Gary Sohmers has (almost) seen it all. That's his business. In his never-ending search for the holy grails of pop culture, collectors keep him motivated.

During 12 seasons on PBS' popular "Antiques Roadshow," Sohmers has become one of the nation's most recognized collectibles experts. He often puts in 12-hour days at his evaluation table, answering hundreds of questions about memorabilia and minutiae.

How does Sohmers do hour after hour of instant appraisals?

"That's easy," he says. "It's the stuff. People have so much great stuff. You never know when you'll see something that blows your mind."

This week, he's coming to Sacramento for three days of free evaluations at the California State Home & Garden Show at the Sacramento Convention Center. With paid admission, visitors can get Sohmers' opinion on their treasures. But expect a line. During his home show appearances, the wait can last two or three hours.

"Most people just want to know what they've got," he says in a phone interview from his Boston home. "It's not about the money. They want to know where it was made or when it was made or what it is. Or they just want to share a story with someone willing to listen."

In the aftermath of superstar Michael Jackson's death, Sohmers expects a deluge of Michaelabilia.

Billed as the "King of Pop Culture," Sohmers thinks the market already is glutted with "King of Pop" stuff.

"Pop culture changed in the 21st century," Sohmers explains. "When Elvis died, we didn't have the Internet or 24-hour news watch. Michael was probably the last of those iconic pop stars that would generate this sort of public response. Michael – or rather his family – will probably make more money after his death than when he was alive.

"But you've got to remember, they'll never go up in value," he adds of Jackson commemoratives. "No. 1, there's enough to satisfy the market – millions of items. No. 2, people collect stars' lives, not their deaths."

Sohmers personally collects rock 'n' roll memorabilia along with Disneyana (all things related to Walt Disney and his creations). "I'm a sick puppy, too," he admits.

His interest in rock music is personal. He toured with his own band, Windjammer, for two decades and produced more than 1,000 concerts featuring such diverse acts as Cab Calloway, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton and the Beastie Boys.

"Rock music has been part of my life all my life," he adds. "I figured out a way that I could turn my passions into my profession."

Collecting is all about passion, Sohmers adds.

"People collect for three reasons," he explains. "No. 1 is emotional; they feel a real attachment to the subject. Next comes decorative; they like the way it looks. Then, there's the investment thing. But for that, you really need to work with an expert. Don't just buy on eBay."

The gems of his personal collection are Disney's original investors prospectus for an amusement park (to be named Disneyland) and an extremely rare Grateful Dead poster featuring the introduction of the band's skull and roses motif.

"In Sacramento, I hope to see some great stuff from Fillmore or Avalon," he says, noting our area's proximity to two legendary 1960s concert venues. "Maybe even a Jimi Hendrix concert poster. Hopefully, someone will bring in their own holy grail."

Sohmers is easy to spot among the experts on "Antiques Roadshow." Always dressed in a Hawaiian aloha shirt, he can't contain his excitement and genuine joy of discovery when a collector pops in with a rare toy or vintage poster.

"This business is full of surprises," he says. "If it was boring, I wouldn't be doing it."

At his evaluation table, Sohmers sees a lot of paper goods – "tons of postcards," he says. "And comic books, the market is phenomenal because of all the recent movies. Iron Man, Batman, sci-fi; that whole genre. It really appeals to that 14-to-24 male demographic, but anyone can be a comic book geek."

Only mint-condition comic books are worth the big bucks, he adds. "If not, just read them and enjoy them.

"I specialize in all forms of pop culture," he adds, from Mark Twain to "The Simpsons." "Toys and games fit right in that category. We see a lot of childhood stuff and not just toys; shoes, clothes, paint-by-numbers. Barbies are big. It's not just from your childhood, but your grandparents' childhood, too. This stuff makes you feel young no matter your age."

During his Sacramento visit, Sohmers will look at almost any smaller item with some exceptions: no jewelry, coins, guns or furniture.

"Collecting is fun," he says. "It's the most ecologically friendly business there is. We never throw anything away. We're very green and very proud of the fact for hundreds of years we've been saving everybody's past for future benefit.

"But you need to know where to draw the line. When you save everything, you're just hoarding."

Call The Bee's Debbie Arrington, (916) 321-1075.