Arts Devo

Three words for you: Treat yo self
“It’s the best day of the year!” Fans of the TV show Parks and Recreation know that Oct. 13 is Treat Yo Self Day. That’s this Sunday, and this year I, in my great and unmatched wisdom, consider this to be a reasonable thing for Arts DEVO and every person reading this column to celebrate in an effort to improve our mental health during this most stupid period of American history.

Let no pleasure or indulgence within your grasp go unfulfilled. Buy those shoes. Get that massage. Tuck into a blanket with other warm bodies and binge watch 12 episodes of anything. Open the good wine. Buy the prime cut. Read on the grass, nap, repeat. Host a potluck, turn up the boom box loud enough for the neighbors to join in, and dance until you pass out. Pleasure yourself. Pleasure others. Finish each meal with ice cream. Dogs. Tacos. Whiskey. Sunset. Stars.

For one goddam day let’s let our moans of contentment and howls of abandon drown out the noise of manufactured chaos.

Anniversary parties! When new amazing places in Chico start celebrating anniversaries, it is a sin to not honor them. Three of the most righteous curators of community are celebrating milestones this weekend, and if you appreciate how rad their work makes Chico, show them some love!

Both Secret Trail Brewing Co. and Blackbird books/cafe/gallery are hosting all-day two-year birthday parties in their parking lots this Saturday (Oct. 12). The former will have live music (Smoky Knights, Katie B & the Boys and Soul Posse), food trucks and games, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; at the latter you’ll find Near and Dear Baked Goods, Pedal Press screenprinting, a book sale and live music (with Jonathan Richman, Scout, October Coalition, Teeny Nymph and Truck Stop). Food starts at 11 a.m.; music at noon; screeprinting at 1 p.m.

The night before, Friday (Oct. 11), starting at 6 p.m., Ike’s Place is throwing an epic bash to mark one year since the sandwich shop started hosting live music. The marathon night will feature “chaotic partycore” crew Steaksauce Mustache (Medford, Ore.), Sac’s Orphan, plus a slew of local acts: 5 Mile Myth, Teeny Nymph, Culture Tourist, Shades of Glam and Real Friends Company. If you are of correct mind and realize the importance of all-ages venues for the health of a music scene, you’ll ride your bike to Five and I and give Ike’s promoter (and bassist for Sunny Acres and Culture Tourist) Ben Schlotthauer a high five and buy him a drink (it’s his birthday, too!).

DEVOtions:

• Call for Camp Fire artists: The Museum of Northern California Art is seeking entries for Reflection and Hope, a group exhibit featuring art reflecting on the first year since the Camp Fire. The exhibit opens Nov. 7 and entries will be accepted through Oct. 18. Visit monca.org or contact the museum at 487-7272 or submissions@monca.org for more info and submission guidelines.

• Burn Scar drops: The new album from Chico prog-metal quartet Shadow Limb comes out officially on Friday (Oct. 11). Order and download at shadowlimb.bandcamp.com.

• Arts DEVO’s music pick: I know there is a lot of live entertainment to choose from in the coming week, but if you’re filling out your calendar, don’t sleep on Maita, coming to The Maltese Wednesday (Oct. 16, 8 p.m.—Alex Draper and Bran Crown open). The Portland, Ore., singer/songwriter was just signed to Kill Rock Stars, and if you are a fan of Mirah or Sufjan Stephens, you are already in love with her music. Hear at maita.bandcamp.com.