Arts DEVO

The big stuff It’s no secret that, when choosing how to spend the 600-or-so words that Arts DEVO is allotted in this column, I often lean toward the little guys. Part of the reason is because I like to focus on local goings-on and staying connected to Chico’s arts, music, craft-beer and puppy-dog communities. But it’s also because this is my personal column, and as such I am free to talk about all the offbeat, experimental, freaky, noisy, puerile, boneheaded and smelly art, artists and music that I’m kinky for. With a few nostalgic exceptions, I prefer new experiences (however bad) over repeat engagements (however good).

But these particular leanings don’t preclude me from recognizing the skills and hard work of the nice people bringing the big shit to town—events that bring out the crowds and make Chico the brightest spot on the Nor Cal cultural map. Without Justin Maximov and his J-Max Productions at the Senator and El Rey theaters, the Sierra Nevada Big Room and its longtime curator, Bob Littell, and especially Chico State’s public-performance arm, Chico Performances, and its passionate staff, Chico wouldn’t see nearly as much art from the world outside of Butte County.

And the quality of the art these three bring is pretty incredible, and there is much worth giving a shout out to—e.g., upcoming visits from acoustic/folk greats the Kruger Brothers and the gypsy freak parade of March Fourth Marching Band (at the Big Room July 9 and 18, respectively), and Rhymesayers collective instigators Atmosphere at the Senator Theatre Sept. 9.

Also, Chico Performances just announced its 2014-15 schedule. Admittedly, the sound of the whistling voice of Garrison Keillor (appearing at Laxson Auditorium Feb. 2, 2015) is, for me, like having rusty nails being dragged across the chalkboard of my soul (though I strongly suspect that there will be a capacity crowd on hand that will vehemently disagree with my moot opinion). But there are, as usual, several selections that I am looking forward to with great anticipation.

The month of October, in particular, is packed! And the first show of that month—New York-based acoustic trio The Lone Bellow (Oct. 2)—is the one I’m most looking forward to in Stephen Cummins’ first full season of booking since taking over as director of University Public Events. Go now to www.thelonebellow.com and watch the live, one-shot, black-and-white video for “Two Sides of Lonely,” which starts with frontman Zach Williams singing to the cold, quiet air of a snowy wilderness, before being joined on the trail by his bandmates singing along and playing guitar. The trio then enter an old country church where a piano player adds a few quiet chords and the three passionately sing so loud that veins in their foreheads pop out. Just try and shake off the goose bumps.

The rest of October is ridiculously packed with the likes of Rosanne Cash (Oct. 4), Branford Marsalis and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia (Oct. 9), foot-stompin’ NYC jazz band The Hot Sardines (Oct. 19), and the insane Swiss mime/puppet/mask troupe Mummenschanz (Oct. 28).

Highlights for the rest of the season include: Whose Live Anyway? improv-comedy troupe (Nov. 13); Allen Toussaint & the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (Nov. 21); Mavis Staples (Jan. 16); The Hot Club of San Francisco (Jan. 31); Zap Mama & Antibalas (Feb. 18); the radio play/audio-visual theatrical live-action graphic-novel presentation The Intergalactic Nemesis (March 7); and legendary bluesman Buddy Guy (April 7).

Series tickets are available now, and individual show tickets will go sale starting Aug. 4. Visit www.chicoperformances.com for info.