Entertainment for the Census

COSTA MESA -- Musicians tuned their saxes, axes and bass to a B flat,

just seconds before the curtain rose.

“I’m a little worried Brandon will squeak,” said saxophonist Daniel

DeArakal, 12, about his accompanying saxophonist Brandon Baswell, 13.

The band, which called itself the Robotic Chickens, was one of 23 acts in

Sunday’s Talent 2000. The event, held at the Costa Mesa Neighborhood

Community Center, featured talent from the Newport-Mesa School District.

Madres Costa Mesa, a family support group, and the Costa Mesa Census 2000

Committee produced the show.

Tables outside of the auditorium were filled with magnets and pencils

printed with the census logo brochures urging residents to fill out the

forms. Students from TeWinkle Middle School also performed a short skit

explaining the importance of the census. And proceeds from taco and soda

sales there will go toward music programs at TeWinkle Middle School.

The event attracted more than 250 proud mothers and fathers, friends and

entertainment-seekers, including a cluster of Robotic Chicken fans.

When the curtain finally rose, the band played an instrumental version of

the Green Day song, “When I Come Around.” The seven-piece band took a

minimalist approach to the song, choosing to omit unnecessary theatrics.

They looked down at their instruments, concentrating and standing

completely still.

That is, except for bassist Eric Messerschmidt, otherwise known as Mr.

Messerschmidt. Standing almost a foot taller than his bandmates, he

rocked his knees, smiled and swiveled his hips. Messerschmidt is the

music director at TeWinkle Middle School.

After their number, he quickly ran offstage to a piano to accompany

Constance Reeves, 12, as she brought down the tempo. With straight-backed

poise, she blew the “Theme from Summer of 42” through her well-polished

flute.

Myrna Burciaga, owner of El Chinaco Restaurant and co-organizer of the

event, watched from outside.

“We really have some great talent,” she said. “I think people are having

a good time and maybe learning a little about the census.”