Arts DEVOté

Home-field advantages: Arts DEVOté just took a whirlwind tour of Bay Area arts spots this past week, and he is here to say that the bay has nuthin’ on Chico, most weeks. Even excluding certain upcoming experimental music gatherings, A.D. would bet dollars-to-doughnuts that even the most devotéd arts fan couldn’t find enough time to take in all of Chico’s arts over the next seven days.

Thursday: While Bay Area poetry troupe the Suicide Kings (pictured) is probably the best choice for tonight, considering the bombastic trio will be at Coco Caffe (7 p.m.) one night only, there is one theater opening (Urinetown at Chico State) and three more ongoing theater productions to choose from through the course of the weekend: Rocky Horror Show (Chico Cabaret), Blithe Spirit (Chico Theater Company) and Last of the Formicans (Blue Room).

Friday: Every year, there’s at least one world-class African musician who graces the Laxson stage thanks to Chico Performances, but check this crazy Acoustic Africa triple bill out: Malian superstar and Chico fave Habib Koité, plus South Africa’s Vusi Mahlasela and youngster Dobet Gnahoré (Ivory Coast). It’s an impressive production at any price, but given that two days earlier you’d pay nearly double for the pleasure at Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall, it makes it even more clear that Chico rules. Laxson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Info: 898-6333 and www.chicoperformances.com.

Saturday: Three by the women: Chillith Fair, a Chico women’s singer/songwriter showcase (feat. Alli Battaglia, Boy Tiger, Karen Joy Brown and many more) will happen at 7 p.m. at the Pageant Theatre. A few hours earlier (4:30 p.m.), ”Silo Salutation,” a video of local artist Amaera BayLaurel’s silo dancing project, will be shown. And finally, singer/composer/actress Karen Melander-Magoon will present Portrait of the Artist Georgia O’Keeffe , a musical interpretation of the artist’s life, 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1289 Filbert Avenue.

Sunday: Chico State’s School of the Arts is presenting a chamber-music performance of works by no less than Mozart and Schumann. Not only are faculty performers—Robert Bowman (piano) and Russell Burnham (clarinet)—showing off their chops, but a guest string quartet will feature players from orchestras in Sacramento and San Francisco. Rowland-Taylor Recital Hall, 2 p.m. Info: 898-6333.

Also on Sunday: Three Painters & Jazz , 4-7 p.m. at Lakeside Pavilion (895-8395).

Monday: Internationally known media critic Norman Solomon will present “War Made Too Easy” as part of the Chico State Peace Institute’s Fall Peace Festival. Harlan Adams Theatre at 7:30 p.m.

It’s also cheapskate night at the Pageant—Little Miss Sunshine for only $3.

Tuesday: If you’re still with it, this can be your art gallery day. A.D.’s pick? Janice Hoffman’s beautiful new All Fired Up ceramic art center at 830 Broadway. While you’re on the block, stop by next door at 1078 Gallery for Irene Chan’s Water Ice and Ink show as well as works of modern art from the collection of Chico State president Paul Zingg. And, say hello to 1078’s new gallery director/savior, Linda Davidson.

Wednesday: Pleasant Valley High School theater students open three one-acts, “Actor’s Nightmare,” “Graceland” and “Zoo Story.” Shows 7:30 p.m. nightly through Oct. 28. Info: tjensen@pvchico.org.