Petaluma
Those who love art, history and local culture won’t want to miss out on the new IceHouse Gallery exhibition, “The Petaluma River,” which runs now through Dec. 2. This celebration of Sonoma’s art and artists features pieces pulled straight from The Petaluma River, a Sketch Journal & Brief Historical Overview, a collaboration between artist Alan Butler and historian Katherine J. Rinehart. Through Butler’s delicate sketches, watercolors and photographs, guests may see the very same river that runs through Petaluma today, captured with the eye of an architect and the heart of an artist. But this isn’t just a visual journey; it’s a walk through time. Rinehart’s historical insights weave together stories from early Indigenous settlements to the modern-day significance of this local riverside treasure. The book is available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting the Petaluma River Park and Friends of the Petaluma River. This exhibition is free to visit. The gallery is open daily from 11am to 5pm at 405 East D St. in Petaluma.
Occidental
One Grass, Two Grass, Redgrass, Bluegrass
It’s time to get those instruments tuned and prepare to tap those toes along to the beat at Bluegrass Jam Night at Occidental Center for the Arts, at 7pm on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Seasoned instrumentalists are just as welcome to join as beginners still learning how to strum their first chords at this local monthly jam session led by multi-instrumentalist David Pascoe. Participants may grab whatever instrument plucks their heartstrings, be it a fiddle, banjo, guitar or triangle, and join in as everyone takes turns picking songs and making music together. The Bluegrass Jam Night is the perfect way to connect with fellow music lovers in and around the vibrant musical community of Sonoma. A $5 donation is requested to help keep the good vibes going and the music flowing. Note that the event is accessible to mobility-challenged patrons, so everyone can join in on the musical magic. The Occidental Center for the Arts Bluegrass Jam Night is open-invite and is held on the first Tuesday of every month in the OCA classroom, located at 3850 Doris Murphy Ct.
San Rafael
Some Like It Hot
Dec. 15 is the date to swing by the open house of none other than San Rafael’s Fire Station 51. This red-hot celebration will last from 10am to 1pm. Locals are invited to join the San Rafael Fire Department as they celebrate 150 years of keeping Marin’s citizens safe from California’s infamous fire season. Those attending the celebration can meet local heroes, take in some cool historical fire memorabilia and snap a few photos with the big red trucks while they’re at it. Guests will also get a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to fight fires and save the day. This open house fire station event is open to all ages, so the whole family can come out for a community-forward event to pepper into that holiday calendar. Chances are, attendees will walk away with some community spirit, a lesson in Marin’s history and serious respect for the firefighters behind the hoses. So, it’s almost that time to come on out and raise a hose to San Rafael’s historical Station 51 as they celebrate 150 years of community, courage and, of course, keeping Marin a safe and fire-free county. The event is free and will be held at 1375 Fifth Ave. in San Rafael.
Mill Valley
Confessions of a 20-Year-Old Brewster
Jesse Brewster is throwing a party to celebrate 20 years of music at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley on Dec. 11, and the public is invited. The night marks the anniversary of his debut album, Confessional, which first dropped at Sweetwater Saloon back in 2004. Brewster, known for his work with the Jesse Brewster Band, Illeagles and more, will be joined by a killer lineup of guest artists, including Brad Brooks (MC5), Angeline Saris (Narada Michael Walden), James Nash (The Waybacks), Uriah Duffy (Whitesnake) and more. This celebratory evening will be jam-packed with everything from folk to rock to R&B. Plus, there’s a promise of a rotating rhythm section that’ll keep the crowd grooving all night long. With 20 years in the game, Brewster’s got enough musical talent to fill a stadium—or at least Sweetwater Music Hall—but he’s not showing off. (OK, maybe just a little.) The show is appropriate for all ages, so feel free to bring along some friends, family and maybe even grandma if she’s into rockin’ tunes. Doors open at 7pm, with the music kicking off at 8pm. Tickets are available now at sweetwatermusichall.com.
