Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: PandeMUSic
The old-timers … Few things have been as consistent in Chico over the past couple of decades as West By Swan. The long-running experimental rock band has been around for more than 17 years—probably longer […]
Arts DEVO
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: Let’s all spring forward, please!
I am hopeful that the News & Review will find a way—Arts DEVO, March 19, 2020 It has been one year since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak as a global pandemic (March […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: On today’s show …
Happy Thursday, Butte County. Thanks for tuning in. It’s been three months since this paper added radio to its media output … If you’re just joining us, you’re listening to the Chico News & Review […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: This is where the pickle jars go
Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed, I’ll go stand inside the pantry closet. I’ll open the door from the hallway in the middle of our house, turn on the light, step in and quietly scan the […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: The meaning of life? We’re alive
Arts DEVO is not a religious man nor a philosopher, but he is devoted to the songs. It’s in the lyrics of my favorites where I often get confirmation of the few truths that guide […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: Live music tonight & big losses for the arts scene
Tonight, go Back to the Grotto Chico’s favorite sons are turning 30 this year. The Mother Hips, naturally, had wanted to celebrate in the way that they do best—with epic live shows throughout 2021—but those […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: In memoriam
It’s been nearly a month since Arts DEVO has written this column. That’s the longest break I’ve taken from it since the debut in August of 2006. The bulk of the break was spent on […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: Year in local (recorded) music
Just play me another song Should there be any awards shows for this year? With so many canceled/postponed tours, albums, films, etc., the entertainment machine should just skip 2020 like the 13th floor and move […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: Live/life music
Over the 15-plus years Arts DEVO has had this column space to write about whatever he wants, the “whatever” has most often been music. I’ve said here many times that my life revolves around it, […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: New day rising
I’m sure most everyone who reads this column is not a fan of Donald Trump, so since I’m speaking to the choir at this moment when most major outlets have announced Joe Biden as winning […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: Paradise two
Return to the Ridge In a couple of weeks, two years will have passed since the Camp Fire started in Butte County. As the CN&R editorial team has discussed the anniversary, it’s hit me that […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: Weekend plans
The old normal? A weekend of local theater? Music at Laxson Auditorium on a Friday night? A new Jed Speer mural? What year is this?! It can’t be 2020. Looking at the calendar right now, […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: Chico is still there
Everything old-school is new With the lockdown-triggered closures of some of the cornerstones of the local cultural scene—e.g., Blue Room Theatre, Blackbird—Arts DEVO worries about what Chico will look like at the end of the […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: Lockdown challenge, plus new Chico music
Labor Day to Krampusnacht The only way Arts DEVO is going to make it to the other side of this shelter-in-place (-inside, -in-smoke, insane) with his health intact is to check his consumption—of nightly beers […]
Arts & Culture
Arts DEVO: Grief, hope
“That’s the beauty of music. They can’t get that from you. … There’s something inside that they can’t get to, that they can’t touch. That’s yours.”—Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), The Shawshank Redemption Jenise Coon was […]