The Dirt: April 2023

EDITOR’S NOTE

•April is a time of rebirth. We’re seeing that on every roadside: the soft pinks of fruit blossoms, the vibrant yellows of wildflowers.

We’re seeing it in the numbers here at The Dirt, too. A spring rebirth perhaps mixed with a post-pandemic ease back into community events—more than 325 are listed in our April calendar this month. Wow.

There’s so much to be excited about in Davis this month. From Picnic Day to the Cherry Blossom Festival, niche book club meet-ups, plant sales and local markets. I could go on, but then you wouldn’t read the events section?

What I’m most excited about this month, though, are the gentle calendar reminders to support our local businesses.

On Indie Book Store Day, April 29, I’ll be picking up a copy of something new from Avid Reader and something not-so-new from Logo Books.

On National Record Store Day, April 22, you’ll catch me searching for Dead vinyls at Armadillo Music… and maybe through the stacks at the SPCA and Bizarro World, too.

And there are so many hometown options for stocking up on 4/20. Consider asking your budtender for their most local product.

Back to Armadillo, they really got knocked out by a busted pipe last month. The flood caused a three-week-long closure, and when the doors finally reopened the turnout was insane. Read more about their recovery on page 14. If you have $5 to spare this month, might I suggest investing in one of Armadillo’s mystery vinyl sets—and throwing some support to our friends.

And okay, speaking of support. You might notice there are a variety of voices in this month’s issue of The Dirt. I’m

super proud of that. I hope to use this beautiful, tangible platform to showcase more of the talent who live and work here in Davis.

To that end, The Dirt needs support. If you’d like to partner with The Dirt and support our community-building work through advertising—if you want to see your business’s name in print each month—reach out to me.

Oh and one last thing: are you part of our email club? If you want a weekly update of what’s going on in town with hand-picked highlights delivered to your inbox: sign up here using this QR code. It takes less than a minute, I think. I appreciate you.

HANNA NAKANO Editor & Publisher

@thedirt.davis @hannanakano

LOCAL’S GUIDE TO PICNIC DAY 4

APRIL EVENTS 6

APRIL 2ND FRIDAY ARTABOUT! GUIDE 12

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL 13

14

16

ARMADILLO RECORDS RECOVERS

LOCAL FRIENDS LAUNCH BOARD GAME

THE DIRT • DAVIS

Vol 14 • No. 04 • April 2023 thedirt.online

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Hanna Nakano

COPY EDITORS

Ashley Muir Bruhn

Elizabeth Ellison

INTERN

Allie Wydick

DESIGNER

Kyle Dyer

WEBSITE

Spadefoot Studios

CONTACT

hanna@thedirt.online

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

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

FOLLOW US: @THEDIRT.DAVIS #THEDIRTDAVIS

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

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

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 6,000 copies each month.

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

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

ARMADILLO CHERRY BLOSSOM BOARD GAME

Sheep mowers started on the UC Davis Campus in 2021. Photo by: Gregory Urquiaga / UC Davis

Photo by: @hiandhellophoto

1

Davis Music Fest dropped their summer lineup and our minds are blown. The talent—Death Valley Girls, Earth Exit and French Cassettes—is high caliber. Tickets and more online (davismusicfest.com); June 16–18.

Jad Albumrad, creator and former host of Radiolab, speaks at the Mondavi Center April 20. Abumrad focuses on how to have difficult conversations with our fellow humans, using a series of lectures, games and exercises he will explore with the audience.

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.

Last month’s dry air and strong wind wrecked our lips. Yours, too? Davismade loveBB lip balms to the rescue. The brand is sustainable, WOC- and AAPI-owned. Find at Avid & Co., Pence Gallery, and Farmers Market, or on Instagram @lovebbgoods.

The Growing Groves, an LGBTQI-owned specialty plant shop, celebrates one year of business in Davis. They’re hosting their largest Night Market yet on April 8—expect lots of plants, local vendors and a big raffle.

Davisbased artist Toni Rizzo’s “Lost Diary” steals the show at the Pence Gallery this month. Art by Cathy Newlin & Toni Rizzo continues through April 30.

5 9

We’re thrilled to keep running into Evan Thomas Lilley (@etl_arts on Instagram) and his art around town. Keep an eye out for him sketching and painting vibrant scenes of life in Davis, like “St. Patricks Day at the Beer Shoppe”.

8 7

Parents: imagine LEGO blocks your kids can play with—that you’ll never step on in the middle of the night. How? LEGO Block Party at the Stephens Branch Library April 14. It’s two hours of creation, design and play with LEGO bricks… that you get to leave there.

Latinx literatureand-art magazine Huizache returns to print after a Pandemic shuttering. Huizache has found a new home on the UC Davis Campus under the guidance of Maceo Montoya, Chicana/o Studies and English professor. It’s available in print and online (huizachemag.org).

2 3 4 6

The Hypha Collective continues their Crafting & Community Ferment workshop. Last month, they created vegan kombucha leather and sourdough hankies. Now, they’ll be stitched together to create a community quilt. Odd Fellows Hall, April 14.

The Sheep Mowers are back out on campus. These wooly guys are part of a research project to determine whether sheep can eat weeds and grass and fertilize/pest control as well as or better than conventional methods. Watch them graze in front of Wickson Hall April 5-7 and 26-28.

Davis Cherry Blossom Festival

CELEBRATING JAPANESE CULTURE

Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the vibrant Japanese culture in Davis, putting music, fashion, art, and food centerstage in a two-day long festival. A festival no one, by the way, will take credit for—it’s a total collaboration.

I think taiko, to many American audiences, is something quintessentially Japanese, a celebration of a different time and place

April 22-23! 11AM-8PM Sudwerk Brewing Co.

“I am only one cog in the wheel,” Madeline Do, Festival board member and one of the “primary decision-makers” of the Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan performance group, said.

In fact, everyone on the Festival’s board of directors doubles as a performer.

Gregory Wada, founder and executive director, was a student member of Bakuhatsu Taiko Dan when—dissatisfied with a lack of authentic local Asian American spaces— he started the festival with a friend back in 2016.

Taiko means “drum” in Japanese, but in English is often used to refer to traditional styles of Japanese drumming. Taiko can have different meanings for different people, Wada said.

“I think taiko, to many American audiences, is something quintessentially Japanese, a celebration of a different time and place,” he told The Dirt, “It becomes something that can be aesthetically consumed as foreign, like anime or sushi.”

But for Asian Americans—especially descendents of those who survived Japanese American incarceration—taiko is a statement of identity.

Maeline Do agreed that continuing the tradition of taiko allows Asian Americans to share “our own lived experiences, as well as stay grounded in our values.”

“We should not accept Euro-American settler colonialism as a default or end state of assimilation—of belonging,” Wada said. Instead, the Festival allows

Asian Americans to define that identity for themselves.

And what makes the Festival work so well, he and others said, is the power of connection and collaboration between everyone involved.

“The community itself is so encouraging and supportive,” August Stevens, who first performed at the festival last year, said. “It feels like a celebration of everyone’s journey.”

But the festival isn’t guaranteed.

“Neither our funding nor venue is guaranteed,” Wada said. “But like delicate spring blossoms, they somehow show up every year.”

Funding and venues emerge not only with the help of the City, but also the involvement of community members.

Be on the lookout later this year for the fall time Tsukimi (“moon-watching”) Festival hosted by the 501(c)3 that runs the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Sam Swank, for The Dirt

Photos courtesy: Davis Cherry Blossom Festival

TICKETS: ARTS.UCDAVIS.EDU/DESIGN

Picnic Day stumbled into UC Davis tradition in 1909, but the Associated Students of UCD have grown the event into so much more than merely an ‘“open house”.

Previously shuttered by the pandemic, City and University leaders have emerged with redoubled vigor for agriculture, bicycles, cows, and shared culture.

This year marks the third Picnic Day back, and Aggies are showing up with more than 200 activities for crowds of more than 70,000 people. That’s nearly Davis’ entire population in one place, at one time. Picnic Day can be overwhelming.

You may encounter young families with little ones, tweens hurling stink bombs, UCD students learning courtship, or day drinkers experimenting with roller-skates. You’ll find throngs of neighbors crowding & squishing between events. And there are so many events.

We hope this guide helps your family make the most of this Davis tradition. Take advantage of good weather if we have it and keep an eye on the Picnic Day website for last-minute scheduling changes (picnicday.ucdavis.edu).

A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO

PICNIC DAY

attend—especially if you have children. Get to the Quad by Shields Library early for some of the best central-location seats.

Cockroach Race

Outside Briggs Hall, 11a–3p. • Cheer for bugs you rarely (ever?) cheer for! An outdoor event sure to stir mixed emotions & stomachs. Pro tip: Take selfies with the champions.

Fashion & Design Society Show

Cruess Hall Annex & Courtyard, 11a–2:30p. • Davis culture is increasingly influenced by UC Davis creatives. This show highlights student collections and designs on a modern indoor runway.

Picnic Day Parade

Grandstands on North Quad Ave., 10a–12p. • If you’ve never been, you must

Picnic with Raptors

Hutchison Field,10a–2pm. • Learn more

about raptors from the California Raptor Center and the unreleasable birds they have available to show off the agility and beauty of these apex predators.

Plant Pathology & Strawberry Plant Giveaway

Plant & Environmental Sciences Building Courtyard,10a–3p. • UC Davis is responsible for the volume and quality of most strawberries we consume. Learn more from these clever folks and walk away with a free strawberry plant.

Liquid Nitrogen Sorbet

South Bainer Hall, South Lawn, 10a–2p. • Chemical Engineering & Materials Sciences make generous use of their liquid-nitrogen supply to dish out exquisite sorbet.

The Sound Lab Experience

Music Building 101,12p–2p. • The sound lab is a cavalcade of interactive experiences using eclectic physical models and simulations to visualize sound & theory for beginners and expert musicians alike.

Battle of the Marching Bands

Mrak Hall Lawn, 2p–10p. • When the wind’s just right, you can hear the Aggie Band pounding their hearts out in practice. Here’s the chance to watch them sound off against the other bands. We all know the outcome, but it’s thrilling to witness nonetheless.

Cow & Goat Hand-Milking

Cole Facility,10a–3p. • Try your hand at milking at least once. Davis is a global agricultural landmark, and milking cows and goats with strangers really brings the point home in a bucket, where you might marvel at pasteurization. Bonus: you’ll be near the fistulated cows, which have holes cut into their stomach so scientists (and you!) can watch their digestive systems working live.

Doxie Derby

The ARC,12p–2p. • The Doxie Derby is a blur of furry cylinders sprinting across an indoor court after a rabbit, while Jumbotrons feature instant-replays and crowd-cams.

Edward Bennett, for The Dirt

THIS MONTH

ART

1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30

Art Spark

MANETTI SHREM. Hands-on art program. Experiment with all sorts of techniques & mediums. Exercises inspired by this season’s shows—Mike Henderson: Before the Fire, 1965–1985; the introspective abstractions of Loie Hollowell: Tick Tock Belly Clock; & the whimsical dogs in Roy De Forest: Habitats for Travelers. Sat & Sun, 12p–4p. Free

1, 2

Mixed Media Multiples

Using Oil & Cold Wax

PENCE GALLERY. 2-day workshop led by artist Sara Post. Students will learn to experiment with oil and cold wax painting. 10a–4p. $350 members/$380 non-members

2

Egg-Decoration Workshop

VITIS & OVIS FARM. In this Sorbian egg decorating class, students use blown eggs from farm ducks, with a wax-resist technique. Involves candles & wax, not kid friendly. 10:30a–12p. $35

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Miniature Paint Night

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

4, 11, 18, 25

Expressive Watercolor Painting with Misuk Goltz

PENCE GALLERY. Six-week class. Watercolor artist Misuk Goltz will teach basic, but important techniques in watercolor to help you paint the things you love. Class consists of painting demonstrations & extended individual guidance & critique sessions. 11a–1p. $180 members/$190 non-members

5, 9

Figure Drawing Group

PENCE GALLERY. Drop-in, self-guided sessions with a nude model. Limit: 10 participants. Register online. 6:30p–9p. $22

5

Patti Warashina: Ceramics Exhibition

JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. Seasoned artist Warashina captures irony, humor, absurdities in her sculptures, portraying human behavior as a relief from the frustrations of mankind. 8a–5p. Free

for the latest listings & more thedirt.online

BRING

7, 14, 21, 28

Healing Arts Workshop

PENCE GALLERY. Six-session Healing Arts workshop uses art as a healing language for those experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one. Opportunities for discussion, education & connecting with peers in a safe & supportive space. Register online. 10a–11:45a. Free

7, 14, 21, 28

Senior Watercolor Group

DAVIS SENIOR CENTER. Weekly gathering for artists of all skill levels. Lead by volunteer teachers. 9a. Free

FREE Egg Dyeing on the Patio

DAVIS FOOD CO-OP. Dye a hard-boiled egg on the Patio! Reserve a spot online. 12p–2p. Free

10

Slow Looking: Savor the Art

MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Spring lunchtime series kicks off on Slow Art Day, with Mike Henderson’s thought-provoking work, The Last Supper. 12:10–1p. Free

11

Healing Arts Workshop Single Session

PENCE GALLERY. This workshop focuses specifically on themes related to depression, anxiety, or major life changes. Through the process

Top:

of art making. Opportunities for discussion, education & connecting with peers in a safe & supportive space. Register online. 3:30p–5p. Free

14

2nd Friday ArtAbout!

MULTIPLE VENUES. A monthly, selfguided art walk featuring installations & receptions at local galleries, art co-ops & businesses. Enjoy live music, a wine tasting & conversations with special artists. 5p–9p. Free

14

2nd Friday ArtAbout Reception

PENCE GALLERY. 2nd Friday ArtAbout reception. Browse exhibits, enjoy free wine tasting & shop the Night Market in the courtyard. 6p–9p. Free

15

“Intertwined,” FADS Fashion Show, Picnic Day

CRUESS HALL MAKERSPACE COURTYARD. Event features fashion created & executed by Department of Design undergraduate students. Tickets available online. 11a–12p, 1p–2p. $10

15

Picnic Day Celebration

MANETTI SHREM. Play games, make shimmering silver sketches, add to a largescale reflective collage or cool off inside to view current exhibits. 10a–5p. Free

28

36th California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Arts

JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. A continuation of the largest sculptural ceramics conference in the world. Local exhibitions & more than 30 college shows. Demonstrations, lectures & shows by registration only. Includes free exhibits. 9a–5p. $0–$175

ART SHOWS: CONTINUING THRU

APR 2

Figurative Exposé: Art from CAC PENCE GALLERY. Annual California Art Club (est. 1909) juried exhibition. Juried by master painter Dan Schultz. Free

APR 3 THRU APR 28

Gallery 1855 April Art Exhibit GALLERY 1855. Exhibition features colorful oil paintings thoughtfully crafted by artist Cedric Williams. Free

THRU APR 4

Shonna McDaniels, The Black Woman Experience GALLERY 625, WOODLAND. Solo show by Founder & Executive Director of The Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum in Sacramento. Free

THE KIDS! LOOK FOR THE BALLOON BESIDE THE LISTING.

UCD Women's Water Polo, Bottom: Egg Dyeing at Davis Food Co-op, Right: Divergence Bowl (The Artery)

APRIL 5 THRU MAY 7

Annual Ceramics Exhibition

JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. Features some of the most intriguing ceramic artists from around the country. Free

APR 11 THRU MAY 7

Somewhere Beyond Time: Maxine Solomon

PENCE GALLERY. Series of nonrepresentational oil paintings that celebrate exploration, spontaneity & energy. Reminiscent of Solomon’s experience living in Northern California & abroad. Free

THRU APR 23

From Concept to Creation: Inspired

Shoe Design by Chris Francis

UCD DESIGN MUSEUM. Showcases colorful & imaginative footwear created by the Los Angelesbased shoe designer. Weekdays, 12p–4p. Free

THRU APRIL 28

Water Tower: The History of a Campus Icon

PETER SHIELDS LIBRARY. This exhibit features historical photographs & rare items from the UCD Special Collections. Free

THRU APRIL 31

Encounters UFO Xperience

UNIVERSITY MALL. Family-fun, interactive space of UFO legends, alien artifacts & the paranormal. Incl game room, dance parties & hands-on exhibits. Wed–Sun. $5–20

THRU MAY 8

Loie Hollowell: Tick Tock Belly Clock

MANETTI SHREM. Focuses on Hollowell’s soft pastel drawings. Curated by Susie Kantor. Free

THRU MAY 8

Roy De Forest: Habitats for Travelers

MANETTI SHREM. UC Davis Prof Emeritus, De Forest (1930–2007) is beloved for his colorful narrative figurative paintings, drawings & prints. Curated by Jenelle Porter. Free

THRU MAY 12

Moments in Time & Space

PENCE GALLERY. Featuring ceramic artists Claudia Tarantino, Daniel Alejandro Trejo & Bill Heiderich. Free

THRU JUNE 25

Mike Henderson: Before the Fire, 1965–1985

MANETTI SHREM. The UCD Prof Emeritus’ first solo U.S. museum exhibition in 20 years includes rarely seen contributions to the history of contemporary painting & filmmaking, radical Black politics & to the story of California art. Free

BOOKS & TALK

4

Author Event: Adam Aron

THE AVID READER. A discussion with Aron regarding his new book, The Climate Crisis. 6p–7p. Free

4, 11, 18, 25

Mother Goose on the Loose STEPHENS DAVIS BRANCH LIBRARY. An award-winning early literacy program for toddlers (ages 2–3) & their grown-ups. Combines music, movement, rhymes & books to help young children develop language skills, social & emotional skills, general knowledge about the world & a love of learning. 11a–11:30a. Free

5

Creative Writing Series: Chicanx

Author Salvador Plascencia

PETER J. SHIELDS LIBRARY. Presentation by Harvey Mudd professor & author of the cult favorite, The People of Paper. Room 205. 4:30p–6p. Free

6, 20

Poetry Night Reading Series

JOHN NATSOULAS CENTER FOR THE ARTS. 1st & 3rd Thursdays. Each reading contains two featured poets followed by an open mic. 7p. Free

6, 20

Storytime in Westwood Park

WESTWOOD PARK. Morning stories & songs every 1st & 3rd Thursday, organized by Yolo County Library. Ages 3–6. Weather Permitting. 12p. Free

7, 14, 21, 28

STEPHENS DAVIS BRANCH 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

7

The 16th Annual Armistead Colloquium

MANETTI SHREM. Lashon Daley discusses her article “Coming of (R)age: Black Girlhood + Media”. In this talk, Daley discusses how she uses text-mining software to investigate whether coming of (r)age is purely a theoretical framework or if there is also quantitative data to support her claim. 4:30p–6p. Free

8

Stories on Stage Davis: Kim

Stanley Robinson

DAVIS SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL. Local actors narrate Robinson’s short story “Arthur Sternbach Brings the Curveball to Mars,” followed by a Q&A with the famous sciencefiction author. Moderated by Dr. Andy Jones. Register in advance. 7:30p–9p. Free

10

Creative Writing Series: Margo Jefferson ZOOM. Award-winning critic & author of Negroland, reads from her latest memoir, Constructing a Nervous System. Register online. 4:30p–6p. Free

10

Trash Talk: Climate Change & Recycling Webinar

ZOOM. Webinar exploring connections between the waste we produce & climate change. 7p. Register online. Free

12

Davis Humanities Institute Book Chat

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE. Discussing Queering Mesoamerican Diasporas: Remembering Xicana Indigena Ancestries by Susy J. Zepeda. 5:30p–7p. Free

13

Bad Faith: Race & the Rise of the Religious Right MANETTI SHREM. Scholar Randall Balmer discusses his newest book which uncovers the roots of evangelical watchwords including “religious freedom” & “family values.” 4:30p–6:30p.

15

Artist Talk with Maxine Solomon

PENCE GALLERY. Maxine Solomon’s series of oil paintings in Somewhere Beyond Time are about exploration, spontaneity & energy. 2p–3p. Free

20

Radiolab Creator & Host: Jad Abumrad

MONDAVI CTR. Former host & creator of Radiolab discusses how to navigate difficult conversations with our fellow humans. Presents a series of interactive lectures, games & exercises for audience members. 7:30p. $12.50–$65

20

Death’s Futurity: The Visual Life of Black Power

MANETTI SHREM. Book launch & signing event featuring author Sampada Aranke. Aranke examines the importance of representations of death to Black liberation. 4:30p–6p. Free

20

Astronomy On Tap

SUDWERK BREWING CO. Short, fun astronomy talks with beer & fun prizes. Every 3rd Thursday, 6p–8p.

25

Avid After Hours: Romantics’ Book Club

AVID READER. Monthly romance book club meet up. Featuring Best of Luck by Kate Clayborn & Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner. Register in advance. 8p–9:30p. Free

27

Visiting Artist Lecture Series: Sky Hopinka

MANETTI SHREM. Acclaimed visual artist & filmmaker who draws from his experience as a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation/Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. 4:30p–6p. Free

28

Night with Karen Joy Fowler

VETERANS MEMORIAL THEATRE. Discussion with author of Booth, The Jane Austen Book Club & We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves. Tickets available online. 7p–8:30p. $10

Left: Alvin Ailey, American Dance Theatre (courtesey: Mondavi Center); Right: Margo Jefferson.

29

Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros

STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. A celebration of childhood & bilingual literacy. Each child will receive a free book & enjoy free crafts, live music & other fun activities. 11a–1p. Free

COMMUNITY

1, 15, 29

Lavender Farm Tours

CAPAY VALLEY LAVENDER FARM. One mile tour exploring lavender varieties, planting, harvesting & drying. Enjoy freshly baked lavender scones. Free for children under 8. 10a–11a. $10

1

Breakfast with the Bunny

ODD FELLOWS LODGE. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny, cookie-decorating, facepainting, storytelling, carnival games & Easter egg hunt parade through the Farmers Market. Tickets available online. 9a–11:45a. $12

1

First Saturday Bird Stroll

2500 ANDERSON ROAD, parking lot. Join expert birders for a slow moving 1.5 hour stroll. Byo binoculars if you have them. 8a–9:30a. Free

6, 13

Tax Return Help

STEPHENS DAVIS BRANCH LIBRARY. Free to people who generally make $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly & limited English speakers. Appointments can be scheduled online, or walk-ins welcome until an hour before closing. 4p–8p. Free

6, 13, 20, 27

Makerspace Drop-in Hours

STEPHENS DAVIS BRANCH LIBRARY. A weekly community workspace for makers, builders, designers & inventors. Some tools available for use. Supervised children welcome. Signed liability waiver required. 9:30a–11a. Free

7,

21

Davis International Parent Community Gathering

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE. Meetings provide support for multilingual & multicultural families including English learners adjusting to life in Davis. Open to anyone interested in sharing in the group’s mission. Meets every 1st & 3rd Friday. 10:15a–11:45a. Free

8

Nature Day

THE HIVE, WOODLAND. Interactive activities & workshops for all ages. Learn about sustainability & reducing your carbon footprint. Includes garden tour, Miridae Mobile Nursery, Miridae Living Labs & more. 11a–6p. Free

14

Make a Fermented Quilt with Crafting Community Ferment

ODD FELLOWS HALL. The Hypha Collective invites you to help make a community-sourced fermented quilt. Join this series of crafting workshops to turn our fermented art into a quilt. 4p–6p. Free

15

LEGO Block Party

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

20

Bike Collective Workshop: Mechanic Series

BIKE COLLECTIVE. A focused workshop on a select part of the bike. Intended for people interested in learning the finer details of the bicycle’s mechanical systems. 5p–7p. Free

22

DAWN Networking Party

DAVIS COWORKING. Join Davis Area Women’s Network (DAWN) for an afternoon of in-person connection. Reserve a spot. 3p–5p. Free

28

Winters 7th Annual Duck Derby

WINTERS PUTAH CREEK NATURE PARK. To participate in this annual Winters tradition, adopt a rubber duck online or at the beginning of the event. Winners receive cash prizes. 5p. $10

28

Fourth Friday Festival

DOWNTOWN WINTERS. Community festival featuring live music & good food. 6p–10p. Free

29

California Duck Days

YOLO BYPASS WILDLIFE AREA HQ. Familyoriented, community-based outdoor festival with activities for people of all ages. On-site activities for families include interactive exhibits, wetland themed arts & crafts & much more. 9a–4p. Car entrance fee $20

29

Recology: Free Shred Event

DAVIS RECYCLING CENTER. Free shredding for Davis residents, open until trucks fill up.

Limit: four file boxes per customer. 9a–12p. Free

FITNESS

4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27

Zumba! In the Park STONEGATE on Tuesdays, Applegate on Thursdays. 9a. $15

7, 14, 21, 28

Free Yoga Fridays

ARROYO PARK. Rain or shine, all levels welcome. Every Friday, 10a–11a. Free

23

Barre + Pick Your Own Bouquet

PARK WINTERS. All-levels barre class helps improve posture, balance & core strength. After workout, enjoy picking your own fresh bouquet! Bring a yoga mat. 8:30a–11:30a. $65

25

Centering Dance: A Monthly Guided Mindfulness Practice of Embodiment

STAMBUSKY STUDIOS. Release, recharge & recenter with 90 minutes of mindful movement. Discover the special alchemy that occurs at the intersection of mindfulness, movement & music. No dance experience needed. Guided by Teresa Hooker, PsyD. 4th Tuesdays, 7:30p–9p. Don/$20

29

Free Barre in the Park: Anniversary Party

JOHN BAROVETTO PARK. Yolo Barre celebrates four years in business with a free barre class. Followed by open house with local vendors, free cryo treatments, diaper drive for Yolo Crisis Nursery. 8:45a–12p. Free

FOOD & DRINK

1, 2, 29

Wine on the Patio GRINDSTONE WINES, ESPARTO. Enjoy wine, live music & food trucks on-site at Grindstone. 11a–4p.

5, 12, 19, 26

Woodstock’s Weekly Pies & Pints

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

7

All About Quiche

DAVIS FOOD CO-OP TEACHING

KITCHEN. Learn how to make the perfect quiche from scratch! 5p–8p. $45–$50

8

Donut & Wine Pairing

GREAT BEAR VINEYARDS. Donuts paired with Great Bear Sparkling Brut, Sparkling Rose, white dessert wine & red port-style dessert wine. Arrive by 3p. 12p–4p. $40

11

Sips & Bites Series: SCOPE

Small Grains Project

BUEHLER ALUMNI CTR, UC DAVIS. Explore the stories behind various UCD breeding program grains. Hear from field experts & culinary innovators. Taste crackers from three different grain varieties. 6p–7:15p. $25

12

From Across the Mediterranean

DAVIS FOOD CO-OP TEACHING

KITCHEN. Prepare dishes from Spain, France, Palestine, Cyprus & Morocco. Gluten-free. 5:30p–7:30p. $36–$40

18

Vegan Spring Rolls

DAVIS FOOD CO-OP TEACHING KITCHEN. Learn how to make vibrant & delicious vegan spring rolls from scratch! 5:30p–7:30p. $36–$40

25

Honey Exploration: The World BUEHLER ALUMNI CTR, UC DAVIS. An international experience featuring honey from Brazil, Australia & Europe. 5:30p–7p. $35

27

Aggie Night at Sudwerk Brewing Co.

SUDWERK BREWING CO. CAAA, APFA & SAA members get 15% off food, beer & merchandise purchases for inperson dining or takeout. 5:30p–7:30p.

29

Wings & Wheels

WATTS-WOODLAND AIRPORT. Classic cars & airplanes, food trucks, a BBQ lunch fundraiser, booths, a silent raffle for a scenic flight & a kids’ zone! Sponsored by Woodland Sunrise Rotary Club. 10a–3p. Free

GAMES

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Family D&D

DAVIS CARDS & GAMES. A beginner friendly group where parents & kids can play against other families for fun. 3p–6p. $20

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Adult D&D

DAVIS CARDS & GAMES. Weekly game night run by professional Dungeon Masters. New & experienced players welcome. 6p–9p. $10

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Kids D&D

DAVIS CARDS & GAMES. Beginner-friendly D&D adventure ages 9–15. 12p–2p. $10

2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Trivia Sunday

THREE MILE BREWING. Uses the King Trivia app. All ages. 6p.

3, 10, 17, 24

Bingo Monday

G STREET WUNDERBAR. Games, fun & prizes. 8p.

4, 11, 18, 25

Trivia Tuesday

SOPHIA’S THAI BAR & KITCHEN. Drinks & trivia for the 21+ crowd. Game starts at 9:30p.

5, 12, 19, 26

Trivia Wednesday

G STREET WUNDERBAR. Trivia & drinks. 10p.

5, 12, 19, 26

Trivia Wednesday

UNIVERSITY OF BEER. Six player trivia & drinks. 10p.

6, 13, 20, 27

Trivia Thursday

WOODSTOCK’S. Trivia, beer & pizza. Sign up at 8:45p; game at 9p.

8, 22

The Great Puzzle Competition

DAVIS CARDS & GAMES. Battle other puzzle teams to complete a 500-piece puzzle in three hours or less. First-place team wins a $50 gift card! 6p–9p. $15

9 Davis Odd Fellows Bingo

ODD FELLOWS HALL. Chat with friends or meet new people while helping the community. All proceeds go to local charitable organizations. 1p. $12

MUSIC

1

Music for Natalie

ODD FELLOWS HALL. 5th Annual “Celebration of Life for Officer Natalie Corona” with music, food & beer garden. Recognition of the Natalie Corona Odd Fellows Memorial Scholarship. 12p–5p. Free

1

Ranky Tanky with Dom Flemons

MONDAVI CTR. Deeply groovy music actively preserves traditions originated by African Americans in the coastal South during slavery. 7:30p. $12.50–$65

1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Karaoke Night

UNIVERSITY OF BEER. Every Saturday night. 9p. Free

2 Alexander String Quartet with Robert Greenberg

Left: Sammy Miller & the Congregation (courtesy: Mint Talent Group); Right: Historias de Nuestra Tierra (courtesy: Mondavi Center).

MONDAVI CTR. San Francisco-based Alexander String Quartet appears with violist David Samuel—joining cellist Sandy Wilson & violinists Fred Lifsitz & Zakarias Grafilo. Followed by Robert Greenberg’s lecture on each piece. 2p. $17.50–$65

2

Group Kirtan & More

BAREFOOT YOGA STUDIO. Kirtan, the chanting of sacred mantras, is an easy yet sublime method of meditation. An evening of live acoustic music, mantras & ancient wisdom. Vegan refreshments served. 6:30p–8p. Free

3, 10, 17, 24

Karaoke Night

G STREET WUNDERBAR. Pick a song & sing along. 10p. Free

4

Thursday Live!

ODD FELLOWS HALL. Performance by the Grateful BlueGrass Boys. Donations welcome. Doors open 7p, performance begins 7:30p. Free

7

HellaCappella

MONDAVI CTR. An all-female-identifying, award-winning collaboration between a cappella groups of all shapes, sizes, & sounds. Family-friendly. 7:30p. $16–$38

7, 8

Sammy Miller & The Congregation

MONDAVI CTR. The seven-piece band brings a bracing dose of joyful jazz performed with infectious theatricality. 7:30p. $22.50–$65

7

Hrabba Atladottir, solo violin: “Works by Graduate Students”

PITZER CTR. LiKWUiD, spoken word. Josh Henderson, violin, bass, guitar; Ju-Young

“J.Y.” Lee, cello; Mikael Darmanie, piano; Rick Martinez, drums. About the Band Warp Trio is an Internationally touring cross-genre chamber music experience. 5p–6p. Free

7, 14, 21, 28

Friday Folk Music Jam Sessions

WYATT DECK, UC DAVIS ARBORETUM. Folk musicians are invited to bring their acoustic instruments and jam. 12p–1p. Free

7, 14, 21, 28

Karaoke Night

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

8

Feltsman’s interpretations of works by Mozart & Schubert. 7:30p. $12.50–$79

10, 11

Recovered Voices, James Conlon

MONDAVI CTR. Highlights composers who suffered through the Nazi regime in Europe. Features a Chamber Orchestra (4/10) & Chamber Music Ensemble (4/11) led by Maestro Conlon. Additional symposium features Conlon & UC Davis Jewish Studies Program faculty. 7:30p. Free

14

Broken Compass Bluegrass Live RUHSTALLER FARM. An evening of outdoor music by jamgrass quartet Broken Compass Bluegrass. 6p–9p. Free

15

Dave Bass the Trio Album Release Party

CRILLY'S BACKYARD. Album release party for Dave Bass The Trio. Register in advance. 2–4p. $30

15

All-Day Indie Rock Show

TURTLE HOUSE. All-day, live indie rock show featuring Rainbow City Park, The Moondrops, Landline & more. 12p–8p. Free

15

Concert: Rainbow City Park

UCD SCIENCES LAB PATIO. NorCal Indie Band, Rainbow City Park, performs live at Picnic Day. 12:30p–1:30p. Free

15

“Intertwined,” FADS Fashion Show at Picnic Day

CRUESS HALL MAKERSPACE

COURTYARD. Event features fashion created & executed by Dept. of Design undergrad students. Live & outdoors. Tickets available online. 11a–12p, 1p–2p. $10

28

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain

MONDAVI CTR. All-ukulele ensemble performs new renditions of famous rock songs & film themes, often marked by unexpected transitions that keep audience members on their toes. 7:30p. $25–$95

30

Notes on Hope: J’Nai Bridges & Ulysses Owens Jr.

MONDAVI CTR. Features opera star J’Nai Bridges, & Grammy Award-winning drummer

Vladimir Feltsman, Piano

MONDAVI CTR. Distinguished pianist & conductor performs his third & final program “Inspirations.” Features

Ulysses Owens Jr. whose program highlights music tied to the African American experience. Provokes reflection & hope. 7:30p. $12.50–$65

30

Open Mic Night

WATERMELON MUSIC. Welcomes performers of all ages, genres and levels, asking only that the performance be familyfriendly. Sign up at 5:30, 6p–8p. Free

SCIENCE

1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 Explorit Rocks! Weekend Activity

EXPLORIT MUSEUM. Visit Explorit Rocks! an exhibit about rocks, fossils & crystals. A fun science activity or craft is included with admission every weekend. 10a–2p. Free for under 2 yrs/General $5

1

Science Fair Day

STEPHENS BRANCH LIBRARY. Meet researchers, inventors and experimenters, watch experiments, live demonstrations & participate in hands-on activities. 2p–4p. Free

29

BioBlitz City Nature Challenge

WYATT DECK, Arboretum. Track & identify wildlife in Davis. Bring a smartphone to take images of plants, animals & fungi and upload for observation. 9a–11a. Free

SCREEN

10, 11

Banff Mountain Film Festival 2023

BRUNELLE PERFORMANCE HALL, DHS. International film competition & annual presentation of films & documentaries about

mountain culture, sports, environment, adventure & exploration. 6:30p–10:30p. $22

11

Film Showing: Microplastic Madness

VETERANS MEMORIAL THEATRE. The story of 56 fifth graders from Brooklyn whose actions on plastic pollution morph into extraordinary leadership. Info fair at 5:30p; film at 6:30p. Free

SHOPPING

1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29

Davis Farmers Market

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

2, 16

Davis Craft & Vintage Fair

CENTRAL PARK. Local, handmade & original art, crafts, quality vintage items, upcycled treasures, earth-friendly creations, good food & more. Free live music. 10a–4p.

5, 12, 19, 26

UC Davis Farmers Market

UC DAVIS WEST QUAD. A seasonal oncampus extension of the Davis Farmers Market designed to promote student health & locally produced & campus-grown food products. Fall & Spring quarters. 11a–1:30p.

7 Neighborhood Market UNIVERSITY MALL. Pop-up

market with vintage clothing, records, jewelry, funkos & more. 11a–6p.

7, 8, 9

Friends of the Library Book Sale

STEVENS DAVIS BRANCH LIBRARY. Beginning the first Friday of each month, Friends of the Davis Library hosts a three-day sale in the Blanchard Room. On Sunday, fill a bag for $10. Fri 12p–7p. Sat 10a–5p. Sun 10a–3p.

8

The Growing Groves One Year Anniversary Night Market

GROWING GROVES. Growing Groves celebrates one year in business with their biggest Night Market yet. Featuring local vendors. 1p–6p. Free

8

Split Plant Sale

ARBORETUM, UC DAVIS. First two hours open to members only; join at the gate for a $10-off coupon. 9a–1p.

16 Plant Sale

DPNS. Plant sale hosted by Davis Parent Nursery School. 9a–12p.

14 Night Market at the Gallery

PENCE GALLERY. Purchase art pieces from rising young artists & support the local art scene. Payments through cash, check & mobile pay apps welcome. 6p–8p.

29

UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden Public Plant Sale

ARBORETUM, UC DAVIS. Shop the one-acre nursery with thousands of attractive, low-water plants. 9a–1p.

29 Independent Bookstore Day

AVID READER. Celebrate Indie Bookstore Day with exclusive books & gifts. Giveaways for anyone who spends at least $10. Coloring activities for kids. 10a–8p.

SPORTS

1

UCD Women’s Water Polo vs Santa Clara University

SCHAAL AQUATICS CTR. 12p. Free

2

Soccer for All Clinic

DAVIS LEGACY Soccer Fields. Clinic for children with disabilities where every drill is designed to be sensory-friendly, accessible & inclusive. Featuring players from the UC Davis women’s soccer team. 10a–11a. Free

7

UCD Women’s Water Polo vs UCSD

SCHAAL AQUATICS CTR. 12p. Free

UCD Women’s Beach Volleyball vs Liberty

UCD BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURTS. 4p. Free

8

UCD Women’s Tennis vs Cal Poly

MARYA WELCH TENNIS CTR. 11a. Free UCD Softball vs UC Riverside

LA RUE FIELD. 11a. Free

UCD Women’s Water Polo vs CSU Fullerton

SCHAAL AQUATICS CTR. 12p. Free

UCD Men’s Tennis vs Santa Barbara

MARYA WELCH TENNIS CTR. Live stream available online. 1p. Free

UCD Women’s Beach Volleyball vs Santa Clara

UCD BEACH VOLLEYBALL COURTS. 4p. Free

12

UCD Men’s Tennis vs Hawai’i

MARYA WELCH TENNIS CTR. Live stream available online. 2p. Free

15

UCD Women’s Water Polo vs Long Beach State

SCHAAL AQUATICS CTR. 12p. Free

UCD Women’s Lacrosse vs UC Berkeley

UC DAVIS HEALTH STADIUM. 1p. Free

15, 16 Davis City Golf Tournament

DAVIS GOLF COURSE. 36-hole stroke play championship with Open, Senior (50+) & Super Senior (65+) divisions.

18

UCD Baseball vs St. Mary’s DOBBINS STADIUM. Tickets available online. 2:30p. $5–$7

22

UCD Softball vs UC San Diego

LA RUE FIELD. 1p. Free

21, 22, 23

UCD Baseball vs UC Riverside DOBBINS STADIUM. Tickets available online. Fri 2:30p. Sat & Sun 1p. $5–$7

25

UCD Baseball vs Pacific DOBBINS STADIUM. Tickets available online. 2:30p. $5–$7

STAGE & DANCE

1, 2, Lion King Jr. DAVIS MUSICAL THEATER CO. Featuring classic songs from the film such as “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” & “Hakuna Matata.” The Lion King is a story about identity, family & responsibility. Recommended for all ages. 2p. $10

6

Stand Up Comedy Show

RUHSTALLER FARM, DIXON. The

farm’s first stand up comedy show, featuring Becky Lynn & Benton Harshaw. Headliner: Diego Curiel. 8p–9p. Free

14, 15, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30

Young Frankenstein

WOODLAND OPERA HOUSE. The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brook’s monstrously funny film. Fri & Sat 7:30p, Sun 2p. $9-18

15

En Las Sombras (In the Shadows)

A staged reading of Latine playwritght Jordan Ramirez Puckett’s play, directed by Nicole C. Limón. Performed in English with ASL interpretation and is appropriate for audiences ages ten and up. 1p–3p. Free

18, 19

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

MONDAVI CTR. A company dedicated to enriching the American modern dance heritage & preserving the African-American cultural experience. 7:30p. $15–$79

22

Danzantes Del Alma Annual Show

MONDAVI CTR. 44th Annual Showcase celebrating Mexican culture with vibrant & energetic dances from various regions throughout Mexico. 6p. $10–$25.50

28, 29, 30

Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical DAVIS MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY. Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe”. For the Entire Family. Fri & Sat, 7:30p; Sun, 2p. $8-18.

29 Village Dance Davis

BAREFOOT YOGA. Monthly gathering for a journey of music, movement & mindfulness. Begins with an opening circle, followed by music & movement. 6p–8:30p. Free

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

OPEN STUDIOS

1. Arboretum Art Works, 17 Arboretum Dr, Suites G & H | 4–7p. Working artist collective. Artists include Thelma Weatherford, Cathie James-Robinson, Schorré Chevalier Oldham and Joel Bresolin.

RECEPTION

2. The Artery, 207 G St | 7–9p. Divergent: An Exhibition of Form & Shadow. The Artery’s new exhibit features sculptural vessels by Louise McGowan Bezark. View multiple new series of her work, such as the Lit series with pierced gourds that are illuminated, and the Stem series which uses the twist and angle of the gourd’s natural stem as a feature. Watch a Suminagashi marbling demonstration by Adele Shaw, and learn about the traditional Japanese marbling technique. Walk away with a print.

SHOPPING/POP-UP/MUSIC

3. Davis Craft & Vintage Fair, E St Plaza | 5–9p. The Davis Craft & Vintage Fair is a lively event represented by our local artists. Shop from up to 10 vendors and enjoy live music. Vendors include Sunflowers and Sage Herb Farm, DoodleStitchArt, Schiller Crafts, Brainmelter, Artiful World, Recollections Vintage, Grove Street Goods, and bb mad designs.

MUSIC

4. The Davis Hootenanny, Hunt Boyer Plaza, 604 2nd St | 6:30–8:30p. The Davis Hootenanny is a disability-inclusive music event hosted by Purple Tree Café. The Team Davis Singers kick off an open mic set at 6:30, followed by featured performers Dave Nachmanoff & Friends at 7:30.

POP-UP ART SHOWS & LIVE MUSIC

FREE, MONTHLY, SELF-GUIDED ART WALK

COMMUNITY ART PROJECT

5. Handheld Sweet & Savory Pies (truck), 415 2nd St | 4–6p. Crafting Community Ferment is a six-part community art project by the Hypha Collective. They create processes and materials with fermentation and fungi, including sourdough-starter-designed handkerchiefs, kombucha scoby leather, mushroom-dyed yarn, and more. Join them on April 14 in a hands-on artmaking session to create the text “Living La Vida Local” for a community-sourced “quilt” made from fermented materials. Next to the Handheld Sweet & Savory Pies food truck.

RECEPTION/MUSIC

6. Logos Books, 513 2nd St | 6–8p Napa, Sedona, and Points in Between. Artist reception for Terry Mcllmoil Henry, whose work includes oil paintings of Napa Valley vineyards and Sedona vistas, as well as some watercolor landscapes. Light refreshments & live music by The Folk Music Folks.

RECEPTION

7. The Paint Chip, 217 F St | 6–8:30p. Modern Art Wheel. Artist reception for Regina Zavodovskaya. View a wide variety of mixed media including acrylics, inks, watercolors, and pastels. Refreshments.

RECEPTION/POP-UP

8. Pence Gallery, 212 D St | 6 - 9 PM. Opening reception of two new exhibits. Somewhere Beyond Time features energetic oil paintings by Maxine Solomon, while Moments in Time & Space includes ceramic sculptures by Bill Heiderich, Claudia Tarantino, and Daniel Alejandro Trejo. Art by Cathi Newlin & Toni Rizzo is on view as well with paintings and ceramics, and free wine tasting by Twisted Cedar Wines. Plus, the Night Market in the courtyard, a pop-up featuring young aspiring artists, 6-8p.

2ND FRIDAY ARTABOUT

1. S. Oldham, Untitled. 2. earrings by bb mad designs. 3. sculpture by D. Alejandro Trejo. 4. L. Bezark, Divergence. 5. R. Zavodovskaya, Crooked City

ARMADILLO

INDIE RECORD STORE RECOVERS

Isabella Holmes, for The Dirt

When the only indie vinyl shop in town closed for three weeks, the Davis community stepped up to help. Hip waders and all.

Armadillo Music has been a staple in the Davis community since it opened in 1996. Torrential rain storms were to blame for a busted pipe that forced them closed for three long weeks, and now that they’re back that community is showing up in droves to express appreciation and support.

During one of the many storms that passed through Davis this winter, a pipe that runs through Armadillo Music came apart, flooding the store. The inch of water left on the floor ruined sheet-

rock and destroyed inventory, including valuable records.

Even within the course of the interview for this story, two different customers came to donate boxes of their own personal record collections to help Armadillo recoup what they lost.

“That says something about how much people appreciate the business,” manager Paul Wilbur said.

This kind of setback could easily sink another small business, but the Armadillo team credits the specific nature of the Davis community for being able to bounce back.

“[The flood] absolutely devastated

a lot of what we had, but we got on the other side of it,” Wilbur told The Dirt. “Davis people want to be connected to their local businesses and it shows in the way they support us.”

The day Armadillo announced the flood, friends and regular customers came to the shop in hip waders, ready to help clean up.

“We have a community that continues to follow us, pay attention to us, and support us,” Wilbur said. “I can’t reiterate enough how special it is to feel that community. That’s something that is generated over time, that’s organic. It’s people walking through the door saying ‘I care.

National Indie Record Store Day is April 22!

What can I do?’”

On re-opening day it was standing room only. Friends, family, regulars, and others who had heard about the flood and wanted to support came to celebrate, have a beer and buy some records.

There’s never been a better time to pick up or renew an interest in vinyl. For the first time since 1987, vinyl sales are higher than CDs. The folks at Armadillo aren’t surprised.

“Vinyl is what’s driving this business. It’s all about records, people are seeking out a connection to the artists they love,” Wilbur said. “That’s why records are so popular— people crave that real community.”

It’s all about records, people are seeking out a connection to the artists they love.

PAUL WILBUR

IT'S COFFEE TIME

DAVIS FRIENDS CREATE BOARD GAME

After years of dreaming and developing, six friends in Davis have created and launched their own multiplayer board game.

Coffee Time is a unique introduction-to-strategy game designed for two-to six players. Creators say it’s less complicated than Monopoly, making it great for ages eight-and-older.

The game centers around King Tea, who has infiltrated the Realm of Time. He seeks to change all of the World Clocks to Tea Time, so it will be Tea Time forever. And he wants to vanquish coffee because he is jealous of how popular it has become. Players help Cup Joe and his Coffee Time friends stop King Tea.

Aaron Wedra, of Davis, came up with Coffee Time five years ago in a video-game design class at Sacramento City College. Over time, he enlisted friends to join.

“Basically, I love coffee and games and graphic design,” designer Aaron Wedra told The Dirt. “Brew these delightful passions together and you get the Coffee Time board game.”

Wedra designed most of the characters; his friend Landon Christensen designed King Tea. Steve Price helped develop game concepts. Sam Lundholm created the abstract textures found on the game box, cards and board. Matthew Wright developed original music for the game, and Milly Judd copy edited all text. Davis Cards & Games general manager Michael Schwarts lent his expertise, evaluating prototypes.

The highly caffeinated team effort is already percolating interest in Davis. The friends have already sold more than a hundred games s.

“Even if we can enter people’s lives for just 60-minutes and take their minds away from their chores, and their jobs and finances,” Wedra said, “we’re already realizing the highest success.”

Coffee Time can be purchased in brick-and-mortar stores like Davis Cards & Games and Avid & Co., or online at playcoffeetime.com. A portion of Coffee Time sales benefit Purple Tree Cafe in Davis, a non-profit that employs people with disabilities.

Hanna Nakano, The Dirt

COFFEE TIME and two other Davis-made board games are on display at the HATTIE WEBER MUSEUM this month; check it out next time you’re at the Farmers Market.

Photo by Hanna Nakano. Jake & Kayla pose with Coffee Time at Davis Cards & Games