San Rafael
What’s Up, Doc?
What has 30 films, 49 filmmakers and 26 premieres? That would be the DocLands Documentary Film Festival, running Thursday, May 2 to Sunday, May 5 at the Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center. Opening the fest is Skywalkers: A Love Story. Don’t confuse this with another famous Skywalker from around these parts (looking at you, Luke)—no, this is a literal spin on the concept that follows the adrenaline-fueled romance of Russian rooftoppers Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus as they embark on a daring quest to climb the world’s latest super skyscraper. Talk about getting high. “With every perilous ascent, they push the boundaries of trust and love, capturing their vertigo-inducing feats on camera for the world to see,” reads the rather breathless summary. You had us at “adrenaline-fueled romance.” Directors Maria Bukhonina and Jeff Zimbalist will be present. For more information, including tickets, visit doclands.com. The film center is located at 1118 4th St., San Rafael.
Larkspur
The Saga Continues
Speaking of Skywalkers… Remember a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, you could only watch the original Star Wars saga on Disney+? Okay, maybe it wasn’t that long ago, but it’s probably been a while since you saw Luke, Han and Leia defeat the Empire on the big screen. Just in time for May 4 (as in “May the ‘fourth’ be with you”—see this week’s arts feature), Larkspur’s Lark Theatre will unspool all three of the original Star Wars movies (none of the greasy kid’s stuff like The Phantom Menace) in two slates beginning at 9:30am, Saturday, May 4. All in, the marathon screening sesh includes Star Wars, Episode 4: A New Hope, Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back and finally Episode 6: Return of the Jedi. This all day Saturday matinee is one for the ages—literally in terms of actual time spent in a theater seat as well as the age range of prospective attendees—all are welcome to the PG-rated extravaganza. Tickets are $5 per film, per showing—so, $15 for the whole shebang. The Lark is located at 549 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur. larktheatrer.net. Emotional support Wookies allowed with permit. No droids allowed.
Santa Rosa
Piece Work
Perhaps author David Shields summed it up best when he observed that “Collage is not a kitchen sink; it’s not a refuge for the compositionally disabled.” Santa Rosa Arts Center is apt to concur. The organization’s present exhibit, “Small Works: Collages,” celebrates the enduring appeal and innovative spirit of collage art. This event, featuring works from local artists, is set to run from May 5 through June 30, at the center’s Small Works Gallery, 312 South A St., Santa Rosa. The artists utilize everyday materials like magazine photos, newspaper clippings, cardboard and even cereal boxes to create compelling visual narratives. An artists’ reception is scheduled for the opening day, Friday, May 5, from 5-8pm, providing an opportunity for guests to meet the creators behind the artworks. The exhibition is characterized by its focus on smaller-scale pieces, each no larger than 12 inches, highlighting the intricate and thoughtful use of materials typical of collage art. For additional information, visit santarosaartscenter.org.
Petaluma
‘A Better Trip’
Award-winning comedian Shane Mauss, known for his performances on platforms like Conan, Comedy Central and Netflix, brings his unique comedy and science show, “A Better Trip,” to the Mystic Theater in Petaluma on Sunday, April 28. This one-of-a-kind event combines Mauss’ sharp humor with his deep knowledge of science and psychedelics. The show features a blend of stand-up comedy enhanced by striking visuals and custom animations, creating an immersive psychedelic comedy experience. “A Better Trip” builds on Mauss’ previous successes, including his documentary, Psychonautics: A Comic’s Exploration of Psychedelics. This tour, spanning over 100 cities, showcases his dual expertise as a comedian and science communicator, offering audiences not only laughter but also insightful commentary on psychedelic culture through engaging storytelling. The show will start at 7:30pm, with doors opening at 6:30pm. Tickets and additional information are available online at shanemauss.com/petaluma. The venue is located at 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma.
