The show goes on
Sacramento’s iconic Crest Theater and the area around it went through some big changes in 2014. Just to recap: At the start of 2014, vegetarian restaurant Mother opened in a small spot adjacent to the theater. Then, in August, we learned that after disagreements, Laura “Sid” Garcia-Heberger and her team would leave after 30 years of managing the theater, and that the owner of the building, Robert Emerick, would take over day-to-day operations. On November 1, Emerick’s fiancee Yulya Borroum took over as manager. Then on December 23, the snack bar was closed down for a day due to “insect/rodent infestation”—an unfortunate hiccup that seemed to remind us just how much we miss Garcia-Heberger and co.
But now it’s 2015, and the Crest team is set to launch a new chapter. Any day now, the highly anticipated meat-centric restaurant Empress Tavern will open in a former Crest screening room. There’s also some great stuff scheduled to happen in the venue’s main theater this month that’s worth mentioning.
A classic movie night that kicked off last Friday night with Citizen Kane continues this Friday, January 9, with a screening of Casablanca. It starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are free with a receipt from any K Street restaurant. At the same time on the following two Friday nights (January 16 and January 23), the Crest will show Blade Runner and The Shining. Those each cost $7.50 to $9.50 for a ticket.
Stand-up comedian Hari Kondabolu (pictured), formerly of the unfortunately canceled FXX show Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell, will perform his observational (and sometimes described as “philosophical” and “political”) comedy on Thursday, January 15. Tickets cost $45 and the show begins at 6:30 p.m., with young poets from Sacramento Area Youth Speaks organization opening. The event benefits the Parent/Teacher Home Visit Project, which aims to bolster relationships between families and teachers, among other things.
Fans of The Big Lebowski can get a double dose of the Dude with a screening of The Big Lebowski ($7.50-$9.50, 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 19) and a performance by Jeff Bridges & the Abiders ($45-$125, 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 22). For more information about the Crest, located at 1013 K Street, call (916) 476-3356 or visit www.crestsacramento.com.
More stuff to do this week below.
A Salute to José Montoya
Through Monday, January 12
José Montoya is a true local icon. He passed away in 2013. During his life, he was Sacramento’s leading Chicano artist. He was also a poet, a political activist, musician and co-founder of the local artist collective Royal Chicano Air Force. This exhibition honors his memory by showcasing his work and the work of others that pay tribute to him, including Jesus Barela, Alex Escalante, Frank LaPena, Brenda Louie and others. Free, museum hours vary at the Center For Contemporary Art, 1519 19th Street; www.ccasac.org.
—Aaron Carnes
Tibetan monks
Through Thursday, January 15
Many people in the United States know something about Christianity, but very little about Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhism is perhaps one of the most recognizable branches of the religion, probably because of its spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Find out more about this version of the religion when monks from the Gaden Shartse Dokhang Monastery visit Northern California with the help of Placerville Friends of Tibet. Various prices, times and locations in El Dorado County; www.facebook.com/PvilleTibet.
—Jonathan Mendick
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Through Monday, January 19
The nice thing about the ice rink entering its last few weeks is that post holidays, you’ll have plenty of room to practice your triple-toe loop. Plus, theme nights still remain: ’80s night on January 8, and favorite-sports-team night on January 15. $8, 2 pm. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays at St. Rose of Lima Park, 701 K Street, http://downtownsac.org/events/ice-rink.
—Deena Drewis
Sacramento International Sportsmen’s Exposition
Thursday, January 8, through Sunday, January 11
If you’re the outdoors type and want to catch up on all the latest wares for fishing, hunting and every sport associated under that large umbrella, you ought to attend this event. See hundreds of different booths showcasing different products and learn about destinations that should be on your radar. There will be more than 200 seminars, clinics and more to keep your attention in check. $15, various hours (visit website for details) at 1600 Exposition Boulevard; www.sportsexpos.com.
—Eddie Jorgensen
Public Speaking Open House
Monday, January 12
Klassy Talkers, a Toastmasters International speaking group, will be hosting a forum on public speaking that is meant to assuage fears of speaking in front of large groups. If you’ve been working for a chance to freshen up your communications degree or simply want to learn how to engage the listener in a public setting, this class is for you. Learn tried and true methods and get better with practice. Free, 7 p.m. at Sacramento Executive Airport, 6151 Freeport Boulevard, http://klassytalkers.toastmastersclubs.org.
