The art beats on

It goes without saying that this whole trying-to-uphold-our-democracy thing is getting complicated and exhausting. Plus, it’s almost tax season (ugh). One surefire way to recharge? Immerse yourself in the timeless refuge of art and music. Various workshops and events paying homage to our nation’s musical roots abound:

Looking to beef up your killer vinyl collection? On Saturday, February 25, Armadillo Music and KDVS 90.3 are hosting the Vinyl & Music Fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Davis Senior Center (646 A Street in Davis). Pick through the offerings of sellers and collectors from all over the state for the chance to score rare, out-of-print records, tapes, CDs and more. Admission is free, though if you want an early crack at things, you can pay $5 to get in at 8:30 a.m. Visit http://armadillomusic.com or call (530) 758-8058 to find out more.

Also on Saturday: the Cypher Hip Hop Workshop with Michael Brim at the Carmichael Library (5605 Marconi Avenue) from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Attendees will learn about the rich history of hip-hop, deejaying, emcees and break dancing via live performance and a workshop where you’ll get the chance to learn to write a few rhymes and learn a few moves of your own. The event is free and open to all ages; find out more at www.saclibrary.org/home/events or by calling (916) 264-2920.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to take a deeper dive into the art of the lyric and the ways in which spoken word can become in and of itself music, the Sacramento Area Youth Speak (SAYS) Grand Slam finals are also going down on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crocker Art Museum (216 O Street). Attendees will first participate in a writing workshop, and then a competition for a spot on the 2017 SAYS Slam Team. The entry fee is $10; visit www.crockerart.org/event/1226/2017-02-25 for more info.

Then on Tuesday, February 28, celebrate Fat Tuesday with the fourth annual Mardi Gras Second Line, a roving music parade that kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at Mulvaney’s B&L (1215 19th Street). Local entertainers Peter Petty and Dana Moret will be leading the pack, and the parade will make stops at Kasbah, the Porch Restaurant and Bar, and Easy on I, before finishing up at the Torch Club with a performance from Boca de Rio. The fun is free; visit www.facebook.com/events/362127314157551 for more info.