The good, the bad and the Oscars
Now that the nominations have been announced, let’s talk about them and what people should try to see before the big show. And once we get closer (the Oscars are March 15 this year), I’ll write my annual piece on what will win versus what should win.
Persistence of Memory
Quality-of-life issues onstage in Cloverdale
Two men converse while one of them fishes off of a Chesapeake Bay dock. The fisherman regales the stranger with tales of fishing with his son. The stranger seems somewhat confused by the conversation. A woman soon approaches. As they...
Healdsburg stakes claim as year-round jazz destination
This year brings the second Healdsburg Winter Jazz Festival, which starts Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Harmon Guest House’s Merritt Hall and concludes Sunday night, Feb. 1, at the Healdsburg Community Church. It once again showcases a diverse line-up of jazz talent, genres and venues. A total of six programs are being presented at off-beat stages, with a suitably wide-ranging menu of music.
Healdsburg Happenings, Jan. 22 – 30
Among other events this week there's an informal gathering to hear firsthand reflections from Dr. Gary Barth’s recent work in Ukraine, including stories, progress and challenges from his December 2025 trip to bring protective eye-wear to Ukrainian troops in the field.
Mexican hero becomes a family legend
Local drama takes another step forward with the next play at the Raven, "Who Will Dance with Pancho Villa?" But the production, which opens on Jan. 22 for an eight-performance run, is hardly new. Gabriel Fraire and his brother John wrote it over 30 years ago and it had its first off-Broadway performance in New York in 1994.
Healdsburg Happenings, Jan. 8-20
SINGING AND DANCING! Members of the Young At Heart Theatre rehearse for the upcoming performances of ‘Fosse!’ at the Raven. The education theater group will also present ‘Come Together,’ based around the music of the Beatles, this same weekend.
Critics pick theaters’ top tix
It’s that time of year when critics look back and attempt to encapsulate an entire year’s worth of productions into one easy-to-read list of the “best of” the year. Why? Because ...
New Year Happenings, January 1-8, 2026
Ease into the new year with the “NOT King Cole” trio, playing without a drummer and featuring tunes from the golden age of jazz. At the Spirit Bar, 6-9pm Saturdays.
New Year’s Eve dining ideas
Is there such a thing as “the most coveted New Year’s Eve party in Healdsburg”? According to the Quinn Public Relations firm, there is—and it’s at the new Appellation Healdsburg. Considering it only opened for business in September, that’s quite an accomplishment.
Holiday Happenings, Dec. 25-Jan. 2
“Our Favorite Toys” features toys and photos of the children who loved them. Museum visitors will delight in seeing barbies, Teddy bears, games, stuffed animals, toy trucks and watching the Christmas train toot through town.

















