Arts Devo

Stop, look and listen, and check this out! Remember that scene in Beat Street when the Bronx Rockers show up with that band of longhairs that bust out some seriously dank sludge-metal, only to get served by young Lee and the Beat Street Breakers? No, because it didn’t happen. But just because old-school B-boy moves and spine-rattling doom metal haven’t mixed before doesn’t mean they shouldn’t.

It comes as no surprise to Arts DEVO that the unlikely crossover actually has been realized by local music-videomaking duo Michelle Camy and Brandon Squyres. Once again, the couple have brought something completely new to the world with a just-released video for ultra-heavy Chico four-piece Amarok’s song “Devoured.” Starring with the four band members (including Squyres, who plays bass and sings) is world-class B-boy David Shreibman, aka Kid David (brother of Jesse Shreibman, one-time Chico dude and current drummer for Bell Witch), who has danced in competitions all over the world and performed with Gwen Stefani and Justin Beiber, among others. With the bone-crushing track trudging alongside, the video is a beautiful nine-minute black-and-white meditation of contrasts that cuts between the band in a shadowy room and scenes of Kid David outdoors showing off his impressive moves—often in slo-mo—boombox at his side. Witness here.

Alexx’s story Alexx Collins is one of the coolest people I’ve met in Chico. She’s fun, hilarious and delightful to talk to. And she plays a musical saw! She’s the kind of person you want to hang out with. I didn’t meet Collins until she’d gotten herself off the streets, and the more I spent time around her (we play music together on occasion), the harder it was to reconcile the dynamic person in front of me with the story of a 14-year-old who was kicked out of her home and then spent the next dozen years without one (as told so well by former CN&R staff writer Ken Smith in “The long road home,” Cover story, Aug. 31, 2017).

In fact, Collins’ story might be the perfect example of how even the most capable among us can be forced to the streets by conditions beyond our control, and that it takes a lot of organized assistance to overcome those conditions and get one’s life back in order.

Her powerful story is being told again by local filmmaker/writer/musician Ched Lohr in his new documentary, Alexx Finding Home. The film just won an award for Best Editing at the Fusion International Film Festival, and it premiers locally at the Museum of Northern California Art this Saturday (Jan. 8), at 7 p.m., and will be followed by a panel discussion with the filmmaker, Collins and local advocate Siana Sonoquie. Cost is $5, and proceeds benefit Safe Space Winter Shelter.

Art for your health Calling all rad people using art to heal illness and trauma. Camp Fire Long Term Recovery Group and the Chico Arts Commission are trying to compile a comprehensive directory of individuals and organizations using “music, movement, dance, art, painting, sculpture, poetry, writing, acting and other artforms” to aid in recovery. Send names and any questions to campfirewellness@gmail.com

In the meantime, the Chico Art Center (450 Orange St.) is home to the Women’s Retreat for Camp Fire Survivors, on the second Saturday of each month. Hosted by artist Lynn Abbiati (whose home was destroyed by the fire), the arts-making retreat is “a place for women to stop, take time for self care, to dream a little.” Next one: June 8, 10 a.m.,-4 p.m. All are welcome; cost $5 (to cover materials). Register at campfirewomensretreat.app.rsvpify.com.