Things to Do in Sacramento

FOX

If you're a fan of the female contestants on "American Idol," my guess is you'll seeanother one go home on tonight's results show. Funny thing is, judge Simon Cowell predicted this would be a girl's season to win.

Not so fast there, Simon.

After last night's R&B/soul show, the Top 10 will likely be whittled down to six guys and three girls. I believe it's Didi Benami's turn to exit stage right. Her performance of "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" pretty much was as judge Randy Jackson said: "It flatlined." Simon said it was like "swimming in jelly - old-fashioned and off melody." For me, Didi has cried her last tear.

The best performances? No question Lee Dewyze (pictured) elevated from just a Dave Matthews-wannabe to Bruce Springsteen-esque. "Treat Her Like a Lady" is one of my favorite songs, and I can't recall anyone singing it as good as the original by the Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose. But Lee nailed it.

Simon said: "I want you tonight to go home, watch the show back and understand this is the night your life may have changed forever." Ellen DeGeneres, a fan of Lee from the get-go, said it was the best performance of the night.

Andrew Garcia, who hasn't been able to find his musical footing since Hollywood Week, rallied with a great version of Chris Brown's "Forever." His mom even gave Simon a hug.

My early favorite, Crystal Bowersox, gave me a scare when she hit the stage in stilettos instead of bare feet, her guitar traded in for a piano and "Midnight Train to Georgia." She can sing the phone book, but I hope the show's stylists/producers don't try to sanitize Crysal with too much makeup and jewelry. She's one contestant who definitely needs to stay true to herself. And ease off the backup singers!

I liked Casey James, who should be safe with a nice take on the Sam and Dave classic "Hold On." Even though I'm fond of young Aaron Kelly, "Ain't No Sunshine" ain't got much going for it. And remember, last season's winner Kris Allen sang this song with a very good version, which is hard to top.

Mentor Usher was terrific with the contestants, offering sound advice that made a difference in several performances, including Big Michael Lynche, whose "Ready for Love" (India Arie) was heartfelt. Katie Stevens also listened to Usher, but reverted to her old ways of picking old songs. Thumbs down on an Aretha fave, "Chain of Fools." I agree with the judges that it had a "Star Search" feel.

And what can we say about Tim Urban, who is now affectionately dubbed "Teflon Tim?" He sang Anita Baker's "Sweet Love," which was just, well, gooey. Kara DioGuardi said it had a "Broadway/Vegas take. You took the soul out of the song." But props to Tim. He just takes the judges' punches and rolls with them.

The other female contestant who has really impressed but seems to be veering off the musical highway is Siobhan Magnus. She performed first (the worst spot of the night because you get the most verbage from the judges), singing "Through the Fire." She looked scared to death, and sang waaaay off key. Simon said it sounded like she was running a marathon while singing and "running out of breath." Siobhan took the criticism hard and was in tears afterward.

It's bizarro, but I really don't care about seeing the judges coming back from a break as they walked backstage. It felt like waiting outside a bathroom.

Tonight, Usher will perform, someone will go home, the evening will see tears and jeers and nine will remain. Stay tuned.

Check out Serendipity Boutique this week, weekend - and beyond - for cute spring clothes and jewelry.

Here are two upcoming trunk shows:

* Starting Thursday (April Fool's Day) and running through April 11, the East Sacramento store, 5362 H St., will host aTheory event during store hours. The line's rep will be in the store tomorrow only helping customers and answering any questions about the line. Refreshments will be served all day.

* Also, there will be a KKPW jewelry trunk show in both Serendipity locations, including Roseville (The Fountains, 1182 Roseville Parkway, Suite 165), April 1-4. There will be new pieces by local designer Shannon Culmo, whose pieces are unique. No two are alike.

Enjoy!

**This posting has been edited from a previous version. The event was postponed until April 28 due to rainy weather.

Looking for something to do with young children?

Head to Raley Field, where the Sacramento River Cats and Raley's and Bel-Air are teaming to host a Mommy and Me day on April 28.

The free event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, is open to children ages 6 and under and their parents, River Cats spokeswoman Rebecca Brutlag stated in a news release.

Children will be able to run the bases, play catch and meet River Cats' mascot Dinger while mom or dad watch from the dugout (a parent must accompany their child).

Each child also will receive a gift pack and beverages and snacks, she said.

No tickets are required. Check-in begins at 9:45 a.m. in front of the On-Deck Shop outside Raley Field.

For more information, go to the River Cats' Web site or call (916) 376-4676.

Jackie Greene will play a half-hour set tonight at Old Ironsides (1901 10th St., Sacramento) before sitting in with Sacramento band Walking Spanish.

The cover charge is $7, and doors open at 8 p.m. Greene will play from 9:45 to 10:15, and Walking Spanish after that. Bird by Bird opens the show.

Sacramento's favorite blues-rock son, Greene lives in San Francisco and on tour buses these days, but he often pops up at the old spots like Old I and the Blue Lamp.

FOX

For a minute (make that a split second), it looked like the Season 9 contestants on "American Idol" were turning the corner and, well, "getting it."

After last week's Rolling Stones performances surprised the four judges and viewers, the remaining 11 were back to their old ways last night, tackling the Billboard Top 100 and, for the most part, fumbling and bumbling their way through the two-hour show.

Song selection slayed most of the contestants, and I'm not sure how much mentoring the group managed to get from pop star Myley Cyrus. After all, she's 10 years younger than the oldest contestant - 17 vs. 27. (She'll perform on tonight's results show.)

Anyway, Crystal Bowersox (pictured) earned the highest marks with a gutsy, bluesy, rockin' version of Janis Joplin's "Me and Bobby McGee." And didn't you love that she performed, with guitar, while standing on a rug rolled onstage just for her?

All of the judges praised her, with three of them (Randy, Ellen and Kara) sort of pleading Crystal to embrace the moment. "These people love you," said DeGeneres. "Take it all in."

However, Paige Miles continues to crash and burn with a dreadful rendition of "Against All Odds." I'm not sure whose version it was - Mariah Carey's or Phil Collins' - but the vocals were sooooo pitchy. Simon Cowell could have blasted Paige, but he only said it seemed she no longer was competing.

"This could be the end for you sweetheart," he said.

Other contestants in trouble?

Tim Urban sang "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen, then slid across the stage and out of favor with the judges. Randy called it a "dopey" move, not to be confused with "dope," which is a good thing.

Didi Benami ("You're No Good") and Andrew Garcia ("Heard It Through the Grapevine") also irritated the judges with lackluster and, at times, awkward performances. Somewhere in the middle of the pack were Katie Stevens ("Big Girls Don't Cry"), Siobhan Magnus ("Superstition"), Lee Dewyze ("The Letter"), Casey James ("The Power of Love") and Aaron Kelly ("I Don't Want to Miss a Thing"). Aaron, 16, is also another victim of all the "Idol" stress. He's battling tonsilitis.

Big Michael Lynche went old school with "When a Man Loves a Woman." The vocals were good, but the performance was deemed too much of a stretch. As it stands, I've got Crystal, Michael and Lee ranked in that order.

Who will go tonight? Well, viewers seem to be voting to keep those they love, but will it be enough to save Paige? She's not giving her all, and that has to count against her, especially since tonight's elimination sets the stage for the summer's "American Idol" tour, which only takes the Top 10. Also, the judges can still use the save, but I'm not betting on it with this group.

Jazz combos and ensembles from Sacramento State University are figuring big at this year's Monterey Jazz Next Generation Festival.

The festival, which takes place April 9-11, offers a portal to the next generation of talented jazz musicians. Winners are slated to perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival in September.

In the Next Generation festival, six competitors are invited in each of various divisions, ranging from high school to college-age jazz groups.

CSUS received two of the six invitations in the Open Combo Division, another two in the college Vocal Ensemble Division and an invitation in the College Big Band Division.

This year's lot represents the largest number of CSUS groups invited to the festival since the department started going to the festival five years ago.

Being chosen is a feather in the cap of a jazz program as competitors are chosen through a blind listening conducted at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. The selection process involves listening to submitted CDs, with many of the works submitted the original works of ensemble musicians.

It's going to be a beautiful day Saturday, so if you're out and about check out the bag sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow at Secondhand Chic Thrift Boutique in Roseville.

The store will have clothing and accessories that you can stuff into a bag for only $8! That's right, eight bucks could get you nifty jewelry, accessories, shoes, purses, etc. All profits from the bag sale will be donated to Golden Valley Charter School, a K-8 public school in Orangevale.

"Golden Valley parents are volunteering to help raise funds for our school," said Jennifer Renken, owner of Secondhand Chic. "Clearing out unwanted items from your closet can equal cash for local school programs."

So it's a good deal for everyone.

The boutique is accepting donations for this fundraiser. Just bring your items, including small household gizmos and even toys that are in clean, usable condition, to 215 Kenroy Lane, Suite 2 in Roseville. That's where the sale will be, too.

For more info, click here or call (916) 783-2442.

"Your Passport to Adventure" is the theme of this year's California State Fair, fair officials announced today.

And under that umbrella (a sun umbrella, of course, since it'll be summertime by then) are some new attractions:

"Days of the Dinosaur" - Life-size dinosaur robots and replicas of dinosaur skeletons, along with an "archaeological dig site" for kids.

"Jungle & Reptile Experience" - Up close and personal with birds, amphibians and reptiles, including alligators and large tortoises.

"Get Animated" - A pop culture exhibit that explores the world of animation.

The State Fair runs July 14-Aug. 1 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Advance tickets go on sale April 15.

-- Dixie Reid

FOX

When Ryan Seacrest announced last week that the mostly tearful Top 12 would perform songs from the Rolling Stones on their first big night in the big-boy/big-girl theater, I mentally checked off how many of the contestants would likely blow this challenge.

That number was, oh, about 10.

Surprisingly, the Top 12 proved me wrong. And that's a good thing for a Season 9 which, while still doing great in the ratings, has been somewhat of a mixed bag when it comes to the singing.

Last night, based on the judges' comments and his bizarre performance, Tim Urban might be sent packing tonight. His reggae take on "Under My Thumb" received a resounding thumbs-down from the four judges.

Said Simon Cowell: "It's a boring song anyway, and it didn't work - especially for Stones fans. It was a crazy decision."

Ellen DeGeneres, who is really adding some much-needed comic relief to the show, said Urban's take made her feel like she was at a beach resort, and some random person was singing.

The panel was most jazzed by Siobhan Magnus (pictured) singing "Paint It Black." Kara DioGuardi likened it to something Adam Lambert, last season's runner-up, might have done.

Other pleasant surprises came from Didi Benami with "Play With Fire" and Aaeon Kelly with "Angie." Perpetually terrified teen Katie Stevens sang "Wild Horses." She tamed her nerves, and Simon said it was a good choice. (He recorded this song with Susan Boyle.)

Paige Miles was the first contestant to battle laryngitis, but she managed a respectable take on "Honky Tonk Woman."

Crowd fave Michael Lynche opened the show with "Miss You." Simon didn't care for his dancing, which he called "corny." From there, things got testy between Seacrest and Simon when Ryan got dangerously close to the Brit over his comments. To which Simon backed up his chair and snipped, "This is getting very uncomfortable."

Casey James ("It's All Over Now") and Lee Dewyze ("Beast of Burden") both played guitar. Casey fared better with the judges than Lee, who still seems to be in need of a "moment."

Stuck somewhere in the middle were Lacey Brown, who sang "Ruby Tuesday," and Andrew Garcia with a squeaky "Give Me Shelter." I really liked Crystal Bowersox's version of "You Can't Always Get What You Want." This despite her obvious mixed emotions last week on the results show when she made it through while four others went home. I believe she'll definitely move on, but I hope with a hefty dose of determination.

My pick for who will leave tonight? Tim Urban won't have the luck of the Irish on his side.

We're just breaking free of winter, but the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is already thinking and talking turkey - as in next Thanksgiving's 17th annual Run to Feed the Hungry. If you have an artist's or designer's bent, then listen up:

The organization is putting out a call for artwork to grace the front of the more than 30,000 Run to Feed the Hungry T-shirts that are a symbol of the day's charitable run/walk. All you have to do is design a piece of original art that could be used front and center on a standard tee.

"The idea can incorporate anything that you believe captures the spirit of the Run to Feed the Hungry, programs at SFBFS or the Sacramento community during the fall," reads an e-mail. The winning design will be modified, including colors, so it can be used on logos and other promotional materials.

How to submit? Send artwork electronically to artcontest@runtofeedthehungry.com by 5 p.m. April 30. Entries will be accepted in the following formats: Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop; PDF, TIFF, EPS (high resolution). Do NOT send jpgs, gif, Microsoft Word or any non-standard drawing or painting software. Keep in mind: All entries will become the property of the food bank and family services, and there's no compensation for participating. Need ideas? Check out the Run to Feed the Hungry Web site by clicking here.

The winner will be announced this summer.

Sure, the The San Francisco Opera Merola program owns a stellar reputation as a training ground that kicks out the most promising opera singers around.

But this weekend, when singers performed and competed in the prestigious and uber-competitive Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, three of the five winning spots were awarded to Merola grads.

Soprano Leah Crocetto (pictured, right) who participated in the Merola program in 2008, and is a current San Francisco Opera Adler Fellow, joined soprano Lori Guilbeau (Merola '09) and tenor Nathaniel Peake (Merola '08 & '09) as winners of the 2010 auditions.

Of the nine finalists, two others were also Merola alumni: soprano Rena Harms ('08) and mezzo-soprano Maya Lahyani (Merola '09 and a current Adler Fellow).

Each winner receives $15,000. But the plum is not the cash-it's the exposure winning gives a singer. It helps launch a major operatic career. Many singers that now command center stage in the opera world are past Met Auditions winners, including Stephanie Blythe, Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Nathan Gunn, Samuel Ramey, and Deborah Voigt.

The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions are held annually in 45 districts and 15 regions across the United States and Canada. District winners go to the semi-finals in New York and the finalists have the chance to perform on the historic Met stage for an audience that includes the artistic staff of prestigious opera companies, artist managers, music critics, and other key figures in the opera world.

He might have received a fat wad of cash from NBC after his unhappy departure from "The Tonight Show" a few months ago, but Conan O'Brien still wants to work.

O'Brien, former sidekick Andy Richter and the ex-"Tonight Show" band will play Sacramento's Memorial Auditorium May 6 as part of O'Brien's two-month, 30-city "Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television" tour.

Sure, he's still bitter, but that's when he is at his funniest.

Tickets are $35, $55 and $75 and are on sale through promoter LiveNation.

Singers, dancers, acrobats, musicians, jugglers, fire-eaters, street performers - here's your chance to show your stuff at the California State Fair, which runs July 14-Aug. 1 at Cal Expo in Sacramento.

If your talent is G-rated, you're invited to submit an application and promotional packet to officials for consideration. The deadline is March 31.

Find an application at www.bigfun.org

Send everything off to:

California State Fair

Attention: Entertainment

P.O. Box 15649

Sacramento, CA 95852

For more information, call (916) 263-3141 or e-mail entertainment@calexpo.com

- Dixie Reid

BRAVO

The historic Guild Theater in Oak Park will be the setting for back-to-back fashion shows on Saturday showcasing new collections by five local designers (including two brothers) and one very special guy from Los Angeles.

The "Drop A House - Launch of the Lines" shows will be at 7 p.m. and repeated at 8 at the theater, 2828 35th St. Designers include Mercedes Ben for Benzo Couture, Richard Hallmarq, Lauren Oto and Kai and William Vittore for Vittore Bros. The event also will see the debut of a luxury fashion collection by L.A.'s Bobby Trendy, who starred on "The Anna Nicole Show."

And what would a local fashion show be without a celebrity host? "Launch of the Lines" nabbed Perry Ullmann (pictured) from the reality TV show "Make Me a Supermodel" (Season 1) on Bravo as the headliner.

The local designers, who come from varied fashion backgrounds, will present ready-to-wear, men's wear, urban apparel and couture collections. Attendees will have a chance to meet all the participants after each show.

Tickets are $10 (theater's upper level) and $15 (floor level) for each show. They're available at Mosaic Salon, 2700 J St. in midtown. FYI: Mosaic is handling hair and makeup for the shows.

* If you venture anywhere near Loehmann's Plaza today, check out the Blue Willi's trunk show at Brown House, 2567 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Sacramento. The denim sportswear company, which is based in Denmark, will show spring fashions, including tops, sweaters, pants and jackets. Troels Engholm, owner of the company, will be in the store to answer questions about the new line.

Belle Cooledge Library, an institution in the South Land Park neighborhood since the early '90s, will shut down for three months starting Saturday. On the books is a much needed interior renovation.

Areas for children and teen-agers will be expanded, Internet access will be improved, and the whole branch library will get a modern, inviting look.

Patrons can get a "sneek peek" of the spruced-up space during the annual ice cream social on June 11.

Meanwhile, for the next three months, Belle Cooledge Library regulars can find their reserved books and materials at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, 7340 24th Street Bypass in Sacramento. Its hours are: noon-8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 1-5 p.m. Fridays.

For more information: (916) 264-2920, www.saclibrary.org

-- Dixie Reid

GETTY IMAGES

Fashion is fleeting, but first lady Michelle Obama continues to be one of the world's most stylish women. Now, a year into her husband's presidency, it's time for one of her official wardrobe pieces to take its place alongside other first lady fashions.

On Wednesday, Obama's 2009 inaugural gown goes on public display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The dress is part of a new gallery titled "A First Lady's Debut," which will showcase 11 dresses worn by various first ladies.

This particular gown created quite a buzz during last year's round of inaugural balls, maybe more so for its romantic simplicity than for its glamour. At the time, designer Jason Wu was more of a blip on the fashion scene, but no more. Not only did his gown get picked for the occasion, it will become a part of history.

Obama (shown above) got her first glimpse of the gown - and matching shoes - which will be encased once the exhibit officially opens. So, if the nation's capital is a springtime destination, check it out - along with the cherry blossoms.

Here comes the bride - through the front gates of Sutter's Fort?

Capital District State Museums & Historic Parks announced today that the rustic fort, as well as the elegant Governor's Mansion, can be rented for weddings and receptions.

Both sites are available as soon as this spring.

The 1840s-era Sutter's Fort, 2701 L St., will accommodate up to 300 people for a seated, courtyard wedding, or 500 guests standing for the ceremony. The broad lawn is a possibility, as well.

And at the 1903 Victorian-style Governor's Mansion, 1526 H St., brides can make a grand entrance on the curved staircase. Couples might consider celebrating their big day both inside and out in the gardens.

For prices, reservations and more information on getting married at these historic sites, contact rental coordinator Cheryl Meyer at (916) 445-2560 or e-mail her at cmeyer@csrmf.org

-- Dixie Reid

If you're a student with a valid student ID and a date for your prom, we've got a shopping option that might suit your budget.

Tomorrow, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Snowline Hospice and Folsom Thrift Store will hold the fifth annual "A Prom Dress To Remember" event. The store will have lots of formal frocks plus jewelry, shoes and handbags on sale. Dresses are $20 - with a student ID. The thrift store is at 616 E. Bidwell St. in Folsom.

For more info: (916) 984-5853 or visit www.snowlinehospice.org.

Do people say you have a great voice? Now's the time to prove them right.

The Sacramento River Cats are looking for their "Voice of Summer," someone to be the team's public address announcer for 72 regular-season games at Raley Field - plus any home playoff games.

Here are the three required audition scripts:

"Now batting for the Sacramento River Cats, first baseman, number 38, Chris Carter."

"Hey fans, be sure to log on to rivercats.com and check out all the newest features, including team information, upcoming events, special promotions and much, much more. Check it out tonight at rivercats.com."

The deadline for auditions is Monday, March 15.

Submit yours in one of two ways (and include your name, age, e-mail address and telephone number.):

E-mail a digital file (.wav, .wmv or .mp3) to Promotions@rivercats.com.

Or, send an audio CD or a video (DVD, miniDV or VHS), to River Cats PA Announcer Search, 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento, CA 95691.

A group of finalists will take part in live try-outs at Raley field on March 20. The winner will be announced before the Cats' opening day, April 16.

ABC producers are looking for Sacramento area families to appear on "Super Nanny" and hosting an open casting call Friday.

Families with children, ages toddlers to teenagers, are being sought for the show. The casting call will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at The Children's Place at the Westfield Galleria at Roseville.

The show features Super Nanny Jo Frost, a childcare expert who has helped numerous parents learn how to take control of their children and establish ground rules for the household.

For more information, check out ABC's "Super Nanny" Web site.

Two of the most inventive, best-named bands on the local scene play tonight in separate shows: Sister Crayon, who marry haunting vocals with layered electronic beats and grooves, and Agent Ribbons , who rely on more organic instrumentation (Guitar, drums, accordion, violin) and a fashion sense blending the 1960s and 1880s.

Making this Thursday-night embarrassment of riches even more imperative is Agent Ribbons' singer/guitarist Natalie Gordon's imminent move to Austin. Agent Ribbons, which consists of Gordon, Sacramento-based drummer Lauren Hess and Austin-based violinist Naomi Cherie, won't be playing in Sacramento again for a while.

And even though they're playing different venues, it's quite possible to catch both bands tonight. Sister Crayon goes on at Sol Collective (2574 21st Street) at around 9:30, and Agent Ribbons takes the stage at Old Ironsides (10th and S) at 11 p.m.

The cost for the Sister Crayon show is $5, and the Agent Ribbons show $7, so it won't break the bank to go to both.

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Goodbye Kenny G and hello Flea. At noon today Sacramento radio station 94.7 FM switched formats from smooth jazz to a modern alternative rock format. A press release from Entercom Communications, which also owns 107.9 The End, 98 Rock and 96.9 The Eagle, said the station will feature more "mature" artists, such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Green Day, U2, Pearl Jam and Dave Matthews Band, along with newer groups, such as Muse, The Killers and Kings of Leon.
At the Web site of the former KSSJ was a message that said in part "the audience for the station can no longer sustain the business of the station."

Music in the Mountains' conductor Gregory Vajda isn't wasting any time making headway in the Golden State.

The 37-year-old Vajda, who was recently picked to head the Grass Valley-based Music in the Mountains classical music presenter, will be making his Walt Disney Concert Hall debut on March 9.

Vajda will conduct works by fellow Hungarian Peter Eötvös as part of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's adventurous and popular Green Umbrella contemporary music series.

Vajda, who is also resident conductor of the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, will conduct Eötvös' "Snatches of a Conversation" and "Korrespondenz," featuring the Calder Quartet.

Trumpeter Brandon Ridenour and opera singer and performance artist Timur Bekbosunov will also perform.

For fans of new music, and especially those of Eötvös' music, this will be a must see performance.

Less than two weeks later, Vajda will kick off his first full Music in the Mountains season during its SpringFest, which begins March 24 with works by Strauss, Schoenberg and Mahler. That festival runs through March 28.

Green Umbrella
Los Angeles Philharmonic New Music Group, Gregory Vajda, conducting
WHEN: 8 p.m., March 9
WHERE: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles
TICKETS: $26-$51
INFORMATION: (323) 850-2000 or www.laphil.com

Music in the Mountains
SpringFest
WHEN: March 24-28
WHERE: Amaral Family Festival Center, 11228 McCourtney Rd., Grass Valley
TICKETS: $5-$32
INFORMATION: (530) 265-6124 or www.musicinthemountains.org

By Carla Meyer

cmeyer@sacbee.com

Celebrating his 48th birthday Tuesday night, Jon Bon Jovi (left) displayed a voice so youthful and expressive that "Livin' on a Prayer" sounded very close to the original recording from 24 years ago.

Judging by the response of the largely female audience at a sold-out Arco Arena, the longtime heartthrob's charisma remains intact as well.

Or, to use the succinct phrasing of Cameron Park resident Tami Saucedo, 44, in explaining why her 18-year-old daughter, Ali, accompanied her to Arco Arena: "She likes his butt."

"No, Mom!" Ali protested. "That's you!"

Ali Saucedo was at Tuesday's concert, she explained, because "I grew up on Bon Jovi's music."

Together for more than a quarter of a century, Jon Bon Jovi and his bandmates still sell out arenas with songs that, whether written in 1986 or 2006, share an anthemic quality in their promotion of true love, the common man and catnip pop-rock choruses.

The band might incorporate a blues riff here or a country inflection there, but most songs share a straightforward quality fans appreciate.

"It is like comfort food -- like chicken-noodle soup," Carol Rocha, 35, said as she waited on line for a different comfort food - popcorn - at an Arco concessions stand. Rocha and companion Jeff Wheeler, 35, both of Sacramento, sported rocker wigs vaguely resembling Jon Bon Jovi's '80s 'do. But they had come to praise, not mock, they insisted.

"They're just classic," Rocha said of the band.

There was even greater appreciation among fans whose youths closely corresponded with Bon Jovi's rise to fame in the '80s. Of the 14,000-plus audience members at Arco Tuesday night, perhaps 9,000 were women, a significant percentage of those close to Bon Jovi's age.

When a pop star about your age still can resemble a teen idol at some angles, it reflects well on all involved. And it can inspire bold moves, like one made by 52-year-old Kim Simpson of Redding.

Simpson approached women seated near the stage to see if they would throw a pair of underwear to Jon Bon Jovi on her behalf. The garment, she explained, had been freshly purchased and was not at all sexy: "I bought the biggest pair I could find."

The underwear needed to be roomy because Simpson required space to write her name, phone number and an offer of employment to Jon Bon Jovi.

"My friend is turning 40 in June, and we want him to play for her birthday," Simpson explained. A venue had yet to be secured, but Simpson and her pals were looking into banquet halls.

Not long into her search for a messenger, the amiable Simpson found a taker - a woman who, once Jon Bon Jovi got within undie-tossing distance, promptly forgot her mission.

Call The Bee's Carla Meyer, (916) 321-1118

Mary Zeppa, a poet and long-time activist with the Sacramento Poetry Center, has been awarded a fellowship by the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.

The fellowship entitles Zeppa with a period of residency at the Center, which literary, visual and performing artists use as a creative retreat. They are each provided with a comfortable private bedroom, a private studio and three prepared meals a day.

Fellowships range from two weeks to two months at the center in the rural Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

Past fellows at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts have included winners of Pulitzer prizes, MacArthur grants and Guggenheim fellowships.

Roseville Arts Blue Line Gallery will hold afternoon and evening "teas" March 10 to introduce would-be arts volunteers to the opportunities available.

From working the gallery's desk or gift shop to making refreshments and conducting school tours, volunteers have many roles at Roseville Arts.

The "Get Acquainted Teas" will be 1:30-2:30 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. To get more information and sign up for one, contact Sue Kirstein at (916) 783-4117 or volunteers@rosevillearts.org.

Starting March 6-7, and the first full weekend (Saturday-Sunday) of every month through December, folks who do business with Bank of America get free admission to 120 museums, zoos and aquariums throughout the country.

Several in our area are participating.

In Sacramento:
Crocker Art Museum
California Museum for History, Women and the Arts

In Davis:
Explorit Science Center

In San Francisco:
Contemporary Jewish Museum
de Young Museum
Legion of Honor
Museum of African Diaspora

And in San Jose:
San Jose Museum of Art
Tech Museum of Innovation.

To take advantage of BofA's free Museums on Us offer, museum-goers must show a photo ID and a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card. One free admission per card-holder.

Fund-raisers, special exhibitions and ticketed shows are excluded.

For more information: www.bankofamerica.com/museums