The Sactown Weekend Update for April 18-20
Tinariwen (Friday)
Begun by three exiled nomads in North Africa, the groundbreaking ensemble Tinariwen—whose name means “deserts” in the Tamashek language—found solace and success through its music. Since forming, the group has amassed international acclaim, including a Grammy Award in 2011 for Best World Music Album, for the unique sound that blends its own musical traditions with other influences from rock to blues to Arabic elements. Opening for the eight-piece outfit tonight will be the English afro-folk band The Melodic. $35. Friday at 8 p.m. The Center for the Arts. 314 West Main St. Grass Valley. 530-274-8384. thecenterforthearts.org
Rock of Ages (Friday & Saturday)
Big songs and even bigger hair collide in this five-time Tony-nominated musical bursting with ’80s tunes like Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive,” Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” and Poison’s “Nothin’ but a Good Time.” The show that The New York Times calls a “seriously silly, absurdly enjoyable arena-rock musical” is set on the Sunset Strip and centers on Drew, a wannabe rock star who falls for small-town girl and aspiring actress Sherrie. $45-$75. Friday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 2 & 7:30 p.m. Harris Center for the Arts. 10 College Pkwy. Folsom. 608-6888. harriscenter.net
Sacramento Beer & Chili Festival (Saturday)
Midtown spices things up on Saturday for this third annual chili cook-off at Fremont Park, where home cooks and local restaurant chefs like Hook & Ladder’s chef Brian Mizner will battle it out for the best version of the bean-based dish. Wash down your bowl with beer tastings from Drake’s Brewing Company, Two Rivers Cider Company, Lost Coast Brewery and 21st Amendment Brewery, and rock out to live music by local bands As Yet Untitled and Urdom. Little ones will stay occupied at a kids’ zone with crafts, face painting and fishing for prizes. Plus, VIP ticket holders can enter an hour early and receive an event swag bag, with all proceeds from the event benefiting the Sacramento Artists Council’s art programs in regional schools. $20-$65. Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Fremont Park. 1515 Q St. sacramentobeerandchilifestival.com
Spring Eggstravaganza (Saturday & Sunday)
During this eggstra-special springtime tradition, kids can search high and low for hundreds of eggs strewn throughout Fairytale Town this weekend. Youngsters can also take in Bunny Boot Camp, a play by the Puppet Art Theater Company, make crafts like bunny ears and visit with Peter Rabbit, who will hop in for the festivities. $5.50 ($2 for show admission). Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fairytale Town. 3901 Land Park Dr. 808-7462. fairytaletown.org
