Yet, another year is stretching towards the finish. No longer
do I wonder where the time went. It’s just gone, we all pity that. You ask, who am I?? I am Tasé or Thomas Allen Spencer. I am a choreographer, community activist and business owner.
“It’s Downtown”
is an expression which I uses to denote unique, first-rate, cutting edge and world class places or activities ofcourse I would
name my newspaper as I have.
Creating a “Destination of Distinction”
I believe downtown is a concept not so much a place, location or destination.
Downtown is a setting that makes you feel special, unique and unusual or On the cutting edge. Downtown has been
used to describe a city or regional center, a gathering place. The Regional Malls became this gathering place
in the 60’s-70’s and downtowns in many cities are trying to recover to this day. As life would have it many
of the earlier regional malls find themselves in the position of trying to battle newer and large regional malls to stay alive
today.
The model needs to be reviewed.
The gathering place of the future will be an events center foremost with retail opportunities(stores). Mothers on the
mall play groups, lectures, national, regional, local presentations and performances, do it yourself and enrichment classes
as well as street performances are a few envisioned activities. Where are the stores in all this? Stores are nestled
among this vibarant streetscape in equal numbers. What is “It’s Downtown”(The Concept)
“It’s Downtown” is a publication by Spencer’s inMotion Institute to inform and entertain.
“It’s Downtown” will investigate life like a child with an air of naive excitement and
creativity.
“It’s Downtown” will search for the traditional, special, thoughtful, unique and unusual; in accommodations,
architecture, art, education, exercise, food, people and travel. Send us your ideas!!! .
Art is rising. Morning brings more bad news in the real
estate and financial markets. The region has grown and the arts grow as well. Midtown and Downtown Sac seem to
grow more urban and vibrant. Second Saturday Arts Walks now attract 10,000 people or more. The Ballet, Opera,
Theater and Musical Theater companies are doing fine and growing older and more grand. Old Fair Oaks Village is hosting
an arts walk and other art events seem to be in the works. Del Paso is in flux property values have increased, in part
due to the art district. Sadly some artist have had to move while new arts groups move in. I believe there is a net
increase in the last few years. Which is good. I hope a way is found to maintain a diverse population mix in Del Paso
and maintain the high concentration of artist. The Mondavi Center has made a huge impact on arts offerings in the region.
I hope The Mondavi workshop series reaches out to Sacramento more often in the future. The music scene is alive and
growing however I hear of difficulties with attendance. The small theatre groups seem to multiply and grow. Galleries,
Galleries and more galleries the visual arts are present in numbers of epic proportions for the region. The Dance scene in
the area is solid, the landscape is doted with new groups and missions. The Sunrise Marketplace, Arden Fair and Galleria
produce events ever more often in hopes of attracting our $$$ or merely our presence I would like to believe.
The rains have come and we have to love it even after what seems like a forever of overcast and moist days.
I will look forward to our next
chat.
Send us your thoughts and ideas.
A Bientot,
Tasé
email- taspencer@spencersinmotion.com
