The following is the Nov. 26 Thanksgiving 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.
Welcome to an early edition of Cultural Capital! I’m sure you’ve got that turkey thawing, or you’re headed soon to pick up a heat-and-eat Thanksgiving feast. However you celebrate, I hope you enjoy a day off with family, chosen family and friends.
The holiday rush also means that many of us are looking to get out and unwind. As always, we’re here with ideas. This week, we’ve got a dazzling art show that’s perfect for a family outing, holiday-themed storytelling, a prime shopping opportunity and merry toy drive with live music. Finally, look for a poignant art show that pushes back against Asian stereotypes.
Pass the gravy, a second helping of Whole Foods stuffing and let’s go!
Get immersed in art and family fun
The details:
- 31 15th St., West Sacramento
- Thursday through Monday, various entry times
- Starting at $26.90
Each week, I remind everyone to send tips that would make a good item for Cultural Capital. This one is a perfect example. I recently got an email from Sue Scotland of Sacramento saying her family had a fantastic time at Claude Monet: The Immersive Experience, calling it “a good outing for the ages.” She and her grandkids were not only blown away by the 360-degree projections of Monet’s art, timeless with its brilliant use of color and light, but the family friendliness of it all.
“Everyone really enjoyed it,” she wrote, “especially a toddler with another family who was having a great time following the images on the floor and walls.”
Thanks again, Sue, for the great tip and your support of KVIE.
Soak in some holiday storytelling
The details:
- The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre, 2700 Capitol Ave., Sacramento
- 7 p.m. Nov. 28
- $34.50
In a Nutshell has emerged as Sacramento’s key avenue for live storytelling that includes open mics, a podcast and a monthly showcase at The Sofia. Its storytelling series on Friday takes a holiday theme with “Thanksgiving & Christmas: Planes, Trains & Automobiles,” a mix of Clark Griswold-styled hilarity, feel-good tales a la the Hallmark Channel and tear jerking moments as well. The storytellers hail from Sacramento and beyond, including Oakland’s Beau Ryder Davis aka the “hillbilly in the Bay.” Happy storytelling to all, and to all a good night.
Holiday shop ’til you drop
The details:
- SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, 1400 J St., Sacramento
- 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 29
- Free entry
Don’t be fooled by the title; it’s just a bit of reverse psychology. World’s Worst Expo Sacramento is a must for those who seek vintage goods, jewelry, clothing and more from primarily local brands. Previous versions have drawn hefty crowds, and Saturday’s event features more than 240 vendors for the picking. Get a head start on that holiday shopping and dig in.
Rock out for a good cause
The details:
- SacYard Community Tap House, 1725 33rd St., Sacramento
- 4 p.m. Nov. 29; 3 p.m. Nov. 30
- Free entry
Just as the great Sacto rock band Tesla sang, “It’s not what you got, it’s what you give.” That’s the spirit heading in the 12th annual Rockin’ Jingle Ball, which goes down Saturday and Sunday at SacYard Community Tap House. There, you’ll find a toy drive that benefits the Mustard Seed School at Loaves and Fishes, which supports homeless children. Along with plenty of beers on tap and good cheer, this party is packed with live music. Saturday includes Peter Petty, The Fortunate Few and three other bands. Whiskey & Stitches headline Sunday, with DangerForce 5 and Geoffrey Miller & Friends rounding out the bill. Bring new, unwrapped toys, new clothing, gift cards or cash for local kids in need. You’ll shoot to the top of Santa’s “nice” list.
Shattering stereotypes through art
The details:
- Sacramento State, Hinde Auditorium, 6000 J St. Sacramento
- 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3
- Free, registration required
Finally, an event that uplifts voices in turbulent times. “Stop the Hate: Amplifying Asian American Stories” shines a spotlight on art and documentaries from Sacramento State students in its Asian American Studies program. These works push back against Asian American stereotypes and hate crimes against the community. Sponsored by the Sacramento chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association, the event next Wednesday includes a roundtable discussion about representation in media with prominent local journalists, communication experts and a UC Davis law professor. Note that space is limited and registration for the event is available through Friday (Nov. 28).
Before I go,
Just a reminder that Cultural Capital is back on its regular schedule next week and will be your way Thursday.
As always, if there’s a Sacramento-area event or artist that you recommend for Cultural Capital, drop me a line at christo916@gmail.com. Be like Sue Scotland! Hope to hear from you soon.
Chris Macias is a regular contributor, writing Cultural Capital for Abridged.