Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of Jan 23

Monday, January 23, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

This Week: Rendezvous All Week Through
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		Music: Allstar Weekend Ace of Spades Jan 25 Wed 5:30pm Pop rock group Allstar Weekend gained popularity from the Disney Channel television network & comes to Sacto with special guests The After Party.

		Theatre: In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play Capital Stage Jan 25-Feb 26 Wed 7pm; Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm It's the 1880s and for the wife of eminent scientist and inventor Dr. Givings, the vagaries of the medical field have never held much allure...until now.

		Film: Media Mentoring: Miss Representation Crest Theatre Jan 26 Thurs 6pm Screening 7pm Mix with Sacramento's film makers & media professionals, watch Miss Representation*, a documentary on how media affects kids and young adults, and engage in a panel discussion focusing on media literacy & how to get distribution without misrepresentation.

		Museums: Thurs 'Til 9: Open Art: William Eiland on St. Sebastian Crocker Art Museum Jan 26 Thurs 7pm A lecture examining imagery of St. Sebastian, a common figure in the paintings featured in the exhibition Florence & the Baroque, & its cultural meanings for LGBT viewers.

		Special Events: Pirates Rendezvous Sac. Marriott - Rancho Cordova Jan 27-Jan 28 Fri 5pm-Midnight; Sat 10am-Midnight Come play all day with the Pirates! Fri night is boarding night & Sat is Pirate family fun day.

		Food & Wine: Winter Wine & Food Fest Sacramento Convention Center Jan 28 Sat 5pm-7:30pm *VIP event until 10pm Enjoy a live and silent auction, live entertainment, and delicious food and drink from over 120 of Sacramento's best local restaurants and wineries. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Sacramento & Northeastern California.

		Special Events: Ladies Night Out 2012 ft. Danny Boy Guild Theater Jan 28 Sat 7pm-10pm Award-winning poet Terry Moore hosts Ladies Night Out, a night of recognition, featuring R&B crooner Danny Boy, plus many others. This is a fun and different way to take part in Sacramento nightlife.

		Comedy: 14-Hour Comedy Challenge Sacramento Comedy Spot Jan 28 Sat 10:30pm This one day competition requires participants to incorporate criteria given at the beginning of the day into their video sketch, live sketch or stand-up routine and perform it that night. Come see what's made!

		Music: Cold Eskimo Fox & Goose Jan 28 Sat 9pm Cold Eskimo is moody and eclectic, energetic and pretty, creating a full sound. See them play along with Golden Youth.

		Music: Hot Club of Cowtown with The Alkali Flats Harlow's Jan 29 Sun 7pm Hot Club of Cowtown are the most globe-trotting, hardest-swinging Western swing trio on the planet.

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Featured Local Artist of the Month: Alex Trujillo

Learn about multi-media visual artist & DJ Alex Trujillo in his Featured Artist Profile.

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Saturday: Verge Ahead into 2012

Thursday, January 19, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

Verge Center for the Arts has remained a consistent hub of creativity for Sacramento since they first opened their doors as a private art gallery in 2009. In 2010 they expanded into their current space—a 22,000 square foot warehouse in Downtown Sacramento—and organized as a nonprofit. Now home to 30 resident studio artists, plus extensive gallery and event space, Verge continues their mission of exposing Sacramento to the contemporary art and artists of the region.

2011 was a particularly big year for Verge. Among many other achievements, they had a more-than-successful Kickstarter campaign ($9,165 raised on a $7,500 goal!), won the First Place award of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Arts Innovation Fund, and Executive Director Liv Moe was named Arts Executive of the Year at the Arts & Business Council’s “Prelude to the Season” event.

Verge Ahead Success Party This Saturday, engage in an alternative form of Sacramento nightlife by celebrating Verge’s 2011 successes and helping them “Verge Ahead” into 2012 at the “Verge Ahead Success Party” (6pm-Midnight at Verge, 625 S Street, Sacramento). If you have yet to check out this innovative local arts spot, there’s no better time than this!

In addition to exploring the studios of resident artists, you’ll be able to play “Art Golf” (each hole specially designed by a Verge artist), get your photo taken at the photobooth for instant sharing of the fun on your social media networks, see live performances by a multitude of bands (Mom, Christine Shields, Fine Steps, Gentleman Surfer, and Ganglians), and dance the night away to tunes spun by DJ Scott Soriano and DJ Hailey. If that’s not enough, arts collective Future Art Notables will take over the temporary gallery with their installation “Assorted Spaces”, which allows viewers to walk among the pieces, fully immersing themselves in the art.

And, don’t worry, tasty beer is provided for the evening by local brewers Ruhstaller, as well as coffee from Insight Coffee Roasters. With each $15 ticket including two refreshments, what’s not to love?

Plus, Sacramento365.com will be there participating in all the fun. Be among the first 50 guests to arrive and receive free giveaways, and stop by our golf hole to try for a hole-in-one!

Come enjoy this soiree and celebrate Sacramento’s burgeoning arts community.

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This marks the beginning of a monthly feature by Sacramento365.com on local arts organizations and businesses making a difference in the Sacramento community.

Have a group you think should be featured? Email support@sacramento365.com for consideration.

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Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of Jan 16

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 by Sacramento365 .com

This Week: Crave Classical Celebrations
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		Sports & Rec: International Sportsmen's Exposition Cal Expo Jan 19-Jan 22 Thurs & Fri 11am-8pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-5pm ISE Sacramento is your one-stop place to get everything you need to be successful in the outdoors.

		Special Events: Arch Lighting Celebration Fox & Goose Jan 19 Thurs 4pm Celebrate the new arch and other improvements on R St--enhanced streetscapes, public art, bike racks, pedestrian archways, expanded public seating, and more.

		Dance: Diavolo Three Stages Performing Arts Center Jan 19-Jan 20 Thurs 7:30pm; Fri 8pm Comprised of a team of dancers, gymnasts, rock climbers, athletes, and actors, Diavolo and its large-scale interdisciplinary performances examine the funny and sometimes frightening ways individuals interact with their environment.

		Food & Wine: Taste Social: Craft Beer Tasting & Social Event Kupros Bistro Jan 20 Fri 6:30pm Asobuyo presents a great opportunity to start the weekend off right: socialize & learn some of the finer distinctions of craft beer while enjoying the ambiance, delicious food, diverse drink selection, & hospitality of Kupros Bistro.

		Theatre: The Wedding Singer 24th Street Theatre Ongoing-Feb 5 Fri & Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm Runaway Stage presents the always-enjoyable musical comedy The Wedding Singer, featuring New Jersey's favorite wedding singer, Robbie Hart.

		Festivals: Bacon Fest Sacramento Midtown locations Jan 20-Jan 22 Fri-Sun, times vary Bacon activities abound at Sacramento's inaugural Bacon Fest. From a Kevin Bacon-themed musical tribute to a Bacon Fest Chef's Competition, with many delicious, bacon-filled activities inbetween, you will be sure to leave this three-day event full and satiated.

		Special Events: Verge Ahead Success Party Verge Center for the Arts Jan 21 Sat 6pm-Midnight This Sacramento nightlife event is an exciting visceral experience featuring a massive art installation by Future Art Notables, open studios, Art Golf, live music, DJs, and more.

		Music: The Romantics Community Center Theater Jan 21 Sat 7pm Everyone enjoys (and deserves!) a romantic evening out. Let the Sacramento Philharmonic provide the passionate music for yours.

		Local Marketplace: Holistic Living Expo Crowne Plaza Hotel Jan 22 Sun 10am-6pm Shop here for many delightful products and services: items for healing & rejuvenation, sessions with holistic health practitioners & psychics, gemstone jewelry, stones & crystals, aromatherapy products, healthy coffee, & much more.

		Music: Big Sandy & His Fly Rite Boys Torch Club Jan 22 Sun 8pm-Midnight Hear one of the world's most respected practitioners of American roots music, western swing, rockabilly, and traditional country.

Sacramento365.com News

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Through this Wednesday, Jan 18:

Read our write up on this Downtown Sacramento dining event:
I got hungry just writing this: Dine Downtown Restaurant Week is in full swing.

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Alex Trujillo

Learn about multi-media visual artist & DJ Alex Trujillo in his Featured Artist Profile.

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Ways to spend your MLK, Jr. Day in Sacramento

Thursday, January 12, 2012 by Rachael Lankford

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Not everyone has this coming Monday off (alas!) but for those that do, Sacramento has a few options for using your day off to celebrate the man it honors—Martin Luther King, Jr.

March for the Dream MLK365 is presenting the 31st Annual March for the Dream, which includes a peaceful march (choose to begin from the Oak Park Community Center, Grant High School, or Sacramento City College) that convenes on the Sacramento Convention Center for an afternoon of celebration. There will be something for all ages and interests—vendor booths, kids’ crafts & activities, entertainment, an art village featuring local artists, and more.

Lift Every Voice at Crocker The Crocker Art Museum is opening their doors for their free Holiday Monday program. Monday’s event—“MLK Day – Lift Every Voice”—is a music-infused celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr, with regional choirs performing throughout the day. The event concludes with a screening of Not in Our Town, a documentary about the movement to stop hate.

Live Musical Performances at Old Sugar Mill If you think both those celebrations look fun—and you're also looking to listen to some jazz—consider signing up for Sacramento Wine & Nightlife Tours' MLK Day Experience & Smooth Jazz Celebration. This event meets for the March in front of Sac City College, attends the Celebration at the Convention Center, and then shuttles you to "Lift Every Voice" at the Crocker. From there, the shuttle will take you out to the Old Sugar Mill to enjoy musical performances by Tony Elder & Westbound Groove, Cynthia Douglas, DJ Rock Bottom, and more. This is a great way to make the most of your day and, with a special discount extended to Sac365 users, you can attend for just $20 (use discount code "Daytrips" to save $10/ticket!).

Blast from the Past at the Discover Museum Also open for the Holiday Monday, though not MLK-themed, is the Discovery Museum Science & Space Center, which is celebrating the opening weekend of their new Blast from the Past Exhibit. Kids can enjoy a day of hands-on fun learning all about dinosaurs! There’s a Dinosaur Train creative play area, dinosaur bone replicas on display, a “dino-nest” photo opportunity, and a dinosaur diorama craft.

If you are looking to give back with your day off, consider one of Hands On Sacramento’s volunteer opportunities for MLK, Jr. Day of Service.

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Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

More Than Politics: A Visit to the California State Capitol

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 by Sacramento's Hometown Tourists

Carol, Janet and Cindy set out to be Hometown Tourists of Sacramento. They started their adventure with lunch at Ambrosia and ended it with the bear outside the governor’s office. Here are comments from each on their adventure of the State Capitol building.

Cindy:
My first tour of the California State Capitol was in 1984, and I have visited several times since. There is always something different to see each time. Seeing the building when the legislature is in session is very exciting and the place is bustling with energy. Seeing the building when the legislation is on break is just as wonderful. It allows you to focus on the grand structure. Each time I have taken the tour, I have learned something new. This time it was about the governor’s painting that really was controversial at the time (hint: it isn’t Jerry Brown’s). It became a real trend setter for future portraits. See if you can you find it.

Carol:
My friends and I decided to learn some California history in a fun and factual way, so we took a guided tour of the Capitol Building. I wonder how many times we drive downtown and actually look at things. And by things, I mean Sacramento attractions like the Capitol Building. I have it in my backyard, but I don't always see it. I should appreciate living in the state capital.

We met up with our guide in the beautiful, soaring, echoing rotunda. By the way, our guide was a thirty-something man named Kyle. I thought all guides had to be retired government workers who recite facts by rote. Nope. Kyle was fun and personable and interesting and informative. He shared little known facts while giving a history lesson of the building. It is a beautiful structure that has been painstakingly maintained and restored to its original wonder. The legislature desks are the original desks from the early 1900s. The staircases and rotunda railings are architectural treasures. Every corner we turned we saw more beauty and history. Even the tile floors have an interesting story behind them -- they were cut out, sent off to be cleaned and reset tile by tile. Did you know they almost put the Capitol in Benicia? Seriously? It is a Sacramento wonder, and I plan to take all of my out-of-towners to visit and proudly show it off.

Janet:
Something else: call me crazy but I guess that I didn't get enough of the Capitol, because I also took the 4:00 public tour of 45 minutes! It was interesting to mingle with the other ("real") tourists, to hear the questions they asked, and to listen to more Capitol stories from our guide Tyson (also thirty something and from Stockton / Lodi area). Tyson mentioned the difference in the floor numbers between the old and new parts of the Capitol. That made me really glad that Kyle had actually taken us into the connecting staircase on our private tour! The other neat thing for me about the whole experience is looking at my own town with fresh eyes. I was very glad to be a Hometown Tourist - knowing my way around as I drove east along N Street, past the Capitol again and through Midtown then East Sacramento, to get home from town. I'm looking forward to our next HTT adventure. I'll get working on the arrangements soon. Thanks so much for your company on this endeavor! It's both interesting and fun!

I got hungry just writing this: Dine Downtown Restaurant Week is in full swing

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 by Rachael Lankford

Have you checked out any of the featured restaurants for Dine Downtown Restaurant Week yet? Or do you have plans to (you should!)? There are 29 restaurants on the list and it’s almost impossible to pick. Luckily the “week” is actually 10 days, so you have some extra time to test out more Downtown Sacramento dining spots. Through next Wednesday, January 18, Downtown Sacramento’s top restaurants are offering special three-course prix-fixe dinner menus for only $30 per person. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of restaurants that may otherwise be a bit out of budget, or to try a special menu at your favorite spot. The menus are all available on the Downtown Sacramento Partnership (DSP) website, so take a look and treat yourself to a nice meal or two!

We here at Sac365 haven’t had a chance to taste any of the menus ourselves (yet!), but luckily the folks over at DSP have done a little initial footwork for you. Their blog features previews of several locations by both DSP staffers and local food bloggers. Reading through these makes me even hungrier! Just check out what Annie Stuckert of DSP has to say about Spataro’s salad: “The salad was full of citrus aromas and reminded me of something that I would love on a warm summer evening. Cool, crisp, and delicious. On numerous attempts, I tried to get the perfect bite with all the ingredients in one, the tart tangerine, with the sweetness of the dates and the crunch of the almonds. Perfection.”

Yum! Now stop reading and get to eating!

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Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

All Aboard! Five Ways Sacramento Gives You a Hassle-Free and Value-Added Motorcoach Experience

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 by Matthew Guillory

Your motorcoach is essential to your group. And it is also essential your motorcoach seamlessly fits into your scheduled itinerary. Sacramento is a motorcoach-friendly destination with many options to ensure your motorcoach is staged, loaded, unloaded and parked with ease in reasonable time. Here are five ways the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau can ease your motorcoach worries:

1. Sacramento International Airport. Many airports are not motorcoach-friendly. We are proud to say that Sacramento International welcomes all motorcoaches so that your groups can get started on schedule immediately after picking up their bags. Most Sacramento area motorcoaches come equipped with a pass that immediately allows them into the passenger area. If you are using an out of town motorcoach, transportation to and from the airport is still fast and easy. When planning your itinerary, we can help you choose a local motorcoach company that currently works with the airport. Or we can help to ensure that your out of area motorcoach is equipped with the proper information to get to and from the airport with ease.

2. A Grand Welcome. Our local hotels are always ready to accept motorcoaches quickly and efficiently. But, if your group is planning on staying two nights or longer, the SCVB would be happy to set up a welcome reception for your group. While the luggage is being delivered and keys handed out, we can entertain guest tired from traveling with a regional wine and cheese or juice and cookie reception. We want your groups to feel welcome and at ease as soon as they step off of the motorcoach.

3. We Have a Spot for You. Sacramento has many tourist attractions within short drives of one another. And no matter which one of our hotel partners you choose, most of our Sacramento area hotels are only minutes away from our tourist attractions and dining. It is important that your motorcoach is able to load and unload easily. It is also important that the motorcoach is able to find nearby parking. Old Sacramento has dedicated FREE motorcoach parking behind the California State Railroad Museum. There is also motorcoach parking on 15th Street near Capitol Park. The SCVB will also work with you to make sure your guests enjoy all aspects of your itinerary, including downtown Sacramento dining, without having to walk several blocks after unloading from the motorcoach.

4. This Is a Stick-Up. As an added value, we can have your motorcoach greeted with costumed characters in Old Sacramento. As your motorcoach unloads, your travelers will be greeted by old-time gunslingers and characters in costumes from the Gold Rush era. Don’t worry; these bandits are only here to entertain. Your motorcoach is safe! We would be happy to arrange this FREE welcome service for any of your groups.

5. You Have a Dedicated Team. You have a dedicated team to help you plan itineraries with your motorcoach convenience in mind. Sacramento is an excellent “Hub & Spoke” location that can be used as a gateway to all Northern California has to offer. We are expecting your motorcoach, and we are here to make your groups’ experiences convenient and memorable.

We are here to ensure every last detail of your itineraries is handled with care. Please contact us at tourism@discovergold.org to start working on your motorcoach-friendly itinerary today.

Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of Jan 9

Monday, January 9, 2012 by Rachael Lankford

This Week: Explore the City with Ruthless Abandon
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Food & Wine: Dine Downtown Restaurant Week Downtown Sacramento Jan 9-Jan 18 Daily during restaurant's hours Try out Downtown Sacramento dining at top restaurants with special three-course prix-fixe dinner menus!

		Sacramento Nightlife: Le Twist Dive Bar Jan 10 Tues 9pm-2am Partake in chatter and drinks as you listen to classy gems from the '60s to today, curated by DJs Sam I Jam, Adam J, and Taylor Cho. Enjoy the chance to sit around in a nice environment with friends, have a drink (at reduced prices!), & listen to eclectic music.

		Theatre: Ruthless! Sacramento Theatre Company Jan 11-Feb 19 Wed 6:30pm; Thurs 12:30pm & 6:30pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm Ruthless! is a story that proves when it comes to show business, the key to success is ruthlessness! With book and lyrics by Joel Paley and music by Marvin Laird, Ruthless! is a hilarious send up of several classic shows.

		Festivals: SacAnime Woodlake Hotel Sacramento Jan 13-Jan 15 Fri & Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-6pm Anime fans come to play at SacAnime, which features many activities to whet your palate.

		Special Events: Great Train Expo Cal Expo Jan 14-Jan 15 Sat & Sun 10am-4pm A fabulous event for the whole family, this show features operating model railroads, train dealers, collectors, hands-on exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, and more.

		Food & Wine: Welcome 2012! Beer Tour Begins from Pyramid Alehouse Jan 14 Sat 12:30pm-4:30pm Participate in Sacramento's rich beer history by touring the town and tasting what there is to offer at Track 7 Brewing, Hoppy Brewing, and Pyramid Brewing.

		2nd Saturday Activities: -Sacramento Writer's Brush: Sacramento Poetry Center, 5pm-9pm -Collage for a Cure Benefit: Brickhouse Gallery, 6pm-9pm *-Ali: The Greatest:* Evolve the Gallery, 6pm-10pm See more 2nd Saturday events>

		Comedy: Lewis Black: In God We Rust Community Center Theater Jan 14 Sat 8pm Lewis Black is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of the world.

		Sports & Rec: Harlem Globetrotters 2012 World Tour Power Balance Pavilion Jan 15 Sun 1pm & 6pm The Harlem Globetrotters combine athleticism, theatre, and comedy into their basketball performance. On the heels of signing one of the most extraordinary rookie classes in team history, the Globetrotters bring their 2012 World Tour to Sacramento for a doubleheader!

		Special Events: The State of Live Music in Sacramento Time Tested Books Jan 15 Sun 7pm Four of Sacramento's most active music promoters discuss the trials and tribulations of hosting live music in Sacramento today and look at the future of music in the River City.

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Featured Local Artist of the Month: Alex Trujillo

Learn about multi-media visual artist & DJ Alex Trujillo in his Featured Artist Profile.

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of Jan 2

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 by Rachael Lankford

This Week: Welcome 2012 with Pizazz
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Music: Alice Wallace Fox & Goose Jan 4 Wed 7pm Sweet country artist Alice Wallace performs in support of her new album Sweet Madness. Also performing is Sacramento's Lovelorn Trio. Come have some Hot Spiced Cider and a Nutburger and enjoy the show.

		Film: Thurs 'Til 9: Film Frame: Sunset Boulevard Crocker Art Museum Jan 5 Thurs 6:30pm Director Billy Wilder's Academy-Award-winning classic connects Baroque drama with a modern medium. Film scholar Kristen Anderson Wagner will introduce the film and give the audience a sneak peek of Film Frame features to come in 2012.

		Comedy: Lavell Crawford Punch Line Comedy Club Jan 5-Jan 8 Thurs 8pm; Fri 8pm & 10pm; Sat 7pm & 9:30pm; Sun 8pm Famous for his "Can a brother get some love?" stand up on Comedy Central, Lavell Crawford will have you rolling on the floor clutching your chest from laughing.

		Festivals: California State Home & Garden Show Sacramento Convention Center Jan 6-Jan 8 Fri Noon-7pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 10am-5pm Isn't it time to give your home a little TLC? Come have FUN as you learn money saving ideas for your home and garden.

		Special Events: Jazzy Cats: Mardi Gras Madness Doubletree Hotel Jan 6-Jan 8 Fri 5pm-9pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 9am-4pm Come admire the cats and take in the cage decoration contest & costume contes. There will also be an appearance by Trouble, the Guinness-certified World's Tallest Cat.

		Theatre: Chicago Davis Musical Theatre Co. Performing Arts Center Jan 6-Jan 29 Fri & Sat 8:15pm; Sun 2:15pm In the roaring twenties, Roxie Hart and fellow "Merry Murderess" Velma Kelly vie for the spotlight and the headlines.

		Sacramento Nightlife: Fishnet Friday with The Sizzling Sirens Dive Bar Jan 6 Fri 9:30pm Enjoy live teaser performances on the hour all night from the Sirens, dance with them to their favorite music, watch the beautiful mermaid as she swims above the bar, and take advantage of sizzling drink specials all night long!

		Special Events: Polar Bear Plunge McKinley Park Jan 7 Sat 10am-Noon Brave the cold weather & get wet! There are many fun ways to take the plunge, and there'll be a polar bear costume contest & cubs craft corner for kids.

		Special Events: "G" Hum Parade Bows & Arrows Jan 7 Sat 1pm-4pm The idea of the "G" Hum Parade is to tune enough guitars and other instruments together and play either sporadically or all together to create a large ambiance of "G".

		Dance: Inside the Director's Studio Sacramento Ballet Studios Jan 7 Sat 6pm-7pm Former Sacramento Ballet dancer Jared Nelson shares his unique view of Septime Webre's rock-n-roll influenced Fluctuating Hemlines both as a dancer and ballet master.

Sacramento365.com News

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Music fanatics rejoice!

We now have sub-categories for Music genres to appeal to music-lovers of all sorts.

Genres include: Jazz, Rock/Pop, Hip-Hop/R&B/Soul, Blues, Dance/Electronica, World, Classical/Opera, Acoustic, Americana/Bluegrass, & Country/Western.

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Alex Trujillo

Learn about multi-media visual artist & DJ Alex Trujillo in his Featured Artist Profile.

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

Welcome 2012 in style

Thursday, December 29, 2011 by Rachael Lankford

2012 If you're looking for a great, family friendly New Year's Eve experience, complete with fireworks, be sure to head to Old Sac for the New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular.

For those of you who are looking for some adult celebrations--no kids allowed--here're a few options to greet 2012 (see even more in our Top 10 & Holiday Event Section). Sacramento nightlife is kickin'! Be sure to get your tickets quick, though, several New Year's Eve events have already sold out.

Confetti 1. New Year's 2012 Bash with Mickey Avalon: Ace of Spades, 7pm
Hailing from Hollywood, Mickey Avalon is known to the world as one of the hottest underground American rappers and has become a fan-favorite.

2. New Year's Eve Gala: Chicago: Davis Musical Theatre Company, 8pm
Ring in the New Year with Broadway favorite: Chicago. The Tony Award winning performance of the “truth-is-stranger-than-fiction” play is opening for a special preview, accompanied by a catered buffet dinner, champagne, dessert, party favors, a live DJ, and more.

Champagne toast 3. Townhouse New Year's Eve Party: TownHouse Lounge, 8pm-2am
On the 365th day of the year, The Townhouse presents a very special NYE party with some of your favorite DJs on both floors: Electro/House/Progressive with Mike Diamond & My Cousin Vinny & Indie/Pop/Dance with The X-GVNR (Pop Freq, Get Wet) & Jon Droll.

4. New Year's Eve at the Hyatt Regency: Hyatt Regency Sacramento, 8pm-2am
Start the evening with a cocktail in the acoustic lobby lounge listening to the sounds of Quinn Hedges and Ryan Hernandez, then enjoy a gourmet four course meal in Dawson’s, followed by the big event in Sacramento’s largest nightclub with DJ Rated R and the Cheeseballs.

Happy New Year hats 5. New Year's Eve 2012: The Golden Bear, 8pm
What better way to welcome 2012 then spending your evening partying it up at The Golden Bear? There is no better way! Live and direct--DJ Crook on the 1s and 2s spinning all your favorite joints and jams. Cheers with a champagne toast at Midnight, plus take advantage of New Year's Eve drink specials all throughout the night.

6. NYE 2012 Celebration: MiX Downtown, 8:30pm
Celebrate the end of 2011 and the start of 2012 inside Sacramento's favorite rooftop nightclub and lounge, which is also celebrating its third year of amazing parties and fabulous events. Complimentary champagne at Midnight, party favors, and lush decorations get you in the mood for a hands in the air night of dancing and partying with friends.

7. New Year's Eve Bash with John Nemeth: Torch Club, 9pm
John Németh is a rising blues star; a singer steeped in the tradition and reminiscent of B.B. King, Ray Charles and Junior Parker, and a harmonica player of riveting intensity and virtuosity.

Balloon drop 8. New Year's Eve Dance Party with DJ Larry Rodriguez: Fox & Goose, 9pm
DJ Larry Rodriguez's Dance Party celebrates its 15 year anniversary on New Year's Eve with round, warm sould & funk. DJ Larry Rodriguez is bringing some of Sacramento's favorite dance party kings Mike C. and Tim Matranga to round out the night.

9. Roaring '20s NYE: Crescent Club, 9pm
Take a trip back in time to America's glorious Prohibition Era as you celebrate the New Year with gangsters, glamour, and gambling. The evening’s entertainment includes a Speakeasy Casino, Ballroom Swing Dancing, Gypsy Jazz, Blues, & Cabaret, featuring live music by the notorious Crescent Katz.

10. D30 New Year's Eve with DJ Serafin: District 30, 9pm-3am
In addition to the innovative sound of DJ Serafin, enjoy a huge balloon drop, dazzling confetti rain, complimentary champagne toast at Midnight, delectable confections at Midnight, and complimentary party favors.

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

The Beatles are in town! Broadway Sacramento's "Rain" delights--for one week only.

Thursday, December 29, 2011 by Rachael Lankford

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles Travel back through time with Broadway Sacramento's Rain, a Beatles tribute show that began as an offshoot of the Broadway production of Beatlemania. Rain ran on Broadway for 300 shows and 8 preview performances at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre in New York City and has also been a hugely successful national tour for years. Together longer than the Beatles, Rain has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live, note-for-note performance.

This multi-media show begins by taking us away to a time when four young men stepped on stage at the Ed Sullivan show and changed music as we knew it. Rain chronicles the journey America took with the Beatles, showing us footage of screaming fans, interviews, and historical happenings that changed us all.

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles Looking around the room, I saw three generations of Beatles fans, all singing along, dancing, and screaming like it was 1964. When it came time for the last number to be performed, I didn’t want the show to end. And neither did anyone else, Rain went on to perform two encores.

This show is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles. Who knows, you might just learn a new song or two!

Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles continues at the Community Center Theater through January 1. Show times: Wed 8pm; Thurs 2pm & 8pm; Fri 3pm & 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 2pm.

The Broadway Sacramento season continues with West Side Story (Jan 24-Jan 29), Mamma Mia! (March 13-March 18), Million Dollar Quartet (April 17-April 22), and Wicked (May 23-June 17).

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Written by Sacramento365.com Intern, Aimee Steffen

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of Dec 26

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 by Rachael Lankford

This Week: Pay Tribute to the New Year
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Museums: Common Diversions California State Railroad Museum Ongoing-Sept 14 Daily 10am-5pm *Closed New Year's Day Check out displays of toy trains & scale model railroads and learn the big differences between the two.

		Festivals: Kwanzaa Family Festival Crocker Art Museum Dec 26 Mon Noon-4pm *Free Museum admission 10am-5pm At this museum-wide festival, the Crocker celebrates its collection of African art with music and dance performances, a unique studio art workshop, storytelling, an arts and crafts marketplace, and much more.

		Performing Arts: Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles Community Center Theater Dec 27-Jan 1 Tues-Sat 8pm *Plus Matinees: Thurs/Sat/Sun 2pm; Fri 3pm This infectious multi-media concert will transport you to the era of The Beatles through Rain's mastery of every song, gesture, and nuance of the legendary foursome.

		Comedy: Dave Attell Punch Line Comedy Club Dec 29-Dec 30 Thurs 8pm; Fri 8pm & 10pm Dave Attell's caustic wit, rapid-fire delivery, and his choice of material that can best be described as "very adult" has earned him the reputation as a "comic's comic."

		Music: Wallpaper Ace of Spades Dec 30 Fri 7pm Wallpaper is the enigmatic onstage existence of Oakland music addict Eric Frederic, a pop-pushing kingpin interested in art as artifice. Get ready to get your dance on to Wallpaper's diced, digital beats and lyrics caricaturing the pop vernacular!

		Special Events: New Year's Eve Sky Spectacular Waterfront Park Dec 31 Sat 6pm-12:30am This free celebration features activities for the whole family to enjoy including fireworks shows, children's programming, live music, dinner specials, hot food and drink vendors, and a variety of colorful street entertainment.

		New Year's Eve: Music -Utz Year's Eve: Harlow's, 8pm -End of the World NYE: Luigi's, 8:30pm -Mother Hips NYE Party: Marilyn's on K, 9pm See more NYE Events>

		New Year's Eve: Sacramento Nightlife -Lipstick New Year's Eve: Old Ironsides, 9pm-1:30am -NYE 2012 Downtown Sacramento Celebration Massive: Capitol Garage, 10pm-2am -Old Hollywood New Year's Eve: Social Nightclub, 10pm-2am See more NYE Events>

		Sports & Rec: Walk in the New Year with the Sticks Pioneer House Dec 31-Jan 1 Sat 6pm-9pm; Sun Noon-3:30pm The Sacramento Walking Sticks are hosting 5K & 10K walks through Downtown Sac to get everyone's New Year's Resolutions on the right track. This is a family sport--parents are encouraged to bring their children out.

		Special Events: Black & White Purrball Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary Jan 1 Sun Noon-6pm Ring in the New Year with a new furry family member! These wonderful adult kitties will be "dressed for the ball" in their best black & white furry formal attire. Donate a can of cat food and the adoption fee for black & white cats will be waived.

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Happy New Year from Sacramento365.com!

Here's to a happy and prosperous New Year!

Still trying to decide how to ring in 2012? Check out our Holiday Event section & take your pick!

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Tracy Saville

Learn about creative writer Tracy Saville in her Featured Artist Profile.

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Christmas celebrations, Sacramento-style

Thursday, December 22, 2011 by Rachael Lankford

Christmas tree with presents

As always, Sacramento steps up to the plate with holiday events of all sorts. At Sacramento365.com, we see a lot of events come through the site every day. Though there are myriad options in our Holiday Event section, we've narrowed down the list to 10 to get help you pick your Christmas Eve & Christmas Day festivities.

Christmas Eve Events:

Sure, the night before Christmas should be spent snuggled in bed waiting for Santa Claus, but why not get out and about during the day. Here are some options to keep you entertained around town:

1. Free Admission at Fairytale Town & Sacramento Zoo: Zoo 10am-1:30pm, FTT 10am-2pm
Treat the kiddies to a day out while both Fairytale Town & the Sacramento Zoo offer free admission to all guests. The Zoo encourages participating in their pajama party, so you needn’t even change.

2. Downtown Holiday Ice Rink: St. Rose of Lima Park, 10am-6pm
Located outdoors near Westfield Downtown Plaza, the Downtown Holiday Ice Rink is the perfect holiday experience for the young and young at heart.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play: Capital Stage, 11am
Inspired by the classic American film of the same title, It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play is performed as a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of a studio audience.

4. Holiday Film Screenings: It’s a Wonderful Life: Crest Theatre, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, & 7:30pm
If you can’t make it to Cap Stage’s live performance (see above), you can still catch the original film rendition live on the big screen at the historic Crest Theatre.

5. Theatre of Lights: Old Sacramento, 6pm & 7:30pm
A symphony of lights, sounds, and visual effects will take the audience back to a time when the beloved poem "The Night Before Christmas" was first introduced in Sacramento in 1857.

Christmas Day Events:

Looking to entertain friends & family in town after your regular traditions are over? Or just looking to get out of the house after so much family time? Sacramento doesn’t disappoint. Here are a few options:

Mrs & Mr Claus 1. Christmas Brunch: Hyatt Regency, 10am-3pm
Enjoy this holiday season with all of the trimmings. Join for a bountiful buffet brunch featuring breakfast items and traditional holiday favorites.

2. Christmas Day Supper Cruise: Empress Hornblower, 3:30pm-6:30pm
Join Hornblower for Christmas Day with your family and celebrate the season with a delicious meal, relax and enjoy the holiday. The Cruise includes traditional holiday dishes, festive music, and beautiful views of the Sacramento River.

3. Bah Humbug!: MiX Downtown, 8:30pm-2am
Get out from under your tree and continue the holiday partying at this special Sunday Circus night. Spend the evening with your "other" family at Mix Downtown!

4. Christmas with Arden Park Roots: Harlow’s, 9pm
Join reggae/rock/punk band Arden Park Roots for a festive Christmas show.

5. Asylum: Barcode Nightclub, 9pm-1:30am
Featuring resident DJ Bryan Hawk, Asylum is a night of the best cutting edge goth, industrial, nu-darkwave, EBM dance music.

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Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of Dec 19

Monday, December 19, 2011 by Rachael Lankford

This Week: Musical Merriment & Unexpected Revelry
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Theatre: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) Capital Stage Ongoing-Jan 1 Tues 7pm; Wed 7pm; Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm *Xmas Eve 2pm & 7pm A fast, fond, and furious look at the holiday traditions we all remember, and a few we'd like to forget.

		Special Events: Nite Brite Bike Parade M Street between 40th & 41st Streets Dec 21 Wed 7pm The 5th Annual Nite Brite Bike Parade in East Sacramento is a parade of lights and sounds through the Fabulous Forties--fun for the whole family. Decorate your bike with lights and holiday cheer!

		Music: The Golden Cadillacs Torch Club Dec 21 Wed 9pm The Golden Cadillacs share their honey-baked California country rock with anyone who's ever hung their head at a bar searching for answers at the bottom of a drink.

		Film: Holiday Film Series: Miracle on 34th Street Crocker Art Museum Dec 22 Thurs 4pm Bring non-perishable food items for the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services for entry in a raffle and enjoy a screening of the seasonal favorite, the original classic Miracle on 34th Street. Return later in the evening for a screening of the cult classic Satan vs. Santa.

		Music: Who Cares & Little Foxes Harlow's Dec 22 Thurs 9pm Who Cares, who play hip hop based in jazz, electro, and broken beats, and electronic band Little Foxes team up with Concerts 4 Charity to bring you a Christmas Party with proceeds going to charity in the Sacramento area.

		Music: Rock for Tots 6 Ace of Spades Dec 23 Fri 6:30pm Rock out to performances by Lonely Kings, Dogfood, A Single Second, I'm Dirty Too, and Street Urchinz. Bring a toy and receive a raffle ticket for prizes from local vendors. All toys go to the Sacramento Salvation Army.

		Nightlife: Blue Collar Burlesque Sterling Hotel Dec 23 Fri 8pm Celebrate the holidays Siren-style for a night of bawdy live entertainment. Enjoy live jazz & blues from the Harley White Jr. Orchestra, a Siren Burlesque Boutique, Isabella Corsetry "unwrapped" holiday fashion show, and free audience raffle giveaways.

		Kids & Fam: Pajama Party Christmas Eve Sacramento Zoo Dec 24 Sat 10am-1:30pm Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Zoo, and you don't have to change out of your pajamas--admission is free! Be sure to head across the street to Fairytale Town, too, where admission is also free for the day.

		Christmas Eve Events: Sat, Dec 24 -Kids & Fam: Coyote Tales: Effie Yeaw Nature Center, 10:30am -Food & Wine: Christmas Eve at Ten22: Ten22, 11:30am-10pm -Sacramento Nightlife: Xmas Eve Bash: District 30, 9pm-3am See more Holiday Events>

		Christmas Day Activities: Sun, Dec 25 -Food & Wine: Christmas Supper Cruise: Empress Hornblower 3:30pm-6:30pm -Sacramento Nightlife: Bah Humbug!: MiX Downtown, 8:30pm-2am -Music: Christmas with Arden Park Roots: Harlow's, 9pm See more Holiday Events>

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Happy Holidays from Sacramento365.com!

We hope you enjoy your holiday season!

If you are looking for things to do around town, don't forget to check our Holiday Event section.

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Tracy Saville

Learn about creative writer Tracy Saville in her Featured Artist Profile.

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Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

Road Warriors Bring Home Gifts to Show They Care

Thursday, December 15, 2011 by Rebecca Fong

Road warriors have a tough time during the holidays: Airplanes are fuller. Hotels and restaurants are more crowded. Year-end quotas loom. Even shopping and gift wrapping have deadlines!

When you travel to Sacramento, California, for business, pick up a few items to show you care about your loved ones... and perhaps hard-working colleagues and staff. We're not talking about magnets or spoons from Sacramento tourist attractions!

The following delectable treats are some goodies the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau regularly includes in our gift baskets to show we care about the health and well-being of our clients... and we couldn't feel better about supporting local growers and producers in our region of Northern California:

1. almonds ~ Established in 1910, the Blue Diamond growers cooperative is the world's largest tree nut processing and marketing cooperative. Nobody can say California's almond industry remains a minor domestic specialty crop. In addition, California-grown walnuts account for 99 percent of the commercial U.S. supply and three-fourths of world trade.

2. olive oil ~ Virtually all of the table olives grown in the United States come from two regions, the Sacramento Valley (Tehama, Butte, and Glenn counties) and San Joaquin Valley (Tulare County). Gourmet olive oil tasting rooms are cropping up almost as quickly as wine bars.

3. rice ~ California was introduced to this humble grain during the 1849 Gold Rush. Today, it is the largest producer of short and medium grain japonica rice in the U.S. More than 95 percent of the state's rice is grown within 100 miles of the State Capitol dome. Marry that thought with the high quality water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and you 'll understand why Gekkeikan Sake opened its U.S. brewery, here.

Cafe Americain champagne and caviar in Old Sacramento

4. caviar ~ The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta with grassy, stream-crossed plains has dethroned the Caspian Sea as the caviar capital of the world. Even better is the fact it is forging sustainable practices in the industry. This region produces an estimated 85% of all the white sturgeon caviar in the nation, including the creamy, crystalline dollops served in The French Laundry, Per Se and Nobu. Taste the decadence for yourself at Café Americain champagne and caviar house.

5. wine ~ Gold from the mother lode trickles today, but red and white wine from Gold Country wineries flows. More than 200 wineries and tasting bars are located in Sacramento and its five neighboring counties. Daytrips in every direction allow you to explore diverse microclimates and soil conditions that influence the taste and bouquet of wine grapes. Even Sacramento International Airport's Vino Volo wine boutique conveniently features local wines.

For your epicureans, a centuries' old delicacy called hoshigaki, which is Japanese for "dried persimmon," is continued here in Northern California: each Hachiya persimmon is hand-peeled and massaged every three to five days for several weeks. The sugary result is succulent and full of concentrated flavor.

If these sweet or savory souvenirs somehow are eaten before they are given away, simply send a link to help others discover what you have found in Sacramento.

Don't Be Afraid of Using a Convention Center

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by Sonya Bradley

Moving your meeting or conference from a single hotel to a convention center can be a little intimidating and seemingly so much more work than you have time for, especially if you have a small staff or are a one-person department.

Yet, sometimes circumstances dictate the need to seriously consider a convention center and hotel package:

> Your meeting has or will quickly outgrow its current hotel space.

> Your Board would like to move to a larger city with more amenities.

> A particular destination contains certain assets (e.g. University, medical facilities) that tie in well with your group.

Don't let fear or lack of resources keep you from exploring the convention center and hotel package options for your meetings and conventions:

Short Distances Room to Room
Most cities have headquarter hotels either connected, adjacent to or within a short walking distance of their Convention Center. The extra time spent going betwen the two is typcially less than five minutes. For example, there are two downtown Sacramento hotels approximately 145 feet from the Sacramento Convention Center. This video is a great illustration of the proximity. There are a several more within a four- to six-block radius. On a nice day - and there are plenty in Sacramento - the walk is very pleasant.

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CVB's Understand Your Needs
Your CVB reps have the greatest amount of experience working with groups who decided to make the switch from a single hotel to a covention center/hotel package. She is there to represent the needs of the customer. She is also the one person who understands the intricacies and complexities of Sacramento meeting facilities and hotels and is well versed in your needs.

Access to Greater Services
When you work with a CVB, you have access to more resources for a better conference. For example, using Sacramento convention and meeting services mean you could qualify for airport and store welcome signage, street banners, information desk staffing, customized landing pages, delegate discount programs and more.

There's no need to view this opportunity as a scene in a horror film, where you're forced to confront a race of aliens known as convention center event planner, AV rep, catering manager, security; or you fear your delegates leaving the safe confines of the hotel and stepping into a convention center will bring unseen horrors with zombies at every turn who chase your delegates sending them screaming back to the safety of their rooms.

Take a deep breath, summon your inner meeting planner Wonder Woman or Lara Croft and do what you would do if you were contacting a hotel and working with a dedicated sales or catering manager.

Pull out your ray gun, aka mobile phone, and contact the city's convention & visitors bureau. Your CVB sales rep will be your sole point of contact and will walk with you through every step of the process. They will do the work of bringing the covention center and hotels together to ensure you have a successful conference.

Contact the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau's Sarah Atilano - satilano@cityofsacramento.org - to start the conversation on moving to a convention center.

Sacramento rises to the occasion with California Hall of Fame Ceremony

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 by Rachael Lankford

California Hall of Fame - California Museum Celebrities and non-celebrities alike descended on Sacramento’s Memorial Auditorium last Thursday, December 8, for the California Museum’s annual California Hall of Fame Ceremony. Now in its sixth year, the California Hall of Fame honors the achievements of exemplary Californians. Each year’s inductees are celebrated at the Hall of Fame Ceremony, and then receive a spot in the Museum’s year-long exhibit of the same name.

The 2011 ceremony, with the increase in scale due to the move to Memorial Auditorium, marked the first year that seats were made available to the public. Through a special “Hall of Fame” membership, the general public could purchase a ticket to the event along with a year-long museum membership.

The evening of the ceremony, attendees watched as this year’s inductees arrived with their guests and entered via the red carpet. The event, broadcast on Comcast’s own network, was emceed by journalist Lisa Ling and Mayor Kevin Johnson. Honored were Buzz Aldrin, The Beach Boys, Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn, Father Gregory Boyle, Doris and Donald Fisher, Magic Johnson, Ed Roberts, Carlos Santana, Amy Tan, and Justice Roger Traynor, many of whom gave inspiring acceptance speeches, reminding the crowd of the importance of pursuing your passions and giving back.

See pictures from the event at SacBee.com.

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Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

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There are always lots of things to do in Sacramento California. Find these events and many more on Sacramento365.com - the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Do you have an event coming up? Make sure it's on Sacramento365.com, the Sacramento Calendar of Events.

Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Sacramento365.com's Top 10 Events: Week of Dec 12

Monday, December 12, 2011 by Rachael Lankford

This Week: Snuggle Up and Stay Local
Email support@sacramento365.com to get the Top 10 Events Newsletter delivered to your inbox.

		Local Marketplace: Create in Cal Shop & Drink Tweetup Hot Italian Dec 13 Tues 5:30pm-8:30pm Buy local, original gifts this year from small, independent designers. Grab your friends, a local drink, & your shopping list!

		Music: Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show Mondavi Center - Jackson Hall Dec 15 Thurs 8pm The Blind Boys' holiday spectacular is a roof-raising musical event that features bluesy, gospelized versions of seasonal favorites, old and new.

		Comedy: Late Night Recreation Comedy Troupe Marilyn's on K Dec 15 Thurs 9pm Late-Night Recreation, Sacramento's newest live, mixed-media comedy troupe, will perform their debut show, combining smart, edgy writing & compelling performance with video, music, and live burlesque from the super sexy Sizzling Sirens.

		Kids & Fam: Swim with Santa Sacramento Area YMCA Dec 16 Fri 5:30pm-7:30pm Come take a dip in the pool & share your Christmas wish list with Santa and the "Y" Elves! There will be plenty of photo opportunities as the kids swim, play, & visit with Santa.

		Music: Submerge Magazine's 100th Issue Party Ace of Spades Dec 16 Fri 6pm Submerge Magazine, Sacramento's free biweekly music/art/lifestyle publication, celebrates 100 issues with a huge show featuring Sister Crayon, Tera Melos, & many more.

		Theatre: Chicken Little's Christmas Party Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre Ongoing-Dec 24 Fri & Sat 7pm; Sun 2pm Chicken Little invites Santa Claus to a Christmas party as the unique Thistle Dew Dessert Theatre presents its annual holiday offering. Bring a camera for photos with Santa Claus!

		Film: Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival Crest Theatre Dec 17-Dec 18 Sat & Sun 1pm, 4pm, 7pm A bunch of the very rarest (and sometimes weird) Christmas filmic moments have been gathered together in Santa's Cool Holiday Film Festival for what has to be the funkiest, silliest, and least emotional movie experience you'll have this holiday season.

		Special Events: World Series of Dreidel Congregation Beth Shalom Dec 17 Sat 7pm Bring your friends and recall the thrill of dreidel, with a grown-up twist. The buy-in gets you a stack of chips and as many visits as you can handle to the dessert buffet.

		Sports & Rec: Fleet Feet's Holiday Classic Fun Run Sutter's Landing Regional Park Dec 18 Sun 8am *Run begins 9am Do all those cozy holiday gatherings make you sweat? Run for the chill of it! The race is a lighthearted reason to gather for a run during the holiday season & is also a toy drive for Salvation Army. Finishers are greeted with a steamy cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

		Sacramento Nightlife: Snowfall Xmas Party Shady Lady Saloon Dec 18 Sun 8pm-11pm Shaun Slaughter (self-proclaimed king of Christmas) & the Shady Lady (Sacramento's most elegant bar & only speakeasy) team up to bring you an evening of glitz, glamour, spirit, & festive fun with holiday spirits & treats, plus warm and cozy Christmas tunes.

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Thank you for coming to Sac365.com's Holi-Day at the Ice Rink

Thank you to everyone who stopped by on Saturday! It was great to see so many faces & we hope you enjoyed skating!

We will be contacting the winners of our ticket giveaways this week.

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Tracy Saville

Learn about creative writer Tracy Saville in her Featured Artist Profile.

Want the chance for more discounts or free tickets to shows?

Sacramento365.com does regular ticket giveaways on our Facebook fan page. Become a fan to be notified of deals, discounts, and the chance to win free tickets to events!

5 Free Sacramento Holiday Events Your Family Won't Want To Miss

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 by Alyssa Green

The holidays are filled with wonderful family activities such as the Polar Express train ride along the Sacramento River or the traditional Nutcracker ballet. While these events have delighted children and adults year after year, not all families have the means to take part in costly holiday events this year. With these challenging economic times in mind, we have put together a list of 5 FREE Sacramento holiday events your family can enjoy.

1 - Sacramento Santa Parade

Beginning at 10am at 9th and I Streets, the 29th Annual Sacramento Santa Parade will delight thousands on Saturday, December 10. With marching bands, antique vehicles, clowns, floats and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus, this FREE event is sure to be the highlight of the season for your little ones. Bundle up, take advantage of free parking dowtown and arrive early for a fantastic veiw. For parade route click here.

2 - Old Sacramento Theater of Lights

The Theatre of Lights is a unique state-of-the-art live staging of the classic ’Twas The Night Before Christmas. The show blends a symphony of lights, sounds and visual effects which will take the audience back to a time when the beloved poem ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas was first introduced in Sacramento in 1857 in The Sacramento Bee. The beloved poem comes to life on the balconies and rooftops of Old Sacramento’s historic buildings on K Street between Front and 2^nd Street.

The Theatre of Lights will take place through the holiday season with two 20-minute light shows at 6:15 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday until December 18. Dec 19-23 the show will run every night at the same times. - By Heather Crivellone

3 - State Capitol Holiday Music Program

Visitors will enjoy live musical entertainment that includes a Salvation Army brass quintet, a Cal-Trans choir (made up of a spirited group of state workers), trombone jazz, world and baroque music, bell-ringers, a harp circle, a youth violinist, a number of talented school choirs and much more. Entrance into the museum is free, so this is a wonderful holiday experience for your family (that won’t break into your gift-giving budget!).

Along with the musical programs at the Capitol on Wednesday, December 7, at 4:45, join Governor Brown as he lights the 40 ft. tall Christmas tree at the 80^th annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The tree will be decorated with 900 hand-crafted ornaments created by children and adults with developmental disabilities who receive services and support from the state’s development centers and 21 nonprofit regional centers. - By Heather Crivellone

4 - A Gingerbread Holiday at the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse

On display at the Old Schoolhouse until December 18 will be dozens of gingerbread creations. Houses, mansions, shacks and more made by children, bakery academy students and others will be on display for your viewing pleasure. Study and marvel at the creativeness of our Sacramento area resident gingerbread bakers and vote for your favorite before you leave.

Prizes will be awarded and refreshments served at 2 pm on December 18. Selected entries will be presented to the Receiving Home of Sacramento, Shriner’s Hospital and the Sacramento Children’s Home.

5 - Fairytale Town Free Admission Day

On December 24, from 10am to 2pm get into Fairytale Town for free. With the park decorated for the holidays, what a wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve day with your kids. Let them run around and burn off all that energy they have built up in excitement for the big day!

Places to Run in Sacramento While Here on Business or Leisure

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 by Rebecca Fong

I RUN Sacramento - confession of a runner in California's capital

Maintaining an exercise regimen can be difficult when you're a frequent traveler, but a jog, run or walk can be just what you need at the end of a long day of traveling or meetings. Lucky you, Runner's World ranked Sacramento #4 top running city in the U.S.

Staying at a downtown Sacramento hotel? Run California's capital without campaigning. Here are a few routes of varying distances that allow you to see some Sacramento tourist attractions and more:

1 mi / 1.6 km / Capitol Park circuit: L Street, 10th Street, N Street, 15th Street
The perimeter of the California State Capitol Park attracts downtown workers who walk during happy hours: lunch or after work. See trees from around the world and memorials to significant state events, local businesses, architecture and public art.

2 mi / 3.2 km / CapPark + Gov's Mansion + Esquire Plaza circuit:
L Street, 10th Street, N Street, 16th Street, H Street, 13th Street
Sights beyond the perimeter of Capitol Park include The Firestone's popular restaurants and bars, the current governor's loft and the historic Governor's Mansion, Memorial Auditorium, the Victorian-era Sterling Hotel, the Art Deco Esquire Plaza and the Sacramento Convention Center.

2.6 mi / 4.2 km / Tower Bridge + Old Sacramento + I Street circuit:
L Street, 10th Street, Capitol Mall, Front Street, 2nd Street, I Street, 13th Street
CapPark and the fountain between the California State Library & Courts buildings, sprint up Capitol Mall toward golden Tower Bridge -- do it like Rocky runs up the front entrance to the Philly art museum! Parallel the Sacramento River and railroad tracks along a wooden boardwalk leading to the California State Railroad Museum.

As you leave old town, note the Sacramento Valley Train Station and new Federal Courthouse on your left; Chinatown will be on the right. You can't miss the 801 I Street Federal Building (pillars of French Renaissance architecture) and Central Library (Italian Renaissance), historic City Hall adn Cesar Chavez Plaza. When you get to the Sterling Hotel, you're in the home stretch toward the Convention Center.

3.2 mi / 5 km / CapPark Lite + Midtown + Sutter's Fort + Elk's Tower circuit:
L Street, 28th Street, J Street, 10th Street, L Street
Glimpse Capitol Park, browse local as you pass midtown boutiques and galleries, the original Sutter's Fort trading post, nightlife hot spots and Marshall Park, more midtown including Fleet Feet*, Memorial Auditorium and the Sacramento Convention Center, 1920s terra cotta towers of the Elks and Masons, and the 50s-esque Cosmopolitan building.

Why run solo? Join a group workout with

Buffalo Chips Running Club or the Sacramento Running Association.

Consider registering for a fun run or a more competitive event during your trip. *Specialty shop Fleet Feet offers this calendar. Otherwise, stop in and ask about suggested routes. It may even offer a free group run you can join.