December 2022

SacAnime’s winter installment is descending on the city’s convention center in early January

Sacramento has proven it can bring out record numbers for SacAnime events, and the next upcoming weekend of fun looks to be a repeat performance.

Whether a fan of Asian culture, anime or manga, there is little doubt attendees will find something of interest at this year’s installment of the gathering between Jan. 6th and 8th.

In addition to an overwhelming number of vendors, signature booths, panels and workshops, there will also be plenty of games that children can join if they know their way around card decks or controllers. 

SacAnime 2023 features Dave Wittenberg (Naruto’s Kakashi Hatake), Johnny Yong Bosch (Dragon Ball, Demon Slayer, Power Rangers, Bleach, Trigun), Troy Baker (Naruto, The Last Of Us, Uncharted, Bioshock Unlimited) and many more surprises for fans of all ages.

Event-goers should bring their wallets, satchels or backpacks to take advantage of all the tables selling one-of-a-kind clothing, books, trinkets, videos and other creative goodies.

Door times differ from day-to-day, but the exhibitor’s hall opens Friday starting at noon. Tickets can be purchased at www.sacasnime.com in advance for a small discount by January 2nd, or at the door for an extra $5 per ticket. Children under 11 are free. The SAFE Credit Union Convention Center is located at 1400 J Street in Sacramento.

(SN&R)

Tchaikovsky anyone? Local dance legend Pamela Hayes returns to Folsom with her classical ballet troupe in mid-December

Pamela Hayes and ‘The Nutcracker’ return will be showcased in Folsom Dec. 15th thru Dec. 18th. Photo by A&B Photography

For those looking for a holiday outing that won’t disappoint, do not overlook this weekend’s installment of The Nutcracker.

Backed by the Folsom Lake Symphony and Maestro Peter Jaffe, the addition of the Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet makes any of the scheduled day or night performances worth their weight and then some.

“Our goal is to offer an exceptional production capturing the beauty of the ballet and the magic of the season,” explains Hayes. “I am so proud of our dancers and the quality of the experience that we have been able to bring to our community for 22 years.”

Aided by her uber-talented daughter and Associate Artistic Director, Zara Hayes, Pamela will treat guests to a magnificent stage set, along with the talents of a whopping 75 local dancers. And while there are other performances of The Nutcracker this time of year, the two Hayes ladies deliver a show that always brings return customers and features the cream of the crop for local talent.

The show runs December 15th thru 18th at the Harris Center for the Arts. Ticket prices start at $28 and top out at $46 for Premium seating. They can be purchased in advance at www.harriscenter.net. Door times vary per-show, which are six in total, yet all ages are welcome for this exquisite family affair. The Harris Center is located in Folsom at 10 College Parkway. 

(SN&R)