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What to do in Mendocino County? Mendocino Film Festival Take 8, art gallery opening, car show, A Taste of Chocolate, Wine and Ale, visit a museum and celebrate Armed Forces Day at a Hopland winery!
For many years the What’s Afoot Fine Art Gallery in Downtown Caspar was a popular venue for Northcoast artist icons. J. D. Mayhew, Olaf Palm, Warren Zimmer, Jim Bertram, Doug Desmond and others held popular joint shows at What’s Afoot. Now Doug Desmond, one of the most beloved originals, has joined artist Fred Sternkopf to revive the historic gallery and carry on the tradition. Sternkopf has a national reputation with art in corporate, museum and personal collections.
An eclectic exhibition of sculpture, paintings, photography, etchings, prints and maquettes has been assembled to open May 24, 2013. Also, the exhibition will feature work of E. John Robinson, Betty Graubard, Lloyd Johnson, Janet Seagrave, Paul Alexander, Ralf Laguna and Sunshine Taylor.
Gallery opening will be celebrated with a reception on Friday, May 24, 5 to 9 p.m. all are welcome. They will also be open Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Mendocino County Museum collects, conserves and celebrates the stories, artifacts, archives, and lives of the people and places of Mendocino County. Co-located with the Museum is Roots of Motive Power, a volunteer organization that collects & restores steam-powered trains and machines, focusing on logging history. Stop by for a fascinating visit with a shipwreck, a “hippie” van, stagecoaches and steam engines, Pomo baskets and Seabiscuit’s family and friends.
Browse their Museum Shop and discover even more to do in Mendocino County. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 4:30 PM. The first Wednesday of each month, admission is free! For more information, call (707) 459-2736 or visit http://www.mendocinomuseum.org/index.html
Willits Community Festival & Car Show – May 25 & 26, 2013. Ready Set Let’s Rock & Roll at the 32nd Annual Willits Community Festival & Car Show! Bring your family and friends to Willits this Memorial Day Weekend May 25 & 26th, 2013 and enjoy a fun-filled weekend of activities.
If you haven’t heard, it’s the City of Willits’ 125th birthday this year! To honor this auspicious occasion, the quasquicentennial (try saying that three times!) celebration will kick off at the Willits Community Festival & Car Show on May 26th! Sponsored by the Willits Chamber of Commerce. In Recreation Grove Park, across the street from the Museum. For more information, visit http:// www.willits.org.
Mendocino Music Festival’s A Taste of Chocolate, Wine and Ale takes place Sunday, May 26, 1-4 p.m., at the Mendocino Art Center, 45200 Little Lake St., Mendocino. The Mendocino Music Festival and the Mendocino Art Center present an enjoyable afternoon of exceptional food, wine and ale. There also will be a Silent Auction and a Raffle. All proceeds from this event will be used to support the Mendocino Art Center and the Mendocino Music Festival. Remember, the Mendocino Music Festival is just around the corner, July 13-27, so be sure and visit their website for dates, concert schedule and to purchase your tickets. 707-937-5818 ext. 10 or 707-937-4041 or visit http://www.MendocinoArtCenter.org or http://www.mendocinomusic.com/
McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room celebrates Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. McFadden Farm owner, Guinness served and was decorated for his service as a U.S. Navy officer in Vietnam. Open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting room is located at 13275 S. Highway 101, Ste. 5, Hopland. For more information, call 707-744-8463 or visit http://www.mcfaddenvineyard.com
Mendocino Film Festival Take 8 brings the world to the Mendocino Coast and points inland May 31-June 2, 2013. This year independent films will screen in the Mendocino village and additionally in Fort Bragg (Coast Cinemas), Point Arena (Arena Theater), Willits (Noyo Theatre) and Anderson Valley (Balo Vineyards). Mendocino Film Festival is proud to announce their 2013 film selections! Check out the complete list and buy your tickets early at http://www.mendocinofilmfestival.org
Looking for things to do in Mendocino County? Film, wine, and theater openings!
The Mendocino Film Festival Take 8 is almost here — bringing the world to the Mendocino Coast of Northern California on Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2. From around the world MFF will present feature-length documentaries and narratives, its wildly popular short films program, and stories related to Africa, France, China, Uganda, Japan, South Africa, and Belgium. Special this year are two programs of silent films with the World-Class Alloy Orchestra. This 8th year of the Festival, MFF is proud to introduce its new venue, a 350-seat Festival Tent, across from the Hill House of Mendocino. In addition, there are screenings at Coast Cinemas in Fort Bragg; the art-deco inspired Arena Theater in Point Arena, plus new venues at Willits Noyo Theatre, and The Madrones in Philo, Anderson Valley.
Be sure and save the dates, May 31-June 2 for the eighth annual Mendocino Film Festival. For more information, call 707-937-0171 or visit http://www.mendocinofilmfestival.org
“The Mendocino Film Festival is the near perfect film festival. It is about great films, talented filmmakers and wonderful film lovers, all set in a breathtakingly beautiful place.”
– Adrian Belic, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker
Willits Community Theatre presents “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 19. A darkly romantic comedy by award winning playwright Sarah Ruhl and directed by Bill Barksdale.
This play begins in a restaurant when a woman picks up a dead man’s ringing cell phone and answers it. So begins the woman’s journey into the man’s bizarre world. She keeps the phone, fields his calls, and becomes his social secretary, inadvertently involved in redirecting and rewriting his life. As she tries her loopy best to bring joy to his survivors, she delivers made-up messages from him and makes of him the man he never was.
Why? Because, as she says to his survivors, “When Gordon’s phone rang and rang after he died, I thought his phone was beautiful, like it was the only thing keeping him alive, like as long as people called him he would be alive.”
All of us know with our fixation for anything wireless, phones connect and phones separate. In this play the ringing phone becomes a powerful totem, showing us the irony of how we live and how we love in this digital age.
Willits Community Theatre is located at 37 W. Van Lane, Willits. For more information and tickets, call 707 459-0895 or visit http://www.willitstheatre.org/
McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room celebrates Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 12 from 10 am to 5 pm. Bring mom in for a taste of their 2011 McFadden Late Harvest Riesling, a wine as sweet as mom.
McFadden Vineyard has been family owned and operated since 1970 in Potter Valley, where Guinness McFadden has been farming organically for over 40 years. The 2013 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition awarded the 2011 McFadden Late Harvest Riesling beyond mere Gold, beyond even Double Gold, but judged it the best Late Harvest Riesling at the largest competition of American wines in the world and gave it their Best Of Class award. Visit McFadden’s Hopland shop for complimentary wine tasting, or call to order.
McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room is located at 13275 S Highway 101, Ste 5, Hopland. For more information, call John Cesano in the McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room, open daily from 10-5, at (707) 744-8463 or visit http://mcfaddenvineyard.com/
Mendocino Theatre Company presents “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” by Rajiv Joseph, directed by Felicia Freitas May 2-26. A tiger in the war-ravaged Baghdad Zoo is being guarded by two young soldiers: the steady, opportunistic Tom, and the brash, ready-for-action Kev. When the introduction of Uday Hussein’s gold-plated gun, a war trophy stolen by Tom, leads to the Tiger’s death, the ghost of the tiger remains to lead the audience through an existential journey in the streets of Baghdad among the ghosts of war both living and dead.
Known for Robin Williams’ tour de force performance as the tiger on Broadway in 2011 and as a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2010, “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo” is a deeply spiritual comedy/drama about the nature of man and God in war. You won’t want to miss this one with its outstanding cast and veteran Mendocino Theatre Company actor Bob Cohen as the Tiger.
For more information and tickets, call 707-937-4477or visit www.mendocinotheatre.org
Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival — Tickets are on sale for the 16th annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival May 17-19. The event will feature an expanded grand tasting with 45 producers pouring Anderson Valley pinot noir and pinot noir rosé.
The festival weekend begins on Friday, May 17 with a day-long technical conference covering followed by a barbecue.
The grand tasting takes place on Saturday, May 18, in the vineyards at Goldeneye Winery in Philo. A silent auction during the tasting benefits the valley’s only medical facility, the Anderson Valley Health Center in Boonville.
That evening, wineries will host four winemaker dinners. The weekend concludes on Sunday with open houses at Anderson Valley wineries.
Not only is this a gorgeous time of year in the Anderson Valley, but the Pinot Noirs on offer include a few of the better ones in the state. Participating wineries at the grand tasting include: Angel Camp, Balo Vineyards, Baxter Winery, Bink, Black Kite Cellars, Breggo Cellars, Brutocao Cellars,Cakebread, Champ de Reves, Claudia Springs, Copain Wines, Couloir Wines, Drew Family Wines, Elke Vineyards, Esterlina Vineyards, Expression, Foursight Wines, Frati Horn, Fulcrum Wine, Goldeneye Winery, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards, Handley Cellars, Harmonique Wines, Husch Vineyards, Knez, La Crema, Lazy Creek Vineyards, Londer Vineyards, LuLa Cellars, Macphail Family Wines, Maggy Hawk, Navarro Vineyards, Phillips Hill Estates, Philo Ridge Vineyards, Roederer Estate, Saintsbury,Scharffenberger Cellars, Stella Cadente Olive Oil, Toulouse Vineyards, Twomey Cellars, Waits Mast, William Selyem, Wind Racer, and Witching Stick, among others.
Tickets for the 16th annual Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival can be purchased at AVWines.com. For information, call (707) 895-WINE.
Looking for things to do in Mendocino County? Listen to jazz, attend a Ukefest and smell the wildflowers
It’s here! The Tenth Annual Whale & Jazz Festival Main Event — Jamie Davis & Quintet Saturday, April 20, 7:30 pm at the Gualala Arts Center, 46501 Gualala Road. The Main Event features Jamie Davis (formerly with the Count Basie Band) and a quintet of veteran jazz musicians. Davis will share the stage with Roger Glenn, vibes & reeds; Glenn Pearson, piano; Kyle Gregory, trumpet; John Shifflett, bass; and Leon Joyce.
“Sophisticated and suave song stylist Jamie Davis will remind you of legends Joe Williams and Lou Rawls. His beautifully memorable baritone voice is one of the best anywhere,” says Fred Adler, KTDE FM Radio personality and Whale & Jazz Festival Music Coordinator. “He is joined by an exceptional quintet of seasoned jazz musicians. As authentic, classic, swinging and with feeling as they come — the genuine article.”
For advance purchase, go to Brown Paper Tickets or call them at 1-800-838-3006. To purchase in person, visit the Gualala Arts Center or Dolphin Gallery in Gualala. Visit http://www.gualalaarts.org.
Acoustic Kitchen on Friday, April 26 at Community Center of Mendocino — To launch the second annual UkeFest, Mendocino Stories and Music Series will host a ukulele variety show at the Community Center of Mendocino. The UkeFest Kick-Off, on Friday, April 26 will begin at 7:30 PM with performances, followed by a ukulele jam session and sing-along. Proceeds benefit CCM, located at the corner of School and Pine Streets in Mendocino.
Performers include Sarah Wagner, Dennis Hudson, Pattie DeMatteo, members of the Mendocino Ukulele class and many of your friends and neighbors. Members of the Mendocino Coast Ukulele Club will lead the jam session in the second portion of the evening
Acoustic Kitchen is the newest manifestation of Community Center of Mendocino’s vision of enriching community life by expanding opportunities for locals and visitors alike to gather, share, participate and benefit. This will be the fourth Acoustic Kitchen event, illustrating the many uses of the community room.
All ages and levels of interest are encouraged. Doors open at 7PM for snacks and beverages. For more info on this event call Pattie at 937-1732 or visit www.mendocinostories.com/events_info.html
Second Annual Caspar UkeFest on April 27 at Caspar Community Center — An all-day ukulele festival is planned for Saturday, April 27, when Mendocino Stories and Music Series joins The Caspar Community to celebrate the ukulele as a friendly and playful instrument. Instructional workshops, jam sessions, open mic and evening performances, complemented by “…fresh, local, and gourmet cuisine prepared by the volunteers in Caspar’s kitchen.” This is an “All Ages, All levels of interest and expertise” event. The day’s activities start at 10AM and will finish by 10PM at Caspar Community Center.
Ukulele workshops will begin at 10AM, with instructors for beginners, intermediate and advanced players. After a break for lunch, jam sessions will start out in small break-out groups followed by an open mic before the dinner break. Evening performances starting at 7PM will include Sarah Wagner, The Ukeholics, Hui Arago and special guests.
All afternoon activities are free of charge. Tickets on sale at http://casparukefest.bpt.me/ and by phone at 707-937-1732.
Annual Spring Wildflower Show at the Fairgrounds, June Hall, Boonville, Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28, 10 am to 4 pm. An indoor display of up to 400 trees, scrubs. wildflowers and other plants from Mendocino County. Plants are for sale and listed by common and botanical name. There is also a tea room for refreshments, books for sale and a raffle. Proceeds go to a scholarship program and to help put on the event. Sponsored by the Unity Club. Admission is free. For more information, call Sue at 707 895-3624. http://www.andersonvalleychamber.com/annual.html
Looking for things to do in Mendocino County? You could attend a symphony or ‘Seussical Jr. The Musical’ or chowder and jazz in Gualala or ‘Beer Bites and Bop’ at North Coast Brewing!
Symphony of the Redwoods presents their Spring Concert Saturday and Sunday, April 6, 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 7, 2 p.m. with featured artist Elena Casanova on piano. On the program: Rimsky-Korsakov “Dance of the Buffoons,” Brahm’s “Serenade #1,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto #1.”
Pianist Elena Casanova has lived in Mendocino County for the past 14 years. She is a much sought after soloist and accompanist in the Northern California Area. Elena’s latest projects include composing the score for “Still Life”, a short film by Wine Country Films that was accepted into the Cannes Short Film Festival. She also works with numerous artists in the area as a cross over artist and can be seen on the stage playing Latin jazz, rock, or tango as well as chamber works by Mozart and Elgar.
Twenty-seven musicians performed the first Symphony of the Redwoods concert in 1983. Now, thirty years later, the symphony, led by Allan Pollack, Music Director, has grown to include 45-50 amateur and professional musicians from Mendocino, Humboldt, Lake and Sonoma Counties and the Bay Area.
There will be a Pre-Concert Fiesta Dinner Saturday, April 6 at the Fort Bragg Senior Center featuring a Fiesta Platte – Chili Relleno, Tacos al Pastor, Rice, Beans, Salad (veggie version available) and Flan for dessert. Complimentary Margaritas, Beer and Wine. $18.00 ($2.00 off if you show a pre-purchased concert ticket). Dinner is served from 5 to 8 pm.
Following the Sunday concert, April 7 at 4 p.m., there will be a reception at the Senior Center honoring the musicians and friends for their support in helping the Symphony bring 30 years of wonderful music to the Mendocino Coast.
For tickets and more information, Email symphony@mcn.org or call (707) 964-0898 or visit http://symphonyoftheredwoods.org/index.htm
Gloriana Young Performers presents ‘Seussical Jr. The Musical’ — For three weekends, April 5 – 21, 2013 Gloriana Musical Theatre’s Young Performers bring Dr. Seuss’s magical characters to life in “Seussical, Jr. the Musical,” Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, lazy Mayzie, and Jojo – the little boy with the big imagination will transport us to the Jungle of Nool, Circus McGurkus, and the invisible world of the Whos. Thirty-four young actors bring Dr. Seuss’ characters to life in this delightful musical extravaganza. Fridays/Saturdays, 7:30 pm, Sundays, 3 pm. Eagles Hall Theatre, Corry and Alder streets, Fort Bragg.
Did you know that Gloriana Musical Theatre is one of the oldest performing arts companies in Mendocino County? Since 1976 they have presented a variety of musicals, revues, master classes, workshops, magic shows, light opera, and various productions, a capella and otherwise for the Mendocino coast community and its visitors.
Guest directors have come from San Francisco and as far as New York to create our popular shows. Gloriana includes youngsters in their productions who have discovered theatre for the first time in one of their Young Performers workshops. Teens and adults work together on shows, in front of the curtain and behind. Gloriana contributes to our community in many ways, including scholarships for high school seniors.
For tickets for the current show and more information about Gloriana, visit http://www.gloriana.org.
Tenth Annual Whale & Jazz Festival presents Chowder & Jazz, Saturday, April 6, 11:30 am-2:30 pm at the Gualala Arts Center. This family-friendly midday event includes a jazz concert of traditional New Orleans jazz performed by Barnebey’s Hot Four of Sonoma County free to the public accompanying the 10th annual Chowder Challenge tasting competition.
Local chefs, cooks and even amateur competitors vie for the title of “Best Mendonoma Coast Chowder.” A panel of ‘celebrity’ judges will determine winners in both professional and amateur classes in the categories of Traditional (New England Style Clam Chowder) and an Open Class (for all manner of seafood and even vegetarian chowders).
For more information, call 707-884-1138 or visit http://www.gualalaarts.org
Mendocino Film Festival and its sponsoring partner North Coast Brewing Company invite you to Beer, Bites and the Master Bop, a benefit event for the Mendocino Film Festival. Enjoy an evening of hand-crafted ales, delicious appetizers, and a viewing of the Clint Eastwood produced film, “Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser,” Saturday, April 6 at 5 p.m. in the Brewing Company’s Sequoia Room. North Coast Brewing Company is located at 444 N. Main St., Fort Bragg. Tickets are only available online at http://www.mendocinofilmfestival.org.
Looking for things to do in Mendocino County? Attend the Tenth Annual Whale & Jazz Festival and visit a lighthouse
Attend any or all of Gualala Arts Tenth Annual Whale & Jazz Festival, with events starting March 28, 2013 and ending on May 4, 2013. This highly regarded festival, presented by Gualala Arts, captures inspired, original jazz artwork, whale education, a film series, poetry and jazz, chowder challenge and tasting, and live music in beautiful settings conducive to a special coastal experience. The venues include wineries and restaurants, inns, a wine bar and casino, the classically restored Arena Theater, and the Gualala Arts Center nestled in the coastal redwoods.
Entertainment, inspiration and education, the ambitious goals of this festival, are epitomized by outreach to local students through school presentations. In the past these have included both whale and jazz oriented programs and are tailored to encourage youthful enthusiasm for both.
Jazz is indeed a vital, important and enormously significant cultural art form, unique to the American heritage, as evidenced by the recent gala opening of the prestigious San Francisco Jazz Center. We are honored by your attendance, as the festival’s offerings are dependent upon spirited support and appreciation. We adore your interest and participation! Fred Adler is the Festival Music Coordinator
Whale & Jazz Festival Committee: David “Sus” Susalla, Fred Adler, and Jan Harris.
First on the events listing for the Tenth Annual Whale & Jazz Festival Thursday, March 28, 2013 is the Gualala Arts Lecture Series presenting Marine Mammals of the North Coast with Sarah Allen, at 7:30 p.m. She has devoted her life to studying marine birds and mammals, many of which Mendonoma residents view every day.
There’s an Arts Center Exhibit “Body and Soul” – A Jazz (and Life) Tapestry featuring works by Jeanie Dooha opening reception April 5; vocalist Alma Owens-Delucchi and her ensemble share some Stolen Moments on April 5; Chowder & Jazz Barney’s Hot Four on April 6; Arena Theater presents the Blues with Kenny Neal & Family of New Orleans, also on April 6. On April 8, the jazz film “In Good Time, The Piano Jazz of Marian McPartland” will be presented at Arena Theater; Sea Ranch Lodge hosts the Ian Scherer & Steve Forberg Duo on April 12; the Zydeco Flames light up the skies April 13 at the Garcia River Casino; poetry and jazz with poet Jonah Raskin with an open mic on April 18; Susan Sutton and Terry Simcik offer jazz standards at St. Orres on April 19; and Susan Sutton also sings April 20 at Trink’s.
The Tenth Annual Whale & Jazz Festival’s main event occurs Saturday, April 20, with Jamie Davis & Quintet in concert; Keith Abrams Groove Factor’s soulful musicianship takes place April 26 at Bones Roadhouse. April 27 you’ll have fun swinging with musicians Ned Ripple and Dennis Fortin in their “On The Air” gig at Whale Watch Inn; April 28 features The Duran Sisters with Chris Doering at Arena Cove.
In the May events listings for the whale and jazz festival, you’ll be able to hear Joani Roe & Trio on May 3 at the Timber Cove Inn; Serafina Brown & Quartet on May 4 at the Annapolis Winery and that same evening Steve Webber/Ron Ellis Trio with Chris Doering will perform at 215 Main.
Wow! Now you see what we mean, when we say this is an inspiring and entertaining time on the Mendonoma Coast. Don’t miss it!
For more information, call 707-884-1138 or visit http://gualalaarts.org/Festivals/2013WhaleJazz.html.
Be sure and check out more Tenth Annual Whale & Jazz Festival happenings on our Calendar listings at http://www.mendocinovisitors.com/calendar/
The Point Arena Lighthouse and Museum
Climb to the top of one of the tallest Pacific Coast Lighthouses as Keepers have done for over 100 years! Set in one of the most spectacular yet peaceful surroundings on the northern California coast, the Point Arena tower is the only Pacific West coast lighthouse of significant height that you can climb to the top!
The first Point Arena Lighthouse was constructed in 1870. In April of 1906, a devastating earthquake struck the tower. The new Lighthouse began operation in 1908, nearly 18 months after the quake. It stands 115 feet tall, and features a 1st order Fresnel Lens. This incredible optic, that holds an appraised value of over $3.5 million, is set in solid brass framework, built in France.
Point Arena Lighthouse hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day in winter and until 4:30 p.m. between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend. Point Arena Lighthouse is located at 45500 Lighthouse Road, Point Arena, Ca. For more information, call 1-707-882-2809 or visit their website at http://www.pointarenalighthouse.com/default.html
Looking for things to do in Mendocino County? Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Hopland, visit with The Hupa People in Ukiah, whale festivals and attend a Julian Waterfall Pollack Jazz Trio concert in Mendocino
McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room celebrates St. Patrick’s Day Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hopland’s one true Irish stop, the shop of Guinness McFadden, on St. Patrick’s Day for a taste of their neo-traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage.
Last year, they cooked off the corned beef, cabbage and new potatoes in their medal winning dry Alsatian styled Gewurztraminer instead of water. The dry Gewurztraminer took all of the bitterness out of the cabbage, gave the potatoes a creamy consistency, and resulted in the most succulent meat you’ve ever tasted. Of course, the other key to the best Corned Beef & Cabbage their tasters raved about was their liberal use of McFadden Farm Herbs and Herb Blends during the cooking.
Well, after serving up such a crowd pleaser, of course they are doing it again this year. They’ll be cooking up their newly famous McFadden Corned Beef & Cabbage with their medal winning 2009 McFadden Gewurztraminer.
McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room is located at 13275 S Hwy 101, Ste 5, Hopland.
For more information, call John Cesano in the McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room, open daily from 10-5, at (707) 744-8463. Also visit their website at http://www.mcfaddenfarm.com or http://www.mcfaddenvineyard.com.
Grace Hudson Museum’s new exhibit is “Natinixwe: The Hupa People.” The exhibit is curated by Bradley Marshall, regalia-maker and member of the Hupa tribe and runs until May 12. “Natinixwe” is pronounced “Nah-tin-ah-way.” The exhibit showcases historic photos of the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation community during the 1940s and 1950s taken by Ernest (Ernie) Leland Marshall Jr., Bradley Marshall’s grandfather. In addition, regalia created by Bradley Marshall will be on display, along with paintings by Hupa artist Loren Lavine.
The museum is at 431 S. Main St., in Ukiah. Admission is free to members or on the First Friday of the month. For more information, call 707-467-2836 or visit http://www.gracehudsonmuseum.org.
31st Annual Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals continue
Little River, Calif. March 9 and 10. A sampler of hospitality and adventure in Little River is served up for your convenience all in one weekend. Major events include: Whale of a Deal, Taste of Little River, Little River Improvement Club presents “Tales from Little River,” Kayak Mendocino Sea Cave Tours, Adventure Passport. For more information, visit http://www.mendowhale.com/events.htm
Fort Bragg, Calif., March 15 and 16. Enjoy wine, chowder and microbrew tasting while visiting our local shops and inns, and whale watch from the Pomo Bluffs Park in Fort Bragg, as well as from area beaches. Major events include: Chowder tasting, Passport Wine Tasting Event, Microbrew Beer Tasting, Soroptimist of Fort Bragg Annual Whale Run. For more information, visit http://www.mendowhale.com/events.htm
New York based Julian Waterfall Pollack Trio will perform a concert at Preston Hall in Mendocino on Saturday, March 9 at 2 pm to benefit the Mendocino Music Festival and MUSE.
Having achieved international recognition as a jazz pianist, composer and arranger, Pollack still considers the Mendocino coast home, and has graciously agreed to help promote music and education here. Pollack says “Music is not a part of my life, it is my life. It enriches my soul every day, makes me happy to be alive in this world. I wish this for everyone … the acts of learning about music in school and experiencing music at its best in concert go hand in hand.” Proceeds from the concert will equally benefit the Mendocino Music Festival and Mendocino Unified School Enrichment (MUSE), two local nonprofit organizations dedicated to bringing music and music education to the members of our community, young and old. MUSE is currently fundraising in order to restore an instrumental music program in the district.
Additionally, the Julian Waterfall Pollack Trio will perform a concert for students at Mendocino High School on March 8. To learn more about Julian Waterfall Pollack, go to http://www.julianpollackmusic.com. For more information, call (707) 937-2418 or visit http://muse.mcn.org
Looking for things to do in Mendocino County? You won’t want to miss the 31st Annual Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals — three weekends in March. Come to one or all!
The Mendocino Coast Chamber of Commerce recently announced their 31st Annual Mendocino Coast Whale Festivals in March 2013. Three Whale Festivals featuring wine, beer and chowder tasting, whale watching walks, Point Cabrillo lighthouse tours, a run, crafts fair and wildlife art displays are planned during the first three weekends of March 2013 on Northern California’s ruggedly beautiful Mendocino Coast.
The festivals celebrate the 12,000-mile roundtrip migration of an estimated 20,000 Gray Whales from Alaska to the warm lagoons of Mexico where pregnant females give birth.
* Saturday and Sunday, March 2 and 3, 2013: The first whale festival weekend is held in Mendocino. Explore the beautiful village of Mendocino where there are plenty of whales to view from the surrounding Mendocino Headlands State Park, while tasting chowder and wine, and discovering art exhibits, local shops and inns.
* Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10, 2013: Join in the fun in Little River for a sample of hospitality and adventure, served up for your convenience all in one weekend.
* Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17, 2013: Enjoy wine, chowder and microbrew tasting while visiting Fort Bragg’s local shops and inns, and whale watch from the Pomo Bluffs Park, as well as from miles of beaches.
For more information, call 707-961-6300 or visit http://mendowhale.com
The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse complex is located about 1.5 miles north of Mendocino, California, and includes the lighthouse itself together with several outbuildings. Most of the original structures remain and it’s “one of the most complete light stations in the United States.”
On the night of July 25th, 1850, the sailing brig Frolic misjudged its distance from shore and ran aground just north of Point Cabrillo. The brig had been employed in the lucrative opium trafficking from Bombay, India to Canton, China, but steamships were quickly displacing sailing vessels in the trade, so the Frolic was loaded with household goods and sailed for San Francisco to capitalize on the gold rush boom.
Edward H. Faucon, captain of the Frolic, abandoned his vessel after she ran aground, landed his lifeboats near the mouth of the Big River, and ten days later turned up in San Francisco. The following year, Jerome Ford attempted to salvage the vessel, but found the work impractical. Besides, Pomo Indians had already recovered a good portion of the ship’s cargo as evidenced by the brightly colored silk shawls their women were wearing. Although Ford was disappointed in the salvage venture, he was impressed by the mighty stands of redwoods along the coast and talked his associate, Henry Meiggs, into building a sawmill at the mouth of the Big River.
Others followed, and the Mendocino coast was soon home to hundreds of sawmills. The demand for lumber became even greater after the 1906 earthquake and conflagration in San Francisco, and that same year Congress appropriated $50,000 for a lighthouse on Point Cabrillo. Construction on the station, which was considered one of the most desirable assignments in the district due to its proximity to supplies and a school, began in 1908 on 30.5 acres of landed acquired from David and Margaret Gordon.
For more information, call 707-937-6122 http://www.pointcabrillo.org/
Looking for things to do in Mendocino County? Lots to do! Attend Art in the Cellar, celebrate Mardi Gras & Valentine’s Day, get ‘Hooked on Swing’ and dance to the hot Latin sounds of a salsa band
Handley Cellars presents 9th Annual Art in the Cellar
On Feb. 8, 9 and 10, Anderson Valley artists and craftspeople will display some of their work in a unique annual exhibit hosted by Handley Cellars in Philo. The 9th Annual “Art in the Cellar” showcases local artists’ work against the backdrop of Handley’s wine cellar. During the three-day show, the exhibit will be open to the public from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10, to coincide with Handley’s Alsace VArietal Fedstival Open House.
Handley Cellars is currently conducting a raffle to benefit Anderson Valley Arts, a local non-profit supporting local art programs. tickets will be on sale at the exhibit, with the drawing held the following week. In a gesture of encouragement to aspiring young artists, many participants in the show have donated pieces to be used as raffle prizes.
Exhibiting artists include Pepperwood Pottery (Doug Johnson), The Pot Show (Alexis Moyer), Antoinette von Grone, Wax and Bing Pottery (Jan Wax and Chris Bing), Evelyn Ashton, Valley Beads (Judy Nelson), Maire Palme, Stan Peskett, Marvin Schenck, Gary Church, Charlie Hochberg, Linda Baker, Steve Muchowski, Lucille Estes, Peggy Dart, Nancy MacLeod, Garden Spirits (Jim Ellison), Xdenia King, and Colleen Bassett.
Handley Cellars is located at 3151 Highway 128, in Anderson Valley between the towns of Philo and Navarro. Information is available at 707-895-3876 or visit their website, http://www.handleycellars.com/
McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room celebrates Mardi Gras on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Laissez les bons temps rouler. Let the good times roll at the McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room this Mardi Gras day.
Come in and taste the 2011 McFadden Pinot Gris, so delicious it will make you rhyme “Wheeee”! Come on into our Hopland shop for complimentary wine tasting or call to order.
McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room is located at 13275 S Hwy 101, Ste 5, Hopland, CA.
For more information, call John Cesano in the McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room, open daily from 10-5, at (707) 744-8463. Also visit their website at http://www.mcfaddenfarm.com or http://www.mcfaddenvineyard.com
McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room celebrates Valentine’s Day on Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Romance happens when you pop the cork on a great bottle of bubbly.
McFadden is famous for the highest quality sparkling wine with the 2012 Mendocino County Wine Competition awarding the NV McFadden Sparkling Brut a Double Gold Medal and Wine Enthusiast Magazine naming it an Editor’s Pick for best year end bubblies.
Impress your lover with a bottle of McFadden Sparkling Brut, 35% off, one day only, today. You should probably pick up a couple of bottles, you might be getting lucky.
Come on into our Hopland shop for complimentary wine tasting or call to order.
McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room is located at 13275 S Hwy 101, Ste 5, Hopland, CA.
For more information, call John Cesano in the McFadden Farm Stand & Tasting Room, open daily from 10-5, at (707) 744-8463. Also visit their website at http://www.mcfaddenfarm.com or http://www.mcfaddenvineyard.com
“Hooked on Swing” in Acoustic Kitchen series Feb. 15
Community Center of Mendocino will present “Hooked on Swing,” a delight-filled jitterbug extravaganza on Friday, Feb. 15 featuring The Swing Doctors and members of Mendocino Swing Dance Society. Continuing the Acoustic Kitchen series, the music and dance performance starts at 7:30 PM at the Community Center, located at the corner of School and Pine Streets in Mendocino. Proceeds benefit the Community Center.
Sponsored by Mendocino Stories & Music Series, The Swing Doctors will play the best of swing dance music from the 40′s and beyond. This is the era of easy jazz with Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Irving Berlin. With several members of the Mendocino Swing Dance Society, the audience will have an opportunity to witness a variety of unabashed, titillating improvisations performed by the exuberant dancers. How they feel about swing-dancing? They’re totally hooked!
All Ages Welcome! Doors open at 7 PM for snacks and beverages. For more info on this event call Pattie at 937-1732 or visit www.mendocinostories.com/events.html
PURA VIDA on Feb. 16
Mendocino Stories & Music Series welcomes back the hot Latin sounds of salsa band PURA VIDA, Mendocino County’s original Latin inspired dance band, to the Hill House of Mendocino on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 7:30PM. Come out to dance to PURA VIDA and celebrate and pay homage to the life of Amunka Davila.
PURA VIDA has brought eclectic Latin rhythms to the North Coast dancers for over 20 years. More than a salsa band, PURA VIDA offers authentic interpretations of a wide variety of Afro Caribbean styles. In addition to their signature Cuban son and salsa, the band performs Cumbia, Merengue, Flamenco, and Brazilian Bossa and Samba rhythms, with a sprinkling of Rock, Jazz and Funk. PURA VIDA plays a spicy Latin mix that is diverse, energetic, and always danceable, bringing PURE LIFE to every celebration.
This is an all-ages dance party with music from Cuba, Brazil, Spain, and beyond. Doors open at 6PM. Dinner menu and libations will be available. For more info call Pattie at 937-1732 or go to www.mendocinostories.com/events.html
Looking for things to do in Mendocino County? Good eating, lively dancing and fabulous music … we have it all!
It’s not too late! The 2013 Crab, Wine & Beer Days in Mendocino County continues through Sunday, Jan. 28. Mendocino County appreciates its relationship with the forest and sea by celebrating their harvests! Throughout Mendocino County, restaurants, winemakers, and even the fishermen and mushroom pickers welcome locals and visitors alike to join in celebrating. Check out some of the events on our Calendar page located at http://www.mendocinovisitors.com/calendar/
A Tango Workshop Weekend is on the agenda this weekend, Jan. 26-28. Come to the beautiful, cozy virgin-redwood ballroom of the Weller House Inn, Fort Bragg to explore the magic of social Argentine tango. 
Beginner-friendly Tango Workshop Weekend, no partner required. Instructor Neeraj Korde will demonstrate and teach tango techniques in two afternoon workshops. Enjoy a mesmerizing evening of tango at the milonga (dance) on Saturday night. The Weller House Inn, built in 1886, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Their reconstructed, historic water tower is the tallest point in Fort Bragg. For more information, call 707-964-4415 or visit http://www.wellerhouse.com.
Symphony of the Redwoods 30th Anniversary Season presents Rossini, Beethoven, and Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, Saturday, Feb. 2, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 3, 2 p.m. at Cotton Auditorium, Harold Street, Fort Bragg. Twenty-seven musicians performed the first Symphony of the Redwoods concert in 1983. Now, after more than a quarter of a century the symphony has grown to include 45-50 amateur and professional musicians from Mendocino, Humboldt, Lake and Sonoma Counties and the Bay Area. Music Director and Conductor Allan Pollack has inspired and developed the orchestra into a dedicated and impressive musical force, performing challenging and interesting pieces as well as the beloved classics.
Eric Kritz is the featured artist for Symphony of the Redwood’s Winter Concert. He has performed with the Mendocino Music Festival, the Santa Rosa Symphony, the Napa Valley Symphony, the Santa Rosa Symphonic Choral and the Marin symphony.
For ticket information, call 707-964-0898 or go to http://www.symphonyoftheredwoods.
Looking for things to do in Mendocino County? Check out our art centers.
We are blessed with wonderful artists in Mendocino County. Whether you are a local or a tourist, be sure and take some time to visit one of our area art centers:
Ukiah Art Center … Willits artist Kale Haschak will display his blown-glass artwork at the Ukiah Art Center through January 30.
Haschak, who grew up in Willits, recently returned to his hometown after being gone for almost a decade to study glass-blowing techniques in Seattle, Washington. While there, Haschak worked with many well-known artists including Dale Chihuly, Martin Blank, and Aaron Thane Tate.
Haschak’s work is a combination of sculpture, classic Italian techniques, and cold working. This will be his first show since he returned to California.
A reception will be held Friday, Jan. 20, 5-8 p.m. to celebrate the Mendocino County Crab and Wine Days. The winner of the juried show “The Fruits of the Sea” will be announced. Wines from Simaine Cellars will be served with fresh crab appetizers. The reception is part of Wine and Crab Days, with wine served by Rivino Wines. Entertainment will be provided by George Husark on flute. Ukiah Arts Center, 201 South State.
Other art in the show includes paintings, photography, fiber arts, mosaic, sculpture and neon-light sculpture with themes involving the ocean, the fruits of the sea, fishing boats and Mendocino Coast harbors. Ukiah Arts Center is located at 201 South State St.,Ukiah. For more information, call 462-1400 or visit http://www.artcenterukiah.org/
Willits Center for the Arts … “Go Figure,” is the January exhibit at the Willits Center for the Arts, 71 East Commercial Street. Participating artists include Kat Emerson, Francine Vilestra, Roger Broomfield, Sarah Reith, Doug kell, Walt Ayres, Sheri Howe, Michael Lopatecki, Peter Onstad, Cynda Valle, Kat Payne, Janet Rayner and Devi Doree Chase. Gallery hours are Thursdays and Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 3 p.m. For more information, call (707) 459-1726 or visit http://willitscenterforthearts.org/
Mendocino Art Center … The Mendocino Art Center shines its Main Gallery spotlight on the all-media artwork of its contributing members in the “Members’ Juried Exhibit.” 2nd Saturday Receptions: January 12, 5 pm – 8 pm & February 9, 5 pm – 8 pm through Feb. 24
Each year, the Mendocino Art Center presents two members’ exhibits featuring the finest works created by the Art Center’s contributing members. A highly competitive juried selection process leads to an exceptionally creative, high quality, and much anticipated gallery showing with a wide spectrum of artwork, including paintings, ceramics, sculpture, collage, wearable art, photography and more. Well-known local artists John Fisher and Sandy Oppenheimer juried the exhibit.
1st Place: John Hewitt, “Noyo”
2nd Place: Suzi Marquess Long, “Showing Her Age”
3rd Place: Pat Scott, “Guernsey Girl”
Honorable Mentions: Marion Bush,”The Raven’s Warning”; Linda Shearin, “Field Dreams”; Jacquelyn Hewitt,”Horse Women”; Larain Matheson,”Her Wedding Day”
Featured in gallery ten through Jan. 31, will be “New Perspectives in Aqueous Media” by Juriaan Blok.
The work for this exhibition reflects the artist’s interest in aqueous media, especially India ink. Experimenting on non-traditional surfaces and with new application techniques, the artist has developed a process to manage ink flow to achieve subtle transitions. Drawing into the negative space provides him with new methods for expressing perspective. Exploring the fusion of new technique with traditional media provides the artist with new ways to depict life on the beautiful North Coast.
Artist Juriaan Blok grew up in the Netherlands and Indonesia before immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager. His years in the USCG and his current interest in conservation are evident in the wide range of work he has produced. He currently shows at the Mendocino Art Center and with the Mendocino Ecological Artists and its Partners, Salmon Restoration Association, Mendocino Area Parks Association and Mendocino Land Trust.
The Mendocino Art Center is located at 45200 Little Lake Street , Mendocino. For more information, call 707-937-5818 or visit http://www.mendocinoartcenter.org/
Gualala Arts Center … will present an exhibit of suiseki / viewing stones from the opening reception on Friday, Feb. 1 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., through Feb. 24 in the Burnett Gallery, Jacob Foyer and throughout the Arts Center grounds. Following the reception, there will be presentations from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. featuring exhibit curator Peter Mullins, James Greaves, Michael Reilly and Art Horvath.
Suiseki, a Japanese term, is the abbreviation of “san-sui-kei-jyo-seki” or “landscape scene stone.” Suiseki (pronounced suu-ee-seck-ee) are natural stones that suggest natural scenes or animal and human figures.
The display and appreciation of natural stones was introduced to Japan from China some 1400 years ago, and was gradually adapted to Japanese taste and culture. Collected in the wild, on mountains and in streambeds, and then displayed in their natural state, these stones are objects of great beauty. They are also sophisticated tools for inner reflection that stir in all who see them an appreciation for the awesome power of the universe. While honoring the history and culture of suiseki, California “viewing stone” collectors often depart from this tradition in color, pattern and abstract form.
California is ‘Mecca’ for collectors, with the Eel River being ground zero. As curator and participant in this exhibit, our local stone-worker and collector, Peter Mullins of Gualala, has invited some of the state’s uniquely qualified “stoners” to bring stones to show, for sale and to offer tales of their stone adventures. The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Gualala Road in Gualala, CA, is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m. Please call (707) 884-1138 or http://www.gualalaarts.org/