September 1 – 30

Pointless Sisters’ Art Quilts

Opening Reception: Sun, September 2nd, 2-5 pm

The Pointless Sisters are a group of local quilters who use a variety of traditional and non-traditional quilting techniques to produce unique, interesting, and innovative fiber arts. This year the Pointless Sisters display their newest contemporary quilts including responses to the group’s most recent challenge: “Reflections.”

First Fridays Live!

Chappell & Dave Holt:

Jazzy Americana

Friday, September 7th at 7:30 pm

OCA welcomes back multi-talented artists Chappell and Dave Holtfor a swinging tour of ‘The Jazzy Side of Americana’, where original jazz, blues, gospel and The Great American Songbook meet to entertain you with skillful piano and guitar accompaniment.

Musical guest cabaret singer Andrea Van Dyke will contribute several tunes.

Fine refreshments available, including wine and beer.

Come on down after the Friday Farmer’s Market and support live music in your community! Door open at 7 pm, no reservations needed.

$15 at the door

Duo West

Sunday, September 9th 3-5 pm

Dedicated performers and teachers, cellist Sonja Myklebust and pianist Abbie Gabrielson imbue every performance with passion, energy, and context. Committed to sharing music with new audiences, Duo West creates interactive concert experiences that inspire and educate. The duo formed their musical partnership as students at Lewis and Clark College in 2006. Based in Portland, OR, Sonja is on the teaching faculty at George Fox University. She holds Masters and Doctoral degrees from the University of Washington. Abbie maintains an active teaching studio and freelance career in Sonoma County, CA. She holds a Masters degree from the University of Maryland. For more information, click HERE.

$14 Advance / $19 at the door.

Prasada Festival**

Saturday, September 15th

12 Noon – 10 PM

Prasada Festival is a daylong celebration of kirtan and traditional Indian dance. This event features Sheela Bringi, Prajna Vieria & the Mukti Kirtan Ensemble, Nagavalli, Ananda Rasa Kirtan, classical Odissi dance, ceremony, prasad and more!

Click here to learn more or to buy tickets. Early bird pricing through August 25th!

The Musers and

Jon Gonzales Stringband

Saturday, September 22nd at 8 pm

Well known ukelele master, singer & songwriter, and KRCB radio host Jon Gonzales joins bassist Michael Lindner and Carissa Green for a lyrical, catchy opening set of super talents known as the Jon Gonzales Stringband. They will be followed by Anita Bear Sandwina (Spark & Whisper) and Megan McLaughlin, plus Tom Kuhn offering soaring harmonies and award-winning songwriting spanning many genres in a high energy folk/rock trio known as The Musers.

Enjoy a compelling double bill of fine local musicians at Sonoma County’s acoustic ‘sweet spot’! Fine refreshments include beer and wine. Dance space.

$16 Advance / $19 at door

Book Launch: Kenneth Nugent

Petaluma Slough

Sunday, September 23rd at 3 pm

This saga takes us from Frontera del Norte valleys of Alta California to modern-day San Francisco. Mexican frontier commander, Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, offers a sham land grant of a modest-sized rancho. His intent is to save the neck of his mayordomo-henchman; instead, he ignites a wildfire of duplicity. The tainted bribe becomes the focal point for generations of conflicts.

Fates of Indians, Californios, Kanakas, and Americans entwine in ways mysterious and shocking. Their legacies course through years of wars, bigotries, and betrayals until they collide in the Presidio Cemetery, near the Golden Gate Bridge. A jaundiced New York reporter—while resisting the pull of his own destiny—happens there that night. He uncovers sins and secrets that had been buried in the past.

Readers interested in forgotten yesteryears, what might have been, and what still might be, will find this haunting blend of well-researched history, fiction, and magical realism deeply moving.

Selected readings by the author, Q&A, Book signing. Free Admission, all donations gratefully accepted. Refreshments by donation, wine & beer for sale.

Cris Williamson-Barbara Higbie-Teresa Trull

TUESDAY, September 25th at 7 pm

The Power Trio of Women’s Music returns for an evening of rollicking music and friendship at OCA! Gutsy blues/rock vocal dynamo and songwriter, Teresa Trull, Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and singer, Barbara Higbie, and the iconic singer/songwriter Cris Williamson bring a mixture of brand new material and old favorites to the stage for a deep, joy-filled musical return to home.

Without a doubt, the very real friendship binding these three musicians brings a powerful mixture guaranteed to delight, inspire, cheer and comfort.

Reservations advised.

$28 Advance / $32 at the door

Hohlax Trio: Greek Music

Sunday, September 30th

5 – 7 PM

OCA is pleased to welcome back the Hohlax Trio! Formed in 2007 on the Greek island of Amorgos, this talented trio is recognized as the premier Greek dancing ensemble. Violinist Jaime Smith is joined by bouzouki player Orestis Koletsos with Giannis on guitar and vocals. Do not miss this magical journey to Greece! Wine, beer and Greek refreshments available. $19 advance / $23 at the door.

More Classes & News

Massage Therapy Space for Rent

The Redwood Needle acupuncture practice in Harmony Village has space for rent to a practitioner – contact Dennis von Elgg for more information, 510-725-2292

Gentle Yoga Occidental

Wednesdays 9 – 10:15 am

Experience the skilled and nurturing teachings of Gail Saunders CYT of Smiling Tree Yoga in OCA’s classroom; ongoing. Drop-ins welcomed. Mats and equipment provided. This is a popular offering! Please contact Gail directly at [email protected].

Occidental Center for the Arts

Reader’s Theatre Group

Interested? We meet 7 – 9 pm, 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 3820 Doris Murphy Court. Come check out the diverse, creative selections this talented group chooses to read–short plays, essays, poems, short stories, original works, even T-shirts! For more information, email Joan Ambrosini  [email protected]hotmail.com   FREE

Drop-in Figure Drawing Class

Thursdays 7:00 – 9:30 pm

3820 Doris Murphy Court (Art Classroom)

$15, payable in class

Bring your own drawing or watercolor materials. All experience and skill levels welcome. Live models, 5-20 minute poses. For more information, contact Pieter Myers at [email protected]

NEWS: You Can Now Donate your Car, Boat or RV to Raise Money for OCA!

Call 855-500-7433 or visit the CARS website. They will make an appointment to pick up your unwanted car, boat or RV and recycle it. Proceeds benefit the Occidental Center for the Arts, and you get a tax write-off. It’s simple, fast, and easy.

Work Days at OCA:

Be a part of the building of the new lobby for your local Arts Center! For more information, contact Chris Riebli at  [email protected] or 707-321-8826.