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Arts & Life
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News Reports
LAKEPORT – Jan. 5 saw the biggest open mic ever at Café Victoria.
The event featured regulars Lorna Sue Sides, Poetry Interlude founder; Erv Howell, honky-tonk stylist; and Dick Flowers, a cappella singer starting off the show.
Newbies included Andy Rossoff, who played the house piano and sang some of his favorite songs. Andy is a self-taught musician and an open mic virgin. He can be seen playing keyboard in a band called Leftys.
Everybody’s favorite doctor, Milan Hopkins, MD of Upper Lake, strummed his guitar and sang some cool tunes.
Donavan made his second appearance at the open mic, singing his original songs while playing his guitar.
Lourdes Thuesen joined us for the first time, reading a few poems for the full house.
Carley Rae, another first-timer, read a short poem near the end of the session.
Host Phil Mathewson played his mandolin and sang a few of his original songs between acts.
Café owner, Victoria Philips, treated everyone to her freshly baked carrot cake muffins and ice cream.
Next open mic is Saturday Feb. 2. Come early for a good seat.
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- Details
- Written by: Shannon Tolson
Second Sunday Cinema's free film for Jan. 13 is "Hacking Democracy," which makes a calm, close, even-handed search for an answer.
Bev Harris, an investigative writer and grandmother, was concerned enough about reports of "stolen elections" and non-secure electronic voting machines to launch what turned out to be quite an adventure. Happily, a camera went with her, and the result is entertaining, inspiring and chilling, whether you're a Democrat or a Republican.
Harris crisscrossed the nation, diving into dumpsters and digging into trash cans (all quite legal). She confronted blank-faced county officials and hired world-class hackers to try the system.
Because every voter needs to see this film – especially in an election year – I will not ruin the suspense by sharing the outcome. Please take note: We here in little rural Lake County may feel safe, because we (at least in some precincts) use paper ballots. Unfortunately, all the votes are still compiled on electronic vote-counting machines.
As Bev Harris puts it, "The weakest link in the human chain can destroy the integrity of the election simply by swapping a memory card or popping in a USB memory stick."
In one memorable, probable example of the above, in one precinct in Florida, the total for Al Gore in 2000 was MINUS 16,022 votes!
This documentary will be shown on Jan. 13, and marks the first complete year of Second Sunday Cinema's ongoing series of free films.
The venue is the social hall of the Clearlake United Methodist Church at 14521 Pearl St., near Mullen.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for snacks and socializing. The film starts at 6 p.m., and is followed by time to hang out and meet new people and discuss the film.
You can get more information at 279-2957. As always, this film is free.
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- Details
- Written by: Lake County News Reports
Musicians and magicians will entertain from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
There is no charge for this event and all ages are welcome.
Sign up to perform at Cafe Victoria, 301 Main St., Lakeport, or call the event's host, Phil Mathewson, at 263-3391.
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- Details
- Written by: Editor
Blue Wing and Tallman Hotel owner Bernard Butcher reported that the saloon and hotel will soon be hosting a variety of acts in different musical genres.
In January, the Blue Wing's “Monday Blues” lineup will include Twice As Good with Paul and Rich Steward on Jan. 7 and 14; Memphis Exchange with Jeff Eades, Randy McGowen and Steven Guererro on Jan. 21; and the Mark Weston Band with Walt Rangel and Scott Slagle on Jan. 28.
From January through May, the Tallman Hotel will host its second annual "Concerts with Conversation" series on the third Thursday of each month.
The series includes Phebe Craig (harpsichord) and Michael Sand (violin) on Jan. 17; John Mattern (piano, guitar and vocals) on Feb. 21; Ragtime evening with David Reffkin (violin) and Chris Alexander (piano) on March 20; Elena Casanova (classical and Cuban piano) on April 17; and Lakeside Chamber Players with Clovice Lewis (cello), Catharine Hall (flute) and Carolyn Hawley (piano) on May 15.
For more information visit the Blue Wing Saloon online, www.bluewingsaloon.com, telephone, 707-275-2233; or the Tallman Hotel, www.tallmanhotel.com, telephone 707-275-2244.
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