1. art and entertainment
2. shows and events
3. concert

KFCF Community Calendar: Updated 11/14/14
To post an event on our calendar e-mail the information to
[email protected], at least 2 weeks before the event.
DAILY CALENDAR
(Multiple Day and Ongoing Events are at end of posting)
public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Friday, November 14th
Filmworks re-ignites a centuries-old debate -- "What is art?" -- when it presents the
American independent documentary "Levitated Mass." The movie tells the story of a
spectacle in motion: a 340-ton granite boulder is painstakingly moved from a quarry in
Riverside to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, then mounted atop the walls of a
gigantic slot in the earth. The massive display of conceptual art, a "land sculpture"
created by the reclusive and often-misunderstood artist Michael Heizer, references the
expanse of art history, from ancient traditions of megalithic stones to modern forms of
abstract, cutting-edge feats of engineering. The boulder's 105-mile journey from quarry
to museum draws international attention, and it challenges the imaginations of
thousands of Southern Californians over the course of 10 nights in 2012, as it crawls
through 22 cities aboard a football-field length, 206-wheeled trailer. The film is from
veteran filmmaker Doug Pray, who directed "Art & Copy," "Surfwise," and other films
about unusual subcultures. It features an experimental score from the band
Akron/Family. It screens at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. at the Tower Theatre. For more
information, go to fresnofilmworks.org.
Friday, November 14th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Dani Lee on the topic of Diet, People &
Planet: Did you know that you make over 200 decisions a day about food? Learn how
the choices you make on a daily basis impact the planet, the lives of others and your
health.. The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 1208 L Street, Reedley, in the
Fellowship Hall at Reedley’s First Mennonite Church. For more information, call Don
Friesen at (559) 638-3091 or e-mail [email protected]. The event is free, open to
the public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Friday, November 14th
Accordion Babe Renée de la Prade will be performing with Evo Bluestein and Steve
Ono at the Full Circle Brewery. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.
Renée de la Prade “plays the accordion like she's trying to make it catch on fire.” Her
show is a blend of rock, blues, Cajun, and soul music, all on a rocking little squeezebox
that turns every song into a dance number. Her show is part passionate vocals, part
accordion virtuosity, and part party; she'll be accompanied by rock drummer Ingo
Bräuning who helps bring the musical energy to its highest level. Renée is the editor of
the Accordion Babes Pin-Up Calendar, and she'll have copies of the 2015 edition for
sale (and autograph) at this event. Evo Bluestein and Steven M Ono will be joining
Renee on this fun, rocking evening of folk music. Full Circle Brewery is located at 620 F
Street in downtown Fresno. Tickets are $8 in advance or for Fresno Folklore Society
members, or $12 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at National Hardware,
Patrick's Music and fresnofolkconcerts.com This is an all ages event (with adult
supervision) Kids under 12 are free. For more information, contact Steve Ono at 559307-3610.
Friday, November 14th
Fresno Pacific University Jazz Band will be performing at 7:30 p.m. at Ashley
Auditorium, McDonald Hall, FPU main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. This
concert is free. For more information, call 559-453-2267, go to events.fresno.edu/, or
e-mail [email protected].
Friday, November 14th through Sunday, November 16th
The Experimental Theatre Company of Fresno State presents “Mr. Marmalade!” Has
overexposure to adult pop culture stolen childhood? This seems to be the case when
four year old Lucy (Freshman Danielle Valdivia,) ignored by the real adults in her life,
creates an ominous imaginary "friend" in the dark comedy, Mr. Marmalade, playing this
weekend in the Lab School Theatre at Fresno State. Friday performances are at 4 p.m.
and 8 p.m.; Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 and can be
purchased at the door or on-line at https://www.vendini.com/ticketsoftware.html?e=3abebc4a6cba2ce562627ef782c0e89d&t=tix. Or call the Box Office at
559.278.2216 to purchase your tickets. Written by Noah Haidle, this all student
production is directed by Austin Yarbrough, and features Skylar Montierth as the largerthan-life MR. MARMALADE.
Saturday, November 15th
As part of its fall film series, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno will screen ‘The
Weight of Chains” at 7 p.m. at 2672 E. Alluvial Avenue, Fresno. This film addresses
what we weren’t told about the war in Bosnia and Serbia. It is a Canadian documentary
film that takes a critical look at the role the U.S. , NATO, and the EU played in the tragic
breakup of a once peaceful and prosperous European state – Yugoslavia . The film,
with rare stock footage never before seen by Western audiences, is a creative first-hand
look at why the West intervened in the Yugoslav conflict. Not supported by any big
production company and without corporate sponsors, the film was produced thanks to
the hundreds of mostly small donations by contributors who wanted the given ideas to
be incorporated into a movie. It is a movie that analyzes the consequences of the
colonial exploitation of the Yugoslav states by Western powers in the economic, political
and military sense. There will be a discussion post-film.
Admission is free and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Light refreshments will be
available. For information go to uufresno.org or contact Glenda Roberts by e-mail to
[email protected] or by phone to 559-291-1590.
Saturday, November 15th
This Saturday, Colby Buzzell will present a free book reading and signing at Arte
Americas from 2 – 4 p.m. co-sponsored by the Fresno County Public Library. Buzzell is
an Operation Iraqui Freedom Vet, blogger, best-selling author, and anti-war advocate. .
His work has appeared in Esquire, the San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times,
The Guardian, The Washington Post Magazine, The Daily Beast, Penthouse, TIME and
on NPR's This American Life. His books, "MY WAR: KILLING TIME IN IRAQ" and
"LOST IN AMERICA: A DEAD END JOURNEY" depict an accurate and disturbing
perspective on the experiences of soldiers during and after their tour of duty. Buzzell's
recent New York Times commentary "Thank You For Being Expendable" analyzed and
contextualized the human factor in the recent scandals within the Department of
Veterans Affairs from the perspective of a veteran suffering from PTSD. "YEARS after I
first returned from Iraq and started having thoughts and visions of killing myself, I’d call
the Department of Veterans Affairs," he writes,"they always put me on hold." This
program is being co-sponsored by the Fresno County Public Library and is 100% free to
the community.
Saturday, November 15th
The Fresno Art Museum is offering several printmaking workshops this winter. On
Saturday, November 15th there will be a workshop on making greeting cards and gift
paper stamps (linocuts) from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $35 for museum members or $45 for
non-members. Preregistration is required as space is limited. To register, contact
[email protected] or call 559-441-4221, ext. 101.
Saturday, November 15th
A “Smarter Snacking Station” will be installed at Taha’s Food Center on Saturday,
November 15th. The “Station” will be a permanent part of the store and will display
healthy snacks as well as in-season fruits and vegetables available for purchase by
shoppers. An event to celebrate the installation will be held. The public and media
partners are invited to attend. It takes place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm at Taha’s Food
Center, 2624 South Elm Avenue in Fresno. There will be Raffle prizes, Cookbooks and
recipe cards, as well as Food demonstration and delicious samples. Grocers at several
locations in Fresno County have joined a growing effort which raises awareness of the
benefits of healthier eating. One focus of this effort is to provide education on what to
look for when making food selections and to empower shoppers to “Take Charge of the
Cart”. The Fresno County Department of Public Health and the California Health
Collaborative collaborate on this issue as partners in the Champions for Change
statewide program and campaign. For more information, contact Public Health
Communication at 559-600-6449.
Sunday, November 16th
The Reedley Peace Center invites you to join them in an effort to save the historic
Grangers Building in Reedley. “Hug the Grangers Building” will take place at 2:30 pm at
the old Grangers warehouse on 10th Street across from Reedley's twin water towers.
Plans are currently in the works to tear down the building and build a new office building
in its place. 'HUG the Grangers Building' is a plea to save this historic building. The
Grangers Building was built in 1892 by the Grangers Bank of San Francisco. It was built
with bricks molded and fired here in Reedley. The building was originally a warehouse
for wheat grown in the Reedley area. When irrigation began being used in the valley,
wheat was replaced by trees and vines. Grangers Building was used to process,
package, and ship raisins worldwide. Sun Maid was born here. The building is sturdy
and has survived many earthquakes. According to architects and engineers who have
restored other historical buildings and have assessed the condition of the Grangers
Building, it can be restored to survive another 100 years. The Grangers Building is a
historical symbol of the importance of agriculture in the Reedley area. Help the
community encircle the building on Sunday afternoon in an appeal to save the building.
Sunday, November 16th
There will be an informational panel on The Path To Higher Education, sponsored by
the Iranian Culture and Art Club of Fresno. There will be information on how to apply to
Smittcamp Family Honors College at Fresno State, Dental and Pharmacy Schools and
programs on Holistic Medicine, as well as career opportunities in industrial engineering
and operations management. It takes place at 2:00 p.m. at the Woodward Park
Regional Public Library, 944 E. Perrin, Fresno. For more information, call (559) 7093851.
Sunday, November 16th
Fresno Pacific University Senior Voice Recitals take place at 3:30 p.m. featuring
Devynn Braswell (mezzo Soprano) and Mandi Mendoza (soprano), at the University
Presbyterian Church, 1776 E. Roberts Ave., Fresno. This event is free. For information,
call 559-453-2267, e-mail [email protected], or go to events.fresno.edu.
Wednesday, November 19th
There will be a general meeting of the Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club at 7 p.m..,
with a screening of the film “Promised Land.” This film follows two corporate
salespeople who visit a rural town in an attempt to buy drilling rights (for hydraulic
fracturing) from local residents. This event is free and open to the general public.
It takes place at the UC Center, 550 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno (across from Fashion Fair
between Fresno and First).
Wednesday, November 19th
The Fresno City College Speakers Forum presents acclaimed poet and author Maxine
Hong Kingston on Wednesday, November 19. She will speak in the Old Administration
Building beginning at 12:00 p.m. Admission is free. A reception and book signing will
follow. Maxine Hong Kingston, author of The Woman Warrior and China Men, is a
prolific academic and autobiographical writer whose books have received numerous
awards. She has written three novels and several non-fiction works about the
experiences of Chinese immigrants living in the United States. She is a professor
emerita at the University of California, Berkeley where she graduated with a BA in
English in 1962, the same year she married Earl Kinston. The Woman Warrior (1976)
was awarded the National Book Critics Circle Award for Nonfiction and China Men
(1980) was awarded the 1981 National Book Award. She has also written one novel,
Tripmaster Monkey, To Be the Poet, The Fifth Book of Peace, Veterans of War,
Veterans of Peace and I love a Broad Margin to My Life. In 1997, President Bill Clinton
awarded Hong Kingston the National Humanities Medal. She was also on the
committee that picked the design for the quarter representing the state of California. In
July 2014, Kingston was awarded the 2013 National Medal of Arts by President Barack
Obama. An activist, Hong Kingston was arrested in March 2003 in Washington, D.C.,
for crossing a police line during a protest against the war in Iraq. Her interactions with
war veterans, has been a big influence on some of her books including The Fifth Book
of Peace and Veterans of War, Veterans of Peace. For more information, call (559)
489-2218 or go to www.fresnocitycollege.edu.
Wednesday, November 19th
The Fresno City College Music Department presents “A Concert of Art Songs” with
works by Wagner, Liszt and Wolf. This concert, cosponsored by The Hord Consort, is
one of the most prominent musical events in Fresno this year. “A Concert of Art Songs”
features Kevin McMillan, baritone and Gabriel Dobner, piano. Mr. McMillan and Mr.
Dobner are faculty with James Madison University in Virginia. “A Concert of Art Songs”
will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in the Old Administration
Building Auditorium. Admission is free. Parking is $1. For more information contact
John Hord at (559) 907-0286 or [email protected].
Wednesday, November 19th
Pacific Brass will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. at Fresno Pacific University, Butler
Church, 4884 E. Butler Ave., Fresno. For more information, call 559-453-2267 or e-mail
[email protected].
Thursday, November 20th
The Historic Warnor’s Theatre in Downtown Fresno presents the film classic, “Rebel
Without a Cause.” Folks aren’t going to want to miss their chance to see the fascinating
Mr. James Dean in his most celebrated role on the Warnors BIG screen, and
experience this classic in an authentic 1928 Movie Palace. The doors to the theatre will
open at 6:00pm with a pipe organ concert from Mr. Dick Cencibaugh, and concessions
will be available at a much more affordable price than modern Cineplex’s! Patrons may
purchase their tickets at www.warnors.org, at the Warnors Box Office, or at the door
that evening, when the doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets are $5 for individuals, or $10 for
a family. There is a limit of 10 on family size. If you would like further information please
go to our webpage at www.warnors.org or call the office at 264-2848. If guests bring a
new blanket to donate to the "Keep Fresno Warm" blanket drive, or if they bring a
new/unwrapped toy for The Boys and Girls Club, their admission will be waived. Those
dressed in 1950’s wear will get in for free as well. Misc. Trading Co. is putting
together a rack of awesome vintage 1950’s clothes for folks to purchase in the lobby
before the film and during intermission. The Theatre is located at 1400 Fulton Street
at Fulton and Tuolumne in Downtown Fresno. For questions/information, please call:
(559) 264-2848 or send us an email at [email protected].
Thursday. November 20th
There will be an Arthop at the Brush & Easel Gallery which is exhibiting the work of
Aileen Imperatrice from November 7th through 20th. The ArtHop Reception on November
20th is from 5-8 pm. The Brush & Easel Gallery is located at 1476 W. Shaw Ave.
Fresno. Hours are Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 am – 6 pm and Saturday from 10
am-4 pm. For more information, go to www.aileenimperatrice.com.
Thursday, November 20th
There will be an Arthop and Holiday Art and Craft Show at The Vintage Market
at 601 W. Palm Ave. at Wishon. For more information, call (559) 225-1899
Thursday, November 20th
Fresno Pacific University Jazz Band will perform a free concert at 7:30 p.m. at Ashley
Auditorium, McDonald Hall, FPU Main Campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. For
more information, call 559-453-2267 or e-mail [email protected].
Thursday, November 20th
The Creative Center’s Jon Ginsburg Gallery presents “Soup, Sip & Shop - The Creative
Center’s Annual Gift Faire,” from 5:00 ~ 7:00 p.m. The Creative Center will be serving
free samples of soups, breads and desserts donated by local restaurants and amateur
chefs while you shop the Jon Ginsburg Gallery finding that perfect gift for friends and
family. With a wide array of ceramics, fused glass and wonderful two dimensional art,
you are sure to find a gift for everyone on your list! They also have their new Holiday
Greeting Cards with five creative images designed by their talented clients available at
$10.95/dozen. Start the holidays off by joining them for this great free event! The
Creative Center’s Jon Ginsburg Gallery is located at 410 East Race Street, Visalia
This event is open to the Public and there is No charge for admission. For more
information, call (559) 733-9329.
Friday, November 21st
Cineculture presents “Couleur de Peau: Miel” with discussant Dr. Rose Marie Kuhn.
Couleur de peau: Miel was codirected by French director Laurent Boileau and Koreanborn Belgian comic book artist Jung Sik-jun. It tells Jung’s own story who, as a young
boy, was adopted by a Belgian family and grew up in Belgium. Based on Jung’s
eponymous comic book series, this film chronicles the important moments of his
childhood and adolescence and alternates between documentary footage of live action,
animation sequences in 2D and 3D, and archival images. The film received several
awards in 2013 including: the Grand Prize for Animation at the Japan Media Arts
Festival, and both the Grand Prize and Audience Award at the World Festival of
Animated Films in Zagreb, Croatia, in French and Korean with English subtitles. For the
trailer, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTz4nWpL5DI. The screening will be at
5:30 p.m. in the Peters Education Center Auditorium (West of Save-Mart Center in the
Student Recreation Center Building). For more information and the full fall line-up, go to
cineculture.csufresno.edu.
Friday, November 21st
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Paul Gilmore, history instructor at Fresno
City College. The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 1208 L Street, Reedley, in
the Fellowship Hall at Reedley’s First Mennonite Church. For more information, call Don
Friesen at (559) 638-3091 or e-mail [email protected]. The event is free, open to
the public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Friday, November 21st
As part of its fall film series, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno will screen “The
American Ruling Class” at 7 p.m. at 2672 E. Alluvial Avenue, Fresno. America rules the
World but who rules America? This is one of the most unusual films to be made in
America in recent years, both in terms of form and subject. The form is a first – a
“dramatic-documentary-musical” - that re-invents all three genres. And the subject is our
most taboo topic: class, power, and privilege in our nominally democratic republic. Part
Monty Python, part Michael Moore, “The American Ruling Class” is a quirky and
entertaining clarion call for all citizens to consider who has power, how they acquired it,
and most importantly, how they keep it. There will be a post-film discussion. Admission
is free and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Light refreshments will be available. For
information go to uufresno.org or e-mail Glenda Roberts at [email protected] or by
phone at 559-291-1590.
Friday, November 21st
Swarmius will perform an eclectic blend of fiery grooves, soaring melodies, probing
ballads & multilevel syncopations that draw from rock, jazz, the Yoruba music of
Nigeria, Brazil, Eastern European Klezmer, Surf music, JPop, video games, electronica,
hiphop, vaudeville, European classical and more. At Fresnop State’s Concert Hall New
Music Building. Admission is $15, general, $10, seniors, free for students with ID.
Saturday, November 22nd
Sister Helen Prejean, author of "Deadman Walking", will be the key speaker at a
lecture/seminar sponsored by Community United Church of Christ, 5550 N. Fresno St,
Fresno, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Sister Helen Prejean has been instrumental in
sparking national dialogue on the death penalty and helping to shape the Catholic
Church’s newly vigorous opposition to state executions. She travels around the world
giving talks about her ministry. She considers herself a southern storyteller. Limited
tickets are available for $25.00 each. Call the church office at 559-435-2690 for more
information.
Saturday, November 22nd
The San Joaquin Clay and Glass Artists will be having their 34th Annual Holiday Sale,
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1084 W. Bullard
at Palm, Fresno. The community is invited to come see the work and techniques of
Central Valley clay and glass artists featuring a large selection of styles and techniques.
Buy directly from the artists - handmade platters, bowls, blown glass, beads, fused
glass jewelry, wall hangings, home decor, garden art and more. Sign up for the free
raffle drawing on Gift Certificate for clay or glass artwork. For more information, go to
www.sjcga.blogspot.com or www.sjcga.com.
Saturday, November 22nd
Fresno AIDS Walk takes place from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at Woodward Park (7775 E
Clubhouse Drive Fresno. The Walk is free to register and those who raise $20 will
receive a t-shirt. Join hundreds of walkers and runners at Woodward Park to raise
awareness & community support for this worldwide epidemic in this third annual Fresno
AIDS Walk. All proceeds benefit Fresno's only HIV/AIDS social support center, The
Living Room, a project of WestCare California Inc. Walkers and runners of all ages are
welcome. This year's event features a 5K run.
Saturday;, November 22nd
Fresno Pacific University Senior Voice Recital, featuring Jordan Litz (tenor), takes place
at 7:30 p.m. at College Community Congregational Church, 5550 N. Fresno St., Fresno.
This event is free. For more information, call 559-453-2267, e-mail [email protected],
or go to events.fresno.edu.
Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd
The Fresno Art Museum is offering several printmaking workshops this winter. On
Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 23rd, there will be a workshop on
Chile Colle from 1-5 p.m. The cost is $65 for museum members or $80 for nonmembers (that fee covers both days).. Preregistration is required as space is limited.
To register, contact [email protected] or call 559-441-4221, ext. 101.
Sunday, November 23rd
A Festival of Lessons and Carols performed by Fresno Pacific University music
ensembles will take place at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. at. First Presbyterian Church, 1540 M
St., Fresno. For more than a decade, Lessons & Carols has been Fresno Pacific
University’s Christmas gift to the community. This traditional service brings together
singers and instrumentalists from across the university. Tickets are $10 for general
audiences and $5 for high school students and younger. Reservations are encouraged,
and may be made by calling 559-453-2267 or emailing [email protected]. The
foundation of Lessons & Carols is a Church of England service alternating Bible
readings on the birth of Christ with musical selections. It was first performed in 1918 at
King’s College (part of Cambridge University), and adapted from an order by E.W.
Benson, later Archbishop of Canterbury. Featured Fresno Pacific ensembles will be the
Concert Choir, Women’s Chorale, Men’s Chorus, Crosswind vocal/instrumental troupe,
Handbell choirs, Pacific Brass and the University String Quartet. For more information,
call 559-453-2267 or e-mail [email protected].
Monday, November 24th
The Fresno Art Museum is offering several printmaking workshops this winter. On
Monday, November 24th there will be a special Grandpa/Gradma & Me workshop on
making greeting cards and gift paper stamps (linocuts) from 9 a.m. to noon. This is for
one child, 8and older, accompanied by one adult. The cost is $60 for museum
members or $75 for non-members (this cost covers one child and one adult for one
session). Preregistration is required as space is limited. To register, contact
[email protected] or call 559-441-4221, ext. 101.
Tuesday, November 25th
Fresno Pacific University Symphonic Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Butler Church,
4884 E. Butler Ave., Fresno. Admission is $5 general or $2 for all students. For more
information, call 559-453-2267 or email [email protected].
Friday, November 28th and Saturday, November 29th
The Sweet Home Ranch Annual Art Show and Holiday Gift Sale, featuring Paul Buxman
original oil paintings, lithographs and art cards; farm crafted foods and gifts from Sweet
Home ranch and neighboring farms, takes place at the Fellowship Hall of the First
Mennonite Church, on 'L' street between 12th and 13th streets in Reedley, Californial.
For more information, call Don Friesen at 260-0504 or by e-mail to
[email protected].
Monday, December 1st
World AIDS Day will be commemorated with an HIV Awareness Event from 9 a.m. to 12
noon at the Fresno State, Free Speech Area (5241 N Maple Ave Fresno). This free
event is presented by Fresno State Public Health Student Association to raise
awareness regarding HIV and AIDS on campus. The event takes place on World AIDS
Day in the University's Free Speech Area. There will also be free Rapid HIV Testing
from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at The Living Room, 901 E Belmont
Avenue Fresno, and Monday through Thursday, December 1st through 4th from 8:30 am
- 11:00 am and 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm at the Fulton Mall Specialty Clinic Area (1221 Fulton
Mall Fresno). The Free Testing is Presented by the Fresno County Department of
Public Health In conjunction with World AIDS Day/Week,
Monday, December 1st
Fresno Pacific University presents a performance by the Fresno Pacific University
String Quartet, at 7:30 p.m. at McDonald Hall Atrium, FPU main campus, 1717 S.
Chestnut Ave., Fresno. This concert is free. For more information, call 559-453-2267,
e-mail [email protected], or go to events.fresno.edu.
Tuesday, December 2nd
Fresno Pacific University presents a performance by the Fresno Pacific University
Musica Pacifica Orchestra, at 7:30 p.m. at McDonald Hall Atrium, FPU main campus,
1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. This concert is free. For more information, call 559453-2267, e-mail [email protected], or go to events.fresno.edu.
Wednesday, December 3rd
Fresno Pacific University presents An Evening of Praise & Worship, with the Fresno
Pacific University Crosswind vocal and instrumental ensemble, at 7:30 p.m. at Butler
Church, 4884 E. Butler Ave., Fresno. This concert is free. For more information, call
559-453-2267, e-mail [email protected], or go to events.fresno.edu.
Thursday, December 4th
Fresno Pacific University presents a performance by Fresno Pacific University Handbell
Choirs, at 7:30 p.m. at Ashley Auditorium, McDonald Hall, FPU main campus, 1717 S.
Chestnut Ave., Fresno. This concert is free. For more information, call 559-453-2267,
e-mail [email protected], or go to events.fresno.edu.
Thursday, December 4th
Three sections from AIDS Memorial Quilt, The NAMES Project Foundation will be on
display at The Painted Table for this annual World AIDS Day celebration in the Tower
District. The panels on display include memorials to people from Fresno and
surrounding counties who have died from AIDS. The Painted Table is located at 1211 N
Wishon Avenue Fresno. The event is free and presented by the Fresno County
Department of Public Health, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Friday, December 5th
Join the Fresno Art Museum in celebrating the closing of World AIDS Day week in
Fresno with a candlelight vigil and reading of names in front of the Fresno Art Museum,
2233 N, First St., from 4-7 p.m., weather permitting. Four sections of The AIDS
Memorial Quilt will be on view, including several early AIDS activists and actor Brad
Davis, best known for his roles in Midnight Express, Chariots of Fire, and Roots. Free
and open to the public.
Friday, December 5th
Cineculture presents “Siddharth” with dicussant Richie Mehta (Director). After sending
away his 12 year-old son Siddharth for work, Mahendra (a chain-wallah who fixes
broken zippers on the streets) is relieved – his financial burdens will be alleviated. But
when Siddharth fails to return home, Mahendra learns he may have been taken by
child-traffickers. With little resources and no connections, he travels across India in
pursuit, with the hope that whatever force arbitrarily took his child away will return him
unharmed. The film is inspired by a true story and is in Hindi with English subtitles, For
the trailer, go to http://siddharththefilm.com/. The screening will be at 5:30 p.m. in the
Peters Education Center Auditorium (West of Save-Mart Center in the Student
Recreation Center Building). For more information and the full fall line-up, go to
cineculture.csufresno.edu.
Friday, December 5th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Karen Crozier, Assistant Professor of
Practical Theology at Fresno Pacific University, on the topic “The Voice of a Community
for Educational Justice, Fresno Unified School District's controversial hiring of a cultural
studies teacher.” The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 1208 L Street,
Reedley, in the Fellowship Hall at Reedley’s First Mennonite Church. For more
information, call Don Friesen at (559) 638-3091 or e-mail [email protected]. The
event is free, open to the public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Friday, December 5th
Fresno Folklore Society presents Arto and Antti Järvelä at the Unitarian Universalist
Church of Fresno. The famous musical Järvelä family hails from Kaustinen, Finland.
The male line of Järvelä fiddlers have been fiddling since Juho Järvelä (1794-1837) This
is bested only by their grandma Martta's side with ancestor Juho Wirkkala. Juho got a 5
mark fine for playing fiddle in a dance one Sunday eve in 1726. Doores open at 7 p.m.
and the concert begins at 7:30. Tickets are $15 in advance or for Fresno Folklore
Society members, or $20 at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased at National
Hardware, Patrick's Music and fresnofolkconcerts.com. The Church is located at 2672
E. Alluvial Ave. (between Willow and Chestnut). This is an all a0ges event, and kids
under 12 are free. For more information, call 559-307-3610.
Friday, December 5th
The Ultimate Beatles Tribute, “The Fab Four,” will perform at the Tower Theatre, 815
East Olive Ave. in Fresno, starting at 8:00 p.m. (doors open at 7:00). This is an all ages
event, and ticket prices range from $29.50, $35.00 and $47.50 in advance. All tickets
$2.50 higher day of show. The Fab Four is elevated far above every other Beatles
Tribute due to their precise attention to detail. With uncanny, note-for-note live
renditions of Beatles' songs, the Fab Four will make you think you’re watching the real
thing. This incredible stage show includes three costume changes representing every
era of the Beatles ever-changing career. Tickets are available from the Tower Theatre
Box Office. For more information, call (559 485-9050).
Friday, December 5th
Fresno Pacific University presents a performance by Fresno Pacific University Women's
Chorale & Men's Chorus, at 7:30 p.m. at Butler Church, 4884 E. Butler Ave., Fresno.
This concert is free. For more information, call 559-453-2267, e-mail
[email protected], or go to events.fresno.edu.
Saturday, December 6th
Women’s International League For Peace & Freedom is holding their Annual Peace
Community Crafts Fair at the First Congregational Church (Big Red Church), 2131 N.
Van Ness Blvd., Fresno (between McKinley & ClintonO, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is free and there will be live entertainment and children’s activities. Visit old
friends and meet new ones! You will find unique handmade holiday gifts, amazing arts
& creative crafts, fill your tummies with great yummies (signature homemade soups,
breads, and desserts), and a silent auction and other opportunities. For more
information contact Kyla at 559-346-8253, or [email protected].
Saturday, December 6th
There will be a 7:30 p.m. performance of the San Joaquin Chorale Christmas Concert, a
community choir sponsored by Fresno Pacific University featuring Kevin Memley's
Magnificat with brass quintet, percussion and FPU Concert Choir, plus a cappella
Christmas compositions and familiar audience participation carols. The event takes
place at Shaghoian Concert Hall, 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno. Tickets are $15
general admission, $10 fpr students & seniors. Purchase tickets online at
www.fresno.edu/christmasconcert. More information is available by calling 559-4532267, by e-mail to [email protected], or at events.fresno.edu.
Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th
The Fresno Art Museum is offering several printmaking workshops this winter. On
Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th there will be a workshop on
Reduction Color Printing from 1-5 p.m. The cost is $75 for museum members or $90 for
non-members (this fee covers both days as well as the color inks). Preregistration is
required as space is limited. To register, contact [email protected] or call
559-441-4221, ext. 101.
Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th
San Francisco Youth Theatre & Fresno City College present Gary Soto’s “In and Out of
Shadows.” There are an estimated 1.2 million undocumented students in the United
States. “In and Out of Shadows,” a musical by famed Chicano writer Gary Soto, is
about the lives and experiences of a group of undocumented teenagers from Richmond
and Pinole, California. Very funny, in a format loosely based on the Canterbury Tales,
members of San Francisco Youth Theatre’s professional ensemble not only perform the
play, but also gathered the oral histories from around the Bay Area on which it is based,
and which Soto has transformed into this vibrant, musical theater production with an
exuberant, original musical score. The teens are preparing their personal statements
for an AB 540 conference at UC Berkeley (AB 540 allows DREAMers, as they are
known, to attend school at in-state tuition rates.) We meet Juan, who arrived in the US
alone via a sewer when he was 13. And Alberto who, as a determined six-year-old, had
to be doused asleep with cough syrup during crossing because he refuses to give his
cousin’s name as his own. We watch a newly urbanized Mexican teen teaching an
undocumented Chinese friend how to speak street English. Running through
everything is the fear of deportation. Many families represented in the show have mixed
status – undocumented parents whose documented children were born here, for
example - who live in constant fear of family separation. Even under AB 540 and
President Obama’s recent two-year deportation deferral for certain undocumented youth
(DACA), youth may suddenly be left alone without parents or caretakers. In and Out of
Shadows’ diverse group of actors, many whom are directly affected by the issue, mix
English, Spanish, Tagalog, Spanglish and other languages as they unfold the
complicated human effects of this charged political issue. Gary Soto is a nationally
acclaimed poet and novelist of young adult fiction. Born and raised in the farm
community of Fresno, he has a keen personal interest in Latino youth and first-hand
knowledge of the challenges facing low-income immigrant populations, from whose lives
he draws extensively in his stories. The blend of humor and Spanglish vernacular in his
fiction has captured the largest readership of Latino youth in the nation. The show
opens at the Brava Theater in San Francisco, November 23rd, before travelling to
Soto’s alma mater, Fresno City College in Fresno December 6th and 7th. December 6th
shows are at 2 pm and 7 pm, and December 7th show is at 2 pm. It will be performed at
the Fresno City College Theatre, 1101 E University Ave, Fresno. Tickets are $5 for
students, $12 for seniors, and $14 general admission. Group rates are available, and
reserved seats are $25. For tickets, call: (559) 443-8688 or go to either
http://inandoutofshadows.brownpapertickets.com or
www.fresnocitycollege.edu/garysoto.
Sunday, December 7th
Save the Date for KFCF’s annual banquet, featuring Laurie Lewis speaking on the role
of music in social change, and performance be Laurie Lewis and her band. More
information to follow.
Friday, December 12th
As part of its fall film series, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno will screen “Fed
Up” at 7 p.m. at 2672 E. Alluvial Avenue, Fresno. This film addresses the negative
health effects of a corporate and government supported food industry that intentionally
puts sugar in 80% of the food we eat. “FED UP” blows the lid off everything we thought
we knew about food and exercise, revealing a 30-year campaign by the food industry –
aided by the U.S. government – to mislead and confuse the American public. Exposing
the hidden truths contributing to one of the largest health epidemics in history, the film
follows a group of families battling to lead healthier lives – and reveals why the
conventional wisdom of “exercise and eat right” is not ringing true for millions of people
struggling with diabetes, childhood obesity, and other serious conditions. There wil be a
post-film discussion; Admission is free and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Light
(healthy!) refreshments will be available. For information go to uufresno.org or contact
Glenda Roberts by e-mail to [email protected] or by phone to 559-291-1590.
Friday, December 12th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Chucho Mendoza, Chicano and Latin
American Studies major at CSUF The event takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 1208
L Street, Reedley, in the Fellowship Hall at Reedley’s First Mennonite Church. For more
information, call Don Friesen at (559) 638-3091 or e-mail [email protected]. The
event is free, open to the public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Saturday, December 13th
The Human Rights Coalition of the Central Valley in Partnership with the Fresno County
Office of Education present “Bullying - A Human Rights Violation against Freedom,
Equality, Dignity and Respect!,” a commemoration of Human Rights Day. Bullying is a
widespread abuse of human rights. Its effects can be debilitating, but there are ways to
help protect children from being bullied and to help the bullies change their behavior.
The solution must include families, schools, and communities. There will be 2 panel
discussions presented by community leaders, as well as the opportunity for small group
discussion. During this event we will hear from victims and experts from Valley school
districts as well as from our community at large who will present resources and methods
that work. The event begins at 9:30 with Registration and a Raging Grannies
Performance, followed by Welcoming Remarks from Dr. Joseph Castro, President,
Fresno State, a 9:55 panel with Students and Parents, and Keynote Speaker David
Gottlieb, Fresno Superior Court Judge, at 11 a.m. There will be lunch and
entertainment from 11:30-12:15, a second panel on “Best Practices” from 12:25-1:25,
Breakout sessions from 1:55-2:25, a discussion of the Resolutions reached at the
breakout sessions, and then time to mingle and meet the speakers and organizations
participating in this event. The program takes place at CSU Fresno, North Gym 118,
from 9:30 to 3 p.m. with lunch provided. For more information, contact Dr. Su Kapoor at
559-435-2212.
Saturday, December 13th
The Iranian Culture and Art Club of Fresno presents “Celebration of Lights- winter
Solstice,” a Concert with Ziba Shirazi, at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of
Fresno. 2672 E. Alluvial Ave. Fresno. For more information, call 559-7089-3851, go to
http://youtu.be/eAerWIbb1Ac?list=PLB96BF20B889A8301 or to
www.iraniancultureandartclub.com.
Wednesday, December 17th
The Tehipite Chapter Sierra Club holds its General Meeting and will screen a slideshow
entitled “A Tale of Two Winters.” Enjoy the spectacular High Sierra scenery in Dan
Saunders' slideshow about two very different ski tours. The first was in spring 2011 after
a high precipitation winter season, and the second was this past winter, the driest
season in 35 years. Let's hope for a wet one this year as we enter the winter season.
This event takes place at 7 p.m. at the U.C. Center, 550 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno (across
from Fashion Fair between Fresno and First Street).
Monday, December 22nd
The Fresno Art Museum is offering several printmaking workshops this winter. On
Monday, December 22nd there will be a special Grandpa/Gradma & Me workshop on
making greeting cards and gift paper stamps (linocuts) from 9 a.m. to noon. This is for
one child, 8and older, accompanied by one adult. The cost is $60 for museum
members or $75 for non-members (this cost covers one child and one adult for one
session). Preregistration is required as space is limited. To register, contact
[email protected] or call 559-441-4221, ext. 101.
Saturday, January 10th
As part of its winter film series, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno presents
“Mobilize,” at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, 2672 E. Alluvial
Avenue, between Chestnut and Willow. "MOBILIZE" is an in-depth look at the potential
dangers of cell phone technology. The film explores the possible long-term health
effects from cell phone radiation, the most recent scientific research, legislative efforts,
and the consequent corporate resistance to acknowledge the dangers. The film features
interviews with numerous doctors, prominent politicians, technology experts, and major
telecommunication associates: Apple, Inc, The World Health Organization, the
International Agency for Research on Cancer, the National Cancer Institute, Yale
University , Harvard University , USC, UCSF, UC Berkeley, and Virgin Mobile.
Admission is free and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Light refreshments will be
available. For information, go to uufresno.org; or Glenda 559-291-1590;
[email protected], This is a repeat of the film screened on 10/17/14.
Friday, January 16th
The Fresno Folklore Society presents John McCutcheon in concert at the Unitarian
Universalist Church of Fresno. John McCutcheon has an eclectic catalog of ballads,
historical songs, children’s songs, love songs, topical satire, fiddle and hammer
dulcimer instrumentals, and even symphonic works. His thirty-six albums have earned 6
Grammy nominations. His song Christmas in the Trenches was recently named one of
the 100 Essential Folk Songs. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30.
Tickets are $20 in advance or for Fresno Folklore Society members, or $25 at the gate.
Advance tickets can be purchased at National Hardware, Patrick's Music and
fresnofolkconcerts.com. The church is located at 2672 E. Alluvial Ave. (between Willow
and Chestnut) in Fresno. This is an all ages event, and kids under 12 are free. For
more information, call 559-307-3610 or go to folkmusic.com.
Saturday, January 17th
"PAY 2 PLAY" Democracy's High Stakes, will be screened at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian
Universalist Church of Fresno, 2672 E. Alluvial Avenue, between Chestnut and Willow,
"Pay 2 PLAY" follows filmmaker John Ennis' quest to find a way out from under the Pay
2 Play system, where politicians reward their donors with even larger sums from the
treasury - through contracts, tax cuts, and deregulation. If our political system is like a
game of Monopoly, how can outsiders have a voice when only money speaks? Ennis
documents comical corruption, follows political newcomers and uncovers intrigue in this
colorful journey that connects the dots of Big Money in our ever-challenging election
process. Discussion post-film. Admission is free and the venue is wheelchair
accessible. Light refreshments will be available. For information, go to uufresno.org; or
contact Glenda at 559-291-1590 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Wednesday, January 21st
As part of the Valley Town Hall Lecture Series, Valerie Plame, author of “Fair Game: My
Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House,” will be speaking at 10:30 a.m. at the
William Saroyan Theatre. As a covert CIA Officer, Valerie Plame worked to protect
America's national security for more than twenty years and worked to ensure that Iraq
did not acquire nuclear weapons. But in 2003, Plame found herself at the heart of a
political firestorm when senior White House and State Department officials revealed her
CIA status to several national journalists. Plame, who remained silent throughout the
controversy, eventually wrote her New York Times best-selling autobiography Fair
Game: My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House. In 2010, Fair Game was
made into a motion picture starring Sean Penn. Plame will share her expertise on
international security and deliver a candid analysis of the "security versus privacy"
debate dominating political and media circles today. For more information and this and
other speakers in this year’s series, go to valleytownhall.com.
Saturday, January 24th
As part of its winter film series, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno will screen
"Take Back Your Power" at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, 2672 E. Alluvial
Avenue, between Chestnut and Willow. Josh del Sol's award winning documentary
investigated so-called "smart" meters, which are emerging as anything but smart. The
film uncovers shocking evidence of in-home privacy invasions, increased utility bills,
health and environmental harm, fires and unprecedented hacking vulnerability...and
lights the path toward solutions. There will be a discussion post-film. Admission is free
and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Light refreshments will be available. For
information, go to uufresno.org or contact Glenda at 559-291-1590, or by e-mail to
[email protected].
MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:
Throughout 2014:
The Lure and Lore of Yosemite is the most comprehensive exhibition to date of art,
literature and ephemera relating to the history of the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa
Big Tree Grove. The Exhibit will be on display at the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau in
Oakhurst, CA throughout 2014. Materials on display range from Lafayette Bunnell’s
account of the ‘discovery’ of the Valley, in 1851, to John Muir’s famous Century
Magazine articles (published in 1890) that led to the creation of Yosemite National Park.
Visitors to the exhibit will get a powerful sense of the impact of tourism on Yosemite in
the decades between 1870 and 1900. Examples of rare 19th century ephemera on
display – rail and stage company brochures, guide-service pamphlets, stock certificates
and trade cards for early hotels – all attest to the intense commercial activity of this
period. Yosemite was also a mecca for artists for artists and photographers, many of
whose works appear in this exhibit. Highlights include: lithographs by San Francisco
artist George Holbrook Baker, magnificent mammoth plate photographs by Carleton
Watkins, and an original pencil sketch (from 1855) by Thomas Ayres – who was the first
artist ever to draw Yosemite. For more information, contact Christi Long at the
Yosemite Visitor’s Bureau, (559) 683-4636.
Tuesday, September 23rd through Thursday, January 15th
The Fresno County Department of Public Health has scheduled influenza vaccination
clinics for the 2014-15 flu season at multiple locations throughout the county. The cost
of each vaccination will be $6.00. Medi-Cal for children and Medicare part B will also be
accepted. The 2014-15 flu vaccine is designed to protect against the viruses that are
most likely to cause disease this season. In accordance with federal and state
guidelines, it is recommended that each person six months of age and older should be
vaccinated each year. Flu viruses are always changing. Flu vaccines protect against 3
or 4 viruses and cannot prevent all cases of flu, but it is the best defense against the
disease. Vaccination is the best protection against the flu and its potential
complications. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination,
and protection lasts several months to a year. For children 8 years and younger, if this
is their first flu shot they should receive two shots this season separated by 4 weeks.
The flu vaccine also helps prevent spreading the flu virus from person-to-person.
Fresno County residents with insurance coverage should contact their health care
provider regarding flu vaccination availability. Vaccines may also be available at
physician’s offices, clinics, pharmacies, and at special flu vaccination events promoted
in retail stores. Information regarding flu vaccination opportunities can be found at
www.flu.gov. For dates, times, and locations of the Department of Public Health flu
vaccination clinics for Fresno County residents, please visit www.fcdph.org/flu or call the
toll-free Immunization Information Line at 1-888-993-3003.
Friday, September 26th through Sunday, January 4th
In partnership with StageWorks Fresno, the Fresno Art Museum is proud to present four
sections of the internationally celebrated AIDS Memorial Quilt - the 54-ton, handmade
tapestry that stands as a memorial to the more than 94,000 individuals lost to AIDS - on
view through the end of 2014. Exhibition visitors will be invited to contribute to the
exhibition in two ways: the first of which is to create a supporting message to those
living with or affected by HIV/AIDS; secondly visitors can place a red ribbon with or
without a name on a pedestal within the gallery as part of a cumulative sculpture
created entirely by visitors to the exhibition, as a tribute to anyone they know who has
passed away from AIDS. To coincide with the exhibition, the Fresno Art Museum is
working with a number of community partners, including All About Care, StageWorks
Fresno, The Living Room, a project of WestCare California Inc., and the Fresno County
Department of Public Health to promote a full line-up of programming for World AIDS
Day 2014. Observed worldwide on December 1st since 1988, World AIDS Day is the
time when millions of people come together across the globe to commemorate those
who have lost their lives to HIV, and to encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention,
treatment, and care around the world, particularly in high prevalence countries. From
2011-2015, the World Health Organization's World AIDS Campaign is organized around
the theme of, "Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDSrelated deaths." The Quilt will be on exhibition at the Fresno Art Museum, 2233 N. First
Street. General Admission is $5 and free for Museum Members. The Exhibition
Opening Reception is Friday, September 26th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm,
Wednesday, October 1st through Friday, November 21st
Fresno County Public Library, in conjunction with Cal Humanities, is pleased to host a
full schedule of events as part of “War Comes Home”, a series of programs intended to
bring Californians together to explore important topics through reading and discussion.
Highlights include:
Saturday, November 1st through Sunday, December 21st
Good Company Players presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” at Second Space
Theatre. Seen through the eyes of the pragmatic 10-year-old Beth Bradley, this
delightfully heart-warming American classic is an audience favorite! When the regular
pageant director, Mrs. Armstrong, breaks her leg, Beth’s mom, Grace Bradley, is
pressed into service. Unfortunately for her, the worst kids in town find out there are
treats at church and that's all the information they need to decide they want the leading
roles in the annual pageant. Along the way, the horrible Herdmans, learn the story of
Christmas for the first time and the congregation learns a lot about their own hearts.
This holiday treat for the whole family features a cast comprised of new and familiar
faces. 2nd Space Theatre is located at 928 E. Olive. The play will be performed
Thursdays through Saturdays (Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday at 8:00 p.m., &
Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m.) Tickets are $18 general admission; $15 for students &
seniors. For reserve call 559-266-0660/800-371-4747 or buy online at
2ndspacetheatre.com.
Thursday, November 13th through Saturday, November 22nd
A family seeking answers and a country seeking peace come together in the Fresno
Pacific University fall theater production. “Truth and Reconciliation” will be performed
November 13-16 and 20-22 in The Severance Building (at California Arts Academy),
1401 N. Wishon Ave., Fresno. It is three years since Lynne and Benjamin
Montgomery's son, Ben, traveled to the Central American country of Cartuga in order to
use his medical training to help the poor peasants. Soon after his arrival, Ben
disappeared. In a country of civil strife, guerillas and mass executions by the army, that
can mean only one thing-he was killed. So when Bishop Melinda invites the
Montgomerys to take part in the historic Cartuga Truth and Reconciliation Commission,
they fly to Central America to find out what happened to their son. Etan Frankel's play
won the Williamstown Theatre Festival's 2006 Weissberger Playwriting Award. Frankel
is an American playwright and television writer and producer who has worked on Friday
Night Lights and other shows. Director Kate McKnight is adjunct faculty in FPU's degree
completion program, and is the former visual and performing arts coordinator for Fresno
Unified School District. She has performed in and directed numerous productions for the
annual Rogue Performance Festival, and was recently seen as Lady Macbeth in the
Woodward Shakespeare Festival. The curtain goes up at 8:00 p.m. for the ThursdaySaturday shows and at 2:00 p.m. for the November 16 matinee. Tickets are $12 for
general audiences and $10 for students and senior citizens. For advance tickets, go to
ecommerce.fresno.edu/C21826_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=157.
The FPU Center for Peace & Conflict Studies will host a panel discussion after the
Sunday matinee. Panelists will include Peter Smith, Ph.D., assistant professor of peace
and conflict studies, and Greg Zubacz, Ph.D., J.C.D, CPACS director.
Check out all FPU events at http://events.fresno.edu/.
Thursday, November 13th through Sunday, January 11th
Good Company Players’ sizzling production of Smokey Joe’s Café opens
November 13th at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater. This smokin’ hot review, spanning the
‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s, features the toe- tapping, hip-swiveling, soul searing music of
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The duo burst into the music industry as teenagers and
launched a body of work that runs the gamut from rhythm and blues to novelty with
romantic ballads, doo-wop, and rock-and-roll liberally sprinkled throughout. The score of
Smokey Joe’s Cafe includes songs like “Stand By Me,” “Yakety Yak,” “Spanish
Harlem,” “Kansas City,” “Trouble,” Jailhouse Rock,” “On Broadway,” “Fools Fall In
Love,” “On Broadway” and a myriad of other hits! Twelve talented, dynamic performers
will take you on an ebullient trip back to the heyday of early rock and roll. Performances
are Thursdays through Sundays, with two shows most Sundays. On Thursdays a buffet
is served beginning at 5:30 p.m., with a Pre-Show featuring Good Company Players’
Junior Company at 7:00 and the performance at 7:30 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays
dinner is served beginning at 5:30 p.m., with the Pre-Show at 7:30 p.m. and the
performance at 8:00 p.m. For the Sunday matinee, a brunch buffet is served beginning
at 11 a.m., with the Pre-Show at 1 p.m. and the performance at 1:30 p.m. and for
Sunday evenings, a buffet is served beginning at 5:00 p.m., with the Pre-Show at 7:00
p.m. and the performance at 7:30 p.m. The cost for the Thursday and Sunday Buffet &
Show is $46.00 per person (Show Only - $29.00). The cost for the Friday and Saturday
Served Meal & Show is $50.00; Show Plus (includes the show, 1 dessert, 1 drink, tax
and tip) is $37.00. Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater,\ is located at 1226 N. Wishon, at
Olive and Wishon in The Tower District. For tickets or more information, call 559-2669494/800-371-4747 or reserve online at rogerrockas.com.
Friday, November 14th through Saturday, November 22nd
The Fresno City College Theatre Department will present the campy comedy “Boeing
Boeing,” beginning November 14 in the Studio 105 Theatre. Translated from a 1960’s
French farce, Boeing Boeing features the story of Bernard, a Parisian lothario, who has
three fiancées, each a beautiful airline hostess. He manages this trick by having one in
the air, one on the ground, and one awaiting arrival. Everything falls apart when his
friend Robert arrives and the airlines employ the new, faster Boeing aircraft. Robert and
Bernard have to keep the girls apart and unaware of each other's presence. It’s
guaranteed to keep you laughing. Written by Marc Camoletti, translation by Beverly
Cross and Francis Evans, Boeing Boeing is directed by Bob Creasy. Performance
dates are November 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and November 16, 21 and 22
at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $14 General, $12 Students and Seniors and $8 Group (10 or
more). Call 442-8221 or purchase tickets online at
www.fresnocitycollege.edu/boxofficetickets.
Friday, December 5th through Saturday, December 13th
Fresno State’s University Theatre presents “Cabaret,” the Tony-winning musical about
following your heart while the world loses its way. Welcome to the infamous Kit Kat
Klub, where the Emcee, Sally Bowles and a raucous ensemble take the stage nightly to
tantalize the crowd—and to leave their troubles outside. But as life in pre-WWII
Germany grows more and more uncertain, will the decadent allure of Berlin nightlife be
enough to get them through their dangerous times? Come hear some of the most
memorable songs in theatre history, including "Cabaret," "Willkommen" and "Maybe
This Time." Right this way, your table is waiting at CABARET. The play will be
performed every day except Monday, and all performances are at 8 p.m. except on
Sunday when it’s at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $17 for Fresno State
Faculty/Staff, Seniors, Alumni & Military, and $12 for all students. For more information
call 559.278.2216 or e-mail [email protected].
Friday, March 13th 2015 to Saturday March 21st 2015
Winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize. “Somewhere in Philadelphia” will be performed at the
Fresno State Woods Theatre Speech Arts Building, Elliot has returned from Iraq and is
struggling to find his place in the world. Somewhere in a chat room, recovering addicts
keep each other alive, hour by hour, day by day. The boundaries of family and
community are stretched across continents and cyberspace as birth families splinter
and online families collide. WATER BY THE SPOONFUL is a heartfelt meditation on
lives on the brink of redemption. Performances are every day except Monday, and all
performances are at 8 p.m. except the Sunday performance which is at 2 p.m. Tickets
for adults are $17, for Fresno State Faculty/Staff, Seniors, Alumni & Military, $15, and
for all students, $10. For tickets or information, call 559.278.2216 or e-mail
[email protected].
ONGOING
Every Day
Occupy Fresno is at Fresno’s Courthouse Park (on the south end, off Tulare between
Van Ness and M Street). They hold a General Assembly every day at 6 p.m. and there
have been arrests every day, shortly after midnight. For more information, go to
http://occupyfresnoca.com/
Every Tuesday
Starting 8/27/13, the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno will be holding classes on the
Quran focusing on pronunciation and memorization. The classes are free (donations
appreciated) and start at 7 p.m. If interested please contact Rebecca by e-mail to
[email protected]. No registration is needed.
Every Tuesday through Thursday
The Fresno County Department of Public Health offers free confidential rapid HIV
testing at the Fresno County Department of Public Health building at 1221 Fulton Mall,
Specialty Clinic Area, First Floor, from 8:30 am – 11:00 am and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
For more information, contact Jena Adams, Supervising Communicable Disease
Specialist, at (559) 600-3434.
Every Wednesday through the 2014 school year
New Horizons Music provides adults a fun entry or reentry into music making! Whether
you were in school band or orchestra, would like to learn a new instrument, or have only
dreamed of playing, New Horizons offers a welcoming environment that offers you the
chance to participate and progress at your own rate. Rehearsals are going on each
Wednesday starting at 5:30 p.m. for string instruments and 6:30 p.m. for band
instruments. Groups perform at least two concerts each school year. All meetings are at
the Bullard High School Band Room, 5445 N. Palm, Fresno. For more information,
contact Craig Erker at [email protected] or Archie Rader at 559-273-8309.
Every Wednesday and Friday
Patricia Wells Solorzano and Agustin Lira, founders of El Teatro Campesino), have
formed a theatrical group with Fresno youth that will raise awareness of the problems
negatively affecting the health of boys and young men of color, such as drugs, gangs,
obesity, teen pregnancy, high numbers of youth incarcerated or expelled from schools,
unemployment and poverty. The Theater for Boys and young Men of Color will be
composed of youth ages 16-28 who will be trained in acting to the extent that they will
be capable of performing before general audiences. The participants will be engaged in
the creation of skits, one-act plays and in the development of a one and a half hour
theatrical production with music to be performed toward the end of this year long
project. Along with theater, musical presentations will also take place performed by the
participants who will also receive musical training. This project will be taking place at
The Cecil C. Hinton Community Center, 2385 South Fairview Ave., 93706, on
Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30-8:30 p.m. For more information, contact Gwen Morris
at (559) 412-7118.
Every Saturday
There is a medical clinic for the homeless, actively injecting drug users and prostitutes
every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. or until the last patient is served. You can find
them near Hughes and Olive Ave. The clinic is staffed by Dr. Marc Lasher and
volunteers. Financial donations are accepted. For more information, call 266-0444.
Every Saturday
Food Not Bombs feeds the hungry from 1 - 2 p.m. near the Olive Ave entrance to
Roeding Park. If you would like to help them prepare the meal, they meet every
Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church (1343 E. Barstow) at 10am. For more
information email [email protected] or visit the official FNB website,
foodnotbombs.net.
Most Saturdays
Most Saturdays there is a Fresno Free Bicycle Repair Clinic from 1- 3 p.m. near the
Olive Ave entrance to Roeding Park, beside Food Not Bombs. Donations of bicycle
parts, inner tubes, and blinky lights are welcome. Volunteers are needed to help with
minor repairs. For more info and to arrange donations, e-mail: [email protected].
1st Saturday of each month:
The South Valley Peace Center holds a demonstration for peace at Mooney and Walnut
in Visalia, from 1-2 p.m. For more information visit southvalleypeacecenter.org.
2nd Saturday of each month:
Divorce Options Workshops are offered on the second Saturday of every month by
Central Valley Collaborative Law Affiliates. This program provides information about the
divorce process and the options available to anyone considering divorce. Each
workshop is presented by an interdisciplinary team of legal, financial and mental health
professionals on the second Saturday of each month at the Fresno Ramada Inn, 324
East Shaw Avenue, Fresno, California from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is offered at NO
CHARGE to attendees as a public service of Central Valley Collaborative Law Affiliates.
Pre-registration is recommended due to limited seating. Further information and preregistration may be obtained at divorcefresno.eventbrite.com, or contact John McDaniel
at (559) 226-4420.
Every Sunday
Food Not Bombs serves free food at Courthouse Park to anyone who is hungry. They
start cooking at 1 PM and serve the food at 3 PM (meet at the Tulare side of the park).
For more information go to http://cafefresno.org.
First Wednesday of each month:
A Women in Black Silent Vigil takes place from noon to 1 p.m. at the Fresno County
Courthouse, 1100 Van Ness Ave. Show your support for peace and negotiated
settlements of current U.S. military actions. Stand silently and advocate for peace. For
more information, call 559-278-7140 or 559-225-2850. This vigil takes place the 1st
Wednesday of each month.
The “Goodie Bag Project” is collecting small toiletry items brought home from hotels
and vacations to provide gifts for women incarcerated in Central Valley Women’s
Prisons. This is a collaborative effort of the CCWF Inmate Family Council, the Fresno
Center for Nonviolence, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno Social Justice
Committee, and the United Methodist Church of Merced. They are seeking
sample/travel size bath gels, body soap, lotions, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner,
toothpaste, toothbrushes, small combs and pocket sized packages of tissues (no food,
candy, edibles, drinkables, mouthwash or anything containing alcohol). They are also
collecting all kinds of greeting cards, wooden pencils and clear, colorless pens, as well
as paper scratch pads and picture postcards. Items may be dropped off at the Center
for Nonviolence, 1584 N. Van Ness Ave., south of McKinley, during open hours, M - F,
11 AM - 3 PM. Checks can be made out to "FCNV Prison Ministry - Goodie Bags," and
mailed to the Center at the above address, or dropped off in person. Receipts will be
given. All donations are tax-deductible. For additional information or to see if an item is
allowable under prison rules, call Maria Telesco at 559-255-9492. Please remember all
items must be SMALL.
Volunteers Needed: Collective for Arts, Freedom, and Ecology (CAFE) Fresno, whose
mission is to provide a safe space for all people and provide programs and events that
provide enrichment and information to Fresno and the Central Valley, is looking for
volunteers, especially for Food Not Bombs, an organization that provides a nutritious
meal to anybody that would like and need one. Food Not Bombs is in dire need of
physical and financial help, and will accept anything that might go to waste that is still
useful. This includes but is not limited to: clothing, toys, tools, and furniture. All of these
items will be redistributed to others that need them. Food Not Bombs meets on Sundays
at CAFE Infoshop (935 F. Street in Fresno) at noon sharp, to chop and cook until 3. At 3
p.m., they serve at the courthouse park. For more information call Vanessa at (559)
485-3937 or e-mail [email protected].
Host an International High School Exchange Student
High school students from around the world come to the US to spend a year or a
semester in American schools. Your family can learn about Germany, China, Finland,
Italy, or another country by hosting a student. International Experience is a non-profit
that helps you connect with an exchange student hoping to study abroad and invites
you to share your home with a student who will become a part of your family. Students
in the International Experience program must meet strict guidelines and complete
multiple screenings in their home countries. During their stay they are covered by their
own health insurance and provide their own spending money. These students want to
come to the US to practice English and learn about our culture. As a host family, you
simply provide a bed, family meals and invite your student to participate in your family’s
traditions and introduce them to our American culture. To learn more about the opening
your heart and home to an exchange student contact International Experience at 888266-29 21. or visit ie-usa.com.
Every Thursday:
On Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. guitarist and singer/songwriter Steve Ono is hosting the
Smugglers Open Mic Night. The Smuggler's lounge is like a large living room with a
small PA set up in the corner. Listening will be encouraged. Musicians, singers and
spoken word are all welcome. The content must be family friendly. Each guest artist will
be playing 2 to 3 songs depending on the number of participants. Minors are allowed
when accompanied by a responsible adult. Steve will play back up guitar or read sheet
music (lead sheets preferred) for the artists on request. Steve Ono has been playing
and teaching guitar in the Fresno/Clovis area for more than 35 years with hundreds of
former students. The Smuggler's at the Park Inn is a full service restaurant with a full
bar. There is a two drink minimum. Dinner is available. The restaurant is located at 3787
North Blackstone Avenue in Fresno. For information, call (559) 230-8450
Ongoing:
The AMVETS Call of Duty Endowment Career Centers provide FREE career training
and employment assistance to veterans, active duty service members, National Guard,
and Reserve members and spouses. For additional information please call 877-7268387, once again that is 877-726-8387.
Fresno County Public Library is recruiting skilled volunteers to assist teens and
parents fill out applications for college and financial aid. When schools are closed,
rural students throughout the county often find it difficult to access materials and
computers that can help with this milestone in a student’s life. The Fresno County Public
Library not only provides a safe and welcoming environment for these students and
families, but also has the needed technology and print materials to help them navigate
the college and career path. Those with Spanish language skills are encouraged to
apply. By becoming a College Prep Coach, volunteers will dedicate a few hours each
week to help families unfamiliar with the task of completing important applications. "All
students must have direct access to materials and technology to succeed in life,” says
County Librarian Laurel Prysiazny. “By staffing several rural branches with trained
volunteers, the Library’s College Prep Program will assist students and families with
laying the groundwork for making college a reality.” If you would like to help a teen go
to college visit http://www.fresnolibrary.org and click on the volunteer banner, or call
Elizabeth Finkle at (559) 600-9230.