Audiophiles and Christmas geeks unite! Phil Kline’s Unsilent Night offers anyone with a working mobile device or boombox a chance to participate in spreading some holiday musical cheer without having any musical background. Unlike singing traditional Christmas carols and going from door to door, every sound interacts with one another to create a larger piece that is never duplicated quite the same. Attendees just need to show up at Fremont Park (corner of 16th and P streets, Sacramento) on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, at 7 p.m. after downloading one of four sounds from the Unsilent Night website. From there, a procession of people will walk down Sacramento’s streets while playing the tones through a portable speaker. Since 1992, this 45-minute piece has become quite a sensation with many different cities across the United States participating in this special, aural event. Dress warm and wear some comfortable walking shoes since this winter has already proven itself quite challenging. Do make sure you’re punctual as the sounds of the piece rely on timing. There is no cover charge, but your attention to details (starting and stopping of music, walking pace, etc) will suffice. Come out and join the party at Sacramento.unsilentnight.com

One weekend a year, hoards of artists converge upon downtown Sacramento to create hundreds of temporary masterpieces. Their canvas: The sidewalk. Their tools: Chalk. Lots and lots of chalk. You guessed it folks, it’s time for Chalk It Up, Sacramento’s sidewalk chalk art and music festival. This Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5 to 7), marks the 25th anniversary of this gathering of local artists, musicians and community members at Fremont Park to create beautiful chalk art and a festival experience unlike any other.

“At 25 years, Chalk It Up is kind of its own force of nature. It’s just too beloved to ever go away,” executive director Jerry Perry recently told Submerge. “We often joke that even if we weren’t organizing it, the artists and public would still converge every year to create and watch the creation of the chalk art in Fremont Park!”

He’s probably right. Chalk It Up is wildly popular amongst Sacramentans, and the numbers prove it. Last year, the event drew a whopping 35,000 people over the course of the weekend. “It’s hard to believe there was a time that it didn’t exist,” Perry says of the fest. “And major props to the handful of artists back in the ‘90s that willed this event into being. What a wonderful gift and legacy they’ve passed on to us!”

To those uninitiated in the ways of Chalk It Up, it’s a free, three-day event where local artists are invited to use chalk to create colorful works of art on the sidewalks that encompass Fremont Park, located at 1515 Q Street. Many of the “squares” are sponsored by local businesses and organizations to raise money that benefits children’s art education and activities. Community squares are for anyone and everyone to chalk up. There is always a plethora of live music, food, a beer garden for those of drinking age, activities for the kiddos and so much more. Chalk It Up is truly a spectacle to behold, especially by the end of the weekend, when the artists are done with their squares. The artwork is often jaw-droppingly good, and every year it seems to get better and better. Just a few of last year’s highlights included an incredibly detailed Jimi Hendrix portrait by artist Julia Flippo for sponsor 101.5 K-HITS, a Maleficent-inspired piece by artist Missy for sponsor Isabella Corsetry, and (we’re obviously biased on this one) a Submerge-sponsored double square drawing of Beavis and Butthead sitting on their iconic pink couch by artist Raymond Roberts with help from his sons Michael and Alex.

Not to be outdone by their chalk wielding visual artist counterparts, local musicians are also well represented at Chalk It Up. At least 30 regional bands are set to perform at this year’s festival including The Brodys, Honyock, Kevin Seconds, Drop Dead Red, Wasco, Century Got Bars, The Ancient Sons, Mondo Deco, Anton Barbeau, The Phantom Jets and many others. Music runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. all three days!

For its 25th year, the organization’s goal is to give out 25 Chalk It Up youth art grants/scholarships. Whether it’s for art materials, musical equipment, speaker or guest artist fees, transportation for arts related field trips, attendance fees to performances, museums, classes, etc., Chalk It Up gives out mini-grants in amounts up to $500 for qualified educational activities that meet their criteria. “Art and music are such a crucial part of learning how to learn,” Perry says. “The introduction of art and music education into children’s lives actually programs the brain to more abstract thinking and comprehension. And then there’s the whole spiritual/soulful/emotional human aspect of art and music as an outlet and a language. To nurture such profound and moving forms of expression should be considered an essential building block if not the foundation in youth education. We do what we can through our youth art grants.”

For information on the three-day festival and to learn how to apply for Chalk It Up’s mini arts grants, visit Chalkitup.org.

It’s really tough to decide what the best part about the annual Chalk It Up Festival is. Now in its 24th year, Chalk It Up at Fremont Park on Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 2014) will have a constant onslaught of awesome live local music, with 30 top-notch acts curated by festival co-organizer Jerry Perry (including James Cavern & the Council, Musical Charis, Kevin Seconds, Bellygunner, The Kelps, PETS and The Old Screen Door, just to name a few). One could easily come for the bright and colorful art, as there are over 200 sidewalk paintings and drawings created at the festival by local artists and sponsored by local businesses and community members. Maybe it’s the beer garden that will also serve sangria and morning mimosas; maybe it’s the variety of food trucks and vendors. For many people, including us here at Submerge, hands-down the best part about Chalk It Up is that it’s a benefit for children’s arts education programs and art activities in the community! According to Chalkitup.org, “Our mission is two-fold: 1) To produce an annual chalk art festival for the community, 2) To use proceeds from our fundraising to provide arts education opportunities for youth throughout Sacramento County.” Whether it’s art materials, equipment or tools needed for classes, transportation expenses for arts-related field trips or speaker/guest artist fees, Chalk It Up puts money where it’s needed when it comes to our local youth experiencing art in a hands-on way. When you think about all the little future artists and musicians Chalk It Up is helping to create in our community, it’s hard not to get on board. So we’ll see you Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 2014, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The event is family-friendly and there is no admission fee. Make sure you get out there during the weekend to view the art, because it fades fast once the event is over. Visit the official website mentioned above, Facebook.com/chalkitupsac or call (916) 213-5059 for more information.

Jonah Matranga

Hot Lunch Concert Series, Fremont Park, Sacramento – Thursday, June 14, 2012

Yes it’s cliché, but it’s true what they say: you don’t realize what you’re missing until it’s gone. After passing time in a microcosm with a population of just over 1000, where you are lucky if there’s a live band playing once a week, or if a tree reaches 10 feet, a visit back to Sacramento reminds you of all that you have been missing.

Take the free Hot Lunch Concert series at Fremont Park, for instance. A makeshift stage planted between tacky, whimsical ceramic statues and towering trees triggers moments of nostalgia that only this city can provide.

Singer/songwriter Jonah Matranga seemed to feel the same way when he played there last Thursday. Matranga spent a chunk of his musical career in Sacramento, developing his former band Far, in addition to his solo project Onelinedrawing. He lives in the Bay Area now, but he came to town to play a few shows, including this one at the park.

“I can’t thank this place enough,” he said to a crowd that had grown from about 20 to 75 middle-aged adults and kids spread out on picnic blankets and lawn chairs.

For the music scene, cheap rent and all-ages clubs that allowed him to flourish as a musician, he owes Sacramento his gratitude, he explained.

Appearing at ease in his white tee and khakis, he was a one-man show and sustained an ongoing conversation with the crowd, his acoustic guitar and the PA system being his only accompaniments onstage.

He began the set with three velvety, acoustic Prince covers, including “Purple Rain,” “Kiss” and “The Cross,” tributes to the legendary performer, who had apparently been spotted around town. Then he delved into his own material, stopping frequently, sometimes mid-song, to comment on being badgered for singing “The Cross” despite being Jewish, or about his love for Neil Young and Eddie Vedder.

Despite his quirky, spirited demeanor, at any given moment Matranga’s songs shifted from uplifting to depressing as he played pieces both from his solo career and from Far. He would sing about springtime, fingerpicking a cheery pop song, and then alternate to a minor key, pounding his guitar strings while delivering cryptic lyrics on spending too much time thinking about ways to die.

Someone who has been in the music scene as long as Matranga has plenty to sing about. Throughout his career he has grown accustomed to the workings of the music business and watched his daughter grow up. He sang frequently of both.

“Every Mistake,” he said, was for his daughter, words of wisdom insisting that living is about making mistakes and embracing them with grace.

Whatever he was doing on stage was working. As he progressed through the set, audience members young and old trickled forward to make donations and pick up a CD from the box that lay at Matranga’s feet.

At some point a disheveled drifter wandered up to Matranga to make a litany of song requests, which included artists Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Elton John. In acquiescence, Matranga played “In My Life” by the Beatles.

Soon enough, the shade receded from the crowd back toward the trees, and the relentless sun hanging overhead prompted several onlookers to start packing up their blankets and chairs. By this time Matranga was preparing to play his last two songs.

“There are lots of mopey songs in the world. I’ve written about half of them,” he said, offering an explanation of his next song, “Smile,” which extends a dose of optimism regarding life.

“If you’re here right now you are ridiculously privileged,” he added.

Just then, a group of fashionable young women happened to ride past on their pink and sea green cruisers with shiny silver handlebars, outfitted in sundresses and shades.

Indeed, an afternoon spent listening to music on a picnic blanket beneath trees isn’t so easy to come by in other places. If you are living in the City of Trees, do us a favor and take it in, and don’t forget that you’ve got it made.

Need a good example of why Midtown is the best place to live or work in the region? Look no further than the Hot Lunch Concert Series, which kicks off May 31, 2012 at Fremont Park and continues Thursday afternoons until the end of August. Killer live music curated by Jerry Perry, food trucks like Wicked Wich and Mama Kim’s on hand, Hot Italian’s delicious pizzas and paninis within a stone’s throw, sunshine and soft grass…what’s not to love?

“This is our fourth year and I suspect it will be our biggest year yet,” Perry recently told Submerge. “We’ve added food trucks, and as always about half the event is first-time artists. Like this year I have Jonah Matranga out there for the first time, and Survival Guide, and Not An Airplane.”

He also pointed out series faves from past years like Exquisite Corps, Walking Spanish, Freebadge Serenaders and Musical Charis, all who will return this year.

“I love the unique celebration of Midtown/downtown that this event is,” he said. “It really is a great way to enjoy the best of Sac.”

May 31, 2012 see Island of Black & White and Leonardo Da Vinci Blues Band, and on June 7 see The Bell Boys. Hot Lunch is every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Keep an eye out on the music calendar section in future issues of Submerge for Hot Lunch Concert Series listings throughout the summer.

Etsy is an extremely popular e-commerce website that focuses on vintage and handmade items, art, crafts and supplies. It’s a fantastic tool for artists and craft makers of all sorts to reach a worldwide audience. On Friday, June 10, IndieSacramento Craft Collective (Indiesacramento.blogspot.com) is throwing a party at Fremont Park from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to celebrate the online marketplace as part of a “Global Craft Party.” Last year’s first-ever global party saw over 5,000 people participate in over 500 meet-ups all over the world. This year, Etsy is challenging all creative types to beat those numbers! You don’t have to sell on Etsy to attend, either, as it’s open to anyone who has an appreciation for handmade, DIY goods. As Etsy put it, “Musicians, painters, sculptors, photographers, farmers, hackers, gardeners, designers, jewelers, bookbinders, printmakers, teachers, makers and doers of all stripes, as well as art enthusiasts, curators, vintage lovers and supporters of the independently made, we’re calling on you!” We know there is a lot of you out there, Sacramento. There will also be a photo booth, potluck (attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share), a craft supply swap (bring your unused or unwanted supplies for trade), swag bags and more. RSVP at Meetup.com/etsy/Midtown-Sacramento/101597

The Sacramento Bike Kitchen and Friends of Fremont Park are joining forces for their Spring 2011 Sacramento Bike Swap in the Park on May 22, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fremont Park. This is a golden opportunity to score some smoking deals on used bikes, parts and clothing from other Sacramento-area bicycle enthusiasts. Or, if you’ve got some extra cycle-related stuff lying around and you like cash (who doesn’t?), think about reserving a 10-foot by 10-foot space for only $10! Proceeds will go to benefit Sacramento Bike Kitchen and Friends of Fremont Park, both nonprofit organizations. You’ll hardly have to sell anything before you’re in the black! Check-in and set-up starts at 8 a.m. To register for a spot (they are limited and are first come first serve, so hurry), visit Fremontpark.net and navigate to the event page for the Bike Swap. Admission is free for those who want to browse. Don’t forget to bring cash!

Whether you ride low, got a Dyno with black mags, test your guts on a fixie or cruise casual, if you’ve got a bike and love art, we’ve got an afternoon activity with you in mind. In celebration of May Is Bike Month, Submerge rode through Midtown mapping out a mural tour with eight points of interest. It should be noted this is not a comprehensive listing of Midtown murals, as we could send you down J Street or through seedy alleys on a dangerous mission to enjoy art. Our mural tour is a list of staff favorites that can be viewed safely as you happen to cruise past local businesses we frequent. Please ride carefully, stay hydrated and respect Omri Casspi’s handsome face.

A fairly solid launch point to cruise past the history of Sacramento and some psychedelic butterflies of Laserium, then hang a sharp right before Macy’s to pass the parking garage as it transitions into Metamorphosis by Centro de Artistas Chicanos.

T Street / between 6th & 7th streets
Built in 1934, the Amphitheatre rests on the north side of the park and won’t look like much upon pulling up, but pedal around to the stage and bask in the Chicano-centric art by members of the Royal Chicano Air Force. It’s a great place to rest in the grass or on the stage and hydrate if needed.

915 S Street / between 9th & 10th streets
Painted in 2005 by Stephanie Taylor, the mural on the eastern wall of Beer’s depicts the grandfather of California literature Jack London along with several quotes from the author. Explore Sacramento’s history even further by perusing the stacks of local publications, or just stop in to pet Raffle the bookstore’s furball mascot.

1918 16th Street / between T & S streets
Bikes on 16th require self-assured riding, so if you have the chops for it, make a stop at Constantly Growing on 16th between S and T streets. The graffiti burner is well crafted and wraps around the establishment.

16th Street / between Q & R streets
Painted by Anthony Padilla, the Kings mural might be a bit dated given a few trades, but it’s always nice to cruise by either with hope for another year, to catch a glimpse for the last time ever or just to check on Omri Casspi’s face. Be sure to check out the biker friendly schwag and appetizers at Hot Italian across from Fremont Park.

between 167h & 18th streets
The tremendous 200-foot mural painted in 2009 by John Stuart Berger and Dolan Forcier means you are halfway finished, but given its length, taking it all in will slow you down. The good news: Old Soul Coffee Shop rests in the alley to caffeinate for the remaining trek.

Corner of N & 24th streets
Be mindful of pulling up to the American Market mural by Shaun Turner and Dan Osterhoff. The gorgeous woman stoically watching over the corner of 24th and N is liable to cause accidents. Oh, there’s a peacock too.

Bon Air Deli & Market and First Edition Murals
Corner of J & 26th streets
The corner of 26th and J is an active one for artists. Within a stone’s throw of one another is the graffiti mural by Sam Flores on the side of First Edition, formerly Upper Playground, the mural on the northeast corner of Bon Air Deli by Joshua Silveira and Gabriel Romo and University Art supply store should you be inspired to create your own.

May is Bike Month and with it comes the return of the Bicycle Film Festival from May 12—14, 2011 at various venues throughout town. One flick I’m particularly drawn to see is called Riding the Long White Cloud, which will screen on Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m. at Crocker Art Museum just after the BFF Opening Party, which starts at 5 p.m. Riding the Long White Cloud is a stunning documentary from director Alex Craig that follows seven professional skateboarders (Rick McCrank, Silas Baxter Neal, Cairo Foster, John Rattray, Keegan Sauder, Chris Haslam and Kenny Anderson) as they attempt to cycle New Zealand’s North Island. “Twelve days of cycling across mountain and valley, through rain and shine, trying to skateboard along the way,” are the first words that scroll across the screen of the film’s trailer. Cycling, skating and incredible scenery–sounds like a recipe for cinematography greatness. Other BFF highlights include a Trick Competition powered by PedalHard on Saturday, May 14 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fremont Park (16th and Q streets); the BFF Classics screening on Friday, May 14 at 9 p.m. at Fremont Park; and the Friday night BFF After Party at Sol Collective (2574 21st Street) featuring DJ Riff Raff from the Red Bull Music Academy. That party kicks off at 10 p.m. and will feature custom bikes on display and Sierra Nevada on tap all night long. Learn all about the Bicycle Film Festival’s offerings at Bicyclefilmfestival.com/sacramento.
-J. Carabba