Saturday, August 13 @ 7:30 pm. Mimi and the Moonlights at Occidental Center for the Arts. Enjoy an evening of fine jazz from the 1930’s, with a dash of blues. Vocalist extraordinaire Mimi Pirard will be stepping outside her French cafe repertoire to sing some sultry early jazz standards in our acoustic sweet spot on Bohemian Highway. She will be accompanied by a stellar ensemble of talented Bay Area musicians : Jan Martinelli, Issac Vandeveer, Kendrick Freeman, Jeff Pierce, and Chris Amberger. Not to be missed! Tickets are $25 General/$20 OCA Members at www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org; or at the door. OCA is following current Sonoma County masking guidelines. Fine refreshments for sale, Art Gallery open during intermission. Wheelchair accessible. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental, CA. 95465. 707-874-9392. Become an OCA Member and get free/reduced admission on all events.
Saturday August 6 @ 7 pm. ZipLine Improv! at Occidental Center for the Arts Amphitheater. Occidental native Laura Wachtel returns to OCA with ZipLine Improv, bringing you new hijinks and stories (and maybe even a song or two) all made up in the moment — led by your suggestions! ZipLine brings together some of the finest improvisers from around the Bay Area for your merriment. Tickets are $20 GA, $15 for OCA members@ www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org; or at the door. Bring your own seat cushion and enjoy our outdoor theater! Fine refreshments, art gallery open, special needs/access please email info@occidentalcenterforthearts.org. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental CA. 95465. 707-874-9392. OCA is a non profit performing and fine arts organization with volunteer staffing.
The tasteless, anti-LGBTQI+ comic Dave Chappelle performed five shows at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. It is difficult to believe the LBC staff and board were unaware of Chappelle’s numerous anti-LGBTQI+ comments that are well-documented and for which he has offered no apologies. Chappelle identifies as a so-called “TERF (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist)” joining author J. K Rawlings in such dangerous hate speech. These people refuse to accept that we are in the position to declare our gender or lack thereof.
Netflix came under fire for producing and airing two Chappelle shows that feature anti-Trans comments. LGBTQI+ Netflix employees protested – some even quit. Days before the LBC shows comenced, a Minneapolis Chappelle show switched locations as a direct result of a protest organized after Chappelle referred to Monkeypox as “a gay disease.” Chappelle mocked the members of the local LGBTQI+ Community who brought about the move. The original venue apologized to the local LGBTQI+ Community for once welcoming Chappelle and his hate. Chappelle has never backed down, apologized or even reached out to better understand the concerns of he LGBTQI+ Community. Instead, he continues to mock our Community.
The Press Democrat revealed that mere weeks before the five July shows, Live Nation approached LBC with an offer LBC appears to have found unable to refuse. The LBC staff and board claim there was considerable conversation – considerable, but certainly brief and misguided. Did they notice how few dates Live Nation had booked for Chappelle? None in San Francisco or Oakland or Los Angeles. LBC thought they could sneak this past our Community. No doubt comedy venues in big cities find Chappalle as toxic as the LBC staff and board should have.
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts found it necessary to confiscate all audience cell phones before the Chappelle shows. I have attended too many LBC concerts to count but have never had my cell phone taken away before a show. They must have done this so no footage of his anti-LGBTQI+ vitriol would find its way onto social media identifying LBC as the location. Sorry, LBC, you are now forever linked to anti-LGBTQI+ comments.
Should the North Bay’s LGBTQI+ Community allow hate speech and inflammatory comments to be staged in our backyard? Make no mistake – this is not an attack on free speech or about censorship. This is about making LBC aware that Trans people are harmed and even killed as a result of such despicable comments. 2021 saw a record number of Trans-folks murdered. So far this year 57 have been murdered in the United States alone. We once valued this venue, but it’s decision to allow Chapelle a forum for his hate is unacceptable. The LGBTQI+ Community finds Dave Chappelle comments offensive, inflammatory and even deadly.
Let’s stand up to Hate Speech and inform those in power at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts we will boycott the venue. Some shy away from boycotts. If you are amongst them, at least express your opinion by contacting the people listed below.
Let the Staff and Board of Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, its sponsors, those who share the Center’s campus, and elected officials know that such Hate results in harm to members of the LGBTQI+ Community. Email and call, as many as possible and as often as possible.
Call to Action: BOYCOTT Luther Burbank Center for the Arts for Bringing Anti-LGBTQI+ Hate to Sonoma County
The tasteless, anti-LGBTQI+ comic Dave Chappelle performed no less than five shows at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. It is difficult to believe the LBC staff and board are unaware of Chappelle’s numerous anti-Trans comments that are well-documented and for which he has offered no apologies. Chappelle identifies as a so-called “TERF (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist)” joining author J. K Rawlings in such dangerous hate speech. These people refuse to accept that we are in the position to declare our gender or lack thereof.
Netflix came under fire for producing and airing two recent Chappelle shows that feature anti-Trans comments. LGBTQI+ Netflix employees protested – some even quit. Recently, a Minneapolis Chappelle show switched locations as a direct result of a protest organized after Chappelle referred to Monkeypox as “a gay disease.” Chappelle mocked the members of the local LGBTQI+ Community who brought about the move. The original venue apologized to the local LGBTQWI+ Community for once welcoming Chappelle and his hate. Chappelle has never backed down, apologized or even reached out. Instead, he continues to mock our Community.
The Press Democrat revealed that mere weeks before the five shows, Live Nation approached LBC with an offer they seen unable to refuse. The LBC staff and board claim there was considerable conversation – considerable, but perhaps, but certainly misguiged. Did they notice how few dates Live Nation had booked for Chappelle. None in San Francisco or Oakland or Los Angeles. LBC thought they could sneak this past our Community. No doubt comedy venues in big cities find Chappalle as toxic as the LBC staff should have.
Imagine, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts confiscated cell phones at the Chappelle shows. I have attended too many LBC concerts to count but have never had my cell phone taken away before a show. They must have done this so no footage of his anti-LGBTQI+ vitriol would find its way onto social media identifying LBC as the location. Sorry, LBC, you are now forever linked to anti-LGBTQI+ comments. Did you think this community could be so easily duped?
Should the North Bay’s LGBTQI+ Community allow hate speech and inflammatory comments to be staged in our backyard? Make no mistake – this is not an attack on free speech or about censorship. This is about making LBC aware that Trans people are harmed and even killed as a result of such despicable comments. 2021 saw a record number of Trans-folks murdered. So far this year 57 have been murdered in the United States alone. We once valued this venue, but it’s decision to allow Chapelle a forum for his hate is unacceptable. The LGBTQI+ Community finds Dave Chappelle comments offensive, inflammatory and even deadly.
Let’s stand up to Hate Speech and inform those in power at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts we will boycott the venue. Some shy away from boycotts. If you are amongst them, at least express your opinion by contacting the people listed below.
Let the Staff and Board of Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, its sponsors, those who share the Center’s campus, and elected officials know that such Hate results in harm to members of the LGBTQI+ Community. Email and call, as many as possible and as often as possible.
Sunday July 31 at 4 pm. Samba Noma at Occidental Center for the Arts Amphitheater. Samba Noma, a talented ensemble of accomplished Bay Area musicians performs in our outdoor amphitheater, showcasing a jazzy, eclectic mix of Brazilian compositions including works by Toninho Horta, Hermeto Pascoal, Egberto Gismonte and Antonio Carlos Jobim, plus original compositions. SambaNoma is Ruth Ahlers – sax and flute, Christian Foley-Beining – guitar, Jim Passarell – bass, and Kendrick Freeman – drums and percussion. Tickets are $25 GA / $20 for OCA members @ www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org, or at the door. Outdoor event – please bring your own seat cushion or low back chair. Disabled patrons may reserve seating at ground level @ info@occidentalcenterforthearts.org . Fine refreshments for sale, art gallery open during events. Become an OCA Member and get discounts/free admission. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental,CA. 95465. 707-874-9392.
Saturday July 30 @ 8 pm. David Rosen in Concert at Occidental Center for the Arts. Singer/songwriter/guitarist David Rosen has toured across the globe as a member of Peter Tork’s band and the Elvin Bishop Band. He’s been featured on recordings by Steve Seskin, Tom Paxton, David Rea, Grant Baldwin, Doug Closson, Mary Miché and many others, and on The Best of Blasphemy album alongside Tom Lehrer. In 40+ years of touring he has shared the stage with Buddy Guy, Boz Skaggs,Taj Mahal, Joan Jett, Greg Kihn and Marty Balin. On his debut album ‘Ordinary Miracles’ David played over 15 different instruments, and the album features legendary drummer Joe Vitale . Now a Sonoma County resident, David’s solo show features a diverse range of original songs touching on very real themes in a unique and deeply personal way. Tickets $20 GA, $15 for OCA members @ www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. Fine refreshments available for purchase, art gallery open during intermission. OCA is wheelchair accessible. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental, CA. 95465. 707-874-9392
The tasteless, anti-LGBTQI+ comic is scheduled to perform three shows at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, July 26-29. Perhaps the LBC staff and board are unaware of Chappelle’s numerous anti-Trans comments that are well-documented and of which he has offered no apologies. Chappelle identifies as a so-called “TERF (Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminist)” joining author KJ. K Rawlings in such dangerous hate speech. Netflix has come under fire for producing and airing two recent Chappelle shows that feature anti-Trans comments. Recently, a Minneapolis show switched locations as a direct result of a protest organized after Chappelle refered to Monkeypox as “a gay disease.” Should the North Bay’s LGBTQI+ Community allow hate speech and inflammatory comments to be staged in our backyard? Make no mistake – this is not an attack on free speech. This is about making LBC aware that Trans people are harmed and even killed as a result of such despicable comments. We value this venue, but should not allow them to present a show that so many members of this community finds offensive, inflammatory and even dangerous.
If you aren’t aware of this man’s exploits, check out these articles:
PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO AS MANY OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AS POSSIBLE.
Let the Staff and Board of Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, its sponsors, those who share the Center’s campus, and elected officials know that such hate results in harm to members of the LGBTQI+ Community. Email and call, as many as possible and as often as possible.
Let’s stop these shows and send a message to every venue in the North Bay that anti-LGBTQI+ hate speech will not be tolerated!
The answer is simple and profoundin this one-of-a-kind theatricalexperience.It’s the story of a man who, at age seven, in order to cheer up his mom when she first tries to end her life begins compiling a list of the minutiae that make life worth living.Things like ‘ice cream’ and ‘water fights’ give way years later to ‘listening to Miles Davis’ and ‘falling in love.’ Eventually, the ever-growinglist is as much for him as it was for his mom.Since 2015, the show has captured hearts and minds as an Off-Broadway hit, a World Tour, an HBO adaptation and runs at both large and small theatres across the country. The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive by audiences and critics alike.And now Every Brilliant Thing is coming to the intimate Monroe Stagefor a one-weekend run to benefit the Playhouse’s ‘Buy the Building’ fund.
Every Brilliant Thing July 29 — 31, 2022A Benefit Performance for the ‘Buy the Building’ Fundby Duncan Macmillan & Jonny Donahoedirected by Princess Kannahperformed by Craig A. Miller(Playhouse Artistic Director from 2011-2018)
Craig explores poignant and humorous themes in Every Brilliant Thing.
A Brilliant Performer
Craig helms the show, tackling a serious subject with disarming, comfortable frankness. Most interesting is that theaudience is part of the show. Craig, as only Craig can, invites participation in a warm, engaging way putting everyone at ease right from the start.The stage is bare, the lights are on, classical jazz music plays on and strangers soon become friends. Both humorous and heartrending Every Brilliant Thing is an unforgettable night of theatre!
A Brilliant Cause
Experience the BEST live theatre has to offer. AND Support the Playhouse!The VIP experience includes a receptionwith Craig right after the 85-minute performance, champagne and dessert and front-row seats, $145Reserved seats, $68 Please book your tickets today. And spread the word!
Sunday July 24 at 4 pm. 3 Acre Holler at Occidental Center for the Arts Amphitheater. 3 Acre Holler was founded by Occidental’s beloved meter reader Cori Wood and singer/multi-instrumentalist Layne Bowen. Joining Cori and Layne are Paul Shelasky on fiddle and mandolin, Cary Black on bass and Michael Capella on dobro. 3 Acre Holler offers Appalachian inspired material, with a penchant for songs with darker themes such as unnrequited love, moonshine, tragedy and death. In addition to their own songs, 3 Acre Holler covers songs by contemporary writers including guys named Hank. They do like to sing a few happy songs, so you will likely leave with a copy of their new CD in your hand! Tickets $20 GA, $15 for OCA members at www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org, or at the door. Outdoor event – please bring your own seat cushion or low back chair. Disabled patrons may reserve seating at ground level @ info@occidentalcenterforthearts.org . Fine refreshments for sale, art gallery open during intermission. Become an OCA Member and get discounts/free admission. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental,CA. 95465. 707-874-9392.
The Raven Players, resident theater company at Healdsburg’s Raven Performing Arts Theater, announced today their popular Shakespeare-under-the-stars performances will return in July and August with Twelfth Night (with a twist). These shows are free and open to the public.
What’s “the twist” in the Raven Players’ production? “I won’t spoil our spunky take on the traditional ending,” said director Steven David Martin, who is also the company’s artistic director. “But I will say I’ve always found it odd that the same person who penned, ‘To me she is married, not unto my clothes,’ also wrote plays where the female lead spends 90% of the play dressed as a man and inevitably a woman falls in love with the cross-dressed woman but drops her like a hot potato when the cross-dressed woman’s twin brother shows up because … wait for it … he is a he, not a she.”
There were a few other changes, as well. “Suffice it to say that we ‘borrowed’ a few lines from other Shakespeare plays and sonnets, then tied it all together with some verse by a lesser writer,” Martin explained. “Voilà, we have an ending that to me makes a little more emotional sense.”
If the surprise twist isn’t enough to rile the purists, Martin set the production in the roaring 1920s, whose jazz age spirit is the perfect environment for this high-spirited tale of love, lust, and misunderstanding.
Twelfth Night (with a twist) July 21-23; July 28-30; August 4-6, 7:30 pm West Plaza Park, Healdsburg, Chairs & Blankets Recommended Information: raventheater.org/twelfthnight
Today, the Television Academy announced the nominations for the 74th annual Emmy Awards, and there were many LGBTQ and LGBTQ-adjacent shows, specials, and performers represented in the list.
It should probably surprise no one that Emmy favorites RuPaul’s Drag Race and Queer Eyewere nominated in many of the reality TV categories. Drag Race is in the running for Outstanding Competition Program once again, while both shows are up for Outstanding Production Design for a Variety, Reality or Competition Series and Outstanding Casting for a Reality Program.
RuPaul himself is nominated for Host for a Reality or Competition Program along with all five members of the Queer Eye crew.
Meanwhile, YouTube’s The Randy Rainbow Show scored a nomination for Outstanding Short Form Comedy, Drama or Variety Series.
Among the major acting categories announced live today by J.B. Smoove and Melissa Fumero, Sarah Paulson was the only out nominee, with her nod for Lead Actress in a Limited Series for her role as Linda Tripp in FX’s Impeachment: American Crime Story.
But she’s far from the only out talent nominated this year. Bowen Yang is nominated once again in the Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category for his work on Saturday Night Live, and Murray Bartlett got a nom for Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series for his role in The White Lotus. Hacks’ Hannah Einbinder and SNL’s Kate McKinnon are both up for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Nathan Lane and Jane Lynch are both up for guest acting nominations for their roles in Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. Jerrod Carmichael picked up a nomination for hosting SNL as well as one for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for his special Rothaniel.
Last summer’s surprise hit The White Lotus is also up for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, and openly bisexual creator Mike White is nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.
Plenty of actors who don’t necessarily identify as LGBTQ were also nominated for their performances as queer characters. Colin Firth got a nod for Lead Actor in a Limited Series for his role as bisexual Michael Peterson in HBO’s The Staircase. Both Jodie Comer and Sandra Oh were recognized in the Lead Actress in Drama Series category for their final turns as dueling assassins/on-again-off-again lovers in Killing Eve, while Alex Borstein was nominated for Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Susie Myerson in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. And both John Turturo and Christopher Walken received nominations for their roles in Severance.
LGBTQ characters, creators, and performers are all over TV. Outstanding Comedy and Drama Series nominees Abbott Elementary, What We Do in the Shadows, Barry, Euphoria, and Yellowjackets all feature prominent queer characters and, in a couple cases (Abbott, Euphoria), actual LGBTQ actors.
Finally, and depressingly, Emmy voters were apparently more than willing to ignore Dave Chappelle’s unapologetic transphobia, giving the comedian’s special The Closernominations for both Outstanding Pre-Recorded Variety Special and Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special.
