Music

From the Hollywood Reporter: Taylor Swift opened the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards on Monday with performances of “You Need to Calm Down” and “Lover.” The performance began with Swift, Todrick Hall and Dexter Mayfield sitting on lounge chairs as she sang the opening lines to “You Need to Calm Down.” Dancers dressed in colorful ensembles moved around the stage before the drag queens featured in the music video appeared next to Swift as she sang the anti-hate anthem. The first number concluded with the words “Equality Act” largely written behind the performers. Swift has been an advocate for the Equality […]

 Sunday June 23 @ 5 pm. Occidental Center for the Arts presents Claude Bourbon – Medieval & Spanish Blues. French/Swiss classically trainedfinger-picking acoustic guitarist and singer based in U.K. has travelled the world over offering his  unique fusion of blues, jazz, classical guitar and his own soulful vocals with Middle Eastern, Russian, Spanish/Latin elements and a dash of folk. Don’t miss this world class performer at OCA! $18 adv/$22 door. Cabaret and concert seating. Wine, beer and fine refreshments available. Art Gallery open during events. www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. 707-874-9392. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental, CA. 95465

Friday July 19@ 7:30 pm.Zulu Spear Band: Nelson Mandela Birthday Tribute! at Occidental Center for the Arts. Award-winning South African band who pioneered the World Beat music of the 80’s bring their vibrant alternative world/reggae/blues/jazz merged with traditional South African rhythms and dancers to our stage in celebration of Nelson Mandela. Founding member Gideon Bendile leads the ensemble which incorporates electric and acoustic guitars, bass, keyboard and drums with unique vocal harmonies and mesmerizing dancers in an exciting, uplifting performance that will move your body and soul! $15 Advance/$20 at the door. Dance space, fine refreshments include wine and beer. www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. 3850 Doris […]

Friday May 24 @ 7:30 pm. An Evening with Moonalice at Occidental Center for the Arts!Moonalice is a psychedelic roots-rock band of seasoned musicians Pete Sears, John Molo, Barry Sless and Roger McNamee, who feel that live music should be a communal experience. Their songs try to speak to everyone, mixing a variety of genres with extended musical improvisations that evoke a sense of adventure and exploration.Their single, “It’s 4:20 Somewhere” has been downloaded more than 5 million times. moonalice.com.’Big Steve Parish’ of the Grateful Dead family will be joining them! $15 Advance/$20 at door if available. Advance sales end at noon on day of event or when sold out. […]

The Occidental Community Choir, under the direction of Sarah Saulsbury, joyfully continues our 40th anniversary celebration with a series of concerts exploring the healing alchemy of singing in community. Through storytelling, poetry, tap-dancing microbes et al, and featuring the original songs for which the choir has become well-loved, the Spring program promises to deliver sweet and soulful harmonies, poignant and funny lyrics, expertly rendered accompaniment and laughter and tears that will engage and inspire us together in choral community. You won’t want to miss an unforgettable capstone on the OCC’s first 40 years of singing in the choir! Come 1/2 hour early […]

The GLAAD Rising Stars Grant Program celebrates young people’s commitment to accelerating LGBTQ acceptance within their communities and culture at large. The grant, named after trailblazer and out country music star, Ty Herndon, is offered to support young people for their commitment to enhancing LGBTQ inclusion and representation in music. The recipient of the Ty Herndon Rising Stars Grant will receive $2,500 to further fund their work and initiatives and will be honored at the 2019 Concert for Love and Acceptance in Nashville, TN on Thursday, June 6, 2019. Hotel and travel accommodations included. To become a recipient of the Ty Herndon Rising Stars Grant, applicants must complete […]

Friday April 26 @ 7:30 pm.People’s Music Benefit for Occidental Center for the Arts!Join Alex Bryant of People’s Music Store for ‘a night of great music with friends’ to benefit our live music venue Occidental Center for the Arts! Don’t miss this showcase of Sonoma County talent featuring: Hoytus & New Paradise, The Stoney Point Ramblers, Whispering Light, and Washington Hill. MC’d by Jim Corbett . All proceeds benefit our nonprofit arts organization. Admission is $15. at the door. Refreshments available ; wine and beer for sale. OCA Art Gallery open during events. Wheelchair Accessible. www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org  3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental […]