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.

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9 replies on “Enjoying the Arts in San Ramon”

  2. 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.

  4. 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.

  6. 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

  8. 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.

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