The Sactown Weekend Update for Dec. 13-15
Blind Boys of Alabama (Friday)
The soulful sounds of the South come to the Mondavi Center at tonight’s concert featuring the Grammy-winning gospel group whose original members banded together in 1939 at the Alabama School for the Negro Deaf and Blind. The ensemble will perform songs from its previous albums as well as bluesy renditions of holiday songs like the classic spiritual “Go Tell It on the Mountain” from its 2003 holiday album of the same name. Tickets start at $25. Friday at 8 p.m. Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall. Mrak Hall Dr. and Old Davis Rd. Davis. 530-754-2787. mondaviarts.org
Ray Eames’ 101st Birthday Celebration (Saturday)
This Saturday at The California Museum, celebrate the life of Sacramento design icon Ray Eames, who would have turned 101 this weekend (her actual birthday was Dec. 15), with a centennial exhibit that displays the work of the late designer who, with her husband Charles, helped define the mid-century modern aesthetic with iconic creations and furniture that have been featured on Hollywood sets from Frasier to Mad Men. The festivities will include Eames-inspired activities, like crafting a paper doll or action figure like the ones that Ray made during her youth in the capital city, a variety of which are featured in the exhibit. The day will also feature educational presentations detailing Ray’s Sacramento roots and explore the history of K Street, where her father worked as manager of the Empress theatre (now the Crest). $9 ($6.50 ages 6 to 17; free ages 5 and under). Program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. Museum hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The California Museum. 1020 O St. 635-7524. californiamuseum.org
Santa Parade (Saturday)
Returning for its 31st year this Saturday, the Santa Parade will be making the streets of downtown Sacramento merry and bright with festive floats and costumes, including ones featured at Macy’s holiday parades in other cities like Portland; performers like the young unicyclists from local Boy Scout troops; and vehicles such as mustangs and vintage tractors. Free. Saturday at 10 a.m. Starts at 14th & N streets. 451-6200. sacholidays.com
Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra (Saturday)
This annual concert will feature everything from audience sing-alongs to a candle-lit processional and Gregorian chants. Accompanying the group’s 200-plus singers and musicians will be the pint-sized performers from the Sacramento Children’s Chorus, who will be making spirits bright with their renditions of songs like “Believe” from The Polar Express. The evening’s program will also include holiday songs like “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” $30-$45. Saturday at 8 p.m. Memorial Auditorium. 1515 J St. 808-5181. sacramentochoral.com
Simple Emigrant Christmas and Candlelight Tours (Saturday)
Experience Christmastime as it was celebrated by the many emigrants who made their home at Sutter’s Fort during the 1800s. During the day on Saturday, crafty kids can create old-fashioned trinkets, including ornaments, hand-dipped candles and corn-husk dolls. Later that evening, the fort will host candlelit tours led by period-attired docents. $7 ($5 for ages 6-17; free for ages 5 and under). Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening tour: $17. Saturday from 6:30 to 9 p.m., departing every 15 minutes. Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park. 2701 L St. 445-4422. suttersfort.org
American Bach Soloists (Sunday)
Oh come, all ye faithful to the Mondavi Center this Sunday for a holiday presentation by the American Bach Soloists, who have appeared there every Christmas season since the venue’s opening in 2002. Led by its artistic director and co-founder Jeffrey Thomas, who also serves as the conductor for the UC Davis University Chorus, the San Francisco-based choir and orchestra’s program will feature George Frideric Handel’s 18th-century baroque masterpiece, Messiah. Tickets start at $25. Sunday at 4 p.m. Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall. Mrak Hall Dr. and Old Davis Rd. Davis. 530-754-2787. mondaviarts.org
