This weekend in San Luis Obispo: Wizard of Oz, Zion I and Bacon Week

What do Oz, Zion I and Bacon have in common? Asides from the letter ‘o’, not much. Except that they are all playing  in San Luis Obispo this weekend and made the top three things to do this weekend.

THE LIST

– FEATURED – What to see: The Wizard of OZ

Courtesy of Kelrik Productions

Kelrik Productions brings the MGM classic, The Wizard of Oz, to stage starting this Saturday, January 25th.

Erik Austin, founder and artistic director, emphasized the desire to recreate the movie.

“We worked to embody the characters and pay  homage to the movie as much as possible,” Austin said.

To do so, the production will feature projections for special effects, Austin said.

Kelrik has been providing community theatre to the central coast since 2004. It recently has had to move rehearsal and performance spaces since the closing of it’s usual space, Unity Church.

The show will be performed in Cuesta College’s new performing arts center. Kelrik is one of the first companies to perform in the new space, Austin said.

“It’s a beautiful state of the art theatre,” Austin said, “It has every bell of whistle.”

Austin has been working with the cast during the four week rehearsal process.

Courtesy of Kelrik Productions

The Wizard of Oz will feature Cassie Johnson as Dorothy. A Kelrik audience favorite, Mike Mesker, will play Professor Marvel and The Wizard of Oz.

The cast will also feature  Allison King (Glinda), Theresa Riforgiate (Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West), Larry Kaml (Uncle Henry/Gatekeeper), Sandy Schwarer (Aunt Em), Ed Cardoza (Hickory/Tinman), Bret Boyle (Zeke/Cowardly Lion), and Evan Camacho (Hunk/Scarecrow).

The Wizard of Oz is just the first of several productions of Kelrik’s 2014 season.

The Wizard of Oz will be playing through February 2nd with matinees and evening shows.

Tickets

More Info

What to hear: Zion I

Zion I is coming to SLO Brewing Co. this Sunday, the 26th at 7:30pm. The Bay Area Hip-Hop duo is made of members emcee Zumbi and producer Amp Live. As part of The Masters of Ceremony tour, Zumbi and Live are promoting their seventh EP. A free download of the EP can be found here. 

Event and promotion intern, Lindsey Lewis said they are expecting a decent turn out. So get tickets while you can.

Tickets

Info

What to do: Bacon Week

The wildly popular SLO Bacon Fest has long passed, but if you didn’t get a chance to celebrate the festivities, there’s still hope. From the creators of SLO Bacon Fest, is San Luis Obispo’s Bacon Week.

Through January 25th, Bacon Week brings all of the dishes created by SLO Bacon Fest vendors, back to their original restaurants. By visiting each restaurant you have a chance to win prizes.

Cal Poly graduate, Grant Garcia, was one of many who enjoyed the food at Bacon Fest in November.

“The vendors did a good job making dishes that go well with bacon, but it’s not too overpowering,” Garcia said.

Participating restaurants include Chino’s Rock and Tacos, Pluto’s, and SLO Donut Company. A full list of participants can be found here.

Enjoy your time out!

Auditoriums, Bars and Clubs: The ABC’s of Places to Know in San Luis Obispo

Out of Time Highlights:

• The Graduate is catered towards guests 18 and over with a club and dancehall atmosphere.
• SLO Brewing Co. is a restaurant and bar that turns into a music venue with both all ages and 21+ events.
• San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center hosts local and touring talent in two state-of-the-art theatres on Cal Poly’s campus.

Before I begin throwing events at my readers, I want to make sure everyone is familiar with some of the more popular venues in San Luis Obispo, California. This post features a few of the most frequented entertainment venues in SLO. Whether it’s music, dancing or theatre, these are the places to know.

The Graduate

The first place of interest, The Graduate (or “The Grad”), is a bar and club that hosts 18 and over and 21 and over events. The Grad has a dance hall feel and often hosts local and well-known DJs. There is a different themed night every night starting on Wednesdays. However, they’re most well known for their country line dancing nights on Thursdays.

Third year kinesiology major, Hannah Tappe, has been line dancing for two years now. Ever since her first time her freshman year, Tappe has been going consistently with her friends.

photo courtesy of Hannah Tappe

“I like line dancing because it’s something to do on a Thursday night even if you’re not 21,” Tappe said, “The Grad is a fun place to dance with your friends.”

The Grad attracts many ages, but mostly appeals to college students and, appropriately enough, graduates.

The Graduate’s Entertainment Info

SLO Brewing Company

San Luis Obispo Brewing Company, commonly known as SLO Brew, is downtown SLO’s most active music venue. By day, SLO Brew is a restaurant and bar. By night, it becomes a hotspot to a variety of musicians.

Fourth year journalism major Lindsey Lewis is SLO Brew’s events and promotion intern. San Luis Obispo’s small town feel appeals to both artist and audience, Lewis said.

“Everyone feels at home in SLO. Big cities can be crazy and could be harder to visit around town,” Lewis said, “Too $hort was able to go around downtown without too much hassle.”

This month, SLO Brew is hosting 15 acts from all different genres, Lewis said.

SLO Brewing Company’s Event Calendar

San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center

The San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center, or the PAC, hosts all talents and genres. Located on Cal Poly campus, the PAC is home to many local performing arts organizations including the Cal Poly music department, San Luis Obispo Symphony, Opera San Luis Obispo, and Cal Poly Arts. The PAC also hosts touring Broadway shows, famous comedians, dance troupes, and music ensembles. If it can be performed, the PAC can host it.

The PAC is comprised of two auditoriums: Christopher Cohen Center, and Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre. The Christopher Cohen Center, the larger of the two, hosts most of the main acts. The Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre hosts smaller acts and speakers.

Outside of Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre

Inside of the Christopher Cohen Center

Fourth year theatre major, Christopher Gormley, has performed multiple times in the Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre. “It’s always a joy performing on that stage and just as much of a joy to sit in the audience,” Gormley said. “Spanos is a comfortable theatre. I’ve seen such a wide array of performances at Spanos, in terms of content.”

San Luis Obispo Performing Arts Center Event Calendar

So there you have it, the need-to-know venues in San Luis Obispo. There are still many places to find great sources of entertainment in SLO. But, you’re bound to find something to do any day of the week at one of these entertainment destinations.

Until next time, enjoy your time out!