Raley Field in West Sacramento will have a special glow about it on Saturday, Sept. 9, when the nationally touring Blacklight Slide party comes to town. Event goers can grab an inner tube by either purchasing one at the event or bringing one from home, and then hit up the giant water slides flowing with bright, neon glow-in-the-dark water. Then, after getting all glowed up, you can let loose on the dance floor with live DJs at the afterparty. Sliders must be 5 years old and 42 inches tall, so this event is fun and open to (mostly) all ages. Find more information and register at Blacklightslide.com/sacramentoca.

Mid-2015, Joe Jonas, songwriter Justin Tranter and Swedish power pop producers Mattman and Robin found a place for a 10-year-old guitar lick in a small vessel entitled “Cake by the Ocean.”

Released in November 2015, this ear worm worked its way through the charts and playlists all the way into the summer 2016. In so many ways it’s the ideal funky anthem to a summer of uncertainty.

Between the winter of ‘15 and the ‘16 election, history seemed directionless, stalled out. Interest rates continued to stagnate and nominal climate agreements were signed. The global events in review seem difficult, mundane at best.

Pure jubilance in excessive display for lack of a reason not to, “Cake by the Ocean” embodied the optimism and naivety looming at the uncertain end of the Obama era. Tomorrow appeared as a continuance of a potentially more hawkish same-difference in the U.S.-led global order. What else was liberal democracy to do? Celebrate!

That jubilance was rudely punctuated by the U.S. election. Everything changed. Politics seemed real again, inaction was class war, pop was either denial and/or riotous anthem.

“Cake by the Ocean,” then, perfected the optimistic sexual innuendo for an era that imagined itself as never ending, despite that gnawing feeling that the coming decade might better rhyme with the bread riot than the orgies of the bored and bougie. As decadence and spectacle unmoored from the base needs of the day-to-day: pop perfection.

It’s unclear if JinJoo Lee, DNCE’s stellar Korean guitar player with a star-studded resume, would agree with this description. Yet her life story seems to speak directly to our current moment where bodies are indiscriminately prohibited from traveling between spaces but pop singles circulate the globe instantaneously.

She came to Los Angeles at 19 with a guitar, a dream, and a looming language barrier. A few determined years later, she’s touring the world as one of today’s most recognizable female guitarists.

In the following interview she opens up to Submerge about the importance of friendship, DNCE bassist Cole Whittles and his unique hair cut, Korean street food and working with Nicki Minaj on the set.

When she performs at EndFest on May 14, 2017, at Raley Field, may she guitar-lick us forward into better times or at least a brief escape from the one we’re in.

How would you define DNCE’s style?
Funky, fun, unique, different.

What is Cole’s haircut called? Is it a quarter flat top, or an off-set mohawk, or something else that can only be described by being in its divine presence?
It’s called Seaweed in the Desert. It just grows in the desert like that.

So if I googled that, would that come up?
No, but we could work on it. From now on, I think it should be a thing.

I agree. What was the best part of working with Nicki Minaj?
We are definitely fans of hers, and she’s an amazing rapper. As a female artist in this industry, she’s a big influence for me. Having her in our new single [“Kissing Strangers”] and having a good music video with her was amazing.

What did you learn from that experience?
Just having fun and being confident. Do what you do and enjoy it.

She seems like a very big personality. Were you able to experience her just as a person?
She’s really nice. She came to me and the people in our band, and casually we just had a conversation together. It was really fun and comfortable. A casual experience working with her.

What did you learn from her that most people don’t know?
Like I said, the confidence. In hip-hop and rap, she’s like killing it as a female. Not just [as] a female, she’s killing it, period. That’s something that I’m doing too, so I’m connected. She’s like a really good influence for me.

What’s your favorite movie?
I just watched this movie called Hidden Figures. That was really powerful and touching, and it became my favorite movie.

What was the biggest takeaway from that story?
That movie was based on a true story. It was three females back in the day who went into NASA, even though it was a hard circumstance. But they didn’t give up. They kept going and kept going. Push for their dreams. They made it. So it was like really touching.

Are some of those conflicts still with us today?
Definitely.

Similarly, how would you say “Cake by the Ocean” defines 2015?
“Cake by the Ocean” was the introduction of DNCE to the world. In a sense that really worked out really well. I appreciate that song, and we as a band appreciate that [introduction], big time.

Was that the highlight of 2015–16 for you?
Like being in a band with best friends, and you know, playing together, traveling together, that’s just the everyday highlight.

Why does the band get along so well together? What makes it so special?
Well, we’ve been friends for a long time. And we have our personalities, like, pretty similar. We’re just big kids. We love music. We’re goofy people. Our personalities blend in really well.

It seems like you get along pretty well. Is one of you more high-strung, or are you all pretty laid back?
We’re all pretty similar people. It helps.

Kudos for using Ashley Graham in the “Toothbrush” video. Did you get to hang out with her? If so what was that like?
She has this power, that wherever she walks into the room, she brings that peace and happiness. She brings the brightness in her. Immediately, when you sit down and talk to her, you become her best friend. And she has this strong personality, that I, really, I’m kinda envious, and I kinda adore. She’s beautiful inside and out. She’s just amazing.

It seems like she’s got that aura, like you’re describing. I imagine everyone around her is smiling. Is that true?
She has that power. I don’t know how to say, attraction. She is amazing, and I’m a big fan of her.

What’s your favorite Korean street food?
Tteokbokki. Spicy rice cake.

If you weren’t playing guitar and touring, what would you be doing?
Um, nothing. I don’t know. I really wanted to be a rapper when I was young. Maybe that’s why I’m such a fan of Nicki Minaj and so happy that I work with her. I don’t know. Maybe something with animals, something with children.

So did you try writing your own raps as a kid?
No. I could’t do anything. That’s why I adore rappers. I couldn’t do any of that.

So You’re inspired by them because it’s a skill you don’t possess?
Uh-huh. Pretty much.

What inspired you to play guitar?
I always wanted to. I grew up in a family who was all musicians. All my siblings are musicians. I grew up watching them playing together, making music together. I wanted to join the band, and they didn’t have a guitarist at the time. So I picked up the guitar and started learning. I just had this strong connection and found the passion in me that I just … It was meant to be that I play the guitar.

What was it like to leave Korea for Hollywood?
I was miserable. I was so afraid. It was a half and half because at the time I couldn’t speak English, I was very young. I was very nervous. But at the same time I was very excited to [see], like, what is going to happen. You never know what life is gonna be in the near future when you start something new, challenge yourself like that. I didn’t give up. I think that’s why I’m here. I didn’t quit or give up.

How long does it take you to get dressed in the morning?
It depends. It can be 10 minutes, it can be two hours.

EndFest, presented by 106.5 The End, takes place at Raley Field in West Sacramento on May 14, 2017. In addition to DNCE, Halsey, Fifth Harmony, Austin Mahone, Noah Cyrus and Alex Aiono are also performing. For tickets, go to Endonline.com.

Grub on gyros, skewers, tacos and pies during the second-annual Fourth on the Field event hosted right on Raley Field’s baseball diamond. This Independence Day celebration is an all-ages friendly affair with tickets priced at $5 for kiddies, $10 for 12 years-and-up or $15 for VIP-status in the Solon Club section. A variety of food trucks are set to align the field’s warning track, enough to keep any July 4th appetite satisfied. Trucks include: Gyro King, Slightly Skewed, Chando’s Tacos, An Honest Pie, Mama Kim On the Go and the list continues to grow. Nunchuck Taylor will provide the live music entertainment with their renditions of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” or even some Lady Gaga. Then, cap the night off on the grass to a Raley-style firework show in the sky paired with classic, patriotic tunes. ‘Merica! More info can be found at Raleyfield.com/fourthonthefield.

Let’s talk burgers. Specifically, how excited we are for the second annual Sacramento Burger Battle, going down on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Raley Field. Last year’s event was one of the highlights of our summer! About 1,000 people descended onto the infield at Raley Field and tasted burgers from top area restaurants/chefs, voting for who they thought was the best. Rocklin’s The Chef’s Table took home the highly coveted championship belt, voted on by a panel of expert judges; the People’s Choice Award went to local food truck favorite Krush Burger. This year’s Burger Battle will be even bigger, better and tastier. The participating restaurants are: Relish Burger Bar, de Vere’s Irish Pub, Bacon and Butter, Ten22, Roxy Restaurant and Bar, Capitol Garage, Papa Dale’s Drivin’ Diner, Formoli’s Bistro, The Eatery, Broderick Restaurant and Bar, Willie’s Burger, Hawks Restaurant and Ettore’s—and, of course, last year’s winners, The Chef’s Table and Krush Burger, have been invited back to defend their titles. Talk about tough competition—those are hands-down some of the best places in town to get your burger on! Tickets for the 2013 Sacramento Burger Battle can be purchased now at Sacburgerbattle.com for $55 for general admission and $75 for VIP. Lucky for you, we’re hooking up Submerge readers with discounted tickets. Just use the offer code “Submerge” when you purchase online. All proceeds are donated to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America charity. A burger cook-off for charity? Trust us, you will leave both fat and happy.

Raley Field will host a first-of-its-kind event called “Fourth on the Field” with a gathering of local food trucks, live music and a fireworks extravaganza. The event goes down from 6 to 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2013. The best part? You’re actually on the Raley Field outfield with all your favorite local food trucks lined up along the warning track! And of course, there are alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages available to keep your thirst quenched. Tickets are just $8 for adults and $5 for children (first 1,000 kids receive a free ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket). Learn more at Raleyfield.com, or get tickets at Ticketmaster.com.

Stay thirsty and be sure to come hungry because the seventh annual Raley Field Brewfest not only boasts more than 60 beer venders at this year’s event, it’s also presented by Wing Stop. On Friday, June 7, 2013, starting at 7 p.m. the Raley Field outfield will transform into an all out smorgasbord with vendors laid out in a quarter-mile semi-circle, plus a stage set up near second base. Breweries include everything from Trumer Brauerei to Track 7 Brewing Co., and even featured ciders range from the Ace Cider and Fox Barrel Cider companies. Tickets start at $30 in advance or $35 the day of the event, yet there’s always VIP. For just $50, VIP ballers, or ticket holders, will receive 18 tastings instead of the 10 offered and allowed an hour early entrance. Whatever package fits the budget, visit Raleyfield.com for tickets or simply stop by the box office. Bottoms up.

Can you feel it? The excitement is in the air. It’s baseball season! Grab your hat and glove and head to Raley Field on Thursday, April 4 to see your River Cats open their 2013 season against the Las Vegas 51s. The smell of fresh-cut grass should be even more potent this year at the ballpark, as Raley crews worked for 16 days in the offseason on the playing surface, marking the first time the entire field has been replaced since the year 2000. The River Cats have won the last six Pacific South Division titles and have won 11 division titles in their 13 years of existence. Talk about a good track record! First pitch for the home opener on April 4 is at 7:05 p.m., and tickets start at just $8 to sit in the “Toyota Homerun Hill.” Bring blankets or chairs and it’s comfy enough, trust us. It also happens to be “Thirsty Thursday” that night, where all 12-ounce Miller and Miller Lites are just $2, so there’s that, too. Visit Rivercats.com for more information and to purchase tickets online.

Top notch chefs prepare for Sacramento’s first-ever burger battle

The first time Rodney Blackwell bit into a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, he fell in love. But that was child’s play.

Blackwell, a Sacramento resident, entered the burger big leagues as an adult, ordering variations of the classic stack at fine diners, five-star restaurants and food trucks across the country.

In search of the perfect relationship between bun, patty and condiments, Blackwell started the blog and informational site http://burgerjunkies.com/. His tastes quickly sharpened as he approached burgers no holds barred. A patty topped with fried eggs? Do it. Fiery habañero sauce? Sure.

However, he still couldn’t decide on Sacramento’s champion burger. After attending the Denver Burger Battle, Blackwell realized a side-by-side comparison might answer the question and would also allow locals to vote for their favorites.

“I got inspired at the Denver Burger Battle,” Blackwell says. “It had sold out. There were 12 restaurants, people having a good time with great energy. I wanted to bring that to Sacramento.”

The goal of Blackwell’s burger battle on Sept. 18, 2012 at Raley Field in West Sacramento is twofold: to showcase the dining scene available in the Sacramento area and to raise awareness and much needed funding for a great cause.

Blackwell’s 9-year-old daughter Karina has battled with Crohn’s disease for the past four years. According to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, the disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract that affects more than 700,000 people, causing loss of appetite and energy, and sometimes slowing growth and development in children.

“My daughter was diagnosed years ago and since I can’t cure the disease myself, I figured I’d do what I can to help those that are trying,” Blackwell says.

All the proceeds from the Sacramento Burger Battle will be donated to the local CCFA chapter. Blackwell had already raised $12,000 since announcing the battle, and tickets for the event are still available.

“For charity it’s a great feat in and of itself, but I’d still like to sell out tickets,” Blackwell says about the current donations and sales.

The $55 entry ticket covers the generous burger samples from 15 high-caliber restaurants; craft beer from Sierra Nevada, Ruhstaller and Lagunitas; wine tastings from Crystal Basin and Perry Creek; Woodchuck cider; non-alcoholic beverages; live music and parking.

Attendees will have to pace themselves with the burgers–despite being sample-size, several chefs plan to pack big flavors into those few bites.

Chef Jose Silva, known for his exotic meat patties at the Flaming Grill, says judges and attendees might get their chance at trying wild boar, antelope, goat, camel or even kangaroo.

“We try to keep it simple–with a good bun and sauce and high quality meat,” Silva says.

For Chef Pedro Depina of Ettore’s European Bakery and Restaurant, the burger bun is extremely important in making a top notch burger, “because it’s the first thing you taste.”

“We’re going to let our bun speak for itself,” Depina says, noting the buns are made at Ettore’s. “Then comes the meat, and we use all natural Niman Ranch.”

As for the other ingredients, Depina says freshness, quality and the marriage of the flavors are the best ways to know a burger is made well.

“We’re going to keep it classic,” he adds of the Ettore’s entry. “No bells and whistles, just in your face.”

Asked which Sacramento burger is his favorite, Depina has no shame.

“The one we make here, I eat one once a week, but don’t tell my wife,” he laughs.

Other major players in the battle include burger award-winner Thir13een, de Vere’s Irish Pub, Kupros Bistro, Shady Lady Saloon, The Porch, Squeeze Inn and several others.

“All the chefs, we’re all good friends,” says Depina. “We eat at each other’s restaurants so this will be a friendly throw-down.”

One local chef is not competing, but judging. Bret Bohlmann, chef and owner of Boulevard Bistro in Elk Grove, will be one of five judges. Blackwell says he reached out to Bohlmann because he makes a great burger, but his restaurant no longer has it on the menu so he figured judging would be his next best option.

Other judges include Congressman John Garamendi, food writer and blogger Erin Jackson, Corti Brothers Food Director Rick Mindermann and Executive Chef Mike Ward of Feeding Crane Farms.

Though Bohlmann has never judged a burger competition, he does have an idea for his approach that day. 

“First, it has to be visually appealing,” he says.

Then, he adds, the burger must have quality ingredients and be cooked properly.

From there, judges will look at the kinds of extra ingredients used and whether those ingredients “marry well–belong together so that when you take a bite, everything works,” says Bohlmann.

One concern Bohlmann does have is burning out on burger too early, meaning after a few, he doesn’t want all the different entries melding together to cause faulty judging.

“A burger is quite fatty. A meat patty can have 15 to 20 percent fat, which coats your mouth, so we need a palate cleanser,” he says. “It’s something to think about because you want to taste everyone’s unique creation.”

A light, refreshing pilsner might do the trick.

Bohlmann is also hoping the burger challenge will spark continued creativity to the already impressive menus and styles now available in Sacramento.

“I think this will make people rise up and create something new for their menus,” he says. “In the last 10 years we’ve really grown. Zagat came through and rated everybody, and we’re really putting our mark on California.”

Depina adds that the culinary landscape of Sacramento has changed for the better during the 20 years he’s been in the business, and a competition like this is comparable to other California cities that boast the best in dining.

“Sacramento is one of the heavy hitters in the food industry now, like Napa and San Francisco,” he says. “You don’t have to travel all the way over there to get good food. We’re the breadbasket of the state, with all this good local produce. We’re all pushing to eat in our own neighborhood, our own backyard.”

Blackwell has been doing just that for many years, but says he is looking forward to what the chefs come up with for the burger battle.

“I’ve tried them all, so I’m looking forward to trying them side by side,” Blackwell adds. “It’s hard to say when you spread out eating them one week at a time which is best. All of these are some of my favorites I’ve tried and reviewed.”

Blackwell also recently received a call from an organizer of the World Food Championships, which will be held in Las Vegas in November, asking if the burger battle could be used as a qualifier for the championship.

The stakes have been raised a bit because of this announcement, Blackwell says, but he feels the burger chefs of Sacramento would be able to represent their country well if any of them makes it to the world competition.

Sept. 18 is National Cheeseburger Day, and also the date of the Sacramento Burger Battle. This will be a slobber knocker of meaty proportions, so don’t miss out. For more information or to buy tickets, visit Sacburgerbattle.com. You must be 21 years or older to attend. Eat hearty knowing the proceeds will go toward a worthy cause. To learn more about the Northern California chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, go to http://ccfa.org/chapters/northerncalifornia/.