Arts & Culture Getaways in Auburn, Grass Valley and Nevada City

SMALL, PICTURESQUE TOWNS SUCH AS Ashland, OR and Telluride, CO have long been popular with arts and culture enthusiasts. Though lesser known, the Sierra foothills is a cultural destination in its own right, with world-class performers, award-winning theater, including Broadway shows, and eclectic art galleries—all within walkable, historic towns.

Dining, shopping and lodging—from B&Bs and inns to deluxe hotels—are also within walking distance.

Auburn is home to Placer County’s symphony, the Auburn Symphony, Grass Valley is home to the Center for the Arts, and Nevada City is home to the historic Nevada Theatre, among other choices.

This year, Emanuel Ax, one of the greatest pianists of the 21st century, performed in Grass Valley, thanks to InConcert Sierra. The performing arts nonprofit also hosted the Harvard Glee Club, founded in 1858.

The Center for the Arts, an arts hub for the foothills, will present legend Wynton Marsalis & Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on March 7 at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium. The auditorium is within walking distance of the up-and-coming Colfax Avenue neighborhood, or “The Avenue.”

On April 11, legendary singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie will perform at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, thanks to the Center for the Arts.

The foothills’ theater scene includes Broadway shows. On April 10-May 10, the Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra (CATS), will present Miss Saigon.

Sierra Stages’ sixth season is a blockbuster. Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy Company, J.M Barrie’s original version of the classic Peter Pan and the long-running Off Broadway musical You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown make up the season beginning this winter.

The 2014 Season opens with the landmark musical comedy Company playing February 27-March 22 at the Nevada Theatre in Nevada City.

With a score by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, Company focuses on 35-year old bachelor Robert, his five married-couple friends, and his three current girlfriends. Through a series of scenes, the authors explore the meaning of marriage and commitment in today’s world.

Lodging
BROAD STREET INN
517 W. Broad St., NC 265-2239 BroadStreetInn.com

GOLD MINERS INN / HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES
107 Bank St., GV 477-1700 TheGoldMinersInn.com

GRASS VALLEY COURTYARD SUITES
210 N. Auburn St., GV 272-7696 GVCourtyardSuites.com

LAMB’S VICTORIAN INN
304 Church St, GV 615-4652 LambsVictorianInn.com

SIERRA MOUNTAIN INN
816 W. Main St., GV 273-8133 SierraMountainInn.com

OUTSIDE INN
575 E. Broad St., NC 265-2233 OutsideInn.com

For “on the go” travelers visit our new mobile website with an iPhone or smartphone at SierraCulture.com. You are automatically directed to the mobile version.

(Photo: WyntonMarsalis.org)