The following is the Feb. 5 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 second week of February is here, which means Super Bowl Sunday’s on deck. Whether or not you’re into professional “sportsball,” there’s a moment you shouldn’t miss at the Big Game. Look for Lady Gaga to sing ”Won’t you be my Neighbor?” in an ad for Redfin and Rocket — or you can just watch it here and get into those Fred Rogers feels.
Meanwhile, it’s another touchdown of a week for Sacramento arts and culture.
You’ll find a much-needed night of comedy, two alt-country favorites playing as a duo, a poetry performance workshop, art for a good cause, a love-themed maker’s market and much more.
Pass the buffalo wings and let’s get to it. Hut, hut … Hike!
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In your inbox every Thursday, Abridged's entertainment newsletter from Chris Macias highlights things to do in the Sacramento region.
Laugh like you need it at the Comedy Spot
The details:
- Sacramento Comedy Spot, 1050 20th St., Sacramento
- 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 (Friday)
- $12
A lot of us could use a good laugh these days. Leave it to the comedians for giving context to our times and relieve our collective anxieties through laughter, whether it was Lenny Bruce riffing on free speech in the 1960s or Dick Gregory confronting racism during the Civil Rights era.
Think of the Comedy Spot as a safe space to let it all out. On Friday, the popular Midtown Sacramento club is hosting “Best of Sactown: A Standup Showcase” featuring comedians from throughout the region. The show is produced by Drew Absher, a local comedian and instructor at Comedy Spot, who mixes the line-up with seasoned comedians and emerging talent. Whether it’s observational comedy or routines that take a more topical approach, these performers are ready to rock your funny bone.
“As the amount of despair we are faced with grows daily, comedy clubs are one of the last bastions of unadulterated fun,” said Absher in an email. “Someone who you have blocked on Facebook could watch the same comedy show as you, laugh at all of the same jokes, and leave with their same stupid opinions. That’s the power of comedy!”
Dip into Davis for live music and record shopping
The details:
- Armadillo Music, 207 F St., Davis
- 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 (Friday)
- Free entry (tipping musicians encouraged)
Here’s an item with good news/bad news. Josh Lacey and Damon Wyckoff from alt-country favorites Forever Goldrush were initially booked for Friday at Morgan’s Mill in Woodland. However, that music series was canceled for February and expected to return in March as a monthly event. The good news is the show was moved to Armadillo Music, a beloved Davis record shop with a craft beer bar called “The Bootleg.” Drop by Friday to dig through some vinyl, hear one of the region’s great songwriting teams and hoist a pint from the likes of Moonraker, Berryessa Brewing or whatever else is on tap. Sodas and non-alcoholic options are also available.
Refine your poetic performance skills
The details:
- A Seat at the Table Books, 9257 Laguna Springs Dr. #130, Elk Grove
- 7:15 p.m. Feb. 5 (Thursday)
- $11.49
It’s tough enough to get your poems on the page, through the agonizing word choices and nitpicking until the flow feels just right. Baring your poetic soul in front of an audience requires a whole other set of skills, such as projecting your voice, fine-tuning your pacing and just building confidence. Good thing that the local poet Chio Saetern has your back. She hosts poetry performance practices on the first Thursday of each month, including tonight at A Seat at the Table Books in Elk Grove. Bring your latest work and learn how to rock that poetry mic.
Create art for a good cause
The details:
- Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis, 27074 Patwin Rd., Davis
- 2 p.m. Feb. 7 (Saturday)
- $75
Tapping into your creative life can be a great source of joy, and it’s even better when that work can help support others. Paint for a Purpose offers that exact opportunity with a painting workshop that benefits Make It Happen for Yolo County, a nonprofit that supports youth who are transitioning from foster care or homelessness and moving out on their own. The Sunday event at Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis includes a painting lesson along with door prizes, beverages and snacks.
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Shop for your sweetie (or yourself)
The details:
- R Cubed Lifestyle, 5617 H St., Sacramento
- 11 a.m. Feb. 7 (Saturday)
- Free entry
The countdown is on if you’re on the hunt for a Valentine’s Day gift. If you prefer keeping it local rather than hitting the mall or clicking away on Amazon, the Be Mine Market on Saturday in East Sacramento has you covered. You’ll find an array of gift options for your boo, including art, jewelry, fashion and much more from local makers and small businesses.
More events you won’t want to miss
Let’s keep it going with bonus picks for this week and beyond:
- Broken Compass Bluegrass at Davis Odd Fellows Lodge in Davis on Thursday, Feb. 5.
- K-Pop Stars Live Show at Yolo County Fairgrounds in Woodland on Thursday,Feb. 5.
- Thurgood, a one-man play at the Guild Theater in Sacramento on Saturday, Feb. 7.
- Sac of Donuts tribute to J-Dilla at Legend Has It in Sacramento on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Before I go,
Stay tuned for an especially action-packed Cultural Capital next week. We’ll have a run of Valentine’s Day events along with options for those who don’t give a hoot.
Pass the See’s Nuts and Chews and a replay of Lady Gaga paying homage to Fred Rogers. In the meantime, send tips about upcoming events to christo916@gmail.com. See you next week!
Chris Macias is a regular contributor, writing Cultural Capital for Abridged.