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Saturday, August 1, 2009

Enjoy Your Evening At A Sacramento Concert

By Antonio Davinci

There are many different venues to go to a Sacramento concert. These venues include clubs, theaters, stadiums, arenas and amphitheaters. One of the largest and most popular venue is the Arco Arena. Besides hosting concerts where you can see your favorite performer they also have Basketball games, cage fighting, wrestling, and the circus. They Arco Arena hosts the big names artists so if you want to go see one of the most popular musicians perform this is where to get tickets.

Smaller acts that tend to be more indie in nature take place at the Crest Theater. This smaller more intimate setting can be a great choice for jazz, folk music and acoustic performances. Mainly large performing acts tend to be at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. A lot of Sacramento concerts occur here though popular plays are also fit into the concert schedule.

There is a lot going on in the Sacramento concert scene. Hundreds of concerts are put on every single year. There is always something going on no matter the time of year. The city attracts both local musicians and performers as well as internationally recognized acts. Some venues cater to specific age groups but no matter your preference you will have a great time.

There are many Sacramento Community concerts each year. This concert series strove to bring music to a wider audience and take place at the Sacramento Community Theater. It is possible to get discounted tickets by purchasing a subscription to the entire season. Interestingly enough there are no reserved seats and the group experiences up to 90% renewal on subscriptions. They have done a wonderful job keeping costs down while bringing in excellent performers.

There are many volunteer bands that perform in the area such as the Sacramento community band and the Sacramento symphonic winds. These bands are purely voluntary and many of the performers are retired professionals from San Francisco, so the quality of music is excellent. If you are a musician then you will have no problem finding a group that will play any style of music.

The Sacramento Community Concert Association was formed to promote the arts and has been bringing concerts to the area every since the mid 50's. You can find a listing of ongoing and future concerts by looking in the venue websites or contacting the Chamber of Commerce. If you live in the area or are visiting you should definitely find time to attend a Sacramento concert. - 18423

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Selecting A New Set Of Pickups For Your Favorite Guitar

By Kyle Zoltowski

The harmonious and vibrant sound of electric guitars was the most important creation for rock and roll. Back in the 1950's, this inclusion of the electric guitar was being played around with and then in the 60's and 1970's, that style was added to until it transformed into rock and roll. The gorgeous sound that comes out of an electric guitar is simply beautiful. It is amazing to wonder where music would have ended up if it hadn't been for the invention of the electric guitar; a scary thought. A band with no electric guitar is like a baby without its mother.

Electric guitars come in several different contours, sizes, colors, and designs. Many believe that it does not make a difference what electric guitar that is used because they all are the same thing. This is is not the case; brand, size, pickups, and neck all make a difference in the sound that spews from the guitar. So, certain brands of electric guitars remained popular for decades because of the precision that is put into making them. Although, the most important part to the sound produced is the pickups.

Whether creating a band, jamming solo, or adding some weapons to your band's collection, you should be aware of the different kinds of pickups used in electric guitars before you decide on one. Many stores will be ok with you testing them and can be very helpful in giving information that will lead one in picking the most appropriate electric guitar. Make sure to get an explanation about the different types of pickups. Thekinds of pickups for electric guitars are:

* Single Coil Pickups - This type of pickup has a single wire and coil. Single coil pickups are the oldest of electric guitar arrangements. When jamming with a guitar that has a single coil pickup, the sound is affected by other frequencies in the room which create a hum with the music. These types of pickups are rarely seen today but are the choice of a few very well known artists because of the unique sound they make.

* Humbucker Pickups - This pickup is made from two coils where the unwanted hum of the single coil pickup is killed. Essentially, the coil processes two signals: one that the strings are letting out and one that kills the humming noise. The actual piece that does this is called a Humbucker which was patented in 1954. The humbucker being the two coils.

* Double Coil Pickups - This type in pickups, just like their name, include two coils. However, for one reason, guitarists do enjoy the hum sound for certain songs so the double coil pickup electric guitars sometimes come with a switch that can cancel the second coil.

There are things that go into the sound an electric guitar makes. But, pickups are the sound makers. Other parts such as: neck length, shape, material, frets, and tuners also play a part but not like the pickups. For a very long time, musicians have been trying new things in hopes to finding the perfect guitar to make the optimal sound. Rock and roll has gotten different some ways but in other ways it has stayed the same. - 18423

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Gibson Guitar History

By Frank Frederics

Anyone that has just started playing guitar or has been playing for a little (or long) while has probably wanted to have a Gibson guitar if they do not already own one of the many fine models. Over the years, Gibson has made themselves known as a top player in the music and guitar industry and many famous guitarists have been using their guitars exclusively.

Gibson began with their first guitar that they brought out to the world back in 1936, the ES-150. This popular guitar became, at that time, top electric guitars for jazz music for its sound alone. For it's time, it was quite an accomplishment in the music world.

However, it was in 1952 when they released their most well known and popular model, the Les Paul. The first Les Paul solid body electric guitar had a single coil pick up called the P-90 which is part of the reason for the amazing tone that they can produce by a skilled player.

About nine short years later, they came out with another very popular model (best known for being used by AC/DC's guitarist, Angus Young), the SG. Some people say that the SG stood for standard guitar. This guitar has a thinner body than the Les Paul creating a slightly different tone.

After the success of these two guitar releases, Gibson started designing other models which included the Explorer, Flying V, Firebird and others. Just about all of the models of guitars became very successful which says something for the company itself.

With the amount of other guitar companies emerging in the music world, it is amazing to see Gibson staying on the top end of the pack. They have always been committed to making the highest quality instrument that they are able to make. If you do not own one yet, get one or at least try one out! - 18423

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Piano Lamps, What To Consider When Buying.

By Chuck R Stewart

The goal of any piano lamp is to provide the best possible lighting so that the pianist can flawlessly read the music without difficulty in order to avoid eye strain. Because pianos differ in height and style there are lamps designed specifically for certain types of pianos. In order to choose the right piano light for your piano, you must first find out exactly what type and size of piano you have.

Upright pianos have vertical strings and are available in many different heights. Spinet, Large Spinet, Console and Full Upright are all kinds of Upright Pianos. Spinets are available in heights ranging from 36-38. Large Spinets are from 40-42, Consoles are usually 45-46 and Full Uprights are the largest and range from 50-56 in height.

In a Grand Piano the strings are horizontal. There are three kinds of Grand Pianos classified by size. The Baby Grand is the smallest of the grand pianos and measures anywhere from 4 " 5. These are typically found where space is an issue or in studios as practice pianos. The Standard Grand Piano ranges in size from 5 -7. This is the size most people think of when they use the term Grand Piano. The longest in length is the Concert Grand Piano. It measures between 7 and 9. Concert Grands are used for what the name implies concerts and large settings and are the #1 choice for performing artists around the world. The longer the piano means the larger the sound board and thus the greater the sound resonation.

When choosing the proper lamp for your piano it is best to stick to those lamps designated specifically for your type of piano. If this is not easily determined, then at least follow these general guidelines: A Spinet piano lamp may be used for any upright piano but an Upright Piano Lamp is too short for most spinet pianos. Lamps listed as Grand Piano Lamps are usually too large for a Spinet or an Upright Piano. Sheet music is typically 12 wide and a well positioned light will be about 3-6 inches above the music.

The light should be directed towards the music and away from the players eyes to avoid glare. Overhead room lighting is never sufficient enough light for playing music for any length of time and may cause eye strain and headaches.Piano Lamps can fulfill another purpose as desk lamps because they are so good for reading (as long as they are not the clip on variety) and so are well worth the expense. Because these lights offer a way to direct the light specifically onto the reading material (goose neck lamps work especially well for this) they are purchased by many non-piano-playing folk as well. The piano lamps ability to avoid glare (due to the construction of the lamp shade and the special treatment of the inside of the shade) make this perfect for reading and seeing notes on a page so that the piano player can effortlessly flow from page to page easily without hurting their eyes. - 18423

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Movie Reviews And How To Buy Movies

By Cory Ferguson

For years now, the video store was the way to get movies. Instead of buying or renting the dvd, people now can choose a movie download instead. Let's look at what you might find to watch using a movie download site.

Metroland: Chris Bale, a relaxingly wedded gentleman, is visited by his oldest buddy, a vagabond poet, who powers him to reflect on his Bohemian nights in late '60s Paris and query the value of middle-style presence in London suburbia. Adrian Hodges adjusted Julian Bames' novel. Cast includes Christian Bale, Emily Watson, Lee Ross, Elsa Zylberstein, Rufus, Jonathan Aris, Ifan Meredith, Amanda Ryan, and John Wood. (97 minutes, 1998)

Prospero's Books: At first challenging although unsatisfactory adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest, with most of the discussion mentioned by 87-year-old Gielgud (in the role of Prospero); the other performers are little more than an add on, and there's a mindboggling portion of nudity. Stuffed with shocking, layered imagery, attractive production layout and cinematography, which tend to reduce the impact of the discussion. Pleasure can rely on your patience for Greenaway's approach to the material. Cast includes John Gielgud, Michael Clark, Michel Blanc, Isabelle Pasco, and Tom Bell. (129 minutes, 1991)

C'mon, Lets Live a Little: People singer Vee enrolls in college, romances De Shannon, is exploited by learner drastic Ireland. Cast includes Bobby Vee, Jackie De Shannon, Eddie Hodges, John Ireland, Bo Belinsky, Patsy Kelly, and Kim Carnes. (85 minutes, 1967)

The Cherry Orchard: Depressed, muted adaptation of Chekhov classic in regards to a once prosperous Russian clan's battle to deal with the approaching sale of their estate and the cherished title orchard. Made with care and well performed, although not relatively powerful as either a film or as an "opened-up" play. Cast includes Alan Bates, Katrina Cartlidge, Owen Teale, Tushka Bergen, and Michael Gough. (141 minutes, 1999)

History of the World: Numerous visitor megastars; depicted by Orson Welles. Scattershot comedy drifts from the Rock Age to Roman Kingdom to French Rebellion, distributing gags varying from humorous to detestable. Eventually propulsion's gone, and it all just fibs there, regardless of attempts of a big joke cast. Cast includes Mel Brooks, Gregory Hines, Dam DeLuise, Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman, Cloris Leachman, Ron Carey, and Barry Levinson. (92 minutes, 1981)

Happy Gilmore: Hockey player Happy Gilmore finds his slap shot power translates into 400 yard plus drives in golf. Needing money to help his grandma save her house, he is going to try pro golf. His putting is as bad as his driving is good, so he has a lot to learn. Overcoming all odds, Happy wins the tour championship and now can save grandma's house.

Boris and Natasha: Stupid live-action rendition of the fondly kept in mind' 'Rough and BulIwinkle" animation succession with our dastardly however un-contemporary Russian snoops up to no excellent as typical. John Candy, John Travolta, and controller Smith pop up in cameos. This was made as a theatrical characteristic in 1988 while the Cold Battle was still real. Cast includes Sally Kellerman, David Thomas, Paxton Whitehead, Andrea Martin, Alex Rocco, and Anthony Newley. (88 minutes, 1992)

Ruby Gentry: Turgid, strolling account of simple-quality Southerner Jones wedding prosperous Malden to spite Heston, the guy she cherishes Cast includes Jennifer Jones, Charlton Heston, Karl Malden, and Josephine Hutchinson. (82 minutes, 1952)

The Vow: (2001) C-l24 Nevada detective, on the night of his retirement, finds that he is engaged in the case of a little gal's murder and vows to her parents that he can bring the murderer to due process. Another awesome Nicholson acting job anchors this fine-tuned film, which sidesteps recipe in favor of nuance. The Vow is based on the novel by Friedrich Durrenmatt. Cast includes Jack Nicholson, Robin Wright Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Vanessa Redgrave, Tom Noonan, Patricia ClllIkson, Michael O'Keefe, Aaron Eckhart, Costas Mandylor, Helen Mirren, Mickey Rourke, and Sam Shepard. (124 minutes, 2001)

To find downloads for music or games, try phrases like "Watching Movies Online". A change in the phrase will sometimes get a better result. We would recommend trying "Watch New Movies Online" for new search results. - 18423

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