All-Female Mariachi Band Celebrates Mexican Heritage, Leadership

Cinco de Mayo honors the victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

The 12-piece Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano is the first all-female mariachi collaborative in the northern Bay Area. Founded in 2007, they have rapidly been grabbing attention and turning heads by performing at local community events and private parties. The collaborative's representative, Lilia Chavez, says their mission is to lead by example and honor Mexican culture, mariachi tradition and women in the arts. Chavez said they must respect and carry on the gifts that the ancestors left them. Many of the members have family that play mariachi. They come from all over the Bay Area and practice in Albany and South San Francisco, "to give the neighbors a break," said Chavez. Cinco De Mayo marks the 1862 battle of Puebla, during which …

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Photos from Friday's Sonoma International Film Festival

From women in jazz to field workers of the wine harvest to the Quinceañera film fiesta, it was a full day at Sonoma's International Film Festival.

Day two of the 15th annual Sonoma International Film Festival filled the venues  of the Plaza area with international filmmakers and fans. Films got underway at 9:30 a.m. with "Headhunters" from Norway, and continued though "Lady Gaga's Secret World" and "Habana Eva" late in the evening. The documentary about women in jazz, "The Girls in the Band," drew a near-capacity audience to the Sebastiani Theater in mid-afternoon, and the area premiere of sometime Patch contributor John Beck's documentary feature on wine grape field workers "Harvest" filled to overflowing the Sebastiani Winery Barrel Room at 5 p.m. with an appreciative crowd of wine-lovers. A lively party celebrated La Quinceañera at the Backlot festival tent, with music, dancing, …

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Maneuvering the Rest of the Sonoma International Film Festival

This year, the festival marks its 15th birthday with a roster of more than 120 documentaries, shorts and feature films, hailing from 29 countries. The problem: What are you going to see.

The cars and crowds and backlot are going up around town – the Sonoma International Film Festival is in our midst. This year, the festival marks its 15th birthday with a roster of more than 120 documentaries, shorts and feature films, hailing from 29 countries. The problem: what are you going to see. The festival's got a few creative ways to break down your game plan: check out Festival Director Kevin McNeely's list of 'films for hipsters' here, or, for the boot-cut jean set, select your attendance list by favorite tweet – follow some of this years filmmakers on twitter here. Or, maybe you'd like to take our word for it – here's our survival guide to the can't-miss action. THURSDAY, APRIL 12 Student Film Showcase, Sebastiani Theater 9 a.m…

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Meet the Filth Master: John Waters to be Featured at the Sonoma International Film Festival

The 15th annual film festival pays tribute to the innovative filmmaker.

Here's to you filth followers: John Waters is the featured guest at the 15th annual Sonoma International Film Festival, festival organizers announced today through a series of Twitter and Facebook posts. The festival pays tribute to innovative filmmaker and director with a series of events, including Waters’ one-man “vaudeville” act, celebrating the career and obsessional tastes of the man William Burroughs once called “The Pope of Trash.” “John Waters exemplifies some of America’s most unique filmmaking beyond mainstream storylines. His ability to portray extreme characters with both darkness and humor is a testament to his extreme talent,” said Festival Director Kevin McNeely. “We are excited and honored to have him attend our festival…

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Film Makes Shelter Dogs' Dreams Come True

Rescue dog feature 'Doggie Boogie' shows again Sunday at 9:30 a.m. at the Vintage House

  Amidst the cinematic grand dreams of filmmakers shaping up for the Sonoma International Film Festival, one film has simpler goals: Bringing a better life to man's best friend. Doggie Boogie, which premieres at the festival later this week, tells the story of a young woman and her uncle and their dog-centric dreams; Respectively they're an aspiring vet and dog dancer – whatever that means. The aspirational plot-lines are matched by the technicolor set and imaginative props: the film has been called the "Wizard of Oz for Dogs." But the film doesn't stop with one dog's tale, Director Romanus Wolter is partnering with dog rescue group Herd It Through The Grapevine (HTTGV) to help make the dreams of civilian dogs come true. Specializing in …

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Local Musicians Encouraged to Play for 'Real Music'

Regional Oliver’s Market starts series of CDs from area talent to benefit the Redwood Empire Food Bank

You’ve heard the ads, you’ve read the slogan: “Real Food, Real People.” Starting next month, the customers at Rohnert Park-based Oliver’s Markets will be able to place yet another homegrown product in their shopping carts: Real Music. The three-store chain  is taking its homegrown concept to a new level with the launch of  Sonoma County Real Music, a multi-faceted campaign that promotes local music and musicians. At the cornerstone of the program is a series of compilation CDs that will be sold at Oliver’s Markets starting next month, with profits benefiting the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Submissions are now being accepted for The Sonoma County Real Music Compilation Vol. 1, the first of three slated for 2012. "While our local music scene …

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San Francisco Symphony to Perform Four Concerts at New Music Center

Tickets will be available in July for 2012-13 season

SSU Student Named Miss Sonoma County

Jessica Greer named to title at ceremony Saturday night at Spreckels Center in Rohnert Park.

Whiz Kid of the Week: Kiyomi Wall

This young woman has a passion for dance as well as teaching.

Each week, Rohnert Park Patch will feature a remarkable kid, teen, youth group, sports team, or even college student that amazes us with their achievement. Some people gotta sing while others, like Kiyomi, gotta dance. Patch Whiz Kid of the Week Name/Age: Kiyomi Wall / 14 School: Attends Santa Rosa High School. Achievement: This avid dancer has steadily worked up to become a senior member of the advanced dance group at McGrath's. She has been with the Academy for over two years now and is fondly known as "Princess McGrath." Along with dancing ballet, jazz, and contemporary (which is her favorite), Kiyomi also recently started teaching at the school as well. After training with Amy McGrath she is a first-year teacher for kids 4 to 10 years …

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Whiz Kids of the Week: McGrath's Kids Company

This local troop is the Rohnert Park version of Glee.

Each week, Rohnert Park Patch will feature a remarkable kid, teen, youth group, sports team, or even college student that amazes us with their achievement. Music, costumes, singing and dancing all combine together for the girls of this amazing local performance group. Patch Whiz Kids of the Week Names: Clara, Tessa, Hannah, Magdalena, Arianna and Cheyenne. School: Attend schools in Rohnert Park, Petaluma and Novato. Achievement: The Kids Company is a special group within McGrath's studio comprised of girls who are very interested in performance and show promise in both singing and dancing. The girls, who range from 7 to 13, are either invited to the company or can audition. The Kids Company is taught by Ashley Kimball, who is the Academy's…

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