The following is the Oct. 8 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.
After a full weekend of Aftershock, it feels good to take things just a bit easier this week, a little more on the mellow side. But those were fun rocking times at Discovery Park, even if my lower back was feeling a bit burnt.
Highlights included a massive mosh pit that circled the soundboard during Municipal Waste’s set and a fist-pumping show from Public Enemy. Oleander also brought the power-grunge goods to its hometown like it was 1999 all over again. Back in the media/artist lounge, musicians from Deftones, Sublime, Nekrogoblikon and P.O.D. milled about, making Sacramento feel like Rock City U.S.A.
So no moshing this week, but plenty of arts and entertainment to explore. In this edition of Cultural Capital, you’ll find an emphasis on literary events, including a wonderful book festival with familiar names, an event that highlights Japanese American authors and a storytelling workshop. We’re also in Davis for a much-anticipated album release show, and in South Natomas for some proper lucha libre wrasslin’.
Let’s go! (But inside voices, please.)
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In your inbox every Thursday, Abridged's entertainment newsletter from Chris Macias highlights things to do in the Sacramento region.
A book festival that stands and delivers with Latino literature
The details:
- Valley High School, 6300 Ehrhardt Ave., Sacramento
- 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Oct. 10 (Saturday)
- Free
Leticia Ordaz is recognized around the region as an anchor and reporter for KCRA3. At the same time, she’s built a successful career as an author and publisher of bilingual children’s books.
Her publishing house, Cielito Lindo Books, recently earned numerous medals at the International Latino Book Awards. Among them, her husband Enrique Baeza received four gold medals, one silver and a rising star award for “That Environmental Crusader Could Be Me!” An anthology from Cielito Lindo Books, “We Come From Greatness, Volume 2” written by 52 migrant youths also received a gold medal and rising star honors.
You’ll see this passion for youthful Latino literature on display at the Sacramento Latino Book & Family Festival. Valley High in South Sacramento will teem with dozens of award-winning authors, along with educational resources, live music and lowriders.
This festival includes Hollywood star power as well. Edward James Olmos of “Stand and Deliver” and “American Me” fame will deliver a keynote address. He’s also the co-founder of Empowering Latino Futures, a nonprofit dedicated to Latino literacy and educational success.
“For me, it’s about bringing families together, helping people discover great books and inspiring someone to say, ‘I can write a book too,’” Ordaz wrote in an email. “It’s also very personal. I didn’t grow up seeing many books that reflected me or my culture, so when I see children light up because they see themselves in my story, that means everything to me.”
A taste of home from a signature Sacramento musician
The details:
- The Melon Ball at Watermelon Music, 1970 Lake Blvd., Suite 1, Davis
- 8 p.m., Oct. 9 (Friday)
- $20
Anton Barbeau’s smart, quirky pop music has been a Sacramento fixture since the 1980s. Though he’s spent a chunk of time living overseas in England and Berlin, Barbeau’s been back in California since 2020 and ever prolific in the studio. The release of his latest album, “Come Home to Me,” will be celebrated Friday at The Melon Ball in Davis, with its influences that harken to Robyn Hitchcock and XTC. Fun fact: Colin Moulding and Dave Gregory from XTC perform on “Come Home to Me.”
A weekend of storytelling and honing your craft
The details:
- Buddhist Church of Sacramento, 2401 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento
- 6 p.m., Oct. 13 (Tuesday)
- Free, registration required
Come meet the new guard of Japanese American authors. “Telling New Nikkei Stories,” held Tuesday at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, includes captivating writing that covers such ground as murder mystery and tenacious family history. You’ll hear from authors Jennifer Morita (“Ghosts of Waikiki”) and Tamiko Nimura (“A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter’s Return to Tule Lake”), and learn more about their inspirations and cultural influences. Note that registration closes on Oct. 11 (Sunday).
Speaking of storytelling, there’s a prime opportunity Saturday (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) for younger folks to fine-tune their reporting, visual and production skills. Geared for ages 14-24, Asian Resources Inc.’s Storytelling Workshop in South Sacramento is all about equipping a new generation with the tools to not just create content, but preserve community and cultural voices.
Where the ‘camel clutch’ meets community fun
The details:
- South Natomas Community Center, 2921 Truxel Road, Sacramento
- 4 p.m., Oct. 10 (Saturday)
- Free
The intentions are all good at this grudge match. Natomasmania IV brings the fun and drama of Mexican lucha libre wresting to the South Natomas Community Center on Saturday. The event is free, geared for families and filled with high-flying action. Sport your favorite máscara to complete the vibe.
More events you won’t want to miss
- ArtMix Mystique at the Crocker Art Museum in Downtown Sacramento on Oct. 8 (Thursday).
- Concert in the Park with Kiss ‘n Tell at Freeman Park in Woodland on Oct. 9 (Friday).
- Opening reception of Preserve the Sanctity of this Place, a multimedia art show at Midtown Sacramento’s Prism Art Space on Oct. 10 (Saturday).
- Folsom Lake Symphony performs Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique at the Harris Center in Folsom on Oct. 10 (Saturday).
- Sac Porch Fest near 21st and I streets in Midtown Sacramento on Oct. 10 (Saturday).
Before I go,
If you missed Oleander at Aftershock, a second chance to see the band is coming soon. On Monday, Oleander announced they will play Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville on Dec 12. Note that tickets go on sale Friday, so don’t get caught sleeping.
Have other local shows and events that would be a good fit for Cultural Capital? Drop me a line at christo916@gmail.com.
See you next week!
