The Sactown Weekend Update for May 2-4
Paul Reiser (Friday)
During his first Sacramento stand-up appearance, Paul Reiser—who in 2004 was ranked among Comedy Central’s list of the 100 greatest stand-ups of all time and starred in television sitcoms, such as My Two Dads and the long-running Mad About You, which he also co-created—will focus on topics such as marriage and parenting, like the Emmy-nominated comedian did in his New York Times best-selling books Couplehood and Babyhood. $29-$49. Friday at 7:30 p.m. Crest Theatre. 1013 K St. 800-225-2277. sblentertainment.com
Sachal Vasandani (Friday and Saturday)
The Capital Public Radio Studio Jazz series continues on Friday and Saturday with Sachal Vasandani, a Wall Street investment banker turned jazz vocalist who has performed with Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He’ll sample a handful of tunes off of his most recent album, 2011’s Hi-Fly, which JazzTimes praises for catapulting the singer “from promising to fully formed, firmly establishing himself among the foremost post-millennial male vocalists.” Tickets start at $38. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Mondavi Center’s Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. Mrak Hall Dr. and Old Davis. Davis. 530-754-2787. mondaviarts.org
California Improv Festival (Friday through Sunday)
Enjoy some off-the-wall, off-the-cuff comedy this weekend at this second annual festival featuring three days worth of improv sets, as well as over 10 improv theater workshops offering tutelage for up-and-coming comedians. The dozens of comics performing throughout the festival include locals from Roseville’s Blacktop Comedy and veterans from comedy troupes from across the country. $10 per show; $30 festival pass. Times vary by event. Tower Theatre. 417 Vernon St. Roseville. 749-3100. californiaimprovfestival.com
Where the Wild Kids Are (Saturday)
The Sacramento Zoo’s yearly celebration of global cultures will feature live performances from Polynesian, Mexican and Hmong music and dance troupes, while activity stations around the park will offer youngsters opportunities to create crafts from those cultures and others. Presentations from zookeepers will introduce animals that come from far-flung locales, like the African sitatunga antelope and guenon primates. $11.25 ($7.25 for ages 2-11). Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sacramento Zoo. 3930 West Land Park Dr. 808-5888. saczoo.org
Bay Area vs. Sac (Saturday)
It’s East against West at Bay Area vs. Sac, a charity basketball game matching up celebrities like actors “Big Spence” Spencer from Oakland and Berkeley’s own Dawayne Jordan (Fruitvale Station) against a Sactown team including former Monarchs star Ruthie Bolton and ex-NFL athletes (and Sacramento State alums) Tyronne Gross and Otis Amey. Pre-game activities include a college prep workshop by motivational speaker Chris Cooper, routines by the Sacramento Kings dancers and music from local jazz band Earcandy. At halftime, kids in attendance will get a chance to shoot some hoops. Proceeds from the event will go to support From a Boy to a Man, a Sacramento-based mentorship program for at-risk young men. $5. Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. Encina High School. 1400 Bell St. 208-7638. eventbrite.com
May the Fourth Be With You (Sunday)
This Sunday, the Force will be strong at May the Fourth Be With You, an event dedicated to all things Star Wars where Jedi knights will battle the dark side in a demonstration lightsaber fight, Stormtroopers and Sith lords can strut their stuff in a costume parade, and the local stand-up troupe Critical Hit will put on a Star Wars-themed comedy show. Proceeds from the day will go toward the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as West Sacramento’s Moo-la assistance project, which provides free access to park programs for underprivileged families. $11 (free for ages 12 and under). Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check in at West Sacramento Community Center. 1075 West Capitol Ave. West Sacramento. 530-417-3365. maythefourth.info
