The following is the Aug. 6 edition of Cultural Capital, an arts and entertainment newsletter written by Abridged contributor Chris Macias. Want it sent directly to your inbox? Sign up here.
For nearly 40 years now, I’ve been drawn to the region’s arts and culture for its sense of community, the longstanding friendships and sense of shared history. I was reminded of this on Saturday at the “Olde Tyme Davis Jamboree,” a reunion of bands like Thornucopia, PopeAlopes, the Looky Loos and others that musically defined Aggie Town in the 1980s. Beyond the wonderful tunes, the event was full of big hugs, a few tears and reflections as many reconnected after decades.
That’s the power of our cultural community. Much more togetherness will be found this week through the 80th annual Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar and the Yolo County Fair in an expanded run. Read ahead and you’ll also find pivotal playwriting, live music and more events where friendships are bound to be formed and nurtured.
Pass the mochi on a stick and let’s go!
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In your inbox every Thursday, Abridged's entertainment newsletter from Chris Macias highlights things to do in the Sacramento region.
Celebrate 80 years of culture and community (and lots of food)
The details:
- Buddhist Church of Sacramento, 2401 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento
- 11 a.m to 8 p.m., August 8 (Saturday)
- Free entry
Growing up in Sacramento, I remember driving with my dad on the W-X Freeway during an especially hot summer weekend, watching a sweet smoke rise near Riverside Blvd. It was a signal that the Buddhist Church of Sacramento’s Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar was underway, a time to load up with cartons of teriyaki chicken and feast with the community.
This bazaar celebrates its 80th edition on Saturday, a great day to dive into Japanese cuisine and culture. If you’ve spent a significant amount of time in Sacramento, no doubt you will run into friends while exploring the bazaar.
Pro tip: Don’t show up hangry as the food lines can get long. Arriving after 2 p.m., as the day’s heat starts to peak, generally means shorter wait times.
Here are more insider tips provided via email from Marty Matsuda, the bazaar’s co-chair. Kanpai!
Plan ahead for parking: “Use the city parking lot under the freeway near 8th and X streets,” said Matsuda. “A free shuttle will be available all day to bring you to and from the temple and the parking lot.”
Explore the many menu options: “Don’t be afraid to try something new. We have added Japanese street food items to the menu, including okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancake with yakisoba on the bottom and various toppings) and takoyaki (octopus balls).”
Savor the sense of community: “You could say this bazaar is our gift to the community. It’s opening our home to old friends and newcomers alike. People of all backgrounds come to our temple to enjoy the day (in) a shared cultural experience filled with love and respect.”
Fair thee well in Yolo County
The details:
- Yolo County Fairgrounds, 250 E. Gum Ave., Woodland
- 5 p.m. on Aug. 7 (Friday), 12 p.m., Aug. 8-9 (Saturday and Sunday)
- 5 p.m. on Aug. 12 (next Wednesday), 12 p.m. Aug. 13-16 (next Thursday-Sunday)
- Free entry, additional fees for parking, carnival rides and select events
Speaking of signature Sacramento-area events, the Yolo County Fair kicks off Aug. 7 (Friday) as a two-week event for the first time. That means eight days of music, fried foods, spins on carnival rides, livestock and exhibits that showcase Yolo County’s salt-of-the-earth character.
Along with a set from The Nickel Slots, here’s what I’m looking forward to this year:
Alt-rock from Mentally Tampered: This band of local Woodland teens will melt your Gen X heart on Aug. 16 with proper covers of The Cure and Echo & the Bunnymen. Their original tunes definitely show they’ve been doing their new wave homework.
Destruction Derby madness: Tickets get swooped up fast for the fair’s annual Destruction Derby. Our family was lucky to snag some for Aug. 14 and can’t wait to see this car crashing calamity for the first time.
Don’t miss a visit from a master playwright
The details:
- All City Homes, 3501 2nd Ave., Sacramento
- 1 p.m., Aug. 9 (Sunday)
- Free entry
On the literary front, a celebration for the book release of “WELGA: A Filipino American Playwright’s Journey” will be held Aug. 9 (Sunday) at All City Homes in North Oak Park. It’s a memoir from Conrad A. Panganiban that includes such works as “WELGA,” a powerful coming-of-age tale that connects to the 1965 Delano Grape Strike and was just added to the Smithsonian Library at the National Museum of American History. Playwrights of all backgrounds shouldn’t miss this opportunity.
More events you won’t want to miss
- Roots rocking from The Beat Farmers at The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre in Midtown Sacramento on Aug. 6 (Thursday).
- “Latina Power” celebrates vibrant local artistry and culture at Downtown Sacramento’s CASA de ESPAÑOL on Aug. 7 (Friday).
- Head to the grand opening of the Erguvan Art Center in Woodland on Aug. 8 (Saturday).
- Join the hootenanny at the Folsom Americana Music Festival at Zittel Family Amphitheater on Aug. 8 (Saturday).
- Sample the goods at Sangria Sunday makers market with music from members of Forever Goldrush at Downtown Sacramento’s Lucid Winery on Aug. 9 (Sunday).
I’ve been out and about quite a bit lately and thankful for all the encouraging words about Abridged by PBS KVIE. Hearing you discovered a new band or planned a date night because of what you read in Cultural Capital always makes my day. Here’s to much more discovery and inspiration in the days to come.
Stay in touch at christo916@gmail.com. See you next week!
