Calendar A

Out & About

CALENDAR / ON THE SCENE / DINE

DANCE

Smuin Ballet's Uncorked: The Christmas Ballet

LISTING ON PAGE 83

Calendar

THEATER / COMEDY / MUSIC / GALLERIES / MUSEUMS / EVENTS / FILM EDITED BY CALIN VAN PARIS

Portrait of Sybil, Countess of Rocksavage by John Singer Sargent

MUSEUM

Legion of Honor Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House, through January 18 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhono.org

THEATER

THRU DEC 11 Jane Austen’s Persuasion

Jane Austen’s final novel, featuring the author’s characteristic wit, intelligence and social satire, is brought to life in this adaptation by Marin native Jennifer LeBlanc. Marin Art and Garden Center (Ross). 415.455.5260, magc.org

THRU DEC 14 Something for the Boys

Three cousins team up to create a boardinghouse for soldiers’ wives from an inherited San Antonio plantation. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter. Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

THRU DEC 21 The Complete History

of Comedy Reduced Shakespeare Company aims to make audiences laugh with this 90-minute deconstruction of the history of comedy. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

DEC 12–28 Elf the

Musical Enjoy the hilarious tale of Buddy, an orphan who crawls into Santa’s bag and is subsequently raised by elves, in musical form. Join Buddy on a trip to New York City to find his father in this modern-day Christmas classic. Curran Theatre (SF). shnsf.com

DEC 18–21 A Christmas

Carol: The Musical This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale boasts a musical element. Curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by spirits on Christmas Eve, each looking to help change his selfish ways. Drake Little Theatre (San Anselmo). 415.454.5759, stapletonschool.org

DEC 19–24 A Charlie

Brown Christmas Join the San Francisco Symphony on a journey through a variety of Christmas classics, including a live-action performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas with live accompaniment. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org DANCE

THRU DEC 14 The

Velveteen Rabbit ODC’s KT Nelson brings her much-loved interpretation of Margery Williams’ children’s book to a live stage, appealing to adults and children alike. YBCA (SF). 415.978.2787, odcdance.org

DEC 7 Rites of Passage

Dimensions Dance Theater shares a showcase of student performances in celebration of 20 years of its youth outreach program Rites of Passage, which offers instruction in dance, music and spoken word. Castlemont High School (Oakland). dimensionsdance.org

DEC 11–14 Private

Life A series of stories centering on the emotional havoc of military life and what it means to survive. Written by Deborah Cooks and brought to life through original choreography and direction by Deborah Slater and music by Bruno Louchouran. ODC Theater (SF). 415.863.9834, odcdance.org

DEC 13–15 Marin Ballet:

Nutcracker Celebrate 51 years of Marin Ballet with a full-length version of The Nutcracker that combines Victorian costumes, expansive sets and more than 175 dancers. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincenter.org

DEC 13–21 Mark Foehringer’s Nutcracker Sweets

This unique 50-minute production of the classic

ballet is designed for families with small children. The show boasts a nine-piece chamber orchestra. Fort Mason Center (SF). 800.838.3006

DEC 18–27 Uncorked: The Christmas Ballet

The popular dance show — in its 21st season — incorporates several styles, including ballet, tap, swing and several others drawn from international holiday traditions. YBCA (SF). 415.912.1899, smuinballet.org

DEC 20 Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop

Marin Dance Theatre brings together more than 125 dancers for this well-loved production that follows Sophie on a journey to the Snow Kingdom, where she meets snow princesses and fairies, and then to a toy shop where the playthings come alive. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincounty.org

DEC 20 Sherry Studio’s

Tapcracker Join Clara and the Tapcracker as they encounter dancing Christmas trees, presents, “flaky” snowflakes, sugarplum Barbies and more in this updated version of the classic Nutcracker. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincounty.org

COMEDY

TUESDAYS Mark Pitta

and Friends The comic hosts an evening for up-and-comers and established headliners to work on new material. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org DEC 4 Mort Sahl Social satirist Mort Sahl — the first entertainer ever to appear on the cover of Time — shares his brand of politically motivated comedy. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

DEC 31 Best of San Francisco Stand-up Comedy Competition

Bring in 2015 with lots of laughs as a diverse pool of seasoned local entertainers gather to compete. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincounty.org

DEC 31 Stand-up Comedy Celebration

Join Don Gavin with Nato Green, Brendan Lynch and Chris Garcia for a New Year’s Eve comedy celebration. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). 415.785.8873, theothercafe.com

MUSIC

TUESDAYS Swing Fever

The band pays tribute to jazz artists and composers with selections from its roster of more than 1,000 tunes, every first and third Tuesday. Panama Hotel (San Rafael). 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com

DEC 3 Ryan Bingham

The Oscar-winning singer and songwriter performs a solo acoustic set featuring selections from his four studio albums, as well as teasers from his forthcoming album. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

DEC 4 Glide’s Holiday Jam: Legends Live This annual event features live performances by a bevy of legendary

M S MARIN SYMPHONY

ALASDAIR NEALE | MUSIC DIRECTOR

HOLIDAY POPS

Love it LIVE!

14/15 SEASON

Alasdair Neale, conductor Marin Symphony Chorus, Stephen McKersie, director Marin Symphony Children’s Chorus, Debra Chambliss, director

Tuesday, December 16, 7:00 p.m.

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Celebrate with your friends and family at our second annual Holiday Pops Concert! Enjoy music from favorite holiday movies including Home Alone and Polar Express, plus holiday classics— The Hanukkah Overture, Twas the Night Before Christmas, White Christmas, Joy to the World, Deck the Halls, Silent Night —and more!

TICKETS: 415.473.6800

Purchase at the Box Office and online. Starting at $35 Adult, $20 Youth 6-17. Group discount: 20% for 10 or more. Reserved seating at the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium.

We appreciate our season sponsors!

media

Frank & Lois Noonan, Gloria Miner, Steve & Christina Fox

PHOTOS © PETER RODGERS

© Marin Symphony. All rights reserved. Dates and details subject to change.

marinsymphony.org • 415.479.8100

SPOTLIGHT

Get Kinky

Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein want to make sure your Christmas is a drag.

LOOKING FOR LEVITY this holiday season? The multiple Tony Award–winning (including Best Musical) Kinky Boots is playing December 2–28 in San Francisco at the SHN Orpheum Theatre. We spent some time last month with Harvey Fierstein, who wrote a book based on the musical, and Cyndi Lauper, who made history with the show as the first woman to receive the Best Score Tony for a solo creation, to learn about their collaboration. Kinky Boots is about a drag queen named Lola finding the perfect pair of boots as well as her place in the world — a journey both these artists can relate to. The pair met years ago when Fierstein brought the world-famous songstress in to work with him on an AIDS benefit, and they’ve been finish-each-others’-sentences tight ever since. MIMI TOWLE

What is the play’s message? HF Healing yourself. It’s about that hole in yourself that has been left by a parent — it’s particularly about disappointing your father. CL Daddy issues.

Cyndi, what’s the difference between working on Broadway and in the pop world? CL

In the pop world there are plenty of rules to adhere to; in the Broadway world, all I got was there are no rules. Suddenly all the gatekeepers I knew were gone — so I could really write and experiment.

Does the show have a special connection

with the Bay Area? CL For me, yes. I played lots of clubs and gay clubs here, and Lola’s voice is built on Sylvester (James Jr.), who to me was one of the greatest singers and dancers out of San Francisco. I played with his song “Stars,” You are a star and you only happen once, and mixed in a little piece of My Fair Lady and a little piece of South Pacific.

Cyndi, you’ve said you are a drag queen.

What is the appeal? CL Dressing in a way that makes you feel inspired; there is a line in the play I love that Lola says: “So I jumped in my dreams and found an escape.” That’s the crux of the story. HF Or when she says, “And the world seemed brighter six inches off the ground …”

Do you have a favorite pair of boots? CL My combat boots. My feet are a little beat-up after years of glamour and performing. So now I like comfort (yeah, of course I still love glamour so I do suffer when I have to) and my combat boots do the trick. HF Right out of college I had a pair of cowboy boots. They were much too big for me, but I couldn’t get a smaller size to fit my wide feet and high arches. I loved those stupid things. But I was substitute teaching at an inner-city junior high school where a gay man who shuffled along in oversize cowboy boots made a big impression.

entertainers, including Joan Baez, Rita Moreno and Paula West, and benefits Mo’s Kitchen and Glide programs. The Warfield (SF). 415.674.6001, the warfieldtheatre.com

DEC 4 Michelle Schmitt Holiday Benefit Concert

Join the singer for her sixth annual holiday concert. Proceeds benefit ExtraFood, an organization that provides food for various outlets helping to feed the hungry in Marin. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

DEC 5–7 Steve Kimock

The guitarist is joined by friends Bobby Vega, Jeff himenti, Dan Lebowitz, Bill Vitt and John Morgan Kimock for three nights of favorites from Jerry Garcia’s roots and R&B repertoire. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweetwater musichall.com

DEC 6 Paula West and

Trio San Francisco’s own Paula West heads across the bridge to showcase her brand of soulful jazz vocals, which have garnered rave reviews from the likes of The New York Times. The Drake High School Jazz Band will open the show. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). 415.444.8000, marinjcc.org

DEC 7 Finding the

Balance Broadway star Sierra Boggess, known for her starring role in The Little Mermaid, The Phantom of the Opera and more, puts on a solo concert. Fairmont (SF). 415. 392.4400, bayareacabaret.org

DEC 7 Heavenly Light: Christmas Vespers

VIII The Sausalito Presbyterian Church presents its eighth annual Christmas concert with new carols, chants and choruses. Sausalito Presbyterian Church (Sausalito). 415.332.3790, sausalitopres.org

DEC 7 Steve Hackett: Genesis Extended

Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett performs hits from Genesis’ repertoire, as well as his numerous solo albums. The Warfield (SF). 415.674.6001, the warfieldtheatre.com

DEC 7 Sung and

Strummed Left Coast Chamber Ensemble presents a concert curated by Left Coast guitarist Michael Goldberg featuring an unusual combination of plucked instruments like the mandolin, harp and guitar, all combined with flute and vocals. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

DEC 7 Traditional Irish

Music Jam Grab your pennywhistle and head to this Irish jam session, where locals play their favorite instruments in an impromptu performance that’s great fun whether you’re watching or playing along. Sleeping Lady (Fairfax). 415.485.1182, sleepinglady fairfax.com

DEC 7 White Christmas

Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the classic film with the S.F. Symphony, Michael Feinstein and Debby Boone. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

• DEC 12–29 San

Francisco Ballet:

Nutcracker Since its American debut on Christmas Eve 1944, The Nutcracker has brought ballet to the masses through the telling of the whimsical tale of Clara, Drosselmeyer and a larger-thanlife nutcracker. War Memorial Opera House (SF). sfballet.org

DEC 11 Assembly of

Dust In the vein of Neil Young, Assembly of Dust plays a collection of Americana music featuring catchy melodies, poetic lyrics and strong musicianship. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

DEC 13–14 Marin Oratorio Sings The

Messiah Handel’s timeless masterpiece will be presented by Marin’s premier oratorio society with full orchestra and guest soloists Erina Newkirk, Heidi Waterman, Michael Belle and John Bischoff. College of Marin (Kentfield). 415.485.9385, marinoratorio.org

DEC 16 Marin Symphony Holiday Pops

Concert The Marin tradition returns with an exciting collection of holiday-inspired music conducted by Alasdair Neale. The Marin Symphony Chorus and Children’s Chorus join the orchestra to perform tunes from A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Polar Express and many more. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincounty.org

DEC 20 Narada Michael

Walden The multiplatinum Grammy- and Emmy-winning producer and friends come to Mill Valley for a holiday jam. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

DEC 21 ’Tis the Season…Cheers!

Singers Marin celebrates the season with a cheerful sing-along of holiday favorites including Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs and popular winter standards, all accompanied by unique visual and lighting effects. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincounty.org

DEC 30–31 The Flaming

Lips The Flaming Lips head to San Francisco for two nights of New Year’s Eve fun featuring front man Wayne Coyne and the band as they perform selections from their latest album, a tribute to the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper. The Warfield (SF). 415.674.6001, the warfieldtheatre.com

GALLERIES

MARIN

Art Abloom Studio

and Gallery Classes for artists. 751 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com

Art Works Downtown

Small Works Show A juried exhibition, through January 2. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworks downtown.org

Atrium Gallery The American Car: A Family Portrait Works by Gale McKee, through January 2. 1350 South Eliseo Dr, Greenbrae. 415.454.1411

Bubble Street Featuring genres of fantastic art, imaginary realism, neo-Victorian and steampunk. 565 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.339.0506

Claudia Chapline Gallery and Sculpture

Garden Amie Lute Abstract figure painings and drawings by the artist. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

Falkirk Cultural Center

Three Ways of Seeing Paintings by Will Noble, Mary Wagstaff and Nelson Hee, through December 27. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3328, falkirk culturalcenter.org

Fine Art Etc. Featuring a collection of sculptures and paintings by artists from Northern California and around the world. 686 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.1107, finearttc.com

Gallery Bergelli Group Show New work from gallery artists. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, bergelli.com

Gallery Route One

The Takeaway Show Small and affordable art you can buy right off the all, December 19–January 4. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Headlands Center for

the Arts Set Lists for a Setting Sun Works by Dario Robleto, through March 29. 944 Simmonds Rd, Sausalito. 415.331.2787, headlands.org

Marin Society of Artists

The 87th annual members’ show with music accompaniment by Kash Killion, through December 13. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsociety ofartists.org

Mine Gallery Original contemporary art. 1820 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax. 415.755.4472, gallerymine.com

O’Hanlon Center for

the Arts Illumination: The Art of Spirit A juried show, through December 20. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Petri’s Fine Arts

Featuring contemporary works in various mediums. 690 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.2626, petrisfineart.com

Robert Allen Fine

Art Winter Group Exhibition A group exhibition of works on canvas and panel, December 4–January 30. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robertallenfineart.co

Robert Beck Gallery

Early California and contemporary plein air paintings. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898, beckgallery.org

Robert Green Fine

Arts John Grillo: Now and Then Works from

1946 to 2006. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfineart.com

Roberta English Art by Cheung Lee, Mayumi Oda, Li Huayi, Ju Ming and Toko Shinoda. 1615 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.331.2975, robertaenglish.com

Room Art Gallery

Works by both Bay Area artists and major masters, housing the largest collection of Picasso, Chagall and others in Marin County. 86 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.380.7940, roomartgallery.com

Seager Gray Gallery

Freefall Work from Jeffrey Beaucham, through December 7. 108 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

Smith Andersen North

The Jungle Road Work from John Upton, December 13–January 17. 20 Greenfield Ave, San Anselmo. 415.455.9733, smith andersennorth.com

Studio 333 Why There Are Words Literary series featuring New York Times best-selling authors and other award-winning writers. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

Studio 4 Art Work by local artists, classes and workshops with materials included. 1133 Grant Ave, Novato. 415.596.5546, studio4art.net

The Blissful Gallery

3-D works by local artists. 3415 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, 415.868.2787, the blissfulgallery.com

Zener Schon Contemporary Art

Contemporary works in various mediums from Eric Zener, Paige Smith, JD Wilson and more. 23 Sunnyside Ave, 415.738.8505, zener schongallery.com SAN FRANCISCO ArtHaus An intimate presentation of diverse works in various styles and mediums by New York and Bay Area artists. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

Electric Works Works by David Schubert. 1360 Mission St, 415.626.5496, sfelectricworks.com

Fouladi Projects Art by Pip Culbert, through December 6. 1803 Market St, 415.621.2535, fouladiprojects.com

Gregory Lind Gallery

Cary Smith and Don Voisine Pieces by the artists, through December. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com

March The Bodegon Series Works by Paulette Tavormina, through December 15. 3075 Sacramento St, 415.931.7233, marchsf.com

Meyerovich Gallery

Pat Steir: Waterfalls Monoprints and silk screens of dripping dreamscapes. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com

Pier 24 Photography

Art from the Pilara Foundation Collection. Pier 24, 415.512.7424, pier24.org

Paula West appears at Glide’s Holiday Jam at The Warfield, S.F.

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bolinas Museum Ocean Wonders and Wellness A museum-wide program highlighting the wonders of the sea and the impact of human consumerism on the health of the ocean, through January 4 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin History Museum

An Afternoon in a Victorian Parlor A display of an old-fashioned sitting room in the historic Boyd Gate House (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org

Marin Museum of the American Indian

Explore Native American history, languages, art and traditions (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art

Irregularities of Attention Works exploring the integration of photographs, drawings and symbols, December 6–January 11 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum

Roads of Arabia Archaeology and history of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, through January 18 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

California Academy

of Sciences Enjoy an adults-only experience after 6 p.m. every Thursday. (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Conservatory of

Flowers Aquascapes The art of underwater gardening, through April 12 (SF). 415.831.2090, conservatory offlowers.org

Contemporary Jewish

Museum J. Otto Seibold and Mr. Lunch A history and drafts from J. Otto Seibold’s Mr. Lunch books, through March 8 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Anthony Friedkin: The Gay Essay Photographs chronicling the gay communities in Los Angeles and San Francisco from 1969 to 1973, through January 11 (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoung.famsf.org

Exploratorium Ongoing interactive exhibits exploring science, art and human perception (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu

Museum of Craft

and Design Wendy Maruyama: Executive Order 9066 The final stop of this traveling exhibition, through January 4 (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum

of California Fertile Ground: Art and Community in California A collaboration between SFMOMA and OMCA exploring how California artists have influenced and have been influenced, through April 12 (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

San Francisco Botanical

Garden Cloud Forest A colorful jungle of flowering plants representative of typical cloud forest plant communities in southern Mexico and throughout Central America, through December 31 (SF). sfbotanical garden.org

Sonoma Valley Museum

of Art Eleanor Coppola: Quiet, Creative Force Works by Eleanor Coppola, through January 25 (Sonoma). svma.org

The Walt Disney Family

Museum All Aboard: A Celebration of Walt’s Trains A comprehensive exhibit exploring the influence that railroading had on Walt Disney’s life and work, through February 9 (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center for

the Arts 4Trains Poetic and visual storytelling comes to life at this innovative and immersive show by TED Fellow Christine Marie, December 4–6 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

THRU DEC 21 Great Dickens Christmas

Fair Step back in time with this Dickens-era Christmas celebration complete with tearooms, shops, pubs, dancing, actors and recreations of old London streets. Cow Palace (SF). dickensfair.com

DEC 5 Tree Lighting

Ceremony Jack London Square rings in the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony on the Oakland waterfront. Enjoy live entertainment, reindeer, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa Claus at this annual event. Jack London Square (Oakland). 510.645.9292, jack londonsquare.com

DEC 5–7 ICB Winter

Open Studios This year’s open studios centers on a “Beyond the Mask” theme. Step into the world of the mask as 100 artists share their interpretations and creations. Industrial Center Building (Sausalito). icbartists.com

DEC 6 Landmark’s Holiday Art and Craft

Sale Get some holiday shopping done at this annual favorite featuring arts and crafts from local artists and including everything from bath products to jewelry. Twenty percent of all sales benefit the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society. 841 Tiburon Blvd (Tiburon). landmarks-society.org

DEC 6–7 West Coast

Craft The second annual art and design show returns to San Francisco to share what embodies the best of the West right now. The lineup of more than 175 vendors includes several from Marin. Fort Mason Center (SF). westcoastcraft.com

DEC 12 Winterfest!

Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, holiday treats, face painting, a bounce house and a chance to get your picture taken with Santa. Community Center (Marinwood). 415.479.0775, marinwood.org

DEC 12–14 Sausalito

Winterfest With food and wine tastings, a children’s holiday fair, arts and crafts, fireworks and a lighted boat parade, Sausalito Winterfest is a fun and festive way to celebrate the season. Various locations (Sausalito). 415.990.1630, sausalitoon-the-waterfront.org

DEC 13 Marin Indoor Antique Market

Christmas Show Step back in time at this holiday-themed antique market boasting more than 70 booths full of antique and collectible jewelry, china, silver, glass, pottery, books, posters, linens and more. Marin Center Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). golden gateshows.com FILM

DEC 4 The Last Ocean

Ecologist David Ainley presents a special screening. The Last Ocean centers on the Ross Sea in Antarctica,

the most pristine stretch of ocean on the planet, and the fishing fleets that could potentially destroy it. Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael). 415.454.1222, cafilm.org

DEC 12–13 Home Alone

Enjoy this holiday favorite featuring a score by composer John Williams, accompanied live by the San Francisco Symphony. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

DEC 13 Die Meistersinger von

Nürenburg Wagner’s most popular comedic opera is broadcast in high definition live from the Metropolitan Opera. Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net

DEC 21 It’s a Wonderful

Life An angel helps a man rediscover his life by showing him what the world would be like if he had never existed. See this holiday favorite on the big screen. Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael). 415.454.1222, cafilm.org NATURE WALKS & TALKS

DEC 2 An Ocean Garden: The Secret

Life of Seaweed Artist and beachcomber Josie Iselin shares the unexpected beauty of seaweed — from sea grapes to nori — which is often overlooked and contains great value for human health. The Bay Model (Sausalito). 415.332.3871

DEC 5–7 Writing Out of Darkness: New Poems

Workshop Focus your thoughts at this peaceful, pre-holiday writing workshop. Centering on the theme of solstice, travel through the darkness and toward the light with walks on the beach, good literature, food and discussion. Various locations (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org

DEC 13 Bay Model Tour

Join WildCare on a family tour of the Bay Model Visitor Center to view the complete baydelta system at a glance. Enjoy an overview and a one-hour tour followed by a walk along the bay. Bay Model (Sausalito). 415.456.7283, wildcare bayarea.org

DEC 13 Photographing

Waves Partake in this workshop to learn about the role of patterns in composition, as well as how to use short shutter speeds to halt wave motion. Begin with an orientation before visiting two lovely locations to practice your new skills. Various locations (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org

DEC 14 49ers Football

on the Big Screen Cheer on the San Francisco 49ers on a theater-size screen in the company of other fans while savoring Sweetwater’s cocktails and appetizers. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

IS THERE ROOM IN YOUR ORGANIC, GLUTEN-FREE, FARM-TO-TABLE LIFESTYLE to HELP AN OLDER PERSON GET A HEALTHY MEAL?

Marin is the wealthiest county in California. Yet nearly a quarter of our older adults are living in poverty.

They need rides, meals, classes, community. That’s where Whistlestop comes in.

We’re the largest Marin organization serving older adults. For sixty years, we’ve been helping people age with grace, dignity, and independence. We offer 6 to 8 classes a day, five days a week. We serve over 7,400 meals each month. We provide more than 130,000 rides each year.

Won’t you help with a monthly gift? Just $10 a month buys fifteen homebound seniors a good meal and a friendly visit.

Help us take care of our own at AgingInMarin.com.

IN MARIN, WE TAKE CARE OF OUR OWN.