What I Am Looking Forward to This Semester.

This semester I am most looking forward to the Phlagleblast. This year it is referred to as Phlagleblast-off and features an outer space theme due to the new building space in the University Union. I am really into science so for me, this theme is awesome.

If anyone is unfamiliar with Phlagleblast, it is an open house event in the University Union for students to find various locations in the building. This is meant to provide students with resources to use throughout the semester. It will be held Wednesday September 5th, between the hours of 8am-2pm. If you have time to come by and check it out on the way to or from class, please do so. It is an amazing experience in my opinion, especially this semester as there is more building space and there are useful resources for students to have in the building.

After students have had an adventurous walk throughout the building, collected stamps on a card provided when entering the building, and turned in those cards toward the end of the event, there are free t-shirts given to participants. There is also a chance to be a part of a raffle to win prizes.

In addition, there are usually recyclable bags for students to grab free goodies throughout the event which can come in handy throughout the semester; and they are good for the environment!

As mentioned, the entire building will be decorated with an outer space theme. There may be an appearance of our KSSU team at 8am to get good vibes up for a few hours. Why not come check it out and say hi to the crew?

I hope to see you all there. Happy Friday!

P.S. Congratulations on making it through the first week of school. Best wishes to all of you.

Good vibes this semester.

Go Hornets!

Advice From A Graduating Senior

It’s my last semester at Sacramento State as well as my last blog post on this fine WordPress blog run by our colleges very own radio station KSSU. Since I’ve spent the last just north of 3 years at Sacramento State I have learned a thing or two about the workings of the campus as well as college in general. I would like the share things that I’ve learned over the course of my experience. I would like to begin by stating that my experience may not mirror everyone’s, but I’ll try to make this as general as possible.

It’s Expensive

It may not cost as much as a lot of larger universities out there, but it isn’t cheap to strive for higher learning. This may be one of the earliest and possibly more painful lessons you’ll receive while striving for a undergrad or Graduate degree. Now to the important part, the money that goes into Sac State doesn’t just evaporate. You aren’t just paying for access to a few classrooms and the experience of pulling caffeine fueled all-nighters. I mean you are paying for that, but there are also a lot of services Sacramento State offers to it’s students that can and should be taken advantage of.

• Professors
  • These people are smart and want to help you. If you’re having an issue consider them a great resource to reach out to, but they don’t need to be the first or last resource.
• Peers
  • Although you aren’t paying for your peers, they are there. Social Networking is one of the most powerful things you can do while in College. You’re taking classes with a bunch of people who have the same interests as you and likely are looking to work in the same field you are, if they aren’t already. In the words of Rush “Take yourself a friend”
• Books
  • You will have to purchase your books on top of your student fees, but those aren’t the only books you have access to. The Library isn’t just for decoration, there are lots and lots of books stacking the shelves of the library. If you happen to be more of a keyboard and monitor kind of person I get where you’re coming from. We also have access to “OneSearch” a Library resource that gives you access to Scholarly Journals and articles to aid you in your papers.
• Space to Study
  • Following the Libraries massive amount of books, It is also an excellent place to study. As is the University Union, the second floor and third floor are basically just full of tables and chairs with people studying. The Airc is also another great resource, except for some occasions (usually holidays) the airc is open 24 hours a day which can be great if you find yourself working on stuff to early morning a lot. The Airc also has a lot of outlets making it great if you need to work on a laptop. If you’re having trouble finding somewhere to study in any of these places, which can and does happen around midterms and finals. Rest assured some class rooms are generally left open for students to study in as well. Just try to pick up after yourself if you want it to remain an option.
• Volunteer!
  • There are a lot of fun ways that you can get involved with the campus; the Radio Station(KSSU: One of us, One of us), The Hornet(Newspaper), or Unique(Most of the events on campus: movies, concerts, etc..) just to name the few I know of.
• Career Center
  • So most of us go to college hoping it will help us grow professionally, this concept isn’t lost to the university. We have a Career Center that exists for helping people find jobs, work on your resume, LinkedIn, Interviewing Skills, and managing the Career fair are just a few things they have to offer. Definitely worth checking them out.

Social Networking

That Important thing I mentioned before under Peers, Sacramento State is a great place to get to know people who are in your field of study as well outside of it. We have an enormous amount of organizations on campus, and likely anything kind of group of people you could be looking for. These range from Academic clubs centered around your Major, personally I belong to ACM, and MISA, both of which are concerned with introducing you to recruiters and helping people build professional networks. Some are more concerned with helping each-other learn new things, The Data Science Club, and the Neuroscience Alliance are both good examples of this, and so is the ACM for that matter. Others are just for fun, like KSSU, and many more organizations like it. I’ve heard of Netflix clubs, 3d game development clubs, robotics clubs, Film Appreciation Clubs, Anime and Manga Clubs, Quiditch Clubs, and this is just what I can think of off the top of my head.

There are many options out there for people to explore, and if Clubs aren’t your style just get to know the people in your classes. I know it’s easy to close up in your classes, after all this is a commuter campus, but people are one of your largest resources, and they will make coming to your classes a much more enjoyable experience.

The Dreaded All-Nighter

This something we all hate, and it’s something that more than likely you will experience at-least once or twice. Whether it was lack of preparation, or trying to fix something before a deadline, these things happen. It’s not fun, but sometimes you just have to buckle down and get things done. Personally I’ve gone this route more times than I care to remember, but I have picked up a few tips for dealing with them.

• Avoid it at all costs
  • You will be far more productive if you have had a full night of sleep, if this is something you can possibly put off then do it.
  • If you’re last minute cramming for a test you will perform better with a full night of sleep.
    • If you’re completely unprepared for an exam this may not feel like an option, this is a judgement call that obviously I can’t make for you.
• If you must
  • If you’ve decided you must pull an all nighter, I highly recommend sleeping as much as you possibly can throughout the night, and getting in the sleep you missed as soon as you can afterwards. Sleep deprivation is really bad for you, and despite most people not getting enough sleep it can cause more problems then it would seem to solve.
• Coffee
  • If you’ve gone this far i’m guessing you’re dead-set on it. Coffee is your friend, but it’s not your only friend. If you are into Limitless Inspired nootropic stacks I would suggest pairing it up with L-theanine, it’s an over the counter supplement that can be found in Caffeine Pills and Tea. L-theanine will help keep you from the jittery side effects, as well as providing anti-anxiety effects. Don’t let the name fool you, this stuff is naturally occurring in Tea and can be bought over the counter. Alternatively you could just drink a bunch of tea. 🙂
• Water
  • It’s important to stay hydrated, Coffee  may provide you with Caffeine but staying hydrated can do more to help you feel awake and alert.
• Food
  • Food is energy, it can help but be careful this is a slippery slope.
• Go for a walk
  • Light exercise to help keep your blood flowing to help you continue working on stuff till you can get some sleep.
• Don’t drive
  • don’t even look at your car, you are impaired. This should really be avoided at all costs.
• Get some Sleep
  • As soon as possible, try to get as much sleep as you can to make up what you lost.

I hate all-nighters, if you decide to go that route proceed with caution. Also the amount of sleep you get will determine your effectiveness for the rest of the day. Under 4 hours I feel like a useless marionette of myself, if I’m looking at you i’m generally just thinking about how nice my bed is. Over 6 hours is enough to be productive throughout the day, but close to 8 is preferred to be at the top of my game. 4-6 can be productive, but I’d really recommend on striving for 6 or more if at all possible.

ECS

If you’re in the college of Computer Science and Engineering, and Construction Management I guess now. You can get an account to access our Servers as well as our labs that are loaded with software to help you do your assignments. There are computers available to all Sac State students in the library, but there are tools that you may find yourself needing beyond the software installed there. This also gives us access to special servers as well as deals on software.

University Union

This is where most events occurs on campus, and it’s also where Information is. Information is a very useful resource, they have a stack of maps and if you’re having trouble finding something they will help you. They are located next to the food courts, and they have been very helpful for me on many occasions.

The Well

The well is Sacramento State’s Gym, but they also have a small medical office and pharmacy in the building. It’s a great resource worth taking advantage of.

 

My name is Chris Diel, and this is my last Blog for the KSSU Blog.

Board on the Blog: Meet Taylor Myers!

With a larger-than-normal personal space bubble and an empowering view on the world, Taylor Myers breaks the mold in many aspects of her life. Not only is she a female conquering the male dominated field of Engineering as a Civil Engineering major at Sacramento State, but she also represents her classmates and peers as the ASI Director of Engineering and Computer Science, or ECS for short.

Upon swearing in to her not so new position on the ASI Board of Directors, Taylor got straight to work within improving resources and connections with her students. “I would like to be a resource for all of my constituents.  A resource they feel comfortable talking to about their experiences, so that I can represent them to my best ability,” Taylor mentions. Her work ethic and commitment to addressing the needs of her students is a strong quality of Taylor’s.

Although Taylor is a tremendous student advocate, she’s also an all-around great person to surround yourself with. Her obsession with Taco Bell and her commitment to never using swear words makes her a pretty darn good influence (I mean who doesn’t like a cheesy gordita crunch every now and then, right?)

To reach her ultimate personal goal of being a successful design engineer and/or construction manager, Taylor has laid out some of her future targets she hopes to hit. A short-term goal of Taylor’s is to obtain an FE certification (Fundamentals of Engineering) as well as a CCM certification (Certified Construction Manger).  One of her noteworthy long-terms goals is to obtain a Masters in Science with a focus in environmental engineering on top of earning a PE (Professional Engineer) license and a GE (Geotechnical Engineering) license.

If she could leave one legacy here at Sacramento State, it would be in the Geo-Challenge team on campus. “It a small group that often gets over looked, I have worked really hard to change that and I hope that the work is recognized and continued after I am gone.”

Her favorite quotation is, “I swear, by my life and my love of it, that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.” –Ayn Rand.

Taylor is always trying something new and hoping to travel to new place and to gain new experiences. She might bite her nails when she’s nervous, and she might not get the words right when singing a song, but she sure is a powerful young lady that is working hard to make a difference.

If you would like to get involved with the work that Taylor is doing on the ASI Board of Directors, feel free to reach out to her via email at asiecsdirector@csus.edu or visit her during her weekly office hours! She is here to be support ECS students.

Stay posted on Taylor’s work throughout the year by liking her facebook page “ASI Engineering and Computer Science Director or by looking at the ASI website http://www.asi.csus.edu.

 

 

 

 

Let’s Review Pomades Vol.1, Review 1: Lockhart’s Goon Grease

Lockhart’s Goon Grease is a heavy hold pomade created by Steve and Nichole Lockhart, owner and operators of Lockhart’s Authentic Grooming Company in Michigan. Goon Grease applies like a light hold, but keeps your hair up and shining all day according to the Lockhart’s website. Made for “The scary fellas that come from the other side of the tracks,” The Lockharts suggest that Goon Grease is perfect for slick backs, pompadours, and everything in between.

THE TIN

Lockhart’s Goon Grease comes in a nice and sturdy 4oz tin can. The tin comes in a variety of designs including the original, which just says “Lockhart’s Goon Grease” on the top of the tin (The one featured in this review), the special edition, which features the Goon Grease mascot, and the recent “Goon For President” tin, a presidential campaign button appearance guaranteeing you that Goon Grease is a “REAL” pomade that you can trust.

THE PRODUCT

The original Goon Grease comes in a teal color with either two scents: a cucumber citrus blend (Featured in this review) or a cinnamon sandalwood blend. The cucumber citrus blend is uniquely aromatic, but not too overpowering. It is an oil-based pomade made of petrolatum, microcrystalline wax, beeswax, avocado oil, lanolin, and parfum for the scent.

APPLICATION

Surprisingly, the product was easy to apply for a heavy hold pomade. Though the top layer of the pomade is pretty hard, a few seconds under the hot air of a blow dryer should make the top layer easier to scoop. Just a knuckle’s worth of Goon Grease did the trick for my hair, but you may need more or less depending on what you are trying to achieve with your hair. The break down of the pomade took about fifteen seconds. Like the Lockharts stated on their website, Goon Grease does not apply like your average heavy hold pomade. There was not much hair tugging or struggle to run a comb through the hair like the past experiences of dealing with heavier pomades, but a more simple process.

STYLING

Using a fine-toothed comb, styling with Goon Grease was moderately simple. Though the short hairs on the sides were resistant at first, I managed to get them down as well as creating an executive contour-like look with a clean part on the right side under ten minutes. In other experiences with heavier products, it has taken as long as twenty minutes to style my hair, but in this case, I got the style I wanted in half the time.

ENDURANCE

Heavy holds have the reputation to keep your hair up all day even through the roughest of working and extracurricular conditions. Goon Grease has a strong endurance. After an afternoon work shift exposed to the California heat, Goon Grease kept my hair looking good throughout my shift. The cucumber citrus scent became subtle as time passed by, but still stood out as an evening breeze passed by. Goon Grease’s shine is great for a heavy, but the shine will dip down as time goes by, but that’s normal

 

 

WASHING IT OUT

Compared to heavy hold oil-based pomades, Goon Grease can take a couple of washes to completely remove from your hair, which may be a good thing or bad thing depending on your preferences. To get Goon Grease out of my hair, I used a little dab of Brylcreem to reduce the build up in my hair and proceeded to shower. Most of the product washed out thanks to the Brycreem and thoroughly shampooing my hair.

THE FINAL VERDICT

Goon Grease has a big following in the pomade community, praised by reviewers for its easy application and its impressive hold. Though I’d recommend Goon Grease for styles such as vintage pompadours and slickbacks, Goon Grease can be a reliable product to use for many styles from the quiff, executive contour, and everything in between. With a variety of good scents, easy application, and low styling difficulty, Lockhart’s Goon Grease is a must try for all of you who prefer heavy hold oil based pomades and for those of you who think you are one of “The scary fellas that come from the other side of the tracks.”

Gold!!! Course Registration Info

It’s mid-April, and the Spring 2016 semester is nearly over. This time of year is usually the time when students frantically endeavor to finish their final assignments and pack loads of information into their brains for their finals.

Subsequently, this is also the time of year when student course registration dates are assigned. Once dates and times have been assigned, and students typically tend to have mixed feelings about their allotted appointments.

However, registration dates have not been issued just yet. Registration for the Summer 2016 semester will start on Monday, April 11, 2016. Students just have to register, they will not receive a registration date.

All students will receive a notification in their emails as well as their student centers on April 15, 2016. This notification email will express the exact date and time the particular student will be able to register for the Fall 2016 semester.

Even though students will soon be notified of their registration dates for the Fall 2016 semester, registration won’t actually start until May 2, 2016.

With the exception of veterans,sports, and disabled students, registration dates are prioritized by graduating seniors, graduate students, then finally, by the amount of units.

Registration dates are not assigned by the amount of semesters a student has attended, but by class level. Class level is calculated by the amount of units a students has.

Seniors (90 and above), juniors (60-89 units), sophomores (30-59 units) and then freshman (0-29 units), is the order of priority.

Unfortunately, it is common for students to not be pleased with their issued registration dates. They may feel that it was scheduled too late and that they would not be able to get the courses they need.

It may seem as if some students bask in the splendor of priority registration struggle; scrapping for classes along with the majority of their peers.

Despite the seemingly majority of disgruntled students, some will  actually be pleasantly content with their registration dates.

It is good to understand that a lot of majors are impacted…meaning there are a plethora of students, within a particular major and not enough faculty members to cover them all (many factors come into play). Also, there are ways to receive a better registration date. For example, just pass your classes. When students don’t pass their classes, they have to retake them and that sets them back in the graduation process.

All students who apply to graduate in a timely manner receive priority registration. However, students can only apply to graduate when they’ve earned 85 or more units.

For more info on registration or the Registrars office, visit www.csus.edu/registrar. Or, call the registration helpline at (916) 278-8880. Students are also welcomed to visit the Registrar’s office in Lassen Hall on the second floor, room 2000.

I want to wish everyone good luck with the duration of the semester in their classes. You’re almost there!! Also, take a break from all of the stress from the semester and listen to the Leggero Hour with your’s truly, DJ LaRew; Tuesday afternoons from 3pm to 4pm. On KSSU. See you then!

KSSU Celebrates 25 years of Student Run Radio

Sacramento, CA: KSSU, Sacramento State’s student run radio, turns 25 years old this semester. Although the actual anniversary is on May 14th, the official celebration is slated for April 15th in the University Union from 10:00am to 8:00pm.

KSSU is an online radio station that broadcasts live 24/7 on KSSU.com. It is run entirely by Sac State students. Being the only student radio station of Sacramento State, KSSU provides the opportunity for Sac State students to learn about broadcast media with no prior experience necessary. KSSU is a non-commercial and free format radio station, which allows students the ability to express themselves with each show. This brings a diverse selection of programming to the station, which reflects the diverse interests of the Sac State student body. KSSU is a Student Engagement and Outreach (SEO) program of Associated Students, Inc., (ASI) at Sacramento State. For more information on KSSU and its history, go to kssu.com/about.

The celebration of being a radio station on campus for 25 years will happen throughout the day on April 15th in the University Union. KSSU alumni will be taking over the airwaves in honor of the anniversary. Various alumni from the past 25 years will program radio shows throughout the day for all to listen on KSSU.com. Some highlights of the day include: a student-produced video presentation on KSSU’s history, and a panel discussion with the founders Jim Bolt and Chris Prosio. At their panel discussion, the founders of the station will discuss their journey to start what is now known as KSSU. Following the panel discussion will be a Q&A. At the conclusion of the day, there will be a reception for attendees. Music will be provided by KSSU Alumnus, DJ Mappquest. The reception also features a photo booth. Food will be provided by Epicure Catering. A photo slideshow highlighting the achievements of KSSU alumni will be on display. The specific schedule for the day is as follows:

• In-studio sessions with KSSU Alumni: 10:00am – 3:00pm, 5:00pm – 8:00pm, live on KSSU.com.
• Panel discussion and presentation with KSSU Founders: Jim Bolt and Chris Prosio: 3:30pm – 5:00pm, Delta Room in the University Union
• Reception: 6:15pm – 7:45pm, University Union Ballroom 1.

More on KSSU: To stay updated with the anniversary and KSSU, follow us on social media. Follow @KSSUsparky on Instagram and Twitter or like KSSU, Sac State Student Run Radio on Facebook. Go to KSSU.com for more information and to listen to KSSU live.  

 

Sac State 5k Fun Run

Are you ready to run with the swarm? Sac State’s 5k fun run is approaching quickly! This is a 5k run (3.1 miles) that begins in front of the Well! The run is a great opportunity to meet new people from the Sac State campus and the Sacramento area. Also, even though the run is on the Sac State campus, anyone can take part. So you know what that means, bring your friends, family and significant others! The more the merrier. This run is again a FUN run! In the past, people have ran with their friends, family, club, or campus organization and dressed up in creative matching outfits or costumes! Because it is a fun run, it is not as competitive as a normal 5k would be. The run is mainly a fun opportunity to meet new friends, build a closer bond with those you’re running with, while reaching new fitness goals at the same time! If you have never ran a 5k before, this is a great opportunity to strengthen your running ability while still having fun.

The run will take place on Thursday April 21st at 6pm! To Register for the run, you can visit http://www.thewell.csus.edu/5k! ALSO, you will receive a t-shirt for participating in the run! Now I know what you are thinking, If you’ve never ran a 5k before, that can be a little intimidating! Well have no fear! The WELL is also providing a helpful program- Couch to 5k! This is a program that will assist you in preparing for the 5k run! The idea of this program is to assist you in making the transition from the couch to the track! With the purchase of this $19.99 program, you will receive the following: a fashionable 5k headband, a discount code to register for the 5k, 5 group fitness classes, motivation and training tips, a one on one session with a personal trainer, weekly check-ins with your personal trainer, and a training schedule that will help you stay on track when preparing for the 5k!! The Couch to 5k program will begin on March 21st, and will go for one month, to give you full preparation for the run on April 21st! Register for the 5k today! The price will eventually raise to $29.00, so the sooner you register, the better.
If I still haven’t convinced you to run the 5k, you do have one other option… You can volunteer! There are many different volunteer shifts that are available to work on April 19th, 20th, and 21st. Volunteers will be needed to assist with packet pick-up, setting up for the race, and cleaning up after. To register to volunteer visit http://www.thewellcsus.edu/5k and click on the volunteer option. Once you register to volunteer, you will be given directions on where to meet. ALSO, you will receive a volunteer shirt!!
The Sac State 5k Fun Run is a huge event that is not one to be missed!! Stingers up!

When Ashrey isn’t writing about the 5k Run she’s a DJ at KSSU

Review of Caracal and Art in General

Before I write a review of a new album, I sit down and read a few other reviews to check to see if there was anything I missed.

I did that in preparation to write my thought on Disclosure’s most recent release, Caracal. What I found was several reviews expressing that Caracal is more of the same from the electro-pop bothers, but I spun this record again this week and realized that music critics don’t cut artists any slack.

For the record, I wouldn’t classify myself as a critic, just a musician sharing his humble thoughts.

This record was incredibly well crafted. Disclosure is consistent and leaves no stone unturned in their production. It’s ultra-clean and brutally crisp. The way they produced this record is what they know. It’s what they do best. So why criticize them for not pioneering a completely new sound? Their subdued beats and subtle bass allows for the intensity to build to an intense degree without getting exceedingly loud or obnoxious like dubstep. Another thing I admire is the limited amount of sounds they employ. At any one time I can only identify up to five or six different sounds. And yet, they are able to paint an incredibly intricate soundscape. Who cares if their record sounds similar to the last one? Does that even count as a bad thing? Settle changed pop music forever – and for the better. Bob Dylan released five records before he went electric.

Similar to settle, Disclosure recruits a cast of A-list artists as features on their tunes; among them Sam Smith, Lorde, and Gregory Porter. Sam Smith comes back with the track, Omen, a seemingly somber and equally as groovy sequel to Latch. Lorde’s track Magnets straight swings, man. How Disclosure achieved such a laid-back groove with computers is beyond my knowledge. Gregory Porter’s appearance on this record makes me intensely happy. Porter is a contemporary jazz singer fairly popular on the jazz circuit. For a musician in the jazz world, this is an incredibly huge break for him. The optimist in me would like to think that people would hear the track, research the singer, listen to some of his music, and become an everlasting jazz nerd. A boy can dream. Overall, is seems as though this record was made to be a catalyst of dancing. Nothing is too fast and the average song length is just under five minutes. But nothing ever gets boring, the brothers seem very careful about adding and subtracting textures when needed to catch the ear and keep the crowd interested.

Speaking of catchy, every track has a great thematic melody that has its own hook. Sometimes it sounds like they borrow ideas but, hey, what is art but the synthesis of preexisting ideas? Everybody has their own musical vocabulary.

As for me, it is clear that Disclosure knows what they are doing and do it well. Sounding like yourself is not a crime. The real offense is when you do not.

Devan is a dj with KSSU

What Enriches Your Sacramento State Experiences?

That is the question.

In the past, I’ve been involved with high school extracurricular such as ASB (student government). I know how much work that has been, but that has motivated me to continue on with being active in high school. I just didn’t want to sit in class to class and go home with no enjoyment afterword. Now in college, I haven’t found anything like ASB to be involved in. That doesn’t mean that I won’t be an active student. I have always been skilled at being organized and understand commitment, but thanks to Sac State’s EOP / Full Circle Project and the Theatre Department, I was able to develop and expand more on these concepts that will help me in my future experiences here in campus and at future use.

From the start, Education Opportunity Program (EOP) is what I’ve selected during my college application. It’s a program for low income students and this help gives guidance to be successful all through their college years. In this program, they required every student to get a head in academic, so there was a program called Summer Bridge at the same time they required students to select a learning community. This was when I was introduced to Full Circle Project (FCP), a program that’s for Asian Pacific Islanders where students get to take the same courses and attend to the same events to learn more about the API community. Students have the chance to get to know other APIs and get connections and resources. Being in FCP, I didn’t like it at first because it was too many requirements that confused me during this semester. It was easier in the summer because the schedule was specific that when we will have to attend to class. In this semester, FCP has required their students to enrolled in three classes and they also have mandatory meetings (and events). I honestly didn’t like it at first because it was all too much. There were confusions with time classes and meetings all among the students. How I was able to handle this hassle? Well, I became organized in scheduling my duties. I began to construct a calendar (hand drawn) of each month, so I can see what events do I have to attend. Even if I only began this system last month, this has helped me to remind myself so much more. I was able to notice events that I never would have gone if I never wrote it down on a calendar. I just don’t use this technique for FCP, but also for any appointments or important dates such as exam dates. Now, I have two calendars; one for assignments and due dates and the other for notifications of event or any appointments.

On the other hand, being a Theatre major means that I have to do at least two shows as a crew member (props or tech crew) and have to at least audition once. Over the summer, I did the dance audition for the first fall play, Flight, but I didn’t passed. I really wanted to be stage manager, but I realized that I couldn’t do that also. Even though I had a calendar to organize events, I knew that I would not be able to handle myself with that type of stress. Being stage manager, you have to be committed to all of your work because everyone is counting on you, even the director for the play is. I almost crew for Flight instead, but I chose not to do so because I still wasn’t sure if I will be able to stick with this from the start to the end. Recently, I had decided to be a part of the upcoming show (that open on the 12^th) Compleat Female Stage Beauty. Everyone in this production has to be there from the 12^th (opening night) to the 22^nd (closing night) and be there for every show. All rehearsals without audience has all finished already. I took part of being the tech crew, specifically to sound. Coming to rehearsals the past days did eat a lot of my homework and free time, but I knew that I chose a sacrifice to balance everything out. Yet, I did not back out. Yes, I knew this would be a challenge for me because it’s time to be organized and be committed.

At first thought of Sac State, the campus sounds unimpressive because I am a Sacramento born and been here for most of my life. Yes, Sac State sounds boring because it’s a local campus, but when you think hard about it, Sac State has what other schools doesn’t have. There are programs, like the Theatre and Dance Department, the Engineering Program, Teaching Credential Program, etc. that are provided and the diversity of the school. It’s easy to judge Sac State in any ways. What I have taken with me was being more organized and being committed thanks to the opportunities that I’ve taken while I start my first year here.

Alexandria is a DJ with KSSU

Beautiful Noise, Exquisite Tastes, and Creative Minds: The Complete TBD Fest 2015 Experience

This past weekend TBD Fest has left a mark of music, art, design, food, and ideas in the city of Sacramento. The festival drew in thousands of diverse people, locals and visitors alike, to experience the unique Sacramento festival that is TBD.

To start off, this weekend was incredible. Everything from the acts to the food was something to look back on. The lineup fit the flow of the weekend; starting Friday off with bang, reaching a pinnacle of epicness on Saturday, and concluding with a sure sense of satisfaction on Sunday       (sorry for the tongue twister).

 

Festival Grounds

A vital part of any festival is to get a feel of where you will be for the next few days. The first thing to do is find a schedule and a map. They weren’t readily available, but the customer service tent had no problem handing out printed schedules (nothing too fancy, just a print out). Since there was no map, the only option was to explore the grounds.

Having fun with the displays!

The grounds weren’t too vast and the layout was simple: a main stage on opposing sides with smaller stages near them. In between there was the “Rise + Create” space. A vendor village, complete with local vendors selling food, drinks, art, and clothing. All the food and drink being carefully crafted, the clothes being hand-made or hand-pressed, and beautiful pieces of art being created. This section of the festival truly shows the creative and tasteful minds of Sacramento. Near and around the “Rise + Create” space there were some awesome displays. Changing pillars of light, painted pyramids, murals, and the great display by PORTAL SAC. the perimeters of the grounds had the bars and food trucks. The festival even had it’s own giant ferris wheel (which all the proceeds from went to helping those recently affected by the California wildfires). There was a lot to see and do at TBD Fest besides watch the musical acts.

 

Demolicious Derby

If none of the musical acts were catching your attention or it was just too hot for you to be standing outside, then the “Demolicious Derby” was the place to go! It took place under a shaded tent with a nice patch of grass (I’m assuming so none of the dirt or dust flies into your food). It’s a cook off between two Sacramento chefs of the fine dining scene. They both have to use a certain ingredient. They also have to cook and serve out of a food truck. The food was completely free and completely delicious.

While waiting for the food, festival goers could watch the cooking from a live video feed screened on a large screen outside. The visuals and smells would make the audience even more hungry. Some moves such as adding the spice would make the audience “ooo” and “ahh.” A comedic MC would be hosting the event so it’s not just two dudes cooking food. Attendees would have to partake in both dishes and place their used forks in their respective choices. Both competitors were always good and humble chefs.

A little example of a cook off: both chefs had to use lamb. One made street tacos, but instead of a tortilla, he a used flattened and fried pork bun. The other made a greek style lamb poutine. Drooling yet? We were.

 

The Music

As mentioned  earlier, each day had a lineup that made a great flow for the weekend. Little disclaimer: I’m not really a big fan of EDM, so I didn’t catch much of the DJ sets.  

Toro Y Moi

Friday was explosive. The first artist was the band, Cathedrals. With their chill, new wave sound, and heavy bass, Cathedrals gave the crowd something great to vibe to. Then I was able to catch Towkio, Chicago based rapper associated with Save Money and Vic Mensa. Even though the crowd didn’t know the words, Towkio and his DJ were able to pump up the crowd. Head back to the main stage and you would be able to catch the dreamy set of Toro Y Moi. This was one of the artists I was looking forward to watching the most, and they did not disappoint. Playing a good blend of the newest album, What

Tyler, The Creator

for?, and their older stuff, the set was great. Ty Dolla $ign got the entire crowd dancing or jumping to his songs. The best part of his set was when he pulled out a bass and started groovin out (I didn’t know he could even play instruments). He was even able to stage dive into the crowd during the end of his set. The only EDM set I caught on Friday was some of was RL Grime’s. Playing a heavy trap set for the festival, he had everyone moving. The craziest crowd goes to the set of Sacramento native, Death Grips. The experimental industrial noise rap group made the biggest mosh pit of the weekend, bringing the first big dust cloud into the air. Being in the mosh, I breathed in a little too much dirt. The night ended with Tyler the Creator bringing  energy to the stage. Although he couldn’t bring the visuals he wanted, the set was still crazy. The crowd moshed, jumped, and sang along to the words. It wouldn’t be a Tyler the Creator set without his comedic side comments. The day really set the mood for the rest of the weekend.

Chance the Rapper

Saturday was big. With the longest day of TBD Fest, there was a lot to do. Although the day was spent mostly walking around the grounds, eating, and hanging out, all the musical acts were great. Dark pop duo, ASTR, started the day off for me. They gave an electrifying performance with some heavy bass hits, melodic scales and licks, and some crazy dance moves. I even had the pleasure of interviewing them backstage (interview coming soon, really cool people). Joywave, an electronic indie band, drew one of the larger crowds for the small stages. Before playing, they took time to perfect their sound and it was worth it. The crowd was very responsive with each song and it was awesome to be apart of. Ratatat was one of my favorites for the weekend. The electric guitar duo had holograms and lasers, putting on one of the best visuals for the weekend. Porter Robinson had some nice visuals as well. Although I couldn’t really vibe to the music, he still put on a good show equipped with anime graphics and massive confetti shots. The crowd loved it. I was able to catch the tail end of Magic Man’s set on the opposing small stage. Although there weren’t that many people watching the set, they still gave it their all and ended with their hit, Paris. Chance the Rapper was the main act I was looking forward to for the whole weekend. The set was amazing. He came with his full band, Donnie Trumpet and The Social Experiment, which made for a much fuller sound. The visuals weren’t top notch, but it didn’t matter because the music and energy put out from the performance was, to me, the best for this weekend. Sing alongs, jumping around, crowd participation, amazing trumpet solos, it had it all. Even though he admit to go out of order of their intended set due to excitement (Chance would become a father two days later) they still made it the best. Saturday had something big for fans of all different music genres.

Tears For Fears

Sunday was a great way for the weekend to wind down. Up and coming rap/r&b artist (who recently made a song with Kanye West) Post Malone put on a good five song set to start off our day. Although he has blown up due to the success of his hit song, White Iverson, Post Malone still kept it humble, and kept it entertaining. He even performed White Iverson again for his closer, having the crowd sing the entire last verse to closer. After, we were walking and on the nearby small stage, this band O began to play. They were able to keep us and the others for their whole set. They’re an indie band from San Francisco, do check them out. I was sad to have missed Dr. Dog and A Place to Bury Strangers due to attending a Demolicious Derby, but I heard the sets were amazing. Right when we got to A Place to Bury Strangers, the lead singer had just smashed his guitar to end his set. Sad to have missed that, but it was on to the 90’s alt rock band, Dinosaur Jr.! Although they are getting old, they can still play flawlessly. With great

Madeon

tunes and heart reaching solos, Dinosaur Jr. had a high-caliber set. After, Black Lips took the smaller stage. This goofy garage rock outfit from Georgia had a really fun set. After some jokes and moshing ensued, it was time for the OG (an older act, usually more famous in the 80’s)  headliner (every festival has to have one amiright?), Tears for Fears! Watching their set was like jumping back into the past, a time where most of the people attending TBD were either not alive or too young to go to a concert. Of course, the crowd sang along to classic hits such as Everybody Wants to Rule the World and their closer, Shout. They even surprised the audience with a slower yet full version of Creep by Radiohead. Madeon electrified the crowd as the last EDM performance of the weekend. I had to jump around a few times for that performance. I wasn’t able to stay, but I heard and read that crowd favorite Chromeo properly wrapped up TBD Fest with their funky tunes.

 

Closing Remarks

Overall, TBD Fest is a must-go for anyone in Sacramento, the surrounding Northern California area, or anyone in the world that wants to have a good time. Although not as big as famous festivals such as Cochella, TBD Fest is able to provide some of the top acts in music today in a comfortable yet enthralling environment. Everyone from the acts to the volunteers to the workers to the security to everyone else helped make this weekend what it was. It wasn’t just  about the music, but about the local artistic minds and tastemakers coming together to bring entertainment to Sacramento. It’s exactly what this city needs, a positive driving force in today’s creative culture.

 

 

Check out our mini Instagram Vlogs of the Festival!

If you liked this article, be sure to tune into KSSU.com on Wednesdays from 6:00pm-7:00pm for the 30/30! 30 minutes of music followed by 30 minutes of talk with me, Jerel Labson! 

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