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Photograph by Michael Amsler Holiday schemes: Christmas Day brings trouble in the tropics when a hapless French Guiana family is threatened by evil relatives in Pacific Alliance Stage Company's production of My Three Angels, opening Nov. 26 at Spreckels Center. Holiday Arts Deck the halls, 'cause here comes our selective guide to the season's happenings Edited by Patrick Sullivan TREE? Check. Menorah? Check. Shopping list? Check. Checkbook? Check. And so we're off, plunging faster than a speeding sleigh into another season of gifts and good cheer. But before you get all tangled up in tinsel and ribbons and credit card slips, we'd like to present the other side of Christmas, the sights and sounds of the holiday arts in Sonoma County. Every year, local creative types, from bearded fat men to bouncing ballerinas, present the gift of their talents on stages and dance floors and main streets across the North Bay. How can you keep it all straight? We've got you covered: Below, you'll find our selective guide to holiday happenings. All listings penned by Paula Harris, Liesel Hofmann, Patrick Sullivan, and David Templeton. Santa Sightings Downtown Santa Parade It's wild. It's wonderful. It's a little bit weird. But it's got Santa Claus, so we'll be there. Santa Rosa's 15th annual Downtown Santa Parade is always a don't-miss spectacle of creative whimsy. This year, the course will be even longer. Starting at 10 p.m. on Nov. 20, the parade will stretch from Fourth and E streets to B Street, then north to Ross Street, east to Mendocino Avenue, and on to Courthouse Square, where a full day of activities and seasonal sunshine is planned. 284-2300. Santa & Mrs. Claus in Petaluma Santa Claus sure is smart. Somehow he always remembers that Petaluma is a river town. Instead of being dragged into town by reindeer, the Jolly Man always comes to Pet-aluma via water. This year, he and Mrs. Claus will arrive on the deck of their usual all-decked-out tugboat, at high noon on Nov. 27. After coming ashore at the Turning Basin, and after handing out iconic candy canes, they'll take a ride through downtown Petaluma. Giddyap. 769-0429. Give Santa a Call One thing about that Santa Claus: he sure knows how to listen. Whether you're on his knee or on the phone, the roly-poly man can't seem to get enough of people jawing at him. He's even made himself available for a little long-distance quality time on Dec. 7 and 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. On those nights only, the North Pole can be reached by calling 763-6051. Who can say "Ho! Ho! Hold the phone!"? Tinsel Yountville Festival of Lights A daylong holiday street fair precedes a dazzling procession that sets the entire town aglow with thousands of lights on Nov. 26. Among the fair highlights: the first annual Napa Valley Ice Art Championship, in which some 20 ice carvers will create art from 300-pound blocks of ice. Festivities run from 2 to 9 p.m. along Washington Street in Yountville. Admission is free. 944-0904. Bob Burke's Christmas Party For decades now, Forestville's Bob Burke has taught us all a bit about the spirit of human kindness. Founder of a 26-year-old program that offers free year-round support groups and fun events to children with cancer and other serious illnesses in Sonoma County, the benevolent Burke is our own homegrown Santa. Revenues for the program come from donations made during events such as Burke's annual Christmas Party. This year's event, hosted by the Gonnella Family, will be held at the Union Hotel Restaurant in Occidental. It will feature a spaghetti plate supper, Christmas music from local schools, and appearances by various surprise guests and personalities. The party is on Wednesday, Dec. 1, from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, but donations (at any time) are greatly appreciated--all money goes directly to West County Community Services' Bob Burke's Kids Program. 887-2222. Snoopy on Ice If happiness is a warm puppy, shouldn't Snoopy get the heck off the ice rink? Nah! This year the round-headed boy and his dog are at it again as the Redwood Empire Ice Arena presents its holiday show "A Christmas Celebration." The visual feast also stars champion skaters, extravagant costumes, and holiday scenery. The fun runs Dec. 3 and continues through Dec. 28 with most shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Redwood Empire Ice Arena, 1667 W. Steele Lane Santa Rosa. Tickets are $10-$40. 546-3385. Light up a Life This annual tree lighting--sponsored by Hospice of Petaluma--has become a major focal point of the community over the years, as hundreds gather to cheer on the lighting of the enormous Christmas trees. On Dec. 3, starting at 6:30 p.m., celebrants will light candles, sing songs, and remember the departed ones who've brought joy and light into their lives. For information or to sponsor a tree light in the name of a loved one, call 778-6242. 'Tis the Season for Crafts It's holiday hustle-and-bustle time once again, and this year why not give some lovingly crafted homemade gifts a try? The 23rd annual Spirit of Christmas Crafts Faire is the largest holiday gift show in the North Bay, with a cornucopia of handmade goodies to delight even the pickiest person on your Christmas list. Shop to your heart's content from a myriad of marvelous items such as hand-blown glasswork, metal and wooden furniture, toys, wreaths, and other such Yuletide delights. Minstrels and carolers will also be wandering the aisles, spreading musical cheer to all the holiday shoppers. The fair is open Dec. 3-5 and 10-12, on Fridays from noon to 9 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for seniors and children ages 6 to 12. 575-9355. Holiday Victorian Tea Flex those pinkies: The Petaluma Museum will be transformed into an elegant setting for a genuine high tea, with buttery scones, dainty sandwiches, costumed servers, and much more as the Museum Association sponsors this annual delectable holiday tradition. Tea will be served at three seatings on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 1, 3, and 5 p.m. at Fourth and B streets, Petaluma. Tickets are $25. 762-3456. Christmas Parlor Tour The Victorian homes of Petaluma are famous for their beauty, their awesome seasonal decorations--and their sheer size. Four of these homes will be opening their doors this year for Petaluma's annual Heritage Homes Christmas Parlor Tour on Dec. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. (Parlors only: Stay out of the closets!) Sponsored by the Petaluma Historical Library--where the tour begins with Tea Time and special exhibits--this is a breathtaking opportunity to peek inside the homes we all drive by and salivate over. But, hey, no drooling on the hardwood floors. 762-3456. Alexander Valley Area Wineries Looking for an inexpensive way to make merry? Canyon Road, Trentadue, and Geyser Peak wineries in Geyserville will hold a Winter Wonderland Parade of Lights, a free community event for the whole family, on Dec. 9 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The evening will feature light displays, outdoor bonfires, hot cider, mulled spiced wine, toasted marshmallows, and traditional carolers from the Santa Rosa Symphonic Choir, who will perform at 7 p.m. at Canyon Road Winery (19550 Geyserville Ave. S.). Other activities include winetasting and gift shopping. 857-3417. Flotilla on Parade Here's a Christmas parade of a different sort: 25 festively lit and decorated boats will be on display in the Petaluma River Turning Basin. The local yacht clubs sponsoring this event invite individual boaters to join in this holiday parade on water. Visitors can view the brightly adorned boats all evening at the Turning Basin (Petaluma Boulevard North and B streets, behind the Great Petaluma Mill), Santa himself will trade in his sleigh to arrive aboard a sailing vessel known as the Bonnie Lass, and live music will entertain visitors. This event sets sail on Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. 765-6750. Other Traditions Hanukkah For symbols of the season, the Christians have their manger, the Jews have their menorah. On an eight-branched candlestand, special Hanukkah candles are lit, one the first evening, two the second, and so on until the end of the eight-day holiday. Hanukkah, or the Feast of Dedication, is said to have been inspired by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers in 165 B.C. to commemorate the Jews' triumphant battle against the Syrians and Greeks for desecrating the Jewish temples; later the holiday was linked to a miraculous cruse of oil that burned for eight days. Since Hanukkah always falls on variable dates in December, in this year of 5760 the celebration will be held Dec. 3-11. (So what's to worry about the millennium? The next millennium, in the Jewish calendar, is Y6K, or 6000, arriving in the Christian year 2240.) Here are some local Hanukkah festivities in the offing: Beth Ami Congregation/Santa Rosa Jewish Community invites families to a dinner and play on Dec. 7, starting at 5 p.m., at the Friedman Center, 4676 Mayette Ave, Santa Rosa. Tickets for members and non-members, respectively, are $4/$5 for adults, $3/$4 for children, $10/$15 for a family. 545-4334. Petaluma's Congregation B'nai Israel holds a Hanukkah dinner (chicken or vegetarian) on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. Bring your own menorah and candles for a special lighting ceremony. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for kids; and those under 5 or over 90 get to feast for free. For reservations, call Phyllis at 762-0340. On the Sabbath, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m., Congregation Ner Shalom will hold a free meditation service, along with chanting, to which Christians are invited. That evening, at 7 p.m., there'll be a family party, with a potluck dessert and a latke contest, at the temple, 85 La Plaza, Cotati. Admission for a non-member family is $12. 665-8622. Keeping the holiday humming, the River Choir, directed by Sonia Tubridy, performs Sonny Vale's "The Magnificent Maccabe," a modern Hanukkah cantata with a klezmer chamber ensemble. Based on Howard Fast's novel My Glorious Brothers, the unique 45-minute composition will be played at Beth Ami Congregation on Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m.; at Congregation Ner Shalom on Dec. 5 at 4 p.m.; at the Guerneville Community Church (14520 Armstrong Woods Road) on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; and at the Sebastopol Methodist Church (500 N. Main St.) on Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. 869-0516. Winter Powwow The American Indian Cultural Education Committee presents its third annual one-day intertribal celebration of American Indian culture. The event features traditional music, drumming, food, arts and crafts, and several kinds of dancing, including Pomo dancers, Aztec dancers, and Gourd dancing. All are invited, and even Santa Claus will put in an appearance. The Winter Powwow takes place on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Veterans Building, 1351 Maple Ave., Santa Rosa. Admission is free. 869-8233. Winter Ritual Celebration They'll be walking in a Wiccan wonderland in Sebastopol, when famed pagan novelist and spiritual leader Starhawk, joined by Luisah Teish, makes a little seasonal magic at the 11th annual Winter Ritual and Workshop, Dec. 19, from 7 to 10 p.m. Held at the Community Center, 390 Morris St., in Sebastopol, the event will be a time of reflection and joy, as members of Earth-based spiritual traditions join in dance, song, and storytelling to welcome the winter and call back the sun. Cost is a sliding scale: $3-5 for kids under 16; $10-15 for adults. 823-9377. Winter Solstice Santa Rosa The last winter solstice of the millennium will be celebrated on Dec. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Santa Rosa's Veterans Building (1351 Maple Ave.), with a spectacular performing arts celebration honoring Earth and the "rhythms of community." Join Bo Estrella's Exist Dance and an eclectic village-full of expert drummers and world musicians in a one-of-a-kind winter experience. A $10 donation will benefit Planting Earth Activation. 793-2126. Dance Nutcrackers Galore Dancing mice, dazzling costumes, fairy-tale kingdoms--The Nutcracker has it all. Indeed, as far as we can tell, this timeless holiday classic has only one drawback: Nearly every dance company in the North Bay stages a version, so it's tough to decide which one to see. We can't make that decision for you, but here are your options. As usual, Ballet California offers a jam-packed holiday season. First, meet the characters and view a mini-performance at the company's annual Nutcracker breakfast on Dec. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Sonoma County Hilton, 3555 Round Barn Blvd., Santa Rosa. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for children. 537-0140. Then it's on to the full-scale production as Ballet California offers the only Nutcracker in Sonoma County with a full live orchestra. The musicians perform under the baton of Simyon Lohss, newly appointed assistant conductor of the Santa Rosa Symphony, and this year's 'cracker also features guest dancers from the Diablo Ballet. Catch the production on Dec. 17 at 8 p.m., Dec. 1 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Tickets are $19-$22 for adults and $14 for children, students, and seniors. 546-3600. See excerpts from The Nutcracker as well as a new interpretive conclusion on Dec. 4 and 5 at 5 and 7 p.m. at the Romantic Tearoom, 209 Davis St., Santa Rosa. Tickets are $7. 545-9323. The Petaluma City Ballet and the Petaluma School of Ballet team up to present the city's 13th production of The Nutcracker. This year's presentation--which features Charles Torres, formerly of Smuin Ballet, as the Cavalier--takes place on Dec. 10 at 8 p.m., Dec. 11 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Person Theater, Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. Tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for children. 765-2660. The Sonoma County Ballet Company features over 100 dancers from two companies in its eighth annual Nutcracker in Sebastopol. The production takes place on Dec. 10 at 8 p.m., Dec. 11 at 2 and 8 p.m., and Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Analy High School theater, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for children. 824-8006 or 576-0506. The Marin Ballet presents its 28th seasonal production of the holiday classic, offering the full tale, complete and uncut, on Dec. 11 and 12 at 1 and 4:30 p.m. at the Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Marin Center, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Tickets are $17-$22 for adults and $10.50 -$14.50 for children. 415/472-3500. Finally, the Theatre Ballet of San Francisco serves up its version on Dec. 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Theatre, Veterans Home of California, Yountville. Tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for children. 415/626-6623. The Night before Christmas The Healdsburg Ballet presents a new full-length ballet version of Clement B. Moore's holiday classic. Some 100 dancers will perform, and guest artist Frank Russel will appear as Santa Claus. Catch the production on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Raven Theater, 115 North St., Healdsburg. Tickets are $9.50 for adults and $6.50 for children and are available at Amoruso Printing and Healdsburg Safeway. 431-7617. Sophie & the Enchanted Toyshop Marin Dance Theatre's enchanting new ballet, created by two award-winning local choreographers, features a cast of 100 characters, including the Snow Prince and Princess, Valentina Ballerina, and the Dancing Bear. The toys come to life on Dec. 18 at 1 and 5 p.m. at the Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Marin Civic Center, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Between performances, at 3 p.m., bring your child to the Teddy Bear Tea Party for food, face painting, and a chance to meet the characters. Performance tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children; party admission is $5. 415/499-7687. Center Stage Three Angels It's trouble in the tropics on Christmas Day: three convicts must use their criminal arts to help a hapless family escape the schemes of their evil-minded relatives in this Pacific Alliance Stage Company production. Enjoy the Broadway classic Nov. 26-28, Dec. 2-5, and Dec. 9-12, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays at the Spreckels Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. Tickets are $10-$15. 588-3400. The Swallow's Tale The Cinnabar Young Repertory Theater presents an original holiday musical. Based on Oscar Wilde's The Happy Prince, The Swallow's Tale features cooking crocodiles, dancing hippos, and singing statues. Catch the production on Dec. 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. and on Dec. 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. at the Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. Tickets are $9 for adults and $5 for youth. 763-8920. A Child's Christmas in Wales The Cinnabar Teen Acting Ensemble presents a stage adaptation of the immortal poem by Dylan Thomas. Take a holiday trip to a tiny Welsh village on Dec. 10-11 and 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 12 and 19 at 2 p.m. at the Polly Klaas Theater, 417 Western Ave., Petaluma. Call for prices. 763-8920. A Christmas Carol Get a double dose of Tiny Tim and a bevy of ghosts this season. Theater @ the Center presents a musical version of Dickens' classic tale on Dec. 10, 11, 16, and 18 at 8 p.m. and on Dec. 12 and 19 at 3 p.m. at the Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. Tickets are $12. 938-4626. Sonoma County Repertory Theatre reprises last year's critically acclaimed production with Eric Thompson again bringing unusual depth to the role of the curmudgeonly Scrooge. The show opens on Nov. 19 and runs through Dec. 18, with evening showtimes at 8. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. at SCRT, 415 Humboldt St., Santa Rosa. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. 544-7278. Songs of the Season Going deep: Musician/storyteller David Auerbach performs "Carols in the Caves." Carols in the Caves This popular event is celebrating its 14th year with performances by multitalented local musician David Auerbach. He will play traditional Christmas music from America and beyond on rare folkloric instruments in the cast-lined caves of local wineries. His vast collection includes the Celtic harp, hammer dulcimer, pan pipes, and bowed psaltery (an ancestor of the violin). Auerbach plays at the Clos Pegase Winery (1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga), Nov. 27 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Nov. 28 at 4 p.m.; Storybook Mountain Winery (3835 Hwy. 128, Calistoga), Dec. 4 and 5 at 2 p.m.; Folie à Deux Winery (3070 St. Helena Hwy. N., St. Helena), Dec. 11 and 12 at 2 p.m.; and Schug Carneros Winery (602 Bonneau Road, Sonoma), Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30. 224-4222. Candlelight Christmas Concert For its annual candle-lit concert, the Marin Symphony's baroque ensemble will be joined by members of the College of Marin Community Chorus and the Winifred Baker Chorale. The evening includes excerpts from Handel's Water Music and an audience sing-along. The concert takes place on Dec. 4 at 2 and 4:30 p.m. at St. Vincent's Chapel, St. Vincent Drive, San Rafael. Tickets are $20. 479-8100. Golden voices: Petaluma Sings! presents the songs of the season on Dec. 3 and 11. Petaluma Sings Audiences never know what to expect when Petaluma Sings! takes the stage for its annual Christmas Concert. Now under the direction Nina Shuman, the award-winning chorus--both the women's contingent and the children's ensemble--is sure to offer a stocking-full of auditory delights and acoustical surprises. Children's concert: Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m., at the Church of Christ, 370 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma. Women's and advanced children's concert: Dec. 11 at 8 p.m., at St. Vincent Church, Bassett and Liberty streets, Petaluma. Call for price. 778-7441. Napa Valley Symphony The acclaimed Sonos handbell ensemble headlines the Napa Valley Symphony's annual Holiday Pops concert, which will also feature music from Hänsel and Gretel and a selection of seasonal favorites. The concert, ending with a carol sing-along, takes place on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Theater, California Veterans Home, Yountville. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and children. 226-8742. Vivace Chorale Check out a winter concert chock-full of Gloria selections, including Vivaldi, Haydn, and Rutter. The concert takes place on Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2000 Humboldt St., Santa Rosa. Tickets $8. 576-1231. Santa Rosa Symphony The symphony celebrates the holiday season with a two-part concert featuring two masterworks by Mozart and a special appearance by Santa Rosa soprano Carol Menke. Face the music Dec. 11 and 13 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 12 at 3 p.m., at the Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Call for ticket prices. 546-8742. Sing-Along Messiah Though news to some, Handel's Messiah actually does contain more words than just "Alleluia." Even if you don't know them, you can sing them, at the 19th annual Redwood Empire Sing-Along Messiah, Dec. 15 at 7:30, at the Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Join the Santa Rosa Symphony Chorus and a multitude of angels. Loner scores are available in the lobby. For more details, call 566-9600. Or tune in to the Messiah production on Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 500 N. Main St., Sebastopol. Hallelujah, etcetera! Tickets are $5. 823-2831. Chanticleer Christmas The Chanticleer Men's Chorus performs the kind of music that makes people sit and stare in wonder. It wraps you up in a goose-bumpy blanket of beauty and amazement. Their annual Christmas tour of medieval and Renaissance sacred music (along with traditional carols) brings them to Petaluma on Dec. 18 at 8 p.m., at St. Vincent Church, Bassett and Liberty streets. Be amazed. Be very amazed. $21-$32. 415/392-4400. New Year's Eve First Night Revelers of all ages can descend on downtown Santa Rosa for the largest street party in miles. The fifth annual First Night promises to be a biggie. The drug- and alcohol-free celebration encompasses much of the downtown area from City Hall to Fourth and Fifth streets, through Santa Rosa Plaza, and on to Railroad Square. It will feature a myriad of musicians, performance artists, poets, dancers, food vendors, and activities for kids. Millennium treats include a Y2Kazoo band; organizers are also planning a "Time Tunnel" on Fifth St. where "people can walk through each decade." This year will feature two fireworks shows: at 9 p.m. (to bond with East Coast revelers) and at midnight. The action begins at 4 p.m. Entry badges (available at Copperfield's bookstores) cost $5 in advance, $10 on the night. 579-ARTS. Hangman's Daughter They've got a new look--fewer pounds and less hair--but the sound, we presume, is the same bluesy magic that made Hangman's Daughter a Northern California favorite before they took off for Nashville. 5AM opens, and the show starts at 9 p.m. at the Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. Tickets are $50. 765-2121. Eric Lindell Sonoma County's favorite native son returns home for an end-of-the millennium night of blues-flavored rock, at the Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati. Call for time and ticket prices. 664-1100. Roy Rogers & Zigaboo Modeliste This all-star, action-packed lineup tops off an evening that includes a five-course meal and champagne. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and both bands come together for a jam at midnight at the Powerhouse Brewing Co., 268 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. Tickets are $250. 829-9171. Michael Savage Live Frankly, we wish Michael Savage would just go away. Instead, the ultra-right-wing talk-radio host and reigning Clown Prince of Thinly Veiled Hate Speech will be holding court at the Marin Center on New Year's Eve, as the host of a unique New Year's Party called Michael Savage Live. Boasting an assemblage of "Compassionate Conservatives"--if these conservatives are so darn compassionate, why don't they shut up and leave us alone on New Year's?--there will be music, food, drink, and speeches. Hallelujah. Call for times and ticket prices. 415/472-3500. Angela Strehli & the Sundogs The inimitable Texas blues belter swings into Marin for her last show of the year. The evening, which includes a five-course meal, begins at 9:30 p.m. at Rancho Nicasio, on the Town Square, Nicasio. Tickets are $200. 415/662-2219. Holiday Headliners Concert for a Landmine-Free World If you're looking for big names and a good cause, this may be the biggest bang of the holiday season. Check out this lineup: Emmylou Harris, Bruce Cockburn, Nanci Griffith, Steve Earle, Patty Griffin, and some special guest still to be announced will deliver an intimate acoustic show on Dec. 2 at the Luther Burbank Center to benefit Campaign for a Landmine Free World. The concert starts at 8 p.m. in the Main Theater, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Tickets are $45, $65, or $85. 546-3600. The Knitters Here's a rare chance to hear most of the members of legendary L.A. punk band X come together to show off their hillybilly roots. On Dec. 7, the show starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. 765-2121. Joanne Rand The former Sonoma County singer returns home on Dec. 17, to grace us with her unmistakable voice and power-folk style. Billed as a Winter Solstice Gathering, the event will feature Rand & the Little Big Band, as well as the Ruminators and Spiral Bound. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Inn of the Beginning, 8201 Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati. Tickets are $12.50 in advance and $15 at the door. 874-3150. Bryan White Oklahoma's best-looking son, named one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" by People magazine, brings his multiplatinum country music to the LBC. on Dec. 10. The concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $26-$30. 546-3600. [ Sonoma County | MetroActive Central | Archives ]