What's Happening in Sebastopol This Week? Dec. 12-18
The Nutcracker, a gospel choir, sing-along Messiah and much more
Ongoing events in December:
"Ham for the Holidays" at Main Stage West runs now through Dec. 30. Get tickets.
The Jewish Film Festival continues at the Rialto on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 1 pm and 7 pm, showing “The Man in the Basement.” Get tickets.
The $500 Sebastopol Shopping Spree contest has been extended through Dec. 19. Find out more.
DOC NIGHT: Dear Santa
Monday, Dec. 12, 7 to 10 pm at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol
Join us (in-person or virtually) for a screening and discussion of "Dear Santa.” Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa arrive at post offices around the country. Through Operation Santa, the United States Postal Service makes it possible for the public to safely adopt these letters and make children’s dreams come true. Followed by a discussion with director Dana Nachman, Sonoma County cinematographer Mike Abela and editor Jennifer Sternin. Join us afterwards for drinks, networking and conversation.
Sebastopol Fire Department Community Blood Drive
Tuesday, Dec. 13, 12 pm to 5 pm at the Sebastopol Fire Department, 7425 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol
There is currently an urgent need for blood donors to give now to prevent delays in lifesaving medical care for patients. Your donation can help those currently battling life-threatening emergencies. The Bucket Brigade is a friendly competition among fire departments to see which can hold the largest blood drive. Support your local department by donating blood. Make an appointment here.
Show & Tell (for Adults)
Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6 pm at the Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol
Bring an object (book, photograph, anything) and share it with members of the community. Come share stories and make new friends! We invite you to bring whatever it is that you feel connected to and to share freely among the community. Refreshments will be served. Meet in the Forum Room.
Eric Lindell and Anson Funderburgh
Thursday, Dec. 15, 8 pm at Hopmonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $35-45.
With his raspy, soulful voice and memorable original songs, roots-rocking Eric Lindell is a one-of-a-kind talent. He returns to Sonoma County for a very special fully seated show at Hopmonk with Anson Funderburgh. Get tickets.
In View of the Whale: Songs and Poems of Social Justice
Friday, Dec. 16, at 7 pm to 8:30 pm at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol
Join us for an evening of prominent local poets’ readings interspersed with music sung by SebArts’ new choirs led by John Maas, aligned with Joe Sances’ monumental 51 ft long whale embodying myriad historical images relating to social justice and environmental. Poets will include SoCo’s current Poet Laureate Elizabeth Herron, previous SoCo Poet Laureate Terry Ehret and more! RSVP here.
David Luning at Hopmonk Sebastopol
Friday, Dec. 16, 8 pm, and Saturday, Dec. 17, at 8 pm at Hopmonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol
Hear local favorite folk and Americana singer-songwriter David Luning sing solo (Dec. 16) and with his band (Dec. 17) at Hopmonk. For both dates, there is a $50 VIP meet and greet and private set starting at 6 pm. Regular tickets: $30. Get tickets.
28th Sing-along Messiah
Saturday, Dec. 17, 2 to 4:15 pm at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. $10-$20 donation requested.
Come and join in on this year’s Sing-along Messiah, with fine soloists and an instrumental ensemble, directed by John Maas. Listeners and singers at all skill levels are welcome! Singers from SebArts' new choirs will join us this year to bolster our choral sound. Dress warmly, as windows and doors will be open for healthy ventilation! We will have separate areas for masked and unmasked attenders, unless public health status requires all to mask.
Sebastopol Ballet 30th Anniversary Nutcracker
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 17-18, 11 am and 4 pm at Analy High School, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol
Join the Sebastopol Ballet for our 30th Anniversary Nutcracker on Dec. 17 & 18. Two shows each day at 11 am and 4 pm. Tickets are $16-26 in advance / $22-32 at the door. Get tickets.
DRNK & Be Merry Holiday Market
Sunday, Dec. 18, 12 to 4 pm at DRNK Winery, 3637 Frei Rd, Sebastopol
Sip on a glass of Vin Chaud and do a little holiday shopping in a wine cave. Our holiday market will feature local independent artists and vendors.
Dances of Universal Peace
Sunday, Dec. 18, 11 am to 12:30 pm at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol
Dances and songs that honor all spiritual traditions, taught on the fly and accompanied by live music. No experience or partner necessary. All are welcome!
Joyful Noise Gospel Singers Open Rehearsal
Sunday, Dec. 18, 4 pm - 5:30 pm at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol
Join musician, pianist, singer and choral leader Benjamin Mertz and members of Joyful Noise Gospel Singers in an uplifting, informal gathering to sing in community. Songs of social justice, the Civil Rights movement, spirituals, gospel, and some originals will uplift and inspire you. No experience needed, many of the songs are taught by rote. Come to sing or simply listen.
PEEK INTO NEXT WEEK: Peacetown Holiday Sing-along Jam at the Hopmonk Sebastopol on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 5 pm to 8 pm. Free. (Benefits the Redwood Empire Food Bank.)
To submit an event for “What’s Happening This Week?”, email hagarlaura@gmail.com, with the words SEB TIMES EVENT in all caps in the subject line.