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By Roz Rogoff

About this blog: In January 2002 I started writing my own online "newspaper" titled "The San Ramon Observer." I reported on City Council meetings and other happenings in San Ramon. I tried to be objective in my coverage of meetings and events, and...  (More)

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Enjoying the Arts in San Ramon

Uploaded: Oct 19, 2015
I started teaching my ARTS class again this week. Instructors are required to post two "substantive" comments in the online discussions on five out of seven days each week. I posted the following comment to one my students who posted a comment about living in London for several years and how much support the English give to the Arts.

I answered, "This may be a myth, but I believe Europeans are more supportive of the Arts than most Americans." To dive further into this myth, "Americans tend to be practical and work oriented and theater or art seems to be frivolous and not REAL work."

Of course that's not true. San Ramon has a Performing Arts Center and books acts during the season. The opening act last week was Wilson Phillips, a vocal trio made up of Wendy and Carney Wilson, daughters of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys, and Chynna Phillips, daughter of John and Michelle Phillips of the Mamas and Papas. Wilson Phillips has been performing together, on and off, for 25 years.

The show ran 90 minutes with no breaks. The women were on stage the whole time, and danced and sang some of the old Mama and Papas and Beach Boys songs as well as many of their own hits. Their band was made up of family members too. They all worked very hard during those 90 minutes. They had to be upbeat and energetic and entertaining the whole time.

The 600-seat Performing Arts Center was sold out. The audience gave them a standing ovation, which was well-deserved.

They said they would be performing in Peru in three days. They may be there now, or on their way to the next venue. Being a performer on the road is a very stressful life. You're in a different city and a different hotel every couple of days. It is not an easy way to make a living.

Whatever amount of money they made from ticket sales or a preset amount will be split not only among the three performers, but their Manager, Agent, band members, and roadies, the guys who move all of the equipment from place to place.

As the song from "Showboat" says, "Life upon the Wicked Stage ain't nothing for a girl," or three middle-aged women in this case.

Democracy.
What is it worth to you?

Comments

Posted by Rick Terskael, a resident of San Ramon,
on Oct 20, 2015 at 2:21 pm

Did they perform "Shakin' All Over?" "All Shook Up?" "You Shook Me Baby?"


Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore,
on Oct 20, 2015 at 4:45 pm

There are a few art opportunities for Bay Area artists:

. Berkeley Art Center - Requires membership which entitles an artist to exhibit in a salon style annual exhibition!

. Piedmont Arts Center - The 3rd annual, look up their web page and read the requirements. $2,000 First Prize is nothing to sneeze at!

GOOD LUCK ARTISTS!

Most artists don't make much $$$$$ off their art so when such opportunities come along, it's helpful to know about them and to consider entering/exhibiting.



Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore,
on Oct 20, 2015 at 5:52 pm

Roz...Don't forget to inform your readers that the KALA Art Institute in located in Berkeley.

Web Link

They offer classes for children and adults. It's a wonderful place to learn about printmaking and to hang out with fellow art lover's! HOORAY!


Posted by Ed, a resident of Pleasanton Meadows,
on Oct 21, 2015 at 7:09 am

I think all kids ought to take an art class if they can. Last year my daughter took a summer class that met once a week and was taught by an enthusiastic guy in a pony tail, walking in we'd be met by wonderful student drawings and the latest paintings from the teacher, the place smelled like an art studio, it was like a different world. He'd talk about the old masters and how they painted, and wove it into more modern techniques.
A great experience that she couldn't have gotten in the public school she attends.


Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore,
on Oct 22, 2015 at 11:37 am

UC Berkeley Museum of Art: Web Link

The new museum will open January 2016! A must visit!


Posted by San Ramon Observer, a resident of San Ramon,
on Oct 22, 2015 at 1:09 pm

San Ramon Observer is a registered user.

Thanks to all the posters for providing links and comments. It's always helpful to add to these blogs because even though I write like a Know-it-All, I really don't know it all.

Roz


Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore,
on Oct 23, 2015 at 4:05 pm

The California Arts Council: Web Link

This web page has lots of information that may be of interest to many of your readers. enjoy...


Posted by Artistic Family, a resident of Pleasanton Meadows,
on Oct 24, 2015 at 11:32 am

Let's not forget the Firehouse Gallery in Pleasanton. Also small school districts in the Seirra foothills where Art is still held precious and part of an exploring education, there are high quality,professionally taught classes. It is up to the District level how the funds are allocated, even in this high tech world.


Posted by Cholo, a resident of Livermore,
on Oct 24, 2015 at 1:03 pm

so cool i thought it was me dancing....HOORAY! duh...

Web Link


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