Sunday July 24 at 4 pm. 3 Acre Holler at Occidental Center for the Arts Amphitheater. 3 Acre Holler was founded by Occidental’s beloved meter reader Cori Wood and singer/multi-instrumentalist Layne Bowen. Joining Cori and Layne are Paul Shelasky on fiddle and mandolin, Cary Black on bass and Michael Capella on dobro. 3 Acre Holler offers Appalachian inspired material, with a penchant for songs with darker themes such as unnrequited love, moonshine, tragedy and death. In addition to their own songs, 3 Acre Holler covers songs by contemporary writers including guys named Hank. They do like to sing a few happy songs, so you will likely leave with a copy of their new CD in your hand! Tickets $20 GA, $15 for OCA members at www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org, or at the door. Outdoor event – please bring your own seat cushion or low back chair. Disabled patrons may reserve seating at ground level @ info@occidentalcenterforthearts.org . Fine refreshments for sale, art gallery open during intermission. Become an OCA Member and get discounts/free admission. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental,CA. 95465. 707-874-9392.
Would it be Pride without a truly fabulous playlist? While there are some great Pride anthems out there that we all know and love (“I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross or “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga), you can never have enough queer goodness on your playlist.
One wonderful thing about Pride is it allows us the opportunity to celebrate artists from the community itself, so let’s shout about seven queer artists you need to be searching for and adding to your playlists. Because whether you want a timeless bop that will have you singing hairbrush karaoke or a power ballad that’ll get you in your feelings, they’ve got you covered.
Fletcher
Known mononymously by her last name, Cari Elise Fletcher is an American singer-songwriter who makes bops for the girls and the gays. You might know her from her breakthrough single “Undrunk,” which was a hit in 2019.
The singer, who identifies as queer, makes no secret of her love for women, both online and in her music, previously stating that she is “attracted to strong feminine energy which just so happens to more likely than not be women.”
If you want to start off with a bop, listen to “Cherry,” a seductive pop banger in collaboration with the lesbian Jesus herself, Hayley Kiyoko.
The Aces consists of guitarist Katie Henderson, bassist McKenna Petty, and sisters Alisa Ramirez and Cristal Ramirez. Three out of four members of the alternative band are lesbians, and they make beautiful and authentic queer bops.
The band has two albums to their name: their debut When My Heart Felt Volcanic and their latest Under My Influence. However, it’s taken them a while to get to a place of releasing unapologetic women-loving anthems, after initially avoiding pronouns in their music after being told their songs “wouldn’t sell.”
Thankfully, that changed, and now we have them to thank for bangers like “Bad Love,” “Don’t Freak” (which tackles the issue of anxiety and panic attacks), “Kelly,” and more.
If you don’t know Years & Years, get to know them! Now the solo project of British singer Olly Alexander, the band originally formed in 2010. Alexander makes electropop, mixing R&B and 1990s house elements to create anthems that will have you sprinting to the dance floor.
Alexander has collaborated with gay icons like Elton John and Kylie Minogue, to name just two, and his music is a breath of fresh air for the queer community. It’s unabashedly him and what shines through is the care he has for others and the responsibility he feels to be a voice for his community. If you want to start off with a timeless bop, listen to “Starstruck” or “All For You.”
Kehlani garnered a legion of fans following the release of their debut record, SweetSexySavage, in 2017. They’ve been making open and honest music ever since, documenting the ups and downs of their life, from sexuality to pregnancy and depression, offering visibility and representation for non-binary people in the process.
After updating their pronouns on Twitter to she/they, the singer shared with Byrdie Magazine in 2021 that they prefer “they” because “something feels really affirming when people say they” and that “it feels like you really see me.”
Kehlani has become a staple in R&B music for LGBTQ people and it’s easy to understand why.
Baby Queen—real name Arabella Latham—is a South African singer whose work was taken into the hearts of millions after she wrote her hit “Colours of You” for Netflix’s coming-of-age series, Heartstopper. But she’s no one-trick pony. Baby Queen’s discography is bursting with fun, thrills, emotion, and pride. She’s got songs about unrequited love, the angst of being in your early twenties, and just stumbling through life. She even penned a track about Killing Eve star Jodie Comer (“Want Me”).
Latham has said she wants her music to be “uncomfortably honest,” and that’s certainly what it is. If you want a starting point, try “Dover Beach.”
When Muna members Katie Gavin, Josette Maskin, and Naomi McPherson first started their band in 2014, they carefully considered whether they wanted to be an “out” band or not. Fortunately for their queer fans, they chose to be loud and proud, with all members being queer and McPherson non-binary.
Muna said “gay rights” when they collaborated with Phoebe Bridgers for “Silk Chiffon,” which is basically a sweet and tender love song about how soft girls are. They also offered a safe space for their community with “I Know A Place,” which has become something of an LGBTQ anthem.
All of their songs are so carefully crafted with such heart and feeling, whether they’re singing about how the world could be ending and all you’d be thinking about is that one person (“Everything”) or tackling dark matters like sexual assault (“Loudspeaker”), listening to their tunes offers communion and catharsis.
Lisa Lynne & Aryeh Frankfurter: Celtic Harp, Swedish Nyckelharpa and more! at Occidental Center for the Arts. Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter are an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist duo playing Celtic harps, Swedish nyckelharpa, Ukrainian bandura, bouzouki, cittern and more. They hail from Oregon and tour extensively, both having successful recording and performing careers built from years of street performing and a background as rock musicians.They have performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in folk and acoustic music, and have sold well over a million albums combined. Don’t miss this spellbinding concert! Tickets are $25 General/$20 for OCA Members @ www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. OCA follows current Sonoma County Public Health guidelines. Fine refreshments including wine and beer for sale. Art Gallery exhibit will be open for viewing. OCA is a non profit performing and fine arts center accessible to persons with disabilities. Become an OCA Member and get discounts/free admission. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental,CA. 95465. 707-874-9392.
Sunday May 22 at 4 pm. Nina Gerber and Chris Webster at Occidental Center for the Arts. Join us in our amphitheater for a special outdoor performance by Sonoma County favorites Nina Gerber and Chris Webster! Music fans know Nina GerberandChris Webster as two of the most skilled and artful musical talents. Webster’s voice is uniquely compelling while Gerber’s guitar is beautiful and powerful. Their musical partnership has spanned over 25 years. Don’t miss this magical afternoon concert of soulful originals, tasteful covers, jazzy songs and folk tunes in our outdoor amphitheater! $30 General/$25 OCA Members at www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. Bring a cushion or low back seat for your comfort. Fine refreshments including wine and beer for sale. Art Gallery exhibit will be open for viewing. OCA is a non profit performing and fine arts center accessible to persons with disabilities. Become an OCA Member and get discounts/free admission. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental, CA. 95465.
Saturday May 21 @ 7:30 pm. Guitar Master Claude Bourbon at Occidental Center for the Arts. OCA is pleased to welcome back internationally acclaimed guitarist Claude Bourbon: Medieval, Spanish and Progressive Blues. On tour once again from the U.K., the French born guitar virtuoso has crafted a compelling acoustic fusion of blues, jazz, folk, classical and Spanish guitar, with his unique vocals. Don’t miss this remarkable performer as he returns to our acoustic sweet spot once again!$25 General/$20 for OCA Members at www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. OCA is following current Sonoma County Public Health guidelines. Fine refreshments including wine and beer for sale. Art Gallery exhibit will be open for viewing. OCA is a non profit performing and fine arts center accessible to persons with disabilities. Become an OCA Member and get discounts/free admission. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental,CA. 95465
May 6, 7, 8,14, 15. Occidental Community Choir Spring Concerts 2022. Born around a bonfire in Occidental in the winter of 1978, OCC is thrilled to emerge from the recent darkness to present an exciting Spring 2020 concert series titled Common Ground . Under the inspired direction of Gage Purdy, we offer a unique blend of original compositions and contemporary and classical songs from outside composers, plus some poetry and theatrics, to highlight themes that unite us all. They include caring for an aging parent, social and political injustice, environmental warriors, personal responsibility, airport security announcements, the diaspora of refugees… even raccoons! And you won’t want to miss our rendition of Smash Mouth’s ‘All Star’ as an English madrigal! All concerts will be held at Occidental Center for the Arts, following current Sonoma County public health guidelines for masking and capacity. Friday, May 6 @ 7pm – Community First Night $10,Saturday, May 7 @ 7 pm, Sunday May 8 @ 3 pm, Saturday, May 14 @ 7 pm, Sunday May 15 @ 3 pm . Tickets are $25 . Kids 12 and under FREE. Available @ OccidentalChoir.org/tickets after March 21. Get your tickets early! Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental, CA. 95465. Accessible to persons with disabilities.
Saturday, April 30 @ 6 pm. The Musers at Occidental Center for the Arts. Come celebrate life, creativity and the release of CD #4 with Sonoma County’s fun-loving folk trio. The Musers are Anita Sandwina, Megan McLaughlin and Tom Kuhn, with the tasteful addition of Chris Govea on drums. Enjoy their sweet harmonies, diverse musical styles, and exceptional song craft in our acoustic sweet spot. Tickets are $25 General Admission, $20 for OCA Members @ www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. OCA is following current County Public Health guidelines. Fine refreshments including wine and beer for sale. Art Gallery exhibit will be open for viewing. OCA is a non profit performing and fine arts center accessible to persons with disabilities. Become an OCA Member and get discounts/free admission. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental, CA. 95465. 707-874-9392.
Friday, April 22 @ 7:30 pm. Laurie Lewis and Friends at Occidental Center for the Arts. OCA is pleased to welcome back the iconic bluegrass and Americana singer/songwriter/ fiddler Laurie Lewis! For nearly four decades, Laurie Lewis has gathered fans and honors for her powerful and emotive voice and her versatile, dynamic songwriting. She is a sought-after recording producer, teacher and mentor. And she is an inspiration and a ground-breaker – across genres, geography and gender barriers. Don’t miss Laurie’s return to OCA with her fine band of musicians including Brandon Godman on fiddle, Mark Shatz on bass and Sam Reider on accordion. Tickets are $30 General, $25 for OCA members@www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. OCA is following current Sonoma County Public Health guidelines. Fine refreshments including wine and beer for sale. Art Gallery exhibit will be open for viewing. OCA is a non profit performing and fine arts center accessible to persons with disabilities. Become an OCA Member and get discounts/free admission. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental,CA. 95465
Saturday, April 9 @ 7:30 pm. ‘Sonoma County’s Got Talent!’ at Occidental Center for the Arts. Join us for our annual showcase of local talent on the OCA stage! A variety of community performers will entertain us during this fundraiser to support our Center. Tickets are $25 General Admission, $20 for OCA Members @ www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. OCA is following current County Public Health guidelines. Fine refreshments including wine and beer for sale. Art Gallery exhibit will be open for viewing. OCA is a non profit performing and fine arts center accessible to persons with disabilities. Become an OCA Member and get discounts/free admission. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct., Occidental, CA. 95465. 707-874-9392.
Saturday April 2 @ 4:20 pm. Electric Tumbleweed at Occidental Center for the Arts. Let’s rock! don’t miss this well known psychedelic outlaw country band performance immediately after the Fool’s Day Parade! Electric Tumbleweed are: Scotty Brown, Bud Dillard, Rhyne Erde, Riley Hill; with Scott Guberman and Dave Zirbel. Tickets are $25 General/$20 for OCA Members @ www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org. OCA is following current Sonoma County Health guidelines for masking and capacity. Fine refreshments including wine and beer available. Art Gallery exhibit will be open for viewing. OCA is a non profit performing and fine arts center accessible to persons with disabilities. Become an OCA Member and get discounts/free admission. Occidental Center for the Arts, 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental, CA. 95465, 707-874-9392.
