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2022 in Sequins—Bring the New Year into the Light

News & Features

Jane Vick

Dec 22, 2021

2022 in Sequins—Bring the New Year into the Light

December 31 is fast approaching, and though Omicron is sweeping the nation, we will ring in 2022 with as much good cheer and style as we can muster. Here’s to better days ahead, and a great outfit the night of, though it may not end with a thrilling and unexpected kiss from a stranger.

This year, all things considered, my advice is: Go all out. All the way out. And here’s where to get it.

Rust Boutique in the Barlow

With a selection of party dresses that makes me weak at the knees—including a Free People rouge ruched velvet minidress with long sleeves and a lace-up back that I am personally desperate to get my hands on—Rust Boutique is a no-brainer for New Year’s Eve party outfits. Aside from ruched velvet, mini-sequin dresses and glittery two-piece sets are also on the rack. Snag and sparkle.

Ooh La Luxe in Petaluma

Another shoo-in for party dresses, Ooh La Luxe also carries an incredible pair of Diamond in the Rough bell bottoms, which pair perfectly with the It Girl top in black satin. Or, for a one-stop outfit, the Deck the Halls Jumpsuit with a corset top and satin legs. No one can go wrong wearing a single-piece outfit. Pair with a set of dangling, sparkly earrings and a few spangled bangles. Again, glitter and glitz is the move. Be the party’s missing disco ball.

Louis Thomas Fine Men’s Apparel in Petaluma

For the gents, and/or anyone not looking for a dress, visit Louis Thomas in Petaluma. Buy or rent from a wide selection of Jack Victor, Paul Betenly and Petrocelli suits and sport coats with flawless, shoulder-popping lines. Consider a tux, a cumberbund, a silk tie—pre-tied also available—and pair the suit with a striking, eye-catching Oxford wingtip. I’m particularly taken with the Manchester patent metallic-gold Oxfords at the moment.

My recommendation for 2022: light-catching, mood-lifting, exuberant style. The sequined dress. A glitter-eyeliner cat eye. Stacked heels. Metallic-gold wingtips. Sparkling accessories. A crushed-velvet suit. Wear eye-catching, energy-producing glitter and golds we need after the fatigue of the last two years—yes, 2020 still hits—and dance until the year is over.

And enjoy 2022. We earned it.

Letters to the Editor—Historical Accuracy

Letters to the Editor

Bohemian Staff and Contributors

Dec 22, 2021

Letters to the Editor—Historical Accuracy

I recently spent some time exploring the exhibits and historical displays at the Sonoma Mission and the buildings of Sonoma State Historic Park.

Although they were interesting, displays state that “Indian labor” was used at the Mission, but fail to mention that this was more akin to slavery than employment. Because of near starvation due to the white settlers preventing them from engaging in their traditional hunting and gathering, countless Native people ended up at the Missions. Before they received food and shelter, the padres “baptized” them in a language they didn’t understand. Native people did not know that this “baptism” committed them to a lifetime of unpaid labor. Soldiers were kept for the purpose of rounding up Indians and returning them to the Mission if they tried to return to their villages after being “baptized.”

The historical exhibits refer to the large herds of wild range cattle that were established around Sonoma during the Mission era. They don’t mention that if starving Native people killed one of these cattle to feed themselves they were captured and taken to the Mission as prisoners to perform forced labor. The displays refer to the early 1800s as the “golden age” of the Californios. To fail to mention that this was the age of genocide for Native Americans is grossly insensitive.

It appears racist to have such extensive historical exhibits about a relative handful of white settlers, without mentioning that they caused the deaths of tens of thousands of Native Americans. It is great that outside the Sonoma Mission there is a memorial to the hundreds of Native People buried in unmarked graves in the area. For historical accuracy the exhibits within the Mission and State Historic Park buildings should reflect the true history of all of those who have lived here.

Matt Metzler

Sonoma

Countdown to the Countdown—New Year’s Eve in the North Bay Doesn’t Disappoint

Features

Jane Vick

Dec 22, 2021

Countdown to the Countdown—New Year’s Eve in the North Bay Doesn’t Disappoint

New Year’s Eve concerts at Petaluma Museum

Sky Hill Cultural Alliance and the Petaluma Museum Association once again bring the music, welcoming new and longtime classical-music lovers forward into the New Year with two moving, inspiring concerts held in Petaluma’s acoustically superior “Carnegie Hall.”

Featuring violinist Yun Chu, cellist Shu-Yi Pai, and pianist Elizabeth Walter—who is also the series creator and coordinator—this incredible lineup of deeply moving and impactful shorter pieces was selected to traverse the depth of emotions elicited in this past year. Featured composers include Bach, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Liszt, Saint Saens, Elgar, Kreisler, Lalo and more … this year also features a special surprise guest.

Complimentary wine will be served before each concert, and each concert’s audience will be limited to one-half capacity for comfort and safety reasons. Masks are required indoors.

Performances will be held at Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, located at 20 4th St. (corner of 4th and B streets) at 3pm and 5pm. $40–$50. Purchase tickets online at 2021nyeconcert.brownpapertickets.com and in person at the Museum. These concerts are expected to sell out—get your tickets early!

NYE at H2hotel

Renowned restaurant Spoonbar, in the heart of downtown Healdsburg, brings elegant atmosphere and mouth-watering cuisine to its New Year’s Eve celebration. Featuring dishes such as Marin Miyago Oysters, Seared Scallop, Australian Wayu Beef Tenderloin and Chocolate Bouchon with Marshmallows and a Golf Leaf Macaroon, this menu is the taste we all want 2021 to leave in our mouths. The meal will be accompanied by dynamic musical duo John Schott and Marc Capelle, on guitar and piano respectively. A lively and danceable mix of soul, pop and jazz will run till midnight, at which point we’ll ring in the New Year!

Three-course ($75 per person) and 5-course ($110 per person) menus are available. Make reservations at spoonbar.com.

The rooftop at Harmon Guest House

Named after Healdsburg’s founder Harmon Heald, and offering unparalleled views of Fitch Mountain and a sky full of stars—weather permitting—Harmon Guest House is the right choice when making New Year’s Eve plans. This year the annual Bubbles & Bites celebration returns, from 3pm to 8pm. Savor a 4-course meal-and-bubbles pairing, including four sparkling wines paired with dishes such as Dungeness Crab Cakes with Louie Dressing, Short Rib Sope, Chipotle Salad and a Ricotta Donut. Sit by the fire, breathe the fresh air, let the bubbles tickle your nose and say so long to 2021.

Pairings are $49 per person. To view the entire menu and make a reservation, visit harmonguesthouse.com.

Monophonics and Rock & Rye

Mill Valley is serving dinner and a steady groove with lauded Executive Chef Rick Hackett’s exquisitely curated South American and New Orleans-inspired menu which includes Crispy Wild Shrimp with a Peruvian black olive sauce, Crabmeat Causa with Yukon gold potatoes, Filet Mignon with a Peruvian black bean sauce and Marinated Sea Bass a la Plancha. Dessert is a Chocolate Quinoa Pudding with aji amarillo sabayon, so yes, this is a dinner everyone wants to eat.

Spirits expert Joshua Fernandez leads the Rock & Rye bar, serving craft cocktails named in tribute to independent music venues nationwide that continue to persevere and reopen after the pandemic. Yes, drinks everyone wants to drink.

After dinner, enjoy the latest from Bay Area–based psychedelic-soul band Monophonics.Often known as a group that is keen to create a heavier version of classic soul, Monophonics are back with their trademark sound while introducing a healthy dose of new and warm textures that will saturate speakers. Bring in 2021 Bay Area style.

Dinner and show $150; 6pm seating. Please note the 8pm seating is SOLD OUT. Show only $95 (doors 8pm, show 9pm). All tickets include: Midnight Countdown with Champagne Toast

Late Night Bar Bites on Patio. This event is 21+. For more info and to buy tickets visit sweetwatermusichall.com.

Happy New Year, Charlie Brown!

Update 12/28: Out of concern for the health and safety of visitors and members, the Schulz Museum has regretfully decided to cancel the New Year’s Eve Balloon Drops.

One of Santa Rosa’s favorite points of pride, the Charles Schulz Museum, home of all things Peanuts, celebrates New Year’s again this year. So, ring in 2022 with the Peanuts Gang! Featuring an Up Down Balloon Drop and Baby Balloon Drop—for children 4 and under, and their families—fun crafts for kids, balloon Snoopies, screenings of Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! and appearances by Snoopy himself!

A limited number of tickets may be available at the door, but this event is expected to sell out. Purchase tickets in advance to reserve a spot and avoid being turned away at the door.

Choose from two different Balloon Drop times: Noon (includes Baby Balloon Drop) or 3pm. Ticket holders are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before their selected Balloon Drop time and are welcome to stay following the Balloon Drop to enjoy the museum.

“Mischief Masquerade”

Update 12/30: This event is canceled due to the current Covid situation.

Local event-master Jake Ward and Sonoma County’s premiere underground arts troupe, North Bay Cabaret, return this year with the sixth annual “Mischief Masquerade,” which promises to blow 2021 out of the water and into history. The night kicks off with a live Variety Show in the outdoor beer garden, featuring North Bay Cabaret’s signature brand of jaw-dropping, tingle-inducing “R-rated” live entertainment including burlesque, comedy, circus sideshow acts, pole dancers, drag, hip-hop, crowd-interactive games, live music and performances that defy category. Two dance spaces are available after the show until 1am, including a silent disco in the beer garden.

In addition, enjoy a tarot booth, a photo booth, local food trucks and drinks available from two full bars. Complimentary champagne will be served at the midnight toast. This is perhaps the hottest party in Santa Rosa.

North Bay Cabaret’s 6th annual “Mischief Masquerade” kicks off on Friday, Dec. 31, at Whiskey Tip, 1910 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa. Doors, 7pm; Variety Show 8–10pm; bands, DJs and other entertainment 10pm to 2am. 21+ with valid ID. Tickets $75 at door, $65 advance or $55 early bird. Tickets available for in-person purchase at Whiskey Tip or online at northbayevents.com.

Crooked Goat New Year’s Eve Party

Is it at all surprising that Crooked Goat Brewing, located in the Barlow, throws a damn good party? Not at all. Lucky for us, they’re doing it again this New Year’s Eve, with free admission to a night of great food, good beer and dancing with Sweet Lou from 9:30pm to 12:30am. Stay for the midnight toast and lots of late-night grub. The Barlow is in proximity to all kinds of happening spots, so why not start here and see where the night goes? Get more details at crookedgoatbrewing.com/events.

Blue Ridge Kitchen and Love Light Shine Present

Another great Barlow option for 2022’s sign-off can be found at Blue Ridge Kitchen, where a lovely three-course prix fixe menu—featuring shrimp cocktail, braised kobe beef ribs, truffle risotto and desserts like lavender panna cotta and Mississippi mud pie—will be served. Along with a dream menu, expect a night of dance music by DJs Timoteo Gigante + Bank$hot. This is a positive-vibes-all-night type of scene, with fresh beats and great eats. Featuring a fully outfitted bar, an amazing kitchen and a beautifully outfitted dance floor for appropriately distanced dancing, Blue Ridge is a New Year’s Eve win.

Dinner 4:30–9pm. $95. Dancing 8pm to 1am. 21+. $40. Vaccination cards or negative Covid test within 72 hours of event required. For more information visit brkitchen.com.

Goose and Gander’s New Year’s Eve Supper Club and Speakeasy

St. Helena’s very own Goose and Gander, famous for its rustic American food and bar bites, is hosting a “speakeasy-style” New Year’s Eve party in their inimitable basement bar, with live ragtime music by Jim Maihack at the Supper Club. This five-course dinner features a black angus bone-in ribeye, potato gnocchi, Rockefeller oysters, wild mushroom soup and more. Dessert is a red-velvet compote with a cookie crust. Dine and drink in speakeasy style.

5 Course Dinner at 6pm and 9pm. $195/per person (tax & tip included). Optional wine pairing $95/per person (tax & tip included). For more information visit gooseandgander.com.

HopMonk Tavern presents Petty Theft

A favorite beer tavern in Novato meets a legendary rock and roll cover band. Since 2003, San Francisco–based Petty Theft has toured the Western United States performing Tom Petty’s songs true to the originals and in the spirit of the Heartbreaker’s live shows. This is rock, people, and it might be just the key for this New Year’s Eve. Enjoy an incredible outdoor venue and an amazing variety of beers on tap, special musical guest Black Cat Bone and a champagne midnight toast. This is the ideal 2021 freefall.

Tickets are $55 in advance, $65 day of. Doors open at 8:30pm, show starts at 9:30pm. Full vaccination or a 48-hr negative Covid test is required. For more information visit hopmonk.com.

NYE with the Brothers Comatose

The five-piece bluegrass band, based out of San Francisco, bring a twanging sound and great energy to their live performances, which often include audience participation—chopsticks may be passed around for use as percussion instruments. A foot-stomping good time, the Brothers Comatose play at the Mystic Theater, with opening act the T Sisters, on Friday, Dec. 31. Doors, 8:30pm; show starts at 9:30pm. Tickets are $43. Audience members will be asked to show proof of vaccination, and masks are required indoors. For information and to purchase tickets visit mystictheater.com.

Winter Wine—Toast the Season

Daedalus Howell

Dec 22, 2021

When it comes to holiday entertaining, the primary questions most hosts face are: what to cook, who to invite and does Uncle Charlie really have to come?

Here in Wine Country, where priorities skew a little more liquid, the No. 1 question is often: what to drink?

In my greener, wetter days, I’d have simply answered, “Everything.” But now that I’m a more discerning imbiber of holiday cheer, I’ve narrowed the spectrum a bit so we shan’t see any cooking sherry or Night Train chugging in from the fringe. For a grittier experience, read Mark Fernquest’s guide to local dive bars in this week’s “Press Pass.”

Instead, I’ll introduce you to Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year,” the Dominus Estate Napa Valley 2018. Rated at 97 points—yep, their top wine couldn’t reach 100 points, way to withhold affection, Spectator—this beauty runs about $269 a bottle, which is about $260 more than I generally care to pay for a wine. That said, for those who want a ranked wine that won’t destroy their credit rating, consider No. 41, the Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Classic, which scored 91 points and runs a mere $13. Boasting notes of “lemongrass and makrut lime leaf”—man, do I love wine reviewers—this 2020 vintage comes with the proviso, “drink now.”

Those willing to roll the dice on a label that looks more like a word scramble might bravely throw $20 at No. 68 in order to see what happens when they open the “Etxaniz Txakolina Getariako Txakolina Rosado Txomin Etxaniz.” I have no idea what this means. Nobody does. It’s a wine that was named by a cat walking across a laptop.

Our own “Best Sommelier” title-winner, Christopher Sawyer, arrived on my doorstep last night with a handsome bottle of the Lasseter Family Winery 2017 Enjoué, an elegant, pretty and piquantly dry rosé that’s become my favorite way to chase away the winter blues. This wine is a lazy summer day captured in a bottle and boasts notes of strawberry, ruby grapefruit, mango and a few delightfully stolen kisses. Whatsmore, it’s a steal at $28.

Those looking for a wine of a deeper hue, and perhaps from lower on the shelf, can’t look any lower than the bottom shelf of the Petaluma Market’s wine aisle, where they will find the Silver Ridge Pinot Noir, which consistently delivers splendid notes of light spice and pungent berry, and hovers enticingly at around $9. This is a markedly better wine than its price point would suggest, and it frequently sells out. If we encounter each other reaching for the last bottle, please know that I’ve fought harder for much less. Happy Holidays.

Culture Crush—Holiday Crushables

Arts

Charlie Swanson

Dec 22, 2021

Bodega Bay

Stay Merry

For holiday shoppers who still can’t find that perfect gift, the creative members of Artisan’s Co-op, in West Sonoma County, offer a host of art and gifts for all tastes, as well as goods for the home and the holiday tree. Spanning this week and next, the Merry & Bright Holiday Sale offers 10% off items throughout the co-op’s gallery, featuring work from over 50 local artists. Shop merrily and locally Thursday, Dec. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 2 (closed Saturday, Dec. 25), at 17175 Bodega Hwy, Bodega Bay. 11am to 5pm each day. Face coverings required. artisansco-op.com.

Monte Rio

Big Screen Buddy

When people list their most-beloved Christmas movies, the 2003 film Elf regularly ranks among the most popular movies to celebrate the holiday with. This week, the new proprietors of the Monte Rio Theater & Extravaganza screen the Will Ferrell comedy just in time for Christmas, and they’ve pulled out all the stops to make it a memorable event. Along with the movie, attendees can participate in an “ugly sweater” contest, win prizes, enjoy snacks and drinks, and hear Christmas carols on Thursday, Dec. 23, at 20396 Bohemian Hwy, Monte Rio. 6pm. $10–$15. Face coverings required. monteriotheater.com.

Mill Valley

Holiday Concert

Discovered by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads at age 16, Matt Jaffe is a Bay Area artist who gives back to the community through volunteering with nonprofits like Bread & Roses and using his music to support local and national epilepsy groups. Jaffe’s latest album, Kintsugi, was inspired by his own struggles with seizures and an incident onstage in 2019. Overcoming these obstacles and finding strength in his music, Jaffe shares his songs onstage at his annual holiday concert on Thursday, Dec. 23, at Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley. 7pm. Free. sweetwatermusichall.com.

Novato

Space Talk

Since the dawn of science fiction, authors and artists have imagined spacecraft capable of delivering humanity to the farthest reaches of the universe. But, what would these vessels look like in real life? That’s the question that science series Wonderfest asks this month. “Starship Reality-Check: The Science of Deep Space” features Wonderfest Director Tucker Hiatt and Dr. Pascal Lee, of the SETI Institute and the Mars Institute, in a talk about interstellar travel on Monday, Dec. 27, at HopMonk Tavern, 224 Vintage Way, Novato. 7pm. Free. Face coverings and proof of vaccination required. Wonderfest.org.

—Charlie Swanson

Award Worthy—the 2021 Norbay Winners

Charlie Swanson

Dec 22, 2021

The holidays are in full swing, and Bohemian and Pacific Sun readers are spreading the good cheer by voting for their favorite North Bay bands, music venues and more in the 2021 Norbay Music Awards.

This year’s winners include longtime favorites, fresh faces and a few brand-new categories that recognize the hardworking musicians and music advocates who make the North Bay a year-round wonderland of rock ’n’ roll, blues, jazz and more.

Without further ado, here are the winners of the 2021 Norbays.

Americana: The Farallons

A trio of seasoned professionals with a strong local following, the Farallons play an acoustic blend of original tunes that span the gamut of Americana and cover classic hits at local gigs like their upcoming shows at Tips Roadside in Kenwood on Jan. 23 and Feb. 6. thefarallons.com

Blues: Spike Sikes & His Awesome Hotcakes

Veteran bluesman Spike Sikes found a swinging family of like-minded musicians in Sonoma County, and Spike Sikes & His Awesome Hotcakes produce a classic soulful brand of music at local venues and on records like 2021’s Take Some Time to Dream. awesomehotcakes.com

Country: Bloomfield Bluegrass Band

In 2018, the Bloomfield Bluegrass Band snagged the Norbay award for “Acoustic” group. This year, the homegrown North Bay ensemble is recognized in the “Country” category, lending credence to the group’s eclectic output. bloomfieldbluegrassband.com

DJ (Live): DJ Shannon J

Shannon Jones, a.k.a. DJ Shannon J, is the owner and spinner behind North Bay party-starters Surge Entertainment, which hosts karaoke and DJ nights at clubs and private events. facebook.com/SurgeEntertainmentLLC

DJ (Radio): Bill Bowker

Earlier this month, beloved KRSH (95.9FM) afternoon drive-time radio DJ Bill Bowker spent his last afternoon behind the dial, retiring from radio after a career spanning more than four decades. In the North Bay, Bowker will be forever known as the region’s best purveyor of the blues and a champion of local artists. Have a wonderful retirement, Bill!

Electronica: Eki Shola

Classically trained pianist and songwriter Eki Shola crafts jazzy, ambient tones with ethereal melodies. Last year, Shola completed a trilogy of albums—Possible, Drift and Essential—that musically chronicled her life from the Tubbs fire to the pandemic. ekishola.com

Folk: Dave Hamilton

North Bay–veteran Dave Hamilton has won Norbays in several categories over the years, and continues his long-running winning streak with this year’s recognition. Hamilton will be back onstage next year, performing on Jan. 8 at HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol. davehamiltonfolkamericana.com

Hip-Hop: Kayatta

Since hitting the North Bay, hip-hop artist Kayatta has enlightened and elevated the local scene with mindful events and albums such as Beautiful and Messy, released on Juneteenth in 2020. kayattamusic.com

Indie: Sebastian Saint James & the Highway Poets

Led by guitarist and vocalist Sebastian Saint James, the Highway Poets are a tight-knit powerhouse group on record and on stage. Next up, the band plays a New Year’s Eve show at JaM Cellars in Napa. highwaypoetsmusic.com

Jazz: The King Street Giants

Bringing a New Orleans flair to the North Bay, the King Street Giants conjure up popular trad jazz and create their own original songs. During the last year, the King Street Giants performed as trios and quartets in addition to full-band arrangements, offering lean new takes on their jazz repertoire. thekingstreetgiants.com

Metal: A Hero To Fall

Santa Rosa metalcore band A Hero To Fall recently released their debut LP, Ambivalence, featuring lightning-fast drums, shredding guitars and growling screams. The record is available for streaming now, as the group gears up for more live shows in the New Year. facebook.com/aherotofall

Promoter: Jake Ward Presents

Jake Ward is the founder and face of several local arts enterprises including the mischief-making variety show North Bay Cabaret, which recently marked its return after nearly two years and which takes over Whiskey Tip in Santa Rosa for a New Year’s Eve blowout. Northbaycabaret.com

Punk: One Armed Joey

The melodic—even harmonizing—Petaluma punk trio returns to the Norbay winner’s circle, even as they work on a new record and look forward to their first show of 2022 on Jan. 9 at Shady Oak Barrel House in Santa Rosa. facebook.com/onearmedjoey

R&B: The Soul Section

After a year away from the stage, veteran outfit the Soul Section recently returned to action with live shows at the Cotati Music Festival and the Novato Festival of Art, Wine & music, bringing the band’s high-energy funk and soul revues back to local stages. thesoulsection.com

Reggae: Sol Horizon

Featuring former members of Groundation and Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade, North Bay reggae mainstays Sol Horizon most recently rocked the stage with a headlining set on Halloween and keep the musical fire alive with energetic live performances and messages of peace, community and sustainability. facebook.com/SolHorizonBand

Rock: The Bluebyrds

Winning the category for the second year in a row, the Bluebyrds play tribute not to just a single artist or band but to an entire music genre, proving that the music of well-known classic rock bands stands the test of time. thebluebyrds.com

Singer-Songwriter: Frankie Bourne

California-native Frankie Bourne is a prolific and soulful songwriter whose tunes can be heard on four solo albums, 3 EPs, a handful of singles and on North Bay stages. Next month, Bourne gets onstage at Reel & Brand, in Sonoma, on Jan. 14 and at Legit Provisions, in St. Helena, on Jan. 28. frankiebourne.com

Venue: Mystic Theatre & Music Hall

Petaluma’s iconic music venue is alive and well, and rings in 2022 with a New Year’s Eve show featuring Brothers Comatose and T Sisters. Next year’s schedule at the Mystic includes headliners Elvin Bishop, Nicki Bluhm & the Band of Heathens, John Craigie, Gary Numan and many others. mystictheatre.com

Music Instructor: Casey Jones and Nick Pulley

In addition to their Norbay award for “Jazz,” the King Street Giants can also celebrate that members Casey Jones and Nick Pulley are splitting the inaugural “Music Instructor” Award. Pulley heads the music program in Sebastopol’s Gravenstein school district, and Jones teaches at West County High School.

Hardest Working Musician: Spike Sikes

Spike Sikes—winner of the first-ever “Hardest Working Musician” Norbay award and frontman of the “Blues” Norbay award-winning band Spike Sikes & His Awesome Hotcakes—is a father, husband, part-time elementary school band director, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and much more. Catch him next when he plays Reel & Brand in Sonoma on New Year’s Eve.