Petaluma
Set It Free
Lifelong art collector Robert Flynn Johnson’s private collection is the source of the new exhibition, “Catch and Release.” Considering himself more of a steward than an owner of art, Johnson brings his cred as curator emeritus of the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts to the walls of one of Petaluma’s most vital art spaces, IceHouse Gallery. “The idea of ‘catch and release’ is that a collector only holds on to a piece for so long and eventually it passes [to other hands],” said IceHouse Gallery co-founder Joe McDonald. See photographs, drawings, lithographs, etchings, quilts. Art priced from $25 to $500. All profits go to the Graphic Arts Council of the Achenbach Foundation. Exhibition runs until Jan. 5. IceHouse Gallery, 405 E. D St., Petaluma.
Sebastopol
Nature Calls
For a quiet, early morning, walk near open space land observing winter birds and resident wildlife. Reflect on the importance of this land and area for grassland habitat for wildlife and birds from a guided tour through the wildlife corridor with Madrone Audubon Sonoma County. For those who joined an earlier walk, they may return and share the hour with other walkers and new participants to experience the early winter morning. Bring binoculars and wear outdoor clothing suitable for the weather forecast. Ample parking is nearby. Rain cancels. Madrone Audubon Sonoma County walks from 8:30 to 10:30am on Thursday, Dec. 14, Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail, Sebastopol, and 7:30 to 8:30am on Saturday, Dec. 16, Paula Lane, West Petaluma. Free to all.
Mill Valley
The Meaning of Christmas
Vince Guaraldi’s swinging score to the Christman classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, is a masterpiece of expansive jazz created at a time when the rules of jazz were changing to let in influences from around the globe. The upbeat complexity of Guaraldi’s piano trio has proven to be the most widely known example of that new sound. Musicians Jason Crosby, Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz, Steve Adams and Ezra Lipp bring the album to life for the holiday season at Sweetwater Music Hall, Mill Valley. ‘A Holiday Tribute to Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas’ shows at 1pm and 7pm, Sunday, Dec. 17. All ages. Advance tickets $25 at sweetwatermusichall.com/events.
Napa
Rachael & Vilray
Rachael & Vilray reinvigorate jazz, pop and swing from the ’30s and ’40s for the harmonies and melodies of a bygone era from the historic Napa Valley Opera House. Blue Note Napa features enchanting evenings with Rachael & Vilray on Friday, Dec. 15 and Saturday, Dec. 16. Their unique blend of music offers a nostalgic escape. Immerse in the harmonies and melodies that capture the essence of vintage charm. 6:30pm and 9pm Friday, Dec. 15; 9pm Saturday, Dec. 16. Blue Note Napa, 1030 Main St., Napa. 2 drink minimum. Ages 8+.
