May / June 2013
THE SHOW NO THEATER CAN HOLD THE GUIDE Coming soon HIStory performs at Three Stages RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED A tribute to the original ‘teen idol’ TEN QUESTIONS with Latin Jazz Legend Pete Escovedo
IN THIS ISSUE: 10 Questions with Latin Jazz Legend Pete Escovedo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Folsom Rhythm and Brews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 The Show No Theater Can Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ricky Nelson Remembered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Confessions of a Performing Arts Junkie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Guide for Local Upcoming Shows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Great entertainment at Three Stages, Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Jackson Rancheria and in your community ADVERTISING INFORMATION:
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10
QUESTIONS
with Latin Jazz Legend
Pete Escovedo Famed percussionist Pete Escovedo is an artist who broke . . .
. . . down the barriers between Smooth Jazz, Salsa, Latin Jazz, and contemporary music. His name has been widely known in the music industry for more than 50 years. Pete is known worldwide for his live performances, session work and solo albums. He was just a boy when he started listening to big bands in Bay Area ballrooms. The Latin Jazz legend and father of a family of remarkably talented musicians has been in the industry for more than 50 years. Born in Pittsburg, California, Escovedo grew up in Oakland in a family where music was part of everyday life. The same year he met his future wife in junior high school, he acquired his first set of bongos made out of coffee cans and tape. He painted them himself. An artist from the age of 15, he began drawing and painting on whatever materials he could get his hands on. Today, he’s still playing, and still painting.
musicians over after their performance, and they would bring their guitars. My mom always kept a piano in the house, so they’d have a jam session, and stay up eating and drinking and having a good time.
Q. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT?
I really enjoyed the saxophone. My ambition was to be a jazz saxophone
Q. HOW DID YOU FIRST START PLAYING WITH SANTANA?
Back in the late ’60s, early ’70s, the Latin rock scene was really big. My brother Coke and I had a band together working in a bunch of clubs
asked, ‘WHERE ARE WE ‘‘ IGOING?’ He goes, ‘We’re going to New York. We’re playing at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
’’
for four nights in a row.’
player, and I used to listen to all the great jazz sax players, so I took up the instrument, but got to a point where I didn’t advance. Instead of Q. WHEN YOU WERE VERY getting better, I just never got to the YOUNG, YOU LIKED TO SIT ON THE next step. So I thought, “Well, maybe STEPS OF NIGHT CLUBS AND LISTEN this isn’t for me.” TO MUSICIANS PLAY. WHEN DID In the meantime, a friend of mine YOU GET INVOLVED WITH MUSIC? put a little Latin jazz group together. My dad loved music and wanted to He was looking for someone to play be a singer in big bands. So he would percussion, and I said, “Hey, I can do always go listen to the big bands that.” play, and naturally, my mom forced I was dabbling with percussion, him to take us along to make sure he but just to join a band, I said, “Well, if would come back home. So he I can’t play saxophone”—because would go inside the big ballrooms he already had a sax player—I said, during the daytime. Most ballrooms “at least I’ll be able to be in the band.” featured a Sunday-afternoon thing, So we did a couple of gigs, and I so kids were able to hang out too. said, “Man, this is great; the audience, My dad always invited the the people clapping.” The whole Pete Escovedo playing on Live at Stern Grove.
vibe of it was just beyond what I ever expected. And I said, “You know what? This is it. It looks like percussion is what I’m supposed to do.”
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doing some Latin jazz stuff. And the Santana band—they were just starting out. They were rehearsing in San Francisco in a garage. They would come over to the club where we were playing and listen and hang out, and then we all got to be really good friends. We just started playing with them and played all night and had fun. Then, when they started touring and making records and doing really well, they called my brother Coke to play with them. I was working in another band, and he came in one night and said, “Hey, the other percussion player is leaving. Would you want to go play?” And I said, “Yeah.” So he said, “Well, good. We leave tomorrow at 6:00.”
I asked, “Where are we going?” He goes, “We’re going to New York. We’re playing at Madison Square Garden for four nights in a row.” So I had to learn all the songs on the plane going over to New York. I listened to all the tapes. Our first gig was at Madison Square Garden. So Coke and I were in and out of the band for a number of years. Then on one of our tours after we got back home, my brother said, “You know what? We should start our own band again.” So we put together a very large band called Azteca and recorded two albums for CBS. We were signed by Clive Davis. Yeah, it was a great, great orchestra, and those days were very special to us.
His family, our family; we just became really, really close. It was so hard to lose him, but every life has its turning point.
Q. I KNOW YOU PERFORMED
Q. WHAT WAS IT LIKE
WITH THE GREAT TITO PUENTE. WHAT WAS THAT LIKE?
PERFORMING LIVE WITH TITO ONSTAGE? I’VE GOT TO BELIEVE IT WAS ELECTRIC.
He’s the king of timbales, and that’s the instrument that Coke played. In those days, I was playing congas and singing, and Coke was playing timbales, but then I started playing more timbales after that. Tito played at a club called The Macumba in Chinatown in San Francisco, upstairs on Grant Street. He was there for six nights, and we were there every night, got a chance to go backstage and meet him. And instantly, we became friends. He was such a great guy. We started hanging out and invited him over to my house for dinner and the whole band, and so we just talked music and talked music. I was 18 when I met Tito, so it’s been a long, long, and wonderful friendship.
got the jazz element, and then you have the Latin percussion. Mixing the two together just makes for a great sound. That makes it different because you’re combining both
be a musician and TO HAVE ‘‘ To YOUR KIDS PLAY WITH YOU
IS THE GREATEST BLESSING IN THE WORLD. I couldn’t ask for
’’
anything else.
Yeah, it was incredible. Every time he came to town and played with his band, he would always ask me up, to sit in; sing a song or play. The first time we did that was in New York. He was playing at a place called the Corso, kind of like a ballroom club. A few times, he played with our orchestra, and we wrote some music together. We became so close, he would go see my daughter, Sheila, play. She always called him Uncle Tito, and he watched over her like a good uncle.
Q. WHAT IS IT THAT GIVES LATIN JAZZ A SOUND THAT’S DIFFERENT FROM ANY OTHER MUSIC? HOW WOULD YOU EXPLAIN IT TO SOMEBODY?
It’s a really great marriage. You’ve 7
elements. Whenever the horn players or piano players play solos within the structure of the music, it’s really a jazz solo. Then when the Latin percussion players hit their solos, it’s really Latin. So you get the rhythm,
and chord changes.
Q. YOU HAVE A WHOLE FAMILY OF PERFORMERS — SHEILA IS PROBABLY THE BEST KNOWN OF THE GROUP. THERE’S A MAGIC CONNECTION THAT HAPPENS WITH MUSICIANS. WHAT’S IT LIKE TO PERFORM WITH THE FAMILY ON STAGE?
Well, it’s really the best. To be a musician and to have your kids play with you is the greatest blessing in the world. I couldn’t ask for anything else. We have great fun and of course, the love is there when we play together. But we’re very competitive with each other, so the competition is there, also.
And because they’re all percussion players—they all play drums and bongos and congas and timbales, and we sort of follow a chart of the music we’re doing—but at the same time, it’s like, “Okay, well, here’s what I could do.” So they do their thing, and then the next one says, “Oh, is that all you got? Well, let me show you what I got.” I’ve seen them all play with other bands. I’ve so much enjoyed Sheila playing with Ringo Starr, and with Dave Koz, and she’s been on the road with George Duke and so many other people. Peter Michael, who’s played with Lionel Richie and who’s a musical
director on TV shows, what he does, I’m always amazed at that. My other son, Juan, has played with En Vogue, and of course, he went on tour with MC Hammer. I’m so amazed at what great musicians they are. I just look at them, “Well, they’re my kids. They’re still my kids,” and if I have to pull their coat or slap them on the head, I still will do that.
Q. YOU WERE 18 WHEN YOU MET TITO PUENTE, SO SUPPOSE SOME 17-YEAR-OLD KID COMES UP TO YOU WITH THAT LOOK IN THEIR EYE SAYING THEY WANT TO BE A MUSICIAN. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THEM ?
The Escovedo Family; Sheila E., Pete, Peter Michael, and Juan are all accomplished Latin jazz musicians and play together often.
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Q. WHEN YOU WERE ABOUT
landscapes and some modern art. It’s been a wonderful thing for 15-YEARS-OLD, YOU BEGAN me. There are so many artists that PAINTING AND SKETCHING. WHAT are not only musicians but are in the DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH THAT artistic world as painters also. There’s FORM OF ARTISTIC EXPRESSION? In high school I had a wonderful art Tony Bennett. Miles Davis was a class. The woman who really helped great painter. And Jerry Garcia of the me a lot was Mrs. Snead, an older Grateful Dead loved to paint. I always tell them to learn whatever woman. She actually took me to the Q. YOUR MOST RECENT ALBUM instrument they’re going to play and College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland IS LIVE FROM STERN GROVE. WHAT then never stop learning because for and got me a scholarship. WERE YOU HEADING FOR me, at the age of 78, I’m still trying to She even took me to Croft and MUSICALLY? figure out stuff. So it’s like a never- Chrysler Advertising and got me a Well, it came up at the last minute ending story. It’s limitless. job as an intern. I turned to the because a year ago, the Grammys Your best chance of making it in music, but I’ve never lost my focus took out the Latin jazz category. the business is to really learn your on art. We’d been fighting to get it craft and really, really try to perfect it I’ve been painting, and it’s gone reinstated. And so once that as best you can. full circle because I’ve had some happened—my daughter, Sheila, And it’s good to have that showings. I’ve been in galleries. I sell was very instrumental in doing that spiritual value of, “Well, your gift, this my artwork on the Internet. because she’s on the Board of gift of music, it was given to you.” I’ve been commissioned to do Governors for the Grammys—she You’ve got to keep that spiritual the hotel in Cupertino. I’m almost said it would be great if she could awareness with you. Know that this finished with that—the Cupertino get a new CD going. was given to you as a gift from the Inn. Its located right where all the I said, “Well, that’s great, but right Lord above; keep that in mind and Apple offices are. now, I’m really not even prepared.” let yourself know that people come The hotel gave me a free hand, She goes, “Well, why don’t we just to hear you play. Respect them and and said it would be nice to have do it live?” And I said, “Well, that’s they’ll respect you. Be professional musical stuff, and that’s what I’ve cool. I can do that.” as much as you can and learn your done. Most of the paintings there are We had a gig at Stern Grove, and craft, and things will be good. about music. And there are some
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I said, “Boy, what better way than to have it at Stern Grove.” It was jam packed with people and was just a great day. So we recorded the CD live with some guests on it— Dave Koz; Arturo Sandoval; Ray Obiedo. It was a wonderful, wonderful time that we had playing that day, and it worked out great. There were some mistakes I wished I could have fixed in the studio. But when you play live, it is what it is. You get what’s there. You can hear Pete Escovedo and his orchestra on Friday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m. at Three Stages. www.threestages.net
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Rhythm and Brews festival comes to Folsom for Father’s Day Weekend. ON SATURDAY JUNE 15, the Palladio at Broadstone will be transformed into the
one of the largest blues festivals in the region. The event is free and open to music fans of all ages. “This is an annual family-friendly event that includes music, food, and beer-tasting, along with special kid and dad zones with additional entertainment,” said Mary Carrera, producer of the event. “It will be a fun day for everyone.” The festival includes six bands playing on two stages during the day. They include blues men Curtis Salgado, Chris Cain, and David Landon. The second stage features Nashville recording artist, Buck Ford, NorCal favorite, Mumbo Gumbo, and country music band Against The Grain. The event is also a showcase for more than twenty-five of the best craft breweries in the region. Adults 21 or older can purchase tasting kits and enjoy the wide range of offerings. Each kit include a commemorative glass along with tickets good at all of the brewery tents. Tasting kits can be ordered at a discount on the website through June 3, or will be available at the event. The Folsom Rhythm & Brews festival starts at noon in the middle of Palladio at Broadstone on via Serena. For more information, go to http://www.folsomrhythmandbrews.com
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WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF DRUM AND BUGLE CORPS. Precision.
Excellence. Fire. Passion. Enter a world of color and movement where drums pound, brass instruments blair, and a wall of glorious sound crashes around you. If you’ve never had the opportunity to witness a drum and bugle corps performance, that’s just a piece of what you’re missing! In late June, if you live in the Greater Sacramento Region, you’ll have an opportunity to see a show featuring nine competitive groups— including three of the top five drum corps in the world—perform nearby. A drum and bugle corps (or ‘drum corps’ for short) is a musical marching machine with all of its parts oiled and smoothed working together as one. Powerful music combined with movement and dance creates an unforgettable scene. Let’s admit, it’s rare to meet professional athletes who play music and sports at the same time!
Corps prepare a new 8 –12 minute long show each year and refine it throughout the summer tour. Shows are performed in football stadiums and are judged in various musical and visual categories, or “captions”. Competitive junior corps spend roughly 8–10 weeks on tour during the summer, practicing and performing full-time. A typical corps will travel over 10,000 miles each year. The result of all this work and dedication? Thrilling. MODERN COMPETITIVE DRUM CORPS
Drum and bugle corps began forming across the U.S.A. and Canada after the First World War, normally sponsored by churches and veterans’ associations, but really gained popularity around the 1970s. A world-class corps today may include up to 150 members working in unison in each performance. The sheer number of players would be DRUM CORPS VS. MARCHING BANDS enough to excite an audience even While at first glance a drum and if they were standing still. Combining bugle corps looks like a marching intense music, constant movement, band, there is an important and choreography, performances difference. That difference is in the usually raise goosebumps. level of precision. Most corps are independent Competitive drum corps are to associations, with directors who marching bands as the Olympics are organize arrangements, uniforms, to college sports. choreography, instruction and Musical repertoires vary widely competition schedules. and include symphonic, jazz, big Each corps has developed its band, contemporary, rock, Broadway, own traditions and most have their and Latin music. own trademark style expressed They participate in a summer through the music they choose, the circuit known as Drum Corps Inter- uniforms they select, and their national (DCI) which ends in a world methods of marching. And, championship in August each year. reflecting their military origins, they The Concord Blue Devils soloist during performance.
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demand respect and dedication from their members for the honor of the corps. THE CORE OF THE CORPS
Drum and bugle corps are comprised of performers whose talents range from music to dance and even theatre. Every year, thousands of students compete for spots within the top corps in the country, earning their places through both skill and determination. Corps are divided into three main groups of performers: the drums, the brass, and the color guard. Everyone learns the music and marching choreography as well as the individual responsibilities of their group. The drum line provides the power and rhythm that defines military precision and drives each show. They’re typically divided into two sections. A drum line, or ‘battery’, consists of snare players, multi-tenors who play sets of 5-6 drums, bass drummers, and sometimes cymbal players. While the drum line marches, another group of percussionists play instruments such as bells, xylophones, marimbas, and concert drums that normally stay in one place. This is affectionately known as ‘the pit’. The brass line give voice to the corps’ compositions. They convey the music and the emotion of the show. You’ll hear soaring trumpets, mellophones, euphoniums, and the largest of horns, the contrabass. These players are constantly on the move during each musical piece. Only brass instruments are blown in
a drum and bugle corps – woodwinds such as flutes and clarinets lack the power to be heard over the booming of the drums. The elements of dance, color and motion come from the color guard, a group of about 30 performers. While the color guard is clearly descended from the military traditions of presenting arms and bearing the flag, this group bears only a slight family resemblance to their forebears. In a single program, these performers will spin flags, rifles, and sabers. They manipulate just about any other objects they can get their hands on while constantly dancing and moving on the field. The whole corps is led by a small group of drum majors who are the conductors that keep the massive performances all moving in time. It is an incredible feat, considering all the sound and action of 150 performers in constant motion. NOT JUST MUSICIANS, THEY’RE ATHLETES
All members of the corps train hard, not just with their dance steps and instruments, but to keep up with the constant demand for movement in each of their programs. A test by an Indiana State University PhD found that performers reach and maintain heart rates of up to 200 beats per minute for the duration of their programs, which can last up to eight minutes. This is about the same as an Olympic shortdistance runner – and that was for a marching drummer! Corps can train over 10 hours a day to get their programs down perfectly. Members live in close
quarters in training camps and on tour buses, traveling between competitions which lead up to the Drum Corps International championships in August. In competition, corps are watched from the field and stadium press boxes by up to eight judges to
evaluate their visual and musical performances. The judge’s scores are then blended to achieve a total score for the performance. Often the difference between first and second place is a fraction of a point. This really is a high-energy, high-
precision, and highly competitive sport as well as an art form. At the same time, it’s a highly positive platform for personal development. Performers are supported by their peers and led by veteran players as they learn to make sacrifices and work tirelessly to achieve their goals both on and off the field.
activity with 15 world titles. Over the years, the Devils have often made use of jazz and Latin music and are known for innovation. The Santa Clara Vanguard from Santa Clara, California is one of the thirteen founding member corps of Drum Corps International and is a six-time DCI World Champion. They are the only unit to qualify for every NORTHERN CALIFORNIA IS ONE OF DCI World Championship Finals THE HOTSPOTS competition since 1972. Two of the most successful drum Celebrating their 50th corps in the world reside in the Anniversary is a local favorite, the region. Between them, they have Sacramento Mandarins. They are earned 21 championships since the only American DCI competitive Drum Corps International was drum and bugle corps with an Asian founded in 1972. heritage. Over the years they have The current champions are the climbed to be in the elite “Top 20” of Concord Blue Devils from Concord competitive corps. California. They have dominated the
PERFORMANCES TO SEE
This June, Northern California will become the battleground for some of the top drum and bugle corps in the world as the DCI tour makes it’s west coast swing. Fortunately for audiences, two of these shows are nearby. On Saturday June 22, the DCI West show will be hosted at Stanford Stadium. The stadium is considered one of the best places to watch a drum corps show. The lineup includes nine competing corps, one of which was last year’s 2nd place winner, the Carolina Crown, making a rare west coast appearance. The following day, on Sunday June 23, the tour comes to Hornet Stadium at Sacramento State
Sacramento’s own Mandarins in performance. Notice the precise angles within the drum line.
But most of all, expect to see University with the Moonlight Classic. This is the 34th Moonlight excellence—the performers expect Classic and it is the oldest continuing nothing less of themselves. Drum & Bugle Corps show in the Catch one of these performances: western United States. It features DCI West the same line-up of competitors as Stanford Stadium at Stanford University the night before. Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Stanford, CA What can you expect from a http://dcitickets.showare.com/ordertickets. drum and bugle corps competition? asp?p=166 A sheer adrenaline rush. Moonlight Classic Corps put absolutely everything Hornet Stadium at Sacramento State University they have into their programs, Sunday, June 23, 2013 in Sacramento, CA interpreting everything from http://www.someinc.com/moonlight-classictraditional marches to Latin rhythms purchase-tickets/ to opera, with stunning costumes and choreography to rival the Want to see a sample of a drum and bugle hottest of dance troupes. corps show? Click image to see a YouTube clip. Expect to see uniforms flash and brass sparkle as an entire corps moves with the precision of a wellmade clock. Expect the hair on the back of your neck to stand on end as the intensity of music played by some of the world’s largest drum corps moves through you. Left to right: The Santa Clara Vanguard are one of the few Founding Members of Drum Corps International. Pit players play a large array of stationary percussion instruments, including the cymbals. The color guard add color and movement to create the spectacle. The horn line must hold incredibly tight formation as they move and play their show.
Ricky Nelson Remembered
He is the only artist to have a No. 1 song, No. 1 movie and No. 1 TV show in the same week. Life Magazine coined the phrase ‘Teen Idol’ after him and he is credited with pioneering the country rock sound. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson’s life and music touched millions; his twin sons—multiplatinum recording artists, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson—relive the music and memories in their multimedia event, Ricky Nelson Remembered. Featuring hit songs like “Hello Mary Lou,”“Poor Little Fool,”“Travelin’ Man,” “I’m Walkin’,” “I Got A Feeling,”
“Teenage Idol,” “Garden Party” and many more. RNR showcases his life with never-before-seen interviews from artists he influenced, including Paul McCartney and Chris Isaak. Matthew and Gunnar’s musical event is heartfelt and full of laughter. Ricky Nelson died in a plane crash on his way to perform a New Year’s Eve concert in 1986. His legacy includes 53 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 and nineteen other top-ten hits. He is one of the biggest-selling artists of all time, a Golden Globe winner for his performance along-
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side John Wayne in Rio Bravo and in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. From Ozzie and Harriet to Ricky to Matthew and Gunnar, the Nelson’s are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the only family in history with three successive generations of No. 1 hit makers. Matthew and Gunnar are also nephews on their mother’s side of NCIS star, Mark Harmon.
Ricky Nelson Remembered plays at Three Stages on Friday, June 28 at 8:00 pm.
I still remember the first time. It was decades ago, but I remember it like it was yesterday. I was sitting in a dimly lit room wondering what was going to happen. Hundreds of people surrounded me, yet I felt strangely alone. I was focused, intent on what was about to happen. I kept staring ahead waiting for something to move or the lights to change. Occasionally I thought the lights were dimming, but I’d look again only to find it was only my imagination. Somewhere, instruments were tuning. The sounds of strings and brass collided like traffic noise in a busy city. From the back was the resonant thump of a timpani finding its pitch. Tap. Tap. Tap. The room fell silent. A moment later, there was a swell of violins, followed by a crescendo of other instruments beginning to play. The lights dimmed. Through the darkness I saw the curtain open. As the lights came up I saw people in colorful costumes, singing at the top of their voices. They began to move together creating a blur of sights and sounds. I was oblivious to anything else until the thunderous applause from the audience. The room was electric. I was
electric. Everything and everyone felt alive. At that moment, none of the day’s worries bothered me in the least. I was elated and happy. I seek that same thrill every time I go to a performance. I’m pleased to say that I often find it. Is it strange to say that live performances make you feel more alive? There is a magic in a live performance that never gets fully captured in a recording. Music, theater, and dance all enrich our lives in ways that are hard to measure. Technology, math, and science all become their best when blended with the arts and humanities. I know Steve Jobs would agree with me, as would Shakespeare, Picasso, and Einstein. They knew that arts inspired the creative forces that move the world forward. And involvement in the arts makes for more interesting people too. Arts allow a community to defines its character and soul. It can define you as well. Most performing arts groups are in need of support. Ticket sales cover only a part of the costs of operating. Without the support of the 23
community, many groups struggle or finally simply cease to exist. What can you do to help? It’s actually pretty easy. Get out and see shows. Don’t just come yourself, but bring a friend along too. Performances are meant to be enjoyed. The more people who see them, the better. Take a moment to write a positive review about your favorite groups online. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to “like” the performers you are enthusiastic about, and share your enthusiasm with your friends. You can become a season ticket holder, or make a tax deductible donation. I always prefer to support my favorite not-for-profit arts groups instead of paying the tax man. I confess that I am happily addicted to the thrill of live shows. Fortunately, there are many highquality options right here in our backyard. Join me. Select a show or two that interest you and give yourself a nice evening out. You’ll support the arts, enrich the community, and enhance yourself all at the same time. Richard Wilson EDITOR – STAGEPASS MAGAZINE
UPCOMING SHOWS Great entertainment coming to the region Three Stages Partners One Way Productions presents
THE HIDING PLACE FRI-SAT MAY 31, JUNE 1 2013 7:00 PM SUN, JUNE 2 2013 2:30 PM • $15
The Hiding Place is an inspiring true story of Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom. With the WWII Nazi invasion of Holland, the ten Boom family joins the underground resistance to help save persecuted Jewish families. But when they are arrested and imprisoned in concentration camps themselves, they’re left with nothing to cling to but their faith.
Audience Age Appropriateness: 12 years and older.
2012). CAKE started out as a local band in the early 90’s with their first radio hit “Rock ‘N’ Roll Lifestyle,” Three Stages Partners followed by classics such as “The Distance,” “Never There,” “Short Skirt/ Long Jacket,” “Sick of You” and many more—seven albums in all, including FRI-SUN, MAY 31-JUN 2 2013 the #1 “Showroom of Compassion”, $29-$39; PREMIUM $49 which was recorded in their own “All these years later, after headlining solar-powered studio in Sacramento. shows around the world and seeing CAKE’s longevity is a result of their CAKE’s latest album debut at No. 1, seamless ability to incorporate the Sacramento still feels like the band’s best of several genres without home sweet home” (Sacramento Bee, resorting to shtick. The Times of London praised the band’s concert
CAKE
All shows perform at one of three stages at Three Stages Performing Arts Center at Folsom Lake College unless indicated otherwise. Shows at Thunder Valley Casino Resort will have the Thunder Valley symbol (right) to indicate the different venue. Shows at Jackson Rancheria in Jackson will have their symbol (right).
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performances as “generous, witty and thoughtful shows with a rousing flourish”. Three Stages is honored to have the “deadpan brilliance” (The New Yorker magazine) of CAKE in the house for two shows.
Billboard Magazine named Easton Corbin the Top New Country Artist of 2010. Corbin, the first country male artist in 17 years to have his first two consecutive singles reach No. 1, cites musical influences George Jones, Merle Haggard, George Strait and Keith Whitley. Easton’s songs call to mind simpler times when the back porch was where folks gathered to network. Steel guitars and fiddles are as much part of his sound as his baritone drawl.
in which Medley joined Jennifer Warnes, won an Oscar, a Golden Globe, Video of The Year, and a Grammy. In 2007, Rolling Stone said of Medley’s CD Damn Near Righteous that “this gritty singer has delivered his finest solo album and the best thing he’s done since the Sixties, period.”
Three Stages Presents THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS’ Thunder Valley Casino Resort
FRANKIE VALLI
AND THE FOUR SEASONS SAT, JUNE 1 2013 $87.50, $72.50, $59.50, $47.50 AND $39.50 (PLUS TAXES & FEES) OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER
Doo-wop and rock for more than half a century — and still sounding phenomenal! Jackson Rancheria Presents
AN EVENING WITH
EASTON CORBIN
BILL MEDLEY
FRI, JUN 7 2013
$39-$55; PREMIUM $65
The Righteous Brothers can rightfully claim to have fathered “blue-eyed soul.” And Bill Medley’s voice—raw and emotional—is a virtual trademark in popular music. Thunder Valley Casino Resort A fixture on Top Forty radio / (“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,” “Unchained Melody,” and more), the Righteous Brothers were inducted AND NEIL GIRALDO into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in FRI, JUNE 7 2013 2003. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,”
CHEAP TRICK
PAT BENATAR
$87.50, $73.50, $59.50, $49.50, AND $39.50 (PLUS TAXES AND FEES)
SUN, JUNE 2 2013 6:00 PM
OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER
TICKETS PRICES: $40
Rock out to the original “Heartbreaker” who’s still giving her best shot with powerful Grammy-winning vocals, as well as the raucous riffs of Cheap Trick, who still “wants you to want them!”
GRAND OAK BALLROOM ALL TICKETS GENERAL ADMISSION DREAMCATCHER’S CLUB DISCOUNT AVAILABLE
Jackson Rancheria Presents
JACKIE GREENE FRI, JUNE 7 2013 – 7:00 PM $40, DREAMCATCHER’S CLUB DISCOUNT AVAILABLE • ALL TICKETS GENERAL ADMISSION
Sacramento’s own Jackie Greene, dubbed by the New York Times as 25
an Americana phenom, returns to Jackson Rancheria Casino Resort. Jackie has a reputation for putting on an energetic live show earning the respect of critics and musicians across the country. While it is difficult to pigeonhole his music, he is frequently compared to Bob Dylan and The Band. There is a consistent influence of Americana Roots Music that runs through the themes in his large musical catalog.
“Greene finds himself returning to his solo artist roots with his finest work yet,” reports Jambands.com. “In many ways, he stretches beyond himself to collect from history, and add on to the rich American traditions that have rolled past him.”
Jackson 5 era before continuing on a thrilling journey to the current decade. Hit after hit tells the story of one of the greatest pop icons the world has ever known; in all, HIStory features over twenty songs performed live by the world’s top MJ impersonator Kenny Wizz.
Thunder Valley Casino Resort
SUPER SUMMER
SOUL JAM
SAT, JUNE 8 2013
$74.50, $62.50, $52.50, $44.50, AND $39.50 (PLUS TAXES AND FEES) LOCATION: OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER
Super Summer Soul Jam featuring Cameo, The Original Lakeside, Rose Royce and Evelyn Champagne King – what a lineup!
Thunder Valley Casino Resort
DOOBIE BROTHERS FRI, JUNE 14 2013 $77.50, $62.50, $49.50, $39.50, AND $29.50 (PLUS TAXES AND FEES) LOCATION: OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER
Three Stages Presents
MICHAEL JACKSON
HISTORY
FRI-SUN, JUN 14-16 2013 $39-$59; PREMIUM $69
Michael Jackson HIStory is a musical biography that takes fans back to the
Take to the streets and get to Thunder Valley for this Hall of Fame rock band that began in San Jose, CA! Three Stages Partners
El Dorado Musical Theatre’s
HIGH VOLTAGE
BEST OF
BROADWAY
TUES JUNE 18, 2013 – 7:00 PM
ADULTS $18.00 • CHILD/STUDENT/SENIOR $15.00
High-energy entertainment? Exceptional singing and dancing? Flat-out fun that will have you on your feet? You’ve just described High Voltage, the premiere performing group from El Dorado Musical Theatre. Their Best of Broadway show is a showcase of your favorite songs from classic Broadway and the shows of today. It’s great entertainment for your entire family. 25
PETE ESCOVEDO
and the Bay Area. The end result is a joyous concoction of Latin rhythms AND HIS ORCHESTRA with elements of jazz, R&B and funk with Special Guests CALIENTE ORQUESTA that is hard to resist. Latin jazz fan around the world will rejoice. FRI, JUN 21 2013 Also appearing in this benefit $19-$29; PREMIUM $39 Escovedo, along with such seasoned concert, the acclaimed ensemble bandleaders as Eddie Palmieri, Poncho Caliente. Sanchez and Ray Barretto, is today viewed as one of the standard bearers Thunder Valley Casino Resort of Latin jazz. “There are so many great young players who are carrying on the FRI, JUNE 21 2013 tradition,” he says happily. “My job, as I $94.50, $78.50, $62.50, $49.50 AND $39.50 see it, is to keep on doing what Tito, (PLUS TAXES & FEES) Mongo, Cal, Willie and others would be LOCATION: OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER doing if they were still with us today. At American comedian and ventrilothe same time, we need to experiment quist with a suitcase full of lovable and expand the genre.” characters! Pete toured with Santana performing internationally and Three Stages Partners El Dorado Dance Academy presents playing on three Santana albums. Today, Escovedo leads what is widely considered one of the finest ensembles in Latin jazz, a mix of SAT, JUN 22 2013 – 5:00 PM • $25 musicians from both Los Angeles El Dorado Dance Academy’s 10th season anniversary show features a variety of dances—from Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Hiphop to Kathak, Samba, and Folklorico—in an eveningThe Live DVD Recording Show length program featuring dancers of Show 8p Tickets $20, $30, $35 all ages.
JEFF DUNHAM
The High Voltage company consists of 20 young performers who are some of the top talent from El Dorado Musical Theatre. Each member is lead material in their own right. When they perform together, the onstage result is magical. Come see the high-energy, fastpaced review, the Best of Broadway
DECADES
Tom Rigney & Flambeau Saturday, July 27, 2013 Doors 7p
Tickets @ threestages.net | Event @ Three Stages, Folsom Lake College | A portion of proceeds benefits Folsom Lake Community Concert Association
Thunder Valley Casino Resort
Tom Rigney, the fiery, electrifying violinist/composer, has become one of the premier blues and roots music violinists in the world. Hailed as one of the Bay Area’s most formidable bands, Flambeau’s rootspowered sound freely mingles Cajun influences with New Orleans R&B, jazz, traditional Irish music, and rock. This concert will be recorded and videoed for a LIVE DVD project. Be sure to get your tickets early – last year’s show sold out!
LYNYRD SKYNYRD SAT, JUNE 22 2013 – 8:00 PM $97.50, $83.50, $67.50, $54.50 & $44.50 (PLUS TAXES AND FEES) OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER
presented by
www.carrera-productions.com
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Beyond the tragedy, the history, the raging guitars and the killer songs, ultimately, Lynyrd Skynyrd is about an indomitable will. About survival of spirit; unbowed, uniquely American, stubbornly resolute. Probably best known for popularizing the southern hard-rock genre during the 1970s, the band rose to worldwide recognition on the basis of its driving live performances and signature tunes “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.” Three Stages Presents
RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED
AND THE FOUR PREPS FRI, JUN 28 2013 $35-$49; PREMIUM $55 & $59
Ricky Nelson placed 53 songs on the Billboard Hot 100—including, at age 17, the very first #1 song when the chart was created in 1957. He attended Hollywood High School, where the original members of The Four Preps were classmates; Nelson and The Four Preps kicked off a national tour—their first—the very week that Nelson’s picture was on the cover of LIFE magazine. In Ricky Nelson Remembered, Nelson’s twin sons perform their father’s songs (“Hello Mary Lou,”“Garden Party” and more), with The Four Preps (“26 Miles (Santa Catalina)”) opening the evening. Three Stages Partners Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes
CORAZÓN DE MÉXICO SAT, JUN 29 2013 $20-$29; PREMIUM $35 CHILDREN $20
The company’s annual lively and passionate rendition of Mexican
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culture, both past and present, they celebrate the magic of soul featuring 35 dancers, mariachis, and music, which is often absent from other musicians. music today. Gather together your friends who also appreciate top soul and head out to the 70s Soul Jam. Jackson Rancheria Presents
70’S SOUL JAM FRI JULY 12 2013 – 8:00 PM $40, $60 AND $80. DREAMCATCHER’S CLUB
Three Stages Partners El Dorado Musical Theatre presents
DISCOUNT AVAILABLE. • OUTDOOR EVENT
BYE BYE BIRDIE
AREA • Must be 21 or older to purchase tickets
FRI-SUN JUL 12-21 2013 (9 SHOWS)
or attend the show.
$14-$20; PREMIUM $28
The 70’s Soul Jam is the coming together of soul music legends… the Stylistics, The Intruders, Cuba Gooding & The Main Ingredient, Barbara Lewis and Peaches & Herb. Join us as they perform their most memorable hits and re-live the decade of soul, disco and dance. In the words of Don Cornelius, “we wish you love, peace, and soul!” Whether you lived through the heyday or soul or discovered the magic of the genre later, you are sure to enjoy the 70s Soul Jam as
before he leaves for the army. Kim MacAfee of Sweet Apple, Ohio is the lucky girl chosen, but conflict arises when her boyfriend gets jealous. This show is rated G. Thunder Valley Casino Resort
UNDER THE SUN FRI, JULY 12 2013 OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER $34.50 – $77.50 (PLUS TAXES AND FEES)
Under The Sun, featuring Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, FEATURING PERFORMERS AGES 6 – 14. Vertical Horizon and Fastball—the It’s the late 1950s and teenagers from chemistry of this hard rock lineup is across the United States are going something special! crazy for the handsome rock star, Conrad Birdie. Meanwhile, his Thunder Valley Casino Resort manager, Albert Peterson, is going into debt and has staked his financial future on Conrad’s success. Disaster strikes when Conrad receives a draft SAT, JULY 13 2013 notice to join the military. Albert OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER attempts to stage a farewell party for $37.50 – $79.50 (PLUS TAXES AND FEES) Conrad in which he is to kiss one They say the heart of rock ‘n roll is the lucky fan on the Ed Sullivan Show beat – and Huey’s got it! THURSDAY BARGAIN NIGHT $13.50
HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS
lasting success stories from that musical genre. YES has retained the same sound, and performed much of the same repertoire that they were doing in 1971, and found themselves being taken seriously a quarter of a century later. Their
YES Jackson Rancheria Presents
SAT JULY 13 2013 – 8:00 PM $40, $60 AND $80
DREAMCATCHER’S CLUB DISCOUNT AVAILABLE OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES
YES are currently on a world tour, playing the 3 albums The Yes Album, Close To The Edge, and Going For The One in their entirety. That means 3 plus hours of their greatest music. As pioneers of progressive rock, YES has achieved worldwide success with a history spanning 45 years and 20 studio albums. The band is known for its expansive songs, esoteric lyrics, elaborate album art and live stage sets. From topping the charts to epic pieces taking up a side of vinyl, YES is among the longest lasting and the most successful of the 70’s progressive rock groups, proving to be one of the 31
audience remains huge because they have always attracted younger listeners drawn to their mix of daunting virtuosity, cosmic (often mystical) lyrics, complex musical textures, and powerful yet delicate lead vocals.
Ted Nugent has carved a permanent place in rock & roll history as the ultimate guitar-shredding showman, selling more than 40 million albums, performing more than 6,400 high-octane concerts, and continuing to set attendance records at venues around the globe. Ted’s no-holds barred career spans five decades of multiplatinum hits. From the ground breaking Amboy Dukes’ hit “Journey to the Center of the Mind,” to classics like “Stranglehold” (ranked in the Top 100 Classic Rock Songs Thunder Valley Casino Resort LARRY HERNANDEZ and #1 Guitar Lick), “Cat Scratch SAT, JULY 20 2013 Fever,” (32nd Best Hard Rock Song $77.50, $62.50, $49.50, $39.50 & $29.50 of All Time) Damn Yankees (PLUS TAXES & FEES) chartbuster “High Enough,” and cult LOCATION: OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER classic “Fred Bear,” one of the most requested song for radio airplay, Ted Latin singer /songwriter playing and his inimitable sound have been featured on VH1’s Behind the Music, Norteño folk corridos. A & E’s Biography and more. For millions of passionate music Jackson Rancheria Presents lovers everywhere, Ted delivers the Ultimate Life Soundtrack. A Ted SUN JULY 21 – 8:00 PM Nugent show is not just a $40, $60 AND $80; DREAMCATCHER’S CLUB performance—it’s a fire breathing DISCOUNT AVAILABLE celebration.
TED NUGENT
OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES
PARTNERS OF THREE STAGES
Carrera Productions presents
AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH LOS LONELY BOYS with Special Guests TUES, AUG 13 2013 $30-$39; PREMIUM $49
PERFORMANCE ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 9 HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 13 AT 8:00 PM. For questions about this schedule change, 32
please contact the Ticket Office at 916-6086888, Monday - Saturday between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm or drop us a note at ticketoffice@threestages.net.
The Los Lonely Boys tale to date is already stuff legends are made of: Playing behind their father as kids in cantinas and honky-tonks, then moving to Nashville as teens to try to win a record deal. Their self-titled debut album went double platinum and from that a #1 radio hit “Heaven”, which won a Grammy. Their new album, Rockpango, is the band’s fourth and finest studio album yet. Continuing to creatively draw from and meld blues, rock from classic to modern, soul, their Latino heritage and even snippets of hiphop, jazz and more. The acoustic show will pull from all their finest work and will make this Carrera Production event at Three Stages a night to remember! A portion of proceeds benefits the Sacramento Blues Society’s Blues in the Schools program.
Reschedule Date
May 17 & 18, 2013 • 7:30 PM Celebrate the ingenuity of musical America! The program includes John Williams’ music from “Saving Private Ryan,” “Schindler’s List” and “E.T,” selections from Broadway’s “Wicked” and “Chicago,” Copland’s “Four Dance Episodes From Rodeo,” and Barber’s Violin Concerto (Mvt.1).
Guest artist violinist Dawn Harms
Plus, Ms. Harms and the symphony will perform the world premiere of Peter B. Allen’s “Prayed in America,” along with other all-American surprises.
Three Stages at Folsom Lake College 10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630
Visit www.folsomsymphony.com or call 916-608-6888 for ticket information