The event at the Sonoma Community Center has to be the most creative in the Valley in some time. Noma Girl Productions is putting on a party complete with several DJs, a rock and roll bingo game, a spaghetti feed and even burlesque dancers. The interesting thing about this event is that it was e-mailed to a few people in the Valley who all wondered who Noma Girl was and what this event was about. All that talk spread the word and it seems to be the most talked about event of the evening. Tickets for the full package are $50 and are available at Sonoma Valley Music. You can get more info by calling 415.250.6534. The Sonoma Community Center is located at 276 East Napa St.
Even though it’s almost sold out, and will be for sure by show time, we have to give a shout out to Sue Albano and Stan Pappas and the show at the Sonoma Meritage. The event includes dinner, which you can learn more about in Epicurious in this edition of the Sun. In fact, the food and wine details for all the evenings mentioned here can be found in Kathleen Hill’s column. Sonoma Meritage is located at 165 West Napa St.
The Wolf House up in Glen Ellen is having the Leo Cavanaugh trio. They will be playing soft jazz standards during dinner and kicking it up a notch for dancing afterwards. Reservations are recommended by calling 707.996.4401. The Wolf House is located at 13740 Arnold Drive in Glen Ellen.
The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is having it’s “A Midwinter’s Night” celebration. The event will include a full dinner and dancing to the Spice Band after. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum or by calling 707.939.7862. The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is located at 551 Broadway.
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is having music and food events throughout the day. The Steve Rubardt Jazz Trio will be playing jazz from 4-7 p.m. and after dinner, the band Topcat will provide the dance grooves. Reservations are recommended by calling 707.938.9000. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is located at 100 Boyes Blvd. in Boyes Hot Springs.
Steiner’s Tavern on the square is having the Hellhounds for an evening of blues. The show starts at 9 p.m. and there is no cover. Dave Chavoya and the boys always play to a packed house. Drink specials and party favors as well. Steiner’s Tavern is located at 465 1st St. West.
The El Verano Inn is doing an open mic with all the usual suspects. The El Verano Inn is located at 705 Laurel Ave. in El Verano; 707.935.0611.
Have fun, but be careful out there
If you think you’re seeing an unusual number of highway patrol on the roads this week, it’s not your imagination. The California Highway Patrol is deploying up to 80 percent of its uniformed officers during the holiday Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP).
On top of that, other drivers may be playing Grinch as well. The CHP has posted highway advisories on major thoroughfares encouraging all motorists to keep a look out for signs of driving under the influence and to report any such incidents by calling 911 and providing a description of the vehicle, its location and its direction. (Needless to say, if you can read the other car’s license plate, you’re probably too close.)
If all else fails, call Vern’s to send a taxi to take you home; punch in 707.938.8885.
Statewide, 38 people were killed during the last New Year’s MEP, and the CHP made 1481 DUI arrests.
Be patient, be courteous and be aware of prevailing weather factors that may influence highway conditions, and you’ll increase your odds of welcoming in 2008 in safety, comfort and one piece.
The Lodge at Sonoma is having Sonoma’s sweetheart Dana Land and her trio. Dana has a great jazz routine and always has great accompanists with her. Show starts at 9:30 p.m. and there is a $15 cover. You can get more info by calling 707.935.6600. The Lodge at Sonoma is located at 1325 Broadway.
