The holiday season is right around the corner, so the holiday concerts are beginning to take shape. This weekend we have a local bluegrass favorite, an amazing show in Sebastopol with half the musicians in the county all playing (we’re almost not kidding) and some classical music to round off your Sunday.
Friday, Dec. 7 – Posada Navideña
Compañía Mazatlán Bellas Artes de Sacramento presents this special Mexican Christmas production.
Featuring 28 dancers and musicians, this south-of-the-border celebration includes a traditional Christmas processional, Mexican holiday songs, a visit from the Three Wise Men, a festive piñata scene and a vibrant holiday finale performed in the spirit of a true fiesta.
In addition to its seasonal flavor, “Posada Navideña” provides a whirlwind tour of Mexico’s distinct cultural regions, with live musical accompaniment.
Venue: Wells Fargo Center, Santa Rosa, 707-546-3600
Friday, Dec. 7 – Real Music: A Taste of Sonoma County Music, Vol. 2
This is a great idea cooked up by the local supermarket Oliver’s market, in which they all allow local musicians to not only sell their CDs in store, they also produce a compilation CD which they sell to benefit local non-profits, with Volume 2 going to the Redwood Empire Food Bank.
The show will have three stages and more than 20 local musicians, including Sarah Baker, Brendan Smith of Uncle Wiggly, Nina Gerber, Allyson Paige, the Highway Poets, Baby Seal Club, the Jami Jamison Band, Alan Watt, Doug Jayne, Kevin Russell, Moss Henry, Buzzy Martin, Jill Cohn, John Courage, McKenna Faith, Mr. Music and the Love Choir, the David Thom Band … Alison Harris and the Barn Owls … Jen Tucker … Tony Gibson … BC Fitzpatrick … Robert Ethington, the Real Music All Star Band with Frank Hayhurst, Onye Onyemaechi, Hal Forman, Kent Fossgreen, Blair Hardman, Rick Cutler, and Josh Windmiller with the All-Star Hoot Band.
Venue: Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, Sebastopol, 707-823-2549
Sunday, Dec. 9, – David Thom Band
The David Thom Band is fast becoming one of the hottest regional bluegrass acts in the North Bay. Playing in the style of Flatt and Scruggs, the band covers many from the days of Bill Monroe and the “golden years” of bluegrass and even their original songs share a similar take on the genre.
The band recently played the legendary Freight and Salvage in Berkeley to rave reviews and is continuing their trek around the North Bay. This is an afternoon show.
Venue: Lagunitas Beer Sanctuary and Taproom, Petaluma, 707- 778-8776
Sunday, Dec. 9 – Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Chorale
Few pieces are as well loved or as sublime to listen to as Handel’s Messiah.
And if you’ve never heard this work performed by Philharmonia Baroque, you are in for a delightful experience. The famed Japanese conductor Masaaki Suzuki leads this esteemed ensemble in an unforgettable performance of this great holiday tradition on original instruments.
Venue – The Donald and Maureen Green Music Center, Rohnert Park, 866-955-6040
