Spring Semester Reflection

In closing this semester I have taken with me a better sense of my personal writing ability. I’ve always known that features fuels my journalistic fire, but this semester has helped me learn to be concise while conveying key information in an entertaining and memorable way. Most papers for other classes are required to be longer and therefore a student ends up trying to stretch the information as far as possible. In journalism, the opposite is necessary and learning to shorten is an art that I am beginning to learn.
Unfortunately I was so busy with other classes that I didn’t have time to participate in the layout process this semester. I wish I had because the final product looks amazing now! I am proud of everyone who worked so hard and appreciate their efforts in laying out everyone’s articles so beautifully!
I wrote an article for every issue but one and feel that my topics reached people and inspired appreciation of new music. This evidence is apparent in the feedback that I received, especially from teachers. I managed to keep up my blog and also attain a press pass for Sierra Nevada World Music Festival where I will record soundbites and report back to Santa Cruz through the student radio station.
Overall I feel that I got more formal training and immersion in the Fall, but have greatly enjoyed being part of the newspaper throughout the Spring. I will take all that I have learned with me to San Francisco State University in the Fall and will hopefully be able to contribute the student publication there. Thank you Brad for helping to revive this program and also to inspire us to keep on keepin’ on! Your friends, our guest speakers, provided inspiration and insight to the trials and tribulations of a future career in journalism. I don’t know how to grade myself although I would greatly appreciate an A.

The end is near...

Last issue in progress. Excited! and school is almost over and my story is done!

With Summer Almost Here, SNWMF Is Near!

As warm weather and the nostalgia of past summers and epic times approaches once again, many look to a more cost-efficient plan for the nearing months. Whether you’re rolling deep with your honey and chillens, a group of groovy old high school friends, or flying solo as a butterfly, Sierra Nevada World Music Festival provides a summer solstice celebration and many musical offerings for the whole crew at an affordable price.
Located within the grassy Mendocino County fairgrounds, the sleepy little strip of Boonville proper comes alive for three days with excited campers and curious day visitors, lured in by the music resonating throughout the Anderson Valley. A giant stage with lights and speakers aplenty sets the valley scene that sprawls west to the horizon line of heavy forest and treetops and east to the golden rolling hills.
Most festivals get a bad rap because they seem to be plagued with heavy drugs and even heavier hitting users. SNWMF does not claim complete immunity to these symptoms, but does however provide a much kinder and welcoming environment for kids, than say, Reggae Rising. The whole vibe is far more peaceful and all around “irie.”
Featured musicians arrive from all over the world, delivering a taste of their homeland, whether it is Montego Bay, Brooklyn, Bermuda, or Barcelona. Flavors range from reggae to hip-hop to salsa to various world vibes that are featured over three days on two stages.
The festival dates this year are Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21. Advance three-day tickets are $145 and single-day tickets are either $55 or $65 depending on the day. There is an additional $60 charge per vehicle to guarantee a car-camping spot. To purchase tickets or to find out additional information, visit www.snwmf.com.
If you fancy a new life adventure and you absolutely adore discovering new music and dancing the long warm days and nights away, pack up your tribe, grab a tent and some beer and head north.

Friday, June 19
Femi Kuti
Zap Mama
Ras Michael
Bushman
Ras Midas
Rusty Zinn
Sila & the Afrofunk Experience

In The Dancehall:

Jah Shaka
Jah Warrior Shelter

Saturday, June 20
Michael Rose
Sly & Robbie
Tarrus Riley
The Heptones
The Abyssinians
Etana
Cherline Anderson
The Itals
Michigan & Smiley
Vagabond Opera
Del Castillo
Comrade Fatso

In the Dancehall
Stone Love
Comanche Hi Power

Sunday, June 21
King Sunny Adé
Anthony B
Gregory Isaacs
Easy Star All-Stars
Blue King Brown
Del Castillo
The Lions
Marty Dread

In the Dancehall
TippaTone Hi-Fi