Page 417 – Sonoma Magazine

Things to Do in Sonoma County this Weekend

July 2016

By Crissi Langwell

Hold on to your hats, folks — this weekend is filled with fun to be had. This Saturday, head to Petaluma for the annual Rivertown Revival on the banks of Steamer Landing Park. On Friday and Satuday, laugh yourself silly at the Sonoma County Comedy Fest at the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa. And take a step back in time at the 17th annual Civil War Days in Duncans Mills. All this and more is in our list of things to do.

04THEATER_697393 — ‘Fantastical Family Night,’ part of ‘Broadway Under the Stars’ series, plays Friday at Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen.

FRIDAY, July 15

Sonoma County Comedy Fest: Two nights of comedy are coming to the Flamingo Resort in Santa Rosa when Crushers of Comedy presents the Sonoma County Comedy Fest. On Saturday and Sunday evenings, enjoy hilarious stand up comedy from celebrated Bay Area comedians like Priya Prasad, Ronn Vigh, Kevin Camia and more. Tickets are $40 one day, and $70 for both. Festival attendees get a discount on music and dancing at the Lounge at the Flamingo each night after the show just by showing their wristband. Find out all the details at www.crushersofcomedy.com. (July 15 – 16)

Parks Make Life Better Bash: July is National Parks & Rec Month, and the city of Santa Rosa is celebrating with a party at Howarth Park. From 5-8 p.m. this Friday, enjoy free entertainment such as animal barn tours, stage entertainment, fun giveaways and more. The Sonoma County Traveling Fair will also be there to offer a preview of the upcoming fair. Find out more at pd2go.net/ParksBash.

Festival Napa Valley: Ten-day festival opener, Kristin Chenoweth recital, 6 p.m., Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga. Sold out. 346-5052, festivalnapavalley.org.

Royal Jelly Jive: Swingin’ soul jive, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m., Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

The Deer: Austin-based avant-folk group, 9 p.m., HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $10. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.

The Rock Collection: Melvin Seals, Greg Anton, Stu Allen, Lebo and J.P. McLean, 8:30 p.m., Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $25. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.

‘Merrily We Roll Along’: Opening night, Stephen Sondheim musical, Summer Repertory Theatre, 8 p.m., Burbank Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa. $15-$25. 527-4307, summerrep.com.

‘Fantastical Family Night’: ‘Broadway Under the Stars’ series, 5 p.m. picnicking, performance 7:30 p.m., Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen. $29-$134. (877) 424-1414, ttcsonoma.org.

JB0719_RIVERTOWN_032_740710 — The Rivertown Revival festival takes place 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. (Photo by John Burgess)

SATURDAY, July 16

Rivertown Revival: This Saturday, turn back the clocks for an old-timey celebration on the banks of the Petaluma River. Steamer Landing Park will be transformed into a town that time forgot with costumes, music, art boat races, $5 weddings and more. The festival takes place 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and admission is $10 adults, and $5 kids 17 and under. Find out all the details at rivertownrevival.com.

Civil War Days: In its 17th year, the largest Civil War reenactments in Northern California returns to Duncans Mills. On Saturday and Sunday, take a step back in time as history is portrayed by hundreds of reenactors. Battle times take place 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $12, kids 6-12 are $6, and kids under 6 are free. Parking is $5. Find out all the details at www.civilwardays.net. (July 16 – 17)

Art is Medicine Show: Celebrating 8 years of bilingual, bicycle-powered theatre, this traveling theater company is embarking on Southwest Community Park in Santa Rosa for an afternoon of storytelling. Starting at 4 p.m., kick back on the grass and enjoy as this free program by the Imaginists entertains. They will also perform Friday night at Landpaths/Bayer Farm. Find out more at theimaginists.org/2016tour.

Alive!: All-women’s jazz quintet reunion concert, 8 p.m. Saturday, Occidental Center for the Arts. $25. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Midsummer Garden Tea: Song of Sonoma Chorus, hat contest, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, Santa Rosa. $50. 524-5445, lutherburbank.org.

The Babys: British rock group, plus local rock duo V², 8 p.m. Saturday, House of Rock, Santa Rosa. $40-$55. 791-3482, rockstaruniversity.com.

‘West Side Stories Presents Bil Lepp’: Nationally renowned storyteller with host Dave Pokorny, 8 p.m. Saturday, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $15. westsidestoriespetaluma.com.

Cheeseballs: Top San Francisco dance band, Bastille Day ‘Dance on the Lawn,’ noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Chateau St. Jean Winery, Kenwood. Free. 257-5784, chateaustjean.com.

Civil war reenactment — The largest Civil War reenactments in Northern California returns to Duncans Mills on Saturday and Sunday. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)

SUNDAY, July 17

Poetry at the Bean Affair: This Sunday, 1:30-3:30 p.m., the Bean Affair in Healdsburg presents poet Russ Messing who will read from his most recent book of poetry,

“Midnight’s Breathing:” Following his reading, the stage will open for anyone else who would like to read poetry or brief prose. Find out more at hbglitguild.org.

Trevor McSpadden: Country musician/acoustic guitarist, 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Rossi’s 1906, Sonoma. Free. 343-0044, rossis1906.com.

Jess Petty: Trumpeter and vocalist, the Michael Brandeburg Jazz Trio, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.

Valley of the Moon Music Festival: Sixteen-day chamber music festival opener, 4 p.m. Sunday, Hanna Boys Center, Sonoma. $20-$40. valleyofthemoonmusicfestival.org.

A Peek at Next Week…

The Sonoma County Fair opens July 22. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)

Monday, July 18

‘Mr. Schulz Goes to Washington’: Presidential-themed Peanuts comic strips and memorabilia, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa. $5-$12. 579-4452, schulzmuseum.org.

Tuesday, July 19

Hot Summer Nights: Hear four local authors read from their books 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday in July at Copperfield’s Books, 775 Village Ct. Santa Rosa. redwoodwriters.org, copperfieldsbooks.com.

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: Legendary singer of hits like “Grease” and “Sherry,” 7 p.m. Tuesday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $79-$125. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.

Wednesday, July 20

Marian Palaia: ‘Books & Brews’ book-talk series with ‘The Given World’ novelist, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Calistoga Inn. Free. 942-1616, copperfieldsbooks.com.

David McCarroll: Beethoven with Festival Orchestra 2 featuring the violin virtuoso, Mendocino Music Festival, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Tent Concert Hall, Main Street, Mendocino. $12-$49. 937-2044, mendocinomusic.org.

Soul Fuse: Funk, soul and fusion band, ‘Peacetown Summer Concert Series,’ 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Ives Park, Sebastopol. Free. 823-1511, peacetown.org.

Thursday, July 21

Native Elements: Reggae and Caribbean beat, ‘Rockin’ the River’ outdoor concert series, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Guerneville Plaza. Free. rockintheriver.org.

Toronzo Cannon: Chicago electric blues guitarist, ‘Krush Backyard Concert Series,’ 6 p.m. Thursday, KRSH radio, Santa Rosa. Free. krsh.com.

Friday, July 22

Chuck Prophet & The Mission Express: Folk rock band, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. July 22, Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

Sonoma County Fair: Opening day July 22, (runs through Aug. 7, closed Mondays), admission 11 a.m.-9 p.m., ABBA tribute band at 7:30 p.m., Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa. $6-$12. 545-4200, sonomacountyfair.com.

Grace Potter: Alternative rock musician and her band, 8 p.m. July 22, SOMO Village Event Center, Rohnert Park. $39.50-$42.50. somoconcerts.com.

Hollywood Vampires: Hard rock with Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry, 7:30 p.m. July 22, Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $40-$135. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

George Lopez: ‘Thats True Comedy Tour,’ 8 p.m. July 22, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $55-$250. 546-3600, lutherburbankcenter.org.

The BluesBurners: Funk, rock, electric blues and rhythm and blues band, ‘Funky Fridays’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. July 22, Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa. $10. 833-6288, funkyfridays.info.

Saturday, July 23

Jack Stuppin: ‘Past Tense, Present Tense’ exhibit reception for nationally known Sonoma County painter, 5-8 p.m. July 23, IceHouse Gallery, Petaluma. Free. 778-2238, icehousegallery.org.

‘Dancing Under the Stars’: Salsa lessons 6:30 p.m., live music by Orquesta La Original 7-10 p.m. July 23, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville. $25-$30. 857-1400, francisfordcoppolawinery.com.

Shawn Thwaites Rebel Quartet: Jazz, hip-hop, funk, calypso and reggae ensemble, 8 p.m. July 23, Occidental Center for the Arts. $15-$18. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

‘Forty Years of Cheers!’: Wine Road festival with live music, food, wine, kids’ activities, art and crafts, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 23, outside Healdsburg City Hall. Free. wineroad.com.

Ingrid Michaelson: Indie pop and folk musician, 7 p.m. July 23, Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville. $80-$110. (888) 769-5299, robertmondaviwinery.com.

Smokey Robinson: Acclaimed Motown singer-songwriter in concert, 5 p.m. July 23, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Healdsburg. $80-$129. 431-1533, rodneystrong.com.

‘Blues at the Green’: Taj Mahal, Hot Tuna and Marcia Ball, 7:30 p.m. July 23, Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $25-$65. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

The Sun Kings: Beatles tribute band, ‘Rockin’ Concerts’ series, noon-3 p.m. July 23, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.

Dr. John & The Nite Trippers: New Orleans’ musical legacy, 8 p.m. July 23, Uptown Theatre, Napa. $40-$50. 259-0123, uptowntheatrenapa.com.

Sunday, July 24

‘Werther’: Recorded live presentation from The Royal Opera in London, 1 p.m. July 24, Summerfield Cinemas, Santa Rosa. $16-$20. 525-8909, summerfieldcinemas.com.

The Disorderly House Band: Americana/folk rock and electric, ‘Music on the Lawn’ series, 2:30-4:30 p.m. July 24, St. Francis Winery, Santa Rosa. Free. 538-9463, stfranciswinery.com.

Hot Rods: Classic oldies tribute band, 1-4 p.m. July 24, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.

Reckless Kelly: Austin-based alternative country and rock ’n’ roll band, 8:30 p.m. July 24, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $22. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.

Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers: Pop vocalist and saxophonist, 7:30 p.m. July 24, House of Rock, Santa Rosa. $50-$65. 791-3482, rockstaruniversity.com.

Marcia Ball: Texas boogie-woogie, ‘Sundays in the Park’ concert series, 6-8 p.m. July 24, Todd Grove Park, Ukiah. Free. 463-6231, cityofukiah.com.

Steele and Hops Brewpub Opening

July 2016

By biteclub

Steele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, has opened. Heather Irwin

Santa Rosa’s newest sud stop , Steele and Hops Brewpub, has opened, with a more than 20 beers on tap and a menu that includes a house smoked beef brisket sandwich with homemade bbq sauce on a brioche bun, house ground burgers, fried cheese curds, pizzas and other beer (and wine) friendly grub.

Restaurant veteran and co-owner Cully Williamson has given the former Heritage Public House a makeover, adding a 10 barrel stainless steel fermentation tank behind the bar, and plans to continue brewing beer on location in 2017.

Pizza at Steele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, Heather Irwin

Beecher cheese curds at Steele and Hops, a brew pub in Santa Rosa, Heather Irwin

Biteclub checked out the soft opening, and loved the cheese curds and pizza on the abbreviated menu. I’ll report back when the kitchen has had a few days to settle in, and the full menu is out. But all signs point to the third time being a charm for this family-friendly watering hole.

Check out the menu here.

Steele and Hops brewpub, 1901 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa., steeleandhops.com.

Five French Rosés Under $15 for Bastille Day

July 2016

By Peg Melnik

Oui.

There’s a growing population of Francophiles in America who will be celebrating Bastille Day Thursday and beyond. Surprisingly, more than 50 U.S. cities have annual celebrations, with some stretching their festivities over a week. The hoopla on both sides of the pond will commemorate the French Revolution of 1789 and the birth of the Republic.

For the ever-expanding pool of Francophiles, here are 5 French rosés under $15 to uncork for the Bastille Day celebration:

Lavau, 2015 Tavel, Rhone Valley, France Rosé, 12.5%, $14.
This is a tasty rosé that will turn heads. It has racy acidity, and notes of watermelon, raspberry and mineral. Great balance. Refreshing. Tangy finish. (50% grenache, 45% cinsault and 5% syrah.)

Chateau Routas, 2015 Coteaux Varois en Provence, France Rosé, 13.5%, $11.
In this rosé, full on watermelon dominates, and it finishes nice and dry, with a note of crisp mineral. (45% cinsault, 35% grenache, 20% syrah.)

Chateau de Brigue, 2012 Cotes de Provence Rosé, 12.5%, $8.
This is a delicate rosé, with notes of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon on the finish. Bright acidity. Great balance. Tasty. (50% grenache, 25% cinsault, 25% cabernet.)

Triennes, 2015 Nans-Les-Pins, France, $12 Rosé, 13%, $12.
This rosé has up front wild strawberry. Notes of watermelon and mineral play back up. Crisp finish. Lovely. (No breakdown offered.)

Chateau de Campuget, 2015 Costieresde Nimes, France Rosé, 13%, $9.
This dry rosé has bright red berries, with a hint of watermelon. Crisp acidity. Nice length. It’s a smart budget pick. (30% grenache noir, 70% syrah)

7 Time Saving Tips for a Spotless Germ-Free Bathroom

July 2016

By Christina Molcillo

The bathroom, the smallest and busiest room in any house, quickly becomes the dirtiest. But the thought of scrubbing down this germ-filled zone can seem overwhelming — I know I’d rather do 8 loads of washing, vacuum the house, do the bills and taxes, mow the lawn and wash the car than having to experience a close encounter with the toilet bowl.

In an attempt to deal with my bathroom cleaning phobia, I’ve incorporated a quick-clean baby-steps routine to tackle the bathroom in tiny bits — each day.

This regimen has significantly reduced the need for the dreaded “deep clean” by helping me avoid the usual build of grime and germs — and piles of hair on the bathroom floor (how anyone in the household still has hair left on their head is a mystery to me, when you consider the amount of hair that is on the floor).

Here’s my quick-clean baby steps bathroom routine:

1. Clear All The Counters

While I certainly like the idea of a neat bathroom counter, I plead guilty to routinely leaving makeup, moisturizers, toothbrushes and hairbrushes next to the sink after using them, thinking, “No point in putting it away. I’m just going to use it all again tomorrow.”(Image via makinghousebeautiful.com)

To avoid counter clutter, optimize bathroom storage space with containers and organizers for all your bathroom items and beauty products. Create a fool-proof system so that you immediately know where each item belongs (the Container Store and IKEA are good places to look for storage products and inspiration).

When everything has a dedicated, compartmentalized space, you’ll only need 1-2 minutes to put everything in its place post morning routine…and you won’t spend frantic pre-work time looking for small items like nail-clippers and tweezers. (Image via Decoist)

2. Wipe it Down with Windex – or Vinegar

If you’ve seen My Big Fat Greek Wedding, you’re no doubt familiar with some of the infinite uses for Windex. While I wouldn’t go as far as spraying it on a zit, this blue liquid can work wonders as a multi-purpose cleaning product. (Image via BathroomNews.com)

One bottle of glass cleaner under the sink together with a small shower squeegee, a toothbrush and a cloth facilitates a daily wipe down of mirrors, cabinet fronts, tile and counters. The shower squeegee controls mirror streak and removes excess water from the counter; the toothbrush is a useful tool to keep the area around the faucet clean and mold-free.

For a natural and eco-friendly alternative to glass cleaner, prepare a 50/50 vinegar/water solution in a spray bottle. (Image via realpropertyalpha.com)

3. Dust Daily — and Don’t Forget the Fan

Although it is a myth that dust is mostly made up of dead skin (thank goodness), the ubiquitous substance nevertheless consists of some pretty icky stuff: animal dander, insect waste, and — of course — lots of good-old fashioned dirt. Keeping the counters clutter clear facilitates a quick daily wipe, preventing dust buildup.

Dust also tends to quickly accumulate in ventilation fans. With time, fans become far less effective as they gradually become caked with dirt and dust in the damp bathroom environment. Having a clean and functional bathroom exhaust fan helps to dissipate bathroom odors and prevents mold and mildew — a definite health issue, if left unaddressed.

If your fan is clogged, give it a deep clean: 1. Flip the circuit breaker, 2. Remove the fan cover (older fans are usually held in place by metal pins on each side, squeeze them together to get the fan cover to come off completely), 3. For a very dirty fan, remove the motor and clean with a stiff paint brush and damp cloth (take a picture before removing the motor, that way you can remember how to re-assemble), 4. If your fan is only moderately dirty, remove dust from the motor and other nooks and crannies with a stiff clean paintbrush and damp cloth. Suck up the debris with a vacuum. 5. When the fan is completely dry, re-assemble.

Once cleaned properly, keep the fan dust-free by giving it a regular brush with a feather duster or stiff paint brush, or by using the vacuum nozzle (make sure the power is not on when doing this). (Image via YouTube)

4. Take Care of The Toilet — and Keep that Lid Closed

If someone invented a self-cleaning toilet, I’d be first in line to buy it. If that same toilet came with a self-closing lid, I’d be ready to spend a significant amount for the amenity. Many women agonize over their partners leaving the toilet seat up, but consider this: every time you flush the toilet with the lid open, polluted water vapor erupts out of the toilet bowl into the bathroom air. It can take several hours for particles to settle — when the air born particulates finally do settle, they descend on your towels and bathroom counters. If you keep your toothbrush close to the toilet, you may be brushing your teeth with what used to be in your toilet.

So…the first step to a germ-fee bathroom: Close the Toilet Lid! (Image via hometalk.com)

That bit of business taken care of, let’s get down to cleaning. Keep a toilet brush next to the toilet (IKEA carries a toilet brush concealed in a container) and use it regularly. Keep a package of biodegradable wipes behind the toilet. These will make it easy to wipe down and clean around the toilet on a daily basis — no worries about germs building up on the cleaning cloth.

While you may not have a toilet covered in Swarovski crystals, you may feel like you do once it is clean. (For reference: yes this toilet exists, and it will cost you $25,000. It’s cheaper to spend your time scrubbing.) (Image via Fun Time News)

5. Take Out The Trash

Full bathroom wastebaskets lead to cabinets filled with empty containers and packaging that should have been discarded. Frequent trash disposal keeps your bathroom tidier. Besides, an overflowing wastebasket is not a pretty sight ( I recommend a bathroom wastebasket with a lid).

A bin liner in the wastebasket makes taking out the trash an easy task. Another approach — take care of all your wastebaskets at one time: make the rounds of all wastebaskets with a paper or plastic bag in hand before making for the recycling or garbage bin. (Image via craftshubs.com)

6. Finish with the Floors

Dirty pre-shower feet, spilled cosmetics, men’s mis-aims and heaps of hair make for a definitely dirty bathroom floor. Keep the grime from getting grungy by giving your floors some love as you exit.

You can get creative with your bathroom floor cleaning: put biodegradable wipes or a cloth under your feet and swipe from side to side on your way out, a sticky clothes roller with tall handle can quickly remove hair and debris. With a little time, take a quick dance around your bathroom with your mop — you lead, it follows. Image via dawnchem.com)

7. Set a Schedule

Depending on your schedule and the size of your home, you may not have time for all these steps every day. But by making a schedule for yourself, and keeping track of what you’ve done each day, you can ensure that your bathroom gets a good cleaning every week. (Image via iStock)

Never one for paper planners, I keep a large chalkboard in the kitchen to keep track of daily chores. If you’re a technophile, use your Google or Apple calendar. Chalk, pen or iPhone, pick your method to help remind you to keep even your tiniest room tidy. (Image via simplywhisked.com)

A Modern Wine Country Home with a Renaissance Touch

July 2016

By Carole Kelleher

Situated on Westside Road southwest of Healdsburg, the home of Lisa and Trini Amador is a stark contrast to other estates in the Russian River Valley, the ones hidden behind locked gates, vineyard foliage and lush landscaping. With its rough-hewn stucco exterior, three-level “pinwheel” roof and walls of glass, the Amador house is front and center, for all to appreciate.

The house hugs, seemingly precariously, the edge of a winding country road, allowing passersby to take in the grandeur of its modern-Tuscan architecture. When darkness falls, the home literally glows, offering a peek at its sparkling interior through myriad windows — so many of them the owners lost count.

Guests enter the home through 300-year-old carved wooden doors from Guadalajara, Mexico, a gift to the couple from Trini’s father. Stepping though the foyer into the great room, they’re greeted by a sigh-inducing view of the Amadors’ Pinot Noir vineyard snuggled against the Russian River.

“The vineyard is the star,” Lisa said, as it can be seen from most windows and is the source of the family’s Gracianna Winery wines, which can be sampled at the separate tasting room on the 3-acre site.

The Amadors bought the property in 2006, first planting the vineyard, then putting up the tasting room with guest quarters above, and finally building the home. But they had been mentally designing it for 17 years before moving there in June 2014.

“I pinch myself every day,” said Lisa, a health care executive in Santa Rosa. “We are the epitome of dream-chasers and we worked very hard to get here.”

The couple knew from the beginning they wanted a U-shaped home, and when they started working with their architect, John Pflueger of Sonoma, he got an earful of their predetermined desires.

It was Pflueger’s expertise, though, that put a 2,500-square-foot storage area beneath the villa, creating a platform that puts the home above the flood plain. He also used the golden mean for the central living area, allowing for the same proportions for length to width to height, an inspiration drawn from the Renaissance and Tuscan design.

One arm of the U is the kitchen area, with its 6-by-6-foot window over the sink, positioned to focus on a 100-year-place old oak tree. At the center is a Carrera marble island with built-in Dacor cooktop, with the marble drifting from the top to cover the sides. “We wanted it to look like a solid block of marble,” Lisa explained.

The kitchen opens to a dining porch with a built-in, wood-burning fireplace that can also be used for cooking, and a thick slab table they made themselves from salvaged wood.

They found 140 feet of wrought-iron railing on Craigslist that was used on the porch and surrounds the courtyard, powdercoated in black. The porch is one of the special places in the home, and where the Amadors frequently entertain and take in the expansive vineyard view, which includes their neighbors’ vines.

The home’s central area, with its 23-foot-high ceilings, is anchored by a massive dining table surrounded by 10 imposing red upholstered chairs.

“We both love red,” Lisa said of the accent color that pops up throughout the house, where interior walls are painted entirely in a soft, creamy white (Behr Ultra 9850).

At each end of the great room are seating areas, with rugs Trini, who travels extensively as a marketing consultant, purchased in Pakistan. The cream-colored, polished limestone floor tiles are from Turkey and extend outside the glass bifold doors and onto the courtyard at the center of the U.

The couple served as the general contractors, hiring all the subcontractors themselves and choosing the finishing materials throughout the home. There is a Sonos sound system and the house is solar-powered. The flooring in the living quarters is dark-stained oak, and Carrera marble was again the go-to for the master bath. The Amadors found solid-wood doors at a salvage yard that were once used in a bank.

The second wing of the U is two-story, with the master bedroom and guest room downstairs; the Amadors share a CEO-sized office on the upper level. It has a long, wide table, with a chair for each of them on either side, facing one another in a style aptly called a partners desk. Hanging from the ceiling in the multiwindowed room is their muse, Pegasus.

In the master bedroom hangs a French chandelier bought in England and stored for years, waiting for this dream home to become their reality.

“We are so grateful,” Lisa said, going on to explain that the square, lightrimmed windows that circle the entire home below the roofline are a symbol of the gift they give to each other just by being together.

“We have so much to be thankful for.”

Photography by Rebecca Chotkowski.

Sonoma County Makes List of Best Vacation Destinations for Beer Lovers

July 2016

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Leading digital lifestyle site Thrillist (with over 16 million subscribers worldwide) has picked the top 10 U.S. destinations for an aficionado beer-cation. And Sonoma County made the cut.

Along with 9 other American destinations, Sonoma County was deemed the perfect spot to mix standard vacation activities, such as boating, hiking and sitting lazily in the sand, with some of the best beer in the country. Thrillist highlighted that Sonoma County is host to a series of world-class breweries, including Russian River Brewing Company, Third Street Aleworks, Bear Republic, Lagunitas, 101 North Brewing Company and Petaluma Hills.

“Oh, sure, it’s wine country. And Redwood country. And fancy-food country. But dammit, it’s beer country, too/…/and that’s nothing to say about the homey towns, cabins, roaring rivers, and mighty coastline” said the Thrillist motivation.

Cheers to that!

JB0205_YOUNGER_002_766729 — Beer lovers from around the world stand in line for their chance to taste Pliny the Younger at Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. (Photo by John Burgess)

A variety of 101 North Brewing Company beers. (Photo by Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat) — A variety of 101 North Brewing Company beers. (Photo by Christopher Chung)

Third Street Aleworks bartender Jordan Thome writes the name of the beer before filling a quart can "Crowler" of their Ales for ALS IPA in Santa Rosa. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat) — Third Street Aleworks bartender Jordan Thome writes the name of the beer before filling a quart can “Crowler” of their Ales for ALS IPA in Santa Rosa. (Photo by John Burgess)

PC: The Quacker, featuring maple leaf ground duck, seasonal chutney, swiss cheese and fried onion rings, is paired with Maibock beer at Bear Republic Brewing Co. in Healdsburg. (Christopher / The Press Democrat) — The Quacker, featuring maple leaf ground duck, seasonal chutney, swiss cheese and fried onion rings, is paired with Maibock beer at Bear Republic Brewing Co. in Healdsburg.
(Photo by Christopher Chung)

Petaluma Hills Line & Twine IPA (Photo by Jeremy Portje)

5 Easy Ways to Create a Stunning Vegetable Garden

July 2016

By Christina Molcillo

When it comes to gardening in Sonoma County many homeowners find themselves trying to decide whether they want a yard that is used for growing fruits and vegetables, or one that works as a colorful sanctuary filled with flowers and aesthetically pleasing plants.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a choice between the two. Vegetables come in a striking array of hues and, with a little bit of planning, a vegetable garden can satisfy the stomach as well as the soul.

Here’s five easy ways to create a stunning vegetable garden that can satisfy all your senses:

Plant by Color

Kale is a flowering vegetable that’s beautiful as well as edible. Vegetables like lettuce, kale, and artichoke add interesting textures and splashes of color to the yard.

Vulcan lettuce has a purple leaf, and adds visual interest when placed next to the green varieties. (Image via JohnnySeeds)

When seen on a larger scale, the differences are stunning. (Image via Phys.org)

Mix and Match

Potatoes, Chard, Cucumbers, and Nasturtiums work well together. Just because a garden is primarily focused on edibles like bell peppers, lettuce, or carrots doesn’t mean that flowers can’t be planted alongside them. (Image via gardenersedem.com)

Marigolds and nasturtiums work well with salad greens. Mixing flowers in with the vegetables is called companion planting, and not only looks great, but often confuses common pests and makes it more difficult for diseases to spread. (Image via Gary Smith/Daily Mail)

Mixing edible plants with purely decorative ones results in an all around charming garden. (Image via Patchworkveg)

Add Unexpected Decorations

Adding decorative touches that guests will see as they stroll through the garden can help to make it look like more of a decorative space, even when the focus is on edibles. (Image via Garden Décor)

Garden decorations don’t need to be in with the plants; these wicker chairs invite conversation and relaxation in the backyard. (Image via Pier1)

This old bicycle makes a whimsical way to grow flowers, herbs, or vegetables above ground while guaranteeing a smile from every visitor who stops by. (Image via Briarpatch Prim)

Get Creative with Containers

If you have a smaller yard, containers are a great way to showcase your veggies, and they don’t have to be boring. (Image via InBalkans)

Wine barrels are a perfect container for plants in Sonoma County. (Image via harvesttotable.com)

Visual interest can be created by using planters of different shapes, sizes, and colors. (Image via gardners.com)

Create an Interesting Layout

Spacing is an important consideration for vegetables, as is the location, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be kept in orderly rows. Curving lines and differing heights make this layout pop. (Image via TheGreatestGarden)

Even in a smaller yard, raised beds can be placed in delightful configurations. (Image via Houzz)

Careful planning before planting each season will help ensure a successful outcome.(Image via Almanac.com)

20 Things to Do in July: Festivals, Fairs, Films and Free Concerts

July 2016

By Dan Taylor

For anyone who had high hopes and big plans for the summer, it might be a bit of shock to realize that we’re already into July. But don’t worry if your plans have yet to materialize. There’s still time to get outside and have some fun.

Here’s a quick scan of the month’s offerings, including some free and family-friendly choices.

Music, costumes and fun at the Rivertown Revival in Petaluma. (Photo by John Burgess) — Music, costumes and fun at the Rivertown Revival in Petaluma on July 16th. (Photo by John Burgess)

FESTIVALS

The second annual Green Music Center Bluegrass Festival brings back nationally known mandolinist David Grisman, one of the driving forces behind last year’s inaugural event, performing with his Bluegrass Experience band. Billed this year as “The Mando Kings,” the show opens at 3 p.m. Sunday July 10 at Weill Hall with the audience spilling out onto the lawn. The roster also features Sam Bush and the Jeff Austin Band, with all three bands teaming up for the finale. $25-$45. (855) 955-6040.

Concert goers to the Green Music will be able to enjoy some bluegrass on the lawn during the Dawg Day Afternoon July 12, 2015 concert. Will Bucquoy — Concert goers to the Green Music will be able to enjoy some bluegrass at the GMC’s second annual Bluegrass Festival on Sunday, July 10th. (Photo by Will Bucquoy)

Petaluma’s colorful, whimsical, seventh annual Rivertown Revival runs 11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 16, with a race featuring brightly decorated “art boats,” crafts booths and live music on two stages starting just before noon and running all afternoon. The headliners, Frankie Boots and the County Line, play at 7 p.m. McNear Peninsula, Steamer Landing Park, Petaluma. $10 admission; $5 for ages 17 and under.

From left, Adele 3, Casey, Thomas, 1, and Janine Coleman at the Rivertown Revival in Petaluma, 2015. (Photo by John Burgess)

FAIRS

Then there are the fairs. After all, what is a fair but a great big, long festival? While some attractions are indoors, many of them are outside.

The California State Fair runs through July 24 in Sacramento, with championship livestock shows, horseracing, classic cars, educational exhibits, arts and crafts displays, fine art, numerous competitions, youth exhibits, carnival rides, food and tastings of award-winning California wines. $6-$10; free admission for children under 4. (916) 253-3247.

Sonoma County Fair (Crista Jeremiason) — The Sonoma County Fair runs July 22 through August 7 at the Santa Rosa fairgrounds. (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)

The Sonoma County Fair, themed “Lights, Camera, Fair!” in honor of the area’s long history as a favorite location for filmmakers, runs July 22 through Aug. 7 at the fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. The action features the locally beloved Hall of Flowers exhibit, horse racing and live, outdoor concerts included in the price of fair admission: $12, $6 for kids ages 7-12. The destruction derby, monster trucks and rodeo cost a bit more. 545-4200.

Cassadee Pope will be appearing at the Sonoma County Fair on Aug. 2.

FAMILY FILMS

It’s halfway through summer vacation for schools. If the kids are starting to drive everybody crazy and everyone’s tired of TV, there are opportunities to take them to outdoor movie screenings for free.

The Tuesday Kids Movies series on Windsor Town Green shows family movies weekly, 15 minutes after sunset, until July 26.

You’ll have to wait a while for this one, but Santa Rosa’s Movies in the Park series shows free family movies in Howarth Park, beginning at dusk every Friday from Aug. 12 to Sept. 16.

THEATRE

If you’d like to see a stage show in the open air, here are a couple of outstanding choices.

The Transcendence Theatre Company’s annual “Broadway Under the Stars” series continues with the musical revue “Fantastical Family Night” July 15-16 in the winery ruins at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. The season closes Sept. 11. Tickets range from $42-$134. (877) 424-1414.

Transcendence Theater's "Broadway Under the Stars" continues with the musical revue “Fantastical Family Night” July 15-16 in the winery ruins at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen. — Transcendence Theater’s “Broadway Under the Stars” continues with the musical revue “Fantastical Family Night” July 15-16 in the winery ruins at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen.

Shakespeare in the Cannery presents its third outdoor season in the ruins of the old cannery in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square district, with “Macbeth” running through July 23, followed by the new play “The Plot Against Shakespeare,” Aug. 12-27. Tickets range from $5-$28. 528-3009.

Shakespeare in the Cannery presents its third outdoor season in the ruins of the old cannery in Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square district. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)

FREE OUTDOOR MUSIC

Free outdoor summer concert series continue at parks and plazas throughout Sonoma County this summer and, in some cases, into the fall.

Friday Night Live at the Plaza in downtown Cloverdale continues through Sept. 2. Concerts start at 7 p.m.

Through Oct. 9, Montgomery Village Shopping Center in Santa Rosa offers free outdoor concerts from 1 to 4 p.m. most Sundays at the Village Terrace by Cattleman’s restaurant and from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays in the Village Court. 545-3844.

The 23rd annual Live at Juilliard season at Santa Rosa’s Juilliard Park closes Aug. 14. Music runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Sundays.

Ukiah’s Sundays in the Park series presents concerts at 8 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 14 in Todd Grove Park. 463-6231.

Friday Night Live at the Plaza in downtown Cloverdale continues through Sept. 2. Concerts start at 7 p.m. (Photo by John Burgess)

The Peacetown Summer Concert series, presented by Jim “Mr. Music” Corbett, runs through Aug. 31 at Sebastopol’s Ives Park. The weekly concerts run Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. 508-5449.

The Tuesdays in the Plaza series presents weekly concerts from 5 to 9 p.m. in the Healdsburg Plaza. 431-0331.

The Wednesday Night Market in downtown Santa Rosa, a street fair and crafts and produce market, attracts a crowd with live music, food trucks and vendors from 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 17 along Fourth Street.

The Wednesday Night Market in downtown Santa Rosa attracts a crowd with live music, food trucks and vendors. (Photo by Christopher Chung)

Summer Nights on the Green at the Windsor Town Green hosts Thursday concerts at 6 p.m. weekly through Aug. 4.

Guerneville’s Rockin’ the River presents a family-friendly series of dancin’-in-the-street parties on alternate Thursdays through Sept. 15 at Guerneville Plaza. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. 869-9403.

The popular radio station KRSH hosts its annual KRUSH Backyard Concerts series behind its building in Santa Rosa. Music starts 6 p.m on some (but not all) Thursdays. The last show is Sept. 22.

Funky Fridays series continues through Sept. 2 on the lawn at the Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa (Photo by Crista Jeremiason)

This series isn’t free, but the popular Funky Fridays series continues through Sept. 2 on the lawn at the Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa. $10 admission, $10 parking. 833-6288.

Where to Eat Now in Sonoma County

July 2016

By Heather Irwin

Pastis-scented steamed mussels and fries at The Girl & the Fig in Sonoma. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

From food that’s good for you to juicy burgers, fries and milkshakes, food connoisseur Heather Irwin recommends these eateries of the moment.

Sliced beets, avocado and pea shoots on rEvolution Bread at The Pharmacy Cafe in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

The Pharmacy Sonoma County
It’s no accident that Kim Bourdet took over a longtime pharmacy building in Santa Rosa. “Food is our medicine,” said the former Gap Kids executive who owns the farm-to-feel-better cafe with Jennifer McMurry. Their simple breakfast and lunch menu features local ingredients that make as few stops as possible between the farm and your mouth. McMurry, a pastry chef who ran the Viola Pastry Boutique & Café, creates healthier versions of familiar foods such as egg salad, carrot cake, chicken noodle soup and a croque madame with Rancho Llano Seco bacon, bechamel and an over-easy egg. This isn’t diet food, mind you, just nourishing dishes that don’t rely on heavy doses of white sugar, salt, white flour and commercial eggs. Save room for McMurry’s Meyer lemon curd meringue and salted caramel chocolate pot de crème.

990 Sonoma Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-978-2801, thepharmacysonomacounty.com

the girl & the fig
This Sonoma institution has long been a favorite of locals, tourists and the occasional celebrity, for both its extraordinary outdoor patio and approachable Wine Country-French cuisine. Never one to rest on her laurels, chefowner Sondra Bernstein recently added breakfast service on Fridays and Saturdays, and brunch on Sundays, offering house-made bagels and smoked salmon, croque madame with Mornay sauce and applewood-smoked ham, house-cured ham hash with Hollandaise sauce, and caramelized-onion quiche. Bernstein also recently hit the road with her fig rig food truck, taking the girl & the fig menu to farmers markets, festivals and other events.

110 W. Spain St., Sonoma, 707-938-3634, thegirlandthefig.com

Deviled eggs at Fogbelt Brewing in Santa Rosa (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat) — Deviled Eggs at Fogbelt Brewing in Santa Rosa (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

Fogbelt Brewing Co.
The word “brewpub” has become synonymous with “restaurant that serves beer,” rather than a gathering place to down a few pints with fish and chips. In other words, the pub has gone out of brewpub. But Fogbelt takes it old-school with its simple-ish butcher boards and bar bites paired with house-made and other local beers. Served at the U-shaped bar are sausage sandwiches from Sonoma County Meat Co., produce from Fogbelt’s Healdsburg farm, pretzel bites with beer-bechamel sauce, hoisin-barbecued beef sliders and butcher boards piled with such beer-friendly bites as fresh mozzarella with balsamic reduction, wine-cured salami and mixed pickles.

305 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-978-3400, fogbeltbrewing.com

Thai Burger at Bibi’s Burger Bar in Santa Rosa (Heather Irwin / BiteClubEats)

Bibi’s Burger Bar
Offering creative cocktails, shakes and a lengthy list of burgers, fries, salads and a few entrees, Bibi’s stakes a claim on beefy patties topped with everything under the sun, from Thai coleslaw and portobello mushrooms to homemade chili. Chefs Ben Davies and Bruce Frieseke use toasted Franco American buns and fresh produce, and add twists such as the breaded Parmigiana burger ($14) with marinara, onion ring and mozzarella on sourdough bread. The Connecticut-style steamed cheeseburger is so juicy that extra napkins and a trough are appropriate. Wash it down with a Rhu-Barbarian cocktail made with Skyy strawberry vodka, lime, strawberry and rhubarb bitters.

630 Third St., Santa Rosa, 707-523-1400, bibisr.com

Freshly baked Olive Bread at (Courtesy Photo) — Freshly baked Olive Bread at Trading Post Market & Bakery in Cloverdale. (Courtesy Photo)

Trading Post Market & Bakery
A project of San Francisco’s Mercer Restaurant Group (AQ, Melange, The Hall), this haute bread shop is more of an industrial cooking space with a small collection of jams and honey than it is a traditional bakery. No worries, since hearty, stone-hearth country loaves and baguettes are the draw to this Cloverdale spot. It’s truly excellent bread, with big air pockets and a crunchy crust: Just a swipe of fresh butter and a dab of raw honey make it spectacular. The bakery is the first stage of a larger-scale project, which will include a full-service restaurant.

102 S. Cloverdale Blvd., Cloverdale, 707-894-6483, facebook.com/thepostcloverdale

Pork Belly Burger at Hey Misster in Santa Rosa on 4/16. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat) — Pork Belly Burger at Hey Misster in Santa Rosa. (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

Hey Misstir Bar & Grill
The burgers here are intimidating, even to an experienced eater. It’s not just the sheer size of these towering beefscrapers, but also the carnivorous radicalism of a poultry, pork and beef ménage à trois under a bun. At a bar, no less. Behold the pork belly burger: toasted bun, mayo, fried egg, bacon, pork-belly-stuffed hamburger and requisite vegetables. With a side of buffalo wing sauce-slathered fries topped with blue cheese crumbles, it’s a cardiac nightmare, so bring an army to help eat it. There are also short rib, chuck and brisket burgers loaded with insane toppings. This little gem won’t stay under the radar long.

52 Mission Circle, Suite 111, Santa Rosa, 707-978-2395, facebook.com/heymisstir

Biscuits at the Big Bottom Market Chris Hardy — Biscuits at Big Bottom Market in Guerneville. (Chris Hardy / Sonoma Magazine)

Big Bottom Market
Crista Luedtke, Kate Larkin and Michael Volpatt have given their gourmet general store a facelift just in time for summer, with more space and a focus on their amazing biscuits. The biscuit bar features these glutenous pillows with pulled pork; mascarpone and honey; berries and whipped cream; and smoked salmon and pickled onions. Big Bottom also sells the biscuits par-baked and frozen.

16228 Main St., Guerneville, 707-604-7295, bigbottommarket.com

PARADISE_SUSHI_ALLYOUCANEAT_777514 — All you can eat sushi at Paradise Sushi in Santa Rosa (Heather Irwin / The Press Democrat)

Paradise Sushi
Sane people approach an all-you-can-eat sushi bar with the same caution as they would, say, a trapped opossum. Which is to say with an equal mix of extreme fear and unbridled fascination. However, you can gorge with impunity on the nonstop parade of nigiri and sushi rolls at this Santa Rosa offshoot of the popular Petaluma Paradise sushi bar. With a single rainbow roll costing $14 or more, Paradise’s $18.95 lunch and $24.95 dinner are thrifty, indeed. The all-you-can-eat selection increases at dinner.

119 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 707-542-4582, paradisesushi.net

Blood Orange Cocktail at Geyserville Gun Club (Sara Sanger) — Pisco Blood Orange Cocktail at Geyserville Gun Club Bar & Lounge (Sara Sanger/www.sarasanger.com)

Geyserville Gun Club Bar & Lounge
Dino Bugica continues to make tiny Geyserville a destination. His Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria has become legendary, and now there’s at reason to hang out late in a town where there’s not much to do after 9 p.m. With exposed brick, reclaimed walnut bar and a chandelier made of glass antlers, the Gun Club is Old West-meets-modern-minimalist, with a menu to match. Bugica marries bar bites such as Nutella crêpes, uni and toast with cauliflower cream, and chicken wings with spicy Japanese mayo, with nouveau-classic cocktails including Moscow mules, Gun Club Gibsons (gin, vermouth, orange bitters and pickling spices) and Negronis on tap. There’s also a daily blue-plate special and weekly live music.

21025 Geyserville Ave., Geyserville, 707-814-0036, geyservillegunclub.com

Things to Do in Sonoma County this Weekend

July 2016

By Sonoma Magazine Staff

Looking for something to do this weekend? There’s plenty to choose from! Travel back in time while sipping some wine at Buena Vista Winery’s Living History Extravaganza, enjoy mouthwatering meats at Wine Country Big Q and jam to some jazz, blues and bluegrass. All this – and more – is in our list of things to do.

FRIDAY, July 8

Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars: World and African music, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. July 8, Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

The Tubes featuring Fee Waybill: San Francisco-based rock band, 8 p.m. July 8, House of Rock, Santa Rosa. $50-$70. 791-3482, rockstaruniversity.com.

The Soulshine Blues Band: Blues standards and original tunes, ‘Funky Fridays’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. July 8, Hood Mansion, Santa Rosa. $10. 833-6288, funkyfridays.info.

Gaia String Trio: Bach’s moving ‘Goldberg Variations,’ 7 p.m., Chroma Gallery, Santa Rosa. $10. 293-6051, chromagallery.net.

Travel back in time while sipping some wine at Buena Vista Winery’s Living History Extravaganza.(Photo by Buena Vista Winery)

SATURDAY, July 9

Buena Vista Winery Living History Extravaganza
This Saturday from 11 a.m-3 p.m., Buena Vista Winery will bring the 1860’s to life with wine, food, and music. Living historical figures will be wandering the grounds telling stories and giving tours of the historic stone winery buildings and wine caves. Guests are invited to dress in period attire and join in on the fun while tasting a selection of Buena Vista current release wines. Wine Club Member tickets are $25 per person, General tickets are $35. Purchase tickets at here or call 800-325-2764. 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, CA 95476.

Wine Country Big Q: This Saturday from 1-5 p.m., enjoy mouthwatering BBQ from some of the best Pit Masters around at the 6th annual Wine Country Big Q competition at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Sample delicious meats and vote for your favorites while also enjoying award-winning brews and world class wines. This year’s live entertainment is Soul to Soul and Purple Haze. Find out more at winecountrybigq.com.

Enjoy mouthwatering meats at at Wine Country Big Q. (John Burgess / The Press Democrat)

Wine & Dixieland Jazz Festival: Hear music from some of Sonoma County’s favorite jazz bands while enjoying great wine, dancing, food and more at Cline Cellars in Sonoma. Tickets are $40-$45. Find out more at shop.clinecellars.com/jazzfestival.

Cotati Kids Day: Join a free family event this Saturday at La Plaza Park in Cotati. The annual Cotati Kids Day starts with a pancake breakfast 7-9 a.m. Then the parade kicks off at 10 a.m. The day continues with a fun festival from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., filled with vendors, games, music and more. Find out all the details at www.ci.cotati.ca.us.

Pet Adoption Weekend: 9 local adoption agencies are coming to Airport Stadium in Santa Rosa to help four-legged friends find their forever human. The event will include free hot dogs, lots of prizes, a silent auction and more. Plus, all adoptions come with free movie tickets. The event will take place 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is free to attend. Find out more at the Facebook events page.

The Kut-Ups Radio Hour: Saturday at 1 p.m., the signature show series opens for this senior musical troupe performing broadway, blues, motown, rock and more at Spreckels Performing Arts Center in Rohnert Park. The ensemble consists of a full band, singers, dancers and comedians, and will keep you entertained from start to curtain close. Tickets are $20. Find out all the details at www.thekutups.com.

Concert goers to the Green Music center enjoy the music on the lawn during the Dawg Day Afternoon July 12, 2015 concert. Will Bucquoy — Enjoy some bluegrass at the Green Music Center Bluegrass Festival. (Will Bucquoy / The Press Democrat)

SUNDAY, July 10

GMC Bluegrass Festival: The 2nd annual Bluegrass Festival is coming to the Green Music Center this Sunday. Starting at 3 p.m., musical acts will include The Mando Kings, The David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, Sam Bush and the Jeff Austin Band. Tickets are $25-$45. Find out all the details at gmc.sonoma.edu.

Local Author Launch: Listen as 20 Sonoma County authors share from their newly published books at the Flamingo Hotel this Sunday. From 2-4:30 p.m., Redwood Writers authors will read from works of fiction, memoir, self-help, poetry and more. This is your chance to meet authors from your community and become familiar with what they are writing. Admission is free. Find out more at redwoodwriters.org.

Petaluma’s Art & Garden Festival: This Sunday from 11-5 p..m., downtown Petaluma will be filled with fine local crafters, artisans, gardeners, food & wine and more. The free event will also feature live music from Foxes in the Henhouse, Soul Section, Hot Grubb and Kevin Durkin & Friends. Find out all the details at www.petalumadowntown.com.

Street Printing Festival: Booklovers, artists and printmakers will love this event at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. This Sunday, a variety of artists will be selling original printed art and offering interactive activities. The main event is the Street Printing, a method that involves a 4,000 pound pavement roller and handcarved linoleum blocks. This event is free, and starts at 11 a.m. Find out all the details at www.sebarts.org.

Brit Floyd at SOMO Village: This Sunday, Brit Floyd offers the Pink Floyd tribute experience you’ve been waiting for. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m., with the highlight being a new million dollar light show, state of the art video design and a massive stage production. Tickets are $42.50 for general admission, and $72.50 for reserved seating. Find out all the details at www.somoconcerts.com.

A Peek at Next Week…

San Francisco/Sonoma County band Royal Jelly Jive plays at the Cloverdale Plaza "Friday Night Live." — San Francisco/Sonoma County band Royal Jelly Jive plays at the Cloverdale Plaza “Friday Night Live,” July 15.

Monday, July 11

The Blues Defenders Pro Jam: Gritty West Coast blues, 8 p.m. Monday, Twin Oaks Roadhouse, Penngrove. Free. 795-5118, twinoaksroadhouse.ticketfly.com.

Tuesday, July 12

The Sorentinos: West Coast rock, ‘Tuesdays in the Plaza’ outdoor concert series, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Healdsburg Plaza. Free. ci.healdsburg.ca.us.

Wednesday, July 13

Frobeck: Funky rock, pop and soul, ‘Peacetown Summer Concert Series,’ 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Ives Park, Sebastopol. Free. 823-1511, sebastopol.org.

Twang Ditty: Country, honky-tonk, western swing and rockabilly, 5-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Wednesday Night Market, downtown Santa Rosa. Free. 524-2123, wednesdaynightmarket.org.

Thursday, July 14

‘Palate to Palette’: Imagery Estate Winery collection with wine label artwork, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday (through July 31), University Art Gallery, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park. Free. 664-2295, sonoma.edu/artgallery.

Eleanor Brown: Bastille Day celebration with ‘The Light of Paris’ author, 6 p.m. Thursday, Copperfield’s Books, Healdsburg; wine and cheese sampling follows at Thumbprint Cellars. Free. 433-9270, copperfieldsbooks.com

Boz Scaggs: Rhythm and blues musician plus The Robert Cray Band, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Weill Hall and Lawn, Green Music Center, Rohnert Park. $25-$85. (866) 955-6040, gmc.sonoma.edu.

Rockin’ Jason D. Williams: Rockabilly Roadhouse presentation, ‘Krush Backyard Concert Series,’ 6 p.m. Thursday, KRSH radio, Santa Rosa. Free. krsh.com.

Flynn Creek Circus: Acrobats, aerialists and daredevils under the big-top tent, 7 p.m. Thursday, Luther Burbank Center, Santa Rosa. $12-$50. (510) 381-4004, flynncreekcircus.com.

Lavay Smith: Classic jazz and blues, ‘Concert Under the Stars,’ 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.

Lumberyard: 1960s, ’70s and ’80s rock, ‘Summer Nights on the Green’ outdoor concert series, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Windsor Town Green. Free. 838-1260, townofwindsor.com.

Friday, July 15

Greenhouse: Celtic fusion, music of Ireland and the British Isles with a world beat, 8 p.m. July 15, Occidental Center for the Arts. $10. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Festival Napa Valley: Ten-day festival opener, Kristin Chenoweth recital, 6 p.m. July 15, Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga. Sold out. 346-5052, festivalnapavalley.org.

Royal Jelly Jive: Swingin’ soul jive, ‘Friday Night Live’ outdoor concert series, 7 p.m. July 15, Cloverdale Plaza. Free. 894-4410, cloverdaleartsalliance.org.

The Deer: Austin-based avant-folk group, 9 p.m. July 15, HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol. $10. 829-7300, hopmonk-sebastopol.ticketfly.com.

The Rock Collection: Melvin Seals, Greg Anton, Stu Allen, Lebo and J.P. McLean, 8:30 p.m. July 15, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. $25. 765-2121, mystictheatre.com.

Paralysis: Thrash-metal band plus Santa Rosa-based Trecelence, 8 p.m. July 15, Phoenix Theater, Petaluma. $8. 762-3565, thephoenixtheater.com.

‘Merrily We Roll Along’: Opening night, Stephen Sondheim musical, Summer Repertory Theatre, 8 p.m. July 15, Burbank Auditorium, Santa Rosa Junior College, Santa Rosa. $15-$25. 527-4307, summerrep.com.

‘Fantastical Family Night’: ‘Broadway Under the Stars’ series, 5 p.m. picnicking, 7:30 p.m. performance, July 15, Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen. $29-$134. (877) 424-1414, ttcsonoma.org.

Saturday, July 16

Alive!: All-women’s jazz quintet reunion concert, 8 p.m. July 16, Occidental Center for the Arts. $25. 874-9392, occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

Midsummer Garden Tea: Song of Sonoma Chorus, hat contest, 1-3 p.m. July 16, Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, Santa Rosa. $50. 524-5445, lutherburbank.org.

Nathan Owens & Legends of Motown: ‘Rockin’ Concerts’ series, noon-3 p.m. July 16, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.

Crushers of Comedy: Sonoma County Comedy Fest, 7 p.m. July 16, Flamingo Resort Hotel, Santa Rosa. $40. (415) 350-6433, crushersofcomedy.com.

Rivertown Revival: Art boat regatta, live music, kids’ activities, vendors, sculpture walk, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 16, McNear Peninsula/Steamer Landing Park, Petaluma. $5-$10. rivertownrevival.com.

The Bootleg Honeys: Americana, ‘KRCB Concerts in the Garden’ series, 4-6 p.m. July 16, Chroma Gallery, Santa Rosa. Free. 293-6051, chromagallery.net.

The Babys: British rock group, plus local rock duo V², 8 p.m. July 16, House of Rock, Santa Rosa. $40-$55. 791-3482, rockstaruniversity.com.

Sunday, July 17

Trevor McSpadden: Country musician/acoustic guitarist, 5-8 p.m. July 17, Rossi’s 1906, Sonoma. Free. 343-0044, rossis1906.com.

Astrofunk Experience: World, funk and soul music, ‘Live at Juilliard’ summer concert series, 5-7 p.m. July 17, Juilliard Park, Santa Rosa. Free. 543-4512, srcity.org/liveatjuilliard.

Jess Petty: Trumpeter and vocalist, the Michael Brandeburg Jazz Trio, 1-4 p.m. July 17, Village Court, Montgomery Village, Santa Rosa. Free. 545-3844, mvshops.com.

Valley of the Moon Music Festival: Sixteen-day chamber music festival opener, 4 p.m. July 17, Hanna Boys Center, Sonoma. $20-$40. valleyofthemoonmusicfestival.org.

Nora Jane Struthers and The Party Line: Boogie-blues-bluegrass, Mendocino Music Festival, 7:30 p.m. July 17, Tent Concert Hall, Main Street, Mendocino. $12-$49. 937-2044, mendocinomusic.org.