Inaugurate your activism

Last week, we watched President Barack Obama give a moving and eloquent farewell speech for the ages, and he was answered with desperate chants of “Four more years!”; this week, whether you plan on tuning in or not, a man who models his speech patterns after Dr. Evil will be sworn in as the next president of the United States. In other words, reality is dealing its blows mercilessly, one after the other. What’s a patriot to do come that fateful Inauguration Day?

Well, there’s always alcohol. No one’s going to blame you for needing to tie one on come Friday (and here’s to hoping those poor Rockettes do the same before they hit the stage). As far as actually productive alternatives to occupy your mind and body, check out the following:

The day of, on Friday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m., head over to the California Stage Theatre (2509 R Street) and catch The Inauguration Protestation: An Evening of Theater, Comedy and Rock & Roll. The evening kicks off with a reading of The Taming, an all-female play inspired by Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Following that will be live music from DT and the Deplorables, a satire band poking fun at Mr. Thin Skin via original songs. Tickets are $20 and proceeds benefit the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Find out more at www.brownpapertickets.com/
event/2724875.

The next day at the Capitol (1315 10th Street), take part in Changefest: A Climate Mobilization, which will feature live music from Cresca and the ZFG Crew, plus workshops on climate change issues. The event will culminate in a march to the Western States Petroleum office to protest the climate change denial. Go to www.facebook.com/events/
1281638971907162 for more info.

On Sunday, January 22, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., head out to the Davis Cemetery and Arboretum (820 Pole Line Drive in Davis) for the Inauguration of Peace, Unity, Heart & Spirit. Davis Mayor Robb Davis will be in attendance in addition to spiritual leaders, drum groups and members of the community seeking justice and humanity during these trying times. Visit http://daviscemetery.org/inauguration-of-peace-unity-heart-spirit to find out more.