Novato
Chapbook Publishing
Budding pamphleteers, indie publishing moguls and fans of the artisanal small press can turn a new page at the Novato Library’s chapbook-themed open studio event at 11am, Saturday, May 6, at its 1720 Novato Blvd., Novato, location. The workshop will focus on making chapbooks, which are traditionally used to compile ballads, screeds and short works like poetry collections (this is how our editor got his start). During the workshop, participants will learn how to make a single section book with a cover and a sewn spine. Registration is required—call 415-473-205 to reserve a spot.
San Rafael
Force Majeure
The Smith Rafael Film Center takes audiences to a galaxy far, far away with its screening of the iconic space opera, Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, at 7:30pm, Thursday, May 4, at the 1118 4th St., San Rafael, location. Directed by local George Lucas, the 1977 film was a game-changer for space flicks, scifi/fantasy, special effects, genre films and mythologist Joseph Campbell. It has since become a cultural phenomenon to rival The Beatles and Jesus. The story follows Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo as they band together to fight the evil Empire and its dark lord, Darth Vader, and set forth a five decade intellectual property franchise that serves as a reminder that if one’s gonna dream, dream big.
Petaluma
Film-inspired Fashion
The Santa Rosa Junior College fashion studies program’s annual Spring Fashion Show comes to the runway at 6pm, Thursday, May 11, at the Carole Ellis Auditorium on the SRJC Petaluma Campus, 680 Sonoma Mountain Parkway. This is a student-produced event, featuring garments and accessories designed and made by fashion studies program students and alumni. The theme of this year’s show is “Cinema Paradiso.” The title is adapted from the award-winning Italian movie about an aging director’s memories of falling in love for the first time: with a young woman, and with the cinema. The show is inspired by themes and characters of a variety of movie genres. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 after May 7, available for purchase at give.santarosa.edu/fashion23. More information, including a video of last year’s show, is available at linktr.ee/srjcfashionstudies.
Sonoma
Mongol Derby
Considered the longest and toughest horse race in the world, the Mongol Derby severely tests the equestrian and survival skills of all who attempt it. In July 2022, Sebastopol native Lena Haug competed in the Mongol Derby, lasting 10 days and through more than 600 miles of Mongolian wilderness. Marking this milestone is The Mongol Derby: A Wild Evening with Lena Haug at 6pm, Thursday, May 4, at the Sebastiani Theatre, on the Plaza in Sonoma at 476 First Street East. The event is a benefit for the wild horses of Montgomery Creek Ranch. Tickets are $30 and are available at sebastianitheatre.com or at lenahaug.splashthat.com.
