Petaluma
Ready, Set, Write
Petaluma Arts Center hosts Ready, Set, Write!, a women’s writing workshop led by instructor (and Weeklys contributor) Kary Hess. Designed to help participants overcome writer’s block and ignite creativity, the workshop offers seven techniques to start writing immediately, hands-on exercises to inspire ideas and a supportive environment for sharing work. By the end of the session, attendees will have a solid beginning, clear direction and motivation to continue their writing journey. One participant noted that it provides “a very gentle introduction back into creative writing.” 1:30-3:30pm, Saturday, March 8, at Petaluma Arts Center, 230 Lakeville St. The workshop fee is $85. For more information and to register, visit petalumaartscenter.org/events.
Occidental
Winging It
Heist films are known for their meticulous plotting and down-to-the-wire (sometimes literally) momentous decisions. Audiences can expect the same—albeit more off the cuff—with ZipLine Improv’s Heist!—a fully improvised high-stakes crime “film” that delves into the plans, crews and risks of grand theft. 7pm, Saturday, March 8, at the Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Tickets are $25 in advance, $15 for OCA members, with an additional $5 at the door; children 12 and under attend free. Doors open at 6:30pm. Refreshments will be available for sale, and the art gallery will be open during intermission. Tickets and details at occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
San Rafael
Jazzing Up Marin
Marin Jazz presents a lineup of performances at the Marin Center Showcase Theater this spring, featuring talent in blues, jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythms. The season opens with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra on Sunday, March 16, at 3pm. Led by guitarist and bandleader Paule, the 11-piece orchestra will deliver an afternoon of soulful blues and jazz, joined by guest vocalist Willy Jordan. With high-energy arrangements and a powerful stage presence, the performance can be witnessed in the intimate Showcase Theater setting. Future concerts will continue to bring world-class artists to the heart of Marin County, offering music lovers a rich and diverse season of live jazz. 3pm, Sunday, March 16, at Marin Center Showcase Theater, located at 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Tickets and details at marinjazz.com.
Novato
Wine & Laughs
Live comedy returns to Trek Wine with a night of high-energy standup featuring Chicago Steve Barkley. A 40-year comedy veteran, Barkley has been seen on HBO, Showtime and America’s Funniest People, where he won the $10,000 grand prize. Known for his animated delivery and live sound effects, he has entertained audiences everywhere, from comedy clubs to corporate events. The Guam Pacific Daily News says he’s “a cure for the island blues.” Special guest Jeff Applebaum, seen on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, joins the lineup for an evening of comedy in an intimate, wine-friendly setting. 7:30pm, Saturday, March 15, at Trek Wine, 1026 Machin Ave., Novato. Tickets $20-$30. More details at marincomedyshow.com.
