A Seasonal Snapshot
It’s been a pleasure to steward this section of the paper (as well as all the others). And though I love all my children, this one is perhaps my favorite.
The arts require so much more attention and support because the powers-that-be treat them like a sickly child abandoned on the steps of our civic institutions. No matter—we’ll coddle and swaddle the mewling infant in the pages of the North Bay Bohemian and give them the love and attention they deserve (and maybe someday, they will grow up and buy advertising).
As for the following selections, there’s no secret sauce, algorithmic mojo, rhyme and/or reason or evil agenda informing them. Nor are they random. It’s unscientific, certainly not democratic and selected by criteria so idiosyncratic as to be worthless to describe apart from “Did you send me a press release?” And if you did, was my name spelled correctly or at least in a new and inventive way? Let’s proceed.
Walks on the Wild Side
Get that corvid curiosity in check with Crow, Raven, and Jay: A Literary Bird Walk, led by the ever-knowledgeable Rebecca Lawton. On Sunday, Oct. 6, from 8:30 to 11am, explore Oona-pa’is (Sonoma Mountain) as Lawton weaves tales of avian lore and Jack London’s wild bird musings. Expect to cover one to three miles, depending on the bird action. Binoculars are a must, sturdy shoes are wise, and don’t forget the layers—October mornings can be crisp. Rain cancels. Meet at Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen. Tickets are $10, plus parking.
The Petaluma Poetry Walk is back for its 27th year, turning downtown Petaluma into a lyrical labyrinth on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 11am to 8pm. Expect over two dozen poets, from current California poet laureate Lee Herrick to local legends like Terry Ehret. Eight venues, including Hotel Petaluma Ballroom and the Phoenix Theater, will host 45-minute sessions, blending poetry with music and dance. Grab a bite at the Petaluma Cheese Shop or Aqus Café while wandering. Don’t miss this free literary marathon that’s as much a community celebration as it is an art form. Full schedule at petalumapoetrywalk.org.
More Fall Lit in our Sept. 11 edition.
Seeing Things
Art for Life returns for its 38th year, transforming the Santa Rosa Arts Center into a hub of creativity and compassion from Aug. 22 to 27. The annual art auction benefits Face to Face, which supports over 500 people living with HIV/AIDS in Sonoma County. The gallery showing is from 11am to 3pm, Aug. 22 to 25, with an online auction running until 8pm, Tuesday, Aug. 27. The Artist & Sponsor Reception on Sunday, Aug. 25, from 3 to 5pm is the perfect time to meet the artists. Bidding is all online. Visit f2f.org/art-for-life-2024 for more information.
Catch the volcanic vibes at Gale S. McKee’s The Sky is Falling, opening 1 to 4pm, Saturday, Sept. 14, at Fulton Crossing Art Gallery. McKee’s mixed-media works channel the explosive beauty of Iceland’s volcanic eruptions with a blend of acrylic, glass and metal that practically smolders off the canvas. While there, swing by Studio B9 for The American Car: A Family Portrait, where McKee dives into vintage car culture with equal fervor. Both exhibits run until Dec. 1, so don’t miss the chance to see the world—or at least these two—through McKee’s fiery lens. 1220 River Rd., Fulton.
Check out Studio Obsessions, a solo show by Barrie Sterling, at the Finley Community Center, which continues through Sept. 8. This exhibit showcases dynamic abstract paintings that span from 2018 to 2024. Sterling’s work blends bursts of color and texture with moments of realism, highlighting her technical mastery and creative exploration. The Person Senior Wing provides a beautifully lit, air-conditioned space—perfect for cooling off while enjoying some stunning art. Free admission, Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm. 2060 W College Ave., Santa Rosa. ArtbyBarrie.com.
Well Sung
Reeta Roo’s Love Songs for the Earth and Creation will be performed at the Occidental Center for the Arts on Sunday, Sept. 22, with shows at 3 and 7pm. This Roo Tunes Revue highlights her best choral compositions from the past 35 years, featuring a choir of 30 accomplished local singers under the direction of Gage Purdy and Crystal McDougall. Proceeds benefit OCA. Tickets range from $20 to $50, and early purchase is recommended as both shows are expected to sell out. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental. Tickets at occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
Powerhouse duo SUSU, featuring Liza Colby and Kia Warren, returns to Sonoma for their third electrifying performance at Sebastiani Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 7. Described as “modern-day tummlers set to seduce, spiritualize, and slay with their unique blend of variety and rock ’n’ roll” by their PR machine, SUSU brings their NYC edge to the stage at 7pm. Portland’s J. Graves opens with their intense dance-punk vibe. Tickets are available at sebastianitheatre.com or the box office, 476 1st St. E, Sonoma.
The John Brothers Piano Company brings a unique blend of early jazz, stride and swing, with a sound that has evolved through the inspiration of their audience. From their humble beginnings performing sidewalk street shows to gracing stages at major festivals like Outside Lands and the Monterey Jazz Festival, this dynamic band has built a loyal following. Catch them at 8pm, Saturday, Aug. 31, at Big Easy in Petaluma, 128 American Alley. Free.
Singer-songwriters Michael Capella, Al Haas, Chris Samson and John Roy Zat come together for an evening of storytelling and song at Words & Music By—Songwriters In The Round on Thursday, Sept. 5. These seasoned Bay Area singer-songwriters will take the stage at The Lost Church Santa Rosa, offering an intimate performance that blends music with the stories behind their songs. The event is a benefit for The Lost Church, with tickets at $25. Doors open at 6pm; show runs from 7 to 9:30pm, with one intermission. 576 Ross St., Santa Rosa. bit.ly/songwriters-lostchurch.
Speaking of storytellers, Lucinda Williams brings her raw, powerful act to Napa’s Uptown Theatre on Friday, Aug. 23, at 7pm. Fresh off her new memoir, Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You, and her latest album, Songs From a Rock and Roll Heart, Williams continues to captivate with her masterful songwriting and unmistakable vocals. Despite recovering from a stroke, she delivers some of the best work of her career in this 16th studio album. Catch her live at 1350 Third St., Napa. Tickets available at bit.ly/lucinda-uptown.
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Send press releases directly to editor Daedalus Howell via [email protected].
