That giving spirit

You gotta give a little to get a little.
The San Luis Obispo Optimist Club shows its holiday spirit Saturday with “Variety is the Spice of Life 4.”
The variety show, which will raise money for music and drama scholarships, features solo and group acts from across the county.
“Variety is the Spice of Life” starts at 2 p.m. at the Clark Center for the Performing Arts, 487 Fair Oaks Ave. in Arroyo Grande.
The fun repeats with a second show at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10. Call 489-9444 or visit www.clarkcenter.org for more information.

Ready for a brand-new sound?

You’re bored of the blues. Rock's run you ragged. Jazz has lost its jive.

No doubt about it, music lover, you're ready for a new sound. Why not check out some of the exotic acts coming to the Central Coast this week?

On Wednesday, Japanese marimba virtuoso Naoka Takada visits the Clark Center for the Performing Arts in Arroyo Grande.

Renowned for her speed, grace and accuracy, Takada will play selections by J.S. Bach, Yasutaki Inamori, Astor Piazzolla and others, accompanied by guest percussionist, Robin Sharp.

Many of the pieces were originally written for violin, piano and guitar.

Based on folk music instruments in South America and Africa, the modern marimba features wooden blocks struck by mallets to make musical tones. Although pitched lower, it’s similar to a xylophone – or jazz music’s vibraphone.

Takada performs as part of the Clark Center’s Young Masters Series, designed to promote up-and-coming musicians. She won the world-famous Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 2002.

The concert is 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Clark Center, 487 Fair Oaks Ave. in Arroyo Grande. Tickets are $20 to $30.

For more information, call 489-9444 or visit www.clarkcenter.com.

****

Saturday brings an exotic blend of gypsy, flamenco, Balkan and world music to San Luis Obispo.

Led by vocalist Ursula Knudson, Fishtank Ensemble will perform at a concert sponsored by the SLO Folk Music Society – better known as SLO FOLKS. Based in California, the group is touring to promote its debut album, “Super Raoul.”

Fishtank Ensemble performs 7 p.m. Saturday at artMinds Studio, 560 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $15.

Call 788-0205 or visit the artMinds Web site for more information.

You can also check out www.fishtankensemble.com to hear some of the band’s eclectic, dynamic music.

-- Sarah L.

Fall into fall's best music

Fall means fun on the Central Coast.

Music and theater take the stage this week as some of the region’s finest performing arts venues kick off their fall concert season.

On Thursday, the King of Rock n’ Roll returns with “Blue Suede Shoes: Elvis, the Early Years.”

San Luis Obispo Little Theatre brings its show about the life and genius of Elvis Presley to the Clark Center for the Performing Arts. It enjoyed a popular first run this spring.

Backed by a live band, the musical-and-dance extravaganza features more than 20 Elvis hits, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Love Me Tender” and “Viva Las Vegas.” It’s directed by Bill McLaughlin and choreographed by Emmy Award winner Suzy Miller.

“Blue Suede Shoes” will run through Sept. 22 at the Clark Center, 487 Fair Oaks Ave. in Arroyo Grande. Tickets are $25 to $35.

INFO: 489-9444, www.clarkcenter.org

*****

On Friday, guitarist and songwriter Victor Martinez performs contemporary music rooted in the folk traditions of Southern Mexico.

As Martinez explains, he mingles the native Oaxaca sones – songs merging indigenous, Spanish and African music – with influences as varied as ragtime and British pop-rock.

“Victor Martinez, instead of vocal chords, has his voice muscles intertwined with the deepest roots of his Oaxaca,” wrote Julio Ramirez of the Cultural Institute of Oaxaca. “…And so the color of his voice, the flavor of the fruit, the allegories, the lullabies, flow from the heart of this public man.”

Martinez performs at 8 p.m. Friday at the Performing Arts Center, 1 Grand Ave. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $20.

INFO: 756-2787, www.pacslo.org