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EDITOR’S NOTE

•I hope this month brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a bit of hope in whatever you’re facing.

As the days get longer and the air starts to warm, we’re reminded that change, like the seasons, is inevitable. Whether we want it or not.

We can face that change with grumpiness and fear, which I hate to admit is more often than not my intrinsic response. Or, as a dear friend facing the worst the world has to offer told me, we can respond with integrity.

I’m really trying.

this month is a fantastic opportunity to explore the creativity that thrives in Davis and connect with local artists. Flip to the back of the paper for a QR code to the map, and hopefully I’ll bump into you somewhere.

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This month, we're also celebrating the beauty of resilience and adaptability. Through our challenges, we learn together is truly the only way to survive. So, let’s keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts with us, comment on our stories, and let’s make April a month of growth.

This month brings Picnic Day: one of our community’s most beloved traditions, and I can’t wait to see everyone come together for the activities, the fun, and of course, the wiener dog races.

And for those who appreciate art, the Davis Art Studio Tour happening

Thank you for picking up this issue. We appreciate you being a part of our community, and can’t wait to hear what you think.

HANNA NAKANO Editor & Publisher

@thedirt.davis @hannanakano

ABOUT THE COVER

Davis Farmers Market, quilted by Paula Jackson. Read more about Jackson and her Davis-inspired quilts on page 26.

DAVIS PICKS IT UP

COOL CUISINE: PLANTBASED EATING IN DAVIS 4 6 7 16 28 26 8 12

THE ULTIMATE PICNIC DAY GUIDE

SAC BALLET TO DAVIS

BOOK TOUR KICK OFF

APRIL EVENT GUIDE

THE FABRIC OF DAVIS

DAVIS ART STUDIO TOUR

The Dirt’s mission is to showcase Davis & Yolo county’s unique people, places & events, inspiring readers & promoting local arts, culture & community.

EDITOR + PUBLISHER HANNA NAKANO hanna@thedirt.online

COPY EDITOR JENNA MATSUBARA

EVENTS EDITORS HANNA NAKANO RYAN MCELHINNEY

FOOD EDITOR SANDRA VIOLET CLARK

LIFESTYLE EDITOR ASHLEY ARAX

DESIGNER KYLE DYER

ADVERTISING

JOSH ANWAY

WEBSITE SPADEFOOT STUDIOS

SOCIAL MEDIA ISABELLA HOLMES

Photo by: @hiandhellophoto

DAVIS PICKS IT UP

NATIONAL BOOK TOUR KICKS OFF IN DAVIS

DAVIS ART STUDIO TOUR

1

The Davis Art Studio Tour brings a weekend of inspiration and intimacy with its annual twoday, self-guided, free tour of the personal art studios of more than 40 Davisbased artists. Mark your calendar for April 12—13, it’s a can’t miss event.

Empowering women & girls—through dance. Learn the basics of Afro-Caribbean dance at Pamela Trokanski Dance Workshop April 22. The special class features gentle cardio and raises money for Soroptimist International of Davis.

Learn the techniques used to create beautiful art with charcoal. The Pence Gallery hosts a one-day intensive with artist Sophie Jorcino to learn value shading, texture techniques, sketching exercises, and more. April 20.

ADVERTISING: The Dirt is made possible by the support of local businesses. To reach an engaged audience of readers and support local arts & culture, email josh@ tinyminotaur.co to request a media kit.

Treat the little ones in your life to Breakfast with the Bunny at Odd Fellows Lodge April 19 for a parade, egg hunt, and carnival. Breakfast with the bunny starts at 9a, the parade starts at 10a.

Avid Reader hosts Brian Selznick in conversation with David Levithan to celebrate the release of Selznick’s latest novel: Run Away With Me. Run Away With Me is a stunning creation, weaving words & illustration to tell the story of a transformative love. April 16.

EDITOR’S PICKS

A curated selection of community events, art and music news, locally made products and more, hand-picked by The Dirt’s editorial team.

On stage at Woodland Opera House beginning April 18: The Prom follows a group of Broadway actors whose careers hit a rough patch. They take up the cause of a high schooler, banned from bringing her girlfriend to the prom in their small town—fighting for LGBTQ+ acceptance with their theatrical talents and star power.

CALENDAR LISTINGS &

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

Celebrate ArabAmerican Heritage Month with SyrianAmerican rapper & poet Omar Offendum, who will be joined by Palestinian multiinstrumentalist Zafer Tawil and DJ / Beatmaker Thanks Joey at the Mondavi Center April 24—25.

A night of jazz on April 11, as Seventime Grammy winner Terence Blanchard brings an unforgettable jazz experience to Jackson Hall as part of the FLOW 20th Anniversary Tour and the DSHS Jazz Choir celebrates their 50th Anniversary Golden Cabaret at Brunelle Performance Hall

CIRCULATION: The Dirt is distributed with local support. If you can provide a prominent distribution space, please email with subject line “Circulation.” We distribute 3,000 copies monthly.

Mountain Film Festival takes over Brunelle Performance Hall April 1—2, featuring award-winning films exploring adventure, environmental issues, & action sports.

ACCURACY: We do our best to fact-check, but events change. We suggest you call venues in advance of visiting.

Mrs. Krishnan is throwing a party like no other, and you’re invited! It’s a night of immersive theater and fun, where you’ll step into the back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s store (on stage at Vanderhoef Studio April 2). Laughter abounds as strangers become friends in this theatrical celebration of life.

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

Banff

THE DIRTʼS GUIDE TO PICNIC DAY

APRIL 12, 2025

by The Dirt

Picnic Day—one of the most storied days of the year in Davis for UC students and local families—is packed to the brim with hands-on activities all across campus. There’s a lot to see and do, from old favorites (like getting your water analyzed) to new adventures (tasting different types of coffee at the brand new UC Davis Coffee Center). Show up early or risk sweating it out in long lines to paint with maggots, eat liquid nitrogen sorbet, and watch the Doxie Derby.

Most Picnic Day events start at 9 a.m. and end before 5 p.m. The opening ceremony is

held at 9:30 a.m. in the UC Davis Quad, and the parade begins at 10 a.m. Feeling overwhelmed by all the activity options? Yeah, us too. We’ve poured through all the scheduled activities to help you curate your best Picnic Day itinerary. Here’s what we’re most looking forward to:

• Picnic Day Fashion Show; Events at 11a and 1p. Cruess Hall Courtyard.

DID YOU KNOW?

Picnic Day is the largest student run event in the country. It started in 1909 and is one of UC Davis’ most revered traditions and serves as the university’s annual Open House for prospective and current students & the community.

• Coffee: See, Smell, Touch, & Taste; 8:30a—1p. UC Davis Coffee Center.

• Meat Me in Davis! at the Meat Lab; 10a—3p. Cole Facility.

• Maggot Art; 9a—5p. Briggs Hall Courtyard.

• Tomato Plant Giveaway; 9a—1p. PES lawn.

• Strawberry Plant Giveaway; 9a—10:30a. PES lawn.

• Free Water Analysis; 8a—12p. PES Courtyard.

• Doxie Derby; 12p—2p, University Credit Union Center

• Liquid Nitrogen Sorbet; 8a—5p. Bainer Hall Lawn.

• Meteorologist Cosplay Greenscreen; 10a—4p. Hoagland Hall 124.

• The Science of Chocolate; 8a—3p. PES Building.

• Obstacle Course: Astronaut Training Session; 10a—10:30a. Hoagland Lawn.

• Glow in the Dark Space Tattoos; 10a—4p. Hoagland Lawn.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Start Picnic Day with another hometown tradition—the Davis Odd Fellows annual Pancake Breakfast! This tradition started in the 1950’s and has been going strong ever since, offering a meal of pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice, and sliced oranges for $5/person, reflecting prices from a generation ago. Kids under 5 eat free. Buy your ticket with cash at the door from 8a—10:30a. 415 Second Street, Davis.

• Archaeology and Printmaking; 9:30a—3:30p. Young Hall Lawn.

• Bug Doctor; 9a—5p. Briggs Hall.

• Glowing insects; 9a—5p. Briggs Hall.

• Pollinator exhibit; 9a—5p. Briggs Hall.

 PICNIC DAY FASHION SHOW

This year’s Picnic Day Fashion Show “Through the Looking Glass” blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. “[It] invites you to step into a world of whimsical creativity,” Sara Lindstrom, President & Executive Director of the Fashion and Design society at UC Davis, said.

The event showcases fashion created and executed by the 13 Department of Design undergraduate students in the Signature Collection course. The show is presented live outdoors at 11a & 1p. Tickets are $12—15; free standing room is available.

• Friendship Bracelets; 10a— 4p. Hoagland Lawn.

• Decorate a Flying Rocket; 10a—4p. Hoagland Lawn.

• Wood Car Painting and Racing; 10a—4p. Hoagland Lawn.

• Human Development and VR Media Lab; 10a—4p. Hoagland Lawn.

• Synth Petting Zoo sound experience; 10a—1p. UC Davis Sound Lab.

• Slime Time; 8a—4p. Lawn between Crocker Nuclear Laboratory & Bainer Hall.

• Laser Maze; 10a—2p. Kemper Hall.

• ImPeckable Chicken Showcase; 10a—4p. Hutchison Field.

• Frisbee Dog Contest; 10:30a—1:30p. Hutchison Field.

• Meet Bats with NorCal Bats; 10a—4p. Hutchison Field.

• Orphan Kitten Project; 10a—3p. Giedt Hall.

The UC Davis Design Museum in Cruess Hall will also be open from 12p—4p for Picnic Day attendants to view the exhibit “Visual Journals: 2010—2024”.

Check out every single scheduled Picnic Day activity here!

Images courtesy UC Davis Archives.

MAKE DAVIS SPARKLE

DPIU plays a key role in Make Davis Sparkle, a quarterly cleanup sponsored by the Davis Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City. The next one is Sunday, April 13th (the day after Picnic Day) from 8-9:30a. Expect a community-wide effort with volunteers from businesses, residents, & city departments!

WHEN TRASH HAPPENS, DAVIS PICKS IT UP

by Ashley Arax, for The Dirt

Picking up trash might seem like a small act, but for Davis Picks It Up, it’s the foundation for a successful community movement. DPIU is a grassroots volunteer group dedicated to keeping Davis streets, parks, and pathways clean. Now celebrating its four-year anniversary, DPIU has become a familiar presence around town— thanks to its signature yellow bags, friendly volunteers, and mission to promote a clean and safe environment.

It all began with longtime Davis resident Cathie Bullis, who noticed an increasing amount of litter on walks during the early days of the pandemic. She decided to take action. Armed with a trash picker and a bag, she began cleaning up her neighborhood. One day, a volunteer from Sacramento Picks It Up happened to see her, and their chance conversation inspired her to start a sister group. DPIU was born.

Now, with more than 600 members, the group has removed a remarkable 22 tons of trash from Davis streets, and counting. The litter itself tells stories— some funny, some strange. Among the weirder finds: a suitcase with a live lizard inside, rescued thanks to a biologist volunteering that day.

Volunteers work both independently and during group events, with many solo pickers taking care of neighborhood parks and walkways, allowing the group efforts to focus on hot-spots like the railroad tracks, Amtrak station, and downtown Davis. DPIU partners with other local groups to amplify its impact, and now collaborates with the City of Davis for trash pickup—volunteers can leave bags in designated locations for city crews to retrieve.

DPIU is also expanding its attention to schools. Bullis is working with Montgomery Elementary on a pilot cleanup event, with hopes of launching a broader schoolwide challenge that encourages students to take the lead on campus litter pickup and recycling education. The goal is to shift the culture from the ground up—empowering kids to care for their environment early.

“We went from the top down–parents to kids,” Bullis said. “Now we realize it is the kids we need to go to first. The kids just love it, they want to clean and want to do this.”

To get involved with DPIU and learn about upcoming cleanups, visit their Facebook page.

Images courtesy Davis Picks It Up.

PLANT-BASED DINING IN DAVIS

How members of COOL Cuisine vote with their wallets

by Alexandra Samirsakci, for The Dirt

In a college town full of fast-casual eateries, one group of “planet-friendly” diners have formed a coalition to seek out plant-based dining options and cultivate community. Their mission is many-fold—and you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to join.

“We are a welcoming community where you can come to dine, make new friends, and try new food that’s lower on the food chain,” founder Anya McCann told The Dirt

When McCann first moved to Davis, she expected a plant-based paradise. To her disappointment, she found few options for dining out and no restaurants that were wholly plant-based. She had a hunch it wasn’t due to a lack of demand, so she and a group of like-minded eaters took action. She introduced herself to restaurant owners in town, and if they had at least three plant-based options—bring an event to them.

“We go and spend our money to show them there is money to be made if they have more vegan food,” McCann explained.

This ‘vote with your wallet’ approach simultaneously introduces people to

unexpected plant-based dishes and supports local businesses. COOL Cuisine’s impact on the community isn’t just theoretical; there are notable success stories.

“I worked with the Sunday Sunrise Rotary Club to add a vegan sausage to their Oktoberfest event. In the first year they offered it, 15% of the people who attended ordered the vegan option.” The vegan sausage is now a permanent Oktoberfest menu item.

Many people dismiss plantbased eating because they think it would be too expensive or there isn’t enough protein—neither of which is true, according to McCann.

might actually slow or block the absorption of important nutrients.

Another barrier to entry is the belief that plant-based eating is all or nothing. It doesn’t have to be. Even small changes like eating less red meat or picking one day a week to eat plant-based can make a difference in your health and the environment.

Join COOL Cuisine’s next meet up!

Shabu Shack, April 8

If your concern is price, McCann argues it’s simply a matter of knowing where to look:

“Fresh vegetables can be expensive, but there are a lot of options in Davis like the night market, and if you go at the end of the farmers market they drop the prices.”

The idea that a plant-based diet isn’t a good enough source of protein has long been debunked. In fact, research shows red meat

“Often members will try something new that happens to be plant-based [and] realize, ‘Oh, this is food I eat anyway, and I could include it a little more in my diet.’”

COOL Davis has created a master list of partner-restaurants that serve a variety of cuisine options for the plant-based minded. If you’re craving Asian, Davis Noodle City or My Burma are safe bets. If Mexican is more your speed, Guads has a whole vegan/vegetarian section on their menu. Craving something comforting (and perhaps a little greasy)? Try Burgers and Brew’s Impossible Patty, or the multitude of vegan options available at Ike’s Love & Sandwiches. Go to coolcuisine.net for the full list.

Sacramento Ballet To Open Satellite School In Davis

by Hanna Nakano, The Dirt

The Sacramento Ballet has been a beacon of artistic excellence in Northern California for more than 70 years, delivering world-class performances, education, and outreach programs. Starting this fall, the Sacramento Ballet brings that excellence to Davis.

The Davis Arts Center, under director Sam King, has formed a partnership with the company to open a satellite school serving dancers in Davis. And they’re kicking off the partnership with a big community celebration.

The Davis Arts Center will host a performance from the Sac Ballet’s 2nd Troupe, plus some younger students, in their large dance studio on Saturday, April 26. The event will serve as a welcome back and as a way for the Sacramento Ballet to introduce their Summer intensive camps at the DAC and their Fall school schedule.

The Sacramento Ballet is the region’s only dance company to maintain a roster of professional dance artists. Unique among local arts organizations, Sacramento Ballet welcomes internationally renowned dancers and choreographers to live and create groundbreaking artistic works right here in Northern California.

The Davis Arts Center is located at 1919 F Street, Davis. Go to sacballet.org to read more about the Sacramento Ballet’s current class offerings. Welcome Back Performance April 26!

UC DAVIS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR ROCKO DELUCA SIGNS FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

Chancellor May has high praise for DeLuca as switch to the

Mountain West looms

by Bob Dunning, thewaryone.com

With a bold move to the Mountain West Conference just around the corner, UC Davis has announced that Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca has signed a five-year contract extension.

“I am honored to serve at such an incredible institution with tremendous leadership, student-athletes, coaches and supporters,” DeLuca said.

“Any success we have experienced over the last few years is a result of alignment, hard work and a shared commitment to excellence throughout our department and across the campus. The future of Aggie Athletics is a bright one and I look forward to working with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, fans and community as we continue to build upon our success.”

Since taking over the position from Kevin Blue in 2021, DeLuca has established a strong vision for Aggie Athletics, emphasizing academic and athletic excellence, student-athlete wellbeing and strategic growth.

The move to the Mountain West from the Big West Conference will become official on July 1, 2026 for all Mountain West sports except football.

Mountain West football would represent a step up to the Football Bowl Subdivision, the highest rung of college football.

While such a move seems certain, it would be costly with more money needed for added scholarships, stadium expansion and marketing, among other concerns. That, plus there would be a dramatic need for name, image and likeness support in order to compete at the next level.

With DeLuca’s signing, UC Davis has sent a clear signal that the athletic program is on the trajectory envisioned by Chancellor Gary May, who elevated DeLuca to the AD position four years ago.

Noted May, “Under Rocko’s leadership, our student-athletes have excelled on the field and thrived academically and in the community, embodying the essence of the term ‘student-athlete.’

Winner of The Wary One’s 11-Word Essay Contest:

Grandson,

3, after exercising for one minute, ‘I need a break.’

— KALLI LOUIS

Close observers of Aggie athletics, however, believe that football will soon be in the MWC as well.

Aggie football currently competes in the Big Sky Conference at the Football Championship Subdivision level.

“He has elevated our athletics program in so many ways and has been a tremendous partner to me and to our university leadership. Rocko’s commitment to excellence in all of his endeavors has left a lasting impression on our campus and beyond, and I look forward to continuing our work together for years to come.”

According to May and others, the move to the Mountain West Conference that DeLuca engineered will enhance UC Davis’ visibility and competitiveness while providing student-athletes with new opportunities at the highest levels of collegiate sports.

DeLuca also introduced “Ignite,” the department’s first comprehensive strategic plan,

laying a foundation for future growth in studentathlete development, competitive excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, personnel and revenue generation.

In the classroom, academic success has risen under DeLuca’s leadership, with the department recording a 93% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) in 2024, ranking among the top 10 nationally and establishing a program record.

In terms of athletic competition, UC Davis teams have captured 12 conference championships since DeLuca’s elevation to Director of Athletics in 2021, with 25 individual Aggies winning conference titles.

Financial growth and stewardship have also been hallmarks of DeLuca’s leadership since his arrival at UC Davis in 2016.

Ticket sales have increased by 108%, contributing to a 150% rise in football revenue,

while Olympic sports have seen a 140% revenue boost.

Additionally, annual fundraising has consistently exceeded goals, leading to the department’s budget growth to $50 million in fiscal year 2024.

These financial gains have supported significant investments in student-athlete services and facilities, including the $52 million Edwards Family Athletics Center, a $5 million addition of lights to Aggie Soccer and Dobbins Baseball Stadium, a $3.2 million Aquatics Team Center, and upgrades to softball, baseball and beach volleyball venues.

More than 650 Aggie athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports across five conferences, including the Big West, Big Sky, Big 12, MPSF and ECAC.

UCD athletes are enrolled in 71 different undergraduate majors.

Longtime Davis columnist Bob Dunning is a contributor to The Dirt because he believes in quality local journalism.

Rocko DeLuca (right) with long ago Aggie quarterback George Bonacich. Courtesy UCD Atheletics.

DAVIS FARMERS MARKET X THE DIRT

LOV FARMS: BERRY BOUNTIFUL

Three generations of love go into LOV Farms. The family has made the trip from Santa Maria to the Davis Farmers Market since 1999 to share their popular berries, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and more.

Omar Guerara, 34, runs the farm with his older brother Luis, 49, and their mother Virginia Cortez. Their first names are the initials LOV. The farm rebranded from Rancho La Familia when the third generation took over.

farming, and Omar manages the paperwork, farmers markets and wholesale sales. The men manage a crew of about 15 employees.

by Wendy Weitzel, for Davis Farmers Market

LOV goes to 11 farmers markets across the state. That’s down from 21 at its peak, when Virginia was in charge. Omar said he cut out a few of the markets that weren’t as profitable.

around 3 a.m. on Saturday. The market opens at 8. After closing at 1 p.m., traffic makes the drive home even longer.

Virginia’s parents started farming in Santa Barbara County at least five decades ago. In the late 1990s, she purchased her first 10 acres. Today, the farm has 50 acres, with three of them used for housing. In 2015, Omar purchased 10 of the farm’s acres.

These days, Virginia is semi-retired. She doesn’t go to the farmers markets much, opting to handle things in the background. Luis does more hands-on

But the Davis Farmers Market is one of the best, he said. “We built a great community there over the years. They know my mom and dad (Jose Luis Guerara) very well. They are truly grateful for what we’ve done. Some people have been supporting us from the start.”

To make the trek to Davis’ Saturday market, Omar and a farm employee leave Santa Maria at 9 p.m. each Friday. He and the staff member take turns sleeping and driving the five- or six-hour trip. They deliver to the Spork Food Hub in Davis at 2:30 a.m., then set up in Central Park

Omar said he’s developed a special relationship with his customers, and is always honest with them. Though they take pride in their strawberries and other berries being “the sweetest,” the taste can sometimes fluctuate. “I make sure customers know that if we had some rain, they’re not as sweet and won’t last as long. They appreciate the honesty.”

The farm has separate picking crews for farmers markets and wholesale, and “one person, just for strawberries.” It ensures they deliver the best quality produce.

With luck, LOV Farms will be around for generations to come. “We’re grateful to continue to be doing the business we are doing. Running a farm in California is one of the most difficult challenges you can have but, through perseverance, we can continue. … We hope to continue for many years.”

LOV FARMS

Products: apples, apricots, beets, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, chard, cherries, cilantro, dried beans, fennel, figs, green beans, kale, lemons, lettuce, onions, peas and sugar snap peas, persimmons, plums, raspberries, squash and strawberries. Farm location: Santa Maria Website: app.barn2door.com/9YRo3/all Facebook: www.facebook.com/LOVFarmsLLC/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/lovfarmsllc/

DAVIS FARMERS MARKET

Central Park, Fourth and C streets, Davis Saturdays: 8a–1p, year-round Wednesdays: 3–6p, October through April; 4–8p May through September for Picnic in the Park

Omar Guerara, back left, sorts strawberries at the Davis Farmers Market on March 8 as employee Dario Cruz sets them out. (Photo by Wendy Weitzel) Omar Guerara, left, and a LOV Farm employee Dario Cruz show off their “I (heart) Farmers Markets” temporary tattoos for a National Farmers Market Week event at the Santa Monica Farmers Market in August 2018. (Courtesy photo) Virginia Cortez is flanked by her sons Omar, left, and Luis at a farmers market in April 2019. (Courtesy photo) Employees work in a muddy field to check the kale and other produce at LOV Farm in Santa Maria in 2021. (Courtesy photo)

$20 IN DAVIS

A taco happy hour that lasts all day? Say no more.

by @mydaviscalifornia

This month, we’re highlighting El Patio, a downtown Davis spot that just got a fresh remodel—complete with a new bar. Thanks to a local tip, we found out about their incredible deals, and let’s just say this might be one of the most budget-friendly finds in town.

Here’s how to get the most for your $20:

Step 1: Go on a Tuesday or Thursday for $2 street tacos.

Step 2: Time your visit for happy hour, which (as of now) runs ALL DAY.

Step 3: Order from the happy hour menu, grab a drink, and enjoy a full meal without overspending.

We tested out two combos, and both delivered big on flavor and value.

OPTION 1: $17

El Patio Fries & Street Tacos

 El Patio Fries ($7) – Think loaded fries, but with a Mexican twist. Sour

cream, guac, and your choice of meat piled high on crispy fries.

Two Street Tacos ($4) – Simple, classic, and always a good move.

Draft Beer ($6) – Ice-cold and perfect with tacos.

OPTION 2: $17

Mulita Plate & Raspberry Margarita

 Mulita Plate ($7) – Like a tostada sandwich. Two crispy tortillas stuffed with meat and guac.

Two Street Tacos ($4) – Because one round isn’t enough.

House Margarita – Raspberry ($6) –Sweet, tart, and refreshing.

The Verdict

For a full meal under $20, El Patio’s happy hour is one of the best deals in town. The portions are generous, the flavors are on point, and the all-day happy hour makes it an easy win.

Want to see our review in real time? Head to @ mydaviscalifornia on Instagram, TikTok, or Youtube for the full video review and even more $20 finds in Davis. Let us know— would you spend your $20 here?

Raspberry margarita, courtesy El Patio's Instagram. Large El Patio fries, courtesy El Patio's website.

FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT FOR DAVIS AUTHOR JESSICA GUERRIERI

Book tour kicks off with Avid Reader

by Norafiqin Hairoman, for The Dirt

Jessica Guerrieri is living every writer’s wildest dream. After years of pouring her heart onto the page, pushing through hundreds of rejections, and wondering if her words would ever make it to bookshelves—Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is set to release May 13.

The novel, published by Harper Muse, is set to roll out with a major national tour—and it all begins in the place that means the most to her: Davis. Thanks to the Avid Reader.

This isn’t just a book launch for Guerrieri. It’s a full-circle, scream-into-a-pillow, somebody-pinch-me kind of moment.

“A lot of excitement. Nerves, but mostly just overwhelming joy,” Guerrieri told The Dirt. “I spent a lot of my life actively pushing down feelings, as is in my book, and so when I have these, like, exciting, happy feelings, I’m so thrilled to be able to feel them in real life.”

Avid Reader isn’t just a bookstore—it’s a literary landmark, a beloved indie book shop owned and operated by UC Davis

Cover of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.

graduates and best friends, Erin Arnold and Holly Snyder Thompson.

Under Arnold and Thompson, Avid Reader has become a destination bookshop and event host that has brought the most talented writers in the world to Davis. From Pulitzer prize winners like Richard Powers to superstars Shawn Harris and Mac Barnett, the infamous creators of The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom. And now: a debut, hometown author named Jessica Guerrieri.

“It’s just really exciting, honestly, to be able to be a resource for and facilitate local authors getting their books out,” Snyder Thompson told The Dirt. “We have such a wide range of events, from intimate in-store gatherings that feel like a family reunion, to something like this, where there’s going to be 300 people. They’re all important, and I think it’s really cool that Davis has such a wide base of authors.”

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is an unfiltered tell-all about motherhood, addiction, and identity—raw, vulnerable, and unwilling to shy away from the hardest truths.

“I am 11 years in recovery from alcoholism, so it is like a peek behind the curtain of mommy wine culture and what happens when you use alcohol as a coping strategy,” Guerrieri said.

The pandemic brought a different kind

of struggle—one that forced her to confront even deeper truths about herself.

“I actually started abusing other substances as a means of escapism, and I learned that I’m also an addict,” Guerrieri said. “For me, the hardest parts of the book are when I was writing in active addiction, and so I wanted to viscerally show what it looks like to be tormented by that.”

Some of the book’s most intense passages were written in real time, as she battled the very demons she was documenting.

“There are parts of the book that I was actually high when I was writing it, while not being the best mom that I could be, and so those parts are really hard to look back on and read,” she said.

So yes, this book is brutally honest—the kind of honesty that punches you in the gut and makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about the curated, Instagram-perfect version of motherhood.

But Guerrieri says she didn’t just write this book for herself. She wrote it for women who feel trapped, mothers drowning in expectations, and people who don’t see their struggles reflected honestly in books. And it wasn’t easy.

“I wish people recognized just how hard it is, that it genuinely is just riddled with rejection,” she said. “I’d like to share that this book, and in the process of it, I was rejected over a hundred different ways between agents and publishers.”

After years of persistence—and a UC Davis Maurice Prize for Fiction award under her belt—HarperCollins swooped in with a two-book representation deal and the kind of national push debut authors dream of. The press coverage is rolling in, the book tour is set, and readers are buzzing about the release.

But before the big-city events and

national exposure, there’s Davis.

“This has been really great. We’ve had a lot of lead time on this event, which is really great,” Snyder Thompson said. “It gives us the opportunity to actually be really deliberate and plan out what she wants the event to feel like.”

The official launch event will take place at Veterans Memorial Theatre in Davis May 22, where Guerrieri will be joined in conversation with New York Times bestselling author and Oprah’s Book Club Pick, Lara Love Hardin. Together, they will discuss the novel’s themes of motherhood, family, and addiction.

Each ticket includes a signed copy of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea is available for preorder at Avid Reader in store and online.

I spent a lot of my life actively pushing down feelings, as is in my book, and so when I have these, like, exciting, happy feelings, I’m so thrilled to be able to feel them in real life.

JESSICA GUERRIERI

Author Jessica Guerrieri.

Erin Arnold and Holly Snyder Thompson from Avid Reader.

Learn how to maintain your bike at the Bike Garage

A history of the Bike Campaign and what it’s doing today

Standing in front of Douglass Middle School in Woodland during after school pick-up, Bike Campaign founder Maria Contreras Tebbutt saw cars dropping off teenaged students were double and triple parked— and it didn’t sit well.

by Pamela

“The angry voices of parents yelling at their kids to hurry up could be heard from 50 feet away,” Contreras Tebbutt said. “Meanwhile, there were only eight bikes in the bike parking area.”

The Bike Campaign was founded soon after in 2011 to promote bicycling and bike education.

Eventually the Bike Garage came into existence as a source for quality used bicycles and basic bike repairs. The first location was at Douglass Middle School in Woodland, the Davis location came into being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

School was closed during the pandemic, and therefore the Woodland BG location.

“Phone and email inquiries wanting bikes and bike repairs increased sig-

nificantly while most bike shops were closed,” Tebbutt said. “The solution was to open a Bike Garage location on my driveway in Davis, taking appointments and wearing masks and gloves.

“We stayed very busy every Saturday morning with up to eight volunteers working in harmony and staying six feet away from each other.”

The Bike Garage’s move to the Cannery location happened after then-Mayor Gloria Partida stopped by the driveway for a bike repair one day.

“One thing led to another and with the early termination of the Center for Land Based Learning’s lease of the barn at the Cannery, which was triggering vandalism, break-ins and vagrancy, the City of Davis leased the small barn behind the big barn to The Bike Campaign in 2021,” Tebbutt said.

Over time, the main Cannery lease changed hands, reducing space for the Bike Garage and leading to the February 2025 move to a more central location in Davis at 606 Peña Drive #300.

With the new space comes the ability to expand the Davis Bike Garage’s

functions, including providing an on-going variety of education and bike celebration events throughout the year.

“Moving to our new location is showing us that there are a lot of people out there that want to know more about being a part of the biking lifestyle. There are many adults, and even more children, that do not know how to ride a bike,” Tebbutt said. “Most drivers are unfamiliar with the laws that are in place to protect bike riders, and bike riders need to learn bike etiquette towards pedestrians as well as their rights and responsibilities when participating in active transportation while on our streets, bike lanes and paths and sidewalks.”

The Bike Garage’s first Bike Maintenance Workshop will be Saturday, April 19 from 2p—4p at the Davis location. Attendees will learn how to fix a flat, maintain bike chains, check their brakes, and what the mysterious numbers of the sides of bicycle tires mean. Contact funmaria@sbcglobal.net to register; the cost is $20 per person, and children are welcome to attend with an adult.

The Bike Campaign, along with its counterpart, The Bike Garage, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2011 to help educate people about bicycling and encourage more people to ride their bikes. We work closely with city governments, county health departments, school districts, and community service groups. For more information visit thebikecampaign.org, or find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Thompson, The Bike Campaign, for The Dirt

Explore the Downtown Davis art scene in this free, self-guided monthly art walk. Exhibits are hosted by galleries, art studios & businesses in Davis.

ARBORETUM ART WORKS

17 Arboretum Dr, Suites G & H | 5:30p–7:30p. Visit with artists Thelma Weatherford, Cathie James-Robinson, Judy Catambay, Amy Teutemacher, and Mark Ellsberry.

THE ARTERY

207 G St | 6p–9p. The Artery Menagerie Explore a curated show of ceramic animal sculptures by 28 Northern California artists, including Artery Members & guests.

CREME DE LA CREME

222 D St, Ste. 6B | 5:30p–8:30p. Jane Rivar Art: Upcycled Garden Art. Jane Rivar’s work sources items from her local landfill, turning discarded items into building blocks to create eclectic, one-of-a-kind garden art pieces.

DAVIS ARTS CENTER

1919 F St | 5p–7p. Free Art Explorers: Family Open Studio. Drop-in with your friends & family and explore an array of different art materials. An adult must attend with at least one child, and children must attend with an adult.

DAVIS CRAFT & VINTAGE FAIR

E St Plaza | 5p–9p. Shop from arts, crafts, and vintage micro-businesses’ booths, plus free live music. Weather permitting.

JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY

521 1st St | 6p–9p. 30 Ceramic Sculptors. View the 39th annual gallery-wide 30 Ceramic Sculptors exhibition in conjunction with the California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts (CCACA).

LOGOS BOOKS

513 2nd St | 5p–7:30p. Photo Journalist Photo Show. View scenes from a life in photojournalism by Tom Martens, who has worked as a reporter, columnist, photographer and editor for newspapers, magazines, and websites for more than 15 years.

MABEL’S MARKET

222 D St, Ste. #1 | 5p–8p. The Nabis. Join for a reception for Jacob Llaurador Brody, whose symbolic and emotional photography is inspired by the Nabis movement and ties to his Jewish heritage. Enjoy refreshments and speaking with the artist.

THE PAINT CHIP

217 F St | 6p–8:30p. Final Paint Chip: Pioneer AP Art Student Show. Be inspired by art made by AP students from Pioneer High School in Woodland, CA. This is their final project for the school year.

PENCE GALLERY

212 D St | 6p–9p. Biophilia: Our Longing for Nature is a group show that reflects the artists’ love for living things and the natural world. Davis Art Studio Tour Exhibit showcases work by 45 artists participating in the tour. Flights of Fancy: Frankie Hansbearry & Marsha Elam features whimsical and imaginative ceramics. Watercolor by Joanne Andresen’s Watercolor Class is on display along the stairway. Enjoy complimentary wine.

SARA POST STUDIO/ART 26

231 G Street, #26 upstairs | 6:30p–8:30p. Come see a small working studio with in-progress and finished works on view. Enjoy art chat, refreshments, and a look at how mixed media artworks are made - paintings, collage, drawings, prints.

THIRD SPACE ART COLLECTIVE

17 Arboretum Dr, Unit C | 6p–9p. (Dis) continuity. Featuring work by Ro Mottsmith and Elyse Doyle-Martinez, this show explores the artists’ relationship to their mixed Mexican and American roots and how they influence how the artists move through the world today.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH

OF DAVIS

27074 Patwin Rd | 12p–1p. Muusic at Noon Free Concert. The Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento will present an eclectic program of vocal works, from Gilbert & Sullivan favorites. APRIL

2ND FRIDAY ARTABOUT

1. Clayton Thiel, John Natsoulas Gallery. 2. Jane Rivar, Creme de la Creme. 3. Magdalene Crivelli, The Artery. 4. Sara Post, Sara Post Studio/Art 26 (detail). 5. Thelma Weatherford, Arboretum Art Works (detail). 6. Linda Clark Johnson, Pence Gallery (detail). 7. Elyse Doyle-Martinez, Third Space.

THIS MONTH APRIL

ART

1, 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 22, 24, 28, 29

Davis Makerspace & Clothing Repair Cafe

MARY L. STEPHENS LIBRARY. Davis Makerspace is a community workspace for makers and builders, designers and inventors. A small assortment of tools will be available for use, and staff or volunteers will be on hand to provide some assistance. Supervised children are welcome. Mon. & Tue. 6p–8p; Thur. 9:30a–11:30a. Free

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Free Senior Open Studio

THE BARN STUDIO, WOODLAND. Sessions designed to foster creativity and encourage experimentation in an atmosphere of cultural exchange, conversation, encouragement, and freedom of expression. This session does not have formal instruction. Bring your own materials and supplies. 1p–3p. Free

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Free Youth Art Studio: AfterSchool Open Studio

THE BARN STUDIO, WOODLAND. Engage your child’s creativity in a supportive space where young artists explore 2D art techniques like charcoal, pastels, and paints. Sessions offer guided prompts and the freedom to pursue independent projects. For ages: Elementary + Middle (2nd–6th Grade). Tuesdays, 3:30p–5:30p. Free

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Drawing Club

DUNLOE BREWING. Every Tuesday, local creative people of all levels are invited to participate in the Drawing Club. Grab

a cold drink and surround yourself with other people who want to draw. You can bring your own materials, or work from the variety of materials that we provide from the free art supply pantry. 5p–10p. Free

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Knitting & Crochet Circle

MARY L. STEPHENS LIBRARY. Join on Tuesdays & bring a project to work on while visiting with your neighbors. 5:30p–7p. Free

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Free Youth Art Studio: Mini Open Studio

THE BARN STUDIO, WOODLAND. Bring your under-5 little ones to explore their artistic side and get messy at the Barn Studio! Arts activity stations will be available for you and your mini to discover together, encouraging materials exploration and developing motor skills. Advance registration encouraged. Materials are provided. Dress for mess. Wednesdays, 10a–11:30a. Free

3, 10, 17, 24

Sit, Stitch & Create

YOLO BRANCH LIBRARY. Do you enjoy crafting, sewing, quilting, knitting, crochet or other art forms? Bring a project to work on and come create with us. 1p–3p. Free

Opening Reception: Almond Blossom Kaleidos

GALLERY 625, WOODLAND. As an artist, Judy Lew Loose turns to nature and its surroundings for inspiration. In her watercolor paintings, she blends layers of triumphant colors, shapes and perspective with a pointillism technique. This is how she seeks to express the joy and wonderment that a child

sees with a Kaleidos of color and wondrous beauty in the smallest of details. 5:30p–8p. Free

4, 11, 18, 25

Art Explorers: Family Open Studio

DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Explore an array of different art materials, such as paint, oil pastels, and recycled materials. Supplies will be available to let your creative imagination run wild, but you are welcome to bring your own! An adult must attend with at least one child, and children must attend with an adult. Art Explorers: Family Open Studio is FREE every 2nd Friday for ArtAbout. 5p–7p. $5

5, 6, 12, 13

Pottery Night Out

DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Want to try pottery but hesitant to go alone? Join us for Pottery Night Out! This single day wheel throwing workshop is designed to be enjoyed with a pottery partner–whether it’s a loved one, family member, or friend. Spend a fun and creative evening getting hands-on with clay and exploring something new! Perfect for both beginners and those with prior wheel throwing experience. 4p–6p. $75 per duo

5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Art Spark

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Drop in to experiment with new materials, make art with others, and express yourself. 1p–4p. Free

6

Collage Craze!

DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Unleash your creativity and explore the endless possibilities of collage art! Students will dive into the crazy collage chaos, learning how to rip, tear, and combine recycled materials to create unique and imaginative designs. All

for the latest listings & more thedirt.online

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

materials will be provided, and by the end of the workshop, students will take home a collection of collaged masterpieces & a deeper appreciation for collage! 10a–12p. $35

Make & Take: Chinese Water and Ink Painting

PEREGRINE SCHOOL, SOUTH. In this class, participants will learn basic elements of Chinese painting and calligraphy. They will spend time learning basic strokes while painting their choice of still life and writing Chinese characters with a traditional Chinese brush. The benefits of practicing Chinese calligraphy and painting include improving fine motor skills, a source of relaxation and stress relief, and a form of meditation and connection with nature. 10a–12p. $25

9, 23

Figure Drawing at the Pence PENCE GALLERY. This group is for both experienced artists and amateurs to have an opportunity to draw from the nude model. If you have never drawn from a live model before and would like to join us, you are very welcome! People of all skill levels, ages 18 and up, are welcome and encouraged to join. Register online at pencegallery.org. 6:30p–9p. $15–22

11

2nd Friday ArtAbout

DOWNTOWN DAVIS. Check out art receptions, pop-ups, open studios, live music, and more at 10+ venues for the artwalk in downtown Davis & beyond. This is a great free event to enjoy with friends and family each month. Hours vary between venues. 5p–9p. Free

11

2nd Friday ArtAbout at the Pence Gallery

PENCE GALLERY. Join us for our 2nd Friday ArtAbout reception, browse a variety of art exhibits, and enjoy complimentary wine. Shows on display include the group show Biophilia: Our Longing for Nature, the Davis Art Studio Exhibit, Flights of Fancy by Frankie Hansbearry & Marsha Elam, and Watercolor by Joanne’s Watercolor Class. 6p–9p. Free

11

2nd Friday ArtAbout Artist

Reception at The Paint Chip THE PAINT CHIP. Come meet & be inspired by the AP Art students from Pioneer High School, Woodland. View the exhibit April 1-30, 2025. 6p–8:30p. Free

11

2nd Friday ArtAbout reception: Tom Martens

LOGOS BOOKS. View the Photo Journalist Photo Show by Tom Martens, who has worked as a reporter, columnist, photographer & editor for newspapers, magazines & websites for more than fifteen years. He is an award-winning outdoor writer for stories that have appeared in newspapers & magazines. You can meet Tom Martens at his 2nd Friday ArtAbout reception. 5p–7:30p. Free

Intuitive Painting with Cara Gregor

THE BARN STUDIO. Intuitive painting is a creative practice that encourages openness and acceptance in the flow of our unique creativity on canvas. This class is your opportunity to play with acrylic paints, experiment with different tools, and even incorporate mixed media as your creativity takes shape. Some materials are included. There is an option to purchase a supply kit for $25 with your ticket. Learn more at yoloarts.org/the-barn-studio/. 2p–4p. $39.19

12, 13

Davis Art Studio Tour

VARIOUS STUDIO LOCATIONS. The Davis Art Studio Tour is a free two-day, self-guided tour of the personal art studios of more than forty Davis-based artists. The tour highlights the artwork and creativ-

ity from a wide range of artists from the community. Learn more and view the map at www.davisopenstudios.com. 10a–5p. Free

16

Photography Club of Davis Workshop BLANCHARD ROOM of DAVIS LIBRARY. Guest speaker and award-winning photographer, Sam Shaw, will present two compelling topics. “Twilight Zone and Beyond” explores the artistry of photography during the captivating hours between sunset and sunrise. “Journey into AI” offers a concise and engaging introduction to artificial intelligence, delving into what it truly is–and what it is not. The free workshop is open to the public. Information about the Photography Club of Davis is at https://photoclubofdavis.wordpress.com 7:10p–8:45p. Free

18, 19, 20

Handbuilding Sculptures

DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Come build your very own sculptural vessel with the coil-building technique in this multi-day workshop! Explore the intersection between form and function while learning the basics of coil building. Students will leave the workshop with an understanding of coil-building techniques and 1-2 vessels to decorate your home or give away as gifts. Price includes clay, access to tools, and firing. Final pieces will be available for pick-up a few weeks after the workshop ends. 10a–1p. $200

18, 25

The Process of Writing: Fiction Workshop

THE BARN STUDIO, WOODLAND. Whether you’re thinking of sending your work out to literary journals, querying agents, or applying to residencies, fellowships grants, or MFA programs, a workshop can catalyze your revision. Due to the workshop structure, this class will run with a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 12 writers. Each participant will need time outside class to read & mark up the week’s stories and write a short response for each submitted story (guidance will be provided). 4-week workshop on Fridays, April 18–May 9. 5:30p–8p. $348.65

Beginning Charcoal Drawing

PENCE GALLERY. Learn the basics of charcoal drawing with Sophie Jorcino! In this one-day workshop, you will learn value shading, texture techniques, & sketching exercises, all while learning to use different charcoal materials that are included with the class fee. This workshop is open to everyone ages 16 and up–no art experience required. 11:30a–3:30p. $75–90

22

Healing Arts One-Time Workshop

PENCE GALLERY. Part of the Pence’s Healing Arts Program and run by facilitator Amy Vidra, this one-time, 90-minute art workshop focuses more broadly on a theme related to depression, anxiety, or major life changes. Connect with others through the process of art making. Registration is required in advance at pencegallery.org. 2p–3:30p. $5–10

25

Pence Gallery Reception

PENCE GALLERY. The Pence Gallery is hosting a public reception in conjunction with the 2025 California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts (CCACA) by the John Natsoulas Gallery. This is a free event at the Pence, and visitors can enjoy browsing our art exhibits & complimentary wine. 6p–9p. Free

ART SHOWS:

CONTINUING

APR 4–APR 28

The Artery Menagerie, A Curated Show of Ceramic Animal Sculptures

THE ARTERY. The Artery presents The Artery Menagerie in conjunction with CCACA, the ceramic sculpture conference at the Natsoulas Gallery. The invitational exhibit of animal sculptures features 28 Northern Califor-

nia ceramic artists. Many of these artists competed in our previous California Clay Competition. Wesley Wright, a speaker at the CCACA, is also represented in the show. Free

APR 10–MAY 1 (Dis)Continuity

THIRD SPACE ART COLLECTIVE. (Dis) continuity by Ro Mottsmith and Elyse Doyle-Martinez explores the artists’ relationship to their mixed Mexican and American roots and how they influence how the artists move through the world today. When two cultures collide, there are some things we hold on to, some things we lose, and some things we choose to change. In this show, the artists reflect on their personal journeys of understanding their roots and how they navigate the present. 4p–8p.

APR 11–JUN 4

Biophilia: Our Longing for Nature

PENCE GALLERY. Artists for millennia have reflected upon nature as the inspiration & subject of their work. Our affiliation with animals, plants, and the wild spaces of our world is defined as ‘biophilia,’ or love for living things. Participating artists include Elaine Bowers, Patrick Cosgrove, Mark Goudy, William Ishmael, Carol Jenkins, Linda Clark Johnson, Qinqin Liu, Liza Riddle, and Marsha Schindler. 11:30a–5p. Free APR 26–MAY 3

The Fabric of Davis Quilted Art Show

DAVIS ARTS CENTER. A whimsical tour of local Davis landmarks is captured in Pauline Jackson’s delightful quilted paintings. Join for a reception with the artist on May 3 from 3p–6p. 10a–6p. Free

THRU APR 5

Working Through It:

Women and Their Art

JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. This exhibit offers a historic and contemporary survey of many of the most important women artists who have broken major ground in their fields over the years. Don’t miss this unique exhibition featuring work of over 40 incredible artists. Free

THRU APR 20

Davis Art Studio Exhibit

PENCE GALLERY. The annual Davis Art Studio Tour (DAST) returns for a fresh, springtime opening the weekend of April 12–13, from 10a–5p. This free tour is open to all and includes 45 participating visual artists, in media ranging from woodworking, ceramics, and jewelry, to painting, photography, and sculpture. Enjoy a preview exhibit of their work at our annual display at the Pence, and plan your trip! Free maps of the studios are available at the Pence as well. Please visit www.davisopenstudios. com for more information. 11:30a–5p. Free

THRU APR 25

Visual Journals: 2010-2024

UC DAVIS DESIGN MUSEUM. An engaging exhibition, which brings together visual journals belonging to students who participated in the UC Davis Design study abroad program. 12p–4p. Free

THRU APR 27

Flights of Fancy: Frankie Hansbearry & Marsha Elam

PENCE GALLERY. Hansbearry & Elam are Sacramento-based artists whose ceramics explore whimsical and imaginative themes. In their figurative works, reality flies out the window to reveal anthropomorphic characters, interesting faces, and tales with a twist that hold up a mirror to human nature. 11:30a–5p. Free

THRU MAY 5

Ruby Neri: Taking the Deep Dive MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. An established voice in contemporary ceramics, Neri sculpts brightly colored personal motifs and uninhibited female nudes–playing with familiar forms and monumental scale to challenge our expectations. Curated by Ginny Duncan, curatorial assistant. Free

THRU MAY 5

Light into Density: Abstract Encounters 1920s–1960s MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Start with dedicated art lovers and philanthropists Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem. Add 15 works from their collection by world-renowned artists – including Salvador Dalí, Vassily Kandinsky, Joan Miró and Francis Bacon. Top off with 30 UC Davis undergraduate and graduate students studying studio art, art history and design. Free

THRU JUN 22

Through Their Eyes: Selections from the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Collection

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. This exhibition brings together painting, photography, sculpture and video by some of the most prominent artists working today, as well as rising new voices. Spanning 45 years of art making, Through Their Eyes spotlights the world as experienced by 30 fiercely original and groundbreaking women artists, and is the first presentation of the renowned collection in the United States. Free

BOOKS & TALKS

3, 17

Poetry Night Reading Series

JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. First & third Thursdays. Each reading contains two featured poets followed by an open mic. 7p. Free

4, 11, 18, 25 Tales for Tails

MARY L. STEPHENS LIBRARY. Read to a therapy dog! For ages 5-12, in the Children’s Activity Room. Sign up for a 10-minute reading slot at the Children’s Desk on the afternoon of the program, no prior registration. 3p–4:30p. Free

Sacramento Noir Event

CAPITOL BOOKS. Featuring contributors TBA. 2p–4p. Free

Transforming Health: The Science of Preventing and Reversing Chronic Disease

MARY L. STEPHENS LIBRARY. Come hear Dr. Don Forrester, renowned physician & lifestyle medicine expert, in a dynamic presentation on how chronic diseases can be prevented, stabilized, and reversed using science-backed, plant-based nutrition. Vegans and Veg Curious of Davis. 6p–8p. Free

Music Forum: Eva Silot Bravo

EVERSON HALL, ROOM 266. An educator with 14 years of experience, Afro-Cuban female author Eva Silot Bravo is an interdisciplinary and independent scholar, former diplomat & international negotiator in the United Nations, representing Cuba and developing countries. The focus of her presentation is her recently published non-fiction academic book: Cuban Fusion: The Transnational Cuban Alternative Music Scene, on Cuban music and transnationalism. Surveying the impact of Cuba’s economic crisis after the demise of the Eastern socialist bloc, Silot Bravo’s book documents a relatively unexplored transnational network of collaborations among Cuban musicians who migrated to many different countries from the 1990s forward. 4:10p–6p. Free

10, 24

Storytime at Pioneer Park PIONEER PARK. Every 2nd & 4th Thursday for a morning of stories & songs. For ages 3-6. Weather permitting. 10a. Free

Graphic Novel Authors Talk with Briana Loewinsohn and Thien Pham

MARY L. STEPHENS LIBRARY. Briana Loewinsohn, author of Ephemera: A Memoir and Raised by Ghosts, and Thien Pham, author of Family style: Memories of an American from Vietnam, will be in conversation about making comics. 2p–3p. Free

Author Talk: Brian Selznick and David Levithan

AVID READER. Avid Reader is honored to host Brian Selznick in conversation with David Levithan in celebration of the release of Selznick’s latest novel, Run Away With Me, a stunning creation that weavies words & illustration to tell the story of a transformative love. 7p–8p. $10

Claudia Krich on Those Who Stayed: A Vietnam Diary

MARY L. STEPHENS LIBRArY. Author Claudia Krich will deliver a book talk, Those Who Stayed: A Vietnam Diary, in the Blanchard Room. The event is free and open to the public. 6p. Free

COMMUNITY

1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25, 29

English Conversation Group

MARY L. STEPHENS LIBRARY. A conversation group to practice English in a fun

and relaxed way with help from a group facilitator. Drop in visitors welcome. Tue. at 6p, Thu. at 1:30p, Fri. at 9:45a. Free

2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30

Davis Genealogy Club Library Hours

DAVIS SENIOR CENTER. This group assists and maintains the Senior Center’s extensive Genealogy Library, and in addition, hosts monthly lectures and meetings. During library hours, members are available to assist you with accessing research materials. Computer access is also available in the library for research purposes. 11:30a–2p. Free

2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30

The Bike Garage Open Hours: Davis Location

BIKE GARAGE, DAVIS. Volunteer organization with mechanics who will repair your bike! Interested in becoming a volunteer? No experience necessary. We also sell quality used hybrid, town, vintage, road, mountain, and kids bikes. We accept cash, Venmo, and Paypal donations. Sat. 8a–12p, Wed. 1p–5p. Free

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Mantra Meditation

DAVIS COMMUNITY CHURCH. We will practice 3 simple techniques that you can continue to practice at home on your own. This includes deep breathing, a technique using beads (Japa meditation), and music (Kirtan). 6p–7:30p. Free

PTDT’s 40th Anniversary Open House

PAMELA TROKANSKI DANCE THEATRE. We are celebrating 40 seasons of dance in Davis & everyone is invited to join the celebration! Come see our gallery of costumes, photos, and props. We’ll also have 40 years of video clips, a photo booth (have your picture taken with Fabio), light refreshments, and dance performances. 3p–6p. Free

5, 12, 19, 26

The Bike Garage Open Hours: Woodland Location

BIKE GARAGE, WOODLAND. Volunteer organization with mechanics who will repair your bike! Interested in becoming a volunteer? No experience necessary. We also sell quality used hybrid, town, vintage, road, mountain, and kids bikes. We accept cash, Venmo, and Paypal donations. Sat. 9a–12p. Free

5, 19

West Sacramento

Gardening Q&A Desk

LOWES, WEST SAC. The UCCE Yolo County Master Gardeners Questions & Answers Desk is open at Lowes on the first & third Saturdays of the month. Led

by Master Gardener Janet Branaman and open to the public. 10a–12p. Free

6

12th Annual Cesar Chavez Citywide Bike Swap

CÉSAR CHÁVEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Come join us for our 12th annual Citywide Bike Swap! At the CCE Bike Swap you can... BUY A BIKE...great deals on used bikes and accessories for kids and adults! DONATE A BIKE...CCE receives 100% of the sale price, which is tax deductible. SELL A BIKE… we’ll try to sell your bike for you. If we do, CCE receives 25% of the sale price, which is tax-deductible, you keep the rest. Drop off bikes for donation or for consignment either the day before the sale (Saturday, April 5) between 3p–6p, or on the day of the Bike Swap between 7a–9a. For more info or questions, email us at davisbikeswap@gmail.com or visit our website: www.davisbikeswap.org. 9a–3p.

6 Davis

Women’s Circles (on Mental Load of Mothering)

CANNERY FARMHOUSE. Are you craving connection and community with other like-minded women? Are you yearning to integrate more beauty, rest, and joy into your life? Do you wish you could slow down, be pampered, and explore aspects of motherhood? If yes, our women’s circles are waiting for you. Register in advance; sliding scale available. 3p–5p. $30

7 Death Cafe

DAVIS COMMUNITY CHURCH, FIRESIDE ROOM. We gather monthly to increase awareness of death with a view toward helping people make the most of life. The gathering is a simple time of conversation - no agenda, just a relaxed place to speak about death. Free of charge. No registration required. We DO provide tea and cake! Bring your own mug. 10a–11:15a. Free

7, 14, 21, 28

Anticipatory Grief Support Group

YOLOCARES, ZOOM. Whether you’re a patient, a family member, or close friend, this support group is designed to help you process what you’re feeling, find companionship and perspective from others, and find a pathway forward with dignity and even hope for a meaningful parting and transition to the next stage of your journey. 6p–7p. Free

7, 14, 21, 28

Sweet Peas Pod Support Group 2121 2ND ST SUITE 101A, DAVIS. Join our Monday Morning Support Group for pregnant moms, parents, or caregivers, with

babies up to 6 months old or non-walking. Whether you need guidance, connection, or a moment to breathe, you’ll find a COMMUNITY ready to support you. 9a–10a. Free

Mac Computer Group for Seniors DAVIS SENIOR CENTER. The Mac Users discussion group can assist you with learning about the latest technology and gaining advice from others in the community. 2nd Tuesday of each month. 6:30p–7:30p. Free

10

Davis Hiking & Backpacking Club “Trail Talk Social”

SUDWERK BREWING CO. Share your latest adventures, swap tips, and socialize with a group of adults and parents from the greater Davis CA community who enjoy hiking and backpacking. New members welcome. 7p–9p. Free

12

Picnic Day

UC DAVIS. Picnic Day is one of UC Davis’ most revered traditions and serves as the university’s annual Open House for prospective and current students, families, alumni, staff, faculty, and the greater Davis and regional communities. It is one of the largest student-run events in the nation, offering a wide variety of activities such as animal events, exhibits, live music, food, and more. 9a–5p.

12

Picnic Day at the Manetti Shrem Museum

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Welcome to Wonderland! Embrace creativity, wonder & fun on UC Davis Picnic Day by making sure to include a stop at the Manetti Shrem Museum. Experience all that our always-free museum has to offer, including art exhibits, craft activities, and live music by DJ Lady Char starting at 1p. 10a–5p. Free

12 Black Maternal Health Week Event

DAVIS VETERANS MEMORIAL THEATER. Communicare+Ole Health Centers is hosting our 4th annual Black Maternal Health Week event. The program includes light refreshments, tabling by local community organizations, a viewing of the documentary Birthing Justice, followed by a Q&A panel discussion with Black maternity care professionals & audience. The film addresses the impact of racism on disparate outcomes for Black families & provides a mandate with examples for change. 2p–6p. Free

13

Sacred Space: A meditative gathering offering space to simply be.

DAVIS COMMUNITY CHURCH. Come on Second Sundays for a gently guided time to meditate, to simply be, and to care for your soul in community. It is especially geared to those who wish space to breathe, listen, and rearrange their inner lives in a busy & frenzied world. Light a candle, meditate, journal or simply sit in the contemplative music and breathe. Tea & refreshments follow the meditation. 9a–9:30a. Free

13

Make Davis Sparkle after Picnic Day Litter & Trash pick-up Event

US BIKE HALL OF FAME. Please join us for this partnering event. The Chamber of Commerce with the City of Davis, Downtown Davis, and Davis Picks It Up are having a clean up the morning after the Picnic Day. If you are interested, please sign up at www.davischamber.com/ make-davis-sparkle.html. 8a–9:30a. Free

13 Bike Tune Up Workshop

PEREGRINE SCHOOL, SOUTH. Bring your bike & any repair tools you want to learn how to use, and learn the basics of bike care. In this workshop we will go over basic tools, regular home maintenance, how to change a flat tire, lube the chain, basic tune up points, and what to stock in your saddle bag for repairs while riding. 10a–12p. $35

The Forge Men’s Group: Drum Circle WOODLAND, CA. The Forge Men’s Group is hosting a drum circle. All skill levels are welcome. We will have extra drums for those that don’t have any. Join us to let out some primal energy and have fun around the fire. 6p–8p. $10

The Village Heart - an Evening of Authentic Connection

THE OAKENSHIELD COTTAGE. Join us for an evening of heart-to-heart connection, where we go beyond the surface & dive into the essence of our shared humanity. Whether you are seeking to make new friendships, deepen existing relationships, or just explore new ways of connecting, The Village Heart offers a space for curiosity & exploration. Each participant is free to choose their level of engagement at all times and opt out of any exercise. Space is limited and early registration is recommended at www. kirstenelise.com/connect. 7p–9:30p. $25–$35

Breakfast With the Bunny ODD FELLOWS LODGE. Join the Easter Bunny at the Davis Odd Fellows Lodge for breakfast, a parade, an egg hunt, creative play, and a carnival! All event proceeds go to the Davis Encampment Campership Fund. The benefit fund provides pool passes, camping excursions, Explorit passes, and other experiences for underprivileged children throughout our community. 9a–12p. $15

Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop

BIKE GARAGE, DAVIS. Workshop limited to 10 people, email funmaria@ sbcglobal.net to register. 2p–4p. $20

Lip Balms and Body Butters to Nourish Your Skin

PEREGRINE SCHOOL, SOUTH. Using ingredients you can easily pick up at your grocery store, we will make a lip balm that is better for you and better for your wallet than the ones you can buy premade. We will also make a moisturizing body butter. Please bring a towel & washcloth for your facial, and a cup for some tea which we will have ready for you at the start of class. Ages 9 & up. 3:45p–5:15p. $45

Mainstage Customer Appreciation Day

MAINSTAGE DISPENSARY. Free lunch with an in-store purchase every last Friday of the month! 12p–5p.

Davis Yololab Repair Cafe

MARY L. STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. The Repair Cafe encourages the repair and reuse of goods. Bring your broken electronics, furniture, and small appliances. Davis Yololab volunteers will assist with the repair process. 10a–1p. Free

Kitten Shower

MARY L. STEPHEN LIBRARY. Please bring a needed donation item. There will be information demos, kids crafts, kitten name suggestions, kitten adoptions & possible sneak peeks. Donations needed include: Kitten milk replacement, small nursing bottles, kitten food, SnuggleSafe heating pads, non-clumping litter, small litter pans, cat nail clippers, bottles-PetAg nursing kits, the miracle nipples, fleece blankets, baby shampoo. 2p–4p. Free

Beitna

A Gathering for Arab Heritage, Culture and Solidarity

Sunday April 13, 2:30- 6:30 PM

International House Davis

10 College Park, Davis, CA

Join us for Arab American Heritage Month at Beitna: A Gathering for Arab Heritage, Culture, and Solidarity. Beitna, meaning “our house” in Arabic, offers art displays, cultural performances, poetry readings, food, and crafts, highlighting the richness of Arab culture.

Learn more and FREE RSVP: bit.ly/beitnadavis

27

Davis Women’s Circles (on The Red Thread, Our Maternal Lineage) CANNERY FARMHOUSE. Are you craving connection and community with other like-minded women? Are you yearning to integrate more beauty, rest, and joy into your life? Do you wish you could slow down, be pampered, and explore aspects of motherhood? If yes, our women’s circles are waiting for you. Register in advance; sliding scale available. 3p–5p. $30 30

Day trip: Eleven Roses Ranch

ELEVEN ROSES RANCH, CLEAR LAKE. Spend an all-American country day at Eleven Roses Ranch in Clear lake. Starts with refreshments and music, followed by a brief talk to learn about the history of the ranch. Enjoy a traditional chuckwagon barbecue, complimentary Lake County wines, and a narrated wagon tour. There will be an optional walk partway through the ride. End the day with some free time to explore the grounds or play a game of cornhole or horseshoes. Register at https://davistravelaires.org. 8:30a–5p. $148

FITNESS

1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29

Beginning + Intermediate Tai Chi Classes

DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Tai chi (太极) is an ancient Chinese martial art that is practiced for health & self-defense purposes. It is a type of moving meditation in which breathing is coordinated with a series of fluid movements and postures. Tina’s class covers the simplified tai chi chuan 13- and 16-forms. This class is suitable for beginners. First session is free! 10a–11a.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Free Circuit Training Monday ARROYO PARK. Rain or shine, hosted by Happy Heart Yoga. This all-levels class is appropriate for both experienced and non-experienced participants. Meet near the Basketball Courts. BYO mat and water. 9a–10a. Free

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Intermediate + Advanced Tai Chi Class

DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Tai chi (太极) is an ancient Chinese martial art that is practiced mainly for physical and mental health purposes. It is a type of moving meditation in which breathing is coordinated with a series of fluid movements and postures. This class is for more advanced students and covers the Yang Style 42- and 48-forms. Drop-ins welcome. First class is free! 10:15a–11:15a.

3, 10, 17, 24

Dance Fitness Classes for Adults

DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Find your joy in movement! Dance fitness classes offer a dynamic, easy, & fun way to maintain physical and mental health. Tina creates original, easy-to-follow choreography incorporating low-impact movements from ballet, jazz, hip-hop, Latin, Bollywood, Zumba, martial arts, kickboxing, & more. No dance experience is required. Dropins welcome. First class is free! 11a–12p.

4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28

Beginner Tai Chi

WOODLAND COMMUNITY CENTER. Tai chi (太极) is an ancient Chinese martial art that is practiced for health and self-defense purposes. It is a type of moving meditation in which breathing is coordinated with a series of fluid movements and postures. Your instructor, Tina Duan, is a tai chi expert who trained as a professional in China. Dropins welcome. First class free! 8:45a–9:45a.

5, 12, 19, 26

Yoga with Kaia Fit at The HIVE

THE HIVE, WOODLAND. Enjoy monthly yoga in our pollinator garden. Connect breath, body and mind during this hourlong class. After class, each participant receives a refreshing glass of California Pomegranate Honey Hibiscus Cooler or a sparkling mead beverage. 5-class series or drop-in. 10a–11a. $25–110

7, 14, 21, 28

Dance Fitness Classes for Seniors

WOODLAND COMMUNITY CENTER. Dance fitness classes offer a dynamic, easy, and fun way for seniors to maintain physical and mental health. Tina creates original, easy-to-follow choreography incorporating low-impact movements from ballet, jazz, hip-hop, Latin, Bollywood, Zumba, martial arts, kickboxing, and more. No dance experience is required. Drop-ins welcome. First class is free! 10:15a–11:15a.

7, 14, 21, 28

Children’s Kung Fu Class DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Learning and practicing kung fu moves feel like playing! Tina creates an inclusive environment for her kung fu students because the focus is on self-improvement, not competition; rather, each child works toward a set goal at their own pace. There is no sparring. Students have fun using their “angry face” while punching, chopping, and kicking (the air). First class is free! 3p–4p.

7, 14, 21, 28

Align & Flow Yoga

DAVIS SHAMBHALA MEDITATION CEN-

TER. Enjoy a 75 minute align & flow class with Jeanne. All classes begin with a meditation and invite mindful movement through attention to breath and physical alignment. 5:30p–6:45p. $15 (cash or venmo only)

FOOD & DRINK

Live Music & Food Truck

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. Join us for a night of great music brought to you by the Mr. Q Band & food by Buenos Aires Grill! Ticket includes a glass of wine & live music. Buenos Aires Grill serves authentic Argentinian food, featuring empanadas, steak, and chicken sandwiches. 5p–8p. $15

Davis Little League’s 4th Annual Crab Feed

VETERANS MEMORIAL CENTER. Get excited for Davis Little League’s 4th annual Crab Feed & Auction. We expect this event to sell out again this year, with approximately 200 people in attendance for food, drinks, games, and fun! DLL serves nearly 800 players from the ages of 4-14. Our mission is to provide access for everyone who wants to participate in the game & foster continuous learning & development of baseball skills. DLL firmly believes that each child who wishes to play baseball should be entitled to do so regardless of skill, gender, or financial circumstances. DLL is a 100% volunteer organization & support from the community is vital in the success of our program. 5p–9p. $100

Kids Cook Strawberry Shortcakes

PEREGRINE SCHOOL, SOUTH. There’s no

better way to enjoy strawberries than barely sweetened & poured over tender shortcakes topped with fluffy whipped cream. In this class, students will learn some basic knife skills, how to whip up the softest cream, and then take home a delicious handmade dessert (or eat it right away, whichever they prefer). Ages 5 years & up. 3:45p–5:15p. $35

11

Live Music & Food Truck

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. Soak in the atmosphere as you approach our enchanting Spanish colonial façade. Music by The Sun Followers, an acoustic vocal harmony duo from Chico, California. Food by Andes Pizza, a family-run business that aims to offer a unique culinary experience to the masses by serving authentic wood-fired pizza. 5p–8p. $15–32

Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. Join us for an informative Vineyard Tour, where you’ll learn about our sustainable & organic farming practices and the winemaking process that brings our wines to life. The tour will end with a tasting of our current releases, giving you a taste of how our vineyard’s care and dedication are reflected in every bottle. Whether you’re a wine novice or a seasoned enthusiast, this experience is a wonderful way to connect with the land and the wines we’re so passionate about. Please arrive promptly at 12:30p for this group experience. 12:30p–3:30p. $40.

Live Music & Food Truck

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. Groove to the tunes of Mischief while indulging in tasty

eats from Pinorrito & our award-winning wines! Music by Mischief, an acoustic duet playing folk rock songs from the 60’s and 70’s in the greater Sacramento area. Food by Pinorrito food truck, offering Filipino fusion classics like sisig, ribs, adobo, lumpia, & more. Please support this local business & do not bring outside food. 5p–6p. $15

Live Music & Food Truck

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. Ticket includes a glass of wine & live music. Join us for a night of great music brought to you by Katie Fry and food by Cousins Maine Lobster! Katie Fry is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with an Alt-Country-Pop inspired Folk sound. Cousins Maine Lobster food truck will be offering delicious chowders and seafood sandwiches. Please support this local business and do not bring outside food. 5p–8p. $15

GAMES

2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Magic the Gathering Weekly Tournament!

DAVIS CARDS & GAMES. Bring your deck. Bring your friends and have a wonderful time. 6p–8p. $12

6, 13, 20, 27 Music Bingo

THREE MILE BREWING. Test your music knowledge while enjoying some brews and good company. It’s the perfect way to end your weekend; you might even walk away with a prize! Whether you’re a music lover or just here for fun, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out–bring the whole family. 6p–8p.

Second Sunday Bingo

ODD FELLOWS HALL. Community members, friends, and family are encouraged to come for an afternoon of fun playing Davis Bingo, which will help support our community’s nonprofits. 12p–4p. $12

MUSIC

1, 15

Live Jazz: Jim Frink Trio ROOT OF HAPPINESS. Jim Frink is a drummer and educator based in Davis. The jazz trio plays improvisational music ranging from standards, to modern jazz, to balkan folk and beyond. 7:30p–10:30p. Free

Davis Odd Fellows Thursday Live! DAVIS ODD FELLOWS. Davis Odd Fellows

Thursday Live! present Jeffrey Halford and The Healers. Halford is a rock & roll lifer, a Texas-born, California-bred traditionalist trading in Americana mythologies. His solo album, West Toward South, serves them up not repurposed so much as distilled, harking back to a time when outlaws had more style and panache. Our Thursday Live! concert series is donation only. Please give generously as all money goes to the musicians. 7p–9p. Donations encouraged

3, 4

Ghost Ensemble

ANN E. PITZER CENTER. Ghost Ensemble is a mixed chamber ensemble dedicated to experimental music that expands perceptual horizons to foster individual and community transformation. Performances (such as this one) often incorporate “Deep Listening,” a practice pioneered by ensemble mentor Pauline Oliveros that encourages a heightened awareness of sound, space, and community. Thu. 12p–1p & Fri. 5–6:15p. Free

Joshua Bell, violin & Peter Dugan, piano

JACKSON HALL. With a career spanning almost four decades, Grammy award-winning violinist Joshua Bell is one of the most celebrated artists of his era. He appears in recital with Peter Dugan, the “fearlessly athletic” (San Francisco Chronicle) pianist and host of NPR’s From the Top. 7:30p–9:30p. $27.50–141

Songs in Solidarity

WINTERS OPERA HOUSE. This is a benefit concert by 3 local bands to support the people of Los Angeles devastated by the January fires. The Big Poppies are a rock ‘n roll powerhouse with danceable bops, ballads and psychedelic jams. Putah Creek Crawdads bring you farm fresh acoustic music. And the Island Crew is a psychedelic aloha trio. 7p–9p. $30

Music

for Natalie!

ODD FELLOWS HALL. The Davis Odd Fellows, with Lyon Real Estate, are once again hosting Music for Natalie! This annual event celebrates the life of Davis Police Officer Natalie Corona, killed in the line of duty on January 10th, 2019. This event also raises awareness for the Officer Natalie Corona Odd Fellows Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to graduating high school seniors from schools in Davis and Pierce High in Arbuckle who are going into careers in law enforcement or first responders. 12p–4p. Free

9 DakhaBrakha

JACKSON HALL. Reflecting fundamental elements of sound and soul, Ukrainian “ethno chaos” band DakhaBrakha creates a world of unexpected new music. Formed in 2004 at the Kyiv Center of Contemporary Art “DAKH” by the avant-garde theatre director Vladyslav Troitskyi, their shows are staged with a strong visual element, illustrating their bright, unique and unforgettable sound. 7:30p–9:30p. $17.50–71.50

11

Terence Blanchard: FLOW 20th Anniversary Tour

JACKSON HALL. Seven-time GRAMMY winner, two-time Oscar nominee, and newly appointed Executive Artistic Director of SFJAZZ, Terence Blanchard returns to the Mondavi Center stage with The E-Collective & Turtle Island Quartet for an unforgettable night celebrating the 20th anniversary of his seminal album, FLOW. 7:30p–9:30p. $20–92.50

11

Music at Noon! Free Concerts on 2nd Fridays

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF DAVIS. Members of the Light Opera Theatre of Sacramento will present an eclectic program of vocal works, from Gilbert & Sullivan favorites – The Gondoliers, The Mikado, Patience, and Lolanthe, and a West Coast Premiere of two powerful contemporary songs for soprano, cello, & piano by Chickasaw composer, Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, based on contemporary Indigenous women’s narratives (one of a family doctor serving the Navajo Nation during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the other is by a Chickasaw astronaut who has been chosen by NASA to be the first human on Mars). 12p–1p. Free

11, 12

DSHS Jazz Choir’s 50th Anniversary Golden Cabaret 2025

RICHARD BRUNELLE PERFORMANCE

HALL. This Golden Cabaret, our premier benefit event, will showcase performances by the full Jazz Choir, along with breakout solos, small group numbers, and a very special 50th Anniversary Alumni performance on Saturday. This will be an event to remember at Richard Brunelle Performance Hall, and all proceeds will benefit the Davis Senior High School Jazz Choir program. Purchase tickets at jazzchoir. org. Friday, 5:15p. Saturday, 10a. $30–55

Biophilia

Marsha Schindler, Marking Time

13

2025 Wennberg Orchestra Festival

JACKSON HALL, MONDAVI CENTER. The Wennberg Orchestra Festival is the longest standing tradition of our DJUSD Orchestra Program & has been an annual tradition since 1996. Performing will be the Davis Elementary All-City Orchestra, the Davis HS String Tutoring Program Orchestra, the Holmes JH Orchestra directed, and the Davis Senior High School Orchestras. Also featuring the Davis High School Concerto Competition winners, Yuma Kano, piano, & Cal Ringgold, cello. 2:30p–5:30p. $28.50

13

New Harmony Jazz Band @ Davis Craft & Vintage Fair

CENTRAL PARK. Two free sets of Swing, Big Band & Latin jazz amidst the splendor of the craft fair! 11a–1p. Free

Jacqueline CordovaArrington, solo flute

ANN E. PITZER CENTER. Jacqueline Cordova-Arrington, solo flute; George Enescu: Cantabile et Presto; Lawren Brianna Ware: Moonlit Waters; Yuko Uebayashi: Les Sentiers; William Grant Still: three Songs arr. Alexa Still. This Shinkoskey Noon Concert is made possible with support from the Joy S. Shinkoskey Series of Noon Concert Endowment. 12p–1p. Free

Stravaig: The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers led by Alasdair Fraser DAVIS VETERANS MEMORIAL THEATER. A concert that promises a musical journey like no other! Over 65 musicians on fiddles, cellos, piano, drums, and guitars deliver a spirited performance–ranging from high-energy dance tunes to soulful, romantic melodies. Rooted in Scotland, the adventure expands to Brittany, Galicia, Scandinavia, and Cape Breton. Toe-tapping, seat-dancing, and aisle-dancing are encouraged! For tickets and info, visit sfscottishfiddlers.org. 7p–9p. $0–42

24, 25

Omar Offendum

MONDAVI CENTER. Celebrate Arab-American Heritage Month with an unforgettable evening featuring Syrian-American rapper & poet Omar Offendum, who will be joined by Palestinian multi-instrumentalist Zafer Tawil and DJ/Beatmaker Thanks Joey. This very special performance draws upon the hakawati traditions of Damascus, while remaining deeply rooted in the stories and streets of New York & Los Angeles. 7:30p–9:30p. $10–33.50

NIGHT LIFE

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Game Night

THREE MILE BREWING. Immerse yourself in a world of board games, card games, & good times! Play ours or bring your own. Plus, enjoy our fantastic Happy Hour. 5p–10p.

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

G Street Karaoke Night

G STREET WUNDERBAR. Every Tuesday night. 10p. Free

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

G Street Trivia Night

G STREET WUNDERBAR. Every Wednesday trivia starts at 8p & open mic starts at 10p. Free

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Trivia Wednesday

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

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

The Pub Quiz with Dr. Andy SUDWERK BREWING CO. Local Quizmaster Dr. Andy entertains and challenges teams of up to six with 31 questions on a variety of topics you should know something about, such as history, literature, pop culture, geography, internet culture, and science. 7p–9p. Free

3, 10, 17, 24

No Brain Drain Trivia

SUPER OWL BREWING. Hosted by Preacher. Trivia + Comedy + Game Show. 6:30–7:30p. Free

3, 10, 17, 24

Trivia Thursday

WOODSTOCK’S. Trivia, beer, and pizza! Trivia sign-ups @ 8:45p; game @ 9p. Free

4, 11, 18, 25

Karaoke Night

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

5, 12, 19, 26

Parkside Bar Themed Party

PARKSIDE BAR. Every Saturday, come to Parkside for a different themed party. Featuring Sacramento’s best DJs playing Top 40 Hits & bar anthems. 10p–1:30a.

5, 12, 19, 26

Karaoke Night

UNIVERSITY OF BEER. Every Sat. 9p. Free

7, 14, 21, 28

Monday Night Trivia

THREE MILE BREWING. King

App. All ages. 6:30p.

OUTSIDE

Nature Day at The HIVE THE HIVE TASTING ROOM AND KITCHEN, WOODLAND. A free, family-friendly day discovering nature and celebrating pollinators! Enjoy engaging workshops and activities from local beekeepers, scientists, farmers, conservationists and horticulturalists. 11a–5p. Free

DPNS Plant Sale

DAVIS PARENT NURSERY SCHOOL. Davis Parent Nursery School is hosting its annual plant sale at its 8th street yard. Current and alumni DPNS families can get an early start at 9a. Come grab your favorite veggie plants, herbs, and flowers to fill up your gardens! 10a–12p.

UC Davis Plant Sale

ARBORETUM TEACHING NURSERY. Find an incredible selection of water-wise, pollinator-friendly, and climate-ready plants including Arboretum All-Stars & California natives. Whether you’re looking to refresh your garden or start a new landscaping project, this is the perfect opportunity to shop our amazing inventory and engage with knowledgeable staff and volunteers ready to provide expert advice. Funds from these plant sales and membership fees support the UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden’s environmental leadership programs, the growth of our gardens & collections, and the wide variety of free, educational events we offer the public. 9a–1p.

26

California Duck Days 2025

YOLO BYPASS WILDLIFE AREA HEADQUARTERS. California Duck Days 2025 is Yolo Basin Foundation’s largest family-oriented, community based outdoor festival of the year. Join in on the fun by participating in our various interactive activities which include wetland themed arts and crafts, live animals, live music, and much more! 9a–4p. $25 a car

Rustic Ramble: A Capay Valley Grown Farm & Garden Tour

CAPAY VALLEY LAVENDER FARM. The Rustic Ramble is a self-guided farm and garden tour that invites you to explore the rich agricultural landscape of Capay Valley. Wander through vibrant orchards, flourishing vegetable fields, and thoughtfully designed gardens, while meeting the growers (and some animals!) who steward the land. Enjoy hands-on activities, tastings, and a deeper connection to the vibrant Capay Valley! 10a–4p. $20–60

SCIENCE

9 Science Cafe

G STREET WUNDERBAR. Hosted by Prof. Jared Shaw, featuring expert speakers on a variety of topics! Brought to you by the UCD College of Letters & Science. 5:30p–7:30p. Free

SCREEN

1, 2

Banff Mountain Film Festival

BRUNELLE PERFORMANCE HALL. Featuring award-winning films exploring adventure,

Trivia

environmental issues, and action sports. There will be a prize draw during intermission. Hosted by Rocknasium. 6:30p–10:30p. $23

4, 11, 18, 25

Senior Film Fridays

DAVIS SENIOR CENTER. Watch a film and enjoy popcorn with friends. Check the Senior Center’s website for film titles. 12:30p. Free

SHOPPING

2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30

Davis Farmers Market

CENTRAL PARK. Visit the market each week to purchase local produce & artisan goods. Every Sat. 8a–1p & Wed. 3p–6p.

3, 10, 17, 19, 24

Blue Barn Thrift Store

YOLO COUNTY LANDFILL. Save money while helping our environment. The Blue Barn has gently used items for sale including furniture, housewares, tools, sporting goods, electronics, gardening equipment, toys, and books. Sales Thursdays & the 3rd Saturday of the month, where all items are half priced. 9a–3p.

4, 5, 6

Friends of the Library Sale

MARY L. STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. The Friends of the Library book sale is the first weekend of each month. On Sunday, fill a bag for $10.

6, 13

Davis Craft and Vintage Fair

CENTRAL PARK. Expect to see friendly vendors with local handmade and original art, crafts, quality vintage items, upcycled treasures, earth-friendly creations, good food, and more! Free live music fills the open space for a lively atmosphere so be sure to stop by and join us! 10a–4p.

STAGE & DANCE

2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Mrs. Krishnan’s Party: Indian Ink Theatre Company

VANDERHOEF THEATRE. Mrs. Krishnan is throwing a party like no other, and you’re invited. Step into the back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s store where garlands decorate the ceiling, music flows, food simmers on the stove, laughter abounds, and strangers become friends in this joyous celebration of life. 2p or 7:30p. $14–89.50

3, 10, 17, 24, 27

Odd Fellows Line Dance

ODD FELLOWS HALL. Beginner easy line dances, latin, jazz, rock’n roll, waltz, country music; great exercise, fun and social, no partner needed. Thursdays & 4th Sunday, 3p–4:30p. Free

4, 5, 6

Frozen, Jr

DAVIS MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY. A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen Jr expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. Fri. 7p–9p; Sat. & Sun. 2p–4p. $12

4, 11, 13, 18, 25

Davis Line Dance

DAVIS COMMUNITY CHURCH. Beginning line dance instruction, easy dances, variety of music: Rock n roll, latin, waltzes, country, no partner needed. Fridays & 2nd Sunday, 3p–4:30p. Free

5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28

Adult Very Beginning Ballet APPLEGATE DANCE STUDIO. Learning ballet is not just for kids - it’s for adults too! This dance class is perfect for you if you have no prior ballet experience or limited previous experience. Curious about learning this beautiful art form? Come join us! Mon. & Sat., 10a–11a. $15

6 Circa: Opus

JACKSON HALL. 10 acrobats and the Debussy String Quartet celebrate the music of Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich in a work of stunning power, virtuosity and physical poetry. Opus explores the complex relationships between the individual and the group, between the march of history and what dictates the heart, and between the

tragic and the comic. 2p–4p. $17.50–88.50

6, 13, 20, 27

International Folk Dancing MIRROR IMAGE DANCE COMPANY. Connect with other cultures, while connecting to other people Sunday nights. All levels are welcome. 7p–9:30p. First time is free; $7–70 (drop-in or series)

7, 14, 21, 28

Kids After School Dance Class

DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Children’s rhythmic dance, ballet, jazz, Latin, hip-hop, Asian and Western folk dances. Tina Duan has been teaching children to dance since 1993 and is happy to share her dance knowledge, skills and experience with children. Dance is a great choice for your child’s health and well-being, and Tina’s classes are suitable for kids of all ages. First class is free! 4p–5p.

9 Diving Into Math

WYATT PAVILION THEATER. Mathematics and theatrics combine this April in Diving into Math with Emmy Noether, a play about the pioneering and influential mathematician who is often referred to as the “mother of modern algebra.” Sponsored by the College of Letters and Science at UC Davis & the Department of Mathematics, the play was written by Sandra Schueddekopf and Anita Zieher in cooperation with historians Mechthild Koreuber and David E. Rowe. Schueddekopf directs the play and Zieher stars in it as Noether. 6p–7:30p. $8–12

10

Village Dance Davis - with Sudakra

VILLAGE HOMES COMMUNITY CENTER. Village Dance is Davis’ own monthly Ecstatic Dance event. We gather once per month for a journey of music, movement, and mindfulness. We start with an open-

ing circle, followed by music & movement, and end with a sound journey with live instrumentation. This month, our guest DJ will be Sudakra! 7p–9:30p. $15

18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27

The Prom WOODLAND OPERA HOUSE. The Prom follows a group of Broadway actors whose careers have hit a rough patch. They decide to take up the cause of a high school student named Emma, who has been banned from bringing her girlfriend to the prom in their small Indiana town. The Broadway actors descend on the town to help Emma and fight for LGBTQ+ acceptance, using their theatrical talents and star power. 2p or 7:30p. $9–35

Gather for Good #3 - AfroCaribbean Dance

PAMELA TROKANSKI DANCE STUDIO. Soroptimist International of Davis (SI Davis) announces an event that will help generate awareness about – and funds for – its work empowering women & girls. Join in the fun at Pamela Trokanski Dance Workshop. Trokanski will offer a one-hour class that features a gentle cardio warmup & an introduction to Afro-Caribbean dance. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver & to go barefoot or wear non-marking shoes. Capacity is limited to 20 students, and all proceeds benefit SI Davis. 7p–8p. $10

25, 26, 27

Sister Act

DAVIS MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Recommended for ages 14 & up. Fri & Sat, 7:30p. Sun, 2p. $22

the FABRIC of DAVIS

by Sonora Slater, for The Dirt

Pauline Jackson truly believes, “a problem is an opportunity.” Jackson, a retired school psychologist and burgeoning artist, says that she first learned this lesson from her father, who was deaf — but she’s also learned it through her own life and work. “It’s a time when you can let go of your left brain, and just see what cooks up in your head.” She put this into practice when creating the 20 one-of-a-kind quilts that make up her first-ever art show, opening in Davis on April 26 at the Davis Arts Center. The quilts recreate classic Davis landmarks from the Farmers Market, to the Arboretum, to the Compassion Bench on the corner of 3rd and C. Jackson lives in Florida, but her son Tony and his wife are raising their kids in Davis. He encouraged his mom to create a series of pieces capturing his

Paula Jackson, working on her Davis quilts at home in Florida. The Varsity Theater.

town to showcase the quilting skills she’s spent nearly 30 years developing.

“I’ve always liked the idea of creating a whole collection to represent something, but I think it’s only particular artsy communities that would respond well to what I did,” Jackson told The Dirt. “Tony told me how much people love Davis, and whenever I’m there, I can feel it. So I thought, well, this might be worth my efforts.”

Deciding which scenes to include was quite the endeavor, with Tony first scouting out the town and then sending Jackson dozens of photos to choose from — but that’s just the first step in the lengthy quilt-making process. After selecting a photo to recreate, she has it enlarged by her local print shop on a piece of paper to the size the quilt is going to be (usually two feet by three feet), selects fabrics from the fabric store (and then goes back again for the colors she missed), draws out a simplified version of the design on heat-bonded paper, and gets to work laying out the design.

After that, she pieces it together with color-matched zigzag stitches, and sends

it off to a group with computerized long-arm sewing machines that then quilt the fabric with criss cross lines, swirls, or any number of other pre-programmed shapes. The pattern Jackson chose for her quilt of the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame? Rows and rows of bikes.

“I never thought I’d make 20 quilts,” Jackson said. “I thought that it would stop at maybe 12. But I just kept going and going and going.’”

One of the first times Jackson publicly shared her art was when she exhibited three of the first quilts she ever made at a show in Jacksonville. Although she is proud of the work she did, she acknowledged that her process “doesn’t follow any rules” of traditional quilting, which led to her being marked down by the show’s judges for technique.

“That discouraged me so much, and it just made me feel so stupid,” Jackson said. “Slowly I’ve come to accept myself, but it’s ridiculous. I’ve been doing this

for 30 years, but it’s still hard for me to say I’m an artist. I never went to art school. I’ve never been trained. But my sister tells me, ‘You are an artist. You make things. That’s what an artist is.’”

At her local fabric shop, technically proficient, beautiful geometric quilts hang from the walls. Jackson said that for a long time, looking at these made her feel inadequate — but then she spoke to the people who made them.

“I don’t know how to make those kinds of quilts,” Jackson said. “But they’ve seen my work, and they keep telling me, ‘Look at what you do. We don’t know how to do what you do.’”

JACKSON’S WORD OF ADVICE TO ASPIRING ARTISTS

Another thing that both working with kids and working with fabric has taught Jackson is that creativity is a virtue — and one that the 18+ crowd all-too-often

pushes to the wayside. “We don’t trust our creativity,” she admitted of adults. Her advice for the antidote to this phenomenon?

“You should jump in,” Jackson said. “Let all the oughts and shoulds out of your brain, and get some needle and thread, paints, clay, whatever it is. It doesn’t have to lead to anything — maybe just giving you some pleasure. Giving you an escape from the anxieties of life. It’s certainly never too late.”

For Jackson, that happy medium, quite literally, is fabric. Despite the challenges of depicting reality with small, patterned shapes (and she admits that as much as she loves quilting, the challenges and frustrations throughout the process are many), there’s something about capturing these scenes for people, in the same way women of so many generations have done before her, that gives her great joy.

“When I’m involved in the quilt project, it’s like there’s no such thing as time — it just passes me by,” Jackson said. “Honestly, I’m 78, but I feel like I have such a future in doing this.”

An Egghead on UC Davis' campus.

The iconic John Natsoulas Gallery.

The Davis Art Studio Tour brings a weekend of inspiration and intimacy, as more than 40 Davis-based artists open the doors of their private art studio to the public.

This free two-day, self-guided tour gives incredible insight to the artists who call these studios home.

April 12–13

10a–5p

Studio locations span the map of Davis—each one as unique as the artist who inhabits it. Guests are able to spend time visiting with artists who work in painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, encaustic, mixed media, and more.

It’s Pinar Brummer’s first year joining the studio tour as an artist. She calls her studio, Pixley Ceramics, her “sanctuary”. It’s where she works on wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramics and sculptures.

“The majority of the time, I am working in my studio or taking long walks in nature by myself. I always say I am alone but never lonely. On the other hand, however, I find tremendous joy in interacting with other folks when I am doing markets or visiting art shows. There is something utterly satisfying about exploring art together. I am very excited and eager to have visitors,” Brummer told The Dirt

“In the same sense, I want visitors to come and explore where I create so that they can perhaps get a better understanding of my work. My studio is a direct reflection of my sense of aesthetics, almost like a calling card.” Tour solo, or make an event of the weekend with friends and family.