One of the offbeat ways to measure a town is to look at the variety, ambition and success of its live theater. Davis has been home to different theater startups this decade. Some endure and some have shut, but the creative impulse to bring more theater to Davis – and the belief that Davis will support the interest – continues. Today we talk with two people from the not-quite-2-year-old Bike City Theatre Company: J.R. Yancher, the producing artistic director, and Sarah Marsh-Krauter, the literary manager and dramaturg. They talk about the company’s Davis roots, what they want to achieve, the performances they’d like to bring to town, and their plans to engage UC Davis students – and to expand local audiences by attracting people who think live theater has nothing to offer them.

Born on a mountain top , no no Brooklyn Brownsville East NY, raised on Jewish , African American and Latin music from the moment my ears were aware. Founder and vocal arranger for Frankie and The Fabletones, , acappella ensembles AKA, Spirit Feel, Full House, Doo Wop after Dark. Back in the 20th, hit recordings of Unchained Melody and Gloria and novelty versions of Hello Dolly and High Noon, with Vito and The Salutations. Been singing ever since i can recall, love to sing everything but especially the blues. Singing harmony instructor since 1956- in Davis since 1983, classes at Learning Exchange Experimental College Davis Art Center, currently pursuing a new career as a KDRT DJ.