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!

I'll take a Spoonful!

What a great night of music! John Sebastian and David Grisman at Laxson Auditorium. Talk about a daydream! The combination of Dave Grisman's fine mandolin and banjo picking and John Sebastian's crazy-good guitar and harmonic playing was enough to make me want to go home after the show and pick up my old guitar (which is, in fact, just what I did). They paid tribute to some old "jug band" players I've never heard of, played some folk tunes (both instrumentals and featuring John's raspy -but-sweet voice). And, of course, took us all on a walk down memory lane with some of the old Lovin' Spoonful favorites ("Daydream" and "Deep Purple" among them). I couldn't resist doing the major-fan thing and buying a CD after the show, waiting in line to have them autograph it (managed not to gush, though--just a simple "thank you"). As I always say, life in Chico is the best of both worlds--small town atmosphere with opportunities to experience great talent. Thanks, CSUC and Chico Performances! (Click here for your own little stroll down "Daydream Lane" or click here for a cover of the song by young Scottish sensation Paolo Nutini -- very fun!)

MOMIX at CSUC!

MOMIX is coming to Laxson Auditorium Tues. Oct. 28th! I've seen this talented troupe twice at Chico State, and each time I'm in awe of their creativity and physical feats. Definitely a show worth checking out, and appropriate for any age level. According to their promo, "For 20 years Momix has been celebrated for its ability to conjure up a world of surrealist images, using props, light, shadow, humor and the human body." I just called the CSUC Box Office (530-898-6333), and there are still tickets available for this visual/sensory delight. I think Chico Performances has done a fabulous job bringing cutting-edge entertainment to Chico! Click here to view a sample video (which doesn't do justice to watching the show live, naturally).

North State Symphony

Tonight I had the pleasure of attending the North State Symphony "Dance Mix" concert at the CSUC Laxson Auditorium. This concert was beautifully performed by accomplished musicians from throughout Northern California and masterfully conducted by Music Director Kyle Wiley Pickett. The program included a concert tango called Tangazo by Astor Piazzolla, an extended suite from Swan Lake by Peter Tchaikovsky, Slavonic Dances by Czech composer Antonin Dvorak and Hungarian Sketches by Bela Bartok. I had the privilege of hosting one of the musicians (viola) for the weekend in my Chico home. How wonderful to have such powerful, professional performances offered right here in our little Northern California community!

Brazilian Guitar Concert!

One of the great things about living in a college town: wonderful entertainment available throughout the year. Last night I attended the 11th Annual International Guitar Festival at CSUC Laxson Auditorium, featuring the amazing Brazilian Assad Brothers (Odair and Sergio), their equally-amazing sister, Badi Assad, and two additional brilliant Brazilian guitarist/percussionists. Having obtained tickets for various concerts early in the year (thanks to my wonderful sis-in-law Jamie, who stood in line for several hours!), I enjoyed the show from a great second-row seat. Click on the link below for more info about this mesmerizing group of incredible musicians:

http://www.csuchico.edu/upe/performance/artists/AssadBrothers.html