Memorial Day Weekend in the People’s Republic
Last night, my housemates pushed three twin mattresses together into one MEGABED, upon which the majority of us watched a movie named Sleep Dealers. It was an independent Mexican film based in the not-so-distant future, where human labor has been outsourced on a completely different level, providing people (specifically the U.S., yay political statements!) with “what they’ve always wanted: work without the workers”. In this new world, people hook into a system through which they remotely power and control machines to do the work no one else wants to—including warfare.
While the movie seems to be comprised mostly of science fiction, this proposed life of a soldier seems uncannily near fruition. That’s at least from what I’ve heard (which may be uninformed), where an increasing number of soldiers in tanks or behind a computer controlling predator drones are presented with an array of video game-like controls with which to wage destruction to the tune of heavy metal riffs. The movie ironically called the process of hooking into the system “connecting”, even though doing so seemed to foster a DISconnect to reality, humanity and self.
Whatever future the lives of our men and women in uniform hold, it’s important to remember and honor those risking, having risked or having lost their lives in service. Trying to legitimately connect with a way of life so far removed from your own may be tough—but try to do so this Memorial Day.
With this particular three-day weekend comes very little on the bill when it comes to scheduled events… which means all the more time to explore other things all about (or around) Davis!! Even if there isn’t the normal diversity of right and relevant culture for your perusal this weekend, make sure you get thee outside and enjoy three warm days of freedom!
Friday, May 28 2010
As You Like It [PERFORMANCE]
Davis Art Center Outdoor Stage (1919F St)
5pm food, 7pm show
FREE
Apparently, all the world’s a stage! This evening, Acme Theatre re-tells the Bard’s classic tale of Rosalind, Orlando and the twists and turns true love takes in its path towards “happily ever after”. The world in which this story is set may look uncannily like the very familiar Davis community—which comes to life using all-recycled materials! If you can’t make tonight’s performance, know that there will be shows all weekend long, all at 7pm, and all FREE!!
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University Chorus [MUSIC]
UC Davis Department of Music
Jackson Hall
8pm
The University Chorus is a group of UC Davis students and faculty as well as members from the community as a whole that sing a’capella as well as accompanied pieces. Tonight, they will perform works from Rutter, Brahms and Durufle.
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The California Honeydrops [MUSIC]
Sophia’s Thai Kitchen & Bar, 129 E Street
10pm
Always a Sophia’s favorite, when this five-member band comes together on stage, you’d better be ready to dance and swing all around the deck. The California Honeydrops combine blues, jazz and gospel sounds set to the thumping rhythm of their “Soul Tub”—a stand-up bass comprised of a bucket, mop-handle and a string. Front man Lech Wierzynski has studied the trumpet with Marcus Belgrave and his band-mates include bassist Seth Ford-Young, who has jammed with the likes of Tom Waits and Sean Hayes. The California Honeydrops’ spirited and timeless music will resonate with listeners young and old.
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Saturday, May 29 2010
Rachel Eva Trunk Show [FASHION + SHOP]
The Wardrobe
206 E St
12-5pm
FREE
Come check out designer Rachel Eva’s inaugural collection of summer jewelry! In addition, fashion buyer/designer/style coach Heather Caswell will be around to educate the public in the art of self-adornment. What a hip event!
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Last Saturday Event [MUSIC]
Rominger West Winery
4602 2 St, Suite 4
12-6pm
FREE
In today’s edition of Rominger West Winery’s monthly (family-friendly!) event, Tree-O will play their usual bluegrass/oldies/rock tunes. It looks like a great way to kick off the three-day weekend!
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