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365 - Fall Focus

Fall Calendar 2012

Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival
September 22 & 23
Set in the Redwoods along the Russian River, the Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival brings jazz musicians such as George Benson, David Sanborn and Tower of Power to perform on Saturday; Blues performers like Taj Mahal, George Thorogood and Robert Randolph play on Sunday.
10 a.m. $10 to $180. 16241 First St., Guerneville. 707.869.1595. omegaevents.com/russianriver.

Vintage Festival
September 28 to 30
The 115th annual Vintage Festival returns with some new twists on the old favorites. The weekend kicks off with a gala at the historic Barracks on Friday for between $85 and $199. Saturday and Sunday bring the traditional free festival to the Plaza with food and winetastings, grape stomps and art fair and more. The popular parade has been moved to Saturday at 8 p.m. and has the theme “Get Your Glow On.”
707.996.2109. sonomavinfest.org.

Sonoma Valley Crush
September 29 & 30
Hosted by the Heart of the Valley Association, the event offers an insiders glimpse of winemaking during the hectic harvest season, plus tastings at dozens of Valley wineries.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $35. heartofsonomavalley.com.

Fashion in the Vineyards
September 29
A fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma Valley, Fashion in the Vineyards is a day of glitz and glam. Beginning with an 11 a.m. reception, the event will also include a seated brunch and show, featuring local designers of woman’s and children’s attire. Fizzes, Bloody Mary’s and a raffle are also promised.
11 a.m. $125. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, 100 Boyes Blvd., Sonoma. 707.938.8544, ext. 120. bgcsonoma.org.

Bossa Napa Nova
September 29
Come enjoy wine, dancing, dinner and more at the Napa Valley Opera House annual black-tie gala. Brazilian vocalist Bebel Gilberto is scheduled to perform, and chef Ken Frank of La Toque will be preparing a delectable dinner.
5 p.m. $350 to $1,250. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. 707.226.7372. nvoh.org.

FondoSonoma Festival
September 29
Around 7,500 riders take the streets in an all-out, mass-participation cycling event with local cyclist Levi Leipheimer. Festival will include live music, food, kid’s events, a vendor exhibition and more.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Bike ride begins at 8 a.m.) Finley Center, 2060 College Ave., Santa Rosa. 707.560.1122. levisgranfondo.com.

Alison Krauss with Union Station
September 30
Renowned bluegrass-country singer Alison Krauss will be performing with Union Station. Krauss has won 27 Grammys—more than any other female artist in history—and is best known for songs like “A Living Prayer.”
7:30 p.m. $55. Green Music Center at Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 866.955.6040. gmc.sonoma.edu.

 

Aimee Mann at 
Napa Valley Opera House
September 30
Recognized for her work in Til Tuesday as well as her solo albums Whatever and The Forgotten Arm, Aimee Mann is an award-winning contemporary songwriter. Mann has also worked on movie soundtracks, such as the Magnolia soundtrack, which garnered three Grammy nominations.
8 p.m. $35. Uptown Theatre Napa, 1350 Third St., Napa. 707.259.0123. uptowntheatrenapa.com.

 

“I Do!”—Vintage Wedding Fashions
Through September 30
If thoughts of lace, flounces, hand-stitched designs and other vintage hallmarks make you dizzy with glee, make sure to check out the “I Do” exhibit at the Petaluma Historical Museum.
$3 to $5. Petaluma Historical Museum, 20 Fourth St., Petaluma. 707.778.4398. petalumamuseum.com.

 

10 years of Plein Air
October 1 to 6
The 10th annual Plein Air celebration will bring dozens of artists from across the country to paint the landscapes of Sonoma County, from the vineyards to the sea. While the artists paint all week, they will all gather on Tuesday, Oct. 2, for a “Quick Draw” in the Plaza, where visitors can buy art right off the easel. The Friday, Oct. 5, gala at the Lasseter Train Barn is already sold out. But on Saturday, Oct. 6, the artists will bring all their work to the Plaza for an art festival with activities and live music. A portion of proceeds supports arts education in public schools.
Saturday Art Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. sonomapleinair.com.

The Art of Peanuts
October 3 through February 3, 2013
This exhibition at the Charles M. Schulz Museum will showcase the museum’s collection of animation cels and production drawings. It is paired with the International Peanuts exhibit showcasing the gang’s influence around the world.
$5 to $10. Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. 707.579.4452.

 

B.R. Cohn 
Charity Fall Music Festival
October 5 through 8
A five-course Charity Auction Dinner at B.R. Cohn’s 140-year-old olive grove will take place Friday. The 26th annual Charity Fall Music Festival—featuring the Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, the Turtles, Michael McDonald and more—takes place on Saturday and Sunday. Monday will conclude the four-day festival with the Celebrity Golf Classic.
$85 to $350. Times vary each day. B.R. Cohn Winery, 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen. 800.330.4064. brcohn.com/events.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair
October 5 through 7
Sonoma County Harvest Fair is a celebration of harvest featuring three full days of winetasting with more than 150 wineries, chef demonstrations, harvest activities, the World Championship Grape Stomp, live jazz, an art show, farm animals to meet and more.
$10 adults, $5 children. Friday, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. 707.545.4203. harvestfair.org.

Fandango at Petaluma Adobe
October 6
Celebrate California of the 1840s with music and dancing at Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.
Noon to 4 p.m. Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, 3325 Old Adobe Road, Petaluma. 707.762.4871. petalumaadobe.com.
 

Harvest Festival in the garden
October 6
Set against the fall landscape in the Sonoma Garden Park, the annual Harvest Festival includes a tractor pull, pumpkin carving, scarecrow building, a pie contest and straw-bale fort, and more. It is hosted by and benefits the Sonoma Ecology Center.
$5 to $15. Sonoma Garden Park, 19996 Seventh St. E., Sonoma. sonomaecologycenter.org.
 

New exhibits at 
Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
October 6 to December 30
Artist Larry Thomas will present his exhibit “Reverence for the Natural World” of drawings, paintings and prints inspired primarily by nature and the Native American culture. “The Art of Handmade Paper” focuses on the history of paper and invites visitors to learn how to make paper.
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $5 for adults (13 and over). Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, 551 Broadway, Sonoma. 707.939.7862. svma.org.

Creative Kids Days 
at Francis Ford Coppola
October 7, 14 and 21
Family-friendly Francis Ford Coppola Winery is hosting a series of creative free art days for children. The public is invited to come make cork art, grape tie-dye and petite Picasso paintings.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Francis Ford Coppola Winery, 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville. 707.857.1400. franciscoppolawinery.com.

San Francisco Opera at the Santa Rosa Junior College
October 12
Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is introducing the Chamber Concert Series this fall with performers from the San Francisco Opera Center’s Adler Fellows program.
7:30 p.m. $15 to $25.  Carole L. Ellis Auditorium, 680 Sonoma Mountain Parkway, Petaluma. 707.527.4372.

Red Hot Ruby Gala
October 12
Napa Valley Museum is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary with a gala with a five-star feast, delectable wines, various auctions and dancing, to benefit the museum’s educational programs.
6 p.m. $200. Napa Valley Museum, 55 Presidents Circle, Yountville. 707.944.0500. Napavalleymuseum.org.  

ARTrails
October 13, 14, 20 and 21
ARTrails artists have been inviting the public into their work spaces since 1985. Tours of the studios are self-guided and free of charge, just pick up a map and go.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free. Spreckles Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. 707.588.3408. sonomaarts.com/artrails.

Sonoma Valley Muse: 
Count Haraszthy
October 13
Every year the Sonoma Community Center honors an individual whose contributions changed the face of the Sonoma Valley at “Muse.” For 2012, it’s Count Agoston Haraszthy, founder of Buena Vista Winery who is known as the “Father of California viticulture.” The night will celebrate Haraszthy’s 200th birthday and his native Hungary with a lavish dinner and a live silent auction of exciting lots.
5:30 p.m. $175. Buena Vista Winery, 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma. 707.938.4626, ext. 1. Sonomacommunitycenter.org.

Sonoma Bar Battle
October 13
Sonoma Valley’s best bartenders go head to head in an Iron Chef-style competition of cocktails. Attendees can sample food and cocktails from the participants while enjoying live music and a silent auction. The evening is hosted by and benefits the Native Sons of the Golden West Parlor 
#111 and American Legion Post #489.
6 p.m. $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building, 126 First St. W., Sonoma. Sonomabarbattle.com.

Sylvia Browne 
at the Uptown Theatre
October 13
Sylvia Browne, renowned psychic and spiritual teacher, has had numerous appearances on the Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and Unsolved Mysteries. Browne is also the author of 50 books, 22 of which have made The New York Times bestseller list.
8 p.m. $40 to $100. Uptown Theatre Napa, 1350 Third St., Napa. 707.259.0123. uptowntheatrenapa.com.

Glen Ellen Village Fair
October 14
Nothing screams small-town Norman Rockwell like the Glen Ellen Village Fair, complete with a parade and a daylong festival of kids activities, art, live music and plenty to eat and drink.
Noon. Free. Downtown Glen Ellen.

Snoopy and Friends Go to the Orchestra
October 14
Conductor Richard Loheyde brings the Peanuts gang to Green Music Center for an afternoon of fun hijinks and musical sketches as part of the new family series.
3 p.m. $24 to $39. Green Music Center at Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 866.955.6040. gmc.sonoma.edu.

An Evening with James Carville and Mary Matalin
October 15
One of America’s best-loved political couples—James Carville (a steadfast Democrat and Clinton campaign strategist) and Mary Matalin (staunch Republican and Bush advisor)—give audiences an enlightening and entertaining look at politics today.
8 p.m. $65 to $100. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Witchie Poo returns
October 20, 21, 27 & 28
The annual Halloween extravaganza at the Sebastiani Theatre features the famed Witchie Poo and her whimsical cast of characters. Performances also include costume contests and festive Halloween décor.
2 p.m. Sebastiani Theatre, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. 707.996.9756. Sebastianitheatre.com.

Healdsburg Crush Festival
October 20
The Healdsburg Crush Festival, showcasing over 35 wineries and dozens of local eateries, also includes a raffle, auction, buy-in parties and live music.
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. St. John School Parish Center, 217 Fitch St., Healdsburg. 707.433.2758. healdsburgcrushfestival.org.

Pinot on the River
October 21
The beautiful Russian River Valley is home to the annual Pinot on the River celebration. The Healdsburg Plaza will be filled with 100 wineries, artisan food vendors and limited production West Coast pinot noirs.
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $75 to $150. Healdsburg Plaza Square, 240 Center St., Healdsburg. 707.922.6362. pinotfestival.com.

Loretta Lynn at Wells Fargo Center
October 22
Loretta Lynn has released 70 albums, boasted 16 number-one hit singles on the country charts and won four Grammy awards. Hits include “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind)” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”  
8 p.m. $45 to $65. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Pacific Guitar Ensemble
October 25
A group of eight guitarists—from nylon to steel strings, electric basses to 17th-century theorbos—forms an eclectic collection of pluckers that play original and classic works.
8 p.m. Throckmorton Theatre,142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 415.383.9600. 142throckmortontheatre.com.

Rabbit Hole
October 26 to November 11
2007 Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire wrote this drama about a couple that truly has it all until a life-shattering accident turns it all upside down.
2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $15 to $25. 6th St. Playhouse, 52 West 6th St., Santa Rosa. 707.523.4185. 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

Pumpkin Festival
October 27
The Healdsburg Saturday farmers market introduces everything pumpkin in honor of Halloween: pumpkin racing, pumpkin carving and more.
10 a.m. Corner of Vine St. and North St. in Healdsburg. 707.431.1956. healdsburgfarmersmarket.org.

Howl-O-Ween Parade
October 27
The 11th annual Howl-o-Ween Parade will offer a doggie costume parade and contest, as well as games for children, raffles, face painting and more.
Noon to 2 p.m. Healdsburg Plaza. 707.431.3386.

Halloween Carnival 
at Francis Ford Coppola
October 27
The Halloween Carnival includes various games, activities and treats. Reservations can be made online beginning October 3.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Francis Ford Coppola Winery, 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville. 707.857.1400. franciscoppolawinery.com.

 

Día de los Muertos
November 1
The Sonoma Community Center celebrates Day of the Dead with a unique display of art along with a community party featuring traditional cultural displays, live music and food.
Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. 707.938.4626, ext. 1. sonomacommunitycenter.org.

B.B. King at Wells Fargo Center
November 2
Considered the King of Blues since the 1950s, B.B. King has received 15 Grammy awards, as well as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. He was ranked sixth in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
8 p.m. $45 to $85. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600. wellsfargocenterarts.org

Matt Nathanson at 
Green Music Center
November 2
Singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson is best known for his hit songs “Come On Get Higher” and “Faster,” as well as his musical prominence on many popular TV shows.
 8 p.m. $30. Green Music Center at Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 866.955.6040. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Aziz Ansari
November 4
Funnyman Aziz Ansari is bringing his “evening of bewilderment and disillusion” to Sonoma State University. Ansari stars on NBC’s Parks and Recreation and can be seen in films like Get Him to the Greek and Funny People.
8 p.m. $39. Green Music Center at Sonoma State University, 1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 866.955.6040. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Cost of Freedom Tribute
November 7 to 11
An 80 percent scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall will visit Sonoma, bringing tributes to all veterans with distinguished speakers, aircraft flyovers, recognition of law enforcement and firefighters, educational days for students, a Veterans Day celebration and more.
Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building, 126 First St. W., Sonoma. 707.938.3543. VFWpost1943.org, Avtt.org.

Sweetwater Spectrum opens
November 10
The Sweetwater Spectrum, an innovative residential community for autistic adults, launches its grand opening with a ribbon cutting and community party.  
3 to 5 p.m. Free. 369 Fifth St. W., Sonoma. 707.996.3104. sweetwaterspectrum.org.

Dana Carvey at the Uptown Theatre
November 10
Former Saturday Night Live cast member and star of films like Wayne’s World, This Is Spinal Tap and The Master of Disguise, Dana Carvey has not only won the approval of critics, but an Emmy and an American Comedy Award.
8 p.m. $55 to $70. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Third St., Napa. 707.259.0123. uptowntheatrenapa.com.

Y&T at the Mystic Theatre
November 16
Hard rock and metal band Y&T has opened for AC/DC, Journey, the Doobie Brothers and Kiss, among other iconic acts.
8 p.m. $36. Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma. 707.765.2121. mystictheatre.com.

Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi
November 18
One of the greatest percussion ensembles in the world, the Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi have performed in the same way for centuries, passing down traditions and techniques from father to son.
3 p.m. $20 to $40. Marin Civic Center, Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 10 Ave. of the Flags, San Rafael. 415.573.6358.

Robert Ballard
November 18
Best known for his 1985 discovery of the Titanic shipwreck, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Robert Ballard is a veteran of more than 125 expeditions, many in search of lost ships and ancient artifacts.
3 p.m. $50 to $60. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600. Wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Free Thanksgiving
November 22
The annual free Thanksgiving dinners take place each year at the Sonoma Community Center and Vintage House senior center, feeding hundreds of residents with food donated by local businesses. Both are entirely volunteer-driven events.
3 p.m. Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma. 707.928.4626. sonomacommunitycenter.org; Vintage House, 264 First St. E., Sonoma. 707.996.0311. vintagehouse.org.

Heart of the Valley Open House
November 23 & 24
More than 20 wineries across the Valley will open their doors to toast the holiday season. Now in its 29th year, the event includes wine and food pairings, plenty of tastings, as well as other fun offerings, such as live music and hands-on demonstrations.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $45, $10 for drivers. 707.431.1137. heartofsonomavalley.com.

Santa’s Riverboat Arrival
November 24
Santa and Mrs. Claus sail into the Petaluma River Turning Basin aboard a tugboat at about noon and disembark in the Golden Eagle Shopping Center to greet children and distribute candy.
Noon. Petaluma River Turning Basin. 707.769.0429. visitpetaluma.com/santa’s-riverboat-arrival.

Lighting of the Snowmen
November 24
Join Cornerstone Sonoma for its annual snowmen-lighting ceremony. Festivities will include live music by Robert and Amy Ethington, a performance by Sonoma Ballet Conservatory dancers, outdoor holiday films for kids, hot chocolate and treats.
4 to 6:30 p.m. Free. Cornerstone Sonoma, 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. 707.933.3010. cornerstonesonoma.com.

It’s a Wonderful Life—
A Musical Play
November 30 to December 23
Based on the motion picture, the classic It’s a Wonderful Life, comes to the stage.
2 p.m. and 8 p.m. $15 to $32. Sixth Street Playhouse, 52 West 6th St., Santa Rosa. 707.523.4185. 6thstreetplayhouse.com.

 

Blessing of the Olives at the Mission
December 1
The annual Season of the Olives, which runs from December to February and celebrates all things olive, kicks off with the Blessing of the Olives at the Mission San Francisco Solano. The three-month festival also includes olive and olive oil tasting, curing workshops and other promotions.
11 a.m. Free. Mission San Francisco Solano, East Spain Street and First Street East, Sonoma. 707.996.1090. olivefestival.com.

Santa Claus at the Plaza
December 7
Santa Claus makes his traditional appearance at the Sonoma Plaza, riding in on a vintage fire truck. The Sonoma Valley Soroptimists will pour hot chocolate, and Santa will provide the candy canes and festive cheer. The annual tree-lighting will also take place in his honor.
5:30 p.m. Free. Sonoma Plaza. 707.996.1033. sonomachamber.org/events.

Christmas at the Mission
December 15
Decked out in period costumes, docents will lead a candlelit program of song and scripture in the historic structure at the Mission San Francisco Solano. Three showings will take place. There is no cost, but tickets must be reserved.
5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Free. Mission San Francisco Solano, East Spain Street and First Street East, Sonoma. 707.938.1519.

High-Powered Toy Drive
December 15
Infineon Raceway will partner with Sonoma Valley youth groups this holiday season for the 10th annual High-Powered Toy Drive. People are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys between November 26 and December 10.
10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Free. Infineon Raceway, 29355 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. 707.933.3950. racesonoma.com.

Santa Flies In at Pacific Coast Air Museum
December 15
Santa Claus will fly in by helicopter to distribute bags of treats. Other activities will be provided such as arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo and air slide.
11 a.m. Free. Pacific Coast Air Museum, 2230 Becker Blvd., Santa Rosa. 707.575.7900. pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
December 23
Forty of Moscow Ballet’s top dancers perform Russia’s Nutcracker, set apart by its use of Russian fairytale characters and larger-than-life puppets.
3 p.m. and 7 p.m. $28 to $102. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 707.546.3600. Wellsfargocenterarts.org.

Romp with the Beasts 
at Safari West
December 31
Go wild this New Year’s and Romp with the Beasts at Safari West with great food, music and dancing. Book overnight accommodations in their luxury safari tents and enjoy breakfast with mimosas on New Years Day.
6 p.m. to midnight. $100 to $500. Safari West, 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa. 707.579.2551. safariwest.com/newyeareve.

Glitz and Gatsby
December 31
Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance will host its annual New Year’s Eve Gala that includes dinner, dancing and a silent auction with a Great Gatsby theme. There will be a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight.
7:30 p.m. $250. The Lodge at Sonoma, 1325 Broadway, Sonoma. 707.938.1990. sonomamentoring.org.
 

 

From the 2012 Fall issue of SONOMA