November is a time for celebration, remembrance and giving back to those in need: Sacramento-style.
Kick off fall with three days of punk rock shows to raise funds to fight cancer organized by Danny Reynoso of The Moans. Plus, live music from garage rock bands and post-punk locals hitting stages from the Press Club to the Torch Club. The 15th annual El Panteón de Sacramento returns at the Latino Center of Art and Culture over Día de los Muertos weekend with altar-making classes, dance performances and more to honor loved ones who’ve passed.
ArtMix at the Crocker Art Museum is dedicated to Sactown basketball royalty, promising appearances by the Sacramento Kings’ hype squad, Jr. Kings coaches showing off their dribbling skills and a student-run exhibition dedicated to basketball history. Have you ever laced up and participated in Run to Feed the Hungry? Check out the details to make this the year you raise funds alongside 30,000 spirited joggers for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services before sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner. And lastly, speaking of the spirit of giving: Join the Seven Veils Society for a “dark Christmas” holiday pop-up market, perfect for the good girls and boys on your naughty or nice list. Find your way through it all this November.
Music
Sunday sessions
Sunday, Nov. 3: Sunday Sessions at the historic Torch Club welcomes The Jackets and Th’ Losin’ Streaks for a dynamic double feature that promises to give you a dose of rock ‘n’ roll that will take you into the work week the right way. Th’ Losin’ Streaks released their third record “Last House” in February filled with frenzied rhythms and fuzz-drenched guitars. This longtime Sacramento garage rock band is known for their electrifying performances, group vocal harmonies and nods to the familiar twangy guitar riffs of surf rock. All the way from Bern, Switzerland, The Jackets blend psychedelic grooves and punk rock grit with a steady rock ‘n’ roll backbone led by frontwoman and guitarist Jackie Brutsche. This is an early show, too, so you’ll be rocked out and home before bedtime. No excuses. Torch Club, 904 15th St.; 4 p.m.; $12; 21 and over.
Punk for a cure
Wednesday, Nov. 6-Friday, Nov.8: Get ready for three nights of punk rock dedicated to raising funds — and a middle finger — to cure an unforgiving disease. Day one (Nov. 6) of the annual Fuck Cancer punk rock showcase kicks off at Cafe Colonial with Coast Office, Blooming Heads, The Argonauts and more. Local musician Danny Reynoso (The Moans, The Secretions) has organized this fundraiser since the ’90s with proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society. The Cafe is also the place to be for round two (Nov. 7), which features Divided Youth, The Contraptions and Chonker. Old Ironsides hosts night three (Nov. 8) treating attendees to a punk vs. surf theme courtesy of The Moans, The Me Gustas, Surf Monster and the Enlows. Nov 6-7: Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; doors at 6:30 p.m., music at 7 p.m.; $10; all ages; Nov. 8: Old Ironsides, 1901 10th St.; doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.; $10-$20 sliding scale; 21 and over.
Music for the soul
Thursday, Nov. 7: Named after the patron saint of music, La Santa Cecilia brings a vibrant fusion of Latin culture and rock music to every stage they hit. This Los Angeles-based band features José “Pepe” Carlos on accordion and requinto, Alex Bendaña on bass, Miguel “Oso” Ramirez on percussion and the soulful vocals of Marisol “La Marisoul” Hernandez. With such rich and varied musical talent beaming from one group, La Santa Cecilia truly bridges traditional Latin American influences with modern musical styles, drawing from cumbia, bossa nova and jazz heard throughout their storied catalog. Their musical prowess earned the group a Latin Grammy nomination for their album “Noche y Citas” and a Grammy win for “Treinta Días.” Now, they’re gracing the stage at Harlow’s with Carlos y Charlos, a Los Angeles-based trio performing corridos, rancheras polkas and waltzes in the classic norteño style. Harlow’s, 2708 J St.; doors at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m.; $44.15; 21 and over.
Plug in, stay tuned
Saturday, Nov. 30: Head over to the Press Club where you might just discover your next favorite band during this packed night of live music. Listen to post-punk trio Clevers preview new songs from their upcoming album “Gather You.” Back in August, vocalist/guitarist Shannon Betker told Solving Sacramento that she and drummer Jenny Klug took inspiration from the gritty vibes of Iggy Pop and the moody tones of Joy Division during the recording process — promising an intense, yet danceable experience expected later this fall. Also on the night’s lineup are indie rock four-piece Fonty, Nevada City’s Park Street Riot showcasing new tracks from their latest release “Gone,” and captivating tracks from indie pop band Cruel Touch, featuring Abbie Huber’s heartfelt vocals. Press Club, 1119 21st St.; 8 p.m.; $12-$15; 21 and over.
Culture
‘Collective remembrance’
Friday, Nov.1-Sunday, Nov. 3: One of the city’s biggest Día de los Muertos celebrations, El Panteón de Sacramento, returns for its 15th year honoring the Mexican holiday that remembers loved ones who’ve passed. Organized and hosted by the Latino Center of Art and Culture from Nov. 1-3, El Panteón will feature altar-making workshops, performances by dance groups from all over California, a live band and colorful community altars on display. According to LCAC organizers, El Panteón brings tens of thousands of attendees over the three-day weekend that coincides with Día de los Muertos. “Día de los Muertos is a defining celebration for Latin American cultures as it is a time where we communally remember our loved ones who have transitioned to another plane of existence,” said LCAC Director of Communications Jorge Quintana. “We remember them together, we grieve together, we laugh together, we dance together. El Panteón de Sacramento is an annual reminder for our community that in the embrace of collective remembrance, even our grief can be transformed into something beautiful.” Latino Center of Art and Culture, 2700 Front St.; Friday, Nov. 1, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 2, noon- 10 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 3, noon-4 p.m.; free; all ages.
Light the beam!
Thursday, Nov. 14: Step onto the court at the Crocker Art Museum’s latest ArtMix event: In The Paint. It’s an evening where hoops meet art inspired by Sacramento royalty — our very own Kings. Enjoy live entertainment from the Sacramento Kings’ hype squad, hear a live DJ keeping the beats going and taste delicious bites and beverages courtesy of Majka. Want to sharpen those dribbling skills? The Jr. Kings coaches will be on deck with ball-handling drills that’ll have you feeling like the pros. Plus, Kings insiders and other special guests will host “chalk talks,” sharing legendary stories and highlights from the past 40 years in Sacramento basketball history. Stop by the interactive art stations to test your creativity and snap memorable photos with your besties. There’s also a Student & Community Gallery displaying a new exhibition titled “Celebrating 40 Years in Sacramento” that spotlights fan art from the Kings’ 916 Amplified program, which aims to showcase the work of diverse local artists. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St.; 6 p.m.-9 p.m.; free for members, $25 for non-members; 18 and over.
Kick up an appetite
Thursday, Nov. 28: Run to Feed the Hungry is a treasured Sacramento tradition with tens of thousands of participants hitting the streets before sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner. Touted as the nation’s largest Thanksgiving Day fun run, Run to Feed the Hungry is a vital fundraiser for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Since its 1994 debut with 796 participants, this cherished event now draws over 31,000 runners and walkers. Both a 10K (8:15 a.m.) and a 5K (9 a.m.) loop through the scenic, tree-lined streets of East Sacramento, beginning on J Street near Sacramento State’s entrance. The course pulses with live bands, setting an upbeat atmosphere as participants lace up to support those in need. For a smooth start, 5K runners are asked to gather near Sacramento State’s esplanade behind the inflatable turkey until 10K runners have launched. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a festive stroller, Run to Feed the Hungry offers a meaningful way to give back and celebrate the holiday. Run to Feed the Hungry, J Street near Sacramento State’s entrance (map here); race times and prices vary; visit here to register; visit here for more race day information.
Where my Grinches at?
Saturday, Nov. 30: The Seven Veils Society will once again transform the historic Sacramento Turn Verein into an all-out seasonal bazaar filled with one-of-a-kind treasures just in time for the holidays. Visit the Ghosts of Christmas: A Dark Holiday Market for all of your otherworldly trinkets and handmade goodies to gift to all the good girls and boys on your naughty or nice list this year. With over 60 vendors selling a variety of art, jewelry, candles and antiques, selfies with Krampus, tarot readings by Dogrose Turning, food and drink provided by Acheson Wine Company and Vegan Circus Carnival Food, there’s something for everyone at this yuletide affair. Other unique experiences and offerings include tintype photography courtesy of Tintype Brouhaha and live painting demos by artist Corey Swenson. This alternative holiday pop-up is sure to be unlike any other. Ghosts of Christmas: A Dark Holiday Market at the Sacramento Turn Verein, 3349 J St.; Noon-5 p.m.; $5-$25; all ages, children 12 and under are free with an adult.
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, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.
By Steph Rodriguez
