Whale of a Debriefer!

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Whale of a Debriefer!

Around the same time that whales were cavorting under the Golden Gate Bridge this past weekend and along our shores, the San Francisco chapter of the American Cetacean Society hosted a May 14 symposium called “Our Changing Oceans.”

Climate change is not the only problem facing ocean dwellers. Brandon Southall of UC Santa Cruz highlighted oceanic sound interference from industrial and military sources. “Marine animals use sound the way we humans use light,” he told the audience, in that they produce sound and then listen for acoustic cues that inform food-gathering, defense, mating and, ultimately, survival.

How widespread is the noise problem in the ocean environment? What can be done about it? The documentary “Sonic Sea,” addresses those questions and will be shown by the ACS on May 24 at 7pm at the Bay Model Visitor Center in Sausalito.
—Kathleen Willett

Black Panthers Matter

Santa Rosa’s Elbert “Big Man” Howard was one of the six founding members of the Black Panther Party and also founded the Santa Rosa Police Accountability and Helpline, as his contribution to ongoing efforts to reform Sonoma County policing. He’s been a community activist all the way back to the founding of the BPP 50 years ago and has just published a collection of his writings from over
the decades called, “As I See It.” As Debriefer sees it, you should buy this book of essays; check out Howard’s website, www.bigman-bpp.com for details. —Tom Gogola

Injection Objection

The mega-pharma corporation Pfizer announced last week that it would no longer sell its drugs to states that use their products to kill people. The New York Times first reported the story and said the company would join other pharmaceutical firms that have stopped selling drugs to states that utilize the lethal injection in their death penalty. California plans to inject its condemned with a lethal dose of barbiturate, but it’s unclear where the drug is going to be sourced.

There are more than 750 people on death row in California, including Jarvis Jay Masters, the Buddhist author of “That Bird Has My Wings,” who we interviewed in January (“Condemned Men Talking,” Jan. 6). Masters has been sitting on San Quentin’s death row for decades. Masters’ attempt to have his conviction overturned did not hold sway with the California Supreme Court earlier this year. For now, the death gurney at San Quentin remains empty as California sorts out its new single-drug protocol. It’s unclear where the state plans to get the drug—but it clearly won’t be provided by Pfizer. —Tom Gogola

High Water Rising

The California Department of Water Resources just sent $120,000 to Sonoma County Fire and Emergency Services to work up a flood plan for the so-called “middle” Russian River, directed at Healdsburg, Cloverdale and Windsor. Part of the plan is going to be a “simulated flood event” in coming months, according to a press release from the county last week. The grant is the first to address flooding in Healdsburg, which found residents kayaking the streets in 2014. That can’t be good for the tourism trade.
—Tom Gogola

When Pigs Fly

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When Pigs Fly

The Springs district is poised for rebirth and new restaurants are leading the way.

The scrappy unincorporated towns of Boyes Hot Springs, El Verano and Aqua Caliente along Highway 12 have long been the utilitarian side of the posh Sonoma Valley. Instead of plush wineries and spas the area features convenience stores, auto repair shops and lots of good Mexican food (see “Traveling the Taco Trail” from Aug. 8, 2012).

The roadway is currently torn up with a sidewalk installation project and other street improvements, but when done this lively part of town is likely to take off as more businesses move in and visitors stop to check out this often overlooked part of Sonoma County. It’s got soul. And good food.

In November, Cochon Volant BBQ Smoke House took over the Hot Box Grill. It’s a gem—just the barbecue joint the Springs needed.

Chef and owner Rob Larman’s culinary experience goes beyond barbecue, but smoked meat, especially the pork variety, is clearly his forte. Cochon Volant’s Carolina pulled pork sandwich ($10) is superb. The vinegar-spiked sauce gets a further boost from the addition of seedy, whole grain mustard and pickled red onions. The pork is tender enough to cut with a spoon, deliciously smoky and served on a soft but sturdy potato bun.

For my side dish, I choose “something green,” a changing green vegetable. I expected kale or collard greens or some such, but got broccoli. Broccoli? I was skeptical, but the oil and vinegar marinade on the chilled vegetables cut the richness of the pork. It could have been a throwaway side dish, but the attention to detail made it memorable. The thick-cut house-made pickled cucumbers were a great foil for the pig, too.

I was less impressed with my side order of the ranch beans ($3). They were loaded with smokiness, but they needed a big shot of salt to tie them together.

Curious how other smoked pork would fare, I tried the pork shoulder. Good lord. Sold by the pound (as are other meats like brisket, chicken, ribs and sausage), the pork was sliced from an end piece with a beautiful, bark-like exterior. The deeply smoked meat was as tender and delicious as any barbecue I’ve had.

The perfect side dish is the surprisingly good cole slaw. I say surprising because who expects much from cabbage? But the horseradish-laced slaw here adds a clean but potent note that marries well with the meaty slab of pork.

Larman smokes his meat over almond wood in a burly, red, vault-like smoker. Brisket is a great test of a pitmaster’s skill. It’s a tough cut of meat that requires a long and slow smoke. But go too long and it dries out. That was not the case here. The beef remains juicy and tender, but except for the powerful smoke flavor that suffuses the meat, I found it a little bland. No worries. A dab of one of the two housemade barbecue sauces (vinegary Carolina or Sonoma-style; I liked the Carolina best) takes care of that.

BBQ needs beer and there are some good ones on tap. The Henhouse Saison and Sonoma Springs Kolsch stand out. There is also a BBQ-appropriate wine list.

I regret I’ve got but one stomach to give to Cochon Volant. There are big salads, catfish sandwiches, smoked short ribs, fried chicken and a burger I’ve yet to try. I’ll be back to sample more of the smoky wonders Larman pulls from that squat red box.

Vets and Cannabis

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Vets and Cannabis

Freedom to Choose

Tawnie Logan is absolutely right (“The Nugget,” April 27) about our veterans and how they are denied the option of using medical marijuana. As a longtime supplier of medical marijuana to veterans, I have seen first-hand the astounding benefits of this medicine. These men and women served their country with the firm belief in the freedom of choice. To take away this choice is a travesty.

I offered my friend Dean Gotham, who is president of the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 951 in Lake County, free medical marijuana to any veterans who wanted it. At first he said that would be great, but when I went to a meeting he reconsidered and told me that might not be a good idea. Two other veteran friends of mine can’t get medical cannabis from the military and have to depend on my help because the dispensaries are out of their budget. Don’t count on any changes in the near future.

—James ‘Oaky Joe’ Munson

Graton

Trash Talk

Last weekend, a friend and I hiked the Land Paths Willow Creek Trail from Occidental to Willow Creek and back. The beauty and availability of open space and access to nature in our county always blesses me. While on the trail, I picked up lots of garbage, as well as cigarette butts, plastic bottles and gum wrappers. Something else I find on trails all over the county are orange peels and apple cores. Although they are biodegradable, they take a long time to rot and are considered litter. I would like to remind my fellow outdoor enthusiasts that we each have a responsibility to keep our trails clean for each other and for the sake of the earth. Let’s show respect for what we have.

—Celeste Felciano

Kenwood

I Salute Sergent

I endorse Tim Sergent for 5th District Supervisor because he’s well-qualified, experienced, and, like many of us, he has planted deep roots here. He’s lived in the 5th District for almost 20 years. His résumé is really impressive.

Tim is a U.S. Army veteran who worked to put himself through school at UC Berkeley and into a position to have a positive and lasting impact on the place he calls home. He currently works full-time as a teacher at Maria Carrillo High School. Beyond looking great on paper though, Tim is just a fine human being. I met him when I moved here in 1999. Through mutual friends and a love of live music, our paths have crossed many times. He is consistently calm, smart, trustworthy and kind. He is running his campaign with integrity and authenticity, and also a sense of humor.

Tim is the candidate who best represents what I believe are the values of those of us who live here and work hard to be able to do so. We are proud to be part of a diverse community, we respect one another, we love this unique place and appreciate its beauty, and we understand how fortunate we are to be here.

The fine people of the 5th District deserve dignified, qualified representation from a candidate who owes his allegiance only to the people who live here. Please vote for Tim Sergent on June 7.

—Kerry Beck

Sebastopol

Write to us at le*****@******an.com.

Summer Jams

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Summer Jams

Pairing raw punk energy with power-pop and alternative rock and roll sensibilities, Santa Rosa’s Decent Criminal is back from the grave with a new self-titled, full-length record and a national tour launching next month. Before they leave town, the band plays a free album release show at the Last Record Store on Saturday, May 21.

Hunter Martinez originally formed Decent Criminal in 2008. His brother Tristan joined, in 2010. But that original incarnation was short lived.

“Basically, the band fell apart two years ago,” says Tristan. “We recently rejuvenated the band with this lineup, and started playing with a new sound.”

The Martinez brothers, Hunter on drums and Tristan taking over guitars and lead vocals, recruited current bandmates Alexander Alcantera Alcantra-Kouninos (bass/vocals) and Brian Gellman (guitars/vocals) and expanded Decent Criminal’s sound from strict classic punk riffs to a palette of songs that encompasses ’90s alternative rock in the vein of Weezer and the Pixies and current bands like the Strokes while keeping up a high-spirited and hyperactive punk sound.

This year, Decent Criminal unveiled its first full-length album with the current lineup, recorded in one of the practice spaces at Prairie Sun Recording Studios with friend and engineer Ryan Keller.

“Ryan had the gear, charged us $15 an hour, just homies helping out homies,” says Tristan, who is the lead songwriter for the band now.

The new album bursts out of the gate with opening track “Vacant,” a surf-rock influenced jam that gets loud quick and features an opening chorus of “Ahh, ahh” before Tristan’s gruff vocals belt out over abrasive electric guitars. The driving punk rock continues on tracks like “Sore,” an aggressive two-minute riot and “Sunburn,” a sunny and melodic jam with distinct Southern California vibes.

At the Last Record Store show, the band will have the new self-titled album available, co-released on the Oakland-based indie label Dumptruck Records and East Coast label Endless Bummer, on vinyl, cassette and CD.

Starting June 3, Decent Criminal takes the new batch of songs on the road with a month-long tour that takes them from Los Angeles to Boston for ten shows opening for iconic punk bands the Dwarves and the Queers in the middle of the trek.

“We played a show with the Dwarves in Monterey a little while ago,” says Tristan. “And we linked up. I think they’re just down to help a band like us who are doing things all on their own. It’s super cool.”

Decent Criminal plays on Saturday May 21, at the Last Record Store, 1899 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa. 2pm. Free. 707.525.1963.

Battle of the Booze

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Battle of the Booze

You already know h2hotel’s Spoonbar restaurant in Healdsburg has one of the best cocktail programs in the North Bay. The competition, if not the drinks, will get stiffer when the restaurant hosts the GoldenSpoon Cocktail competition May 23 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

Spoonbar’s new bar manager, Alec Vlastnik (pictured), will shake and stir along with some of the North Bay’s top mixologists. They’ll be vying for cash and prizes as they make drinks with Botanist gin. A panel of three beverage-industry professionals will judge their creations.

If you want in on the action, cocktail fans can taste the competitors’ drinks, as well as other Botanist cocktails, for $5 each all night. Remember to pace yourselves, people.

219 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. 707.433.7222.—Stett Holbrook

Sex Acts

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Sex Acts

“Battle of the sexes.” That phrase dates back to 1914, when the notorious filmmaker D.W. Griffith (Birth of a Nation) released a blatantly sexist film with that title. Ever since, how that battle is fought has vastly evolved. Consider, for example, the massive differences between Lerner and Lowe’s beloved 1956 musical My Fair Lady, and David Ives’ spicy 2011 comedy-drama Venus in Fur.

Currently running at San Rafael’s Belrose Theater, in a production directed by Carl Jordan and presented by Marin Onstage, Venus in Fur is a two-person examination of sex, power and the pleasures of pain. When a frazzled wreck of an actress (excellently played by Melissa Claire, alternately ditzy, sexy and scary) shows up late to an off-Broadway tryout, she convinces the frustrated playwright-director (Tyler McKenna, quite good in a tough role) to let her audition.

What follows is a series of escalating power trips, challenges and sexual intimidation, in which the rules and the roles change several times. Very adult, very funny, and full of surprises, this is a play designed to make you rethink how women are traditionally portrayed in theater and literature.

Rating (out of 5): ★★★★

Much tamer, in comparison, is My Fair Lady, itself a taming-down of G.B. Shaw’s furious social critique, Pygmalion. Impressively sung—if poorly supported by a spotty orchestra—the current production at 6th Street Playhouse has its pleasures, including a marvelous Norman Hall singing one of the show’s most famous songs. The production is directed with obvious affection by Craig Miller, who employs some impressive touches (crumpled poetry; a well-timed tear) that, despite their cleverness, can’t quite make this dated, tired show seem less like the out-of-touch dinosaur it is.

As the self-impressed professor of linguistics Henry Higgins, David Yen is thoroughly entertaining, though not very likable, gleefully aiming a barrage of insults at Eliza Doolittle, an unhappy flower girl who asks him to teach her proper English enunciation. As Eliza, Denise Elia sings the part beautifully, effectively underplaying the character’s usual fire, thus emphasizing Eliza’s fear and uncertainty—making Higgins even less likable in the process.

That has always been the primary failure of My Fair Lady: a “love story” in which the last thing we want is for main characters to fall in love.

Rating (out of 5): ★★★½

‘Venus in Fur’ runs Fridays and Saturdays through May 21 at Belrose Theater, 1415 5th Ave., San Rafael. 8pm on Friday and Saturday, plus 2pm matinees on Saturday. $10-$25. 415.448.6152. ‘My Fair Lady’ runs Thursday–Sunday, through June 6 at 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. 6th St., Santa Rosa. Thursday-Saturday at 8pm. 2pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday. $15-$32. 707.523.4185

March Against Monsanto

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March Against Monsanto

Public concern is growing about the dangerous health effects of genetically modified crops (GMOs) and glyphosate. GMOs refer to organisms which have the DNA from a different species, such as bacteria, virus, animal or plant, injected into it to create a novel organism not occurring in nature.

Most GMOs are modified to tolerate the spraying of herbicides that kill surrounding weeds or to produce a pesticide in every cell of the plant which kills pests biting into them. GMO crops include corn, soybeans, alfalfa, sugar beets, canola, certain varieties of zucchini, crookneck squash, papaya, apples and potatoes. Monsanto manufactures 90 percent of GMO seeds worldwide.

The company also produces Roundup, which contains the active ingredient glyphosate. Glyphosate is used for killing weeds in farms, gardens, parks, playgrounds and vineyards, and is also used as a desiccant to dry crops. Glyphosate has been declared a “probable human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization. California has listed glyphosate as a carcinogen; France and other countries have banned it outright.

Cultivation of GMO crops is banned in 38 countries and in five counties in California and two in Oregon. A prohibition in Sonoma County has qualified for the November ballot, with over 20,000 valid signatures. On May 24, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors will vote to place the measure on the ballot or vote it into law.

There are many safety concerns with GMOs. They were never independently tested before being approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The revolving door between Monsanto, the FDA and the EPA jeopardizes objectivity. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine states that “several animal studies indicate serious health risks associated with GMO food.” Other concerns are cross-pollination and danger to bees, butterflies and biodiversity.

Do we really want Monsanto controlling our food supply? Join us in the March Against Monsanto on Saturday, May 21, at Sebastopol Downtown Plaza at 2pm. For more information, visit occupysonomacounty.org.

Linda Deer is a member of Occupy Sonoma County.

Open Mic is a weekly feature in the ‘Bohemian.’ To have your topical essay of 350 words considered for publication, write op*****@******an.com.

Summer Lovin’

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Summer Lovin’

It’s that time again. It’s summertime! Well, almost. In anticipation of long days and warm nights, we present our annual Hot Summer Guide to help you make most of the season from May to September.

May

Sonoma Arts Live Community-produced musicals and plays take center stage at this series of performances. The smash hit comedy Calendar Girls runs through May 29. The suspenseful Venus in Fur plays over four nights only, June 16–19. A musical version of a classic tale comes to life when Helen of Egypt runs June 30–July 17, and Broadway favorite The Fantasticks plays Aug. 25–Sept. 11. Performances take place at the Rotary Stage in Andrews Hall at the Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. Sonomaartslive.org.

Free Concerts at Montgomery Village Santa Rosa’s Montgomery Village Shopping Center offers a free, three-month-long music series. Look for afternoon and evening shows with bands and performers like Caravanserai, Jess Petty, Sh-Boom, Paperback Writer and others. May 22 through October. 707.545.3844. Mvshops.com.

Uptown Theatre’s Summer Lineup Downtown Napa’s hottest venue spot welcomes an array of performers to its landmark stage, starting with a BottleRock preview featuring Cheech & Chong (May 26) and a bevy of festival aftershows, including the Pharcyde (May 27), Gogol Bordello (May 28) and Rodrigo y Gabriela (May 30). The rest of the summer is chock-full as well, with singer Judy Collins appearing on July 1, Lyle Lovett & His Large Band playing on July 6, standup icon Brian Regan on July 14 and folk legend Art Garfunkel on Sept. 16. 1350 Third St., Napa. 707.259.0123.

Ross Valley Players Operating since 1930, the players wrap up their exciting 86th season with two popular productions. The evocative Anna in the Tropics, running May 27–June 19, won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize in drama. And the action-packed Robin Hood plays July 16–Aug. 7. Productions take place at the Barn Theatre, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. $29; seniors, $25; kids $14. 415.456.9555.

Funky Fridays For the past three years, the grassroots concert series Funky Fridays has offered family-friendly concerts at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, yet last year the organization outgrew its original location. Thankfully, Funky Fridays found a new home this year, a mansion to be exact. Now the weekly summer series brings popular North Bay bands like the Bruthas (May 27), Second Line (June 24) and Volker Strifler (Aug. 19) every Friday through Sept. 2 to Hood Mansion, North Pythian Road off Highway 12, Santa Rosa. Doors at 5:30pm. $10; kids under 18, free. funkyfridays.info.

BottleRock Napa Valley The biggest concert festival to hit Napa brings headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stevie Wonder, Florence + the Machine and others to town. May 27–29 at the Napa Valley Expo Center. 575 Third St., Napa. Sold-out. bottlerocknapavalley.com.

Oysterpalooza Celebrate the bivalve by eating everything oyster, with a heavy bent on the cuisine of New Orleans. Live music by the Bootleg Honeys, Abalone Grey, Vintage Grass and others. May 28 at Rocker Oysterfeller’s. 14415 Hwy. 1, Valley Ford. Noon. $10–$20 (does not include food). 707.876.1983.

Live at Lagunitas Everyone’s favorite Sonoma County brewery has lots of music on tap this summer in its Petaluma amphitheaterette. Starting out the season is spirited songwriter Langhorne Slim with his band the Law (May 30). The rest of the schedule boasts some of the hottest indie rock and folk acts, like Thao & the Get Down Stay Down on July 19, Deer Tick on Aug. 9, Blind Pilot on Aug. 15 and many others. Free tickets are limited and go on sale three weeks before each show on the bands’ websites, so set your calendars accordingly. 1280 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. lagunitas.com/live.

June

Sonoma County Pride Celebration What’s not to love about 29 years of Russian River pride? This year’s festivities start on Thursday, June 2, with an LGBTQI film festival at the Rio Theater and continue through June 5 with events during Guerneville’s First Friday Art Walk, a pool party and beer bust on Saturday, and the pride parade and festival taking place on Sunday. Downtown Guerneville. sonomacountypride.org.

Country Summer The biggest country music event in the North Bay also features Western-themed attractions, country-inspired culinary delights and an array of libations. Headliners this year include Lady Antebellum, the Band Perry, Billy Currington and local phenom McKenna Faith. June 3–5, at Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. One-day passes start at $79. 707.543.0100. countrysummer.com.

Healdsburg Jazz Festival Sound the trumpets and walk that bass right on up to Healdsburg for the 18th annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival. There are over a dozen concerts scheduled, and this year features a tribute to drummer Billy Hart, with two performances by the legendary musician and his current band. Concerts take place June 3–12 at various locations in and around Healdsburg. Prices vary. 707.433.4633. healdsburgjazzfestival.org.

Luther Burbank Center for the Arts Summer Shows The newly rechristened LBC brings some of the biggest names in music and comedy to the stage this summer, starting with a sidesplitting night of laughs with comedian and actress Lily Tomlin on June 4. The rest of the season includes Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Chicago (June 26), Kenny Rogers’ final world tour (June 28), Lyle Lovett & His Large Band (July 7), Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons (July 19), comedian George Lopez (July 22) and guitarists Jeff Beck (Aug. 17) and Peter Frampton (Aug. 23). 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600. lutherburbankcenter.org.

Art at the Source More than 160 artists in dozens of studios throughout western Sonoma County open their space to the public for an interactive art experience during two weekends, June 4–5 and 11–12. Maps can be found at artatthesource.org or at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. Free. 707.829.4797.

California Beer Festival This traveling festival expands into a two-day extravaganza that pits brewmasters against each other for the benefit of the beer-loving public. Saturday is a craft-beer heaven of tastings, and Sunday gets fun with family activities and live entertainment on hand while Golden State brewers bring their finest ales, stouts, porters, pilsners, saisons, lagers and more. June 4-5 at Stafford Lake. Novato Boulevard, Novato. 12:30–5pm. $12–$75. californiabeerfestival.com/marin.

Railroad Square Music Festival North Bay Hootenanny hosts a day of local music and community. The Easy Leaves headline and release their new EP at the show. Other highlights include the West End Farmers Market in the morning, performances from Royal Jelly Jive, the Dixie Giants and many others, a shop party with local vendors, food, beer and wine, art and fun for all. June 5 at Railroad Square, Fourth and Wilson streets, Santa Rosa. 9am to 8pm. Free admission. railroadsquaremusicfestival.com.

Napa Live: Inside & Out A music crawl through Napa debuts with venues inside and out offering music by more than 40 live bands and performers, while shops open their doors and restaurants provide food and drinks. There’s music in parks, on patios and at plazas with names like Shelby Lanterman, Full Chizel, the LoWatters, Funktapus and many others hitting stages throughout downtown Napa on June 5, noon to 6pm. Free admission. 707.257.0322.

Summer Sundays at Goose & Gander Live music, cocktails and food fill the garden space, as bands like Lonesome Locomotive, Free Peoples, Dixie Giants and many others play weekly, June 5–Sept. 4, at Goose & Gander, 1245 Spring St., St. Helena. 1pm. Free admission. 707.967.8779.

Napa Valley Jazz Getaway Fifth annual event features an incredible lineup of jazz and R&B artists, including Michael McDonald, Fourplay, Gerald Albright, Jonathan Butler, Mint Condition, and the Temptations featuring the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway Horn Section. June 8-12, at various locations throughout Napa Valley. jazzgetaway.com.

Peggy Sue’s All-American Cruise Hundreds of classic, stock and custom all-American cars will be on display with vendors, food pop-up bars and live music happening in Rohnert park on June 10–11, then those classic cars roam downtown Santa Rosa in the evening of the 11th to show off for families and car lovers. Sonoma Mountain Village, 1400 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park. cruiseforpeggysue.com.

Huichica Festival Two days of music, food and wine features a lineup that includes veteran and rising stars like Mystic Braves, Dengue Fever, Silver Apples, Giant Sand and Fruit Bats. Amazing culinary options from Farmshop, Zuzu, Ramen Gaijin and plenty of beer and wine round out the weekend. June 10–11 at Gundlach Bundschu Winery. 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma. $40–$90. Kids 12 and under are free. 707.938.5277. huichica.com.

Creativity Jam Napa’s nonprofit arts group Nimbus hosts this sixth annual day of art and entertainment for kids and the kid in us all. Local artists lead a variety of projects and performers like renowned puppet troupe Magical Moonshine Theatre dazzle audiences on June 12 at the di Rosa galleries and grounds, 5200 Sonoma Hwy., Napa. 11am to 3pm. $10–$20, kids under 3 are free. dirosaart.org.

Broadway Under the Stars Presented each year by Transcendence Theatre Company, some of the brightest stars in Hollywood and on Broadway come to perform in the Sonoma County night air. On the schedule this year are This Magic Moment, with standards and showstoppers (June 17–July 3); Fantastical Family Night (July 15–16), Dance the Night Away, with a toe-tapping cast performing moving music (Aug. 5–21); and the Gala Celebration (Sept. 9–11) in the outdoor winery ruins at Jack London State Park. 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. Pre-show picnics at 5pm; concerts begin at 7:30pm. 877.424.1414. transcendencetheatre.org.

Sierra Nevada World Music Fest The world is a big place, so a world-music festival, by default, must also be big. This festival doesn’t disappoint, with dozens of musical acts and a summer solstice celebration. Artists at this year’s festival Don Carlos, Lee “Scratch” Perry and others. June 17–19 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville. $60–$175. 916.777.5550. snwmf.com.

Rodney Strong Concert Series The 26th annual live music series in the sunny grasslands behind the vineyard features adult contemporary favorites and music legends. This year’s lineup includes Boney James (June 18), Smokey Robinson (July 23), Huey Lewis & the News (Aug. 21) and others. Rodney Strong Vineyards, 11455 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg. 5pm. $89–$129. 800.514.3849.

Stumptown Daze Parade Join the friends of Stumptown Brewery and the Russian River Chamber of Commerce for the 70th annual parade, a time-honored tradition that celebrates the opening of the summer season on the river. June 18, downtown Guerneville. 11am. russianriver.com.

Downtown Upstairs Comedy Sonoma County comic Juan Carlos performs his new show, “The Comedian: Life and Times on Moorland Avenue.” June 18, El Palomar Mexican Restaurant, 623 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. 8pm.

Grill 116 Eat and vote when Taste Route 116 presents friendly grill competitions happening at over a dozen local vineyards. June 18 at various locations between Sebastopol and Forestville. $10–$45. tasteroute116.com.

Cotati Jazz Festival Share in an afternoon of music, food, beer and dancing in the town’s 36th annual festival. This event encompasses several venues in downtown Cotati with main acts slated for La Plaza Park, Downtown Cotati. June 19. Noon–6pm. Free. cotatijazz.com.

Sonoma-Marin Fair This year’s music lineup features Tower of Power (June 22), Joe Nichols (June 23), Hinder (June 24) and country music star LeAnn Rimes (June 25). Don’t forget the classics too: the world’s ugliest dog contest, the destruction derby, carnival rides, fair food and livestock. The fair runs June 22–26, at Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma. Noon to midnight. $15, adults; $10, kids and seniors; under three, free. sonoma-marinfair.org.

Calistoga Concerts in the Park Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, picnic dinners and friends and family to enjoy these weekly concerts in a gorgeous natural setting. Each week’s show offers something different, from rock and rollers Kingsborough on June 23, Cajun-zydeco partiers the Wild Catahoulas on July 14, outlaw-country jammers Poor Man’s Whiskey on Aug 4. and others. Concerts in the park take place every Thursday, June 23–Aug. 25, at Pioneer Park, 1308 Cedar St., Calistoga. 6:30pm. Free admission. visitcalistoga.com.

Kate Wolf Music Festival This festival always draws excellent musical acts to honor the work of the late singer-songwriter it’s named for. This year includes performances by Harry Belafonte, Neko Case, k.d. lang, Trampled by Turtles, the Head & the Heart, Calexico and many others. Camping is the best way to experience this festival. June 23–26 at Black Oak Ranch, Laytonville. $45–$325; children under 10, free. katewolfmusicfestival.com.

Russian River Valley Experience & Somm Challenge A twist on the previous Passport event, this weekend experience lets you visit five convenient Russian River neighborhoods, where six or more wineries will gather to share wine, food and more. There’s also a special sommelier dinner happening at Sonoma-Cutrer, where three top somms pair with five top chefs, and you judge the culinary results. June 24–26, throughout Russian River Valley. $65; $195 dinner tickets. rrvw.org.

Days of Wine & Lavender You’re invited to sip whites and reds among the blooming fields of lavender at the hillside winery. The 20th annual event also offers food pairings and live music too. June 25 at Matanzas Creek Winery. 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Noon–4pm. $90–$125. Matanzascreek.com.

Small Town Comedy Festival Popular standup comedians from around the country descend upon Healdsburg once again for this fun, funny festival, hosted by Sonoma Cider. The comedy hits several spots on June 25 and gathers at the Sonoma Cider warehouse space, turned into an awesome venue complete with food trucks and live bands in between laughs on June 26, 30 Mill St., Healdsburg. $20–$25. smalltowncomedyfestival.com.

SOMO Concerts Rohnert Park’s grand outdoor venue, the SOMO Village Event Center, once again packs a powerhouse lineup of performers for its seasonal series. On June 30, self-described “hippie soul” singer Allen Stone hits the stage with support from Bay Area rockers the Monophonics. Things get spacey on July 10, when the greatest Pink Floyd tribute show on the planet, Brit Floyd, play as part of their “Space & Time Continuum” world tour. Dynamic alternative rock singer Grace Potter plays on July 22, and reggae stars UB40 and the Wailers share the stage on July 27. There’s also the annual Earle Fest bringing Lucinda Williams to the North Bay on Sept. 17. 1100 Valley House Drive, Rohnert Park. somoconcerts.com.

Marin County Fair This year’s 75th annual fair gathers art, agriculture and community for the theme “What a Ride!” In addition to traditional fair exhibits and events, concerts this year include the Wallflowers, Kool & the Gang, Sheila E, Plain White T’s and Foreigner. June 30–July 4 at the Marin County Fairgrounds, adjacent to the Marin Center. Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $13–$15; under four, free. 415.499.6400. marinfair.org.

July

Shakespeare in the Cannery Santa Rosa’s outdoor theater experience, set in the brick ruins of a former canning warehouse in the Railroad Square district, returns for a third season and expands from one production into two. First up, the cannery players present Macbeth, July 1–23. Then, the cannery produces a new play by Sonoma County playwright David Beckman, The Plot Against Shakespeare, running Aug. 12–27. Set in 1600s London, the play finds Shakespeare suffering from writer’s block when his own characters come to life and join forces to help the Bard create again—or kill him trying. 3 West Third St., Santa Rosa. Shows run Thursdays through Saturdays, gates at 5pm, shows at 7pm. shakespeareinthecannery.com.

Mondavi Winery Summer Concerts After nearly five decades, you’d think this concert series would slow down, but there’s no sign of that happening. The series kicks off this year with Brooklyn’s platinum-selling American Authors performing with fireworks on July 2. Other acts include Blues Traveler (July 9), Ingrid Michaelson (July 23) and O.A.R. (July 30). Robert Mondavi Winery, 7801 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville. Dinner available. $70–$225. 888.769.766.6328. robertmondaviwinery.com.

Green Music Center Performance Series Sonoma State University’s superb Weill Hall hosts 23 concert events that span rock ‘n’ roll, country, Latin and even standup comedy. The season kicks off with a Fourth of July concert featuring vocalist Steve Tyrell and the Santa Rosa Symphony, followed by fireworks. The GMC Bluegrass Festival returns on July 10 with David Grisman leading the way. Other highlights include Boz Scaggs and the Robert Cray Band (July 14), Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp performing as the Hollywood Vampires (July 22), “Weird” Al Yankovic (July 30), The Daily Show host Trevor Noah (Aug. 20) and Southern rock siblings the Avett Brothers (Sept. 15). 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 866.955.6040.

Napa County Fair Farm fun, rides, clowns and food, this fair’s got it all, in one svelte day of blistering excitement. Culminating in fireworks spectacular in the evening, the fun starts with a parade at 11am through downtown Calistoga. July 4 at the Napa County Fair. 1435 N. Oak St., Calistoga. Noon–9:30pm. $5–$25. napacountyfair.org.

Bluegrass-Fed Concerts North Bay bluegrass, country and folk bands hit the farm and rock the stage, starting with a Fourth of July show with Sierra Hull and fireworks. Other dates include Fruition on Aug. 13, Brothers Comatose on Aug. 21 and the Lil’ Smokies on Sept. 3 at Long Meadow Ranch, 738 Main St., St Helena. 707.963.4555.

Petaluma Art & Garden Festival Presented by the Petaluma Downtown Association, the fest brings local eats, beer and wine and plenty of music to town for a 15th year. Vendor booths offer charming items for the home and garden, plus animal mobiles and fun fairy clothing for the wee ones. The event also includes the annual chalk art competition. July 10. Downtown Petaluma, Kentucky and Fourth streets. 11am–5pm. 707.762.9348. petalumadowntown.com.

Diana Ross The international superstar and living legend returns to the North Bay for another spectacular performance. This time, the founding member of Motown icons the Supremes performs as part of her In the Name of Love tour. July 13 at Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $66 and up. tickets.marincenter.org.

Sonoma County Comedy Fest The funny folks at Crushers of Comedy offer two days of hilarious standup, award-winning wine, craft beer, food, music and more. July 15–16, Flamingo Resort Hotel, 2777 Fourth St., Santa Rosa. crushersofcomedy.com.

Festival Napa Valley Formerly called the Festival del Sole, this 11th annual fest still offers over 60 events at nearly a dozen wineries. Opening night’s gala features Kristin Chenoweth and her amazing voice. Other concerts bring worldly talents like violinist Sarah Chang, soprano Yelena Dyachek, tenor Michael Fabiano and saxophonist Dave Koz. July 15–24, at various venues in the Napa Valley. festivalnapavalley.org.

Rivertown Revival The Friends of the Petaluma River once again present the “Greatest Slough on Earth,” with live music, arty boat races, local food and drinks, crafty vendors and family fun. As in past years, this summer event also boasts local color and is one of the most eco-friendly fests in the North Bay, happening on July 16 at the McNear Peninsula at D and Copeland streets, Petaluma. rivertownrevival.com.

Sonoma County Fair This year’s fair goes Hollywood, with the theme “Lights, Camera, Fair” offering the largest themed flower show in the country and horse racing, rodeo, destruction derby, carnival rides, local art and agriculture. Separate admission is required for some events. The fair runs July 22 through Aug. 7. Horse racing: July 28–31, and Aug. 4–7 and 12–14. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. 11am–9pm; closed Mondays. $6–$12; children under six, free. sonomacountyfair.com.

Music in the Vineyards Now in its 22nd season, this nationally acclaimed chamber-music festival brings together 35 renowned classical musicians from around the world to perform at the most picturesque locations in the Napa Valley. Special guest performers include clarinet virtuoso Burt Hara of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, 17-year-old cello phenom Oliver Herbert and many others. July 29–Aug. 21, at 13 winery venues in the Napa Valley. $50 and up. musicinthevineyards.org.

August

Reggae on the River Presented by the Mateel Community Center, the 32nd annual incarnation of this laid-back, family-friendly festival features tons of bands and camping adjacent to the festival. Aug. 4–7 at French’s Camp. 657 Hwy. 101, Piercy. $200 (three-day) to $250 (four-day); $75 premium camping per person, regular on-site camping included in ticket price. reggaeontheriver.com.

Petaluma Music Festival The ninth annual festival benefiting music programs in Petaluma schools features its biggest and best lineup yet. Headlining are North Bay favorites Jackie Greene, Steve Kimock and friends, the Mother Hips and many others. Aug. 6 at the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds. 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma. Noon. $45–$110. petalumamusicfestival.org.

Gravenstein Apple Fair Billed as the “sweetest little fair in Sonoma County,” the 43rd annual event, presented by Sonoma County Farm Trails, celebrates the local Gravenstein apples in all their delicious glory, with food vendors, live music and local arts and crafts. Look for the artisan tasting lounge, the farm life arena, kids’ activities, and games and contests throughout. Aug. 13–14 at Ragle Ranch Park, 500 Ragle Road, Sebastopol. 10am to 6pm. gravensteinapplefair.com.

Cotati Accordion Festival Accordion veteran Lou Jacklich acts as the honorary director when an international cavalcade of stars take the stage at this 26th annual squeezebox party. Aug. 20–21 in La Plaza Park. Old Redwood Highway, Cotati. 9:30am–8pm. $15–$25; under 15, free. cotatifest.com.

Blues, Brews & BBQ Mixing live music, microbrews and enough barbecue to fill a pickup truck, this summertime party is not to be missed. There’s a rib-eating contest, a kids’ area and, of course, blues artists all along the streets. Aug. 27 at First and Main streets, Napa. Noon–6pm. Free admission; beer tasting tickets available for purchase. donapa.com.

Bodega Seafood Art & Wine Festival Dozens of culinary companies come together to offer delicious seafood specialties at the 22nd annual event. Aside from the art and the eats, there are four stages of entertainment. The festival takes place Aug. 27–28 at Watts Ranch, 16855 Bodega Hwy. Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 10am–5pm. $8–$15; under 12, free. bodegaseafoodfestival.com.

September

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Winemaker meals take place all Labor Day weekend, but here are some highlights of this annual bacchanalia. The Sonoma Starlight event kicks off the weekend and includes dining, drinks and dancing on Sept. 2 at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville. 6:30–10pm. Next, Taste of Sonoma offers samples from over 200 wineries and several chefs on Sept. 3 at MacMurray Estate Vineyards. 3387 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg. 11am–4pm. Finally, the Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction offers a chance to bid on exclusive items and mingle with Sonoma’s first families on Sept. 4 at Chateau St. Jean. 8555 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood. 12:30–7pm. sonomawinecountryweekend.com.

Marin Theatre Company’s 50th Anniversary Season Presenting world-class theater for half a century, MTC celebrates the big five-oh with another season of inventive original works and gutsy adaptations of beloved plays. Their 2016/2017 season opens with the Pulitzer Prize–winning drama by Tracy Letts, August: Osage County from Sept. 8 to Oct. 2. Their next production, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, comes from new resident playwright Lauren Gunderson and is a continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Later shows in the season include Nambi Kelley’s dramatization of Richard Wright’s classic Native Son and Peerless, a new take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth. 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. 415.388.5208. marintheatre.org.

Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival The summer’s biggest party on the river celebrates 40 years with legendary artists and bands, sizzling food vendors, an indulgent wine garden and more. And if the music gets too hot, just take a dip in the water, sit in the shade of a beach umbrella or rent a canoe or kayak to paddle down the river. Sept. 10–11 at Johnson’s Beach, 16215 First St., Guerneville. $80–$180. Russianriverfestivals.com.

Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival Sip on local brews, delight in local bites, listen to local music and walk the local promenade on Sept. 17. Water St., Petaluma. 1pm. $40. petalumarivercraftbeerfest.org.

Smoke Local

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Smoke Local

This story on Marin County’s approval of four medical marijuana dispensaries was removed on June 7, 2016 because the freelancer who authored the piece could not provide supporting documentation required by the Bohemian’s editorial standards.

Battle Royal

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Battle Royal

Playing the noblest American of them all, Chris Evans is easy to underrate. As in previous installments, Captain America: Civil War shows the World War II hero, frozen and revived for our complex times, as a touching and skeptical immortal.

Our hero could be seen as a symbol of the U.S. government’s unilateral actions in foreign affairs, but directors Joe and Anthony Russo’s terrific action opus addresses directly what Batman v. Superman hinted at. It’s the most expensive, entertaining movie anyone’s made about blowback.

A squad of the Avengers are in Lagos, Nigeria, preventing the theft of a vial of ebola-like serum. During the epic shootout, the powerful telepath Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch (a hypnotically pretty Elizabeth Olsen), saves Captain America’s life but accidentally kills a dozen bystanders. An international outcry builds on top of the Balkan catastrophe in last year’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. The secretary of state (William Hurt) announces an international accord in which the Avengers will be leashed by U.N. restrictions.

A weary Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.)—the vincible meat inside the invincible shell of Iron Man—urges his fellow heroes to sign. Captain America has his doubts. In between them is Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson). In Vienna for the signing of the accord are representatives of Africa’s fictional Wakanda, the only source for the super-powerful ore vibranium.

What happens next demonstrates why a king and his heir should never travel together. A terrorist attack is seemingly carried out by the Winter Soldier, formerly known as Cap’s wartime buddy Bucky (Sebastian Stan). Pressured, the Avengers crack.

You get to travel a bit in the film—Berlin’s Spree River, the Lagos marketplace, stormy seas, icy dungeons, even a stopover in Cleveland. Amidst this escapism, the audience gets something to ponder: the question of what to do with “unlimited power and no supervision” isn’t just the Avengers’ problem, it’s America’s.

‘Captain America: Civil War’ is playing in wide release in the North Bay.

Whale of a Debriefer!

Around the same time that whales were cavorting under the Golden Gate Bridge this past weekend and along our shores, the San Francisco chapter of the American Cetacean Society hosted a May 14 symposium called "Our Changing Oceans." Climate change is not the only problem facing ocean dwellers. Brandon Southall of UC Santa Cruz highlighted oceanic sound interference from industrial...
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When Pigs Fly

The Springs district is poised for rebirth and new restaurants are leading the way. The scrappy unincorporated towns of Boyes Hot Springs, El Verano and Aqua Caliente along Highway 12 have long been the utilitarian side of the posh Sonoma Valley. Instead of plush wineries and spas the area features convenience stores, auto repair shops and lots of good Mexican...
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Vets and Cannabis

Freedom to Choose Tawnie Logan is absolutely right ("The Nugget," April 27) about our veterans and how they are denied the option of using medical marijuana. As a longtime supplier of medical marijuana to veterans, I have seen first-hand the astounding benefits of this medicine. These men and women served their country with the firm belief in the freedom of...
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Summer Jams

Pairing raw punk energy with power-pop and alternative rock and roll sensibilities, Santa Rosa's Decent Criminal is back from the grave with a new self-titled, full-length record and a national tour launching next month. Before they leave town, the band plays a free album release show at the Last Record Store on Saturday, May 21. Hunter Martinez originally formed Decent...
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Battle of the Booze

You already know h2hotel's Spoonbar restaurant in Healdsburg has one of the best cocktail programs in the North Bay. The competition, if not the drinks, will get stiffer when the restaurant hosts the GoldenSpoon Cocktail competition May 23 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Spoonbar's new bar manager, Alec Vlastnik (pictured), will shake and stir along with some of the North Bay's...
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Sex Acts

"Battle of the sexes." That phrase dates back to 1914, when the notorious filmmaker D.W. Griffith (Birth of a Nation) released a blatantly sexist film with that title. Ever since, how that battle is fought has vastly evolved. Consider, for example, the massive differences between Lerner and Lowe's beloved 1956 musical My Fair Lady, and David Ives' spicy 2011...
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March Against Monsanto

Public concern is growing about the dangerous health effects of genetically modified crops (GMOs) and glyphosate. GMOs refer to organisms which have the DNA from a different species, such as bacteria, virus, animal or plant, injected into it to create a novel organism not occurring in nature. Most GMOs are modified to tolerate the spraying of herbicides that kill surrounding...
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Summer Lovin’

It's that time again. It's summertime! Well, almost. In anticipation of long days and warm nights, we present our annual Hot Summer Guide to help you make most of the season from May to September. May Sonoma Arts Live Community-produced musicals and plays take center stage at this series of performances. The smash hit comedy Calendar Girls runs through May 29....
Read more

Smoke Local

This story on Marin County's approval of four medical marijuana dispensaries was removed on June 7, 2016 because the freelancer who authored the piece could not provide supporting documentation required by the Bohemian’s editorial standards.
Read more

Battle Royal

Playing the noblest American of them all, Chris Evans is easy to underrate. As in previous installments, Captain America: Civil War shows the World War II hero, frozen and revived for our complex times, as a touching and skeptical immortal. Our hero could be seen as a symbol of the U.S. government's unilateral actions in foreign affairs, but directors Joe...
Read more
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