Looking for something to do around Chico?
Welcome to your online reference for Listen Up — NSPR’s curated list of arts, culture and community happenings in the Chico area. From gallery shows to concerts, talks and local gatherings, we’re highlighting what’s happening around town each week and how you can be part of it.
Email events@mynspr.org to reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you!
ART
Personal to Political: Celebrating the African American Artists of Paulson Fontaine Press
- Janet Turner Museum
- Now through Sunday, Oct. 17
- 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Tues. through Thur.)
- Free
The Janet Turner Museum at Chico State is highlighting the pioneering work of Berkeley’s Paulson Fontaine Press with the show “Personal to Political.” It celebrates the press’ dedication to championing African American artists.
Director of Galleries and Curator, Dr. Rachel Skokowski, says the exhibit showcases African American artists reshaping contemporary art. The work celebrates the Black experience and spans everything from personal family histories to political work.
A conversation with Pam Paulson and Rhea Fontaine of Paulson Fontaine Press will follow tonight’s opening reception at the Turner. The exhibit will be on display until October 17th.
FILM + THEATER
- Center for the Arts
- Friday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 20
- 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
- $36-$40
Staged by the California Regional Theater, “Come From Away” is based on the events in the Newfoundland town of Gander, the week after the September 11 attacks. At that time, 38 planes, carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport.
The musical opens on the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11.
- The Pageant Theatre
- Friday, Sept.11 & Saturday, Sept. 12
- 7:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.
- $10
Iconic director David Lynch’s film debut, “Eraserhead,” tells the story of troubled factory worker, Henry Spencer, as he juggles caring for his deformed child and his disgruntled girlfriend, and navigating the peril of his work.
'Teenage Sex & Death At Camp Miasma'
- The Pageant Theatre
- Thursday, Sept.10 & Sunday, Sept. 13
- 7 p.m.
- $10
The film follows a passionate young director trying to revive the Camp Miasma slasher series after years of dud sequels and declining fan interest. As her research deepens, she develops a relationship with the film’s original star, played by the iconic Gillian Anderson, best known as Scully from The X-Files. Now a reclusive, mysterious actress, the two women become entangled in a bloody love affair.
- Riverfront Playhouse
- Now through Sunday, Sept. 20
- 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
- $25-$30
"Grave Mistakes" is a haunted romantic comedy about a complicated love situation. It starts off with Ray, who’s in love with his co-worker, then everything goes awry when a bizarre landlord and ghost hunter enter the picture to turn their workspace into a paranormal tourist attraction.
MUSIC
Listen Up House Concerts: Hannah Jane Kile with Kyle Williams
- The P-Court Patio
- Friday, Sept. 11
- 7 p.m.
- Donations encouraged
The redwoods backyard setting of Listen Up House Concerts brings together multi-instrumentalist Hannah Jane Kile and acoustic guitarist Kyle Williams as they share music, stories and impromptu collaborations in what they call “Songwriters In the Round.”
If you plan to attend, be sure to sign up to receive location details.
- The Breakbeat
- Sunday, Sept. 13
- 5 p.m.
- $30
Folk-soul artist Marty O’Reilly returns to Chico for an intimate show. You may have seen him recently on NBC’s "The Voice," winning over some of the judges and turning three chairs with his soulful, raspy rendition of Ray LaMontagne’s “Trouble”.
MOVE + MAKE + EXPLORE
Chico Renaissance and Fantasy Faire
- Patrick Ranch Museum
- Saturday, Sept. 12
- 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Free
A new experience is coming to Chico, blending history, magic and community. It’s the Chico Renaissance and Fantasy Faire.
This first-of-its-kind event offers free admission and takes place this Saturday at the Patrick Ranch Museum. Organizer Samantha Zangrilli owns and operates Your Local Marketplace, which is producing the fair along with the nonprofit Sound Source.
Patrons are encouraged to dress up for the costume contest and participate in free crafts and dragon decorating with Chico Creative Reuse. Hundreds of vendors will be in attendance, and -of course- there will be turkey legs by NorthCal Grill.
Zangrilli spent more than a year creating this event and wanted to make sure everyone from creatives to attendees enjoy themselves.
Guests are encouraged to ride their bikes or carpool, as there is a small parking fee for groups of fewer than four people.
Stewardship Saturday with the City of Chico: History of Bidwell Park
- Chico History Museum
- Saturday, Sept.12
- 9:30 a.m.
- Free
Learn about the history of Chico’s Bidwell Park with local Chico author and poet, Paul Belz, and Park historian, Dave Nopel. Join the duo for a fascinating journey through the history of the beloved Chico landmark.
- Chico State at Colusa Hall
- Tuesday, Sept. 16
- 6 p.m.
- Free
Former NSPR jazz director and author, Dr. Daniel Atkinson, talks about his new book, The Rediscovery of George "Nash" Walker: The Price of Black Stardom in Jim Crow America. It’s a fascinating look at the cultural influence of African American actor, writer and producer, George Walker.
Got an event? A hot tip? A brilliant idea? Email us at events@mynspr.org.
Listen Up also brings the area’s best events to your radio — listen to NSPR Thursdays during All Things Considered.
