While starting down the “20 ways to be a better Fresnan” checklist.
1. MAKE YOURSELF EXPENDABLE
Laid-back reggae/rockers The Expendables are playing what’s probably the biggest gig of the weekend, tonight at Fulton 55. If you like Slightly Stoopid, you’ll like them. We hear it’s closed to selling out. So don’t slack. [More]
Other than watching that Boise State game.
1. FIND HOPE WITH MATT & KIM
Indie pop duo Matt & Kim — one of my favorite groups — headlines a big day of music Sunday at the Festival of Hope in Tulare. It’s a two-day event, aimed at suicide prevention, it’s totally free and the entertainment lineup is quite stellar. Sunday is the strong day for music. In addition to Matt & Kim’s closing performance (at 8 p.m.), top-notch local bands Strange Vine (3 p.m.), Rademacher (4:30 p.m.) and Fierce Creatures (6 p.m.) play as well. [More info]
Looking for something to do this weekend? The Reel Pride Film Festival continues, as does the Mexican Independence celebration on the Fulton Mall.
There’s also the Spanspek music festival in Orosi, Rockstir in north Fresno, the Hanford Blues and Roots Festival, a tribute to Michael Jackson in the Tower District, plus much more (check out Donald Munro’s weekend picks here):
Hi Fresno friends, as you’re reading this I’m sitting around watching a bunch of NFL highlights I already watched yesterday and trying to figure out where to go eat tacos this afternoon. Yes, I’m on vacation this week! But Fresno doesn’t stop being happening just because I’m sitting at home. So here are 13 things that should keep you busy until I return next Monday. See ya then.
DJ Heinz is one of the masterminds behind the ever-so-fun Meatball Magic. If you’ve never been to Meatball Magic, it’s the definition of an alternative dance night.
It’s a bi-weekly event at an off-the-beaten-path gay bar in southeast Fresno, formed by a bunch of DJs who wanted to do something totally different than the top 40 that populates many local nightspots. Oh, and it’s about as unpretentious as you can get.
There’s another Meatball Magic on Friday night, and it just so happens that it’s also DJ Heinz’s (aka Vance Vasquez) birthday. So wish him a happy birthday and read all about how he get started DJing and what Meatball Magic is all about. Just a head’s up, there’s a lot of “I can’t believe I admitted that” to follow.
Where can people find you spinning currently?
Currently my co-DJs (Taffy, Todd Tomorrow, Cuckoo) and I have a monthly party (every third Friday of the month) called Meatball Magic. We just celebrated our 5th year anniversary! That’s where I can be found consistently. There is a Meatball Magic going on Friday (April 16) for my birthday. Other than that I randomly get asked to do different parties and play in different clubs around town.
Enjoy yourselves, Fresno. I’ll be outta town.
1. GET MEATY
Tired of Top 40 club nights? Give Meatball Magic a try. Tonight is actually its five-year anniversary (congrats!) of playing indie, electro, new wave and more bi-weekly at The Red Lantern. If that’s not a good enough reason, how often do you party at Belmont and Maple?
