Arts Devo

X-treme Breaking News If there is one thing for which Butte County can be counted on, it’s partying well, often notoriously so. With that said, it came as no surprise to Arts DEVO to see that a spirited—and supremely funky—band of local party dudes made the TV news last week by capitalizing on the most excellent opportunity presented by the X-treme crisis at the Lake Oroville spillway.

The wild footage, courtesy of the GravyBrain News Network, shows the daredevil quartet of Gravy, Dr. Galaxo, Danger and The Scorpion navigating the damaged spillway on inner tubes to the soundtrack of a most tasty groove bumping in the background, even catching some serious air to clear the gaping breach. The DWR was apparently powerless to stop the epic run by these experienced tubers, whose many years of training in the waters along Beer Can Beach had obviously paid off.

See for yourself at: www.goo.gl/m2bHjL.

Art blooms Nothing like a break in the rain to make Chico go wild with spring fever. I’ve gone as mad as anyone, and fueling my denial that the rains will return are the bright rays of artistic sunshine glowing on the horizon. First up, one of my favorite little arts secrets, the spring BFA and MFA Open Studios next Thursday, March 9, at Chico State. The often under-the-radar event happens one day each semester, and features a wide range of student works spread throughout the studios, classrooms and galleries of Ayres Hall—and now in spaces in the new Arts & Humanities Building as well. It’s a self-guided affair—just wander the halls between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and discover some art.

Speaking of multi-artist affairs, the annual Art at the Matador spring arts celebration is back for its seventh year, May 12-13, and organizers are seeking artists for the event. The entire property of the historic hotel on The Esplanade is transformed into a kind of arts carnival, with individual artist galleries in the hotel rooms and outside under tents. There’s also a wide variety of performers and musicians over the course of the two days, plus margaritas and food-truck food available for purchase. Interested artists should call Dolores Mitchell at 318-2105.

Chico Area Music Celebration The real sign of spring’s arrival, at least around here, is the return of the CAMMIES. The Chico News & Review is once again gearing up to celebrate Chico’s rad music scene by highlighting nearly three weeks of local music showcases (April 6-22) and capping it all off with the CAMMIES finale, Sunday, April 23, 2-7 p.m., at Patrick Ranch. The CN&R will host the finale, but it is up to the venues to fill kick-ass local bills that we will feature in CAMMIES calendars in the newspaper and on the CAMMIES Facebook page in the weeks leading up to the finale. All shows featuring local acts are eligible for inclusion, so send your events to cnrcammies@gmail.com by March 24!