Prospector Underground

Art Studio Tour set for Loomis

AngelaDiaz — Thu, 05 May 2011 20:53:00 GMT

The eighth annual Loomis Art Loop Art Studio Tour is a free open-studio event. Follow the map and bright yellow signs to six studios not more than five minutes apart. At each stop visitors will be welcomed by two or three professional artists eager to show their work, share their techniques and answer questions.
Millie Beatie will exhibit porcelain vessels and clay art; Cindy Bonito will explain her relief printing process. At the home of artists John and Brenda Dominguez, also meet artist Susan Goodmundson and view an exhibit of jewelry, pastels, colored pencil and watercolor paintings.
Doug Horton and Diane Ruhkala Bell will be at the Horton Iris Farm showing jewelry, prints, collage and assemblage pieces. Sandy Delehanty will demonstrate watercolor painting techniques and exhibit her watercolor and oil paintings along with Judy Butler’s unique fused glass work.
Victoria Brooks will demonstrate her oil painting techniques and exhibit oil and watercolor paintings along with jewelry and metal art created by Stacey Lamothe. Fine art photographer Larry Brendon answer questions with Janet Paehlig, who will be showing her jewelry.
A group show of original art from the Loomis Art Loop will be shown through May 9 at Café Zorro, 5911 King Road, Loomis. The restaurant is open from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Know & Go
What: The eighth annual Loomis Art Loop Art Studio Tour
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 7–8
Where: Maps available at www.LoomisArtLoop.com
Information: Call (916) 239-9432

–– Special to Prospector

Sand Play, an oil painting by Victoria Brooks.

The Show Must Go On! -- The King and I

Jeannie Wood — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:47:00 GMT

The show must go on! No rain, sleet, nor snow can prevent "The King and I" from going on. Please do come if you have tickets this weekend. You will be glad you did! We have a number of sold-out performances, so if you miss this weekend, you may have slim pickings. We don't want you to be disappointed! We have a handful still for tonight's performance (3/24). Come to the door for those tickets at 6pm for the 7pm show. Sunday's (3/27) show is sold out, as well as Sundays, 4/3 and 4/10. There are still tickets to Friday's 3/18, 8pm, Benefit for Friends of the Nevada County Libraries. Call 530-265-1407 or visit any western Nevada County branch library. Tickets to the Benefit may also be purchased at the Nevada Theatre on Friday beginning at 7pm. See

Caren Armstrong live at Dave’s Cave

AngelaDiaz — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:02:00 GMT

Caren Armstrong’s playing style references folk, country, blues, jazz, traditional and popular music yet is distinctively her own. Running the emotional gambit from the touching “I Feel Your Love” to the sassy “Stay Away From Me,” she entices her listeners to explore their own inner landscapes. Written with a sharp yet compassionate pen, Armstrong’s songs transcend the self-revelatory and speak universally to the human condition in all of its humor and outrage. They are, as Grammy winner Steve Seskin put it, “Songs about real life performed with passion and precision.”
Dave’s Cave is hosted by New Faith United Church of Christ. Nonalcoholic beverages and desserts are available for purchase.

-- Special to The Union

Know & Go
Who: Dave’s Cave presents
What: Caren Armstrong
When: Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11
Where: The Pamelot Building, 540 Wall St., Auburn
Tickets: $12 at the door; $5 students and children
Information: Call (530) 878-248

Joshua Watts Project to play live at Dave’s Cave

AngelaDiaz — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:08:00 GMT

The idea for Joshua Watts to release albums came to him in late 2007 when he began taking his songwriting seriously. The original thought was to sell his songs to established artists, but after recording his own demos and letting others hear his work, he decided to create his own album for the fun of it and see how it went.
Under the name of Watts Project, Watts released his first solo album in early 2009 entitled “What’s Left Of Me.” Under 50 copies were made and so far he has sold all but two without any promotion other than a website and word of mouth.
In the spring of 2008, Watts began working on writing new songs. Torn between just being a songwriter and a recording artist, he decided to give it a shot and enlisted Shannon Delzer to help out with the vocals. Her voice quickly became the shining star in Watts’ music. Watts started writing his songs specifically for her voice and decided to have her sing lead vocals on half of his tracks.
Later in 2008 Delzer suggested bringing in a friend, Kelly Thomasson, to help out with the harmonies. Watts was impressed with the sound of them together.
Watts’ second album is due for release in the spring. It has a completely different sound than his previous efforts with a much harder edge.

Know & Go
What: Joshua Watts Project
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14
Where: Dave’s Cave, hosted by New Faith United Church of Christ, 540 Wall St., Auburn
Tickets: $12 at the door; $5 students and children
Information: Call (530) 878-2488

–– Special to The Union

Joe Craven and David Jacobs-Strain in concert in Auburn

AngelaDiaz — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 17:31:00 GMT

Mention Joe Craven and picture a stage that looks more like a yard sale; found objects from the natural environment as well as trash bins and thrift stores. Throw in string and percussion instruments from around the world – and around the house. Connect this with a dash of technology involving plugging in electric bedpans and balalaikas and looping landscapes of sound, all created in the moment by Craven. Then toss rhythmically with some corny jokes, storytelling, a little theater thickener, a pinch of audience participation and – voila!

For almost 17 years Craven was the highly respected multi-instrumentalist with the David Grisman Quintet. He held a challenging post as Grisman’s percussionist, fiddler and sometimes swatting backbeats and trading licks on mandolin next to Grisman and at times all within one tune – and he enjoyed the workout. He’s made a wide range of music with a wide range of artists including Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia, jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli, The Alison Brown Quartet, Maria Muldaur, Vassar Clements, Psychograss, Rob Ickes, and The Persuasions. Craven has performed music and sound effects on a wide variety of recordings including commercials, soundtracks, computer games and made contributions to several Grammy nominated projects.

Slide guitarist and singer-songwriter David Jacobs-Strain grew up in Oregon, far from Mississippi, but found his first musical home in the Delta blues. This young roots musician channels age-old wisdom and heartache with such energy and passion that you can’t help but feel good, even about feeling bad. You also wonder how one man with one acoustic guitar (at a time) can rival the sonic density of a jam band. There are various references in his music – bluesmen Skip James and Charlie Patton, Afro-pop star Salif Keita, Indian slide guitarist Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, rock icon John Leno, but his work as a whole falls neatly in the gaps between multiple genres.

-- Special to The Union

Know & Go
Who: Auburn Placer Performing Arts Center presents
What: Talented Musical Madman Joe Craven and Slide Steel Guitar Singer Songwriter David Jacobs-Strain
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19
Where: The State Theatre, 985 Lincoln Way in Auburn
Tickets: $20
Information: Visit www.LiveFromAuburn.com or call (530) 885-015

TIBET IN SONG, an award-winning documentary

Jeannie Wood — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 17:38:00 GMT

The screening of TIBET IN SONG is a benefit for the Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra's (CATS) cultural enrichment program. This documentary film is presented by the Nevada Theatre Film Series and CATS. Among TIBET IN SONG'S many awards was the Special Jury Prize Documentary at the Sundance Festival in 2009. It premiered in New York in September and enjoyed an extended run. TIBET IN SONG is both a celebration of traditional Tibetan folk music and a harrowing journey into the past fifty years of cultural repression inside Chinese controlled Tibet. Director and former Tibetan political prisoner, Ngawang Choephel, weaves a story of beauty, pain, brutality and resilience, introducing Tibet to the world in a way never before seen on film. Meet the filmmaker Ngawang Choephel for a Q & A after the screening as he shares his emotional journey in the making of this very special and powerful film about "the music in his heart." Ticket Outlet: Briar Patch Community Market $12 advance and $15 at the door For more info: 530-265-2990; info@ catsweb.org Contact email info@catsweb.org

Contact phone 530-265-2990
www.catsweb.org; www.tibetinsong.com

“Gold Fever!” a comedy murder mystery based on the gold rush, playing in Auburn

AngelaDiaz — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 17:12:00 GMT

An interactive comedy murder mystery based on the gold rush, “Gold Fever!” will be performed with dinner service Fridays in October. Wine and alcoholic beverages will be available for an additional charge.

Affairs To Remember, a Sacramento-based theatrical event planning company founded in 1987, will produce this broad comic spoof which includes some of the actual colorful historic figures from the gold rush era of the 1840’s including General John Sutter, founder of Sacramento; his wife Anna Sutter, who arrives from Switzerland as the show begins; the exotic and mysterious beauty Lola Montez; California’s first millionaire, Samuel Brannan and the fictitious illegitimate son of Edwin Crocker and a Maidu Indian squaw, Gabby Crocker.

These broadly drawn characters will interact with the audience recreating the story of the California gold rush as several murders are committed throughout the evening. The audience members are asked to conduct their own investigations to determine who committed the murders and what the motive was for each. Prizes are awarded to the best and worst detective teams in the audience at the end of the evening.

During the show the cast performs scripted scenes and mingles with the audience improvising and answering any questions they may have concerning the murders or the character’s backgrounds and possible motives. There is also a musical performance as a show within the show where each of the characters performs songs based on their character’s story. These include a traditional gold rush song where the audience can sing along, two well-known Motown hits and a song from a famous opera performed as part of the exotic “Spider Dance” made famous by Lola Montez.

-- Special to The Union

Know & Go
Who: Lou La Bonte’s Dinner Theatre
What: Gold Fever!
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 29
Where: 13460 Lincoln Way, Auburn
Admission: $39.95 plus tax and tip includes a three course gourmet dinner and the show
Information: For reservations, call (530) 885-7755

Left to right, Dave Atkinson as John Sutter, Lyra Dominguez as Lola Montez, Andrea Fox as Anna Sutter, Spencer Bartlett as Samuel Brannan and lying dead center Ron Adams as Gabby Crocker.

Japanese Taiko Drumming Coming to Center for the Arts Saturday, October 23, 8pm

Jeannie Wood — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:09:00 GMT

Grass Valley Taiko, in celebration of its 10th Anniversary, together with the Center for the Arts, proudly present Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, the Father of Taiko in North America, and the world-renown San

Francisco Taiko Dojo, at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley, for an evening of thunderous Japanese drumming. They will be joined by members of Grass Valley Taiko, under the leadership of Mitzi Garnett. Bring the whole family and experience the 'heart beat' of Japanese drumming! Tickets available at The Center for the Arts (530-274-8384 x 14) , Briar Patch Co-Op, After The Gold Rush Records, Cherry Records, Grass ValleyTaiko, and online at www.thecenterforthearts.org.

Pumpkins and Ponies – a magic day for children of all ages

AngelaDiaz — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:39:00 GMT

The second annual Pumpkin and Ponies Playday, benefiting the UCP/Saddle Pals Grass Valley Therapeutic Riding Center, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at Blue Fountain Farm, 17761 Grizzly Bear Drive, Grass Valley.

“Last year’s event raised enough money to provide a half-scholarship for each student rider for the entire year,” said Jane deZell, Saddle Pals director. “Since State grants have disappeared, we are so appreciative of the community’s support. Every cent that is raised goes back to the program.”

The free event with free parking includes live music, barbecue, silent and live auctions, horseback riding demonstrations and entertainment. Everyone is invited to come in costume – even your horse – and enter the costume contest ($5 entry fee). Awards and prizes will be given to all.

UCP/Saddle Pals Grass Valley Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit program providing therapeutic horsemanship for children and adults with physical, emotional or mental challenges. Since its inception in 1996, Saddle Pals has helped almost 700 students gain strength, balance, independence and confidence. Each rider is paired with a kind and patient horse, accompanied by a horse leader and walkers on either side for safety. A trained riding instructor helps the student maintain proper horsemanship and gain skills through games and exercises.

All donations are tax-deductible and remain with the local program. UCP/Saddle Pals Grass Valley is accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and is a program of the UCP of Greater Sacramento.

-- Special to The Union

The Andrews Brothers

jadobs — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:30:00 GMT

The Andrews Brothers

The New '40's Musical

By Roger Bean

The Andrews Brothers will be performed at 8:15 PM every Friday and Saturday evening from September 10^th through October 23^rd. There are TWO Sunday matinees, at 2:00PM on September 26^th and on October 17^th . Admission is $22 on the two Sundays, $24 on Fridays and $25 on Saturdays. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. For reservations or further information, please phone (530) 265-8686 or visit www.offbroadstreet.com.

The Andrews "Brothers" are actually three 4-F male stage hands for the famous sisters’ 1945 USO act. When the Andrews Sisters are suddenly quarantined, it seems that the show may not go on. But Peggy "The Pin-Up Girl" (Grace Fae) convinces the men that they "can not let the soldiers down." So Lawrence, Patrick and Max (clearly NOT seasoned performers) attempt to save the day, in spite of poor eyesight, flat feet and asthma. The result is a typical hilarious Off Broadstreet musical romp! It’s also refreshing to recall a time in America’s past when we were all able to put our differences aside and work together toward a common goal.

The Andrews Brothers stars recent OBS addition Jed Dixon (The Be-Bop Stop), newcomer Grace Fae (Sierra Stages’ Babes in Arms and Into The Woods) and OBS regulars Richard Joplin and Andrew Kerr, and features some of the most fun and energetic music from the WWII era, including: Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Hold Tight, The Hut-Sut Song, Mairzy Doats, Rum and Coca Cola, Hula Ba Luau, Rosie The Riveter, Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive plus two dozen more memorable early 1940's hits.

Special Double Discount Nights

Off Broadstreet is offering a Double Discount for the first two weekends. Pre-paid groups of 6 or more will get ONE FREE SEAT, while Pre-paid groups of 12 or more will get TWO FREE SEATS on September 10, 11, 17 & 18 Only!