A Press Democrat Blog

Arts

Dan Taylor on the fine arts scene.

Cuban classical guitarist performs in Sonoma

Wednesday, at 7:00 by

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Here’s an unsual event, at an unusual venue, with a unusual back story: Cuban classical guitar virtuoso Manuel Barrueco will perform live concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 10, at the Ramekins Culinary School, 450 Spain St., Sonoma. This event is a collaboration between Ramekins owners Sarah and Darius Anderson and Saul Gropman, owner of Sonoma’s Cafe La Haye restaurant and former classical guitar instructor at San Francisco State University. Gropman stuied with… Read More »

After-hours mixer at Sonoma Valley museum

Tuesday, at 11:56 by

For some inexplicable reason, museums seldom seem to get due respect as a great venue for special occasions. I’ve never understood why. I once attended a banquet at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., with priceless artifacts everywhere, and columnist Art Buchwald as guest speaker. It was memorable, to say the least. Fortunately, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art in Sonoma has long recognized its own strength as a site for social events, hosting a series of “Mix” parties aimed… Read More »

Art about animals in Sonoma

Friday, at 11:54 by

Nothing inspires the human imagination more vividly than animals. A dozen artists explore the theme in the new exhibit, “Animal Dreams: Animals as Visual Metaphors,” opening with a reception from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at A New Leaf Gallery/Sculpturesite in Sonoma. The sculptures range in size from miniature to monumental, and materials used include bronze, ceramic, steel, wood, recycled plastic and concrete. Artists featured in the exhibit include Noa Bornstein, Jerry Ross Barrish, Mark Chatterley, John Denning,… Read More »

Photo show at Saret’s Gallery in Sonoma

Tuesday, at 3:00 by

“Collector’s Show” opens with a reception from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, at Saret Gallery, 111A E. Napa St., Sonoma. The exhibit features photography by Ansel Adams, Bill Brandt, Yousef Karsh, Edouard Boubat, Robert Doiseneu, Andre Kertesz, Berenice Abbott, W. Eugene Smith and others. The Saret Gallery features both vintage and contemporary photography. Information: (707) 537-3012, www.saretgallery.com.

Quicksilver’s annual ‘Baker’s Dozen’ exhibit

Tuesday, at 10:00 by

The Quicksilver Mine Co. opens ‘Bakers Dozen 2011,’ the Forestville gallery’s annual group exhibition featuring 13 Northern California artists, on Friday, Jan. 21. A reception for the artists will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday,  Jan. 22. The exhibit runs through Feb. 27. Gallery hours are 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Thursday through Monday. This year’s show features: – Collaborative poetry and antique letterpress broadsides by printmaker Micah Schwaberow, poet Elizabeth Herron and writer/letterpress artist Eric Johnson. –… Read More »

Brothers Comatose at Slim’s in SF

Monday, at 6:25 by

The Brothers Comatose will  host a hometown hoedown at Slim’s, 333 11th St., San Francisco, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2. The Brothers Comatose is an Americana, bluegrass and roots music quintet that includes four Sonoma County natives. Singer and guitarist Ben Morrison, and his brother Alex, on vocals and banjo, are from Petaluma, and so is mandolin player Joe Pacini. Bassist Gio Benedetti, formerly of Toast Machine, is from Sonoma. Fiddler Phiilip Brezina is from Pennsylvania. The string band… Read More »

Battle of the Bartenders in Sonoma

Wednesday, at 10:00 by

A dozen local bartenders will compete for the title of “Sonoma’s Best Bartender” at the fourth annual Battle of the Bartenders at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Sonoma Veterans Building, 126 First St. W., Sonoma. The evening includes a DJ, a silent auction and raffle, food and drinks. Tickets cost $30 in advance and can be purchased until Friday, Oct. 15, at South American Secrets, Steiner’s, Town Square, Eraldi’s Menswear and Mary’s Pizza on the Plaza. Tickets will… Read More »

Black Cat Cabaret in Sonoma

Wednesday, at 3:37 by

Step up to help our furry friends when Pets Lifeline of Sonoma hosts its second annual Black Cat Cabaret benefit Thursday and Friday, Sept. 9-10, at the “Field of Dreams” (Fazio Field), 151 First St. W., Sonoma The event features performances by Las Vegas aerialists, acrobats and musicians, starting at 8 p.m. both nights. VIP receptions start at 6:30 p.m., with gates opening at 7:30 p.m., each evening. Ticket prices range from $75 to $250. All proceeds go to support… Read More »

Blame Sally plays Cornerstone in Sonoma

Tuesday, at 10:00 by

All-women bands are no longer a novelty, but a good band doesn’t need a gimmick anyway. Just music. Popular Bay Area band Blame Sally has music, played on an array of instruments that includes guitar, bass, banjo, harmonica, dobro, mandolin, piano, keyboards,  accordion and melodica. The group is touring this summer to promote its current CD, “Live at Stern Grove,” and will play Saturday, July 24, at The Grange at Cornerstone,  23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. The band features Pam Delgado,… Read More »

TGIF at Sonoma Valley Museum of Art

Wednesday, at 5:42 by

During an interview last February, Kate Eilertsen, executive director of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, very clearly expressed one of ther dreams for the downtown Sonoma museum. “I want to make it active all the time, a place where art happens,” she said. “My big dream for this museum is to have it be a place of activity, 24-7. It’s not all going to happen in one year, but hopefully in five.” She is making a start toward that… Read More »