May 22: A Very Good Year in El Verano

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May 22: A Very Good Year in El Verano

Taking their cue from simple stripped-down garage rockers of decades past, Sonoma-based 1955 do more than recycle riffs; they incorporate a lean, modern take on a timeless sound. For the past two years, the group has wowed audiences around the Bay Area with their infectious energy. 1955 recently recorded a new four-song EP, The French Had a Name for It, at Prairie Sun Studios in Cotati, and this Friday, May 22, they celebrate the release with a show at Rossi’s 1906, 401 Grove St., El Verano. 9pm. $5. 707.343.0044. 

May 22: T.G.I.Funky in Kenwood

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May 22: T.G.I.Funky in Kenwood

The ‘Funky Fridays’ live music series began in 2013 as a fundraiser to save Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. The park had been closed due to state budget cuts and was reopened by a group of nonprofits collectively called Team Sugarloaf. Now beginning its third season, Funky Fridays has become known for the outstanding amphitheater setting on the craggy palisades, as well as the continuously popular lineup of talented musicians playing a funky combination of R&B, blues and rock. The series returns to the park this week with local all-star group the Bruthas performing on Friday, May 22, at Sugarloaf Park, 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood. 6:30pm. $10. 707.833.5712. 

May 23: New Brews in Petaluma

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May 23: New Brews in Petaluma

Seems like we all know a home brewer out there who endlessly tweaks his personal recipes for ultimate refreshment. This year, the Petaluma Downtown Association brings together nearly 70 home brewers from around the area for the inaugural Sonoma County Home Brewers Competition, and you get to be the judge. Sample suds from the proud pourers and vote for your favorite. The top beer maker gets the chance to have his or her recipe brewed by 101 North Brewing Co. and distributed across the land. Bites by Mountain Mikes Pizza, and local food trucks accompany the tastings. The Dixie Giants provide the tunes for the competition taking place on Saturday, May 23, at the Veterans Memorial Building, 210 Lakeville St., Petaluma. 11am to 4pm. $25. petalumadowntown.com. 

May 24: Half Shell Celebration in Valley Ford

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May 24: Half Shell Celebration in Valley Ford

“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster,” said Jonathan Swift. Yet for all those who crave the succulent shelled delicacy from the sea, there is no wrong way to enjoy an oyster. Once again, the devotees at Rocker Oysterfeller’s Kitchen & Saloon bring out the best in local oysters and live music with their annual Oysterpalooza! Arann Harris & the Farm Band, T Sisters, Andre Thierry and others appear on two stages, providing a soundtrack for an afternoon of shucking and grilling, with oyster Po Boys and more getting cooked up while Lagunitas draughts, local wines and Hurricanes wash it down. Oysterpalooza! happens on Sunday, May 24, at Rocker Oysterfeller’s, 14415 Hwy. 1, Valley Ford. 12:30pm. $10–$20. 707.876.1983.

Jello Rolls into the Phoenix Theater May 22

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Jello Rolls into the Phoenix Theater May 22

25-atlg
By Eddie Jorgensen
Jello Biafra fronted the Dead Kennedys and released some of the most ferocious, vitriol-fueled punk ever. He plays the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma this Friday.
Unlike much of the punk rock diaspora that didn’t have the education or wherewithal to tackle topics like politics, organized religion and everything in between, Biafra was an anomaly. His current band features some impressive Sonoma County brethren including guitarist Ralph Spight and bassist Larry Boothroyd, both of punk trio, Victims Family. Dead Kennedys’ sound, a blend of surf, rock, punk, avant-garde songs arrangements, is still alive in well but resides with Biafra rather than the members who now make a mockery of the moniker. His band today gets much more respect for remaining loyal to its mission of steering clear of corporate-sponsorship.
Dubbed by Jello himself now as “the world’s greediest karaoke band” band, today’s Dead Kennedys have seemingly done everything wrong since breaking up the original band. Jello, on the other hand, has been doing everything right. From his on-the-spot spoken word to his Lard project to appearances with Nomeansno, The Melvins, D.O.A. , and countless others, it would seem he can do no wrong. His band plays the DK classics along with material from their own records and are a sight and sound for sore eyes and ears. Come see for yourself.
Jello Biafra And The Guantanamo School Of Medicine play with The Vibrating Antennas and Acrylics at the Phoenix Theatre. Doors open at 7pm doors, 8pm start. Tickets are $16 advance and $18 at the door. All ages are welcome. 201 Washington St. Petaluma. 707.762.3565.

Fighting the Power

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Fighting the Power

The Sonoma County Community and Local Law Enforcement Task Force, and the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing have just issued final reports that outline an array of recommendations for improved policing.

Paths to improvement noted by both task force reports outline overarching internal philosophical and cultural changes in policing; changes in law and policy; professional independent oversight; community engagement; improved training, cultural competency; and diverse inclusion in hiring practices. If adopted, funded and implemented, the recommendations could reduce police violence, improve police interactions with the community and hold police and the community accountable for community safety.

However, reports without sustained action do not constitute an end to police violence. We must remember that these task forces were created due to public pressure on the system to end unjust killings at the hands of cops, especially cases where young people of color are victims of police homicide, such as 13-year-old Andy Lopez, killed by Sonoma County Sheriff’s Deputy Erick Gelhaus.

California law and local sheriff’s policy currently find nothing out of the ordinary in firing seven bullets into an unarmed child in broad daylight. Further, since Deputy Gelhaus killed Andy on Oct. 22, 2013, local law enforcement has been involved in 11 more deaths in our streets and jail cells. Yet local police and state laws still find these all to be just.

The public must continue to apply pressure to elected officials and law enforcement leaders to see that policies are altered and clarified to remove broad officer discretion in use of force; that independent oversight is funded; and that the necessity for a changed culture in law enforcement is realized. Systematized race, class and gender divisions must be addressed publicly and with express inclusion of those most negatively affected by the system.

Local elected officials must use their influence to change California laws that shield officers from extra-judicial review of almost any kind. The real work of changing law enforcement will require sustained commitment to change. It is time to get to work.

Robert Edmonds is a Sonoma County resident and grass-roots police accountability activist, and vice chair of the Sonoma County Community and Local Law Enforcement Task Force.

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

BottleRock 411

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BottleRock 411

BottleRock uncorks next weekend in Napa. Robert Plant headlines a three-day event that has shaken off numerous vendor-related snafus that characterized the 2013 debut at the Napa Valley Expo.

Last year, the festival returned for a pretty smooth ride; this year, it’s poised to hit its stride as a major North Bay success story. The success comes courtesy of the Napa-based Latitude 38 Entertainment, which took the helm last year to manage and coordinate the monstrosity of logistics at hand.

I asked Latitude 38 COO Justin Dragoo about some of the challenges he’s faced, and about the rationale for some of the festival rules of the road. I also spoke with Capt. Jennifer Gonzalez, Napa’s police officer on the BottleRock beat.

Getting Around

Last year’s festival hit its biggest snag when the music was over, Dragoo acknowledges.

“One of the biggest areas of feedback last year was people leaving the festival,” he says. “It was not efficient for people, and we have completely retooled it for this year.”

The difficulty, he says, is in managing a festival that’s going down in the midst of a busy small city, “so the more we can get a handle on cars, people and traffic, the better.”

To keep the cars to a minimum, this year organizers contracted with private shuttle-bus company Busbank to bring people to the festival from around the state. The shuttles will run from Palo Alto, Oakland, Sonoma, Santa Rosa, San Francisco, Fairfield, Mill Valley, Sacramento and San Jose. Attendees can catch a ride for a single day or all three; prices range from a $30 round-trip from Sonoma, to $146 for three days back and forth to Oakland.

Dragoo says “thousands will be arriving at BottleRock” this way. Each bus will carry about 50 people. “At two people per car, that’s 25 cars off the road for every bus that comes in,” he says.

Locally, BottleRock has an arrangement with the city bus, the VINE, which will give free rides to ticket holders. “We’re footing the bill, if you will,” says Dragoo, to the extent that the bus fare is enfolded into the BottleRock ticket price. And Uber will also be a player this year, offering flat-rate rides to and from the festival.

The transportation improvements aren’t just to keep the festival safe and the traffic moving freely, but to keep the DUIs at an absolute minimum. Numerous wineries will be selling their wares at the festival.

Designated drivers are OK, “but even better is a designated ride,” says Dragoo. And once you’ve arrived, Dragoo says that this year “everything is walkable to the festival,” including parking lots for those who choose to drive.

Gonzalez is new to Napa, having joined the city police force only last year. “From that perspective, it seems everyone is on the same page,” she says. “Everybody came to the table friendly and ready to work, and ready to make this work. It’s a big deal.”

Dragoo and Gonzalez emphasize safety first, which starts with safely and efficiently managing the flow of some 30,000 people. Dragoo says he’s been working with police and elected officials for months. There’s a shared “acknowledgement that this is a very large event,” he says, “and to make it easier and more logistically able to navigate.”

Gonzalez says the California Highway Patrol will manage the traffic-and-people flow outside the event, the Napa police will help with the flow at the gate, and a private security firm will do the heavy lift when it comes to checking bags. “It’s a collaborative effort,” she says. “It has to be.” Gonzalez stresses that people should utilize public transportation if they can, but if you drive to BottleRock, “pay attention to the traffic people on the road—don’t hit the cops who are directing traffic.”

Where to Stay

Dragoo knows Napa is a challenging place to host a three-day music festival, given the countywide ban on short-term vacation rentals you’ll find on sites like Airbnb—and the rates at local hotels. “It’s a very real, very appropriate question, because the reality is that the hotels in Napa and Napa Valley proper are very expensive,” he says.

But Dragoo also notes that a lot of out-of-towners might not know that less tony places such as American Canyon, Vallejo and Fairfield are pretty close by, “and hotels are there, and available.”

He adds that there’s an underutilized camping option at Skyline Park, with a shuttle service. “We could have done a better job advertising for them,” says Dragoo, who adds that there are still “lots of sites available.”

Those options, he adds, “could take some heat and weight from all the demand.” Also, he notes, “the people in Napa are reevaluating the ordinance around Airbnb.” Lifting the ban on the popular short-term rental portal could mean “a wealth of new places available” for future festivals.

Food & Water

Last year, the Bohemian heard from a few Napa readers who questioned the wisdom of hosting a three-day music festival in the hot sun during a historic drought.

Dragoo says the concern should be set aside, given that the only water being used at the site will be consumed by attendees. Festival rules allow attendees to bring in a single, empty liter bottle to fill with free water provided on-site. Attendees can also purchase inexpensive bottled water. Dragoo assures they won’t charge $5 for water, and that the point of buying the bottled water is so you can refill it with the free stuff.

Dragoo pushes back against any suggestion that the existence of BottleRock is itself bad for the drought. Attendees will slake their thirst in a sun that is sure to be hot, but that’s it, he says. And he notes that the banks of portable toilets won’t be using potable water, unlike the home loos of many a festival attendee.

As for food, you’re not allowed to bring any into the festival, not even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

“This is only our second year doing this,” says Dragoo, “and we have been trying to make sure that local restaurants are incentivized to sell their goods.”

He notes that banning outside food and bevies is “standard operating procedure for all other festivals—and we adopted it.” But he stresses that the main driver behind the ban is that “we want to emphasize our support for Napa businesses.”

Medical Cannabis

The beer and wine will flow at BottleRock, but leave the cannabis at home: it’s banned from the concert grounds, even if an individual has a prescription for it. Other prescribed medications are permitted, so why not marijuana?

Dragoo says the cannabis ban is again a reflection of festival best practices.

“The policy on that really comes from what is the standard at other festivals here and across the country,” he says. “We don’t have a strong point of view other than what’s a known ‘best practice.'”

Dragoo also notes that BottleRock is unlike many festivals in that ticket holders have in-and-out privileges, so you can go home or to your car and self-medicate between sets. Festival organizers will set up “amnesty bins” for banned booty as attendees flow through the entrance gates, says Capt. Gonzalez. So stash your vaporizer for a between-set puff well outside the gates.

No Water Added

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No Water Added

You might think you need water, and lots of it, to grow crops. Not necessarily.

Dry farming uses no irrigation. Farmers simply plant crops that tap into high water tables such as those found in the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Growers have been dry farming for centuries, and the practice has many benefits in times of drought.

When we create a food system in harmony with our microregion, the result is food that is beautiful, fresh and vibrant. For example, dry-farmed tomatoes have a higher concentration of flavor, nutrition, pigment and sugar. The health benefits of fresh and nutrient-rich foods are plentiful.

Dry farming generally produces less volume per acre than a similar irrigated crop and this can equate to a higher cost. But I think the flavor and nutrition is worth it. Supporting your local food system means choosing these beneficial methods.

Let us be an example for other communities and choose to honor those who honor the earth. A food system that works in harmony with the planet gets some of its vitality from those who support it.

Dry-farmed produce is available throughout the year in the North Bay. Here’s a short list of several farms and what they grow:

David Little of Little Organic Farm (pictured) in Tomales grows potatoes, tomatoes, winter squash and sunchokes. Jesse Pizzitola of First Light Farm in west Petaluma grows potatoes, tomatoes and winter squash. Michael Collins of Bloomfield Organics near Petaluma also grows potatoes, tomatoes and winter squash. Adam Davidoff and Ryan Power of Sebastopol’s New Family Farm dry-farm quinoa as well as potatoes, tomatoes and winter squash.

Tim Page is a cofounder of f.e.e.d. Sonoma, a micro-regional produce distributor in Sebastopol. For more info, visit feedsonoma.com.

Funny Stuff

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Funny Stuff

If it’s possible to overdose on laughter, then now is a dangerous time. Two of the funniest plays ever written are running in the area.

In Sonoma, Narrow Way Stage Company (narrowwaystage.com) presents Michael Frayne’s high-energy farce Noises Off (weekends through May 31), showing life on- and off-stage, as a band of dysfunctional actors rehearse a wild sex farce. Tony Genesis’s rotating two-story set shows both sides of the wacky action, from the multiplying sardines to the frenetically timed tumbles down the stairs.

Meanwhile, running through June 21, Berkeley Rep (berkeleyrep.org) is presenting the Bay Area premiere of Richard Bean’s madcap One Man, Two Gunners (pictured), a bawdy British, ’60s-era adaptation of the classic Servant of Two Masters, in which a desperate bloke ends up working for two different London criminals. With rockabilly tunes and a few scene-setting songs inspired by the Beatles, this show caused a sensation in London and New York.

The farce is less rambunctious but still absurdly ingenious in Ross Valley Players’ production of Sarah Ruhl’s Clean House, running through June 14. When a cleaning woman who’d rather tell jokes meets a woman who can’t stop cleaning and another who can’t get her house clean enough, the stage is set for high-octane battles, and heart-stopping discoveries. In The Clean House, people really can die laughing, and be all the happier for it.

Hot Summer Guide

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Hot Summer Guide

Well, that went quick. Winter is gone and spring’s days are numbered. Here comes summer. Are you ready? We are. We even made this guide for you so you won’t miss any of the good times. Have fun out there.

MAY

Oysterpalooza Celebrate the bivalve by eating everything oyster, with a heavy bent on the cuisine of New Orleans. Live music by the T Sisters, Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic, Arann Harris & the Farm Band and others make this an event to remember. May 24 at Rocker Oysterfeller’s. 14415 Hwy. 1, Valley Ford. Noon. $20 (does not include food). 707.876.1983.

BottleRock The biggest concert festival to hit Napa since, well, last year, returns. This year includes headliners Imagine Dragons, No Doubt, Robert Plant, Foster the People, Passion Pit, Snoop Dogg and others. Too many groups to
list here. May 29–31 at the Napa Valley Expo Center. 575 Third St.,
Napa. $129–$3,000. bottlerocknapavalley.com.

Free Concerts at Montgomery Village Santa Rosa’s Montgomery Village Shopping Center offers a free, three-month-long music series that kicks off May 23 with Santana tribute band Caravanserai. Look for afternoon and evening shows with bands like Sh-Boom, Paperback Writer, Lavay Smith and Wonderbread 5. Go to mvshops.com for a full list or call 707.545.3844.

Healdsburg Jazz Festival Sound the trumpets and walk that bass right on up to Healdsburg for the 16th annual Healdsburg Jazz Festival. There are over a dozen concerts scheduled, and this year features the Ed Reed Quartet: Tribute to John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, the Cookers: An All-Star Group, Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet with Jackie Ryan and others. The festival ends on Sunday with the St. Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band, the Dixie Giants, the Russian River Ramblers at Dry Creek Vineyard, and the George Cables Trio with guest Craig Handy at the Raven Theater. Concerts take place May 29–June 7 at various locations in and around Healdsburg. Prices vary. 707.433.4633. healdsburgjazzfestival.org.

Long Meadow Ranch Concert Series This music series leans toward folk and Americana, with a lineup that includes Brett Dennen (May 30), an Independence Day concert and fireworks with Cabinet (July 4), Hot Buttered Rum (Aug. 16) and the Infamous Stringdusters (Aug. 20). June 15–Aug. 24 at Long Meadow Ranch Winery. 738 Main St., St. Helena. 3:30pm each day.
$25–$45. 877.963.4555.

Sonoma Arts Live Community musicals and plays produced by local companies take center stage at this series of performances. Noises Off! runs through May 31 and Little Murders follows will shows running June 11–28. Then it’s Jake’s Women by Neil Simon, July 9–26, and Proof from Aug. 20–Sept. 6. Performances at the Rotary Stage in Andrews Hall at the Sonoma Community Center,
276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. sonomaartslive.org.

Mill Valley Wine & Gourmet Food Tasting Organizers predict the 34th year of this festival will break attendance records, with over a thousand people expected to peruse the latest food trends and fine wines Mill Valley has to offer. Live music, too! Proceeds benefit local nonprofits. May 31 at Depot Plaza. Downtown Mill Valley. 1–4pm. $50–$60. Age 21 and over only. 415.388.9700. millvalley.org.

JUNE

Sonoma County Pride Celebration What’s not to love about a party whose theme is “Equality Everywhere”? Festivities start on Friday, June 5, with a First Friday Art Walk through downtown Guerneville and continue on Saturday with canoe, barbecue, music, games and flicks at the Rio Beach Party and Rio Theater. The Equality Everywhere Celebration parade and pride festival take place on Sunday 11am–6pm. $5.
sonomacountypride.org.

Live at Lagunitas Everyone’s favorite Sonoma County brewery has lots of music on tap this summer. Starting out the season June 1 is Trampled by Turtles. Other performers include James McMurtry, Delta Spirit, Shovels & Rope, Pokey Lafarge and an extra-special secret show Aug. 10. Tickets on sale three weeks before each show on the bands’ websites. 707.769.4495. lagunitas.com/live for more info.

Country Summer Now in its third year, County Summer is
the biggest country music event
in the North Bay and it runs
June 5–7 this year. The event will be held at the five-acre carnival field at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, and features musicians like Jake Owen, the Band Perry, Cassadee Pope and Trace Adkins. One-day passes start at $69. 707.543.0100. countrysummer.com.

Railroad Square Music Festival North Bay Hootenanny brings back the Railroad Square Music Festival for its fifth year on June 7. The Brothers Comatose headline the show with support from the T Sisters, Frankie Boots & the County Line, John Courage, Rainbow Girls and many more. Free entry. Food, beer, stuff to buy and a circus tent too. Come on down. 707.326.5274. railroadsquaremusicfestival.com

Art at the Source More than 160 artists in dozens of studios throughout western Sonoma County are open to the public during two weekends, June 6–7 and June 13–14. Celebrating its 21st anniversary, Art at the Source invites artists to open their studios for the public to see their creative processes. Maps can be found at www.artatthesource.org or at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780 Depot St., Sebastopol. Free. 707.829.4797.

Peggy Sue’s All-American Cruise Four days of classic Ameri–car–na in Santa Rosa begins Thursday with a cruise-in at 4pm followed by a chili and pasta cook-off Friday at 6pm, with entertainment that includes the Hot Rods Band and Peggy Sue’s Pin–Up Contest. Saturday starts with a pancake breakfast and continues with classic cars on display. Saturday and Sunday feature hundreds of classic cars, ’50s music, Elvis and Wolfman Jack impersonators and more. Many festival goers dress in ’50s attire. June 11–14. at A Place to
Play Park. 2375 W. Third St., Santa Rosa. Times vary each day. $6–$30. peggysuescruise.com.

Huichica Festival Two days of music, food and wine with a folk lineup that includes Allah-Las, Amen Dunes, Jessica Pratt, Sonny & the Sunsets, the Fresh and Onlys, the Donkeys, DJ Andy Cabic and others. KronnerBurger, Q Craft, Bicycle Banh Mi and Happy Moose Juice highlight the culinary options. June 12–13 at Gundlach Bundschu Winery. 2000 Denmark St., Sonoma. June 13, 6pm; June 14, noon. $30–$120. 707.938.5277.

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Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music Two-day live music fest features area crafters, good things to eat and drink, a wine garden and live music on two stages. Musical acts include the James Harman Band, HowellDevine, Moustache Harbor, Ridgeway Space Station, Kelly McFarling, Arann Harris & the Farm Band on Saturday; and Levi Lloyd and friends, Mojo Rising, Jeff Campbell, the Brothers Comatose on Sunday. A children’s area, delicious food, boutique wines and art line the streets of Novato June 13–14. Old Town Novato, on Grant between Redwood Avenue and Seventh Street. Free. 415.472.1553.

Cotati Jazz Festival The town with bumper stickers reading “Keep Cotati Weird” celebrates the 34th anniversary of the Cotati Jazz Fest with music, food, beer and dancing. This event encompasses musical and nonmusical venues in downtown Cotati with the main acts slated for La Plaza Park. Main stage this year includes Dave Haskell, Charged Particles and Swing Fever. Check individual venues for other bookings. La Plaza Park, downtown Cotati. June 15. Noon–5pm. Free. cotatijazz.com.

Sonoma-Marin Fair This year’s music lineup features Tower of Power (June 24), The Beach Boys (June 25), Rodney Atkins (June 26), and wraps up with country music star Tanya Tucker (June 27). Don’t forget the classics too: the world’s ugliest dog contest, destruction derby, carnival rides, fair food and livestock. Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma. June 18–22. Noon to midnight. $15, adults; $10, kids and seniors (under three, free). Tickets include rides. sonoma-marinfair.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 affable night air in Jack London State Park. On the schedule this year are Oh What
a Night! (June19–21, 26–28;
July 2–3), Fantastical Family Night (July 17–18), Rhythm of Life (Aug. 7–8, 14–16, 21–23) and the Gala Celebration (Sept. 11–13) in the outdoor winery ruins at Jack London State Park. 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. Pre-show picnic at 5pm; concerts begin at 7:30pm. $29–$125. 877.424.1414.

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 include Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse, Third World, Common Kings, Yellowman, Taj Weekes,
No-Maddz and others. June 20–22 at the Mendocino County Fairgrounds, Boonville. All three days, $60–$170; limited camping available. 916.777.5550. snwmf.com.

Rodney Strong Concert Series The 24th annual Summer Concert Series in the sunny grasslands behind vineyard features adult contemporary favorites and music legends. This year’s lineup includes Rick Braun (June 20), Kenny G (June 28), Kenny Loggins (July 25) Randy Newman (Aug. 15), George Benson (Sept. 5) and others. Rodney Strong Vineyards,
11455 Old Redwood Hwy., Healdsburg. $50–$115. 707.869.1595.

Days of Wine & Lavender Sip whites and reds among the blooming fields of lavender at a hillside winery. Food pairings and live music too. June 27 at Matanzas Creek Winery. 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Noon–4pm. $75–$95. matanzascreek.com.

San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival More than 40,000 folks converge on downtown San Anselmo each year—hungry, thirsty, craft-starved folks. As usual, a section of the fest will include over 200 artists and their various works. There will also be food booths, wine, a merchant marketplace, an emphasis on live music and a kids’ area. June 27–28. San Anselmo Avenue between Bolinas and Tamalpais streets. 10am–6pm. 415.454.2510.

Kate Wolf Music Festival This festival always draws excellent musical acts to honor the work of late singer-songwriter Kate Wolf. This year includes performances by Smokey Robinson, Angelique Kidjo, Steve Earle and the Dukes, Judy Collins, Iron and Wine, Playing for Change and many others. Camping is the best way to experience this festival. June 25–28 at Black Oak Ranch, Laytonville. $40–$230. Children under nine admitted free. www.katewolfmusicfestival.com.

California Beer Festival This traveling festival pits brewmasters against each other for the benefit of the beer-loving public. The best brewers in the Golden State bring their finest ales, stouts, porters, pilsners, saisons, lagers and more in hopes of taking home a medal or two. June 20 at Stafford Lake. Novato Boulevard, Novato. 12:30–5pm. $25–$70. californiabeerfestival.com.

Russian River Valley Passport The Russian River Valley is know for its world-class wines, and this wine weekend celebrates that legacy with library tastings, food pairings and more. Over 30 wineries in the region open their doors for unlimited tasting on June 27–28. 11am to 4pm. $65. rrvw.org.

Mondavi Winery Summer Music Fest After 46 years, you’d think this concert series would slow down, but there’s no sign of that happening. The series kicks off this year with the Wallflowers plus special guest Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness (July 4), Phillip Phillips (July 11), Lyle Lovett & His Large Band (July 18), Melissa Etheridge (July 25) and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (Aug. 1) at Robert Mondavi Winery. 7801 St. Helena Hwy., Oakville. Dinner available. $55–$225. 888.769.5299. robertmondaviwinery.com.

JULY

Marin County Fair This year’s fair vies to fulfill its theme of “On With the Show!” In addition to traditional fair exhibits and events, concerts this year include rock legends Kansas (July 1), San Diego–based reggae group Tribal Seeds (July 2), La Misa Negra
(July 3), The Marshall Tucker Band (July 3), Queen Nation (July 4), Pablo Cruise (July 4), Judy Collins (July 5) and R&B singer Aaron Neville (July 5). July 1–5 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.

Fourth of July with Santa Rosa Symphony Broadway and TV star Megan Hilty and the Santa Rosa Symphony bring America’s spirit to life with this program of patriotic mainstays. The indoor-outdoor concert concludes with fireworks and offers a kids’ zone with games and carnival attractions. July 4 at the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University. The lawn opens at 4:30pm. 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 7:30pm. $25–$50. 866.955.6040.

Napa County Fair Farm fun, ride, clowns, an ice cream churn-a-ment, crazy cupcake decorating—this fair’s got it all, in one svelte day of blistering excitement. Culminating in fireworks and a ’60s Summer of Love spectacular in the evening, the fun starts with a parade at 11am through downtown Calistoga. July 4 at the Napa County Fair. 1435 North Oak St., Calistoga. Noon–9:30pm. $5–$25. napacountyfair.org.

Petaluma Art & Garden Festival The festival celebrates its 14th year of downtown art, music, food and fun on Kentucky and Fourth streets. Presented by the Petaluma Downtown Association, Look for local eats, beer and wine and plenty of music. This year’s music line-up includes Zebop! Tribute to Santana and Bobby Jo Valentine with more to be announced closer to the event. The vendor booths offer unique items including: rusty signs, potting tables, gardening accessories, and other charming items for the home and garden, plus animal mobiles and fun fairy clothing for the wee ones. The event includes the annual chalk art competition. July 12. 11am–5pm. 707.762.9348. petalumadowntown.com.

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Festival del Sole Ten days,
100 wineries and over 60 events make up this celebration of fine arts in liquid, food and music
in the Napa Valley. This year features singers Deborah Voigt and Dmitri Hvorostovsky, jazz by Herb Alpert and Lani Hall and many other world-famous artists. July 17–26 at various venues in the Napa Valley. $39–$249. festivaldelsole.com.

Sonoma County Fair Celebrating 79 years, this year’s theme is
“Down on the Farm,” offering the largest themed flower show in the country and horse racing, rodeo, destruction derby and agriculture. Separate admission is required for some events. Concerts include Montgomery Gentry & Thompson Square (Aug. 4) and Bridgit Mendler (Aug. 5). Destruction derby Aug. 1; monster truck show Aug. 8–9; rodeo July 25; flower show preview,
July 23, 5:30pm. Fair runs July 24 through Aug. 9. Horse racing: July 30–Aug. 2, Aug. 6–Aug. 9, Aug. 14–16. Sonoma County Fairgrounds.
1375 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. $5–$11; children under six
are free. Event tickets, $10–$60. sonomacountyfair.com.

KWMR Ninth Annual Far West Fest Voted best music festival in Marin County, this annual green festival boasts three stages with several genres including funk, blues, country, rock and experimental. July 25 at Love Field. 11191 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Point Reyes Station. 10am–7pm. $25–$75. farwestfest.org.

Sixteenth Annual San Rafael Twilight Criterium Downtown San Rafael is transformed into a bike racetrack as pros take over the main downtown streets. No waiting for hours to see cyclists pass in seconds, here—this 1km loop brings the action back around right away while a DJ pumps fat beats and your beer disappears faster than you thought it would. Several races with different age groups. Register to ride by July 25, or just show up and watch. Fourth and C streets, San Rafael. July 25, 1–10pm. srtwilight.com.

Reggae on the River Presented by the Mateel Community Center, the 31st annual incarnation of this laid–back festival features Stephen “Ragga” Marley, Cham, Collie Buddz, Emmanuel Jah, Empress Unification with the Fyah Squad Band and many others. July 31–Aug. 2 at French’s Camp. Highway 101, Piercy. $200 (three–day) to
$250 (four–day) 707.923.3368. reggaeontheriver.com.

Petaluma Music Festival The eighth annual festival features a healthy mix of national and local artists on three stages: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Nahko & Medicine for the People, the Wood Brothers, Rainbow Girls and others. July 31–Aug. 1 at the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds. 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma. Noon. $35–$85. petalumamusicfestival.org.

West of West Wine Festival Celebrating the wines of the Sonoma Coast, this fourth annual festival takes place this year at the Barlow in Sebastopol. Winery-hosted dinners, seminars and, of course, tastings highlight this three-day festival. July 31–Aug. 2 at various wineries and locations around Sebastopol. $100–$475. 888.878.9645.

AUGUST

Music in the Vineyards Now kicking off its 21st season, this chamber-music festival brings together nearly 40 renowned classical musicians from around the world. This year features violinist Francesca Anderegg, cellists Nick Canellakis, pianist Jon Kimura Parker and many others. Aug. 1–24. Various locations in the Napa Valley. $50–$534. musicinthevineyards.org.

Gravenstein Apple Fair
Billed as the “sweetest little
fair in Sonoma County” the fair
will feature local food (like Gravenstein apples, of course),
live music and crafts. Look for
the cider-brew-wine tent, chef
tent and the new cheesemakers’ tent. Aug. 8–9. 10am–5pm at
Ragle Ranch Park. gravensteinapplefair.com.

Napa Valley Art Festival A celebration of fine visual art continues for a seventh year in the heart of downtown Yountville. Works by over 25 artists will be on display. Sip Napa Valley wines and taste other delicacies while listening to live music. Aug. 15 in downtown Yountville. 10am–4pm. Free. napavalleyartfestival.com.

Cotati Accordion Festival An international cavalcade of stars takes the stage at the 24th annual Cotati Accordion Festival, including acts from Ginny Mac, Jessica Fichot, Sourdough Slim and Robert Armstrong and many others. Aug. 21–23 in La Plaza Park. Old Redwood Highway, Cotati. 9:30am–8pm. $15–$25; under 15, free. cotatifest.com.

Blues, Brews & BBQ Three stages, over 30 microbrews and enough barbecue to fill a pickup truck. There’s a rib-eating contest, kids’ area and live music. Aug. 22 at First and Main streets, Napa. Noon–6pm. Free, beer tasting tickets available for purchase. donapa.com.

Bodega Seafood Art & Wine Festival More than a dozen culinary companies come together to offer delicious seafood specialties at the 21th incarnation of this annual event. Four stages of entertainment. The Main Stage features rockin’ blues, jazz, swing, bluegrass and more, and has a large dance floor. The Wine Stage offers more eclectic musical entertainment. The Entertainment Stage showcases jugglers, magicians and other non-musical acts. And this year there is a new stage with chef demos and fruit and vegetable carving. Aug. 29–30. 16855 Bodega Hwy. Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 10am–5pm. $8–$15; under 12, free. winecountryfestivals.com.

SEPTEMBER

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend Winemaker meals
take place all weekend long, but there are three highlights of this annual bacchanalia. The Sonoma Starlight event includes dining, drinks and dancing on Sept. 4 at Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville. 6:30–10pm. Taste of Sonoma
offers samples from over 200 wineries and chefs on Sept. 5 at MacMurray Ranch. 3387 Dry
Creek Road, Healdsburg. 11am–4pm. The Sonoma Harvest Wine Auction offers a chance to bid
on exclusive items and mingle
with Sonoma’s first families on Sept. 6 at Chateau St. Jean.
8555 Sonoma Hwy.,
Kenwood. 12:30–7pm. sonomawinecountryweekend.com.

Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival With artists like Buddy Guy and Dave Koz, the stage will be cookin’ on both days of this annual festival. And if the music gets too hot, just take a dip in the river. Sept. 12–13 at Johnson’s Beach. Guerneville. $50–$180. russianriverfestivals.com.

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival This historical event features music, sculpture and plenty of children’s activities every year. This year marks the 58th annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, which has featured everything from straight-up jazz to marionettes in the serene setting of the redwoods. Sept. 19-20 at Old Mill Park. 320 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 10am–5pm. $5–$10; free for kids under 13. 415.381.8090.
mvfaf.org.

May 22: A Very Good Year in El Verano

Taking their cue from simple stripped-down garage rockers of decades past, Sonoma-based 1955 do more than recycle riffs; they incorporate a lean, modern take on a timeless sound. For the past two years, the group has wowed audiences around the Bay Area with their infectious energy. 1955 recently recorded a new four-song EP, The French Had a Name for...
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May 22: T.G.I.Funky in Kenwood

The ‘Funky Fridays’ live music series began in 2013 as a fundraiser to save Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. The park had been closed due to state budget cuts and was reopened by a group of nonprofits collectively called Team Sugarloaf. Now beginning its third season, Funky Fridays has become known for the outstanding amphitheater setting on the craggy palisades,...
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May 23: New Brews in Petaluma

Seems like we all know a home brewer out there who endlessly tweaks his personal recipes for ultimate refreshment. This year, the Petaluma Downtown Association brings together nearly 70 home brewers from around the area for the inaugural Sonoma County Home Brewers Competition, and you get to be the judge. Sample suds from the proud pourers and vote for...
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May 24: Half Shell Celebration in Valley Ford

“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster,” said Jonathan Swift. Yet for all those who crave the succulent shelled delicacy from the sea, there is no wrong way to enjoy an oyster. Once again, the devotees at Rocker Oysterfeller’s Kitchen & Saloon bring out the best in local oysters and live music with their annual Oysterpalooza!...
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Jello Rolls into the Phoenix Theater May 22

By Eddie Jorgensen Jello Biafra fronted the Dead Kennedys and released some of the most ferocious, vitriol-fueled punk ever. He plays the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma this Friday. Unlike much of the punk rock diaspora that didn't have the education or wherewithal to tackle topics like politics, organized religion and everything in between, Biafra was an anomaly. His current band features...
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Fighting the Power

The Sonoma County Community and Local Law Enforcement Task Force, and the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing have just issued final reports that outline an array of recommendations for improved policing. Paths to improvement noted by both task force reports outline overarching internal philosophical and cultural changes in policing; changes in law and policy; professional independent oversight; community...
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BottleRock 411

BottleRock uncorks next weekend in Napa. Robert Plant headlines a three-day event that has shaken off numerous vendor-related snafus that characterized the 2013 debut at the Napa Valley Expo. Last year, the festival returned for a pretty smooth ride; this year, it's poised to hit its stride as a major North Bay success story. The success comes courtesy of the...
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No Water Added

You might think you need water, and lots of it, to grow crops. Not necessarily. Dry farming uses no irrigation. Farmers simply plant crops that tap into high water tables such as those found in the Laguna de Santa Rosa. Growers have been dry farming for centuries, and the practice has many benefits in times of drought. When we create a...
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Funny Stuff

If it's possible to overdose on laughter, then now is a dangerous time. Two of the funniest plays ever written are running in the area. In Sonoma, Narrow Way Stage Company (narrowwaystage.com) presents Michael Frayne's high-energy farce Noises Off (weekends through May 31), showing life on- and off-stage, as a band of dysfunctional actors rehearse a wild sex farce. Tony...
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Hot Summer Guide

Well, that went quick. Winter is gone and spring's days are numbered. Here comes summer. Are you ready? We are. We even made this guide for you so you won't miss any of the good times. Have fun out there. MAY Oysterpalooza Celebrate the bivalve by eating everything oyster, with a heavy bent on the cuisine of New Orleans. Live music...
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