Out And About
By Jessica Laskey
January 2025
Studio Series
PBS KVIE brings iconic personalities to town
PBS KVIE has launched a new Studio Series with live conversations, lectures and Q&As with four celebrities with a California connection.
The series includes travel show host and guidebook author Rick Steves, Emmy Award-winning comedian Jack Gallagher, Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and James Beard Award-winning television host and chef Pati Jinich.
“The Studio Series offers a rare opportunity for our audience to engage with these celebrated figures in an intimate and dynamic setting,” says Kathleen Richards, director of development and marketing.
Speakers share career stories, discuss current projects and answer questions from the audience. Steves is the first speaker Monday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, visit kvie.org/studioseries.
DINE DOWNTOWN
Bring your appetite for the culinary event of the year—Dine Downtown returns Jan. 10–19.
This annual eating extravaganza features prix-fixe, three-course meals for $45 at more than 20 restaurants across the central city. For nearly two decades, Dine Downtown has generated more than $6 million for participating restaurants and donated tens of thousands to local charities.
For information and a list of restaurants, visit downtownsac.org/downtown-sac-experiences.
ART STUDIO LAB
Sacramento State has opened Art Studio Lab, a multifunctional building for creating, advancing and displaying art.
An aging warehouse on the south end of campus was reimagined by architectural firm HGA into a 25,000-square-foot, $18.5 million contemporary lab to support Sac State’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fine arts and prepare students for careers as professional artists.
The lab features painting, drawing and sculpture studios, wood and metal shops, exhibition and community space, and individual studios for graduate students. The building includes a covered production area for ceramics kilns and other large equipment, and a publicly accessible sculpture garden for installations and gatherings.
SHOP 916 GIFT CARDS
Shop local—and get bonus bucks—by purchasing Shop 916 electronic gift cards for more than 110 participating businesses.
Buy a $25 gift card, get a $10 bonus card; buy a $50 gift card, get a $25 bonus card; buy a $100 gift card, get a $50 bonus card. Bonus cards expire March 31.
Gift cards are available through Feb. 15. For a list of participating businesses or to buy a gift card, visit shop916local.com.
CHILDREN’S MUSICALS
NorCal Arts and Fairytale Town have partnered to provide fun, free and engaging live musicals and plays at the popular children’s park.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Fairytale Town to introduce little guests to the magical world of live performance that we hope will foster a big love of the arts,” says Michele Hillen-Noufer, NorCal Arts’ executive director.
Now playing is “Little Bird’s Second Chance” created by NorCal Arts playwright Dorothea Bonneau and composer and musical director Rob Broadhurst. The 25-minute musical is perfect for children ages 2–6.
Performances are weekends at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. in the Children’s Theater and are free with park admission. For information, visit norcalarts.org and fairytaletown.org.
OLD HANDWRITING
This month’s Genealogical Association of Sacramento meeting features Glenda Gardner Lloyd explaining how to read old handwriting.
The meeting is open to the public at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at Belle Cooledge Library. For information, visit gensac.org.
GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY CONCERT
Sacramento Preparatory Music Academy performs live renditions of hit soundtracks from two Marvel Comics films.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 & 2” will be Jan. 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. at Harris Center in Folsom. For more dates and locations, visit sacprepmusic.com.
The academy is known for delivering full-album concert experiences from The Beatles catalog over the last eight years with The Beatles Guitar Project.
REBELLIOUS ART
Don’t miss “Rebellion,” an exhibition by street artist, engineer, architect, pilot, rebel and provocateur David Černý at Crocker Art Museum through Jan. 12.
More than 25 large-scale works, including a life-size vehicle hanging from the courtyard wall and 11-foot faceless babies crawling across balconies, are on display.
Černý is recognized for his monumental sculptures in public spaces that protest authority through satire and derision. For information, visit crockerart.org.
SIERRA 2 CLASSES
Does the start of the new year have you looking for a new hobby? Check out Sierra 2 Center, run by Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association.
In its historic building on 24th Street, the nonprofit offers classes and activities on music, art, martial arts, fitness, dance and more. Sierra 2’s Senior Center has free weekly activities for the older set. For information, visit sierra2.org.
ARDEN PARK TREE PICKUP
Scouts of America Troop 53 offers free Christmas tree pickups Saturday, Jan. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon throughout Arden Park.
Donations benefit the troop. To schedule a pickup, email ardentroop53@gmail.com.
Jessica Laskey can be reached at jessrlaskey@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
