Bellachino's

We moved onward to Bellachinos–a place where many a meeting was held in my early days at the magazine, over a decade ago. The exterior, dressed in bold terra cotta opens to a warm yet vibrant bistro. Colorful chalk art, playful looking menus, and a bustling working space for both eats and drinks—it's a great place to visit often in the California Park area. While we noted in a previous issue that they have the must-try Tangalicious sandwich, we were on a bagel mission. Having had my share of Piggly Wiggly bagel breakfasts, I was excited to check something new out.

We went with a create-your-own, choosing a jalapeño cheddar bagel with bacon as the protein. It arrived, sliced at the center, revealing a rich flow of american cheese. The bagel is a buttery crusted masterpiece. The layer of cheddar toasted on top, and the centers are toasted crisp, perhaps grilled on a panini press. The folded egg balances the mouthfeel of the bagel and the bacon is semi-firm; it’s fat just at the point of crackling. Halfway through, I noticed what appeared to be a thin layer of smoky aioli between the egg and cheese, while the ingredients were mostly too melded together to investigate further. Served as a bagelwich alone, I didn’t miss having a side to go with.

Besides the huge assortment of teas, specialty coffees, and other beverages, there are plenty of bakery treats or sides if you do need a little more in your meal. They had quite a bit more seating than they had when I went previously, and they still offer one of Chico’s favorite patios—semi-secluded along 8th Street and Bruce Road, among accents of green from the large ferns and other plants. Perhaps you’ll catch us planning our next issue there in the near future. Please don’t hesitate to stop by for a chat if you see us.

70 Years of music

Besides the top-quality music events the Oroville Concert Association brings to the State Theatre five times a year, is the affordability of the $90 season ticket. That works out to only $18 a show. The music is not only world class, but the performances offer a variety of styles sure to appeal to almost everyone.

This season, the series opened up with international piano competition champion Pauline Yang, followed by the Jackie Wilson tribute led by Chester Gregory. Swing piano master Judy Carmichael performed in March, and the season will end on April 23, with a Sail On!, a Beach Boys tribute which is described as “musically sound in every respect.”

The idea of a community concert series was developed back in 1927. The goal was to promote an appreciation of live, quality musical entertainment across the United States. Backed by Columbia Artists Management, Incorporated, the number of concert associations quickly grew into the hundreds nationwide. In 1953, Columbia placed an ad in the Oroville newspaper and scheduled a meeting of interested music lovers. This resulted in the formation of the Oroville Concert Association (OCA).

Membership headquarters were originally located in the renowned Oroville Inn but later changed to Hill Furniture on Bird Street. For many years, concerts were held at Oroville High School and then the Central School gym. Enter the State Theater in 1986 when United Artists shut down showing movies. A consortium of Oroville residents and the City of Oroville purchased the theater and began renovations. Eventually, concerts and other events were held at the theater.

Since the 1980’s, the OCA has contracted with Live On Stage as their agent to book acts. They provide a performance list of 40 artists and the OCA board listens to each group and votes on the top five. The groups will be offered contracts and dates set for their night on stage. The OCA comes up with a varied selection of entertainers each year, and the 202324 season is no exception. This coming season will begin with The Smiths, a male pop vocal quartet on October 22, 2023; The Rice Brothers, a piano and cello duo, November 8, 2023; Maria and Sergei Tekshev, a father/daughter accordion duo playing everything from Bach to AC/DC, February 29, 2024; Key of G Live!, a Garth Brooks tribute, March 15, 2024; and Adam Swanson, four time winner of the OldTime Piano Competition, April 19, 2024. You can preview these artists on the Live On Stage site.

Pam Hanson, a member of the OCA governing group, said, “You’ll always be pleasantly surprised by who performs. They’re the top of the live performance entertainers. These people play so well.” The OCA also offers free afternoon performances to local student groups, where the performers actually tailor the act to school children. The current board is committed to offering the best of entertainment. It includes Linda Ames, Sharon Wedin, Linda Dewey, and Millie Taylor.

The OCA strives to bring great entertainment to the area at affordable prices. In addition to the funding from ticket sales, the group welcomes individual and business donations and corporate sponsors. The membership campaign begins on April 3, 2023. Go to www.orovilleconcertassociation.org for more information.

April 5

THI BUI: THE BEST WE COULD DO Book in Common Lecture

7:30 PM | Laxson Auditorium

Artist and author Thi Bui will speak about her debut graphic novel memoir

TheBestWeCouldDo. With haunting, poetic writing and breathtaking art, she examines the strength of family, the importance of identity, and the meaning of home.

MASTERWORKS 4: RACHMANINOFF & DVOŘÁK Guest Artist Charlie Albright, piano

Join North State Symphony as they capture in sound the iconic beauty of nature’s endless charm. A highlight for this performance is the World Premier of Lassen Awakes! by composer Marko Bajzer, 2022 Artist-in-Residence at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Bajzer was awarded a co-commission by the North State Symphony to produce this original piece, and it will be performed before a live audience for the first time at this concert.

PROGRAM:

BAJZER - Lassen Awakes! *World Premiere*

RACHMANINOFF - Piano Concerto No. 2

DVORAK - Symphony No. 8

Saturday, May 13 | 7:30 PM | Cascade Theatre, Redding

Sunday, May 14 | 2:00 PM | Laxson Auditorium, Chico

2 PM | ARTS Recital Hall

Italian Serenade Wolf

String Quartet No. 4 in E minor, Op. 44 No. 2 Mendelssohn

String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with Große Fuge, Op. 133 Beethoven