Featured speakers include Dr. Andrew Weil, Michael Pollan and myriad others. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $140–$410. 877.246.6337. www.bioneers.org. American Philharmonic Oct. 17–18. The 11th season of this semi-pro orchestra opens with a tribute to Russian, featuring John Kendall Bailey as the guest conductor leading the band in works by Shostakovich, RimskyKorsakoff, Stravinsky Borodin and others. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Free. 707.546.3600. Complexions Contemporary Ballet Oct. 21. Multicultural dance company founded by former Alvin Ailey dancer melds classical with the popular, the modern with the hip-hop. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $25–$45. 707.546.3600. Pinot on the River Oct. 22–25. Fully immerse yourself in a weekend of Pinot Noir, including in-depth tastings and seminars, vineyard tours and sumptuous food. Various venues in the Russian River Valley. Sunday boasts a grand artisanal tasting. $65; all-access ticket, $750. 707.922.1096. Stephen Sondheim Oct. 24. One of the most important artists of the American stage appears in conversation with Peter Stein to hash his past accomplishments and his creative process in a wide-ranging discussion. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $49–$69. 707.546.3600. Spanish Harlem Orchestra Oct. 27. Grammy-winning big band featuring vintage salsa and a full-bodied big band style. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $20–$40. 707.546.3600. David Sedaris Oct. 29. Famed humorist is even more fun in person, and whatever he chooses to talk about is OK with us. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $35. 415.499.6800. Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathon Oct. 31. Explore the hearts of Alexander and Dry Creek valleys by fleet foot. The crisp fall weather is ideal for running, and Halloween enthusiasts are encouraged to don costumes. Finish at Lake Sonoma and recreation area for the Wine and Music Festival. 300 Via Archimedes Road, Geyserville. 7:15am. $25–$80. www.runhealdsburg.com.
November MacHomer Nov. 1. Rick Miller’s seriously goofy adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth is sure to make Shakespeare roll over in his grave—not out of horror, but because he is tickled with delight. Miller performs the classic tragedy using the voices of some 50 Simpsons’ characters, in an assured crowdpleaser. Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville. $29–$39. 5pm. 707.944.1300. Marin Symphony Nov. 1 and 3. Violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn performs evening of Vivaldi on her 1720 Stradivarius. Novelist Barbara Quick joins maestro Alasair Neale preconcert to discuss her novel Vivaldi’s Virgins. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 7:30pm. $29–$70. 415.499.6800. Pilobolus Nov. 6. Amazing human forms form and reform into all manner of witty
and poignant configurations when this unique dance company performs. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $20–$75. 415.499.6800. Festival of Harps Nov. 7. Now in its 20th year, the festival this time features multicultural lineup from China to Ireland to Paraguay to West Africa, featuring Youssoupha Sidibe on kora, the Bindi Society, Dinana Stork, Teed Rockwell and others. Spreckels Performing Arts Center, 5409 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park. $22–$26. 707.588.3400. The 11th Annual Food & Wine Affair Nov. 7–8. Russian River Wine Road gathers 64 local wineries for another delicious extravaganza. Various locations in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys. 11am– 4pm. $25–$60. 800.723.6336. Santa Rosa Symphony Nov. 7–9. Cellist Julie Albers joins the symphony in an allDvorák slate that includes his “New World Symphony.” Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $27–$55. 707.54.MUSIC. Ian Anderson Nov. 10. Freaky flutist performs an all-acoustic night of major Jethro Tull soundage. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $29.75–$69.75. 707.546.3600. John Cleese Nov. 11. The Monty Python star, writer, actor and comedian makes a sureto-be memorable appearance this fall. Cleese has been an active comedian and actor for decades in such films as A Fish Called Wanda and, recently, James Bond and Harry Potter movies. Importantly, this iconic, dynamic, tall British fellow will make us laugh on a chilly November evening. Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville. $39–$69. 7pm. 707.944.1300. Buddy Guy & Elvin Bishop Nov. 13. Hall of Famer performs lightning in a bottle—and auditorium—with West Marin’s own Elvin Bishop. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $25–$75. 415.499.6800. Champions of the Dance Nov. 16. Professional hoofers from Dancing with the Stars, American Ballroom Challenge and Strictly Come Dancing perform live show, featuring everything from Latin to waltz. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $25–$45. 707.546.3600. Lisa Lampanelli Nov. 20. The Queen of Mean is proud of her website address: insultcomic.com. Be sure to get a seat well back from the stage. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $42.75. 707.546.3600. Judy at Carnegie Hall Nov. 21–22. We might have preferred to hear Rufus Wainwright do it, but understand how most would prefer Debbie Gravitte’s impersonation of Judy Garland’s historic comeback concert, with support from the Santa Rosa Symphony as part of their Pops series. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. $30–$70. 707.546.3600.
Eavesdrop on 13 brilliant conversationalists
KRCB presents Great Conversations Great Conversations is a series featuring distinguished authors, each recognized in an area of prominence and each uniquely paired with an interviewer.
Fridays at 9 PM September 4 – Malcolm Gladwell and Daniel Pink September 11 – Elizabeth Gilbert and ZZ Packer September 18 – Michael Kinsley and James Surowieck September 25 – John Updike and Robert Siegel Malcolm Gladwell
TUNE IN! Elizabeth Gilbert
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Denis Lindsay contributed to this roundup.
THE BOHEMIAN
09.02.09-09.08.09
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