January in Santa Clarita does not ease into the new year so much as it leaps — from meditative art sessions and star-splashed paint nights to live theater, improv and early-morning coffee in a motorcycle lot, the month’s calendar offers locals a reason to get out of the house almost every week.
Nest: Healing Art Studio
Nest: Healing Art Studio offers a peaceful start to the New Year with a free, one-hour mindful art session for teens and adults on Jan. 7 from 1-2 p.m.
Developed under the direction of Emily Skelton, LMFT and registered art therapist, the program blends guided meditation with judgment-free art making. Each session begins with a calming meditation, followed by a demonstration of the day’s art project.
“Healing takes bravery and lots of hard work, and I am here to support you with your process,” she said. “I am deeply committed to providing a safe space … it is my goal that everyone feel welcome and supported.”
ARTree Community Arts Center is located at 22508 6th Street in Newhall. For more information or to register, visit www.theartree.org/nest or call (661) 383-9266.
Motorcycles and Coffee
Motorcycles and Coffee at Ken and Joe’s Powersports offers riders a low-key Saturday morning meet-up with free coffee, donuts and plenty of time to talk shop before heading out on weekend rides.
On Jan. 10, local riders are invited to gather from 9 to 11 a.m. for a casual blend of caffeine, carbs and camaraderie. The weekly meet-up is free to attend and encourages enthusiasts to roll in, grab a cup of coffee, snag a donut and linger over conversations about bikes, routes and upcoming adventures.
A fixture in the Santa Clarita Valley since 1968, Ken and Joe’s Powersports bills itself as a full-line Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Royal Enfield and Surron dealership serving riders from across the surrounding valleys. The dealership pairs sales and service with a steady calendar of community events, positioning Motorcycles and Coffee as a natural extension of its longtime commitment to local riders.
Ken and Joe’s Powersports is located at 21618 Golden Triangle Road 91350. For more information, visit www.ken
andjoes.com or call (661) 254-2929.
Starry Night Over Land of Enchantment
On Jan. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m., guests can participate in Starry Night Over Land of Enchantment, a guided paint-and-sip class designed for ages 15 and up. Tickets range from $39 to $49 per person, and no experience is necessary — an instructor will guide attendees step-by-step as they create their own starry sky painting to take home.
For an extra touch, participants can add a DIY scented soy candle to their experience for $20. Those opting for the candle add-on are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early. Others should plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before class to grab a drink, a bite, and a smock before the fun begins.
Located at 24201 Valencia Blvd., Space #3422, this cozy studio offers a relaxed, social atmosphere perfect for reconnecting with friends or meeting new ones.
To register and view event details, visit paintingwithatwist.com/studio/santa-clarita/event/4161500.
“South Pacific”
Live theater lovers can look forward to a timeless musical returning to the local stage this January, as the Canyon Theatre Guild in Old Town Newhall presents Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific from Jan. 17 through Feb. 21.
Set on a lush island during World War II, this sweeping musical intertwines romance, humor, and the hard truths of prejudice and sacrifice. The story follows Ensign Nellie Forbush, an optimistic nurse from Arkansas who finds herself torn between love and long-held bias when she falls for French planter Emile de Becque. Parallel to her struggle, Lt. Joe Cable faces a similar conflict after falling for a local woman named Liat. As both confront the uncomfortable realities of their own beliefs, the story crescendos into a powerful reflection on the courage it takes to change one’s heart.
With its beloved songs, spirited choreography, and enduring message of empathy, South Pacific continues to resonate decades after its debut, reminding audiences that love—and understanding—can bridge even the deepest divides.
The Canyon Theatre Guild is located at 24242 Main Street. Tickets are $15 for students; $20 for seniors 62 and up; and $24 for adults. For more information, visit www.can
yontheatre.org/shows or call (661) 799-2702.
Prepare for a night of unscripted comedy when Leapfrog Improv Night leaps back onto the stage at the Canyon Theatre Guild on Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. The troupe promises quick wit and big laughs with its signature approach — “no script, no safety net, no problem.”
Guests can expect a fast-paced evening of improvisation, surprises, and audience-driven humor, along with a cash bar and raffle prizes that keep the fun going between acts. Tickets are just $10 for flat-rate seating in any row.
CTG is located at 24242 Main Street. Season ticketholders can reserve seats starting Jan. 7, and the general public can purchase tickets beginning Jan. 8. For more information, call the (661) 799-2702.
