Petaluma
Members Exhibition
Join Petaluma Arts Center (PAC) for their annual Members Exhibition. A tradition since 2008, each year the PAC proudly showcases the work of their many local artist and maker members, realizing their central mission of building community through the arts. This year’s exhibition is curated by Jennifer Bethke and Vicky Kumpfer, and features a wide variety of media, from painting to sculpture to ceramics and beyond. Each work is an invitation to explore the artist’s approach to art making and artistic vision. Come marvel at the talent and creative passion the Petaluma community holds, and perhaps discover a newfound inspiration to create art. The Petaluma Members Exhibition runs Nov. 17-Dec. 17 at the Petaluma Arts Center, 230 Lakeville St. Opening reception Nov. 17. 5:30-7:30pm. Free. www.petalumaartscenter.org
Ross
‘Gypsy: A Musical Fable’
Familiar with the famous burlesque singer Gypsy Rose Lee? This is a great chance to get acquainted! Join the community of Ross at the Barn Theater for Gypsy: A Musical Fable, with music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Arthur Laurents. The musical is loosely based on Lee’s 1957 memoirs, and focuses on her mother, Rose, who is known familiarly as “the ultimate show business mother.” Following the dreams and efforts of Rose Lee to raise two daughters in show biz, the show shines an affectionate eye on the gritty demands of a life in the performance world. The musical contains many songs that became popular standards, including “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Together (Wherever We Go),” “Small World,” “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “All I Need Is the Girl” and “Rose’s Turn.” Gypsy: A Musical Fable plays Nov. 11-Dec 18 at The Barn Theater, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. Times vary. Tickets $40. www.mountainplay.org
Santa Rosa
‘Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker’
It’s a Christmas classic with a whole new swing! Join the Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center for Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker. Performed by the New World Ballet Junior and Senior Company dancers—New World Ballet is a BIPOC-led nonprofit organization that supports equal opportunity for high-quality dance education— along with professional dancers and the 16-piece Marcus Shelby Orchestra, this performance is one for the books. Act I features a jazzified 1920s Harlem-based performance with a diverse cast. Holiday classics like “Santa Baby” and “Winter Wonderland” (the disco version) are on the roster. The production is choreographed by New World Ballet’s artistic director, Victor Temple, of Dance Theater of Harlem, Oakland Ballet and Cirque du Soleil. Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker is Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Rd., Santa Rosa. 3pm. Tickets $45 and $60. www.lutherburbankcenter.org
Mill Valley
Will Bernard and Freelance Subversives
Join Sweetwater Music Hall for a rocking night of music with Will Bernard and Freelance Subversives. Guitarist Bernard is a Berkeley native and Brooklyn, NY transplant who studied guitar and piano from a young age with such greats as Dave Creamer, Julian White and Art Lande. He received his degree in music from UC Berkeley and has been on a musical adventure ever since, recording and performing as a member of Peter Apfelbaum’s Hieroglyphics Ensemble, performing under projects led by producer Lee Townsend and becoming a bandleader himself in 1998 with the release of “Medicine Hat.” Bernard has performed at The Monterey, North Sea, SF Jazz, Jazz a Vienne, Bumbershoot, Be-Bop and Brew, Montreal, Vancouver, Caribbean Sea and The High Sierra festivals, as well as at clubs and festivals across the U.S., Europe and Canada. Will Bernard and Freelance Subversives play Thursday, Nov. 10 at Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley. Doors 7pm, show 8pm. Tickets $24. www.sweetwatermusichall.com
—Jane Vick
