Things to do in Sacramento

History buffs are soaking up the History Channel's 12-hour series titled "America The Story of US," which purports to be the first TV event in nearly 40 years showcasing our country's past.

Bank of America is partnering with the channel, creating 12 two-minute mini-documentaries that complement the series. On Sunday, the mini-doc will focus on our fair city and the creation of the Bank of Rideout, Smith and Company.

I have no clue about this nugget of Sacramanto lore but, according to the network, Norman Rideout was a Gold Rush pioneer who opened a series of banks in our happy valley. The banks were a safe place for prospectors to sell gold, receive drafts and make deposits. All good stuff.

The Sunday installment of "America The Story of Us" is titled, appropriately, "Westward." It airs at 9 p.m. on the History Channel.

There will be a pop quiz on Monday!

So... what are they putting in the water in Folsom?

Two Jazz ensembles at Folsom High School have been awarded the 2010 Most Outstanding High School Performance Award by Downbeat Magazine. And Folsom's Sutter Middle School Jazz Band snagged the 2010 Outstanding Performance Award for middle schools from the magazine, too.

Folsom High's Jazz Band "I" and Jazz Choir "A" won the awards. This brings the high school's total awards from Downbeat magazine to a proud 17 awards.

The nod from the highly respected jazz magazine comes on the heels of Folsom High Jazz musicians performing at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz festival earlier this month, where it won top prizes. Its Jazz Choir "A" took first place, with vocalist Nina Hadzi-Antich awarded the Outstanding Soloist award. The Jazz Band "I" won 3rd place at the festival.

Winning the awards at the festival means that both the choir and the band will get to perform at the Monterey Jazz festival this Sept.

The two Folsom High School ensembles will perform their last concert of the school year on May 7.

Family Night Picnic and Jazz
WHEN: 5:00 p.m., Friday May 7
WHERE: Outdoor Amphitheater, Folsom High School, 1655 Iron Point Rd.,
Folsom
COST: Free
INFORMATION: www.FolsomMusic.org

History buffs will have the chance this summer to explore Sacramento's original underground, created in the 1860s and '70s when city streets were raised 12 feet to fend off flood waters.

Tours of Old Sacramento's hidden tunnels are scheduled for Thursdays through Sundays between July 10 and Oct. 31. Advance reservations can be made now by calling (916) 808-7973. (Online sales to start soon.)

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children. The 45-minute tours will be offered hourly from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Old Sacramento Underground tours, along with a summertime Street Theatre program, are sponsored by Historic Old Sacramento Foundation, City of Sacramento, California State Parks, and the Old Sacramento Business Association.

Street Theatre, which is a free, above-ground educational entertainment series, runs every weekend June 19-Aug. 26. Historic re-enactors will be portraying early-day Sacramentans.

-- Dixie Reid

By Dixie Reid

This year's California State Fair promises all the calories of its beloved deep-fried, on-a-stick cuisine but at three-quarters of the cost.

Most food vendors are lowering their prices 25 percent during the fair, which runs July 14-Aug. 1 at Cal Expo.

"We want to make it affordable for families. With the economy the way it is, it's still a tough time," said spokesman Corey Egel. "We've got great food, and we want people to be able to fill their stomachs without empyting their wallets."

For example, a Funnel Cake Express Pennsylvania Dutch funnel cake is $3.75, down from $5 in 2009. Sam Pon's eggroll-on-a-stick, priced at $3.50 last year, is $2.50.

The "it" food this year could be newcomer Fraser & Fraser's hot beef sundae (a layering of roast meat, mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, gravy and a cherry tomato on top.) It will sell for $6, rather than the usual $8.

"It sounds kinda gross," Egel said. "It's made to look like a sundae but doesn't involve ice cream, thank goodness."

Fair-food fans can look forward, as well, to paella, deep-fried alligator, fruit shish kabobs and chocolate-covered bacon, all at a discount.

Food vendors in the Magnificent Midway and Kids' Park so far haven't announced whether they will lower their food prices, Egel said.

Call The Bee's Dixie Reid, (916) 321-1134.

"Take me (and the family) out to the ballgame."

That's the song River Cats' fans will be singing this season.

The team announced today the return of its Family Packs, which include four tickets to one of four upcoming games, four Raley Field food vouchers and four passes to Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town.

Family Pack prices start at $56. Tickets also can be purchased for additional family members.

The four Family Pack games are:

Saturday, May 8 (River Cats vs. Colorado Springs Sky Sox
Sunday, June 20 (vs. Salt Lake Bees)
Saturday, July 10 (vs. Portland Beavers)
Saturday, Aug. 14 (vs. Omaha Royals)

Purchase the ticket packages at www.rivercats.com/familypacks
or at the Raley Field box office.

- Dixie Reid

With the departure of LeAnne Ruzzamenti, the Crocker Art Museum's director of marketing communications, the search is under way for an interim replacement.

The position is for six months, while the search continues for a full-time communications director.

Ruzzamenti accepted a position as marketing director for the Dairy Council of California.

"Obviously, LeAnne was a very important player here, and it was quite a loss to us to have her leave," said Randy Roberts, the museum's deputy director. "We will fill the position as quickly as possible."

Roberts hopes to have the interim marketing director in place by next week.

"We have so much momentum going here, and we don't want to lose that momentum," she said.

The Crocker will close June 7 for the momentous task of moving artwork into the new, $100 million wing sitting just to the west of the existing Victorian Italianate structure. The "new" Crocker will reopen Oct. 10.

The job of communications director is "a key critical position" at this time, Roberts said.

"As we expand, we're looking to deepen and broaden our audience. We're about to complete a branding process that started under LeAnne's leadership. As we open the new Crocker, how do we get out the message that makes people want to check us out and reassure people who know the museum that they will still find the things they love?

"The message is more complicated than it once was," Roberts said. "And the person (communications director) must understand both the museum and the audience."

- Dixie Reid

FOX

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest introduced last night's Top 6 as though they had been re-invented as the Village Idols - a painter, a student, a glass blower, a mother, a father and a construction worker.

But he should have dubbed them decent singers as they took on the songbook of country/pop singer Shania Twain, a guest judge during this season's audition process.

In a bit of a surprise, frontrunner Crystal Bowersox received the most criticism for a folksy rendition of "No One Needs To Know." Crystal has yet to get dissed, but the four judges weren't as wowed as usual. It was still a good performance, and she should be safe.

"It wasn't my favorite performance," said Randy Jackson. From Simon Cowell: "Surprise, surprise, we don't like Crystal this week. It was like being in a coffee shop and they've hired a band to sing when you don't want them to. But it's the only week so far I haven't really liked your performance."

Regaining the judges' kudos were Casey James (pictured), who sang "Don't," and teen Aaron Kelly, who boomed Shania's "You've Got a Way."

Kara DioGuardi told Casey artists don't hide. "They show the good, the bad and the ugly. Tonight you were vulnerable and raw. It's what you need to do."

Ellen Degeneres said of Aaron's performance: "I loved the emotion and depth."

For me, Siobhan Magnus offered up another work-your-way-up-to-a-scream song, belting out "Any Man of Mine." Siobhan's signature belt at the end of performances is also starting to wear thin with Simon, who told her she was screaming - "almost like you were giving birth!"

Big Mike, aka Michael Lynche, offered a soulful take on "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing." The judges agreed it had a very Luther Vandross sound. "You've found your zone as a balladeer with an R&B vibe," said Randy.

Hands down, the best Shania song was offered up by Lee Dewyze, the night's first performer, who sang perhaps one of Shania's most popular songs, "Still the One." He flipped it just enough to make it a song he could record.

One of the Top 6 will be eliminated tonight. Votefortheworst.com is now going with Siobhan as the contestant to save after the website's pick, Tim Urban, got the boot last week. Guest performances on the 9 p.m. results show will include Rascal Flatts and Lady Antebellum.

In other "Idol" news:

* "Idol Gives Back" already has raised more than $45 million for children's charities after the show last week.

* The "American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010 schedule has been released. The Top 10 will make a stop Aug. 18 at Arco Arena in Sacramento. Tickets for the show go on sale the weekend of May 14. For more info? Check out www.americanidol.com.

By Carla Meyer
cmeyer@sacbee.com

Falling in love with Joe Walsh is a three-step process.

It starts with attending an Eagles concert expecting to chill out to country-rock rhythms and instead being fascinated by an electrifying figure who delivers fat guitar riffs, wears only black and tops a craggy face with a blond mop leaning toward the feminine.

The fixation increases when Walsh sings. His voice, after you hear it enough, moves from whiny to bracing, its sometimes off-key urgency a welcome counterpoint to the band's smooth harmonies.

The love was cemented when Walsh, addressing the crowd as a sold-out Eagles concert Tuesday night at Arco Arena rounded into its third and final hour, suggested he might run for governor of California.

One immediately imagined a speed limit of 185, and promises of pool tables and solid-gold toilets in every home.

Run, Joe, run!

The non-Walsh-specific parts of the show entertained as well, just in a more expected way. The hits and heavenly harmonies kept coming, as Walsh, Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Sacramento-raised Timothy B. Schmit showed, individually and together, what fine musicians they are.

It also was refreshing to see an arena packed with people who usually don't come to shows. On Tuesday, the Eagles and their hits going back nearly 40 years brought out rockers with walkers and mom-daughter combos aged 60 and 30 instead of the usual 40 and 13.

It was a demographic best encapsulated by this cry from an audience member just before the concert started:

"Start the show! We have to work in the morning."

Frey, serving as the night's emcee, later joked with the crowd, "This is the Eagles' Assisted Living Tour."

The Eagles played until 11:30 anyway. At moments -- and if one could see past Henley's checkered dad shirt -- it still seemed like 1979.

Henley's gritty, slightly nasal and abundantly warm voice sounded as inviting as ever, especially on the band's excellent rendition of his solo hit, "The Boys of Summer."

Henley, Frey, Walsh and talented tour guitarist Steuart Smith crafted a guitar-centric version of the synth-driven song, in the process removing some of its 1980s chill. It wasn't better, just different.

Solid when singing lead, Frey also seemed to pull the whole thing together on stage, through his guitar work, harmonies and wit. Frey dedicated the cheatin' song "Lyin' Eyes" to "my first wife, Plaintiff."

Longtime Eagles bassist and proud Sacramento son Schmit showed off a high, clear, age-defying voice on "I Can't Tell You Why." He also said hello to his 86-year-old mother in the audience.

When he later drew a raucous response during band-member introductions, Schmit appeared truly touched, thanking the audience for making his mom proud.

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

Photo of the Eagles' Joe Walsh by Carl Costas/ccostas@sacbee.com.

RANDALL BENTON rbenton@sacbee.com

So we're not gonna let it rain on this weekend's Midtown Sidewalk Sale, right? More than 20 retailers are praying for sunshine as plans are coming together for the three-day event: Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 18th and 25th streets and J, K and L streets.

I got an e-mail from Corey DeRoo, co-owner of French Cuff Consignment (24th and J) who said the sale is being put on by the Midtown Boutique District and the Midtown Business Association.

"Some items in some stores will be up to 80 percent off," she said. "And one of the stores, my upstairs neighbor Fig Tree Alley, will hold knitting demonstrations outside in front of our building."

Based on the list of retailers Corey sent over, just about every boutique, including Sugar Shack, Tres Chic, Britt Steele, Cuffs Urban Apparel, Krazy Mary's, Beyond Gotham and Bows & Arrows, will participate. And then there's my favorite place to get my flip-flop fix on, Swanberg's on J.

Relles and the Book Collector will also be on board. So bike, walk, run - whatever mode of transportation gets you there, but don't miss out on this event. Most stores will observe regular business hours. Balloons and posters will mark the stores participating.

The California Exposition & State Fair is offering three scholarships for at-risk youth who've made significant life changes.

Applications for the Step Up Positive Change Awards, which is open to any California resident 16 to 25 years, are due May 6.

"Ideal candidates are youth who may have been in trouble in the past, but are making significant strides to improve their lives and their communities," a State Fair news release states.

Candidates also need to involved as a member, employee or volunteer of an outreach program or non-profit organization.

First place will be awarded $500, second place $300 and third place $200. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Exployees donated the funding.

To get an application, go to www.bigfun.org or e-mail stepup@calexpo.com. Applications are also available at the California State Fair administration building by calling (916) 263-3912.

Lezlie Sterling/lsterling@sacbee.com
Sacramento Ballet dancers Rick Porter and Megan Steffens.

The Sacramento Ballet returned to Sac State's University Theatre on Thursday for a four-day run of its "Modern Masters" program. Six choreographers created or adapted dances for the company to perform.

Nolan T'Sani, who teaches dance at CSUS and is a character dancer with the company, choreographed "Futabashira" to music by Watsonville Taiko and Kevin Kmetz. Some of its movements were stereotypically "Eastern" - bows, arm gestures and the like - but well- suited to the taiko music. The dance took on a burst of male energy perfectly timed to a deepening rhythm in the drumming at one point, and at another featured Timothy Coleman and Heidi Zolker in a very slow and elegant pas de deux.

Ballet company member Nicole Haskins choreographed "Unconscious Surrender" to music by Samuel Barber. Employing an ensemble of 15, Haskins began the piece with dancers in seeming nightshirts, slowly crossing the stage as if sleepwalking. Periodically they'd give themselves to the music, alone or as couples participating in brief encounters. The movement gradually returned to the dancers' solitary sleepwalk. It was lovely and touching and sad.

Stefan Calka's "The Three and The One," to music by Gabriel Fauré and the White Stripes, was perhaps the evening's most ambitious - and challenging - work. Dramatically lit and inventively staged with quick vignettes apparently detailing some dark deal being made, the dance is a dreamlike piece of theater in which love is desired, won and ultimately lost. The jarring White Stripes music sets up a nightmarish scene that sends the dance toward its sad and unsettling finale when the devil gets his due. Richard Porter, Megan Steffens, Amanda Peet and Richard Smith are featured - Porter most prominently - with 14 dancers in the ensemble waltzing through.

Yuri Zhukov, a onetime dancer with the Kirov and the San Francisco Ballet companies, reworked a piece he created for City Youth Ballet into a six-woman dance called "With Time We Go." Performed to music by Vladimir Martynov, the dance had an air of coolness about it as the women performed in solo and group work. The choreographer's use of a musical cue for little hops in the steps was the only light moment in an elegiac dance about longing and separation. Zhukov's dance, at once contemporary yet classically grounded, is a perfect fit for the company.

Former Sacramento Ballet dancer Amy Seiwert proved once again to be an audience pleaser with her work "It's not a cry," which she created for the company last year. Danced by Calka and Chloe Horne to Jeff Buckley's version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," the dance drew four curtain calls at its conclusion. Seiwert's dance is sculptural in design and demanding in execution. It's a beautifully erotic pas de deux that relies on the geometry of the relationship between the dancers' bodies to create a physical tension that mirrors the emotion of the piece. It was exquisitely performed by Calka and Horne, who expertly covered for the slipping jacket sleeve that could have wrecked the balance.

The final piece on the program is Sunchai Muy's "Os Rufos," performed to an entirely percussive score. With men dressed in what can best be described as underpants and corsets and the women adding tank tops to their attire, it's a lighthearted - but seriously conceived - work. It's the program's only piece that has dancers on pointe for any amount of time, and it's also very athletic. Among its demanding moments is a duet featuring Christopher Nachtrab and Brik Middlekauff that is a rush of jumps and spins performed first by him and then matched by her. It's some feat.

"Modern Masters"
Sacramento Ballet presents six dances created or adapted for the company
When: 7:30 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: University Theatre on the CSUS campus, 6000 J St., Sacramento
Tickets: $40
Information: (916) 278-4323, www.tickets.com

By Jim Carnes

The Pamela Trokanski Dance Theatre presents its spring concert with performances Friday and Saturday at its in-house theater in Davis. Trokanski is known for creating works that arise from popular culture and personal experience and blend in inventive, idiosyncratic ways. The spring program features the premiere of www.2b/Nt2BcoNectd.com, a piece that looks at our changing relationships thanks to technology and internet social networking. Joining the company and its apprentices will be 18 guest dancers drawn from Davis, Sacramento, Vacaville and Berkeley.

The theater is in the Pamela Trokanski Dance Workshop & Performing Arts Center, 2720 Del Rio Place, Davis. Performances begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. For more information: (530) 756-3949/

Tonight's two-hour "Idol Gives Back" (8 p.m., FOX40) should be more upbeat than last night's hour of tears and jeers. Hopefully, Crystal Bowersox has pulled it together after breaking down because her dad was in the audience for the first time.

No matter. Everyone raved about her take on "People Get Ready" - and hey look, no instrument!

Like I've said, the Top 7 are starting to show real cracks coming down the stretch, and I see Crystal going up against soulful Lee Dewyze for the Season 9 title. He was really the only other contestant who received positive feedback.

And if anyone ever sings "I Believe I Can Fly" again, I might do what one other "Idol" blogger said: "Pull a Van Gogh on myself with a pair of hedge clippers!"

Votefortheworst.com really pushed voters to keep shaggy Tim Urban on the show. I think he stays - at least another week. Once again, Siobhan Magnus flitted with her uniqueness - wearing an odd assortment of butterfly accessories and tackling that big 'ol Whitney/Mariah no-no song, "When You Believe."

The show traditionally hasn't sent a contestant home on "Idol Gives Back," but wouldn't it be better to have that person leave before the two hours are up? That's kind of the humanitarian thing to do.

Oh, and one more thing: Thank you America for sending Kate Gosselin dancing into the sunset on "Dancing With the Stars." It might hurt the show's ratings, but I'm sure her partner, Tony Dovolani, is dancing in the streets.

I grabbed this item from Zap2it's website because I've been scrounging around to see what folks are saying about "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Kate Gosselin's walk-a-thon masquerading as a fox trot on last night's show.

We're all in agreement: Wake up fans, Kate must go!

Give me a break (a leg)! The reality show "momster" can't dance! She clunked across the dance floor - big shoulders and Franken-feet - while her poor but professional partner Tony Dovolani was dragging to keep her upright.

The theme was "Movie Night," and the pair drew an odd song, "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from the brat pack movie "Breakfast Club." Judge Bruno Tonioli ripped Kate's performance and told Tony, "You could have had more life with a frock and a coat hanger!" The dancing was bad, the dress a hot mess. And top that with Kate's usual snarky rehearsal with Tony, who has good reason to hope tonight the viewers send her packing.

After the judges' assaults and a mere 15 points on the board, Kate begged for votes. It's time for Kate to tend to her kids, resolve her custody battle and leave good dancing to Evan Lysacek and Nicole Scherzinger.

More TV news:

* Tonight's edition of "American Idol" should grab a big audience as the Top 7 perform inspirational songs with the help of mentor Alicia Keys. Then, tomorrow night (also 8 p.m. on FOX40), it's the return of a two-hour "Idol Gives Back," which hopes to raise millions for charities like the Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children's U.S. programs and the United Nations Foundation.

Scheduled guests for the fundraiser include Sir Elton John, Carrie Underwood (fresh off her ACM Entertainer of the Year award), the Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, Jeff Beck, Joss Stone and Mary J. Blige, with a pre-taped appearance by Justin Bieber. "Idol" host Ryan Seacrest - at the Kodak Theater - will be joined by Queen Latifah emceeing from a second theater. And, unlike past "Idol Gives Back" shows in which the contestants were safe an extra week, word is there will be an elimination Wednesday night. We'll see.

* I got an e-mail earlier today with good TV news! NBC has made a very, very wise decision to pick up its new midseason replacement drama "Parenthood" for the 2010-11 season.The show, which airs at 10 p.m. Tuesday, is doing well in the Nielsen Ratings. "Parenthood" ranks No. 1 in the time period with adults 18 to 49, a great draw for advertisers.

And it's an amazing show - well-written, great cast, complex characters, set in Berkeley. What more could you ask? Check out repeat shows at 8 p.m. Saturday on NBC.

COURTESY CREST THEATRE

The Coen Brothers aren't the only "bros" in the movie business. And it's a safe bet most moivegoers haven't met them. But this Saturday, fans of the Bratt brothers - Peter and Benjamin - will get a chance to chat with them when their privately financed film, "The Mission," is screened at the Crest Theatre in Sacramento (1013 K St.)

The movie premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and opens Friday at the Crest. (You might also see it as "La Mision" in the local Latino vernacular.) Older brother Peter Bratt is the director. The story is of a proud, culturally grounded Latino single dad named Che Rivera, played by Benjamin Bratt (pictured). Rivera's macho world is rocked when his son, a gifted student at UCLA, comes out as a gay man. On a side note, Benjamin's real-life wife, Talisa Soto Bratt, also is in the film.

So back to the Saturday appearance: The Bratts will conduct Q&A sessions after the 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. screenings at the Crest. They also will introduce the 5:30 p.m. screening. Advance tickets are available at the theater box office and www.tickets.com.

What do classics like "The Chocolate War," "To Kill A Mockingbird" and "Catcher in the Rye" share in common?

They're on the list of the most challenged books at libraries and schools.

These time-tested works are included in the top 10 list of the most frequently challenged books of last year, compiled by the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom (OiF).

This year Lauren Myracle's best-selling young adult novel series "ttyl," tops the list. That book is the first-ever novel series written entirely in instant messaging style.

A challenge is defined by the OiF as a "formal, written complaint, filed by either a library or school, requesting that the books be removed or restricted because of content." The OiF received 466 requests to remove or restrict books in 2009.

It estimates that this number reflects only 20-25% of the challenges actually made at public libraries, school's and school libraries.

Here's the 2009 Top Ten List:

1. "ttyl", "ttfn", "l8r", "g8r" (series), by Lauren Myracle
Reasons: Nudity, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group, Drugs

2. "And Tango Makes Three" by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
Reasons: Homosexuality

3. "The Perks of Being A Wallflower," by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Anti-Family, Offensive Language, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group, Drugs, Suicide

4. "To Kill A Mockingbird," by Harper Lee
Reasons: Racism, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

5. "Twilight" (series) by Stephenie Meyer
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group

6. "Catcher in the Rye," by J.D. Salinger
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

7. "My Sister's Keeper," by Jodi Picoult
Reasons: Sexism, Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group, Drugs, Suicide, Violence

8. "The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big, Round Things," by Carolyn Mackler
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

9. "The Color Purple," Alice Walker
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

10. "The Chocolate War," by Robert Cormier

The ALA also released a list of the most challenged books of the last decade.

By Marcus Crowder
mcrowder@sacbee.com

There's plenty of plucky American pioneering spirit - together with waves of old-fashioned sentiment - in the national touring production of "Little House on the Prairie, The Musical."

The musical, at the Community Center Theater, was developed at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and has gone from its run there to this national tour, with a New York production under consideration.

Based on the enduring series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this production features Melissa Gilbert, who came to popular prominence from 1974-1983, starring in a television series sourcing the same material. Gilbert played Laura on television, but here she has appropriately moved on to play Ma, with the bright Kara Lindsay taking the central Laura role.

The musical's story airbrushes Laura's teen years, at first focusing on her family's homesteading in DeSmet, S.D., and then the courtship of Almanzo Wilder, who of course eventually becomes her husband. The musical's creative team, book by Rachel Sheinkin with music by Rachel Portman and lyrics by Donna Di Novelli, fashion an often-affecting, though limited narrative.

The musical's dynamics feature the homesteaders dealing with unyielding elements including a brutal winter and Laura's competition with Nellie Oleson. While Kate Loprest gives Nellie a real spark, the weak character occupies too much prominence in the thin story.

Director Francesca Zambello smartly distracts from the flat storytelling with stylized tableaux and an attractive, minimalist visual approach. Portman, who has mainly done film scores, writes some beautifully evocative music here, but Di Novelli's lyrics are mostly cumbersome and trite, minimizing the songs. Only on the duet "Faster," between Kevin Massey's determined Almanzo and Lindsay's Laura, do we get a song that really reaches inside the characters.

Still, the heart of the story, the selflessness of the Ingalls family and the remarkable resilience of the settlers have an undeniable strength. Steve Blanchard as Pa, Alessa Neeck as Laura's older sister Mary, and Anastasia Korbal as younger sister Carrie form the tightknit family.

Though Gilbert's voice didn't really pack much strength or assurance, she still delivered the musical's pivotal number "Wild Child" with an emotional clarity that really defines this production.

Call The Bee's Marcus Crowder, (916) 321-1120.

FOX

Who better to school the Top 9 "American Idol" contestants on the showmanship of the late, great Elvis Presley than his current lookalike, Adam Lambert. Lambert, last season's runner-up, was the perfect Presley mentor, offering suggestions and critiques to the contestants, who were flown from L.A. to Vegas for a session with the pop star.

For me, Adam's words of wisdom paid big dividends for most of the Top 9. However, with two contestants going home tonight because of last week's judges' save, it was pretty obvious - for me - that Andrew Garcia is a safe bet to leave the show.

His interpretation of the classic "Hound Dog" was a "dawg," and not Randy Jackson's version. Simon Cowell called it "lazy and predictable."

My next pick to leave is between teen crooners Aaron Kelly and Katie Stevens. (They were probably going to cancel each other out anyway among voters.) Aaron's "Blue Suede Shoes" came off as a guy singing it for his parents' friends - way too old. And Katie was blown away by the show's horn section on "Baby What You Want Me To Do." Simon said it was "loud and a bit annoying."

A Bee colleague and I disagreed on Siobhan Magnus' take on "Suspicious Minds." He thought she was great; I thought she was predicatable - start low and slow and end with a high-pitched wail. Same old, same old. Kara DioGuardi agreed with me. "It's getting confusing for me," she said. I thought Siobhan's updo hairdo, white boots and white dress was dated, even though my colleague called it "Elvis white."

My guess is Siobhan could be in danger. And for the first time country-esque crooner Casey James didn't wow. Performing last on "Idol" is not always good time-wise - last night in particular because the show was the lede-in for the return of "Glee."

My favorite performances? Consistent Crystal Bowersox with "Saved," gutsy Lee DeWyze with "A Little Less Conversation" and Michael "Big Mike" Lynche with "In the Ghetto."

And I saved the best for last. Who would have thought Tim Urban (pictured), who made the Top 24 by default and who has taken a musical lashing from the judges, could be a dark horse to win this thing?

For the past two weeks, he's wowed. Last week with "All My Loving" from the Lennon/McCartney songbook and last night with Elvis' "Can't Help Falling in Love." He played the guitar beautifully and took Lambert's advice by switching octaves at one point. No question he's winning over voters and should not be in tonight's bottom three.

Check out the results show at 9 p.m. on FOX40. Next week? The return of "Idol Gives Back."

"Little House on the Prairie, The Musical" rolls into Sacramento on Wednesday for a two-week run at the Community Center Theater. In addition to entertaining local audiences, the national tour, which features Melissa Gilbert (the original Laura Ingalls) as Ma, will partner with Habitat for Humanity to raise the roof, so to speak, on the need for affordable housing in our area.

How will it work?

On Friday, around 10 a.m., "Little House" cast members will help build a house on Mahogany Street in Del Paso Heights. This is an ongoing effort throughout the company's 34-week, 25-city tour. A minimum donation of $1,500 is being given to each destination through the June run.

"Habitat for Humanity is truly one of the most important, most wonderful organizations in this country and around the world," said Gilbert in a statement. "An enduring message of 'Little House on the Prairie' - the importance above all of a home and a strong family - is exactly the mission of Habitat. There couldn't be a more perfect match between a show and an organization."

"Little House on the Prairie, The Musical" is a presentation of Broadway Sacramento. It opens Wednesday and runs 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Thursdays,
Saturdays and Sundays, through April 25. There's an additional performance at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. All shows are at the Community Center Theater, 1301 L St., Sacramento. Tickets cost $18-$65. For more information: (916) 808-5181, or visit
www.californiamusicaltheatre.com.

Mason's might have gone casual, foodwise, but the level of entertainment at Cafeteria 15L/Park Ultralounge is pretty swank.

This evening -- in a "Zone Lounge" show available only to call-in winners to 100.5 FM (The Zone) -- "American Idol" winner Kris Allen will perform. The station is giving away tickets throughout today.

So listen and win, as they say.

On Thursday, singer Kelis will perform her new single "Acapella." Tickets are $10 and are available at the door of the nightspot at 15th and L streets. Doors open at 9 p.m.

Even as the Polish people mourn the loss of their president and many other leaders in a plane crash over Russia, the Polish American Club of Greater Sacramento sends out an open invitation to a celebration of Polish culture.

"Dance, Poland!" is set for 7 p.m. April 24 at the Polish American Club of Greater Sacramento, 327 Main St. in Roseville.

Traditional songs, dances and music will be performed by the Lowiczanie Polish Folk Ensemble of San Francisco and Pulaski Polish Dancers of Fresno. Polish pastries will be served.

Admission is $15 general, $10 students and $5 for Children younger than 12.

Want to know more? Call (916) 725-8704 or e-mail contact@polish-club.org.

- Dixie Reid

By Edward Ortiz
eortiz@sacbee.com

When a musician is deeply connected to his or her instrument you get the feeling they've tapped into a well of musical energy.

That thought came to mind while watching the violinist Midori, who gave a brilliant performance Saturday evening at the Community Music Center Theater.

The evening was a showpiece for how this 39-year-old violinist has crafted a stellar sound. It's a sound that was already praised for its maturity when she burst onto the concert scene at age 11.

For this performance Midori showed her deft hand at crafting interesting and compelling concert programs. Here the music ranged from a work by Bach to one by Paul Hindemith and a piece by Manuel de Falla, too.

It was an evening where Midori never addressed the audience, and where there were no introductions.

But with Midori, none are needed.

By Marcus Crowder
mcrowder@sacbee.com

The Sacramento Theatre Company has announced its 2010-11 season. The subscription packages, which go on sale May 18, range from $90 to $156. Information is available at the Wells Fargo Pavilion box office 1419 H St., (916) 443-6722 and (888) 478-2849. The theater's web site is www.sactheatre.org.

The Sacramento Theatre Company 2010-11 season

"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde
Oct.6 - Oct. 31 (Main Stage)

"Talley's Folly" by Lanford Wilson
Nov. 10 - Dec.19 (Pollock Stage)

"A Christmas Carol" adapted by Richard Hellesen, with songs by David deBerry
Dec. 1 - Dec. 26 (Main Stage)

"Calamity" American premiere by Bryony Lavery
Jan. 12 - Feb. 20, 2011 (Pollock Stage)

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" by Neil Simon
March 2 - March 27, 2011 (Main Stage)

"The Belle Amherst" by William Luce
March 30 - May 8, 2011 (Pollock Stage)

"Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure" by Steven Dietz
April 27 - May 22, 2011 (Main Stage)

By Edward Ortiz

eortiz@sacbee.com

Anyone who doubts whether music can outlast an evil moment in history should see the Sacramento Children's Chorus' winsome production of the children's opera "Brundibár."

Written in 1938 by Czech composer Hans Krasa before his incarceration in the Terezin Nazi concentration camp in World War II, this opera has survived as a joyous example of how music triumphed during the darkest of times.

In this production, a combination of local forces was used. Those included the chorus members under the direction of Lynn Stevens, along with the members of the Sacramento Youth Symphony under the direction of Sacramento Opera conductor Timm Rolek.

Thursday's performance at Hiram Johnson High School's auditorium was made more powerful because Ela Weissberger (left), who was in the original cast when the opera was performed at Terezin, accepted an invitation to attend, coming to Sacramento from her home in Tappan, N.Y.

Sometimes, when you want something to happen, you have to do it on your own.

That's the route taken by four local teen musicians who have formed the Trubaek Quartet.

The rationale for forming the quartet?

It's an altruistic one. The quartet was formed to give a benefit concert on April 17 to raise funds for recent earthquake victims in Haiti.

The musicians, (pictured, from left to right) include violist Camille Getz, violinist Nicole Hwang, cellist Rachel Baek and violinist Ray Anthony Trujillo. All are in high school, except for cellist Baek.

For the performance, each musician will play solo as well as play as a quartet.

The program includes all four performing on the Adagio non troppo from Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 1, as well as Getz tackling "Schon Rosmarin" by Kreisler, cellist Baek on the first movement from Elgar's Concerto E minor, violinist Hwang performing the third movement from Henri Wieniawski's Concerto A minor, and Trujillo on John Corigliano's "Red Violin Caprices" as well as his performance of two movements from Hindemith's Solo Sonata.

Trujillo's performance, especially, should be one to watch. He's a prodigious talent and recent winner of the Sacramento Philharmonic and Jammies Classical Music Competition for Young & Local Artists.

Also slated to perform is cellist Eunghee Cho, who will play the first movement of Shostakovich's Concerto Eb major.

The only help help that these four musicians had in putting this concert together was getting rides to and from rehearsals by respective parents, said Pat Getz, mother of violist Camille Getz.

And for young classical musicians that may be as as good an education about the the world of classical music presentation as can be had in the business.

Trubaek Quartet
WHEN: 8 p.m., April 17
WHERE: Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3234 Pope Ave., Sacramento
TICKETS: $20; $10 Students
INFORMATION: (916) 487-5192

The Sacramento Ballet is facing a new challenge. But this time, it's a good one. Longtime Sac Ballet supporter Dr. John de la Vega, impressed by the way the company overcame the adversity of last year's financial crisis, has challenged the group to broaden its base of support.

For each $2 in donations the company receives, he will give $1 -- up to $50,000. Therefore, the company's goal is to raise $100,000 in new money in order to collect the good doctor's $50,000.

The company hopes to attract new annual memberships (at either the $1,000, $300 or $150 level), but donations in any amount will be accepted and will count toward the challenge.

The ballet company has a goal of 750 memberships and new donors. The challenge grant offer is good through June 30.

Donations may be mailed to the Sacramento Ballet at 1631 K St., Sacramento 95814. Challenge grant and membership information can be found at www.sacballet.org. For more information, call the ballet's executive director, Greg Smith, at (916) 552-5800 x107.

Four comics -- all men -- bring laughter and information about breast cancer to the Punch Line Comedy Club on April 14. The jokes come first; then you get the serious information.

The Pink Ribbon Comedy Tour is a three-month long series of concerts (70 shows in all), from which 30 percent of ticket sales will be donated (with a minimum guaranteed donation of $10,000) to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer awareness and research effort.

Kevin Richards (whose mother Renee was disagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2009), Brendan T. Gleason, Nick Hoff and Law Smith are the comics. Their humor falls into the PG-13 to R-rated arena.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $17 for ages 18 and over only. The club is at 2100 Arden Way, Sacramento. For more information: (916) 925-8500, www.pinkribboncomedytour.com.

It's looking like the audio book is likely headed towards the dustbin of product history.

And the e-book is to blame.

At least that's the implication that can be gleaned from the latest report from the Association of American Publishers.

That report, released yesterday, is an annual estimate of U.S. book sales and shows that e-book sales overtook audio book sales in 2009 - with a whopping 176% increase in yearly sales.

However, audio books are not dead yet - sales for 2009 totaled a robust $192 million. But that amount was a decrease of 12.9% from the prior year, the report said.

To make its estimate the association uses data from the Bureau of the Census as well as sales data from eighty-six publishers that includes most major book publishing media market companies.

Those estimates showed that U.S. publishers had net sales of $23.9 billion in 2009, down from $24.3 billion in 2008, a 1.8% decrease.

By Marcus Crowder
mcrowder@sacbee.com

Elvis Costello charmed and entertained a sold-out Mondavi Center audience Wednesday night with an animated, wide-ranging, 90-minute solo performance.

Dressed in a gray suit with a wide-brimmed, tan Panama hat, Costello moved easily through songs from across his career, including three from his first album "My Aim Is True," two songs from his last studio recording "Secret, Profane, and Sugarcane," and even debuting three brand new tunes.

An elite songwriter, hugely underrated singer and inveterate musicologist, Costello also understands show business. He's able to give a crowd what it wants without pandering to them.

One of the greatest attributes of Costello's career has been his ability to grow artistically and continually redefine himself while bringing his fans -- old and new -- along with him. The qualities were evident Wednesday night as his new rootsy sounding songs meshed seamlessly with classics from his extensive catalog.

Opening with "45," an homage to his record collecting youth from 2002's "When I Was Cruel," Costello sang powerfully throughout, occasionally finding a sweet falsetto and even whistling a couple of solos. In the spare solo format, Costello broke down a few older songs into simpler more poignant versions than their record versions. On the "Veronica" (written with Paul McCartney) and "Every Day I Write the Book," Costello deconstructed the songs to their basic melodies, allowing the plaintive narratives to come forward. "Brilliant Mistake," one his most revealing and affecting songs, needed little but the straightforward reading Costello gave it. He expertly used the dynamics of Jackson Hall, moving off the microphone and singing out into the auditorium with an unamplified, but easily heard, voice adding a delicate dramatic dimension.

Even though Costello played some of his earliest and still most popular songs, "Watching the Detectives," "Alison" and "The Angels Want To Wear My Red Shoes," they weren't simply tossed off. The three songs from his 1977 debut album held down strategic moments of the smartly paced show.

"Watching the Detectives" came toward the end of the set bringing some sonic mayhem to the performance. Costello set up the familiar guitar figure then looped it and added some distortion and echo effects as well. He followed that with "Radio Sweetheart," one of his earliest songs, which segued into an audience clap and singalong of Van Morrison's "Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile)."

The participation worked so well Costello asked for more on "God's Comic," which has been one his favorite performance pieces for years. The audience happily complied echoing the chorus, "Now I'm dead, now I'm dead, now I'm dead," each time it came up.

He closed with an elegant, understated version of "Alison" before coming back for a four-song encore.

Costello opened his encore with a bluesy "Sulphur to Sugarcane," which he wrote with T Bone Burnett and is the title track from his latest record. He added "The Angels Want To Wear My New Shoes" and another recent song "The Spell You Cast" before finishing with a gorgeous "Man Out of Time."

Call The Bee's Marcus Crowder, (916) 321-1120.

For a photo gallery of Elvis Costello's show at the Mondavi Center, click here.

FOX

It was the right thing to do.

On last night's "American Idol" results show, the painstaking process of eliminating one of the Top 9 contestants never happened. With the loveable Michael "Big Mike" Lynche (shown) having to croon for his life and on the verge of going home, the four judges used the "save" to protect him another week.

The save can only be used once, only before the Top 5 is decided and it has to be a unanimous decision.

No question Michael, 26, picked the wrong song - "Eleanor Rigby" - for Tuesday night's Lennon/McCartney songbook theme. It wasn't a bad performance, just forgettable. Especially if you're a fan of the show and recall Season 7 winner David Cook's amazing take on the same song.

As I predicted, the remaining three female contestants - Crystal Bowersox, Katie Stevens and Siobhan Magnus - were safe. The three safe guys were Casey James, Lee DeWyze and Tim Urban. Joining Mike in the bottom three were Aaron Kelly and Andrew Garcia.

Mike sang from his heart to earn the save, his wife crying in the front row as he performed. It was a quick decision for the judges.

"We have decided we're going to see you next week," said Simon Cowell.

Last season, the judges used the one-time save on eventual fifth-place finisher Matt Giraud. It's good news for Big Mike, but it does mean two contestants will be eliminated next week. And what a week it should be. The musical mentor is Season 8 runner-up Adam Lambert.

Wonder who will be wearing black nail polish? Just a thought.

By Carla Meyer
cmeyer@sacbee.com

Of course the Black Eyed Peas started their sold-out show Wednesday night at Arco Arena with "Let's Get It Started."

The people-pleasingest, least-alienating act in music today wasn't about to throw a curve ball by opening with a song not about getting started.

That isn't the way of the Pea. The group that began with socially conscious hip hop 15 years ago now crafts pop songs incorporating electronica, surf guitar or just plain silliness - whatever's catchiest.

Staying constant throughout are the Peas' positivity and humility.

"Here we are, at the lowest point for the record industry, and it's the highest point for the Black Eyed Peas," will.i.am, the Peas' co-founder and primary songwriter, said in thanking an Arco Arena crowd that ranged in age from about 7 to 60. "We are headlining now - that's because of you."

Having toured constantly as an opening or festival act since singer Fergie (left) joined the group in 2003, the Peas celebrated their arena-sellout status with an elaborate stage show. Aerial stunts, laser lights and space-age costumes seemed designed to reward fans who turned the 2009 album "The E.N.D." and its singles "I Gotta Feeling" and "Boom Boom Pow" into monster hits.

The Black Eyed Peas sold out tonight's Arco Arena appearance well in advance but there are still tickets remaining for a downtown afterparty.

The official after show party featuring members of the Black Eyed Peas will be held at the Park Ultra Lounge, 1116 15th St.

Tickets are $30. Organizers note that not all members of the group will attend.

Live performances and DJ sets by the group LMFAO and members of the Black Eyed Peas are promised.

A dress code will prevail: no baggy clothing, sports attire, sunglasses or sneakers. Also no cameras or recorders allowed.

Afterparty attendees must be 21 years old to attend.

To purchase tickets visit www.theparkdowntown.com.

-- Bill Lindelof

OK, we won't bury the lead on this story: Rick Springfield is coming back to the California State Fair. He'll be here, in concert, on July 21.

Along with the "Jesse's Girl" and soap opera heartthrob, the free concert line-up announced today includes an array of stand-up comics, country and pop acts, and tribute bands:

Fab Four, July 14
Slaughter, July 15
Family Stone, July 17 (with Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson, original members of Sly & The Family Stone)
Little Big Town, July 19
Rick Springfield, July 21
Howie Mandel, July 22
Martina McBride, July 23
Lonestar, July 26
Village People, July 27
Eddie Money, July 28
Paul Rodriguez, July 29
Foghat, July 30
"Weird Al" Yankovic, Aug. 1

Up to four more shows will be added later.

All concerts are free with fair admission. Reserved Gold Circle seats, priced at $10-$49 depending on the performer, go on sale April 15. Buy them at www.tickets.com

This year's California State Fair is an early one, running July 14-Aug. 1 at Cal Expo. It's the first time in more than a century that the fair won't end on Labor Day.

For the latest information on all things State Fair, go to www.bigfun.org or call (916) 263-FAIR (263-3247.)

-- Dixie Reid

In a sea of country and jam-band concerts this summer, a ray of pop, spectacle and fashion eccentricity emerges: Rihanna is coming to Arco Arena Friday, July 9.

Tickets for the Sacramento stop on Rihanna's "Last Girl On Earth Tour" -- featuring Ke$ha as an opening act -- go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at www.livenation.com.
Prices are $90.25, $60.25, $30.25 and $20.25 (plus service charges).
-- Carla Meyer

The violinist Midori is coming to Sacramento to slay an 18 year long drought of performing in the city.

The 39-year-old old violinist, known as much as a champion of music education as she is for her violin playing, will perform Saturday evening at the Community Center Theater, with pianist Robert McDonald.

Midori comes by invitation of the Sacramento Philharmonic. The orchestra is making this concert especially youth-friendly by offering free tickets to children 17 and under with the purchase of a regular priced adult ticket.

Midori will perform a program that includes Manuel De Falla's "Suite Populaire Espagnole for Violin and Piano," Tzigane" by Ravel, Bach's Sonata for Solo Violin in G minor, and Paul Hindemith's Sonata for Violin and Piano in E Flat Major, Op. 11, No. 1, among others.

The last time Midori performed in the city was in 1992, when she appeared with the Sacramento Symphony in a performance of Saint-Saëns' Violin Concerto No. 3.

Midori
WHEN: 8 p.m., Saturday
WHERE: Community Center Theater, 1301 L St., Sacramento
TICKETS: $25-$65 (ages 17 and under free w/regular priced adult ticket purchase)
INFORMATION: (916) 808-5181 or www.sacphil.org

Photo courtesy of Beth Ruyak

The Bee met Sami Swanson a little over two years ago at the Starbucks on Broadway. She was sporting UGG boots and a megawatt smile.

And why not?

The local teen had just found out she was the major "face" in the 2008 Abercrombie & Fitch Kids spring campaign. For weeks, a 10-foot photo of Swanson hung in A&F stores nationwide, including Sacramento's Arden Fair Mall. Her fresh look also was featured on store bags.

Flash forward two years and Swanson, now 17 and a junior at Rio Americano High School, is set to make her network television debut. She has a guest-starring role on the NBC series "Trauma" at 9 p.m. Monday. The show, a high-octane medical drama, is set in San Francisco and focuses on first-responder paramedics.

The episode, titled "Scope of Practice," features Swanson as a high school cheerleader who falls out of a stunt and hits her head. The dilemma for the trauma team when it gets to the gym is whether or not to treat Swanson's character, Jasmine West, immediately or get her to the hospital.

Swanson says she auditioned for the part in January in the city. Her agency in San Francisco, JE Talent, came across the opportunity and felt she was well-suited for the part. After all, Swanson is on the cheer squad at Rio Americano.

"As for the audition, I had to read some lines and do a cheer for them," Swanson says. "I also did kicks."

Swanson, whose real-life mother is local TV personality Beth Ruyak, had actress Ann Cusack as her "Trauma" mom. (Swanson is pictured above, center, with actresses Anastasia Griffith, left, and Scottie Thompson, right.)

"It was really cool because everybody on the set was nice and welcoming, and they wanted you to do good," Swanson says. "The whole point of the episode was testing the main character's decision-making. I was rushed to the hospital in a big halo brace."

For the cheer stunt, Swanson worked with a cheerleading coach. She did have a stunt double, but Swanson took the fall.

"I had never practiced falling like that," she says.

Ruyak admits the show's authenticity was amazing. "During the taping the atmosphere was so real," she says. "Sami was lying on a hospital bed injured and bandaged up. During a break, I tapped her on the leg just to break the spell because it was a little frightening. She looked up and said, 'Hi Mom.' The show is a real nod back to shows like 'ER' and 'Emergency.' "

Filming wrapped in January; Swanson stays in touch with other "cheerleaders" from the episode via Facebook. She still models and did a commercial for Toyota last fall. She also performs in local theater productions. When we chatted, she was on her way to San Francisco to check out colleges and see a production of "Wicked" with her mother.

"Modeling and TV are two totally separate things," Swanson adds. "I think it's fun to play someone different. That's why I love theater, because I can pick up a character and put my spin on it."

Oh, and she's super-excited about being a senior next year. "I can't wait!" she says.

To see a clip from Monday night's episode of "Trauma," click here.

Valley Hi-North Laguna Library will close at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 10 - three hours early - for scheduled maintenance.

It will reopen at noon on Tuesday, April 13.

The branch library is at 7400 Imagination Parkway, Sacramento.

If you want to know anything about the public library system, call (916) 264-2920 or go to www.saclibrary.org

-- Dixie Reid

The last chance to try out for NorCal Sings!, an "American Idol"-like competition (without Simon Cowell and an audience in the millions) is April 10 at Sacramento's Westfield Downtown Plaza.

Singers compete in age categories, from 7 through adult, and in two genres: classical and pop/rock/country/musical theater.

The semi-finals, which will include 38 contestants from three earlier rounds, is April 25 in Sacramento. Sixteen singers selected from the April 10 competition will join them for the finals on May 2, also to be held in Sacramento.

Six winners each will receive up to $1,000 cash and other prizes.

Registration for the April 10 tryout is $45.

For rules and registration form, go to www.norcalsings.com

For further information, call Jim Crosthwaite, president of FirstStep Sports Marketing Group, at (916) 768-9781.

- Dixie Reid