This Weekend in the People’s Republic

Whole Earth Festival weekend is my favorite weekend of the year. Every year I anticipate this weekend more than my birthday, Hanukkah, and Halloween; Craft vendors from all over sell their ecologically responsible wares, musicians big and small entertain the masses, children frolic with wonderment and mirth…it really doesn’t get any more ‘Davis’ than this.

While I plan to spend the majority of the weekend dancing at the DJ Stage or relaxing with out-of-town friends in a shady spot and indulging in gourmet ‘good-for-yous,’ others can find entertainment and enrichment at any of the other various events going on around town this weekend. Find out my picks after the jump.

Thursday, 8 May 2008

Music on the Green (MUSIC)
6p, Central Park
Free

The Definite Articles, An Angle, and Audrye Sessions play a free show at Central Park, brought to you by ASUCD and City of Davis Entertainment. More info.

Friday, 9 May 2008

Bike Rodeo (ACTIVITY)
9am-Noon, 600 A Street Parking Lot
Free

“The event, aimed at kids ages 5 to 12, will include a bicycle skills course, helmet fittings, bicycle safety trivia, prizes, fun and more.” More info.

Diana Kwan’s “Eastern Murmurs” (ART)
6pm-8pm, International House
Free

“No-cover fundraiser to help Vasanthi, a nursing student in Southern India, complete her education. Enjoy tea, crumpets and nan.” More info.

UC Davis Barogue Ensemble  (MUSIC)
8pm-10pm, WhereStudio Theatre (Mondavi Center)
$6/$12

“Stylistic performance of Baroque works featuring period instruments.” More info.

Journey From the Fall (FILM)
8pm, Chem 194 (UCD)
Free

“Inspired by the true stories of Vietnamese refugees after the fall of Saigon, Journey from the Fall documents a family’s struggle for freedom from communism. Long Nguyen is placed into a Communist re-education camp, while his family desperately flees to the United States. Through the movie, we follow his struggles to reunite with his family while they try to adapt to a new country.” This event is part of the Asian American Association Film Festival. More info.

Saturday, 10 May 2008

The Music Man, Jr. (DRAMA)
11:15am/2:15pm, Davis Musical Theatre Company
$7

Performers aged 7-17 present The Music Man, Jr. More info.

Hillstomp, Patrick Ferris (MUSIC)
10pm, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
$3

“Portland Oregon junkbox blues duo Hillstomp is infamous for digging through the dumps and forgotten backwoods of American music, recycling traditional elements into a refreshing and distinctive brand of do-it-yourself hill country blues stomp. North Mississippi trance blues, a bit of Appalachia, and a dash of punkabilly come clanging and tumbling from assorted buckets, cans and BBQ lids, all drenched in rambunctious slide guitar. Somehow it works.” More info.

Sunday, 11 May 2008

Bingo at Odd Fellows Hall (ACTIVITY)
1pm-4pm, 415 2nd Street
$1-$20

“The Davis Odd Fellows holds bingo games on every 2nd Sunday from 1-4 pm. Up to $250 in prizes. All proceeds goes to Odd Fellow charitable activities in Yolo County.” More info.

Choosing Spring Plants for Your Valley-Wise Garden (TOUR)
2pm, Gazebo at the Arboretum
Free

“Visit the Storer Garden to see plants that do well in our hot summer climate.” More info.