What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Psychedelic medicine, accessible birding, Highway 116 wine weekend, and the Equinox Garden Box Project
Planning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, April 8, 6 to 9 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
The planning commission will hear presentations on the Sebastopol Downtown Grant and the Napa/Sonoma Collaborative Housing Element Implementation update. They will also discuss the formation of a Zoning Update Subcommittee.
Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
Tuesday, April 8, 1 pm and 7 pm, at the Rialto Cinemas, 6868 McKinley St., Sebastopol. $14-$16.
A documentary on the life of singer/songwriter Janis Ian, whose body of work has earned her an honored place in folk and pop music history and continues to influence new generations of artists and activists. Part of the Sonoma County Jewish Film Festival. Get tickets.
Peacetown Music in the Abbey at HopMonk Sebastopol
Wednesday, April 9, 6 pm to 8:30 pm, at HopMonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Free music in the Abbey from Foxes in the Henhouse—a soulful quartet at the intersection of Americana, country, blues, jazz, gospel, bluegrass, cowboy, and swing.
Curious about Psychedelic Medicine?
Wednesday, April 9, 7 pm to 8 pm, at Galactic Health & Fitness, 2516 Gravenstein Hwy. S., Sebastopol. Free.
Have you wondered if ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) might be right for you? Do you have questions about safety? Or how to choose among different treatment options? Are you interested in the science? Join the team from Liminal Medicine for a free, one-hour information session open to the public. We will have a physician and a therapist present to answer your questions about KAP and psychedelic medicine. RSVP to info@liminal-med.com or (707) 861-0805 to join us.
Accessible Spring Birding
Friday, April 11, 9:30 am to 11:30 am, at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation, 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa. Free.
This is an inclusive birding program led on our Native Garden’s paths and open spaces, which are abundant with breeding birds in spring. This event is meant to accommodate community members who love birds and birdwatching, but may feel limited due to lack of accessibility. Don't be shy if you’ve never birded before—that’s what we’re here for! We’ll start with a tutorial on using binoculars and a quick introductory discussion about birding. As we observe the birds of the area, we’ll discuss various topics, such as techniques for locating birds, what sorts of details to notice when observing a bird, species identification, bird vocalizations, and bird behavior and habitats. The event will be centered around sit-spot birding; however, moving between spots will consist of short distances on flat but unpaved gravel paths. Get tickets.
Spring Blossom Shakti Kirtan
Friday, April 11, 7:30 pm to 10 pm, at Soft Medicine, 186 N. Main St., Sebastopol. $25.
Come celebrate, renew and rebirth yourself with four amazing North Bay female Kirtan leaders! Sing your prayers, align your spirit, and connect with the oneness of All through sacred song. In times of intense change and challenge we need our musicians more than ever to remind us of who we are and why we are here. We need artists to help us strengthen our commitment to bringing love and compassion to every act we take, to nourish our divine Self with beauty, and to call us home to love. Get tickets.
Discovering the Essentials: An Introduction to Aromatherapy
Saturday, April 12, 10:30 am to 11:30 am, at Gold Ridge Organic Farms, 3387 Canfield Road, Sebastopol. $20.
Unlock the natural power of essential oils in this informative and interactive workshop. Join Gold Ridge Organic Farms’ neighbor, Dr. William MacElroy, a certified aromatherapist and the owner of Monte-Bellaria Lavender Farm, for an immersive experience where you’ll learn about the fascinating process of distilling and extracting essential oils. From their historical uses to modern-day applications, this class will delve into how aromatherapy promotes overall well-being — physical, mental, and emotional. During the one-hour workshop, you’ll enjoy a hands-on demonstration of blending essential oils and experience the therapeutic aromas of some of the most popular oils. Reserve your spot.
Taste Route 116 Spring Fling
Saturday, April 12, 11 am to 4 pm, at various wineries along Highway 116. General admission is $55; designated drivers, $15.
Introducing Taste Route 116 Spring Fling. This local Wine Club Appreciation Weekend has been reimagined—and opened up to the public—and you won’t want to miss it. On Saturday, April 12, celebrate spring along Route 116 with a rosé and cheese pairing competition. That is just the beginning...while sipping on the exciting new spring releases, soak up the beauty of wine country in bloom, and take advantage of the featured specials. Wine club members will enjoy exclusive discounts on tickets and wine purchases. (Reach out to us for your special discount code.) Start the festivities early with a special happy hour on April 11 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Furthermore Wines and Taft Street Winery. It will be a delightful way to begin your weekend. Spring is here, the wines are fresh, and the flavors are unforgettable. Join us for this vibrant seasonal tasting experience! Get tickets.
Intro to Improv Meets PSYCH-K®
Saturday, April 12, 2 pm to 5 pm, at the Downtown Dance-Art Space, 172 North Main St., Sebastopol. $76.54.
ZipLine Improv aims to provide a relaxed, playful and supportive environment where participants can stretch and explore safely, and this workshop will take it a step or two further by paying particular attention to whatever your discomforts are and addressing them with a private mini-PSYCH-K® session with the facilitator, Meaganne. The rest of the time you will be with Laura, exploring the basic tenets of what makes improv work and why. (Hint: it's NOT being the fastest, funniest, cleverest person in the room.) Learn more and get tickets.
Equinox Garden Box Project
Sunday, April 13, 12 pm to 4 pm, at the Sebastopol Grange, 6000 Sebastopol Ave., (Hwy. 12), Sebastopol. Free.
As part of the growing local organic food and honey-bee habitat movement, the Grange and the Kiwanis will be hosting a hands-on garden box-building day at the Sebastopol Grange. The goal is to entice new gardeners and provide them with the resources they need to start their spring gardens as well as to create opportunities for members of the community to come together in a service project. To get a box or volunteer to help build them, go here. (See our article on this project.)
Georgia O’Keeffe Luscious Flowers Acrylic Workshop
Sunday, April 13, 12 pm to 5:30 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 South High St., Sebastopol. $110.
O’Keeffe's flower paintings were a crucial step in the evolution of her work as a modernist painter. Ever since their inception, they have garnered both praise and disdain from critics who have pondered over the true meaning behind these flowers. In this one-day workshop, we will look deeply at the evolution of Georgia O’Keeffe's paintings and create our own Georgia O'Keeffe-inspired acrylic flowers. Fresh flowers and bones will be on display for your inspiration. Reserve your spot.
A Benefit for SebArts: Recite Your Favorite Poem
Sunday, April 13, 2 pm to 4 pm, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $35-$55.
Come to this heartwarming evening celebrating the power of poetry, benefiting SebArts’ Literary Arts Program. This special gathering invites friends, family, and neighbors to come together and share the poems that have touched their hearts. Your ticket includes a beautifully handmade ceramic mug from our ceramic studio. Emcee Larry Robinson, a member of Rumi’s Caravan, along with co-host Dave Seter, the current SoCo Poet Laureate, will lead an inspiring evening filled with shared voices and meaningful connections. Participants are invited to submit a poem that speaks to them (not their own) and to share a brief reflection on its significance. Get tickets.
Play: What I Didn’t Say: A Journey Through Parkinson’s
Sunday, April 13, 3 pm to 5 pm, Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. $20.
Join us for “What I Didn’t Say: A Journey Through Parkinson’s,” a powerful 50-minute live performance written and performed by Matthew Moore. This poignant play delves into the personal experiences of living with Parkinson’s disease, aiming to foster understanding and empathy among patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. The performance will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, providing attendees with an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges and insights of PD. Get tickets.
Sing Beyond Borders
Sunday, April 13, 4 pm to 5:30 pm, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 500 Robinson Road, Sebastopol. Donation.
You are invited to an afternoon of soulful, heart-lifting songs to protect and uplift our beloved immigrant community of Sonoma County. Featuring Benjasoul & Francisco Herrera, with the Joyful Noise Gospel Singers. Sonoma Secure Families Collaborative is an organization that helps to fund and coordinate services to immigrant families, including those providing legal services, education, outreach, and/or support to immigrant communities.
PEEK INTO NEXT WEEK
Irish Music Class for All Instruments
Mondays, April 14 to May 19, 6 pm to 7:15 pm at a private home. $150-$220 (sliding scale).
New 6-week Session. Discover the hypnotic melodies, pulsing rhythms, and worldwide customs of traditional Irish music. We have fun, learn captivating tunes and are building a musical community with a common repertoire. We focus on learning by ear which is part of the tradition. Please bring a recording device to class. Suitable for intermediate or advanced instrumentalists. Instructor: Suzuki Cady Fee. Classes are held at a private home in Sebastopol. (Address provided upon signup). Sign up here.
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.