A Press Democrat Blog

Arts

Dan Taylor on the fine arts scene.

New season opens in August at Wells Fargo Center

Wednesday, at 12:00 by

Wells Fargo Center will kick off its 2013-2014 season in August in a newly renovated auditorium, with shows by soul diva Patti LaBelle, singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile, country music superstar Randy Travis and comedian Ron White. The opening blitz includes: LaBelle, Aug. 16, with tickets priced from $79 to $119; Carlile, Aug. 18, $39-$49; Travis, Aug. 21, $45-$59, and White, Aug. 24, $62-$172. The season also features comedy by Lewis Black on Sept. 13, $47.50-$57.50; an appearance by stars from the… Read More »

‘Pirates of Penzance’ tour features Santa Rosan

Thursday, at 8:00 by

When Laura Sudduth, touring with the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, plays the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts next Wednesday, May 8, it won’t be for the first time. She first performed at the center as an eighth-grader in 2000, in a Summerfield Waldorf School production of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” After graduating from Santa Rosa High School in 2004, she went on to study voice at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, but returned in… Read More »

Wells Fargo Center announces family show series

Tuesday, at 2:39 by

China’s Golden Dragon Acrobats will open the 2013-14 Clover Stornetta Family Fun Series at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts with a performance Oct. 24. Other shows in the season include: Story Pirates, a performing troupe that uses stories submitted by children to create funny sketches and mini-musicals. 6:30 p.m. Nov. 13. “Angelina Ballerina: The Musical,” based on the hit Public Broadcasting System animated series and presented by Vital Theatre Company. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4 “Stunt Dog Experience,” with dogs… Read More »

Santa Rosa Symphony Pops Series for 2013-2014 announced

Thursday, at 10:05 by

The ninth season of the Symphony Pops Series, presented by the Santa Rosa Symphony and Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, will open Oct. 27 with “The King of Swing: Benny Goodman at the Symphony,” with guest clarinetist Ken Peplowski. The four-concert season, announced this week, also includes: Dec. 15 — “A Very Merry Holiday Pops,” featuring the Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus, with more than 60 voices. Feb. 23 — “Three Phantons in Concert,” with Broadway  tenors Mark Jacoby, Gary… Read More »

Kathy Griffin tapes Bravo TV special at Wells Fargo Center

Wednesday, at 10:34 by

Let’s just clarify something. Bravo TV has canceled comedian Kathy Griffin’s weekly talk show, “Kathy,” according to the Huffington Post. However. her two shows Friday at Santa Rosa’s Wells Fargo Center for the Arts still will be taped for another in Griffin’s long list of comedy specials for Bravo, said Kristi Buffo of Wells Fargo Center. There are still tickets available for both shows, at 7 and 10 p.m., but only a few are left for the early show. Admission:… Read More »

Tickets on sale Friday for singer Paquita la del Barrio

Thursday, at 9:59 by

Tickets go on sale at noon Friday, Feb, 15, for Mexican singer Paquita la del Barrio’s concert in April at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Singing in the ranchera style, popular on jukeboxes and in taverns throughout Latin America, Paquita is known as a feminist for her stance against macho attitudes and traditions. She was born Francisca Viveros Barradas, but is known as “Paquita la del Barrio,” roughly translated to “Frannie from the neighborhood,” a Wells Fargo Center spokesman… Read More »

Tickets go on sale for ‘Spank,’ parody of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’

Wednesday, at 1:01 by

Tickets go on sale at noon Friday, Feb. 1, for “Spank!” — the stage parody of author E. L. James’ risque best-seller, “Fifty Shades of Grey” — playing April 10 at Santa Rosa’ Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. Written and directed by Jim Millan, the musical revue pokes fun at James’ book, which recently surpassed “Harry Potter” to become the fastest-selling paperback of all time. Millan’s previous work includes “Kids in the Hall,” “Larry King Standing Up” and “Mythbusters… Read More »

Jeff Bridges, Gordon Lightfoot coming to Wells Fargo Center

Wednesday, at 11:08 by

Tickets go on sale at noon Friday, Jan. 11, for two newly announced concerts at Santa Rosa’s Wells Fargo Center for the Arts: Singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot brings his “50 Years on the Carefree Highway Tour” to the center at 8 p.m. March 10. Tickets cost $45-$65. Actor and musician Jeff Bridges, winner of an Academy Award for his performance in ‘Crazy Heart,’ will perform with his band, The Abiders, at 8 p.m. April 2.  Tickets cost $45-$85. Tickets will be… Read More »

Former ‘Mommies’ star heads for Wells Fargo Center

Monday, at 9:03 by

Back in 1990, Marilyn Kentz, Caryl Kristensen and Diane Conway formed a standup act called Comedy Camp for Mommies, which drew crowds all over Sonoma County. Kentz and Kristensen went on to bigger shows as a duo called The Mommies, which also became the title of their NBC-TV prime-time comedy series from 1993 to 1995. The pair also teamed on a television talk show and a book, before Kristensen stepped out of the picture, eventually becoming a high school counselor… Read More »

Documentary wine film premieres at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts

Thursday, at 10:19 by

“From Obscurity to Excellence: The Story of Grapes and Wine in the Russian River Valley,” a 76-minute documentary film by Joe Nugent, Sonoma County viticulturist and retired chemistry professor, will premiere Saturday, Dec. 1, in Santa Rosa. There will be two screenings, at 7 and 9 p.m., in the East Auditorium of the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 546-3600, wellsfargocenterarts.org. Nugent planted his first Pinot Noir… Read More »