Petaluma
Soil Not Oil
Come explore practical solutions to climate change at the annual Soil Not Oil International Conference.This event, held at Tara Firma Farms, will include presentations from Calla Rose Ostrander, natural and working lands climate change coordinator at California Natural Resource Agency; author and energy expert Richard Heinberg, discussing the shifting energy terrain; Dr. Elaine Ingham, who uncovered the Soil Food Web four decades ago; Pamm Larry, the initial instigator of Prop. 37; author, teacher and ecofeminist Starhawk; Dr. Ignacio Chapela; filmmaker John D. Liu; Stacy Malkan; author Jeffrey Smith; Diana Donlon, MD; Michelle Perro; Miriam Volat; and many more. The 8th Soil Not Oil Gathering will take place Sept. 17-18 at Tara Firma Farms, 3796 I St., Petaluma. Tickets $100-$300. www.soilnotoilcoalition.org
Glen Ellen
Stargazing
Before summer ends, spend an evening under the stars at the Star Party at Robert Ferguson Observatory. Throughout the course of the evening, presentations on various astronomical topics will be given, and at dusk the observatory’s three main telescopes will be available for star viewing, with helpful and informed docents on hand to educate and answer questions. Spot the Andromeda Galaxy, Betelgus, Aries, Orion and more. Be delighted by the miracle of the night sky! The Star Party will take place Saturday, Sept. 17 at the Robert Ferguson Observatory, 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd., Kenwood. 9-12pm. Tickets are $10 per adult, $5 for seniors 62+, students and youth, 12 to 17. Under 12 free. Registration required. www.rfo.org
Point Reyes
Terra Art Collective
Spend some time this weekend considering a better future for humans and the planet through the lens of art. Terra Art Collective will present the work of artists Shannon Amidon, Michele Guieu, Leah Jay and Deborah Kennedy, who produce art focused on ecological challenges, at Gallery Route One in Point Reyes Station. The show features watercolors, encaustics and interactive installations that help viewers and creators to imagine a new way of interacting with our world—creating a healthy, high-functioning natural environment, while also meeting human needs. The Terra Art Collective show will run through Oct. 2 at Gallery Route One, 11101 Highway One, Ste. 1101, Point Reyes.
Nicasio
Charlie Musselwhite
The classic Rancho Nicasio welcomes blues legend Charlie Musselwhite. Born in Mississippi and making his way to California by way of Memphis and Chicago, Musselwhite cut a record with his landmark Stand Back! to rave reviews at only 22. He relocated to San Francisco in 1967, where his album was being played on underground radio, and was welcomed with open arms into the counterculture scene as an authentic purveyor of the real deal blues. He has been touring for the last 50 years, giving credence to the theory that great music only gets better with age. Come on out and see for yourselves! Musselwhite plays Sunday, Sept. 18 at Rancho Nicasio, 1 Old Rancheria Rd., Nicasio. Gates open at 3pm. Tickets $40. www.ranchonicasio.com
—Jane Vick
