The following is the April 9 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.
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In your inbox every Thursday, Abridged's entertainment newsletter from Chris Macias highlights things to do in the Sacramento region.
Cultural Capital is moving and grooving as always. This week we have a much-anticipated local band reunion (especially if you love darkwave and Brit-pop), a two-day film festival, a nostalgic trip to the 1990s with beer, a celebration of Mexican pastries and much more.
But first, a notice to artists that submissions are now being accepted for the PBS KVIE Art Auction through May 29. Click here if you’re a professional artist who wants to have a piece considered. The auction will be held in October with proceeds going to PBS KVIE.
Let’s get it!
Friday you’re in love with Diciembre Gris’ return
The details:
- The Stag Bar, 506 Main St., Woodland
- 7 p.m., April 10 (Friday)
- Free entry
Close your eyes when Diciembre Gris plays and you might think The Cure was in the room with its chiming guitars and heavy atmospherics. You might also think it was the early 2000s, when Diciembre Gris rose from Woodland to a starring role in Sacramento’s Rock en Español scene, touring Mexico and playing The Roxy in Hollywood.
Those days are long gone but Diciembre Gris is back with renewed purpose. The band broke up in 2014, and despite a one-off in 2023, its gig on Friday at The Stag Bar in Woodland marks a bona fide comeback.
“We’ve had three practice sessions and it’s like we never stopped,” said singer/guitarist Daniel Villegas on a recent night at Blue Note Brewing. “I always tell people that being in bands is about chemistry. You can have the best musicians, but it’s really a chemistry.”
That chemistry definitely resonates with fans of goth and 1980s new wave. While some bands in the local Rock en Espanol scene of 20+ years ago specialized in heavy metal like La Bestia or femme-punk from Velvet Fury, Diciembre Gris took a more Anglophile approach with songs in both Spanish and English.
The buzz continues to grow for the group’s reunion show. It’s a stacked line-up of indie-rock that includes Ghostplay and longtime Sacramento favorites Pets. Also in the house is Las Cruxes, a band by way of Los Angeles and Omaha that’s signed to Million Stars Records, a label from Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes fame.
Villegas says Diciembre Gris is now eyeing a full-length album. With a newer generation fascinated with goth and British bands, he thinks the timing is right for a Diciembre Gris resurrection.
“It just kind of poked at me to get out there and see how it feels again,” he said, before heading to The Goodnight Room for a nightcap. “And so far, we’ve been getting really great reception from people all over the place. I think we’re coming on at the right moment.”
Catch a movie marathon with a red carpet
The details:
- Esquire IMAX Theatre, 1211 K St., Sacramento
- 12:10-8 p.m., April 11-12 (Saturday-Sunday)
- $25 daily (in advance), $30 at door; $45 all-access pass, $75 VIP
Sacramento was a key location spot for the Oscar-winning “One Battle After Another,” bringing a point of pride to the local film scene. Could the next Paul Thomas Anderson be in our midst? This weekend, independent filmmakers from Sacramento and beyond are descending on the Esquire IMAX Theatre for the Sactown Film Festival. From full-length feature films to animated flicks and documentaries, this festival is a must for cinema fans. The event includes an awards ceremony and red carpet walk for a taste of Tinseltown in the City of Trees.
Enjoy local brews with 1990 redux
The details:
- High-Hand Brewing Co., 3750 Taylor Road, Loomis
- 6 p.m., April 11 (Saturday)
- Free entry (18+ only)
Get ready to fly the flannel or break out those old Dr. Martens boots. The local beer scene is especially soaked with Gen X nostalgia on Saturday with two events. Though the 90’s Fest at Movement Brewing Co. in Rancho Cordova is sold-out, those grungy days will further be celebrated at High-Hand Brewing Co. in Loomis. As the brews flow, get wistful about the times before social media engulfed our lives while 120 Minutes rocks the stage. With a name that references the classic MTV show, the band specializes in tunes from Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Alice in Chains and other alt-rock heroes. Bonus points for anyone who dresses like “120 Minutes” VJs Matt Pinfield or Dave Kendall.
Party in the name of pan dulce
The details:
- District56, 8230 Civic Center Dr., Elk Grove
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., April 12 (Sunday)
- Free entry
Mmmm, conchas … These shell-shaped treats are among the most beloved Mexican pastries in the pan dulce family (I’ll take the strawberry/vanilla swirl, thanks). Head to District56 in Elk Grove on Sunday with your sweet tooth and celebrate Day of “La Concha.” Along with stuffing yourself with conchas and other Mexican foods, the festival includes Latin percussion from Eddy El Conguero, DJs and dance-friendly tunes from Gary Mendoza. Keep some horchata handy to wash it all down.
More events you won’t want to miss
Let’s keep it going with bonus picks for this weekend:
- Celebrate the reveal of Sacramento’s Concert in the Park lineup with a block party at Ali Youssefi Square on April 10.
- Nature Day festival with honey tastings, tours, and activities at The Hive Tasting Room and Kitchen in Woodland on April 11.
- Get funky with The Philharmonik at Sol Collective in Sacramento’s Curtis Park neighborhood on April 11.
Before I go,
Thanks so much for all the great tips recently. Note that the more lead time I have before an event, the more likely it’ll make the cut for Cultural Capital. Stay in touch at christo916@gmail.com.
See you next week!
Chris Macias is a regular contributor, writing Cultural Capital for Abridged.