Donald’s weekend picks
1. GET SEXY WITH ‘CARMEN’
Fresno Grand Opera’s new production of the classic is geared up for soapy fun. Director Joseph Bascetta promises “a fresh, young cast. The production is very sexual, very violent — much more up-to-date than you’d expect.” You can read my cover story in today’s 7 section here. The opera plays 8 p.m. today and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Saroyan Theatre.
2. GREET THE NATION’S POET LAUREATE
Philip Levine, the Fresno State professor emeritus who in August was named poet laureate of the United States, will greet his many fans in a Saturday reception and reading at Fresno State. The reception is invitation-only, but the reading — which starts at 6 p.m. at the university’s Concert Hall — is open to the public. He’ll be available afterward to sign books. Details here.
3. EXPERIENCE THE WONDER OF EVENSONG
The annual Galloway Memorial Organ Evensong is dedicated to the memory of the late Richard “Dick” Galloway, longtime organist of the First Congregational Church of Fresno. The program, featuring music director Scott Horton, incorporates scripture, prayer, and congregational singing. It’s at 4 p.m. Sunday. Details here.
4. VINTAGE YOSEMITE
Tom Bopp, a pianist/storyteller/historian, presents “Vintage Songs of Yosemite” as part of the Pacific Artist Series. Bopp has been entertaining guests at Yosemite’s historic Wawona Hotel since 1983. His repertoire ranges from Celtic folk music to jazz, with a focus on popular music from the first 50 years of the 20th century. His one-man show celebrates the first century of the Yosemite experience through music, stories, art and photography. The concert is 4 p.m. Sunday at Fresno Pacific University’s McDonald Hall Atrium. Tickets are $12, $8 seniors and students.
5. SEE AN OSCAR-NOMINATED MOVIE
Rick Bentley has a rundown in today’s 7 section of best-picture nominees playing locally.
Responses to "Donald’s weekend picks"
“Invitation only?”
Forget that noise. You can see Phillip Levine in person in the foyer of the UU Church this Sunday. He’ll be there meeting and greeting and signing his stuff and just chatting away. 10:30am is the start of services, but if you don’t wanna UU, just swing by about 11:30-Noon to buy his books or just say hi to our Poet Laureate.