Napa
Figure Telling
An intergenerational group of Bay Area artists using the human figure to produce works grounded in narrative, storytelling and personal memory are part of a new exhibit, “Figure Telling,” on display at di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art from June 3 to Sept. 17. This exhibition highlights several local artists—including Sydney Cain, Craig Calderwood, John Goodman, Afsoon Razavi and Heather Wilcoxon—who use the figure to tell stories that are distinctly personal and honest. Working in a variety of media, from graphite and paint to textile, pen and ink, they use figuration to evoke individual, family and community histories. An Opening Reception will be held from 5:30-7pm, Saturday, June 3. This event is free for members and $10 for general public. Guests will mingle with artists and see an intimate performance by UPside Dance Company. Tickets are available for purchase at www.dirosaart.org.
Santa Rosa
June Swoon
“June at The Lost Church means summer dreamsicles in technicolor, beaming rainbow rays of pride, queer Jewitch singer-screamer from the womb, stand-up, foot stompin’ dark and light moods, fingerpicking stylings, song crafts, post-punk, emo, alt-rock, student spotlights, superstar karaoke, psychedelic good vibes and rock & roll,” reads the press release. The season begins with Eli Conley celebrating pride and his new album release, Searching for What’s True—the songs are a “conduit for stories often not reflected in roots music, with a tender and heartfelt voice, music for queer and trans folks, justice seekers, and anyone who doesn’t easily fit in a box.” Sharing the bill is “queer Jewitch song-tender, avid singer/screamer from the womb” Lauren Arrow, who “sings soulful, powerful songs that reach the hopeful heart.” The matinee show begins at 1pm, Saturday, June 3. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/LC-June-3.
Santa Rosa
Somos Cumbia
The upcoming day-long “music, food and fun” fest, Somos Cumbia, features a stunning line up, including Kinky, La Sonora Dinamita, Proyekto Kumbia, Los Fantasmas del Caribe and Suenatron. The event runs from 2 to 8pm, Sunday, May 28 at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (Pavilion and East Lawn), 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. Tickets range from $16 (for children 13 and under), $55 General Admission, and $105 for VIP participation, and can be obtained online at lbc-somos-cumbia.
Santa Rosa
Ephemeral Poets
Poetry open mics draw big crowds all across Sonoma county. Found Poets at the Lost Church in Santa Rosa is something different. Presented by locally headquartered literary press FMRL this quarterly event features national talent from around the country, supported by a curated pool of local poets and wordsmiths. This month Petaluma poet Original Giotis performs along with four other talented artists. The event ends with an electronic dance party. 4 to 7 pm, Sunday, May 28, The Lost Church, 427 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. $15. All Ages. Tickets at https://tinyurl.com/82u7ks86
