Arts Devo

Summer is my jam Arts DEVO is both a night owl and an early riser. I tell myself it’s because I just don’t want to miss out on anything that the day might have to offer, but it’s probably due more to the fact that I am a procrastinator who is always chasing many projects rolling down the hill simultaneously. But during the summer—from the time Mrs. DEVO is done teaching kindergarteners until she starts setting up her class for the next school year—I make it a point to dial back the special projects and extra jobs. And since I’m already in the habit of greeting the dawn and staying awake at least until midnight, the relatively clear schedule of long summer days offers many opportunities for leisure, romance, adventure, camaraderie, dog walks and playing music. Summer makes me feel younger, like I’m tapping into the cool well of those never-ending Redding summers of my youth, hopping from one body of water to the next—Whiskeytown, Lake Shasta, Dave’s pool, the Sacramento River, “The Plunge” in Caldwell Park. It’s the time I feel the most free and the most in love.

Speaking of love! This Saturday, June 11, there is going to be so much love in the room, it will threaten to blow the roof off the 100-year-old Chico Women’s Club. CN&R Staff Writer Ken Smith and his longtime girlfriend, Kate Ronan—two of my BFFFs and two of the most well-loved humans in Chico—are going to be tying the knot. The world is about to get a whole lot radder. Congrats, you two!

Summer assignment If you or your kids are looking to expand your creative horizons, summer is the time to sign up for a class in the arts:

• Ukulele Camp: Local uke-master Mandalyn May is holding three sessions of Ukulele Camp this summer. The week-long sessions feature offerings for all playing levels and costs $60 per student. Classes are held at the Music Connection (973 East Ave.). Call 424-8UKE or visit www.mandalynmay.com for more info.

• Kids theater: There are plenty of opportunities through local community theaters for young thespians this summer, and sign-ups for this year’s camps have already begun:

The Blue Room is offering a variety of classes in all facets of theater as well as the opportunity to be a part of the ensemble for a production of Dr. Doolittle Jr. For more information, email Amber Miller at amber@blueroomtheatre.com or call 895-3749.

California Regional Theater offers classes geared to specific age groups, each culminating in a performance. The two younger sections are already filled, but there is still room in the 11-16 age group, and its production of Dear Edwina Jr. For additional information email info@crtshows.com.

Theatre on the Ridge’s Stage Coach program begins at the end of June and will include a production of The Music Man Jr. directed by local theater dude Loki Miller. For more info, call 877-5760 or email theatreridge@gmail.com.

• Art school: Chico Art Center is the place for art classes in many media—drawing, painting, stained glass, etc.—for all ages (visit www.chicoartcenter.com or call 895-8726 for info), and kids can “learn the basics of drawing, painting and collage” at Chico Art School’s summer camps (visit www.chicoartschool.com or call 570-3895 for info).

• Art, music, dance, sewing. There are tons of choices on the summer schedule at CARD. Visit www.chicorec.com for the full list of offerings.