Photograph by Jimmy Katz
Fountain of Youth: Roy Haynes, the 79-year-old bebop master, is among the headliners at June’s Healdsburg Jazz Festival.
To Do List
Plan ahead for hot fun in the summertime
By Bohemian Staff
With the weather warming, festivals, fairs, live music, outdoor theater and the ubiquitous “more” beckon. Below we offer our highly selective annual guide to just some of the great things to do this summer.
Mostly Music
Luther Burbank Center
Summer starts strong with the 10th annual Pride Comedy show (June 5) and continues with Macy Gray (June 25) and Marc “Walking in Memphis” Cohn (June 26), while neighbor Boz Scaggs wanders over on his essential tour (July 17). 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600. www.lbc.net.
Healdsburg Jazz Festival
Featured musicians this year include the Charles Lloyd, Zakir Hussain, the Roy Haynes Group, Geri Allen Trio and the Fred Hersch Trio, among others. June 5-13. Various downtown Healdsburg locations. Tickets are available online at www.healdsburgjazzfestival.com or by calling 707.433.4644.
Center Stage
Osher Marin JCC presents three outdoor concerts, beginning with Israeli troubadour David Broza (June 2), hot dawgs the David Grisman Quintet (June 23) and Afro-Cuban stylists Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca (July 10). 7pm. Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. $17.50-$85. 415.444.8000.
Cotati Jazz Festival
Over 40 jazz artists infiltrate downtown Cotati. Yes, wine and food. June 19, noon to 9pm. Downtown Cotati. $10. 707.795.5508.
Kate Wolf Memorial Music Festival
Joan Baez, Greg Brown, Chris Smithers, David Bromberg Quartet, Rosalie Sorrels and a host of others. Camping is encouraged. June 25-27. Black Oak Ranch, Laytonville. Tickets start at $18. 707.823.1511. www.cumuluspresents.com.
Cotati Philharmonic Orchestra
“Invitation to the Dance” is the theme for a pair of free Cotati Philharmonic concerts June 26-27. Both concerts will be held outdoors and will begin at 7pm. Saturday, La Plaza Park in Cotati; Sunday, Windsor Town Green in Windsor. 707.792.4600, ext. 664. www.cotatiphil.org.
Russian River Blues Festival
The legendary Etta James, back in hale and healthy form, returns for another year of rolling alongside the river. Other featured performers include Koko Taylor, Johnny Lang and Robben Ford on the big stage. Meanwhile, Mighty Mo Rodgers slays ’em in the wine garden each day. June 26-27. Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville. $47.50-$190. 510.655.9471. www.russianriverbluesfest.com.
Green Music Festival
This fifth season kicks off, as always, with the red, white, and boom of Independence Day on the Green’s patriotic favorites and fireworks. The popular four-event chamber-music series returns, and the Afro-Cuban master Poncho Sanchez also returns. July 4-Aug. 1. Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 707.546.8742. www.greenmusicfestival.org.
Robert Mondavi Summer Festival
With proceeds benefiting the Napa Valley Symphony and music in the schools programs, featured performers this year include Cassandra Wilson (July 17), Dave Brubeck (July 31), Robert Cray (Aug. 7) and Chaka Kahn (Aug. 14). Robert Mondavi Vineyards, Oakville. $48-$65. 1.800.RMW.JAZZ.
Music in the Vineyards
Nationally known artists in residence perform chamber music in intimate winery settings. Aug. 2-22. 707.258.5999. www.napavalleymusic.org.
Reggae on the River
Bunny Wailer, Sonoma County’s own Wisdom, Steel Pulse and Michael Franti and Spearhead are just some of the performers at this annual event, which is already half sold-out. Aug. 6-8. French’s Camp, Piercy. 707.923.4583. www.reggaeontheriver.com.
Cotati Accordion Festival
Polkacide, the great Sourdough Slim, Dick Contino and a squeeze-box-enabled host of others crowd the park for this two-day tribute to accordions. The Lady-of-Spain-a-thon is not to be missed. Aug. 28-29 from 9:30am. Cotati Town Square, Cotati. $15-$25; children under 15 free. 707.664.0444.
Wine Country Vintage Jazz Festival
Formerly known as the Sonoma County DixieJazz Festival, this is a three-day blowout of traditional and Dixieland jazz, with old masters being joined by youth bands. Sept. 3-5. Doubletree Hotel, 101 Golf Course Drive, Rohnert Park. $15-$75. 707.539.3494.
Rides & Races
Dipsea Race
The 7.1-mile Dipsea Race began in 1905 and has changed little since, except that every year it becomes more and more popular. June 13 at 8:30am. Begins at Lytton Square, Mill Valley. 707.331.3550. www.dipsea.org.
Fitch Mountain Foot Race
The Healdsburg Kiwanis Club sponsors this 3K- and 10K-foot race and walk through quaint Healdsburg neighborhoods and around Fitch Mountain, bordering the Russian River. Both courses start and end at the historic Plaza Park. June 13. Registration begins at 7am; race at 8am. $20-$25. 707.576.6147.
Sonoma Valley 100K Liberty Ride
Ride a bike over scenic rural roads, then get massaged and pasta’d up. The 100K ride meanders through Sonoma and Napa valleys. Aug. 8. Ride begins at 7am. Sonoma Development Center, Arnold Drive, Eldridge. $35-$45. 707.938.6805.
Food for Good
Napa Valley Wine Auction
The world’s largest and most successful charity wine event, the auction attracts nearly 1,800 attendees and has donated over $50 million since its 1981 inception. June 3-6. www.napavintners.com.
Beerfest
Face to Face/Sonoma County AIDS Network’s Beerfest is a perennial favorite for suds ‘n’ grub lovers. June 5, 1pm to 5pm at the LBC, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $28-$32. 707.544.1581. www.f2f.org.
Summer Soiree
Kendall-Jackson Wine Center and Gardens is host to the Redwood Empire Food Bank’s Seventh Annual Summer Soiree. This is the Food Bank’s largest annual fundraiser and features wine from more than two dozen Sonoma County wineries, live music, a silent auction and appetizers provided by local restaurants and caterers. June 13. 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton. $75-$80. 707.523.7900. www.refb.org.
Sonoma County Showcase of Wine & Food
The live barrel auction and dinner is one of the main centerpieces of the Sonoma County Showcase of Wine and Food, a marathon of fine dining and drinking, July 15-17. This year’s theme is “Varietal Cinema, Take 14,” in honor of the valley’s film buzz and the 14 appellations of Sonoma County. Dinners, tastings and luncheons abound with the San Francisco Symphony bringing it all to a close. For details, call 800.939.7666. www.sonomawine.com.
Catalan Festival
The fastest trip to Barcelona possible, the annual festival at Gloria Ferrer features live flamenco guitarists and dancers, the winery’s own sparkling wine and tastings from many Spanish-influenced eateries. July 24-25, 11am to 4pm. Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves, 23555 Carneros Hwy., Sonoma. $24-$35. 707.933.1999. www.gloriaferrer.com.
Festivals, Fairs & Further
Marin Home Show
Three hundred home and garden retailers join a bevy of jazz bands, including Lee Press-On and the Nails. June 5-6. Saturday, 10am to 8pm; Sunday, 10am to 6pm. Marin Center Civic Center, San Rafael. $7; free for children under 14. 415.472.3500. www.marinhomeshow.com.
Petaluma Arts & Garden Festival
Local gardeners, artists and chefs convene to support the arts in Petaluma. June 6, 11am to 5pm, Fourth and A streets parking lot, Petaluma. Free. 707.762.9348.
Sonoma Lavender Festival
Open to the public for two days only, the Sonoma Lavender Barn invites guests to come and see a five-acre farm in full bloom with farm tours, lavender massage, craft making, lavender cuisine and a lavender marketplace. June 12-13, 10am to 4pm. 8537 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood. Admission is $5 per car. 707.833.1330. www.sonomalavender.com.
Health & Harmony Festival
Massive New Age tribal gathering with speakers, booths, kid stuff and more. Headlining musicians include Keller Williams and Dave Mason; speakers feature Starhawk, Ram Dass and our own Rob Brezsny. A special Saturday night techno-tribal dance features Lost at Last, DJ Zack Darling and other reliables from the Mystic Beat Lounge and other trip-hop venues. June 12-13; Saturday, 11am to 8pm; Sunday, 11am to 7:30pm. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. $20-$25. Dance, Saturday at 8pm at the Veterans Memorial Building across from the fairgrounds. $20. 707.547.9355. www.harmonyfestival.com.
Italian Street Painting Festival
See some 200 street painters transform downtown San Rafael. June 12-13, 9am to 7pm. Fifth and A streets, San Rafael. Free. 415.457.4878. www.youthinarts.org.
Sonoma-Marin Fair
With a wine competition that is rapidly becoming one of the largest in the state, a destruction derby, livestock exhibits, ugly dog contest, a petting zoo and rides, rides, rides, the fair stays close to its roots. Entertainment includes Credence Clearwater Revisited (featuring all original members except John Fogerty) and country hit makers Sawyer Brown. June 16-20. Petaluma Fairgrounds, 75 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma. $8-$14. 707.283.FAIR. www.sonoma-marinfair.org.
Healdsburg Lavender Festival
Presented by the North Coast Lavender Guild and now in its second year, this festival has sprawled out to two days of purple-tinged goodness. June 19-20, 11am to 4pm. Healdsburg Farmers’ Market, North and Vine streets. Healdsburg Plaza. Free. 707.431.7626.
Marin Art Festival
A self-described “lawn party for the arts,” with 200 professional artists in all media as well as live jazz. June 19-20, 10am to 6pm. Marin Center’s Lagoon Park, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $8. 415.388.4386. www.marinartfestival.com.
Oh, Rapture–It’s Scrapture!
Scrapture, the highly anticipated annual recycling sculpture event, is open to the public, with prizes awarded in categories for all ages. June 26, 10am to 4pm. La Plaza Park, Cotati. Free. 707.795.3660. www.garbage.org.
San Anselmo Art & Design Festival
Some 51,000 folks flood downtown San Anselmo each year–hungry, thirsty, craft-starved folks. This year sees the addition of a home/design/garden element with demonstrations and booths. June 26-27, 10am to 6pm. San Anselmo Avenue between Bolinas and Tamalpais streets. 510.232.5030.
Marin County Fair
This year, the Marin County Fair scores high design points for its tribute to architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his impact on Marin, most notably with the buildings surrounding and included in the annual fair. Performances by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Tower of Power, War, the Village People and ending with a Rhythm and Roots fest on Monday. July 1-5, 11am to 11pm. Marin County Civic Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $10-$12. 415.499.6400. www.marinfair.org.
Napa County Fair
Classic small-town country fair, including Mexican-style rodeo and live music, and ending with a parade through downtown Calistoga on the Fourth of July. July 1-4, noon to 11pm. 4135 Oak St., Calistoga. $3-$7. 707.942.5111.
Hot Air Balloon Classic
Ride in a balloon or stay grounded and just watch the grace. July 3-4, 5am to 11am. Dawn patrol begins at 5am; balloons launch at 6:30am. Keiser Community Park, Windsor River Road (between Windsor and Starr roads), Windsor. $5-$8. 707.837.1884. www.schabc.org.
Heart of the Forest Faire
Presented by the original Ren Faire family, this new experiment seems to work just as well. Crafts, jousting, plump women in low-drawn dresses, warbling English accents and plenty of puppets are guaranteed. Saturday- Sunday, July 10-Aug. 15, 11am to 7pm. Stafford Lake, 3549 Novato Blvd., Novato. $8-$20. 415.897.4555. www.forestfaire.com.
Sonoma County Fair
“There’s Magic in the Fair” is this year’s theme, meaning that the famed Hall of Flowers will be transformed into a floral Camelot. Horse-racing, free Clover ice cream, rodeo, rides, animals, cool 4-H kids, hot garlic and great music guaranteed. Smashmouth (July 27) and Los Lonely Boys (July 28) headline. The usual blues festival (July 31) has been complemented with a bluegrass fest (Aug. 2), and the local music scene is well represented on the Park Stage. July 27-Aug. 9. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. $2-$7; free for kids six and under. 707.545.4200.
Sonoma Salute to the Arts
Benefiting art in the schools, this yowza blowout of fine art, food and wine is in its 19th year with a full slate of disparate events. July 30-Aug.1, on and around the Plaza, Sonoma. 707.938.1133. www.salutetothearts.com.
All Nations Bigtime
The Petaluma Adobe’s seventh annual celebration of Native American culture offers music, dancing, crafts and food. Aug. 7-8, 10am to 5pm. Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, 3325 Adobe Road, Petaluma. $3. 707.762.4871.
Great Petaluma Quilt Show
Among the largest open-entry craft shows in California. Aug. 14, 10am to 4:30pm. Kentucky and Fourth streets (craft fair in Walnut Park). Free. 707.778.8015. www.visitpetaluma.com.
Solar & Good Living Festival
SolFest combines fun with being eco-friendly. Musical headliners this year include Bruce Cockburn and Charlie Hunter; speakers, Democracy Now‘s Amy Goodman, local author Richard Heinberg and others. Aug. 21-22, Real Goods Solar Living Institute, Hopland. $12-$20. 707.744.2017. www.solfest.org.
Sausalito Art Festival
Known as much for the entertainment as for the art, the Sausalito Art Festival brings more than 20,000 original works of art together for one of the nation’s most popular outdoor art festivals. Sept. 3-6. Bay Model Visitor Center and Marinship Park, Sausalito. $5-$20. 415.705.5555. www.sausalitoartfestival.org.
Film
Film Night in the Park
A selection of movies screened outdoors on Friday and Saturday nights through the summer in San Rafael, San Anselmo, San Geronimo and Mill Valley. This year’s theme salutes films made in the Bay Area, which of course includes everything from American Graffiti to Shrek. June 26-Sept. 25. Movies begin at dusk (around 8pm). $5. 415.453.4333. www.filmnight.org.
Wine Country Film Festival
Sixteen days of eating, drinking and watching, the WCFF this year goes green with a special theme on sustainability and ecological practices both onscreen and off. In Napa, at COPIA and the Sequoia Grove Vineyard; Sonoma venues are Kunde Estate, the Sebastiani Theatre and the Kenwood Depot. Complete program to be announced June 14. July 22-Aug. 15. 707.935.FILM. www.winecountryfilmfest.com.
Theater
Shakespeare at Stinson
See great plays outdoors by the beach. This summer’s lineup includes A Midsummer Night’s Dream (May 21-June 27), The Fantasticks (July 9-Aug. 22) and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (Aug. 27-Oct. 3). Stinson Beach. $14-$24. 415.868.1115. www.shakespeareatstinson.org.
The Mountain Play
Well-beloved summer tradition, this year’s performance is My Fair Lady, directed by the dynamic James Dunn. May 23 and 30, June 6, 13, 19-20 at 1pm. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, Mt. Tamalpais State Park, Mill Valley. $20-$30. 415.383.1100.
Zarzuela!
One of the few places in the nation that stages the beloved Spanish operetta form of zarzuela, the Jarvis Conservatory pulls out all of the stops to put on shows teeming with humor, drama, songs and dance. This year’s zarzuela is Luis Alonso. June 24-27. Jarvis Conservatory, 1711 Main St., Napa. $30-$45. 707.255.5445.
Napa Valley Opera House
Summer highlights include The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) (May 28- June 13), monologuist and self-satirist Josh Kornbluth bringing his Love and Taxes to town (July 7-16) and Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues (Aug. 12-Sept. 5). 1030 Main St., Napa. 707.226.7372. www.nvoh.org.
Summer Repertory Theatre
One of the most prestigious training grounds in the nation. Bye Bye Birdie (June 17- Aug. 6); Present Laughter (June 25-Aug. 5); Our Town (June 30-Aug. 5); The Foreigner (July 6-Aug.4); Into the Woods (July 11-Aug. 4). Burbank Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College, 1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. $8-$17. 707.527.4343. www.santarosa.edu/srt.
Marin Shakespeare Company
Marvelous professional outdoor theater. This summer’s repertory encompasses Othello, She Stoops to Conquer and The Taming of the Shrew. Friday-Sunday, July 9-Sept. 25. Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, Dominican University, San Rafael. 8pm. $15-$26. 415.499.4488.
The Rep
Sonoma County Repertory Theatre offers two outdoor plays this summer, beginning with Squire Fridell’s comedic melodrama Dastardly Deeds at Yoursin Mine or Yukon Take It with You July 9-11 and 16-18, followed by the annual Shakespeare offering, which this year is young love’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, Aug. 13-21. Both plays at Ives Park, Sebastopol. 7pm. $15-$18. 707.823.0177.
From the May 19-25, 2004 issue of the North Bay Bohemian.
