Instead, we had to endure the drone of TV executives talking incessantly about their wonderful slate of new shows for the fall season. One of the networks presenting its wares at the Beverly Hilton was the CW Network, which is known affectionately in some circles as the “love child” of two former networks, UPN and the WB. I know this union has nothing to do with a former North Carolina senator, but it seems too ironic to ignore altogether.

Before I digress any further, let’s look at where we are now with the CW Network, which having dropped “WWE Smackdown,” seems more firmly in the grip of its target demographic audience, namely younger adult women.

Dawn Ostroff, president of Entertainment at the CW, told the gathering of TV critics that in assessing the appeal of its shows, the network doesn’t look at households, but flatly stated that “what we go after is the 18- to 34 year-old woman.”

You can’t argue with that point, when it’s obvious that the biggest show on the CW is “Gossip Girl,” one that I would not watch under gunpoint, which is about privileged teenage girls at an elite private school in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Even the advertising for this show looks a little risqué, focusing on steamy sex scenes.

Adhering to its target demographic, one of the CW’s new fall series is “Privileged,” the story of one young woman navigating the treacherous waters of high society in Palm Beach. Twenty-three-year-old Megan Smith (JoAnna Garcia) has a Yale education in journalism she’s putting to good use slaving away at a tabloid rag. Then, in one whirlwind day, she gets fired, meets cosmetics mogul Laurel Limoges (Anne Archer), and becomes the live-in tutor for Laurel’s twin teen granddaughters in the swank Florida town.

“Privileged” has the CW Network written all over it, as our young heroine gets caught up in the heady world of wealth and power. The girls under her tutelage aren’t too thrilled, but Megan enjoys the perks of a private suite, nice car and live-in chef. She catches the eye of Will Davis (Brian Hallisay), the super-rich dilettante who lives on the estate next door and just happens to be dating Megan’s estranged sister Lily (Kristina Apgar). The plot is bound to thicken, and if you’re an 18- to 34-year-old female, you may want to tune in to “Privileged.”

Another new series to begin in early September is the edgy, contemporary spin-off of the iconic drama “Beverly Hills, 90210.” The new show is titled simply “90210,” because everyone who is hip knows this zip code belongs to that exclusive Southern California city with its pedigree of wealth and prestige.

The new “90210” looks at life through the eyes of Annie Wilson (Shenae Grimes) and her brother Dixon (Tristan Wilds), whose first day at West Beverly Hills High School leaves no doubt they’re not in Kansas anymore.

The Wilson family, including dad Harry (Rob Estes) and mom Debbie (Lori Loughlin), has relocated to this nice zip code to keep an eye on Harry’s mother Tabitha (Jessica Walter), a feisty but faded former television star and a charter member of the Betty Ford Clinic. It’s awkward for the new kids at school when their dad has taken the job of high school principal. Jennie Garth, an original student on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” is now the beautiful guidance counselor Kelly Taylor. Kelly’s former classmate, Donna Martin (Tori Spelling, another original student), owns a local clothing boutique.

At the TV critics press tour, it was announced that Shannen Doherty’s Brenda Walsh will guest star in multiple episodes as a successful theater actress returning to her alma mater as a guest director for the school’s musical production.

Coming to the schedule at the end of October is a new reality show called “Stylista.” Eleven aspiring fashion enthusiasts vie for a much-coveted editorial job with “Elle” magazine. The contestants work as assistants to the magazine’s fashion news director, Anne Slowey, a demanding but well-respected fashion icon. The competitors carry out an assistant task and a fashion editorial assignment in each episode.

Each week, Slowey fires one person, until the last assistant standing gets “promoted” to the coveted real-life job opportunity. The grand prize includes a paid editorial position at “Elle,” a paid lease on a great apartment in Manhattan, and a clothing allowance, all for one year, valued at $100,000. “The Devil Wears Prada” should be considered required viewing for any prospective contestant.

During her remarks to TV critics, Dawn Ostroff announced a reality show called “13 – Fear is Real,” which is described as “The Blair Witch Project” turned into a competition show. The participants get bumped off and are never seen again, at least on the show. To create a spooky climate, the filming takes place in the remote bayous of Louisiana. I believe the contest winner will get to live in a FEMA trailer in Plaquemines Parish.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

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DATES IN THIS STORY HAVE BEEN CORRECTED. 

LAKEPORT – This year there will be a new opportunity for actors and actresses to perform at the Soper-Reese Community Theater.

Mendocino College is offering two new classes for the Lake County area, one in theater acting and performance and the other in theater production and performance.

The classes will both take place at the Soper-Reese Community Theater, 275. S. Main St., on Tuesday and Thursday nights, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Carol Dobusch, a long-time drama teacher and performer in Lake County, will teach the classes. Dobusch was most recently the director for "Zombies from the Beyond" and "Nunsense," both wonderful musical comedies. It is no wonder, then, that she has chosen to present a new and hilarious version of "Cinderella," a musical comedy that will set the old story back on its heels.

This new "Cinderella" has parts for the usual suspects, i.e., Cinderella, Prince Charming, the ugly stepsisters and their mom, and a few other strange characters that you have never heard of -- including sheep with attitude.

The biggest difference between this version of the story and the others, however, is that you can be male or female and try out for any part ... except Cindy, herself. Cinderella needs to be a sweet young thing that can sing like a bird. (All fairy tales need a heroine!)

So, are you interested? Here's what you do. Come to the first class at the Soper-Reese Community Theater at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18. Auditions will be held on that date and Dobusch will be there to explain the particulars and hand out information regarding Mendocino College enrollment.

If you are interested in set design, lighting, makeup, costumes or stage managing rather than acting, you may indicate that at this first meeting.

You may also enroll on line at www.mendocino.edu. You will sign up for "Theater Arts 220” and/or “Theater Arts 225.” Both classes are one-unit classes.

This is a new adventure, a new opportunity to perform and be a part of the theater community in Lake County. How many times have you said, “I think I would like to do that, but I don't know how or where to start"? How many of you have said, "I already know how to do that, but there aren't enough opportunities for me to get a part”? Well, here's your chance. Get started – with Mendocino College!

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From left, Scott Bowers fills in on bass, performing along with legendary guitarist Mike Wilhelm at the Blue Wing Blues Festival last week. Photo by T. Watts.

Working from the songbooks of Freddie King, Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Jimmy Reed, B.B. King and others the All-Stars delivered a solid set. The versatility of Mike Wilhelm’s playing was evident as he alternated between rhythm and lead licks. He picked up a National Steel Resonator guitar halfway through the set and gave the crowd ample evidence of why Jerry Garcia called Wilhelm his favorite guitarist.

I can’t leave out Jim Williams’ contribution. He contributed several stinging solo’s which left some folk’s open-mouthed. Kudos also to Scott Bowers filling in on the bottom for Jon Hopkins on a moment's notice. If you’d like a little taste of the Lake County Blues All-Stars, they play Blue Mondays at the Blue Wing frequently.

Friday Night headliners, the Ford Blues Band with Patrick Ford and Volker Strifler are connected musically all over the world. Patrick Ford’s brothers, Robben and Mark, have made individual high water music marks as well.

To start, the band ripped through three up-tempo harp-driven, guitar-fueled numbers and quickly had the crowd on its dancing feet. Harp man Andy Just was smoking. Bassist Dwayne Pate anchored the bottom pocket while Patrick Ford’s beat was cool and steady.

Volker Strifler played and sang amazingly well. His version of Howlin’ Wolf’s Spoonfull was very authentic. If there had been a vote for the festival’s best guitar player, Volker would have been hard to beat. If you ever get a chance, catch this band live. They don’t just cook, they sizzle!

T. Watts writes about music and culture for Lake County News.

Singer Neon and bassist Scott Bowers perform during the blues festival. Photo by T. Watts.

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Konocti Art Gallery/Studio is part of the Harbor Village Artists, an art colony in its beginnings as a part of the Lake County Redevelopment Agencies revitalization of the Highway 20 corridor in Lucerne.

Konocti Art Gallery/Studio features the work of Lake County resident artists, Joan Facca, Ray Farrow, Meredith Gambrel and Richard Seisser.

These artists are exhibiting their works of art created in acrylic, alkyd, oil and pastel, and you are invited to visit them in the gallery/studio Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition to the exhibit of art these artists will be presenting demonstrations of their individual techniques, classes and workshops by resident and visiting artists.

Harbor Village Artists colony complex is part of the larger redevelopment project in the Highway 20 corridor project and can be easily located next to the boat launching facility at Lucerne Harbor Park, just opposite the Lake County Visitors Bureau on Highway 20.

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Singer Maria Muldaur closed out the second annual Blue Wing Blues Festival with a powerful 90-minute performance. Photo by T. Watts.

UPPER LAKE – Sometimes what you get onstage is two things in one. I observed this phenomenon many concerts ago.

Sometimes musicians, for various reasons have to perform at the same venue under different names. I’m not making this up. When, as a teenager I went to a concert to see Bob and Earl (The Harlem Shuffle) and Jackie Lee (The Duck), it turned out the Earl, and Jackie Lee were the same person.

And so, dear readers, bluesologist that I am, equipped with the foreknowledge that the Mighty Mike Schermer Band and the Maria Muldaur Red Hot Bluesiana Band were the same musicians, I skipped the first set Saturday night at the Blue Wing Blues Festival, confident that I would still garner a healthy dose of both. (Plus, I had a prior commitment.)

Mike Schermer’s credentials are solid and authentic. His latest release, “Right Hand Man,” is peopled with R&B, blues and pop stalwarts like Howard Tate, Earl Thomas, Marcia Ball, John Nemeth, Elvin Bishop, Angela Strehli, Marcia Ball, Sista Monica Parker and Maria Muldaur. You can’t assemble a cast like and produce a great record unless you yourself have what it takes. Check it out for yourself.

Maria Muldaur just released her 35th album in 40 or so years of being at the cutting edge of American music. Maria and Mike Schermer have shared the stage and studio on many occasions though as Schermer’s career has ascended, they don’t work together as often as they once did.

Muldaur hit the stage at 8 p.m. sharp Saturday night and confessed to the crowd that since she wouldn’t be making it to church on Sunday they might as well have it at the Blue Wing on Saturday night. Her Gospel selection, “Getting’ Ready To Go Back Home,” lifted the spirits of the crowd right away.

She introduced the crowd to selections from her new album, “Yes we can!”, which, incidentally, features folks like Odetta, Joan Baez, Bonnie Raitt, Phoebe Snow and The Women’s Voices For Peace Choir.

Muldaur’s Red Hot Bluesiana Band consisted of Mike Schermer on guitar, Chris Burns on keys and David Tucker on drums. These musicians came to play and did so nonstop for more than 90 minutes. They covered material by Leadbelly, Memphis Minnie, Marvin Gaye, The Neville Brothers and of course Maria’s own originals. When she sang Marvin Gaye’s politically charged, “Inner City Blues,” she commented, “It’s a pity we still have to sing this song 40 years later.”

Muldaur and the band kept the energy up and the crowd danced until the end. At about one hour into the show, she asked the crowd, “Are you having fun?” An uproarious “YESSS” was the collective response. Muldaur quipped, “Well, I guess we’ll keep on playing.” They did so for another 30 minutes.

Maria Muldaur closed her exuberant set with her most requested numbers, “It Ain’t The Meat, It’s The Motion,” “ Midnight At The Oasis” and “Don’t You Feel My Leg.” They finished to a standing ovation.

Afterwards Muldaur and Schermer graciously signed CDs until everyone was satisfied.

The length of the performance and the willingness of the performers to please the crowd made Maria Muldaur and Ret Hot Bluesiana Band the perfect closer to the second annual Blue Wing Blues Festival.

See all you blues lovers next year. Or maybe next Monday.

T. Watts writes on arts and culture for Lake County News.

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The dance floor stayed busy at Thursday night's blues festival. Photo by T. Watts.

UPPER LAKE – The Blue Wing Blues Festival continued for the second night in the open air garden between the Tallman Hotel and the Blue Wing Saloon & Café on Thursday, Aug. 7.

Veteran world-class performers Kathi McDonald, Rich Kirch and David Hayes cooked up a raucous blues porridge of hits to open the show. The high-spirited crowd of people were treated to tight renditions of “Lawdie Miss Claudie,” “Talk To Me Baby,” “Help Me Baby (I Can’t Make It Alone)”, “Hound Dog,” “Hoochie Coochie Man” and “Rock Me Baby,” among others.

McDonald, very summery in a leopard-patterned, really short ensemble, pranced and danced about in high heels, interspersing her vocals with historical anecdotes about the blues music business. For example she cooed, “Albert King was one of the meanest men who ever slang a guitar.”

We can add another great artist to the census rolls in Lake County. Apparently, Rich Kirch has been living in Lakeport for some time now. We hereby welcome another great purveyor of the blues to the area.

In a post performance conversation with Bernie Butcher, 25-year Van Morrison bassist David Hayes was heard to inquire about the music scene in Lake County and Butcher invited him to check out Blues Monday’s at the Blue Wing and Hayes, who lives in Fort Bragg, seemed genuinely intent on stopping in from time to time.

After a short intermission, the BMF Band took the stage. Musically directed by the renown Robert Watson and fronted by guitarist Levi Lloyd, the group also includes drummer Steve Guerrero and keyboardist Richard Smith.

The group kicked off their set with a total Levi Lloyd arrangement of Junior Walker’s “Cleo’s Back.” They then did a tasty version of The Crusaders' “Put It Where You Want It.” The Crusaders are seldom covered. It was great stuff.

After running through a couple of Jimmy Reed numbers, including the customary, extended Bernie Butcher live remix version of “Big Boss Man,” it was diva time at the Blue Wing. Levi Lloyd declared , “good or bad, the blues is all about love. And here to break it down to you is …”

Bettie Mae Fikes paused just off mic and exchanged blues channeled energy with her muse. She launched into an absolutely accurate reading of “Your Husband Is Cheating On Us,” followed by “Down Home Blues.”

The dance floor overflowed like the libations of the Festival’s sponsors, Ceago Vinegardens and Zoom Wines.

Bettie Mae and the BMF Band were in fine form. Their blues and funk licks had folks continuously on the dance floor, a synchronized melding of the young and older.

When things had reached near fever pitch, the band took a break. When they returned to the stage, the groove continued. Bettie broke into a monologue that detailed her Southern roots. She spoke of her Gospel singing mother and blues gigolo father. How her friends gravitated toward rock and roll yet she stuck with the blues. She preached especially hard to the youth in attendance. I believe they received the message.

The set went an hour or so over the advertised end time of 9 p.m. If you missed Bettie Mae Fikes, she will be performing again in Lake County Oct. 4 for KPFZ’s Blues and Barbecue at the grange in Finley. In addition to her own CD, “Blues Holiday,” Ms. Bettie Mae also appears on the great Mavis Staples most recent CD, “We’ll Never Turn Back,” produced by Ry Cooder. Rolling Stone Magazine reviewed the CD complete with picture of Mavis and Bettie Mae in their May 3-17, 2007 issue. It’s a monumental testimony to the Civil Rights Era. Methinks you should get hip to it.

T. Watts writes about music and culture for Lake County News.

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