Lifestyle

Raina LeGarreta compiles these listings. If you would like an event or show included, please send details via email to and write “Arts Calendar” in the subject line; include as much information as possible, including dates, times, ticket prices, address and details on purchasing tickets.

Call To Local Artists Elk Grove Artists (EGA) has replaced its high school art contest at the Western Festival with a general community wide art show. EGA sponsors this art competition for all artists over 18 of all skill levels and various categories. It is held during the Western Festival on the first weekend in May; a festival that is attended by thousands from the surrounding areas and allows for maximum exposure for the artists. The juried art show gives monetary prizes as well as ribbons to those who show exceptional art. The indoor Pavilion at Elk Grove Regional Park will be transformed into a gallery with framed artwork hung on professional show panels and sculptures placed on draped tables. To enter the show visit, http://elkgroveartistsca.org/community/index.html to download the application. 

Laguna Creek High School theater students will present the musical “Changing Minds” on March 13-15.  It’s “Freaky Friday” meets “high school musical” when Kyle and Natalie switch brains and learn valuable lessons about walking in other people’s shoes…or pumps.  Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on all nights with a 2 p.m. matinee on March 15.  General admission is $6. Laguna Creek High School is located at 9050 Vicino Drive.

Bravo’s Soup & Sandwich Shop presents Common Ground, an acoustic, original rock/alternative band with a classic feel on March 15 at Noon – 1:30 p.m. 9160 East Stockton Blvd., Suite 130, across from On the Border in Marketplace 99-South shopping center.

will be presenting the following workshops during March at 9080 Elk Grove Blvd. Reflections in Oils/Acrylics with Palette Knife by Mark Johnson: March 22, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Workshop Fee: $40 (no materials fee). A study of light, shadows, and reflections in water exploring with oils or acrylics with palette knife or brushes on canvas or boards. Canvas 11x14 or 8x10 (provided by student), boards provided by instructor or student. This will be a study of composition and how to use photos to begin your paintings. Please check the website for upcoming workshops in April. For more information or to sign up, please call (916) 685-5992 or email, egfinearts@frontiernet.net. Visit, www.elkgrovefineartscenter.org for complete details. Pre-registration and payment are required.

Franklin Theatre Company (FTC) presents “The King and I” by Rogers and Hammerstein in March. East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination. The King is largely considered to be a barbarian by those in the West, and he seeks Anna’s assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and, eventually, respect one another, in a truly unique love story. The show will run on March 14, 20, 21, and 22, at 7 p.m.  Admission is $10.  Due to the theatre configuration, limited seating will make tickets a premium to purchase before the show opens. FTC is located at Franklin High School, 6400 Whitelock Pkwy. For more information, visit http://www.franklintheatreassociation.com, or you can order tickets online at http://ftc.ticketleap.com

Florin High School Theater students at will present “Noises Off” on March 27-29 and April 4-5.  The play presents a manic menagerie, as a cast of itinerant actors rehearses a flop called, Nothing’s On.  Doors slamming, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant herring all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on all nights with a 2 p.m. matinee on March 29.  Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Florin High School is located at 7956 Cottonwood Lane in Sacramento.

Monterey Trail High School’s drama department will present their rendition of “Guys and Dolls” on March 28-29 and April 3-5.  Set in a mythical New York City, this oddball romantic comedy soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a cast of vivid characters. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on March 28-29, and April 4-5 with a 4 p.m. show on April 3.  General admission is $10, and $8 for students/senior citizens/children. Monterey Trail High School is located at 8661 Power Inn Road.

Pleasant Grove High School (PGHS) will present Disney Jr.’s “Alice in Wonderland” on April 3-5 and 10-12. Travel down the rabbit hole and join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, raps with a bubble-blowing Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on all nights with 2 p.m. matinees on April 5 and 12. General admission is  $10, and $8 for PGHS students with an ASB card. PGHS is located at 9531 Bond Road.

Elk Grove High School drama swill present “Cinder-Ella” on March 28-29 and April 4-5.The award-winning original musical written by John Lee tells the story of poor Eleanor, a sweet simple girl enslaved by her cruel stepmother, her wicked stepsisters - and Prince Johann, a reckless royal with a strange secret who longs for life outside the palace walls.  The show features slapstick comedy, singing, dancing and music by Strauss.  Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on all nights with 2 p.m. matinees on March 29 and April 5. General admission is $8, and $6 for students, seniors and the military. Elk Grove High School is located at 9800 Elk Grove-Florin Road.

Sheldon High School’s TheaterWorks will present their interpretation of the musical “Once on This Island” on April 4-5 and 10-12. The production tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people the fantastical gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of social class, hatred, and death.  Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on all nights with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 12.  General admission is $12, and $8 for children under 10. Sheldon High School is located at 8333 Kingsbridge Drive.

Cosumnes Oaks High School’s The Wolfpack Theatre will present the beloved classic “The Wizard of Oz” April 10-12 and 24-26. Dorothy and her dog Toto get whisked away in a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. To get home, she must see The Great and Powerful Oz and along the way she meets characters on the yellow brick road that help her throughout her journey. The musical features the timeless songs, “Over the Rainbow,” “Follow the Yellow Brick Road,” and “Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead.” Showtimes are at 6 p.m. on April 10 and 24, 7 p.m. on April 11-12, and 25-26 with matinees at 2 p.m. on April 12 and 26. General admission is $12, and $8 for senior citizens and children under 12 and Cosumnes Oaks High School students with a current ASB sticker. Cosumnes Oaks High School is located at 8350 Lotz Parkway.  

Valley High School Theater will present “The Wiz” on April 25-26.  The popular musical, based on the famous movie of the same name - starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson - features musical favorites, such as “Ease on Down the Road,” and “Home.” Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on both nights.  Tickets are $5 for students, and $7 for adults. Children under age 5 are free. Valley High School is located at 6300 Ehrnhardt Drive in Sacramento. 

The Elk Grove Artists “Art2Hang” program features artwork from local artists at Elk Grove businesses.  Artists displaying for the month of March: Patricia Moore, at Circle of Life Medicine, 2382 Maritime Dr., Ste. 100; Esther Chang at Frank Zaccari Ins., 9250 Laguna Springs Dr., Ste. 230; Joanna Batherson, John Paul at EG Urgent Care, 9045 Bruceville Rd., Ste. 100; John Paul at Franklin Ranch Pet Hosp.Hotel, 10207 Franklin Blvd.; Kanika at Friends of Franklin Library, 10055 Franklin High Road; Michelle Vershaw at Mark Lai, DDS, 7171 Bowling Dr., Ste. 110, Sacramento; Jan Rau at Running Zone, 8470 Elk Grove Blvd., Ste. G135.  For more information about the Art2Hang program contact Dee at (916) 684-4802.

Elk Grove Adult and Community Education (EGACE) is offering a number of art and photography classes this winter and spring: Beginning Drawing will emphasize: drawing methods, mediums and skill sets.  Students will learn all the principles and be guided through their own realistic rendering from a favorite photo. Classes held on six Saturdays, through March 29 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Registration fee is $74, plus additional $5 materials fee payable to instructor Intermediate Drawing- Sketching is designed to increase the development of the student’s drawing expertise in the principles found through sketching and sight drawing techniques. 8401- Instructor: Dean Lee Williams, Local Artist & Instructor Registration fee is $74, plus $5 materials fee Beginning Digital Photography (SLRs) - Level 1 is designed to introduce digital photography to the beginner. Bring your digital camera (SLR) to this fun and informal class where you will learn how to take professional-looking photographs of groups, children, scenery and more. This is a six-week class held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  Registration fee is $79. The class is taught by instructors, Laura Bemis and Dierdre Asay, Professional Photographers for Fine Focus Photography The classes above are held at EGACE, 8401-B Gerber Road in Sacramento. Watercolors for Beginning and Intermediate Artists   Join other aspiring artists and experience the fun and relaxing art medium of working with watercolors.  Create your own masterpieces as you learn the best methods for applying and mixing colors, proper use of brushes and more.  This four-week workshop is taught in a fun-easy to learn environment.  Registration fee is $72, plus a $20 materials fee payable to instructor for paper and supplies.  The class is held at Elk Grove High School, Room A12 on Thursdays, through-March 20 from 6-8 p.m. by instructors, Ron and Sandy Ridley. Register online at: egace-egusd-ca.schoolloop.com or call (916) 686-7783.  

Art For Kids Sofia Khalil teaches children the basic elements of painting and drawing to in her weekly arts classes in Elk Grove. Visit 

www.KidsArtsMuseum.org for more information. 

The Elk Grove Sports Bar presents Friday Night Comedy hosted by Laurelle Martin each Friday night at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $7. 18 and over. The Sports Bar is located at 9661 Elk Grove-Florin .

The Elk Grove Fine Arts Center presents the following Weekly Drop-in and Private Tutoring Art Classes: Watercolor for Beginners-with Teresa Steinbach-Garcia, Instructor –$25, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (916) 687-8908; Open Watercolor Studio- with Teresa Steinbach-Garcia, Instructor –$10, Tuesdays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. (916) 687-890; Watercolor for Beginners & Intermediates– with Ron & Sandy Ridley, Instructors –$20, 1st and 2nd Wednesdays, 11am – 1pm (916) 685-1980; Open Studio All Media – Painting with friends, no instructor– $5, Fridays, Noon – 3:00 p.m. (916) 685-5992; and Private Art Tutoring with Stacy Maeda, Instructor, specializing in drawing animals, $25/hour of instruction, Ages 7 – Adult, stacymaeda@yahoo.com, www.stacymaeda.com. Classes are held at the Art Center located at 9080 Elk Grove Blvd. in Old Town Elk Grove, (916) 685-5992 egfinearts@frontiernet.net ,www.elkgrovefineartscenter.org and Facebook: Elk Grove Fine Arts Center. Please contact Class Instructor for information and reservations.

View artwork from Elk Grove on www.elkgrovecity.org/arts/art-in-elk-grove.asp The Committee for the Arts has created a virtual Citywide Art Guide for the benefit of the residents and visitors that includes a comprehensive inventory of art pieces and art events in Elk Grove. There is also an interactive map that displays the art and events in Elk Grove. Only Citywide annual art events are included. If you know of a piece or event missing from the guide that should be included, contact Kara Reddig at kreddig@elkgrovecity.org or (916) 478-2249. 

The Elk Grove Sports Bar presents Gary Mendoza’s Blues Jam on Tuesdays. Can you sing or play an instrument? That’s all you need to come on out and groove with Gary and other local musicians on Tuesday night. The free event is open to anyone who wants to get on stage, entertain, and have some fun. Tuesdays from 7-10 p.m. The Sporty is located at 9661 Elk Grove-Florin Road. For more information, call (916) 685-6103. 

The Sacramento Animal Shelter will be the location for the celebration of the launching of local author, Elaine Faber’s debut novel, Black Cat’s Legacy on March 29 from 1-3 p.m. Meet the author, purchase the book, and have it autographed by “Thumper” and “Ms Faber.” The light-hearted cat mystery novel is a tale of intrigue and murder with a touch of whimsy. The shelter is located at 3839 Bradshaw Road.

Arden Playhouse presents “One Boss Too Many” through March. The modern adaptation by Michael Messmer of one of the world’s great comedies Carlo Goldoni’s The Servant of Two Masters. It is the story of a pair of young lovers, one set from the old world and one from the new, whose lives are turned upside down by old ways and one guy too clever for his own good. Performance Dates:  8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays on March 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, and April 4, 5, 11 and 12. Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on March 16 and 23.  All tickets are $15 with a reservation and $18.00 at the door. (Cash or check only.) Tickets can be reserved by calling (916) 332-2582. Arden Playhouse is located at 5640 Roseville Road, Suite D, Sacramento, and seats 150.

The Sacramento Theater Company presents the Shakespeare classic, Romeo & Juliet through March 23. For exact days and times, and ticket prices, visit www.sactheatre.org or call (916) 443-6722.

The Davis Musical Theatre Company announces the opening of “Tom Sawyer,” bringing to life author Mark Twain’s classic story of a young boy growing up in America’s heartland of Missouri in the mid-1800s. “Tom Sawyer” runs through March 30, with four Saturday 2:15 p.m. matinees (March 15, 22, and 29), a Friday evening 7:15 p.m. performance (March 28), and a Sunday 2:15 p.m. matinee (March 29).  All performances are at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Drive in East Davis.  The show is directed and choreographed by Jan Isaacson, musical directed by Utsav Bhargava, and features Jonathan Kalinen (Tom Sawyer), Maris Samsel (Becky Thatcher), Ty Soderquist (Huckleberry Finn), Bethany Huff (Aunt Polly), Jenna Karoly (Li’l Joe Harper), Matthew Bishop (Injun Joe), and Lily Fletcher (Judge Thatcher). Tickets are $8 and can be purchase online at dmtc.org (there is a $2 facility fee per ticket on a purchase, cash, charge, phone, Internet or in person), or by calling (530) 756-3682.

Chautauqua Playhouse continues its 37th season with their production of James Goldman’s “The Lion in Winter.” The show begins on March 14 at the Playhouse.  The show will run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm through April 19th. As there will be no show on Easter Sunday, there will be an additional matinee on Saturday, April 19. The performances will be held at the Chautauqua Playhouse, 5325 Engle Road in the La Sierra Community Center in Carmichael.  Admission is $19 general and $17 students, seniors, children and SARTA members. The show does contain adult situations and content.

InConcert Sierra presents Artistic Director and pianist Ken Hardin, Concertmaster and violinist Richard Altenbach, and cellist David Eby joined by local and regional musicians who perform often with the Sierra Master Chorale Orchestra on March 16. The program is an exciting and enchanting program of quintessential and beloved chamber works featuring Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring (chamber version), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and Ernst Dohnanyi’s Sextet in C Major. 2 p.m. concert; 1:15 p.m. pre-concert forum. Tickets are $28 general; youth 5-17 free with adult. Tickets are available at BriarPatch Co-op Community Market. The concert will be located at 12889 Osborne Hill Road, Grass Valley, CA  95945.

Davis Musical Theater Company presents “South Pacific” through March 23.  Described as timeless, enchanting, and impactful, this Rodgers & Hammerstein favorite is one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time.  South Pacific includes music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan. Based on James A. Michener’s Pulitzer Prize-winning1947 book Tales of the South Pacific, the musical draws from multiple story elements in the text. The original Broadway production opened in April of 1947, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1950 and gathering ten Tony awards. The 2008 Broadway revival at Lincoln Center followed in these footsteps, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical Revival. The show is performed at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, 607 Pena Drive, in Davis and plays through March 23. Fridays and Saturdays 8:15 p.m., and Sundays at 2:15 p.m. South Pacific is directed by John Haine and choreographed by Katherine Coppola, with musical direction by Steve Isaacson and Peter Kagstrom. Recommended for all ages. Tickets are $18 General; $16 Students and seniors 55 and over (plus a $2 facility fee per ticket for all tickets purchased online, by phone or in person), and are available at www.dmtc.org, or by calling (530) 756-3682.

The Northern Californian Filmmakers Coalition (NCFC) is based in Sacramento, California and was created to encourage individuals in film-making or film related areas to meet on a regular bases and explore the various aspects of the film industry. Meetings are held each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Access Sacramento 4623 T. St. in Sacramento. For more information, visit t www.ncfc.tv or contact P. La Marr at (916) 502-7068 or info@tru-talent.com, or G. Bell at (916) 384-5796 or .

Lee Diamond performs hits from the Rat Pack era, classic pop and soul hits from the 1950s-1960s, and more at the Backdoor Lounge in Old Sacramento most Friday and Saturday nights. The Backdoor Lounge is located at 1112 Firehouse Ally. 

Alpha Fired Arts Gallery presents “Not Just Ashes.” Each fall and winter, a Northern California Teacher and Master Potter, Dick Hotchkiss, invites a dedicated and hardy group of fellow potters to fire their wares in unconventional and ancient wood fire kilns. Using a hand built Anagama Kiln with a Noborigama chamber at his studio a select group of potters will gather at Rural Western Nevada County, to spend the next to 7 days in the ultimate clay experience. Over 20 artisans load the long kiln, stoke the wood fire around the clock, and then unload the up to a thousand pieces of pottery these huge kilns can accommodate. The results of both Noborigama and Anagama Kiln firings by Hotchkiss’ group will be on display in a new exhibit, “Not Just Ashes”, at Alpha Fired Arts Gallery.  Show will run through March 14 at the Alpha Fired Arts Gallery, located at 4675 Aldona Lane in Sacramento.

Runaway Stage Productions presents family favorite “Suessical the Musical,” through March 23. The incredible Cat in the Hat narrates a magical story featuring the very best of Dr. Seuss characters and stories. Runaway last produced the musical with great success in 2005. The new cast will feature Andy Hyun as the Cat in the Hat, Colin Coate as Horton, Caitland Martin as Gertrude McFuzz, Haleyanne Freedman as Mayzie LaBird, Maxwell Freedman as JoJo, Hal DuBiel as the Mayor, and Eduard Arakelyan as one of the Wickersham brothers. Bob Baxter directs, Darryl Strohl choreographs and James Lohman leads the Runaway Stage Productions Resident Orchestra. “Seussical the Musical” performs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through March 23. Ticket prices are: Adults - $25; Seniors (60+) - $23; Students/SARTA - $21; Children (12 & under) - $18; Groups of 10+ - $19 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.runawaystage.com (reservation convenience fees apply) or at the door. For further information or questions, please call the box office at (916) 207-1226.  Free parking is available.

The Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at University of California, Davis is pleased to announce a new just added performance, Willie Nelson and Family, performing in Jackson Hall on April 9, at 8 p.m. With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, Willie Nelson is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of Crazy, Red Headed Stranger and Stardust. This iconic Texan has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor and activist. In 2013, Willie’s albums included April’s Let’s Face The Music And Dance, an album of deep pop-country repertoire classics performed with transformative patented ease by Nelson and Family, his long-time touring and recording ensemble; and October’s To All The Girls… which features 18 duets with music’s top female singers including Dolly Parton, Mavis Staples, Sheryl Crow, Loretta Lynn, Wynonna Judd, Rosanne Cash, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones and Shelby Lynne. The performance is now on sale. Tickets are available at www.MondaviArts.org, or during regular business hours via phone at 866-754-2787 and in person at the Mondavi Center Ticket Office on the UC Davis campus.

The Lodi Community Art Center’s 54th Annual Spring Art is scheduled for April 11-13. It will be the largest open juried art show that’s free to the public in Northern California.  Our on-line entry system will start taking entries at our web site on Jan. 5. Visit, for more information. March 1 will be the last day to entry the show.  There will be seven categories of art with cash awards to artists of more than $5,000, including $1,000 for Best of Show.  The theme for the Preview Night Benefit is “Putin’ on the Ritz for Art”.

The Sacramento Wild and Scenic Film Festival will celebrate its fifth anniversary at the Crest Theater on April 25.  This annual community event offers an evening of short films addressing environmental issues that affect our region. A catered reception in the Crest lobby offers a chance to meet other non-profit sponsor groups, sample local food, and bid in a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the California Heartland Project. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started in 2003 by the watershed advocacy group, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL). The 4-day event features over 125 award-winning films and welcomes over 80 guest speakers, celebrities, and activists who bring a human face to the environmental movement. SYRCL is now sharing their success with other organizations to bring the festival to over 100 communities nationwide. The Sacramento festival program is specially designed to address issues that are relevant to our local community, and will feature short films that look at themes of water conservation, sustainable development and energy, food and local agriculture, wildlife protection, environmental activism, and outdoor recreation. The Crest Theater is located at 1013 K. St. in Sacramento. For more information, visit www.ecosacramento.net.

Sac Valley Teen Talent Program - A Community for Peace and Gravity Services, in partnership with Swan Paradiso Events, present the Sac Valley Teen Talent Program. Eleven Sacramento area cities (including Elk Grove) and over 300 students will compete against each other in three levels of competition. Winners will be awarded cash and prizes. Sponsorships are still needed from businesses as well as prizes that can be given in grab bags to winners.  For more details, and information on how to register visit, http://www.SacValleyTalent.com.

Luna’s Café offers a variety of poetry, spoken word, and arts and entertainment at 1414 16th St., in Sacramento. For more information, call (916) 441-3931 or visit www.LunasCafe.com.