{"id":123417,"date":"2026-01-07T09:16:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T09:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/123417\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T09:16:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T09:16:08","slug":"8-gigs-sacramento-storytelling-cult-classics-and-bold-fashion-this-january","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/123417\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Gigs: Sacramento storytelling, cult-classics and bold fashion this January"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Steph Rodriguez <\/p>\n

While winter begs you to stay in, Sacramento\u2019s musicians, storytellers and artists are doing the opposite \u2014 filling January with live moments that demand an even livelier audience. Music lovers, bundle up for Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds as the band marks 10 years since the release of their first album \u201cLows\u201d and prove that feeling low can still sound really good. The Crocker Art Museum has a bold new \u201cCome Closer\u201d concert series this year that celebrates feminism and live music, with Rosemother and Rituals of Mine kicking off the lineup.<\/p>\n

For those craving a night out with a little edge, the \u201cIn A Nutshell\u201d storytelling series delivers sharp, funny narratives that aren\u2019t afraid to flirt with taboo and lean into the messier corners of real life. Celebrating the one-year anniversary of this lively showcase, the \u201cIn A Nutshell\u201d creators went with the theme \u201cDrugs Are Nice,\u201d so come with an open mind, maan. And when you\u2019re ready to slow things down, a visit to the California Museum\u2019s \u201cKokoro: The Story of Sacramento\u2019s Lost Japantown\u201d offers a reflective counterpoint \u2014 a powerful walk through local history that feels especially fitting for the colder months, when a quiet museum afternoon is its own kind of comfort.<\/p>\n

Music<\/p>\n

Sactown gems\u00a0<\/p>\n

Friday, Jan. 2: Northern California Americana treasure Forever Goldrush<\/a> isn\u2019t wasting any time in the New Year, bringing their dusty roots-rock \u2019n\u2019 roll to the Side Door and setting the tone for more to come in 2026. Last February, they teased that a new album was in the works, tentatively titled \u201cShadow Days,\u201d so who knows what surprises they have in store for fans during this show.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"OhOh Lonesome Ana (pictured) joins Forever Goldrush and the Gill Brothers Band for an evening of road-tested Americana, cathartic indie rock and a little raucous alt-country. (Photo courtesy of Therron Francis)<\/p>\n

Joining them is Sacramento indie rock band Oh Lonesome Ana<\/a>, who teamed up with Reno singer-songwriter Rachael McElhiney<\/a> last year for the emotionally charged EP release \u201cSo I Let Go.\u201d It\u2019s a great listen, one you can put on when you\u2019re locked in for a cozy afternoon, with four tracks that mix McElhiney\u2019s folkier roots with Oh Lonesome Ana\u2019s melodic, yet punchy blend of indie rock. Rounding out the lineup is the alt-country Gill Brothers Band<\/a>, whose latest single, \u201cFools Gold<\/a>,\u201d is a rebellious, high-energy track that could easily score a scene in \u201cRoad House.\u201d Side Door<\/a>, 2900 4th Ave.; doors at 6:30 p.m., music at 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $25; all ages.<\/p>\n

Lean in, listen up!<\/p>\n

Wednesday, Jan. 14: Longtime fans of singer-songwriter Jim Ward<\/a> might recall first discovering his uncanny vocal-style while listening to his post-hardcore band, Sparta, or perhaps they were captivated by his alternative country group, Sleepercar. However you found his music, Ward, who was also a founding member of At the Drive-In, leaves an undeniable mark on underground music history \u2014 and now you can see him in a really intimate setting.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ward released his solo album, \u201cDaggers,\u201d in 2021, which perfectly captures his rugged songwriting style \u2014 a trademark mix of subdued sound with a touch of Texas twang, accompanied by impassioned vocals that range from delicate whispers to full-throated belting. Fans can see Ward during his \u201cLive and Alone\u201d tour, making a special stop at Cafe Colonial. Cafe Colonial<\/a>, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.; $22.66; all ages.<\/p>\n

\u2018Rebel girl, rebel girl!\u2019<\/p>\n

\"PowerhousePowerhouse vocalist Terra Lopez will perform as Rituals of Mine, backed by the talented musicians in LabRats, to kick off the Crocker Art Museum\u2019s new \u201cCome Closer\u201d concert series. (Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Latour)<\/p>\n

Thursday, Jan. 22: Experience the raw power of feminism and music at the Crocker Art Museum\u2019s new audacious concert series, \u201cCome Closer<\/a>,\u201d inspired by prolific, Black feminist author and activist,\u00a0 bell hooks, and her famous quote, \u201cCome closer and you will see: feminism is for everybody.\u201d Powerhouse vocalist Terra Lopez kicks off the series with her band, Rituals of Mine<\/a>, featuring the uber-talented musicians of LabRats<\/a>, in a collaboration that blends jazz, electronic and hip-hop, while showcasing Lopez\u2019 soaring, beautiful voice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Known for creating a true sense of community where audiences feel seen and heard, Rituals of Mine invite listeners to lean in and experience music that defies boundaries. The \u201cCome Closer\u201d series has even more concerts slated for this year, too, from hip-hop artist, poet, activist and 2025 NPR Tiny Desk winner, Ruby Ibarra<\/a>, to the art-rock stylings of DEFEM<\/a>, it\u2019s a showcase that proves feminism thrives in every beat, lyric and riff you\u2019ll hear echoing through the storied hallways of the museum. Crocker Art Museum<\/a>, 216 O St.; 7 p.m.; $25-$30; 18 and over.<\/p>\n

Celebrating \u2018Lows\u2019<\/p>\n

Friday, Jan. 23: Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds<\/a> are turning their amps up, celebrating a decade since the release of their debut album \u201cLows\u201d with a special live show at The Press Club. Since forming in 2015, the indie rock trio \u2014 Guidera (guitar, vocals), Ian McDonald (drums) and Kevin Hayes (bass) \u2014 has built a reputation for layered, emotive arrangements, honest lyrics and always hard-hitting percussion.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Before heading out to the show, give \u201cLows<\/a>\u201d a listen. It\u2019s a well-composed body of music that swells in intensity, showcasing each musician\u2019s talents \u2014 whether heard in Guidera\u2019s heartwrenching vocals on \u201cAnchor\u201d or in the way McDonald and Hayes work together, driving each story forward with tight, propulsive rhythms. Joining the night\u2019s lineup is Citizen Snips<\/a>, weaving their dream pop and psychedelic rock into a genre all of their own, and High Bias<\/a>, the chill, lo-fi\/folk project of vocalist\/guitarist Sam Eliot Stern. The Press Club<\/a>, 1119 21st St.; doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.; $16.50 online, $20 at the door; 21 and over.<\/p>\n

Culture<\/p>\n

Echoes of Japantown\u00a0<\/p>\n

Now-Sunday, March 29: Once home to a thriving Japantown, downtown Sacramento is shaped by the loss of a community forcefully uprooted \u2014 an experience that still resonates today. It\u2019s a legacy explored in \u201cKokoro: The Story of Sacramento\u2019s Lost Japantown<\/a>,\u201d now open at the California Museum. First shown in 2017, this impactful exhibition brings visitors into the heart of a neighborhood erased by WWII incarceration \u2014 and 1950s redevelopment through rare family photographs and personal artifacts shared by community members.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Expanded with new materials, \u201cKokoro\u201d invites both returning and first-time visitors to walk through the history and heart of this vanished neighborhood and reflect on its powerful stories. The exhibition\u2019s comeback also coincides with a robust season of programming, including survivor testimonies, remembrance events and the sobering \u201cIreich\u014d: Book of Names\u201d installation later in February, offering an immersive look at one of the most vital chapters of Sacramento\u2019s past, where attendees can see the monumental record of all 125,284 incarcerated Japanese American names on display. California Museum<\/a>, 1020 O St.; open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m.; $8-$10; all ages.<\/p>\n

The power of style\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Thursday, Jan. 8: Bust out your boldest looks that make you feel like you\u2019re the belle of the ball at the Crocker Art Museum\u2019s latest \u201cArtMix\u201d party, where the theme is all about the \u201cRunway!\u201d<\/a> This museum-wide evening brings live performances, food and drinks, art activities and a DJ spinning the jams to keep an entire crowd of well-dressed folks entertained.\u00a0<\/p>\n

This swanky party is inspired by \u201cMaking Moves: A Collection of Feminisms,\u201d an exhibition that includes Frida Kahlo\u2019s iconic \u201cSelf-Portrait With Loose Hair\u201d and other stunning works on display for the first time at the Crocker. It\u2019s a night full of fashion, while also celebrating femininity, self-expression and the power of unique style. Featuring talented regional designers, a vibrant fashion market, and eye-catching, statement-making style, guests are encouraged to take the spotlight by strutting down the People\u2019s Runway and cap the night by dancing at the silent disco. Crocker Art Museum<\/a>, 216 O St.; 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; free for members, $25 for non-members; 18 and over.<\/p>\n

Storytelling, no prescription needed\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Comedian Becky Lynn onstage during the \u201cIn A Nutshell\u201d storytelling series at The Sofia. (Photo courtesy of Elle Jaye)\"\"Award-winning storyteller Don Reed performs during the \u201cIn A Nutshell\u201d show at The Sofia. (Photo courtesy of Elle Jaye)<\/p>\n

Friday, Jan. 23: Celebrate one year of \u201cIn A Nutshell<\/a>,\u201d the eclectic storytelling series where some of the most emotive storytellers take the stage at The Sofia<\/a> to share their unique experiences with an audience full of strangers. Each month, four professional storytellers spin true tales inspired by offbeat, thought-provoking prompts, connecting with attendees through laughter, insight and, depending on the night\u2019s theme, it can even get a bit emotional. But it\u2019s all in good fun.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For its one-year anniversary the theme is \u201cDrugs Are Nice,\u201d featuring Shane Mauss<\/a>, Adam Strauss<\/a> and Kimberlli Joy<\/a>, who will all explore \u201cpositive drug stories\u201d that run the gamut of psychedelic experiences, the healing power of mushrooms and other unexpected perspectives. Hosted by comedian and author, Keith Lowell Jensen, and curated by Jensen, and professional writers, Amy Bee and Aaron Carnes, \u201cIn A Nutshell\u201d is a thoughtful evening that showcases the power of storytelling \u2014 and the way honest narratives can move, surprise and linger, well after you\u2019ve gone home. The Sofia, Home of the B Street Theatre<\/a>, 2700 Capitol Ave.; 7 p.m.; $35; all ages, but with parental discretion.<\/p>\n

Cult-classic in concert<\/p>\n

Friday, Jan. 23: For the cinephile who\u2019s also an audiophile, this live film-and-music experience brings Ridley Scott\u2019s Academy Award-nominated sci-fi landmark \u201cBlade Runner: The Final Cut<\/a>\u201d to life in a thrilling and immersive way for audiences. Starring Harrison Ford, Sean Young and Rutger Hauer, the visually futuristic neo-noir is screened in its remastered form as The Avex Ensemble performs Vangelis\u2019 legendary synthesiser-led score live and in perfect sync with the 1982 film. The result is a richly atmospheric production that deepens the movie\u2019s emotional pull, reframing this cult-classic for devoted fans and those discovering the film for the first time. Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center<\/a>, 523 Mrak Hall Dr., in Davis; 7:30 p.m.; $18-$86.50; all ages.<\/p>\n

This story was funded by the City of Sacramento\u2019s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento<\/a>. Following our journalism code of ethics and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, CapRadio, Hmong Daily News, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review and Sacramento Observer. Sign up for our \u201cSac Art Pulse\u201d newsletter here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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