FROM THE PUBLISHER
A
Dear Reader,
s Downtown Life Magazine prepares for our three-year anniversary party on Nov. 16, I can’t help but think about the late nights in my apartment preparing our first little issue. I’ve traded those late nights at the apartment for late nights at the office and that little magazine is now a little bit bigger. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished in our three years. We’ve spotlighted hundreds of local artists, showcased dozens of bands and told the stories of countless Mercedians who are shaping the future of our great town. We’ve helped grow an all-ages music scene in Merced with our monthly concerts in partnership with the Merced County Arts Council. We have produced three film festivals, and have sponsored some of Downtown’s biggest events. In producing 37 issues of the DLM I’ve made many friends. This community has an incredible core of people with huge hearts and a tremendous passion for the arts. I’m so honored that they have welcomed us into their ranks. This magazine maintains it’s mission to support those who are making a positive impact on our community through creating and supporting the arts. I’m very excited with what the future holds for Merced and the DLM. We will be introducing many new features in the coming year and I personally can’t wait to share them with you. Please continue to support the arts in Merced. You can make a difference by contributing to the Merced County Arts Council at www.mcac.org.
Editor & Publisher
The Players PUBLISHER: Tom Price tom@thedlm.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Janna Rodriguez janna@thedlm.com CONTENT EDITOR: Nathan Quevedo nathan@thedlm.com GUEST EDITOR: Brian Strong brian@thedlm.com WEB GURU: Kenneth Nelson kenneth@thedlm.com DISTRIBUTION: Donna Nelson donna@thedlm.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & EDITORS: Montse Reyes, Theresa Hong, K. Chico, Jordan Cowman, John Walker Beatty, Wes Golangco, and Kurt Winbigler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Juno Appleseed, Dan Hong, Michaelyn McElhiney and Montse Reyes
The Cover COVER: Buster Blue PHOTOGRAPHER: Michaelyn McElhiney
Issue #38 Volume #3
Find Us
WEBSITE: www.thedlm.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/thedlm TWITTER: www.twitter.com/downtownlifemag EMAIL: info@thedlm.com ADVERTISING: 209-777-6176 EDITORIAL: 209-777-6176 SNAIL MAIL: PO BOX 1604 Merced CA, 95341
CONTENTS
BUSTER BLUE 22
Reno’s Buster Blue is a favorite of Merced music-goers and on Nov. 16, this fun-loving folk band will be headlining the DLM’s 3-year Anniversary Concert.
THE LEDE 08
Pigeon John, Sunspot Jonz and 2Mex at the Partisan, Christmas Parade returns and a Fall/Winter fashion show.
BRAD WILLIAMS 11
Funnyman will continue recent string of great comedy shows at Merced Theatre.
MIKEL SORIA 14
Local musician takes long road to discover his passion for teaching.
LAB TOUR 27
Dr. Kara McCloskey’s lab has found a way to patch a damaged heart.
MEET TUCKER 30
DLM chats with a dog that’s ready to steal the spotlight in Playhouse’s ‘Annie.’
MARCY MARTINEZ 33
Local poet grows more and more fearless and bold with her craft.
Downtown Life Magazine is a monthly publication distributed downtown and at more than 90 other locations, including: UC Merced, Merced College, Raley’s grocery store and every Starbucks Coffee Company in Merced and Atwater. 5,000 DLM magazines are distributed every month. For more information, go to www.thedlm.com
8
the lede Events in and around Merced
Contributed Photo The Partisan and Urban Illustrators are joining forces to bring some of California’s biggest underground hip-hop artists to Merced on Nov. 17. Pigeon John (above) and Sunspot Jonz will highlight the bill.
Pigeon John, Sunspot Jonz headline king size hip-hop show
B
ackpack rappers Pigeon John, 2Mex and Sunspot Jonz headline a powerful night of indie hip-hop Nov. 17 at The Partisan. The show is co-produced by The Partisan and Urban Illustrators. Pigeon John is a Los Angeles -area rapper with four full length albums to his name. His music is often witty and overflows with
personality and thoughtfulness. Sunspot Jonz, a veteran artist and member of the Living Legends, has released seven solo albums. He is the quintessential veteran rapper hailing from Southern California. Members of the Living Legends have become regulars at the Partisan, with Eligh, Scarub, The Grouch and Aesop
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
all making the stop. 2Mex, yet another heavy hitter from the SoCal underground, has a catalog of hits and is connected to The Visionaries. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Urban Illustrators at 1470 Broadway Ave. in Atwater. For more information, visit www.partisanmerced.com www.thedlm.com
the lede Events in and around Merced
9
Project Fishbowl fashion show returns Nov. 16 to Legion Hall
Project Fishbowl, a semi-annual fashion and art show, returns Nov. 16 to the American Legion Hall on Main Street in Downtown Merced. The fashion show will feature clothing from local boutiques like Helen and Louise, The Armory, and Envy Fine Clothing along with a selection of Fall/ Winter fashions from Amy Bianchini. In addition to seasonable fashions, artists of all mediums will have their work on display to create a beautiful evening. It will be the fourth Project Fishbowl function. All proceeds from the event benefit the veterans of the American Legion Post #83 in Merced. The event runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at www.projectfishbowl.webs.com
Photo by Roger Wyan Photography One of Merced’s greatest Downtown traditions, the Hometown Christmas Parade, will pack the streets on Dec. 1.
Christmas Parade Downtown December 1
The 18th annual Merced Hometown Christmas Parade presented by the Active 20-30 Club of Merced will take place at 3 p.m. on Dec. 1 with a host of other festivities kicking off at 11 a.m. in Downtown Merced. This year’s theme, “A Musical Christmas,” will feature the usual elaborate and fun parade floats as well as entertainment taking place on the hour throughout the day in front of Bob Hart Square. Immediately following the parade is the lighting of the MERCO Credit Union Community Christmas tree in Bob Hart Square. There will be complimentary hot chocolate and cookies sponsored by the Merced Breakfast Lions Club and special performances along with great Christmas melodies. For more information visit www.merced2030.com/christmasparade, call (209) 658-5617, or e-mail christmasparade@merced2030.com.
THE DRAMA CONTINUES
Drama Island, Playhouse Merced’s weekly Survivor-like theater skills compeittion, suffered it’s first casualty after Week 1 with Patrick Walker being voted off and then losing at the Last Chance Audition. There are still 15 contestants remaining. What will happen next? Can anybody knock favorite Rob Hypes from his perch after he won immunity in Week 2? Drama Island happens at 7 p.m. every Sunday through Dec. 2 at Playhouse Merced. Cost to attend is $1-$6 depending on the roll of a die. For more information, find Drama Island Merced on Facebook and visit www.thedlm.com for Christopher Casuga’s weekly blog update. Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thedlm
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
www.thedlm.com
11
BRAD WILLIAMS Words by Theresa Moore Hong theresa@effit.com
R
ecently a reporter asked comedian Brad Williams if he had been a dwarf all of his life (no joke). In pure Brad Williams style, he calmly responded, “No, I was 6’2”, went into the forest, ate a magic mushroom and became a little person.” Insert awkward reporter pause here.
Yet another incident involved a reporter on a local television morning show in Virginia asking him what kinds of food he ate. Without skipping a beat, Williams replied, “I eat mini-corndogs, Bagel Bites®, mini pizzas, you know, fun-sized foods.” Again, insert awkward reporter pause here.
Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thedlm
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
12 There’s never a dull moment being Brad Williams, making his stand-up always funny, unpredictable -- and memorable. Performing at Merced Theater on Friday, Nov. 9, he makes no qualms about being a little person. His act incorporates this component of his life, along with relationships, sex, disabilities and race. His comedy is real and based more on real-life experiences than simple bits. “I’m not necessarily a great comedian,” he says. “I’m just a dwarf and it just so happens a lot of cool things happen to me.” Williams has commanded the stage with comedy legends like Carlos Mencia, appeared on the Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and was a regular on Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia. He also produces and hosts “About Last Night,” a podcast featuring him and one of his best friends and fellow comic, Adam Ray. Don’t ever, however, confuse him for Wee Man on “Jackass.” “I get that all of the time and just shake my head,” he says. “I get it — we’re both midgets — but come on, people, really?” He also finds nothing wrong with the word “midget.” And while he definitely embraces the politically incorrect connotations associated with the word, he questions the validity of why it’s offensive. “I was always told when I was growing up that the word ‘midget’ was bad, and when you’re a kid you believe things like this because it’s adults that are telling you it’s bad,” he explains. “But as I grew up, I started to wonder why this word was so bad — I mean, Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
comedy Brad Williams
Contributed Photo Brad Williams will be performing Nov. 9 at the Merced Theatre. For more information, and tickets visit www.mercedtheatre.org.
people have called me ‘midget’ my whole life and it was never meant to be malicious — so, I looked on the ‘Little People of America’ website and you know what? That organization started as ‘Midgets of America,’ so I was like, okay, you can’t say ‘This is what we are’ and turn around and say, ‘Just kidding, you can’t call us that anymore, fooled you!’” And Williams takes this to heart. “Here’s what I don’t get. Whereas other racial slurs definitely have a history full of negative connotations
and hatred with the intent of angering someone, most of the time when somebody says the word ‘midget’ it isn’t said to anger somebody,” he says. “I mean, I do a joke in my act that a lot of people compare the word ‘midget’ to the ‘N’ word, and I’m always like, ‘Absolutely not! We would have been the worst slaves on the planet.’” No doubt, he says, being a little person is a huge part of his life — and inevitably, his comedy. “Being a midget, I definitely have a hook — I immediately have people’s attention, like, www.thedlm.com
13
comedy Brad Williams ‘this is new,’” he says. “And if I don’t talk about dwarfism, the audience is literally staring at me and I can see it on their faces, like ‘does he know?’ so I’m totally cool with it.” Always a fan of comedy, growing up, Williams frequented comedy shows whenever he could. It never occurred to him that he would be a good stand-up comedian until one night he unexpectedly became part of a very famous comedian’s act. “I went to go see Carlos Mencia about 10 years ago,” he says. “Carlos was making midget jokes. One side of the audience — the side where I wasn’t sitting — was laughing. The other side of the audience — where I was sitting — wasn’t laughing. Mencia turns to the crowd that wasn’t laughing and was like, ‘What? Is one of them here?’ I raised my hand, he didn’t even flinch and asked me to come on stage.” He was an instant hit. From there, Williams says, he knew he wanted to be a standup comedian, and knew he’d be good at it, too. Soon, he began writing his own material for open mic nights at area comedy clubs. “When comedians start out, they normally start in a douche-y bar or some weird room converted into a comedy club; and you know, it’s scary,” he explains. “My first show, I watched 14 guys go up to the sound of crickets and I was terrified, but when I went on, they loved me and that was it — I was completely hooked.” After solidifying his act, he began opening for Carlos Mencia. Today, he headlines
large venues and well-known comedy clubs. However, he says, it’s much more than just writing jokes on a napkin and hoping people will come to his shows — there’s a business aspect that’s just as important. “Today, it’s important to understand the ability to market yourself effectively,” he says. “That’s one of the reasons why I started About Last Night — I love doing the podcast and it’s a great way to connect with people outside of just my act, letting them know there’s more to me than just midget jokes, but it’s also just good business — people from all around the world can listen to me now and know where I will be playing in the next month. It’s a very entertaining way for me to market my comedy and shows.” As far as plans to take podcasting to the next level and become the next famous little person on a cable network, Williams does have some strong opinions. “You know, I love any type of show that highlights dwarves living real lives — like Little People, Big World, for example — Matt is a little person, he’s on crutches and the guy does everything! He rides tractors, runs a farm, hauls pumpkins bigger than he is. I’m totally for that,” he says. “I draw the line on shows like Little Chocolatiers. I mean, come on! They could have done ANYTHING in the world and they pick this stereotypical crap? And then they get offended by people making fun of them for making chocolate — you’re a midget making
chocolate! I mean, that’s funny! Maybe if they went all out and dressed-up like Oompa Loompas and owned it, well, I might have more respect.” As for now, network television will have to wait while he concentrates on his career as a stand-up comedian. “I really enjoy what I do,” he says. “After every show I make it a point to go out to the lobby and say hi to everyone — I want people to not only be fans, but friends, too— comedy is an intimate form of entertainment, and if you’re sharing that much about you with the audience, of course you want them as friends. I think that’s a big part of my continued success is that I care about my audiences.” Williams says he’s happy to return to Merced where he previously appeared with Mencia. “The crowds were a blast — kind of rambunctious, but I had a great time,” he says. “I’m really glad I’m coming back.” He guarantees a good time, too. “It’s going to be fun and the audience will leave with ‘What the hell just happened?,’” he says. “THAT’S the best part of my job — making people forget about everything for a while, opening their mind to experiences they may not necessarily think are funny at first, but they are, and of course, making them laugh.” And if you do see him in the lobby after the show, remember, you can call him just about anything — including a midget — but for the love of all things funny, just don’t tell him you loved him in “Jackass.”
Perico Productions presents Comedy Jam: Brad Williams and Friends. Doors open at 7 p.m. and show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets available online at www.mercedtheatre.org, phone 209-381-0500, or in person in the Box Office M-F 1-5 p.m. WARNING: ADULT CONTENT Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thedlm
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
14
Photo by Dan Hong
Mikel Soria Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
www.thedlm.com
Mikel Soria
15
music Mikel Soria
Words by Theresa Moore Hong theresa@effit.com
H
is love for the guitar started with a Sesame Street record player and an eight inch La Bamba remake by Los Lobos. “I would carry that little record player around with me everywhere,” he says. “It was that opening riff that got me — I loved it! I played it over and over again, and I was determined to learn it.” But it was much more than a riff -- music, he feels, is in his soul, and he has a long line of family members who carried the proverbial guitar torch prior to him, including his grandfather who played a guitarrón in a Mariachi band. “I was 8-years old when my dad bought me my first guitar and I thought it was going to be easy, like me just picking it up and the music would come naturally,” he says smiling. “But it was the opposite — I worked so hard to play, and really developed kind of a joy/hatred about lessons — I loved it, but at the same time, I didn’t expect it to be so hard.” Although many musicians become increasingly frustrated, trading their instruments for something less painful, Soria stuck with it, and soon, lessons became easier. “I was in band all throughout middle and high school, and it wasn’t just guitar I played, I picked up the French horn and trumpet, and played in the jazz band my sophomore and senior years in high school,” he says. “So, you could say I was 50% band nerd and 50% rock band during that time, which was cool, because I was able to really enjoy all of these different styles of music.” He also started his first band in high school sans a singer — and a name — until a talent show forced he and his fellow band members to come up with one. “There was an old globe, like
Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thedlm
Taking good care of our community for over 100 years. Taking care of businesses. Taking care of our community. We have a long history of providing peace of mind around town.
725 W. 18th Street, Merced, CA 95340 Ph (209) 722-1541 • www.FandB1912.com Agency license #0358327 Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
“You could say I was 50 percent band nerd and 50 percent rock band during that time, which was cool, because I was able to really enjoy all these different styles of music.” — Mikel Soria a globe that still had the Soviet Union on it,” he explains. “I was looking for a town that sounded cool and I saw this town called ‘Angara’ — we were teenagers, what can I say?” To increase his coolness factor, Soria also worked at Barker’s Music. Six months after being hired, he began teaching classes. “I was able to learn a lot there — on the retail and teaching side of things,” he says. But, sometimes too much of a good thing isn’t so good. “By my senior year, I was
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
really burned out on school and music, you know? I felt I had reached a plateau and there was nothing really for me here in Merced,” he says. “At that point, I made music a side thing.” It wasn’t for long, however. Eventually, Soria returned to school and graduated with a bachelor’s in music from California State University, Stanislaus. He also writes original material, has earned a reputation as an accomplished session player and provides his talents for many Playhouse Merced
musical productions. He also teaches at Ingram’s Music, sharing his passion with Merced’s newest generation of musicians. His plans also include attending Fresno State to obtain his master’s in music. “ I love teaching — it’s truly my passion. And my ultimate goal is to teach music at a college,” he says. “I love to pass what I do down to younger generations and see that light in their eyes when they ‘get it’ — that’s what makes it worthwhile to me.”
www.thedlm.com
NOVEMBER EVENTS
Recurring Events DRAMA ISLAND
WHAT: A Survivor-like contest of theater skills featuring 16 contestants competing to be the last one standing. WHEN: 7 p.m., Every Sunday WHERE: Playhouse Merced INFO: Facebook
COFFEE BANDITS OPEN MIC
Contributed Photo Men of Worth, Nov. 14 at the Multicultural Arts Center.
MEN OF WORTH BRING FOLK ACT BACK TO MERCED
We need your help, send us your event information to: tom@thedlm.com or call (209) 777-6176
The folk-music duo, Men of Worth, will be performing Nov. 14 at the Multicultural Arts Center. The group was formed by James Keigher (Ireland) and Donnie Macdonald (Scotland) in 1986. Both exiles, it was through the Celtic music scene in Southern California that James and Donnie first met, and within a couple of years a partnership developed that was simultaneously serious and fun. Geographical changes now find James and Donnie living in Southern Oregon and Northern California respectively. Whilst remaining true to their Gaelic roots, Men of Worth has successfully evolved as entertainers. Success breeds success, and a natural progression toward education and travel has sealed the next decade as an exciting and pioneering era for the versatile duo. “We are very excited to have Men of Worth returning to Merced,” says Joey Essig, Merced County Arts Council Operations Director. “They’ve been entertaining audiences here at the Arts Center for years and we’re very pleased everytime they call to book a concert. They put on one hell of a show.” Men of Worth are an international act, and have earned much respect and success in two decades of touring. Cultural presentations in schools have received rave reviews by students and teachers alike. Performing concerts, festivals, and having recorded ten albums, Men of Worth continue the very tradition from which they evolved. Doors for the show open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $14 for Merced County Arts Council members, $15 in advance and $17 at the door. To purchase tickets you can visit the Multicultural Arts Center at 645 W. Main Street, call 209-388-1090 or visit their website at www.artsmerced.com.
WHAT: Local talent showcasing their skills. WHEN: 8 p.m., 1st and 3rd Wednesday of month WHERE: Coffee Bandits INFO: Facebook
PARTISAN OPEN MIC
WHAT: Local talent showcasing their skills. WHEN: 8 p.m., Every Monday WHERE: The Partisan INFO: Facebook
BRAINGAZM
WHAT: Pub trivia game. Groups compete in rounds of trivia and physical challenges to win prizes. WHEN: 9 p.m.,Every Tuesday WHERE: The Partisan INFO: Facebook
POETRY JAM
WHAT: Local poets read and share their work. WHEN: 8 p.m., 4th Wednesday WHERE: Coffee Bandits INFO: Facebook
CONJUNTOS
WHAT: An artist, poet and musician create improvised work on the spot WHEN: Last Sunday of every month. WHERE: J&R Tacos INFO: Facebook
BAD FICTION NIGHT
WHAT: What is the worst thing you’ve ever read? Come share with the group WHEN: 2nd Wed of month WHERE: Coffee Bandits INFO: Facebook
FARMER’S MARKET
WHAT: Certified Farmer’s Market in Downtown Merced. WHEN: 8 a.m.-Noon, every Saturday WHERE: 18th and N Street INFO: http://www.mercedcfm.com
09 Brad Williams Comedy
Downtown Bus Schedule
WHAT: Comedian Brad Williams, a well-known funnyman, who has appeared on the Tonight Show and Jimm Kimmel. WHEN: 8 p.m. WHERE: Merced Theatre (301 W. Main Street.) COST: $20-$25 INFO & TICKETING: www.mercedtheatre.org
09 Make it Happen Concert
WHAT: Terra Alive, Paradox, We the Simulator and 30 Minute Parking in concert WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Make it Happen (451 W. 18th Street) INFO: Facebook
13 ‘Half the Sky” film screening
WHAT: “Half the Sky” was filmed in 10 countries, following authors Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, and celebrity activists America Ferrera, Diane Lane, Eva Mendes, Meg Ryan, Gabrielle Union and Olivia Wilde on a journey to tell the stories of inspiring, courageous individuals WHEN: 6 p.m. WHERE: UC Merced California Room INFO: Facebook or email women@ucmerced.edu
16 DLM Anniversary Show
WHAT: Downtown Life Magazine 3-year anniversary Concert featuring Buster Blue, Not an Airplane and Feeling Gravity’s Pull. WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Multicultural Arts Center (645 W. Main Street.) COST: $10 INFO: www.thedlm.com
16 Project Fishbowl Fashion
WHAT: Bringing Merced’s local artists and Local Boutiques together for a fashion & art show under one roof for an eventful evening WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: American Legion Hall COST: $10 INFO: Facebook
17 Pigeon John at Partisan
WHAT: Pigeon John, Sunspot Jonz and 2Mex on the stage at the Partisan. WHEN: 9 p.m. WHERE: The Partisan COST: $10, pre-sale tickets available at Urban Illustrators INFO: www.thedlm.com
17 Rollin’Roulettes Derby
WHAT: Final bout of the season and it’s against the Tri-Valley Derby Girls. WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Roll-er Land (1445 W. 18th Street) COST: $5 INFO: Facebook
Monday through Friday
Departure times for a few popular bus stops on the UC Merced/Downtown loop Route 22
Location
Times
Main & K Street (Hollywood Theater)
7:18, 7:48, 8:18, 8:48, 9:18, 9:58, 10:28, 10:58, 11:28, 11:58, 12:38, 1:08, 1:48, 2:18, 2:48, 3:33, 4:03, 4:33, 5:03, 5:48, 6:18
Merced College (M Street)
7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:10, 9:40, 10:10, 10:40, 11:10, 11:40, 12:20, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:45, 4:15, 4:45, 5:15, 6:00, 6:30
Paulson & Yosemite (Starbucks)
7:38, 8:08, 8:38, 9:18, 9:48, 10:18, 10:48, 11:18, 11:48, 12:28, 12:20, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:45, 4:15, 4:45, 5:15, 6:00, 6:30
UC Merced Kolligian Library (Arrival)
7:43, 8:13, 8:43, 9:23, 9:53, 10:23, 10:53, 11:23, 11:53, 12:33, 1:13, 1:43, 2:13, 2:43, 3:13, 3:58, 4:28, 4:58, 5:28, 6:13, 6:43
UC Merced Kolligian Library (Departure)
7:45, 8:15, 8:45, 9:25, 9:55, 10:25, 10:55, 11:25, 12:05, 12:35, 1:15, 1:45, 2:15, 3:00, 3:30, 4:00, 4:30, 5:15, 5:45
Paulson & Yosemite (Starbucks)
7:50, 8:20, 8:50, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:10, 12:40, 1:20, 1:50, 2:20, 3:05, 3:35, 4:05, 4:35, 5:20, 5:50
Merced College (M Street)
7:57, 8:27, 8:57, 9:37, 10:07, 10:37, 11:07, 11:37, 12:17, 12:47, 1:27, 1:57, 2:27, 3:12, 3:42, 4:42, 4:12, 4:42, 5:27, 5:57
Friday & Saturday Nights
Departure times for a few popular bus stops on the UC Merced/Downtown loop (10 p.m.-2:35 a.m.) NiteCat Line Location
Times
UC Merced Kolligian Library (Arrival)
10:04, 11:14, 12:24, 1:34
Merced Mall Theatre
10:28, 11:38, 12:48, 1:58
Main & M Street (Hollywood Theater)
10:46, 11:56, 1:06, 2:16
Scholars Lane
11:05, 12:15, 1:25, 2:35
Morning
Afternoon & Evening
For complete schedule go to www.cattracks.org
22
Photo by Michaelyn McElhiney Buster Blue Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
www.thedlm.com
music Buster Blue
Right at Home
23
Buster Blue and Merced share a rare and unique bond
S
Words by Tom Price tom@thedlm.com
econds before they launch into the first song of a raucous and energy-packed hour-long set at The Partisan, the lone voice of a young female screams over the buzzing speakers “I LOVE YOU BUSTER BLUE.” It’s followed by another adoring fan and another and another hollering the same words and then a chorus of cheers, whistles and screams shake the walls of the building. Frontman Bryan Jones smiles, and launches into song. For the next 60-plus minutes Buster Blue performs as more than 100 people sing along to every song in the set. Merced loves Buster Blue. “We’ve always had a strange connection with Merced,” says Andy Martin, the bands vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. “It was the first outof-town show we ever played and we met so many amazing people who have supported us and helped us and wanted us there. It was our Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thedlm
first home away from home.” Martin, Jones, horn player and vocalist Rachael McElhiney, bassist Brendon Lund and drummer Jay Escamillo are a fun-loving bunch from Reno. Childhood friends who have been playing music together since high school, they have developed a unique and entertaining style of folk music that has wowed crowds not only in Merced, but across the nation. They’ve played the Strawberry Music Festival, the Millpond Music Festival, Neon Reverb Festival and have shared the stage with names like Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s, Devil Makes Three, Jason Webley and Langhorne Slim. Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
BUSTER BLUE’S FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT MERCED The Partisan. This place has become our Merced home. From RC, Chris (bartender) to all of the bartenders and security to our favorite sound guy Chris, everyone associated with the Partisan never fails to make us feel welcome and loved every time we play there. J&R Tacos. We have family here too with Janna, Oscar and the whole J&R staff. Every time we come in, we here one of our albums playing then we here Janna yell “Buster Blue!!! Buster Blue is here!!!!) (exclamation points are not exaggerated and that’s always our favorite part :D) Then the food, of course. It’s like a welcome home every time. Downtown Life Magazine. We grab whatever copy is at J&R for the van ride :) You guys really highlight the awesome things going on in Merced, and are one of few magazines that really get to know who you’re featuring. Staci and Todd. Even though they don’t live in Merced anymore, Todd and former Merced County Arts Council director Staci Santa were a huge part of our Merced lives. The first time we played Merced, we drove back home to Reno after the show (bad idea). The next time we came through, we put it out to Facebook to see if we could find a place to stay, hoping someone remembered us. Staci was the first to jump on the post. Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
Their signature live shows take crowds on a wild ride as they move from instrument to instrument, playing everything from a chain in a bucket and bullhorn to a trombone and saxophone. “I actually didn’t realize how much of an impact we had until people started singing along, loudly, to all of our songs,” says McElhiney. “I think people enjoy watching what instrument any of us is going to pick up next.” Buster Blue live is great, but Buster Blue live at the Partisan has always been a special experience. The Partisan was the very first venue they played outside of Reno. “Each show that we have played there so far has opened us up to new music by talented artists from all over. (Partisan co-owner RC Essig) does an amazing job at finding these acts and promotes them well,” says Escamillo. “There is always a great sound check which keeps our poor sound battered ears from ringing. The Partisan has always reminded us of the good times and none of the bad. It feels intimate and makes it easy to connect with the people of Merced.” And boy has there ever been some good times. They played the DLM anniversary party at the Partisan last year and have shared the stage with some tremendous acts. But above all they remember the small things. Jones says the band has a post-show ritual that includes them dancing on stage with Essig and they
like how Merced sings along to their songs. “It’s family,” he says. The band, which released it’s debut album “When the Silver’s Gone,” in 2010, recently released a new EP “Still on Conway,” and are excited about the direction their sound is headed.” “We’ve played together a few hundred more times, says Jones.“Playing every night & listening for new ways to approach music makes a difference with the songwriting, the arrangement and the execution of the songs. ‘Still On Conway’ is all these things wrapped up into a cute little package.” When Jones says playing together every night, he really means it. Buster Blue is the closest thing to the Partridge Family as you will find these days. The bulk of the band all live under one roof and spend months and months sharing a tour van. That’s a lot of band time and not a lot of “me” time. “Being on the road is definitely a test of your sanity,” says Martin. “Being in a band is like a marriage, you have to be fair to everyone and the more problems you encounter and get through strengthens your relationship. We’ve known each other for so long and we love what we do.” It would appear their marital-like bond is strong as the band returns to Merced on the heels of a 16-stop tour in October that took them through Oregon, Nevada and Washington. For the first time they will www.thedlm.com
25
music Buster Blue
Contributed Photo Buster Blue from left, Andy Martin, Rachael McElhiney, Brendon Lund, Bryan Jones and Jay Escamillo. The band will be headlining the DLM’s three-year anniversary party Nov. 16 at the Multicultural Arts Center with other performances by Not an Airplane and Feeling Gravity’s Pull.
be playing in Merced somewhere other than the Partisan. Buster Blue is headlining the Downtown Life Magazine’s 3-year anniversary party at the Multicultural Arts Center on Nov. 16. The all-ages show will also feature Modesto’s Not an Airplane and Merced’s Feeling Gravity’s Pull. “I love that we’re doing an all ages show. We have such good friends that come to our Partisan shows and now they can bring the whole family,” says
McElhiney. “Some of our best shows have been all ages. I like the fact that we seem to appeal to many audiences, including the 21 and under crowd. “I love the kids that are in their school music programs that see us playing the instruments that they are learning up on stage. Hopefully it will be something to keep them motivated to keep at it. We’ve really gained fans of all ages. I love the fact that we can appeal to a family crowd.”
Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thedlm
The Downtown Life Magazine’s 3-year Anniversary Concert will feature performances by Buster Blue, Not an Airplane and Feeling Gravity’s Pull. Tickets are $10 and doors at the Multicultural Arts Center (645 W. Main Street) will open at 7 p.m. The event is all-ages. Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
www.thedlm.com
27
UC Merced Lab Tour Dr. Kara McCloskey
Fixing a Broken Heart Lab uses stem cells to create a heart-saving patch Words by K Chico kcchico@gmail.com The UC Lab Tour is a monthly feature in the Downtown Life Magazine spotlighting the work being done in research at UC Merced. The author, K Chico, is a UC Merced graduate with a degree in Bioengineering. Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thedlm
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
28
UC Merced Lab Tour Dr. Kara McCloskey
“We’re not mad scientists here.” — Dr. Kara McCloskey
I
Photo by Tom Price William Turner while discussing his research progress in Dr. Kara McCloskey’s lab.
have been in Dr. Kara McCloskey’s lab for 15 minutes, and am holding a plastic coloring-book necklace pendant of what is either a bee or a Hanna-Barbara cartoon character. William Turner, a post-doctoral fellow here, has patiently explained how this lab uses this plastic, commonly known as ShrinkyDinks, a child’s toy, to make microfluidics plates, as the material shrinks predictably and without damaging preetched features, at a fraction of the cost of traditional manufacturing. An impeccably-dressed woman who has been typing quietly at her laptop under a shelf of laboratory glassware
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
pipes in: “It’s a good thing, because my project needs a large budget.” Getting ready to defend her thesis, Silin Sa has been doing groundbreaking work in stem cell purification. This is not a stereotypical laboratory environment: to my left is meticulously organized laboratory equipment, but on my right is a large green backpack precariously perched, looming over a stack of paperbacks, seemingly thousands of post-its, rainbow erasers, a decorative glass bottle, someone’s half-repaired bracelet and a bunch of torn comics taped up on the wall. It is this mix of very human needs and personal quirks, along with the brainpower of some
of the most intelligent people in the country, that is arguably the reason this lab, headed by new faculty and made up of more than half undergraduate students, is a scientific powerhouse. A controversial subject to many, the McCloskey lab works with both mouse and human stem cell lines, doing research into biomedical treatments, particularly with derived endothelial cells. For those without an encyclopedic knowledge of biology, endothelial cells are essentially a lining cell. They are what makes our veins and arteries strong enough to work without leaking blood, and also are involved with many of our most important organs, including the www.thedlm.com
UC Merced Lab Tour Dr. Kara McCloskey heart. Turner has indulged my curiosity and is discussing his own project, which is designing a literal patch for injured hearts. When someone has a heart attack (officially known as a cardiac infarction), the injured parts of the heart don’t heal, and they impede the function of the rest of the heart. It’s like an earthquake, if a large chasm opened up in the middle of a soccer field it would be a little difficult to play a game afterward. This lab is looking to build a bridge over the chasm. Using genetically-stripped matrices of collagen, laminin, or other connective tissue, (imagine a fishnet) they coat this net with several layers of carefullyderived stem cells, then place it over the injured section of the heart. Preclinical trials, with mice, have had very promising results. Turner modestly ducks his head, but smiles. His paper has just recently been accepted into the Journal of Biomaterials Research. After a quick lunch break, I get to talk to McCloskey herself. The DLM team is not the first set of interviewers McCloskey has had, and she has prepared coffee. Although the explosion of published papers with her name would be a credit to any scientists’ career, the good doctor is still new faculty, and stunningly young, with a wide smile, coppery curls and a casualchic business suit. I am beginning to think that fashion sense is one of the perks of
the lab. I find out that she was once training to be a ballet dancer. I want to ask her more about herself, but the brain behind the bustling lab across the hall is on point with hard science. “Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer ... and there is a severe shortage of hearts for transplant,” says McClosky. The cardiac patch, assuming that the preclinical trails continue showing promise, will progress into later testing, but only when it’s assuredly safe will it be tried on humans. “We’re not mad scientists here,” she says, stressing that she focuses not only on direct application, but also on projects that have a multitude of possibilities that other labs can build on as well. So, the lab doesn’t just do work with the heart? The doctor shakes her head emphatically and explains. The endothelial cells that the lab works with so much don’t only effect the heart. New studies show that circulation (helped by strong cells in veins and arteries) has a huge role in preventing brain degradation, such as in Alzheimers’ disease. Endothelial cells can help promote new vessel growth, or help prevent the degradation of tissues in the limbs of diabetic patients. This is good news to anyone not in the ‘diabetic socks’ business. The pure cell lines that Silin has had so much influence on can even be used for drug screening, smoothing the
29
testing and research phase of experimental treatments at a lower cost than traditional trials. McCloskey leans back in her chair as she casually discusses pushing forward the boundaries of biomedical science. She finishes up with some of her budding research. Some of the work here involves what are called angiogenic materials, meaning that they produce vessels. If this sounds like something your teacher droned in high school, you should know that this has large ramifications for cancer research, since tumors feed themselves by hijacking the body into feeding the growth as much as possible, by forming new blood vessels. I ask her to thank her students on my behalf as she courteously shakes hands at the end of our interview. She has a lot to do, and not a lot of time to do it, but never even hinted that the DLM team was anything other than honored guests. On the way home, I realize midway through the bus ride that the girl sitting across from me, absorbed in her novel, is one of the students in the McCloskey lab. She looks up and grins, then goes back to her reading. Well, it is Merced. We pick one road to go to Yosemite, another to visit San Francisco, and bioengineers read light fiction while zipping by corn fields.
ONLINE CONTENT: Get a guided video tour through Kara McCloskey’s lab. See interviews with the researchers and learn more about what their breakthroughs can mean for the future. Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thedlm
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
30
Playhouse Merced Annie
It’s a dog’s life
Words by Jim Kocher jim@showbizjobs.com
golden fur, and my dad is a full-size poodle with black fur.
or actors, it’s an old show business adage: Never work with children or animals. Why? It seems that no matter how hard an actor tries, the children or animals always end up getting all the attention on stage. The authors of the musical “Annie” seemed to have forgotten all about that when they penned the show back in 1977, as the popular and Tonyaward winning holiday musical does both. Lots of children playing orphans and one special dog named Sandy. The musical, based on the 1930s comic strip “Little Orphan Annie,” tells the story of a young girl who lives in an all-girl orphanage during America’s Great Depression. She meets and befriends Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks, a rich socialite, who is taken by Annie’s sunshiny attitude. With popular songs
DLM: Is this is your first time in a show? Tucker: Yes it is.
F
DLM: How do you like it? Tucker: It’s really fun. DLM: I must admit, you seem very comfortable on stage. Tucker: Thank you. I play a dog.
Photo by Dan Hong Meet Tucker, the lovable spotlight-stealing dog starring as Sandy in the Playhouse Merced production of “Annie.”
like “The Sun’ll Come Out Tomorrow,” “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here,” “Annie” is a family-friendly holiday favorite. In Playhouse Merced’s production (Nov 23 – Dec 16), Sandy is being played by local dog Tucker Borges, a 7-month old golden retriever and poodle mix who is making his show
business debut. The DLM caught up with him and we asked him some questions. DLM: How old are you? Tucker: I’m 7-months old. DLM: Where were you born? Tucker: In Merced. My mom, whose name is Annie, by the way, is a golden retriever with
DLM: How is the cast? Tucker: Everybody in “Annie” has been really nice to me, and I really like working with everybody, especially all the children. DLM: Why should people see “Annie?” Tucker: It’s going to be really fun for Christmas-time because there’s a scene where it’s Christmas. DLM: In the comic strip of “Little Orphan Annie,” Sandy only says ‘Arf!’ — will you have more dialogue than that? Tucker: Arf!
(Playhouse Merced presents “Annie” Nov. 23 – Dec. 16, performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Call (209) 725-8587 to reserve tickets) Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
www.thedlm.com
xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thedlm
31
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
H
F A I T
lifespringchurch.net
RE
SH FRE SA
ING
FY TIS
ING
E MADL L Y
LOC
A
artist profile Marcy Martinez
33
Photo by Montse Reyes Local poet Marcy Martinez wrote and performed. Now, she uses her words as a way to inspire others and help her with her real-life problems.
Marcy Martinez
T
Words by Montse Reyes montse@thedlm.com
hrough the power of spoken word, local poet Marcy Martinez has quickly carved a niche for herself in Merced’s artistic community. From a young age, Martinez sensed she was creatively inclined, and it didn’t take long for those around her to notice. “I was a sensitive soul.” She notes, “I think that’s what made me stand out from my family, they knew that I was going to be a little different.” When most other six year olds were
Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/thedlm
preoccupied with playground games, Martinez found herself drawn to singing, performing and of course — writing. “I didn’t call it poetry back then,” she recalls, “I would just write and write songs, just to show my family.” The fearless, bold persona Martinez exhibited at home came in stark contrast to her timid nature at school. Though she found comfort and security among her family, her peers weren’t always so kind. Martinez recalls that her shy and reserved personality made her a prime target Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
34
artist profile Marcy Martinez for bullying in her formative years. Interestingly enough, she took the bullying in stride, refusing to let her classmate’s comments faze her. “I didn’t break any rules so that I could conform,” she states, “I just continued to be shy and quiet and sort of awkward because…I don’t know why; Maybe I’m a nonconformist.” Instead, she turned to poetry to chronicle her experiences. In her earlier years, Martinez candidly remarks, her poems were almost naïve. She focused on illusions she held of abstract human emotions like love and sadness, though she admits she did not have a full definition of either. However, as she grew and her life became marked by adversity, the ideals that were once so abstract and enigmatic then became concrete. She was able to channel her arduous experiences, like being a teenage mother and surviving domestic violence, into a cathartic process to ultimately produce art. Yet, she wasn’t always so brave when it came to placing her art into the public sphere. For that, Martinez credits the late Chente Cervantes. “He inspired me to carry on and be a part of the legacy he left behind,” she says, “I want to be a light, like the way that Chente was.” Citing female performers like Erykah Badu and Mary J. Blige as additional sources of inspiration, Martinez wants to use her story to help others. Taking hints of Badu’s illustrative words and weaving them with Blige’s candor, Martinez hopes that through her poems, she can influence others to leave potentially abusive or negative situations. Martinez is thankful to have found a home in the strong community of artists in Merced, which has recently adopted her as one of their own. Whether they are musicians, painters, poets or rappers, she says that a conversation with an artist always leaves her flooded with inspiration and an intense desire to put pen to paper. When it comes to her future, Martinez is wary of placing any additional pressure on her art. As a mother of three, a full-time student and now locally established poet, she says she has finally found complete happiness with her place in life. Careful of disrupting the delicate balance, she states “I take everything day by day, minute by minute”.
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
www.thedlm.com
Downtown Life Magazine November 2012
www.thedlm.com