Fresno cultural scene growing
In the 'No
Juan Guzman
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TELL ANYONE YOU go to school in Fresno and you’re likely to get one of those facial expressions that scream pity. We all know what that face looks like; we see it all the time.
It shouldn’t come as a shock that Fresno has earned a reputation for being dull. In case you don’t know, there are shirts out there that say “Fresno: It Really Does Suck Here.”
People who live outside the Valley have thought of us as a small, agricultural community stereotypically comprised of farmers, “hicks,” and people like Kevin Federline.
Until a recent surge of popularity, Fresno was the last place you went to for foreign sports cars or haute couture.
Hoards of new residents from more expensive cities in California are choosing to build massive homes here for hundreds of thousands of dollars cheaper.
Fresno’s newcomers bring money to the city, and money must be spent somewhere.
Enter high-end retailers like Banana Republic, Coach, Bebe, and Urban Outfitters — all of which have recently invested in Fresno.
Take a walk around Fashion Fair’s new outdoor mall, or the recently expanded center at Fig Garden Village and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Even Gottschalks, a hometown retailer, is in the game with their enormous store in Riverpark.
Spotting Range Rovers and Porsches cruising down Shaw isn’t as uncommon as it was when we were kids.
Suddenly, we’re not as overrun with farmers and hicks as people like to think.
The general perspective of life in the Valley is beginning to change. With that change comes pros and cons.
It’s horrible to think that such superficial things are the reason that living in Fresno is becoming acceptable.
But this emerging culture of materialism is sparking interest in this town whether we like it or not.
Some people may not realize that not being a popular city hasn’t stopped us from keeping culture alive in Fresno.
The things that make Fresno unique to California are happening even if we, as residents, don’t know it.
Culture has reigned in the 559 for decades. How could it not with such a high concentration of different ethnicities? Chicanos, Asians, African-Americans, Armenians, Portuguese we all enrich Fresno with traditions and diversity.
Not to mention the smorgasbord of food. You can eat Mexican burritos for breakfast, Thai food for lunch and Indian cuisine for dinner in Fresno, if you really wanted to.
Places like the Fresno Metropolitan Museum and the Fresno Art Museum sponsor exhibits, film festivals, and monthly events like ArtHop.
Arte América is devoted to keeping the Valley’s Latino art thriving. The historic Tower District is renowned for art, entertainment and a dynamic nightlife as well.
We can let people see us in a new light, but we shouldn’t forget the things that brought us original attention.
We need to recognize that Fresno have always been a vibrant place to live.
Back in the day, a group of poets brought national acclaim to the Valley. The Fresno Poets, as they were dubbed, included Pulitzer Prize winner Phillip Levine, Peter Everwine and Larry Levis.
The growing faculty in our English department is only adding to the tradition of strong writers in the Valley.
The Fresno Poets Association is devoted to keeping a reputation for strong literature in the Central Valley.
They do readings and bring in some pretty big names.
The Fresno Grand Opera presented Andrea Bocelli last Christmas. The Fresno Philharmonic prides itself on bringing the world’s finest to Fresno. The William Saroyan Theatre, named after another Pulitzer Prize winner from the Valley, brings Broadway to town regularly.
That’s more culture than a lot of us can handle.
There’s even culture in our nightlife. The downtown Irish pub, Fagan’s, is always featuring live music. There are pool tables and excellent beers on tap.
Samba’s is a great place for Brazilian cuisine and they also have a really great drink menu.
There are even some excellent wine trails in Madera for the vino enthusiast.
The intent of this column is not to defend culture in Fresno. I think it’s apparent that it is alive and well.
What we aim to do this semester is provide an outlet for things to do, see, taste and experience without having to go too far.
Think of this column as your connection to Fresno and its surrounding cities, as it will report on something new every week and offer unique cultural commentary in the process.
From restaurants to concerts, we’ll fill you in on what’s going on and what’s worth checking out.
You’ll always know what’s happening in the ‘No. Get the play on words?
You can be our eyes and ears. If you think something should be featured in the column let us know. Send an e-mail to [email protected] and tell us about your event.
The truth is, Fresno’s bad rap isn’t going to go away until the people that live here start taking pride in the city and the things it has to offer.
We don’t have to go to another town to have a good time, let’s keep them coming to us.
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