San Rafael
Pied Piper Productions connects kids to live theater through educational programs ranging from music and theater classes to full-fledged productions in Marin County. This weekend, the nonprofit hosts its first show in more than a year with live performances of the Tony Award–winning musical Rent. The young-adult production of the pop-cultural phenomenon features a story that resonates with audiences of all ages, and the fundraising shows will help Pied Piper Productions continue to serve the community on Friday to Sunday, July 30–Aug. 1, at the Showcase Theater, 10 Avenues of the Flags, San Rafael. Times vary. $18–$33. Piedpiperproductions.org.
Penngrove
Locally-owned Cornerstone Properties is bringing new life to the Old Adobe Lumber Yard northeast of Petaluma with the artisan makerspace Barn5400. Already, the space features residents including Soap Cauldron, Kickwheel Ceramics and Retrograde Coffee Roasters; and local artists such as Blake Aaseby and Nicki Adani. Many of those makers and creators are on hand for the upcoming “wknd fest” pop-up retail market featuring local vendors, food trucks, live music, a wine and beer garden, and kids’ activities provided by the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County on Saturday, July 31, at 5400 Old Redwood Hwy, Penngrove. 11am to 3pm. Free admission. Barn5400.com.
San Rafael
San Rafael’s Elks Lodge 1108 presents the first of its Music at the Mansion Concert Series this weekend featuring blues guitarist Chris Cain and local band Catfight. Cain’s expressive style earned him a Blues Music Awards nomination for Best Blues Guitarist this year. Catfight features Teal Collins (Mother Truckers), Angeline Saris (Zepparella), Daria Johnson (Blues Is a Woman), Jeff Miller (New Monsoon) and Henry Salvia (Jones Gang). The outdoor show benefits San Rafael High School’s music program in honor of SRHS music teacher Sean Castle when it happens on Saturday, July 31, at 1312 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 4pm. $28. Elks1108.org.
Santa Rosa
Breaking out in 1980 with the hit single “Funkin’ for Jamaica (N.Y.),” jazz trumpeter Tom Browne has spent more than three decades both touring and recording. After a year on hold due to the pandemic, Browne hits up the North Bay this weekend for a night of funk, jazz, R&B and soul. The intimate evening takes place at the Flamingo Resort’s recently renovated ballroom, with dinner available. The show will also feature comedian Marvin DeLoatch as the emcee, and a surprise guest. Browne performs on Saturday, July 31, at 2777 4th St., Santa Rosa. 5:30pm. $30. Tombrowne.org.
Rohnert Park
Even among the pantheon of music’s finest artists, Del McCoury stands alone. Now helming the Del McCoury Band, with sons Ronnie and Rob, the ensemble is a peerless torchbearer for the entire sweep and scope of bluegrass history. This weekend, McCoury and his band headline the annual Bluegrass Day at the Green Music Center. The popular event, returning this summer after missing last year, also features performances by the Watkins Family Hour (led by Sean and Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek fame), and local favorites Fog Holler on Sunday, Aug. 1, at the Green Music Center’s Weill Hall and Lawn, 1801 E Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. 2pm. $30-$50. Gmc.sonoma.edu.
