May 2017
THEFilm printed on recycled paper
may 2017
Edition the current
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! by Rich Turner
1
2
the current
may 2017
EDITOR’S NOTE
Publisher Roger Coover
“Film as dream, film as music. No art passes our conscience in the way film does, and goes directly to our feelings, deep down into the dark rooms of our souls.” — Ingmar Bergman
Advertising Director Deitra Kenoly Editor Karen Bakhtegan Cover Artist Rich Turner Graphic Artists Jason LaMasters Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein Advertising Specialist Liz Saldivar Social Media Jason LaMasters
S
an Joaquin County may lack the glamour of Hollywood, but it is rich with creative people passionate about creating magic through the arts. This edition is dedicated to the filmmakers, photographers, and the San Joaquin County film locations that have helped capture our hearts and imaginations. We hope it will leave you feeling inspired. — Karen Bakhtegan Editor
Contributors Ashlee Blackard Charleen Earley Middagh Goodwin Melissa Hutsell Howard Lachtman Harry Pacheco Ben Sanchez Greg Severi Susan Michener Spracher Joshua Stoner Rich Turner
Follow us and share your photos and messages. Email: thecurrent@recordnet.com Facebook: The Current San Joaquin Instagram: thecurrentsj Twitter: @thecurrentsj
may 2017
the current
3
4
the current
may 2017
may2017
07 meet the cover artist - rich turner
08-20 film - in the director’s chair
- starstruck: when the movies came to stockton - picture perfect - bound for glory - tim ulmer: the man behind the lens - flip the script - extra extra
21 i am current - pedro luna
22 the campus - a learning x perience
24 merchant - a new perspective
25 bites
- appetite for perfection
26 threads - passion for fashion
27 libations - the brew goes on
28 book nook - desperation passes
30 artbeat
- a cause for applause - artwear
34 fandom - fan-attack
36 the undercurrent - washboard monkeys
38 get out
- may events calendar
may 2017
the current
5
6
the current
may 2017
Rich Turner F
ormer Record photographer and chief photographer, Rich Turner began his career in the U.S. Navy photographing assignments from the back seat of supersonic jets and in exotic locations, including Antarctica. His work as an award-winning photojournalist at the Roseville Press-Tribune (three years) and the Stockton Record (16 years) newspapers led to opening his own fine art and commercial photography studio in 1990. Documenting the environment in general – and the California Delta in particular – has been an interest of Turner’s for over 40 years. Based in Stockton since 1974, he has employed his camera to capture the changing vistas and compelling character of vast natural resources just beyond his own back door. “Educating people about environmental issues is widely acknowledged to be a key factor in protecting the environment. What better medium to convey the overwhelming beauty of our surroundings than art? Unfortunately, our beautiful and fragile environment is in
may 2017
peril on many fronts. I want to do what I can to document this delicate splendor and share it with as many people as possible, the hope being that we will all become better stewards of the planet that sustains us,” says Turner. “We tend to protect what we love.”
About the Cover Photo: The camera crew for the 1976 film “Bound For Glory” shot on location in Stockton, is setting up to shoot a scene on Market Street at the railroad tracks just east of downtown Stockton. Read about the “Bound for Glory” filmset on page 14. The photos and essay are excerpted from Turner’s book, “Delta Grandeur” which is available at www.turnerphoto.com/product/deltagrandeur
the current
7
n the
S ’ R O T C IRE
dCHAIR by Joshua Stoner
photos courtesy Paul Bestolarides
8
P
aul Bestolarides first gained an interest in film at about 16 years old. His interest began with literature, art, and storytelling, but filmmaking seemed to encapsulate all of those into one medium. “When I was 16, I saw a few movies by director Stanley Kubrick. I remember watching 2001: A Space Odyssey and seeing something so different than what’s commonly seen in Hollywood – it wasn’t just cheap entertainment. Kubrick was able to manipulate set pieces into illusions to make an effect on the audience psychologically.” It was at this time that Bestolarides realized his love for film. To this day, he maintains that the film is a masterpiece, and makes a point of watching it once a year. Around this time, Bestolarides began making movies at his young age, using cheap editing software in his home. He began collaborating with friends in amateur movie-making, and eventually learned to work every position on a movie set.
After years of refining his craft, Bestolarides wrote his first feature-length film, and out of curiosity, threw his film into a few festivals. “I was surprised and excited when I learned my film had landed in the prestigious Beverly Hills Film Festival.” This is an impressive accomplishment, considering that Bestolarides is mostly self-taught and works with a budget that is a fraction of what other independent filmmakers work with. “I try and write very consistently throughout the year. I shoot about 2 to 3 short films a year, and one full-length. It keeps me busy.” Bestolarides also sharpens his craft by teaching it to others.
the current
may 2017
When Bestolarides is not filming for his next project, he is teaching classes as an adjunct professor at Delta College. “I didn’t know anything about teaching, or what I would teach, but I applied for a position and got it. I have been teaching for a year now and I really enjoy it.” In his Introduction to Video Production class, Bestolarides enjoys learning about each student’s interest in film. He has a lot of experience on set and off, and as a young teacher, is very relatable. “I am honest about the difficulty of starting a career in this industry, but also about the flexibililty in the current market for independent filmmakers to get their start.” Born and raised in Stockton, Bestolarides is a stand-out success story in our community. At only 25 years old, he is in his final semester of graduate studies at Sac State, where he is currently obtaining a master’s degree in humanities and religious studies. He finds it fascinating how cultures and religions use the art of storytelling to convey their beliefs and wanted to find ways to implement this into his filmmaking. Catch Bestolarides latest film at the International Film Festival in Sacramento on April 29. “Last Beat is about a young soldier who ventures to redeem a memory of a fallen comrade in order to complete a musical composition. His former trauma questions war and an impact for a person’s future.” The film will debut on the Delta King in Sacramento at 7:30 p.m.
may 2017
the current
9
S
k c u r t s r ta When the Movies Came to
STOCKTON STOC ST OCKT OC KTON KT ON by Howard Lachtman
A
nybody remember Fabian? Fabian Forte? The teen pop idol of the fifties?
Patricia Kourt does. The Stockton native and her friends presented a birthday cake to “Fabulous Fabe” when he came to Stockton to appear in the 1960 comedy High Time. An older and more enduring musical legend named Bing Crosby was the star of the film, but it was Fabian who stole the show for her. “I was so excited I couldn’t breathe, let alone think of asking for an autograph,” Kourt recalled. Mrs. Kourt’s sister Mendelle was struck by how personable and down-to-earth stars Charlton Heston, Gregory Peck and leading ladies Jean Simmons and Carroll Baker were to her and other visitors to the rural film set of The Big Country back in 1958. Her neighbor Judy Cheadle recalls riding her horse past the fence of Peck’s rented home in Morada and waving to the star in his swimming pool. “He gave me a friendly wave back, but I’ll bet he wished he could have had some privacy in his pool,” Cheadle said. Time 10
was
when
Hollywood
stars
arrived to film on location in town, out in the countryside or on the Delta water. Encounters with stars were exciting events, and word of mouth about them got around town very quickly. My own brush with stardom occurred in the parking lot of the old Holiday Inn in downtown Stockton. When a screen icon passed by on his way to his car, a woman next to me cried, “Oh my God! Aren’t you—? Excuse me, sir! Aren’t you Anthony Quinn?” “Yes,” the actor said politely, “May I help you?” The woman was too star-struck to utter another word. I came to the rescue by shouting a bravo for Quinn’s performance in Lawrence of Arabia. “Mr. Quinn,” I shouted, “you stole the show as that desert warrior!” “Thank you,” Quinn said, and drove off for another day of filming RPM on the campus of the University of the Pacific. Anybody remember RPM? A high point in local “stargazing” occurred in 1949 when All the King’s Men utilized the Hotel Stockton, the steps of City Hall, the waterfront and other locations
the current
to film Robert Penn Warren’s novel of political power and corruption. Locals served as extras and spectators marveled at moviemaking . No one could have guessed that this made-in-Stockton production would go on to win three Academy Awards – best picture, best actor (Broderick Crawford) and best supporting actress (Mercedes McCambridge). Other films brought equally memorable moments for fans who came face to face with screen heroes and heroines they never imagined meeting. John Wayne was here in 1955, playing a two-fisted riverboat captain trying to escape to Hong Kong with a boatload of refugees. The Delta substituted for Chinese waters in Blood Alley, a film that featured handsome photography, a thriller plot, and co-star Lauren “Betty” Bacall, who was never less than fashionably groomed and well-dressed despite the hardships and rigors of the escape plot. The former fashion model insisted on a degree of glamour befitting her star status. No one was going to argue the point with her, especially with husband Humphrey
may 2017
Bogart, the screen’s number one tough guy, on hand to keep her company. The word was that “Betty” was an even tougher cookie than Bogie. Wayne stayed at the Hotel Stockton, enjoyed food, cards and brew with cronies at Chet’s on Wilson Way, and was reportedly very obliging when it came to signing autographs for his admiring fans. Another notable presence in town was Paul Newman, who came to Stockton in 1967 for rural location shooting of Cool Hand Luke. When not relaxing with wife Joanne Woodward at their rented house on Oxford Way, the star was glimpsed around Stockton on his motorcycle or in a blue Mercury convertible. The film’s famous line was “What we have got here is failure to communicate.” But it communicated so well with the public and critics that Newman and co-star George Kennedy won Academy Award nominations (Kennedy took home the gold for best supporting actor). “I had great fun with that part,” Newman later said of the experience. “I liked playing that man.” The University of the Pacific campus has been displayed numerous times in film, including the Rob Reiner
college comedy The Sure Thing and as a reference shot (utilizing the Faye Spanos Concert Hall) for Harrison Ford’s mythical college in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Perhaps the most unusual use of the campus was as a revolutionary battleground in Stanley Kramer’s RPM. A major riot scene was filmed on the lawn and facade of Knoles Hall during the 1969 winter break. This in no way mirrored the actual climate on campus during that protest-ridden era. Though protests over Vietnam and other issues did take place, they were peaceful, thanks to good communication between students and officials. Pacific students were glad to be hired as extras to play rebels and cops. As one professor of the day quipped, “Our students have to be paid to riot.” The technology and style of filmmaking has changed dramatically in the 21st century, often rendering location shooting unnecessary. But given the Delta epicenter of California’s water wars and other local attractions, Hollywood may once again find inspiration here. Throw in a campus romance or riot, add a cameo role for 74-year-old Fabian, and you’ve got the makings of a movie. ★
A Day at the Races: In costume for his role in “The Big Country,” Charlton Heston relaxes at a Stockton horse race with co-stars Burl Ives (left), Jean Simmons (right) and Carroll Baker (front). PHOTO COURTESY OF JUDY CHEADLE
may 2017
the current
11
ICTUR E P rfect e P
photos courtesy Arturo Vera
Artistry Through The Lens by Charleen Earley
W
e live in a digital world, so when you find out that the man you’re talking to stores the film to his Nikon camera in his refrigerator; you know you’re talking to a true artist. Arturo Vera is that man. With over 40 years of mastering the art of professional photography, at age 65, Arturo is showing no signs of slowing down, despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years ago. Even in 30 years of marriage, he still tells his wife Ana Vera to pull over while driving, in order to capture beauty and art on film. “I just love the fact that I can compose an image and keep it there for years to come,” said Arturo of Stockton, who
opened ArtExpressions of San Joaquin gallery on the Miracle Mile in 2011. The gallery features and supports over 52 local artists, and not just photography, but ceramics, paintings, jewelry, illustrations and more. Born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico, Arturo came to the U.S. in 1968. His first creative expressions began while painting with light as a sailor in the Navy in the West Pacific.
12
On his own, he earned his bachelor of fine arts at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, and since then, has received several prestigious awards to include the coveted Photographic the current
Technical Excellence (Silver Cindy) from the Information Film Producers of America and Best in the West Fest award in 1985. When pretty much everyone around you with a smart phone considers themselves a photographer, Arturo knows the difference. “The main difference is the fact that the phone reacts to someone pressing a button,” said Arturo. “With a camera, you have to first understand the difference between black, white and color.” Before shooting an image on his camera, Arturo gets excited about the lighting, texture, color intensities and energy coming from the subject. “Composing the picture comes naturally for me, as it needs to please my eye and my
may 2017
insatiable hunger for art in photography,” he said. “I’m simply telling a story the way I see it.” Ana Vera, his wife of 30 years, was his partner when they shot weddings together through their business called Carousel Limousine, offering wedding photography, videography, professional invitations, make-up and limousine service.
four grown kids with Ana. “I’m always thinking of how I can capture something good in my images, to enhance it with the power of the divine.” Over the years, his work has been featured in well-attended exhibitions called Fog in Stockton, Murals in Stockton, Floral and Photosynthesis – A Light Reaction. Photographs for Ana, especially Arturo’s, are memoirs. “I have everlasting memories to go back to and relive,” she said. “They are irreplaceable moments on paper.” Visit www.artexpressions.org
Speaking not as his wife, but as an outsider looking in, she adores his art. “What’s very professional of him as a photographer is that the way he shoots is what you’re going to get. There’s no manipulation. What you see is the full frame,” said Ana. For Arturo, photography as an art form is spiritual. “It’s capturing the divine power of nature,” said Arturo, who has
may 2017
the current
13
Bound for
Glory Story and Photographs © Rich Turner
Bound for Glory director Hal Ashby discusses a scene with David Carradine as Woody Guthrie.
California is a garden of Eden, a paradise to live in or to see, but believe it or not, you won’t find it so hot if you ain’t got the do re mi. — Woody Guthrie
M
ost folks over a certain age are aware of the impact Woody Guthrie has on the social consciousness of America through his music. Some may remember the 1976 movie loosely based on a portion of his autobiography. What does a major motion picture have to do with the California Delta? While surfing movie channels the other night, I was reminded of photographing a couple different locations as the cast and crew were creating a major motion picture that went on to garner Academy nominations and a few David Carradine, Elizabeth Macey, and Randy Quaid wait for direction in a scene inside the vintage car as it rolls down a levee road in the California Delta. The baby is uncredited.
The attention to detail on this set was mesmerizing. Costumes (Oscar-nominated), props and set design made me feel like I had pushed the 1930 button in Mr. Peabody and Sherman’s WABAC machine.
14
the current
may 2017
awards. It was 1975, and I remember being very excited to see it when it first came out. Since then I had given it little thought and it was fun to see it again after all these years. Bound for Glory, a Hollywood film released in 1976, is loosely based on a few years of Woody Guthrie’s life while he was on the road traveling with – and writing songs about – the desperate Dust Bowl refugees who migrated to California for a better life. The film was directed by Hal Ashby, starred David Carradine as folk singer Guthrie, and won the Academy Award for best cinematography by Haskell Wexler. This was a big-budget production, and much of it was filmed in the California Delta.
Looking like a photograph that could have been made in the 1930s of displaced farm families, these two women extras on the set of ‘Bound for Glory” are waiting for the director to call “ACTION.” This elaborate set was built with meticulous detail on the edge of Isleton in the heart of the California Delta.
much freedom on a movie set before.
A newspaper photographer sometimes draws plum assignments - this was one of them. As a staff photographer for The Record (1974-1990), I had the opportunity to spend time on sets the production company built in downtown Stockton and Isleton. Through the course of my work as a photojournalist I’ve had the opportunity to shoot several movie companies working in the greater San Joaquin County area. As exciting as that sounds, much of the time watching the production crew work is as thrilling as watching fruit ripen. This one was very different. Hal Ashby, the award-winning director, welcomed me and said I could shoot pretty much what I wanted with only one caveat. Concerned about my camera noise, he asked, “Don’t shoot while I’m shooting, OK?” I had never been granted so
Young extras on the Isleton set.
may 2017
Producers have been using the greater California Delta area for shooting locations since the days of the silent film. They don’t have to travel far from Hollywood, and they know that the California Delta can look in film like anywhere else in the world. Here are just a few you may remember: Steamboat Round the Bend, 1935; All the King’s Men, 1949; Cool Hand Luke, 1967; Fat City, 1972; Howard the Duck, 1986; Young Indiana Jones TV series, 1992; The General’s Daughter, 1998; Bird, 1988; Delta Fever, 1986 – the list goes on and on. Parting thought – The painstaking attention to detail in the making of this film deserved all the accolades it received. It is a visually delicious film to watch. Here’s an interesting fact: this is the first major motion picture to make use of the Steadicam, invented by Garrett Brown, the camera operator on this film. However, I believe the story would have benefited greatly if it had stuck more closely to the facts and not strayed so far into the fictional realm. Seems to me that the real story is remarkable enough. The soundtrack, of course, featured lots of great Woody Guthrie music – another reason to see this gem if you can. And don’t forget, it was filmed in the California Delta with lots of local extras.
Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple. — Woody Guthrie
Technical notes: film used was Kodak Tri-X developed in D-76 – negatives were scanned to digital files on a Nikon LS-8000 film scanner – in the editing process a bit of warm tone was added to reflect the mood of the film.
the current
15
Tim Ulmer The Man Behind the Lens by Melissa Hutsell
T
im Ulmer has got one of those faces… the kind you know you’ve seen before.
That’s probably because you have. He’s seen at nearly all nonprofit events, and community happenings all around San Joaquin County. But he isn’t just attending these events; he’s documenting them. Ulmer is the man behind the lens who can be found in seemingly five places at once. On any given day or night, one might see him capturing community moments and archiving them. He has owned and operated Ulmer Photo, located in downtown Stockton, since 1999. The shop is one of the only full-service, retail photography businesses between Fresno to Sacramento, he explained. Ulmer’s passion for photography came from necessity. “I took my first picture when I was 13,” he said. To earn money as a young boy in a low-income household, Ulmer did odd jobs, such as mowing lawns,
16
raking yards or washing windows. When he acquired his 126 Kodak Hawkeye camera, he began to take photos of his finished work, process them, and sell them back to his clients.
Shop, where he became vice president, until opening his own photography business.
As a young man, however, Ulmer said he was more interested in pursuing sports. He was a talented baseball player, and he wanted to play football in high school. But Ulmer sustained an injury that prevented him from playing. So, he said, his coach at Edison High put him behind a movie camera. In summation, Ulmer said, “I started photography because I couldn’t play sports.”
Ulmer said he took on this role because he wanted to bless the community back with the gift he was given for his craft. His generosity extends far beyond his photos, which he often provides free of charge to more than 30 nonprofit organizations.
Today, Ulmer has become known as Mr. Stockton, the community’s photographer.
By age 16, he taught photography classes at Edison High School after his teacher fell ill. In order to instruct the class, Ulmer was given special permission to attend San Joaquin Delta College as a minor by its then president, Dale Parnell.
Why? Because the community needs it, said Ulmer. For local nonprofits, such as animal shelters and food banks, money spent on photography services could instead be used to provide hundreds of meals or save many animals, he explained. “My point is that by doing what I do, I can’t reach in my pocket and give them $1,500, but I can give them $1,500 in Tim Ulmer.”
Ulmer went on to attend Delta College where he said he became enamored with photography and journalism,and won several state awards. He then worked for JC Penney’s photo department and Meadows Camera the current
“I can give more of myself, [and give these organizations] more value than giving from my wallet. When you give yourself, it’s far-reaching; there’s a lasting impact in their lives.” may 2017
When at events, he said, “I am doing more than simply photographing.” He lends a helping hand wherever possible, even setting up or mopping kitchens to help prepare. Andy Prokop, president of the United Way of San Joaquin County, said that Ulmer’s contribution to the organization is one that lasts a lifetime. Prokop and Ulmer have worked together on hundreds of events.“He’s recording these events so [they] can stay alive, so memories can be brought back together – how do you put a price on that?” said Prokop, “It’s invaluable.” Nonprofits like the United Way “can’t afford to use his skills and talents […],” Prokop added. Ulmer “Makes it affordable; He gives his time.” “He promotes [the work of the nonprofit], and records it so others can see it and want to become a part of it,” said Prokop. Ulmer’s work within the nonprofit world has earned him much recognition, including the “Stocktonian of the Year” award in 2014. His photography has also earned many awards and state honors. He’s been featured in nearly all regional publications, and his photos have appeared in Sports Illustrated,
may 2017
and Reuters. One of the most memorable pictures he’s taken was during a 1981 Kansas City Chiefs vs. Oakland Raiders game. Ulmer captured the moment that Dan Pastorini broke his arm. Consequently, Sports Illustrated purchased and published his photo. Some of Ulmer’s proudest moments are capturing culture events in the community. Part of what makes this region so photogenic is that “It’s the most diverse community that we have in California – there’s not two ways about it,” said Ulmer. Several of the most notable moments in Stockton’s history are documented through his lens. In his shop are photos of Dolores Huerta, Officer Scott Hewell’s funeral procession, and the Stockton Sikh Parade and Festival, among many more.
It makes you want to get yourself out there to be a part of things,” said Ulmer. Though he focuses mainly on event photography, he also enjoys capturing historic places, like older buildings, or ghost towns like Bodie, California. Ulmer encourages aspiring photographers to practice their craft, and learn how to adapt to different environments. “Just because you own a camera doesn’t make you a professional. You have to practice your skills, and be earnest and generous with those skills,” Ulmer said. “Learn how to be a better person behind the camera, which in return will reflect in photography,” Ulmer added, “because people reveal themselves.”
As a photojournalist, Ulmer hopes to “Tell a story in one photo,” he said. He looks for moments, and sets rules for himself (such as capturing 30 candid smiles per appearance). He uses Facebook to help tell the rest, as pictures are usually up the next day for the public to view. “I share on Facebook, free of charge. It is there to make Stockton look good. There’s always something going on, and there are always good things happening.
the current
Tim Ulmer sits in his store, Ulmer Photo on Weber Avenue in downtown Stockton. CLIFFORD OTO/THE RECORD
17
Photos by Craig Vincen t
P I L F
e h
tcript
s
W
Local filmmakers shoot shorts in a day by Charleen Earley
hoever says you can’t shoot a short film in one day doesn’t know Craig Vincent or Sean Luis Bocardo of Stockton – who know nothing about grass growing under their feet. The two met almost five years ago, both with backgrounds in theater, film, photography and acting – and decided to make films together, quickly, on a zero-budget and in Stockton. Together they created Hangtime Studios in Stockton. “We were just hanging out one day and thought to ourselves, ‘what are we waiting around for?’ So we used our cameras, wrote a script and it grew from there,” said Craig, born in San Luis Obispo, living in Stockton since 2001. In between their ‘real’ jobs, making films in Stockton is what they do for passion. Their a-ha moment was realizing they did not need to live in L.A. to make quick and award-winning shorts.
18
S. Luis Bocardo, Produ cer Craig Vincent, Producer
“We shot Passion of the Punk (2016) in 15 hours, which was written by Shea Frasier. We submitted it to several film festivals, and it won a couple of awards at the Christian Film Festival in Vancouver, BC,” said Sean, producer and actor, known for What if You Had to Choose Love or Money (2016), Dance for Dollars (2015) and Lawkeeper (2014).
director of Shea Frasier, “Passion of photography, the Punk.”
“It doesn’t matter what we win,” said Craig, actor, producer, known for Passion of the Punk (2016), My Life as a Troll (2001), and Deadly Games (1995). “What matters to us is what we are doing, and that we CAN do it.” Sean feels strongly in the power of creating one’s own opportunities. “Anybody can do this!” said Sean. “I want people to stop waiting around for others and to put projects together. I want to see people do their own things and make it happen for themselves. Stop waiting and start doing!”
the current
may 2017
Winton Odd, Craig Vin cent, Taylor Carnes, Sar ah Kellner (director of ph otography), Tony Parke r (script supervisor), Mi chael Lara (sound engin eer), Evan Apolonio (camera operator), “Love Or Mo ney”.
“Look, if I can do it, so can you. If I can write, you can write. If I can direct, you can direct,” he added. The fact that they are producing films in Stockton is another reason the two love it so much. “As a community, we need to balance out that bad reputation that Stockton has,” said Craig. “We need to help make Stockton a better place and give people a reason to stay in Stockton. The buildings and history here is great. The opportunities are endless.” Of course the two are open to competing or partnering with big studios such as Universal, Warner Bros. and Netflix. “We have a web series that’s in pilot right now, and feel it’s something that could be very viable and marketable,” said Craig. “We’re waiting for the right person to believe in us and make it a reality.” Already a reality is Ashley Vicks, one of Hangtime Studio’s actors, who plans to attend American Academy of Dramatic Arts in L.A., after her work with Sean and Craig on their current film, The Highway Hitman. “I was the neighborhood child that got all the kids together to put on puppet shows and performances for our parents. Acting has always been in my blood,” said Ashley, of Lodi. Sean and Craig’s mission at Hangtime Studios is one of determination. “That we’re not going to stop and we’re gonna keep going,” said Sean. “I’d also like readers to know that they can be involved by helping with locations, acting or volunteering. It’s easy to get involved with us.” ✪ Visit www.HangTimeStudios.net, Vimeo/HangTimeStudios, or Facebook.com/ HangTimeStudios.
artet Fat City Four Barbershop Qu .” ney Mo Or ve with Lin Taylor, “Lo
may 2017
the current
19
by Gr e
g Sev eri
uniforms in and out. a small story ack in June of 2006, The Record ran Rumor had it there locals to be about a casting company looking for was an honor farm ie called Big extras in a new Rob Schneider mov inmate who stole kton at the end of Stan that was set to be filmed in Stoc one of the costume l I saw they were June. I didn’t think much about it unti uniforms and tried r my home. having the casting call at a hotel nea walking out of appointment an e mad I so t, hur ’t ldn cou it red the prison. The I figu ut the abo info little a me e gav y The . guards in training to meet with them and on, pris to t sen ng bei man a at the prison got movie. It was about I showed up for en Wh on. pris a in ed film be ld to practice on the wou t looked like wha with d fille was m roo the , ition extras. They kept the aud other and s, thug et stre s, ber mem g gan us under their ex-prisoners, ht. nig at y alle k dar a in t mee to t wan constant watchful eye and people you wouldn’t . men e thes with e pet com ’t escorted us everywhere. At that point, I knew I couldn . They were inal crim core hard a like look “prison gangs.” ctly exa I don’t All of the extras were broken up into select ld cou ent artm dep ting cas the so g, a White Aryan taking photos, They had a Mexican gang, a Black gan ned isio env ays alw e hav I , Now . look ogists. It really those with the right g, and my gang – the nerdy Scientol gan ld cou I if ed ask I . look ht we were how my own mug shot mig look and feel like a real prison when to an beg ely! olut abs said y because everyone create that look for the photo. The waiting to be called into a scene, k Nic eate g,” since they had to recr began to stick with their “own gan I knew I had to stand out, so I tried y craz ther and had looked like a wn accustomed to filming scenes toge gro Nolte’s famous mug shot where he glasses on crooked, become friendly with each other. person. I messed up my hair, put my it ss gue I ld. cou I also one of the and gave the goofiest blank stare One of my favorite memories is them from call a got I r late s day few a s who were cast in worked, because funniest. I befriended one of the guy ed. they painted a saying they were interest Aryan gang. He had a bald head, so the would I be OK e him keep the fake huge swastika tattoo on it. They mad The first questions they asked were; ing mak OK be so they didn’t have ld I tattoo on his head throughout filming dancing with other males and wou up ed end t home at night, I said. I to reapply it every day. When he wen fun of scientologists? “Heck, yeah!” d t out in public. ate. I was informe always had to wear a hat if he wen he getting the role of a Scientologist inm had a real swastika king prison there He didn’t want people to think he that since we were filming in a wor and , king smo of this took place no s, tattoo. To make matters worse, all would be no cell phones, no camera to d use rally we were out was only at the beginning of summer, so natu no belts. As it turned out, the prison e utive days. My “prisoners” wer the sun almost all day, for 11 consec in train new prison guards, and the only ed, and even a little only to care for the “Aryan” friend’s head got quite tann honor farm inmates who showed up e when he went to sunburnt. But the real problem cam grounds. d was all tan with t in the filming, I wash off the fake tattoo, and his hea Over the next 11 days as I took par the shape of a had us go through exception of the bone white skin in y the The on. pris in was I like felt ly real det ect ors , me tal swastika. n dow us cast and crew. patted I had a lot of fun getting to know the we ween filming. and made sure y would often hang out with us in bet The street from my didn’t wear belts, y were staying at the hotel down the Man come down after we had to sign in house, and they would invite me to we and n got invited to the and out, filming and hang out with them. I eve to Henry Gibson, weren’t allowed p party. I got to meet Rob Schneider, wra Sapp, Brandon wander around at tt Wilson, Jackson Rathbone, Bob Sco ters, boxers, and all. We were told it T. Jackson, a bunch of MMA figh ty safe our smoking allowed was for finally David Carradine! There was no or hon didn’t care. He due to the where in the prison. David Carradine any inm ate s. one messed with farm walked around smoking cigarettes. No Each day we had him at all. Total badass! ★ to sign our prison
B
20
the current
may 2017
Pedro i AM current
Luna Age: 18
Occupation: Digital cinematographer How long I’ve lived in Stockton: Eleven years. I moved here from San Diego when I was 7 years old. Why I choose to live in Stockton: My family decided to move here to join my grandparents, and I’ve been here ever since. My favorite thing about Stockton: The people I’ve built relationships with. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given by living here, such as meeting people from different backgrounds and experiencing new things with those people.
may 2017
My favorite local childhood memory: Growing up playing with my best friends in my neighborhood. How I pay it forward: Using my company, Project 13 Films, to provide aspiring content creators with the resources they need, who would otherwise be unable to create their projects due to lack of support and tools. This includes providing them with the use of editing software, camera equipment, and personal guidance to see their projects to completion. My greatest passion is: Storytelling through visual media. Anything interesting you would like to add? I founded Project 13 because all of my life I’ve been stuck in a place where I didn’t have money, equipment, or the support from others to pursue my passion
the current
of filmmaking. I don’t see 13 as the unlucky number that most people do. Instead, I see it as my lucky number because I don’t know where I’d be without my challenges and hardships – all the times when things didn’t go my way. Looking back, I didn’t do well in high school until about my junior or senior year. After that, I got stuck in classes in junior college pursuing subjects that I wasn’t interested in. I came across an online film/media university and took some time to research it. I loved what I saw in their programs and am excited to start classes next month and eventually receiving my bachelor’s degree in digital cinematography. It will enable me to catch life’s greatest moments on video and share them with the world. My vision is to enable others to do the same through my experience and resources. ★
21
x
L eArNiNg T
his fall, the University of the Pacific will launch its newest program, Media X.
The interdisciplinary degree is designed for individuals seeking a creative diversity of careers in fields such as: media, video game design, sound engineering, animation, theatre and music. From coding and radio production to film, Media X merges cutting-edge technology with communication. Participants learn the skills needed to build platforms and market them. The program mixes disciplines through its four quadrants: the visual and performing arts, bu s i n e s s , communication, and computer science.
A
PeRiEnC
Media X – On the Cutting Edge of Education by Melissa Hutsell
the “Analysis” path focuses on research, culture and analytics. The “Maker” path will focus on film production and digital content. “An obvious example of a project is creating a film – but making a film is about more than wielding a camera,” said Lehmann. For example, students will also learn how to market their creations through social media, and advertising campaigns. They’ll also acquire the ability to analyze films, and the role that global economic forces play in production. Lehmann explained that, “Fundamentally, it’s about performancerelated decisions [associated] with acting, casting, direction, and design as well as marketing and p ro m o t i o n - b a s e d decisions,and media analytics, which help to determine how audience demographics convert to profits, among many other things.”
multiple
“We think of Media X as pulling from these different disciplines to tell a story,” said Dr. Courtney Lehmann, Interim Director of Media X, and Professor of English and Film Studies. “The ‘X’ in this equation stands for what the student will be doing Dr. Courtney Lehman works with student Ryan Neal. with this suite of skills. Photos courtesy University of the Pacific They put their unique mark on the major, and assemble [their own] path through the curriculum,” she said. Lehmann, who’s taught at UOP since 1998, said that the program will welcome approximately 25 students this fall. For those who participate, there are three pathways through the major, she explained. The “Manager” path is intended for creative entrepreneurs, while 22
e
Some of the latest technologies that will be available to students include motion capture, virtual reality, and Blackmagic cameras. There are an array of projects students will have access to, since much of the major is concerned with collaboration and hands-on experience, Lehmann added. Required internships provide them with strategic advantages in highly competitive workplaces. Luke Bolle, Media X student representative and a senior set to graduate this December, said he decided to stay an
the current
may 2017
extra semester in order to experience the program. “I’ve been following its progress since I first heard of it three years ago, and I want the additional tools to add to my skill set,” he said. Bolle hopes to pursue acting, he said, “both on screen and on stage, as well as producing my own works within other mediums.” “The diversity and range of techniques will allow me to create in ways that other people may not think about,” Bolle added. “Borrowing elements from one discipline and using it to solve problems in another allows me to mix and match creatively according to my own experiences.” “The multimedia elements incorporated into different art forms can really be seen in the film and gaming industries, novels based on films, videogame tie-ins, comics based on different series,” he added. “It’s all beginning to link together,” explained Bolle. Other fields Media X student may pursue are in animation, “a growing industry that requires artists and coders to work together toward a common product […],” said Lehmann. “And there is no end of jobs in ‘big data,’ as analytics becomes the preferred tool for monetizing content in a contentrich world.” The decision to introduce Media X comes from the need to navigate an evolving media landscape. ”A group of 25 affiliated faculty members from eight different departments [came together to] offer a more flexible major that would involve digital media, and a global understanding of artistic analysis as well as cultivating business senses and developing further communication skills and practices.” The result: a more holistic and encompassing degree. “I know of no other program that combines the performing arts with computer science and visual communication,” said Lehmann. “Being part of Media X means being part of what’s next, she added. “Media X is a major that is designed for students who want to do more than one thing – who want a suite of skills rather than a narrow disciplinary specialization. [It] is a program that pursues at its outer limit the boundaries of the possible.” For more information, visit University of the Pacific at Pacific.edu
may 2017
Media X student r ep r e s e n t at i v e Luke Bolle. Photo courtesy Ashlee Blackard
the current
23
merchant
a
P
w e n e v i t c e p s er
Positive Perspective Gallery & Gifts by Susan Michener Spracher
P
eter Powers is no stranger to extenuating the positive about Stockton. In fact, the mission of his company, Positive PR Stockton, specializes in showcasing the progressive and creative aspects of the community. He publishes a faith-based magazine, has an advertising and design company, and as of January, he and his wife Mindy have opened Positive Perspective Gallery & Gifts. Powers says he’s filling a gap he sees between many local artisans and a place to display and sell their goods. Located in the Venetian Bridges Center, the store features multiple vendors. 90% are local, merchandised together to create a pleasing mix of items that shoppers will enjoy. There’s quality, handmade jewelry that’s been featured in high-end stores like Nordstrom, and all-natural products featuring scrubs, sprays and essential oils. Mixed oils come in a roller bottle with names such as Tension Tamer, Tummy Soother, Be Happy and Focus. A selection of clothing and hats, some by faith-based purveyors, are also available. Paintings, framed photography and mosaic busts create an art gallery within the store. Exhibitors include students from the Alan Sort Center, who earn 50% of the sale from their pieces. Wine barrels and one-of-a-kind wood furniture are for sale also. Adding to the artistic vibe are periodic poetry readings and live music. Rounding out the store is a nook featuring new Christian books and CDs for sale, as well as a comfy chair and a selection of used books. One can purchase a cup of local Trail Coffee Roasters coffee or tea for $2.00 and read for as long as they like.
ry & gifts perspectives galle
Traffic to the store has been steady, with 75% of shoppers making a purchase. Powers’ vision is for a revitalization of the shopping area that has seen many vacancies, “I see a lot of potential here. It’s walkable, beautiful and safe. The waterways even have turtles and ducks,” he said.
sitive photos courtesy po
Visit Positive Perspective Gifts & Gallery at 2233 Grand Canal Blvd. #104
24
the current
may 2017
Appetite For Perfection Prime Table Steakhouse by Susan Michener Spracher
W
hy open a new restaurant when you already have a thriving one right across the way? Owners Nick DiArenzo and Phil Wong say because the space is available, and a there’s a lack of first-class steakhouses in town. The close proximity to their first venture together, Market Tavern, made opening another restaurant that much more achievable. The concept was simple: serve the best beef on the market, cooked properly on the right equipment, and offer it at a fair price. Through research they found American Midwestern beef to be the best, and it’s what’s on the menu. Side dishes have a modern twist, like a baked potato loaded with Old Bay sour cream, and dry jack cheese along with the usual butter, bacon and green onions. The roasted mushroom side is made with King Trumpet mushrooms versus the traditional button mushrooms, and is cooked with beef jus and Madeira wine. Other vegetable choices include local Zuckerman Farms asparagus and the classic creamed spinach. Selections for non-meat eaters include cauliflower & portabella mushroom ‘steaks’ and king salmon with shellfish cream.
The atmosphere is a cozy interior of comfortable booths, reminiscent of old-time steakhouses, and Sinatra music mixed in with a laid-back vibe sans white tablecloths and contemporary music. “You can come in here and not dress up, and feel comfortable,” Wong says. The bar also offers a mix of traditional and new. “We have classic Manhattans, and then we have some local, seasonal Manhattans with Linden cherries or local walnuts,” DiArenzo said. Proprietary wine blends are available on tap as well as local and regional favorites by the glass or bottle. Plans are to grow the wine cellar, which currently holds some imported Bordeaux, some Spanish wines and 10- to 20-yearold Cabernets. Open since December, no official marketing has been done outside of social media, with business building organically by word of mouth. “Come in and try it, and you’ll know,” says Wong. photos courtesy Prime Table Steakhouse
Prime Table Steakhouse 57 Lincoln Center • 209-808-5999
may 2017
the current
25
The Delta College Fashion Department’s annual A Story of Fashion 2017 – Designers Colle ction Show is one of Stockton’s outstanding gems.
C
elebrating its 10th year, this fashion extravaganza runway show returns on Friday, May 5 at 8 p.m. in the Shima Industrial Center on the Delta College campus.
combine fine art, couture fashion, and technical design to create original fashion designs. These designs reflect an understanding of global issues such as sustainability, cultural dress, and design movements.
The evening will be a night to remember, bringing together both established and emerging student designers to feature 10 collections showcase by over 80 models, professionally styled by the best hair and makeup teams in the area.
A Story of Fashion is a full-fledged production show, with runway models, lights and music that rivals any show in San Francisco, Los Angeles or New York. The show always garners respect from fashion community dignitaries, including: Gump’s, White Plum, local media personalities, and Sacramento Fashion Week. Delta College graphic arts instructor Melanie Marshall is impressed. “Amazing show – the caliber of work and professionalism of the students makes for an incredible show!”
For 2017, nine student and alumni designers worked tirelessly, sketching original designs and sourcing fabric to create garments that impeccably fit their models. Students in the fashion program’s event production class produce the show. They collaborate with local professional stylists, production professionals, models and talent, as well as sourcing wineries and food vendors for the VIP reception. The class holds casting calls for local model talent, develops press kits and media releases, produces the advertising and marketing campaigns, and coordinates staging, music and decor for the show. Clearly, they have been quite busy! According to Leslie Asfour, fashion program director, who leads the event production class and the collection, “The fashion program is excited to share another team of talented and innovative design students. They combine an intuitive and individual sense of creativity, utilizing the skills they’ve learned in the classroom to bring their ideas to life.” Delta’s fashion program emphasizes creativity and experimentation that combines design with art and business. Students in the collection design class 26
Tickets to A Story of Fashion sell quickly. The number of spectators at the annual runway show has grown each year, attracting over 1000 “fashionistas” most recently. The 2016 show attracted the attention of major sponsors, business owners, and local dignitaries and media, as well as professionals from the fashion industry. The show’s venue changes every year, creating a different vibe and ambiance at each location. Past locations include: The Haggin Museum, Lincoln Center and Stonecreek Village, and Delta College’s brick courtyard, as well as the college’s gym. Each creates a different ambiance and atmosphere from classic, to industrial, to elegant. This year, the show is going “back to industry” at Delta College’s own heavy equipment industrial plant. The large
the current
photo courtesy SJ De
lta Fashion Departm
ent
industrial warehouse will be transformed into a cool and hip venue, with VIP floor seating and general admission bleacher seating. The space will be converted into a high-styled space with a massive 80-foot runway! With multiple perspectives, there won’t be a bad seat in the house. The production will also feature an exhibit of garments designed by students in the program, as well as student projects in merchandising and interior design. Tickets will be sold in advance only (the link to purchase tickets is available on the event website) for $30 for general admission bleacher seating. Floor seating and VIP reception is reserved exclusively for sponsors. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please email fashion@deltacollege.edu, or visit the event website and download our sponsor kit. Ticket and show information can be found at http://bit.ly/1kok6xx.
may 2017
Channel Brewing Co. opens in downtown By Susan Michener Spracher
B
illy Chaddock, Brandon Piasecki and Eric Rau are childhood friends who hadn’t all been together in 10 years when they found they’d all returned to settle in Stockton. In the fall of 2015, Chaddock put ideas on paper of taking his home brewing hobby bigger, called Piasecki and Rau for input, and Channel Brewing Company was born. Brainstorming in Chaddock’s living room produced a plan for a downtown location. Now space was needed and with all the development they’ve led, Ten Space was the obvious choice to make a proposal to. “They were onboard,” Chaddock said. “A small brewery fit in perfectly with the model of their development style.” Next up they needed capital, and Piasecki suggested a Kickstarter campaign. After a slow start, they raised enough in 45 days to purchase a small brewing system. Not satisfied, they decided to go bigger and began making personal asks, which came easier than they anticipated. “People believed in our idea,” Piasecki shared. “It’s original and exciting, and people wanted a craft brewery here. They also wanted to be part of a new venture and were excited to support us.” Beer production started – enough to do brand establishment and field testing at community and pop-up events. It took 18 months from Kickstarter campaign to the taproom opening in late March, but beer is on at Channel Brewing Company. Three have emerged as best sellers – the Smokey (Scotch ale), the Drop (pale ale), and Shuv It (Belgian double ale).
Others in the mix include M-Line (IPA), Daisy Grey (old ale), Scooter Stout and Good Morning Smokey (coffee Scotch ale). Non-beer beverages available include house-made root beer, orange soda and bottled water. Plans to serve hot sandwiches are in the works, and until then, customers are encouraged to bring outside food in. Knowing that beer brings people together, the vision for Channel Brewing Company has always been about community building. Relying on the public for input on everything from capital to beer flavor opinion, the show of support makes the venture feel like a partnership – one that the owners have and will continue to reciprocate by supporting non-profit fundraisers and hosting Community Highlight night once a month. Each evening will include the showing of a mini-documentary produced by Rau. “It’ll focus on the subject featured, and having them talk about their story and what sets them apart,” he said. Channel Brewing plans to attract craft beer enthusiasts from out of the area by marketing their prime location that’s easily accessible to freeways and lodging. They’ll maintain an eclectic atmosphere by offering exposure to local artists’ works and music every Friday and Saturday night. With their logo pur posefully incorporating a red triangle channel marker symbol that signals ships as they return to port of being home and that all is well, Channel Brewing Company is destined to become a beacon in downtown Stockton of fine beer and community.
Channel Brewing Co. 110 N. San Joaquin Street
may 2017
the current
27
by Howard Lachtman
S
playing THEfield
pring has sprung. Love is in the air. So are the loud bats and fly balls of the new baseball season.
Signs of the season are everywhere. Take that infatuated pilot in the new King Kong flick who pitched woo to a pretty photographer by declaring, “You are more beautiful than a hot dog and a can of beer at Wrigley Field on opening day.”
administrators.
Baseball has lured Hutcheon back to his writing desk for the third novel of his sports trilogy. Writing a novel is no easy thing, not even for this accomplished veteran, but Hutcheon says the arrival of the baseball season has helped spark the creative
How sweet! What lady wouldn’t adore being compared to a ballpark frank and a beer can?
I suspect some of those young critics will be rereading this novel long after they’ve forgotten just who those “worthier” authors are.
It’s batter-up time for Phil Hutcheon, San Joaquin Delta College professor of composition and film. Now at work on a baseball novel called Where Triples Go to Die, Hutcheon is continuing his darkly funny take on higher education and lower sportsmanship at a mythical Central Valley campus.
28
Some say Hutcheon has already made solid contact with the ball. Among his fans are Delta College students who were given the opportunity to play literary critic and evaluate Desperation Passes. Free to call the shots and record their likes and dislikes, many students said they found the book surprisingly frank and hip, engaging and revealing. Bottom line: it kept them reading. “Quite a few have told me or other teachers who assigned it that Desperation Passes is the first novel they have finished or the first one they have enjoyed, so that feedback has been encouraging, especially if it leads students to give other, worthier books a try,” Hutcheon said.
Here in Stockton, the town that provided visiting reporter Ernest Thayer inspiration for “Casey at the Bat,” fans of the game also have something to cheer about. The Stockton Ports have returned to action. And our town’s premiere sports novelist is writing a new novel about the great American pastime.
With a blend of sassy humor, street smarts and savvy style, the basketball circus of Nobody Roots for Goliath and football follies of Desperation Passes (published by Stockton’s Tuleburg Press) have won Hutcheon a fan following. Whether dealing with the classroom or locker room, the author knows the score – and the games his characters play. He pulls no punches when it comes to athletes masquerading as students, insensitive coaches and bumbling
thousand previous disappointments and take another shot at hitting the ball out of the park.”
Fun aside, there’s a lot to be learned here about campus culture and sports culture. Hutcheon helps the learning process by thoughtfully supplying a fifteen-page appendix of questions for reflection and discussion that can aid novice readers as well as seasoned book clubbers. energy, faith and optimism a novelist needs to do his job. “Hope applies to me, as to every other baseball fan in the world,” the author told me. “Buoyed by the prospect of better weather and another pennant race, we can easily overlook the imperfections of a roster with neither power nor speed, in the same way a writer can forget about a
the current
Hutcheon also wants to provide encouragement to students who are writers as well as readers. He hopes to bring their creative efforts together in a collection designed to showcase Delta writing talents. “A few of the students who publish in our fine magazines (Delta Wings and Artifact) at the college are quite remarkable. I’ve had
may 2017
some written by combat veterans and by survivors of harrowing escapes from totalitarian countries or domestic abuse, or from a variety of obstacles. Their stories really moved me. The ways that Delta students have been forced to cope with and transcend the many obstacles that life puts in their path are truly inspiring. I’d like to share their work with a wider audience if I can.” Having read Hutcheon’s first two novels, I look forward to his take on the world of baseball. In the meantime, I have placed my copy of Desperation Passes on the bookshelf beside my TV screen. It’s ready for rereading this fall whenever the ref in the striped shirt calls time out for one of those interminable commercial interruptions that leaves you in football limbo. You’d be surprised how much reading you can get done in the slack time of a football game. Then again, with a book as entertaining and surprising as Desperation Passes, you may want to skip the game. The author says he’s retiring from the sports genre after completing his baseball novel. Some of us would prefer he continue the misadventures of series hero Malcolm Wade – a teacher turned counselor coping with a messy personal and professional life. Bless him, there has never been a local hero like Professor Wade. Thanks to Hutcheon, the Central Valley version of the modern sports novel is on the scoreboard.
may 2017
the current
29
A
T
he Inner City Theatre group (better known by its shorthand ICT) has ve an important mission: to ser , ing its community by produc ck developing, and promoting bla . ley Val al ntr Ce theatre in the d, ma ham According to Tommie Mu the who has guided and overseen e group since its birth in 1983, “Th to ce odu intr to purpose of ICT is the the community, shows about n ica African experience and the Afr ckton American experience.” A Sto from ted dua gra native, Muhammad ta Del d Edison high school, attende and College, transferred to UOP, e and graduated with undergraduat his dits cre He 4. graduate degrees in 197 ent em olv time in UOP’s Community Inv what Program with the original idea for idea for would later become ICT. “The in the nce erie ICT came from my exp mer Sum d early 70’s with a Federal grante ed olv in. Education Program that I was inv theatre In the program, there was a youth ngside alo d rke by Joshua Stoner component where I wo From s. tion others, to direct a few produc inner city this experience, the idea for an Tommie community theatre was sparked.” olved inv also re and few a friends who we up gro the nd local theatre, would go on to fou s. yer City Pla under its initial name, the Inner
ause C for
e s u a l pp
A
rounding community and ICT hoped to make on the sur better with each new of the center and things only got production they performed. of producing plays ICT enjoyed another five years ong the productions at the Van Buskirk Center. Am s Simply Heavenly performed at Van Buskirk, wa ’ plays that ICT has by Langston Hughes. Hughes ades, have been well performed over the last few dec politics regarding the received. Eventually, a change in artment would force city’s Parks and Recreation dep e shows but the time ICT to find a new space to produc tional in cementing the spent there proved to be founda nity.. group’s reputation in the commu been picked up by Throughout the years, ICT has to promote its purpose other community organizations s not have a space to and mission. Currently, ICT doe h time they produce call home for its productions. Eac ation to host it for a a play, they must find a new loc ir way. If you are able brief period and then be on the t location to perform, to help ICT find a permanen by contacting them on please reach out to the group atre, Inc” or by calling FaceBook under “Inner City The azing work in the past (209) 464-2313. ICT has done am y, culture, and life of 4 decades in sharing the histor communities through African and African American community has been theatrical storytelling. Our local their contributions. enriched and enlivened through to this amazing group Let us as a community give back ir mission and purpose by helping them to continue the in our city! ✪
munity-wide ICT began to gain com il Seifert, the recognition in 1987, when Em for Stockton at the Director of Parks and Recreation Center to produce time, gave ICT the Van Buskirk first space to produce their plays. “This was our very Seifert really believed and house our productions. Mr. d.” in us and wanted to see us succee old and the Boys, One play in particular, Master Har rtheid in South Africa, a hit Broadway show about apa bled youth from the really struck a nerve with the trou men began to question surrounding area. These young were doing everyday ICT members as to what they they were invited inside the Center, and eventually sal the week Mr. to come in for a dress rehear “The show was Harold was scheduled to debut. young men the so extremely powerful, that ught all their returned on opening night, bro on friends, and paid for their admissi s into the production.” This wa t fer Sei Mr. t tha exactly the impact
30
the current
may 2017
may 2017
the current
31
Infinite 209 by Harry Pacheco
W
hile some may argue that Stockton is not a melting pot for fashion and arts, some San Joaquin locals are looking to change that, starting with what you wear. Alex Suelto and Jason Cuison kicked off the year with the grand opening of Infinite 209 at 522 E. Weber Avenue in Stockton. Infinite 209 is not your average boutique store. They offer their own exclusive gear along with direct garment printing. While their business partnership is equal, Alex is the primary manager and creative visionary of Infinite 209. Alex’s hope is that the opening of their store will contribute to the revitalization of downtown Stockton, and continue to help build a community of street culture artists within his hometown. Alex’s love for art began at an early age after being transplanted to Stockton. He was born in Germany to a military family, eventually settling in Stockton in 1988. While attending Stagg High School, one of Alex’s counselors took notice of his artistic abilities and encouraged him to enroll in the art program at Woodruff Regional Occupational Center. It was there that Alex discovered his love for print technology which inspired him to pursue his art education at Delta College. He received an Associate of Arts degree in digital media. Alex then went on to obtain his BFA degree in illustration at the
32
the current
may 2017
Academy of Art University in San Francisco in 2015. With his desire to put his talent and education to use, he teamed up with Jason Cuison, founder of Infinite SF in San Francisco, to expand to downtown Stockton. Infinite 209 is more than just a boutique clothing store. Alex wants to make sure that they continually inspire the creative community and provide a positive outlet for local artists and musicians to share their talents. Infinite 209 hosts a weekly event called “Sketchy Thursdays” where local DJs perform, and local artists sketch live and compete to win the opportunity for their art to be printed on a T-shirt sold in the store. The event has been a success in more ways than one. It allows Infinite 209 to achieve their vision of supporting the local art community in Stockton, while helping local artists and musicians gain exposure, further inspiring them to continue with their creative outlets. In an effort to build the art community beyond the San Joaquin Valley, Alex is also pursuing an art exchange program between MASSIVE East Bay in Oakland and Infinite 209.
photos courte
sy Infinite 20
9
The efforts of Alex and Jason help to improve downtown Stockton and contribute something positive to the greater community. As Cesar Chavez put it, “We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community… Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”
may 2017
the current
33
Fan-attack Inside the world of a Star Wars Cosplayer
S
tar Wars was a familiar film during my childhood years, watching over and again on old VHS tapes. I remember setting up a Legolittered battlefield to reimagine scenes from the movie that captivated a generation of fans. Comic conventions around the world have fans showcasing costumes that range from video game characters, superheroes and pop culture icons. The craftsmanship, time and energy put into each piece of the costume is an intricate process that Jacob Agonoy has been familiar with for over 7 years. Influenced by the film, Agonoy is one of many fans to create his own bounty hunter costume from the Star Wars franchise. “I remember seeing a video game trailer for Republic Commando in 2008. I started doing research on more Star Wars books and thought about working on a bounty hunter costume,” said Agonoy. He reached out to the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club for more insight on Star Wars and costume design. “The club has a strict code of conduct when you are creating your costume. We have several guidelines in place, but the community feedback was good, and I inspired other members to push themselves further with their costume design,” said Agonoy. “The guidelines are very specific that each hunter needs to have something on their back. It can be a jetpack, but I opted for a cape following the
34
the current
by Ben Sanchez materials posted on the site. Straps and laces need to be hidden, so I pieced together other material to cover them up.” The workshop at Agonoy’s residence shelves seven different bounty hunter helmets. Each helmet is unique, but the style is familiar to me, as I recalled the Boba Fett character during our conversation. The iconic character from the Star Wars films is the essential costume template for the club, along with canonical book and game references. A large container in Agonoy’s shop houses each piece of armor for the set, along with weapons, gauntlets and other accessories. He explained LucasFilm LTD recognized the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club in 2011 as the Elite Mandalorian Costuming Organization. “The club is nonprofit and over the past several years we have done charity work at events. The clans are all over the world, and club members attended the Rogue One red carpet premiere in 2016.” StocktonCon was the first major appearance for Agonoy in full costume. Born in the Philippines, Agonoy came to Stockton at the age of 9 with his family, and spent over 25 years living in the city. “When I heard Stockton was having a comic convention at University of the Pacific in 2011, I reached out to Mike Millerick to setup a booth for our clan,” said Agonoy. “I was in charge of making sure we had enough members to represent our clan every year. I remember it was just a booth with a few small items when we
may 2017
started. Now we have a banner, a backdrop to take photos with fans, and a bounty cage to throw them in. The cage was a hit, and everyone wanted their photos taken in the cage.� Millerick agreed to bring the Mandalorian Mercs into StocktonCon and the costume club has been a mainstay attraction each year, along with the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion. Each one of these costume clubs is recognized worldwide in the Star Wars communities. In 2012, Agonoy attended local community events in Stockton at Barnes and Nobles in the Weberstown Mall. Barnes and Nobles’ Star Wars Reads event encouraged local Stockton children to engage in reading activities with their favorite Star Wars characters. In 2015, Sacramento SPCA collaborated with the Mandalorian Mercs to organize an event called Star Paws. The event encouraged pet owners to come take photos with Star Wars characters and help raise donations for the SPCA. Agonoy is currently researching and designing the next bounty hunter set for future comic conventions, while continuing to be a part of the club. Although Agonoy recently stepped down from his event coordinator role with the Mandalorian Mercs, he was instrumental in pioneering clan representation at every StocktonCon event. For more information on how to become a member of the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club, visit http://mandalorianmercs.org
may 2017
the current
35
the
UNrDrEenRt
cu
Not Just Monkeying Around by Middagh Goodwin
T
he Washboard Monkeys are a band out of Stockton who play original tunes along with interesting covers. Mixing bluegrass, blues, rock, Irish, folk and a bit of swing, their sound is familiar but distant all at once. Many of you might have recently been introduced to them through the Visit Stockton song competition with their entry “Stockton Swing.”
ley
berg, Bobbin Hol s, Karl Burmeister, T.J. Golden
y Este Left to right: David Qualls, Jerr
The band consists of Jerry Estes – vocals and ukuleles, Bobbin Holley – vocals and percussion, T.J. Goldenberg – bass, Karl Burmeister – multiinstrumentalist and David Qualls – cajón and rhythm strings. I was able to wrangle a couple of the Monkeys into answering a few questions. Let’s get to know what make this band tick.
Tell us the history of the Washboard Monkeys – how did you come together? When did the band form? My brother and I have been singing together at family functions all of our lives. We first played together in public at a couple of open-mic shows a few years back. He played way more than I did because I was home with kids. Eventually he met a guy, and we put a demo together and started playing out under the name Crooked Bird, put an ad on Craigslist for a bassist, and that’s how we met T.J. Bobbin would come to see us play; she was part of the circle. Eventually Jerry and the other guy had “artistic differences” and split up, so then Jerry met up with Karl at an open mic, got Bobbin involved, and then put the rhythm section – me and T.J. – back in and it worked. I told my brother that I would continue as long as I was having fun. And we’ve been having fun for over two years now. The focus is low-fi, good song choices and keeping it upbeat. We had our first rehearsal in January of 2015 in Karl’s living room, and I had a crash course on singing harmony. In March of that year, we brought in two former Crooked Bird members, Dave Qualls (Garden Gnomes, Bad Goods, Jerry’s brother) on cajón, banjo and guitar, and T.J. Goldenberg on bass. We have a couple of well-loved Fringe Monkeys that round us out. Zac Silver and Mark Guisepponi are both featured soloists on our album, and have been known to sit in at the occasional performance. Our first gig was Earth Day 2015. Not quite the superhero origin story, but it’s a start.
36
the current
may 2017
Where are some of the local spots you enjoy performing at most? We loved playing at the Stockmarket when it was downtown – that was such a unique vibe. We also like playing the Miracle Mile and outdoor festivals like Earth Day. Any local artists you like to share a stage with, or ones you would like to? We like the Polyester Wags and think that would be a great pairing, but we range in styles, and we have quite a long list of songs now to choose from, so we feel like we could match up well in many situations. Where can we find you performing soon? We will be playing at Earth Day on April 23rd and at Music in the Plaza in downtown Modesto on August 18th. Other than that, we have decided to play less in Stockton and branch out to neighbouring communities, although we will continue to play downtown and on the Mile on occasion throughout spring and summer. We have tentative commitments from the Deliberation Room, Cast Iron Trading, Whiskey Barrel and The Ave. Do you have any recordings or other merchandise available for old friends and new fans? We have one CD which we recorded last year called The Year of the Monkey; we have T-shirts, stickers and other stuff available as well. What does the future have in store for the Washboard Monkeys? Next, we are hoping to get into Strawberry Music Fest in the fall – still waiting to hear back from Mitch on that. Also continue to record our originals, put out a second album and keep having fun doing it. To keep up to date with the Washboard Monkeys, check out their website and follow them on Facebook. www.washboardmonkeys.com www.facebook.com/ washboardmonkeys
may 2017
the current
37
May 5 through 14
Delta College Drama Presents Avenue Q
Tillie Lewis Theatre at San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton Showtimes and tickets: 209-954-5113 May 6
Insane Inflatable 5k
Lodi Street Faire
School Street, downtown Lodi 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 209-367-7840 May 7
86th Annual Strawberry Breakfast
San Joaquin Fairgrounds 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Info: 209-900-5075
Regents Dining Room at University of the Pacific 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Info: 209-367-7840
Stockton Civic Theatre presents Calendar Girls
May 6
May 7
May 4
Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired 2453 Grand Canal Boulevard, Stockton 7 to 11:30 a.m. Info: 209-466-3836 ext 215
Now through May 13th
Stockton Civic Theatre 2312 Rose Marie Lane, Stockton Showtimes and tickets: sctlivetheatre.com 209-473-2424
Food Truck Mania
Oak Gove Regional Park 4520 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton 4 to 8 p.m. Info: 916-722-6636 May 4
3rd Annual Pizza, Pop and Pinot
The Ave on the Mile 2333 Pacific Avenue, Stockton 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets and info: 209-465-5504
Stockton Fil-Am Lions Hawaiian Pancake Breakfast
El Concilio Cinco de Mayo Family Fiesta Weber Point Center in downtown Stockton 221 N. Center Street, Stockton 10:00 a.m. Info: 209-644-2627 May 10
May 6
Pixie Woods Opening Day 2017
Pixie Woods at Louis Park Shimuzu Drive and Occidental Avenue, Stockton 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 209-937-8206
Full Moon Riders
Janet Leigh Plaza in downtown Stockton 222 N. El Dorado Street, Stockton 6 to 8 p.m. Info: 209-464-5246 May 11 to 21
May 5
Stockton’s Annual Spring Healing Festival
Lodi Musical Theater presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Weber Point Events Center 221 N. Center Street, Stockton 2 to 10 p.m. Info: 209-651-5550
May 6
May 12
Cinco de Mayo Block Party & Concert
May 5
Micke Grove Food Truck Mania Micke Grove Park 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi 5 to 8 p.m. Info: sactomofo.com May 5
Cinco de Mayo Tacos & Margaritas Cruise Stockton Marina 445 W. Weber Avenue, Stockton 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Info: 209-259-3815
38
May 7
May 6 to 7
Presented by New School Aikido and Healing Arts Center 1010 W. Fremont Street, Stockton Doors open at 10 a.m.
Kentucky Derby West Sargent Equestrian Center 15757 E. Sargent Road, Lodi 12:30 to 5 p.m. Info: 209-957-3888 May 6
Stockton Symphony Presents Pops IV: Steppin’ Out Live with Ben Vereen Warren Atherton Auditorium at San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton Info: 209-951-0196
the current
Charlene Powers Lange Theatre at Hutchins Street Square 125 S. Hutchins Street, Lodi Showtimes and info: 209-333-5550
Library and Literacy Foundation’s 26th Annual Trivia Bee Fundraiser Stockton Arena 248 W. Fremont Street, Stockton 5 to 9 p.m. Info: 209-957-7277 May 13
Child Abuse Prevention Council’s Duck Derby
McLeod Lake Park at Weber Point 221 N. Center Street, Stockton 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: capcducks.com
may 2017
May 14
Mother’s Day Celebration at Pixie Woods
Pixie Woods at Louis Park Shimuzu Drive and Occidental Avenue, Stockton 12 to 4 p.m. Info: 937-8206 May 14
Mother’s Day Lunch Cruise
Stockton Marina 445 W. Weber Avenue, Stockton 1 to 4 p.m. Info: 209-259-3815 May 14
Mother’s Day Brunch
The Reserve at Spanos Park 6301 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Info: 209-477-4653 May14
Pete Paulsen’s 3rd Annual Wings, Wheels & Warriors A Tribute to our Military
Stockton Metropolitan Airport 5000 Airport Way, Stockton 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: 209-983-0271 May 16
Community Band Plays Star Wars and More
Warren Atherton Auditorium at San Joaquin Delta College 5151 Pacific Avenue, Stockton 7 to 9 p.m. Info: 209-954-5110
May 20
Stockton Chorale presents Peace Train: Sons of the 60s and 70s
Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist 1055 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Info: 209-951-6494 May 20
Linden Cherry Festival Linden Elementary School grounds 18100 E. Front Street, Linden 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 209-547-3046 May 21
Friends of the Fox presents classic movie: North by Northwest Bob Hope Theatre 242 E. Main Street, Stockton 1 to 4 p.m. Info: 209-373-1400 May 21
Menudo and Pozole Fest
Weber Point Center in downtown Stockton 221 N. Center Street, Stockton 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Info: 209-937-8119 May 24
39th Annual Senior Awareness Day San Joaquin Fairgrounds 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: 209-468-1104
May 19 through 21
May 28
Lodi Lake Park and participating wineries For details visit: www.zinfest.com 209-365-0621
University Plaza Waterfront Hotel 110 W. Fremont Street, Stockton Info: 209-482-8754
Zinfest
May 20
Children and Youth Day at Pixie Woods
Pixie Woods at Louis Park Shimuzu Drive and Occidental Avenue, Stockton 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 209-937-8206
may 2017
Jazz in the Courtyard
May 31
Visit Stockton Tourism Breakfast and Awards
Hilton Stockton 2323 Grand Canal Boulevard, Stockton Info: 209-938-1555 visitstockton.org
the current
39