By Steph Rodriguez

January is packed with an eclectic mix of live music, horrifying film festivals and enough anime and gamer fandoms to pack the entire downtown area. Start your month off with the legendary punks of Black Flag as they burst onto the stage at Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville. Later in Midtown, blues powerhouse Katie Knipp is set to deliver a soulful showcase at Goldfield’s sister venue, along with special guests Peligro Brass providing the cumbia and reggaeton vibes. (Rumor has it, Knipp will debut a few tunes off her upcoming electronica-inspired album.) 

Making their return to live performances is none other than Shotgun Sawyer. The rock and blues trio is celebrating the release of their self-titled album at Cafe Colonial. Then, SacAnime’s winter convention takes over the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center for a weekend of anime, gaming, celebrity panels and live performances. If you’re into cinematic thrills, don’t miss the 18th Annual Sacramento Horror Film Festival at the Colonial Theatre, or laugh out loud with comedian and actor Alfred Robles at Punch Line, whose witty banter with the audience has propelled his career to new heights. Just be prepared if he calls on you. These enthralling events are sure to start your new year off right. 

Music

Punk legends

Friday, Jan. 10: Iconic punk pioneers Black Flag are back on tour, delivering their unrelenting intensity and uncompromising sound to the stage once again. Formed in 1976 in Hermosa Beach, California, by guitarist and primary songwriter Greg Ginn, the band revolutionized punk with their fusion of blistering simplicity, jagged guitar riffs and dynamic tempo shifts. Known for their anti-authoritarian lyrics and exploration of themes like social isolation and neurosis, Black Flag’s music remains as vital today as it was in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Fronted by vocalist Mike Vallely since 2014, the band continues to channel the spirit of punk rebellion. Goldfield Trading Post Roseville, 238 Vernon St., in Roseville; 8 p.m.; $37.37; all ages.

Blues meet brass

Friday, Jan. 10: Blues powerhouse Katie Knipp takes the stage at Goldfield Trading Post in Midtown for a night of soulful music and dynamic collaborations. This is Knipp’s debut at Goldfield’s where she’s sure to perform numbers from her eighth studio album “Me,” which was released in June. Knipp earned national buzz with her sultry vocals and captivating piano work, showcased in tracks like “Mud.” Fans can expect a special performance of “The Devil’s Armchair,” featuring Peligro Brass, who will also open the night with their high-energy blend of cumbia, salsa and reggaeton. Plus, Knipp will preview her forthcoming electronica-inspired album with a reggae remix of “Stillness,” featuring War drummer Sal Rodriguez. Goldfield Trading Post Midtown, 1630 J St.; doors at 7 p.m., music at 7:30 p.m.; $21.29; all ages.

Rock revival

Friday, Jan. 24: Shotgun Sawyer returns to the stage after a long hiatus during an eclectic lineup of live music at Cafe Colonial. This is the Auburn-based blues-rock trio’s first hometown performance since before the pandemic began. It also doubles as a release party for their new self-titled album — released on Dec. 6 and distributed by Ripple Music.  They’re joined by German label mates Samavayo, who are making their U.S. debut, and local rock band Vinnie Guidera & the Dead Birds, who have also started gigging again on the cusp of their new album release expected in early 2025. With influences from blues and rock legends such as Muddy Waters, Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, Shotgun Sawyer’s comeback promises a powerful fusion of raw Delta blues and the vibrant rock ’n’ roll energy that defines their sound. Cafe Colonial, 3520 Stockton Blvd.; 8 p.m.; $12-$15; all ages.

Culture

Level up!

Friday, Jan. 3-Sunday, Jan. 5: Calling all anime adventurers, Pokémon trainers and gaming legends — SacAnime’s Winter 2025 conference is back at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. This is Northern California’s largest pop culture gathering that promises an epic weekend packed with fan-favorite voice actors like Dave Wittenberg (Kakashi Hatake, Lang Rangler, Time Baby) and Sam Marin (“Regular Show”), plus live concerts from Kazha and New New Girlfriend. If you’re a creative mind, dive into the colossal artist alley with tons of handmade art on display, or check out the free gaming zones throughout the convention if you’re itching to test your skills. 

This is also the perfect weekend to cosplay as your favorite anime characters and meet others while browsing through countless vendors procuring the very best in various fandoms for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to hear from Broadway star Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer (“Beetlejuice the Musical”) or Erik Scott Kimerer (“Demon Slayer,” “One Punch Man”) for panels and autographs. Whether you’re summoning magic circles or collecting gym badges, SacAnime is the ultimate quest for otakus, gamers and fandom enthusiasts alike. SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, 1400 J St.; prices and times vary per day, visit sacanime.com for more information; all ages, children 11 and under are free.

‘Rebel, rebel’

Thursday, Jan. 9: Defy the ordinary at ArtMix: Rebellion, an evening inspired by artist David Černý’s exhibition “David Černý: Rebellion” on display at the Crocker Art Museum. This soiree is stacked with plenty of live entertainment such as daring aerial performances by Rebel Aerial Artistry, punk and alt-rock sets from The Snares and Art School Debt, plus a zine zone hosted by the Lavender Library and NorCal Resist. 

Let the pulsing and entrancing beats provided by DJ Subeaux in the Wild Rumpus Dancehall inspire you to let go of your inner wallflower and boogie the night away. Don’t miss out on opportunities during “Rebellion” to unleash your creative side with hands-on art activities and grab some festive bites and sips available for purchase. This is the night for artists, punks and rebels looking to unwind with a little artistic provocation and plenty of unforgettable fun — all in celebration of those daring to be bold. Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St.; 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.; free for members, $25 for non-members; 18 and over.

Laugh out loud, fool!

Thursday, Jan. 9-Saturday, Jan. 11: You can spot comedian and actor Alfred Robles in a crowd by his large-brimmed cowboy hat. Known for his good-humored teasing and playful audience interaction, Robles stops by the Punch Line for three nights of laughs during his “Mexican American Dream Tour.” 

Robles has performed on major stages, including Dodger Stadium alongside comedian and actor Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. He’s also appeared on Comedy Central’s “Stand Up Revolution,” Netflix’s “Mr. Iglesias” and HBO’s “Entre Nos.” With a knack for matchmaking audience members and hilarious banter, Alfred creates a unique, engaging experience for every show. A veteran of Loco Comedy Jam and the Latino Laugh Festival, Robles’ career continues to skyrocket — just be ready if he calls on you. Punch Line Sacramento, 2100 Arden Way; prices and times vary per show; for more information, visit punchlinesac.com; 18 and over.

Horrifyingly cinematic 

Saturday, Jan. 25: Prepare for a scream-worthy weekend as the 18th Annual Sacramento Horror Film Festival arises from the shadows. Hosted by the legendary Mr. Lobo, this fright-filled event unleashes a parade of blood-soaked films and bone-chilling tales. From eerie suspense to devilishly campy thrills, this festival is the ultimate celebration of cinematic terror.

Looking for bite-sized scares? The 11th Annual Love Horror Short Film Festival delivers spine-tingling thrills in perfect, pulse-pounding doses for the faint of heart. As the festival honors the legacy of Bethany “Bloody Bethy” Hidden, join horror fans to revel in the art of fear, laughter and all things macabre. Colonial Theatre, 3522 Stockton Blvd.; 1 p.m.; $30, plus fees; viewer discretion advised.

Storytelling live

Friday, Jan. 31: Experience the power of live storytelling at “In a Nutshell,” a new monthly showcase hosted by comedian and author Keith Lowell Jensen at The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre. Each month, storytellers tackle thought-provoking themes that transform complex experiences into relatable, engaging tales. 

This January, the theme is “Breaking The Ice,” featuring stories from masterful voices: JP Frary, a Moth StorySLAM champion blending artistry and narrative; Kiry Shabazz, a “Tonight Show” alum and Just for Laughs’ New Faces of Comedy showcase; Kay DeMartini, a storytelling powerhouse praised by NPR’s Glynn Washington; and Beau Ryder Davis, an acclaimed Moth GrandSLAM winner. Jensen’s storytelling-infused comedy ties it all together for an unforgettable evening of laughter, connection and reflection. It’s a celebration of human experiences shared live, so anything goes. The Sofia Home of B Street Theatre, 2700 Capitol Ave.; 7 p.m.; $34, including fees; 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, 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.