Steam-powered punks

Steampunk: It’s the unlikely portmanteau of steam and punk. It’s also an art/music/literature phenomenon. For those who aren’t familiar with the kitschy cultural movement, which grew in popularity throughout the ’80s and ’90s, it takes place inside a post-apocalyptic fantasy world where machinery is steam-powered, people dress in Victorian-era clothing and futuristic technology is possible. Imagine a blend of Final Fantasy video games, Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films and Jules Verne’s sci-fi novels, and you’ve got steampunk in a nutshell. This Second Saturday, Sacramento’s Steampunk Society and Brick Alley Art Studios have teamed up on an exhibition of steampunk-themed illustrations, photography, jewelry and weapons. Plus, Laura Ortiz of Twilight Willow will be premiering some new live steampunk music, whatever that is.