The following is the Dec. 4 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.
Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and took many tryptophan-induced naps from all the turkey, tofurkey, tamales or whatever you consumed. You’re going to need that rest as we head into the heart of the holiday season and the Sacramento region abounds with arts and entertainment.
This week you’ll find full-throttle live music, a range of holiday markets — including one that’s on the spookier side and another with Viking vibes — plus must-see theater for those who want to go deep. Fire up that yule log and let’s go!
We’ll have Halloween on Christmas at the Altar Room
The details:
- The Altar Room, 3045 65th St., Suite 6, Sacramento
- 6 p.m. Dec. 6
- Free entry
If you’re inclined toward the esoteric and gothic side of the holidays, the Altar Room in East Sacramento should definitely be on your shopping map. The Altar Room hosted a Halloween-themed market at the Sacramento Historic City Cemetery that was a big hit. I heard from folks who were blown away by the outfits people wore, the range of goods and the overall vibes.
You can expect more of the same Saturday as owner Shasta Smith and the Altar Room open doors wide for Curiosities at Christmas. Stroll around the gallery and you’ll find mystical old-world artistry and oddities from local makers that lift the season to bewitching realms. Beyond the gift ideas, Curiosities at Christmas is a chance to connect with like-minded locals and truly soak in the atmospherics of it all. Cue some Tones on Tail tracks and head over for a shopping experience unlike any other you’ll see in town.
Head to the WAL y’all for more local shopping
The details:
- Warehouse Artist Lofts, 1108 R St., Sacramento
- 6 p.m. Dec. 5
- Free entry
In terms of supporting local creative culture, one of the best things you can do this holiday season is buy from local vendors. Leave the Amazon Prime for another day and head to the WAL First Friday Holiday Market. You’ll have a chance to not only drop by the studios of those who live and create at the Warehouse Artist Lofts, but shop from a variety of vendors with 916-centric gifts and stocking stuffers. Bonus: Tacos 916 will be on stand-by to keep you fueled and jolly.
Celebrate a half-century of Sacto skateboard pioneers
The details:
- Harlow’s, 2708 J St., Sacramento
- 7 p.m. Dec. 6
- $32.90
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the N-Men, a legendary Sacramento skateboard crew who were subjects of an award-winning documentary. Some of those founding members are well into their 60s and still skate, such as Randy Katen and Steve “Steve-O” Brockway, who are still ripping it up at 65. In the early 1980s, a yearly party to celebrate Katen’s birthday developed into a Sacramento skate tradition that continues Saturday at Harlow’s.
Prepare for a night of pioneering skate-punk and new school sounds while surrounded by legendary NorCal skaters. Even if you don’t know the difference between frontside and backside, or an ollie from a nollie, partying with the ever-youthful N-Men is a guaranteed good time.
Yule have fun (and honey) at this Viking festival
The details:
- The HIVE Tasting Room and Kitchen, 1221 Harter Ave., Woodland
- Noon Dec. 6
- Free entry
Last month, Cultural Capital put the spotlight on The HIVE Tasting Room and Kitchen, a fun spot for honey tasting and live music. On Saturday, the feeling will be closer to 8th century Scandinavia with the Enchanted Viking Yule. The family-friendly event includes Viking cosplay, mead tasting and music from singer/guitarist Christina Newport, who specializes in Nordic folk music. Head on over, learn more about the origins of the Yule log and shop for handmade gifts as well.
Brace yourself for a double whammy of vintage rock
The details:
- Torch Club, 904 15th St., Sacramento
- 9 p.m. Dec. 6
- $15
Don’t get too close to Th’ Losin’ Streaks when they’re in full manic mode, or you risk getting bonked in the sternum. I say this from a recent experience with these glorious garage-rockers as they just about tore up the Torch Club’s stage. Expect more of the same on Saturday, as Th’ Losin Streaks back the ace guitarist Deke Dickerson and play a rowdy set of their own at Torch Club. This is a must-see gig if primordial punk and surf music gets you revved up.
A compelling night of theater awaits
The details:
- Capital Stage, 2215 J St., Sacramento
- Through Dec. 28, various times including 2 p.m. Saturday matinees
- $50-$65; $55-$67 matinees
There’s certainly no shortage of theater productions during the holidays. But perhaps you’re craving something with less “ho-ho-ho” and mistletoe and more ponderous about the human condition. In that case, the run of “I and You” at Capital Stage kicks off this week. Its rich exploration of personal connection, youth and mortality will surely keep you captivated. Be one of the cool theater kids by catching a performance in its first days, but note you have until Dec. 28 to see it.
Before I go,
Thanks to everyone who supported Abridged during Giving Tuesday. In this holiday season, I’m especially grateful for the opportunity share my passion for local arts and entertainment through Cultural Capital. Your support means everything as the Abridged team doubles down on public service journalism to serve readers like you.
If there’s a local event or artist that you recommend, drop me a line at christo916@gmail.com.
Chris Macias is a regular contributor, writing Cultural Capital for Abridged.