DIY Mirror Telescope
This has to be one of the largest, do-it-yourself telescope kits out there. I’m guessing it doesn’t come with an equatorial mount.
Anybody going to check out the Perseid Meteor Shower this weekend?
Stevie Wonder on U.S. Tour
He’s starting his tour in San Diego next month. Woo-hoo!
“A Wonder Summer’s Night” will feature 13 concerts from Aug. 23 to Sept. 20 in eight states. Stops in California include San Diego, Lake Tahoe, Concord, Santa Barbara, Saratoga and Los Angeles. Other cities include Portland, Ore.; Woodinville, Wash.; Chicago; Detroit; Atlanta; and Baltimore. The final concert will be in Boston.
It’s Finally Here!!!
“Avenue Q” is coming to the Bay Area!!!
Think of it as the disfuctional version of “Seasame Street”
Dang It!!!
I just missed them…
They are playing @ the San Francisco Symphony this weekend and tickets are sold out. =(
“Pink Martini is like a romantic Hollywood musical of the 1940s or 50s – but with a global perspective which is modern. We bring melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is new and beautiful.”
founder and artistic director Thomas M. Lauderdale
Nice find Mike!!!
Choral Festival Photos
The 2007 California Choral Festival and Competition was a humongous success. Most of the shows were sold out. The energy was amazing, especially the grand finale with all the choirs singing. I was moved beyond words by O Magnum Mysterium (Lauridsen)–300+ talented vocalists singing together as one. I tell you, it was a moment of divinity.
The choir that we hosted at our church, Imusicapella, took 1st place in nearly all of the categories. I’m so proud of them. Music is such an integral part of filipino culture. It’s nice to see that recognized by the world. 
Check out some photos, and the concert standing here.
Alrighty, I need to catch a plane in a few hours. Have a good week everyone!
California International Choral Festival is HERE
We have choirs from around the world here in San Luis Obispo right now. I highly encourage you to check them out. There are plenty of opportunities to welcome and listen to them starting tonight at Farmer’s Market.
Here’s the schedule of events:
Thursday, June 28
International Night on Garden Street – 6:00 p.m.
Preview the Festival by attending the Farmers’ Market in downtown San Luis Obispo, where the visiting choirs will make a joyful noise. Garden Street will be filled with choirs, local musicians and artists and international food. Come join the fun!
Friday, June 29
Opening Concert – 7:30 p.m.
The San Luis Obispo Vocal Arts Ensemble opens the California International Choral Festival & Competition by performing for the competing choirs. To welcome them to our community, the Ensemble sings selections in each of their native languages. With all of the choirs in attendance, this concert begins a joyful celebration of the Festival.
Saturday, June 30
Required Pieces Competition – 10:00 a.m.
Each choir performs the same two pieces of music while the judges listen for the elements that make each choir strong.
You can judge for yourself and become a discerning listener during this intense first day of competition. The concert is free and audiences may come and go during the performances.
Saturday, June 30
Participate in a Choir Stroll in San Luis Obispo – 2:00 – 3:45 p.m.
The Festival choirs and additional California youth choirs will be positioned in various locations dowtown, and with the provided map, you can stroll among the sites to welcome them, meet them and hear them sing. (map)
Saturday, June 30
Folk Song Competition – 7:30 p.m.
Sure to be the most spirited evening of the competition, each choir, dressed in native costume, will perform the folk music of their country. These are songs that the choirs have chosen to represent their homeland. Don’t miss this energetic and soulful evening of song that will surely deepen your understanding of other cultures and engage you in the universal language of music.
Sunday, July 1
The visiting choirs will be performing with churches in our area. Please check with the churches for times of services.
Congregational United Church of Christ, San Luis Obispo – Christ the King Church Choir, Uganda
Trinity Methodist Church, Los Osos – Landerbaso Abesbatza Choir, Spain
First Presbyterian Church, San Luis Obispo – The Choral Project, San Jose, California
St. Stephens Episcopal Church, San Luis Obispo – Voci de Canto, Santa Rosa, California
Mission San Luis Obispo – The Philippine Saringhimig Singers, San Francisco, California (the director of this choir was one of my piano teachers)
Nativity of Our Lady Catholic Church – The Imusicapella choir, Philippines (this is my church… we’ll be hosting this choir)
Sunday, July 1
Choir’s Choice Competition – 1:00 p.m.
Each choir has chosen a 12-minute program of their finest music and it is the final competition of the Festival. This will be an extraordinary
afternoon of choral music that showcases the choirs’ unique styles and exceptional musical skills. At the end of the performance, you can vote for your favorite choir for The People’s Choice award.
Sunday, July 1
Grand Finale Awards – 7:30 p.m.
The California International Choral Festival & Competition concludes with the awards ceremony announcing the winning choirs in each category. The first, second and third place choirs will sing one encore of their choice. As a grand finale, all visiting choirs perform “This is My Song” from Finlandia by Sibelius, “Cantate Domino” by Sweelinck and “O Magnum Mysterium” by Lauridsen. This may be the most glorious sound ever heard in the Performing Arts Center and certain to remain in your memory as a profound experience.
International Choral Festival & Competition
This is going to be a pretty spectacular event for our small town of San Luis Obispo. It will be the first of its kind for the Central Coast. If you’re free the last weekend of June, I suggest checking it out.
My wife and I already bought tickets for the Saturday 7:30pm show, the Sunday 1:00pm show, and the Sunday 7:30pm finale. Those should be the ones to go to. 
Lyrid Meteor Shower – this weekend!
While usually not one of the most spectacular night time displays, the Lyrid meteor shower can be amazing. Emanating from the constellation of Lyra (the Harp), the shower is expected to peak at 10-15 meteors per hour on April 22-23. Best viewed after midnight, once the moon has set. Not going to be in a good viewing location this weekend? Try another meteor shower later this year!
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