Art Dept., Creative Sonoma’s Tara Thomson

Notice a pattern. Most every town and county in the North Bay has an “arts council”—a nonprofit art agency-advocate. These plucky nonprofits are typically represented by

a downtown office and arts-space displaying local art. 

Also typically, they are woefully underfunded for their mission—in the pattern of nonprofits. When, 10-plus years ago, Sonoma’s struggling all-county arts council finally heaved up and broke apart, local arts activists took the problem before their board of supervisors. This put in train a creative solution: Make their county’s “art council” part of government. 

Thus begat “Creative Sonoma.” The new all-county “arts-council” would have closer relations with the granters of government largesse and a guaranteed budget of $1 million annually. The downside—bureaucracy.

We are now 10 years into this experiment. To learn more about Creative Sonoma, I solicited an interview with artist Tara Thomson, who is settling into her second year as the director of its staff of three government employees. In our conversation I found her highly competent, transparent and circumspect.

Cincinnatus Hibbard: Tara, on your Creative Sonoma website, your general strategy is laid out as [more] public art, [more] early arts education, [more] professional development for artists, and [more] money for public artists and arts organizations in the form of grants. Key to all this is your definition of “good” public art—as that would be the art that wins your grants.

Tara Thomson: I would not say that public art is “good” or “bad,” but more or less meaningful to a community. The key word in public art is public. It is meant for the community to experience and enjoy. In my opinion, the community should be involved in the generation of the idea, its type, its location and the section of the artist. 

I think what a lot of people think of when they think of government public art is that the government is deciding what art goes where and just puts it there. Community involvement creates ownership of public art. It creates identification, mutual understanding and social cohesion. And I think that’s what’s needed here. And not necessarily a sculpture or a mural. What the community might need is a pop-up event or a series of musical performances in their public spaces.

For examples of this definition, I see in your pipeline that the supervisors have tasked you with a Tubbs Fire Memorial. Also that supervisor (Lynda) Hopkins has allocated for your direction public art grants for public art in unincorporated West Sonoma County this summer. Tara, I don’t know that Creative Sonoma is a household name yet—even in the arts community. But probably you are best known for your money grants to local artists.

Yes. We have just announced the recipients of our 2025 arts impact grants. This is 4K for art or general operating expenses for each of 45 artists and art—or cultural organizations. 

CH: Tara, you told me that in your short tenure you have worked to better realize the potential of being a part of government and its resources. What are you currently working on in this vein?

TT: I am working on a new public art plan to put art in all local government buildings.

Another effort to approach other county agencies—such as parks or HR—to involve

local artists in their efforts to fulfill their own missions. Artists have a way of synthesizing information and communicating with people that typical government outreach lacks.

Learn more. linktr.ee/creativesonomaLINKS.

Open Mic: Outta Gas

On April 10, the Santa Rosa Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to decide whether or not to grant a conditional use permit for a new gas station at 874 North Wright Rd. at the western edge of Santa Rosa (intersection of Highway 12 and Fulton/Wright). 

Between 2021 and 2023, all but three cities in the county, and the county itself, adopted permanent bans on the construction of new gas stations. Sonoma County is a national leader in this movement to stop building new gas stations, as Petaluma was the first-in-nation to do so in 2021. 

Santa Rosa’s ban was adopted in 2022, but this proposal was exempted, not because it was special in some way, but because it was already “in the pipeline” with a completed permit application. 

Longstanding city rules and all the reasons that Santa Rosa adopted a ban in 2022 still apply, and the project should be rejected. A new gas station is not needed at this site. There are already more than 10 within a five-mile radius. 

The site is a seasonal wetland adjacent to the Joe Rodota Trail and to a large propane supplier. Adding a gas station so close to large above-ground propane tanks is not a good idea. The location is at a busy intersection already plagued with congestion and slated for a major redesign. 

The Coalition Opposing New Gas Stations (con-gas.org) invites all concerned Sonoma County residents to attend the hearing and share their sentiments about this proposal. The Planning Commission is relying on an outdated environmental review in its decision-making. 

More is known now about the serious health effects of exposure to gasoline and diesel. Recent studies have linked gasoline exposure to childhood leukemia. We know more about the consequences of climate change. The city adopted a Climate Emergency Resolution in 2020 and should act as though it meant it.

Woody Hastings and Jenny Blaker are co-coordinators of the Coalition Opposing New Gas Stations.

Perchance to Stream: Napa Valley Streamfest Launches

April 24-27 are the dates of the very first Napa Valley StreamFest. If one is wondering just what a StreamFest is, they are not alone. 

We reached out to festival co-founder and executive director Fearon DeWeese and her fellow fest co-founder, Juliana Folk (who is also the fest’s artistic director), to get the scoop on the star-studded event.

Both DeWeese and Folk worked for years at film festivals including Sundance, Mill Valley and Napa Valley. So, is StreamFest a film, TV, podcast or comedy festival? DeWeese clarified by saying it’s a combination of those things and more. 

“After being at Sundance and feeling like I spent more time standing in line and riding buses than I actually did seeing films, it left me feeling like there has to be a better way to do this,” she astutely noted. 

Folk added, “We’re calling it the festival of the future. No rushing, built-in time to explore Napa and connect with other guests, and a programming lineup that reflects modern storytelling.”

The inaugural fest is leaning heavily on buzzy stars including Jason Segel, star of Apple TV’s incredibly popular Shrinking, as well as Meredith Hagner, who one may have seen in Apple TV’s Vince Vaughn detective show, Bad Monkey

Segel and Hagner will be receiving honors at the fest, as will Raven Goodwin (Hulu’s Ryan Murphy show, Grotesquerie), Saagar Shaikh (Deli Boys and Ms. Marvel), Katie Cassidy (WB TV’s Green Arrow, as well as the fan obsessive show, Supernatural) and honestly, too many more guests to roll out in this article.

When asked how the duo secured such a star-studded list of invitees, DeWeese said, “We’ve been incredibly lucky, but also intentional. This industry is built on relationships, and Juliana and I have spent years cultivating real connections.” 

Said Folk, “A lot of the artists attending responded to the idea of a curated, thoughtful weekend that wasn’t about press junkets or red carpet chaos. It’s a chance to connect with audiences in a meaningful way—and enjoy Napa while they’re at it.”

This all ties into the StreamFest’s notion of a more chill vibe without all the racing around to venues to catch a film or panel. As a veteran of countless film festivals myself, this is a welcome change. “We’re calling it the festival of the future,” noted Folk.

DeWeese dug in a bit deeper, adding, “We asked, what would it look like if you could capture the soul of a film festival—the storytelling, the conversations, the moments of surprise—but design it as a curated experience, one location a day, where you get to just immerse and take it all in?” 

As if this mission isn’t enough to get one in the many doors, the lineup of films, comedy and live podcast tapings should definitely do the trick. 

Anyone who’s paid any attention to independent film and television over the last 20 years has heard of Jay and Mark Duplass, a.k.a. The Duplass Brothers. The two work constantly as actors, producers and directors. StreamFest’s Saturday night feature film is Jay Duplass’ film, Baltimorons, which sounds truly great. 

Pitched simply and brilliantly, the film is about a newly sober man’s Christmas Eve dental emergency, which leads to an unexpected romance with his older dentist as they explore Baltimore together. Duplass Bros unofficial sister, Mel Eslyn, who executive produced the film, will also be on hand, as will lead actor Michael Strassner in conversation with fellow festival guest Sam Jones. 

If that name sounds familiar, he directed, for my money, two of the best music docs one can see, 2002’s Wilco doc, I Am Trying to Break Your Heart, and 2023’s Jason Isbell doc, Running With Our Eyes Closed. But Jones won’t just be there to run a Q&A; he’s also world premiering his new docu-music series, Talent Show, at the fest.

Talent Show is an in-depth interview show with a twist being that, at the end of each episode, each guest will then do a set of music with Jones and his band, The Spoilers. While it’s a mystery which episode will screen at StreamFest, guests on the first season include Mandy Moore, Ed Helms, Aimee Mann and Michael Shannon, who just got off the road touring his band that covers R.E.M. Jason Segel is also a guest on the show, so my money is on a tie-in.

When asked if this lineup was personally curated by DeWeese and Folk or if there was a wider net cast, DeWeese said it was both. 

“As much as it is a curated lineup, we did take submissions on FilmFreeway,” DeWeese noted. “We’ve also been tracking storytellers, reaching out to artists we admire and building relationships with platforms, podcasts and creators that align with our vision. We wanted everything on the lineup to feel intentional, not filler.” 

Folk drove the notion of intentionality home, adding, “Just like a traditional film festival, there’s discovery baked into every moment. You might not recognize every name on the lineup, but you’ll leave with a favorite new filmmaker, podcast host or comedian. It’s about uncovering talent. That’s always been the magic.”

Many festivals—be they music, film or otherwise—are a slog of trying to make it to the next event, with attendees typically surviving on energy bars and bottled water. But Folk pointed out that there’s downtime each day, in which she and DeWeese hope people take the time to chill, talk, and above all, eat an actual meal. 

With that in mind, each day typically starts with a breakfast followed by an array of entertainment in the form of short films, comedians, panels or live podcast tapings such as the award-winning Was I In a Cult? with hosts Liz Iacuzzi and Tyler Measom. The podcast is pretty self-explanatory and is also less about death cults than it is about smaller, more nefarious ones like those involving people who were really into selling Mary Kay Cosmetics. 

And after the morning programming, each day features a break in the action from 1-3pm for unwinding, connecting and conversing.

In talking with DeWeese and Folk, one thing kept shining through. That was the notion of supporting creators of all stripes and levels. “This isn’t just a festival—it’s a mission,” Folk passionately said. She went on to speak about the idea of giving back to the community. 

“Through our nonprofit, we’re supporting creatives 35+ who are pivoting mid-career into entertainment,” said Folk. “We’re building a mentorship program to give them access, tools and encouragement to chase dreams they thought might’ve passed them by. This is personal for us—and it’s the kind of ripple effect that makes a real difference.”

Schedule and tickets at napavalleystreamfest.com.

Wastin’ Away with Jimmy Buffett’s ‘…Margaritaville’ at 6th Street

Jerome Kern. Richard Rogers. Oscar Hammerstein II. Stephen Sondheim. Jimmy Buffett. 

Something seems off there.

Show Boat, Oklahoma!, Gypsy, Escape to Margaritaville.

Something really seems off there.

“Ol’ Man River,” “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

OK, I think you see where this is going. 

In the pantheon of great American musical theater, one would be hard pressed to include Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville

But if you’re looking to hang out in a festive atmosphere, enjoy a frozen concoction or two and sing along to some catchy tunes, then by all means head for Santa Rosa’s 6th Street Playhouse. Their production of the Jimmy Buffett musical runs through April 19.  

As in most jukebox musicals, the paper-thin plot serves only to somewhat-connect a playlist of popular songs. In this case, it’s a story of four disparate people coupling off by the closing number.

Besties Rachel (Andrea “Andee” Thorpe) and Tammy (Reilly Milton) are off on an island vacation before Tammy’s upcoming nuptials to her less-than-sensitive fiancée, Chadd  (Anderson Templeton). They end up at a substandard Caribbean resort, where they meet up with part-time singer/full time lothario Tully (Nelson Brown) and amiable resort bartender Brick (Sergio Diaz). 

Sparks fly between Tammy and Brick, but the soon-to-be-betrothed Tammy resists. Conveniently, sparks also fly between Rachel and Tully, but the dedicated-to-her-work-above-all-else Rachel resists. 

The island’s volcano (and what theatrical island doesn’t have a volcano?) soon erupts, forcing everyone to evacuate. Everyone, that is, but Tully, Brick, resort owner Marley (Jeffrie Givens) and one-eyed, perpetually drunk beach bum seaplane pilot J.D. (co-director Larry Williams). He will, of course, fly everyone to the mainland, where true love will (eventually) win out.   

You don’t come to a jukebox musical for the book (by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley); you come for the songs, like “License to Chill,” “Why Don’t We Get Drunk,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and the title tune.  

They’re all performed on a colorful stage (scenic design by Peter Crompton and Aissa Simbulan) by a festively-draped (by Mae Heagerty-Matos) though suntan-challenged cast, with good support from a four-piece band, under the direction of Nate Riebli. 

The leads are charming, with particularly strong vocal work from Thorpe and Reilly.

Co-directors Williams and Emily Cornelius recognize they’re really throwing a party for Parrotheads and adults literally looking for an … escape.

Might as well be to Margaritaville.

‘Escape to Margaritaville’ runs through April 19 in the GK Hardt Theatre at 6th Street Playhouse, 52 W. 6th Street, Santa Rosa. Thurs-Sat, 7:30pm; Sat & Sun, 2pm. $29-$56. 707.523.4185. 6thstreeetplayhouse.com.

Your Letters, April 9

Notes of Asphalt 

Martyn Lee’s recent article in the Bohemian (“Local Legacy vs. Big Business in Quarry Quarrel,” March 26) sounds quaint and homey. “BUSINESS AS USUAL Trucks trundling along Highway 116.” The trucks “trundling” sounds so quaint; it’s actually quite the opposite. 

The truth is the gravel trucks speed through town around 100 times a day stirring up dust, noise, exhaust and anxieties. Most citizens of Forestville are against Canyon Rock Quarry’s (CR) proposal to build an industrial asphalt facility one mile from our downtown tasting rooms, restaurants, schools, playgrounds, parks and tourism. 

I’m a member of the Russian River Community Cares group that opposes CR’s idea. We’ve collected 700 contacts from people against, and the numbers keep growing. We aren’t NIMBYs; we know asphalt is necessary, but it belongs in an industrial area. 

Lee’s article states, in 2010 CR was court ordered to pay litigation fees and $16,000 per year to mitigate the quarry’s impact on the town; it’s not out of the kindness of their hearts. CR’s proposal on scenic Hwy. 116 is in a designated high-risk fire area by Cal Fire. It’s in the middle of a forest, next to environmentally sensitive Green Valley Creek and would have significant environmental impacts. This is Wine Country, not Asphalt Country.

Mary Rand
Forestville

Mad Money

In Elon Musk we see the delusion that being rich gives him authority. The reality is that he pays for access to power. Musk has proven that he does not have the skill-set to head DOGE. He generates heartless chaos and destruction, not efficiency. 

Donald Trump also generates heartless chaos and destruction. Those wanting to stay in Trump’s favor lie in defense of his lies. Trump is morally unfit to be president. We must stand in non-violent opposition to these two. We must demand moral leadership for our country.   

Theresa R. Melia
Graton   

Culture Crush, April 9

San Rafael

Phasers on Stun

It’s time to set course for comedy as Phasers on Stun: Verdant Horizons beams into the Belrose Theater for a night of improvised interstellar antics. This fully improvised Star Trek parody takes the best of the original series—quirky aliens, low-budget charm and wide-eyed wonder—and spins it into something entirely new, unscripted and designed to be hilarious. One can anticipate cosmic confusion, unexpected plot twists and the kind of nerdy joy that only a lovingly crafted spoof can deliver. Described by fans as “absolutely tremendous” and “too good to be true—I must be on the holodeck!,” this show is perfect for Trekkies, improv fans and anyone who enjoys their sci-fi with a side of satire. 7-8:30pm, Saturday, April 19, at the Belrose Theater, 1415 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. Tickets $20; available at bit.ly/phasers-on-stun.

Cloverdale

Wings of Change

The Cloverdale History Museum Speaker Series takes off with Wings of Change, a special evening spotlighting Dusty Roads—the trailblazing flight attendant who helped start the women’s movement. Historian and author Elaine Rock shares the remarkable true story behind her best-selling book, Dusty Roads: The Hidden Figure Who Really Ignited the Women’s Movement, joined in conversation by Amy Nykamp, president of Sonoma County NOW. The talk includes a slideshow, followed by a book signing and reception just steps away at the museum. 7pm, Tuesday, April 22, at Cloverdale Performing Arts Center, 209 N. Cloverdale Blvd. Tickets $20 at cloverdalehistoricalsociety.org.

Mill Valley

Dynamic Duo

Jazz musician Larry Vuckovich makes a rare Marin appearance on Sunday, April 27, for an intimate concert at the Community Church of Mill Valley, joined by rising star guitarist Kai Lyons. Together, they’ve built one of the tightest and most versatile duos on the scene today, blending swinging bebop, Afro-Cuban rhythms, Brazilian beats, Middle Eastern melodies, tango jazz, funky boogaloo blues—and everything in between. Their years of collaboration have developed into a seamless musical chemistry that’s as globe-trotting as it is groove-driven. Lyons, a Bay Area phenom, regularly tours through Cuba, Brazil, Europe and Morocco, bringing a worldly sensibility to every performance. Vuckovich, a jazz veteran and local treasure, calls this dynamic pairing “one of the most wide-ranging musical programs you can experience today anywhere in the world.” 4-6 pm, Sunday, April 27, at the Community Church of Mill Valley, 8 Olive St. (corner of Throckmorton). Suggested donation: $25. More info and tickets at bit.ly/larry-v-jazz.

Santa Rosa

Heard Eye at Shady Oak

Santa Rosa’s own The Heard Eye returns to the stage at Shady Oak Barrelhouse on Friday, April 11, for a high-energy night of funk and rock in celebration of their rising success. The band’s latest single, “All Love,” is making serious waves—spinning on nearly 90 college radio stations nationwide and climbing the charts, all without a label. One can expect a set that’s as self-assured as it is self-produced, channeling the kind of DIY spirit that’s kept this North Bay crew moving (not to mention craft beer on tap and a venue that keeps the vibes loose and loud). 7-10 pm, Friday, April 11, at Shady Oak Brewing Company, 420 1st St., Santa Rosa. No cover. More at shadyoakbarrelhouse.com, or follow @theheardeye for updates.

Free Will Astrology, April 9-14

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Life is asking you to be a source of generosity and strength for the people and animals in your sphere. I hope you will exude maximum amounts of your natural charisma as you bestow maximum blessings. Soak up the admiration and affection you deserve, too, as you convey admiration and affection to others. Here’s a secret: The more you share your resources, help and intelligence, the more of that good stuff will flow back your way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Ceramicist Jun Hamada says that trying to force harmony into her art leads to sterile work. “The most beautiful pieces come from the moments I stop trying to make them beautiful,” she notes. “They emerge from embracing the clay’s natural tendencies, even when they seem to fight against my intentions.” I recommend her approach to you in the coming weeks. Your best results may emerge as you allow supposed flaws and glitches to play an unexpected part in the process. Alliances might benefit, even deepen, through honest friction rather than imposed peace. What will happen when you loosen your attachment to enforced harmony and let life’s natural tensions gyrate?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini-born Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) was a prolific architect who orchestrated many daring designs. Among his most audacious experiments was a project to build a house over a waterfall in Pennsylvania. “It can’t be done,” experts said. But he did it. Before he was ready to accomplish the impossible, though, he had to spend months studying the site’s natural patterns. I bring this to your attention, Gemini, because I believe you are ready to consider your own equivalent of constructing a house over a waterfall. Prepare well. Do your homework.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the early phase of his illustrious career as a photographer, Edward Weston (1886-1958) cultivated a soft-focus, romantic style. But he ultimately converted to stark, uncompromising realism. “The camera,” he said, “should be used for recording life, for rendering the very substance and quintessence of the thing itself.” If there is anything about you that prefers warm, fuzzy illusions over objective, detailed truth, I suggest you switch emphasis for a while. If you like, you can return to the soft-focus approach in June. But for now, a gritty, unsentimental attitude will be essential to your well-being.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Here’s my mini-manifesto about change, just in time for a phase when change is most necessary and possible for you. 1. Real change is often a slow and subtle process. There may be rare dramatic shifts, but mostly the process is gradual and incremental. 2. Instead of pushing hard for a short time, you’re more likely to change things by persistently pushing with modest strength for a sustained time. 3. Rather than trying to confront and wrestle with a big problem exactly as it is, it’s often more effective to break the seemingly insurmountable challenge into small, manageable pieces that can be solved one at a time through simple efforts.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Textile artist Mei Zhang wondered if the synthetic dyes she used on her fabrics were limited. Might there be a wider variety of colors she could use in her creations? She discovered that her grandmother, using age-old techniques, had produced hues that modern dyes couldn’t replicate. “The most sustainable path forward,” Zhang concluded, “often involves rediscovering what we’ve forgotten rather than inventing something entirely new.” I recommend that counsel to you, Virgo. The solution to a current challenge might come from looking back instead of pushing forward. Consider what old approaches or traditional wisdom you might call on to generate novelty. Weave together fresh applications with timeless principles.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The moon rises about 50 minutes later every day, and always at a slightly different place on the horizon. The amount of light it shows us is also constantly in flux. And yet where and how it will appear tomorrow or 10 years from today is completely predictable. Its ever-changing nature follows a rhythmic pattern. I believe the same is true about our emotions and feelings, which in astrology are ruled by the moon. They are forever shifting. And yet if we survey the big picture of how they arise, we will see their overall flow has distinct patterns. Now would be a good time for you to get to know your flow better. See if you can detect recurring motifs. Try to develop more objectivity about how your precious emotions and feelings really work. If you do this correctly, you will deepen and enhance the guiding power of your precious emotions and feelings.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Research reveals that interludes of productive uncertainty may strengthen our brain’s neural pathways—even more so than if we consistently leap to immediate comprehension. The key modifier to this fortifying uncertainty is “productive.” We must be willing to dwell with poise in our puzzlement, even welcome and enjoy the fertile mystery it invokes in us. Neurobiologist Aiden Chen says, “Confusion, when properly supported, isn’t an obstacle to learning but a catalyst for understanding.” These ideas will be good medicine in the coming weeks, dear Scorpio. 

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Persian American author Haleh Liza Gafori translates the poetry of 13th-century Sufi mystic Rumi. One of their joint books is titled Gold. She writes, “Rumi’s gold is not the precious metal, but a feeling-state arrived at through the alchemical process of burning through layers of self, greed, pettiness, calculation, doctrine—all of it. The prayer of Sufism is ‘teach me to love more deeply.’ Gold is the deepest love.” That’s the gold I hope you aspire to embody in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. You are in a resplendently golden phase when you have more power than usual to create, find and commune with Rumi’s type of gold.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The coming weeks will be an excellent time to reframe the meaning of “emptiness” in your life. To launch your quest, I will remind you that quiet interludes and gaps in your schedule can be rejuvenating. Sitting still and doing nothing in particular may be a good way to recharge your spiritual batteries. Relieving yourself of the pressure to be endlessly active could be just what you need to open up space for fresh possibilities.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): There was a time, many years ago, when I consulted a divinatory oracle every day of my life. Sometimes it was the Tarot or the I Ching. I threw the Norse runes, did automatic writing, used a pendulum or tried bibliomancy. Astrology was always in the mix, too, of course. Looking back on those days, I am amused at my obsession with scrying the future and uncovering subconscious currents. But employing these aids had a wonderful result: It helped me develop and fine-tune my intuition and psychic powers—which, after all, are the ultimate divination strategy. I bring this to your attention, Aquarius, because I believe you now have an enhanced power to cultivate and strengthen your intuition and psychic powers.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The fovea is the part of the eye that enables sharp vision. Humans have just one kind of fovea, which gives them the ability to see clearly straight ahead. Eagles have both a central and peripheral fovea. The latter gives them an amazing visual acuity for things at a distance. This extra asset also attunes them to accurately detect very slow movements. I suspect you will have a metaphorical semblance of the eagle’s perceptual capacity in the coming weeks, Pisces. You will be able to see things you wouldn’t normally see and things that other people can’t see. Take full advantage of this superpower. Find what you didn’t even know you were looking for.

Fiddler on the Move, Alasdair Fraser and Friends Celebrate Tradition

After four decades at the heart of the Bay Area’s musical community, renowned fiddler Alasdair Fraser is preparing for his final bow as the director of the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers. 

This spring, Fraser and his musical community of more than 65 musicians will bring their exhilarating show “Stravaig”—a Scots word meaning “to wander, digress and stray beyond limits”—to the North Bay.

Performances take place at the Angelico Concert Hall at Dominican College in San Rafael on Saturday, April 26, and at Sonoma Country Day School’s Jackson Theater in Santa Rosa on Sunday, April 27. As Fraser puts it, audiences will witness not just a concert, but “an unruly mob of rabble-rousing, musical adventurers.”

It’s hard to imagine a more fitting description for the ensemble that Fraser founded in 1986. From humble beginnings as a casual monthly gathering of fiddlers in Fraser’s own home, the group has grown into an inclusive community of 200 musicians who meet regularly to learn and play Scottish tunes and other Celtic traditions. Over the years, their repertoire has expanded to embrace the music of Brittany, Galicia, Scandinavia and North America.

Now, approaching 40 years at the helm, Fraser reflects warmly on this milestone: “You do something you love, and you don’t really notice the time as it goes by,” he says. “It’s become a way of life, really. I feel very fortunate to have been able to include music and community and my own family in that way, in the pursuit of using music to bring people together and learn a lot in the process.”

Indeed, Fraser’s efforts have resonated deeply, as evidenced by the nearly 100,000 monthly listeners who currently stream his music on platforms like Spotify. Yet, despite his worldwide acclaim, he still marvels at music’s ability to unite. 

“I live in awe at the power of music, and I think I probably wouldn’t have said that 40 years ago,” he says thoughtfully. “In the beginning, I played the fiddle—what a wonderful thing; let’s play some tunes. It’s amazing how quickly you can go from ‘Hey, let’s play some tunes’ to ‘Oh my gosh, we’re digging deeply into a tradition here.’ We’re meeting the ancestors. We’re using a force that can gather people, which is a mighty thing.”

For Fraser, music has become something essential, an integral part of life itself. “Music is not trivial,” he says firmly. “Certainly for me, it wasn’t an add-on. It wasn’t like music is something you do when you finish your job or when you go home. It’s more like it’s part of our DNA.”

This profound respect for music’s emotional and communal power forms the heart of Fraser’s leadership with the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers. Each year, after months of preparation, their annual concert series showcases both seasoned virtuosos and enthusiastic amateurs side by side. Fraser explains that the diverse range of experience actually strengthens the ensemble’s performance.

“That was something else that I have gained insight on through the years,” Fraser says. “I feel like when we gather the village—the musical village—the village does better when it has different levels present because you can set up what I call nurturing loops within the village. You have great players—I’m talking some of the best in the country, representatives of their tradition, ambassadors of the tradition—and they’re mixing it in with people who are new to it, younger kids. 

“And you get this nurturing loop where the learners love to be with the people that are their heroes. The heroes, the veteran players, love to see the lights turn on, get these bright-eyed responses from people who want to do what they’re doing,” he continues.

This year, the ensemble includes standouts such as acclaimed cellist and educator Renata Bratt, a versatile musician who has toured with alternative rockers and classical ensembles alike, and Caroline McCaskey, a multi-instrumentalist and 2019 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion. 

Vocalist and fiddler Rob Godfrey, whose soulful Gaelic singing has become a beloved highlight, joins Janette Duncan and Pate Thomson—two founding members who have shaped the ensemble from the start. Duncan, a cherished fiddler and educator in Sonoma County, has played an integral role in the ensemble for decades. 

Fraser views traditional Scottish music as part of a continuum, something handed down and ever evolving. “That is part of the deal with traditional music,” he says. “It does have this depth, and you can go back and choose a point of music. You can say, ‘I’m going to play this the way they might have played in 1846 or 1760.’ 

“But what’s also beautiful is kids today get smitten by it, and they go, ‘Man, I need this in my life right now.’ I’m going to take these tunes from 1700 and push them around a bit, reshape them, reinvigorate them with what’s on my mind now. And the music comes alive,” he adds.

As Fraser prepares to pass the baton, he emphasizes that the annual spring concerts are not simply performances—they are invitations. 

“What we do in these concerts is not so much to say, ‘Hey, this is a class you get to come to and watch us enjoying ourselves.’ Instead, we get to say, ‘Hey, look at what we’re doing here as a community. You could be part of this. You could pick up your fiddle that your grandfather left lying around, or your old flute in the garage, or the cello that no one’s been using, and you can dust it off and come join us,’” he notes.

In a fitting tribute to his legacy, Fraser and the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers invite the community to experience the transformative power of traditional music and to be inspired to make their own melodies. The spring concert series promises, as Fraser puts it, a “grand ceilidh, where you can tap your toes, dance in your seat and share in the joy.” It’s a farewell concert series to remember, and an open-hearted invitation to keep the musical journey alive.

Stravaig Spring Concert Series commences locally at 7pm, Saturday, April 26, at Angelico Concert Hall, Dominican College, 20 Olive Ave., San Rafael, and at 3pm, Sunday, April 27, at Jackson Theater, Sonoma Country Day School, 4400 Day School Pl., Santa Rosa. Tickets $32-$35; kids under 12 free with an adult. Visit sfscottishfiddlers.org for details.

Pic of the Week: Barnyard Social

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Santa Rosa resident Mark Silvia shared this randy scene from his yard on Peterson Lane in late February. “I went to the pig pen a little while ago to feed them and saw this,” he wrote on Nextdoor. “I have no words…”

Note from Simone: This pic originally appeared in the weekly email newsletter I write for the Bohemian, called Wine Country Today. Subscribe here!

North Bay’s Very First Cannabis Lounge Opens in Cotati

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As I’m sure you’ve noticed, we’re living through a bit of a tumultuous era for both the local wine and cannabis industries. But there’s a new glimmer of hope for the latter, in the form of an alternate business model — recently blessed by state law — that allows people to hang out and smoke and be merry at weed dispensaries. Aka, the lounge model! Now, it’s up to local governments in California’s towns and counties to decide what’s allowed within their bounds. It’s been a big topic of discussion this year down in Santa Cruz County, naturally. And here in Sonoma County, we happen to be on the cutting edge.

A perfectly legal new cannabis lounge just opened at the Mercy Wellness dispensary in Cotati — a stoney sanctuary filled with comfy chairs, chill lighting, trippy visuals projected onto the walls, sports games on the TVs, DJs on the turntables, comfort food popups and a weed menu overflowing with diverse strains. A Press Democrat reporter stopped by the lounge at 7950 Redwood Dr. on opening day, March 27, to survey the scene:

At 3 p.m., when the doors opened to the Mercy Wellness Lounge, Sydney Comora was first in line. A few minutes later, joint in hand, she was sitting in a cozy club chair watching a DJ spin reggae. Psychedelic images swirled and oozed on a giant screen.

Comora, smoke drifting around her head, relaxed into the moment.

“This is the best place ever,” she said. The Santa Rosa resident said she was celebrating her 30th birthday with her sister.

Mercy Wellness is the first Sonoma County cannabis retailer to take advantage of a 2024 state law allowing dispensary owners to prepare and serve hot food and nonalcoholic drinks on site, creating a more club-like atmosphere like those in Amsterdam.

Such venues may be a rare, new bright spot for California’s sagging marijuana industry, plagued in recent years by high tax burdens, expensive permits, strict regulation, and a still-thriving black market.

According to the Mercy Wellness Lounge website, it’s open from 3-10pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays “with rotating events, exclusive deals, and a community of good people who love good weed.” Lounge owners add: “Spark One. Stay awhile. Round up the crew, roll through, and find your vibe.”

On the menu. (Photo: Lisa Santos)
Note from Simone: This piece originally appeared in the weekly email newsletter I write for the Bohemian, called Wine Country Today. Subscribe here!

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Pic of the Week: Barnyard Social

Santa Rosa resident Mark Silvia shared this randy scene from his yard on Peterson Lane in late February. “I went to the pig pen a little while ago to feed them and saw this,” he wrote on Nextdoor. “I have no words...” Note from Simone: This pic originally appeared in the weekly email newsletter I write for the Bohemian, called Wine...

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As I’m sure you’ve noticed, we’re living through a bit of a tumultuous era for both the local wine and cannabis industries. But there’s a new glimmer of hope for the latter, in the form of an alternate business model — recently blessed by state law — that allows people to hang out and smoke and be merry at weed dispensaries. Aka,...
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