While winter begs you to stay in, Sacramento’s musicians, storytellers and artists are doing the opposite — 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 “Lows” and prove that feeling low can still sound really good. The Crocker Art Museum has a bold new “Come Closer” concert series this year that celebrates feminism and live music, with Rosemother and Rituals of Mine kicking off the lineup.
For those craving a night out with a little edge, the “In A Nutshell” storytelling series delivers sharp, funny narratives that aren’t afraid to flirt with taboo and lean into the messier corners of real life. Celebrating the one-year anniversary of this lively showcase, the “In A Nutshell” creators went with the theme “Drugs Are Nice,” so come with an open mind, maan. And when you’re ready to slow things down, a visit to the California Museum’s “Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento’s Lost Japantown” offers a reflective counterpoint — 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.
Music
Sactown gems
Friday, Jan. 2: Northern California Americana treasure Forever Goldrush isn’t wasting any time in the New Year, bringing their dusty roots-rock ’n’ 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 “Shadow Days,” so who knows what surprises they have in store for fans during this show.
Joining them is Sacramento indie rock band Oh Lonesome Ana, who teamed up with Reno singer-songwriter Rachael McElhiney last year for the emotionally charged EP release “So I Let Go.” It’s a great listen, one you can put on when you’re locked in for a cozy afternoon, with four tracks that mix McElhiney’s folkier roots with Oh Lonesome Ana’s melodic, yet punchy blend of indie rock.
Rounding out the lineup is the alt-country Gill Brothers Band, whose latest single, “Fools Gold,” is a rebellious, high-energy track that could easily score a scene in “Road House.” Side Door, 2900 4th Ave.; doors at 6:30 p.m., music at 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; $25; all ages.
Lean in, listen up!
Wednesday, Jan. 14: Longtime fans of singer-songwriter Jim Ward 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 — and now you can see him in a really intimate setting.
Ward released his solo album, “Daggers,” in 2021, which perfectly captures his rugged songwriting style — 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 “Live and Alone” tour, making a special stop at Cafe Colonial. Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.; $22.66; all ages.
‘Rebel girl, rebel girl!’
Thursday, Jan. 22: Experience the raw power of feminism and music at the Crocker Art Museum’s new audacious concert series, “Come Closer,” inspired by prolific, Black feminist author and activist, bell hooks, and her famous quote, “Come closer and you will see: feminism is for everybody.” Powerhouse vocalist Terra Lopez kicks off the series with her band, Rituals of Mine, featuring the uber-talented musicians of LabRats, in a collaboration that blends jazz, electronic and hip-hop, while showcasing Lopez’ soaring, beautiful voice.
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 “Come Closer” series has even more concerts slated for this year, too, from hip-hop artist, poet, activist and 2025 NPR Tiny Desk winner, Ruby Ibarra, to the art-rock stylings of DEFEM, it’s a showcase that proves feminism thrives in every beat, lyric and riff you’ll hear echoing through the storied hallways of the museum. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St.; 7 p.m.; $25-$30; 18 and over.
Celebrating ‘Lows’
Friday, Jan. 23: Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds are turning their amps up, celebrating a decade since the release of their debut album “Lows” with a special live show at The Press Club. Since forming in 2015, the indie rock trio — Guidera (guitar, vocals), Ian McDonald (drums) and Kevin Hayes (bass) — has built a reputation for layered, emotive arrangements, honest lyrics and always hard-hitting percussion.
Before heading out to the show, give “Lows” a listen. It’s a well-composed body of music that swells in intensity, showcasing each musician’s talents — whether heard in Guidera’s heartwrenching vocals on “Anchor” or in the way McDonald and Hayes work together, driving each story forward with tight, propulsive rhythms. Joining the night’s lineup is Citizen Snips, weaving their dream pop and psychedelic rock into a genre all of their own, and High Bias, the chill, lo-fi/folk project of vocalist/guitarist Sam Eliot Stern. The Press Club, 1119 21st St.; doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.; $16.50 online, $20 at the door; 21 and over.
Culture
Echoes of Japantown
Now-Sunday, March 29: Once home to a thriving Japantown, downtown Sacramento is shaped by the loss of a community forcefully uprooted — an experience that still resonates today. It’s a legacy explored in “Kokoro: The Story of Sacramento’s Lost Japantown,” 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 — and 1950s redevelopment through rare family photographs and personal artifacts shared by community members.
Expanded with new materials, “Kokoro” 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’s comeback also coincides with a robust season of programming, including survivor testimonies, remembrance events and the sobering “Ireichō: Book of Names” installation later in February, offering an immersive look at one of the most vital chapters of Sacramento’s past, where attendees can see the monumental record of all 125,284 incarcerated Japanese American names on display. California Museum, 1020 O St.; open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday noon-5 p.m.; $8-$10; all ages.
The power of style
Thursday, Jan. 8: Bust out your boldest looks that make you feel like you’re the belle of the ball at the Crocker Art Museum’s latest “ArtMix” party, where the theme is all about the “Runway!” 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.
This swanky party is inspired by “Making Moves: A Collection of Feminisms,” an exhibition that includes Frida Kahlo’s iconic “Self-Portrait With Loose Hair” and other stunning works on display for the first time at the Crocker. It’s 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’s Runway and cap the night by dancing at the silent disco. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St.; 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; free for members, $25 for non-members; 18 and over.
Storytelling, no prescription needed
Friday, Jan. 23: Celebrate one year of “In A Nutshell,” the eclectic storytelling series where some of the most emotive storytellers take the stage at The Sofia 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’s theme, it can even get a bit emotional. But it’s all in good fun.
For its one-year anniversary the theme is “Drugs Are Nice,” featuring Shane Mauss, Adam Strauss and Kimberlli Joy, who will all explore “positive drug stories” 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, “In A Nutshell” is a thoughtful evening that showcases the power of storytelling — and the way honest narratives can move, surprise and linger, well after you’ve gone home. The Sofia, Home of the B Street Theatre, 2700 Capitol Ave.; 7 p.m.; $35; all ages, but with parental discretion.
Cult-classic in concert
Friday, Jan. 23: For the cinephile who’s also an audiophile, this live film-and-music experience brings Ridley Scott’s Academy Award-nominated sci-fi landmark “Blade Runner: The Final Cut” 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’ legendary synthesiser-led score live and in perfect sync with the 1982 film. The result is a richly atmospheric production that deepens the movie’s emotional pull, reframing this cult-classic for devoted fans and those discovering the film for the first time. Jackson Hall, Mondavi Center, 523 Mrak Hall Dr., in Davis; 7:30 p.m.; $18-$86.50; all ages.
This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. 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 “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
By Steph Rodriguez
