fresnocentric

what now?

Think about it. We’ve made progress.

Fresno is no longer the place where people say “There’s never anything to do in Fresno…”

It’s just not like that anymore.

Sure, there are still people who will say that, but those are the same people who look at 500 channels on cable and say, “There’s never anything to watch…” And their malaise has more to do with their own inability to muster interest or ambition to try something different than it actually has to do with how many choices they have.

There’s SO much to do that sometimes there isn’t enough audience to go around on any given night. I’m not sure that’s because we don’t have the population to support it. I think it’s more that the population just isn’t willing to get out and go to something new and different. Fresno is getting that reputation for not being ready to try something new. Instead, Fresnans wait around to see if it catches on before jumping in and giving whole-hearted support. Rather than just evaluating something on merit, Fresno (as a whole) waits to see if it’s “cool” before getting involved.

In spite of that, Fresno has still managed to become a place that there is something to do every single weekend.

There’s a vibrant local theatre scene, notwithstanding the disappearance of one or two local theatre groups over the years. Artists Repertory Theatre is still alive and definitely kicking with a very consistent production schedule, and these folks are reportedly turning out some real quality, affordable, local theatre. Fresno’s (and Clovis’s) schools are also still turning out creditable and sometimes very ambitious student productions that deserve our encouragement and support.

You want art? We got art. The number of galleries throughout the city is almost countless. I honestly don’t know how many there are, but every month I hear about another opening, or one that’s been around but I didn’t know was there. The variety of art exhibits is amazing at any given time. We have Art Hop, and Arc Hop, and people come out in huge crowds, even on a cold drizzly evening, to see what must be seen. Also keep in mind that there are a number of very talented, budding local artists from high school, college and university levels that are well worth checking out.

Music. It’s everywhere. Everything from acoustic soloists to death metal, blues and jazz, to folk, bluegrass, mariachi… really, the list goes on. Small, free venues with weekly “lounge” evenings to the huge arena concerts, and everything in between. We have the Fresno Phil and other local musical and vocal arts. Let’s not forget the various school music programs, from elementary schools all the way through college and university offerings.

We’re a sports town. Though I bitterly lament the loss of Fresno’s Falcons, we still have the Grizzlies, and we still have solid sports programs at CSUF, not to mention all the local high school programs that family and friends of athletes faithfully support. Don’t stop, Fresno. I’m not a huge fan of sports, but it’s as vital a part of our community as anything else, and something we SHOULD be proud of. And to top it off… Fresno has roller derby. Hello, if we weren’t the epitome of “cool place on the map” before, we are now.

Why am I talking about all of these things? We’re in a period of economic distress all over the country. School programs in music, art, theatre and even sports are already bracing for the impact of lost budgets.

But artists, performers, entertainers and athletes are still doing what they do best. I think what I’m trying to say is that when you plan your budget for entertainment every month, don’t forget your local arts. Yes, there are great movies out there to be seen, and there are huge out-of-town groups and productions coming. Just don’t forget there are all these other local things to do, that can be quite as entertaining, and sometimes more affordable. Rally around your local school programs. Keep an eye on all the local theatre and music venues to see what’s going on.

You really can get more bang for your buck if YOU do the homework and YOU look for something to entertain you. Can’t afford to go to that one thing you wanted to see, but still have a little discretionary cash in the budget for SOMEthing? Then find that something that fits your pocketbook. You deserve a night out and some entertainment. Don’t give up just because you can’t afford a $60+ ticket to something. Find a more affordable event. There’s always one happening.

I can guarantee that there is real quality affordable entertainment in Fresno.

Just last night I saw three really great bands for the measly price of $6 at Full Circle Brewery. If you can do math, you’ll realize that’s only $2 per band, and even if all 3 are mediocre, it’s a steal! The thing is, not one of these bands was mediocre. The Kris Special were enough to more than satisfy the ticket price all on their own. Then Oso started their set and knocked my freaking socks off. If these guys don’t give Fresno another chance to not embarrass itself again by missing them, it will be a huge shame. Ok. Maybe I’m partial to a group that sings tight harmonies while every single member displays serious musicianship… and the lead vocalist/guitarist does all this while balancing on a unicycle. Because… you know… you see that all the time. Oh. Wait. You don’t. This is one of those bands that you just shouldn’t miss seeing live. Yeah, so Oso was worth at least 4 times the door charge all by themselves. Then… following an all-too-short set by them, the more local (from Visalia) Justin Stie and the Trees took the stage and really brought the evening home with more deft musicianship and sounds that put one in mind of psychedelic rock, with some jazz/blues styling and driving beats. They really rocked my socks off. Again. I was feeling very sockless all night.

And I was embarrassed, because Fresno only afforded all three of these quality acts an audience of 11 people.

Eleven.

The word was out. The flyers were posted, the announcements were made. But nobody came out. Nobody checked the myspace music. Nobody went, “Hey… it’s only $6, let’s see what’s going on.” Maybe folks are still afraid to drive downtown. (Silly.) Or maybe folks were off seeing High School Musical On Ice.

I just don’t know. I’m not sure what the problem was, here.

All I can do is say…HEY! Fresno… you don’t have to drive 3 to 5 hours to find quality entertainment. We do have it right here in Fresno. All you have to do is find it.

So here is a very incomplete list of places you can go online to find it, and see what’s up:

Get the local paper? Watch for the Entertainment section every week and browse not just the BIG headlines, but the small listings. You might be surprised what’s listed there.

Watch the ongoing posts at FresnoBeehive.com . There are always reviews of music, film, theatre, sports, and whatnot… and often they’re talking about LOCAL stuff as much as anything else. AND, every week, Mike Osegueda does a post titled “Post No Bills” where he puts up every single flyer he’s received for shows coming up that week. You can browse through these and see if there’s anything that catches your eye. Or… just pick one and let yourself be surprised by what you find.

Check out FresnoFamous.com . It’s another place people go to talk about what’s happening, what they’re doing, what’s coming up, and what they think in general.

Fresnoarts.net has an events calendar.

FresnoUndercurrent.net also has a calendar where events are posted. Check that for more ideas.

Lateupdate.com is another site with an events calendar. You never know what has been posted on one that isn’t on another. Check them all.

Eventful.com is another place to see what’s happening in your neck of the woods. It’s a little difficult to navigate, but you can still find stuff there.

Outside.In may help you find something as well.

Stay connected on Myspace, check the calendars of your favorite artists there. Check out Facebook and join a Group for your favorite performers and artists, or become a fan of their page there, so you’ll be notified of upcoming events. Get on Twitter and follow your favorite performers and artists for updated info on what they’re doing, where they’ll be, etc…

Watch local blogs. Even if they don’t always talk about what’s happening, they always have something to say about what has happened, or what they want to happen… and that’s all as relevant as events information. Fresno is filled with bloggers. These are by no means all of them.

Fresnocentric
The Fresnan
Fresno Fusion
estewartartist
CSUF’s Collegian
FCC’s Rampage
Fresno State Football Blog
The Bulldog Bounce
Queer Fresno
Da Blog’s Da Thang
Blog Fresno
To Thine Own Self Be True
Wide World of Fresno Sports
Fresno Foodie
Central Valley Moms
Urban Knowledge
Notown Roller Derby

Right. So now you have a few places to look for things to do. And producers… utilize ALL these avenues plus any others you can think of to get the word out about your event. A flyer in a few places is no longer enough. You need to create buzz. Your flyer needs to let people know what they’re in for; not just the name of the band, but what kind of music they play, maybe a snappy quote from someone who’s seen them play. Get bloggers to talk about your band, and how much they want to see it. Write your OWN press release with information about the event, the style, the theme, etc… and send it to EVERYbody. It might get printed somewhere. Get face time with the demographic that your event will appeal to. Attend similar shows and events. Hand them flyers, tell them what’s up, and that they’ll like it. Start your OWN blog about what you’re doing, and who you’re doing it with. Link to all the other bloggers around. Oh… and pretty girls. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing, if you have pretty girls smiling and telling people how great something is, most people will believe it. So get hot chicks out and about at other events talking about how they’re going to this OTHER awesome event next week/month/whatever. If the cool kids are talking about it, it must be good. So make sure the cool kids talk about it, however you can manage to do it.

Yeah. It’s all so subversive. But really… it’s just about getting people to know the choices that are available. And audiences…LISTEN when someone tells you about something coming up. You don’t have to go, but then you know about it. And maybe you aren’t going, but someone you know is looking for something to do and you think they might like it.

Fresno… spread the word.

Let’s not perpetuate the dreaded Fresno stereotype of “Fresno? Nobody goes to Fresno” to overwhelmingly talented performers who took a chance and came here.

Fresno IS cool. Let’s own that coolness.