoy taking on very different roles.
All in all, the Sacramento French Film Festival aims to please and it does just that, and then some. Romancing audiences with its exquisite films, the festival will take all on a journey into French culture and leave them dreaming of croissants, the Eiffel Tower, as well as the French coast and countryside. There’s no need to grab your passport when you can stroll on down to the Crest Theatre this next weekend and peer into the lives of the French who understand, “joie de vivre,” meaning, “the joy of living.”
The Sacramento French Film Festival continues this Friday, June 28 at Crest Theatre until Sunday, June 30. Festival passes are available at the door or online, in addition to single tickets for individual film screenings, with prices ranging from $10-$36.
Jamie Torcellini as Cowardly Lion, Jim Walton as Scarecrow, Emily Walton as Dorothy, Shannon Stoeke as Tinman, and Nigel as Toto in The Wizard of Oz produced by Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through June 30, 2013. Photo by Charr Crail.
Music Circus‘s production of The Wizard of Oz went far beyond my expectations. While I have seen the movie about a million times, and even played a riveting rendition of Dorothy in an elementary school play, I had never seen The Wizard of Oz on stage, which is why I jumped at the chance to go opening night!
This classic drew in viewers of all ages. Many were revisiting their childhood through the memories of songs like, “Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” while others were meeting Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and all the other fantastical characters for the first time.
Emily Walton as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz produced by Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through June 30, 2013. Photo by Charr Crail.
As Dorothy is yearning to get out of Kansas, she is caught up in a tornado with her loyal pup Toto and thrust into the magical land of Oz. This part of the play I watched on a monitor in the halls of the Wells Fargo Pavilion, due to my tardiness. But, what I initially thought was a bummer, turned out to be a backstage glimpse in the magic of the show.
This theatre in the round uses the halls as backstage and the aisles as part of the show, so I had to wait “backstage” until there was a lull in the play to get to my seat. I was able to watch the stage hands get some of the amazing props ready and onto the stage (like the house that falls on the Wicked Witch of the East when Dorothy first lands in Oz) and watch the adorable, vibrantly costumed munchkins (some of which were local Sacramento kids) get ready for their stage debut! I watched as Dorothy went from sepia tones to bright, sparkling colors.
Jacquelyn Piro Donovan as Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz produced by Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through June 30, 2013. Photo by Charr Crail.
Just as I was seated, there was a thunderous rumble and an explosion of smoke from where the Wicked Witch of the West flew onto the stage. As she devised her plans to get the ruby red slippers that were tightly fastened on Dorothy’s feet, Glinda (the good witch) started Dorothy on her journey on the yellow brick road.
While making her way to see the Wizard, who was her only hope of getting back home, Dorothy meets a flurry of fascinating friends. The brilliant orchestra leads the way as the large bricks turn bright yellow with every step Dorothy takes. First she meets the Scarecrow, who is in need of a brain, then the Tin Man in need of a heart, and finally the ever-so-delightful Cowardly Lion, all of whom skip down the yellow brick road with high hopes.
Emily Walton as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz produced by Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through June 30, 2013. Photo by Charr Crail.
There is magic in every scene with devilish flying monkeys, captivating poison poppies, and a hysterical apple-dropping tree. The cast did an incredible job of bringing to life one of the most beloved classics of theatre and cinema.
Emily Walton, who plays Dorothy, captures the innocence and courage that Dorothy emits throughout the show. It was Toto (real name Nigel), however, who stole the show for me. Definitely a seasoned veteran of the theatre, he showed incredible stamina and patience as he faced the scorn of the Wicked Witch and outed the Wizard, all the while licking his lips and never leaving Dorothy’s side.
The cast of The Wizard of Oz produced by Music Circus at the Wells Fargo Pavilion through June 30, 2013. Photo by Charr Crail.
The Wizard of Oz plays at Music Circus until June 30, with shows Tues & Wed 7:30pm; Thurs 2pm & 8pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 7:30pm. Ticket prices are $30-$74, and five-show season subscriptions and group discounts (12+ people) are available. To purchase tickets click here, or call the Box Office at (916) 557-1999.
Upcoming shows in Music Circus season include: Show Boat (July 9-July 14), Sugar (July 23-July 28), The King and I (Aug 6-Aug 11), and Chicago (Aug 20-Aug 29). Ticketing and schedules available through the Music Circus website or by clicking here.
Travel back in time in Old Sacramento with Time Travel Weekends, opening June 29 and continuing Saturdays & Sundays through August 25. Photo by Howard Gold.
It’s a rainy, overcast start to the week, but don’t let that stop you from traveling around town and seeing the sites with our Top 10 Events. There’s the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival, Time Travel Weekends, Music in the Park, and so much more.
See what is happening in Sacramento this week in our Top 10 Events, and sign up here to receive the Top 10 in your inbox every Monday at Noon.
Take in multiple performances at multiple venues at the Davis Music Fest this Saturday and Sunday. Photo by Rik Keller.
Happy first day of summer (officially)! Celebrate the new season this weekend with all sorts of exciting events.
Music Circus season kicks off with Wizard of Oz, the Sacramento French Film Festival opens for the first of two weekends of screenings, you can get your golf on for a good cause, or jam out at the Davis Music Fest.
See what else is happening in our Weekend Events Slideshow on KCRA.
Photo by Star5112 under Creative Commons.
Tired of the climbing Sacramento heat? Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth and cool down at the same time, but don’t want to break the bank? Well then I’ve got just the treats for you! As we jump into the beginning of another sizzling Sacramento summer wouldn’t it be great to dive into, say, a refreshing bowl of ice cream at one of Sacramento’s many dessert hot-spots (no literal diving, of course. Stick to the pools for the diving). Check out these delicious icy goodies in the Midtown/East Sacramento area that are sure to keep you cool and help you save a few bucks for that summer vacation.
Rick’s Dessert Diner. Photo by Bob Van Noy via ricksdessertdiner.com.
Rick’s Dessert Diner (2322 K Street):
One of Sacramento’s most prized dessert places, Rick’s Dessert Diner in the heart of Midtown is most well-known for its ’50s vibe and selection of delectable cakes, pies, cheesecakes, tarts, and tortes. But I believe some of the unsung heroes of this diner to be the ice cream creations and Italian soda beverages with prices to make them all the more delicious. While Rick’s Dessert Diner only offers five ice cream flavors, that seems to be all they need for such treats as the banana split, which, if you’re willing to splurge a little at $5.75, will certainly hit the spot. And if you’re looking for something refreshing don’t miss out on the Italian sodas, a delicious $2.75, with a creamy quality and ice-filled goodness to give you all the summer cooling down you’ll need.
La Bombe Ice Cream via labombeicecream.com.
La Bombe Ice Cream & More (3020 H Street):
When you hear of a place called La Bombe how can you not try their signature item of the same name? Les Bombes Glacés, traditional French domed ice cream confections, give you not only the opportunity to flex your French language muscles but also a delicious dessert with ice cream, cookie wafers, and jams galore. The adorably named little bombes fall at just $4.95 and are great to enjoy by yourself or share with another. And, if you’re just in the mood for a simple ice-cream cone, check-out La Bombe’s list of 20 different flavors of Gunther’s Ice Cream™ at just $2.75 for a single scoop and $4.35 for a double. La Bombe Ice Cream & More is sure to satisfy any dessert need from a French confection to a classic ice cream treat. Bon Appetit!
What’s the Scoop? Ice Cream & More, via What’s the Scoop’s Facebook.
What’s the Scoop? Ice Cream & More (6350 Folsom Blvd):
Well I’ll tell you what the scoop is: all kinds of delicious icy treats! As soon as you walk into What’s the Scoop? you are confronted with a case chock-full of chocolate covered goodies, anywhere from chocolate-covered bananas to good ol’ fashioned drumsticks. But don’t stop there! Explore further in and you’ll find a case of Gunther’s Ice Cream™, delicious sundaes, and shaved ice. Even with all those tempting goodies, however, I never have been able to pass up on Gunther’s fruit freeze, which I personally believe to be the perfect way to end a summer day, and, at $2.90 for a small and $4.55 for a medium, mighty gentle on the wallet. The only downfall I’ve found is that What’s the Scoop? rests right next to my gym, but I can’t think of a better reward after a tough workout.
Vic’s Ice Cream. Photo by Lauren Luedtke.
Vic’s Ice Cream (3199 Riverside Blvd):
To once again journey back to the ’50s dessert scene, Vic’s Ice Cream offers all the great 1950s desserts you could possibly ask for. With double scoop ice cream dishes available for $4.15 you might forget you’re in the high-priced 21st century. But what I can’t resist at Vic’s are the delectable milkshakes with a combined rich and refreshing flavor to make those climbing summer temperatures forgettable, and a small shake at $4.70 and a regular at $5.70 is pretty refreshing as well. Vic’s Ice Cream has the cute, friendly feel of a traditional ’50s restaurant with delicious treats thrown in.
Big Spoon Yogurt in East Sacramento. Photo by Lauren Luedtke.
Big Spoon Yogurt (3644 J Street):
Finally, who can forget the simplicity, yet incredible deliciousness, of frozen yogurt? I certainly can’t, and that’s where Big Spoon Yogurt comes in. With a wall of delicious frozen yogurts ranging from chocolate to mango, from non-fat to non-dairy flavors, it’s easy to see how you can walk out with ounces and ounces of frozen yogurt (luckily it’s only 40 cents per ounce). Then you spot the wall of syrups, sauces, chocolate bar crumbs, and candy and suddenly you’re in frozen yogurt heaven. With one of the various locations set in East Sac, Big Spoon Yogurt reminds you that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have satisfy the summer cravings.
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From the old favorites of ice cream cones, milkshakes, and banana splits to frozen yogurt and fancy French confections these Sacramento dessert hot-spots are sure to please. With the oncoming summer heat there is no better way to relax then with some delicious iced goodies. So grab some ice cream, put the wallet to rest, and enjoy the sun!
Shop from local designers and artisans at Makers Mart this Sunday at Bows and Arrows. Photo courtesy of Makers Mart.
See what is happening in Sacramento this week in our Top 10 Events, and sign up here to receive the Top 10 in your inbox every Monday at Noon.
Hit after hit tells the story of one of the greatest pop icons the world has ever known in “Michael Jackson HIStory,” this Friday through Sunday at Harris Center for the Arts.
Did you guys hear that Michael Jackson is in town this weekend?? Okay, okay, he’s not back from the dead, just here in impersonator form with Michael Jackson HIStory at the newly-renamed Harris Center for the Arts (formerly Three Stages at Folsom Lake College).
If the King of Pop isn’t enough whet your whistle, check out our weekend event picks in our slideshow on KCRA.
See the sites of the Sacramento River on one of three Father’s Day River Cruises. Photo courtesy of Hornblower Cruises & Events.
Looking for things to do with Dad this weekend? Try a non-traditional approach this Father’s Day and treat him to a fun activity around Sacramento.
In addition to the events in our round-up on The Sacramento Press, find even more in Sacramento365.com’s Holiday Events section or do a quick date search for the weekend to see an even wider variety of activities.
The bad guys will tremble as thousands of superheroes storm Capitol Mall this Sunday at the Superheroes 5K run/walk.
See what is happening in Sacramento this week in our Top 10 Events, and sign up here to receive the Top 10 in your inbox every Monday at Noon.
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