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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

The Orion staff profiles

Danielle Kessler, A/E Editor

Danielle has been part of the Arts and Entertainment team for three semesters and has really fallen in love with the craft of entertainment-style writing. A Journalism-News major minoring in cinema studies, she’s always had an interest in film. Her favorite movie is “Almost Famous” from which she learned to be “honest and unmerciful” in her writing. She enjoys writing reviews of movies, plays, musicals and drag shows as well as watching movies and tweeting in her spare time.

All content by Danielle Kessler
Another painting by Arran Harvey that depicts the everyday wearing of masks. Courtesy of the Museum of Northern California Art.

The monca finishes the year strong with ‘Selfie 2020’

Danielle Kessler, A/E Editor
December 15, 2020

The Museum of Northern California Art’s new exhibit, “Selfie 2020,” is a collection of art that reflects how the first 10 months of 2020 has affected the artists. Executive Director, Pat Macias,...

"Freaky" tells the story of a girl trapped in a serial murderers' body and pays homage to the teen-slasher genre. Courtesy of Universal Pictures.

‘Freaky’: an homage to the teen slasher genre

Danielle Kessler, A/E Editor
December 1, 2020

“Happy Death Day” (2017) director, Christopher Langdon brings a fresh take on a beloved teen horror genre with his newest film, “Freaky.” Structurally presenting something that breaks conventional...

Winter can be a time for self-reflection as well as being cozy. Here are some songs to capture the different feelings cold weather can bring. Photo by Danielle Kessler.

[Photo] It’s cold out, here’s some songs to listen to until it’s not.

Thomas Stremfel, Reporter
November 23, 2020

Winter can be a time for self-reflection as well as being cozy. Here are some songs to capture the different feelings cold weather can bring. Photo by Danielle Kessler.

The office of Tribal Relations hosted a Zoom presentation on Nov. 19 in response to Native American Heritage month. Photo credit: Danielle Kessler

[Photo] Chico State’s Tribal Relations presents ‘Misconceptions of Identity: The Native American Experience’

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
November 22, 2020

The office of Tribal Relations hosted a Zoom presentation on Nov. 19 in response to Native American Heritage month. Photo credit: Danielle Kessler

"The Laramie Project" streamed Nov. 11 and tells the heartbreaking story of Matthew Shepard.

‘The Laramie Project’ tells a universally powerful story

Danielle Kessler, Editor
November 20, 2020

“The Laramie Project” premiered via livestream on Nov. 11 courtesy of the department of music and theater. It was second in the series of virtual performances that the department has put on this semester. The...

Here are five nostalgic movies from the '90s and 2000s that can be enjoyed by kids, teens and adults. Graphic by Danielle Kessler

[Photo] Throwback kid’s movies that are good for adults, too

Kelsey Ogle, Reporter
November 6, 2020

Here are five nostalgic movies from the '90s and 2000s that can be enjoyed by kids, teens and adults. Graphic by Danielle Kessler

Halloweekend is the perfect time to watch all your favorite '80s classics

[Photo] Essential ‘80s horror movies to watch this Halloween

Sophia Pearson, Reporter
October 30, 2020

Halloweekend is the perfect time to watch all your favorite '80s classics

Owner Damien Herrera (Left) and business partner Brandon Gutierrez (Right) have opened Second Life on it's new Nord location.

The vintage revival: meet the guys behind Second Life

Danielle Kessler, A/E Editor
October 16, 2020

Second Life has officially opened the doors to its new Nord Ave. location and is ready to supply street and vintage wear to Chico. Owner Damien Herrera and business partner Brandon Gutierrez caught up...

Performances at Laxson auditorium have been cancelled for the semester, but staff are still employed.

[Photo] Chico State students, faculty, staff work to keep local music scene vibrant amid pandemic

September 14, 2020

Performances at Laxson auditorium have been cancelled for the semester, but staff are still employed.

Still image from The Half of It, a Netflix original film

‘The Half of It’ isn’t a typical teen movie

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
May 6, 2020

Over the years Netflix has built a reputation for producing teen romances and coming-of-age films — some that I love, and some that make me feel a little less than inspired, like Noah Centineo’s entire...

A sign posted on the window of the Laxson Auditorium box office stating all Chico Performances, North State Symphony and School of the Arts shows have been canceled.

Chico State arts programs are planning for a semester online

Danielle Kessler and Kati Morris
May 4, 2020

With the university’s shift to online instruction, many arts programs have found new ways to adapt. With in-person classes already canceled and potentially next semester, events are being reimagined...

Joseph Lau, who performs as J-Lau, is a local drag performer based in Chico. During quarantine, Lau has participated in a new online wave of drag shows, usually done through livestreams.
Courtesy of Joseph Lau

Chico drag performers serve virtual elegance

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
April 22, 2020

Among Chico’s renowned nightlife and social scene, the drag community is one that is prominent and growing. The shelter-in-place order has changed the way the drag scene can promote itself. In what...

Bars implement new curbside pickup policy

Bars implement new curbside pickup policy

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
April 13, 2020

“First of all, not everyone knows about it, that’s something people bring up jokingly like ‘Oh I can’t get a beer to go can I?’, ‘well, actually, we can do that!’," Burgers and Brew manager...

Left to right: Tom Holland and Chris Pratt star as elf brothers Ian and Barley, respectively in Pixar's Onward.  
Courtesy of Disney

‘Onward’ is the movie we deserve right now

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
April 8, 2020

In light of current events, a lot of recently released movies are becoming available through streaming platforms. It’s during this particularly unmotivated time, that film can become a fun escape where...

Arts and Humanities Building at Chico State. Some BFA art students have found the transition to online teaching difficult since they no longer have access to studios.

Bachelor of Fine Arts students face challenges in online classes amidst pandemic

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
April 3, 2020

For every student at Chico State, the COVID-19 pandemic has created much concern and uncertainty as every department has taken a hit in the last few weeks. This, of course, includes the many students...

Left to right: Adèle Haenel and Noémie Merlant star as Héloïse and Marianne in "Portrait of a Lady on Fire." 
Courtesy of Pyramide Films

‘Portrait of a Lady on Fire’: a lesbian romance done with love

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
April 2, 2020

Of the vast amount of lesbian dramas that have emerged from the last decade, most have been the product of a male director, containing graphic sex scenes that don’t necessarily contribute to the plot,...

Artist Geoffrey Bark had some of his work at the gallery, including "The Hermit" (Left).

Chico State student artists reveal their hard work

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
March 22, 2020

Photos By Danielle Kessler The Department of Art and Art History held an open studio on Wednesday, March 11, to showcase BFA art students’ work and create a space for artists and friends to view...

‘Emma.’ is a visually breathtaking adaptation

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
March 11, 2020

Jane Austen’s classic novel, “Emma.” gets another readaptation in Director Autumn De Wilde’s visually beautiful version of a classic story of rich, young matchmaker Emma Woodhouse. As far as...

‘Servant of Two Masters’ preserves a theatrical tradition

‘Servant of Two Masters’ preserves a theatrical tradition

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
March 11, 2020

Chico State’s School of the Arts put on a production of “Servant of Two Masters” from March 4 to March 8 in Larry Wismer Theatre. The classic commedia dell’arte play showcased a traditional art...

‘The Invisible Man’ is a true psychological horror film

‘The Invisible Man’ is a true psychological horror film

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
March 5, 2020

If anyone has been feeling a little underwhelmed by the latest films in the horror and thriller genre to come out—à la “The Turning”—then I’m here to say that “The Invisible Man” has come...

Members of LEAD pose for photo

LEAD illustrates ‘The Struggles of Undocumented Womxn’

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
March 4, 2020

On Wednesday, Leaders Educating for the Advancement of Dreamers (LEAD) held a presentation titled “The Struggles of Undocumented Womxn” in honor of Undocweek. Members of LEAD gave this presentation...

Noah Centineo holding Lana Condor

‘P.S. I Still Love You’ is the sequel that hits softly

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
February 28, 2020

“To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You,” the sequel to Netflix’s “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018), deepens Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter Kavinsky’s (Noah Centineo) relationship,...

The members of Hot Tuna

Hot Tuna celebrates 50 years of psychedelia

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
February 26, 2020

Legendary 1960s rock group, Hot Tuna, graced the stage at Laxson Auditorium on Sunday night for their 50th anniversary tour. Their show emphasised to many of their dedicated fans that they still bring...

Sonic the Hedgehog

‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ is fun and redeeming

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
February 19, 2020

Director Jeff Fowler’s feature directorial debut, “Sonic the Hedgehog,” takes the classic video game character into a fun, carefree movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  It’s...

Silent disco at the El Rey Theatre

Silent disco provides a unique social experience

Danielle Kessler, Staff Writer
February 19, 2020

The El Rey Theater held a silent disco event this past Thursday night. With different music genres available, the night was a fun experience for regular and casual silent disco-goers. There were three...

‘Birds of Prey’ delivers empowerment with style

Danielle Kessler
February 12, 2020

As director Martin Scorsese would say, not all films of the superhero genre are considered cinema. However, that doesn’t mean the films can’t be considered important pieces of entertainment that...

Lu's work is currently available to view in the Jacki Headley University art gallery.

Cathy Lu showcases her new exhibit “Foreign Bodies”

Danielle Kessler
February 5, 2020

Bay Area artist Cathy Lu spoke to Chico State students on Thursday about her new “Foreign Bodies” exhibition at the Jacki Headley University Art Gallery. Lu gave a lecture about the exhibit and...

Finn Wolfhard, Mackenzie Davis and Brooklynn Prince star as Miles Fairchild, Kate Mandell and Flora Fairchild, respectively, in "The Turning."

The Turning: Review

Danielle Kessler
February 4, 2020

“The Turning” is horrifying, but not in the way a horror movie should be.  The film is set in 1994. It centers on a young teacher, Kate (Mackenzie Davis), who takes a job as a caretaker for two...

The Infamous Stringdusters performing

Infamous Stringdusters play bluegrass for non-bluegrass fans

Danielle Kessler
January 28, 2020

Grammy award-winning band, The Infamous Stringdusters, put on a genre-bending show on Wednesday at the Senator Theatre. With songs varying from classic bluegrass to a more contemporary sound, the band...

Still image from the film, 1917

‘1917’ brings viewers to the front lines

Danielle Kessler
January 27, 2020

With beautiful cinematography, technical work and raw emotion, “1917" takes the war movie genre to a new level. The film takes place during WWI and focuses on two British soldiers, Corporal William...

Is nostalgia, price of Disney Plus worth it?

Danielle Kessler
December 13, 2019

It’s been almost a month since Disney launched their newest platform, Disney+, a streaming service similar to Netflix and Hulu but with all of the company’s owned content. As it’s been...

Annual Womxn’s Conference embraces femininity

Danielle Kessler
November 26, 2019

The 21st annual Womxn’s Conference was held on Saturday and presented by the Gender Sexuality Equity Coalition, themed “Reclaiming Femininity."Womxn’s program coordinator Bri Guerrero...

Professor Rouben Mohiudden talking with engineers and builders who will eventually start building homes from the student designed floor plans. Photo credit: Danielle Kessler

Chico State student architects review their rebuilding plans with Paradise residents

Danielle Kessler
November 26, 2019

"Project Rebuild Paradise" is underway as interior architecture students are finalizing their floor plans for Paradise residents. The group of students met with engineers and builders for the first time...

Chico State responding to the Chico State Young Republicans and protest on Wednesday. Photo credit: Ricardo Tovar

Young Republicans and protestors clash, three criminal charges filed

On Wednesday, tensions rose to an all-time high as students began protesting outside the Chico State College Republicans table following a physical altercation that happened on Tuesday in front of Butte...

Jessica Barlett and Jason Halley 
are very fun awesome Chico State Photographers. Photo credit: Hana Beaty

Fall photo walk teaches aspiring photographers new skills

Danielle Kessler
November 12, 2019

The university photographers put together a free event for the public to improve their photo-taking abilities and to learn some techniques from the people who do it every day for departments all across...

Many locals came back to Paradise for the one year anniversary. The reactions were all different as the event carried on. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Resource building ‘The Brick’ initiates the rebuilding of Paradise

Danielle Kessler
November 12, 2019

On the one year anniversary of the most destructive fire in state history, the Paradise community gathered to celebrate the strength and resilience of the town. A major topic of the Camp Fire commemoration...

Student in the project explaining their designs of homes. Photo credit: Danielle Kessler

Chico State interior architecture students to rebuild Paradise homes

Danielle Kessler
November 11, 2019

, the Interior Architecture Department has begun plans to rebuild homes in Paradise for families who lost their homes during the most tragic wildfire in California history. Students and professors in the...

Children can get an experience of milking a fake cow. Photo credit: Hana Beaty

Harvest festival supports local businesses

Danielle Kessler
November 10, 2019

The annual Farm City Celebration Harvest Festival was back at Bidwell Mansion on Saturday to bring some fun and teach people about the importance of local businesses. With so many activities and booths...

The best bad horror movies

Danielle Kessler
October 31, 2019

October is a great time to enjoy spooky festivities such as Halloween parties, pumpkin patches and curling up with a good horror movie. However, one of my favorite sub-genres of horror are movies that...

The stage at the silent disco had three DJ's set up playing their own music. Photo credit: Danielle Kessler

2nd annual Halloween silent disco: good, spooky vibes

Danielle Kessler
October 31, 2019

Chico State’s 2nd annual Halloween silent disco made for some good old-fashioned spooky fun. Presented by Associated Students, the night was a chance for students to relax, eat snacks and jam to...

Documentary filmmaker Byron Hurt spoke at he BMU about how toxic masculinity is deeply rooted within our society. Photo credit: Danielle Kessler

Filmmaker Byron Hurt gets real about toxic masculinity

Danielle Kessler
October 23, 2019

Documentary filmmaker and educator Byron Hurt spoke to the Chico State community on Thursday in the BMU about the dangers of toxic masculinity that persist in our society. He touched on the many issues...

There were a balanced number of females and males that participated in the competition. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Z-Rock’s 23rd annual Pumpkinhead

Danielle Kessler
October 23, 2019

106.7 FM Z-Rock put on their 23rd annual Pumpkinhead contest and it was ridiculous in the best way possible. The contest, which was hosted by Carl’s Jr, showcased the spirit of fall and the tradition...

Performer struts a panda costume. Photo credit: Mary Vogel

Queens, camera, action: Chico State’s 5th annual drag show

Danielle Kessler
October 14, 2019

The Gender and Sexuality Equity Coalition held their fifth annual drag show Thursday night in the BMU auditorium. The show provided entertainment while shedding some light on issues within Chico’s queer...

The Stonewall timeline and exhibit included some photos from the Stonewall riots in 1969 Photo credit: Danielle Kessler

The legacy of the Stonewall riots

Danielle Kessler
October 14, 2019

A new exhibit at Chico State celebrates the importance of the Stonewall riots to the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Accompanying the Gender and Sexuality Equity Coalition's Queer Week, this exhibit showcases...

Photo courtesy of Legacy Stage theater group.

‘Macbeth’ gets an inventive new twist

Danielle Kessler
October 10, 2019

The Legacy Stage theater group has created a unique twist on Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”. For this performance, they’ve dropped all the qualities of traditional theater. This means...

TikTok is an app that tweens and teenagers use to pass their free time. Photo credit: Melissa Joseph

TikTok innovative, but reinforces stereotypes

Danielle Kessler
October 6, 2019

Since TikTok was launched in 2017, the world has never been the same. Well, not exactly, but it has had a huge impact on Gen Z culture and on mainstream media in general. But with every new social media...

American Horror Story "1984" promotional poster. Photo courtesy FX.

‘American Horror Story’ is back in classic 80s horror fashion

Danielle Kessler
October 1, 2019

Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for “American Horror Story: 1984”“American Horror Story” premiered its ninth season “1984” and there is a lot to discuss....

Courtesy of Black Cat Photography.

‘The Addams Family’ provides fall-season fun

Danielle Kessler
October 1, 2019

The Chico Theater Company is putting on a production of “The Addams Family” from Sept. 27 to Oct. 20. In honor of Halloween's fast-approach, the show proved to be a fun evening of musical theatre...

Cassandra Arechiga singing one of her original songs and showing off her amazing vocals. Photo credit: Danielle Kessler

“Soul Corner” lets students share their stories

Danielle Kessler
October 1, 2019

The Associated Students hosted an open mic event in the BMU called “Soul Corner” on Wednesday night. Encouraging all forms of spoken word, the event created a safe space for students and artists...

Chico State student gallery displays unique interior architecture

Danielle Kessler
September 22, 2019

Interior architecture students got a chance to showcase their work on Thursday in the BSO gallery of Ayres hall. Focusing on student-made furniture designs, the gallery emphasized the hard work and talent...

Photo provided by Circus Vargas.

Circus Vargas enchants audiences of all ages

Danielle Kessler
September 16, 2019

Circus Vargas brought a little magic to the Chico Mall Thursday night, for its 50th anniversary, "Greatest of Ease" show. With talent varying from tightrope walking, juggling and to aerial silk acrobatics,...

’13 Reasons Why’ is still awful

Danielle Kessler
September 8, 2019

Content warning: This article contains spoilers from “13 Reasons Why” Seasons one-three and contains sensitive material.Since its release in 2017, Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why”...

Theo shredded on the guitar and moved all around the stage during his performance. Photo credit: Melissa Herrera

Black Flag plays a perfectly chaotic show

Danielle Kessler
September 8, 2019

Punk fans of all ages gathered at The Senator Theatre in Downtown Chico on Thursday night to see Black Flag perform. As at staple of classic punk rock for four decades, to many this set was much more than...

"Three Over Four/Compator" by Michael David Hall, curated by Sheri Simmons. Courtesy of the Janet Turner Print Museum. Photo credit: Danielle Kessler

New art exhibit celebrates faculty artists

Danielle Kessler
August 30, 2019

The Janet Turner Print Museum has a new collection, “Drawn In-By Hand," which includes pieces curated by various art professors at Chico State. The intention of this exhibit is to show each instructor’s...

Wizard Apprentice giving an interesting performance, combining music, visuals, and movement.

Local artists jam with Chico LGBTQ community for pride week

Danielle Kessler
August 29, 2019

Blackbird Café held a concert dedicated for Chico’s pride weekend on Saturday.It was a night of music spanning all genres and featuring local and out-of-town artists, encapsulating an environment...