Fresno Famous

Fresno Famous readers are a discerning crowd. So when they get together on something, you can bet it's going to be good — at very least worth note.

Spoiler alert: for those who follow the site, there are few suprises in this year's Famous Choice Awards.

Fresno Famous readers are a discerning crowd. So when they get together on something, you can bet it's going to be good — at very least worth note.

Spoiler alert: for those who follow the site, there are few suprises in this year's Famous Choice Awards.

But it's nice to see the winners get some deserved respect and makes a list that is totally worth sharing.

It should be pointed out that these awards are less than scientific. The votes aren't sent off to be tabulated, so you'll have to trust that they're acurate (and they are). A hardy congratulations to the winners (if appropriate, you should tell them when you see them) and thanks to all who voted.

The Famous Choices are:

Artist (non performance) — Robert Amador

Robert Amador is the kind of artist whose work you should pick up now, before everyone else realizes how awesome it is. Amador is part of a loose collection of young artists working in and around the Cultural Arts District (with Broadway Studios serving as a home base of sorts) and his mural work can be seen throughout the area — on Broadway Studios, Vagabond and H St. Lofts and in design work at the Iron Bird Cafe.

Band — Super Lucky Catz

Lead by Robert Andrew Gushel-Barron, aka Rob the Voice, Super Lucky Catz does acoustic soul punctuated with moments of jazz and pop. Think Dave Matthews doing Motown. The band plays April 16 at Sequoia Brewing Co. in the Tower. Show starts at 8 p.m.

Bartender — Tie between Miriam @ the Landmark, Renee @ Starline/Starline Grill

We could tell you all about these ladies, but we'd rather you go and see for yourself. Congratulate them and tip them big.

Blog, blogger or Web site — The Beehive, Fresno Beehive or Fresno Bee HIVE

In five years the Fresno Beehive has become THE hub for blog culture in Fresno. They're not the only game in town, but they are the most solid, both in terms of content — Mike Oz' Post No Bills, Donald Munro's Beehive Bookclub — and community building.

Official comment from the site:

The Beehive would like to thank the people who get offended by murals, those who love Wassabi, The Daily Beast, designers of ugly club fliers, people who think Donald Munro is "mean," Rick Mirigian, everyone who loves Art Silva, people who sacrifice their dignity in an effort to win free stuff, Melanie Warner-Kennedy, anyone who has ever been drunk in Fresno and those like to see pictures of Kim Kardashian's butt crack. Thanks for reading.

Controversy — Tie between the A.) Fresno Magazine hoopla and B.) the Tower District Mural fiasco

A.) Long story short? Melanie Warner-Kennedy, publisher and editor of Fresno Magazine had some words for those who offered (mostly constructive) criticism of its Best of Fresno Awards — and they were just kinda weird.

B.) A wall in the Tower District started a debate on public art and murals. Final result: the mural stayed, but we learned that some people don't like or understand art.

Did-they-just-say-Fresno moment — Drunkest/dumbest city

Fresno got pounded good this year by the “best/worst in America” list makers. According to their math, which is highly suspect, we are the drunkest, dumbest city in the U.S.

Do-gooder — Kim Collier

While Collier (who works to help rescue abandoned animals) recieved the most votes, the category was a pretty even split. And because all of these people all do pretty amazing stuff, we will include them all — with no slight to Collier.

They are: Reza Assemi, Bryan Harley, Coke Hollowell, Central Valley Binky Patrol, Patrick Contreras, Fresno Bully Rescue, Elisa Diel, Mike Hansen, Brad Castillo, Suzanne BertzRosa, Cynthia Karraker, Kim Schuller, Michael L. Medrano, Robin McGehee, Mike Briggs, the Center for Multicultural Cooperation, Jaime Elaine Whittington, Kiel Tomas Schmidt, Fresno Coalition of Arts Science and History, Barry Falke, Travis Sheridan, Brian Calhoun, Geanie Silva, Alan Autry, everybody in the Community Concert Band, Nancy Hines, Brian King, Bob Boro, Phil Skei and Devoya Mayo.

Elected official — The Mayor

From wikipedia — “Ashley Swearengin is the Mayor of Fresno, California and is Fresno's second female mayor. She was elected in a runoff election on Nov. 4, 2008. Swearengin is an alumna of Fresno Christian High School and California State University, Fresno.
Swearengin campaigned on the four “priority issues” of Jobs and Education; Safe, Quality Neighborhoods; Effective and Responsive Government and Regional Leadership.

While mayor elections are nonpartisan, The Fresno Bee claims that Swearengin campaigned on a Republican-like platform.”

Event (established) — Rogue Performing Arts Festival

The Rogue is a great example of what Fresno does best. It's innovative and original and grew from the passion of a few dedicated individuals. Forget that it's part of the fringe festival circuit and draws performers from across the country. Here's an event that started a dude's backyard and eight years later, sold close to 10,000 tickets. Succeed much?

Event (new) — Fresno Urban Sound Experience

The Fresno Urban Sound Experience (once known as the FUSE, or Re: FUSE) is an authentic celebration and exploration of the city's musical landscape. That's the bland way to put it anyway. It's really cooler than that. It's 40-plus bands, crammed into a half-dozen venues in downtown Fresno. It's the most local music you'll see in one day, guaranteed.

Famous Fresnan — Christopher Colfer, aka that kid from “Glee”

Technically, Colfer is from Clovis and graduated from Clovis East High school. But he is on a hugley successful and wildely entertaining show. Here's why we should be proud.

New business — Iron Bird Cafe

This place was getting love even before it opened at the Iron Bird Lofts in March. It has not disappointed. It helps that it has everything you want from an urban cafe — good food, knowledable baristas, outdoor seating and free wi-fi. Try the Animal's Revolt and the signature Jessica Alba.

Old building — Security Bank Building

The Security Bank Building IS Fresno's downtown skyline. Just ask any graphic designer.

Opened in Jan. 1925, the building once housed the Security Pacific Bank (hence the name and giant sign). These days the building is known as the Fresno Pacific Towers, or 1060 Fulton, and is home to a spectacular grand ballroom (seriously, it's awesome) and George Garcia's salon. Owner Sandra King has been working to convert the top floors into luxuary lofts. Awesome factoid: The building has 15 floors, but due to the 40-foot high first floor, and 60 foot tall terra cotta tile that tops the building, its as tall as a typical 21-story building.

Performer (not a band) — Scurvy

The guy is a fire-eating snake-oil salesman and a prophet-for-profit.
If that sounds weird, you obviously haven't seen him perform.

Place of worship — First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian is a church invested in downtown and urban ministry.

In the 1960s, church leaders made a concious decision to stay downtown, even as the city (and its congregation) moved north. And the church has taken a continued and active interest in the area, especially the Lowell Neighborhood, where several members of the congreation bought houses. The church is also home to The Pink House and Hope Now For Youth.

Promoter — Love the Captive

Led by promoter Johhny Q, Love the Captive has become a consistant force in bringing great music to Fresno — both local guys and the national touring acts. If you saw Little Dragon, David Bazan and Cold War Kids in town, thank these guys. They probably sum themselves up best, so we'll let them.

“We love good music and we love our city. If you love music, we love you too.”

Reason to go north of Shaw — “Because I live there.”

Obviously, this poll is a bit skewed.

Reason to stay south of Belmont — Tokyo Garden

Tokyo Garden (it's not pluralized ... it's just not) has long been the hangout for those who know authentic is better than shiny and new. On any given weekend you'll find hipsters, jazz guys and that one dude from KMJ.

What it has going for it: * Tall Sapporo — though Kirin Ichiban is the better beer. * The most expansive list of karaoke songs you've ever seen. * Amazing decor, including a giant inflatable Godzilla. * An ecceltic mix of live music, including monthly Post ArtHop shows and jazz jams. Check out Saturday night's show.

Underrated business/restaurant — Charlotte's Bakery

Read the Yelp reviews and then tell us that Charlotte's is underrated. The fresh bread and vegan baked goods are “to die for,” and the place is “Heaven. Pure heaven.” From experience we know that the lunch rush can be a bit tricky (but well worth the wait). If you haven't been, bad on you.

Venue — Audie's Olympic

Audie's has long been a fixture in the Fresno music scene, first as the Olympic Tavern and later as Club Fred. Current owner Audie Pardon has positioned the club to continue on as THE place to play. It continues to book great local acts, soon-to-be-big touring bands and top-notch cover and tribute bands. And it is genre-bending, hosting everything from metal acts like High on Fire, to indie rock and rockabilly. It recently introduced the Hub, a weekly night dedicated to bringing in good hip-hop.
Did we mention $2 Pabst?