‘No politics or COVID’ at Occidental Centre for the Arts
The month to month electronic mail newsletter from the Occidental Middle for the Arts for January bore a issue line most of us can applaud: “Music, Literature and Art (no politics or COVID!!)”
It is an ongoing concept for Tina Marchetti, executive director for the center.
“I also set a tag line on the poster for our last demonstrate that stated, ‘Not wildfires, not COVID, not even the 2020 election. Absolutely nothing could prevent this astounding clearly show from lifting your spirits,’” she claimed.
Considering that point out and county shelter-in-place orders shut the location in mid-March past yr, the centre has offered four digital wide variety demonstrates, 3 virtual art exhibits and 4 digital book start situations online.
“We truly did not set out with any routine in thoughts,” Marchetti stated. “Like most people else, we had no thought the pandemic would go on this lengthy.”
Even so, Marchetti sees an upside.
“The need to go digital has been thrilling in the times considering the fact that the shutdown,” she stated. “We can arrive at out to extra individuals.”
The center’s quarterly range display series continues next thirty day period, on Feb. 27, with a fifth on-line function, titled “Winter Common.” It will emphasize early 20th century classics and benchmarks and will function pianist Mary Watkins and customers of the Santa Rosa Symphony.
Watkins ideas to participate in “Days of Wine and Roses,” the topic song Henry Mancini composed (with lyrics by Johnny Mercer) for the movie of the identical title in 1962.
Other musical functions to be incorporated are the Dirty Cello band, Miles McKenzie, Meredith Axelrod and Craig Ventresco, Teal Collins and Josh Zee and Ricky Mier.
Pianist Barbara Higbie will play swing, blues and jazz, which includes Peggy Lee’s “I Appreciate Becoming Right here with You.”
There will a little bit of common drama in the software, far too, with Steve Fowler and Andrea Van Dyke carrying out a scene from “The Rivals,” created by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and 1st released at London’s Covent Garden in 1775.
Some of the variety show’s performances were recorded live, with social distancing protocols in position, on the stage of the Occidental Heart for Arts, which is shut. Other individuals recorded their performances at dwelling.
The method will be introduced at 8 p.m. on YouTube and Fb. Stop by occidentalcenterforthearts.org for information.
The heart also proceeds its virtual e-book launch sequence with a fifth event since the shutdown, this time featuring Santa Rosa writer Jonah Raskin and his “Dark Earlier, Dark Long run,” the 3rd e book in his thriller series about Tioga Vignetta, a fictional detective working in the Sonoma Valley.
Raskin will appear on Zoom at 4 p.m. Feb. 21. Verify the center’s internet site for particulars.
The existing Occidental Center for the Arts artwork show, “Watercolors,” is open up by appointment for people now and runs on the net Feb. 6 by means of Feb. 27. In the meantime, the centre is internet hosting in-particular person visits.
“Our target is to also open the gallery at the time a week with restricted viewers,” Marchetti explained. “We’re presently giving personal viewings by appointment.”
Several hours are midday to 4 p.m. Saturdays or by appointment. E mail [email protected] to established up a take a look at to the gallery.
All of the Occidental Middle for the Arts situations are totally free, with donations accepted.
With various formats and diverse methods, the Occidental Centre for the Arts is identified to continue to keep featuring arts and enjoyment programs.
“With all that’s likely in the entire world proper now,” Marchetti mentioned, “we want the arts much more than at any time.”
You can arrive at Team Writer Dan Taylor at [email protected] or 707-521-5243. On Twitter @danarts.
