The following is the Dec. 18 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.
Darn this incessantly dreary weather, but at least we can find some bright spots in Sacramento’s creative culture. The last days of the year are ticking down and there’s a full spectrum of opportunities to get out and enjoy.
This week you’ll find a must-see memorial concert, theater, forms of dance from ballet to burlesque and a dance party so rejoiceful it’s simply known as “Church.”
Cue Pink Floyd’s “Set the Controls to the Heart of the Sun” and read on.
Celebrate a legendary Midtown Sacramento musician and chalk artist
The details:
- Harlow’s, 2708 J St., Sacramento
- 7 p.m. Dec. 19
- $26.40
Midtown Sacramento lost one of its iconic characters in September when Charles “Ground Chuck” Thomas passed away. He was a beloved musician who bridged the punk and metal communities and inspired the Chalk It Up festival for his works that adorned Sacramento sidewalks. Ground Chuck, in his crusty leather jacket and with big hugs for all, defined Midtown’s janky spirit and freewheeling artistry. His influence ran so deep that the Sacramento City Council adjourned in his memory on Sept. 16.
On Friday at Harlow’s, the local music community will give Ground Chuck a proper Sacto send-off with rowdy garage rock from Th’ Losin’ Streaks and rocksteady rhythms via Sacto Storytellers, one of the many local bands that featured his percussion. Also paying musical respects are Echo Hill with Gene Smith of Kai Kln fame, Kill the Precedent, The Contraptions and Mike Blanchard and the Millennials.
Proceeds will go to organizations that were dear to Ground Chuck: Chalk It Up, ScholasTIC Tourette’s Supporters and Verge Center for the Arts.
“Chuck was a genuine supporter of pretty much any kind of creative endeavor,” said Tim Foster, Th’ Losin’ Streaks’ singer and guitarist. “I saw him at punk shows, comedy clubs, gallery exhibitions, jam sessions. … If people were doing something interesting, Chuck wanted to check it out. And probably be part of it.
“On top of that, he was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. He loved his friends so much — and made sure they knew it.”
Get into your theater feels in Folsom
The details:
- Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St., Folsom
- 4:30 p.m. through Dec. 30; 1 p.m. weekend matinees through Dec. 28
- $19 – $25
If you don’t mind a tearjerker in the heart of the holidays, head to “Wholesome Folsom” (as the locals say) for a production of “The Velveteen Rabbit.” Who knows how many tissues have been dispensed since this book was published in the early 1920s and adapted into film, animation and theater productions? This version at Sutter Street Theatre promises to deliver the holiday warmth and emotional tug that’s made “The Velveteen Rabbit” an enduring tradition. Was someone cutting onions?
Peter & the Wolf and The Nutcracker ‘Sweet’
The details:
- Woodland Opera House, 340 2nd St., Woodland
- 7 p.m. Dec. 18-20; 2 p.m. matinees, Dec. 20-21
- $12.84 – $21.40; $6.42 – $10.70 ages 17 and under.
Here’s a double-whammy of cherished fairy tales in a single show. Starting Thursday night through Saturday, performers from the Woodland Opera House’s Education Department dance program will pirouette and plié away to a one-act version of Prokoviev’s “Peter and the Wolf.” For the second act, the dancers will dig into an abridged version of “The Nutcracker,” which is perfect for younger ones who might get restless during its usual two-hour run time. The show is definitely a win-win for young families.
Pro tip: If the crew feels like wolfing down after the show, you’ll find the best wood-fired pizza in Woodland less than a block away at Blue Note Brewing Co.
Hit the floor at a definitive Sacto dance party
The details:
- The Press Club, 1119 21st St., Sacramento
- 9 p.m. Dec. 21 (Sunday)
- $5
There’s a good chance many of you have Monday off to get an early start on holiday vacation. If that’s the case, “Church” at the Press Club is calling. This long-running Sunday dance party hosted by DJ Larry Rodriguez a.k.a. The Flower Vato is a straight-up Sacramento classic. Get your groove on as DJ Larry takes you on a blissful trip through funk, soul, cumbia, reggae and other worldly grooves that’ll stir your soul. Even the staunchest of wallflowers find it hard to resist when DJ Larry’s in the mix.
Celebrate community and chosen family through burlesque
The details:
- Harlow’s, 2708 J St., Sacramento
- 7 p.m. Dec. 21 (Sunday)
- $26.48 standing, $38.90 cabaret seating
Finally, in all this holiday revelry, let’s acknowledge how the season can be difficult for many people experiencing family estrangement and loneliness. For more than a decade, the Darling Clementines burlesque troupe — Sacramento’s self-described “fiercest queer cabaret” — has sought to bring joy and healing through theatrics, especially during trying times. Their holiday spectacular on Sunday at Harlow’s will be filled with body positivity, glamour and a sense of playfulness that aims to celebrate everyone. Revel in the fabulousness and bring donations for a clothing and warm gear drive.
More events you won’t want to miss
The Sacramento region is popping with so many events we can barely contain them all. If you’re craving more, check these bonus picks for this weekend and beyond:
– Live acoustic rock from The Brodys at Morgan’s Mill in Woodland Dec. 19
– Apocalypse With Optimism comedy show at The Prospector in Placerville Dec. 19
– Funky jazz from Acme Rocket Quintet at Torch Club in Sacramento Dec. 19
– 3rd Saturday art reception at Blue Line Arts in Roseville Dec. 20
– Imaginarium’s festival of 15 million-plus lights at Cal Expo in Sacramento through Jan. 4
Before I go,
A reminder that Cultural Capital will be on a holiday schedule next week and land Wednesday. We’ll get a heads up on a few New Year’s Eve options and pass along other event recommendations in these remaining days of 2025.
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.