Russian Virtuoso Jura Margulis in Concert at Petaluma Ca Museum

PR_JuraMargulis_6Piano virtuoso Jura Margulis will perform works by Robert Schumann, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Nikolai Medtner, and Mily Balakirev on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum. Margulis has been internationally recognized for his compellingly communicative and emotional performances, as well as for the range of his tonal palette and his consummate virtuosity. His orchestral appearances include performances with the Russian National Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and the Prague Symphony Orchestra. Born in St. Petersburg, Russia, Jura Margulis was raised in Germany, where he studied with his father, Dr. Vitaly Margulis, at the Musikhochschule Freiburg. He was also a student at the prestigious Fondazione per il Pianoforte in Cadenabbia at Lake Como in Italy. In 1994 he moved to the United States to study with Leon Fleisher at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, and made the US his home. Since 2008 Margulis is the inaugural holder of the Emily J. McAllister Endowed Professorship in Piano at the J.W. Fulbright College of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

PR_JuraMargulis_2With its stunning acoustics, intimate size and classic architectural interior, and the 1899 Henry F. Miller grand concert piano, the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum affords performers and concert goers alike an unforgettable musical experience. Enjoy complimentary wine, cheeses and bread generously provided by local wineries and the Petaluma Creamery.

Sky Hill Cultural Alliance presents premium concert programs throughout the San Francisco North Bay, encompassing baroque, classical, and romantic repertoire. Founded in 1985 by Elizabeth Walter, Sky Hill strives to bring superior quality classical music to the local community.

Click here for more information on Petaluma Museum website or call the Petaluma Museum at:(707) 778-4398.


Video: Em Rossi Live Nationwide on Comcast Xfinity On Demand – The Sessions At Willow Grove

If you missed our first interview with Em Rossi check this out  Interview with #Petaluma’s Rising Star! Singer/Songwriter Em Rossi.  She recently performed at a private concert for Live from Sessions at Willow Grove in Orange, Virginia. The Inn at Willow Grove is located on a private 40-acre estate in an 18th century mansion at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Em Rossi Sessions“The Sessions at Willow Grove” is a new lifestyle based television series created exclusively for Comcast’s Xfinity On Demand platform that celebrates and combines elements of music, food and wine featuring many of Hollywood’s most famous faces. Past performances at The Sessions include Marc Broussard, Nick Lachey, Johnny Gill, Kate Voegele, The Tenors, and AWOLNATION. Em Rossi sings five original songs from her upcoming self titled EP produced by Jim McGorman. You can catch Em Rossi’s concert for The Sessions At Willow Grove on Comcast Xfinity On Demand from February through April. You won’t want to miss it! Just click On Demand, Get Local, The Sessions. And if you don’t have Comcast you can find Em Rossi’s The Sessions Live on iTunes.

Here is the video of her new release Earthquake:

Highlights of the 2015 Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival

While Petaluma and Sonoma County have been known worldwide for wines and dairy products for many years, they are now building up a reputation for artisanal breweries as well.

The third annual Petaluma River Craft Beer Festival was held on September 12 along the Petaluma waterfront in historic downtown Petaluma to celebrate this growing culture. Patrons of the event strolled along Water Street, tasting various beers, ciders, and foods while viewing the river and listening to local bands Randy and the Special Agents and Sugar Moon.

Throughout the event, 20 local breweries showed off their fine brews, as well as a few cider, mead, and kombucha producers. To accompany all the delicious drinks, local food companies and restaurants brought everything from mac-n-cheese to tacos to pizza. For a list of participating vendors, click here.

Festival goers may have noticed the signs of autumn approaching in the slight winds and the chill in the air, but it certainly didn’t stop them from enjoy the festivities. Member of the Petaluma Valley Rotary Club and 2014 Citizen of the Year, Libby Fitzgerald noticed the general cheer of the event and said, “I’m having such a good time just watching everybody … It’s a mellow crowd, I love it. Everybody’s having such a good time. I think that’s my joy.”

The festival was put on by the Petaluma Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Petaluma Valley and was run by volunteers, allowing all proceeds from to go back to the community, river projects, and local non-profits. The event’s sponsors were Basin Street Properties, Morris Distributing, Petaluma Market, Wilibees Wine and Spirits, and Petaluma Creamery.

CLICK HERE OR PAGE 2 BELOW TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHT VIDEO REEL FOR THIS EVENT AND PHOTO GALLERY

NEW VIDEO: Singer Songwriter Saffell Sproul Unplugged On 1926 Baldwin Grand Piano

Saffell at Rivertown Festival
Saffell Sproul and Friend at Rivertown Festival, Photo By Wayne Dunbar

Morty Wiggins. Saffell‘s manager, says that “Saffell’s attack on the piano is both funky and graceful bringing as much rhythm as it does melody. These songs defy easy classification while pulling from blues, funk, pop, and rock. All of this is enhanced even further by an amazing rhythm section that brings it all home. The playing in both the drums and the bass are great examples of musicians playing exactly what is needed with excellent chops and effortless style.”

We posted on this young rising band previously on the release of their new album in our post #Petaluma Indie band launches new record. We enjoyed Saffell‘s sounds this year both at the Rivertown Revival as well as the Taste of Petaluma at the Roaring Donkey.  Here is another chance to catch him live in Petaluma on September 18th he will be playing at the Corkscrew Wine Bar starting at 7PM.

Here is the recently release solo unplugged video performing his original song, “Take it Easy” on a 1926 Baldwin grand piano.

If you enjoy his sounds you may also like his MP3 or Audio CD Devil’s On The Radio track that is downloadable from Amazon.

Petaluma’s Highway Poets Featured in Jam In The Van

The Highway Poets were recently recorded live at Lennon Rehearsal Studios in San Francisco with Jam in the Van and published these videos today. Nice work Poets! Vocalist and guitarist Sebastian Nau and band members rocked the van.

THE HIGHWAY POETS – “Roll Away” (Live in San Francisco, CA) #JAMINTHEVAN

THE HIGHWAY POETS – “Godless” (Live in San Francisco, CA) #JAMINTHEVAN

THE HIGHWAY POETS – “Bad Love” (Live in San Francisco, CA) #JAMINTHEVAN

VIDEO: 8th Annual #Petaluma Music Festival Brings in a Crowd

Petaluma Music Festival 2015The 8th annual Petaluma Music Festival was held on July 31st and August 1st at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds to raise money for the Petaluma public school music programs.

The swing and jive band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy started off the festival Friday night with a special concert, which included the option of VIP tickets for a gourmet dinner and complimentary wine and beer.

Petaluma Music Festival Buck Nichels Loose ChangeOn Saturday the festival opened at noon and lasted until 9:00 p.m. with three stages and 15 bands. The headliners for Saturday were the jam rock band ALO, The Wood Brothers whose style comes from roots-music such as blues and folk, and the tribal hip hop/folk band Nahko and Medicine for the People.

Local band The Dixie Giants started off the festival playing high-energy traditional jazz. With the day already heating up, attendees set up chairs and blankets on the grass, milled about sipping on local wines and beers, and danced to the sounds of live music.

CLICK HERE OR PAGE 2 BELOW TO SEE THIS YEARS LINEUP AS WELL AS HIGHLIGHT VIDEO

What’s Going On This Week In #Petaluma? July 11th through July 17th

2014 Petaluma Art & Garden Festival-22Don’t miss the 14th Annual Art & Garden Festival Sun., 11am – 5pm: Kentucky & 4th Streets. Over 100 booths with unique items, local, food wine & craft beer tasting, great music on two stages, lots of kids activities. Check out our post covering last year: 2014 #Petaluma Art & Garden Festival A Great Success.

Articulate FormsArticulate FormsClosing Reception Saturday 6-10pm at Griffin Maps Designs Closing out a great group show of local artists with a Sculptural theme. Enjoy snacks & drinks while checking out metal, wood, mixed materials, lighting artwork as well as cast jewelry.  405 East D Street Suites D&F

Historic Downtown Walking Tour – Sat. 10:30am: Costumed docents stroll you through historic downtown. Donations welcome. Free. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 Fourth St. www.petalumamuseum.com 778-4398.

Photo by BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat
Photo by BETH SCHLANKER/ The Press Democrat

Saturday Farmer’s Market in Walnut Park – Sat., 2-5:30 pm: Over 60 booths selling farm-fresh produce and local products. Live entertainment & activities in Walnut Park.  415-999-5635.

Boating at the Barn – Sun., 10am-1pm: Free kayak and row boat rides at the River Heritage Center in Steamer Landing Park. 769-0910.

max_image_7122East-Side Farmers’ MarketTuesdays, 10am-1:30 pm: Year-round, rain or shine! New Location: Deer Creek Shopping Center (Friedman’s) 429 No. McDowell.  415-999-5635.

Wednesday Evening Farmers Market – Wed., 4:30-8 pm:  Two blocks of vendors, music & fun in Theatre District.  Second, B & C Streets.

Petaluma welcomes the “Flame of Hope” – Mon., 2-5pm: The official torch for the Special Olympics will be carried through Petaluma with a ceremony at Walnut Park at 5:30pm.

CLICK PAGE 2 BELOW TO SEE SPECIAL EXHIBITS, UPCOMING EVENTS, AND WHERE TO FIND LIVE MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

VIDEO: Robin Trower’s Encore Performance at #Petaluma Mystic Theater

Petaluma has great live music venues and we have listed places below where you can find great live music.  In our daily searches for good news in Petaluma, we often run into homemade videos of live music performances that are so bad in quality they are not worth sharing.  Also in the past when we ask musicians to video them they often will decline because you cannot come close to studio quality sound in a live or outdoor venue.  However, we ran across this video created by David Reed who did a great job capturing  Robin Trower’s classic song Too Rolling Stoned recently performed at the Petaluma Mystic Theater.  If you are a classic rock and roll fan we thought you might enjoy this encore performance.

To find the excellent live music venues in Petaluma here is a list of places that have live entertainment. Check their websites for more information.

Aqus Café: www.aquscafe.com

The Big Easy: www.bigeasypetaluma.com

Brixx Pizzeria: www.brixxpizzeria.com

The Buckhorn Tavern: www.buckhorntavern.com

Corkscrew Wine Bar: www.corkscrewbar.com

Graffiti Restaurant: www.graffitipetaluma.com

Jamison’s Roaring Donkey: www.roaring-donkey.com

Lagunitas Brewing Co.:  www.lagunitas.com

Maquire’s Pub:  www.maguirespetaluma.com

Mystic Theatre: www.mystictheatre.com

Phoenix Theater: www.thephoenixtheater.com

Pongo’s Kitchen & Tap:www.pongospetaluma.com

Pub Republic: www.pubrepublicusa.com

Ray’s Tavern:  www.rays-deli.com

Willowbrook Ale House: 3600 Petaluma Blvd. No.

Zodiacs: www.zodiacspetaluma.com

 

Mark Your Calendar For These Upcoming Events & Special Exhibits

Upcoming 2015 Events

12_Mlle-Dembrowska-webop-275x4126/20: Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist exhibit – Get your tickets early for the various event dates as they are likely to sell out.

Peanut Winner of The 2014  World's Ugliest Dog Contest
Peanut Winner of The 2014 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest

 

 

 

6/24-28: Sonoma-Marin Fair – With a very impressive line up of FREE concerts featuring classic artists you won’t want to miss.

 

Wednesday, June 24th, Tower of PowerTower-of-Power-265x265

Thursday, June 25, The Beach BoysThe-Beach-Boys-2651-265x265

Friday, June 26, Rodney AtkinsRodney-Atkins-265x265

Saturday June 27, Tanya TuckerTanya-Tucker-265x265

Petaluma City Proclomation of Annual Bell Ringing7/4:    Annual Bell-Ringing Gather on the Museum front steps for a Helen Putnam tradition. Ring the Korbel Bell, afterwards enjoy cookies and lemonade. Boy Scout Troop 9 will perform flag ceremony. Proclamation read by Mayor/City Council Member. Ceremony starts at 10:30am Bell ringing at 11am

 

images7/4 – City Fireworks & Festivities – Every year the city of Petaluma puts on a great 4th of July fireworks show. $5 admission with free parking.  The show will once again be at the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds. Gates open at 5:00pm with fireworks starting at approximately 9:30pm. Lots of fun activities for kids and adults alike, along with amazing food and drinks. This year’s headlining band is the Killer Queens, an all-female Queen cover band! 175 Fairgrounds Dr, Petaluma, CA. Make sure to bring low lawn chairs, blankets, warm clothes, and flashlights.

 

 

2014-Petaluma-Art-Garden-Festival-4-300x1507/12: Art & Garden FestivalThe much loved Art & Garden festival will return on July 12th, 2015, for it’s 14th year, from 11am to 5pm.  Once again we’ll host fine local crafters, artisans, gardeners, live music on two stages and an array of local wineries, breweries and restaurants will offer tastings. See our post on last year 2014 #Petaluma Art & Garden Festival A Great Success which includes photos and this video:

CLICK PAGE 2 TO SEE CURRENT AND UPCOMING SPECIAL EXHIBITS