Summer Events Roundup: Brad Paisley sings, Broadway dances, Shakespeare goes wild, and more.
“Yet, I pray you …” exhorts brilliant Helena (the infatuated but heroic healer-and-deviser-of-plots in William Shakespeare’s off-the-wall, pre-feminist rom-com “All’s Well That Ends Well”). “But with the word the time will bring on summer, When briers shall have leaves as well as thorns, And be as sweet as sharp. We must away. Our wagon is prepared, and time revives us. All’s well that ends well. Still the fine’s the crown. Whate’er the course, the end is the renown.”
In slightly less lofty language, what Helen is saying is that regardless of what the winter season brings, summer will always return eventually, and stuff that was unpleasant then will become attractive and nice to look at and, you know, full of fruit, because time being time, what matters most is how things end and what will soon be, not so much what used to be, or how crappy things sometimes got along the way from then to now, or from now to … whatever comes next.
In even plainer words: forget the past, because we’ve still got some summer left, so let’s keep the party going!
Here, to make that easier, are several upcoming events, activities, festivals and fairs in and around Petaluma. These include (behold!) an actual, fully staged production of “All’s Well That Ends Well,” courtesy of Petaluma Shakespeare Company, which will perform the seldom seen show along the river in late August.
SONOMA COUNTY FAIR
Thursday, Aug. 2 – Sunday, Aug. 12,
gates open 11 a.m.
Sonoma County Fairgrounds,
Santa Rosa
The theme this year is ‘A Salute to Heroes,’ a celebration of the real-life heroes who risked everything during last October’s fires, as well as a fun-filled chance to salute the kind of heroes who wear capes and fight supervillains. Daily activities will include special programs for all. The Hall of Flowers this time out will feature the theme “Seasons of Sonoma,” with floral representations of the county’s rugged coastal bluffs, towering redwoods, color-changing vineyards and more. Special musical events for 2018 include appearances by rock legends Blood, Sweat and Tears, plus country crooner John Michael Montgomery, the inaugural Sonoma County Fair Blues Festival, with Grammy winner Grady Champion and others. The fair will feature the Norcal Brewfest, horse racing, a vast carnival and midway, all the usual fair foods (Fried Candy, anyone?), and lots more besides.
Want to know more? SonomaCounty?Fair.com.
GREEN MUSIC CENTER FIRE
BENEFIT: BRAD PAISLEY
& BONNIE HUNT
Fri. Aug. 3 - Sat. Aug. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Weill Hall, Green Music Center
The Green Music Center will host a two-day benefit event titled “Thicker Than Smoke” as part of the ongoing recovery process following the North Bay October fires. The Friday show welcomes country artist Brad Paisley, for an acoustic concert on the outdoor lawn of Weill Hall. On Saturday, it’s a spoken word show with actress Bonnie Hunt (“Cars,” “Return to Me”). Local author Brandon Spars will begin the event with some live storytelling, and local speakers will have an opportunity to share their own stories. The event is designed specifically to benefit first responders who suffered losses during the fires. First responders are eligible for free tickets to the event. Tickets start at $45.
Want to know more?
Visit gmc.sonoma.edu.
BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS -
SHALL WE DANCE
Aug. 3-19, 7:30 p.m.
Jack London State Historic Park
The Transcendence Theatre Company’s four-part summer series is prepared to entertain hundreds of eager patrons a night with Broadway-inspired productions featuring established singers and dancers with diverse and multifaceted backgrounds ranging from appearing in “Mamma Mia,” Young Frankenstein,” and “Mary Poppins.”
Broadway Under the Stars includes a pre-show picnic on park grounds as well as local food vendors and food trucks, and of course, an abundance of wine. “Shall We Dance” showcases movement and rhythm in addition to impeccable vocals. Tickets range from $45 for general admission to $145 for VIP access.
Want to know more?
Visit transcendencetheatre.org
PETALUMA MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday, Aug. 4, 12 Noon-9:30 p.m.
Petaluma Fairgrounds
Railroad Earth, The Brothers Comatose, Royal Jelly Jive, Danny Click and the Hell-Yeahs, The Rainbow Girls and many additional musical acts will performs on multiple stages at this annual fundraiser to keep music in our local schools. In addition, there will be plenty of food and drink, and community activities. The extravaganza unfolds at the Petaluma Fairgrounds. Tickets $55 general, $149 for the VIP treatment.
Want to know more?
Petalumamusicfestival.org.
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