Fire Circle Theater, a new Sonoma County-based theater company, wants to give everyone some time in the spotlight.
Formed by four friends, who met as theater students at the Santa Rosa Junior College, the nonprofit’s mission is to empower people of different backgrounds to “reflect on their lives and express their perspectives artistically.” On March 23, they will host the ReVerberation Festival at Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park.
In keeping with Fire Circle’s mission, the inaugural festival will feature performances by Alchemia, an arts program for adults with developmental disabilities, and SRJC’s Second Chance Club, a program for formerly incarcerated students. Other acts run the gamut from NPR’s Snap Judgement’s performer of the year, Jamie DeWolf, to a dramatization of two Coffey Park residents’ experience of the Tubbs Fire and its aftermath.
To further include festival-goers in the event, there will be an interactive pre-show with live music, poetry writing- and comic drawing workshops, art exhibits and open mic. The aim with the festival, as with all of the theater company’s endeavors, is to bridge communities through artistic expression.
NPR’s Snap Judgement’s performer of the year, Jamie DeWolf, will host the ReVerberation Festival.
Community-building is a central theme for the four founders of Fire Circle Theater – Rush Cosgrove, Matt Cadigan, Brett Molik and Kevin Bordi. In seeking to engage with contemporary issues, such as political division and the effects of modern technology on communication, they draw inspiration from the fire circles of early civilizations – traditional gathering places where people would come together to tell stories, sing and dance.
Fire Circle co-founder Rush Cosgrove, who holds a doctorate in education from Cambridge, grew up in rural Tomales and experienced the social dynamics of living in a smaller community.
“In the online space, you can unfriend and never hear from someone again. In a small town, you literally can’t do that,” says Cosgrove. “The ability for redemption is greater here.” He adds that our tech-driven connectivity makes people “hyper-focused” yet, at the same time, “tuned out” and “sniping at each other over nothing.”
In addition to providing a name for the theater company, the fire circle also serves as a model for their creative activities – in Fire Circle productions, everyone is allowed a turn to share their thoughts and be at the center of attention.
Dre aka Duke the Bossman will perform at the ReVerberation Festival.
The group also offers workshop programs to schools as well as businesses. The business workshops usually explore how a company’s values might align with those of employees. This is done through creative exercises using writing prompts, improvisation or movement that tease out the voice and perspectives of each participant.
While some workshop participants might choose not to perform, they are often “open-minded enough to observe,” says co-founder Matt Cadigan, improv comedian, actor, director, educator and a graduate of the Meisner Technique Studio of San Francisco. “There’s incredible value in watching colleagues do that work—people often see something they can empathize with,” he adds.
The founders of Fire Circle Theater believe that this shared creative experience, be it in a theater or workshop setting, is the best way to foster healthy communities. While great art might of course come out of these endeavors, the main focus, according to Cadigan, is to invite and inspire people to “investigate their own lives and find strength in the ways others articulate their own experience.”
What: Reverberation: A Festival of Community Voices When: March 23, 2019, doors open at 5:00 p.m. Where: Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. Tickets: Tickets, $10, are available at reverberation.brownpapertickets.com More information: firecircletheater.org.
Fire Circle Theater’s advisory: The themes and language of the performances may be uncomfortable for some. The minimum age for performers is 16. Parents with questions about whether this show is appropriate for their child may contact Fire Circle Theater at general@firecircletheater.org
Northern Sonoma County has a blissful far-from-everything feel. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to explore here – on the contrary. In addition to the countryside charm, wineries and restaurants, the towns of Cloverdale and Geyserville boast carefully curated main street shops with offerings that range from designer textiles to vintage finds (in a tasting room!). With a Sculpture Trail connecting the two towns, a trip up north makes for a fun off-the-beaten-path excursion. Click through the gallery for details.
There are plenty of reasons to get outdoors and enjoy springtime in Sonoma. As the weather warms up, several events celebrate local food, wine, beer, nature and community. Click through the gallery for local events not to miss in March, April and May. And don’t miss our upcoming lineup of film festivals to visit.
Auction Napa Valley, the Super Bowl of wine charity events, has been attracting the well-heeled and famous since 1981. Taking place over the course of four days, with the main event – the live auction – on a Saturday, the annual extravaganza has been attended by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Jay Leno, John Legend and Robin Williams. Tickets to the 2019 live auction range between $2000 and $10,000 per person.
This year, pop music star Katy Perry and celebrity chef Ayesha Curry will headline the live auction, which will be held at St. Helena’s Meadowood on June 1. Perry will kick off the bidding with a short set of her greatest hits. Curry, who owns barbecue restaurant chain International Smoke together with chef Michael Mina, will prepare the post-auction dinner over an open fire along with other chefs from the Michael Mina family.
Now in its 39th year, Auction Napa Valley has donated more than $185 million in proceeds toward community health and children’s education in Napa County. Attendees to the event can expect luxurious lots and some serious bidding: last year, a lot donated by Opus Wine Winery, featuring four six-liter bottles of Opus One wine, a trip to France for two couples and tickets to the grand masked ball at Château de Versailles, sold twice for $1.4 million in total.
In addition to the live auction and epic after party, this year’s Auction Napa Valley also includes vintner welcome parties and vintner-hosted dinners, a Friday barrel auction at Louis M. Martini Winery (a “steal” at $550 per person), and a “wine country farewell brunch” at Wheeler Farms in St. Helena. The 2019 event will also serve as a celebration of the 75th anniversary of Napa Valley Vintners, the organization that runs Auction Napa Valley.
There’s so much to love about the town of Sonoma. The restaurants and tasting rooms are obvious perks but there are some great shopping destinations too, all within walking distance from your latest wine-sipping and food-nibbling stop. Don’t know where to start? Click through the gallery for five Sonoma Plaza boutiques with a distinctive style. (Please note: this is by no means an exhaustive list of great shops around the Sonoma Plaza, so consider this just the beginning of your retail adventure).
Cheese Festival Adds Cheese Week for Cheese’s Sake
Get funky during the first annual California Artisan Cheese Week (March 16-24), which takes place in conjunction with the 13th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival, March 23-24.The spin-off of the year’s dairy-best fest features more than 30 restaurants, grocers and wineries offering up special cheese plates, tastings, pairings, and fromage-friendly dishes on their menus throughout the week.
Among the restaurants, Mercato Pasta & Produce, which will have a special mac and cheese (630 Third St., Santa Rosa), Backyard in Forestville, Estero Cafe in Valley Ford and Girl & The Fig in Sonoma, Gravenstein Grill in Sebastopol and Kelly & Young Wines in Cloverdale.
The Cheese Festival is two full days of tours, pairings and demos culminating in the Cheese, Bites & Booze event at the Jackson Family Wines Hangar at the Sonoma Jet Center where cheesemakers, chefs and cheesemongers serve up the cream of the, well, cheese bites for attendees.
The Big Cheese event, however, is the Artisan Cheese Marketplace and Tasting where more than 100 cheese and food producers, winemakers, brewers, distillers, and chefs offer up nibbles and sips galore. The event takes place at Grace Pavillion at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds and tickets are $50 per person.
The polarizing mint-colored exterior paint of the short-lived Mint & Libertycafe in Sonoma is about to be a thing of the past. Under the new ownership of the Chavez family, the restaurant will get a new lease on life— as well as a new paint job — as Picazo Kitchen and Bar, opening April 1 in the Maxwell Village shopping center just outside of downtown Sonoma.
Exactly what color is still being decided, but “it will definitely be more Picazo-ish,” says Sal Jr., referring to the bustling Picazo Cafe on Arnold Drive he has operated with his family for more than a decade.
They’ll be bringing their signature burgers, salads, sandos and bowls over to the new space, but it’s a foray into dinner, a full cocktail bar and even a late night menu that has the new owners really excited.
Sal’s wife, Kina Chavez, who has managed Picazo Cafe for the last several years, will also take the reins of the new eatery. She’s working on an evening menu that includes specialty dishes like Maria’s Chicken Mole (a recipe from her mother), steak and chimichurri, Picazo Ramen Noodles as well as their breakfast chilaquiles. Sweets from Sal Sr., which are a Picazo mainstay, will also make an appearance on the dessert menu.
“There are a lot of items on the dinner menu that are new and fun, but we’re still trying to cook in our own way. That ideology will persist,” said Sal Jr.
“The pressure and demand of us doing dinner has been consistent for two years,” said Sal Jr., of the limited breakfast and lunch hours of the Picazo Cafe on Arnold Drive. “We always contemplated it,” he said, so when the opportunity to take over the Mint & Liberty location came up, the couple quickly grabbed the space.
“Kina’s in the driver’s seat,” said Chavez. She’ll be working with their existing kitchen manager, Jose Ruiz, on some new menu items. Ruiz, ironically, used to work at Mint & Liberty and its earlier iteration, Breakaway Cafe, in the evenings after doing his shift at Picazo, so he’s familiar with the kitchen, Chavez said.
The new restaurant has a full bar license, meaning cocktails and spirits will be a part of the new lineup as well.
“The space is so loungy and super welcoming,” said Chavez. “I can’t imagine a better setting for some wine and cocktails or late night dates for Sonoma. We’re gonna have some fun.”
Kathleen Hill of our sister newspaper, the Sonoma Index-Tribune, first reported this story. Click here for her article.
Peri Olsson of Santa Rosa takes her dog Teddy on a walk at Taylor Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve in Santa Rosa. (Alvin Jornada/The Press Democrat)
Now that spring is in the air and in your step, here are a few Sonoma-based finds for an outdoor adventure. All these wonderful items are Bay Area made, and some are straight out of the 707—click through the above gallery for details.
Whether you call ‘em doughnuts or donuts; cake or yeast; jelly-filled or straight up glazed, it’s always time for these fried bits of heaven. But wasting calories on a day-old mess just isn’t worth it. Click through the gallery for some of our favorites across the county.
Have more favorites we missed? Let us know in the comments.
City Garden Doughnuts & Coffee, Santa Rosa: City Garden is one of the newer players in the doughnut game. Using brioche dough, their donuts take a subtler approach with intensely-flavored glazes made with fresh fruit or rich chocolate. Richer, but less greasy than a regular donut, they are totally crave-worthy. 1200 4th St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-1932
Donuts & Bagel Cafe, Santa Rosa: Food-choosy friends swear this is the best donut cafe in town. Always packed, jelly are a favorite. Donut holes are also awesome. 750 Stony Point Rd, Santa Rosa, 707-284-1012.
BurtoNZ Bakery, Windsor: You can thank the Kiwis for coming up with a cream and raspberry filled donut that’s about the best thing since sliced bread. Though it lacks the traditional hole in the middle, this New Zealand specialty is a not-too-sweet fried torpedo rolled in sugar, split down the middle and stuffed with whipped cream and a schmear of seedless raspberry jam. Ohhh, so good with morning coffee or an evening dessert, or any time in between. 9076 Brooks Rd S, Windsor, 707-687-5455.
Jelly Donut, Santa Rosa: My favorite raspberry jelly donut. Open 24 hours. ’Nuf said. 443 Dutton Ave, Ste 10, Santa Rosa, 707-544-8494.
Donut City, Santa Rosa: Wait, actually this is also my favorite raspberry jelly donut. Just not open 24 hours. 331 Guerneville Rd # M, Santa Rosa, 707-579-9955.
Crystal’s Corner, Santa Rosa: If you need a burger with your donut, here’s the place. Decent donuts served up friendly. Right next to Whole Foods to make you feel extra guilty. 1185 Yulupa Ave, Santa Rosa, 707-545-5668.
Krispy Kreme, Rohnert Park: What once was lost, now is found. Krispy Creme has returned to Sonoma County, this time just a little further south, but much closer to an off-ramp. Look for the “Hot Now” neon sign to find out when donuts are at their freshest. Plus, they’re open until 11p.m. for late night munchies. 5090 Redwood Dr, Rohnert Park, (707) 521-9154.
Bright Bear Bakery, Petaluma: You had us at Strawberry Buttercream Cronut. A cross between the flaky goodness of a croissant and the fried perfection of a donut, this hybrid breakfast — let’s be honest, anytime — treat is a specialty. 2620 Lakeville Hwy., Petaluma, 707-787-7411.
Dunkin’ Donuts, Petaluma: The first outpost of this East Coast and Midwest donut favorite arrived in Petaluma to the delight of transplants. In addition to their legendary coffee, donuts come in every flavor of the rainbow. Because that’s what donuts are made of…rainbows and love. 435 N McDowell Blvd Suite 50, Petaluma, (707) 408-2100.
Keny’s Donuts, Petaluma: A longtime local favorite that’s been around for more than two decades. 202 Douglas St., Petaluma, 707-765-3961.
Sunrise Donuts, Petaluma: Chocolate cake and blueberry donuts are special favorites at this neighborhood spot. 68 E Washington St., Petaluma, 707-762-6601
Donut Den, Petaluma: Donuts. Chinese food. While the combo may be a little off-beat, this small Petaluma restaurant does both equally well. 1390 N. McDowell Blvd # J, Petaluma, 707-792-1312.
Danish & Donuts, Sonoma: Crullers are a specialty at Sonoma’s Danish & Donuts, along with yeasty donuts with sprinkles, and maybe a danish or two if you get there early. Boston creme’s get top billing. 18580 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma, 707-938-1333.
Flaky Cream Do-Nuts & Coffee Shop, Healdsburg: A favorite coffee shop since the 1960s, this classic has full breakfast and lunch. But it’s the donuts in the window every morning that have been drawing kids and hungry grown-ups to this spot for more than 50 years. They even have a “buy 5 get one free” deal for their donuts. Amazing glazed donuts. 441 Center Street, Healdsburg, 707-433-3895.
Zazu Kitchen + Farm, Sebastopol: Due to the recent flooding, Zazu is temporarily closed. We’re looking forward to their maple-glazed donuts with bacon jimmies once they reopen.
Want to usher in spring with some culture? In Sonoma County, art exhibitions and gallery shows are in full bloom this month.
Fulton Crossing Open Studios, Fulton, March 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The Fulton Crossing Artisan Center hosts an open studio show on the third Friday of every month, displaying the works of its tenants. Featured artist this month is Jaclyn Finkle, who will showcase a series of line work paintings titled “Unspoken Words.” Finkle, a San Francisco Art Institute graduate, referred to the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat when she began incorporating words into her paintings and portraits. There will be live music and complimentary wine at the event. Fulton Crossing Gallery, Fulton. For more information, contact the gallery at 707-331-4348.
Postcards from Healdsburg Art Exhibit, Healdsburg, March 14-17: Like most visitors to Wine Country, Susa Solero spent her most recent sojourn in Healdsburg taking photographs. Unlike most visitors, the German artist will exhibit her vacation snapshots at a vernissage. View the exhibition, “Postcards from Healdsburg with love, Susa,” March 14 to 17 at Chris Foley Fine Leather shop, located two blocks north of the Healdsburg Plaza. Chris Foley Fine Leather from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 14-17. For more information, contact the shop at 707-473-9892.
Peace, Love and Woodstock, Santa Rosa, March 17, 2019–March 8, 2020: As the Charles M. Schulz Museum wraps up its “Then Came the Dog” exhibition, which traces the origins of Snoopy back to Schulz boyhood dog Spike, another famed Peanuts character takes the stage. From March 17, museumgoers will be able to discover Woodstock, the eccentric little bird named for the iconic music festival. During spring break, March 18-22, kids can get a little extra artsy at the museum while learning cartooning and animation. Downstairs Changing Gallery at the Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa. For more information, contact Faith Yazel at 707-579-4452.
Roshambo Juried Show, Graton, March 19-April 21; Artists’ Reception March 23: Take your rock-paper-scissors game to the next level as Graton Gallery calls on local artists to contribute works made of or on paper, cut with scissors, or made of rock or stoneware. Deliver your art work in person March 14 through March 17. The Roshambo Juried Show will take place March 19 to April 21, with an artists’ reception on Saturday, March 23, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Graton Gallery, Graton, gratongallery.net. For more information, contact the gallery at 707-829-8912.
Healing the Environment, Santa Rosa, through March 22: In this eco-conscious exhibition, local artists offer a commentary on climate change through photographs, sculptures and paintings. The show, hosted by the Santa Rosa Arts Center in the SOFA arts district, is modeled after a previous exhibition at the same venue, “Healing By Art: After The Fires,” which was created as a reaction to the 2017 North Bay fires. Santa Rosa Arts Center, santarosaartscenter.org. For more information, contact the gallery at 707-526-0135.
Hitchcock Celebration, “The Birds,” Bodega, March 23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.: The towns of Bodega and Bodega Bay were both featured in Hitchcock classic The Birds, something locals like to celebrate. On March 23 (the date of this year’s Hitchcock Film Festival), 50 local artists will be showcasing pieces inspired by the film at the Artisans’ Co-Op Art Gallery. There will be artist demonstrations, ten percent discount on all art, and a grand prize raffle for a Birds-inspired birdhouse, created by artist Elita Christensen. Artisans’ Co-op Art Gallery, Bodega, artisansco-op.com. For more information, contact Francesca Scalpi at 707-876-9830.
Dream Vessels & A Murder of Crows, Healdsburg, through March 24: Painter and sculptor Marsha Connell began making collages to send to her daughter while she was living abroad at the time of the first Gulf War. Connell found the creative process of making collages healing; the resulting series of 150 “dream vessels” merges the beauty of life with the passage of time and an awareness of death. It will be exhibited at the Upstairs Art Gallery in Healdsburg, alongside Connell’s “Murder of Crows” collection of still life and landscapes. Upstairs Art Gallery, Healdsburg, upstairsartgallery.net. For more information, contact Beverly Bird at 707-799-1490.
The National Parks Plein Air Project, Petaluma, through March 23: Local artist and gallery owner Mary Fassbinder went on a three-and-a-half year, 72,000-mile journey to paint “en plain air” in all 60 National Parks. Her paintings, inspired by French impressionists, are now the centerpiece of an exhibition at the Petaluma Arts Center; Fassbinder hopes they will inspire viewers to help preserve our national natural treasures. The exhibition also includes works by Davis Perkins, a California landscape artist.Petaluma Arts Center, petalumaartscenter.org. For more information, contact the gallery at 707-762-5600.
Nest: Leather + Fiber | a Love Story, Sonoma, through March 30: In this debut solo exhibition, Santa Rosa artist Keyaira Terry unveils handwoven pieces made of leather, local wool and plant materials. A self-taught artist, Terry combines a modern aesthetic with sustainably sourced materials, creating a love letter to local nature. She sources much of her materials from Fibershed, a non-profit organization that develops “regional, regenerative fiber systems.” Terry will host a workshop on March 23, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Gallery 212 at the Sonoma Community Center, Sonoma, sonomacommunitycenter.org. For more information, contact Keyaira Terry at 707-479-2144.
Re-Creation, Sebastopol, through March 30: Jewelry artist Michelle Hoting, whose latest work is on display at Sebastopol Gallery, creates unique jewelry from repurposed metals that reflect the natural world. She crafted her new pieces using an ancient Japanese mixed-metal technique called mokume gane, layering various metals to create wearable works of art with a wood-grain-like pattern. Sebastopol Gallery, sebastopol-gallery.com. For more information, contact Michelle Hoting at 707-791-4680.
April Gornik, Storm, Rain and Light, Jacquard Tapestry.
Bronzes – Tapestries, Contemporary Works in Time Honored Media, Geyserville, through March 31: The Dallas A. Saunders Artisan Textiles gallery in Alexander Valley is currently displaying works by major American artists. Featured pieces include Jim Dine’s 1978 bronze sculptures, April Gornik’s natural landscape tapestries, and Chuck Close’s black and white realism tapestries. Dallas A. Saunders Artisan Textiles, weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., dallasasaunders.com. For more information, contact the gallery at 707-708-9065.
Not Just Landscapes, Sebastopol, through March 31: This international group exhibition, juried by Bay Area artist Robin Dintiman, will include artwork that reflect scenery “from cityscapes to nature views.” Pulling together seemingly disparate works in a variety of media – hybrid video paintings, kinetic art, monoprints, woodcuts, and more – the exhibition displays artistic pieces that share “a concern for our earth” and “love for the natural world.” Sebastopol Center for the Arts, sebarts.org. For more information, contact the art center at 707-829-4797.
Portals: A Space for Color, Sonoma, through April 7: Phillip K Smith III creates light-based work in his Palm Desert studio to explore relationships between color, form, surface and change. His resulting Portals series is on vibrant display at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. Each installation Smith crafts changes and adapts to the ambient light it is displayed in, as colors merge into pastels and shadows in sunlight, and at night, become saturated and envelope the surrounding space. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, svma.org. For more information, contact the museum at 707-939-7862.
Richard Shaw and Wanxin Zhang, Sonoma, through April 7: Running concurrently with Portals, Bay Area artists Richard Shaw and Wanxin Zhang are presenting their avant-garde clay art in a self-titled exhibit at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. Their work explores the cultural exchange between the West and China and infuses satire to reference their message of global history, popular culture and personal experience. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, svma.org. For more information, contact the museum at 707-939-7862.
See Something, Say Something, Santa Rosa, through April 20: Bay Area artists David Huffman and Evri Kwong and Los Angeles artist Linda Vallejo currently have their socially conscious work on display at the Museum of Sonoma County in an exhibit called “See Something, Say Something.” The title is derived from the warning posted in public spaces to encourage citizens to speak up if they notice something suspicious, originating from the 9/11 terrorist attacks. However, this exhibit, with works featuring diverse cultural perspectives, expands the call to action to motivate people to point out other social injustices, such as “racism, sexism, economic disparity and climate change.” Museum of Sonoma County, museumsc.org. For more information, contact the gallery at 707-579-1500.
