With the news of David Bowie’s passing still sending shockwaves throughout the musical community, filmgoers are also looking for comfort in his varied and versatile film career. In that vein, Sebastopol’s Rialto Cinemas will be screening the surreal 1976 British sci-fi film starring Bowie, The Man Who Fell to Earth, beginning Friday, Jan 15.

Rightfully hailed as a cult classic, this stunning film stars a red-haired, pale-skinned David Bowie as an alien who crash lands on our planet while looking for help saving his own. Using his advanced technology, the “Man” infiltrates American industry and business with a goal of building a way back home, though the wealth and decadence of society pulls him in the opposite moral direction.

Directed by Nicolas Roeg, who also helmed ’70s cult favorites Walkabout and Don’t Look Now, this film is a uniquely profound and meditative work, and Bowie is perfect in his major film debut as the literal Starman. This upcoming big screen showing is a rare treat, as the film is largely unavailable in good condition; even it’s Criterion Collection release long out-of-print.

The Man Who Fell to Earth screens from Friday, Jan 15 to Thursday, Jan 21, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St, Sebastopol. 707.525.4840. Check their site for showtimes. 

Russian River Brewing Company is bringing back their most sought-after release, Pliny the Younger, for its 12th annual run at their downtown Santa Rosa brew pub. Beginning Friday February 5, and lasting until February 18, crowds of beer enthusiasts from near and far will be lining up around the block in the cold and rain to get a taste of the most famous triple IPA in the world. 

If you’ve spent any time standing in the long lines in years past, you know the wait can be long, really long; reportedly up to eight hours on the weekends last year. In an attempt to cut those wait times down in 2016, the Russian River is imposing a three beer / three hour limit for patrons. This will also help ensure everyone who shows up has a chance to get their hands on that Pliny. The good news is that Russian River only offers the beer on draft, no bottles and no growlers. Just remember, they only have a certain allotment of Pliny the Younger on hand for each day, so get there early. 

Considering this is an El Nino year and February is expected to be super soaked outside, here’s a couple of tips for surviving the line and enjoying your Pliny. First, no tents or stand up structures will be allowed in line, as they tend to blow away in the wind and usually end up blocking sidewalks and other business entrances, and that’s a no no. Instead, bring layers, umbrellas and a hot thermos of coffee for your stay on the streets of Santa Rosa.

Second, people in lines HATE it when you show up late and join your friends in front of them, so if you want to get in line early make sure your whole party comes together. Yes, it’s a pain to wait, but the folks behind you won’t mind you slipping off to use the restroom or getting a bite to eat at La Bufa if they know you’ve been there from the start.

Once you get inside, you gotta get your own drink. Even if you don’t want a Pliny, don’t be the guy (or gal) who is just hanging out with your friend; and keeping the people behind you out in the rain while you take up space. Order something, anything, there will be 20 different beers on tap to choose from.

2016’s Pliny the Younger is expected to be one of the best releases yet, predicted to clock in at about 10.25% and boasting an assortment of top quality hops. The Russian River Brewing Company is located at 725 Fourth St, Santa Rosa. 11am to Midnight. 707.545.BEER.