The Dirt: February 2024 by thedirt.online

FEBRUARY 2024

Free • Local Events Calendar www.thedirt.online • @thedirt.davis

DAVIS VILLAGE DANCE

From Dream to Ecstaic Joy

ART JOURNALING

Exploring Yolo County for Inspiration

DAVIS TRAVLAIRES

Planning Day Trips & Beyond

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INSIDE THE ISSUE

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Photo by: @hiandhellophoto

EDITOR’S NOTE

4 5 6 8 9 10 20 22

CELEBRATING LUNAR NEW YEAR VILLAGE DANCE PARTY PLANNING 10 RECIPE: BROWN BUTTER LENTIL DIP ARTABOUT GUIDE FEB. EVENTS DAVIS TRAVELAIRES ART JOURNALING

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join me in putting our phones down and Isn’t the cover this month striking? picking up a paintbrush this month. This image caught my eye on Last month, I learned Instagram—where, if I’m being about a non-profit in Davis honest, I spend way too much of that organizes day-trips—and my own time. There’s a delicate beyond!—and I couldn’t wait balance between being in the to share it with you. real world and the internet NEWSLETTER From short trips in Northworld. I exist in and love them Scan to subscribe! ern California to multi-day both, but will be the first to European adventures, Davis tell you I should put my phone Travelaires does all the planning work— down more often. travelers just show up and enjoy! Read But without it, I wouldn’t have seen more about their organization and upbeautiful work by Davis artist Jessie coming trips on page 20. Nakahara. Thanks for picking up this copy of I’ve thought about it a lot since she The Dirt! posted it last year. The pops of color, the fine line work. The palpable crunchiness of the dirt underneath. Read Jessie’s story on page 22, and HANNA NAKANO Editor & Publisher @thedirt.davis

@hannanakano

WHAT BRINGS A VILL AGE TO DANCE

Jessie Nakahara, “Cognitive Array,” pen and watercolor on paper. Read more about this work on page 22.

GOING PL ACES WITH DAVIS TRAVEL ARIES

THE DIRT•DAVIS VOL. 15 · NO. 2 · FEBRUARY 2024 · THEDIRT.ONLINE The Dirt’s mission is to showcase Davis & Yolo county’s unique people, places & events, inspiring readers & promoting local arts, culture & community. PUBLISHER/EDITOR Hanna Nakano hanna@thedirt.online COPY EDITOR Jenna Matsubara EVENTS EDITOR Allie Wydick FOOD EDITOR Sandra Violet Clark

ON THE COVER

AT HOME PART Y PL ANNING

DESIGNER Kyle Dyer

FOLLOW US: @THEDIRT.DAVIS #THEDIRTDAVIS ADVERTISING: The Dirt is made possible by the support of local businesses. If you would like to reach readers and support local arts & culture, please email to request a media kit. 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 will fill The Dirt with as many events as appropriate & possible, space allowing. CIRCULATION: The Dirt is distributed with local support. If you can provide a prominent distribution space, please email with subject line “Circulation.” We currently distribute 3,000 copies each month.

SOCIAL MEDIA Isabella Holmes

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

WEBSITE Spadefoot Studios

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

THE DIRT • DAVIS

1 The Davis Odd Fellow’s Chocolate Festival is back and better than ever! Set for February 4, expect samples, demonstrations and hand-crafted chocolates from across Northern California.

Monday February 26 is National Pistachio Day and what better place to celebrate than Yolo County?! Locallyfarmed pistachios available at Davis Farmers Market, Ikeda’s Markets & the Davis Food Co-op!

The Davis Stampede is a longstanding tradition including 5K, 10K and Half Marathon routes, traveling along both roadways and Davis’ treelined greenbelts. This year is the 41st annual, set for February 25.

In a cultural landscape filled with endless pundits and talking heads, Fran Lebowitz stands out as one of our most insightful social commentators. Join her for an evening of conversation February 9 at the Mondavi Center.

That sport Taylor taught us about has its big game February 11. Sudwerk Brewing Co. is hosting an all day Super Bowl party for those who celebrate, starting with DJ LexMeUp on the patio from 11a—3p.

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.

Head to the Dixon Libra ry after school on Va lentine’s Day to decorate free Valentin e’s Day cook ie s w ith your favorite topp ings! Geared towards tweens & teen s ages 10 to 18.

8 The Stephens Branch Library hosts Science Saturday with Women in STEM February 24. Join female volunteers from the DSHS robotics team in fun, hands-on STEM activities to empower girls in grades 3–8. All are welcome!

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Celebrate Mardi Gras Weekend in style with Great Bear Vineyards, February 9. Live jazz music, delicious food & fun cocktails. Guests in costume get a $5 discount!

FEBRUARY 2024

6 7 Pay it forward on February 17 for Random Act of Kindness Day, a day set aside to encourage the spread of love, compassion, & positivity through small, unexpected acts of kindness.

Backyard Art Shows are popping up in Davis and we have the scoop on a special Valentine’s themed show hosted by Turtle House x The Boneyard! Sweet to Me is set for February 16 and will feature artwork from more than a dozen local artists, vendors & live music.

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FEBRUARY 2024

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CELEBRATING

LUNAR NEW YEAR T

CRAFTING AT HOME

o celebrate this Lunar Year—the Year of the Dragon—the Yolo County Library is giving away two free crafts at all library branches, while supplies last. Choose from a five-element dragon plate or a lantern to craft yourself!

A MUSICAL N CELEBRATIO

ings se Orchestra br he Davis Chine e in a nese music to lif traditional Chi nal io at the Internat special concert or perf ms . The orchestra House in Davis Ms. Wu with guest artist on February 2 lcimer. Yenying on du ra is a UC hinese Orchest C is The Dav Chinese run traditional Davis studenta mission of ance group, with music perform rich heritage promoting the preserving and and bringing ic and culture, of Chinese mus er audience. t form to a wid this timeless ar

YOLO COUNTY LIBRARY’S TOP LUNAR NEW YEAR READS: Younger Children: • The 12 Days of Lunar New Year by Jenna Lettice • The Year of the Dragon by Oliver Chin • Happy Chinese New Year! by Jannie Ho Older Children: • Tomorrow is New Year’s Day by Aram Kim • The Lunar New Year Surprise by Jade Wang • Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade by Lyla Lee Teens: • Chinese Menu by Grace Lin • Our Lunar New Year by Yobe Qiu • Chinese New Year Crafts by Karen E. Bledsoe Adults: • Daughters of the New Year by E.M. Tran • The Distance Between Us by Maggie O’Farrell • First Generation: Recipes from my Taiwanese-American Home by Frankie Gaw

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DJ Performing at Village Dance.

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L to R: Eli Sarnat, Vyasadeva Pugh, Daniel Moglan.

What Brings A Village To Dance

n a fateful evening in late 2018, two dance space be 1) no shoes, 2) nonverbal, and Davis dads—Daniel Moglen and Eli 3) substance-free. The DJ facilitates the dance Sarnat—walked around the big green journey as the music traverses a range of genres in Village Homes. A vision emerged from an ambient feel to an energetic to bring a space for dance, music, crescendo, and back down to a place and movement to Davis for people of rest. Each month features a different Village Dance, of all ages, from babies to elders DJ, with past DJs including, Soul for The Dirt and everyone in between. Seed, Scott Nice, Maya Light, GabriTheir complementary skills el Francisco, Sudakra, Yaali-Ma, and proved to be a fitting match; Daniel loves buildVillage Dance’s resident DJ, NDEMIK. ing community and bringing people together, “Village Dance continues to be a place Eli is a sound wizard and DJ. Neither of them where I can rest, move, and articulate the knew that five years later they would be the fullest expression of my being in a way that is hosts of a vibrant monthly Ecstatic Dance scene authentic, held, loved, and celebrated within in Yolo County. the beautiful community that exists around me,” Ecstatic Dance is an intentional, free form, local Healing Arts Practitioner Carrie Agasid judgment-free space to dance and move in said. “Whether I’m a guest facilitator offering community. The main guidelines include that the a guided embodiment activity or an attendee

coming to move to the flow and beat of the music, it’s a place I return to for the joyful, loving environment and the therapeutic benefits I receive from each monthly encounter.” Every dance starts with an opening circle, where a community member leads the group in a warm up activity, followed by the dance, and ends with a closing circle where the community can optionally share their experience with the group. This structure creates an intentional container where the dance can flourish. As a grateful recipient of the City of Davis Arts Grant and through the continued support of our beloved community, Village Dance is excited to celebrate its five-year anniversary in Davis on February 17, featuring a beloved local DJ, Brotha Jag. Please join us in marking this occasion.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR VILLAGE DANCE! Every Third Saturday, 11a—1:30p Next Dance: Feb 17 Village Homes Community Center 2661 Portage Bay E Davis, CA 95616

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Photography by Hanna Nakano; Brews from Super Owl Brewing, charcuterie from Mabel's Farm Box.

PARTY PLANNING 101 A Cozy, At Home Art Party

Hanna Nakano, The Dirt

THE DIRT • DAVIS

he Dirt was built on the idea of sharing local events to get people out of their homes and building community with one another. But I’ve always been a contrarian and these rainy winter months have set me on a journey of coziness inside my own home. There’s nothing wrong with being a homebody. An entire industry was built on the idea of Hygge. So lean into it, I say. Just invite your chosen ones to join. Interested in planning a cozy, at home art party of your own? Copy ours!

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1. Carving stamp blocks. 2. Finished product. 3. Carving supplies from The Paint Chip, art books from The Avid Reader.

1 ART ACTIVITY Stamp carving is a satisfyingly simple art activity for friends of all skill levels. For this party, we sourced carving tools and a rubber carving block from The Paint Chip. I used a knife to cut the block into 1-inch squares and super-glued the squares to a few of my children’s old wooden blocks (sorry, kids). Blocks, or a similarly shaped object, make a great ergonomic handle for carving and stamping!

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YOU’LL NEED:  Guests  Food & Drinks  Art Activity  Party Supplies

GUEST LIST For an artmaking party where you actually want guests to leave with a finished piece of work, we suggest keeping the numbers low. 10 or below is ideal for this type of activity.

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FOOD & DRINKS For aesthetically thrilling charcuterie boards & gourmet snacks that really elevate a gathering, we love Mabel’s Farm Box. Handcrafted in Davis, charcuterie selections start at $14—and you can order ahead! Locally crafted brews & wines aren’t hard to find in our region. For this Art Party, we picked up four of Super Owl Brewing’s top beers and let our guests vote on their faves!

PARTY SUPPLIES I’m a big fan of over-the-top details to make a party—and your guests— feel extra special. For this Art Party, we sourced inspiration from large art books. Whether you’re more of a Wes Anderson or Annie Leibovitz fan, The Avid Reader’s section of art books is impressive and will definitely get your creativity flowing. We also asked our friends at Mainstage Dispensary for help getting party guests in their most art vibe-y mood. Their budtenders can help you find exactly the mood you’re looking for.

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FINISHING TOUCH: If you’re feeling ambitious, thrift a frame for each guest as a take home gift. Framing your own art is so satisfying— and powerful—and having a reminder of the fun hours spent with friends will be a little pocket of joy on wall!

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RECIPE: BROWN BUTTER LEMON LENTIL DIP

BROWN BUTTER LEMON LENTIL DIP Sandra Violet Clark (thekitchennatural.com), for The Dirt

love to travel. Not just to see the world, but to sample it. While I was in West Africa, I fell hard for legumes: street-side blackeyed pea fritters were easily the best thing I ate. I lapped up every scrap of information about how this magic was made, watching the women at the stall work. Back at home in Davis, watching a piece about food in Senegal, I learned they made similar fritters as the ones I loved in Ghana, but they also sold the unfried paste of beans or lentils smeared into crusty bread as a common snack or simple meal. I headed straight to the kitchen. The small amount of browned butter with sweet lemon and a kick of pepper does something that’s pure magic: protein-packed and tastes like a new comfort food I’ll be craving regularly. 30-Second Cooking Lesson: Let’s talk lentils. Some have more integrity than others. French green lentils and beluga black lentils hold it together when the heat rises, keeping their shape intact with cooking. The rest fall apart and cook into delicious mush: red or yellow lentils, like for dal, or brown or green lentils like those commonly used in soup. All of the above are tasty, work for this recipe, and offer fun variations of flavor and color. The red and black beluga are the prettiest in my opinion. However, if you want a lentil that doesn’t bust its shell to toss in a salad or soup like a bean, reach for the pretty pebble-like, and my personal flavor favorite, French green.

Sandra Violet Clark is a Davis cooking teacher and recipe developer. Find her and her business, The Kitchen Natural, on IG @ thekitchennatural.

RECIPE 10 minutes • Serves 4 ingredients: • 2-4 tbsp. butter • 2 c. cooked lentils • 1 lemon, zest and juice (Meyer is in season!) • 1 tsp. salt • Generous amount of freshly ground pepper • Bread or vegetables to serve

1. Place butter in a small pan and cook over medium heat until it melts; cook until golden browned and nutty.

Swap: plant-based butter is a-okay. Go for Miyoko’s brand that browns like traditional butter.

2. Using a spatula, scrape browned butter into a food processor, add lentils, lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper. Puree. If the spread is too thick, thin it with a bit of lemon juice or water. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Brown Butter Sandwich with Fennel: Slice fennel bulb as thinly as possible, and layer on sandwiches raw or lightly sauteed in a dot of butter. Trust me on this one, it’s as surprising as it is delicious.

3. Spread generously on bread to make sandwiches, or use as a dip.

Fennel or Endive Dippers + Brown Butter Dip: Skip the bread and go straight to the fennel or Endive leaves. For fennel, trim the bulb and stalks and separate the layers of the bulb to create giant scoops, pile them high with dip.

BONUS POINTS Add: Some heat or bite. Sprinkle in some chile flakes or rub toast with raw garlic to really kick this up a notch. Chopped walnuts are excellent on top.

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

FEBRUARY

9 2024

Explore the Downtown Davis art scene in this free, self-guided monthly art walk. Exhibits are hosted by galleries, art studios & businesses in Davis. 1. ARBORETUM ART WORKS 17 Arboretum Dr, Suites G & H | 5p—7:30p. Visit the working artist collective featuring 12 artists. 2. THE ARTERY 207 G St | 7p—9p. Complementary. View Project 365, a yearlong experiment with color by Schorré Chevalier Oldham, where the artist created a 4x4” artwork every day of 2023. 3. BUBBLEGUM ART STUDIO 305 D St | 6p—9p. Play, Make, Create! A free, open house art event for children and their caregivers. Participate in a collaborative art project, artist trading cards, sensory exploration, and more. 4. DAVIS CRAFT & VINTAGE FAIR E St Plaza | 5p—9p (weather permitting). Shop from arts, crafts, and vintage microbusinesses’ booths, plus free live music. 5. IMAGINING AMERICA 207 3rd St, Suite 120 | 4:30p—7p. An Imagining America Happening. Participate in a reflective art-making project on the theme of Radical Reckoning: Invoking the Elements for Collective Change. Art materials, a prompt, and refreshments will be provided. All are welcome! 6. LOGOS BOOKS 513 2nd St | 5p—8p. Watercolor Paintings by Kindred Spirited Artists. View art by Misuk Goltz’s watercolor workshop participants. 7. LYON REAL ESTATE 401 2nd St | 6p—9p. Artfesst. View watercolor and oil paintings by Karen FessUecker, a local artist who creates beautiful pastoral scenes of local interest.

8. MABEL’S FARM BOX 227 E St, Suite 3 | 6p—9p. Uncommon Canvas: A Diverse Collection in the Breezeway at Thyme Square. Meet and view the work of 6 artists who are staples of and beloved in the downtown Davis community. 9. THE PAINT CHIP 217 F St | 6p—8:30p. Straight Ahead. Reception with mixed media art by Robert Nevraumont. 10. PENCE GALLERY 212 D St | 6p—9p. Fragments is a new exhibit with paintings, collages, and drawings by Gina Werfel and Hearne Pardee. Also, view oil paintings in Christina Kent: Day to Night and watercolor paintings in Misuk Goltz: The World We Live In. Enjoy some wine as well! 11. SECRET SPOT 117 D St | 5p—9p. Art Mania Pre-Battle Bonanza. Meet and view the work of artists during the ArtAbout, the day before their pro-wrestling themed still life painting competition. Also, enjoy a fun open mic. 12. PAMELA TROKANSKI DANCE WORKSHOP 2720 Del Rio Pl | 5p—7p. (Off-Map Event) HeArtAbout Open House. Enjoy a love-themed, multi-media open house including viewing art & dance, valentine-making and dance-learning activities, and light refreshments. 13. UNIVERSAL UNITARIAN CHURCH OF DAVIS 27074 Patwin Rd | 12p—1p. (Off-Map Event) Muusic at Noon Free Concert! Visit the UU Church of Davis for a live performance by the group “Wood, Wind, & Wire,” who will play various works on harpsichord, woodwinds, and violin.

1. Schorré Chevalier Oldham, “Day 272” 2. Bubblegum Art Studio art project. 3. Cathie James-Robinson, “Docked” (detail) 4. Gina Werfel, “Ceiling” (detail) 5. Karen Fess-Uecker, “Stream” (detail) 6. Olga Taran, “Over the Pond” 7. Schiller Crafts at Davis Craft & Vintage (detail) 8. Marisol Fila, “Rituals” (detail). 2ND FRIDAY ARTABOUT SPONSORED BY:

ArtAbout is supported, in part, by a grant from the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs program. Full Details & Guides: theartery.net/2nd-friday-artabout | pencegallery.org/events/artabout/

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FEBRUARY 2024

Photo by Jacqueline Brandwayn on Unsplash.

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THIS MONTH FEBRUARY ART 1

Artist Workshop with Stephanie Peel

for the latest listings & more

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

SUDWERK BREWING CO. Pull on your most paint-splattered shirt & join Sudwerk’s featured artist Stephanie Peel for a night of art and beer! 6p—8p. Free

3, 4

Working in a Series with Abstract Collage with Sara Post

PENCE GALLERY. Dive into the world of abstraction through collaged multiples. Students will explore how to draw, print and paint on papers and use them to construct a series of abstract works, looking closely at how the placement of line, shape and color on a surface can create strong inter-related abstractions. Students will learn techniques for creating their own papers, ways to cut, tear and adhere papers to a surface, strategies and materials for sealing finished works and ideas for presentation. 10a—3:30p. $340—360

4, 11, 18, 25

Miniature Paint Night

DAVIS CARDS & GAMES. A night full of miniature painting fun! All are welcome. 4p. $5

Paint & Sip

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. Indulge your inner artist with this new & exciting mixed media class while sipping on a glass of Great Bear Vineyards wine! 12:30p—2:30p. $60

6, 13, 20, 27

Knitting & Crochet Circle

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

2nd Friday ArtAbout

PENCE GALLERY. Enjoy some wine while browsing art exhibits & the gift store. Featured exhibits include Gina Werfel & Hearne Pardee: Fragments, Christina Kent: Day to Night, and Misuk Goltz: The World We Live In. 6p—9p. Free

Artmaking Inspired by Radical Reckoning

IMAGINING AMERICA. Participate in a reflective artmaking project during the downtown Davis ArtAbout. We will provide artmaking materials, a prompt with visuals from the IA National Gathering, as well as snacks and refreshments to share. 4:30p—7p. Free

Reception: Misuk Goltz’s watercolor workshop participants

LOGOS BOOKS. Engaging in this artistic journey has also brought joy, inspiration, motivation, and genuine friendship to these students. This exhibit serves to showcase each student’s growth and development. Artists in this exhibit include: Jan Bartz, Francis Burke, Carrie Ceniseroz, Devi Eden, Misuk Goltz (teacher), Lori Hamasaki, Mary Moxley, Kayoko Nishi, Kim Olson, Diana Orhun, Barbara Smithson, Olga Taran, Lorie Topinka, and Eydie Tumer. 5p—8p. Free

Community Art & Craft Supply Swap STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Bring new

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Photo by Margarida Afonso on Unsplash. & gently used arts & crafts supplies & swap them for something new. Rules for donations: art & craft supplies only. Must be new or gently used, not expired. 1p—4:30p. Free

Art History Lecture Series: Amelia Kit-Yiu Chau (via Zoom)

ZOOM (PENCE GALLERY). Amelia KitYiu Chau, Adjunct Curator of Asian Art at the Crocker Art Museum, explores the installation Black & Gold: Traditional and Contemporary Japanese and Chinese Ceramics, on view through Fall 2024. Must register online. 1p—2p. Free, suggested donation $10

Photography Club of Davis

STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Guest speaker Alessandra Chaves, a Davis resident & taxonomy scientist, presents some of her black & white botanical images & a short demonstration of the techniques she uses in her photography. Alessandra emphasizes form, shape, patterns & light. 7:10p—8:45p. Free

“Sweet To Me” Backyard Art Show

TURTLE HOUSE. Turtle House & The Boneyard introduce their collaborative Valentine’s Day art show! View artwork from 15+ local artists, vendors & live music! Organized by Cassidy Ruiz, local artist & creator of The Boneyard art-show series. 3p—8p. Free

Should I Make Art? with Terri Bianco PENCE GALLERY. Learn the basics of tackling the challenges of art making, regardless of the medium, with experienced art coach Terri Bianco. 10a—2p. $90—$105.

FEB 23—MAR 29

Healing Arts Workshop (6-Sessions)

PENCE GALLERY. The Pence’s 6-session Healing Arts workshop uses art as a healing language for those experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one. Through the process of art making, participants have opportunities for discussion, education, and connecting with peers in a safe and supportive space in the Pence Learning Center under the guidance of facilitators Amy Vidra

and Lyndsey Rocca. Limited to the first 8 participants who register. 10a—11:45a. Free

Templeton Colloquium 2024: Moving Things, Making Ideas: China-Inspired Objects & International Trade MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Explore the influence of Chinese art & aesthetics on European and East Asian societies. 4p. Free

Art in Action: Fanciful Fairy Houses

PENCE GALLERY. Fashion your own fairy home in this drop-in family art workshop! Create a magical fairy hideaway using a variety of decorative and natural materials, including tree trunk slices, moss, acorns, pinecone roses, wooden mushrooms, flowers, and more. 1p—3p. $4—8

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Art of Athletes

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. In this 15th year of the show, you can explore the artwork of student-athletes across 25 teams featuring different artistic mediums, meet many of the artists, & make art of your own. 6p—7:30p. Free

ART SHOWS: CONTINUING THRU FEB 2

Joseph Bellacera: The Matter of Light PENCE GALLERY. In large-scale mixed media works & digital prints, Bellacera turns his observations of the natural world into intriguing configurations of color, pattern, & texture. 11:30a—5p. Free

FEB 2—FEB 26

Complementary Mixed Media and Jewelry

THE ARTERY. Complementary, Mixed Media and Jewelry by Schorré Chevalier Oldham shows a yearlong experiment

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with color. The focus of the show is Project 365, where she created a work of art on a 4x4-inch piece of paper every day of 2023. Plus other pieces & jewelry inspired by her immersion in color. Free

FEB 9—APR 2

Gina Werfel & Hearne Pardee: Fragments

PENCE GALLERY. Fragments highlights recent paintings, collages, and drawings of Gina Werfel and Hearne Pardee. Both have recently retired from teaching at UC Davis, having spent more than 20 years teaching art, in addition to maintaining busy studio practices. Despite the differences between their respective work, they each approach their practice with the intent of layering or fragmenting multiple points of view or perspectives. Free

THRU FEB 23

A New Look at Sculpture

John Natsoulas Gallery. Exhibition examining the unique sculptural perspectives of eight distinctive figurative artists. Diverse materials, scale, & imagery highlight how each sculptor approaches humanist subjects to reveal their inner worlds. Free

THRU FEB 25

agement degree from UCD. Free

PENCE GALLERY. The watercolor paintings of Misuk Goltz convey a world seen through both her travels and daily life that is full of emotional resonance. The World We Live In largely centers on her vignettes from these travels, alongside rural scenes from our region. In her detailed naturalism, she reveals the shared humanity of her subjects she’s sketched. Free

THRU APR 21

Misuk Goltz: The World We Live In

THRU FEB 29

Christina Kent: Day to Night

PENCE GALLERY. View a solo exhibit by Christina Kent, the recipient of the Pence’s Emerging Artist Award 2023, who expands upon her observations of everyday life in the city in a new series of oil paintings that capture intimate scenes of daily life. Free

THRU FEB 29

Judi Eppele Exhibition

GALLERY 1855. Eppele works with acrylic paint, incorporating nature themes throughout her works as a nod to her Environmental Science and Man-

STILL: Racism in America, A Retrospective in Cartoons

UCD DESIGN MUSEUM. This exhibition explores racism through cartoons, showcasing the work of pioneering father/daughter cartoonists the late Brumsic Brandon, Jr. & Barbara Brandon-Croft who chronicled the nation’s cultural landscape in their comic strips through the lens of racism. 12p—4p. Free

THRU MAY 6

Shiva Ahmadi: Strands of Resilience

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. UCD Professor of Art Shiva Ahmadi uses painting as a form of storytelling, combining luminous colors & mystical beings with violent imagery to draw attention to global issues of migration, war & brutality against marginalized peoples while featuring the female figure. Free

THRU MAY 6

Malaquias Montoya & the Legacies of a Printed Resistance

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Activist artist

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Photo by Guy Basabose on Unsplash & UC Davis Professor Emeritus Malaquias Montoya embraced political printmaking to advocate for social justice. His role as a print educator resulted in artistic collaborations & partnerships with various featured artists. Free

Talent: The Afro-French Chevalier De Saint George

DELTA OF VENUS. Dr. Jorgenson will discuss how racism and sexism in history prevent us from seeing the world clearly. Dr. Jorgensen is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at UC Davis, originally of Washington D.C. and now a longtime resident of Davis. 2p—3p. Free

THRU JUNE 1

Alicia Eggert: This Present Moment, 2019—2022

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Eggert uses language & time as her mediums, playing with our experience of time, using the effects of neon signage. Free

THRU JUNE 16 Pyro Futures

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Engage in collective speculation on the transformative nature of fire & the ways it can change the materiality of California’s landscapes. Through interactive displays & inquiry, visitors can explore the future of fire in the Golden State. Free

THRU JUNE 24

Deborah Butterfield: P.S. These are not horses

Author Talk: Anita Crawford-Clark MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. The artist’s first solo museum exhibition in California since 1996, P.S. These are not horses surveys Butterfield’s career from her most recent wildfire sculptures to rarely seen ceramics made while a student at UC Davis. Free

BOOKS & TALK 1, 15

Poetry Night Reading Series

JOHN NATSOULAS CENTER FOR THE ARTS. First & third Thursdays. Each reading contains two featured poets fol-

lowed by an open mic. 7p—9p. Free

The California Studio Artist Lecture: Josiah McElheny

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Hear from an expert glassblower whose installations, sculpture, paintings & films engage with the history of his medium & the history of ideas. 4:30p. Free

Discovery, Erasure & Remembrance of a Great Classical Musical

AVID READER. Anita Crawford Clark is a writer and illustrator of fiction and nonfiction books for children, celebrating the release of her new children’s book, Old to Joy. 11a—12p. Free

3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26

Reading Buddies

STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Come practice with a reading buddy! UCD students Lela & Vanessa are available Mon & Sat afternoons to help improve reading skills. Ages 5-12. Free

FEBRUARY 2024

Center for Loss and Hope Book Club

YOLO CARES & ZOOM. Reading group for The Five Invitations by Frank Ostaseski. Awareness of death can be a valuable companion on the road to living well, forging a rich and meaningful life, and letting go of regret. In person & on zoom. 6p—7p. Free

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“STILL...Racism in America, a Retrospective in Cartoons”

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Moderated by the School of Education’s Darnel Degand, the program explores how comics have evolved beyond entertainment to become powerful voices that can educate & inspire readers. Registration required. 6p—8:30p. Free

Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss

MONDAVI CENTER. Miller-Idriss shifts the conversation about radicalization from the how & why to the when & where, to the life stages & places where extremist beliefs are cultivated & spread. 7:30p. $12.50—$49

8, 22

Storytime in Pioneer Park

PIONEER PARK. Every 2nd & 4th Thursday for a morning of stories & songs. For ages 3-6. Weather permitting. 11a. Free

An Evening with Fran Lebowitz

The Courage to Create: Building a Company and Life By Design

MONDAVI CENTER. In a cultural landscape filled with endless pundits and talking heads, Fran Lebowitz stands out as one of our most insightful social commentators. 7:30p. $12.50—$75

UCD SCC MULTIPURPOSE ROOM. A conversation with AI and data leader, strategist, and instructor Sadie St. Lawrence. St. Lawrence is the Chief AI Officer at SSL Innovations and the Founder of Women in Data. 5p—6:30p. Free

ory works with Charan Ranganath, PhD and his new book Why We Remember: Unlocking Memory’s Power to Hold on to What Matters. 6:30p—8p. Free

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Using the World Café method, participate in a self-reflection, shared dialogue & collective learning about the Campus Community Book Project themes of hate & radicalization. Pre-registration required. 4p—6p. Free

Campus Community Book Project: Addressing Hate: A Conversation on Understanding, Reflection & Responsibility

Fog & Smoke Book Launch & Signing with Professor Katie Peterson MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Peterson shares about her book which describes how the movement of fog and the threat of smoke orient and disorient ordinary life. This truly California book follows one family through the confusions of COVID, the sorrow of climate grief, & the delights of early childhood. 4:30p—6p. Free

Matthew Zapruder: Reading & Book Signing

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Poet, editor, & professor, Zapruder is known for his five collections of poetry, most recently Father’s Day (Copper Canyon, 2019), as well as two books of prose: Why Poetry (Ecco, 2017) & Story of a Poem (Unnamed, 2023). 4:30p—6p. Free

Author Talk: Sarah Ruiz-Grossman

AVID READER. Celebrate the release of Sarah Ruiz-Grossman’s new book, A Fire So Wild. She will be joined in conversation by Jenavieve Hatch. 6:30p—7:30p. Free

Author Talk: Dr. Nazzy Pakpour

Author Talk: Charan Ranganath

AVID READER. Learn about how mem-

AVID READER. Celebrate Dr. Nazzy Pakpour’s first children’s book, Please Don’t

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Bite Me, with special guests from The Bohart Museum of Entomology. 1p—2p. Free

first & third Saturdays of the month. Led by Master Gardener Janet Branaman and open to the public. 10a—12p. Free

Author Talk: Isabella Kamal

Tours of the City of Davis Wetlands

AVID READER. Celebrate the release of UC Davis alumna Isabella Kamal’s debut historical romance novel, The Temple of Persephone. 6:30p—7:30p. Free

CITY OF DAVIS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. First Sundays. In-person tours run rain or shine, except in the instances of flooding. Reservation required. Sept— Feb: 3p—5p. March—Aug: 9a—11a. Free

Writers Workshop

AVID READER. For fiction writers & aspiring fiction writers, two local novelists—Judith Starkston and Tim Schooley—share their techniques for mastering “point of view.” 6p—8p. Free with the purchase of one of the author’s books from Avid Reader

COMMUNITY 3, 17

West Sacramento Gardening Q&A Desk

LOWE’S, WEST SAC. The UCCE Yolo County Master Gardeners Questions & Answers Desk is open at Lowe’s on the

4, 11, 18, 25

Sunday Funday

STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Drop-in family enrichment programs every Sunday! 2p—5p. Free

7, 14, 21, 28

Nursery Volunteer Day

NATIVE PLANT NURSERY, WINTERS. Volunteer & learn about the amazing plants of Putah Creek & meet like minded people! Every Weds. Register online. 9a—12p. Free

New CustomersGet

first order!

($400 ORDER CAP. CASH AND DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED.)

MAINSTAGECALI.COM

CA LICENSE NO. C10-0000868-LIC

Financial Aid Workshop: Cash for College

WOODLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Learn about the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), & Chafee Grant for Foster Youth. Get your questions answered! 9a—12p. Free

Biodiversity Museum Day

BOHART MUSEUM OF ENTOMOLOGY. A celebration of the vast diversity of life on Earth, both past and present. Explore 13 different biodiversity-related collections on the UC Davis campus, many of which are not usually open to the public. Free

Odd Fellows Bingo

ODD FELLOWS HALL. A wonderful way for the community to support the many needy non-profit organizations here in Davis. Each month, Davis Odd Fellows Bingo! connects with a local organization that needs assistance. Open to all adults. 12p—4p. $12

FEBRUARY 2024

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Davis Women’s ADHD Support Group STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. The goal of this group is to help women with diagnosed or suspected ADHD support one another. Featuring an ADHD-focused education, general discussion, and sharing resources. 6:30p—8p. Free

Tours of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area YOLO BYPASS WILDLIFE AREA. In-person tours run rain or shine, except in instances of flooding. Reservations required. Tours do not run in July, August, & September. 9a—12p. Free

Davis Travelaires “Travel Talk” Trip Preview

DAVIS SENIOR CENTER. Learn about the group’s upcoming day trips and two upcoming large trips: a Rhone River cruise and an Ireland in Depth tour. Enjoy refreshments, mingle with other travelers, and enter to win a $50 Davis Travelaires gift certificate, which can be used for any

16 | THE DIRT • DAVIS

FEBRUARY 2024

of our day trips. 10a—11:30p. Free

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FITNESS

Davis Travelaires Day Trip: Rosie the Riveter Museum

3, 10, 17, 24

Very Beginning Ballet (Adults)

DAY TRIP. We will spend a day exploring Rosie the Riveter National Historic Park in Richmond and enjoy lunch at the Assemble Kitchen, adjacent to the visitor center. 8:30a—3:45p. $130

VILLAGE HOMES. Learn ballet basics with instructors from Applegate Dance Studio! Perfect for adults & teens new to ballet. 10a—11a. $15

3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26

Science Saturday with Women in STEM Empowerment

Gentle Barre Exercise Drop-In Class

STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Join female volunteers from the DSHS robotics team Citrus Circuits for fun, hands-on STEM activities. WISE holds monthly events to empower girls in grades 3—8. All are welcome! 1:30p—3p. Free

VILLAGE HOMES. Gently strengthen, align, & mobilize your body. All levels welcome! Sat 11a & Mon 10:15a. $15

FOOD & DRINK 2

Incorporating More Vegetables Cooking Class

Family Autism Support Group

STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. A support group for parents of children with special needs; in the small conference room. 1p—3p. Free

DAVIS FOOD CO-OP TEACHING KITCHEN. For anyone looking to get more veggies into their weekly routine! 5:30p—7:30p. $36—$40

CELEBRATION OF

BRAZILIAN DIASPORA

5th Annual Davis Chocolate Festival

DAVIS ODD FELLOWS. Come explore a wide variety of chocolate sweets for sampling, purchase, & demonstrations featuring all of your favorite Davis vendors. 2p—5p. $10

7, 14, 21, 28

Woodstock’s Weekly Pies and Pints

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

9, 10, 11

Mardi Gras Weekend

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. We will have live jazz music & delicious food, as well as fun wine cocktails. Costumes & masks encouraged, but not required. A $5 discount for guests in costume. Fri: 5p—8p, Sat: 12p—4p, Sun: 12p—3p. $15

Wine Dinner with Davis Wine Bar

DAVIS WINE BAR. Experience an exceptional Valentine’s weekend, featuring the meticulous pairing of our finest ingredients with exceptional wines. Space is extremely limited. Reservations required. 6p—10p. Price Varies

Sunday Party Brunch | Bottomless Mimosas & Live DJs

Afro Brazilian Dance Workshop

SUDWERK BREWING CO. Keep the party going on Sunday mornings with live music from DJ Mellax & bottomless mimosas! 11a—3p. Free

Starts Monday, February 5th! Mondays 6 pm: 8 sessions bit.ly/ihouseafrobrazilian

Teen Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating

CELEBRATION OF

INDONESIAN DIASPORA

WITH GAMELAN SEKAR JAYA

Saturday, February 24 | 3-8:30-pm Day-time workshops & evening performance of Balinese culture. bit.ly/gamelanindonesiandiaspora 10 College Park, Davis, CA 95616 internationalhousedavis.org @internationalhousedavis @ihousedavis

DIXON LIBRARY. After school, come & decorate free Valentine’s Day cookies with your favorite toppings to make them even tastier! This event is geared towards tweens & teens ages 10 to 18. 3p—4p. Free

14, 17

Valentine’s Day Dinner

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. A 4-course dinner paired with Great Bear Vineyards wine. Sparkling wine is served upon arrival with a choice of red or white wine with dinner. 5p—8p. $75

Gluten Free Handmade Noodles Cooking Class

DAVIS FOOD CO-OP TEACHING KITCHEN. Everyone will make their own naturally gluten free noodles to soak up our vegetarian stir fry. 5:30p—7:30p. $40.50—$45

MUSIC 1

Lehmann Duo

ANN E. PITZER CENTER. Husband and wife duo perform Manuel Ponce: Sonata for Violin and Viola in a Shinkoskey Noon Concert. 12:05p—1p. Free

Thursday Live! featuring One Button Suit

ODD FELLOWS HALL. Enjoy a great bluegrass band that blends Bluegrass standards & new originals with great harmonies & hot instrumentals. 7p—9p. Donations Encouraged

Jon Raskin & Chris Corsano Perform Live

DELTA OF VENUS. Chris Corsano is a New York-based drummer who has been active at the intersections of collective improvisation, free jazz, avant-rock, and experimental music since the late 1990’s. Jon Raskin is best known as a member of the Rova Saxophone Quartet, one of the longest-standing groups in the music movement that has its roots in post-bop, free jazz, avant-rock, and 20th century new music. 7:30p—9:30p. $10—20

Jazz Beat Poetry Night & Open Mic JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. A night of Jazz & Beat poetry! Poets welcome to read! With live music by John Natsoulas & Ted Fontaine. 7p—8p. Free

Lunar New Year Concert

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE. Davis Chinese Orchestra and guest artist Ms. Wu Yenying on Dulcimer will bring the beauty of Chinese traditional music and culture to life. The Davis Chinese Orchestra is a UC Davis student-run traditional Chinese music performance group. Their mission is to preserve and promote the rich heritage of Chinese music and culture, and to bring this timeless art form to a wider audience. 7:30p—9p. $10—20

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FEBRUARY 2024

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Photo by Nick Rickert on Unsplash

8, 9, 10

Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix

MONDAVI CENTER. Charismatic & dynamic performer who has played alongside Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, The Roots, Macy Gray & many more, Benjamin also has an inimitable skill of fusing traditional conceptions of jazz, hip hop & soul in her original songs. 7:30p. $22.50—$45

Muusic at Noon

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF DAVIS. Enjoy the group “Wood, Wind, & Wire”, featuring Susan Erickson, harpsichord, Robin Houston, Woodwinds, Michelle Martin Violin, and Alan Paul, Woodwinds, performing works of Boismortier, Handel, Finger, Telemann, and Fasch. 12p—1p. Free

Taproot New Music Festival: Pendulum Music

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Performance of Steve Reich’s Pendulum Music (1968) which makes use of microphones swinging, pendulum-style, over loudspeakers. 1p. Free

Davis Rave Co. Presents: ‘Green Room Session’ with Cowboys After Dark

THIRD SPACE COLLECTIVE. An intimate performance with Davis’ local band, Cowboys After Dark. We are releasing an extremely limited amount of tickets, check our instagram for the exclusive drop: @davisraveco. 6p—9p.

Davis Rave Co. Presents: JAZZ SHOW ROCKBAND UNIVERSITY. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the ultimate Jazz funk fusion at our upcoming show! Get ready for a night of electrifying performances by four incredibly talented artists: Coties, Mind Goblin, Cowboys After Dark, and Lab Rats. 8p—12a. $10

2, 9, 16, 23

Friday Folk Music Jam Sessions

WYATT DECK, UC DAVIS ARBORETUM. Folk musicians are invited to bring their acoustic instruments & play together informally during this jam session at Wyatt Deck. All skill-levels welcome. 12p—1p. Free

Barbara K. Jackson Rising Stars of Opera

MONDAVI CENTER. Features several singers from the acclaimed San Francisco Opera Center performing a wide range of great arias with full orchestral accompaniment from our own UC Davis Symphony Orchestra. 2p. Free

Megan Claire Live Acoustic Set

ARMADILLO MUSIC. Local Davis musician Megan Claire graces the stage with an acoustic afternoon set. 3:30p—4:30p. Free

6, 20

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

Project Based Learning

Reggio Inspired Preschool Full Day Kindergarten

12 months - 6th grade

peregrine school

registration starts

Feb12

2650 Lillard Drive, Davis

530-753-5500

www.peregrineschool.org

Gina Werfel & Hearne Pardee Fragments

Christina Kent Day to Night

Gina Werfel

Davis Independent Music Initiative Song Doctor

ZOOM. Communal Songwriting workshop & critique. Every 1st & 3rd Wednesday. Have your lyrics ready to screen share! All are welcome! 8p. Free

Slow Jazz Jam

DAVIS SENIOR CENTER. The focus will be slower ballads and bossas designed to be a supportive space to get you soloing over jazz standards. 3p—5p. Free

Cory Wong featuring Monica Martin MONDAVI CENTER. Head-spinning rhythm-guitar wizardry, technical ebullience, laugh-out-loud jokes, & radiance

Tues - Sun | 11:30 AM - 5 PM 2nd Friday ArtAbout: 6 -9 PM

www.pencegallery.org 212 D Street | (530)758-3370

18 | THE DIRT • DAVIS

FEBRUARY 2024

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Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash

6, 13, 20, 27

on stage has established Wong as both a sought-after collaborator & celebrated solo artist alike. 7:30p. $12.50—$174

G Street Wunderbar: Karaoke Night G STREET WUNDERBAR. Every Tuesday night. 10p. Free

New Harmony Jazz Band Live

7, 14, 21, 28

CENTRAL PARK. Two free sets of Big Band, Swing, and Latin jazz during the Davis Craft & Vintage fair. 11a—1p. Free

Trivia & Open Mic

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

Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg

7, 14, 21, 28

Trivia Wednesday

MONDAVI CENTER. Look back 100 years to the tumultuous social & political era of the early 20th century—times not unlike our own—& explore enduring works of the great music it produced. Programs will include works by Debussy, Ravel, Webern, Schoenberg, Sibelius, & Nielsen. 2p. $17.50—$65

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

7, 14, 21, 28

The Pub Quiz with Dr. Andy

Experienced Jazz Jam

DAVIS SENIOR CENTER. This jam is for musicians who are proficient at their instrument and have experience playing in jazz jams, ensembles or otherwise feel confident to improvise a solo in a jazz jam session. Register in advance. 3p—5p. Free

An Evening with Branford Marsalis MONDAVI CENTER. One of the most influential & revered figures in contemporary music, three-time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Branford Marsalis is joined by his renowned Branford Marsalis Quartet. 7:30p. $12.50—$65

NIGHT LIFE 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

No Brain Drain Trivia

SUPER OWL BREWING. “No Brain Drain” Trivia, hosted by Preacher. Trivia + Comedy + Game Show. 6:30p—7:30p. Free

3, 10, 17, 24

Karaoke Night

UNIVERSITY OF BEER. Every Sat. 9p. Free

3, 10, 17, 24

Parkside Bar Themed Party

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

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.

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

4, 11, 18, 25

2, 9, 16, 23

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

Trivia Thursday

Karaoke Night

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

Sunday Trivia

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

SHOPPING 2, 3, 4

Friends of the Library Book Sale

STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Support the local library by shopping from this really impressive book sale. Sunday is bag day: fill a grocery bag for just $10. Members get $2 off. Fri. 12p—7p, Sat. 10a—5p, Sun. 10a—3p.

3, 10, 17, 24

Davis Farmers Market

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

THE DIRT • DAVIS

Local Love Fair & Sale

DAVIS FOOD CO-OP. A celebration of all things local! The whole community is invited to enjoy: local vendors, arts & crafts, free product samples, giveaways, live music, community resources & more! 11a—2p. Free

11, 25

Davis Craft & Vintage Fair

CENTRAL PARK. Shop from a collection of local artists, makers and collectors. Enjoy free jazz music by New Harmony Jazz. 10a—4p.

SPORTS 1