Museum madness
Photo courtesy of Discovery Museum Science & Space Center
This Saturday, February 7, is the 17th annual Sacramento Museum Day. Expect huge crowds, a hard time finding a good parking spot and free admission to 25 museums—many of which you’ve probably never even heard of, let alone had the time (or dough) to visit. A couple of places—the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town—will offer half-price admission.
It’s a great chance to visit a museum that’s you’ve probably never been to before, like the Heidrick Ag History Center (www.aghistory.org), the Aerospace Museum of California (www.aerospaceca.org) or the Sacramento History Museum (www.historicoldsac.org)—all of which have special Sacramento Museum Day-only activities. The Ag History museum will have oversized agriculture equipment on display, the Aerospace Museum will have airplane cockpits open for viewing and the Sacramento History Museum will have gold panning.
Here’s how the whole day works: Enter any of the museums any time between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and get in for free (the event is scheduled to end at 5 p.m.). Check out the full list of museums and find out more information at www.sacmuseums.org.
Note: The Crocker Art Museum won’t be participating Sacramento Museum Day this year by offering free admission.* But even so, you should pay the $5 discounted admission (because it’s their $5 Day) to see Toulouse-Lautrec and La Vie Moderne: Paris 1880-1910, which opened on February 1. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s paintings are perhaps some of the most important in the post-impressionist era, and depict the lively arts and nightlife scene at the time. One of his most famous paintings is an 1887 portrait of Vincent van Gogh, but he’s also famous for his posters. He was also an alcoholic, and possibly the inventor of a specialty “cocktail” called Tremblement de Terre (the Earthquake)—essentially just equal parts absinthe and cognac, mixed together.
—Jonathan Mendick
*In print, we wrote this preview as if the Crocker Art Museum is participating in Sacramento Museum Day and offering free admission. They are not. We apologize.
Dances of Universal Peace
Friday, February 6
Explore your inner peace and joy by joining this celebratory circle of multicultural dance. Part of the wide network of Dances of Universal Peace North America, the Sacramento events occur on first and second Fridays. Founded almost 50 years ago by Samuel L. Lewis, Zen master and teacher of “walking meditation” and Sufi dancing, the gatherings integrate spirituality through dances celebrating Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and more. $5-$10, 7 p.m. at Sacramento Friends Meeting House, 890 57th Street; www.sacramentodancesofuniversalpeace.com.
—Alan Sheckter
The Year of the Goat Celebration
Saturday, February 7
Celebrate Chinese New Year with an afternoon of entertainment, games, food and exhibits at this event sponsored by the Chinese New Year Culture Association. Entertainment includes dragon dance, folk dances, a fashion show, tai chi demonstrations, choral performances and instrumental music. $1-$6, noon at Hiram Johnson High School, 6879 14th Avenue; http://cnyca.net/php.
—Trina L. Drotar
Aziz Ansari
Saturday, February 7
Up until a few years ago, comic Aziz Ansari was known to most people almost exclusively from his role as Parks and Recreation’s Tom Haverford. But before he started acting, he was a stand-up comedian—known for his awkward personal stories, tales of harassing his cousin Harris and hilarious social observation. In the last few years, he’s become one of the biggest working comics touring the country, now almost shadowing his work in TV and films. $25.71-$44.76, 8 p.m. at Sleep Train Arena, 1 Sports Parkway; www.azizansari.com.
—Aaron Carnes
2015 Oscar-Nominated Short Films
Saturday, February 7, through Thursday, February 19
As the Academy Awards approach with its stunning display of non-diversity in nominees (it hasn’t been this white since 1998), it’s a better time than ever to catch up on the shorts, which feature films from a number of different countries and cultures. Documentary, animation and live-action shorts ranging from two minutes to just under an hour will be shown over several nights divided by category. $6-$12, 6:30 p.m., 1013 K Street; www.crestsacramento.com.
—Deena Drewis
Sacramento Darwin Day
Sunday, February 8
Science geeks and curious people from all walks of life, unite! The 18th annual installment of Darwin Day features activities, vendors and music by the aptly named Scientific Jam. Mario Livio will be the keynote speaker and will offer his insight which he presents as “Charles Darwin: Curiosity, Blunders, and Brilliance.” $5-$10, 2:30 p.m. at the La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Road in Carmichael; http://sacdarwinday.info.
