Donald’s weekend picks
GARBAGE INTO GOLD AT ARTE AMERICAS
My favorite of the three new shows at Arte Americas — all under the umbrella theme of environmental sustainability — is the wonderful “Nothing Wasted,” a group show from local artists who recycled used materials into artistic gems. Francisco Vargas’ “Red Baby Grand,” which he repurposed from a piano burned in a house fire, is worth the trip alone. A statewide touring show titled “Ignite” offers a serious look at the environmental problems facing California. Read my cover story in Friday’s 7 about the Arte exhibitions. Plus: Here’s a video I made featuring artist Ann Savageau, a UC Davis professor who made a piece for “Ignite” about the Central Valley. A reception for “Nothing Wasted” will be held Sunday. [Details]
MY OTHER WEEKEND PICKS
A FRESH TAKE ON VIVALDI: Fresno Grand Opera tries something totally different with a presentation of Thi Nguyen’s “A Life in 4 Seasons.” Read the Beehive interview here. [Details]
BIG WEEKEND FOR BAD BOYS ZYDECO: The raucous zydeco/blues group performs Saturday at Full Circle Brewing Company [Details] and Sunday with the Orpheus chamber music ensemble. Look for my take on the Fresno chamber music scene in my upcoming Sunday Spotlight column, in which I talk more about the Orpheus concert.
NIKIKO MASUMOTO ONE-WOMAN SHOW: She performs “What We Could Carry” Sunday at Pardini’s restaurant to mark the Japanese American Citizens League’s Day of Remebrance lunch and fundraiser. Details: (559) 273-0397.
HELLO, FANNY: Reedley’s River City Theatre Company brings back the show that started it all: “Blossoms Up.” Read my rundown in Friday’s 7 section. [Details]