Despite the fact that I've lived in Davis all my life, I was completely unaware of the music culture the city has to offer until this evening. I received a call from a friend telling me they were heading to one of the local coffee shops to listen to a friend play the saxaphone and asking if I would like to join. Naturally, I said yes. I even asked my parents to tag along.
I usually don't have time for social activities and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to catch up with an old friend and do something different. After having dinner I called my friend up and asked her where we should meet. She said that the band she initially was going to see was having an off night and it would be best if we headed to Delta Venus, a small coffee shop wedged between an AM PM and a funeral home.
Three bands were lined up to play and she thought there were be a couple of good sets. I've never really been into music - I listen to it, of course, and I know names of my favorite bands and songs, but I don't know the culture of listening and searching for the unknown bands. I also didn't know that Davis had a place like Delta Venus. I'd only been there during the day for breakfast with friends and had never taken the time to enjoy the environment that establishment had to offer.
The first band had just finished there set when I arrived. I noticed the walls were covered with unique peices of artwork, variying in style and size. After close inspection I realized some were for sale. I'd seen that at various other coffee shops around town, but never really thought about it. A small area in the back was set aside for the band; the new band was starting to set their gear up.
I asked my friend if this was a normal thing for the coffee house and she said yes. I later found out that many other establishments did the same thing by offering local bands a chance to play: G Street Pub, Cantina, Little Prauge, Borders, Cafe Roma, Bistro 33, and The Graduate.
Not only did Delta Venus offer their patrons art, good music, and great food, but they even offered the use of various boardgames. As a band called Spider Friends played a mellow rock tune a group of college students played scrabble. And it wasn't just college students. A father and his young daughter were enjoying the music and later had a noise filled game of battleship.
It was really enjoyable. I didn't realize that a place like that even existed. A place to hang out with friends, enjoy their company, and possibly discover your next favorite band or artist.
Next time I or any of my friends need to find something to do, I'll tell them that we should go check out what's happening down at Delta Venus - because right now I'm happy listening to the free CD that the Spider Friends handed out after their performance and the mocha I had definitely hit the spot.
04 febbraio 2007
01 febbraio 2007
Flyers
Sacramento, California - The library quad is littered with people, specifically people with flyers. At the beginning of each semester it's the exact same thing. In order to get from one end of the quad to the other, it's necessary to face the gauntlet of fraternities, sororities, special interest groups, and of course 24 Hour Fitness. It's interesting, no amusing, to see the various techniques that both prey and predator use in order to survive.
So what are the most common techniques to avoid the unwanted?
1. The White Rabbit
When passing through it's best to look as though you know where you are going. It's even better if you look like you're running late; anxious glances at your watch are always a nice touch. At the beginning of the semester no one is going to doubt your sincerity. If you're ever in doubt, it's okay to run.
2. Take It and Trash It
Sometimes walking quickly isn't enough. There are those who will chase after you, papers flapping in their hand and before you know it you've been "flyered." In order to avoid the speech that accompanies the flyer, most students have learned to not only walk briskly, but also occasionally stick out a hand to take the flyer. Once the paper goes from one hand to another the naive predator feels as though they've won something, namely you. Little do they know that their flyer will not be appreciated. The experienced have learned to take the paper, count to ten and shove it in the nearest trash, pocket, or bag.
3. The Cell Phone Wanderer
Others have learned to avoid the flyers completely by striking up a conversation on their cell phone while passing through. This is possibly the best way to avoid any unwanted solicitors. Most people will respect your privacy, allowing you to amble through without a care in the world. But beware; there are those who will interrupt that important call with mom.
Now how does one counter these techniques. There are variety of ways to draw anyone of the aforementioned quarry back into your domain.
1. The Fuzzy Wuzzy
There aren't many who can pass up something fuzzy. Any type of pet is a sure bait, especially for the fairer sex. Beware however, that your furry friend will get more attention than your organization.
2. "Free" Candy For Your Soul
Most college students can't pass up food, especially when it's free and fattening. All you need to do is exchange that tootsie pop for an email address or phone number and the promise that they'll "think about it." It's a good idea to offer food that requires time to eat, that way you're ensured a certain amount of time to make them hear you out.
3. Now You See It, Now You Don't
By far the most innovated technique was used by James as we tabled out on the quad for Alpha Phi Omega. We only had one flyer, because our chapter is not only small (only comprising of six actives), but also cheap. So in order to sign up prospective pledges without losing the flyer, James came up with the brilliant idea of shocking people in order to get their attention.
James would wait for his prey, casually holding out our only flyer, baiting the unsuspecting Take It and Trash It. Once they'd go for the bait, James would quickly snatch it away and ask, "Are you really interested?"
I didn't believe until I saw, but it worked.
"It really shocks people," he told. "And makes them actually want to listen." And most do listen intently to what he has to say about our Co-Ed National Service Fraternity on campus. And while he received his fair share of rejections, he took it all in stride, "At least they're honest. Plus this way we only sign up those who really are into it."
So what are the most common techniques to avoid the unwanted?
1. The White Rabbit
When passing through it's best to look as though you know where you are going. It's even better if you look like you're running late; anxious glances at your watch are always a nice touch. At the beginning of the semester no one is going to doubt your sincerity. If you're ever in doubt, it's okay to run.
2. Take It and Trash It
Sometimes walking quickly isn't enough. There are those who will chase after you, papers flapping in their hand and before you know it you've been "flyered." In order to avoid the speech that accompanies the flyer, most students have learned to not only walk briskly, but also occasionally stick out a hand to take the flyer. Once the paper goes from one hand to another the naive predator feels as though they've won something, namely you. Little do they know that their flyer will not be appreciated. The experienced have learned to take the paper, count to ten and shove it in the nearest trash, pocket, or bag.
3. The Cell Phone Wanderer
Others have learned to avoid the flyers completely by striking up a conversation on their cell phone while passing through. This is possibly the best way to avoid any unwanted solicitors. Most people will respect your privacy, allowing you to amble through without a care in the world. But beware; there are those who will interrupt that important call with mom.
Now how does one counter these techniques. There are variety of ways to draw anyone of the aforementioned quarry back into your domain.
1. The Fuzzy Wuzzy
There aren't many who can pass up something fuzzy. Any type of pet is a sure bait, especially for the fairer sex. Beware however, that your furry friend will get more attention than your organization.
2. "Free" Candy For Your Soul
Most college students can't pass up food, especially when it's free and fattening. All you need to do is exchange that tootsie pop for an email address or phone number and the promise that they'll "think about it." It's a good idea to offer food that requires time to eat, that way you're ensured a certain amount of time to make them hear you out.
3. Now You See It, Now You Don't
By far the most innovated technique was used by James as we tabled out on the quad for Alpha Phi Omega. We only had one flyer, because our chapter is not only small (only comprising of six actives), but also cheap. So in order to sign up prospective pledges without losing the flyer, James came up with the brilliant idea of shocking people in order to get their attention.
James would wait for his prey, casually holding out our only flyer, baiting the unsuspecting Take It and Trash It. Once they'd go for the bait, James would quickly snatch it away and ask, "Are you really interested?"
I didn't believe until I saw, but it worked.
"It really shocks people," he told. "And makes them actually want to listen." And most do listen intently to what he has to say about our Co-Ed National Service Fraternity on campus. And while he received his fair share of rejections, he took it all in stride, "At least they're honest. Plus this way we only sign up those who really are into it."
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