The times in which we are living are turbulent and unpredictable on many levels. Too many of us face varying degrees of uncertainty on a daily basis, possibly none more so than the LGBTQ+ community.
What do you do when the news of the world is getting you down? Go to a movie? Log into social media and vent your frustrations? Eat ice cream by the pint? Well, movies can be expensive (especially when you add popcorn), ranting online isn’t going to do much for your blood pressure, and consuming large quantities of sweets ... we’re not even going to go there. It’s time to put down your phone, close the refrigerator door, and get outside for some fresh air and sunshine.
2025’s Fresno Rogue Performance Festival is a Magician’s Wonderland. No less than four magic acts entertain the masses this year. Magic of Eric led off my tour of tricksters. A good old-fashioned performer with a pack of new tricks, Eric Hiett ties knots that transform ropes into rings that link and change shape at his command.
Tim is a solo performer but he is never completely alone onstage as he transforms, over a very short period of time, into a multitude of characters without the use of props or obvious costumes. It’s just vocal inflection, movement and attitude that provide the individuality. The twist is, he doesn’t rely on cartoonish caricatures to get the point across.
“Buckle up – it could get weird.” These are comedian Joey Rinaldi’s words of warning at the beginning of Idiot Abroad Comedy Show. I’d put the emphasis more on comedy than weirdness, especially considering the packed house was howling with laughter within the first five minutes of the show.
If you follow the arts scene in Fresno, you've no doubt heard of the Rogue Festival. Maybe you've even attended. Created in 2002 by Fresno playwright Marcel Nunis, it has become one of the oldest, continuously operating (and best respected) fringe festivals in North America. The Rogue has progressively grown in size from one venue with two stages and a handful of local acts to nine separate venues and 40 performing groups and individuals from all over the US, Canada, Australia and the UK.
Did you know there are demons, angels, and a few vampires lurking in a small Central Valley town just south of Fresno? If you don’t believe me, ask local author, James Garcia Jr. He’s the man responsible for these spooky residents. James is a writer of horror fiction, and the creatures in question inhabit his books, most of which take place in and around his hometown of Kingsburg.
When it comes to the arts, the Central Valley is hardly a wasteland. With theatre and dance companies and festivals, orchestras, bands, and plenty of art galleries and related events, the scene is vibrant and thriving. Another component that is less showy and flashy but just as vital is literature.
Spices. They’ve been around for thousands of years, serving numerous purposes: commodities, currency, medicine, and status. History shows the spice trade once having been so powerful it influenced the rise and fall of early nations. And, of course, spices have always been a critical ingredient in food, something that hasn’t changed over time.
“Good art arrives through an organic process of inspiration and emotion.” These are the words of Central Valley mixed media artist Arien Reed. With a style that is colorful, powerful and celebratory, Arien (he/they) is using his “hella gay art” to raise awareness about gender diversity and encourage love and unity.
