{"id":162223,"date":"2026-02-03T18:02:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T18:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/162223\/"},"modified":"2026-02-03T18:02:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T18:02:20","slug":"mardi-gras-african-rhythms-and-a-little-burlesque-this-february-sacramento-news-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/162223\/","title":{"rendered":"Mardi gras, African rhythms and a little burlesque this February \u2022 Sacramento News & Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Steph Rodriguez<\/p>\n

Glittering floats, neon rainbows and a Sphinx glide down Capitol Mall this February, setting the stage for a month of music, art and celebration across Sacramento. Catch punk duo Rat Therapy tearing up The Press Club, or groove to hip-hop and spoken word with Ruby Ibarra at the Crocker Art Museum\u2019s \u201cCome Closer\u201d feminist-inspired music series.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For a little va-va-voom, the \u201cForbidden Fruit\u201d burlesque show unveils playful, queer energy on Valentine\u2019s Day at The Silver Lining Piano Bar & Lounge, while the city honors Black artistry with the Crocker\u2019s Black History Month Festival. And don\u2019t miss the fifth-annual City of Trees Parade, where dazzling floats, vibrant performers and an evening dance party light up downtown. It\u2019s all here in your February guide to all things Sacramento.\u00a0<\/p>\n

MusicSurf meets static\u00a0\"\"Santa Cruz garage rockers Trestles stop by Cafe Colonial with fuzzed-out pop melodies and surf-leaning riffs. (Photo courtesy of Diego Diaz-Lindquist)<\/p>\n

Wednesday, Feb. 4: With fuzzed-out pop melodies and surf-leaning guitar tones, Santa Cruz band Trestles<\/a> delivers sun-soaked garage rock into the present. It\u2019s the type of sound that nods to its roots, reworked into something angsty, melodic and sharp.<\/p>\n

That push-and-pull comes through clearly on their latest album, \u201cSalt,\u201d where songs like \u201cHead First\u201d and \u201cShake My Hand\u201d pair tongue-in-cheek vocals with shimmery riffs. Joining Trestles on their \u201cWest Is the Best\u201d tour is Colorado psychedelic rock band The Dirty Turkeys<\/a>, and local singer-songwriter Brendon B<\/a> opens the night, his music bridging dreamy pop with aching, diary-like honesty. Cafe Colonial<\/a>, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.; $18.54; all ages.<\/p>\n

Two rats and a trash can\u00a0\"\"Get ready for a loud night at The Press Club featuring Sacramento art-punk duo Rat Therapy with their raw, cathartic live energy. They\u2019re joined by Fresno punks Tower Rats, plus Toxic Waves and Sacramento indie rockers Push To Feel. (Photo courtesy of Rat Therapy)<\/p>\n

Friday, Feb. 6: A dented trash can sets the tone at Rat Therapy<\/a> shows. It\u2019s like the third member of this Sacramento art punk\/emo duo started by two best buds who leaned into music as a more therapeutic, yet aggressive form of expression. Check out their song \u201cEat the Rat King<\/a>,\u201d a fun, high-energy punk jam that launches immediately and only builds, fueled by a furious drummer.<\/p>\n

Speaking of rats, Fresno band Tower Rats, fronted by Jackie Bootstraps, adds their polished, yet intense blend of punk to the bill. Listen to their latest single \u201cI Aim to Please<\/a>,\u201d a moody, self-deprecating standout the band released last spring. Plus, Toxic Waves<\/a>\u2019 chill vibes are for fans of Saves the Day, while Sacramento indie rock four-piece Push To Feel<\/a> tops the night with their eclectic, genre-bending style. The Press Club<\/a>, 1119 21st St.; doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.; $15 in advance, $20 day of show; 21 and over.<\/p>\n

Voices of empowerment\u00a0\"\"Hip-hop artist, poet and activist Ruby Ibarra. (Photo courtesy of Ruby Ibarra via Crocker Art Museum)<\/p>\n

Thursday, February 26: February kicks off the next chapter of \u201cCome Closer,\u201d the Crocker Art Museum\u2019s genre-spanning music series inspired by bell hooks\u2019 enduring call for feminist connection. This time, the spotlight turns to hip-hop artist, poet and activist Ruby Ibarra<\/a>, whose sharp lyricism and commanding presence fuse hip-hop and spoken word into powerful reflections on identity, heritage and empowerment.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Before Ibarra\u2019s live performance, explore the \u201cMaking Moves: A Collection of Feminisms<\/a>\u201d exhibition or catch a DJ set from Mrs. Organic from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. With future performances featuring Chrissy Chlapecka<\/a> in March and DEFEM<\/a> in April, \u201cCome Closer\u201d invites audiences to lean in, listen closely and experience how feminism resonates through music, art and history within the museum\u2019s storied walls. Crocker Art Museum<\/a>, 216 O St.; 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.; $30-$35; 18 and over.<\/p>\n

Soul-baring blues\u00a0\"\"The Katie Knipp Band. Courtesy photo<\/p>\n

Friday, Feb. 27: Soul-stirring blues vocalist Katie Knipp<\/a> brings her immersive vocals, expert piano work and artful storytelling, promising an unforgettable Friday night at the Torch Club. Knipp, joined by her full band, will perform some selections from her fourth, top-10 Billboard album, \u201cMe,\u201d a collection of evocative, modern blues that spans sultry ballads and socially conscious themes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Known for sharing the stage with legends like Buddy Guy and contemporary favorites including Trombone Shorty, Knipp blends vulnerability with virtuosity in every performance. Audiences can expect haunting melodies, heart-tugging lyrics and electrifying musicianship, all delivered with the passionate energy that has made her one of contemporary blues\u2019 most compelling voices. Torch Club<\/a>, 904 15th St.; 9 p.m.; $15; 21 and over.<\/p>\n

CultureTake a bite of \u2018Forbidden Fruit\u2019\"\"(Photo courtesy of Lily McCalla)<\/p>\n

Saturday, Feb. 14: \u201cForbidden Fruit\u201d is setting the Valentine\u2019s Day mood at The Silver Lining Piano Bar & Lounge with an evening of burlesque performances, laughter and plenty of playful temptations. Behind the curtain is The Darling Clementines<\/a>, the all-queer, POC-run collective that\u2019s spent 13 years shaping Sacramento nightlife with striking burlesque and drag productions and full-on dance parties throughout the city. This sultry showcase is led by none other than the comedian and burlesque dynamo, ChaCha Burnadette<\/a>, so attendees can expect risque vibes and cheeky humor. \u201cThis really is a space for queer people. It is sexy. It\u2019s playful. It\u2019s intimate and it is certainly something different and exciting to offer your friends or a date or yourself on Valentine\u2019s Day,\u201d says ChaCha Burnadette.<\/p>\n

The intimate night features four up-close performances from ChaCha Burnadette, Deaja Girl on Fire<\/a>, Reno\u2019s Titanium Tina<\/a> and Bay Area standout Sadira LadyLiquid<\/a>, plus a spanking booth, lap dance auction and special VIP perks. With just 50 seats available, this theatrical striptease welcomes everyone from couples, throuples, friends and singles who are ready to enjoy a fun night of indulgence.The Silver Lining Piano Bar & Lounge<\/a>, 1414 16th St.; doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.; $28.52-$129.89; 21 and over.<\/p>\n

Art that connects\"\"The Crocker Art Museum hosts its Black History Month Festival, themed \u201cinterwoven\u201d and inspired by artists Faith Ringgold and Angela Hennessy. (Photo courtesy of Wes Davis via Crocker Art Museum)<\/p>\n

Sunday, Feb. 22: Celebrate Black artistry and community at the Crocker Art Museum<\/a>\u2019s Black History Month Festival, planned in partnership with Shonna McDaniels of the Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum<\/a>. This year\u2019s theme, \u201cinterwoven,\u201d is inspired by Faith Ringgold\u2019s beautiful quilting patterns and Angela Hennessy\u2019s hair-weaving masterpieces.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Throughout the afternoon, attendees can listen in on special talks, quietly explore the gallery and also join Weaving the Sunflowers, a collaborative project led by Poppy and Pot<\/a> and Keia Kodama<\/a> for a lesson in tying hair, fabric and florals into a socially-made artwork. The museum\u2019s ballroom will also feature a partner and artist showcase, including work from Gerry \u201cGos\u201d Simpson, Shawtay Gorman, Jermaine Tilson and more. Crocker Art Museum<\/a>, 216 O St.; 11 a.m.; free; all ages.<\/p>\n

Celebrate African voices\"\"South Africa\u2019s Ndlovu Youth Choir. (Photo courtesy of Ndlovu Youth Choir via Mondavi Center)<\/p>\n

Wednesday, Feb. 25: South Africa\u2019s Ndlovu Youth Choir<\/a> showcases powerhouse vocals, mesmerizing choreography and their captivating energy at the Mondavi Center in Davis. Founded in Limpopo in 2009 as an after-school program for vulnerable children, the choir has grown into an international phenomenon, infusing chart-topping hits such as Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper\u2019s hit \u201cShallow,\u201d among others, with African rhythms and layered harmonies.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The masterful group<\/a> first wowed audiences on \u201cAmerica\u2019s Got Talent\u201d and earned a record deal with Syco Entertainment before releasing multiple acclaimed albums, including their No. 1 debut, \u201cAfrica.\u201d Under artistic director Ralf Schmitt, the choir continues to innovate, performing everything from Zulu-language Queen covers to dynamic, socially inspired arrangements that have transfixed audiences worldwide. Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center<\/a>, 523 Mrak Hall Drive, in Davis; 7 p.m.; $18-$63.50; all ages.<\/p>\n

City of beads\"\"Capitol Mall glows with larger-than-life floats, live music and Mardi Gras magic at the fifth-annual City of Trees Parade. (Photo courtesy of Jonah Hendler)<\/p>\n

Saturday, Feb. 28: A Sphinx, a neon rainbow and The Giving Tree will all roll down Capitol Mall as a part of the fifth-annual City of Trees Parade & Mardi Gras Festival<\/a>. It\u2019s the city\u2019s only nighttime parade with mesmerizing floats that starts just before sunset and illuminates a mile-long route from the Capitol to Old Sacramento.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last year, more than 1,300 performers joined in on the fun, and this year, festival-goers will be treated to live musical performances, interactive exhibits, local vendors and food trucks \u2014 plus a beverage garden that helps raise funds for the festival. It all caps off with the electric City of Trees Parade dance party. So if you\u2019re interested in hopping on one of those dazzling art cars or special floats and want to toss 100% recycled beads at happy crowds \u2014 this is your festival. City of Trees Festival & Parade<\/a>, 700 Capitol Mall; 3 p.m.-9 p.m.; $10.97-$232.57; 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