Register Staff
7-29-2010

A brand-new exhibit offers a not only a rare glimpse into the lives of the earliest Eastern Sierra residents, but an even rarer look at their artistic endeavors.
The Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area Visitor Center in Lee Vining is inviting the public to celebrate the opening of “Native American Women of Mono Basin – A Tribute to Their Lives and Art” at 5:30 p.m. today.  The exhibit is part of the Eastern Sierra Heritage Alliance’s “Celebrating Women of Eastern California” collection.  
Created from selected objects (including baskets), primary documents, and photographs from private family collections, “Native American Women of Mono Basin – A Tribute to Their Lives and Art” highlights a selection of notable Mono Lake Paiute women who helped build the region’s communities and create its historic and cultural landscapes.  
“The intriguing and often untold stories of these amazing women, along with others before and after, remind us of the essential role women played in the formation and development of the Mono Basin, as well as the entire Eastern California region,” a spokesperson said. “Throughout time, women have served as the cornerstones that sustain culture, family and society. Although women were acknowledged occasionally for their abilities and achievements within their own domestic realm, women seldom received recognition for their wider range of talents and capabilities to influence the world outside of their immediate circle of family and community.”
According to exhibit curators, in the Paiute culture of the Mono Basin, women were responsible for the gathering, storing and providing of food for their families and for carrying loads such as firewood. Basketry and water jugs were the primary means used for accomplishing these tasks. Additionally they were used for infant carriage, protection from the sun in the form of hats, storing personal treasures, and as gifts to mark momentous occasions.
For more information about the exhibit or tonight’s special opening ceremony and celebration, contact the Scenic Area Visitor Center at (760) 647-3044 ext. 0.

7-15-2010

On Saturday, July 24, people all over the world will be taking part in the Third Annual Worldwide Photo Walk™, billed as the world’s largest global social photography event in the history of photography. It takes place on the same day around the world when photographers of all walks of life and skill levels gather together to socialize, learn new tips from each other, and explore their corner of the world through photography.
Included in this year’s event are two local Photo Walks – one at Laws Railroad Museum, just a few miles north of downtown Bishop, from 8:45-11 a.m.; the other in the Alabama Hills, six miles west of Lone Pine, from 7-9 a.m.
“We’ll be walking (and photographing) the historic buildings, exhibits, and equipment of this unique museum,” said Dean Stevens, who is organizing the Bishop Photo Walk.
“We’ve also arrange special ‘behind the scenes’ access to some of the more photogenic exhibits, allowing you to get macro with them. This location will give you the opportunity to photograph everything from historic mining, farm, and railroad equipment with the Sierra crest in the background to close-up details of a wide range of subjects.

By Mike Gervais
Register Staff
7-1-2010

Bishop is celebrating this Fourth of July weekend with live music at McMurry’s bar on Main Street.
McMurry’s will play host to three local acts that are as diverse as Bishop itself – Lights Out, Smear Tactics and Gods of Disease – at 10 p.m. Saturday.
With few venues for local garage bands to perform, McMurry’s has tried to fill that gap by opening their doors to local groups, who have been successful in pulling people through the doors.
“It’s really important to support local music and help the bands out, that’s why we do what we do,” said Celena Struthers of McMurry’s.
Lights Out, comprised  of Ryan Harvey on vocals, Weston Maddox and Chase Leonard on guitar, Dylan Howell on bass and Matt Alcala on drums, is self-described as “Owens Valley Gangster Punk.”
Each member of the band brings a different background and history to their styling, with drummer Alcala saying his background and influence comes from a lot of hip hop and R&B, while guitar players Maddox and Leonard and vocalist Harvey say they grew up listening to and loving punk rock. Howell said his biggest influences stem from a love of punk and metal music.
But the group harnesses more than musical influence when they sit down to write a song. The group looks for inspiration in almost all aspects of their lives, from fishing and Bishop traffic during the annual Fishing Opener, which inspired the song “Powerbait Fisherman,” to monster trucks and horror movies.
“It’s all about our passions, that’s the main thing,” Leonard said. “The music gets you pumped up and we have fun doing it.”

Register Staff
7-1-2010

Lovers of live theater and patrons of the arts are invited to grab their magic carpets this weekend as Playhouse 395 Children’s Theatre showcases two productions of Disney’s “Aladdin.”  
Producers suggest bringing the whole family to the Bishop Union High School Theater, 301 N. Fowler St. in Bishop, for two shows this Friday at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Admission is free.
For the young thespians involved in the production, as well as the youth who have been working behind the scenes to make tomorrow’s shows a reality, the “Aladdin” performances are a unique opportunity to be a part of a complete theatrical experience.
According to Playhouse 395 Children’s Theatre, this opportunity comes around each year to children ages 7 through 13, as well as to older children who serve as junior counselors and assistant directors. The program objective is to introduce young thespians, artists and technicians to as many elements of musical theatre as possible during an intensive two weeks, culminating with two free performances offered to community members.