About us
This group is focused on experiencing and discussing various forms of art, including music, film, theater, dance, poetry, literature, painting, and sculpture. Possible events may include concerts, plays, museums, art exhibits, watching a film, etc. The idea is that group events would involve experiencing some sort of art and then discussing the aesthetic, emotional, artistic expressive, and social implications. Many of the events will involve attending some event and experiencing the artistic performance or presentation and then discussing it as a group, perhaps at the same location or perhaps we might go somewhere else and have have drinks. The name “Dilettantes” carries both serious and playful connotations. We welcome dabblers in the arts and also those who are quite knowledgeable and can draw from their refined insights to help explain works to other members. We expect that there will also be opportunities for members to exhibit their own artistic creations to the group.
Please use this online form to submit suggestions for future events:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0tOjsqfZtBk5XvOSTCpIEtu4HVpw_faDiyQfS-zbKRrzHOQ/viewform
Upcoming events
2
- $7.18
Ask An Expert on Railroads / California Book Club: The Octopus
ENLIGHTEMENT Salon, 2221 10th Street, Sacramento, CA, USPLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP HERE, AS THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION PAGE.
Please use this link to purchase a ticket:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ask-an-expert-on-railroads-california-book-club-the-octopus-tickets-1983733475225Learn about the history of railroads in California as we discuss Frank Norris' tale of greed, corruption and violence in the Central Valley.
Hi, it’s Vanessa, your ENLIGHTENMENT host.
Here’s the latest pick for my bimonthly book club of fiction/non-fiction focused on the Golden State.
Along with the book, I invite a special guest to each club meeting, someone who is an expert or very connected to the theme of the book and can answer our questions about the topic. So even if you haven’t finished / opened the book, you can still be part of the conversation.
The first book I actually enjoyed reading that was assigned to me in high school English class was The Octopus by Frank Norris. I tore through this rip-roaring tale of greed, corruption and violence, and I also learned a lot about the impact of railroads in the Central Valley..
I’m inviting an expert on the history of railroads in California to join us. So bring your comments, opinions and questions — nothing is too small or dumb to discuss.
Join me for a Sunday Brunchtime talk about the book, railroads and farming in the Central Valley, and how they all combined and clashed.
Tickets are $5 (not including Eventbrite's fee) to cover brunch bites and mimosas.
Below is a summary of The Octopus.
*****
Like the tentacles of an octopus, the tracks of the railroad reached out across California, as if to grasp everything of value in the state. Based on an actual, bloody dispute between wheat farmers and the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1880, The Octopus is a stunning novel of the waning days of the frontier West.
To the tough-minded and self-reliant farmers, the monopolistic, land-grabbing railroad represented everything they despised: consolidation, organization, conformity. But Norris idealizes no one in this epic depiction of the volatile situation, for the farmers themselves ruthlessly exploited the land, and in their hunger for larger holdings they resorted to the same tactics used by the railroad: subversion, coercion and outright violence.
In his introduction, Kevin Starr discusses Norris’s debt to French author Emile Zola for the novel’s extraordinary sweep, scale and abundance of characters and details.
****
For more information about ENLIGHTENMENT and about California Groundbreakers, go to californiagroundbreakers.org2 attendees - $7.18
Trivia for a Great Cause: Women Rule
ENLIGHTEMENT Salon, 2221 10th Street, Sacramento, CA, USPLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP HERE, AS THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION PAGE.
Please use this link to purchase a ticket:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/trivia-for-a-great-cause-women-rule-tickets-1984243477656Answer trivia about history-making women and support Chicks In Crisis, a great cause that helps teen moms and young families in need.
Welcome to the ENLIGHTENMENT Trivia Night, in which you play a thematic game each time, and also play for a great cause.
March is Women’s History Month, so the trivia questions will be all about ladies who rock and women who rule. From the Egyptian ruler Cleopatra to the Olympic skater Alysa Liu, test your knowledge of rule-breaking and history-making females in history, art, sports, science, songs and more.
The great cause you’ll be supporting is Chicks In Crisis, which helps teen moms and families in need, whether it’s for diapers and formula, or education on how to better care for a baby. Chicks In Crisis had to sell the Elk Grove ranch it used as a safe haven for teen moms but instead of giving up, it quickly pivoted ( as women do so well) and is going mobile, putting its supplies in a hot pink van and meeting its clients where they are, making it easier for young moms who don’t have transportation.
Registration fee to play is $5 (to cover costs of running the salon space). But your real ticket to play is bringing something Chicks In Crisis can provide the moms they’re helping — i.e., diapers, blankets, toys, gift cards to major stores — or if you want to send it directly, buy something on their Amazon wishlist.
Prizes go to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.Teams of up to 6 people. And don’t worry about coming solo — we’ll pair you with other people to make up a great team.
I’ll provide a few drinks and snacks, but please feel free to BYO.2 attendees
Past events
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