Search by Artist’s last name:
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Pages:

CREATIVES

Entrepreneurs.  Innovators.  Interpreters of life’s jagged edges and silken pathways.  Soothsayers and sorcerers.  These words and more define the creative individuals who have chosen Sonoma as their home.  Explore their methods and mediums in these pages and be inspired.

Are you a creative professional in Sonoma County working to satisfy your artistic expression and make a living with your work?  Register HERE to have your own page included on CreativeSonoma.org.

Hatchet
Hatchet Music
Dustin Heald
Dustin Heald Audio, Composition, Crew, Film, Film Office, General Services, Instrumental, Media, Multi-Media, Music, Other, Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Technical, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal Located in California's North Bay Area, Dustin Heald is a multifaceted artist specializing in Music, Makeup Effects, sculpture, Special Prop fabrication, and character design. Dustin has experience working in film, television and theater, as well as mask making, casualty simulation, and hair work. He has worked on projects in LA, Pittsburgh PA, Cairo Egypt, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Dustin is a singer/songwriter who plays guitar and drums. He is involved in various collaborative projects with other artists as well as producing his own original material.
Marshall House Project
Marshall House Project Music Marshall House Project is a driving soul-funk outfit with one foot rooted in the deep pockets of the past and the other fearlessly exploring the deep fry of the future. The sound is an electric eclectic love-child: the product of an affair between Jimi Hendrix and the Funky Meters, after a long night of drinking with space aliens, and jamming to Bob on the jukebox. The power quartet delivers a mash-up of energetic funk and slinky soul with a psychedelic twist and a chili salt rim. The mission: to create an uplifting dance experience, spun full of twists and turns, interlaced with conscious reflective lyrics, expanding, contracting and alive like a universe unto itself.
Makayla Hunziker
Makayla Hunziker Artisan, Illustration, Jewelry, Literature, Music, Other, Painting, Photography, Poetry, Visual Arts, Vocal "I wish I could do whatever I liked behind the curtain of "madness". Then: I'd arrange flowers, all day long, I'd paint; pain, love, and tenderness, I would laugh as much as I feel like at the stupidity of others, and they would say: "poor thing, she's crazy!" (Above all I would laugh at my own stupidity.) I would build my own world which while I lived, would be an agreement with all worlds. The day, or the hour, or the minute that I lived would be mine and everyone else's- my madness would not be an escape from "reality".  - Frida Kahlo
Matthew Isais Bowker
Matthew Isais Bowker Composition, Instrumental, Music, Teacher/Instructor Matthew Isais Bowker is a Mexican-Italian- American Saxophonist, composer and educator. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and California Teaching Credential from Sonoma State University. Matthew’s mission in music is to bridge the gap between classical music and music of the Latinx/ Hispanic communities. Many members of the Latinx community don’t feel welcome in a concert hall because of the Western European traditions which have excluded them. His hope is to welcome people into classical music by playing music they’re used to hearing but set for a classical ensemble. There are many classical works written by Latinx composers that are never heard because classical ensembles don’t program them. Matthew is actively trying to change that by personally performing those works, as well as folk/ Mariachi, and arranging them for saxophone and piano to get them heard. As an educator, he feels it is important to have representation in the classroom and have children play music they can relate to instead of the same music that has been used for years. He is arranging Mexican folk music, mariachi music and many other traditional Latinx music for school ensembles like concert bands, wind ensembles, string orchestras, and symphony orchestras. He hopes that these arrangements can act as an avenue to diversity the classroom and teach about Latinx culture and traditions. If we want to see real change in our community, we have to start within the classroom.
Jennifer Joyce
Jennifer Joyce Artisan, Ceramics, Functional Art, Instrumental, Jewelry, Music, Other, Other, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Visual Arts, Vocal

Jennifer Joyce, a native of Southern California, embarked on a life of creating functional and sculptural ceramics in 1995.

Joyce is a sculptor and ceramist whose body of work is both thoughtful and whimsical.  She brings a unique background in dance, music, archaeology and photography to her art.  As a past modern dancer and working archaeologist, Jennifer weaves lightness and whimsy, movement, dance and music into her pieces.

Jennifer opened her own ceramics school in Santa Monica, California in 1995 for 18 years and established another location in San Clemente in 2013.  In her San Clemente studio she continued her ceramics school and also founded the Artists Studios of San Clemente, an artist studio collective that is still thriving.

Since moving to Sonoma County, Jennifer has opened her private studio to teaching ceramics and sculpture, has taught numerous classes and workshops at the Sonoma Community Center, teaches for the Mentor Program and has taught part-time at the Sonoma Academy in Santa Rosa.  Her emphasis is on hand building, wheel throwing and figurative sculpture.


Jacqueline Kramer
Jacqueline Kramer Illustration, Music, Painting, Visual Arts, Vocal Jacqueline Kramer graduated from Bennington College with a degree in painting and sculpture where she focused on large color field stain paintings and sculpture made from found objects. Her first one- woman show, which exhibited her rendition of the Zen series, the “The 10 Bulls”, was in 1979 in Napa, California. Her watercolors and mixed media paintings, of eucalyptus and local flowers, are in personal collections. Jacqueline taught art at the Julie Nation Fashion Institute and color line and design through the Santa Rosa Junior College. She lives and paints in Sonoma, California. I am interested in making art that sheds light on the beauty and interconnectedness of life, especially in places where beauty and interconnectedness is hard to find. My work is informed by my Zen Buddhist practice, by a response to what is happening in the world and by expressionist and color field painters such as Monet, Van Gogh, Rothko and Chagall. Using color, line and design, experimentation and a determination to bring about work that has depth and significance, I am interested in inspiring others to look at life around them with fresh eyes.  
Garrison Krohn
Garrison Krohn Music Music connects us. It allows us to share and shout what would normally be kept inside and therefore lay painfully dormant. I joyfully get to open that door for myself and for others, and I prefer to leave it open every second of everyday.  
Harve Landros
Harve Landros Music
Lenkadu
Lenkadu Audio, Composition, Instrumental, Media, Multi-Media, Music, Video, Vocal Floating from the Czech Republic, by way of the Netherlands and Boston, and now based in Forestville, Lenkadu is an electronic music performer active since 2010. Her sets combine the power of a DJ with the vulnerability of a live performer. She samples her field recordings, makes beats, plays drums and processes her voice as well as a range of instruments, while controlling Ableton Live software with her feet. Lenkadu draws inspiration from nature sounds to anything that ‘inspires to’ – pop, classical, electronic music and, believe it or not, metal. Building on extensive experience as a touring VJ, video is an integral element of each song and projected behind Lenkadu on stage. She creates her visuals from photos and video content she shoots around the world. Lenkadu’s shows are ethereal and psychedelic experiences fueled by an empowered yet gentle vision of personal transformation and collective consciousness. Touring Lenkadu’s notable appearances include opening for acts such as Bassnectar and Lotus. Recent shows • 3rd Thursdays monthly Beats Before Bed, Lagunitas Brewing Co. Petaluma • February 22 Dhyana Center, Sebastopol All live shows are streamed via Facebook live on @Lenkadu page Releases All music available via www.Lenkadu.com • Feb 2019 Come Along Single • March 2018 Monkey Single • Feb 2018 Vision Board Single • January 2018 You Can Buy Anything You Please Single • Nov 2017 One on One Single • Nov 2016 Details of Love Album • 2012 Sonic Bank Album
Leslie M. Levy
Leslie M. Levy Acting, Artisan, Audio, Composition, Crew, Directing, Fiction, Film, Film Office, Folk Art, Improvisation, Literature, Media, Mixed, Multi-Media, Multimedia, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Photography, Poetry, Production, Storytelling, Talent, Technical, Theatre, Video, Visual Arts, Vocal I am a developing multifaceted creative based in Sonoma County, offering a breadth of knowledge and growing experience. Currently a senior at Sonoma State University in Communication and Media, I am looking for collaborative and mentorship opportunities within Sonoma County primarily and the Bay Area at large. A writer to the bone, I have experience with video work of all kinds (mostly camera, lighting, and directing/producing, some with editing) as well as some audio experience (ever-expanding because it is my second passion next to writing). I believe I have a lot to offer in a wide range of areas and love helping creative juices flow like watersheds into a project.
American Lore
American Lore Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Rock, then and now. American Lore brings everyone’s favorite classic rock back to the stage and continues the story of rock through original music. With bass, drums, guitar, and vocals, the line-up consists of collegiate level musicians who are all also lifetime rock fans. Their enthusiasm for the music brings audiences to sing with and dance along to all their favorites. American Lore covers songs from ACDC, Journey, Led Zeppelin, Heart, Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith, and more. They have had the pleasure of playing for crowds in venues ranging from large jet hangars to rocking it up at local Bay Area pubs. The band thrives on giving these music classics their proper respect and giving audiences a live performance that brings them back to the good old days of rock and roll! Band Members: Aleena Decker, Vocals: Aleena is a classically trained vocalist, from Redondo Beach, CA, with a B.A. degree in History and Music from Sonoma State University. She has had the pleasure of performing with L.A. Opera, Sonoma State University Chamber Singers, and the Healdsburg Chorus. Along with classical training, Aleena received jazz vocal training from Sonoma State University and is an avid jazz musician and improvisationalist. She brings her musical training and rock enthusiasm to life in Vintage Crush. Scott Decker, Guitar: Scott, a Healdsburg native, was first drawn to music by way of the guitar at age 13. He began studying guitar with local guitar player and educator Chris Pimentel. Scott’s formal music education started at the Santa Rosa Junior College where he discovered his love for the jazz art form while studying under Bennett Friedman. Later, Scott received a B.A. in Jazz Guitar Performance from Sonoma State University, earning the honorary Mel Graves ‘Distinguished Graduate in the field of Jazz’ award. Scott has had the pleasure of studying and playing music with such notable artists and educators: Dayna Stephens, Randy Vincent, Doug Leibinger, Matt Wilson, Babatunde Lea, Julian Lage, Steve Rubardt, Cliff Hugo, Kendrick Freeman, and more. Scott has been playing and studying music for two decades, and can be found playing in various musical groups throughout Sonoma County. Ian Riggle, Bass: Ian has played bass guitar for nearly three decades. He received his degree in Recording Arts Technology from Full Sail University, a premier media arts college in Florida. Through Ian’s passion for sound engineering and music, Ian created a state of the art home recording studio, which he uses to record his own musical projects as well as many other Sonoma County bands. Ian is Vintage Crush’s newest band member, joining in December of 2016. He has been a wonderful addition to the group in many ways. Ryan Comiskey, Drums: Ryan has been playing drums for 35 years. Ryan received a B.A. in in Jazz Drums from Sonoma State University under the direction of the late Mel Graves. Outside of school, Ryan enjoys jamming in “garage bands” of all rock and jazz types. He has been on dozens of local Sonoma County recordings. Ryan has played at both small and large venues (Konocti Harbor, Mystic Theater…) around Northern California. To Ryan, if it isn’t playing fun music with great people, it’s not worth it.
David Luning
David Luning Music, Vocal John Prine forced David Luning to drop out of college. Not at gunpoint or anything— the two had never even met—but the effect of hearing the songwriting legend's music for the first time had an equally compelling effect on Luning, who was studying film scoring at the Berklee College of Music in Boston at the time. Now an accomplished artist in his own right, Luning is preparing to release his most dynamic and gripping collection to date, 'Restless,' and he can trace it all back to one fateful night that changed everything. "A couple of friends invited me over to share some songs at their apartment, and that was the first time I'd ever really listened to Americana music or folk or country or whatever you want to call it," remembers Luning. "They showed me John Prine, and it just resonated with me so much. I was like, 'Oh my god, this is what I have to do with my life.' I just figured it out in that moment." Luning dropped out of school almost immediately, moved back to his native California, and devoted himself to songwriting and performing. He worked his way up through open mics to large festival performances, piecing together a band to flesh out his songs along the way and hitting the road to tour with a fierce determination. His self- released debut album, 'Just Drop On By,' garnered acclaim from both critics and fellow musicians alike, with country megastar Keith Urban hailing Luning's "staunch originality." Songs from the album landed numerous film and TV placements, most recently on NBC's 'Grimm,' and Luning's reputation for exhilarating live performances earned him dates with luminaries like Jackie Greene, Dave and Phil Alvin, and Elvin Bishop, along with a slew of festival performances up and down the West Coast. If 'Just Drop On by' announced the arrival of a promising new talent, 'Restless' delivers on that potential and then some. Recorded under the guidance of engineer/producer Karl Derfler (Tom Waits, Dave Matthews) and with Luning's longtime live bandmates— Ben Dubin (bass & harmonica), Linden Reed (drums), and Dave Sampson (guitar & mandolin)—the album marks a major step forward, both sonically and emotionally. https://www.davidluning.com/ 
Mother Magica
Mother Magica Artisan, Audio, Choreography, Composition, Dance, Design, Fashion Design, Instrumental, Jewelry, Media, Music, Other, Photography, Video, Visual Arts, Vocal

Artist , Muse, CRAZY

I am a creative designer and maker of music, videos, jewelery, clothing, wigs, dance and short storys..... I am a constant comic in all ways of life. Being able to laugh at everything is my true gift. I practice gratitude... I am sooooo greatfull to be alive and able to inspire you to create and love!
Dan Martin
Dan Martin Audio, Composition, Instrumental, Media, Music, Teacher/Instructor, Vocal Northern California native, Dan Martin has been writing songs and performing in bands since he was 17 years old. A student of drums, as well as guitars and vocals, his passions are found within Reggae and Ska as well as Jazz, Rock and Folk. In 2009, Dan began performing as a solo artist, creating a local buzz through songs with lyrical honesty and an upbeat, danceable feel. Leading into 2010 he began the formation of a backing band, recruiting other local musician-friends who shared in his passion for the Rocksteady vibes. By 2012 the band had solidified into a full 7-piece band, The Noma Rocksteady Band and they lit-up dance floors wherever they went. Performing at venues throughout Northern California, Dan and The Noma Rocksteady Band has shared bills with such acts as The Melodians, Pato Banton, Israel Vibrations, Burnt, and Midnight Sun Massive. Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band continue to lighten the spirit and shake the dance floor with old-school reggae rhythms, while maintaining a unique contemporary sound.
Buzzy Martin
Buzzy Martin Composition, Instrumental, Literature, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Vocal Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Buzzy taught himself to play the guitar and piano at the age of 13. At the age of 15, he performed with his first band as the lead singer, playing guitar and keyboards. Buzzy has been making his dream real, one step at a time. After graduating from high school there were the traveling cover bands, steadily touring the Midwest from Michigan to Florida. In 1979, he moved to northern California, had a stint as a solo street performer at the world famous San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf. While wood shedding his composing skills, Buzzy became the much-in-demand host of a series of coffee house open mic nights, where his knowledgeable musicianship, sunny personality and non-stop encouragement helped the caffeine scene thrive. In 1980 he began to play with many local bands and musicians as a featured artist. In early 1981, he was hired as the mainstay guitar player for an Elvis Presley impersonator and became responsible for the direction and stage presence of the band. This became a highly enjoyable group to work with and afforded him the opportunity to travel the West Coast circuit. In 1984, Buzzy started his own Top 40-style band, which quickly became recognized by club owners. An established professional who loves the music he shares, Buzzy Martin is living proof of the rewards of following one's childhood dreams and is now the author of Don’t Shoot! I’m the Guitar Man. http://www.guitarmanthemovie.com/fullTrailer.html
Melissa Masters
Melissa Masters Music, Painting, Visual Arts, Vocal I work as an expressive arts therapist/art therapist. I offer workshops in my studio in Sonoma. As a creative I have an interest in all the expressive arts and primarily focus my time on painting wall hangings that include painted symbols and sacred geometry. In the past I have worked mostly as a landscape painter. I love doing mural work and have done this work in the Bay area ...and also painted furniture. I am a vocalist and write love and new thought themed songs that have a celtic sound.
Rob Matteri
Rob Matteri Music, Teacher/Instructor Rob Matteri is a talented and dedicated musician based out of Northern California. His unique use of linear phrasing and skillful dynamic control, coupled with his professionalism and drive, have made him a valuable asset to many musical projects. Over the past twenty years, he has collaborated with artists in many genres - from funk and jazz, to country, blues and rock. These experiences have been instrumental in developing the style and versatility that is apparent in his playing today. In addition to playing live performances and recording in the studio, Rob finds satisfaction in sharing his expertise with a new generation of drummers. He is a skillful teacher, and his patience and dedication to the art of drumming have helped to empower many students to reach their musical goals.   Currently, Rob performs with The Pat Jordan Band, and Blue Radio.
Hannah Mayree
Hannah Mayree Artisan, Audio, Composition, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Folk Art, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other, Teacher/Instructor, Vocal, Woodworking Hannah Mayree (she/her/they/them) is a  creative facilitator and musician who's work and art lends itself as a tool for redesigning and reconnecting to our roots as humans on this planet. A banjoist, multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist, Hannah shares original and traditional banjo compositions as well as harmonies through acoustic live vocal looping and reminds us of the power found in our relationship to the earth, music and community. They co-founded and creatively direct the Black Banjo Reclamation Project which is currently creating musical, cultural and land-based opportunities for Black, Afro-Diasporic communities around the world to work with the banjo as a tool for reclaiming ancestral wisdom & creating Afro-futures. 
Karen Miles
Karen Miles Acting, Ballet, Choreography, Dance, Film Office, Improvisation, Music, Other, Other, Other, Performance Art, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal Combining the arts with movement and meditation has the profound ability to build a community of resilience, authenticity, and compassion.   I believe in creating a sacred space for curiosity and play, for learning and growing, for creative expression and supportive listening. I am an actress, singer, dancer, yoga instructor and teacher.  I work with students from K-8 grades, as well as adults. I am currently co-directing the after school Performing Arts program at a local elementary school.  My partner and I also have a Stagecraft class we offer to get students/parents involved backstage.  Other programming includes Art & Yoga, Creative Movement, and Explore Yoga Path.  All can be modified children and adults.  I have an extensive background in dance and the performing arts, I am a certified yoga instructor, a CA certified substitute teacher, and a PCS art docent.  My mission is for all my students/clients to walk away feeling creative, empowered and emboldened to share their gifts with the world.
Michael O'Brien
Michael O'Brien Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal I run my own music business, and entertain on both piano and guitar, at over 25 different retirement facilities (Dementia Care; Assisted Living; Convalescent Homes; Post-Acute Rehab facilities; Senior Centers; etc.) throughout the North Bay. The program is usually built around music from the Big-Band and Swing era, though I am frequently called on to do shows of other types of music, 60's music; British, Classical, Beatles; Patriotic; Musicals; Original; etc., etc.
Old Century Blood
Old Century Blood Music Old Century Blood Born in a yurt, Old Century Blood is indie rockfolk that ebbs and flows with chaos and love. Porch poetry written with inkblot inklings of love, death and joy. A melancholy lust for life. Old Century Blood is a vibrant and dynamic form of music that stands out in its uniqueness. Sonic landscapes provide a backdrop to idiosyncratic poetic lyrics, violin solos, and soaring male/female harmonies. This is music to which people can dance, then cry, and then dance again. A refined, unique sound that takes the familiar (classical instruments, vocal harmony) to a new level of grit & beauty. Not Americana but feels folky. Not rock but it moves as such. Founding member, Guitarist/vocalist Christopher James has been playing and performing, mostly as a solo act, for over 25 years. In Eugene, Oregon he was the founder and front man of a local well-established local act, Atrial Flutter. As a solo artist, he has shared the stage with such acts as Bill Frisell and Jessie Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter. Co-founder, vocalist and violinist Kirana Peyton has had the pleasure of performing with many gifted musicians including Les Claypool, Jesca Hoop and Drag City artists Faun Fables. She’s enjoyed working in the studio with esteemed sound engineers such as Oz Fritz (Tom Waits, Bootsie Collins, Bill Laswell) and Bob Daspit (Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman). While playing nationally and internationally, she’s opened for Nick Cave’s Grinderman, Deerhoof, Amanda Palmer, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, John Trudell as well as many talented others. During her classical musical training at Sonoma State University she engaged in extensive studies in composition and Hindustani Indian singing. She had the great honor of receiving the Lalmani Misra Memorial scholarship for classical Indian singing.  She’s also written and performed vocal arrangements for the Mo Perkins’ film “A Quiet Little Marriage”. Joni Davis contributes her strong piano and vocal skills. She is based in Northern California, but has sung her songs as far afield as England and the Netherlands. She has opened up for K.D. Lang and Aimee Mann. Joni received her bachelors in music from Goldsmith's College, University of London and has been fortunate enough to collaborate with lots of great musicians such as London based multi-instrumentalist Quinta, songwriter and musician Dylan Champagne, and Dawn McCarthy of Faun Fables. Joni records her solo music with her husband in their house and has self-released two albums, an EP, and is currently working on her third album. Old Century Blood have spent the last year refining their sound, recording a demo and playing well-attended shows. They now hope to be able to take it to the next level through a vibrant promotional campaign.
Skylaer Palacios
Skylaer Palacios Acting, Audio, Ballet, Choreography, Composition, Creative Sonoma Grantee, Dance, Film, Improvisation, Improvisation, Instrumental, Latin, Media, Modern, Music, Other, Performance Art, Professional Performance, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Technical, Theatre, Video, Vocal Sky is a performing artist who has created a successful career as a singer, dancer, and actress. She was raised in Healdsburg and graduated from Sonoma State with her B.A. in Liberal Studies and Performing Arts. She has worked extensively in the commercial and film industries. For the duration of the ACE fellowship, she will be focusing on releasing new music and creating a community oriented music video that features dancing, youth, and the talent of other local artists.
Brooks Palmer
Brooks Palmer Acting, Children's, Composition, Directing, Fiction, Film Office, Folk Art, Illustration, Improvisation, Instrumental, Literature, Media, Music, Non-Fiction, Painting, Performance Art, Puppetry, Storytelling, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Theatre, Video, Visual Arts, Vocal I'm a creative artist who loves to work in many fields. I write short humorous stories. I paint surrealistic art. I perform quirky improvisational songs and short stories on stage. I draw funny words-of-wisdom cartoons. I write books of surreal fantasy humor. I perform my As You Are show for eager audiences. I don't question my creativity. When it shows up, which is often, I put it on paper, or record it, or perform it. I love to put what I do out into the world, whether it's on stage, or online, or published as a book, or on a gallery wall. I love to uplift people with my creations. I hope my art makes people feel good about being alive, and inspires them to be creative in their own way.
John Partridge
John Partridge Acting, Composition, Directing, Music, Theatre I have been a composer and performer all my life.  I graduated from UC Santa Cruz with an AB in composition and conducting.   I have worked in many forms including chamber music, opera, musical theater, church music and ragtime.  I am currently the Director of Music Ministries at the First Presbyterian Church of Napa and Music Director of the Sonoma Hometown Band.
Pages: