‘No politics or COVID’ at Occidental Center for the Arts

The regular monthly email e-newsletter from the Occidental Centre for the Arts for January bore a subject matter line most of us can applaud: “Music, Literature and Artwork (no politics or COVID!!)”

It is an ongoing concept for Tina Marchetti, government director for the center.

“I also put a tag line on the poster for our very last exhibit that mentioned, ‘Not wildfires, not COVID, not even the 2020 election. Nothing at all could stop this remarkable present from lifting your spirits,’” she reported.

Considering that condition and county shelter-in-area orders closed the location in mid-March final year, the center has offered 4 digital wide range shows, a few virtual artwork displays and 4 virtual reserve launch occasions on the web.

“We really did not established out with any schedule in thoughts,” Marchetti explained. “Like every person else, we had no plan the pandemic would go on this lengthy.”

Even so, Marchetti sees an upside.

“The necessity to go virtual has been fascinating in the times considering that the shutdown,” she reported. “We can reach out to additional men and women.”

The center’s quarterly variety clearly show series proceeds next month, on Feb. 27, with a fifth on-line occasion, titled “Winter Vintage.” It will emphasize early 20th century classics and expectations and will feature pianist Mary Watkins and members of the Santa Rosa Symphony.

Watkins programs to participate in “Days of Wine and Roses,” the topic song Henry Mancini composed (with lyrics by Johnny Mercer) for the movie of the exact title in 1962.

Other musical functions to be included are the Filthy Cello band, Miles McKenzie, Meredith Axelrod and Craig Ventresco, Teal Collins and Josh Zee and Ricky Mier.

Pianist Barbara Higbie will perform swing, blues and jazz, which include Peggy Lee’s “I Enjoy Becoming Listed here with You.”

There will a bit of vintage drama in the plan, far too, with Steve Fowler and Andrea Van Dyke performing a scene from “The Rivals,” written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and initially launched at London’s Covent Yard in 1775.

Some of the selection show’s performances have been recorded are living, with social distancing protocols in position, on the phase of the Occidental Center for Arts, which is shut. Other folks recorded their performances at home.

The software will be presented at 8 p.m. on YouTube and Fb. Check out occidentalcenterforthearts.org for details.

The heart also proceeds its digital guide launch collection with a fifth celebration given that the shutdown, this time that includes Santa Rosa writer Jonah Raskin and his “Dark Earlier, Dim Long term,” the 3rd reserve in his thriller collection about Tioga Vignetta, a fictional detective functioning in the Sonoma Valley.

Raskin will seem on Zoom at 4 p.m. Feb. 21. Look at the center’s web-site for facts.

The present-day Occidental Centre for the Arts artwork show, “Watercolors,” is open up by appointment for guests now and operates on the web Feb. 6 by Feb. 27. In the meantime, the heart is hosting in-person visits.

“Our purpose is to also open the gallery the moment a 7 days with confined viewers,” Marchetti stated. “We’re at present providing non-public viewings by appointment.”

Several hours are midday to 4 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment. Electronic mail [email protected] to established up a go to to the gallery.

All of the Occidental Heart for the Arts functions are totally free, with donations accepted.

With various formats and varied approaches, the Occidental Center for the Arts is decided to continue to keep supplying arts and entertainment courses.

“With all which is likely in the planet proper now,” Marchetti claimed, “we need to have the arts more than ever.”

You can achieve Workers Writer Dan Taylor at [email protected] or 707-521-5243. On Twitter @danarts.