When I arrived at JaPaints it was a rainy Wednesday. Nonetheless, the line stretched a touch out…read morethe door with eager painting compatriots, all salivating with heavy breath and moist palm. I was shown in a side door by the owner, Dr. Jason Bove (we once shared a rope together, you see) and taken into the private gallery. "It'll be a few minutes before we open," he noted and with a simple gesture indicated that we had arrived in the main viewing room and that I may peruse at my leisure. Wonderful amazement. Movement and color on a canvas. I was in the liar of a visionary. Color interplayed like musical movements. Emotions had been spread out on cloth like so many love-laced picnics, planned to end in his proposal, doomed to be rejected or blessed to be accepted. Mr. Bove has left nothing out; had put nothing extraneous in. He had laid his life on a canvas, in true defiance of a modern era denoted only by fleeting fancies. He asked, "Do you like anything?" I should say I do. I do very much.

Beautiful beautiful art. And the artist, Jason Bove, is a wonderful person, "con buena onda" !!!read more

Beautiful industrial warehouse space + friendly staff with a great eye for art…read more A long time ago when I was in my early 20's, Michael Himovitz (you know, one of the original gallery owners who started Art Second Saturday) graciously gave me a limited edition book by a local artist Stephanie Skalisky and spent time discussing art collecting with me. His advice: buy art that makes you a bit unsettled and challenges you. It's been almost 20 years but his advice resonates with me still. This last year we've been bringing our kids to Art Second Saturday and they've really enjoyed it. I strategically pick venues that I think the kids will enjoy -- from both an art and interactive perspective -- and only pick two or three stops for the evening. Very glad we stopped here. They had cookies and a cute doxie puppy to please my kids (and wine to please me) as we enjoyed museum-caliber mixed media, assemblage, paintings, drawings and sculptures. The depth of the artists' work reminded me a great deal of my discussion with the late Mr. Himovitz. From now on, we're including this gallery in our Art 2nd Saturday plans.

Great art but I went in with my bf and who ever was running the place was nice to him but totally…read moreignored me, I don't want to sound like a drama queen but I was raised to show common courtesy to others and it seems people are forgetting simple manners

Our daughter completed their Summer Camp Program today, and it was a wonderful experience. I can't…read moresay enough about the team of ladies that run the school. A must if your looking for an emersión program that includes dance, art, and learning through play. Thank you Casa De Español for creating such a creative, thoughtful and fun program.

This is a great place to learn Spanish in Sacramento. Quality teachers and a supportive…read moreenvironment. Cultural activities for those who wish a deeper dive. On R street near restaurants and coffee shops.

The event is held every year at Cal Expo for 4 days. It is founded by the 18 Hmong clans as a way…read moreto serve the Hmong community in Sacramento. Hmong New Year is meant to celebrate the end of harvesting. Thus, it doesn't fall on a particular date. I was a bit hesitant in the beginning to wear Hmong clothes, but I'm glad I did. I was able to get the full experience. Clothing usually represents the clan you come from. Traditionally, clothes are handmade by grandmothers and mothers, but they can now be bought. Certain Hmong clothes are decorated with silver coins. The elaborate embroidery and flashy coins show how wealthy a girl is. Women also wear heavy pure silver necklaces. The food was an important part of the event for me. I had an order of Hmong sausage with sticky rice ($10). The sausage was really flavorful and I liked dipping it in the hot pepper sauce. My mouth was burning. I also ordered nab vam- Hmong three colored drink that consisted of yellow/ red/ green jelly, syrup, coconut milk, and ice. I wished there was more coconut milk in it. There were a lot of vendors selling stuff, such as traditional clothes, jewelry, DVDs, herbs, etc. There was also a pageant, sports tournaments, dance competitions, and Hmong Idol competitions. I didn't get a chance to see any of it though. I did catch the small parade that consisted of musical instruments being played and pageant girls riding in cars. I learned about a traditional courting game they play- pov pob. Single boys and girls line up across from one another and toss a tennis ball back and forth until someone drops the ball. The one who drops it is supposed to give the other person a piece of their clothing or jewelry. I had a pretty good time. If I didn't come here with my Hmong friend, I would probably give the event 3 stars instead of 4 stars. She helped me learn more about her culture. * $4 entrance fee * Children under 5 and senior who are 65 and older are FREE * $10 parking fee for those that are parking in the Cal-Expo lot.

First, I understand that an event of this caliber takes time and devotion…read more Ok... just saw the Web site. I actually feel kind of angry about the board of directors and the elected officers because they're ALL MEN. I mean, yes it's true that the organization is ran by the 18 or semi-19 clans. And at the head of those clans are all men. And yes, only men have voting rights within those clans, therefore within the event organization. It's 2009. Today, I find myself asking: Is the Hmong community progressing? Or is it regressing? Other than that, the event is the usual. The old folks go to mingle with their long lost friends. The kids tag along with their grandparents or their parents. The young teens go to eat papaya salad. And the single 20 to 30 year olds... Not sure where they fit. I think that's where the board of directors and officers haven't quite figured out yet.

I love the vibrant mural scene that Sacramento has to offer. They are all within walking distance…read moreof each other. Here is the list of murals that I recommend transform Sacramento Street into beautiful art exploration. Mural locations: 1. Theme: Deep dream. Location: 914 24th St., Sacramento, CA. Artist: Vyal One (real name: Jaime Reyes). Style: mystical eyes, psychedelic colors and bubble-like shapes. 2. Title: Introspection. Location: at the corner of 18th and L street, Sacramento, CA. Artist: Lin Fei Fei. Style: quiet, meditative portrait theme. 3. Title: Johnny Cash. Location: Residence Inn by Marriott, Sacramento, CA. Artist: Shepard Fairey. This is 15-story mural, depicts Johnny Cash, based on photography. The mural is to commemorates the 50th anniversary of the "At Folsom Prison" album. 4. Title: Yellow Bird. Location: 1401 15th St., Sacramento, CA. Artist: Jaya King. Style: vibrant birds. 5. Title: Sacred Geometry: Cosmic Decagon. Location: 1331 O St., Sacramento, CA. Artist: Jose Di Gregorio. Style: Vibrant gradiente colors and geometric patterns. 6. Title: Crouching Man. Location: 1510 14th St., Sacramento, CA. Artist: Shaun Burner. Style: larger-than-life figure. 7. Title: A seat at the Table. Location: 1914 19th St., Sacramento, CA. Artist: Shonna McDaniels. Style: South Africa culture. 8. Title: Allison Davila. Location: 2030 N St., Sacramento, CA. Artist: Jose DiGregorio. Mural significant meaning: a memorial mural honoring Allison Davila who tragically lost her life to a drunk driver on her 23rd birthday. Style: Vibrant gradiente colors 9. Title: The American Natives Mural. Location: corner of Liestal Aly and 22nd St., Sacramento, CA. Artist: Matt Adnate (Australian artist). Style: realistic portrait of indigenous people, for this specific mural: it depicts a Tibetan refugee, originally he photographed in India. 10. Location: 204 23rd St., Sacramento, CA. This is a massive mural of Mr. T. Artist: Maren Conrad. Style: interactive, it has REAL metal chains to touch. 11. Location: corner of 20th and E Street, Sacramento, CA. Artist: Ellie Gainey. Style: vibrant birds in flight with flowers. 12. Location: 2200 Front St., Sacramento, CA (exterior of California Automotive Museum). Artist: Bruce Gossett. 80 foot long artwork for custom car history, featuring legendary automotive trailblazers: Harry Westergard, Dick Bertolucci, George and Sam Barris, and Don Tognotti. Style: vibrant classic cars with contrast backdrop. 13. Title: The Wishing Wall. Location: Historic Alley near 19th St., Sacramento, CA. Artist: Maren Conrad. Style: large, detailed dandelion puff art with dark background. 14. Location: I street, Sacramento, CA, across the street from the California Governor's Mansion. The mural depicts of former California governors: Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jerry Brown. 15. Title: Summer Bears. Location: intersection of 16th St. and I Street, Sacramento, CA. Artist: Jenn Ponci. It depicts a mother bear and her cub in a field of poppies with palm trees, honeybees and a deep red sunset. 16. Title: Lady Bird. Location: 16th St, between J and I street, Sacramento, CA. Artist: Maren Conrad. 17. Graffiti alley: an alley full of urban art on a brick wall building. For example: title: Prada. Local artist: Puek. Location: Improv Alley, Sacramento, CA. 18. Location: 5385 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento, CA. Artist: Miles Silva. Style: vibrant street art culture. Uniquely, this mural is using a paper stencil style. 19. Location: 1616 J Street, Sacramento, CA. Artist: Brandon Gastinell. Style : iconic crown motif, including scrawled text, symbols. This mural is featuring: Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo and Jean-Michel Basquiat. 20. Location: 24th and K Street, Sacramento, CA. Artist: Mars-1 (real name: Mario Martinez). Style: dreamlike, cosmic, geometric patterns, and ethereal forms. 21. Title: Prosperity Through Perseverance. Location: 1050 20th St., Sacramento, CA. Artist: Maren Conrad. Koi on the Yangtze River, pays homage to the Chinese immigrants that creating transcontinental railroad. This is the website where you can find more murals locations, although it doesn't seem updated frequently: Wide Open Walls

When the art community got together and brought concept to reality in taking the city's blank walls…read moreand transforming them to public art for all ... Wide Open Walls Sacramento was born in 2018. It's always a pleasant surprise to be going about town and seeing masterpieces of art. It brightens up my day. Fun, colorful, and contemporary art. Free for all to enjoy. Brilliant! I don't know how they got organized with an annual festival and an official Board of Directors, but so glad they did. New artists are added annually. Website: wideopenwalls.com. On the website, you can filter by artist or neighborhood to view a virtual map of the murals . The 2020 festival is slated for September. The artwork are scattered about town (downtown/midtown, East Sacramento, Del Paso Heights, Arden, Curtis Park, Oak Park, CSU Sacramento). Each WOW mural has a plaque with the artist name, piece, and a smartphone scan box from which you can electronically download more info. A lot of these murals are accessible in downtown and midtown and are very Instagram worthy. So it would be a fun weekend activity to rent a Jump Bike or Scooter and explore the art and city. #wideopenwallssacramento #publicartmuralssacramento

The Sacramento Film & Music Festival has been doing events for 12 years now and as a proven film…read morefestival brings only the best to the screen form submitted materials. This year they teamed up with the Capitol Indie Collective and the Sacramento Bee to create a Fashion Challenge like no other! It was Haute Couture sponsored by Hot Italian, Lily Koi Salon, New Old Jewelry, and the founders of the event. The opening night Catwalk was OFF THE HOOK thanks to the FANTASTIC designs of the those challenged. They had 13 days to make a complete outfit ready for the red carpet primarily out of NEWSPAPER. The competition was fierce and the awards will be announced on Saturday, Aug 20, 2011. If you want to have a splendid evening of Independent Cinema, Food, Live Music, and Fashion, join me on Saturday! Tickets are just $10 for hours of entertainment! (don't forget the after-party too, yo!)

Gorgeous new football stadium directly across from Rio Linda HS. We have been here about 20 times…read moreover the past two years for our 7v7 passing league with Nor Cal Passing League. Spectacular turf field with nice bleachers, and super clean bathrooms. Track has border to a green belt so it's a a beautiful walk around the track. Parking is kinda sparse up front but it seems manageable every time we've been here.

Outstanding Night Of Trashy Film Fun @ The Colonial Theatre!…read more SITREP The Trash Film Orgy (TFO) has a new home: The Colonial Theatre on Stockton Blvd. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trash-film-orgy-the-colonial-theatre-sacramento?select=e9RV_BGwJg746tzS-Xabgw#e9RV_BGwJg746tzS-Xabgw Since the change of management at the Crest Theatre, along with creative differences, TFO mastermind Christy Savage, http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trash-film-orgy-the-colonial-theatre-sacramento?select=e9RV_BGwJg746tzS-Xabgw#BIljcD2imBu5b_oZNUdp5Q ..and her crew of talented & trustee TFO'ers, http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trash-film-orgy-the-colonial-theatre-sacramento?select=e9RV_BGwJg746tzS-Xabgw#o0DB5FSHFZ1L7bpOby5c7g ..have set up their new TFO Cinema home at The Colonial Theatre. THE SETUP The Colonial Theatre itself is a classic older theater smack in the middle of a South Sacramento neighborhood that has undergone some mild gentrification. THE THEATRE The theater itself sets right on Stockton Blvd, with the parking - at best - a search & hunt effort. I found parking on the adjacent street to the theater on it's North side. THE CAFE NEXT DOOR Next to the theatre is a separate business - The Colonial Café - but that still on this TFO night, was heavy into the mix of MAD CAP TFO FUN! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trash-film-orgy-the-colonial-theatre-sacramento?select=e9RV_BGwJg746tzS-Xabgw#4yWRgE8TzEcE1URC_ZI7nA In fact, on this night, the MAD DOCTOR - my buddy Yelper Extraordinaire William B. himself! - led in the CrAzINeSS.... http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trash-film-orgy-the-colonial-theatre-sacramento?select=e9RV_BGwJg746tzS-Xabgw#k9V3mBA8LDNeFQAwVXScCg ..was assisted by very talented INSANE NURSES Marylin M. and Ms. Chestee! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trash-film-orgy-the-colonial-theatre-sacramento?select=e9RV_BGwJg746tzS-Xabgw#_KorbIgROc2TRDTA9cFyNw Somehow, I got sucked into a grueling competition of "DEATH OR TRIVIA!" and my head NEARLY EXPLODED!!!! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/trash-film-orgy-the-colonial-theatre-sacramento?select=e9RV_BGwJg746tzS-Xabgw#bhOtCSDfV-9NfcJKQAmdAA I managed to walk out of their ALIVE since apparently they couldn't kill me. THE MOVIE Tonight's movie was the classic horror-flick, "The RE-Animator", basically a story about a dedicated student at a medical college and his girlfriend become involved in bizarre experiments centering around the re-animation of dead tissue when an odd new student arrives on campus. THRILLS and SPINE CHILLS (and hiLARious B-Movie special effects ensue!) THE LOWDOWN AnY TFO is a fun-filled way to spend a Saturday Night!