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Norton's spectacular CD release party

As we approach that glorious second Sunday in October - this year Oct. 9 - when downtown Glen Ellen is closed to traffic and open to fair revelers, I'll continue to end my Tuesday columns with Glen Ellen Village Fair information. Watch for that each week.

For now, I want to skip back a bit to a recent sunny Sunday afternoon when many good folks gathered to celebrate the release of a new CD, featuring the music of Glen Ellen's late Norton Buffalo and friends.

"Under the Rainbow" is a compilation of Norton's final songs. It's a memory trip and a graceful vision of Norton's musical legacy sustained by his wife, Lisa Flores-Buffalo, and one of Norton's favorite musicians, David Aguilar.

Who wouldn't choose Dave as a favorite musician? Full of joy and enthusiasm, giving and caring, David embodies the harmony that the world needs now.

Dave, Lisa, and Pete Carlson along with many others worked months to engineer the CD. We'd guess that more than a little of Norton's rainbow manifestation spirited the endeavor, too. The result is worthy of attention. Find it at Norton's website, www.norton-buffalo.com.

Meanwhile, the really spectacular part of the CD release was the crowd of Norton's musical friends who gathered to celebrate. I can't name them all here, so check out the accolades on the CD. Especially noteworthy to me were Glen Ellen's king of rocking riffs and licks, musical genius David Aguilar. One could hardly sit still with the boogie-woogie keyboarding of Wendy Dewitt while Kirk Hardwood rocked the rafters with his backbeat. It was a memorable and energizing evening, arranged by David, to honor Norton.

We're looking forward to Silver Moon Theatre's sword-clanging, swash-buckling production of "Treasure Island" at the Sonoma Community Center. We know that Nellie Cravens always brings us good entertainment. For now, one of the star attractions of that show is Glen Ellen artist Sue Martin's stunning poster. Modeled after an N.C. Wyeth's painting, Sue's illustration is alive with the vibrant colors of a golden autumn, with a brooding ocean sky that towers over a barefoot boy battling his enemy. Sue's poster provides an enticing invitation to the play. For more information on "Treasure Island" see the website, www.silvermoontheatre.org.

Meanwhile Sue's talented sweetie, Tom Martin, is an artist in his own right, having penned the novel, "Berkeley Blues," a love story of the rebellious '60s. Besides writing, Tom also carries quite a nice tune. You'll recognize him easily from the line-up of Cynthia Carr's famous Carrtunes, a group whose music was once described by B. J. Blanchard as "Hip Americana." The same could be said for Tom's novel. More information about Tom and the famous Carrtunes is available on their website, www.carrtunesband.com.

Tom and Sue's latest endeavor is a spectacular art book. Sue designed the book, their friend Jim Land created the warm visuals of California and Tom composed the poetry that is so evocative of place; it's a feast for the eyes and mind. Check out Jim's vision at www.jimlambstudio.com.

Two Glen Ellen weekend events worthy of your notice, "Broadway Under the Stars" and "White Fang" at Jack London State Historical Park, Saturday, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. for the singing and dancing, Sunday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. for the film. My advice, don't miss either. They support all of our Valley state parks and present opportunities to revel in the setting sun on Jack London's beautiful land.

Finally, for that promised fair news. If you want to be in the parade, help out during the day or need more information, contact Shannon and Steve Lee at 996-3352 (or email shannonlee@me.com) or Trina Oliver at 935-9030 (email msdogi@yahoo.com). See you at our big annual Glen Ellen Village Fair on Sunday, Oct. 9, from noon to 5 p.m.

Share your good news with friends and neighbors in Glen Ellen. Call or write me at 996-5995, Box 518, Glen Ellen 95441. Or email me at creekbottom@earthlink.net. Glen Ellen chatter rarely requires timeliness; however, if your news does, please be sure to contact me at least two weeks before the run date.