The following is the May 21 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.
The metaphorical start of summer is landing with Memorial Day weekend. While many locals will hit the road, there’s plenty to seek in local arts and entertainment for those sticking closer to home (and with current gas prices, that’s not a bad option).
Look for a soothing concert from an acclaimed figure in ambient music, the latest in a string of Rocklin reggae shows and cutting-edge Latino theater. We’re also shining the spotlight on a classic musical and the 25th anniversary of an indie-rock masterpiece.
Say hello to an action-packed summer and let’s go!
Want to discover more events across the Sacramento region? Check out Abridged by PBS KVIE’s new searchable events calendar.
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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 meditative concert for Memorial Day weekend
The details:
- St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1701 L St., Sacramento
- 8 p.m., May 24 (Sunday)
- $30-$50
Brian Eno’s series of “Ambient” albums defined the genre starting in 1979. On Sunday at St. John’s Lutheran Church, you’ll be able to hear one of Eno’s collaborators in an especially tranquil setting.
“Ambient 3: Day of Radiance” featured hypnotic, primarily dulcimer-based music by Laraaji (born Edward Larry Gordon) with production by Eno. Now, Laraaji performs in Sacramento as part of “Ambient Church,” a concert series founded in New York and hosted around the country. If you’re looking for a space to chill, this show from Laraaji is your ticket to unwind.
Enjoy ‘One’ classic musical
The details:
- Winters Opera House, 13 Main St., Winters
- 7:30 p.m., May 22 (Friday); 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., May 23 (Saturday); 2 p.m., May 24 (Sunday)
- $28.52, $25.31 for seniors 62 and older and students
The Winters Opera House will become a temple of toe tapping as “A Chorus Line” starts its two-week run on Friday. This production by the Winters Theatre Company gives its Yolo County spin on the classic musical that earned both a Pulitzer Prize and 10 Tony Awards since its 1976 Broadway debut. Feel the heartstrings pull in “What I Did for Love” and marvel at all those jazz hands in the showstopping “One.” Catch the show on weekends through June 7.
Sparking up a summer of reggae in Rocklin
The details:
- Quarry Park Amphitheatre, 4000 Rocklin Road, Rocklin
- 7 p.m., May 21 (Thursday)
- $49.38-$92.09
Who knew that Rocklin would emerge as a hot spot for reggae? Just two weeks after an appearance by J Boog, we now have Collie Buddz at the Quarry Park Amphitheatre on Thursday. While you’re at it, go ahead and mark your calendar for Aug. 13 when The Movement and Pepper bring a double-whammy reggae bill to Quarry Park. Also, plan on Tribal Seeds and Fortunate Youth with their “Heavy Vibes” tour on Sept. 25 at this outdoor spot as well.
Get immersed in a suspenseful fairytale
The details:
- Fair Oaks Performing Arts Center, 7991 California Ave., Fair Oaks
- 7 p.m., May 21 (Thursday), 8 p.m., May 22-23 (Friday-Saturday), 2 p.m., May 24 (Sunday)
- $32.50, $28.50 for students, veterans and seniors 65 and older
Teatro Nagual celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, marking two decades of bringing Latino-based theater to Sacramento stages. Its latest production, “Wolf at the Door,” takes a Brothers Grimm influence to heightened levels of suspense and mythology. It’s the second in a series of plays by Marisela Treviño Orta that delve into dark, fairytale worlds that emphasize resistance and liberation. The especially strong acting and staging will keep you captivated. Note: this production is definitely not for kids.
Celebrate an enduring indie-rock album
The details:
- Ace of Spades, 1417 R St., Sacramento
- 7 p.m., May 22 (Friday)
- $45.50 general admission
Not gonna lie: I’ve been nerdy about Grandaddy’s “The Sophtware Slump” since it was released in 2000. This concept album about “pastoral dystopia” and throwaway technology, all set to an epic indie-rock soundtrack, is still a mindblower and ever-relevant a quarter-century later. “Jed the Humanoid” may also be the saddest song ever written about a robot. The Modesto-based band now brings its 25th anniversary tour of “The Sophtware Slump” to Ace of Spades on Friday. I’ll be the guy singing along too loudly during the finale of “So You’ll Aim Toward the Sky.”
More events you won’t want to miss
Let’s keep this arts and entertainment party going with more picks:
- Lenny Kravitz at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln on May 22 (Friday)
- CapLit actors perform works from authors Vanessa Hua and Rob Davidson at the Auditorium at CLARA in Midtown Sacramento on May 22 (Friday)
- Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings at the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley on May 23 (Saturday)
Before I go,
I’m dedicating this week’s Cultural Capital to Patricia Beach Smith, a longtime arts writer for The Sacramento Bee who passed away May 13th.
Pat was a beloved colleague for many years, though we covered different sides of the musical spectrum. I wrote mostly about local bands, music for mosh pits and pop stars. Pat’s work was often crafted through the astute lens of opera glasses. But we found common ground in our love of arts journalism and Sacramento. She was also a dedicated Abridged reader who recently sent me a sweet, encouraging note about my writing that meant so much. Thanks, Pat, for your friendship and devoted local arts coverage for so many years.
As always, stay in touch at christo916@gmail.com.
See you next week!
Chris Macias is a regular contributor, writing Cultural Capital for Abridged.