The following is the Feb. 12 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.
Cupid is aiming his arrow right at the Sacramento area with an abundance of lovely arts and entertainment this Valentine’s Day weekend. If you want to spice up your night with live music, poetry, ballet or art workshops, read ahead for Cultural Capital’s picks (and stay to the end for a celebratory giveaway!). You’ll find options for families as well.
Maybe you’re not feeling Valentine’s Day at all this year — or, just want some eclectic Feb. 14 fun. The Rogue Music Project has you covered with its “Un-Break My Heart Valentine’s Day Cabaret,” with two shows Saturday at Antiquité Midtown (2114 P St., Sacramento; 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; $39.19, $65.87 VIP).
The Rogue Music Project’s “10-minute opera” at Prism Art Space was among the most buzzed about events at January’s Second Saturday art crawl. This time, the group is mashing-up pop songs, musical theater and opera to poke fun at Valentine’s Day, all while exploring themes of breaking up, moving on and self-empowerment.
“I like to say Rogue Music Project is ‘part band, part opera company,’” said Kevin Doherty, the crew’s executive director in an email. “Our cabarets are some of the most fun that we have as a group. We like to stay relevant but also irreverent. It’s so important to us that our audience have a great time and feel included.”
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In your inbox every Thursday, Abridged's entertainment newsletter from Chris Macias highlights things to do in the Sacramento region.
Perfect for couples
The details:
- All City Homes, 3401 2nd Ave., Sacramento
- 7 p.m., Feb. 14 (Saturday)
- $12.51, $55.20 for couples’ package that includes a bottle of wine and snacks.
Surround yourself with lovely prose at Mahogany Urban Poetry featuring the Black Cupid Crew. Hosted at All City Homes in Oak Park, the event includes music and comedy to get your date night cooking.
The details:
- Delta of Venus, 122 B St., Davis
- 6:30 p.m., sign-ups, 7 p.m. event. Feb. 14 (Saturday)
- Free entry.
Speaking of poetry, speak your mind for Valentine’s and participate in the “Love is Social Justice” poetry reading and open mic at Delta of Venus in Davis. The night is hosted by Mario Ellis Hill with Angela Dee Alforque and and Stephan Eyman as featured poets.
The details:
- The Colonial Theatre, 3522 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento
- 9 p.m., Feb. 14 (Saturday)
- $32.07, $45.01 Valentine’s VIP, $94.17 couples VIP.
It’s just a jump to the left! The Colonial Theatre in Sacramento is screening “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” so brush up on “The Time Warp.” Prepare yourself for many playful heckles if your couples’ costume is Brad and Janet from the movie.
The details:
- Channel 24, 1800 24th St., Sacramento
- 7:30 p.m., Feb. 14 (Saturday)
- $59.85 general admission.
If your heart goes boom for hip-hop, especially on the indie side of things, Channel 24 will be holding it down with Atmosphere headlining the “Winter Carnival Tour.” The bill includes Sage Francis, R.A. The Rugged Man, Kool Keith and turntable wizardry from Mr. Dibbs.
The details:
- Benvenuti Performing Arts Center, 4600 Blackrock Dr., Sacramento
- 7 p.m., Feb. 14 (Saturday)
- $59.
Pointe shoes and a potent tale of tragic unfold in a performance of Swan Lake at the Benvenuti Performing Arts Center in Natomas. The Ukrainian Grand Kyiv Ballet are the featured performers of this Tchaikovsky classic.
The details:
- Goldfield Trading Post, 238 Vernon St., Roseville
- 6:30 p.m., Feb. 14 (Saturday)
- $27.47
Throw some metal horns and headbang with your honey to Ozzy Dio Unchained at Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville. Here’s hoping this tribute band play Ozzy’s “Goodbye to Romance” and Black Sabbath’s “Changes” in honor of Feb. 14.
In case your babysitter backed out
Sometimes it’s just inevitable that the kids have to come along on date night. Or, if you want your Valentine’s Day plans to include the entire family, here are some ideas.
The details:
- Blue Note Brewery, 750 Dead Cat Alley, Woodland
- 6 p.m., Feb. 14 (Saturday)
- Free entry.
We know that bringing children to a brewery is a hotly debated topic. But, if you want to celebrate V-Day with local brews, pack the kids’ tablet and head to Blue Note Brewery in Woodland. Live music will also be on tap from surf-rockers DangerForce 5.
The details:
- Three Mile Brewing, 231 G St., Davis
- 12 p.m., Feb. 14 (Saturday)
- Free entry.
Down in Davis, Three Mile Brewing is holding a 10-year anniversary party that includes live music, barbecue and “a special deal for those lovebirds.” Look for pours of its anniversary beer, the Double Tom.
The details:
- SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, 1301 L St., Sacramento
- 2 p.m., Feb. 14 (Saturday)
- $53.90 – $128.20.
Come in costume for Princess Aurora’s Dress-Up Party during the Sacramento Ballet’s 2 p.m. performance of “Sleeping Beauty.” Photo ops and prizes are part of the family fun.
The details:
- Various locations, Old Sacramento
- Through Feb. 16.
- Free entry.
Take a family stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Sacramento. “Follow the Hearts” features Valentine’s-themed goods and food specials, like ceramic heart painting at Atrium 916 and the “Love Potion No. 9” shooter at Last Stop Saloon.
The details:
- Carnegie Museum, 557 Lincoln St., Roseville
- 1 p.m., Feb. 14 (Saturday)
- $5 per child.
Head to the Carnegie Museum in Roseville for the Valentine’s edition of “Carnegie Kids Club” that includes crafts and storytelling.
Beyond Valentine’s Day
Feb. 14 doesn’t have a monopoly on arts and entertainment this week. Here are more arts and entertainment picks before and after Cupid’s big day:
- Yuk it up at the Flower Fist Market comedy show with all-you-can-eat hots dogs in Sacramento on Feb. 13.
- Hold your ankles tight at the final performances of “Misery” at the B St. Theatre in Sacramento through Feb. 15.
- Oink it up with the family and learn about orchestral music during Peppa Pig: My First Concert at the Harris Center in Folsom on Feb. 15.
- Celebrate the Lunar New Year Tết Festival at Elk Grove Park on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15.
Before I go,
Cultural Capital recently crossed the 3,000-subscriber mark, and we are moshing it up with joy! To celebrate, all subscribers are eligible to win a “PBS is Punk” t-shirt. Click here for the entry form.
Thanks so much for your support and good luck on the giveaway! 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.
Chris Macias is a regular contributor, writing Cultural Capital for Abridged.