Email  Print

Video, theater, music and more from Glen Ellen

The good news from Glen Ellen

I’m still in the thick of summer, slathered in sun block and practicing my Zen swimming, lapping so slowly time stops. Not so for school buses. Glancing up from my mindless workout in the Agua Caliente outdoor pool last week, I watched a big yellow behemoth roll by, captive children silhouetted in the windows.

  School, indeed, has started for the 2012-13 year. All our best to the good folks, school kids and staff at our local beloved Dunbar School. Today, I have good news about a former Dunbar student.

  A few weeks back while bathing in the healing waters of ACAC, I noticed neighbor and friend Howard Sapper sitting on the sidelines. As I exited the pool through a gaggle of giggling teenagers, Howard waved a hello and told me that in the center of that group of teens was his daughter Eva. Double-take time.

  I well remember Eva as a student at Dunbar in Barbara McChesney’s class, not so long ago. Or so I thought. Now Eva has graduated from Sonoma Valley High and her Papa was eager to tell me about her terrific senior project. He, and Eva’s mom, Karen, are rightfully proud that Eva is the first student from the special Sonoma County Office of Education program in the Valley schools to complete a senior project.

  Eva created a video, a Romeo and Juliet song called “Love Story.” It’s not just good; it’s memorable and beautiful, a haunting tune that stays with you. Filmed on Pacific beaches and in a studio, the video features Eva, a talented pop singer, beautiful, clear-voiced and happy.

  Other folks impressed by Eva’s talent included her Sonoma Valley High School Principal Dino Battaglini, who frankly admitted to being “blown away.” He said, “Being familiar with [Eva’s] story and seeing what she produced brought a tingle to my heart and reinforces why I do what I do.”

  Peter McEvilley, who debuted his film “On Falling” at last year’s Sonoma International Film Festival, helped produce Eva’s video. He says, “Eva came into the studio well rehearsed and ready to perform. She patiently and professionally endured the singing and re-singing typical of any recording session. She did a great job and I enjoyed working with her.”

  Inspired by Eva’s success, Peter and Howard have formed “Everyone is a Star Foundation” to help talented special-needs kids from all over the country record videos and make records, all at no cost to the families. Howard and Peter are eager to see other young people and their parents experience the same joy, pride and sense of accomplishment that Eva did.

  Kate Kennedy’s fabulous production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” continues at Buena Vista this Thursday through Sunday, at 7 p.m. While last week’s column only mentioned a small handful of the Glen Ellen stars, I assure you, the entire cast is tops. Don’t miss this folks, it’s not merely a play, it’s a happening.

  As for Garen Patterson’s San Francisco Marsh appearance, it has been scheduled for Sept. 19, a Wednesday evening. We’re planning a caravan to Garen’s performance with a pre- or post-show dinner. Maybe you’re among the good folks who would like to join us.

  Meanwhile I’ve heard great reviews of Transcendence Theatre shows at Jack London State Historic Park. My friend Cheryl Pagan raved about the performers. Given her enthusiasm, I recommend it. A bonus of this show is that Sheana Davis, my favorite formerly-of-Glen-Ellen food purveyor, provides meals.