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Holiday In--and Out
By Gretchen Giles
Stop right there. Wipe that worried expression off your face. Relax. We're here with two feet planted with figurative firmness on the ground to remind you that the holidays are supposed to be fun. This 30-day dash to the perfect five minutes spent thrashing things out from under the tree just ain't what it's cracked up to be. So take a deep breath, bake some cookies, spin the dreidel, sing some Bing Crosby tunes--and get out of the house. Scrunch your face up real hard and try to remember that it's not the presents, it's the experiences that make the holiday season memorable. With this resolution in mind, allow us to provide you with our suggestions for outings, cultural events, and opportunities for spending time with others--while not waiting in checkout lines.
Joy to the World
Let's just face it: it doesn't snow here. We in the North Bay have to find something other than frozen water that means holiday to us. The obvious solution--other than hollow chocolate figurines--is music. Songs that are sung only at this time of year. Songs whose meaning is part of the season. Songs that, if you ever really stopped to listen to the lyrics, wouldn't make a whole bunch of sense.
Carols in the Caves
David Auerbach--a musician who plays more than 50 rare, old instruments--makes it a point to perform in out-of-the-way places. Like atop the Golden Gate Bridge. But when he's not playing concerts above the cliffs, Auerbach likes to get down into the ground. Having performed more than 60 times in caves, Auerbach is at it again, bringing sacred and secular music of many cultures into the cask-lined caves of local wineries, whose echo is beautifully eerie and whose depth renders peripheral noise obsolete.
Auerbach performs on three consecutive weekends in Calistoga and Napa: Sunday, Dec. 3, at Clos Pegase Winery, 1060 Dunawheel Lane, Calistoga; Dec. 9-10 at Schramsberg Vineyards, 1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga; and Dec 15-17 at Pine Ridge Winery, 5901 Silverado Trail, Napa. All performances are at 7 p.m. $23. For details, call 224-4222.
Greatness of the Human Spirit
Jeffrey Kahane directs the Santa Rosa Symphony in works by Vaughan Williams, Dvorak, and Prokofiev. Violinist Jennifer Koh, baritone Hector Vasquez, and the Santa Rosa Junior College chorus are featured.
Performances are Saturday through Monday, Dec. 2-4: Saturday and Monday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $10-$27. 546-3600.
Singing for AIDS
Randy Rowland of Club Heaven leads his Christmas Chorus for the second year in a row, singing carols and traditional songs while remembering loved ones who have passed, and raising funds for local AIDS foundations and Home Hospice. But don't expect a fugue--Rowland knows how to make things fun with a cocktail party before the show, a raffle, and more.
The benefit concert is Sunday, Dec. 3, at the Friedman Center, 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. Preconcert cocktails at 6:30 p.m.; concert at 8 p.m. $15, including cocktails; $10, concert only. 544-6653.
Christmas, Chanukah, and Solstice
The Occidental Community Choir turns its talents to English composers this year, performing works by Byrd, Gardner, Handel, and others. Also planned are Chanukah songs, carols, and an operatic ode, "Easy to Assemble," to putting children's toys together. These events are free, and you best get there early.
The shows are Dec. 9-10: Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Occidental Community Church, Second and Church streets; Sunday at the Sebastopol United Methodist Church, 500 North Main St. 869-0102.
The Magic of Christmas
The Sonoma Valley Chorale has just finished its European tour and will perform various modern pieces of classical and sacred music. The Sonoma Valley Children's Chorale will accompany the performance at the Veterans Building, 126 First St., Sonoma. The show is Dec. 9-10: Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 7:30 p.m. $8-$10. 935-1576.
Chorale Christmas
The Northern California Chamber Chorale, under the direction of Curtis Springer, take some time out from its busy international touring season to perform classical and well-loved holiday songs. One show only, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. Luther Burbank Center, Concert Chamber, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Free. 527-4249.
Rohnert Park Chorale
Holiday sing-along with the Rohnert Park band and featured soloists promises to have a slate of seasonal favorites. Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $4-$6. 584-1700.
Getting a Handel on It
Singing along with the libretto to Handel's Messiah is a big county favorite. Don't worry if you can't remember all of the words--no one really expects you to--and loaner programs are always available.
The Redwood Empire Sing-Along takes place Dec. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. The Redwood Empire Festival Chorus and assorted soloists will also perform, with accompaniment provided by the Baroque Sinfonia. Please bring the score if you have it. Tickets are $12, and benefit the Hospital Chaplaincy Services. 546-3600.
Meanwhile, the Camerata de la Rosa, conducted by Mark Osten, performs the Christmas portion and hallelujah chorus of the work Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Presbyterian Church of the Roses, 2500 Patio Court, Santa Rosa. Donations accepted. 542-4272.
Chanticleer Christmas
Chanticleer, the only full-time professional male classical vocal ensemble in America, comes to Petaluma with its popular program of sacred and secular songs of Europe. Performing Italian madrigals, songs of the Renaissance, spirituals, seasonal songs, and more, Chanticleer will be accompanied by percussionist Peter Maund for this concert.
The concert is Dec. 21 at 8 p.m., at St. Vincent's Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma. $19-$26. 800-407-1400.
So Be Good, for Goodness' Sake!
The holidays mean so much to children--and they tend to remember them far better than just exactly where their new coat is or when their homework is due. Avoid being the topic of their trauma therapy 20 years down the road--take the little buggers out for some fun now.
Ho Ho Ho
In Petaluma, Santa arrives on the river--of course--puffing down the stream merrily, merrily on an old-fashioned steamboat. He and the elves hand out candy canes, and there will be antique wagons and decorated horse teams, too. Santa arrives Saturday, Nov. 25, at noon at the waterfront adjacent to the Great Petaluma Mill, 6 Petaluma Blvd. South. Free. 769-0429.
Forget the sleigh--Santa arrives in Sonoma by fire truck. He'll be pulling into the Sonoma Plaza on Friday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m. to thrill the kids and hand out candy canes. Hot chocolate will ward off the evening chill. Free. 996-1033.
Meanwhile, Santa pulls into dock at the Bodega Harbour Yacht Club to regale kids who have had their faces stuffed with cookies and painted. Look for the jolly ol' soul on Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. 21301 Heron Drive. Free. 874-1714.
Parades!
Healdsburg begins the holiday season with a parade, and there really is something ennobling about seeing your ordinary friends, neighbors, and children walking boldly down the middle of a street wearing funny hats and self-conscious smiles. We're betting that Santa will find time in his busy schedule to show up on Sunday, Dec. 3, at noon. Piper and Center streets. Free. 433-6861.
Not to be outdone, Petaluma once again doses Santa with Dramamine and puts him afloat, this time joined by a flotilla of companions in the annual boat parade. Decorated with lights, trees, and other finery, the boats are magical in the evening dark. Catch Santa on Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m. Boats leave from the Lakeville Marina and end at the Petaluma Turning Basin. Free. 778-1833.
Santa's Workshop
Walden's Marionettes perform a puppet show featuring those hardworking elves under the direction of the Jolly One, with the marionette workings in full view so that children can see the mysteries of the strings. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 4 and 5, at 9:30 and 11 a.m. Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $4. 415-457-4878.
Christmas Magic
The little round-headed boy and his friends (and dog!) are at it again as the Redwood Empire Ice Arena presents its holiday show featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and a host of other creations from Charles Schulz's imagination. This year they're going internationale with excerpts from a Puccini opera, a visit to Paris, and mystical visions of Aztec ruins. If you can procure a table seat, you'll get hot cider, hot chocolate, and pastries as part of the ticket price. Tickets disappear faster than a football in Lucy's hands, so act quickly. The fun runs Thursday, Dec. 7 and continues through Dec. 30, with most shows at 3 and 7 p.m. Redwood Empire Ice Arena, 1667 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. $10-$32. 546-3385.
Christmas Sing-Along
Jim Corbett doesn't mind if you call him Mr. Music--just don't forget the mister. He will present a program of songs silly, secular, and sacred for kids and their families to sing along with, hum to, and shake it all about. You don't have to quiet the kids down for this one--they're supposed to shout "Like a lightbulb!" at certain times. He performs Friday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $5-$7. 546-3600.
Christmas at the Mission
The Sonoma Mission comes to life with candlelit processions, caroling, and refreshments. This event is free, but to avoid overcrowding, tickets must be picked up at the barracks first. Orderly, orderly, ladies and gentlemen. The event is Sunday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m., at the Sonoma Mission, on the plaza. Free. 938-1519.
Zimriya
Congregation Beth Ami hosts a holiday sing-along for children and their families. Sunday, Dec. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. Free. 545-4334.
Las Posadas
The Mother Lode Musical Theatre celebrates the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe with a re-creation of Mary and Joseph's nighttime quest to seek shelter, plus a special appearance by the Santa Rosa Children's Chorus. There will be a tree-lighting and caroling before the performance, as well as a special art exhibit, "Holiday Memories, Visions, and Dreams," on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., Luther Burbank Center, Main Theatre, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $5-$7. 546-3600.
Deck them Halls
OK, we know you've got to do some shopping. What better way to do it than to support local artisans and crafters--buying Uncle Harry something he really never has seen before? These are only some of the crafts fairs happening. Stop by any church, community center, or backyard and you'll be sure to find another.
Spirit of Christmas
The 19th annual Spirit of Christmas Crafts Fair is the mother of all craft fairs, with 250 artists displaying their wares, tons of special activities for the little ones, and lots of live music. Don't be silly, of course there is food. Musical highlights include Michael Bolivar (Dec. 1), the Drifters (Dec. 3), Blue Moon (Dec. 8), and Pride & Joy (Dec. 9). The fair runs Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 8-10: Fridays, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1375 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. $4; Fridays are free. 575-9355.
What the Dickens!
Downtown Cloverdale transforms itself into a little slice of Victorian England for its fifth annual Dickens Street Faire, with costumed carolers, crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, minstrels, and more. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Downtown Cloverdale (take Citrus Fair Drive exit from Hwy. 101). Free. 894-4470. There will be a free tree-lighting ceremony and caroling in the town square on Friday, Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m.
Calistoga Community Crafts Bazaar
Get a leap on the season and buy your tree fresh from the Scouts while you browse for early gifts at this fair that benefits local non-profits and community services. Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Napa County Fairgrounds, 1435 North Oak, Calistoga. Free. 942-6972.
Chanukah Book Fair
Ner Shalom Synagogue hosts a book fair with food, books, and an appearance by storyteller Ruth Halpern, who will tell traditional--and not-so-traditional--Jewish tales on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 12:30 to 4 p.m. 85 La Plaza at Old Redwood Hwy., Cotati. $2, individuals; $6, families. 664-8622.
Winter Solstice Goddess Crafts Fair
Honoring the return of the light is the theme of this fair, featuring work by female artisans, as well as tarot readings, herbal remedies, belly dancing, storytelling, and more. Sunday, Dec. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sebastopol Veterans Bldg., 282 High St. $2 suggested donation. 795-8403.
Fa La La La La
If it's not music, or shopping, or ballet, or just for kids, it's an Event. That's the holiday tradition around the office, at least.
Light up a Life
The holidays are tempered for so many of us by memories of people we've lost. Home Hospice helps you to remember with its tree-lighting ceremony. You buy a light in memory of those whom you wish to honor, and Home Hospice benefits, continuing its fine work easing people's transition into death. Most events have open-house activities by local merchants before the tree-lighting. All events are $10 for lights. Call 542-5045 for more information. Tree lightings take place Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Healdsburg Plaza; Friday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. in Center Park, in front of the Mystic Theatre, 21 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma; Sunday, Dec. 10, at 5:30 p.m. in Railroad Square, Santa Rosa; and Friday, Dec. 15, at 5:30 p.m., with a special ceremony for children, at the Santa Rosa Plaza, Third and B streets.
Holiday Open House
The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens opens its doors for a Victorian-era open-house, with turn-of-the-century decorations, special ornaments, and an auction of a Cedar of Lebanon tree grown from cuttings of Burbank's original specimen, on both Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Santa Rosa Avenue at Sonoma Avenue. Free. 524-5445.
Victorian Holiday Tea
The Petaluma Museum is transformed into an elegant setting for you to enjoy a real high tea, with costumed servers and decorum to spare, on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1, 3, and 5 p.m. Fourth and B streets. $25. 778-0123.
Christmas with the Kids
Forestville's Bob Burke has a special place in our hearts. Playing Santa on a year-round basis, Burke organizes weekly activities for kids suffering from cancer and leukemia, making sure that they don't miss out on the normal excitements of childhood in between bouts of treatment and pain. Once again this year, Burke is hosting his holiday revue dinner show, produced and performed by the children, with food provided by the Farmhouse Inn. Burke doesn't charge for this event, but he could always do with some donations. Even if you don't attend, you might want to throw a little federal greenery Burke's way. People like him don't come around often enough. The dinner show is Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. Farmhouse Inn, 7871 River Road, Forestville. 887-1222 or 887-3300.
Festival of Lights
Six Kenwood wineries--among them Chateau St. Jean, Kunde, and Kenwood--dress up with lights, music, food, wine, and action. Participants are encouraged to go from one winery to the next to see what surprises the vintners have in store. Catch the show on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. $15. For map and details, call 833-5891.
Adobe Luminaria Fiesta
This living-history event celebrates Petaluma's Hispanic past with costumed singers and dancers, a Las Posadas procession commemorating Mary and Joseph's quest for shelter, empanadas and cookies, and over 800 luminaria candles lit at dusk. Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 5 p.m. Old Adobe State Park, Adobe Road, Petaluma. Free. 762-4871.
Dickens Christmas Dinner
Madrona Manor is reprising its very popular tradition of serving an old-fashioned holiday meal, complete with costumed servers and music of the era, lacking only the spittoons and muttonchops. Get Dickensian on Dec. 15-17 and Dec. 22-24 at 6:30 p.m. 1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg. $50, includes tax and tip. Reservations are required. 433-4433.
Chanukah
Congregation Beth Ami hosts two holiday events honoring the eight days of Chanukah, and benefiting the Jewish Community Center and its school program. Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m., party with silent auction; and Dec. 19 at 5:30 p.m., potluck latke dinner with dancing afterwards. 4676 Mayette Ave., Santa Rosa. For cost and details, call 545-4334.
Congregation Shomrei Torah Reform hosts a potluck dinner followed by a family service. All ages welcome. Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. 1717 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa. For details, call 578-5519.
And Congregation Ner Shalom has a Chanukah celebration featuring storyteller Joel Ben Izzy , with candle lighting, Havdalah, and songs, plus potluck dinner. Dec. 23 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. 85 La Plaza, Cotati. $3-$14. 664-8622.
Kwanzaa
A seven-day festival honoring African-American heritage, Kwanzaa is the newest of our holiday celebrations. Meaning "first fruits of the harvest" in Swahili, Kwanzaa focuses on reaping the benefits of the fields and of the soul, with an emphasis on values and respect. The Rev. Ann Gray Byrd hosts a Kwanzaa celebration on the first Sunday after Christmas with a potluck supper, religious service, and music on Dec. 31. Service is at 10 a.m.; potluck dinner at 11 a.m. Santa Rosa Senior Center, 704 Bennett Valley Road. Free. 545-8608.
Visions of Sugar Plums Dancing...
When Hoffmann first penned the tale of the Nutcracker almost 200 years ago, he had no idea what he was getting us into. Now local ballet companies all over the county are ripping their tights over preparations for holiday staple. With its lovely music and lively story, this ballet continues to delight young and old.
Nutcracker
This timeless tale is retold this year by five local companies, including Petaluma City Ballet, Dec. 1-3: Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Veterans Memorial Bldg., 1094 Petaluma Blvd. $9-$14. 765-3972.
Redwood Empire Ballet, Dec. 8-10: Friday at 8 p.m; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. Sugar plum parties follow matine performances, with refreshments and chance to meet the dancers. These are $3-$5 extra. Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $7.50-$15. 523-3046.
Contessi Ballet, Dec. 9 and 10: Saturday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Preview performances are Saturday, Nov. 25, at 1 p.m. at the Petaluma Village Factory Outlet Stores, 2200 Petaluma Blvd. North; and Saturday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. at Oliver's Market, 546 East Cotati Ave., Cotati. Regular shows are at the Evert Person Theatre, Sonoma State University, 1501 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. $10-$12; sneak previews, free. 795-1999.
Ballet Califia, Dec. 15-17: Friday-Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2:30 p.m. This production is choreographed by former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer David McNaughton and performed at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $12-$16. 584-1700.
Ballet California, Dec. 16-17 ,at 2 and 7 p.m. Meet the cast after the show for $3 extra. Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $10-$19. 546-3600.
'Twas the Night
This year, the Healdsburg Ballet is opting out of the fray, deciding that The Nutcracker is too tough to crack, what with so many other companies tackling that chestnut. Instead, they will perform 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, using 50 dancers ranging in age from 3 on up. Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m., in the Raven Theater's Community Room, 115 Center St., Healdsburg. $5-$7. 431-7617.
Peace
Kid Street Theatre, an organization devoted to helping kids gain self-esteem through the arts, is presenting its fourth annual holiday show. This year they're calling it "Celebration of Peace," and they're hosting an auction and a reception before the show on Saturday, Dec. 2. A performers' reception will be held at 6:30 p.m.; performance at 7:30 p.m. 54 West Sixth St., Santa Rosa. $25. 525-9223.
Auld Lang Syne
The last gasp before credit-card bills and thank-you notes, New Year's Eve has long been known as "amateur night." People who ordinarily have good common sense go out frantic to have a good time, struggle to stay up until midnight, drink too much, eat too much, and have too little fun. This year, all of that is going to change.
Because for the first time, we're going to have First Night.
First Night
Conceived first in Boston in the late 1970s, First Night is an alcohol- and drug-free event devoted completely to the arts. Santa Rosa is hosting its first such celebration this year, with over 120 artists participating in music, dance, theater, mime, juggling, puppet shows, performance art--you name it. Railroad Square and downtown Santa Rosa will be blocked off to traffic (with free parking available at the Santa Rosa Plaza), and there will be vendors in the streets, fireworks at night, and a children's parade to kick the whole event off. Don't miss the resolution fountain, where you can make your New Year's resolution, fold it up on origami paper, and set it afloat along with the hopes of hundreds of other people. This promises to be a community celebration of unprecedented breadth, and you can enjoy the whole thing without a hangover the next morning.
First Night begins in the afternoon, with activities, interactive art projects, and performances for children at 4 p.m. As the evening progresses, the streets will be enlivened with entertainment for all ages. Admission is $5; you receive a button that allows admission to all indoor events. For information (they need volunteers!) and details, call 579-ARTS. Remember: no booze, no drugs. They mean it.
Hand Jive
Johnny Otis will once again host his famous New Year's Eve bash with special guests, extra room for dancing (they're taking out chairs this year), food, and midnight champagne. Tickets go fast, and last year some folks were disappointed at the door.
The Johnny Otis Show begins at 7 p.m. at the Luther Burbank Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $35-$40. 546-3600.
This page was designed and created by the Boulevards team.Our guide to actually, finally, perhaps for the first time, enjoying the holidays
From the Nov. 22-29, 1995 issue of The Sonoma County Independent
Copyright © 1995 Metro Publishing and Virtual Valley, Inc.