What's happening this week in Sebastopol?
Science Buzz, Pomo history, Apple Blossom fundraiser and an important planning commission meeting
Science Buzz Cafe: Cheetahs, Giraffes and Rhinos, Oh My!
Monday, Jan. 27, 6 pm to 7:30 pm, at Hopmonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $10.
Denise Cadman, a biologist and associate faculty member at Santa Rosa Junior College, has taught biology for over 30 years and now works at Safari West. She'll discuss the rich and interesting history of the creation and evolution of the Sonoma Serengeti, a 400-acre preserve that focuses on African mammals and an international bird collection.
History of the Pomo Indians
Monday, Jan. 27, 6:30 pm to 8 pm, at Sebastopol United Methodist Church, 500 North Main St., Sebastopol. Free.
Did you ever wonder about who lived here before you? Western Sonoma County Historical Society docent and volunteer Laura Shafer shares her knowledge of the Pomo Indians — some of the original people of Sonoma County. How did they survive? What did they eat? Did they grow crops? What were their homes made of? Did they interact with the other local tribes? What happened when Europeans and Russians arrived? Where are they now? Light desserts and beverages will be provided. This is a project of the Western Sonoma County Historical Society.
Sebastopol Planning Commission
Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6 pm, at the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris St., Sebastopol. Free.
Request from the Barlow to close McKinley Street on the third Sunday of every month beginning on Feb. 16, 2025. Also, a public hearing for an application from Barbara Hom on behalf of the Sebastopol Farmers Market. The requested changes are as follows: market hours of 9 am to 1:30 pm, removal of percentage restrictions on booths, and seasonal booth location maps. See agenda and staff reports here.
Joe Craven, The Musers, The Familiar Strangers
Friday, Jan. 31, 7:30 pm, at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol. Sliding scale, $15-$50
The Musers, a dynamic folk trio known for their spirited harmonies and foot-stomping rhythms, will kick off the night with their blend of heartfelt originals and creative covers. The Familiar Strangers will bring their eclectic mix of Americana, swing, and roots music that promises to get you swaying and singing along. Closing the evening is the incomparable Joe Craven, a genre-defying multi-instrumentalist and storyteller whose energy and creativity will leave you in awe. Get tickets.
Paper Collage Valentine’s Day Cards
Saturday, Feb. 1, 12 pm to 3:30 pm, at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. $50.
Create one-of-a-kind cards by searching for treasure among troves of images, vintage magazine pages, fabric, peeled acrylic palette remnants, rice paper, origami and leaf skeletons. Let inspiration strike where it will by composing fun collage cards with loads of personality. These unique creations will be treasured by your friends and family. Reserve your spot.
80s Dance Party at Community Market
Saturday, Feb. 1, 12 pm to 3 pm, at Community Market, 6762 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Outdoor stage 80s Dance Party. Free show. All ages. A benefit for Eo.
Flower & Song: A Storytelling Workshop
Sunday, Feb. 2, 2 pm to 4 pm, Sebastopol Regional Library, 7140 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol. Free.
Preserve personal and family narratives with poet and musician Nicolás R. Valdez. From storytelling to group movement exercises, Valdez will demonstrate and guide you through the power of performance art. Reserve your spot.
Apple Blossom Festival Fundraiser 2025
Sunday, Feb. 2, noon onward, at Hopmonk Tavern, 230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol. $25.
Come to the Apple Blossom 2025 Fundraiser with 10 great bands: Soul Section, The Pulsators, Burrows and Dilbeck, Thugz, Jason Beard’s Bring Joy, Freestone Peaches, Late for the Train, Gas Money, Ellie Jamies and the Bluebirds. Doors open at 12 pm, music starts at 1 pm. Get tickets.
Not So Open Mic for Women
Sunday, Feb. 2, 1:30 to 3:30 pm, at Coffee and Moore, 6761 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Free
This event is an open mic to flip the script of the 98% male performer norm. Join Katie Phillips and Karen Joy Brown, formerly of the Bootleg Honeys, for critic-free women’s performances, where veterans and newbies can share original music or covers with a supportive, listening crowd. Women and men are both welcome in the audience.
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.
Long ago, our daily printed newspaper listed the movies shown at the local theater. I don't think that it was an advertisement, just a convenience. Wish that you would think about it