Comedy for the Holidays in Kenwood Depot

3RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOW 

AT KENWOOD DEPOT

Local Boys Turned Comedy Duo Come Home For More (Two Nights!)

Dec. 26th, 2011 (Mon) 5pm & 8pm

Dec. 27th, 2011 (Tue) 7:30pm

The Kenwood Depot

314 Warm Springs Road

Edgy music-driven comedy duo Dakaboom is two guys doing comedy that combines the musical genres of pop, opera, hip-hop, jazz, musical theatre and a cappella. One is a curly redhead with Franki Valli's sinuses and a keen sense of humor. The other is a wide-eyed brunette ingénue with old-fashioned flair, a flawless voice and an occasional mermaid costume. They're long-time best friends who reference the old-school vaudeville style, while manipulating it into a playful, modern art form. And they’re coming home to Sonoma County.

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River Family Christmas in Monte Rio Hall

“River Family Christmas” 

at the Russian River Hall in Monte Rio

By Kit Mariah

It is Thanksgiving weekend and at the River family household, all thoughts turn to Christmas. Hardly is the turkey finished, when preparations for the River family Christmas party get underway. Since Eleanor River’s four sons and their families live so far apart, they get together for just one weekend and celebrate two holidays. Though the usual observance is a month away, the River family finds a way to observe all the traditions of Christmas, while preparing for a big holiday party.

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Sonoma County Dance Theater

Dancin’ with Nancy 

SoCo Dance Theater Fall Concert with Nancy Lyons 

In their second year on the main stage of Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park, SoCo Dance Theater is proud to feature a collaborative work between guest artist and veteran choreographer Nancy Lyons and dancers of the company. The cast of dancers is multigenerational, ranging from 20-60 years.

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Altenberg Trio performs in Occidental

Rare Chance to Hear Masterful

Altenberg Trio Visiting From Vienna

at the Redwood Arts Council concert in Occidental

8 PM on Saturday, April 2

… played it with insightful, precisely controlled fury…nothing short of stunning. 

~The Washington Post

Since its debut in 1994, the Altenberg Trio has given over 1000 performances and earned a reputation as one of the most daring and consistent ensembles of its kind. The trio appears on April 2nd at 8 P.M. in the Occidental Center for the Arts with a program of Haydn’s Trio in d minor, Chausson’s Trio, Opus 3, and Brahms’ Trio in B Major, Opus 8.

One of only two ensembles ever awarded the Robert Schumann Award of the City of Zwickau since 1964, the trio’s repertoire encompasses over 200 piano trios, among them works composed specifically for the trio. It is the Trio-in-Residence of the Vienna Conservatory, and the trio performs regularly at the International Brahms Festival in Austria and provides master classes in Europe and the U.S.

The Altenberg Trio takes pride in remaining faithful to the style and tradition of the “Viennese sound” so often admired in reviews. Violinist Amiram Ganz plays a violin by Goffredo Cappa (1686) and cellist Alexander Gebert plays a cello by Nicolas Vuillaume (1800-1871). The trio currently has 10 recordings on the Challenge label in repertoire ranging from German and French classics to American music.

Pianist Claus-Christian Schuster was born in Vienna in 1952. He studied in Vienna, at Indiana University in Bloomington, and at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. From 1976 to 1986, Mr. Schuster taught at the Vienna Musikhochschule. He won awards at several international piano and chamber music competitions, performing as a soloist until 1984 when he founded the Vienna Schubert Trio, a regular guest at the most important music centers and renowned chamber music festivals. In 1994, he founded the Altenberg Trio Wien with his colleagues Amiram Ganz and Martin Hornstein.

Violinist Amiram Ganz was born in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1952. At the age of eleven he won the Jeunesses Musicales Competition and then continued his studies in the U.S. He then studied at the International Academy of Chamber Music in Rome, and between 1974 and 1979 at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. He became first concertmaster of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg in 1980. In 1994, he became a founding member of the Altenberg Trio of Vienna. Mr. Ganz teaches at the Strasbourg Conservatory and as a member of the trio, leads seminars for music majors at the Vienna Conservatory.

Cellist Alexander Gebert was born in 1977 to a musical family in Warsaw. He studied cello at the Turku Conservatory in Finland and later at the Sibelius Academy. From 1995 to 1998, he received a Polish state scholarship to study at the Chopin Academy in Warsaw. After graduation, he continued his studies at the Paris Conservatory. Mr. Gebert won his first international contest at the age of 16 and additional prizes as his studies progressed. In 2000, he played with the Orchestre de la Susse Romande, with Heinrich Schiff conducting. He performs widely both as a soloist and chamber musician at many prestigious venues. In 2004 he was invited to join the Altenberg Trio Vienna.

The concert takes place in the new Occidental Center for the Arts, located at the west end of Occidental. The new home for the Redwood Arts features great acoustics and excellent sight lines to the stage. 

This outstanding concert takes place at 8 PM on Saturday, April 2. Tickets may be purchased through brownpapertickets.com, at Handgoods in Occidental, and if available, at the concert. Prices are $25.00 for general admission, and $10.00 for full-time students with ID. Infants and very young children not recommended. For further information, visit redwoodarts.org or call 874-1124.

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Beth Zucchino performs at Church of the Incarnation

On Friday evening, October 8, an audience of approximately 35 people were beautifully entertained by Beth Zucchino at the 30 minute “Twilight” concert at Church of the Incarnation. Beth performed the “Sechs Stuecke in kanonischer Form,” Opus 56, by Robert Schumann. The six studies were originally written for pedal-piano.

The passion that Beth has for this music was clear by both her performance and in the remarks she made about the music. Beth made the music come alive without overstating any selection. All six were well balanced as a group.

Beth began learning Opus 56 last July. She chose it because it is gorgeous music, her own personal love of the literature, and because 2010 is the 200th birth anniversary of Schumann. Beth spoke of the zeal which both Robert and Clara Schumann had for the contrapuntal works of J.S. Bach and spoke of the personal and professional setting in 1845 for the Schumanns.

In the program notes, Beth listed each selection with its intended expression in German, with a brief English translation. Beth volunteered that her effort in translating the German was of particular interest to her:

Nicht zu schnell = not too fast
Mit innigem Ausdruck – with intimate expression
Andantino = faster than a moderately slow tempo
Inning = inmost, heartfelt
Nicht zu schnell = not too fast
Adagio = slowly, at ease (literally)

I asked Beth about her registrations. She has generously described them all, even though she never actually wrote them down, either at home or at Church of the Incarnation during her preparation. (Perhaps they are still on Memory Level 16):

No. 1 8’, 4’ and 2’ (flues)
No. 2 8’ flues (two combinations), opening one more fully, second more diminished to follow closing dynamic indicated
No. 3 8’ and 4’ (flues), two manuals used throughout
No. 4 8’ (flues), more full as above, plus swell oboe 8’
No. 5 thru mixtures and reeds in both manual divisions and pedal
(coupled, boxes closed)
No. 6 8’ strings, flutes, celestes plus 16’ and 8’ in pedal (keeping it light) –
Beth’s description of this is “moosh!”

Beth used the swell pedal with discretion, mostly following the composer’s indications.
The inner structure and character of each study was presented very clearly by Beth through her articulation and registration choices. The overall structure had a momentum from beginning to end. An underlying gentle, rhythmic pulse gave the entire program a sense of vitality and momentum.

After the concert I asked Beth if I could look at her score. Several days later I realized there were hardly any pencil marks in it from her study and practice. I asked her about this. Beth wrote back that “she has always had a strong sense of playing various styles sans academics. She wanted to leave her heart free to interpret in any given moment what inspired her.”

I then understood why I had tears in my eyes as Beth was nearly finished playing Study No. 6 and I wished she would repeat the entire program. All sorts of visual images were going through my mind. It was as though the story was ending and I was a captivated reader not wanting to close the book. Certainly all of us could have listened to another 30 minutes of such an expressive and well-tailored program

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Roy Rogers Guerneville Benefit Concert cut short

Life is Precious. 

Tonight while enjoying an inspired performance by Roy Rogers at the Rotary benefit concert in Guerneville, the power blew and Roy Rogers left the stage with chest pains, needing emergency treatment. Last we saw him was on a gurney with an oxygen mask on his face being put into an ambulance. Please wish him well. He was hot, the night was hot so who knows if that was all too much. We'll wait and hope for the best.

Thank you Roy!

UPDATE from Gaynell Rogers...

Roy Rogers Show Cut Short Due to Chest Pain

Recovering Well in Santa Rosa Hospital

At Saturday nights benefit concert in Guerneville (Sonoma County, California) after the power went out during the show, Roy Rogers suffered severe chest pain and was taken by ambulance to Sutter Hospital in Santa Rosa.  A quick on their feet Emergency Team & Cardiology unit assessed the pain, diagnosed and treated a mild heart attack.  A stint was inserted quickly and he is now resting and recovering well.

“God pulled the plug on the power so that he wouldn’t have to pull the plug on you,” said long time fan and co-writer Donna Johnston.

As the Doctors told Roy  - “It wasn’t your time.”

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Cloverdale Heats up Friday Night Live

ORGONE’S 

COSMIC GROOVE POWERS 

UP THE NIGHT

…DOWNTOWN CLOVERDALE 

AT THE PLAZA

LA-based Orgone brings its heavy brand of raw funk power to the Friday Night Live stage in downtown Cloverdale. With funk, soul, afrobeat, and deep rhythms, Orgone is known for searing live sets and original instrumentals.

The original 5-member band put their own gritty takes on tunes by the likes of the JBs, the Meters, Booker T. and the MGs, Grant Green and Funkadelic among many others. They grew fast to include a powerful three-piece horn section and a fiery soul singer, Fanny Franklin.

RELIX magazine says, “Their music is terrifically unfussy, big slabs of grizzled R&B, greasy as fatback and thick as a very particular kind of smoke…recalls the majesty of Sly & the Family Stone.” XLR8R raves “lead singer Fanny Franklin fits in very nicely between Sharon Jones and Amy Winehouse. Orgone’s sound is…organic, rooted in soul, funk, boogaloo, and jazz, with a classic appeal that’s…contemporary, smooth and soulful.

Friday Night Live fans should come ready to get down and party. Expect one non-stop cosmic groove!

Friday Night Live festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with the Cloverdale Certified Farmers Market which offers fresh local produce, arts, crafts and food, or sample local restaurants offering early bird and late night specials. Music starts at 7 p.m. Arrive early for limited seating or bring your own lawn chair. Craft beer, local wines, non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Friday Night Live respectfully asks that you help us comply with the conditions of our ABC permit by not bringing outside alcoholic beverages to the concerts and disposing of any alcoholic beverages purchased at the shows before you leave.

Friday Night Live is produced by the Cloverdale Arts Alliance with underwriting support from the City of Cloverdale and a number of generous local businesses and winery sponsors. The Orgone concert is underwritten in part by Antiques & Uniques. Winery sponsors are Hanna Winery and Long Gamma. Major sponsors for the 2010 series are Furber Development, A&M Satellite/Dish Network, Lagunitas Brewing Company/Miller Lite, Redwood Credit Union and Real Goods Solar. Media Sponsors are Cloverdale Reveille, KRCB-FM and KZST-FM.

Out-of-town visitors can receive a lodging discount by calling Historic Inns of Cloverdale at (800) 894-1737 and mentioning Friday Night Live. For more information visit www.cloverdaleartsalliance.org or call (707) 894-4410. Or www.orgonespace.com; www.myspace.com/orgone.

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Cloverdale Comments: FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE!

We're one of "America's Coolest Small Towns"! Many thanks to Sonoma Gazette readers who cast ballots for Cloverdale in Budget Travel Magazine's 2010 "Readers Poll". With 74,390 votes we are #2 in the nation and that means good news for all of Sonoma County.

And it's a good bet that Friday Night Live (FNL), our free concert series, is one reason we did so well. When I saw the 2010 band lineup, I knew it would bring us and our visitors another sizzling summer of happy, crowd-pleasing, got-to-get-up-and-dance nights in our Downtown Plaza.

Like almost everyone in town, as well as folks around the county and beyond, Roz and I mark our calendars for every Friday evening from June 11th through September 3rd. Starting at 5:30 p.m. for the Cloverdale Certified Farmers Market we stroll about enjoying fresh local produce, arts, crafts and whatever great food, craft beer, local wines and non-alcoholic beverages* strike our fancy or we may take advantage of the popular local restaurants offering early bird and late night specials.

Then, at 7 p.m., the music and festivities start in the Plaza where, especially on Friday nights, there are no strangers only new friends. Singles, couples, kids, grandparents and the occasional, but always well-behaved, pooch--everyone makes a "Genuinely Cloverdale" small town evening of it! We either take a seat in front of the bandstand or bring our own lawn chairs and set them up early along the Plaza. Out-of-town visitors can get a lodging discount by calling Historic Inns of Cloverdale (800) 894-1737 and mentioning Friday Night Live.

Once again the all-volunteer Cloverdale Arts Alliance (http://www.cloverdaleartsalliance.org), which produces the ragingly popular series with underwriting support from the City of Cloverdale and a number of generous local businesses and winery sponsors, has delivered something special for every taste. Take a look and then plan on being with us:

June 11: Zigaboo Modeliste, sponsored by Real Goods Solar & Pedroncelli
New Orleans Legend called "the Godfather of Groove", Ziggy takes us to funk depths no one else could possibly reach.

June 18: Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88s, sponsored by Ace Hardware & Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Inspired by the great jump n' boogie outfits of the late 40s and early 50s this is the music that gave birth to good old "rock n' roll".

June 25: Orgone, sponsored by Antiques & Uniques, Hanna Winery and Long Gamma Wines
RELIX magazine says, "...terrifically unfussy, big slabs of grizzled R&B, greasy as fatback ...recalls the majesty of Sly & the Family Stone."

July 2: Bill Noteman & the Rockets, sponsored by Century 21/Les Ryan Realtors & Lone Oak Winery
Blend of Chicago blues and rock and roll known as "West Coast Jump". Classic "roadhouse sound".

July 9: Mark Stuart & the Bastard Sons, sponsored by Ron & Jane Pavelka/Frank Howard Allen & Trentadue Winery
Austin, Texas band burns up the road with a high-octane groove in the spirit of Country Outlaws like Willie and the Man in Black.

July 16: SambaDa, sponsored by Redwood Credit Union, deLorimier Winery & Reynoso Vineyards
Mixing contemporary sounds with the roots of Brazilian culture. Irresistible samba-reggae-funk style that gets people up and dancing.

July 23: Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, sponsored by A&M Satellite/Dish Network & Trione Winery
Sultry vocals, classic jazz, swing blues. Authentic 40s and 50s style recalls Bessie Smith and Dinah Washington. Inspires, entertains.

July 30: Steve Pile Band, sponsored by Exchange Bank & Foppiano Vineyards
Down home voice of a country crooner. Blues, rock and melodic African guitar music topped off with a little cowboy swagger.

August 6: Carne Cruda, sponsored by Reuser, Inc. & Mirassou Wines
World's premier Post-Latin band! Unbridled energy. Blending Surf with Cumbia, Son with Soca, traditional with indie.

August 13: Gator Beat, sponsored by KRCB-FM & the Outlaw 7 Artisan Winery Group
Brand of South Louisiana music, combining traditional Cajun, Zydeco, New Orleans R&B to weave masterpiece of live energy.

August 20: Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys, sponsored by Dolph Green, Kristin Kurpinsky/Edward Jones & Mendocino Vineyards
One of the world's most respected practitioners of American roots music, western swing, rockabilly, traditional country.

August 27: The Uptones, sponsored by Ray’s Market & Clos du Bois Winery
One of the most popular bands in the Bay Area. Rolling Stone says: "Sitting down at an Uptones show is like keeping your eyes shut at a movie."

September 3: Earl Thomas & the Blues Ambassadors, sponsored by Furber Development & Cellar 8/Souverain Wines
Four-time San Diego Music Award winner. One of world's most respected blues artists, a latter day Otis Redding brings down the house as our season finale.

* FNL respectfully asks that we help them comply with the conditions of their ABC permit by not bringing outside alcoholic beverages to the concerts and disposing of any alcoholic beverages purchased at the shows before we leave.

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Sebastappeal ~ Vaudeville's Back

The Sebastopol Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be a sponsor of the long-running Vaudeville troupe the New Old Time Chautauqua that comes to the Analy High School Theater in Sebastopol on Saturday, June 26 at 7:30 PM. The show is an artful evening that blends the raucous and the sublime-juggling, folk music, acrobatic dance, new music, Sousa marches, lasso and a cowgirl. Old-Time, new time, good time. With performances for all ages, the event promises to be fun for the whole family.

For over thirty years, the New Old Time Chautauqua (NOTC) has delighted audiences throughout the states with a unique collection of both internationally acclaimed and up-and-coming entertainers. An NOTC Variety Show features comedy, music and variety acts for an evening of fun and merriment for the whole family. The house band, the Fighting Instruments of Karma Marching Chamber Band/Orchestra, accompanies each performance with rousing music and zany wisecracks.

The NOTC was founded in 1981 by a group of adventurous performers, health care practitioners and educators, including the world-famous juggling comedians the Flying Karamazov Brothers and Dr. Patch Adams, known to millions through Robin Williams’ portrayal in the movie "Patch Adams."

The show will feature the Flying Karamazov Brothers (world famous Jugglers and Masters of Cheap Theatrics), Mark Growden, Scuff & Boom Boom, Islando and Shannon, Poetic Motion Machine, Stephen "Foolio" Bent, Fyodor Karamazov, Dusty Rhodes and her Handsome Cowboy, Revolva, Vanessa Vortex, Mamazon, Thaddeus Spae and the Fighting Instruments of Karma Marching Band/Orchestra.

They mix innovative music and circus skills with humor and spirit in a respectful nod to variety entertainment of years gone by. From the 1870s to the 1920s, similar groups that also traveled under the moniker of Chautauqua roamed the countryside, bringing entertainment and education to rural communities across America. Theodore Roosevelt once called the traveling Chautauquas "the most American thing in America." Sadly, this form of live entertainment faded with the growing popularity of radio and motion pictures.

Tickets for this uniquely entertaining vaudeville show are $10.00. Advance tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com and People's Music in Sebastopol.

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Classical Sonoma - MUSIC REVIEWS

Log on to this web site Classical Sonoma - below - to learn about concerts performed by exceptional musicians in the Classical tradition. Beth Zucchino turned me on to this site and organization and I want to share her passion with you... specifically a review of organ music performed by Shin-Ae Chun. But there's more - save the site with Bookmark so you stay informed of classical music concerts in Sonoma County: http://classicalsonoma.org/

POISE AND VIRTUOSITY IN ALL-BACH ORGAN RECITAL
by James Harrod
Sunday, March 21, 2010

Organ music enthusiasts had the opportunity March 21 to hear a flawless recital of Bach’s music, played by Shin-Ae Chun at Resurrection Parish on Stony Point Road. Ms. Chun is choir director and organist at Toledo’s First Congregational Church and her Santa Rosa concert was produced by the Creative Arts Series.

Honoring Bach’s birthday (March 21, 1685) in the program “Dancing Bach,” Ms. Chun played compositions representative of the Leipzig master’s organ music over his lifetime. Included were the youthful Prelude and Fugue in G, BWV 550, the Concerto in D, BWV 596 (composed in Bach’s Weimer period), Pastorella, BWV 590, Prelude and Fugue in g, BWV 535, Vivace from the Trio Sonata in G, BWV 530, Schmuecke dich, o liebe Seele (from Chorales, BWV 654), and Piece d’Orgue, BWV 572.

In the opening work Ms. Chun immediately showed great poise at the console with a clean articulated Baroque touch, even tempo, and steady “dancing” foot tapping energy. She played at a quick pace in virtuoso style with perfectly clean lines. The fugue was presented with clear phrasing and unclouded thematic figures. In the same way her interpretation of the G Minor Prelude and Fugue showed Bach’s recurring figures in perfect balance and measured touch. The lightning fast arpeggios of the first and last movements of the Piece d’Orgue were executed brilliantly. The Vivace from the Trio Sonata, arguably a great test of an organist’s nervous system, was played elegantly with three perfectly balanced musical voices.

The five short movements of the Concerto in D gave us a different but important Bach at the organ. In contrast to the church sounds of the Chorale Schmuecke dich and the majestic middle section of the Piece d‘Orgue, the Concerto is a transposition from a Vivaldi composition, written for a small string ensemble in the Italian style of the period and adopted by Bach for the organ in 1717. Ms. Chun played the concerto delicately with light articulation, even phrasing, and expressive registration, apropos of Vivaldi’s original.

The most discerning interpretation in Ms. Chun’s program may have been the Pastorella. This composition, often misplayed by organists with muddy sonics, was presented here with the clean delicacy of dew on a quietly pasture at dawn. Soft foundations were used for the opening 8/12 meter rocking rhythms and bell tone flutes and a “bag pipe” reed solo in the responding movements. The effect was refreshing!

Throughout the program, Ms. Chun used appropriate and varied Baroque stop registrations for Bach’s music which were sensitive and never too loud, the rich tones never overbearing.

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Organ, Piano & Harpsichord Recital - Book of Noels

Organist, Harpsichordist and Pianist, Beth Zucchino performs Alexandre Guilmant

Organ Recital at Incarnation Episcopal Church
By Maria Vilaboy

My family and I attended the Presentation of the First Book of Noels, Opus 60 of Felix-Alexandre Guilmant given by organist, harpsichordist and pianist, Beth Zucchino. The concert was a series of Noels from the 1800’s written by the French organist-composer Alexandre Guilmant. The music was really enjoyable and festive. My favorite piece was the Offertorie (no. 3) sur le noel Joseph est bien marie as parts of it reminded me a little of Beethoven’s Gloria mass that is often performed during the holidays.

Listening to these carols in this older, beautiful church really added to the experience as well as it was easy to imagine hearing these songs at a Sunday service back in the 19th century.
One of the songs sounded sort of Irish and after the program the organist mentioned that it was actually a Scottish drinking song. Supposedly back in those days the churches tried to get more people to attend services so they sometimes incorporated familiar songs of the day.

Although much of the music sounded lovely and simple, it didn’t seem like it would be simple to play. The organist really used her whole body, playing the keys, pushing buttons and pressing pedals with her feet. Watching her feet was very interesting as they really moved on some songs and I was really impressed with how many things she was doing at once. I have always been a fan of pipe organs and but this one was different than any I had seen before. After the concert, several of us were standing close to the organ admiring it but it would have been really nice if someone could have described or explained in general how the organ works.

The organist also talked a little about the composer before the program and she mentioned that he wrote this series of pieces for his 18 year old daughter who was an organist at their family’s church. It made me think that although we have come so far in many ways especially with technology since the 1800’s, it seems we have lost such an important part of our culture. Back then it seemed like it was common for many children to learn to play music and to even become accomplished musicians. Now it seems that even though our society listens to more music than in the old days and there is much more music available to hear, there are unfortunately less of us actually playing it.

For more information on Classical Sonoma – please visit their web site: www.ClassicalSonoma.org

And to learn more about Beth Zucchino's concerts, etc. - please visit
http://www.CreativeArtsSeries.com
and
http://www.ConcertArtistCooperative.com

And for your listening pleasure – try Michael Barone's nationally distributed, well-received, and long-time American Public Media-based program "Pipe Dreams" exploring the art of the pipe organ as one of numerous possible references. Pipedreams is a nationally broadcasted radio station in the US. ~ http://pipedreams.publicradio.org/listings/2009/0950

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Occidental News & Events

Well, not to be too obvious, but summer is definitely over and fall is here! By the time you read and digest this, Harmony / Salmon Creek School’s Harvest Fair will have come and passed and, you will undoubtedly have had a great time!

Not too many submissions this month, so I’m going to wax on a bit about what’s going on at school. The OCA (see below) also seems to have gotten used to submitting press pieces and I hope “my readers” (I truly am LOL when I write that) are supporting this great, committed group.

Harmony / Salmon Creek School
The school year is fully underway now, with all sorts of initiatives taking place to better our campus and curriculum. Much involves the effort to integrate the recently completed Falls Center into the geography of the school. To whit, a large thank you to Laurel, her garden students, and volunteer parents and community members who planted the northwest corner outside the Center. Plans are now underway to finish the west side, the triangular “peninsula” of land in the parking area, and to install drip irrigation to all newly landscaped areas.

After more than four years without a safe soccer field, and virtually any playground equipment, plans are nearing completion to remedy the situation. I have a vision of school students, as well as children not yet in school, visiting families, and other area residents, being able to come and play on world-class, safe, fun, educational/exercise playground equipment.

When you think about it, there is very little play area for our children in the West County area. The school is the logical location for the community to support this kind of investment as it’s got the acreage and the facilities, and is one of the unifying institutions of our entire area. I think even non-parents understand how important good quality, attractive, inviting schools are to maintaining and enhancing property values, so everyone in the Occidental area should be interested in this project.

As much time and effort as have already been contributed by many, the work is still not finalized. As we speak, a committee is forming, consisting of parents, school staff, and community members to fast-track plans to purchase playground equipment during a special, yearly sale. Please call me regarding how you can contribute to the playground facilities drive, 707.874.3669.

Occidental Center for the Arts
A quick caveat emptor to you regarding some of the dates/times. This being West County, things truly are subject to change without notice. So always call and confirm plays/shows/events as the Vincent for Kids was cancelled earlier this month.

On Wednesday, November 11th, at 7 p.m., Stories of Thanksgiving will be presented by members of Rising Moon Playback Theater. This unique interactive improvisation experience will bring to life the audience's Thanksgiving stories.

Using words, music, and ritual, Rising Moon creates theater on the spot from everyday real-life stories told by the audience. You are invited to tell a story about Thanksgiving Day: the meal, the family, or whatever you wish to share. It may be a sad story, a funny story, or simply about something for which you feel grateful. Magic will unfold whether you tell your story or just watch.

Proceeds will benefit Occidental Center for the Arts; location—the Union Hotel, Bocce Ballroom, 3703 Main Street, Occidental. Suggested donation is $15-$25 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. A fixed price dinner is available, 5:30-7:00, for $15, which includes salad, bread, and pasta or pizza. Call 707.874.9392 or visit www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org for reservations.

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A Bit of Musical Pleasure for You - Why Not!

African Thunderstorm

This fun YouTube video features a 1980s pop classic. The rock band Toto scored their biggest hit with Africa in 1982. The song is instantly recognizable. But it has been reinvented.

Perpetuum Jazzile is an a cappella jazz choir from Slovenia. It’s hard to think of something further from an ‘80s rock band. But their version of Africa may best the original. The group has amazing voices.

But the beginning of this video is really striking. Group members simulate an African thunderstorm with their hands. It’s really something to see and hear.

http://videos.komando.com/2009/06/18/african-thunderstorm/

Life is Fun when you take the time to enjoy it!

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Rick Reynolds: Only the Truth is Funny

Rick Reynold at Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma

By Vesta Copestakes

Would I have gone to this show if I hadn't been invited with a Press Pass? Probably not because I'm a workaholic - and that only reminds me of the many experiences I miss while working too many hours. Not seeing Rick Reynold perform at Cinnabar Theater would have been a sad loss. I was impressed, entertained and touched by his wisdom and delivery.

My partner Alan loves stand-up comedy, so on the off-chance that he would say yes - he, too is a workaholic - I forwarded Dave Pokorny's invitation via e-mail. Dave is one of the people who books shows into Cinnebar - each person books their area of expertise and Dave's is comedy. He's known Rick Reynolds for years and admires his work. This was a perfect fit for Cinnabar.

Rick Reynolds lives in Petaluma and is re-emerging after a respite from professional theater/comedy while he raised his children. He opened the show with a testament to the truth in what we were about to experience. The title of his show is “Only the Truth is Funny: Mid-Life at the Oasis.” This show is based on his life experiences and what he has learned over the years. Rick's ability to blend depth-of-life experience with comedy is what impressed me the most. There was so much to personally relate to, all wrapped in Rick's amazing capacity to tell the tale, make it funny, and hit home with the impact of truth.

Right from the start Rick opens with his concept of the three most important truths to life. That if you grew up feeling loved as a child, believe in God and have a fulfilling love relationship...life is good. And this is the platform from which he springs into snippets of wisdom learned from a profoundly difficult childhood, through marriage and children to where he is today. Along the journey we howled with laughter, felt the sting of hard truths, the nod of recognition of shared experiences, and awe for Rick's ability to deliver a broad range of life experiences told through the lens of laughter.

Both Alan and I came away with respect for Rick Reynold's talent as a performer as well as his intelligence and ability to communicate with his stories. This is a show you should not miss. And yes, you will laugh - Rick is honestly funy.

Rick will be performing at Cinnebar Theater in Petaluma:
June 19, 20, 26, 27
July 2, 3, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
August 5 and 6 all at 8:00.

$20 presale/$25 at the door

Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, CA 94952
Ofc: 707-763-8920 Fax: 707-763-8929

http://www.cinnabartheater.org/

and while you are on the web site - check out the broad range of music/theater/comedy season coming up.

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