Hot time: Elaine Marlowe puts some sizzle into the summer during the FlamencoArts performances.
Heat Wave
Summer brings hot times to the North Bay arts scene
By Heidi Blankenship, Greg Cahill, Paula Harris, Shelley Lawrence, and Patrick Sullivan
READY, SET, kawabunga! Like a smiling swimmer leaping from the high dive into the sparkling waters of your local swimming pool, we’re taking another exuberant belly flop into the season of warm weather, cold drinks, and lazy days at the beach. As always, under this hot sun a thousand flowers bloom across the North Bay art scene. Music festivals, parades, art shows, dance performances, studio tours: they’re all there, waiting for you to shake the sand from your swimsuit and point your feet toward fresh sources of fun–so dive right in!
May
Rose Parade
Happiness is . . . the 106-year-old Luther Burbank Rose Parade Festival–which this year pays tribute to the late Charles Schulz and his lovable Peanuts gang. Celebrating the theme will be a bevy of special grand marshals: Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, Linus, and Schroeder, who will lead more than 4,000 marchers in 120 units. Among them will be floats, drill teams, bands, clowns, cars, and equestrians. The Peanuts characters step off the parade at 10 a.m. at Sonoma Avenue and E Street. Curbside viewing is available along the entire route: E Street, Third Street, and Santa Rosa Avenue. The event also offers an assortment of food, music, exhibits, an Italian street painting gallery, and other activities along First Street between Santa Rosa Avenue and D Street. May 20. The festival continues from 11 a.m. to a finale at 4 p.m., when a massive Snoopy balloon on loan from Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade will float taller than City Hall! Free. 542-7673.–P.H.
Petaluma Adobe Living History Day
Step back into the 1840s as the Petaluma Adobe Ranch brings history to life. Traditionally dressed volunteers demonstrate the crafts and trades of the period, including brickmaking, basketry, corn grinding, candlemaking, the firing of flintlock muskets, and homemade banjo playing. May 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3325 Adobe Road, Petaluma. $3 for adults and $2 for children 7 to 11. 769-0429.–H.B.
Backyard Concert Series
KRSH radio celebrates summer’s return with a series of free concerts every few weeks. Vagabond Lovers perform on May 22, and John Eddy on June 12. Musicians are still being chosen for the concerts in July, August, and September, but possibilities include Nina Storey and Sumac. The music runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. behind the KRSH studios at the Station House, 3565 Standish Ave., Santa Rosa. Free. 588-0707.–S.L.
Sonoma County Crushers
Big-league names grace the Crushers lineup in the team’s sixth season of minor league baseball. Former Giants superstar Jeffrey Leonard is managing the team, and former Giants slugger Kevin Mitchell is going to bat for them. The season opens on Friday, May 26, at 7:05 p.m. when the Crushers face off against the Zion Pioneerzz. The action continues through early September. Rohnert Park Stadium, 5900 Labath Ave. $5 to $13. 588-8300.–P.S.
Santa Rosa Downtown Market
The popular event once known as “Thursday Night Market” now continues on more family-friendly Wednesday nights. Grope the fresh produce, ogle the community arts and crafts, and take in a little live entertainment. Wednesdays, 5 to 8:30 p.m. May 31-Sept. 6. On Fourth Street between B and E streets. Free. 524-2123.–P.H.
Healdsburg Jazz Festival
If you’re looking for an antidote to the endless river of smooth jazz poisoning America’s airwaves, here it is. This annual festival opens on May 31 with a gala dinner and solo piano concert with Fred Hersch ($125), who also performs two sold-out shows on June 2 at the Raven Performing Arts Theater. On June 1 at 7 p.m., film archivist Mark Cantor serves up a “Jazz Night at the Movies” at the Raven. The fun continues on June 3 at 1 p.m., when the George Coleman Quartet and the acclaimed Pharoah Sanders Ensemble perform outdoors at the Rodney Strong Vineyards ($32.50). On June 3 at 8 p.m., the Von and Chico Freeman Quintet hits the Raven ($22.50); and on June 4 at 1 p.m., the Charles Lloyd Quartet performs outdoors at the Geyser Peak Winery ($22.50). Tickets are available at Levin & Co. in Healdsburg. 433-3615.–P.S.
June
José Galván and FlamencoArts
Direct from Sevilla, Spanish dance master Galván and guitarist Manuel Parejo join forces with Flamenco Arts for another season of passionate dance, from the piercing wail of siguiriyas to the joys of alegrÃas. June 2 at 8 p.m. at the Community Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol (823-1511). June 3 at 8 p.m. at LBC, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa (546-3600). June 4 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sebastiani Theatre, 476 First St. E., Sonoma (996-9756). $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 544-0909.–P.S.
Black Bart Festival
Cloverdale’s Black Bart Festival has the proverbial something for everyone. And if ya don’t believe us, here’s the rundown: Gold Rush Race (10K and 3K walk/run), open-air antique show, art show, crafts, winetasting, food booths, a variety of live music–including rock ‘n’ roll, country, jazz, opera arias, and easy listening. There’s also entertainment like the Black Bart Gunfighters, a Civil War re-enactment, the bathtub races, a cow-chip doubles competition (Uncle Stan’s favorite), a live Cinderella preview, clowns, an era fashion show and costume contest, a barbecue, a balloon jump, street dancing, break dancing, and much more. Phew! June 3. Races start at 8 a.m.; everything else runs from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Western dress is encouraged. Free. 894-4470.–P.H.
Beerfest
Over 30 of Northern California’s microbreweries are represented at the ninth annual Beerfest, an afternoon of brew sampling, snacking, and live music from the Uncle Wiggly Band. All proceeds benefit Face to Face, a nonprofit organization providing services to men, women, and children living with HIV and AIDS in Sonoma County. Gourmet food tasting, unlimited beer, and a spiffy souvenir glass are included in the ticket price. The Beerfest takes place rain or shine on June 3 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Luther Burbank Center’s mall and courtyard, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $24 in advance (tickets available at Face to Face and Third Street Aleworks in Santa Rosa, or through BASS) and $28 at the door. 887-7031.–S.L.
Art at the Source
This annual event provides a firsthand look at working art studios and the opportunity to meet and talk with 79 of Sonoma County’s finest artists while they do their thing. Free maps are provided at locations throughout the county (including the Sebastopol Center for the Arts and Copperfield’s Books). June 3-4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A preview exhibit of work by participating artists is open through June 4 at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6821 Laguna Park Way. 829-4797.–S.L.
Valley of the Moon Arts
Enjoy a weekend of fine arts and crafts, jazz, and good food at the Valley of the Moon Art Association’s 39th annual art and craft show. More than 100 Northern California artists will display and sell their work during the event. Added attractions include music by Ancient Winds. June 3-4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On the Plaza, Sonoma. Free. 453-1656.–P.H.
Dry Creek Vineyard Summer Celebration
Indulge your senses with a variety of wine and food samplings. On offer are current wines, barrel tastings, and library selections, plus gourmet products from purveyors such as Fling Goat Coffee, Howler Sorbet & Gelato, and DaVero Olive Oil. Visitors will learn to blend their own meritage from the winery’s 1999 red-wine barrel samples. The event also features live jump, jive, and swing music from the Hucklebucks. June 3, noon to 5 p.m. 3770 Lambert Bridge Road, Healdsburg. $35 in advance (if purchased by May 22), $40 at the door. 433-1000.–P.H.
Summer Concert Series
Smooth jazz comes to the outdoors in this series of musical performances at Rodney Strong Vineyards. On June 4 at 3 p.m., catch Craig Chaquico, Willie & Lobo, and Slim Man. On July 15 at 5 p.m., see Peter White and Rick Braun. On Aug. 6 at 4 p.m., enjoy Richard Elliot and Avenue Blue. On Aug. 19 at 4 p.m., Dave Koz and Joyce Cooling perform. Finally, on Sept. 17 at 3 p.m., Ottmar Liebert and Acoustic Alchemy bring their sounds to the great outdoors. 11455 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg. General lawn seating is $30; Golden Circle chair seating is $35. 433-0919.–P.S.
Italian Street Painting Festival
Hundreds of professional and amateur artists take to the streets to create 30,000 feet of colorful frescoes during this annual event. The festival also features Italian food, musical entertainment, and more. June 10, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; June 11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Downtown San Rafael. Free. 415/457-4878.–P.S.
Zarzuela Festival
Hand-picked student artists take part in a four-week immersion program for training in voice, dance, theater arts, and acting that culminates in full-scale productions of two zarzuelas, or Spanish light operas. The productions will feature 30-piece orchestras and authentic colorful costumes. Water, Candy & Brandy (Aqua, Azucarillos y Aguardiente), a humorous musical comedy by composer Federico Chueca, will be performed June 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. The Troublemaker (La Revoltosa), another musical comedy, this time by composer Ruperto ChapÃ, runs June 16 at 8 p.m., June 17 at 8 p.m., and June 18 at 2 p.m. Jarvis Conservatory’s theater, 1711 Main St., Napa. $40 for adults and $30 for students; $70 for season ticket for performances on June 10 and 17. 255-5445.–P.H.
Save the planet: Environmental activist Julia Butterfly Hill speaks June 11 at the 22nd annual Health and Harmony Festival.
Health and Harmony Festival
Now in its 22nd year, this two-day festival features multicultural entertainment and hundreds of exhibits promoting healthy and harmonious lifestyles. On June 10, hear a speech by Ralph Nader and music by Wailing Souls, Jai Uttal and the Pagan Love Orchestra, Motherhips, and others. On June 11, hear a talk by tree-sitter Julia Butterfly Hill and performances by jazz drummer Pete Escovedo; singers Roy Rogers, Shana Morrison, Joanne Rand; and many others. June 10-11, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. $15 for adults in advance ($8 for seniors and teens 10-16), $18 for adults at the door ($10 for seniors and teens 10-16), and $25 for both days. Kids under 10 get in free. 575-9355.–P.H.
Marin Art Festival
The North Bay’s most eclectic lawn party presents work by 150 professional artists, including painting, sculpture, prints, and jewelry. Also on offer are international cuisine, face painting for the kids, and a wide array of entertainment. On Saturday, enjoy performances by the Napa Valley Taiko and the Murasaki Ensemble. On Sunday, the Nob Hill Trio, Lloyd Gregory and Friends, and a daring display of stilt stunts by Danger Ha Ha! will provide the pleasure. June 17-18, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lagoon Park, Marin Center, Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. $6. 415/472-3500.–P.S.
High note: Blessid Union of Souls hit the Sonoma County Fair on July 28.
Sonoma-Marin Fair
“Tracks to the Future” is this year’s theme for Petaluma’s annual fair. John Kay and Steppenwolf perform on June 16 with the Nelsons; June 17 features Chris LeDoux (Williams & Ree open); June 18 highlights War and Freddy Fender. The fair also boasts a carnival, family entertainment, arts and crafts, food, chef’s demonstrations, and . . . pig racing. June 14-18, noon to 10 p.m. 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma. $7 for adults, $3 for juniors, and free for kids under 6. 283-FAIR.–S.L.
Russian River Blues Festival
Voted Sonoma County’s best musical event in 1999, the blues festival on the river offers topnotch musicians in a lovely outdoor setting. On June 17, check out the Average White Band, the Funky Meters, Bobby Murray, Tommy Castro, and Little Milton. June 18 features the talents of Los Lobos, the Duke Robillard Band, Etta James & The Roots Band, Angela Strehli, and Mighty Mo Rodgers. The music starts at 11 a.m. both days. Winetasting, gourmet food, and snacks will be available, along with vendors of arts and crafts. It gets hot during the day and cool at night, so be prepared. Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville. A portion of the proceeds goes to local nonprofit organizations. $40 for one day and $75 for both days, with discounts for advance purchase. 510/655-9471.–H.B.
Duncans Mills Festival of the Arts
The turn-of-the-century village of Duncans Mills annually holds a charming festival incorporating the best of Sonoma County. The event features arts and crafts, wine and microbrew tasting, a wide array of food, and two stages of entertainment from such musicians as Pamela Rose, Solid Air, and Jessie Turner, as well as performances by puppeteers and jugglers. And, of course, you can’t miss the ever-popular Duncans Mills duck races, where participants race yellow rubber duckies on a waterway for hefty prizes. June 17, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; June 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Head for the meadow next to the village. Proceeds benefit Stewards of Slavianka, a state park association. $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and free for children under 12. 824-8404.–P.H.
Garden Expo
Historic Luther Burbank Home and Gardens plays host to an old-fashioned garden party featuring green thumb experts, specialty flora, live music, kids’ activities, food, and demonstrations. Come revel in the flowers and silently thank ol’ Luther for another first–making Sonoma County the world’s No. 1 spot for allergies. June 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, Santa Rosa and Sonoma avenues, Santa Rosa. $3 for adults; children 12 and under get in free. 524-5445.–S.L.
Cotati Jazz Festival
This pleasant low-key institution has earned a reputation as “the biggest little mainstream jazz festival in the North Bay.” This year marks the fest’s 20th anniversary with bebop combos, vocalists, trios, quartets, and quintets enlivening a half-dozen downtown cafes, saloons, and coffee shops. Scheduled performers include (on Saturday) gut-bucket blues singer Brenda Boykin (worth the price of admission alone), the Eddie and Madeline Duran Quartet, and vocalist Kitty Margolis; and (on Sunday) pianist Dick Conte (of the now-defunct KJAZ-FM), trumpeter Peter Welker, and Chuck Sher and his Latin Sextet. June 17-18, from 1 to 6 p.m. at various locations in downtown Cotati, including the Inn of the Beginning, Tradewinds, North Light Books, and Dos Amigos restaurant. $15 for one day and $25 for both (tickets available only at the bandstand in La Plaza Park during the event).–G.C.
Grassroots Gourmet
A sure-fire sellout every year, Sonoma County Conservation Action’s annual Grassroots Gourmet Celebration features a gourmet dinner, premium wines, a silent auction, live music by the Pulsators, and the presentation of the Upstream Swimmer environmental award to a tenacious local official who’s shown “leadership in the face of adversity.” June 24, 6 p.m. Odd Fellows Temple, 545 Pacific Ave., Santa Rosa. $30 in advance and for members, $35 at the door (if tickets available–but it’s not likely). 571-8566.–P.H.
Scrapture
Talking trash takes on a whole new meaning at “Oh, Rapture, It’s Scrapture,” Garbage Reincarnation’s 14th annual junk-art scrapture competition. In addition to sculpture made from items normally dumped in the bin, the event features live entertainment from local musicians. Aspiring artists are invited to participate, but you must register by noon. June 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. La Plaza Park, Old Redwood Highway and West Sierra Avenue, downtown Cotati. Free. 584-8666.–P.H.
Hot-Air Balloon Festival
Feel the rush and get a closer look at the beauties of the sky at Rohnert Park’s annual celebration, which features over 20 different balloons, car shows, an inflatable playground, hayrides, an antique airplane fly-by, and refreshments. June 24-25 at 6 a.m. Grossi Farms, near Sonoma State University. Free. 664-1602.–H.B.
Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival
This annual three-day event benefits noble causes in memory of the late singer/songwriter Kate Wolf. Artists on stage June 23, starting at 1 p.m., include the Modern Hicks, Greg Brown and Garnet Rogers, and Nina Gerber. On June 24, beginning at 10 a.m., the festival serves up music by New Grange, Eric Bogle, Laurie Lewis, Tom Rozum & Nina Gerber, and others. On June 25, starting at 10 a.m., check out Cheryl Wheeler, Hart Rouge, Utah Phillips, and others. Caswell Vineyards, 13207 Dupont Road, Sebastopol (rain or shine). Proceeds benefit the Leukemia Society of America, SEVA, KRCB, Friends of Free Speech Radio, and Bread & Roses. $20 on Friday and $37 on Saturday and Sunday, with special discounts for advance purchase and for kids and seniors. There is a small parking fee. 823-1511 or 829-7067.–H.B.
Hip-Hop Dance Camp
Kids 12 to 19 can pick up the hottest new tricks and moves when a visiting teacher holds two workshops at the Sebastopol Teen Center. The one-week sessions are held from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. on June 26-30 and July 24-28. 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. $90 for one-week session. 491-1568.–H.B.
Napa County Fair
Five days of festivities kick off with the Soroptomist Club’s champagne art preview at this year’s Napa County Fair. Other highlights include homemade-wine and barbecue contests; a destruction derby on June 30 at 7 p.m.; a country music concert by Blackhawk on July 3 at 8:30 p.m.; a motorcycle stunt show on July 2 at 3, 5, and 7 p.m.; hypnotists; musical acts; and a carnival and midway. June 30-July 4, noon to 11 p.m. daily. 1435 N. Oak St., Napa. $5 for adults, $2 for kids ages 6 to 11, and free for kids under 5. 942-5111.–S.L.
Sonoma Valley Shakespeare Festival
Once more into the breach, dear friends, for another summer of Shakespeare in the outdoors is upon us. This year’s festival offers three plays in revolving repertory: a comedy, a history, and something completely different. Twelfth Night plays on June 30, July 1-2, 22-23, 28, Aug. 13, 18, and Sept. 2. Henry V plays on July 14, 16, 21, Aug. 19-20, and Sept. 3 and 8. Good Night, Desdemona plays on July 7-9, 28-30, Aug. 19-20, and Sept. 3 and 8. Gundlach Bundschu Winery, 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma. $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and children; free for kids 2 and under. 584-1700.–P.S.
Bard in the yard: The Sonoma Valley Shakespeare Festival returns.
July
Art in the Park
Catch another summer of free outdoor music and theater furnished by the city of Santa Rosa starting in July. This year’s performances will be supplemented by culinary samples from some of our finest local eateries. The featured entertainers are keyboard artist John Allair on July 2, The Louisiana dance band Cajun Coyotes on July 9, the Afro-Cuban jazz outfit Quantum Pulse on July 16, Actors Theatre performing The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales on July 23, jazz musician Cat Austin on July 30, and the Santa Rosa Symphony Chamber Players on Aug. 6. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. in Juilliard Park, 211 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. 543-3737.–S.L.
Play ball! The Sonoma County Crushers take the field for a new summer season.
Barbecue on the Lawn
Enjoy cool music in the warm outdoors during this summer series at Rancho Nicasio in Marin. Performers include Asleep at the Wheel on July 1, Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums on July 2, and Joe Louis Walker on July 23. It all wraps up on Sept. 3 with the Tee Fee Swamp Boogie Band. 1 Old Rancherio Road, Nicasio. Call for prices. 415/662-2219.–P.S.
Festival on the Green
It’s a curious combination when you think about it. Savor the sounds of American independence and music inspired by England’s most famous playwright at this brand-new summer music festival, which is co-produced by Sonoma State University and the Santa Rosa Symphony. There are two days of events. On July 4, at 4 p.m., “Independence Day on the Green” begins with jazz music, games for kids, appearances by historical characters, and wine and beer tasting. Then, at 7:30 p.m., the Santa Rosa Symphony offers an evening pops concert of patriotic music, followed by a fireworks show. On Aug. 5, a 7:30 p.m., “A Midsummer Night at the Green” features the symphony performing Tchaikovsky’s Romeo & Juliet and other Shakespeare-inspired music. It all goes down at the campus lakes at Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Ticket prices start at $25. 546-8742.–P.S.
Bernadette’s Witnesses is shown above) open their studios June 3 and 4 during Art at the Source.
Kenwood Pillow Fights
Mix together pillows, mud, and a bunch of feisty entrants clinging to a pole-spanning Los Guilicos Creek and you’ve got the recipe for an instant crowd pleaser. The feathers fly again as the 34th annual Kenwood Pillow Fighting Championships get under way this Independence Day. Other attractions are the Kenwood hometown parade, 3K and 4K foot races, live music by the California Cowboys and the Gig Jung Band, and games for kids of all ages. You must be at least 14 to enter the pillow fights. Pillows and mud are supplied. July 4. Races start at 7:30 a.m.; pillow fights go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plaza Park, on m Springs Road, Kenwood. $4; kids under 12 get in free. 833-2440.–P.H.
Sonoma Valley Poetry Festival
For three weeks, poetry breaks its chains and comes roaring out onto the streets of Sonoma during this quasi-annual event (it didn’t happen last year). North Bay poets of all shapes, sizes, ages, and reputations come together for three weeks of events, beginning with a Children’s Poetry program on July 9 at 2 p.m. in the courtyard of the Trinity Episcopal Church and ending on July 22 with two events: an appearance by nationally known poets at Readers’ Books; and Soapbox Poetry, which allows anyone to climb onto a soapbox in Sonoma and give voice to verse. In between, there’s Short Order Poetry, Poetry on the Menu, Song Line Sonoma, and much more at various locations around Sonoma. 935-7638.–P.S.
Smooth stuff: Peter White performs July 15 at Rodney Strong Vineyards.
The Sonoma County Millennium Showcase of Wine & Food
This series of food- and wine-related events is so much fun you’ll forget how much good you’re doing–proceeds go to Share Our Strength, a local hunger-prevention program and other local charities. There are many activities to participate in, including Appellation Tours & Tastes, a lunch and conversation with local vintners on July 13; the Barrel Auction & Dinner on July 14; and Taste of Sonoma County, which on July 15 offers a fine arts exhibit, gourmet tastings from local and internationally known chefs, and pourings from 70 wineries. Prices vary (but expect to dig deep). 586-3795.–H.B.
Wine Country Film Festival
Year 14 finds this annual cinematic extravaganza sprawling across the North Bay, screening films at theaters and vineyards in both Sonoma and Napa counties. Details about titles and special events will be available closer to the event. July 20- Aug. 13 at various times and locations. 935-FILM.–P.S.
Battle band: War strut their stuff on June 18 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair.
Sonoma County Fair
In addition to the standard attractions, this year’s fair offers big-name musical performers, including Sixpence None the Richer on July 26, Blessid Union of Souls on July 28, and the Blues Festival on Aug. 5. July 25 to Aug. 7, noon to midnight. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Admission is $5 general; senior and kids’ rates are available. 545-4200.
Sonoma Salute to the Arts
Cirque du Salute is the theme for the 15th year of this celebration, an ultra-premium food, wine, and art extravaganza. Get out the glitz: organizers expect guests to dress as acrobats, lion tamers, and ringmasters. The opening celebration is July 28 at 6:30 p.m. (Buena Vista Winery, end of Old Winery Road, Sonoma; $75). The showcase event is July 29-30, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a Saturday night auction ($75) and a Saturday and Sunday winetasting (Sonoma Plaza, downtown Sonoma; $25). A gala opening, auction, and tasting package is $150; everything else is free. 938-1133.–P.H.
August
All-Nations Powwow
Celebrate Native American culture at this second annual gathering of artists and craftspeople from various Northern California Indian tribes. The event also features dancers, Native American flute music by Mary Youngblood, and Indian tacos. Aug. 5-6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Petaluma Adobe, 3325 Adobe Road, Petaluma. $3 for adults and $2 for children. 769-0429.–H.B.
Marin Music Festival
The sixth year of this outdoor event is still in the planning stage, but performers booked so far include the Mickey Hart Band and the Steve Kimock Band. Watch out for surprise guests! Aug. 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lagoon Park, Marin County Civic Center, San Rafael. Call for prices. 546-BASS.–P.S.
Petaluma Summer Music Festival
There’s something for everyone this year as the Cinnabar Theater hosts the best in local entertainment, with performers offering everything from Celtic music to Chinese rhythms. Tickle your funny bone at a presentation of The Star, Emmanuel Chabrier’s comic operetta. Hear music from some of the world’s greatest composers during the Candlelight Concerts. Enjoy four concerts in Petaluma’s finest vintage Victorian homes during Music in the Mansions. Aug. 5-26, at various times. Locations vary, but many performances take place at the Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. Prices vary. 763-8920.–H.B.
Napa Town and Country Fair
Now 70 years old, the fair is taking this year to celebrate its birthday and the dawn of the millennium with a multicultural theme, “The Spirit of Joy.” Highlighting the main attractions are the Tibetan Monks of the Gyudmed Tantric Monastery, who are making their only public U.S. appearance. The monks will give demonstrations of sand painting, mandalas, and Thangka painting. All the usual fair stuff (including a carnival) and musical entertainment lights up the evenings. August 9-13, noon to 10 p.m. 575 Third St. (between Silverado Trail and Soscol Avenue), Napa. $7 for adults, $4 for juniors and seniors, and free for kids under 5. 253-4900.–S.L.
Petaluma Quilt Show
Seven hundred colorful quilts decorate downtown Petaluma during the largest outdoor quilt show in California. Among the special attractions this year are appearances by talented quilt artists Robert Horton and Geneva Foote Carrol. Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Downtown Petaluma. Free. 769-0429.–P.S.
Gravenstein Apple Fair
Taste the bounty of local farms at “The sweetest little fair in Sonoma County.” The annual event offers displays of agricultural culture, cooking, hayrides, live entertainment, arts and crafts–and don’t forget the wonderful food. Aug. 12-13, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ragle Ranch Regional Park, Ragle Road (one mile north of Bodega Hwy.), Sebastopol. $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $1 for kids. 571-8288.–H.B.
Bodega Bay Seafood, Art, & Wine Festival
This festival on the ocean offers lots to keep you busy, including arts and crafts exhibits, wine and beer tasting, live entertainment, puppets, pony rides, wetland tours, seafood specialties, and lots of salty air. Aug. 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Aug. 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Chanslor Ranch, 1 mile north of Bodega Bay on Hwy. 1 (follow the signs). $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free to kids under 12. 824-8404.–P.H.
Cotati Accordion Festival
Accordion aficionados, take note! This two-day extravaganza is your Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and wedding day all rolled into one tidy, wheezing bundle. The lineup for this year’s event is still to be announced, but expect the biggest names in squeeze play to be there to make your day. Aug. 26-27, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Downtown plaza, Cotati. $8 per day; $15 for both. 664-0444.–P.S.
Sonoma County Dixie Jazz Festival
Dixieland jazz seldom gets the respect it deserves, despite its important role as a spawning ground for mainstream jazz. Now in its 21st year, this dynamic festival draws fans from throughout Northern California for a high-energy showcase of some of the best Dixieland players around. The lineup includes the Grand Dominion Jazz Band, the Golden Eagle Jazz Band, the Black Swan Classic Jazz Band, the Devil Mountain Jazz Band, the Royal Society Jazz Orchestra, and the Barkin’ Dawg Jazz Band. Aug. 25-27. Doubletree Hotel, 1 Red Lion Drive, Rohnert Park. $60 in advance (before June 30), $70 at the door. 539-3494.–G.C.
From the May 18-24, 2000 issue of the Sonoma County Independent.
