What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Peacetown, Bluegrass, Afrodance, Artists as Activists and much more
Girl Scout Welcome Troop’s “Bee a Daisy”
Monday, July 6, 4 pm to 5 pm, in Ives Park at the picnic area. Free.
Try out Girl Scouts this summer by visiting the Girl Scout Welcome Troop. This summer we are hosting a six-series Welcome Troop program to invite pre-K and kindergarten families to experience the fun of Girl Scouts for free. This event is called “Bee a daisy.” Each week we’ll learn something new about our pollinator friends and enjoy a craft or activity that fits the theme. Please RSVP to attend. (There is also a similar event in Forestville on Thursday, July 9, at 3 pm.)
Sebastopol City Council Meeting
Tuesday, July 7, 6 pm at Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Building the Commons Committee will give its quarterly update to the Council, and there will be a public hearing on the Capital Improvement Budget. Three hot issues are returning: city council compensation, suspension of water rate increases, tiered water rates, and A&M BBQ permits. The council will also discuss mold remediation at the library. Find the agenda and documentation here.
Film: The Chaplain & The Doctor
Tuesday, July 7, 7 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $18.
Live Q&A with Dr. Jessica Zitter and Chaplain Betty Clark, moderated by Redwing Keyssar. The film follows the relationship between ICU physician Dr. Jessica Zitter and hospital chaplain Betty Clark, whose work together challenges traditional silos in healthcare and models a more compassionate approach to caring for patients with serious illness. 25% off tickets for healthcare professionals, chaplains, students, and trainees using code: HEALTHCARE. Get tickets.
Peacetown: Patrice Pike Band
Wednesday, July 8, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, at Ives Park, 7800 Willow St., Sebastopol. Free.
Here’s the word from Jim Corbett: “Peacetown welcomes the Patrice Pike Band from Austin, Texas, a hotbed of original music. It’s hard to describe Patrice Pike’s music as one particular genre. It’s part rock, part R&B, some soul and jazz appear in the mix, and that’s not to mention all the world influences. Though, for listeners of Pike’s music, they would describe it not as a genre, but as an experience. Music is meant to inspire, to evoke emotion, to create a shared experience of the human condition. Patrice has toured with Blues Traveler, Sarah MacLachlan, Allman Brothers, Dave Matthews, John Fogerty, Sinead O’Connor and many others. Opening the show will be the wildly popular Sebastian Saint James, whose popularity keeps exploding every year. A fabulous songwriter, who delivers his songs with a passionate but smooth vocal style. Come early to catch his show. You’ll be glad you did.”
Learn to Square Dance
Wednesday, July 8, 7 pm to 8 pm, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St., Sebastopol. First lesson free.
Modern Square Dancing brings together music, movement, and a friendly, supportive community. No experience needed—our caller guides you every step of the way with fun music and live singing. It’s free, and you’ll be dancing right away. No partner needed, casual attire. LGBTQ-friendly, but everyone is welcome. Register at contact@redwoodrainbows.org. Drop-ins are welcome. Come early for parking and registration. Learn more.
Film Barbara Forever
Thursday, July 9, 1 pm and 6:30 pm, at Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $16.
A sublime exploration of the life, work, and legacy of iconic, pioneering lesbian filmmaker Barbara Hammer — revealing her ingenious lifelong artistic effort to create and record lesbian histories, personal and societal. Part of the OutWatch Film Festival. Get tickets.
Book event: The Chelsea Cats and The Wise Wizard of Wakashan
Thursday, July 9, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, at Many Rivers Books & Tea, 130 S. Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
The Chelsea Cats and The Wise Wizard of Wakashan is a story that reaches young and old alike, whether you’re a cat lover, a current or former city dweller, or have a child in your life. The themes are universal: What does it mean to believe in yourself, trust yourself and have friends you can count on? How do we share our love, despite our differences, even when it is scary? Come see how a group of delightful cats travel
to exciting spots around a big city and figure it out. Nina Ayin Reimer is a local artist, writer and teacher. She is the original medical illustrator of the book, “Our Bodies, Ourselves” and the author of several books. Learn more.
Preventing Medicare Fraud
Friday, July 10, 1 pm to 2 pm, at Sebastopol Area Senior Center, 167 North High St., Sebastopol. $10.
Crooks, scams, phishing emails—what you need to know to recognize and prevent your Medicare benefits from being stolen. Join us for this free seminar from HICAP, the Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program. RSVP at the Sebastopol Senior Center: (707) 829-2440.
Hardly Strictly Irish at Armstrong Redwoods
Friday, July 10, 3 pm to 6 pm, at Armstrong Redwoods picnic area, 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville. Free.
Part of the Arts in the California Parks program. Don’t miss this chance to hear music from Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, weaving original and traditional roots melodies and songs from Ireland, Appalachia, and the American South. There will be a potluck with beer and wine for purchase and a raffle. Bring your best potluck to feed 10-15 people. We expect 100+ folks to attend, so if you want to bring a larger dish that can feed more, please do! RSVP required 707-869-9177 or stewards@stewardscr.org.
Artist as Activist panel discussion
Friday, July 10, 4 pm to 6 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. $25.
In conjunction with our Resist and Persist exhibition, Sebastopol Center for the Arts invites you to join artists Sonoma County Artists Pam Van Halsema, Alina Neubel, Edilia Mendez and activist Robin Latham in conversation about the role of art in activism. Get tickets.
TABÚ Afrodance Experience
Friday, July 10, 7 pm to 12 am, at Laguna Lab, 117 Morris St. #300, Sebastopol. $30.
A monthly dance gathering exploring underground rhythms, movement traditions, and contemporary dance cultures from around the world. Hosted by DJ Timotéo Gigante, TABÚ follows a different thread each month—tracing connections between music, movement, and cultural traditions across the globe. From AfroHouse and global club sounds to the dance cultures of Brazil, Colombia, and the Caribbean, as well as jazz, hip-hop, and other movement traditions, each gathering follows the threads that link underground dance floors around the world. Each TABÚ gathering includes dance instruction, food and shared flavors, live music and DJs, immersive artistic elements, and a night of dancing that moves between learning, listening, and movement, ending on a full dance floor. Get tickets. (Buy a 5-ticket bundle at $75.)
White Denim at HopMonk
Friday, July 10, 8 pm, at HopMonk Sebastopol (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $33.68.
White Denim has been celebrated for their fearless blend of garage rock, soul, jazz fusion, psychedelia, and experimental improvisation. Frontman James Petralli’s distinctive voice, sharp guitar work, and inventive songwriting anchor a live show that has earned the band a reputation as one of the most unpredictable and compelling forces in contemporary music. Arc Iris is the special guest. 21+ only, mostly standing. Get tickets.
Drip Irrigation Class at Harmony
Saturday, July 11, 10 am to 12 pm, at Harmony Farm Supply, 3244 Gravenstein Hwy N., Sebastopol
Patty Hamilton has been working at Harmony Farm Supply for almost 27 years, and has been a certified irrigation designer for 24 years. She will be touching on drip irrigation benefits (low-volume, saves water, fewer weeds, decreased disease), typical applications, design considerations (e.g., number and type of emitters for plants), basic hose bib head assembly, filters, pressure regulators, drip hose, fittings, assembly tools, drip emitters, spaghetti tubing, inline emitters, soaker-type tubing, mini-sprinklers, trouble-shooting tips. Presentation will also involve showing and passing around drip system components, with a brief assembly demonstration. As always, Harmony classes are free to attend, but space is limited and you must register in advance by phone to reserve a spot. Call (707) 823-9125 to register.
Atascadero/Green Valley Watershed Council Quarterly Gathering
Saturday, July 11, 10 am to noon, in Lions Grove Picnic Area in Ragle Park.
Presentation by Doris Duncan, the executive director of Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, a nonprofit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife through education and advocacy. Q&A and group discussion follows presentation. Doors open and social time, 10 am; meeting starts at 10:15 am. Coffee provided; bring snacks for potluck.
Collage Your Story
Saturday, July 11, 11 am to 3 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $130.
Much like our lives, which are shaped by countless moments and experiences, collage pieces bring together fragments that reveal hidden connections and untold narratives. In this class, you’ll reflect on what matters most to you and how that can be expressed through art. Teacher Catherine Cruz will help you release the need for perfection and trust your creative instincts. By the end of the workshop, you’ll not only have a finished artwork but also a deeper connection to your creative potential and a renewed love for the art of collage. Get tickets.
Book event: Sylvia Marie at Copperfield’s
Saturday, July 11, noon to 2 pm, at Copperfield’s Books, 138 N Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Meet and greet with Sylvia Marie author of From the Heart of the Sun: A Guide to Living Earth Flower Essences, a do-it-yourself guide for connecting with the healing gifts of flowers and plants, reminding us to slow down, listen and resonate with the essence of flowers, the essence of our own nature and the essence of all nature beings.
Fiber Arts/Sewing: Fabric Swap & Garage Sale
Saturday, July 11, 1 pm to 3 pm, at Chimera Arts and Maker Space, 6791 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Free fabric swap event, open sewing studio and garage sale. Bring fabric, yarn and craft materials to swap (limit: two grocery bags) and find some new-to-you delights. You can also just hang out and work on a project that you bring with you. A sewing teacher will be around if you need some help or advice. This is also a great place to meet creative people and talk about cool stuff that you’re into.
Young Dubliners
Saturday, July 11, 8 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $35.75
After 30 years as one of the world’s leading Celtic Rock bands, the Young Dubliners have earned that label, but it can be misleading. The Irish influence is certainly there, but it’s not the only one that bursts through on their albums and in their live shows. Opening the night will be Ockham’s Razor. Get tickets.
Improv Long + Short
Saturday, July 11, 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at Main Street Theater, 104 North Main St., Sebastopol. $23-25.
Four improvisers, zero plans. Get ready for a dynamic evening of long-form and short-form improvisation. ZipLine Improv focuses on narrative improv, in which characters take the lead. With some of the Bay Area’s most skilled and experienced improvisers guesting, you can anticipate some real improv magic. Get tickets.
Celebrate the outgoing and new Sonoma County Poet Laureates
Sunday, July 12, 2 pm to 5 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $10 donation.
SebArts, along with the Poet Laureate Selection Committee, invites the public to a reception honoring our outgoing Poet Laureate, Dave Seter, and our new Laureate, Claire Drucker. Learn more.
Broken Compass Bluegrass + Sweet Sally
Sunday, July 12, 5 pm, at HopMonk (in The Abbey), 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $30.57.
Broken Compass Bluegrass is leading the way in the contemporary bluegrass revival, combining tradition with innovation in a way that appeals to both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Their live performances are characterized by tight harmonies, truly impressive solos, and an undeniable joy that permeates with every note they play. The band’s repertoire includes original compositions as well as fresh takes on timeless classics. Get tickets.
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 we use to put this column together. Submitting your event to the community calendar doesn’t guarantee that your event will make it into “What’s Happening this Week,” but it means that we will see it and consider it.