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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

All content by Matthew Manfredi

Going 50 miles per hour on a piece of wood

Matthew Manfredi
December 15, 2016

For some, hobbies may include playing video games, following sports teams or binging Netflix shows. Then there are some that enjoy racing down a winding road, swaying inches above the ground at nearly...

Photo credit: Matthew Manfredi

The Kyle Gass Band shreds at Lost on Main.

Matthew Manfredi
December 8, 2016

The Kyle Gass Band lit up Lost on Main Tuesday night by bringing guitar solos and crushing acoustic chords together for a night of comedic rock 'n' roll. Gass, best known for his role in Tenacious D, the...

Christmas festivities in Placerville. Photo credit: Matthew Manfredi

Apple Hill: a hidden gem in the Sierra Nevada

Matthew Manfredi
December 7, 2016

We’re lucky to live in a corner of California where a few hours in a car can lead to exceptional places. In any direction, we can suddenly be on the coast, walking around a richly diverse city or...

Promotional photo for the movie "Arrival".

Arrival makes contact with mediocrity

Matthew Manfredi
November 25, 2016

Somewhere in a field in Montana, fog surrounds an anchored alien ship. A military encampment is settled off in the distance for surveillance and observation under the big sky. Amy Adams, playing a revered...

A variety of beer is available for both coffee and beer connoisseurs alike at Naked Lounge. Photo credit: Cortneanne Campbell

Is beer the new coffee?

Matthew Manfredi
November 14, 2016

Coffee shops will forever be a hub for the astute student to find a quiet place to hit the books; cafes will always offer a vacant table for an aspiring writer to rethink a plot twist over a bear claw;...

David Mcmillain, multimedia artist, sits down to talk about his upcoming art show at Naked Lounge Friday November 11th @ 6 p.m. Photo credit: Jordan Rodrigues

The journey of an artist: Q&A with David Garlin Mcmillian

Matthew Manfredi
November 8, 2016

On a quiet Friday afternoon, a living room in a house on Chestnut Street is dimly lit. As Bob Ross talks softly on Netflix, David Garlin Mcmillian hunches over a light box, a device illuminating a piece...

Jason Huber (left) and Jordan Kelly

Get ready to rage with Cherub

Matthew Manfredi
November 7, 2016

Since the beginning of September, Cherub, the electronic-pop duo from Nashville, TN, has been on a non-stop national tour in support of their recently released album, “Bleed Gold, Piss Excellence.” On...

An actor is spotted at the entrance of the haunted corn maze. Photo credit: Matthew Manfredi

Forget the bars, head to Country Pumpkins

Matthew Manfredi and Jordan Rodrigues
October 27, 2016

So there I was, spending Saturday afternoon surrounded by pumpkins and children much younger than myself running around and getting stoked on everything Halloween.But never mind age. Who doesn’t...

Photo credit: Courtesy of Artery Artist Management

Five new albums to check out this fall

Matthew Manfredi
October 20, 2016

Fall 2016 is bursting with countless great album releases and with so much good music coming, it's hard to keep track of what to listen to. So instead of scouring the web for something to add to the week’s...

Graph of Chico State DMCA notices. Photo credit: courtesy of Information Resources and Information Security

Music piracy walks the plank

Matthew Manfredi
October 11, 2016

While living in an era of countless options and apps for entertainment, we have developed particular ways to get music and media. Whether that means paying the monthly subscription fee to Spotify, buying...

Photo credit: courtesy of GSEC

Second Annual Chico State Drag Show

Matthew Manfredi
October 3, 2016

Student, local and professional drag performers from all over Northern California will be taking a stroll across a t-shaped catwalk in the BMU Auditorium on Oct. 13 for the Second Annual Chico State Drag...

Intense glare of the Green Tree Python. Photo credit: Sean Martens

A deeper look into Ron’s Reptiles

Matthew Manfredi
September 28, 2016

When Chico State alumnus Ron Greenberg mentions there are nearly 1000 reptiles on his one-and-a-half acre compound nestled in the rural foothills past the Chico Airport, this “hobby” of his begins...

Prophets of Rage protest with 'The Party's Over'

Prophets of Rage protest with ‘The Party’s Over’

Matthew Manfredi
September 22, 2016

Confronting the circus of the 2016 election with “Marshall Stacks Blazing,” the Prophets of Rage use their most recent EP, “The Party’s Over," as a form of modern musical protest. Deemed "the...

Attendees waiting for their Taste of Chico. Photo credit: Courtesy of Downtown Chico Business Association

Foodies gather for Chico tradition

Matthew Manfredi
September 19, 2016

On Sept. 25, some of the area’s best restaurants, wineries, breweries, food trucks and beverage vendors will gather for the Taste of Chico, an event transforming a quiet Sunday afternoon into a foodie-crazed...

Myles Weber, the competition host, counts down 10 seconds for applause, which awards each comedian one bonus point Photo credit: Matthew Manfredi

Comedy competition at the El Rey Theatre

Matthew Manfredi
September 14, 2016

On Saturday night, a line outside the El Rey Theatre formed well before doors opened for the 8 p.m. show. Inside the theatre, 16 comedians from all over the U.S., Canada and even as far as China, prepared...

Vocalist of "Post/Boredom" belting out a note. Photo credit: Sean Martens

When the sun goes down at Monstros Pizza

Matthew Manfredi
September 8, 2016

Unlike downtown, Wednesday night is quiet on West Sacramento Avenue. There’s Tony’s Liquor, apartment buildings, houses and Nettleton Stadium sits quietly in the distance, but then there’s Monstros...

Speculation and intrigue: ‘Stranger Things’ Season Two

Matthew Manfredi
September 5, 2016

On Aug. 31, a short teaser of "Stranger Things" season two was uploaded to YouTube. Within a few days the 56 second video racked up nearly three million views. Thousands of comments from "Stranger Things"...

Burrito from Gordo Burrito located on Pine and 9th street. Photo credit: Matthew Manfredi

In search of the best burrito in Chico

Matthew Manfredi
August 29, 2016
Five of the best taco trucks to answer your burrito fantasies
Netflix show 'Stranger Things' gives retro vibes

Netflix show ‘Stranger Things’ gives retro vibes

Matthew Manfredi
August 19, 2016

There is a certain allure to Netflix’s new series "Stranger Things." From the very beginning it pulls at the characteristics of horror, sci-fi and drama. This combination results in the eight-part series...

Promotional photo from official Facebook page.

‘Knight of Cups’: Weird, strange cinematic journey

Matthew Manfredi
May 16, 2016
Terrence Malick’s latest effort thrives in existential wonder.
Brittany Masloski (left) and John Klezmer (right) sing at The Bear for the record release party. Photo credit: Matthew Manfredi

Local record label, singer-songwriter team up

Matthew Manfredi
May 11, 2016
Local artist KLEZ begins career in music industry
Promotional photo from Saosin. Photo credit: Brandon Sloter

California bands: 2016 record releases

Matthew Manfredi
May 4, 2016
Be on the look out for upcoming albums from bands of the Golden State
Walnut Creek's The Story So Far plays to an engaged crowd at the Senator Theatre. Photo credit: Matthew Manfredi

The Story So Far: big, loud, engaging

Matthew Manfredi
April 25, 2016
Walnut Creek-based pop-punk band plays in Chico.
Promotional photo from Facebook page.

‘Flaked’ refreshing and unexpected

Matthew Manfredi
April 22, 2016
Will Arnet writes, produces and stars in new Netflix sitcom.
Bass player Aron Linker jams out during rehearsal. Photo credit: Megan Moran

Band transforms pop songs into dance tunes

Matthew Manfredi
April 20, 2016
Hashtag YEAH brings dance party to every venue
One of many performers at the DownLo. Photo credit: Matthew Manfredi

Chico attempts to break Guinness record

Matthew Manfredi
April 9, 2016
The DownLo hosts the second attempt to break a world record.
"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" promotional photo. Photo from official Facebook page.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of disappointment

Matthew Manfredi
April 1, 2016
Spoiler alert: this movie is terrible
The trio band smiles with pride as they share their story. Photo credit: Megan Moran

‘Dynamic, eclectic’ shirtless solidarity

Matthew Manfredi
March 28, 2016
shirtless and musical-solidarity.
Big Sam on stage at a festival, getting lost in the music. Photo courtesy of Any Goetz

New Orleans-based band to bring funk to Chico

Matthew Manfredi
March 17, 2016
Big Sam's Funky Nation to bring funk to Lost On Main.
Ben awaits his future fiance. Photo from "The Bachelor" Facebook page.

‘The Bachelor’ finale: A male perspective

Matthew Manfredi
March 15, 2016
Spoiler: Ben chooses Lauren over Jojo.
Benoit Charest conducts the horn section. Photo credit: Matthew Manfredi

‘Triplets of Belleville’ storms the stage of Laxson

Matthew Manfredi
March 7, 2016
Benoit Charest and his ensemble create unique night at Laxson Auditorium
(Waning) promotional photo. Photo courtesy of Danny Ensele

Band to bring down-tempos, dynamic doom to Chico

Matthew Manfredi
March 5, 2016
Sacramento based ambient sludge band plays 1078 Gallery
"Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville" performs for a crowd. Photo courtesy of Chico Performances

Live movie score guarantees to wow at Laxson

Matthew Manfredi
February 27, 2016
A live movie score will grace Laxson Auditorium next month.
Ryan Reynolds disguised as deadpool. Photo from official Facebook movie page

‘Deadpool’ daft but delightful

Matthew Manfredi
February 23, 2016
Ryan Reynolds has found his niche in superhero cinema.
Alexis Bass talks about her life as an author. Photo credit: Aurora Evans

Local author shares her journey from marketing to writing

Matthew Manfredi
February 17, 2016
Alexis Bass shares her journey as an author.
The Funnels in the late '80s looking happier than ever. Photo Courtey of Paul Bruce

A glimpse into Chico’s past music scene with The Funnels

Matthew Manfredi
February 12, 2016
Local band shares a little of their Chico experience from the '80s and early '90s.