Strawberry Village
Chanukah Lights
The Marin Chanukah Festival is all set to light up Strawberry Village in Mill Valley (and the hearts of Marin’s citizens) on Thursday, Dec. 26, from noon to 3pm. Those in the North Bay community may not want to miss out on this holiday celebration, hosted by Chabad of Tiburon with support from Chabads across the Bay Area. To ensure the Marin Chanukah Festival is celebrated in style, Strawberry Village will be transformed into a vibrant, festive space filled with sparkling lights, lively music and the scents of seasonal treats. There’s something for everyone, whether one is enjoying live music, getting crafty with Chanukah projects or even decorating donuts (because, really, who doesn’t love a sweet treat?). For the kids—and kids at heart—there’s a special “fun zone” to keep little ones entertained while adults indulge in goodies from the hot latke bar and kosher menu. Best of all? Admission is completely free. Reserve a complimentary ticket in advance at marinchanukahfestival.com.
Petaluma
The Heard Eye
It’s time to Jingle Bell Rock and funk this way to attend a performance put on by none other than the North Bay’s own musical group, The Heard Eye. This collection of local musical magic-makers is keeping the good times rolling with updates to end the year on a high note. Most notably, The Heard Eye’s self-produced, self-financed and self-promoted video, Boomerang (which dropped in November), has become a hit in time for the holidays. The video racked up 93,000 views on YouTube in just a few short weeks, which just goes to show what a loyal fanbase means in the music industry. If one hasn’t seen The Heard Eye’s new video yet, now’s the time to check it out and experience the funky, high-energy vibes. The Heard Eye is also still set to continue its monthly residency at The Big Easy in Petaluma. One can grab a friend or their whole family for a funky, rock-filled seasonal outing there on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7:30pm. The Heard Eye show is free to attend, so one may come out early, grab a drink and catch some live music before next year is here. To learn more about The Heard Eye and its recent and future success, visit theheardeye.com.
Occidental
Solstice Soul
One may ring in the holiday season with some straight-up ear candy at the Barbara Higbie & Friends Winter Solstice Concert on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 7pm at Occidental Center for the Arts. This North Bay holiday show features Grammy-nominated, Bammy Award-winning pianist and multi-instrumentalist Higbie, known for her musical mastery and dynamic performances. Higbie will lead an ensemble of musicians, including Michaelle Goerlitz (Blazing Redheads), Vicki Randle (Mavis Staples), Lena Anderson, Jasper Manning, Kofy Brown (Skip the Needle) and Mia Pixley (Fantastic Negrito). Together, this star-studded group will guide their audience through a musical journey that blends genres and fills the room with festive cheer, perfect for celebrating the winter season. Alongside the show of the season, the Occidental Center for the Arts also offers refreshments, an open art gallery and accessible seating for patrons with mobility needs. Tickets for this magical musical evening cost $32 in advance, $27 for OCA members and $5 more at the door (if available). To secure a seat at this holiday performance, visit occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
Mill Valley
All That Jazz
Here comes a holiday show that’s anything but ordinary—that’s right, Maria Muldaur in Marin with her seasonal Christmas at the Oasis show, set to play at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley on Friday, Dec. 20. This special holiday performance promises a night of snazzy, jazzy and slightly irreverent holiday entertainment. Starting at 8pm, Muldaur and her “A-Team” of Bay Area jazz musicians will deliver a fresh twist on holiday classics, with swinging songs from jazz and blues legends. One can forget the predictable carols—this show is packed with rare gems that’ll have feet tapping and audience members grooving in their seats. Muldaur calls it “Christmas tunes for hipsters,” and it’s an antidote to the usual holiday ear fare. Whether one is in the mood for bluesy cheer or jazzed-up holiday magic, Christmas at the Oasis is designed to fill the night with style and soul. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. So as not to miss out on this festive celebration, tickets can be obtained now at sweetwatermusichall.org.
