Although many of the events this weekend do not really reflect the true meaning of the foundation of this holiday, there are still some great things to do! Whatever your plan is this weekend, do take a moment to reflect on what Memorial Day is about and be thankful for our fellow Americans who put their lives on the line for the sake of our country. Just in case you aren't sure as to what Memorial Day is all about and why it is a National Holiday, here is the definition from Wikipedia: "Formerly known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action." So here's to a great weekend and thank you to all those who made it possible!

Wednesday 5.20

Music: Izabella w/ Montana Slim -- $10
Where: Harlow’s (27th & J St)
When: 8pm
Why: Izabella is a dance-inspired rock and soul band hailing from the Bay Area. I haven’t seen them yet but hear they’re great! This is what their website has to say: “This six-piece family of musical explorers is avowed for producing danceable, dynamic grooves. Izabella's live performances exude joy and inspiration for all in attendance. Their unique blend of fist-pumping guitar, funked-out keys, poly-rhythmic beats, and impassioned vocals is unparalleled in the genre. As this musical collective continues to blaze their own trail, they remain in constant connection with their community of fans who ultimately make it all happen.”
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Thursday 5.21

Museum: Diverse Perspectives Tour -- $6/$4/$3
Where: Crocker Art Museum (216 O St)
When: 1pm
Why: For those of you out there with wheels to get around on, The Crocker Art Museum will be shining the spotlight on their works at eye-level. This is a special exhibit for wheelchair users and their friends and all are welcome!
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Art: Lecture by Catherine Clark-- $5 (Free to CCA members)
Where: Center For Contemporary Art (1519 19th St)
When: 7pm
Why: Catherine Clark, from the Catherine Clark Gallery in San Francisco, will discuss the work in the Center for Contemporary Art, Sacramento's "The Conundrum of Abundance," an exhibition of paintings by Chester Arnold, Scott Greene, and Julie Heffernan. They all share an affinity for abundance in their paintings. While the imagery differs, the works share a pre or post-apocalyptical narrative that simultaneously embraces this abundance, and questions it. This should be a great, informative event.
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Music: Third Thursday Jazz Summer Concert Series -- $10 (Free to Crocker Members)
Where: Crocker Art Museum
When: 5:30-8pm
Why: Guitarist and singer Perry Mills leads his band in playing rock-rooted and jazz-schooled music. Enjoy a spotlight tour during intermission.
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Festival: Sacramento County Fair-- $3 (Kids & Seniors Free!)
Where: Cal Expo
When: 10am-10pm, May 21st-25th (10am-7pm on Memorial Day)
Why: The County Fair features competitions showcasing talent from our region, arts and crafts displays, agricultural exhibits, a hypnotist, SPIKE the fire juggler, a carnival with 30 thrilling rides, and of course, an assortment of food ranging from traditional fair favorites to contemporary cuisine. Local bands and musicians will get your summer rockin’ and rollin’ on two stages this year. Each night, talented artists are guaranteed to impress audiences! The Demolition Derby, Roving cowboys, wandering jugglers, hands-on fun with physics and the popular Sunflower Saddle Ranch are the types of entertainment you can expect- It's a surprise around every corner! Individuals, families and groups can enter and participate in contests during the Fair including a Cookie Bake-Off, Potatomobile Races, Gift Wrapping, Memory Pages, Grab Bag Art, Trim-a-Tree and more. Frugal fun for the whole family!!
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Friday 5.22

Festival: 36th Annual Sacramento Jazz Festival--$45 ($50 at door)
Where: Old Sacramento/Convention Center
When: May 22nd-25th: Fri, 1pm-11pm; Sat & Sun, 10am-11pm; Mon, 10am-4pm
Why: Jazz music of all types will permeate Old Sacramento and the area around the Sacramento convention center. More than 60 bands at 23 venues, more than 20 nationally-known all-stars, and a dozen featured bands. Special events include a big Friday parade, specialty concerts, a rousing Sunday gospel service and respectful Memorial Day salute to service, and sixteen bands made up of teenage musicians on their own stages.
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Music: Wonderbread 5 -- $12
Where: Harlow’s
When: 10pm-1:30am
Why: For over a decade, the unstoppable, international rock and roll party machine known as the Wonder Bread 5 have been thrilling audiences, and exceeding client's expectations around the globe. (And on Saturday you can catch Mercy Me at Harlow’s too!)
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Theatre: Let's Go! Musical -- $20/25/30
Where: Crest Theatre
When: May 22nd-24th: Fri-Sun 8pm & Sat-Sun 2pm
Why: "Let's Go" will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions through its inspirational story. With jaw-dropping dance numbers and soulful renditions of your favorite songs, you'll be dancing and singing along with the cast! The performers in Let's Go! have a passion for their art and a desire to be deemed number one. Throughout the first act, the singers and dancers battle to find out who is the best. The magic begins when the rivals realize the only way to be number one is to act as one. United through a tragic loss, the performers come together in Act II and put on a show you'll never forget. Whether you are a fan of Country, R & B, Rock, Gospel, or Hip Hop, this musical has it all! At the end of each show, meet the Let's Go! Cast and hear their real life stories. This is a rare chance to meet the people behind the characters you see on stage and best of all- they’re from Sacramento!
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Music: Jackopierce -- $25 ($20 in advance)
Where: Marilyn’s on K (St)
When: 9:00pm
Why: The songs range from acoustic pop (the title-track, "Promise of Summer") to John Mellencamp-tinged country-rock ("Everything I'm Not"). Heartache is ever-present on a Jackopierce record. Jack O'Neill and Cary Pierce founded the duo in 1988 and after a decade-long run they decided to call it quits with a sold-out farewell tour 1997. In 2002, they reunited and have played 15-20 shows per year, always to sold-out venues.
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Music: Concert in the Park -- $Free
Where: Cesar Chavez Park
When: 5pm-8pm
Why: This week check out Silver Darling, Kris Anaya, & Buildings Breeding (their CD release!) followed by the featured band Two Sheds. Afterward, continue the fun with the “Weekly Concert Crawl” (Post Concert Specials)! Show your concert wristband and receive specials like happy hour pricing on food & drinks every Friday night at local bars and restaurants. Just ask for the Concert Crawl Deal.
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History: CARRIED WITH COURAGE: Historic Flags from the Capitol Collection -- $Free
Where: CA State Capitol Museum
When: Mat 22nd-23rd 9am-5pm
Why: This exhibit features a number of conserved Civil War flags from the Capitol Historic Flag Collection. Some of these flags were flown on display on the parade ground, while others have accompanied Californians into battle. Many of the flags to be exhibited have never before been seen by the public. This exhibit is a unique opportunity and will offer the public a once in a lifetime chance to view this remarkable collection.
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Saturday 5.23

Dance: Sacramento Ballet's Season Finale -- $38
Where: Sacramento Theatre Company
When: May 23rd & 24th: Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2:00pm
Why: The Sacramento Ballet is bringing their year to an end. These two shows will be the final performances for the Ballet’s 2008–2009 Season. Presenting highlights from its recently sold-out performance at the Mondavi Center’s Studio Theatre, these performances will showcase Amy Seiwert's "Well it's not a cry," Nolan T'Sani's "Ballet de Murphy," Molly Lynch's "A Journey" and Jared Nelson's "Jump Jive," along with additional Sacramento Ballet repertory favorites in a powerful display of the creative and artistic excellence that is the hallmark of what Sacramento Ballet’s Artistic Directors Ron Cunningham and Carinne Binda have consistently and brilliantly brought to the stage. Support the SacBallet!
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Festival: Handmade Parade-- $1
Where: Giovanni Hall (1333 58th St)
When: 10:00am-5:00pm
Why: Handmade Parade welcomes everyone to come and enjoy a wide range of fine art, folk art and crafts at this semi-annual event- with free craft demos, make & takes, and knitting & crochet demos to boot! The first 200 people there will receive a bag of freebies and discounts from our vendors and sponsors.
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Fundraiser: Walk 'N Rock for Kids Benefit-- $donation
Where: Raley Field
When: Walk 8:00am, Concert 8:00pm
Why: The morning will be filled with music at Raley Field and along the route. After the walk, enjoy entertainment, interactive booths, kids activities, more music, food and fun! Bobby Jackson will be the official spokesperson for this event- Don't miss it! Later that evening, Hope Productions and our corporate partners will host an exclusive VIP reception and a benefit concert featuring: Journey! (Tickets on sale) This will be open to the general public. The proceeds from the concert will be divided among the nonprofit partners.
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Family: Family Fun Program-- $Free w/ Museum admission ($7/6/3)
Where: California Auto Museum
When: 1:30pm-3pm
Why: Celebrate Mom all month long and make her a special keepsake, a race car themed picture frame complete with your picture next to your favorite Museum car! Just in time for the 93rd Indianapolis 500, you can also decorate your own miniature wooden race car.
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History: Memorial Day Ceremony -- $Free
Where: Historic City Cemetary
When: 10am
Why: Join the Historic City Cemetery Committee in honoring veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Music, speakers, color guard and dignitaries guided tours will be featured.
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Sunday 5.24

Music: A Fashion Night Stand -- $10
Where: MIX Downtown
When: Pre-party 6pm, Runway 9:30pm
Why: An upscale & fashion forward one night affair showcasing some of the best local fashion & talent rounds out the Memorial Day Weekend! Enjoy a runway main event featuring fashions by local boutique Madam Butterfly & local designers of Velvet Leaf, with styling by Suede Salon & showcasing Cast Images runway talent. Stay for the post-show party hosted by 100.5 The Zone until 2:00am. Walk the TwinSoup Pink Carpet, enjoy photo-ops, free swag bags valued at $250+ each, TwinSouptinis & more!
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Music: Graham-A-Rama -- $15
Where: Geery Theatre
When: 7pm & 9pm
Why: Join in the fun this weekend with Graham Sobelman as he welcomes Jerry-lee to the set! Also performing are the Graham-A-Rama puppeteers! A fun filled-hilarious time! This humorous display of talent occurs every Sunday at the Geery theatre so even if you can’t make it his week, keep it in mind…
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Monday 5.25

Theatre: Tommy the Musical-- $20 ($15 in advance)
Where: Crest Theatre
When: 7pm
Why: Sacramento's own Nancy Zoppi will be playing Tommy's mom- She is the daughter of a good friend of mine and an amazing performer! This show is not to be missed! Presented by Artistic Differences.
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Also keep in mind for that the Sacramento County Fair & the Sacramento Jazz Jubille are both continuing through Monday. If you didn't get a chance to go over the weekend, it's not too late!!

These events and many more can can be found on Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.