21Q

FOX to air moonwalk anniversary special with Buzz Aldrin

2009-07-15T23:38:27Z

The FOX News Channel will replace Friday's "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren" with a special program on the lunar anniversary, also hosted by Van Susteren. The 40th anniversary of the first moonwalk is July 20.

"Apollo 11: One Small Step to Our Future" will feature interviews with several Apollo astronauts, focusing on Col. Buzz Aldrin of Apollo 11, who will discuss the future of space exploration with Van Susteren.

Other Apollo veterans on the program will include Jim Lovell, Rusty Schweickart, Gene Cernan, Alan Bean and Jack Schmitt, FOX announced.

The program will air at 7 p.m. Friday on the West Coast.

"Lion King" was a mane (main) attraction in Sacramento

2009-07-15T22:54:02Z

The folks at Broadway Sacramento, who hosted "Disney's 'The Lion King' " for a five-week engagement ending June 28, just announced that it set a box-office record at the Community Center Theater.

More than 88,000 people, many of whom traveled more than 100 miles, saw the show there.

"With total box office sales amounting to just under $6 million, this engagement of 'The Lion King' is the highest-grossing theatical return in Sacramento's history," says Richard Lewis, executive producer of Sacramento Musical Theatre, of which Broadway Sacramento is a part.

The production that was in Sacramento has moved on to Edmonton, Alberta, and will travel to Calgary, Anchorage, San Diego, Spokane and San Antonio.

A new production opened in May at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.

"The Lion King" was the winner of six Tony Awards, including best musical.

- Dixie Reid

KFC offers up 'Chari-T's' and a local guy is in the running

2009-07-15T20:15:52Z

The summer season is definitely sizzling at Kentucky Fried Chicken. But how are fashion and a drumstick zipped together? By design, of course.

The fast-food chain is sponsoring a philanthropic first: A design contest open to everyone from fashion designers to college students. The goal is to design a T-shirt to benefit KFC Colonel's Scholars, a charitable program that provides college scholarships to students in need.

And here's the local peg: Louis Solorio of Sacramento beat out hundreds of other tee entries to become one of the 12 semi-finalists in the contest. (See his entry above.)

Solorio, 34, says he's been telling all his friends and family to vote. He says his design is unique because he "painted" it using a program on his computer.
"It's more of a jersey-type tee, soccer style," he says. "Of course, it features the KFC logo."

Now we've got to get out the local vote because America's votes will help determine the top three designs, which will be sold at KFC.com and in the winning designers' hometowns. The three will be eating large as well, with a year's worth of KFC grilled chicken via gift checks. The designer with the most votes gets a weeklong trip to New York next February (hopefully during New York Fashion Week) and $1,000 to pursue a design career.

Sales of the three T-shirts will go toward the KFC scholarship program.

How to vote? Just click here. Voting ends July 26, and the top three will be announced Aug. 3, so cross your chickin-lickin' fingers for Louis! The winning shirts will be available for purchase through Sept. 14.

KVIE recruits volunteers to take pledges in fundraising drive

2009-07-15T19:02:45Z

Want a career in television?
Would you settle for volunteer work and a chance to appear live on television?
KVIE, the local public broadcasting station, is seeking volunteers from to answer phones and take member pledges during on-air fundraising drives.
They typically work with teams of volunteers from local companies, nonprofits, civic or social organizations.
Volunteer coordinator Noelle Champagne will take your calls to sign up for a shift at (916) 641-3593. Volunteers must be trained in time to man phone banks from July 30 through Aug. 11, and Aug. 15-16.
Your shift will last around four hours.

Check it out: Third Thursday Art Walk is tomorrow in South Sac

2009-07-15T16:56:17Z

Sacramento definitely is a city on the move, arts-wise.

Joining the ever-popular Second Saturday gallery strolls is tomorrow's Third Thursday Art Walk - highlighting the artwork of South Sacramento youth. There also will be live music and hands-on art workshops.

It's 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Colonial Heights Library, 4799 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento (between 14th Avenue and Fruitridge Road.)

According to a news release, "The kids in South Sac are trying to bring meaning and joy to their often-challenging lives." When surveyed three years ago, they said they wanted more art, music and dance in their lives.

Third Thursday Art Walk is funded in part by a Sierra Health Foundation REACH grant and the Stockton Boulevard Partnership, along with help from Sacramento Mutual Housing Association.

For more information on Third Thursday Art Walk, call Emily Bender: (916) 384-8287.

- Dixie Reid

River Cats conjure snow in July for Friday's game

2009-07-15T14:00:00Z

Ah, Raley Field in the summer - baseball, hot dogs and hold up ... snow?
Enjoy it for one night only.
From 5-8 p.m. before Friday's River Cats game, Interstate Batteries is sponsoring the transformation of field parking lots into a snow park, with a sled run and a snowball play area, using snow machines.
It's something Interstate Batteries has been doing at other minor league baseball fields, Raley Field spokesman Nick Lozito said. Company officials hope to convey the message that it's just as important to check your car battery in the summer. They're harmed 33 percent faster in summer heat than they are in winter cold, according to a news release.
The offer took Raley Field officials a little bit by surprise. They received it just a couple weeks ago.
"We're doing our best to get the word out with such late notice," Lozito said.
Snow night will fall on Family Fun Friday, when $1 hot dogs and $1 ice cream is served during the game.
Snow comes as a complete surprise even in winter in Sacramento, but amid summer's triple-digit temperatures, the idea is just silly enough to bring a smile to kids of all ages.
"Especially in July in Sacramento, it'll be a fun event," Lozito said.
--Sarah Frier

Witches disapparating at cinemas across Northern California

2009-07-15T05:21:48Z

By 10 p.m. Tuesday, hundreds of young witches had descended upon the Regal Natomas Stadium 16, awaiting their chance to be sorted into one of 10 theaters showing "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
Theater managers said they had opened the 10th theater Monday but had sold out of tickets quickly. That amounted to 1,600 seats at this cinema complex alone.
Inside the door of the movie complex, Sacramento dad Jeremy Scoville had donned the guise of Rubeus Hagrid for one special night with his three sons. One of the boys, 14-year-old Jimmy, had the courage to play the role of Draco Malfoy, Harry's antagonist.
Why did the family venture out tonight of all nights?
"Every year, it's like a family tradition," said "Draco." Added "Hagrid:" "Fantasy and fun, that's what this night is all about."
Sacramento-area residents started lining up at theaters Tuesday morning to get the best seats.
Julianne Jones discovered the Harry Potter books by British author J.K. Rowling when she was 15 or 16. On Tuesday night, the 23-year-old was standing outside the theater with friends Josh and Natalie Caldwell. They arrived two hours before the movie was to start at 12:01 a.m. Why?
"To get a good seat."

'Potter' fans reach frenzy well ahead of witching hour

2009-07-14T22:45:37Z

About 50 Harry Potter fans, some dressed in wizard garb, already are waiting in line at the Regal Davis Holiday 6 theater for a 12:01 a.m. showing of the sixth movie, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
The line started Tuesday morning.
Although many fans have already purchased their tickets, they're waiting to get their pick of seats.
With all the Harry Potter books written, fans still have the movies to anticipate. Many local theaters have sold out of tickets, yet the phones ring incessantly.
At the Regal Natomas Stadium 16, all 11 screens showing the movie are sold out. One is privately reserved for the nearly 90-member Harry Potter Wizard Crew, which dresses up and organizes activities for kids, manager Katie Epstein said.
The United Artists Arden Fair 6 theater just started a line for their midnight showing. Floor staffer Julienna SanNicholas looks forward to the hubbub.
"There's supposed to be a lot of people coming, it's crazy," she said.
--Sarah Frier

'Potter' fans reach frenzy well ahead of witching hour

2009-07-14T22:45:37Z

About 50 Harry Potter fans, some dressed in wizard garb, already are waiting in line at the Regal Davis Holiday 6 theater for a 12:01 a.m. showing of the sixth movie.
The line started Tuesday morning.
Although many fans have already purchased their tickets, they're waiting to get their pick of seats.
With all the Harry Potter books written, fans still have the movies to anticipate. Many local theaters have sold out of tickets, yet the phones ring incessantly.
At the Regal Natomas Stadium 16, all 11 screens showing the movie are sold out. One is privately reserved for the nearly 90-member Harry Potter Wizard Crew, which dresses up and organizes activities for kids, manager Katie Epstein said.
The United Artists Arden Fair 6 theater just started a line for their midnight showing. Floor staffer Julienna SanNicholas looks forward to the hubbub.
"There's supposed to be a lot of people coming, it's crazy," she said.
--Sarah Frier

Hair - Long As I Can Grow It

2009-07-14T21:10:11Z

This Thursday night at 7 p.m. America's tribal rock musical "Hair" returns in concert at Harlow's. Artistic Differences theater company who had a hit with their full production from two summers ago are bringing a slightly different version of the tuneful 60's celebration to the midtown night club.

Though every one from the original cast was invited back for this show leads Christian St. Croix and Jerry Lee were not available. Even so this concert version of the musical has been designed to focus more on the community story taking place and less on the particular individuals.

The cast includes Lindsay Grimes, Kevin Caravalho, Netty Carey, Tygar-Lynn Hicks, Inertia DeWitt, Nic Candito, Rashad Strother, Troy Thomas, and Maggie Hollinbeck. Hollinbeck also plays keyboards and serves as musical director for the band which includes a horn section along with Elaine Lord on drums and Ben Wormeli on guitar.

"Hair" in concert happens this Thursday, July 16 at 7 p.m. at Harlow's Restaurant, 2708 J Street. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. For information call(916) 441-4693 go to www.artisticdifferences.net or www.harlows.com.

Copyright for Artists - an overview

2009-07-13T17:56:04Z

In an age where it seems as though everything is online for free, what happens to copyright for artists?

California Lawyers for the Arts and attorney Grace Bergen are presenting an overview on copyright law July 28 at Time Tested Books. Bergen is former general counsel for Tower Records and an attorney with Greenberg Traurig LLP.

Bergen will start with the basics of what is copyright, and address international copyright, how to copyright works, and how copyright applies to sound, sculptural, pictorial and graphic works. A question-and-answer session will follow.

The program is $20 for the general public, $10 for members of California Lawyers for the Arts and $5 for students and seniors.

The event is 7-8:30 p.m. at 1114-21st St., Sacramento. To register, call (916) 442-6210 ext. 102 or email prclasacto@aol.com.

It will be a smash as Smashbox comes to Total Beauty Experience

2009-07-13T16:54:11Z

Debbie McCain, co-owner of Total Beauty Experience with husband John, says she's trying to host as many events at the all-purpose store as possible between now and August. That's because she's hitting the road next month in search of fabulous treasures for this fall heading into holiday.

After all, Christmas is in five months and counting!

The next event is Thursday and will feature Smashbox Cosmetics. This is a teaching opportunity where attendees get an hour in which they get a step-by-step overview on how to properly apply their makeup. And the Smashbox experts are trained by some of the best in the business. (The company was founded by Davis and Dean Factor, great-grandsons of Hollywood cosmetics giant Max Factor.)

There also will be tips on how to streamline your daily makeup routine. This is good info, especially if you're lightening up on your products but want to have a look that can shift from day to night.

Total Beauty will have gifts with purchase and plenty of refreshments. Appointments are available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a $25 non-refundable reservation fee that will be redeemable in Smashbox products the day of the event. To book an appointment: (916) 481-7994 or stop by the store, 2929 Arden Way.

"Young Mr. Lincoln" at California Museum on Saturday

2009-07-10T19:54:19Z

Abe Lincoln was in Sacramento?

Well, no, but "Young Mr. Lincoln," the 1939 movie directed by John Ford and starring Henry Fonda as Lincoln (Fonda reportedly wore shoe lifts to appear taller) was filmed in Sacramento.

You can see this classic "homemade" movie Saturday under the stars in the California Museum's Constitution Courtyard. It's part of Movie Night at the Museum summer series and the Second Saturday Art Walk.

As an added treat, PG&E will provide solar power to "energize" the 70-year-old "Young Mr. Lincoln."

"Moviegoers will see firsthand how the sun's rays can bring this nighttime event to life at the Sustainable Waves truck parked outside the museum," according to a press release.

The movie ties in nicely with the magnificent "With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Exhibition," which is at the California Museum until Aug. 22.

(The museum itself won't be open tomorrow night, so you'll have to see the Library of Congress' traveling show another time.)

Bring your own camp chairs or blankets for the movie. Refreshments will be available for sale.

"Young Mr. Lincoln" starts at 8:30 p.m. and runs 100 minutes.

Admission is a $1 donation per person.

The California Museum for History, Women & the Arts is at 1020 O St., Sacramento. Free, lighted parking available nearby.

For more info: (916) 653-7524, www.californiamuseum.org

- Dixie Reid

Tomorrow: Second Saturday...Arden style

2009-07-10T18:50:43Z

Midtown is no longer the exclusive "home" of the Second Saturday Art Walk. The event has quickly proliferated throughout Sacramento, bringing galleries, special events and new creative talent to areas like Oak Park, Del Paso Boulevard and West Sacramento.

Tomorrow, the Arden area will join the ranks of Sacramento's artsiest neighborhoods.

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., residents of Arden, Carmichael and surrounding areas (including midtowners who don't want to deal with the hustle and bustle of art on the grid) will attend Arden's first Second Saturday Art Walk, to be located at University Village (Howe Ave. & Fair Oaks Blvd.)

Look forward to entertainment, refreshments, and interaction with some of the area's wonderful local businesses, from bookstores to restaurants to art galleries. You can also view work in a variety of mediums by these (and other) area artists: Lakan Ilaw, Allie Bergman, Ed Boylan, Lisa Kreuziger, Joan Marie, Irene Rodigo and Bob Tonjes.

For more information, visit arden.downtowngrid.com

When having a bad dog is good

2009-07-09T22:26:37Z

Bark Busters is looking for a few bad dogs.

The dog-training service is sponsoring a National Naughty Dog Contest, asking pet-owners to submit photos, videos and stories showing canine naughtiness. The winner will get free training to turn the dog from bad to bowwow-wonderful.

Bark Busters' animal behaviorists say there's a lot people can do besides yelling "No! Bad dog!" They aim to share the techniques that result in a two-legged master of the house, not a four-legged boss.

To read contest rules, get information on Bark Busters services or discover tips on dog training, see barkbusters.com.