Are you ready for experiences that connect you with the essence of Sacramento and its people?

When you're traveling, sometimes it is comforting to stop into a Starbucks and get a "tall half-skinny half-one- percent extra hot split quad shot (two shots decaf, two shots regular) latte with whip" that tastes exactly like it does at home.

But it's not authentic.

Unlike bigger cities, Sacramento has an ideal size. There are no tourist-only areas where residents avoid. In fact, locals and tourists can enjoy a pretty similar quality of life. Meet some people in our neighborhood whose lives create lasting memories when you visit us:

THE COFFEE ROASTER, Jason Griest
In 2006 after opening another mainstay on the capital's coffeehouse circuit, Jason Griest and artisanal baker, Tim Jordan, started a wholesale coffee bean roasting business. Old Soul Co. sources green beans from small estates and fincas, then lightly roasts them in a 12-pound roaster.

"My favorite days are roasting days because it smells so great in there," hinted Diana, a regular patron.

"You can actually watch bakers put high-grade crack into those addictive ham and cheese croissants," remarked another patron, Richard.

Located only blocks from the Sacramento Convention Center and downtown hotels, the warehouse-cafe (and de facto community center) has even fueled real estate development with alley in-fill projects.

After opening two more coffee-inspired community centers, including one with beer and wine options, founders and fans petitioned to bring soul to the new terminal at Sacramento International Airport. After all, there's a very comforting feeling in enjoying a cup of coffee just before leaving on a trip (or coming home from one).

Throughout the Spring, I'll introduce you to more neighbors who shape experiential travel and tourism in Sacramento. Sign up to get the latest issue of our complimentary SCVB visitor guide.

Hello again. Well day two in Murphys started out a little cloudy and I don't mean the sky!  Actually the weather in the Gold Country was quite beautiful that morning.  We were lucky enough to stay at my friends brother's home up above Murphys and had a wonderful view of the hillsides!  Our first stop of the day was for breakfast in Murphys on Main Street.  We went to Grounds. It was a lovely place with inside and outside seating.  We enjoyed the morning outside with Bloody Mary's and Mimosa's.  The second day at Murphys (there is no apostrophe; you will read why when you click on the link) was saved to visit the outlying areas of the Gold Country.  At breakfast we mapped out the wineries we wanted to visit.  But before we left Main Street we stopped at one last winery, Frog's Tooth. They had some lovely wines and the staff was very nice!

Now we are off to visit the first Gold Country wineries off of Main Street, Ironstone Vineyards. 
Ironstone is a very large winery with a huge tasting room/deli, a museum and an amphitheatre where they hold concerts.  When you first enter Ironstone you see these amazing wine barrels planted with tulips and daffodils. It is so beautiful and I couldn't get over the amazing colors.  We were tasting a few wines when in walked a gold mine - really he was!  He showed us the gold he had taken from the river, but he wouldn't tell us where for fear we would want to start panning for gold.  He was a very interesting character with many stories. Ironstone has gold panning on their property. 

As we were  getting ready to leave, John Kautz (Kautz family owns Ironstone Vineyards) came in. I introduced myself and he offered to give us a tour of the jewelry shoppe/museum.  The museum is filled with historical artifacts. Here is John showing us some of the many historical pieces he has curated for the museum.  One he is especially proud of is the Gold Leaf specimen.  It is housed in a bank safe-type room for temperature and security reasons.   We then set off to visit some other wineries, Indian Rock and Coppermine.  Indian Rock is a small winery with a lovely pond to have a picnic around.  On Saturdays they BBQ for their winery guests.  Indian Rock had a lovely Barbera that made its way home with me!  Coppermine was next. They provided you with pub tables to do your tasting.  They also paired their wine with potato chips and chocolate. I could not have asked for a better combination!!  Last but not least we went to visit Twisted Oak Winery.  You drive up a twisted road with many roadside attractions along the way.   It is a fun drive through the vineyards and it overlooks the hills of the Gold Country. 

Here we tasted a few wines that were not in their tasting room on Main Street.  As we left the winery there is a large frog that looks like a rubber chicken. In our travels we saw a few of these large frogs and the story is that Calaveras County (where Murphys is located) is known for their jumping frog contests.  So here we are at our last stop with a frog that looks like a rubber chicken!

As we are leaving I stop to take one more picture and I feel like I am on top of the world or at least
"Queen of The Sierra."  
 

It was a wonderful two days in the Gold Country.  It is easily a day trip and you can stay at one of the Sacramento area hotels and enjoy one day visiting Sacramento, California, attractions, like Old Sacramento.  Or make a weekend of it and stay in one of the lovely and quaint Gold Country hotels!!  That is all for now.   I hope you enjoyed the tale of Murphys. Until next time, CHEERS!!

Hello all you lovers of wine!!  I know many of you have been to wineries in California and in asking around I found that several of my co-workers and friends have been to Murphys in Calaveras County.  Well, I had not until now!!  Murphys is in the Gold Country and is known as the Queen of Sierra. 

I am excited to get to talk about Murphys but I must start at the beginning.  My girlfriends and I left
Sacramento on Saturday morning.  We were in the car 10 minutes and made a stop at Lidos Bar & Grill in Carmichael. I told the girls we didn't get very far. in Lidos we planned our trip and within the hour we were on the road with The Sacramento Regional Wine Tasting Guide and Map and heading towards the Gold Country and the town of Murphys!  One of my friends grew up near Murphys and she loves wine so I knew I was in good hands! 

The drive at this time of year was absolutely beautiful; all the hillsides were green and they looked like green velvet blankets!  We arrived in Murphy's in about 90 minutes.  We drove down Main Street in Murphys where you see several wine tasting rooms, quaint shops and restaurants and Gold Country Hotels.  We parked and began the day with our first winery, Twisted Oak.  They served us some lovely wines. Most of the reds were of the Spanish varietal.  We were told that the owner was talking about one of his wines and stated that it pairs with chicken. He said, "it's so good it would pair with a rubber chicken!" (We didn't actually have any rubber chickens to eat.)

Our next stop was Newsome-Harlow Wines. The first wine we tasted was their Sauvignon Blanc, one of my favorite varietals. It was lovely and several bottles were enjoyed at the tasting room and will be enjoyed at home.  Newsome-Harlow has several other delicious  wines. One red I really enjoyed was named Train Wreck, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah! There is a wonderful outside patio and we were told that on sunny warm days it is the place to be.  We were also treated to their restaurant The Kitchen, it is adjacent to the tasting room and is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays. The other days it is used for their wine club. All these wineries we are visiting are on Main Street in Murphys, so we are taking a nice stroll looking at the quaint shops, restaurants and the unique Gold Country hotels available for your enjoyment.

Now we get to eat dinner. There are a lot of nice restaurants to choose from, we chose Mineral because my girlfriend is a
vegetarian and she knew the chef. Here we are enjoying our dinner, I chose the Mineral Burger which was delicious. We brought in a Barbera that we purchased from Hatcher and had a lovely dinner with old and new friends 

That is the end of Day One in Murphys. I hope you enjoyed reading about Main Street in Murphys, Queen of the Sierra. The next day we visit some of the Gold Country wineries that surround Murphys! You will see at the end of Day Two why I thought I was Queen of the Sierra!!

Amtrak, where have you been all my life?  Seriously. 

If you have kids, you are well aware of how stressful car travel can be.  Even if you are only driving a couple of hours away, you've got to think about meals and snacks, bathroom breaks, and bringing along fun things to keep the kids occupied. And heaven forbid you get stuck in traffic, or have a flat tire.  So many issues to think about and prepare for.  Any one of these issues can make traveling with kids a nightmare.

Well, believe it or not, you can dial down travel-related stress by taking the train.  Yep, I'm talking about Amtrak.  For the first time ever, my family recently hopped on Amtrak in Sacramento for a day trip into San Francisco.  I can't believe we waited this long to do this!  It was comfortable, convenient, surprisingly easy and definitely stress-free. 

We boarded the Capitol Corridor right downtown at the Sacramento Amtrak Station next to Old Sacramento. We enjoyed a comfortable ride into Emeryville, at which point we made a quick and smooth transition to a clean and comfortable Amtrak bus, which then took us the rest of the way into the city.  Twenty minutes later the bus dropped us off right in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf.  No dodging pedestrians, circling the parking lot waiting for someone else to leave, and no parking fees. 

We spent the day learning about sharks at the Aquarium of the Bay, watching the famous Pier 39 sea lions soak in some sun, shopping (and eating) at Ghiradelli Square and enjoying the beautiful weather while playing on the beach at Aquatic Park.  After a fantastic dinner at the Fog Harbor Fish House at Pier 39, we headed back out to the Amtrak bus stop just a few steps away and boarded the bus for home.  It was all so very nice and easy.  We will definitely make this trip again and recommend that others do so as well.  Not only is it a perfect way for locals to travel to the Bay Area, but it's even more perfect for out of town visitors who don't have a car or who simply don't want to navigate the Sacramento to Bay Area traffic.

 Here's what we loved most about taking Amtrak with our kids:

1 - Freedom.  My boys, ages 8 and 11, were absolutely ecstatic about not having to wear seat belts.  They could stretch their legs, move around and even get up and walk around, whenever they wanted to.  They also loved sitting at a table where they could take out the Legos they brought (snuck into their backpacks without my knowledge) and spread them out for the duration of the ride.

2 - Restrooms.  No more making unexpected potty breaks!  It was so nice to have access to a bathroom whenever my boys needed one...especially considering all the water and soda they drank throughout the day.  Boy was I glad we didn't have to make all those stops while in the car!

3 - Meals and Snacks.  We brought our lunches with us, but it was nice to know that there was a snack car on board, just in case we got hungry on the way back. I absolutely loved having the option!

4 - Free Wifi.  Bring your laptop (ipad or iphone will do) along and your kids will be occupied for hours due to Amtrak's free wifi access for passengers.  Amtrak even has travel games for kids to play on their website at Amtrak Kids Depot.

5 - Relaxation.  We got to relax and have fun, too.  Yep, I know it's almost undeard of, but when you are letting someone else do the driving (so to speak) you don't have to worry about a traffic jam, accident, or car trouble, all of which we witnessed on the highway beside us somewhere along the way.  I have to admit that I felt just a little bit smug about being able to race on by all those "poor" people stuck on the freeway.  I just sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed spending some quality time with my family.

So, next time you are planning a vacation, whether you are going somewhere far away, or fairly close by, consider taking Amtrak.  Our Sacramento Amtrak station location can't get much more convenient.  Located just off I-5's J Street exit, with Historic Old Sacramento, Westfield's Downtown Plaza, the California State Capitol and plenty of shops, restaurants and hotels nearby, it's perfect for outbound and inbound travelers.

I'm already planning our next trip...and I think this time it will be aboard the Coast Starlight heading down to Southern California.  I hear the views are spectacular as it coasts alongside the Pacific Ocean.  I Can't wait!

This Week: Take to Spring with Theatre & Earthly Delights
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		Kids & Fam: Spring Carnival on The Boulevard Rite Aid/O'Reilly Parking Lot April 4-April 8 Wed-Sun Noon-10pm Enjoy five days of family fun during Spring Break with rides for all ages, games of chance and skill, corndogs, and cotton candy!
		Film: Thurs 'Til 9: Film Frame: Women Art Revolution Crocker Art Museum April 5 Thurs 6:30pm-8pm Judy Chicago, Miriam Schapiro, Judith Baca, & other legendary artists paint a new picture of the feminist art movement in this documentary. Feminist art pioneer & Sac State professor Vicki Hall will introduce the film and offer post-screening remarks.
		Theatre: An Evening with Groucho Crest Theatre April 5 Thurs 7:30pm This fast-paced, two-act comedy includes some of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes, and songs.
		Theatre: Talking With... Artisan Building Ongoing-April 22 Thurs-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm A snake handler, daughter, baton twirler, washed-up rodeo cowgirl, tattoed woman, and older woman in the twilight of her life talk about their experiences in the poetic language that Jane Martin is known for bringing to all her stage characters.
		Special Events: Creek Week Various Sacramento locations April 6-April 14 Dates & times vary During Creek Week young & old will enjoy, explore, learn about, & work to protect local creeks and aquatic life through a variety of activities. Take part in Sacramento outdoor activities while helping the environment!
		Festivals: Earth Fest Sacramento Zoo April 7 Sat 9am-4pm It's a party for the planet! Learn how to protect and preserve the earth with environmental, wildlife, and conservation organizations and partake in many activities. Don't forget to stop by the Recycle Rummage Sale inside the Kampala center for a great bargain.
		Special Events: Living History Easter Promenade & Spring Ball Sacramento History Museum April 7 Sat 11am & 2pm Dress up in your favorite Easter finery & celebrate in high style through the streets of Old Sac!
		Music: Come Back Spring Geery Theatre April 7 Sat 7pm-8:30pm Come Back Spring features heartwarming, intimate acoustic performances by Jeremiah Jacobs and special guests Hero's Last Mission and Autumn Sky.
		Theatre: Relapse: A Retelling of the Orpheus Myth with Shakespeare's Sonnets John Natsoulas Center for the Arts April 7-April 15 Thurs & Sat 8pm; Sun 7pm See the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble like never before! Join on a journey to the Underworld through music, movement, and sonnets. Experience how Shakespeare's poetry stimulates the human form in a sonic space.
		Music: Over the Rhine Harlow's April 8 Sun 7pm Over the Rhine's music is post-nuclear, pseudo-alternative, folk-tinged art-pop. This husband-and-wife team celebrate their 20-year musical anniversary with a rare acoustic performance.

 
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Happy Easter!

Looking for activities? Check out our Holiday Events section!

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Daniel Mendoza

Learn more about this talented painter & poet by reading his Featured Artist Profile.

Have you Made It A Night yet?

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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.

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This Week: Don't be Foolish: Appreciate Silence and Sound
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		Film: Silents Were Golden Creative Vera Studio March 27 Tues 6pm The silent film era produced films of lasting beauty, power, & merit. Come celebrate these films with wine, light fare, & a discussion led by writer & film buff Cliff Weimer.
		Music: Jackie Evancho Community Center Theater March 28 Wed 7:30pm Eleven-year-old Jackie Evancho's unique, gorgeous soprano has won her millions of fans and her recordings have dominated the music and DVD charts.
		Music: Goapele Harlow's March 29 Thurs 10pm Singer/songwriter Goapele seamlessly blends genres while refusing to be limited by the "neo-soul" tag. This eloquent voice completed her first release, Closer, in 2001 and never looked back.
		Sacramento Nightlife: Final Fri: Arts, Music, & Pub Crawl Beatnik Studios March 30 Fri Crawl 5pm-8pm; Reception 6pm-9pm; Music 9pm-11:30pm In addition to celebrating the original art work in Tower and the Broadway Icons, this month's Final Friday includes a pub crawl along the Broadway Corridor, a reception with local food trucks, and music by The Gins & Full Melt.
		Comedy: Neil Hamburger Sacramento Comedy Spot March 30 Fri 9pm Neil Hamburger's live act features a barrage of question/answer jokes often aimed at celebrity targets.
		Special Events: 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs McKinley Park March 31 Sat 11am-1pm Bring your furry friend to Wag Hotel's Egg Hunt, where dogs will be able to sniff out eggs filled with delectable treats, & much more.
		Museums: Weekend Excursion Train Rides California State Railroad Museum March 31-Sept 30 Sat & Sun 11am-5pm *Trains depart every hour on the hour Journey along the Sacramento River while enjoying sights, smells, & sounds of authentic locomotives rolling down the tracks.
		Music: Streets of Soul/Once Upon a Time featuring Early States Artisan Building March 31 Sat 6pm This musical extravaganza features performances by Early States, Autumn Sky, Hero's Last Mission, Bell Boys, and James Cavern. A night full of indie pop and rock is sure to get your foot tapping!
		Sacramento Nightlife: 3rd Annual Serge Gainsbourg Birthday Party 1630 I St, Sacramento March 31 Sat 8pm Celebrate French icon Serge Gainsbourg with music by DJ Christophe and DJ Roger, live tribute bands, film clips, and a psychedelic light show by pioneering liquid light show artist George Holden.
		Special Events: April Fool's Sacramento History Central Library April 1 Sun 2pm-4pm Come attend a historical lecture by renowned resident historians James Scott, Tom Tolley, and Amanda Graham, who will speak with vivid manner upon incredible occurrences in Sacramento history.

 
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While standard listings (name, address, phone) on Make It A Night are free to all businesses, enhanced listings are available at an additional cost and include a picture, web link, description, and video.

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 Featured Local Artist of the Month: Steve Hamm

Learn about designer, artist, and artisan Steve Hamm 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.

St. Patrick's Day is on a Saturday this year, which means many events start early and go late. If you are up for an all-day affair, head to MiX Downtown, which kicks off their festivities bright and early at 6am. At 8am you can mosey next door to de Vere's for their annual Pub Party (note that the block party is not occurring this year).

Many other local haunts are serving Irish-themed food & drink specials during their open hours as well, including: O'Mally's Irish Pub, Club 2 Me, Fox & Goose, Streets of London, Bonn Lair, and The Golden Bear.

If you're looking to hop from spot to spot, consider one of the several pub crawl/block party options (perhaps the one closest to stumbling distance from your house?). There's one in The Sutter District and one in the R Street Corridor (14th-15th Streets), as well as 5Hundy Social Club's 7th Annual Crawl which kicks off at Blue Cue and traverses all the way across town before ending at Shenanigans.

But, not all St. Patrick's Day celebrations center around food & drink. If you're looking for something family-friendly, head to Old Sacramento for the 16th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, led this year by the Girl Scouts in honor of their 100 year anniversary. Or, take your kids to the Sacramento Children's Museum for Green Day, where, if you're wearing green, you'll receive half-off admission.

Feeling philanthropic? Join in at the 2nd Annual Green Tie Affair at Kennedy Gallery Art Center and help raise funds for C.G.N.I.E.'s La Kish Hayworth Memorial Scholarship Fund. Or, attend the "An Evening with Cary Farley" concert at the Guild Theater in benefit of the Mustard Seed School Sacramento.

No matter what activity you opt for this St. Patrick's Day, don't forget that, as always, safety is the priority!

Once again, Berg Injury Lawyers is offering their Safe and Sober program for St. Patrick's Day revelers. The program provides free cab rides (up to $35) on Sat, March 17, from 3pm-3am. Call Yellow Cab Company of Sacramento at (916) 444-2222 and simply tell them the ride is on Berg Injury Lawyers. Patrons must be picked up at a participating restaurant, hotel, or bar within Downtown Sacramento to qualify for a free ride.

New this year is the Sac Town Hopper which, for only $10, will pick you up near Sacramento State and take you around downtown, picking up every hour on the hour, 9pm-2am, from four locations: R15/Shady Lady, de Vere's/MiX, Dive Bar/Social Nightclub, & BarWest/Momo Lounge. (Note that this service is not limited to St. Patrick's Day. It occurs every Friday & Saturday night.)

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See even more St. Patrick's Day Events in Sac365's Holiday Event section.

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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.

Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to get day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

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

By Carol Dabrowiak

The evidence is right there.  As soon as someone points it out to you, you can see it.  A doorway or a window that was bricked in.  Remnants of columns that were left in a park.  It's pretty apparent there is a city of Sacramento below the City of Sacramento. 

When we took the Underground Sacramento Tour in Old Sacramento, we learned about the tragedies that befell Sacramento in the 1800s.  First floods washed away the city, then a fire destroyed it, then another epic flood and finally locusts.  OK, I made up the locust part.  But Sacramento had a rough go of it in the beginning.  

Finally the city fathers decided to raise the city up ten feet.  They started by raising the walkways.  But then the shops were below street level, and patrons had to climb up and down ladders to get to the shops.  So shop owners had to raise their own establishments.  They hired workers who used old-fashioned jacks to slowly crank the buildings up.  Some owners just built a new building on top of the structure down below.  It took 15 years to complete the project. 

Our tour guide, Miss Odette (in period costume) guided us through the lower levels in Old Sacramento.  She told us about the shops that would have been above us.  They included saloons, laundries and brothels.  There are also display cases with items recovered during the archeological dig such as ceramic dishes and whiskey bottles.  Everything a gold rush city needed in the 1800s.  It is a fascinating tour about an amazing engineering feat.

This tour is a Sacramento attraction that is not to be missed.  The new season of tours starts March 31.  To learn more about the Underground Sacramento Tour, click here for more information.
 

Sometimes traveling isn’t pleasant.  Gas prices, traffic jams and other factors can cause major anxiety on the way to your destination.  The trip to the destination is considered the means to an end.  Getting there could be considered the hard part.  What if the trip to the destination was part of the fun?  The Capitol Corridor is an excellent and convenient way to travel to Sacramento from the Bay Area.  There are several reasons you should consider using Amtrak and the Capitol Corridor when planning your next trip to Sacramento.

1. Convenience.  The Capitol Corridor provides direct train service to 16 stations along a 170-mile rail corridor between the Sierra Foothills, Sacramento, the Bay Area and Silicon Valley/San Jose.  Dedicated bus routes extend the service to various communities in Northern California.  If you live in Northern California and want to visit great Sacramento attractions, chances are you live conveniently close to one of these stations. 
2. Location.  The Sacramento Amtrak station is located in downtown Sacramento, walking distance from several Sacramento museums, hotels, attractions, shopping and restaurants.  Old Sacramento and the famous California State Railroad Museum are two blocks away from the station.  The train will drop you off in the heart of Sacramento – get off the train and start enjoying your vacation immediately.
3. Options.  There are several different ticket options tailored to your needs.  Discounts and promotions are often available for seniors, children, disabled persons and members of select organizations.  Amtrak also routinely offers specials to all of their riders, depending on the season.  Group travelers and frequent business travelers can also be eligible for special rates and discounts.  Plus, some Sacramento hotels offer special packages for travelers of the Capitol Corridor.
4. Stay Connected.  Did you know that Amtrak now offers free WiFi to passengers?  You don’t have to miss a thing when you travel.  You can plug your electronic devices into one of several surge-protected outlets located throughout the cabins, connect to the free WiFi and conduct your business without any interruptions or expensive fees.
5. Bring Your Own Connection.  Based on availability, you can bring your bicycle with you when traveling the Capitol Corridor.  The Sacramento area has world-class biking trails, including the American River Parkway, available for all cycling enthusiasts.  Sacramento is also a bike-friendly city with an abundance of bicycle racks for storage and bicycle lanes for travel.  Bring your bicycle, and enjoy all the fun things to do in Sacramento at your own pace.

Getting to Sacramento has never been easier and more convenient.  The Capitol Corridor is an excellent way to experience Sacramento.  Click here for more information about the Capitol Corridor.  Please visit our website to learn more about Sacramento attractions, accommodations and more to help you plan your visit to the Capital City.

This Week: An Invasion of Music & Family Fun for St. Patty's
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		Special Events: St. Baldrick's Day: Battle of the Pubs de Vere's Sacramento & Davis March 12 Mon 5pm-9pm Watch or participate as the community comes together to shave heads bald as a sign of solidarity with children who are fighting cancer.
		Theatre: Mamma Mia! Community Center Theater March 13-March 18 Tues-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm *Add'tl 2pm shows Thurs & Sat It's your turn to have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA's greatest hits with an enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship.
		Kids & Fam: Mommy & Me Day Raley Field March 14 Wed 10am-Noon Come out for a day with your children at Raley Field & enjoy free snacks and drinks, a special visit from your favorite mascot, Dinger, and on-field games and activities.
		Music: Radio Harlow's March 14 Wed 9pm Radio is a captivating, high-energy band that keeps a crowd on its feet with their innovative, modern approach & amazing blend of classic, fresh, & pure musical excitement.
		Music: Blake Shelton Power Balance Pavilion March 15 Thurs 7:30pm The Well Lit and Amplified Tour 2012 features reigning "Male Vocalist of the Year" and five-time CMA nominee, Blake Shelton, with special guests Justin Moore & Dia Frampton (from NBC's The Voice).
		Music: Flash Experience 2.0/Tracks for Assimilation Center for Contemporary Art, Sacramento March 16 Fri 7:30pm The Electro-Acoustic Music Collective performs eclectic sounds & noise in mathematically pleasing organizations.
		Festivals: St. Patrick's Day Parade Old Sacramento March 17 Sat 1pm Colorful marchers dressed in green, along with Irish and Highland dancers, pipe & drum bands, historic re-enactors & a variety of cultural organizations, join together to be a part of the Parade!
		Special Events: Art Poetry Jazz Live at The Center Sacramento Fine Arts Center March 17 Sat 7pm The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet & Poet Laureate of Sacramento, Bob Stanley, along with eight other prominent poets, present works inspired by the art at the Annual Animal House Art Exhibit.
		Performing Arts: Blast! Three Stages - Folsom March 17-March 18 Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7pm In joining the showmanship of the drum corps with the artistry of the theatre, Blast! stands, blows, pounds, marches, and whirls with panache.
		Museums: VW Invasion California Automobile Museum March 18 Sun 9am-3pm Come and view some of the most cutting edge Volkswagens around and enjoy delicious food, live DJ, and fun!

 
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Celebrate St. Patty's Day this weekend

Browse our Holiday Events section and find a way to celebrate the luck o' the Irish!

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Steve Hamm

Learn about designer, artist, and artisan Steve Hamm 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.

When you "Dial M for Murder" you dial a hit. What great fun! Yes, a murder mystery can have suspense and still have laughs.

The Sacramento Theatre Company has brought back a well-made play from the 1950s, later to be a Hitchcock film, and one of his best. The big star of this evening of fun and mayhem is Matt K. Miller as an aging tennis player afraid of losing his meal ticket wife. On stage Miller looks nothing like his all-American lobby photo so it’s a surprise to see him as a charming Englishman who is so manipulative and villainous.

The overly naive wife, Mrs. Wendice, is played by Jackie Vanderbeck. Poor Jackie is stuck with the simpering, helpless female of the time, but makes the best of it. She starts the play in a white dress with small black polka dots. Oh so fifties, and the hair is in a half page boy with rolls on the sides leaving a space for a hat. The hat comes on when it is time to leave the apartment (we can overlook the lack of gloves since they are just another thing for an actor to drop). Mrs. Wendice then appears in a lavender dress with a peplum. Oh my! Yes, the peplum is back—see page 305 of InStyle, March 2012, with Jennifer Aniston on the cover. A peplum is a short ruffle from the waist over a longer skirt, originally designed to hide Barbara Stanwick’s low slung rump.

And there is Barry Hubbard as the American pulp mystery writer for television. Barry towers over Miller and looks more the athletic type filling the stage quite nicely. It’s to Miller’s credit that he “James Cagney’s it out” with the taller man.

Now we come to the sleazebag Swan. Scott Divine with his thin moustache is the ultimate slime bag. I do love these characters. It’s shades of the Kray Brothers, but poor Swan is not as successful. Swan comes on stage to sell a car not belonging to him and within minutes has seen a way to make money and a killing—the wife. Poor Mrs. Wendice—now it’s two against her: her husband and a good-for-nothing killer.

It's a super play! Everything is clear and cleverly presented. Written by Frederick Knott, the story is certainly entertaining. Director Greg Alexander is strong at keeping a pace, yet making each plot point. Bravo!

There are only "…five important motives for murder: fear, jealousy, money, revenge, and protecting someone you love." All five are represented in the various colorful cast, but you must see it to find for yourself.

Even the usually thick-headed and indifferent police see through the plot. Gary Alan Wright comes on stage full force as the Police Inspector. When we first meet him he sees the case as open and shut. Ahhhh, but later the Inspector comes back with new views of the scene. We in the audience loved it. Thank you Gary the actor—you are so Wright, I mean so right. The big laugh of the play was Officer Thompson, played by Aaron Hitchcock, when he exits with evidence on his arm. You have to see it to understand.

It was the attention to detail that really set the mood for the story. Hats off to costumer McKayla Butym for bringing back memories with appropriate period attire. Especially notable was the 1950s classic gray suit back for the trial time of Mrs. Wendice. "The Gray Suit" was best seen on Kim Novak in Vertigo, but great on stage as well. The set was lovingly designed by Mims Mattair. Red walls—so fifties—and leaves stenciled as an upper border. Perfect. So "the fashion" for these sort of "now" people. Jessica Bertine set mood after mood with well-timed lighting. So much could have gone wrong, and didn't. And there is a Sound Designer, too. William Myers was right on cue with every phone call—and it's the old rotary phone, too.

What a good time in a wonderful theatre space. I got there early, as usual, so had a super chocolate chip cookie for only $1.  Not a bad night out for the money. It’s probably even cheaper than a movie once all the over-priced snacks are added in. Maybe it's time to go back to theatre.

A final note: at long last a Hairstylist is on a theatre Board of Directors.  We know theatre is business, but theatre should also be the right hair style for a time period.  How many times have we seen 1960 and later flowing hair on a Roaring Twenties lady, or on a 1940s female? Thanks to Neil SooHoo for watching from your Board position for these humorous mistakes.

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Written by Ruth Chambers, Visitor Center Concierge

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Dial M for Murder runs through March 25. Tickets are still available.

The Sacramento Theatre Company's season of "mystery, music, and mayhem" continues with Barrymore (March 28-May 6) and Little Shop of Horrors (April 25-May 20).

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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.

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This Week: Fashion Your Life Around Community & Culture
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		Festivals: Sacramento Fashion Week Various Locations Feb 21-Feb 25 Daily, times vary Providing the bridge between fashion designers, models, photographers, advertising agencies, make up and hair stylists in the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industry, Sacramento Fashion Week brings a week of fashion events to the Sacramento Area.
		Dance: Sacramento Black Art of Dance: 20th Anniversary Concert Sacramento State - Solano Hall 1010 Ongoing-Feb 26 Wed-Thurs 6:30pm; Fri-Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm Founded by Linda Goodrich, chair of the University's Theatre & Dance Department, S/BAD showcases Black concert dance forms such as West African, Brazilian & modern jazz in their 20th Anniversary Concert.
		Museums: Camellia Pin-On Day California State Capitol Museum Feb 23 Thurs 10am-1pm In honor of Sacramento's designation as "Camellia Capital of the World," camellia corsages, cut from Capitol Park bushes and trees, will be distributed to guests.
		Food & Wine: Sacramento Beer Week Various locations Feb 24-March 4 Daily, times vary Celebrates Sacramento's rich beer culture with more than 400 events, including beer tastings, beer dinners, food pairings, comedy nights, music, pub crawls, educational events, brewing demonstrations, and more throughout the week.
		Sacramento Nightlife: The Cave's Official Grand Opening Party The Cave Feb 24 Fri 8pm-11:30pm Help Sacramento's newest art dwelling--a relaxed atmosphere showcasing the best in live music, art, comedy, and local sports--celebrate their grand opening with an artistic triple threat featuring live music, comedy, and art.
		Music: Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi Community Center Theater Feb 24-Feb 26 Fri 8pm; Sun 2pm The Sacramento Opera & Sacramento Philharmonic present this concise, taut, and psychologically disturbing drama.
		Special Events: Mercy's Day of Dance Three Stages Performing Arts Center Feb 25 Sat 9am-Noon Join for an interactive event bringing people of all ages together for heart-healthy activities including care chats with Mercy experts, cooking demonstrations with Whole Foods Market and, of course, kicking up your heels.
		Festivals: Carnaval 2012 Old McCulley Bros. Auto. Bldg Feb 25 Sat 8pm-2am Come party Brazilian style with live music, dancers, performers, plus Brazilian food & drink.
		Sports & Rec: Getty Owl Run/Walk Crocker Park Feb 26 Sun 7am-Noon Join in Sacramento outdoor activities at the 1/4-mile kids run, 5K Walk/Run, or 10K Run around Downtown Sacramento, then enjoy the post-race family festival full of massages, vendors, food, music, & activities.
		Film: Media That Matters Short Film Festival Guild Theater Feb 26 Sun 7:30pm Movies on a Big Screen's annual festival of socially conscious short films are made by student and independent filmmakers and complied by Arts Engine in New York.

 
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Black History Month

Join in the celebration!

Check out Black History Month events in Sacramento here.

Featured Local Artist of the Month: Kristin Hartman

Learn about oil painter Kristin Hartman in her Featured Artist Profile.

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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.

At the Sacramento CVB, we’re all about making things easier on tour operators. After all, isn’t that what we’re here for?  Part of this means that we partner with the representatives from the surrounding regions so that you can expand your itineraries, but still have one simple point-of-contact.

We recently worked with a tour operator interested in planning a Gold Rush themed itinerary for a group tour which would include visits to Sacramento, Coloma, Sutter Creek, Angels Camp, Columbia and Yosemite.  With so many stops, she was faced with a long list of contacts in order to secure reservations for lodging and attractions. Luckily, at the top her list was the Sacramento CVB. We listened to what she wanted to do over the course of this itinerary – mine tours, zip-lining, gold panning, etc - and we were able be a one stop shop for all her needs. 

We know that many of our visitors will want to make short day trips into the historic Gold Country to take advantage of the vast history, wine and outdoor recreation opportunities available there. This is why we work closely with the Gold Country Visitors Association to remain knowledgeable about all the Gold Country has to offer and how your groups can maximize your time in the area.

So while there might not be whitewater rafting or mine tours within Sacramento’s borders, the Sacramento CVB’s tourism team can still help make that an easy part of your itinerary without you having to make extra phone calls.

Combining the lively, urban experience of Sacramento with the rustic appeal of the Gold Country provides any itinerary with variety and substance that’s hard to match. Add that to a larger Northern California itinerary and it really can’t be beat.

So if you’re looking to plan a new itinerary or to spice up an old one, contact the tourism team at the Sacramento CVB and we’ll make navigating the Gold Country simple.

This Week: Reminisce & indulge to your heart's desire!
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		Valentine's Day Evening Activities: -Valentine's Day with Vivian Lee: Harlow's, Tues 5pm -Valentine's Artist Reception: JAYJAY Gallery, Tues 5pm-7:30pm -The Sacramento Love Ball: Laughs Unlimited, Tues 7pm See more Valentine's Day events>
		Music: Storm Large Harlow's Feb 15 Wed 7pm Storm Large (of Pink Martini) is well known her vocal range and power as well as her raw, gutsy attitude, which she makes no effort to conceal on stage.
		Sacramento Nightlife: The Siren Show: Good Clean Dirty Fun Harlow's Feb 16 Thurs 9pm Celebrate Valentine's Day Siren-style with a riotous night of love & lust themed live burlesque entertainment, featuring tantalizing performances from the Sizzling Sirens. Plus, DJ Larry Rodruguez will get your body moving to the beat before and after the show!
		Special Events: Sacramento Autorama Cal Expo Feb 17-Feb 19 Fri Noon-9pm; Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-7pm This show features 450+ of the finest custom cars, hot rods, classics, motorcycles, & specialty vehicles.
		Fashion/Design: The Hooded Cape Show Bows & Arrows Feb 17 Fri 8pm This group fashion show features capes made by Sacramento's most creative and inspired designers.
		Theatre: A Midsummer Nightmare 3 Sacramento Temporary Contemporary Gallery Ongoing-Feb 25 Fri & Sat 8pm; Sun 7pm Blood splash zone? Politically incorrect jokes? Spoofing the world's greatest playwright? The Alternative Arts Collective's A Midsummer Nightmare 3 has it all!
		Special Events: Black History Tour Sacramento Historic City Cemetery Feb 18 Sat 10am From runaway slaves, teachers, soldiers, & restaurant owners, to barbers who practiced a little medicine on the side, hear about the intriguing stories of local black pioneers.
		Mardi Gras Festivities: -Old Sacramento Mardi Gras: Old Sacramento, Sat 5pm-10pm -Mardi Gras Bloc Party: The Sutter District, Sat 6pm-2am -Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball: Marilyn's on K, Sat 9:30pm See more Mardi Gras events>
		Music: Zappa Plays Zappa Crest Theatre Feb 18 Sat 7:30pm Led by Dweezil Zappa, the eldest son of the late American composer and musician Frank Zappa, Zappa Plays Zappa is a tribute band devoted to performing the music of Frank Zappa.
		Special Events: Sacramento Living Library: Ed Carroll Time Tested Books Feb 19 Sun 7pm In honor of the upcoming Sacramento Beer Week Beer Historian Ed Carroll, author of Sacramento's Breweries, will discuss the region's rich brewing heritage.

 
Sacramento365.com News

Join Sac365 on Twitter & Facebook to get the day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

Black History Month

Join in the celebration!

Check out Black History Month events in Sacramento here.

February's Featured Local Artist of the Month: Kristin Hartman

Learn about oil painter Kristin Hartman 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!

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.

From start to finish, this show is sure to poke fun at all of your favorites including The Lion King, Little Shop of Horrors, West Side Story, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera and Chicago. Many memorable songs are parodied, such as Annie’s “30 Years Old Tomorrow,” Mary Poppins’ “Feed the Burbs,” and Hairspray’s “You Can’t Stop the Camp.”

Forbidden Broadway runs now until March 18 and tickets are still available. If you go, let us know how many shows were referenced in the production and what your favorite song is!

The 2012 Cosmopolitan Cabaret Season continues with Triple Espresso (May 30-July 22) and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Sept 26-Nov 18).

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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.

Follow us on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook to get day-to-day scoop on Sacramento's happenings.

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