Santa Rosa
Sinfonietta Strings
The North Bay Sinfonietta takes the stage April 8 at the Santa Rosa Junior College’s Newman Auditorium. This chamber orchestra, which was founded by conductor Cynthia Weichel in 2014, features over 30 amateur, professional and student musicians from Sonoma County. At the upcoming concert, the orchestra’s string section will play pieces including Edward Elgar’s 1909 Elegy, Op. 59, described as wonderful in its unheroic devotional expression of grief; John Rutter’s 1973 Suite for String Orchestra, with each of the four movements named after popular English folk songs; and Giacomo Puccini’s I Crisantemi, written in a single night on Feb. 6, 1890 and dedicated to the memory of Prince Amadeo di Savoia, Duca d’Aosta and the King of Spain. The Sinfonietta plays Friday, April 8, in the Newman Auditorium on the Santa Rosa Junior College campus, 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. 7:30pm. Suggested donation $10. Classicalsonoma.org/calendar.
Petaluma
Jazz Trio
This Friday, April 1, the Joel Kruzic Trio will bring its brand of smooth and jammable jazz to The Big Easy, the underground nightclub and restaurant in Petaluma’s historic American Alley. The venue offers an inclusive and eclectic vibe, where all are welcome to enjoy music five nights a week, and a full restaurant menu for the dancing-induced hunger. Joel Kruzic is a Sonoma County local who grew up in a musical household. He began playing the guitar at the age of eight, by 14 had started playing the upright bass, and later decided to pursue music as a career, attending the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. After five years in New York, he relocated to the Bay Area with his inimitable sound. Kruzic’s prodigious, East Coast-influenced tones come through in his technique and rhythm. Friday, April 1, at The Big Easy, 128 American Alley, Petaluma. 7pm. Free. Bigeasypetaluma.com
Calistoga
Napa Valley Beauty
Sofie Contemporary Arts Gallery in Calistoga is pleased to announce the opening of The Persistence of Beauty, the gallery’s first show of 2022. Curated by gallery director Jan Sofie, the show features a diverse representation of Bay Area artists and is inspired by the sustaining power of grace and simple beauty throughout tumultuous and unpredictable times. Through myriad different mediums and styles, each artist represents resilience and joy through the courageous channel of art. Artists include Will Ashford, Don Bishop, Beka Brayer, Monica Bryant, Arminee Chahbazian, Terry Holleman, Anne Pentland, Todd Pickering, Susan Proehl, Inez Storer, Susan Stover and Jonah Ward. The Persistence of Beauty is on view now through June 12. Sofie Contemporary Arts Gallery, 1407 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga. Open Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 6pm. Gallery.sofiegallery.com
Novato
MOCA Meltdown
In his latest show, Marin-based artist Bill Russell uses icebergs as a metaphor for global warming’s unfolding effects. Running at Marin MOCA from April 2 through June 5, Russel’s Ice Show is based on his research into climate science and a recent trip to Iceland. The artist intends, through his depiction of melting icebergs in relationship to cultural icons like Noah’s Ark and the Titanic, to create an accessible and informative show on one of the most pressing issues facing humanity. On April 22, Marin MOCA will host a conversation between Russell and art therapist Ariella Cook-Shonkoff, MFT, ATR on the role of art in understanding the climate crisis and the therapeutic benefits of art-making when dealing with climate anxiety. Marin MOCA, 500 Palm Drive, Novato. General admission is free to the public. Marinmoca.org.
—Jane Vick
