The Naughtiest Night of the Year

The Sacramento Convention Center turns into Bourbon Street this Saturday with KSFM’s Naughty Gras 2015. Photo courtesy of CBS Local.

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) may technically be over, but that doesn’t mean that the good times must come to an end. This Saturday KSFM 102.5 Naughty Gras returns – this time bringing a taste of New Orleans to the Sacramento Convention Center. Not sure what to expect at the epic Age 18+ party? Don’t sweat. We’re breaking down what’s naughty and what’s nice at this year’s Naughty Gras:

Naughty: Party Host Baby Bash
The rapper with the pretty green eyes will perform his Latin Hip Hop hits, guaranteeing to bring out the “Certified Freak” in all of us.

Nice: Fire Performers and Stilt Walkers
These talented performers will light up the night with their zany acrobatics.

Photo by Chris Terry/Encore Images.

Naughty: A special performance by Kid Ink
Don’t let the “kid” fool you. The LA rapper moves has the right “Body Language” to help you get down with someone new.

Nice: The VIP Ticket Deals
For only $75, you’ll get to live it up in style, enjoying private bars, premier seating, a private VIP club, and two free drinks.

Naughty: That Big Bad VooDoo Lounge
Featuring some of Sacramento’s hottest go-go dancers, there will be plenty of skin that’ll make you blush – and want to hit to the gym.

Nice: Plenty of New Orleans Jazz and Zydeco music
What would a Mardi Gras celebration be without all that jazz? St. Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band will serve up that traditional Nawlin’s sound to party-goers throughout the night.

Naughty: Thousands of free beads.
‘Nuff said.

Photo by Chris Terry/ Encore Images.

Nice: E-40 is now joining the party
KSFM just announced Wednesday that the King of Bay Area rap will join the music line up! Now that’s a nice surprise…

Don’t miss out on the naughtiest night of the year! For details and tickets to Sacramento’s craziest Age 18+ party, visit the Naughty Gras Sacramento365.com event listing here. Note: Ticket prices increase the day of the event.

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

Mapping Out Some Museum Fun

One of Sacramento’s favorite once-a-year events is happening Saturday, February 7! Now in its 17th year, Sacramento Museum Day is the best way to experience all the cultural treasures Sacramento has to offer. Whether you’re looking to spend some time with family or hit the town with friends, there’s a Sacramento museum to fit your tastes. The best part? Most of the participating 25 museums are offering free admission*! As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to spend your Saturday jetting around town, here’s a list of exhibits and activities that I’m most excited to explore and discover:

The Aerospace Museum of California will have an open cockpit day, where you can check out the insides of some of their coolest air crafts.

The California State Railroad Museum presents its latest exhibit, Sculpture with a RE-Purpose: The Found Art of Ray Carrington. Throughout the museum, you’ll see some seriously cool sculptures created from train and railroad parts.

Finally I’ll be heading over to the California Automobile Museum to scope out their collection of classic cars.

Of course you can make your own road map to discovery for this year’s Museum Day. There’s tons of diversity in regards to Sacramento museums, so you can experience a little bit of everything if you plan your trip right. Don’t forget to use the the best way to plan out this museum adventure or any other excursion in Sacramento: Sacramento365.com!

*NOTE: Fairytale Town and the Sacramento Zoo are offering half-priced admission.

***Blog post written by Sacramento365.com’s Content Specialist, Dylan Fischer.

Discover Sacramento’s Diversity This Labor Day Weekend

Americana in Old Sacramento will celebrate America’s rich history. (Photo courtesy of Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau)

It’s no secret we live in one of the most culturally diverse cities in America, and this Labor Day weekend features many events celebrating our colorful Sacramento community! I thought I’d share a few noteworthy happenings that you should check out during your extra long weekend. Enjoy!

Time Travel this Weekend:
Americana in Old Sacramento
Old Sacramento; Thurs-Sun Various Times
In lieu of the annual Gold Rush Days (due to drought concerns), this festival celebrates American history with live music, vintage vehicles, museum fun, and so much more. Plus, there’s a beer garden, so how are you going to say no to that?

Mexican-American Music and Fun:
Tejano Conjunto Festival
Cesar Chavez Plaza; Sun Noon-7:30pm
The biggest names in conjunto — also known as Tejano or Tex-Mex — music will perform at this cultural event where there will also be a Selena (R.I.P. Bonita) singing contest and, my favorite, margaritas!

Global Local will feature live performances by local artists in celebration of arts, culture, activism, and healthy living. (Photo courtesy of Sol Collective)

Art on a Global Scale:
Global Local
McClatchy Park; Fri 2pm-7:30pm
This co-created event is a celebration of arts, culture, activism, and healthy living and will feature live performances by A Tribe Called Red and others!

Rastafari Roots and Reggae:
One Love One Heart Reggae Festival
Rio Ramaza Marina & Event Park; Fri 6pm-2am, Sat & Sun 10am-2am
Somewhere Bob Marley will be looking down with a huge smile on his face as this amazing line-up of reggae musicians will honor Rastafari culture on the Sacramento River.

Japanese Pop Culture:
SacAnime: The Sacramento Anime Convention
Sacramento Convention Center; Fri & Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-6pm
More than 10,000 people will dress in their favorite anime costumes to provide Japanese-influenced pop culture fun for the entire family!

Chalk It Up! is a fun family event that celebrates our amazing art community. (Photo by Alan Dismuke)

Local Art Creatives:
Chalk It Up! to Sacramento 2014 Art & Music Festival
Fremont Park; Sat-Mon 10am-6pm
Listen to live music all day long as you watch 200 artists create masterpieces — only using chalk! This fundraiser has several hands-on art activities for children, making it a great way to get the entire family creating.

Show Your True Colors:
Rainbow Festival
Midtown; Sun 10am-6pm
This colorful festival includes events at local nightclubs, a street fair, performances by local and regional talent, political speakers, and much more! Come see how far this amazing community has come and help raise awareness and money for local Gay and Lesbian charities.

Make this Labor Day weekend event better – find nearby restaurants, bars, and even hotels (perhaps you plan to have some drinks while you’re out tackling the town?) and Make It A Night! And for even more things to do this Labor Day weekend, check out Sacramento365’s Holiday Events page.

***This blog post was written by Sacramento365.com’s Content Specialist, Alyssa Sanguinetti.

Experience the simpler days of Sacramento with Old Sac’s Time Travel Weekends

Travel back in time in Old Sacramento with Time Travel Weekends, continuing Saturdays & Sundays through August 25. Photo by Howard Gold.

No travel plans for the summer? Well, how about traveling back in time? And no, you won’t need to rev up the time machine. Every weekend this summer in Old Sacramento, thanks to Time Travel Weekends, you’ll have an opportunity to step back all the way to Sacramento circa 1850s and experience everything from the Gold Rush to your favorite Victorian melodies to creating your very own old-fashioned crafts.

And, perhaps the most exciting thing: reminiscent of the Gold Rush days themselves, these events are mighty gentle on the wallet, and in fact completely free! Who says you have to spend the big bucks in order to travel? Instead, spend the summer with the family taking in some old-timey fun and laughs in a place and time like no other.

Photo by Howard Gold.

One of my favorite places in Sacramento has always been Old Sac, mainly because of all the history the place exudes. But, thanks to the rallies taking place on the boardwalk as part of the Time Travel Weekends, I got to see the history being played out before my eyes. The actors perform these abolition rallies with such gusto you may just feel yourself to be a citizen of 1850s Sacramento, sans the Victorian clothing. Even if you’re simply strolling along the infamous cobble-stone roads of Old Sac, you’re sure to catch these high-energy performances.

Maybe in the mood for a little song, dance, and humor during your Old Sac adventures? Then you won’t want to miss performances at the Academy of Victorian Activities. Partake in this outside theatrical event as spunky women sing, dance, and even joke a little with the audience. If you’re anything like me you won’t be able to stop smiling during this romping good time. And you may just become part of the performance!

When you’re through taking in a show you can stay put, grab the kids, and participate in making some corn-husk dolls or even button whizzers and thaumatropes. If those items are any bit as fun to make as they are to say you will have an awesome time. The Academy of Victorian Activities certainly delivers a fun-filled day, providing laughs and crafts for the entire family.

Head into the Eagle Theatre for indoor theatrical performances during Time Travel Weekends. Photo by Howard Gold.

Wanting even more free theatre with your Sacramento history? Then you’re in store for a fun day at the Eagle Theatre. This theatre, being a reconstruction of the first building erected in California as a theatre, reminds you of what it was like for those theatre-going Sacramentans of the 19^th century.

In addition to the opportunity to see this astounding structure, and a chance to get out of the Sacramento sun, you’ll get to view Gold Rush era variety acts complete with music from Wild Bill Mylar and a friendly atmosphere that puts you right in the good ol’ days.

An Old Sacramento expert, dressed in 1850s garb, introduces the show at Time Travel Weekends. Photo by Lauren Luedtke.

Plus, something just as fun as the performances themselves is the show before the show! As you wait in the lobby of the theatre, an Old Sacramento expert gives you a run-down on the history of the beloved city, all the while sporting his sheriff’s badge, pocket watch, and hat, asking the audience “Does anyone have any questions about what it was like for us during those times?” I highly recommend coming with a few questions ready to fire off because, even with my years of learning about Sacramento in school, there are such fascinating things I never knew about this city. Free theatre, music, and dance, and a lot of history — you can’t go wrong at the Eagle Theatre.

These Time Travel Weekends offered in Old Sacramento give you the opportunity to experience the Sacramento you’ve always wanted to know, and prove you don’t need to break open the piggy bank to have a memorable summer. Through the variety of performance, rallies, riots, and hands-on activities everyone from ages 3-93 will find something to enjoy. Step away from the stress of summer planning and let Old Sac do the traveling for you.

Time Travel Weekends continues with special shows and performances every summer weekend through August 25, Saturdays and Sundays 11am-5pm. View the weekend line-up and special Time Travel Weekends events here.

Celebrate love that transcends bounds with Jess Collins and Robert Duncan at the Crocker

Jess, “The Enamord Mage: Translation #6,” 1965. Oil on canvas over wood, 24 1/2 x 30 in. Collection of The M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, Fine Arts Museums.

An Opening of the Field: Jess, Robert Duncan, and Their Circle at the Crocker Art Museum shows first-hand the power of friendship and love. As I entered the exhibition, having read a brief summary about the art work as well as about Jess Collins and Robert Duncan, I was excited and yet even more curious as to what I would be viewing. What I was fortunate enough to witness was an inside look into the intimate relationships Jess and Robert established with one another and their circle of friends. By the end of the exhibition I was positive I had personally known these fascinating artists and even counted myself a lucky member of their circle.

Jess, “Sent On The VIIth Wave,” 1979. Collage and mixed media, 39 x 33 in. The Buck Collection, Laguna Beach, CA.

Jess Collins and Robert Duncan met in the early ‘50s in San Francisco, beginning both a romantic and professional partnership that would secure them as one of the most incredible artistic couples of the 20^th century. Throughout their relationship and with the help of Duncan’s poetry the couple was able to merge their interests and create art that encompasses cultural mythologies, transformative narrative, and adoption of images.

At the start of the exhibit we are immediately introduced to Jess and Robert as not only artists but people as well. With paintings depicting the intimate moments of their relationship and the hardships they endured with their friends it is no wonder how these artists came to be known as precursors of Postmodernism. As the exhibit continues the exploration into collage work erupts and the mutual mythological interest between Robert and Jess becomes apparent, specifically with the use of Tarot cards and mystical figures. With this, Robert and Jess begin to move away from the direct reflections of their relationships and instead use more abstract pieces to represent their lives as artists and the multitude of artists who created their circle.

Jess, “Feignting Spell,” 1954. Oil on canvas, 42 x 48 in. Collection of Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA.

In addition to Robert and Jess’ art the work of various other artists make up this exhibition, such as R.B. Kitaj, Edward Corbett, Wallace Berman, Lawrence Jordan, and George Herms, as well as poets Jack Spicer, Robin Blaser, and Michael McClure. Through the cohesive joining of these artists’ pieces and the astounding artwork of Jess and Robert, what emerges is a unique show with artistic styles that abound. But most importantly, this exhibition brings you into a world of courageous, unapologetic, immense love and is sure to leave you treasuring the friendships and love in your own life.

An Opening of the Field: Jess, Robert Duncan, and Their Circle can be seen at the Crocker Art Museum through September 1, 2013. The museum is open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm and Thursdays until 9pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Get the Blues: See Gregory Kondos’ show at the Crocker

Gregory Kondos, “Sacramento River with 32 Palms,” 2001. Oil on canvas, 42 x 60 inches. Melza and Ted Barr Collection.

If you’ve ever studied the blue of the sky or the blue of water in the great outdoors, bring those observational skills inside for A Touch of Blue: Landscapes by Gregory Kondos at the Crocker Art Museum, on view now through May 19, 2013. Now nearly 90-years-old, this retrospective exhibit covers more than 50 years of Kondos’ career, with almost 70 works on view.

Kondos’ beautiful landscapes and nature scenes are perhaps among the few things that can cause a viewer to feel outside in an otherwise near-windowless gallery. From his iconic scenes of the Sacramento River Valley to views of his time spent in Napa, Yosemite, the Southwest, and Europe, his bold colors and sweeping scenery bring a unique view of the outside world to the indoors realm.

Gregory Kondos, “French Poplars,” 2004. Oil on canvas, 36 x 28 ½ in. Collection of Susan and Paul Prudler.

Kondos says he’s painting much better now than he ever has. Likely, this is due to his outlook on painting being a constant growing process. He advises: “Don’t marry your paintings. If you do, you’re stuck; you never move on.” In his life, he strives to remain a student. “That’s the category I want to be in,” he says. “So I can make mistakes and correct them.”

The exhibit continues through May 19 and the Museum is open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, and stays open late on Thursdays until 9pm.

Enrich your experience of the show by attending one of the events held in correlation with the exhibit. Upcoming events include:

• Thurs, March 21: Concert: Wahid
• Sat, March 23: Icons in Conversation: Gregory Kondos
• Tues, April 2: Lunch & Learn
• Sun, April 14: Classical Concert: Sierra Ensemble
• Thurs, April 18: Concert: Tom Bopp
• Thurs, May 2: Screening: The Grocer’s Son
• Sat, May 11: Educator Workshop: Paint Like a Master
• Sun, May 12: Classical Concert: Jerry Wong, Piano

See more images in the photo gallery below:

Gregory Kondos, “Rutherford Vineyard,” 1989. Oil on canvas, 88 x 88 in. Crocker Art Museum, gift of Bob and Jeannette Powell.

Gregory Kondos, “Lost Sheep Ranch, Ramah, New Mexico,” 1991. Oil on canvas, 72 x 61 inches. Tucson Museum of Art, gift from the artist’s loving son, Steve.

Gregory Kondos, “Half Dome, Yosemite,” 2003. Oil on canvas, 30 x 24 inches. Crocker Art Museum, gift of Steve Kondos.

Gregory Kondos, “Kalamata Beach,” Greece, 2006. Oil on canvas, 48 x 36 in. Courtesy of the artist.

Gregory Kondos teaching a workshop in Folsom, 2010.

Last minute gift ideas for Sacramento shoppers

Photo by Cali4Beach under Creative Commons.

Scrambling for some last minute gift ideas? Hopefully you’ve already pledged to Keep Your Green on the Grid this season and are aware there are a host of local boutiques and stores where you can peruse endless unique gifts. In addition, here are some alternative options for your gift giving this season:

1. Tickets to shows or events: See an event that looks interesting on Sac365? Click the orange “Buy Tickets” link to be instantly directed to an online purchasing option. Print the receipt and slip it into a silly card for a simple gift.
2. Gift cards to local restaurants or shops: Most everyone craves to eat and loves to shop, so why not feed those desires with a gift card or two to a local hot spot? Consider Cuffs for the fashion lover, Mayahuel for the foodie, or Fleet Feet for the athletic type.
3. Museum memberships: California State Railroad Museum ($25+), Sacramento History Museum ($25+), California Museum ($50+), California Automobile Museum ($50+), Crocker Art Museum ($65+).
4. Kids & Family memberships: Fairytale Town ($40+), Sacramento Zoo ($40+), Discovery Museum ($50+), Sacramento Children’s Museum ($65+), ArtBeast (monthly or annual prices).
5. Art from local artists: Available at many local galleries and artist studios, as well as directly from the artists. Check out shows at Elliott Fouts Gallery, Artistic Edge Gallery & Framing, or Archival Framing & Gallery, all of which have current special exhibits on view offering more affordable art options.
6. Attend a shopping event: The Artist Market at La Raza Galleria Posada on Friday, Dec 21 and the After Hours Last Minute Holiday Shopping Party at Crimson & Clover on Saturday, Dec 22 will provide you with some more ideas.

Explore Half a Century of Pop Culture with Mel Ramos at the Crocker Art Museum

Mel Ramos, “Lolita,” 1966. Oil on canvas and Masonite, 152 x 102 cm. Leta and Mel Ramos Family Collection. Art © Mel Ramos/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Mel Ramos’ 50 years of Superheroes, Nudes, and Other Pop Delights  is one exhibit that makes no apologies. When I first entered the Crocker Art Museum I half-expected to see an Andy Warhol-esque display, having learned about pop art for a brief hour in my introductory art history college course. Much to my surprise, this exhibit features such unique paintings and sculptures with bright colors and fine lines that are downright breathtaking. Although much of Ramos’ pop culture work was created in the ’60s and ’70s, I walked away from the exhibit relating his art to our current focus on femininity and consumerism.

Mel Ramos is a born Sacramentan, having studied at Sacramento Junior College (now Sacramento City College), and receiving his bachelor’s and master’s from Sacramento State. Ramos’ now returns to Sacramento to display his brilliant work–which spans over his 50-year career–for his first hometown survey.

Mel Ramos, “Wonder Woman #1,” 1962. Oil on canvas, 127 x 112 cm. Rochelle Leininger Collection. Art © Mel Ramos/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

The exhibit begins with Ramos’ early Abstract Expressionism pieces, created in the ’50s. Then we see a progression as Ramos begins to adapt a style all his own. Then in ’62, he begins the movement into pop culture with the use of superheroes, both male and female, such as Batman and Superwoman. Finally, there is a burst of light as Ramos reveals an array of nude works of females (who all closely resemble famous actresses) posing with consumer products. The products and styling of the women reflect the period that the piece was created–Ramos refers to these as “the nudes of our time.” Whether a model was surrounded by navel oranges or emerging from a glass of Cola, the message was clear: no matter what year it is, once women enter the public eye their bodies are no longer theirs.

Mel Ramos, “Five Flavor Frieda: The Lost Painting of 1965 #47,” 2005. Oil on canvas, 54 x 80 in. Collection of Don Sanders, Courtesy of McClain Gallery. Art © Mel Ramos/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY West-Coast & California style.

Along with these fascinating pieces this exhibit features some of Ramos’ beautiful landscape imagery that is not only eye-catching but reminiscent of true Mel Ramos’ exhibit possesses timeless work that brings the ’60s and ’70s into the 21st century. No matter your artistic preference this exhibit is sure to impress, leaving you in awe and having you walk away thinking.

Mel Ramos: 50 Years of Superheroes, Nudes, and Other Pop Delights can be seen at the Crocker Art Museum through October 21, 2012. The Museum is open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm and on Thursdays until 9pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

To learn more about Mel Ramos, visit his website.

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Written by Sacramento365.com Intern Lauren Luedtke

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