What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Wow, so much happening! Improv, music, art, film, poetry, protest and other rituals of spring
Science Buzz Cafe: The Mysteries of Blue
Monday, April 28, 6 pm at Hopmonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
The sky, the sea, an iris, a butterfly—all can be blue for different and fascinating reasons. All explored through chemistry. Blue can be generated by the structure of minerals and at other times, by complex molecular interactions. Or it could be merely an illusion! The story of blue touches history, art, science, and for the presenter, the human experience of beauty. Chemistry Professor Dr. Karen Frindell Teuscher as she unveils the many mysteries of the colors blue.
Discover Girl Scouts and start a new Daisy Troop
Tuesday, April 29, 4 pm to 5 pm, at Ragle Ranch Regional Park. (Contact for exact location.) Free.
This free event is for TK to 5th-grade girls and gender expansive youth who want to join Girl Scouts and explore Girl Scouts and local history. This is not a drop-off event, and all caregivers must stay with their new Girl Scout during the event. We’re trying to start a new Daisy Troop for local girls in Sebastopol, but girls of all ages who want to learn more about getting involved with Girl Scouts are welcome. Daisy Troops are typically K-1st grade, but TK is welcome as they'll be Kinders soon. Girl Scouts who RSVP will receive a free Girl Scout activity to take home and a goodie bag. We will engage in a short informational presentation for parents while local Girl Scouts complete a craft project with youth attendees. Questions? Contact Heather Wilber at hwilber@gsnorcal.org.
Jewish Film Festival - Resistance: They Fought Back
Tuesday, April 29, 1 pm and 7pm, at Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $13-$15.
We’ve all heard of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, but most people have no idea how widespread and prevalent Jewish resistance to Nazi barbarism was. Instead, it’s widely believed “Jews went to their deaths like sheep to the slaughter.” Filmed in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Israel, and the U.S., “Resistance – They Fought Back” provides a much-needed corrective to this myth of Jewish passivity. There were uprisings in ghettos large and small, rebellions in death camps, and thousands of Jews fought Nazis in the forests. Everywhere in Eastern Europe, Jews waged campaigns of non-violent resistance against the Nazis. Q&A with director Paula S. Aspell to follow each screening. Get tickets.
Art Reception for new murals at the Grange
Tuesday, April 29, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave. (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol, Free.
Everyone is invited to join Grangers and friends at their monthly general meeting and Art Reception for new murals at the Grange. Please bring hors d’oeuvres to share, BYOB, and your own dishes and utensils. At 6 pm, we will be celebrating vibrant new murals by Artstart Sonoma County youth and Analy High School, with guidance from Art Instructor Asherah Weiss. They display the creativity and skill of our local young artists. The art will bring new life into the historic Grange Hall. This project reimagines the classic symbolism of the Grange’s Three Graces – Pomona (fruit), Flora (flowers), and Ceres (grain) – into vibrant, contemporary works of art.
Sebastopol Community Meeting with SCRR - Sonoma County Resource Recovery
Tuesday, April 29, 5:30 pm to 7 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Join SCRR, your new garbage service, at this upcoming community meeting to ask questions, meet the SCRR team, and learn more about your new garbage services, which will be starting July 1.
“Sebastopol Spire” Official Public Dedication of East Entry Sculpture
Wednesday, May 3, 1 pm to 2 pm, see description for location. Free.
On Saturday, May 3, from 1 to 2 pm, the new Sebastopol East Entrance Sculpture, entitled, “Sebastopol Spire”, by local and international artist Ned Kahn, will be officially dedicated in a public opening ceremony. This beautiful, symbolic sculpture is located in a meadow just off the Highway 12/Bodega Avenue entrance to Sebastopol, just north and west of the bridge entering town from Santa Rosa. This sculpture has been funded by the City of Sebastopol and approved by the Sebastopol City Council. The location and sculpture were determined by the Sebastopol Public Arts Committee. The public is welcome to attend. The artist, Ned Kahn, Sebastopol City Council, local Tribal and Laguna Association reps, and other dignitaries will be present.
Intro to Tarot
Wednesday, April 30, 7 pm, Milk & Honey, 123 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $30-$50.
The Tarot is a language of symbols. Although anyone can learn the code of these symbols, what is important in a tarot reading is how our individual intuitions interpret the messages and share the translation of the imagery. The language might be universal, but the personal interpretation will always be unique. In this class, discover your intuitive voice and dive into the basics of the tarot code. This class is based on the Rider/Waite/Smith tarot deck and its derivations. The cost of this class is a sliding scale of $30 to $50. Space is limited and registration is required. Email with questions or to register.
Morris Dancing: Dance the Sun Up!
Thursday, May 1, 5 am to 6:30 am, behind the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Dancing at dawn on Beltane, the 1st of May, is an old agricultural custom in England. After the long winter, May signals the lush blooming of spring and the promise of the summer to come. For a quarter century, our community has danced the sun up behind the Sebastopol Community Center Annex. Arrive at 5am to experience the fullness of the transition from the dark to the light. You’ll be so glad you came! Learn more.
Sumbody Skincare Warehouse Sale
Thursday through Sunday, May 1-4 and May 15-18, varied hours, at 350 Morris St, Sebastopol
Are you missing Sumbody since it closed its Main Street location? Find high quality skincare, bodycare, and more, made in Sebastopol, at Sumbody's warehouse sale, starting May 1st. It runs for two long weekends, May 1-4 and May 15-18. May 1: 3:30 to 6 pm. May 2: 12 pm to 5 pm. May 3: 10:30 am to 2 pm. May 4: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Learn more.
Chimera First Friday
Friday, May 2, 5 pm to 8 pm, at Chimera Arts & Maker Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Stop by to meet your local community of makers, get a tour of the facility, enjoy some fine libations and food, and hear some great local music. You can also have some fun with our hands-on activities and live demonstrations. Admission, demonstrations, tours and music are all free. Beer, wine, and food are offered at a modest price.
Film and discussion: Always Looking
Friday, May 2, 6 pm to 8 pm, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $25.
Come to a film screening of Olympia Stone’s new film “Always Looking,” which delves into the work of photographer Titus Brooks Heagins, highlighting the systemic neglect of society’s most vulnerable. His humanizing yet confrontational photos document those marginalized by poverty, race, gender, and sexual identity. The film also explores Titus’ own challenge capturing the stories of outsiders while provoking the question “Who can tell whose story?” Discussion with Stone and Heagins after the film, hosted by John Cooper. Get tickets.
ZipLine Improv Presents
Friday, May 2, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at Main Street Theater, 104 North Main St., Sebastopol. $22-28.
This ZipLine frequent foursome are back for another show at the Sebastopol Main Street Theater. Their last show together here was last summer's sold-out Improv Double Feature, and this time we're mixing it up with improved short scenes, fed by a steady flow of audience suggestions. In the second half, you can help choose the genre for a longer story. What'll it be? Noir, Western, RomCom, Sci-Fi? Whatever you decide, we're gonna do it, so vote wisely. ZipLine Improv is fortunate to have some of the best improvisers in the Bay Area to come guest! This show features guests Rafe Chase, Regina Saisi and Bill Stahl joining ZipLine creator Laura Wachtel. With live improvised music by Richard Leiter. More information at www.ziplineimprov.com Tickets are $22 in advance and $28 at the door and it is likely to sell out so grab your seat early. Get tickets.
Copperfield's Presents: Dancing at the Bluebird by Christine Walker
Friday, May 2, 7 pm to 8 pm, at Copperfield's Books, 138 North Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Copperfield’s Books welcomes Christine Walker to Sebastopol in celebration of her new historical fiction novel, Tap Dancing at the Bluebird. In this coming-of-age story, young Mattie and Kip tap dance and ride the rails during the Great Depression. Separated by a perceived betrayal and a train crash, the two friends lose each other for a lifetime. At 99, Mattie recalls the roving youth who set her life in motion and confides her deepest regrets to her granddaughter, who discovers lessons in the past for present challenges. Discussion followed by a Q&A and book signing.
West County Fixit Fair & Clothing Swap
Saturday, May 3, 10 am to 2 pm, at El Molino High School, 7050 Covey Road, Forestville. Free.
Do you have a lamp, small appliance, textile, or bike in need of repair? Bring it to the Repair Fair! Volunteers and specialized repair professionals will be on-hand to evaluate and possibly repair your items.? We ask that you stay with your item while it's being fixed, so you can learn tips for future maintenance, how to shop for repairable goods, and even how to repair things yourself. This event will also include a clothing swap for adults and children, plus food, music and a resource fair!
Apple Cider Vinegar for Better Health
Saturday, May 3, 10 am to 12 pm, at Gold Ridge Organic Farms, 3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol. $65.
Join us for an engaging two-hour, hands-on workshop where you’ll dive into the world of holistic wellness using organic apple cider vinegar. Hosted by Gold Ridge Organic Farms’ Anna O’Neil. Learn the art of creating organic Fire Cider and herbal vinegars using fresh, raw ingredients. Anna will guide you in making apple cider vinegar into refreshing, healthy products that revitalize not only your body and soul, but add a zing to your recipes. Get tickets.
Leatherworking: Tote Bag
Saturday, May 3, 10 am to 3 pm, at Chimera Arts and Maker Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol.
In this five-hour-long class, you will be making a small tote bag with a single handle and the option to add a strap on the sides in the future. We will be learning skills such as how to use a pattern, cut a hide, add simple stamping, dyeing, and finally assembly. We will be stitching by hand, which, once you get the hang of it, becomes very meditative. Learn more.
May Day Strong
Saturday, May 3, 10 am to 12 pm, at the downtown crossroads of Main Street and Bodega Avenue in Sebastopol.
Protest against the Trump administration and policies. Learn more.
Art & Makers Market
Saturday, May 3, 11 am to 4 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. Free.
Discover an amazing selection of work from local crafters, artists, and artisans—perfect for unique gifts or just treating yourself! Enjoy tasty food vendors, art, culture, and connection!
Community Bio-Wellness & Healers Market Fair
Saturday, May 3, 12 pm to 5 pm, 186 N. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Discover and experience a range of alternative healing therapies, including hypnotherapy, light therapy and more. Wellness talks include: Ozone Therapy, 2 pm; Scalar Healing, 3 pm; community wellness discussion circle, 3:30 pm; and group energy healing and sound ceremony, 4 pm. Free Bliss bathhouse access all day. Event by Soft Medicine Sanctuary, Radiant Body Sebastopol and Amanda Joan.
Buddha's Birthday Celebration
Sunday, May 3, 10 am to 3 pm, at Rocks and Clouds Zendo, 618 N. Main St., Sebastopol.
Join Rocks and Clouds Zendo in Making a Flower Bower (10 am to 12 pm); Buddha’s Birthday Celebration Ceremony, 12 pm to 1 pm; and a Community Potluck, 1 pm to 2 pm.
Succulents + Ceramics Garden Art Sale
Sunday, May 4, 10 am to 2 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. Free.
Presented by the UC Master Gardeners Program of Sonoma County and SebArts, this annual event features succulents, ceramics and other garden art for sale.
Poetry Challenge: Interweaving Found Text
Sunday, May 4, 1 pm to 3 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. $20.
Modernist writers, including T.S. Eliot and Marianne Moore, experimented with incorporating found text into their poetry. The goal? To explore a subject through multiple perspectives and voices, thus adding dimension or depth to the subject. Incorporating other voices also places less emphasis on the “I” of authorship. In the first 30 minutes of the class, the instructor will cover the concept of found text and provide examples, from his own work and from the work of others, on how text may be interwoven into a poem. For the following 30 minutes, participants will work with their own found text and lines of poetry with the goal of completing one or more draft poems. In the final 60 minutes, participants will be given the opportunity to share and discuss their work. Reserve your spot.
Make Pop-Up Mother’s Day Cards
Sunday, May 4, 1 pm to 4 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. Adult, $60; adult + one child under 12: $70
This class will explore the foundations of pop-up design and paper cutting while creating one-of-a-kind pop-up greeting cards for Mother’s Day. Students will learn foundational “folds” for pop-up elements and then create their own cards. Students can personalize provided pop-up design templates or dream up their own imaginative way to use the folds they have learned to create their own pop-up designs. Reserve your spot.
Dave Silva & Nick Simmons Annual Student Concert at HopMonk Sebastopol
Sunday, May 4, 2 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $15.
Come cheer on these talented kids, teens and grown-ups at our end-of-the-school-year show. Up to 30 performers, including three student bands. Join the fun as these musicians of all ages take the stage.
Art Exhibit: "The Great Oaks Series" by Adam Wolpert
Sunday, May 4, 3 pm to 5 pm, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. By donation.
Join the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation for the opening reception of The Great Oaks Series, featuring a special selection of large-scale giclée prints from Adam Wolpert’s acclaimed oak tree portraits. This exhibit offers a rare opportunity to see these works together, showcasing the beauty, depth, and individuality of these majestic trees.
French Cafe and jazz with Le Duo
Sunday, May 4, 3 pm to 5 pm, at Reichwage Winery, 1689 Pleasant Hill Road, Sebastopol. $13-$18.
Enjoy an afternoon filled with the enchanting melodies of French music from Le Duo, featuring Mimi and Gabe Pirard, a French-American sibling duo that charms audiences with their incredible talent and Parisian flair. Sit back, relax, and let Le Duo serenade you with their heartfelt folk and jazz standards. Immerse yourself in the vineyard views and music while sipping on estate wines and cider. Don't miss out on this unique experience that will transport you to the streets of Paris and Madrid. Grab your friends and family for a relaxing time on the lawn. Get tickets.
Beltane Ritual
Sunday, May 4, 3:30 pm, at Sebastopol Subud Hall, 234 Hutchins Ave., Sebastopol. $20.
Come and dance the maypole and celebrate the turning of the wheel of the year. Be in community with other goddess/pagan/nature worshipers and honor the height of spring. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Cost is $20, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
See What’s Happening Sonoma County for more music listings.
Want us to feature your event in “What’s happening this week in Sebastopol?” Submit your events to the Sebastopol Community Calendar. This is one of the many resources I use to put this column together.
Until I read about Morris Dancing in Sebastopol Times last year I’d never heard of it. I went and really enjoyed it. So this morning I went again. Thank you to the dancers and the musicians, and thank you to the Sebastopol Times!
Now, it’s time for bed. 😴