The Dirt: December 2022

EDITOR’S NOTE

When The Dirt last went to print, in March 2020, we were just lighting the candles on our 10th-anniversary cake. Little did anybody know that just a few weeks later we would be learning how to mark all of our milestones over Zoom. Now, nearly three years later, we are back! We may not be blowing out candles on shared cakes anymore—some things will never be the same—but we are still feeling celebratory and more grateful than ever for our community.

One of the most important lessons to come out of these last years is how important that local community is. Our businesses are built by our friends, family, neighbors, and acquaintances. This holiday season, show them your support by shopping locally. When you do, the majority of that money stays here—in our charities, in our sports clubs, in our taxes. They host the events featured in our calendar and make our community unique.

The Dirt is committed to offering a platform supporting 100% local music, art, food, and culture, and I am grateful to those who help

keep the publication free and available to all of Davis. Thank you to the sponsors featured in this month’s issue. Please be sure to support them in turn.

Thank you also to the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs program. I am especially grateful for the grant funding awarded to help us get back into print.

Whether you live here or have come to visit, I hope you’ll be inspired to get out and show up at these events and to support the businesses that host them. And please, tell them that you found it in The Dirt!

@thedirt.davis @ashleymuirbruhn

THE DIRT • DAVIS Vol 13 • No. 01 • December 2022 thedirt.online

PUBLISHER,

THE DIRT’S MISSION IS TO SHOWCASE DAVIS’ & YOLO COUNTY’S UNIQUE PEOPLE, PLACES & EVENTS, INSPIRING READERS & PROMOTING LOCAL ARTS, CULTURE & COMMUNITY.

FOLLOW US: @THEDIRT.DAVIS #THEDIRTDAVIS

ADVERTISING: The Dirt is made possible by the support of local businesses. If you would like to reach readers and support local culture, please email to request a media kit.

CALENDAR LISTINGS & DETAILS: Submit your event via our website for a free listing in our calendar no later than the 23rd of the month preceding the next issue. We will fill The Dirt with as many events as appropriate & possible, space allowing.

ON THE

CIRCULATION: The Dirt is distributed with local support. If you can provide a prominent distribution space, please email w/the subject line “Circulation.” We currently distribute 6,000 copies each month.

ACCURACY: We do our best to fact-check, but events change. We suggest you call venues in advance of visiting. Please let us know of any errors for future printings.

DISCLAIMER: Paid advertisements do not necessarily represent The Dirt’s endorsement of the products or services offered.

Supported, in part, by a grant from the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs program.

ASHLEY

WOODSTOCK’S PIZZA TURNS A CORNER

Swank, for The Dirt

For owners Jeff and Laura Ambrose, Woodstock’s is much more than a pizza parlor. “We want to be a place that our people—team and guests alike—come to hang out, relax, and have a great time,” says Laura. “Pizza is often a group experience, and we want to create memories that bring people back even decades later.”

Laura adds that the Woodstock’s team is more like a family, and that they encourage each team member to be outgoing and empowered.

That was the ethos, afterall, when founder Chuck Woodstock and business partner Mike Chew first trusted Jeff to open a

new chain in California. Now a CEO, Jeff had struggled to secure full-time employment after graduating from Oregon State University and started delivering pizzas. He hadn’t an idea then of what he was in for—how his pizza delivery gig would become something more.

But years later, when Chuck and Mike passed away in a private plane crash, the families promoted Jeff to the position of company president—and the rest is history.

“It’s been an unpredictable, crazy, and amazing journey for him,” says Laura, who focuses on marketing and strategy.

Woodstock’s Pizza has been around in Davis for nearly 40 years. And recently, you may have heard that it’s moving to a new location downtown right across the street from their current one.

“It’s a cool historic building on a prominent corner downtown that we’ll own,” says Laura. “It has tons of potential.”

She’s excited for the features they’ll be keeping in the new building, “like the mezzanine with a brick wall and our traditional wood booths.” But she’s also looking forward to some fresh features, including a communal table, central bar, and outdoor dining. New murals have

already been installed—a backdrop to a live-music corner, and a Davis-centric mural stretching across an entire wall— painted by Christian Garcia.

As in their current location, they plan to continue hosting live music, food tastings, trivia, and other bar specials.

“We look forward to having a more consistent live music schedule and," says Laura, "now we’ll have the opportunity to open windows so it can be heard both inside and outside.”

Regarding the success of Woodstock’s, she adds that the restaurant “has some of the highest sales per restaurant of any pizzeria in the nation. We’re ranked first among companies with 10 or fewer restaurants.”

In fact, their top-selling establishment is the Davis location, where they employ 100 people.

“We really believe Davis is an awesome community for us,” says Laura when

Sam

Christian Garcia with his mural, inside the new location of Woodstock’s

asked why the couple chose to stay and expand in Davis. “We’ve been here for 38 years and now we’re investing millions in this new location.”

That focus on community extends beyond the restaurant—Laura names several local businesses that she admires.

“My favorite coffee is from Pachamama,” she says. “And I love the amazing art products at The Artery.”

You can also catch Laura and Jeff eating frequently at Cafe Bernardo, Sophia’s Thai, Tres Hermanas, and Cloud Forest Cafe—some of their favorite places to grab a bite of breakfast or lunch.

Of course, they also have favorite foods at their own restaurant. Laura’s a big fan

of the Mediterranean pizza from their secret menu and their Strawberry Fields salad. If you’re a vegetarian, like she is, you can always go sans salami.

Plus, you can’t go wrong with a good dessert like CinnaBread. “Oh, and we make a mean Caddy margarita!”

Woodstock’s will be moving to their new location at 238 G Street in December for a soft opening. They hope to be fully operational in time to greet the New Year! Look forward to a grand opening celebration in January!

Sam Swank is a recent UC Davis alumna with a B.A. in linguistics and Spanish and minors in communication, politics, and professional writing. She works as a freelance copyeditor and writer out of the Bay Area.

Rendering courtesy of Woodstock’s

Covering Jose Arenas

You can see Onward/Adelante at Logos Books, 513 2nd St, Davis, CA.

Jose Arena’s Onward/Adelante, a 7’ x 7’ mural installed in 2022 on the wall of Logos Books downtown explores dual identities, migration, cultural ritual, and memories of a migratory childhood.

The central composition highlights a figure in profile wearing a Huipil, a common traditional garment worn by indigenous women with intricate floral patterns that reflect tradition and a continued effort to preserve rituals and customs. The form is additionally surrounded by Milagros, small metal religious charms often carried for protection and good luck. Heart symbols among other body parts represent human frailty and the love one person feels for another. The figure is also metaphorically anchored by indigenous terrestrial floral species native to North America that are furthermore recognized as occurring on the continent prior to European settlement.

The idea for a mural at the Logos Books was initiated by Carrie Ceniseroz, a long time Logos Books volunteer and artist who envisioned a series of murals on the west facing wall of the bookstore.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jose Arenas Is a contemporary artist based in California. Born in San Jose, Arenas regularly traveled between Northern California and Guadalajara, Mexico. His experiences navigating two worlds along with its complex process of integration and assimilation drive his impulse to form meaning using familiar objects, motifs, and culturally specific symbols.

Arenas received a BFA in painting from the San Francisco Art Institute (1995), and an MFA from UC Davis (2000). His artwork has been exhibited extensively throughout the United States in cities that include San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and New York City.

He currently serves as Director of Taller Arte del Nuevo Amanecer (TANA), a community centered silkscreen program and extension of the UC Davis Chicana/o Studies Silkscreen program in Woodland, CA, and teaches the Chicana/o Mural Workshop and Silkscreen Workshop courses in the Department Of Chicana/o Studies at UC Davis.

Exhibit: A Place in Mind, 2019, Pence Gallery, Davis, CA.

Photo courtesy of Jose Arenas

DAVIS ODD FELLOWS CELEBRATES ITS 100TH THURSDAY LIVE!

Nearly 13 years and one pandemic after the series’ debut, the Davis Odd Fellows is gearing up to host their 100th Thursday Live event on Dec. 1. The anniversary will be marked with a holiday concert featuring local musicians According to Bazooka, Biscuits & Honey, Me & Him, The Muddy Waders, and Keith Adolfo Campos—all donating their time to raise money for the many community works programs the Odd Fellows contribute to throughout the year.

It’s a tremendous personal milestone for Grand Noble Kurt Roggli and lodge secretary Juelie Roggli, the husband-andwife team largely responsible for bringing the program to fruition. “It was just Kurt and I in 2009,” recalls Juelie, “hauling equipment on loan from Watermelon Music when it used to be downtown. Sound equipment that we didn’t have at the time.”

“It was a slow start, but what I’m most proud of,” adds Kurt, “is that it’s all done for the love of music and the love of the community.” While the December holiday concert will fundraise for Odd Fellows’ service works, the majority of the Thursday Live concerts raise money directly for the artists—many of whom

come from the Bay Area or surrounding foothills to play in the hall. “We want to help support the musicians, but also give people the chance to come in and hear really quality music,” he says.

No entrance fee is required, but donations are encouraged, with all proceeds (with the exception of the holiday concert) going to the performers.

“The musicians have no idea what they’re going to make. They love the idea of an audience that loves music and who want to hear them play.” And both Kurt and Juelie emphasize that attendees tend to be really generous. “The people who work here are volunteers. We tell [the artists] in advance, ‘We’re not making money. It’s all going to you.’”

Juelie smiles as she notes, “Typical odd fellows.”

The Davis lodge—now the largest order of Odd Fellows in the country, with members ranging in age from 16 to 88— was established as a service organization in 1870, when “Davisville” was a new stop on the Southern Pacific Railroad. To put that in perspective, imagine that Ulysses S. Grant had just been elected the 18th President, only five years after

Ashley Muir Bruhn, Editor for The Dirt

Photo: Ashley Muir Bruhn

serving in the Civil War. The University would not welcome students to Davis for another 38 years. Through it all, the Odd Fellows have been here.

But Kurt credits its growth and success largely to one man. “Dave Rosenberg worked hard to develop an ethos of camaraderie. ‘You can have fun while doing good work.’ And that brings people together.”

Every year, the Odd Fellows organize several charitable projects and activities to benefit the community—for example, October’s Zombie Bike Ride which, with The Bike Campaign, helped NorCal Trykers provide custom, adaptive tricycles to children with special needs.

Over 50 members of the lodge will volunteer for this month’s annual Breakfast with Santa (Dec. 10), which will collect proceeds for groups that work with foster youth and emancipated foster youth.

And on the second Sunday of each month, a Bingo tournament benefits a local organization that needs assistance. This month’s beneficiary will be Unleashing the Possibilities, whose mission is to build a better future for Yolo County shelter animals and those who care for them. “Davis Odd Fellows Bingo! is just another way that the Davis Odd Fellows give back to our community,” says Juelie. “The vast majority of money raised stays in Yolo County for those in need.”

The two agree that membership offers a nice blend of service to the community— where you can feel like you’re contributing in a meaningful way—and social events. “Once a week, we have a lodge night,” says Kurt, “with drinks and dinner you can buy. Maybe trivia. It feels like a clubhouse downtown into which you can walk anytime and just hang out.”

All are welcome to the lodge’s monthly second-Saturday morning breakfast meetings. “Lots of people show up, and it’s very inclusive,” says Juelie, noting that people sit down “where there is an empty seat.”

“When we’re all here, everybody is kind of on an equal footing,” adds Kurt. “We have superior court judges and school teachers and physicians, and I don’t have an idea about what half the people do because it’s about being yourself. About having a good time and being part of a community and doing good for that community.”

The 100th Thursday Live holiday show is donation only. Doors open at 7p and the music starts at 7:30p. Sponsored by the Davis Odd Fellows Music and Concert Committee with the support of KDRT radio and Jim Buchanan.

This month, the Odd Fellows Hall will also host Hillstomp with The Sam Chase & The Untraditional, presented by Davis Live Music Collective, on Dec. 2; and a ticketed New Year’s Eve party, featuring Mumbo Gumbo, on the 31. See the calendar for more details.

The Davis Odd Fellows Hall is located at 415 Second St. in Davis.

Biscuits N Honey (Kurt Roggli, Dianna Craig & Martin Lewis) will play at Odd Fellows Hall on New Year’s Eve.

THIS MONTH

ART 1

Artist lecture with Tarrah Krajnak

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Krajnak is an assistant professor of art at the University of Oregon & living on the unceded territory of the Kalapuya. Her book, El Jardín De Senderos Que Se Bifurcan (2021), was named to the Museum of Modern Art’s inaugural list of 10 photo books of the year. 4:30p–6p. Free

2 Nature Photography

LAKE SPAFFORD, UC DAVIS. Learn tips & tricks for getting started on a good composition. Register by Nov. 29, 5p. Meet 12:10p–1p.

2, 10

Meet the Artist, Print & Sticker Sale: Jenn Cossaboon

SUPER OWL BREWING. Cossaboon is a DVM/ PhD dual degree Student at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine currently pursuing a PhD in integrative pathobiology. Print & Sticker Sale. 4p–8p.

3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18

Art Spark

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Spark your creativity with drawing, stitching, painting, collaging & more at this weekly workshop through Dec. 18. Free

9

2nd Friday ArtAbout!

DOWNTOWN DAVIS. Various locations. Monthly evening of art viewing & artists’ receptions at galleries & businesses throughout Davis. Self-guided artwalk. Turn to page 9 of The Dirt for your official ArtAbout guide. Every second Friday. 5p–9p. Free

15

Paint & Pints with Lilly of the Arts

SUPER OWL BREWING. Enjoy painting, great people & craft beer. Incl. supplies, instruction & pint. 5:30p–7:30p. Tix on Eventbrite $30

CONTINUING SHOWS

THRU DEC 11

Woven Air: Dhakai Jamdani Textile From Bangladesh

THRU DEC 19

Young, Gifted & Black

The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Champions an emerging generation of artists of African descent who are exploring identity, politics & art history as they engage with the work of their predecessors across a variety of media. Curated by Antwaun Sargent & Matt Wycoff.

THRU DEC 23

Asian American Activism: From the 1960s to the Present SHIELDS LIBRARY. Exhibit traces the Asian American Activism movement from the 1960s to the present, with a focus on the UC Davis campus using documents, photographs & oralhistory recordings. Free

THRU DEC 23

Young, Gifted and Black installation, featuring Arcmanoro Niles’ The Nights I Don’t Remember, The Nights I Can’t Forget, 2018. Courtesy of Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis.

UC DAVIS DESIGN MUSEUM. Features fine-count Jamdani, the ornate textile that has experienced a revival in Bangladesh. Weekdays 12p–4p. Free

Democracy by Participation: The Life & Legacy of Cruz Reynoso SHIELDS LIBRARY. Highlights the life & career of Cruz Reynoso (1931–2021), the first Chicano Associate Justice of the California Supreme Court, former professor at the UC Davis School of Law & recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

for the latest listings & more thedirt.online

DEC 2 THRU DEC 24

Flights of Fancy: Sculpture by Steven McGovney

PENCE GALLERY. McGovney uses clay, steel wire & acrylic & oil paint to bring his animal & figurative work to life, concentrating on the sculptural side of ceramics. ArtAbout reception.

DEC 3 THRU JAN 6

Dawning Art, Rita Glazer Bunch

LOGOS BOOKS. Works of fluid acrylic pour painting. ArtAbout reception.

THRU JAN 7

William T. Wiley Exhibition

JOHN NATSOULAS CENTER FOR THE ARTS. A member of the UC Davis studio art faculty & a participant in the Bay Area Funk Movement, Wiley produced an iconic body of work.

THRU JAN 29

Myrtle Press Prints: Portfolio x 2

PENCE GALLERY. Sampling of prints made through various processes marks the debut display of Myrtle Press’ invitational print exchanges in our region. ArtAbout reception.

Susan Silvester, Copycat

BRING THE KIDS! LOOK FOR THE BALLOON BESIDE THE LISTING.

THRU JAN 7

California Funk to Figuration: A New Narrative Mythology

JOHN NATSOULAS CENTER FOR THE ARTS. A thrilling exhibition of paintings, sculptures & works on paper by the leading 20th-Century Funk artists from California & Chicago.

THRU JAN 11

Robert Arneson 30-Year Memorial Exhibit

JOHN NATSOULAS CENTER FOR THE ARTS. Offers visitors the chance to see amazing sculptures & works on paper by an artist who shaped the art of Northern California. Along with faculty at UC Davis, Arneson established the world-renowned TB-9 studio space, founding one of the world’s most groundbreaking ceramic departments.

DEC 2 THRU FEB 1

Expressions in Cloth Reception

GALLERY 625, WOODLAND. Featuring work by Bernadette Behrends, Kathy Donaldson, Lana Hanney, Carole Pirruccello, Jeanne Powell, Margo Schroeder & Sherry Werum. Reception Dec 2, 5:30p–8p.

THRU MAY 8

Roy De Forest: Habitats for Travelers

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. First-generation art faculty member & UC Davis Professor Emeritus, De Forest (1930–2007) is beloved for his colorful narrative figurative paintings, drawings & prints. Curated by Jenelle Porter.

THRU MAY 8

Loie Hollowell: Tick Tock Belly Clock

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. The first exhibition to focus on Hollowell’s soft pastel drawings. Hollowell grew up in Woodland, California & is the daughter of longtime UC Davis Professor Emeritus David Hollowell. Curated by Susie Kantor.

MUSIC

1

Thursday Live! Holiday Concert

ODD FELLOWS HALL. 100th show! “Spirit of the Season” theme featuring According to Bazooka, Biscuits & Honey, Me & Him, The Muddy Waders & Keith Adolfo Campos. Doors @ 7p; Music @7:30p. Don

1

Davis Madrigals

E STREET PLAZA, DOWNTOWN DAVIS. Kick off the holiday season with a performance at the city’s annual tree lighting. 6p–7p.

2

Music & Wine Ft. MRQ Band

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. Enjoy a glass of wine & music by Sacramento-based MRQ Band. Wine Club Members receive a discount. 5p–8p. $15

2

Choruses of UC Davis

PITZER CENTER. Listen to UC Davis & community singers perform under lecturer in music Erik Peregrine. $24; students/children $12

2

Hillstomp with The Sam Chase & The Untraditional

ODD FELLOWS HALL. Davis Live Music Collective presents Portland roots rockers Hillstomp with Bay Area favorite The Sam Chase & The Untraditional. 7p. $18; Limited $10 student tix at door with ID.

2, 3

54th Annual Madrigal Dinner

CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM. Celebrate the Davis Madrigals choir at their annual dinner. Includes a full-course meal, grand performance & silent auction. Fri @ 6p, Sat @ 4p. $75

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Friday Folk Music Jam Sessions

WYATT DECK, UC DAVIS ARBORETUM. Bring your acoustic instruments & play informally. All skill levels welcome. 12p–1p.

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Karaoke Night

TOMMY J’S. Every Friday with KJ Incubus. 10p. Free

3

Davis Chorale: Songs of the Season

DAVIS COMMUNITY CHURCH. Alison Skinner conducts; Lauma Akmene, organ; JiaMo Chen, cello; LuAnn Higgs, piano. FamilyFriendly concert featuring Davis Youth Choir @ 1p, Free / Full length concert @ 3p, $20 Sugg don

4

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg

MONDAVI CENTER. Performance by Alexander String Quartet followed by lecture by Robert Greenburg. $17.50 –$65

6, 13, 20, 27

Karaoke Night

G STREET WUNDERBAR. Every Tues with DJ Joe 10p. Free

7 Davis Madrigals

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, WOODLAND. Sing holiday classics & mingle with other audience members alongside the Davis Madrigals. Refreshments provided. 7p–9p. Free

10

Madrigals Holiday Party

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. Celebrate the holidays with wine, a dinner & a performance by the Davis Madrigals choir. Discounts for Wine Club Members & up to 3 guests. 4:30p–7:30p. $40

10

VoCal: Happy Harmony for the Holiday

RICHARD BRUNELLE PERFORMANCE

HALL. World-class male performing ensemble creating harmony through performance, fraternity, personal growth & shared musical experiences of the highest caliber. Featuring a cappella music, primarily in the barbershop style. With Three of a Kind, Woodland Chamber Singers & Artistic License. 2p. $12–$30

10

Joshua Bell, violin; Peter Dugan, piano

MONDAVI CENTER. Bell & Dugan will perform Beethoven, Schumann & Debussy sonatas. $20–$150

10

Music & Wine Ft. Katalysst

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. Enjoy a glass of wine & music by folk rock duo Katalysst. Wine Club Members receive a discount. Vineyard closes @4p so arrive early! 12p–4p. $15

Winters Tractor Parade. Photo: Ashley Muir Bruhn

11

Christmas Concert

DAVIS COMMUNITY CHURCH. Musical delights including Ecce Novum by composer Ola Gjeilo & Silent Night by Dan Forrest. The second half of the concert will feature the dramatized world premiere of The Gospel According to St. Matthew & an opera written for children. 4p. Free/Don

17

A Baroque Christmas by American Bach Soloists

MONDAVI CENTER. American Bach Soloists returns for a 20th-anniversary Christmas program @ 7:30p. $25–$95

21

19th Annual Home for the Holidays

VETERANS MEMORIAL CENTER. Concert benefitting the Davis School Arts Foundation. Musical acts include: Boot Juice, Joe Craven, Way Out West, Misner & Smith, Rita Hosking, Hattie Craven, Alaina Rose, The Tyrobeys & special guests. 7p. Tix @ Armadillo Music, Watermelon Music & online @ Eventbrite, $25

31

Davis Odd Fellows New Year’s Eve Party

ODD FELLOWS HALL. Party will feature music by Mumbo Gumbo, bars, appetizers & desserts, party favors & a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets on sale via EventBrite.

FOOD & DRINK

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Woodstock’s Trivia Thursday

Come for a fun night of trivia, beer & pizza! What more could you ask for? Free to enter. Trivia sign-ups start @8:45p & trivia starts @9p.

1, 8, 15

Sutter Davis Farmer’s Market Holiday Pop-Ups

SUTTER HOSPITAL. Holiday goodies, local crafts, local produce, baked goods & more. 10a-1p.

3, 17, 24, 31

Davis Farmers Market CENTRAL PARK. Visit the market each week to purchase local produce & artisan goods. preChristmas & pre-NYE markets. Every Wed 3–6p / Every Sat 8a–1p.

3, 4, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23

Holiday Farm Dinners

PARK WINTERS. Enjoy a seasonally inspired, four-course dinner, served family style. Reservations required. 4p–9p. $125

7, 14, 21, 28

Pies & Pints

WOODSTOCK’S. First pint is full price, but you get to keep the glass — & every pint after that is 50% off for the night. Ask the bartenders when you arrive. 8p to close.

22

Aggie Night at Sudwerk Brewing Co. SUDWERK BREWERY. Join the Cal Aggie Alumni Association monthly. 5:30p–7:30p.

24

Davis Food Co-op Holiday Meal VETERANS MEMORIAL CENTER. 37th annual holiday meal will be available for everyone to enjoy by either dine-in or takeout. The Co-op anticipates feeding anywhere from 400 to 700 people. Seeking donations & volunteers. 5p–7p. Free

STAGE & DANCE

2, 3, 4

Alan Menken’s A Christmas Carol

DAVIS MUSICAL THEATRE CO. Based on the classic Dickens tale of evolving Ebenezer Scrooge’s “Bah Humbug” attitude toward Christmas. Every Fri & Sat @ 7:30p. Every Sun @ 2p. $16–18

2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11

Sharon Joyce Presents: A Christmas Story WOODLAND OPERA HOUSE. Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie in his quest for a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the Christmas tree. Holiday fun for the whole family. Every Fri/Sat @ 7:30p. Every Sun @ 2p. $9–30

3, 9, 10, 11

Disney’s Descendants (DMTC Youth Performance)

DAVIS MUSICAL THEATRE CO. Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is a brand-new musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters & hit songs from the films. Every Sat @ 2p. Fri, Dec 9 @ 7p. Sun, Dec 11 @ 2p. $8

9, 10, 11

Vocal Art Ensemble Presents: “Chrysalis”

DAVIS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. Choral performance based around the theme of life transitions. Fri/Sat @ 7:30p & Sun @ 4p.

31

Metamorphosis: Intergenerational Music, Art, Lit & Dialogue

DAVIS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 8th STREET. Concert, art show & literary reading benefitting Sac Take Back the Night & the Revolutionary Assoc of Women in Afghanistan. Participants include the Davis High School Activist Club, speakers from Bet Haverim’s Social Justice group, comedian Nicole Eichenberg & musicians Joseph Menke & Avery Burke. 2p–4p. Don

31

New Year’s Eve: Cabaret

DAVIS MUSICAL THEATRE CO. Annual New Year’s Eve Gala! Preview of Cabaret, followed by a full catered buffet dinner Dancing to a Live DJ, party favors. $75

SCREEN

1

Shrek the Halls

VARSITY THEATER. Free screenings of the short film Shrek the Halls, a computer-animated, 30-minute Christmas comedy special based on the children’s book Shrek! by William Steig. Shows during the Davis Tree Lighting @ 6p, 6:40p, 7:20p. Free

BOOKS & TALK

1

Katie Peterson & Christian Gullette

JOHN NATSOULAS CENTER FOR THE ARTS. Poetry Night. Peterson is the Director of the Graduate Creative Writing Program at UC Davis, where she is Professor of English & a Chancellor’s Fellow. Her fifth book, Life in a Field, a collaboration with photographer Young Suh, was selected by Rachel Zucker for the 2020 Omnidawn Open Book Prize. Gullette is a National Poetry Series Finalist, the recipient of a 2022 Bread Loaf scholarship & a 2022 semifinalist for the Discovery / 92Y Contest. He is the editor-in-chief of The Cortland Review. 7p. Free

1

Flyway Nights: Yolo Basin Foundation Graduate Student Fellowhip Recipients

ZOOM. Selected graduate students who are working in the areas of environmental education, public use, environmental sciences, or environmental/conservation policy. Register at www.yolobasin.org/flywaynights. 7p. $10 Sugg don

2

Poetry Night with Open Mic DAVIS BIKE COLLECTIVE. 7p. Free

8

Catriona McPherson

AVID READER. Celebrate the release of Catriona McPherson’s new book, Scot in a Trap!, from 6–7p. Free

15

Astronomy On Tap

SUDWERK BREWING CO. Every third Thursday of the month, join for short astronomy talks by subject experts. 6p–8p. Free

22

Storytime

PIONEER PARK. Come for stories & songs every second & fourth Thursday @10:30a. For children ages 3–6. Weather permitting.

GAMES

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Trivia Thursday

WOODSTOCK’S. Games @ 9p. King Trivia App. All ages. Free

3, 10, 17

Kids’ Dungeons & Dragons Drop-In DAVIS CARDS & GAMES. Kids ages 9–15 can join in on a D&D game every Sat from 12p–2p. Reserve ahead. $10

3, 10, 17

Family Dungeons & Dragons

DAVIS CARDS & GAMES. Join longtime GM Stephen Gordon for a family- & beginnerfriendly game of D&D. Every Sat 3p-6p. $20 for one child & one parent

4, 11, 18

Trivia Sunday

THREE MILE BREWING CO. King Trivia App. All ages. 6p.

6, 13, 20, 27

Trivia Tuesday

SOPHIA’S THAI BAR & KITCHEN. 21+. Games @ 9:30p.

7, 14, 21, 28

Trivia Wednesday UNIVERSITY OF BEER. 21+ Games @ 9p.

7, 14, 21, 28

Trivia Wednesday G STREET WUNDERBAR. 21+ Games @ 8p.

11

Odd Fellows Bingo

ODD FELLOWS HALL. Sit with friends & chat or meet new people while helping people in our community. All proceeds go to local charitable organizations. Second Sunday of every month, 1p. $12+

OUTSIDE

2

Preparing Roses for January Pruning

DAVIS CEMETERY. Join Rosarian, Woodland Library Rose Garden coordinator & UCCE

Master Gardener Maryellen Mackenzie & Davis Cemetery Memorial Rose Garden volunteer caretaker Mary Yaussy for a hands-on training. 11:30a–12:30p.

2 Chair Share

WYATT DECK, UC DAVIS ARBORETUM. Relax among the greenery. 10a–4p. Free

3

8

Tree Davis Planting Event

EVENSTAR LANE. Sign up to plant young trees. Bring your own closed-toe boots, gloves, water, snacks & sun protection. 9a–12p.

4, 10

Arrange a Dried Bouquet

PARK WINTERS. Use dried flowers & other plants from this country oasis. 10a–1p. $35

10, 17

Garden Tour

PARK WINTERS. Tour the magical gardens at Park Winters from 12–2p. $20

11

Foraged Winter Wreaths

PARK WINTERS. Brighten your home with a festive & fragrant holiday wreath you assemble using a mix of aromatic fresh greenery. 11a–1p. $95

COMMUNITY

3

Dickens in the Valley WOODLAND, VARIOUS LOCATIONS. Start off the holidays by touring six beautiful Woodland homes all decked out for the season, benefitting Meals on Wheels. 10a–3p. $30 in adv/$35 day of

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Davis Model Train Display

AMTRAK STATION. The electric train display features two layouts (Lionel O & HO gauges) with interactive components for children as well as examples & history of local Davis points of interest. Saturdays thru Dec. 24 & Jan. 7. 10a–12:30p. Free/Don

Sisterhood Community Wellness Network Launch Party

DAVIS COWORKING, OLIVE DR. Learn from other women who have built & are building local businesses. Launch party & mixer with snacks & beverages. 6p. Free

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Davis Chamber Evening Social

DAVIS HOME TRENDS. Open to all. Light appetizers & drinks. Toys4Tots donations welcome. 5:30p-7:30p. Free

10 Lego Block Party

SOUTH DAVIS MONTGOMERY LIBRARY. Caregivers encouraged to join. No reservation needed. Not recommended for children under 3. 12p–1:30p. Free

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Davis Odd Fellows Breakfast with Santa ODD FELLOWS HALL. Children will have time to tell Santa everything on their Christmas wish list & have a Santa photo-op too! 8a, 9:30a, 11a. $12

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Kaotic Mythicals Mobile Museum

EXPLORIT SCIENCE CENTER. Explore the natural world of animals featuring amphibians, canids, felines, marsupials & more at a mobile exhibit of real animal pelts, skulls, skeletons & mounted specimens. 10a–2p. $5; Under 2, free

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University Farm Circle Holiday Home Tour & Boutique

This popular bi-annual event is a major fundraiser for UFC scholarships. Tour-goers will have plenty of time to visit the UFC boutique at El Macero Country Club & visit each of the five unique & beautiful homes on the 2022 home tour. 11a–5p.

17 Lego Block Party

STEPHENS DAVIS BRANCH LIBRARY. Caregivers encouraged to join. No reservations needed. Not recommended for children under 3. 2p–4p. Free

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Yolo Branch Library Grand Opening

YOLO BRANCH LIBRARY. Opening ceremony followed by family-friendly activities, music & light refreshments. 11a-2p

31 Noon Year

EXPLORIT SCIENCE CENTER. Celebrate the New Year a few hours early. Included with admission will be themed crafts & activities, as well as the Explorit Rocks! exhibit. 10a–2p. $5; Mem & under 2 free.

SHOPPING

THRU DEC 20

Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt

DOWNTOWN DAVIS. Locate this sneaky elf in downtown businesses & enter to win a prize.

THRU DEC 24

Pence Gallery Holiday Market

PENCE GALLERY. Make holiday shopping easy with art-based goods from Pence Gallery. Open daily 6p–9p. Special hours on Dec. 24 (11:30a–3p)

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Friends of the Library Book Sale

STEPHENS DAVIS BRANCH LIBRARY. Monthly book sale on the first Fri (12p–7p), Sat (10a–5p) & Sun (10a–3p) of each month. Each Sun, fill a bag for $10!

3 Holiday Market

PARK WINTERS. Find thoughtful gifts that are locally made. 12p–5p.

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Craft is Art Christmas Faire

YOLO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, WOODLAND. 12th Annual Holiday faire with 100 new & returning vendors. Breakfast & lunch available by Pot Belly Catering. Adult Christmas beverages available while you shop. Yolo County Fair Museum will be open @11a. 9a–4p. Free

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Jewelry Making Classes

a�er-school classes

A BETTER PLACE TO BEAD. Call to reserve a spot: Basic stringing, Dec 3; Pearl Leather Necklace, Dec 10; Sparkly Earrings, Dec 17. New location. 11a-1p.

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Davis Craft & Vintage Fair

CENTRAL PARK. Local artists & vendors sell their jewelry, baked goods, homemade crafts & other artisan items at this twice-a-month fair. 10a–4p.

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Gift Market: Gifts That Give Twice DAVIS COMMUNITY CHURCH. Gift that give back to artisans & causes. 10a–5p.

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7th Annual Davis Manor Winter Bazaar

DUKE & M STREETS. Locally made gifts & goods. 11a.

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Miridae Mobile Nursery

SUPER OWL BREWING. Miridae Mobile Nursery is a customized box truck that transforms into a curbside native plant shop. All of the profits support the science education nonprofit, Miridae Living Labs. 4p–7p.

FITNESS

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Free Yoga Fridays

ARROYO PARK. Rain or shine. All levels welcome. Every Fri, 10a–11a. Free

FESTIVALS & PARADES

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41st Annual Candlelight Parade & Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

DOWNTOWN DAVIS. Beginning at Davis Food Co-op @ 6p. Tree Lighting in E Street Plaza @ 6:30p. Musical Performances, movie screenings, Horse & Carriage Rides, Santa & Mrs. Claus til 8p. Free

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Woodland Tree Lighting

DOWNTOWN WOODLAND. Carols, Elf on a Shelf, tractor hay rides & more. "First Friday" & tree lighting. 5p. Free

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Winters Tree Lighting

DOWNTOWN WINTERS. Holiday Marketplace, kids’ activities, live entertainment from local school bands, Santa meet & greet, & annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. 2p–10p. Tree Lighting @ 6p.

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Winters Tractor Parade & Festival DOWNTOWN WINTERS. This year’s event includes a holiday marketplace, more family activities, costumed characters, live entertainment, food trucks & many more holiday surprises beginning @ 10a. Parade @ 6p.

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Fiesta en la Colmena

Z SPECIALTY FOOD / The HIVE. Experience Mariachi Bonitas, the Calpulli Tlayolotl Aztec dancers & the dazzling youth mariachi students perform. 12p–8p. $10–$25; Under 5, free

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Woodland Chamber of Commerce Holiday Parade

DOWNTOWN WOODLAND. Family favored event & 56th Annual Holiday tradition. Parade @ 3p.

JANUARY:

KELLY MOGILKA

Photo: Ashley Muir Bruhn

Explore the Downtown Davis art scene in this free, self-guided art walk each month. Check out these events & more at galleries, art studios & businesses in Davis.

The Artery, 207 G St., 6p-9p. The Artery Holiday Gift Show. The Artery is overflowing with gift ideas that are sure to make the season merry & bright. A variety of work will be on display by Artery members, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, wood work, glass, fiber art, gourds & more. They also have unique cards, decorations & ornaments to celebrate the season. (Pictured: L. Bezark, Gourds)

Pence Gallery, 212 D St., 6p-9p. Visit the Pence Gallery for the opening reception of two new art exhibits & shop in their annual Holiday Market. Myrtle Press Prints: Portfolio x 2 includes prints made through various processes by respected printmakers & the exhibit marks the first display of Myrtle Press’ invitational print exchanges in our region.

Flights of Fancy: Sculpture by Steven McGovney features whimsical animal & figurative sculptures made from clay, wire & colorful paint. Browse the Holiday Market for handcrafted items by 30+ local artists including soaps & candles, scarves, jewelry, original works of art & more. (Pictured: M. Rios, Chx)

Logos Books, 513 Second St., 6p-8p. Dawning Art. This is Rita Glazar Bunch’s first opportunity to exhibit her work! With fluid acrylic pour painting, paint is mixed or applied directly to the surface and then manipulated using different techniques to create original abstract work. The show’s title, Dawning Art, signifies an exciting new stage in her life and her artistic journey. (Pictured: R. Glazar Bunch, In Flux #4)

Arboretum Art Works, 17 Arboretum Dr, Ste G & H, 4p-7p. Arboretum Art Works is a working artist collective & they will be hosting an Open Studio Sale featuring nine of their artists. Also joining them is special guest Amy Teutemacher, a mixed media artist whose small works & original art cards are a must-see. (Pictured: C. James-Robinson, Gnomes & Trees)

The Davis Craft & Vintage Fair, E St. Plaza, 5p-9p. Visit the E Street Plaza during ArtAbout to shop from local artisans & vintage vendors. There will also be live music with Soul Posse from 6p-9p! (Pictured: Schiller Crafts)

FREE, MONTHLY, SELF-GUIDED ART WALK POP-UP ART SHOWS & LIVE MUSIC

Purple Tree Cafe, Hunt Boyer Mansion, 604 2nd St., 6:30p-8:30p. The Davis Hootenanny: Holiday Caroling Edition, Team Davis Singers & you! The Hootenanny is a disability-inclusive music event hosted by the Purple Tree Café. Meet at the Hunt Boyer Mansion for two hours of holiday caroling around downtown Davis. Bring your voice, your friends & your holiday spirit! (Pictured: Team Davis Singers)

FAMILY HOLIDAY CHECKLIST!

These

JOIN the annual children’s Candlelight Parade, starting at the Co-op, and march to the holiday tree lighting in the E Street Plaza. Look for Santa and Mrs. Claus, performances by local musical groups, horse-drawn carriages, and catch free showings of “Shrek The Halls” at the Varsity Theatre! Dec. 1.

SIP hot cocoa from one of our downtown cafes while on a holiday-windows walk. Let kids cast their vote for their favorite in the 11th Annual Decorating Contest, Dec. 1 thru Dec. 20. Scan the QR code in the window.

SHOP locally for others while participating in the Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt. Check out seasonal sales, like the Pence Holiday Market, one of the many participating businesses downtown while you search. Dec. 1 thru Dec. 20.

MEET Ebenezer and the rest of the cast after a performance of A Christmas Carol at the Davis Musical Theatre Co. Dec. 2 thru Dec. 4.

LISTEN to the Davis Chorale—with the Davis Youth Choir—in a concert tailored for the young & timed just after the Davis Farmers Market. Two performances, Dec. 3.

FILL a bag at the Friends of the Davis Library Sale. On day three, Dec. 4, you can hand over $10 & let the kids choose as many puzzles or books as they can carry in their sack.

VISIT the electric train display at the Davis Amtrak Station. There are interactive displays for kids alongside examples & history of such well-known Davis sites as the 1913 train depot, the Varsity Theatre, the Hotdogger & more. Saturdays thru Dec. 24 and Jan 7.

TASTE the season at the Davis Farmer’s Market. Kids especially love all the winter citrus. Tip: The Davis Farmer’s Cookbook has a recipe for candied peel, which make for festive holiday candy!

MAKE a gingerbread house—or decorate cookies—with a kit from Let Them Eat Cake.

DECORATE a wreath or wreathalternative—supplied by the Davis Downtown Business Association—to be displayed at participating businesses. Sign up in advance. Pick yours up Dec. 1 at the DDBA Office & return it by Dec. 5.

LOOK at holiday lights. The Davis Enterprise publishes a best-of list late in the month—ask your kids if they agree with the selections.

CELEBRATE "Noon Year" at Explorit. Kids can ring in the new year early with themed crafts & activities. Dec. 31.

GIVE. Donate toys or choose a family to sponsor. Many local churches & organizations set up donation options during the holidays, such as coat drives and giving trees from which they can choose names of individuals with needs to be met. The Davis Food Co-op, for example, is hosting a Toy Drive to support the Yolo County Children’s Alliance. The Co-op is also accepting monetary, clothing & dessert donations from the public for the Holiday Meal which feeds as many as 700 people in the community on Christmas Eve.

Other Yolo events? Make a special trip to Winters to see their Tractor Parade down Main Street. Head over to Dixon for Christmas-themed fun (like sleigh rides with Santa) at Silveyville. Or see Ralphie in A Christmas Story at The Woodland Opera House.

Tag us at #thedavisdirt to share your favorite moments!

are some of our favorite local ways to anticipate the holidays.

GIVING THE GIFT OF PLAY

As you’re looking for that just-right toy this season, consider this non-exhaustive guide to toys along a developmental pathway.

Erin Arnold, for The Dirt

Every day at Avid & Co., we get to help people pick out gifts for kids of all ages. But choosing the appropriate toy isn’t always straightforward. While specific age groups often share interests, individual developmental needs shift over a lifetime— even over a single day.

Play is the work of childhood and toys are tools to that end. Catching a ball, stacking blocks, “shh-ing” a sleepy baby doll, clicking-in the perfect puzzle piece, strategizing over a game board—these are ways children (and adults) expand their sensory and motor skills, their social and emotional worlds.

INTERMEDIATE SLOPE: PURPOSEFUL PLAYER (2 - 5 YEARS / PRESCHOOL AGE)

The “I Can Do It” stage of development is where toys-as-tools really get their moment. With pretend play blooming, expanding gross and fine motor skills, and a significant jump in the desire to work with others, these players have an ever-growing set of interests. They take toys with one obvious use and find unexpected alternatives—a rectangular block, after all, can be a sword or a tree or a bus. Major advancements in language and fine motor skills are paramount to this group.

Top Picks: Art Supplies, Pretend Play Kits & Dolls, Magnatiles, Picture Books

BUNNY HILL: SENSORY OBSERVER (0 - 12 MONTHS)

Exploring the world is the primary goal of this age group. Even when around others, these kiddos often prefer their own company—no one else can feel their blankie or hear a rattle’s tinkle for them. Look for novel tactile experiences and toys with high contrasting colors.

Top Picks: High Contrast Stroller Book, Soft Animal Lovie, Sing-Song Books

BEGINNER RUN: LITTLE SCIENTIST (1 - 2 YEARS)

With growing motor skills, this stage is full of trial and error, hypothesis and test. And then retest. And then one more time just in case. Players in this stage want to sort, fill, dump, push, and bounce. They will appreciate the shared wonder of their own brilliance: “I hide, they laugh. I throw that spoon on the floor, they pick it up.” What fun!

Top Picks: Push & Pull Toys, Shape Sorters, Floor Puzzles, Board Books

To do something well is great, but to belong is greater still. This last stage of the developmental play is about mastery and the collective value of contribution. When we pick a toy for this level of player we are letting them know that they matter to us and what they do matters to us.

The tools to help this journey may sound familiar to you, too, dear reader: they are jigsaw puzzles, board games of strategy and wit, intricate art kits, nostalgic stuffed animals, a novelty gel pen, or a really good novel. We are looking to be competent at what we do, be appreciated for our hard work, and to experience abundant joy, together. But, don’t overlook the solitary sensory play for this group—a good fidget toy will bring joy to practically anyone.

for the competition! These players don’t just want to know how things work, they want to make things and control them themselves. Top

Erin Arnold is the co-owner of Avid Enterprises, Inc. with her husband Brett. Her background in family therapy guides design and buying practices to be both developmentally appropriate and innovative. She also welcomes input from her own children—both of whom still love Magnatiles.