Here's a little story about the power of perseverance. About 15 years ago, longtime Sonoma County painter Jack Stuppin walked into a New York City art gallery, hoping to see the owner. He was in luck. He was greeted by Jeffrey Bergen, president of ACA (American Contemporary Artists,) [...]
Still haven't heard back from the "American Idol" people? There is an alternative. Jim Crosthwaite of First Step Sports Marking Group has come up with a vocal competition for would-be stars called "NorCal Sings!" -- whose sponsors include Westfield Malls and Borders Books. And this contest will come to you. [...]
Just a last-minute reminder: Guitarists Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett of the classic Little Feat band will perform twice in Sonoma County this weekend: -- 8 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at the Ramekins Event Center, 450 W Spain St., in Sonoma. $40. 933-0450, ramkekins,com. -- 8 p.m. Sunday, March 28, [...]
Nationally and internationally recognized sculptor Robert Hudson has lived and worked in Sonoma County for more than three decades, but you rarely get a chance to see his work on display anywhere close to home. A rare exception was the Sonoma County Museum exhibit of his work five years ago. [...]
One of my father's favorite jokes was to take a cliche and turn it upside-down: "Everybody's crazy except you and me, and sometimes I'm not so sure about me." Or: "Things will get worse before they get worse." Or, appropriate to today's topic: "I know a lot about [...]
Sonoma finds it fitting and proper to stage a play by a great Irish playwright, two days before St. Patrick's Day. And so, Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," directed by Kate Kennedy and produced by Rose Murphy, will be presented at 7 p.m. Monday, March 15, [...]
His 16th and newest CD is titled "Open Hand," and that seems to sum up David Wilcox's approach to his music -- honest and human. He may not be a household name, but his combination of sensitive songwriting and expressive vocals and acoustic guitar work have made him [...]
Stayed tuned for details of a contest in which there are no prizes, just a great chance to vent. But first, this message: Not all art hangs on a wall. Some gets right in your face. Every day. The beauty of public art is it reaches everybody. The drawback is [...]
An update for those of you who were waiting until the crowds thinned out for a taste of Russian River Brewing Company's once-a-year-beer, Pliny the Younger: Sorry. It sold out the same day it went on sale. It was gone by 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. The pub sold 600 [...]
What is art? Whether it’s oil on canvas or actors on stage, dancers on their toes or comedians doing stand-up, Press Democrat staff writer Dan Taylor covers the fine and lively arts in Northern California. Meet the people, go behind the scenes and get ahead on what’s coming up.