Arts & Culture

Fresno Composer Fuses Classical, Mariachi, To Bring Music To Kids

Rebecca Plevin — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:44:24 +0000

This weekend the stage of the Saroyan Theatre will be filled with hundreds of young musicians, with hundreds more in the audience. It’s all part of an effort by a Fresno composer to break down the boundaries between classical music and mariachi, and to bring young audiences into the world of music, in a fun, interactive way. Valley Public Radio's Rebecca Plevin reports.

Susan Norman's “Learning the Ropes” on Valley Writers Read

Franz Weinschenk — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:57:52 +0000

This week on Valley Writers Read, we hear a story by Oakhurst author Susan Norman titled "Learning the Ropes." It's about CJ, a precocious teenaged girl who had been sent to a school for delinquents. The parents come to see their daughter on visiting day and watch the youngsters climb a complicated jungle gym. That afternoon, CJ's mother decides to climb the jungle gym herself. This forebodes some big changes in family relationships.

Fresno's Swede Fest Celebrates Cinema, Do-It-Yourself Style

Ezra Romero — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:38:33 +0000

On Sunday May 19th, Fresno's Tower Theatre will feature some of Hollywood's biggest films. But you aren't likely to see many stars or Oscar winners on the screen. Instead, Swede Fest 11 will feature a collection of 20 low-budget, summarized recreations of Hollywood's most popular movies, all shot by amateur filmmakers.

Jim Benelli's “Spaghetti Farming In Kansas” on Valley Writers Read

Franz Weinschenk — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:51:33 +0000

This week on Valley Writers Read, Auberry author James Benelli reads his story "Spaghetti Farming In Kansas." This is a satirical story about a millionaire, Nick Worthmore and his wife Penny who, when they stop to get their car repaired in Kansas, wind up on an unexpected adventure.

David Borofka's “Mid Clair” on Valley Writers Read

Franz Weinschenk — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:50:45 +0000

Clovis author David Borofka reads his story about Professor Grimshaw whose wife was in the habit of insulting him all the time-- so much so that he moves into the garage and sleeps in the Buick. But things get even more complicated for Mr.

Artist Interview: Gabriela Martinez

Joe Moore — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000

The New York Times called Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Martinez “compelling, elegant, and incisive." She performs this weekend with the Fresno Philharmonic, in a concert titled Russian Romantics. She will be the featured soloist performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. She recently joined us to talk about her career, her upcoming performance and more.

Young Artists Spotlight: Constantine Pappas and Maelyn De Fede

George Mason — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:56:36 +0000

We bring the 2013 season of Young Artists Spotlight to a close this week with a performance by the winners of the Fresno Musical Club's Young Singer Awards. Baritone Constantine Pappas and soprano Maelyn De Fede join us to perform live in-studio on this special edition of Young Artists Spotlight.

"Vineyards of the San Joaquin Valley" on Valley Writers Read

Franz Weinschenk — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:09:00 +0000

This week on Valley Writers Read, we hear a story by Madera author Earline Holguin, titled "Vineyards of the San Joaquin Valley." This memoir recalls life on a grape ranch right next to the San Joaquin River, and gives the listener insights into agricultural life in the Central Valley.

Young Artists Spotlight: Harpists Erin Kim & Madeline Olson

George Mason — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:58:52 +0000

This week on FM89's Young Artists Spotlight, we feature performances by local harp students Erin Kim and Madeline Olson.

"Two Women" by Anne Richards Da Vigo on Valley Writers Read

Franz Weinschenk — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:58:04 +0000

This week on Valley Writers Read, we hear a story by Fresno State graduate and current Sacramento resident Anne Richards Da Vigo. She reads her own story.