A Press Democrat Blog

Arts

Dan Taylor on the fine arts scene.

“Heavy Metal” movie from 1981 screened at Roxy 14 in Santa Rosa

Wednesday, at 7:00 by

In 1981, a movie came out that combined the talents of giants in two very different fields: comic books and rock ‘n’ roll. It was called “Heavy Metal,” after the slick, magazine-format comic book, an American version of the similar French magazine, “Metal Hurlant.” Now you can see it on the big screen again, after several decades, at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at the Roxy Stadium 14 cinemas, 85 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. The screening will be followed… Read More »

Rialto Cinemas screens ‘Mumia’ documentary

Thursday, at 7:00 by

“Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary, a two-hour documentary about journalist and writer Mumia Abu-Jamal, opens Friday (May 10) at the Rialto, 6868 McKinley St. Sentenced to death after he was convicted of murdering a policeman in 1981, Abu-Jamal continues to live and work on Death Row in a Pennsylvania prison. The film includes interviews with author-activists Cornel West, Alice Walker and Angela Davis, comedian and activist Dick Gregory, and journalist Amy Goodman. Tickets prices range from $7.25 to $9.50. Information: 525-4840,… Read More »

Petaluma Historical Library and Museum hosts gala concert

Friday, at 7:00 by

Soprano Carol Menke, pianist Elizabeth Walter and guest string players from the San Francisco Symphony will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum. The performance is the highlight of the “Spring Gala Concert and Benefit Art Show,” presented by the Sky Hill Cultural Alliance and the Petaluma Museum Association. Admission costs $35, and includes complimentary wine and cheese. Seating is limited. Information: (707) 778-4398, http://www.petalumamuseum.com.

Tickets on sale for next summer’s ‘Broadway Under the Stars’ in Glen Ellen

Thursday, at 2:17 by

The Transcendence Theatre Company, which made its debut last summer with a series of outdoor musical stage revues at Jack London Historic State Park, has announced its second “Broadway Under the Stars” season. The series will feature four separate, themed programs in a total of 14 performances, running from June 28 through Aug. 31, including wine tasting and picnics in the park before the shows. The inaugural 2012 season was voted “Best Special Theater Event” in the Broadway World San… Read More »

Sebastopol singer to audition for ‘The Voice’

Monday, at 10:26 by

Samantha Vigil of Sebastopol, who has been singing since she was three years old, is taking her music, and her dreams, to the next level. She’s going to Los Angeles to audition Feb. 2-3 for the NBC talent contest series “The Voice.” “I want to make music. It doesn’t matter to me that much about fame and all that. I want to make music for people, and this is a step towards that,” said Vigil, 22, a 2008 graduate of… Read More »

Local rappers pay tribute to 49ers in ‘Roll Call’ video

Wednesday, at 2:58 by

The 49ers are hot, heading into the National Football Conference championship game Sunday, Jan. 20, against the Atlanta Falcons. And a couple of local rappers are basking in that warmth with a video titled “Roll Call,” which rattles off the names of entire 49er roster. So far, the video has racked up nearly 72,000 hits on YouTube. Rappers BoBo NorCo (Sean McBride) and Really Real (Will Cunningham), both of Santa Rosa, shot the video at the Candlestick parking lot Dec.… Read More »

Holidays are coming: ready to spend?

Friday, at 10:21 by

We’re headed into the holiday shopping season, and I’d like to write a feature story for The Press Democrat on how people feel about that this year. Are you optimistic? Do you plan to loosen up and spend a bit more money this time? Or not? In either case, why? I’m not looking for alternative gift ideas here, so much as a reading on whether most people are still cautious about spending because of the recession, or whether they feel… Read More »

Musselwhite plays the HopMonk in Sebastopol

Monday, at 7:00 by

You don’t have to go down South to hear authentic blues. On Friday, Oct. 12, Sonoma County’s own Mississippi-born, Memphis-raised, harmonica master brings his personal style of real blues to Sebastopol. Musselwhite has recorded with Tom Waits, Eddie Vedder, Ben Harper, John Lee Hooker, Bonnie Raitt, The Blind Boys of Alabama, INXS and, most recently, Cyndi Lauper. The harmonica virtuoso was inducted into the Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall Of Fame in 2010, has been nominated for six Grammy Awards and… Read More »

Comedy Night at Heritage Public House in Santa Rosa

Wednesday, at 11:14 by

What goes well with beer? Pizza? Nachos? How about comedy? This Friday, Sept. 28, head out to Dino and Maria D’Argenzio’s Heritage Public House, serving beers from ultra-small “nano breweries” at Vintners’ Square, 1305 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa. The 8 p.m. show, hosted by K. C. Chandara, stars G. King, Chris Storin and other local comedians. Tickets cost $10 in advance. Information: (707) 540-0395; , santarosawineyard.com/heritagepub.

David LaFlamme and friends play Yoshi’s in Oakland

Friday, at 2:07 by

Rock, swing and jazz violinist David LaFlamme of Santa Rosa will appear with his wife, singer Linda LaFlamme, and members of The Phil Lawrence Band at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Yoshi’s Nightclub in Oakland. David LaFlamme. 71, is best-known for the hit song “White Bird,” co-written by LaFlamme and recorded by the band It’s a Beautiful Day in 1969. The ensemble also will include mandolinist Phil Lawrence, guitarist Ned Boynton, rhythm guitarist Ned Ripple and bassist Jeff Martin.… Read More »