Culture Crush, March 22

Santa Rosa

Dancing Fools

For nearly a decade, Sonoma County Dance Beat has provided an online calendar listing all the dance music events in the county—gratis. Fans are invited to give back by dancing on over to the service’s fundraising dance party, which is aptly titled “April Foolery,” from 4 to 8pm, Sunday, April 1, at The California, 528 7th St., Santa Rosa. The party features live performances by perennial faves The Pulsators and Foxes in the Henhouse, an award-winning act known for their upbeat roots music and three-part harmonies. There will also be a costume contest, so “jesterize!” suggest the organizers (the new word hasn’t made the Oxford English Dictionaryyet). Tickets are available for $25 in advance or $30 on the day of the show. For information and tickets, visit socodancebeat.com.

Mill Valley

Seeing Double

Repetition is in their genes—in fact, it is their genes—so it’s no wonder that identical twin musicians Adam and David Moss call themselves the The Brother Brothers. But wait, there’s more repetition: They’re on tour for their album, Cover to Cover, an album praised for its “crystalline vocal blend” by the Associated Press. The duo, with over 520K monthly Spotify followers, brings their double act to the Sweetwater Music Hall in a live performance at 8pm, Tuesday, April 11. The venue is located at 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley, and tickets are $22, which, incidentally, is a pair of two’s for those playing at home. sweetwatermusichall.com.

Occidental

Off the Cuff

As Paul Simon once said, “Improvisation is too good to leave to chance.” Fortunately, he was a wee little musician and not a seasoned comedian like Laura Wachtel, who returns to her native Occidental with ZipLine Improv to perform an evening of…wait for it…improvised comedy. The evening promises a veritable highwire act of comedic hijinks spurred by audience suggestions and begins at 7pm, Saturday, April 8 at the Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. General admission is $27 ($20 for OCA members), and refreshments will be available for purchase at the event. For tickets and more information, visit occidentalcenterforthearts.org.

St. Helena

To B One, ASH One

If you enjoy drinking wine and making up acronyms, work with me here: Appellation St. Helena (a.k.a. “ASH”) is hosting an annual wine and food pairing competition, featuring 20 member wineries paired with savory bites prepared by students and chefs of the Culinary Institute of America Greystone (a.k.a. “CIA”). So, what acronym would you call the event? Um. Yeah, I have no f–king idea either. But they did: “bASH.” Let’s assume the little “b” is from “bites,” which I gleaned from their PR. Hey, it’s worked for 12 years, so why fix it if it ain’t broke? Speaking of broke, tickets are $175 per person (so comp the media, y’all) and are available only in advance at appellationsthelena.com/events. Attendance is limited to 300 guests, all of whom must be 21+. The annual event begins at 6pm, Saturday, April 1 at the historic barrel room of the CIA, 2555 Saint Helena Highway, St. Helena.

— Daedalus Howell, Editor

‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Returns

Chamber Music Marin

Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Ave., Mill Valley. chambermusicmarin.org.

The Telegraph Quartet and San Francisco Conservatory of Music graduate students bring, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, their “soulfulness, tonal beauty and intelligent attention to detail” to Marin. 5pm, Sunday, April 2. $40.

Elephant in the Room

177 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg. elephantintheroompub.com.

“Jammy, swampy funk”—not your shoes and it’s not the blues—it’s Sebastian St. James and The Highway Poets! 9pm, Saturday, March 18. $10.

The Flamingo Resort

2777 4th St., Santa Rosa. vintagespacesr.com.

IrieFuse is a puntastic San Francisco Bay Area based reggae band. 8pm, Saturday, March 18.

21+. $15.

Green Music Center

1801 East Cotati Ave., Rohnert Park. gmc.sonoma.edu.

Francesco Lecce-Chong conducts the Santa Rosa Symphony’s performance of The Blue Danube, Johann Strauss’ iconic waltz we only know because of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Various times, Saturday–Monday, March 25–27, $32-$105.

Hopmonk Tavern Sebastopol

230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. hopmonk.com.

Get your yucks in a row at the Comedy Open Mic. 8pm, Sunday, March 19. Free.

JaM Cellars

1460 First St., Napa. jamcellars.com.

Yacht rock meets Mötley Crüe, resulting in the best band name ever: Yachtley Crew—the titans of yacht rock. 8pm, Saturday, March 18. $25.

The Lost Church

427 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa. thelostchurch.org.

Folksters Joselyn & Don and The Musers play an April Fool’s Day prank—just kidding—they’re playing a show. 7:30pm, Saturday, Apri 1. $20.

The Phoenix Theater

201 Washington St., Petaluma. thephoenixtheater.com.

Give yourself over to absolute pleasure when Barely Legal presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow cast. Doors at 11:30pm, Saturday, March 18. $10.

Peri’s Tavern

29 Broadway, Fairfax. peristavern.com.

Get wrecked and/or strange with the Wreckless Strangers when they play this beloved West Marin enclave. 9pm, Friday, April 7. $10-$13.

—Daedalus Howell

Send your gigs to dh*****@*****ys.com.

Be the Change: It’s never just the tip

By Craig J. Corsini

It is no secret to anyone reading this that the restaurant business is where good ideas and good people go to die quickly. It may be the toughest business there is, serving diners day after day.

My late father, the Jesuit accountant, was in the restaurant business—in a way. He was a widely respected restaurant operations and finance professional whose expertise was centered “in the back of the house,” meaning he knew all about where to acquire the food, how much it should cost, how to keep it fresh, how to prepare it, how to find people to work like slaves and when to let them go when things weren’t working out.

Either despite all this or because of it, my dad was the cheapest SOB you ever saw when it came to tipping. So, I have spent my adult life attempting to reverse the effects of my dad’s poor tipping habits. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it.

A few years ago, I was visiting with friends at a modest place in Berkeley. Early on, we learned that it was our server’s first day on the job, and she was clearly not having a good time.

Once I established basic rapport with her, I walked over to her station and said, “No matter what you do, you are going to get the fattest blanking tip you have ever received in this dining emporium.” I think she got the joke, and she relaxed.

Everything went beautifully. The bill came to me and it was for $55. I gave her $90 in cash and said, “This is all yours.”

She went back to her station and cried.

Now I know that my habit of overtipping will never reverse the hunger problem, global climate change, toxic political partisanship or racial hatred. But when there is a hint of good service even in the most modest kind of setting, I am going to overdo it as a tipper.

At age 72, I still have some time left on Earth, and there is plenty of catching up to do. One tip at a time.

Craig J. Corsini of San Rafael is a writer, grandfather and ‘a hell of a cook.’

SONAS Boutique’s Gerry Kelly

Stopping into SONAS is like stepping into a steampunk dream on the way to Burning Man. Whether one thinks they can pull off wearing his unique clothing or not, Gerry Kelly makes customers feel like anything is possible.

Name: Gerry Kelly

Title: Owner of SONAS Boutique. Badass fashion designer.

Where do you live? Fairfax

How long have you lived in Marin? Five years

Where can we find you when not at work?

Running with my dogs on Bald Hill; having a family dinner at my favorite restaurant,

Sorella’s in Fairfax; or sipping a half cafe Americano at the Coffee Roastery right by my store. (I drink quite a bit of coffee, so I like to mix decaf with caffeinated so I don’t get too jittery.) Otherwise and whenever possible, at a good local festival with friends.

If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin was, where would you take them?

I’d take them hiking on the Dipsea Trail from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach or to Roys Redwoods Preserve in Woodacre. I’d then hit up Fairfax for some food (Sorella’s, of course), followed by a good night out… Maybe Peri’s for some live music or Mac’s at 19 Broadway for some comedy; there’s always a party going on somewhere in our town. Perhaps then a chilled walk around Sausalito with a coffee on Sunday afternoon to clear the head.

What is one thing Marin is missing?

Affordable housing. lol. And a good restaurant open past 9pm.

What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?

If you haven’t checked out the sunrise from the top of Bald Hill, you’re missing out.

If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?

I’d love to have dinner with Sammy Hagar; he’s an amazing entrepreneur and bonafide rockstar who came from humble beginnings. I’m sure he’s got some class stories, and I could definitely learn a thing or two from the guy.

What is some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?

The power of compound interest and the importance of having a mentor.

What is something that in 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?

The way certain animals are treated.

Big question. What is one thing you’d do to change the world?

Have more entrepreneurial education available in schools for younger kids, and have mandatory classes on personal finance.

Check out the latest styles Kelly has created at sonasdenim.com or @sonasdenim on Instagram.

Queried and edited by Nish Nadaraja, a member of the founding team at Yelp, who serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and attempts to play pickleball at Fairfax’s Cañon Club.

Your Letters, March 22

Too Little Too Late

Mike Pence finally said in March 2023, “History will judge Donald Trump” for his actions around Jan. 6. Way to pass the buck to history, Mike. He could not bring himself to offer even a soft-shoe public judgment about his boss’ behavior until over two years after Jan. 6, 2021. Not until the political winds were starting to blow in a different direction for Republicans.

In America, we have a saying, “If you see something, say something.” That means now, today, not two years later or down the road a generation or two.

In his speech, Pence did not encourage any legal action, like prosecution, party censure or disqualification from officeholding. People of conscience who love their country should see Pence for what he is, a politician, not a leader. He lacks a conscience.

Kimball Shinkoskey

Santa Rosa

Mendo Me: A Spring Coastal Getaway

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Elk Cove, which offers some of the most stunning views on the Mendocino coast, as well as luxury suites, cottages and a day spa, is dog-friendly too.

Spring in Mendocino County is one of the best times of year. While the wind can sometimes still be a bit nippy, the menus are changing over from winter vegetables and Dungeness crab to spring fare such as asparagus, beets, cabbage and halibut. Wildflowers are starting to bloom, and there are plenty of gorgeous sunny days to be enjoyed—without the crowds that summer brings.

For those who are looking for a coastal retreat that offers peace, privacy, ocean views, a fantastic on-site restaurant and beach access, the newly updated Elk Cove Inn and Spa is an ideal choice.

The Updated Elk Cove Inn and Spa

Built in 1893, the Elk Cove Inn and Spa is a Craftsman style mansion that was converted into one of the first bed and breakfasts on the Mendocino coast in 1968. The inn sits on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The property features four oceanfront suites, four cliffside cottages, two carriage-house rooms and six mansion rooms (located in a separate historic building/former mansion), 12 of which are pet-friendly. Pet-friendly rooms include five ocean view suites.

When new owners Victor Passalacqua (the chef) and wife Melissa (a sommelier) took ownership of the Elk Cove Inn and Spa a few years ago, their vision for the property wasn’t to change everything—but instead to update the existing property and to open a farm-to-table restaurant (SIBO) on the property, where they could serve food made with ingredients sourced from their own culinary garden and farm and/or caught or foraged locally.

Since opening, the Passalacquas added a greenhouse (for vegetables and herbs), a culinary garden, honey bees, chickens, goats and rabbits to the property. Eggs from the chickens make their appearance at breakfast, while rabbit, fish, sea creatures and mushrooms (caught or foraged by Victor Passalacqua) are normally featured on the dinner menu.

The property, which has always been dog-friendly, remains so under the new ownership. “We have four dogs of our own, and we know how hard it is to find an elegant escape that allows you to bring your pups,” says Melissa Passalacqua. “We don’t just allow dogs—we welcome them as part of our family.”

The inn may be the most luxurious dog-friendly accommodation option on the coast—featuring a day spa and large suites or apartments with plenty of windows, ocean views, private decks, kitchenettes and bathrooms with both a large, soaking tub and a separate shower. All rooms are just steps from a dirt path and private stairs that lead down to a peaceful, driftwood strewn beach. The inn is also situated just a two minute walk from the Elk Store and Mattson Mercantile.

In the mood for something more immersive than hanging out at the beach or hitting local hiking trails? Elk Cove offers guests the options of several unique, outdoor activities, from tidepooling and fishing expeditions to ocean canoeing (advance reservation required).

Chef Victor and Melisssa Passalacqua have also planned a series of food and wine lover experiences over the course of eight weekends in 2023. In January, they offered a mushroom foraging expedition; in November, they will be introducing participants to tide pooling and fishing, followed by a seafood-centric dinner.

March and October will feature an Anderson Valley Winemaker’s dinner with wine and food pairings. And in April and May, the couple will explore the farm to table concept with guests—including farm visits, cooking demonstrations and dinners.


Spring specials at Elk Cove include Free Tuesdays (for any three-night booking that includes a Tuesday, the Tuesday night is free) and $100 off regular room rates for garden view rooms through March 31. elkcoveinn.com.

Marin on the Half Shell

National Oyster on the Half Shell Day

In Marin County, oysters are a cultural and culinary staple.

And considering how most of Marin is bordered by water (be it the San Pablo Bay to the east, the Gulf of Farallones to the south or the famously oyster-oriented Tomales Bay that cuts through most of West Marin), it makes sense that locals and visitors alike flock to the coasts to find only the freshest oysters mother nature has to offer.

And, with March 31 marking everyone’s favorite obscure but official food-related holiday, National Oyster on the Half Shell Day, there’s no better time to celebrate by sucking down some succulent shellfish.

Luckily, locals looking to observe this national holiday don’t have to shell out for a seafood foraging license to get fresh oysters here in Marin (though that’s always an option). Instead, consider these plentiful options for optimized oyster enjoyment.

Left Bank Brasserie’s Oyster Fête

Marin’s favorite fine-dining French restaurant, Left Bank Brasserie, is taking National Oyster on the Half Shell Day very seriously indeed—in fact, this local gem of a restaurant has grand plans for its gourmand guests, plans that span from March 31 to April 2 in an event the restaurant calls their Oyster Fête.

For the oyster occasion (and occasional oyster), the knowledgeable Left Bank Brasserie staff has hand-selected only the best of the ocean’s offerings so guests may dine and delight in a sommelier-approved menu matching perfectly-paired wine with sumptuous shellfish.

This fête at Left Bank promises “mollusks and merriment,” according to the website, at their annual celebration of all things oyster. The oyster extravaganza is available all day during the Oyster Fête. Regular menus are also available.

The menu for Left Bank Brasserie’s Oyster Fête includes the following: a dozen assorted premium oysters for $45 with the addition of the specially selected sommelier wine pairing for each oyster variety costing an extra $20 (well worth the investment).

Four types of oysters will be served for the fête, each unique and all mouth wateringly delicious. The first oyster, representing stunning shellfish local to Marin, is the Point Reyes Oyster from Point Reyes, described by Left Bank as having “an elongated and rough shell with an intricate display of irregular folds and meat with a mild, nutty flavor.” This oyster will be paired with Charles de Cazanove Brut Tete de Cuvee Champagne.

The second oyster type to be served at Left Bank’s annual Oyster Fête is the Kisu Petite from Desolation Sound, British Columbia. This oyster, described as “plump and sweet with an initial brine, followed with the crisp finish of Bosc pear,” will be served with a wine pairing of Trimbach Pinot Blanc.

The next oyster, the Samish Pearl, comes from Puget Sound in Washington and is described as having “full firm meat that relinquishes delicate cucumber notes and a crisp salty brine.” The Samish Pearl will be served with an exquisite Domaine Laroche Mas la Chevalière ’18 from Pays d’Oc, Languedoc, France.

The last oyster variety to be served at Left Bank’s fête is the Humboldt Gold from Humboldt Bay, described as a “beach-cultured oyster from Humboldt Bay featuring full, plump meats

with a medium brininess and a delicate, buttery flavor.” The Humboldt Gold will be paired with Hugel Classic ’19 from Alsace, France.

For more information or to make a reservation at Left Bank Brasserie, located at 507 Magnolia Ave. in Larkspur, visit LeftBank.com or call 415.927.3331. For Petite Left Bank, located at 1696 Tiburon Blvd. in Tiburon, visit petiteleftbanktiburon.com or call 415.910.1010.

Food and Farm Tours: Oyster Lover’s Tour

Another way to celebrate National Oyster on the Half Shell Day in Marin County is to attend an Oyster Lover’s Tour at Food and Farm Tours. This tour offers a comprehensive and immersive oyster experience spanning across Tomales Bay’s most significant oyster outposts—those who attend can expect to sample a wide variety of local oysters, as well as learn more about the deeply rooted local history of oysters in Tomales Bay. This oyster experience is, of course, accompanied by stunning views of the very waters from which many of these oysters came.

The Food and Farm Tours: Oyster Lover’s Tour begins with a trip to the boathouse (located at the end of Nick’s Cove pier), in which attendees can learn all about the local oyster farming history. This segment of the tour is accompanied by a board of local cheeses.

On the next stop, just a short drive away from the pier and with the stunning Tomales Bay view the whole way, there is the Marshall Store and Tomales Bay Oyster Company. There, guests may taste local oysters and experience the full spectrum of oyster preparation and enjoyment: from house-smoked with BBQ to raw on ice with lemon wedges.

The next stop on the Food and Farm Tours: Oyster Lover’s Tour is Hog Island Oyster Co. There, attendees will have the opportunity to taste everything from raw “Sweetwaters” to more BBQ oysters (topped off with Hog Island’s chipotle bourbon butter). All of these tastings, again, will include the breathtaking view of the bay.

Finally, the Oyster Lover’s Tour will end with a return to Nick’s Cove and the roadhouse restaurant, where guests will dine on oysters done three ways while also enjoying a specially paired mineral-driven local white wine. All this to say, anyone thinking of attending the Oyster Lover’s Tour had better really, really love oysters.

The Oyster Lover’s Tour takes place on Mondays and Fridays from 11am to 3pm. The tours are $225 per person, and each tour has four to six guests. Food and Farm Tours is located at 80 4th St. in Point Reyes Station. For more information, visit the website at foodandfarmtours.com or call 415.599.9222.

The Marshall Store

The Marshall Store, which was aptly dubbed the best spot for oysters, a view and good vibes in last year’s Best of Marin Pacific Sun series, is a prime location to celebrate National Oyster on the Half Shell Day. Though the restaurant itself isn’t throwing a party for the occasion, they’ll still offer the same high-quality oysters, drinks, sides and service they always do—and hey, the Marshall Store’s $2 raw oysters on Thursdays tradition continues, which just means celebrating everyone’s favorite national oyster holiday a day early.

The Marshall Store is located at 19225 Highway 1 in Marshall. For more information, visit the website at themarshallstore.com or call 415.663.1339.

Free Will Astrology, March 22

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): If we were to choose one person to illustrate the symbolic power of astrology, it might be Aries financier and investment banker J. P. Morgan (1837–1913). His astrological chart strongly suggested he would be one of the richest people of his era. The sun, Mercury, Pluto and Venus were in Aries in his astrological house of finances. Those four heavenly bodies were trine to Jupiter and Mars in Leo in the house of work. Further, sun, Mercury, Pluto and Venus formed a virtuoso “Finger of God” aspect with Saturn in Scorpio and the moon in Virgo. Anyway, Aries, the financial omens for you right now aren’t as favorable as they always were for J. P. Morgan—but they are pretty auspicious. Venus, Uranus and the north node of the moon are in your house of finances, to be joined for a bit by the moon itself in the coming days. My advice: Trust your intuition about money. Seek inspiration about your finances.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “The only thing new in the world,” said former U.S. President Harry Truman, “is the history you don’t know.” Luckily for all of us, researchers have been growing increasingly skilled in unearthing buried stories. Three examples: 1. Before the U.S. Civil War, six Black Americans escaped slavery and became millionaires. (Check out the book Black Fortunes by Shomari Wills.) 2. Over 10,000 women secretly worked as code-breakers in World War II, shortening the war and saving many lives. 3. Four Black women mathematicians played a major role in NASA’s early efforts to launch people into space. Dear Taurus, I invite you to enjoy this kind of work in the coming weeks. It’s an excellent time to dig up the history you don’t know—about yourself, your family and the important figures in your life.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Since you’re at the height of the Party Hearty Season, I’ll offer two bits of advice about how to collect the greatest benefits. First, ex-basketball star Dennis Rodman says that mental preparation is the key to effective partying. He suggests we visualize the pleasurable events we want to experience. We should meditate on how much alcohol and drugs we will imbibe, how uninhibited we’ll allow ourselves to be, and how close we can get to vomiting from intoxication without actually vomiting. But wait! Here’s an alternative approach to partying, adapted from Sufi poet Rumi: “The golden hour has secrets to reveal. Be alert for merriment. Be greedy for glee. With your antic companions, explore the frontiers of conviviality. Go in quest of jubilation’s mysterious blessings. Be bold. Revere revelry.”

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you have been holding yourself back or keeping your expectations low, please STOP! According to my analysis, you have a mandate to unleash your full glory and your highest competence. I invite you to choose as your motto whichever of the following inspires you most: Raise the bar, up your game, boost your standards, pump up the volume, vault to a higher octave, climb to the next rung on the ladder, make the quantum leap, and put your ass and assets on the line.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): According to an ad I saw for a luxury automobile, you should enjoy the following adventures in the course of your lifetime: Ride the rapids on the Snake River in Idaho, stand on the Great Wall of China, see an opera at La Scala in Milan, watch the sun rise over the ruins of Machu Picchu, go paragliding over Japan’s Asagiri highland plateau with Mount Fuji in view, and visit the pink flamingos, black bulls and white horses in France’s Camargue Nature Reserve. The coming weeks would be a favorable time for you to seek experiences like those, Leo. If that’s not possible, do the next best things. Like what? Get your mind blown and your heart thrilled closer to home by a holy sanctuary, natural wonder, marvelous work of art—or all the above.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It’s an excellent time to shed the dull, draining parts of your life story. I urge you to bid a crisp goodbye to your burdensome memories. If there are pesky ghosts hanging around from the ancient past, buy them a one-way ticket to a place far away from you. It’s OK to feel poignant. OK to entertain any sadness and regret that well up within you. Allowing yourself to fully experience these feelings will help you be as bold and decisive as you need to be to graduate from the old days and old ways.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your higher self has authorized you to become impatient with the evolution of togetherness. You have God’s permission to feel a modicum of dissatisfaction with your collaborative ventures—and wish they might be richer and more captivating than they are now. Here’s the cosmic plan: This creative irritation will motivate you to implement enhancements. You will take imaginative action to boost the energy and synergy of your alliances. Hungry for more engaging intimacy, you will do what’s required to foster greater closeness and mutual empathy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio poet Richard Jackson writes, “The world is a nest of absences. Every once in a while, someone comes along to fill the gaps.” I will add a crucial caveat to his statement: No one person can fill all the gaps. At best, a beloved ally may fill one or two. It’s just not possible for anyone to be a shining savior who fixes every single absence. If we delusionally believe there is such a hero, we will distort or miss the partial grace they can actually provide. So here’s my advice, Scorpio: Celebrate and reward a redeemer who has the power to fill one or two of your gaps.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Poet E. E. Cummings wrote, “May my mind stroll about hungry and fearless and thirsty and supple.” That’s what I hope and predict for you during the next three weeks. The astrological omens suggest you will be at the height of your powers of playful exploration. Several long-term rhythms are converging to make you extra flexible and resilient and creative as you seek the resources and influences that your soul delights in. Here’s your secret code phrase: higher love.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let’s hypothesize that there are two ways to further your relaxation: either in healthy or not-so-healthy ways—by seeking experiences that promote your long-term well-being or by indulging in temporary fixes that sap your vitality. I will ask you to meditate on this question. Then I will encourage you to spend the next three weeks avoiding and shedding any relaxation strategies that diminish you as you focus on and celebrate the relaxation methods that uplift, inspire and motivate you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Please don’t expect people to guess what you need. Don’t assume they have telepathic powers that enable them to tune in to your thoughts and feelings. Instead, be specific and straightforward as you precisely name your desires. For example, say or write to an intense ally, “I want to explore ticklish areas with you between 7 and 9 on Friday night.” Or approach a person with whom you need to forge a compromise and spell out the circumstances under which you will feel most open-minded and open-hearted. PS: Don’t you dare hide your truth or lie about what you consider meaningful.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean writer Jack Kerouac feared he had meager power to capture the wonderful things that came his way. He compared his frustration with “finding a river of gold when I haven’t even got a cup to save a cupful. All I’ve got is a thimble.” Most of us have felt that way. That’s the bad news. The good news, Pisces, is that in the coming weeks, you will have extra skill at gathering in the goodness and blessings flowing in your vicinity. I suspect you will have the equivalent of three buckets to collect the liquid gold.

The Fizz Fuzz Drops Second Album

Deserts, Mountains, Oceans’ — The new album is out from wife and husband team Dawn and Dandy Brown.

In the long tail of contemporary music streaming, every genre of music has a continuing life while finding the space to grow through innovation. And thank goodness, because I love me some desert rock, and The Fizz Fuzz brings pedigree and passion to the form.

“Well I’ve lived in a lot of places you know and I’ve had a really lucky streak of rubbing elbows with some really cool folks and playing some really cool music with them,” said Dandy Brown, one half of the married songwriting duo at the core of The Fizz Fuzz.

Originally from the midwest, Dandy came out to California after working with desert/stoner rock legend John Garcia, most famously as the testosterone-oozing singer of Kyuss.

As a producer, instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, Dandy worked with a full setlist of desert rock greats. 

What the hell is desert rock you ask? In the late 80s, blues jam-influenced heavy rock bands hauled generators out into the desert plains around Palm Desert and threw rock parties. Guitars tuned down way low and blasted volume way high through bass amps shook snakes, desert spirits, and the god themselves on through the night. Bands like Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, and Yawning Man emerged from the now legendary desert sessions. 

The latest from The Fizz Fuzz.

The Fizz Fuzz blends the octave-heavy assault of the desert sound with the energy of alternative rock, but you know, brainy. Maybe this amalgamation is rooted in the other half of the equation, guitarist-songwriter Dawn Brown. 

“I am a third-generation musician but this really is my first big project musically, that I’ve gotten involved in. I’m really proud of what we have created in our work,” said Dawn during our Zoom interview, the couple cozying together to fit on camera. “Definitely from our first record to our second record, I feel like we have really grown a lot in how we co-write together.”

While the band’s first album, Palmyra, feels fully rooted in the sun-warmed rock sound of the desert of years past, the new release brings forward more diversity of sound, a bit more pop sensibility, and a bolder juxtaposition of the two singers’ styles. Two-part harmonies float over oscillations between guitar twang and bass dirge. 

Lucky is the couple that shares in the creative act of their passions. “Usually one of us will start out with kind of a structure and the other one will help fill it out,” said Dawn. “One of us or the other will come up with [a] specific sound that we want to go with and will kind of hand it off to the other and we’ll go back and forth with adding bits and pieces.”

“That first record that we did was more pieces that we brought from times before we were together. With this new record, [the band has] totally evolved into this cohesive unit,” said Dandy. “We just play off of each other and the comfort level has just grown and the co-writing has just meshed together. And you know, we just keep growing, we keep having fun with it. You know, that’s really the name of the game. Just have a blast and get out and play music every now and then, write music together, hang out with the one you love and just have a good time.”

“Love and power cords,” I said. “What else can you want?”

“That’s a good motto,” laughed the Browns together. 

Deserts, Mountains, Oceans by The Fizz Fuzz is out now. Stream and enjoy.

The Fizz Fuzz is currently touring in the UK.

Most Potent THC Beverages in 2023

Sponsored content by Pabst Labs

Sometimes, you need more than a few measly milligrams to get your mind right. Although microdoses of weed are ideal for some cannabis consumers, many of us are looking to get properly medicated with something a bit more serious. In that case, only the highest-dose beverages will do. 

It used to be that weed drinks with any kind of substantial dose tasted awful, but somewhere along the line, brands found a way to put out delicious-tasting beverages that you’d never know were infused with cannabis. Until that warm, tingly feeling kicks in. Before we dig into the most potent THC beverages of 2023, let’s look at what’s changed in the cannabis beverage market. 

Catch a Liquid Buzz With Weed Drinks

Cannabis beverages are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are choosing to catch a buzz with weed drinks instead of traditional alcohol. Or, for those that simply prefer a fast-acting drink as opposed to a long wait for an edible to kick in. Not to mention, who likes a hangover? THC drinks offer a social way to relax without the negative effects of alcohol. What’s not to love about that? Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. Although intoxicating, it’s easy to control your dosage to get the perfect buzz for you. 

One of the key factors driving the popularity of cannabis beverages is the use of nanoemulsion technology. By using nanoemulsion, the THC and other cannabinoids are broken down into tiny particles that are easily absorbed by the body, providing a more consistent and predictable experience. This allows for rapid onset and efficient absorption of THC and other cannabinoids, making cannabis beverages a very convenient (and discreet) way to get high. Additionally, nanoemulsion technology can also improve the flavor and drinkability of THC drinks, so it doesn’t taste like you’re chewing on a bud.

Furthermore, weed drinks come in a wide variety of flavors, formulations and potencies, making it easy to find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a mild buzz or a heavy hit, there’s a cannabis beverage out there that’s right for you. Let us point you in the right direction.

Raise a Glass to 2023’s Most Potent THC Beverages

Do you prefer to sip, shoot or mix your weed drinks into mocktails? No matter your preference, each of the drinks on our list is versatile, flavorful and loaded with highly-concentrated high doses of THC. 

ST IDES Shots

pabst cannabis beverages lifestyle st ides

ST IDES was first known for its perfectly rolled tobacco-free blunts and diamond-infused joints. Then, it dove into the cannabis beverage market with a drink that hits heavier than any you’ve tried before. And unlike other high-dose drinks, this one actually tastes incredible. While other companies struggle to subdue the weed flavor, ST IDES leveraged the power of nanoemulsion that allows the drink flavors to shine. 

Each of the 4-ounce bottles contains 100 mg THC, so unless you’re a seasoned pro, you might want to start a small sip. ST IDES Shots are the perfect mixer for THC mocktails to add a little buzz to your beverage bar. 

Dosage: 100 mg per 4-ounce bottle

Varieties: 

  • Watermelon 
  • Blue Razz
  • Strawberry Lemonade

Where to Buy: Shop online and order delivery

ST IDES High Tea

After dialing in its cannabis infusion for the popular high-dose ST IDES Shots, the brand took a nod from familiar teas we know and love and ramped them up with a hefty dose of THC. Its two newest drinks are the flavorful and fruity High Tea containing 100 mg THC per 12-ounce can. 

If the artwork on the label tells you anything, there is a peach and a raspberry about to blast off into an alien spaceship. So, needless to say, you’re about to get absolutely lifted. Split with a friend or just take down a can solo, and you’ll be soaring high in no time at all. These teas are meant to be enjoyed chilled straight out of the can or poured over ice and mixed with other drinks of your choice.

Dosage: 100 mg per 12-ounce can

Varieties: 

  • Georgia Peach
  • Wild Raspberry

Where to Buy: Shop online and order delivery

Pabst Labs High Seltzer

Compared to the ST IDES drinks above, PBR High Seltzers might not sound like they’ll pack a punch, but hear us out. Each 12-ounce can contains just 10 mg THC, but these bubbly bevs deserve a place on this list because of their added cannabinoids. While we know and love THC for its potent highs and the buzz we love from weed, it’s true that it works better when combined with other cannabinoids. 

The two newest drinks from Pabst Labs are the perfect example. Energy Guava High Seltzer contains 10 mg THC and 5 mg THCV, which is becoming popular for its energizing and uplifting effects. It’s even been dubbed ‘diet weed’ for its appetite-suppressing effects that couple with the added energy boost. THVC is a psychoactive cannabinoid found most prevalently in Sativa strains of cannabis, which are typically associated with a ‘daytime’ type of cannabis.  

If Energy Guava is your new favorite daytime companion, let Midnight Berries lull you to sleep. On top of the 10 mg THC is 3 mg cannabinol (CBN) and 2 mg cannabidiol (CBD.) You are probably familiar with CBD’s therapeutic, anti-inflammatory effects. It’s a helpful sleep aid for some and can alleviate physical tension that keeps you awake. Then, there’s CBN for sleep. When combined with THC, CBN acts like a magic bullet for drifting off to dreamland. Together, these three cannabinoids will have you sleeping like a baby in no time. 

Dosage: 10 mg THC, plus additional cannabinoids per flavor

Varieties: 

Where to Buy: Shop online and order delivery

Get Your Drink On

Whether you prefer a sweet tea or a crisp seltzer, cannabis beverages offer a refreshing alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks, making them perfect for social occasions. And they’re just a fun way to enjoy cannabis. Any of the drinks on this list are sure to tickle your tastebuds and help you find the perfect state of mind.

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Most Potent THC Beverages in 2023

pabst cannabis beverages lifestyle st ides
Sponsored content by Pabst Labs Sometimes, you need more than a few measly milligrams to get your mind right. Although microdoses of weed are ideal for some cannabis consumers, many of us are looking to get properly medicated with something a bit more serious. In that case, only the highest-dose beverages will do.  It used to be that weed drinks with...
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