In 1986, a state worker named James Wheatley founded a Black theater company in Sacramento as a side gig. Nearly 40 years later, Celebration Arts has trained countless Black actors, dancers and singers, providing the education and experience that the mainstream theater community hadn’t afforded them. Today, alums populate stages and sets ranging from B Street to Hollywood, and one of them, James Ellison, is carrying the torch at Celebration Arts and embarking on an ambitious journey. With new funding, a larger space, and a growing audience for diverse storytelling, the seeds that Wheatley has so carefully nurtured for generations are now coming into full bloom.
What started over 20 years ago as a temp job at UC Davis has worked out pretty well for Jeremy Ganter. In November, he became the new executive director of the Mondavi Center—only the third person to hold the position since the school’s premier performing arts facility opened in 2002. Ganter, 49, speaks about his transition from performer to presenter, past highlights and future plans (hint: you may soon be able to dance to the music at the Mondavi).
As the subject of Martin Scorsese’s docuseries Pretend It’s a City, Fran Lebowitz opined on everything from guilty pleasures to public transportation. In advance of her appearance in Davis this February, we talk to the iconic cultural commentator about the future of cities, Joan Didion, and the Mondavi Center’s backstage cuisine.
Police departments all over the West are converting police cars into lowriders to strengthen community relations. It's an idea that Sacramento should be jumping up and down about too.
All the culinary world’s a stage at the ambitious new omakase restaurant Okesutora. After honing his skills at the celebrated sushi chain Nobu, chef Hieu Phan returns to his native Sacramento to deliver sea-worthy flavors with a dash of storytelling and a splash of spectacle in midtown.
Madonna's "Celebration Tour," Sacramento Ballet's Cinderella and more—here are 10 events to help start the year off on the right (glass slippered) foot.
