The following is the Jan. 15 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 Sacramento area’s cultural life in 2026 is revving up fast. Last weekend’s Second Saturday art crawl bustled with big crowds, including 500 folks who attended the powerful opening of “R.C.A.F. Mid-Flight: The Artwork and Influence of the Royal Chicano Air Force” at Verge Center for the Arts. Meanwhile, Prism Art Space was packed for its Art City exhibition opening that included a 10-minute opera by Rogue Music Project. Sidewalks were packed, and prime parking spots were all swooped up.
Still, the central city and Midtown don’t have a monopoly on the area’s arts and entertainment.
This week, we’ll head to Woodland for an intimate show from an iconic Sacramento musician and a celebration of the “Bridgerton” book series and show. In Roseville, you’ll find a generation-crossing iteration of a classic punk band.
There’s love for Sacramento, too, with poetry and art that you don’t want to miss. Let’s go!
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In your inbox every Thursday, Abridged’s entertainment newsletter from Chris Macias highlights things to do in the Sacramento region.
Catch a pioneering punker in troubadour mode
The details:
Morgan’s Mill, 1059 Court St. #105, Woodland
7 p.m. Jan. 16
Free
Kevin Seconds is a punk rock icon who trail-blazed the hardcore movement through his band, 7 Seconds. His solo-acoustic shows are equally powerful, with songs that speak to struggles of the times, inner dramas and autobiographical slices. And, no crowd surfers to dodge.
The longtime Sacramentan returns to Morgan’s Mill on Friday following an action packed 2025. 7 Seconds played large-scale punk festivals around the country, toured Europe and South America, and played its first show in Mexico City. After 45 years in the game, Kevin Seconds and his music are connecting strong as ever.
Here’s what Kevin said about his latest artistic pursuits in a recent e-mail exchange.
Editor’s note: The following was edited for clarity and brevity.
Chris Macias (Cultural Capital): You’ve played Morgan’s Mill in Woodland a number of times recently. What do you like about this space?
Kevin Seconds: It’s an excellent listening room and seems to have a very nice built-in crowd. I’ve been slowly getting Sacramento folks to come see me there, and when they do, they love the place.
CM: 2025 was a busy for you with 7 Seconds, solo shows and art projects. How’s your creative life feeling overall?
KS: I’m in pretty good shape, creatively, at the moment. I’m happy to say that because it’s been a tough last couple of years on a personal level … I’m still writing new songs and threatening to release a new solo record soon 🙂
CM: What is it about Sacramento that’s kept you here for so long?
KS: The city and the amazing people here have influenced every facet of what I do creatively. I cannot imagine how different my music and art would be had I moved somewhere else. I just love the place to death.
Sip and socialize at a book release party
The details:
The Pleasant Pheasant Bookstore, 1059 Court St Suite #109, Woodland
4 p.m. Jan. 18
Free
Speaking of Morgan’s Mill, one of its next-door neighbors is The Pleasant Pheasant Bookstore. On Sunday, the ever-cozy shop will celebrate the release of “The Bridgerton Deluxe Collector’s Edition,” a must-have for fans of this romance series and Netflix hit. Along with books and gifts for sale, enjoy tea and snacks with fellow Bridgerton fans. Click here to reserve a spot.
Speak out in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The details:
Sacramento Poetry Center, 1719 25th St. Sacramento
7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 (sign-ups start at 7 p.m.)
Free
Monday marks Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and there’s an opportunity for local poets to share their voices during these turbulent times. The Sacramento Poetry Center will host an open mic night in honor of the civil rights icon on the themes of social justice and freedom. Tap into your inner Langston Hughes and speak your truths.
Slam dance through the generation gap
The details:
Goldfield Trading Post, 238 Vernon St., Roseville
7 p.m. Jan. 18
$37.37
The current incarnation of Black Flag that plays Goldfield Trading Post on Sunday is one for the ages. Band founder Greg Ginn, 71, leads a line-up filled out by Gen Z musicians in their early 20s. Age gaps aside, the hardcore blast of songs like “Rise Above,” “Depression” and “My War” still ring eternal. If you have kids who are into newer bands like Sunami and Destroy Boys, giving them a taste of Gregg Ginn and his thermonuclear guitar sound is proper punk rock parenting.
More events you won’t want to miss
Let’s keep it going with bonus picks for this week and beyond:
Before I go,
Sacramento is a city of bridges, whether it’s the Tower Bridge or the Abridged news team. Drop by the PBS KVIE Gallery tonight from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an artist’s reception that features Keith Bachmann and his numerous oil paintings capturing the Tower Bridge and other scenes from Sacramento. If you can’t come tonight, his work will be up through March 9. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday at 2030 W. El Camino Ave. in Sacramento.
“Morning Tower Bridge” by Keith Bachmann. (PBS KVIE)
As always, send tips about upcoming events to christo916@gmail.com.
See you next week!