Fishwrap: The slow decline of the press

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Over the last few months, there have been several stories about the sorry state of the Western press, especially in the United States. 

While Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign was good for large cable news networks and to a lesser extent national periodicals like The New York Times, consolidation driven by profit-seeking had already deeply harmed smaller outlets, from televised local news broadcasts to small market newspapers.

At the same time, the hope of the early days of the internet, that access to information and diverse viewpoints from around the world would lead to a more educated public, has arguably led to the opposite. Most people now get their news from dubious sources like random posts on social media and streaming services like TikTok, where disinformation and misinformation is rampant.

One hope that has been held out for larger papers until recently is that billionaire owners can save them and that such noble philanthropists will allow these outlets to operate freely without putting their thumbs on the scale in terms of their coverage. The news that the owners of both The Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times forced their editors to withhold endorsements during this year’s presidential election puts the lie to this.

It’s also been clear for quite some time that serious journalism, whatever its slant, will not be saved by online advertising; even well-funded outlets like Buzzfeed and, most recently, Messenger, that have attempted to mix news with content they hope will go viral haven’t found a way to survive using this already outdated model. 

With help from Joe Rogan and others in the new media that increasingly has replaced journalism with (misinformed) opinion, American voters have returned Trump to The White House, hoping that a narcissistic billionaire will shake things up in Washington and improve their lives. Only time will tell if this will prove as lucrative for media of all stripes as it was last time around or if he will live up to his promise to go after those he has long called “enemies of the people.”

Derek Royden is a Canadian journalist. 

The 2024 North Bay Music Awards, Best of the Best

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The 2024 North Bay Music Awards, Best of the Best

As 2024 winds to a close, Northern California residents are likely still a bit shell-shocked by end-of-year events. 

Fortunately, the Sonoma County music scene has rarely been more vibrant, with live music venues big and small attracting touring acts and incubating local music with pretty much something for everyone interested in any genre.

As you likely noticed, since we had a rousing turnout, the 2024 North Bay Music Awards (or NorBays) solicited your votes for favorite bands, performers and music supporters, and we have some winners!

Of course, anyone giving of themselves to put positive, creative energy into the world is automatically a winner in our book. Here are the 2024 North Bay Music Awards winners, as voted by the readers of the North Bay Bohemian, as well as some highlighted artists.

Best Blues and Best Northbay Vibe: Spike Sikes and His Awesome Hotcakes

Check out this very paper, and you’ll see several gigs by Spike Sikes and His Awesome Hotcakes any night of the week. While there’s no real way to prove the old idiom, “hardest working band in showbiz,” a quick peek at their events page makes that designation pretty hard to quibble with. A lively mix of blues, brass and soul makes Spike and his carb-loaded band not only the 2024 NorBay winner for Best Blues. They also captured the vote for Best Northbay Vibe.

awesomehotcakes.com

Best Live DJ: DJ Fabian

A Sonoma County mainstay for over 20 years, DJ Fabian won the vote for Best Live DJ. His fun mix of different genres infused with different eras can be caught throughout Sonoma County at weekly events and weekend parties. He’s also fully mobile, so give him a holler for your next event.

instagram.com/djfabiansf

Best Electronica: Eki Shola

Inspired by the devastating loss of her mother, Eki Shola decided she had to share the transformation she experienced through creating music with the masses. Self-described as “half-time electronic soul for the mind,” Shola has already caught the ear of bigger Bay Area and national radio. She also just got home from a tour of Japan, where she’s gaining popularity. For now, however, Sonoma County is home, and we’re proud to have her.

ekishola.com

Best R&B: The Soul Section

The mighty and mighty good Soul Section has once again captured the vote for local R&B faves. The band typically performs as an 8-piece and also brandishes a killer, all-female horn section. As more and more spots for live music with space for dancing open up, the more chances you’ll get to see these cool cats and kittens at a stage near you.

thesoulsection.com

Best Punk and Best Metal: BLVKOUT

Is it possible for a band to be both punk and metal? If you’ve heard local heavy hitters BLVKOUT, the answer is either “yes” or “I’m too scared to ask.” But seriously, BLVKOUT (pronounced “blackout”) seems like nice enough folks, and the 5-piece is picking up steam in and around Northern California as they take home a NorBay award for the second year in a row. Also, kudos to the band’s lead singer, Jay Williz, who blends just enough metal and punk with hip-hop to garner the NorBay for Best Hip-Hop Artist as well.

blvkoutband.com

Best Female Solo Artist and Best Songwriter: Ellie James

Ellie James is no stranger to NorBay voters, as she was awarded Indie Artist of the Year in 2020. She also captured the 2023 NorBay award for Songwriter & Female Artist of the Year, a feat which she can now brag about winning in back-to-back years as your 2024 selection for both as well. Boasting a mix of genuine and danceable, indie pop and rock, James is one busy gal, hitting the stages in and around Sonoma County on the regular.

thisiselliejames.com

Best Radio DJ: Doug Jayne

A musical mainstay in Sonoma County, as well as a local treasure and one heckuva guy, KRCB’s midday jock, Doug Jayne, was voted Best Radio DJ. Tune in to his weekday show from 1-3pm, aptly named Midday Music, and you’ll hear an eclectic blend of new and old with a more than occasional journey into random oddities and lots of prog rock. Jayne also co-owns The Next Record Store and frequently plays guitar and sings in and around the county. 

norcalpublicmedia.org/staff/doug-jayne

Best Country: Dry Creek Station

Country music has been mired in a bit of a personality conflict for the last few decades, so it’s refreshing to see readers selecting legit country locals Dry Creek Station as their favorite country band. These folks are old skool country, with fiddle, banjo and mandolin, as well as a pair of awesome vocalists, male and female. As if that wasn’t enough, their setlist manages to mix favorite country tunes while also adding some twang to pop classics and newer pop hits as well. 

drycreekstation.com

Best Folk: Dave Hamilton

If the name Dave Hamilton sounds familiar, you must be a fan of local music, as he’s been kicking around our fair county for well over 30 years. There’s simply not enough space in this NorBays award winner article to name all the bands, albums, shows and people he’s opened for and played alongside in that time. And he’s won more than a few NorBay awards as well. Hamilton also isn’t shy of playing live. You can find him out and about several nights of the week at a variety of venues, large, small and everywhere in-between.

davehamiltonfolkamericana.com

Best Indie: Evening Glass

Melodic-noise isn’t quite a genre yet, but local indie sensations Evening Glass certainly fit that designation. The 4-piece honed their sound during Covid seclusion and put out Steady Motion, a 6-song EP that garnered national acclaim. The range of influences in the band is almost as varied as their ages (20s-60s), which all adds to the intriguing blend of Northern California surfer vibe chill.

eveningglass.bandcamp.com/album/steady-motion

Best Music Venue: The California

There was a time in the ’80s and ’90s when downtown Santa Rosa was a hotbed of musical activity. Lately, there’s been stops and starts. But it’s a real joy to see newer club The California take the prize for best music venue. Located on 7th Street in Santa Rosa, the venue is an intimate one and features a very Sonoma County-esque slate of performers (Americana, blues, singer-songwriter) almost every night of the week. 

caltheatre.com

Best Male Solo Artist: Nate Lopez

Eight-string guitar virtuoso Nate Lopez is one of those musicians you really have to witness if you haven’t done so already. To say he “shreds” isn’t quite right, although it’s definitely true. To say his fingers are magic is impossible, but nonetheless, it’s a notion worth considering. What we’re trying to say is, your eyes and ears may not completely be on the same page when you catch Lopez playing his combo guitar/bass throughout Sonoma County. And catch him you should.

natelopez.com

Best Americana: Foxes in the Henhouse

Sonoma County faves Foxes in the Henhouse are not only stellar musicians. Their name is also a clever play on words, as is their music. The four women in the band play “Americana classics and lost gems.” But when the songs, typically written and performed by men over the years, come out through the amazing harmonies and female driven attitudes, they take on a whole new meaning. Plus, this band is a real hoot!

foxesinthehenhousemusic.com

Best Drag Show: Travel Daddyz ‘Witch Perfect’

The Travel Daddyz (a married couple) seem to be living their best lives as they travel the world and immerse themselves in the culture: wine, food, music, all the things that create bonds between strangers. The duo also presents themed drag shows around Sonoma County and beyond. Their take on the spooky season classic, Hocus Pocus, entitled “Witch Perfect,” is locals’ choice for best drag show of 2024.

traveldaddyz.com

Best Lead Vocals: Sophia Kandler

Twenty-one-year-old Sophia Kandler has some killer pipes, and she’s not afraid to use them while performing all over the North Bay. Maybe you caught her with her duo partner, Trey, when they perform as Sophie and Trey. Or, maybe you caught her out in front of local rockers 945 (who, incidentally, y’all voted as winners of the Best Rock NorBay). Wherever you’ve seen her, consider yourself lucky to say, “I saw her before,” because Kandler is a star on the rise.

instagram.com/so_kandler

Best Female Solo Artist & Best Songwriter

Ellies James

thisiselliejames.com

Best Jazz
The Dorian Mode

The doRiaN Mode explores the Great American Songbook as it dishes up vintage jazz, swinging R&B and soulful ballads.

Best Short Music Film or Documentary
Two Lions Bands
“It has been said that Two Lions roam within us all. They’re born to struggle, and it is up to us to unlock that inner conflict. “

Best Radio DJ

Doug Jayne

Best Hip-Hop

Jay Willis

Best Reggae

Sol Horizon

Best Dance Crew and Best Movement Choreography

Fargo Brothers

Best Music Instructor

Isabel Wundsom

Best Promoter

Scott Colson

Best Rock

945 Band

Make Tracks to Napa Valley’s Rail Arts District Holiday Market

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Make Tracks to Napa Valley’s Rail Arts District Holiday Market

Those whose notion of Napa and railways begins and ends with the Wine Train should know there’s local locomotion in another direction—the arts.

Rail Arts District Napa (RAD) invites visitors all aboard its annual Holiday Market, which features enough distinctive handcrafted gifts like pottery, scarves and other textiles, handmade soap, small prints and paintings, sculptures and succulent wreaths to make a porter wear a weight belt.

The market brings together unique creations from artists based in Napa, Sonoma and the surrounding region. This year, the festivities kick off with a fundraising party at 4–7pm, Black Friday, Nov. 29, followed by two weekends of continued fun—11am to 6pm, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, and Dec. 7 and 8, at Action Avenue Projects, located at 1621 Action Ave., Napa, in the Rail Arts District.

“Our second annual Holiday Market not only highlights the incredible talents of our local artists but raises vital funds for the Rail Arts District. This year, funds will support the redevelopment of the RAD near Action Ave. or ‘Action Junction,’” says Shelly Willis, executive director of RAD. 

This year’s Holiday Market will feature over 30 regional artists offering unique creations such as soap from J&L Soapworks, porcelain trays by Ianna Frisby, small sculptures by Gale Hart, mosaics from Mary Wilson, ceramics by Dania Lukey and jam from Napa Velo.

Early-morning shoppers can enjoy coffee from Ohm Coffee Roasters and breakfast breads courtesy of Kitchen Door to fuel their gift-hunting adventures. Likewise, local favorites such as St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery, Tannery Bend Beerworks, Napa Palisades Saloon and Kollar Chocolates will be on hand.

Proceeds from the market will directly benefit the redevelopment of the area near Action Avenue. Since its inception in 2016, Rail Arts District Napa (RAD) has been on a mission to “radically enrich” the community through public art. Spanning two miles from Napa’s Oxbow District along the Napa Valley Wine Train tracks, RAD showcases nearly two dozen works of art, including murals, sculptures and installations. With the funds raised from the Holiday Market, the district takes another step toward transforming semi-industrial spaces into thriving cultural hubs.

For shoppers, this market is more than an opportunity to find the perfect gift—it’s a chance to contribute to the local arts scene and help shape Napa’s creative future. 

Visit radnapa.org or follow RAD on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about the event and its vision for the community. 

Gifts for Fashionistas

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Gifts for Fashionistas

Sonoma style with Erin Mavis

After a 30-year career in the women’s apparel industry that took her from San Francisco to Boston, New York to Los Angeles, and back to Sonoma County, Erin Mavis’ self-branded boutique in the charming town of Cloverdale is known locally for stylish and sustainable fashion. The shop provides a hand-chosen collection of ethically made, high-quality clothing and accessories for women and has a following in the area.

“I fell in love with Cloverdale,” Mavis says of why she chose that location, “and it felt like the perfect place to put down roots for this next chapter.”

Her store, lovingly described as “a tiny shop filled with things I love,” reflects Mavis’ style philosophy: quality over quantity. The boutique is thoughtfully curated with long-lasting, well-edited pieces designed to be worn and loved again and again.

Step inside, and you’ll find a delightful mix of clothing, jewelry, accessories and home goods—all personally selected by Mavis. Every item tells a story, from timeless wardrobe staples to unique statement pieces. This isn’t a place for fast fashion or fleeting trends; it celebrates craftsmanship, style and substance. For Mavis, it’s all about creating a personal, authentic space focused on what’s important. 

Whether you’re looking for a signature holiday outfit, the perfect gift or a little something special for yourself, Erin Mavis’ flagship store is a must-visit destination in Cloverdale. If you can’t make it to Cloverdale, you can shop on the website or even on their Instagram. But if you can, stop by and experience the shop where every piece is a favorite and every customer feels at home.

Erin Mavis, 113 E 1st St., Cloverdale erinmavis.com

Ethical Clothing

With an emphasis on domestically produced and mindfully manufactured lines, this Petaluma boutique encourages an appreciation for quality items and classic design.

122 Kentucky St., Petaluma ethicalclothing-petaluma.com

Dressers

This second-generation woman-owned clothing shop offers a great selection of holiday outfits and gift accessories, including lingerie.

145 N Main St., Sebastopol dressersclothing.com

Gifts for Foodies: Saying ‘Cheese!’ Beyond the Snapshot

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Gifts for Foodies: Saying ‘Cheese!’ Beyond the Snapshot

Sonoma County’s rich cheesemaking tradition shines during the holidays, offering a perfect opportunity to savor and gift artisanal cheese. 

Wm Cofield Cheesemakers in Sebastopol crafts British-inspired cheeses, including their standout Bodega Blue, a Stilton-style favorite for holiday tables. In England, Stilton and Port are staples of holiday tables—a tradition that Wm Cofield Cheesemakers embraces with their Bodega Blue. Cheesemaker Keith Adams notes that nearly a third of their cheese sales occur between Thanksgiving and the New Year, reflecting the season’s demand for festive, artisanal offerings.

Additionally, consider such area offerings as Laura Chenel’s Cranberry Goat Log, Valley Ford Creamery’s Estero Gold Reserve and Bohemian Creamery’s Discreet Charms for elegant gifting. Petaluma Cheese Shop in (you guessed it) Petaluma highlights Andante Dairy’s Duet and Ballad cheeses, crafted by acclaimed cheesemaker Soyoung Scanlan. Petaluma Cheese Shop also offers charcuterie boards and fondue to-go for holiday entertaining (or any occasion).

Pt. Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co. offers a bountiful selection of cheese-themed gift packs, including one dubbed “Shades of Blue” for those feeling a little bluish, or at least cheesy, this season. Featuring three different blue cheeses plus a blue cheese spread, this package is a fine complement to martinis, salads, cheese boards, morning toast and general snacking. Likewise, the “Toma with Attitude” gift pack includes the farmstead’s “meltiest” toma, perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches, cheesy potatoes or pasta recipes.

Whether you’re creating a festive spread or searching for the perfect gift, Sonoma County’s artisanal cheeses are sure to delight. 

Wm Cofield Cheesemakers 

Artisanal English cheeses, guv’nor.

6780 McKinley St. #110, Sebastopol

wmcofieldcheese.com

Petaluma Cheese Shop

Dozens of local and international cheeses and charcuterie.

112 Washington St., Petaluma

petalumacheeseshop.com

Pt. Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.

One of Oprah’s “favorite things” in 2024.

pointreyescheese.com

Gifts for Jewelry Lovers

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Gifts for Jewelry Lovers

Katja Designs, alive with spirit 

In her Healdsburg shop, Katja Designs, master goldsmith Katja Whitedeer crafts original jewelry inspired by spiritual connection and storytelling. 

Renowned for her organic, handmade creations, Whitedeer’s work reflects the essence of her materials—precious metals like gold, silver and platinum, as well as stones shaped by time and nature. She describes her process as a collaboration with the metals and gems, creating pieces that embody both the spirit of the materials and the wearer’s unique personality.

“I let my mood and the gold and gems decide what we are creating together, and it’s always very exciting,” she explains.

Katja is celebrated as the first jeweler in the U.S. to create a platinum and high-karat gold ring shank. This meticulous and revolutionary process earned her a loyal following, including celebrity clients like Diane Keaton and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Yet, it’s her connection to materials and the joy of crafting meaningful pieces that fuel her passion.

Whitedeer welcomes visitors to her gallery, Katja Designs, to explore the many layers of her art and craft. At the heart of her work is a personal connection—each piece she creates carries her love and passion, becoming a meaningful part of her clients’ lives.

“I believe precious metals and stones have a spirit, a soul and a unique personality,” she says. “I don’t manufacture jewelry; I create one-of-a-kind, organic works of art that enhance the spirit and individuality of those who wear them.”

For Whitedeer, jewelry is a conversation with story, nature and spirit. Her pieces invite wearers to go beyond ornamentation, engaging with their jewelry like a cherished companion—one that holds memory, intention and timeless elegance.

Katja Designs, 122 North St., Healdsburg. instagram.com/bykatjadesign

Robindra Unsworth

Shop for jewelry, clothing and accessories online or at two Wine Country locations in Calistoga and Petaluma.

robindira.com

Wovekind

Specializing in engagement rings, Sebastopol’s Wovekind is body-neutral, queer-friendly and mother-centric. By appointment only. 

wovekind.com

Gifts for the Pet Lover

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Gifts for the Pet Lover

Visit Fideux for a Holiday Win

Healdsburg-based Fideaux (pronounced like “wineaux”) is a leader in the boutique pet space and fully embraces the fact that cats and dogs are some of the most pampered “people” in Wine Country. 

Fideaux isn’t your typical pet shop—it’s a curated haven for discerning pet lovers and their four-legged companions. Focusing on locally made products from small businesses, Fideaux offers an array of unique, high-quality items you won’t find anywhere else.

From plush and stylish dog beds to handcrafted leather collars and colorful, durable toys, Fideaux stocks everything your furry friend could dream of. Their signature mix-and-match scoops of healthy biscuits are a fan favorite, adding a personal touch to your pet’s snacking routine. Seasonal décor and an ever-evolving selection mean every visit feels like a treasure hunt, with surprises waiting at every corner.

Looking for a holiday treat? The Fideaux Gift Box ($25) is a perfect pick for dog lovers. Featured at the luxe Montage resort, it’s a charming bundle of joy containing a wine bottle squeaky toy, a bag of treats, a roll of poop bags and wipes for those post-adventure cleanups.

Whether you’re after a chic trucker hat, cozy fleece prints for your pup or just a little something special, Fideaux has you covered. 

Fideux, 43 North St., Healdsburg fideaux.net

Wine Country Animal Lovers

A small, grassroots, volunteer-run rescue group with adoptable animals in foster homes throughout Napa and Sonoma counties.

winecountryanimallovers.org

Rivertown Feed & Pet Country Store

Pet supply shop carrying food and items for a variety of animals, plus homeopathic remedies.

200 1st St., Petaluma. rivertownfeed.com

Gifts for Stoners

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Gifts for Stoners

Santa Rosa’s Flora Terra serves the ‘cannaseur’

Sonoma County is no longer just the land of pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon—it’s also gaining recognition for its “buzz-worthy” cannabis—to borrow from the marketing parlance of local cannabis enterprise Flora Terra’s website. 

With three locations in Santa Rosa, Flora Terra is an upscale dispensary and cultivation hub boasting a 10,000-square-foot indoor grow space outfitted with cutting-edge technology. From seed to sale, they take pride in cultivating premium cannabis with proprietary methods, offering visitors top-shelf products in a sleek, modern setting.

Framing their approach is a natural comparison—cannabis and wine share more in common than meets the eye. Both are deeply rooted in agriculture, celebrated for their complex flavors and aromatics, and influenced by the terroir in which they grow. Sonoma’s microclimates, light rainfall and sun-soaked summers create the perfect conditions for cultivating both vines and cannabis plants. And while regulations currently keep cannabis and wine apart at public events, pairing the two is quickly becoming a new Wine Country tradition for many.

For a stocking stuffer, consider Flora Terra’s array of $6 pre-rolls, including—for the Star Wars aficionado—the “Death Star,” which appears purple with a “nose of candy, citrus and gas” with which to “giggle yourself onto another planet.” Or consider the classy-sounding Tuscan Gelato—cannabis flower is packed with trichomes, which are tiny resin glands brimming with cannabinoids and terpenes.

Whether you’re a cannabis connoisseur or simply curious, Flora Terra is your gateway to experiencing Wine Country in a whole new way. Pair responsibly; savor deeply.

Flora Terra. Locations throughout Santa Rosa. floraterraca.com

Jane Dispensary

The Bohemian’s Best of the North Bay 2024 winner.

Locations in Cotati and Santa Rosa. janedispensary.com

Napa Cannabis Collective

Women-led. Delivery and in-store purchases are available.

860 Kaiser Rd., Suite D, Napa napacannabiscollective.com

Face to Face with Executive Director Sara Brewer

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Face to Face with Executive Director Sara Brewer

Last week, the administration and staff of erstwhile AIDS charity Face to Face gathered donors and all their nearest and dearest at Santa Rosa’s Vintners Resort to present a new brand identity and mission tagline. The new logo consists of two linked letters “f” contraposed within an open square, and the new line declares that “our community is our mission.”

Like most transformative rites, this breakfast ceremony simply made official a change that has already taken place. Face to Face has pursued the incurable syndrome over the years through its vectors of infection into a holistic medical approach that might include housing assistance along with PrEP. Change is in the DNA of this nonprofit, which began as a “death with dignity” AIDs Hospice in the 1980s. Today, the executive director is Sara Brewer.

CH: Sara, what motivates this rebranding?

SB: With the goal of keeping people engaged in their HIV medical care, we have expanded services—and people don’t know that. We are and will always be the HIV organization, but we do so much more. This rebrand is about fundraising, but more importantly, it is about people accessing our full range of services. 

CH: Could you list your services for us?

SB: HIV and STI testing, condoms, access to PrEP and PEP, support groups for people living with HIV, housing assistance, financial assistance, sterile injection and sterile smoking supplies, fentanyl test strips, safe drug testing, Narcan opioid overdose prevention, drug harm reduction classes. 

We have our main location on 2nd Street in Santa Rosa, a 24/7 vending machine for these supplies, syringe-safe drop-off locations in high-traffic areas and a mobile van that currently visits 18 sites around the county.  We can connect you to treatment; we can connect you to prevention; we can connect you to community.

CH: Those services put you at the forefront of the opioid crisis—something people might not realize. Sara, could you tell us about your staff?

SB: We are an eclectic, diverse group. We don’t have a shared identity, but we are all brought together by compassion and a passion for supporting each other and community and honoring and dignifying people for whom they are. And there is a certain “bootstrappiness” that comes with that mission.

How to get involved. This is the perfect time, as Face to Face works among the houseless, immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities that will be even more vulnerable in the next four years. Follow this url, linktr.ee/facetofacelinks, to learn about their services or donate.

Sound & Scene: Seen any good shows lately?

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Sound & Scene: Seen any good shows lately?

This is Josh Windmiller, coming to you with all things sonic, tuneful, groovy, euphonious or otherwise music-related. Whether it’s loud or soft, I’m listening.

You might not know me, but I’ve been bouncing around the scene for 17 years. I gig and record with my band (The Crux) and with other artists like Audio Angel. I co-founded The Lost Church Santa Rosa theater as well as the Railroad Square Music Festival, and have programmed lineups for events like Petaluma’s Rivertown Revival. I’ve also tried my hand as a booking agent and band manager. 

Through this pinball game of a career, the one thing I’ve always wanted to do was to write about music. So when the Bohemian offered me a semi-regular column, I agreed, and now my Music Industry Bingo Card is almost full.

For this article, I’ve been asked to present a “State of the Music Scene.” I have some thoughts and about 400 words left to get them out, so hop in…

The first thing we should pat ourselves on the back about is the mutual support our musicians have for one another. I see artists going to each other’s shows, sharing their peers’ work online and building a real network. I hear this from folks who come through on tour all the time—we have something very special.

That being said, a close-knit community like ours can get overly isolated. Art cannot stand still, and we must keep constructively challenging one another, creating more opportunities for professional development and taking our craft beyond the county line to keep our collective muse in motion. This is more than just the responsibility of the artists—everyone can pitch in to help with booking, promotion, providing local grants and more. I know there are many folks who love music but don’t perform—consider this an invitation to help support a growing scene.

I also want to recognize the growing diversity of music here. It’s been a long road from the Americana-dominated North Bay of previous decades, but I’m seeing a notable uptick in the variety of styles that can be found on local stages. The performers in the spotlight are becoming more representative of our community as well, with Black performers, queer performers and other marginalized artists playing big gigs and getting featured in some of our larger festivals and outdoor concerts. 

While one could say we’re catching up with the 21st century in terms of diversity, we don’t often see a variation of styles and identities in the same show. It’s one thing to have inclusivity for inclusivity’s sake, but it’s another level to make a combination of styles and backgrounds into a creative act itself. I truly believe that cross-genre and cross-identity collaboration is how the North Bay is going to create its own unique “sound,” and I am very excited to hear that happen. Or maybe I just want to see some punk rock and banda in the same night without having to drive across town…

As a member of the arts community with a clear degree of influence, I know it’s important for me to take stock frequently and grow wherever I can. I’ll continue to do this throughout the column, where I’ll be going to shows, writing album reviews, conducting interviews, inviting guest writers and discovering new parts of the North Bay scene along with you. There is a lot going on that I don’t have a clue about, so please reach out if you have any hot tips.

Make music.

Fishwrap: The slow decline of the press

Over the last few months, there have been several stories about the sorry state of the Western press, especially in the United States.  While Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign was good for large cable news networks and to a lesser extent national periodicals like The New York Times, consolidation driven by profit-seeking had already deeply harmed smaller outlets, from televised local...
Read more

The 2024 North Bay Music Awards, Best of the Best

As 2024 winds to a close, Northern California residents are likely still a bit shell-shocked by end-of-year events.  Fortunately, the Sonoma County music scene has rarely been more vibrant, with live music venues big and small attracting touring acts and incubating local music with pretty much something for everyone interested in any genre. As you likely noticed, since we had a...
Read more

Make Tracks to Napa Valley’s Rail Arts District Holiday Market

Those whose notion of Napa and railways begins and ends with the Wine Train should know there’s local locomotion in another direction—the arts. Rail Arts District Napa (RAD) invites visitors all aboard its annual Holiday Market, which features enough distinctive handcrafted gifts like pottery, scarves and other textiles, handmade soap, small prints and paintings, sculptures and succulent wreaths to make...
Read more

Gifts for Fashionistas

Sonoma style with Erin Mavis After a 30-year career in the women’s apparel industry that took her from San Francisco to Boston, New York to Los Angeles, and back to Sonoma County, Erin Mavis’ self-branded boutique in the charming town of Cloverdale is known locally for stylish and sustainable fashion. The shop provides a hand-chosen collection of ethically made, high-quality...
Read more

Gifts for Foodies: Saying ‘Cheese!’ Beyond the Snapshot

Sonoma County’s rich cheesemaking tradition shines during the holidays, offering a perfect opportunity to savor and gift artisanal cheese.  Wm Cofield Cheesemakers in Sebastopol crafts British-inspired cheeses, including their standout Bodega Blue, a Stilton-style favorite for holiday tables. In England, Stilton and Port are staples of holiday tables—a tradition that Wm Cofield Cheesemakers embraces with their Bodega Blue. Cheesemaker Keith...
Read more

Gifts for Jewelry Lovers

Katja Designs, alive with spirit  In her Healdsburg shop, Katja Designs, master goldsmith Katja Whitedeer crafts original jewelry inspired by spiritual connection and storytelling.  Renowned for her organic, handmade creations, Whitedeer’s work reflects the essence of her materials—precious metals like gold, silver and platinum, as well as stones shaped by time and nature. She describes her process as a collaboration with...
Read more

Gifts for the Pet Lover

Visit Fideux for a Holiday Win Healdsburg-based Fideaux (pronounced like “wineaux”) is a leader in the boutique pet space and fully embraces the fact that cats and dogs are some of the most pampered “people” in Wine Country.  Fideaux isn’t your typical pet shop—it’s a curated haven for discerning pet lovers and their four-legged companions. Focusing on locally made products from...
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Gifts for Stoners

Santa Rosa’s Flora Terra serves the ‘cannaseur’ Sonoma County is no longer just the land of pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon—it’s also gaining recognition for its “buzz-worthy” cannabis—to borrow from the marketing parlance of local cannabis enterprise Flora Terra’s website.  With three locations in Santa Rosa, Flora Terra is an upscale dispensary and cultivation hub boasting a 10,000-square-foot indoor grow space...
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Face to Face with Executive Director Sara Brewer

Last week, the administration and staff of erstwhile AIDS charity Face to Face gathered donors and all their nearest and dearest at Santa Rosa’s Vintners Resort to present a new brand identity and mission tagline. The new logo consists of two linked letters “f” contraposed within an open square, and the new line declares that “our community is our...
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Sound & Scene: Seen any good shows lately?

This is Josh Windmiller, coming to you with all things sonic, tuneful, groovy, euphonious or otherwise music-related. Whether it’s loud or soft, I’m listening. You might not know me, but I’ve been bouncing around the scene for 17 years. I gig and record with my band (The Crux) and with other artists like Audio Angel. I co-founded The Lost Church...
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