Entertainment
National Youth Orchestra Comes to Weill Hall at Sonoma State
The National Youth Orchestra (NYO) of the United States of America gave a performance in the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center, part of an eight-city coast-to-coast tour led by renowned conductor David Robertson.
The 120 members of the orchestra captured the spirit and essence of America, its character, its wholesomeness, and its spirit of adventure as they performed Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from West Side Story and Benjamin Britten’s “Violin Concerto” with violinist Gil Shaham.
The program also featured the California premiere of “Radial Play” by American composer Samuel Carl Adams, commissioned by Carnegie Hall for NYO-USA, and Ravel’s arrangement of Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition.”
Two encores capped a stellar evening, excerpts from George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” and “America the Beautiful” by Katherine Lee Bates and Samuel Ward.
The orchestra pushed the frontiers of musical boundaries, reaching for and achieving new heights and exposing the audience to broader horizons.
Members of the orchestra introduced several of the selections, providing insight into the music as well as personal vignettes. And the orchestra’s wardrobe featured red pants and Stars and Stripes converse shoes! The conductor had the same footwear.
NYO is proof-positive that symphonic music has a future. The orchestra displayed world-class musicianship in their spirited performance.
Members of the orchestra, ages 16-19, come from 35 U.S. states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. They have been recognized by Carnegie Hall as being among the finest players in the country, chosen following a comprehensive audition process.
For information about the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Hall at Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center, go to gmc.sonoma.edu.
To learn more about the National Youth Orchestra, go to carnegiehall.org/nyousa.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025
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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025
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Bo Tefu
Gov. Newsom Highlights Record-Breaking Tourism Revenue, Warns of Economic Threats from Federal Policies
“California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Newsom. “With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year. We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry.”

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media
Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom, along with the nonprofit organization Visit California, announced that tourism spending in California reached a record $157.3 billion in 2024, reinforcing the state’s status as the top travel destination in the United States.
The Governor made the announcement May 5, referencing Visit California’s 2024 Economic Impact Report, which highlights a 3% increase in tourism revenue over the previous year.
According to the report, California’s tourism sector supported 1.2 million jobs, generated $12.6 billion in state and local tax revenues, and created 24,000 new jobs in 2024.
“California dominates as a premier destination for travelers throughout the nation and around the globe,” said Newsom. “With diverse landscapes, top-rate attractions, and welcoming communities, California welcomes millions of visitors every year. We also recognize that our state’s progress is threatened by the economic impacts of this federal administration, and are committed to working to protect jobs and ensure all Californians benefit from a thriving tourism industry.”
Despite the gains in tourism revenue, Visit California’s revised 2025 forecast points to a 1% decline in total visitation and a 9.2% decrease in international travel. The downturn is attributed to federal economic policy and what officials are calling an impending “Trump Slump,” caused by waning global interest in traveling to the United States.
To offset projected losses, the Governor is encouraging Californians to continue traveling within the state and has launched a new campaign aimed at Canadian travelers.
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