What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Feb. 10-16: Ned Kahn at Science Buzz, The Parker Quartet, a Family Rave, tons of Valentine's events and our Very Short Love Story deadline
Science Buzz Cafe: Ned Kahn and the Texture of Emptiness
Monday, Feb. 10, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, Hopmonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
Ned Kahn, a Sebastopol-based environmental artist, will show videos of his early works at the Exploratorium and some recent projects and discuss how his kinetic artworks relate to recent discoveries about the Higgs Field and the nature of empty space. He will also show a video of his recently installed sculpture along the Laguna in Sebastopol. Ned Kahn’s work with Frank Oppenheimer, the founder of the Exploratorium and younger brother of J Robert Oppenheimer, inspired him to develop artworks intended to reveal the underlying physics of many natural phenomena. Two recurring themes in his work are how energy waves flow through fields and how vibration often requires a restoring force.
Coffee with the Mayor
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 4 pm to 5 pm, at City Hall, 7120 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Mayor Stephen Zollman invites you to join him for “Coffee with the Mayor.” Ask questions, share your thoughts and ideas, and discuss issues that matter to you in this new monthly series. Local donuts and coffee will be provided. Bring your own recyclable or reusable cup.
Planning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 6 pm to 9 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Potentially interesting meeting about updating and reforming Sebastopol's Zoning Code. See staff report.
❤️Sebastopol Times’ Very Short Love Stories Deadline: Feb. 11❤️
How did you find somebody to love? Tell us how it happened way back when or just recently. Keep it short — 125 words or less. Send your little love story to sebastopoltimes@gmail.com with the subject line “Love” by Feb. 11 at the latest. We’ll gather your love stories in a special heart-filled article for Valentine’s Day on Friday, Feb. 14.
The Art of Spellcraft
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7 pm, at Milk and Honey, 123 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $100.
For three weeks starting Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7 pm, experience The Art of Spellcraft with Phoenix LeFae. Working magic and creating spells is an art form. Learn how to cast your own spells for love, prosperity, health, protection, and more. Email to register.
Hikes With Hounds
Thursday, Feb. 13, 4 pm to 5:30 pm, at Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail, Highway 12 entrance parking lot, just beyond the Chevron Station. Free.
Are you a dog lover and want to spend quality time with your pup in the parks? Good news: You are barking up the right tree with these hikes! Each program will be an exciting opportunity to work on training your dogs. Learn how you can support your best bud to walk nicely on trails with our certified dog trainer and interpreter. Se habla español. For more information, contact ParkPrograms@sonoma-county.org. No registration required.
Analy High School Choir Performance
Thursday, Feb. 13, doors open at 5:30 pm, show at 6 pm, at the Analy High School Theater, 6950 Analy Ave., Sebastopol. $10 donation.
Join us for a special performance by the Analy High School choir. Come watch the chamber singers and concert choir sing your favorite songs with some special guests. Come support the choir and the arts!
OutWatch: LGBTQI Film Festival - Film: Gondola
Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 pm, Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol, 6868 McKinley Street, Sebastopol. $16.
A sublime and smoldering tale of love in mid-air, moving pictures speak a thousand words in Veit Helmer’s whimsical dialogue-free charmer. Chauffeuring gondolas that travel between altitude-defying villages — usually transporting cows, people, or even the occasional dead body — in the remarkably picturesque Caucasus mountains of Georgia, Iva and Nino begin their courtship with one another. Get tickets.
Painting with Soft Pastels
Friday, Feb. 14-28, 10 am to 12 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. $150.
Explore the vivid world of soft pastel with master pastelist, James R Reynolds. The class begins with a short demonstration and introduction to this vivid and flexible medium. Then students will begin a pastel painting of their own. The student is free to choose an image, but guidance will be available. Topics to be covered will include: Making a good start - underpainting using an alcohol wash, Simplifying color choices, Types of mark making, layering colors, blending. Students will get individual attention in a supportive, friendly and non-judgmental atmosphere. Reserve your spot.
Valentine’s Day with Wine and Chocolate
Friday, Feb. 14, 1 pm to 8 pm, at Region, 180 Morris St., Sebastopol. $30.
Join us in celebrating love with a classic wine and chocolate pairing. With our Featured Winery of the Month - Sangiacomo Wines and locally made chocolate. Get tickets.
Valentine's Day Feast at La Bodega Kitchen/Sonoma Wine Club
Friday, Feb. 14, 5 pm onward, La Bodega Kitchen, 2295 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol. $79 dinner + $35 wine pairing (less for members)
Celebrate love with our intimate Valentine’s Feast, featuring an exquisite four-course vegetarian menu in this cozy Sebastopol setting. (Personal and unsponsored plug from Laura: Even if you’re not a vegetarian, you’ll find the food here amazing and satisfying.) Begin your romantic evening with golden Saffron Arancini. Share two artisanal salads featuring local ingredients—the whimsical 'Apple of My Eye' with Point Reyes Blue Cheese and candied walnuts, and a Heart Beet Salad showcasing Laguna Farms beets paired with Mt Eitan chevre. Choose from three elegant entrées: Wild Porcini & Morel Mushroom Ravioli in Cream, Chocolate Oaxacan Tamales, or Eggplant Parmesan. Crown your evening with Meekk's dessert delicacies. Most dishes are gluten-free, with plant-based options available. Elevate your experience with our carefully curated wine pairing. Call 707-996-1230 to make a reservation.
Valentines in Paris with SonoMusette
Friday, Feb. 14, 7:30 pm, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $150-$160.
Drift down the Seine with SonoMusette for a romantic evening this Valentine’s Day. Cabaret seating (table for two) includes: a glass of Champagne and dessert. Featuring Parisian singer Mimi Pirard, SonoMusette authentically recreates the moody and evocative sound of the Paris music scene of the Mid-20th Century. SonoMusette’s renditions of these timeless French classics provide a freshness and excitement that is contemporary, yet faithful, to the spirit and tradition of the original artists. Get tickets.
Valentine’s Day Burlesque & Cabaret
Friday, Feb. 14, 8 pm, at HopMonk, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $25-$35.
Bada Boom and Sweet Beat Petite’s “Love Is In The Air” Valentine’s Day Burlesque & Cabaret comes back to the Hopmonk Sebastopol. Your sparkly hostess Sweet Beat Petite and our star-studded cast of stunning burlesque bombshells will dazzle your soul and leave you begging for more. This is a perfect entertaining Valentine’s date night or mob with a posse of your favorite single homies for “Love Is In The Air” a Burlesque and Cabaret extravaganza. 21 and up. Get tickets.
Parker Quartet
Saturday, Feb. 15, 3 pm, at the Community Church of Sebastopol, 1000 Gravenstein Hwy. N., Sebastopol. $35.
The Redwood Arts Council is thrilled and honored to be able to welcome back the Parker Quartet. The Grammy Award-winning Parker Quartet has distinguished itself as one of the preeminent ensembles of its generation, dedicated purely to the sound and depth of their music. They are renowned for their fresh and unique approach to the great classics while being passionate ambassadors for the music of our time. Inspired performances and exceptional musicianship are hallmarks of the Quartet, having appeared at the world’s most illustrious venues, including Carnegie Hall. Adults: $35. Students 18-25: $10 - with valid student ID. Children 6-17: Free. Get tickets.
Sonoma Lovers Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 am to 2:30 pm, at Gold Ridge Organic Farms, 3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol.
Sonoma is for Lovers! The folks at Gold Ridge Organic Farms are lovers of good food, good health and good times…Come and celebrate the month of love at Gold Ridge Organic Farms and give your heart health a boost with fresh local 2024 harvest Olio Nuovo. Make your belly happy with our light and delicious barrel-aged apple cider vinegars and citrus shrubs. Discover new pairings with our citrus and olive oils. Chef Seamus will create mouth-watering vegetarian wood-fired pizzas for purchase between 11 am and 2:30 pm. Learn more.
Community Gardening Workshop
Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 am to 12 pm, at the Sebastopol Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Join permaculture teacher Oscar and learn about gardening all year long while creating a beautiful and delicious library landscape.
Outwest Valentine Dance
Saturday, Feb. 15, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at Wischemann Hall, 465 Morris St., Sebastopol. $10-$20 sliding scale.
6:30-7:30 lesson: Beginning Country two-Step with special guest instructor, Sheila Schlicht. 7:30-9:30: Partner and line dance mix. Beginners welcome! No partner needed. Non-gendered partner dance featuring Country Two-Step, East & West Coast Swing, Country Waltz, Nightclub Two-Step, Line Dancing. LGBTQIA+ and everyone welcome!
Sebastopol Rotary Club Crab Feed
Saturday, Feb. 15, 7:30 pm to 9 pm, at Holy Ghost Hall, 7960 Mill Station Road, Sebastopol. $90.
All proceeds from this event will be used to fund Sebastopol Rotary Club’s Mark Sell Teacher Grants Programs. Come out and support our West County teachers! Come at 6:30 pm to check out the raffle and enjoy the no-host bar. This is the best crab around. Dinner includes all-you-can-eat crab, wine, clam chowder, salad, bread, and dessert. Stay and dance after dinner to the Fabulous Luv Rustlers. Tickets are still available for the 7:30 pm seating. The 5 pm seating is sold out. Get tickets.
Love in the Barlow: A Valentine's Celebration at The Trade
Sunday, Feb 16, 11 am to 4 pm, at The Barlow, 6770 McKinley, Sebastopol.
Kick off the day with live music by Jacob Philip Benning at 11 am – the perfect soundtrack for a fun-filled market stroll. Shop from a mix of local makers, vintage curators, crafters, artists, and designers, featuring handmade goods, one-of-a-kind fashion, ceramics, home décor, farm-fresh treats, and more!
Black History Month Film: The Gospel According to Andrè
Sunday, Feb. 16, 2 pm to 3:30 pm, at Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Esteemed African-American fashion editor André Leon Talley's life and ascent in the fashion world is chronicled through interviews and archival footage. This documentary traces his career from his youth in the segregated South to his work at W and Vogue to his enduring influence today. Featuring interviews with fashion icons such as Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs and Diane von Furstenberg.
Sebastopol Community Cultural Center presents: The Family Rave
Sunday, Feb. 16, 2 pm to 4 pm, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $10.
Get ready to dance and let loose at our Family Rave, a fun-filled, family-friendly event designed for the post-rave generation of parents and their kids. Presented by Future Club of the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. Experience an afternoon where little ones can enjoy the beat and grown-ups can relive the rhythm of their youth. Featuring DJs Willow & NIXXI spinning high-energy tracks. We’re creating an inclusive, fun atmosphere at this ultimate dance party for all ages. Come dressed to shine—neon, sparkles, and glow sticks are encouraged. Refreshments are available for purchase. 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 I use to put this column together.
SEEKING VOLUNTEER WITH BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS TO TRANSFER THE EVENTS ABOVE ONTO THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR. EMAIL LAURA AT sebastopoltimes@gmail.com.