Chico Performances

The new schedule for Chico Performances is out, and it's looking good, as usual! A highlight of this year's lineup at CSUC is BB King (see photo at left) on November 17th. You may wonder what the "BB" stands for. According to the Wikipedia posting, Riley B. King (STILL doesn't say what THAT "B" stands for!) was born 9/16/25 in Itta Bena, Mississippi. In 1946 he worked at the R&B radio station WDIA under the nickname "Beale Street Blues Boy," which became simply "BB." So now you know.

I had the pleasure of seeing BB King last time he performed at CSUC's Laxson Auditorium, and it was memorable! What a great performer. This show is likely to sell out, so try to get your tickets early on.

Early "Series Ticket" purchasing begins Wed., July 1st. Just buy a ticket to 6 or more shows, and you'll get a 10% discount (some exceptions) and GREAT seats. There's always a line the first day these tickets go on sale, and my wonderful sis-in-law Jamie usually volunteers to take our orders and get tickets (THANKS Jamie!). Single tickets go on sale Mon. Aug. 23rd.

Other notable 2009-10 Chico Performances include physician/spiritual leader Deepak Chopra, trumpet master Wynton Marsalis, country music legend Merle Haggard, "Prairie Home Companion's" wordsmith/storyteller Garrison Keillor, controversial comedian Paula Poundstone, Vienna Boys Choir (dating back to 1498, but surely not the same boys), and world-class guitarist, Australian Tommy Emmanuel (a Chico- and personal-favorite of mine).

So get your tickets, mark your calendars, and plan to hit downtown Chico early to have dinner at one of the great little eateries before the show!

Don't miss the PATRICK RANCH COUNTRY FAIRE AND THRESHING BEE this weekend, Sat. & Sun., June 13 & 14 happening at (naturally) the Patrick Ranch, located at 10381 Midway, between Chico and Durham. (Click here to view details on their web site). In addition to the Threshing Bee, there will be an Artisan Faire, food courts, live music, childrens activities, pony rides, "working dog" exhibits and lots, lots more. Admission is FREE to children 12 and under, and adults are just $5! I'll be out there volunteering in one of the booths from noon to 2:30 on Sat. Hope to see you there!

Note: This is a great opportunity to check out one of the most historic homes in the Chico Area. The Patrick Ranch was bequeathed to the Chico Museum Association (now the Far West Heritage Association) by Hester Patrick in 2001. Hester was a charter member of our local Soroptimist International of Chico club and a fascinating and accomplished woman--a real "maverick" for her time. Check out some of the photos and documents while you're out there.)

Feather Falls Hike

Bro John and I recently did the 7 mile round trip hike to the beautiful Feather Falls in Oroville (Plumas National Forest), reportedly the 6th or 7th tallest falls in the country. (Click here for a few photos taken during our hike, and here for a 14 second video.) I hadn't done this particular hike in about 20 years. It was even more beautiful (and pretty much just as strenuous) as I remembered. The weather was PERFECT, and there were happy hikers of all ages enjoying the day. Like most others, we saved our lunch to enjoy on the lookout deck, enjoying the view of the fabulous waterfall, complete with rainbow toward the bottom. Something unexpected was the proliferation of wildflowers--so many different types and colors; they were gorgeous! And something I definitely did NOT miss were the swarms of ladybugs we encountered on our last visit. (Did you know ladybugs sometimes bite?)

There is a path that leads to the top of the falls, which I understand is also lovely. I'll have to save THAT view for another trip--maybe after I've increased my hiking endurance. Hey--I hear the recently-rediscovered Whiskeytown Falls (near Redding, CA) is just a 3.4 mile round-trip hike. And you can check out the amazing Sundial Bridge while you're in the area!