CREATIVES

Oddjob Ensemble Composition, Equipment, Film Office, Instrumental, Music, Other, Other, Performance Art, Talent, Theatre, Vocal "Hailing from Sonoma County, Oddjob Ensemble performs a myriad of musical styles and collaborates with perfomance artists in Vaudevillian shows, musical theater, and the avant garde. The Ensemble, led by Kalei Yamanoha, is a trio that is comprised of trap kit, string bass and accordion. Dancing to energizing early jazz numbers, listening to ethereal folk music and stomping to raucus overtures, the crowd will have their ears twisted into a delicious musical pretzel."

Manzanita Falls Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Manzanita Falls has been perfecting their blend of dramatic indie rock for the better part of this decade. With their newest album out “Abilene,” Manzanita Falls is excited to be bringing these songs to new and expanding audiences. Written after a near-fatal rollover accident the band suffered while on tour, and honed for the better part of three years, these songs explore the tenuis balance between life and death; love and loss. Manzanita Falls is ready to be out of their Northern California studio and back on the road this spring and summer.

Jesse Fichman Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal "While AJ Lee is only 19 years old, she’s been the new face of bluegrass for more than a decade.” -The San Francisco Chronicle Blue Summit combines accomplished instrumental work with powerful vocals and a lose interpretation of traditional bluegrass. Taking in elements from western swing, soul, folk, rock, and old time music, this band of friends puts their heart into their music, and has honorably been recognized as 2018 NCBS Band of the Year. At the head of the group is AJ Lee, eight-time winning NCBS Female Vocalist of the Year, and 2018 Mandolin Player of the Year. The rest of Blue Summit’s accomplishments can be accredited to the dedication, persistence, and passion of founding member Isaac Cornelius (bass), Jesse Fichman (guitar), and two-time Guitar Player of the Year, Sullivan Tuttle. Blue Summit has played at festivals all around California, including the CBA Father’s Day Festival, the Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival, and the Kate Wolf Music Festival. They have recently released their first album, “Sweet Company”.  

Kate Foley-Beining Improvisation, Instrumental, Mixed, Music, Painting, Printmaking, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal I am a musician, artist, and professor of German Language and Literature. Music: I am a singer, performing the works of Joni Mitchell, backed by a jazz trio. I have developed music enrichment programs for elementary schools in Healdsburg and Geyserville where I have taught vocal music for over 10 years. Working with children in music is its own reward and I am aware of the rare good fortune I have to also be paid to do it.  I am a classically-trained pianist, currently pursuing challenging selections from the repertoire of Schubert, Chopin, Liszt, and Bach. Art: Sight-size realism is the method I use in painting my oil still lives.  I would call my work domestic realism since my favorite subject matter is my 1940s era chrome coffeepot in which my domestic surroundings are reflected around me as I paint.  Decay, in the form of rusted objects and old leather books, is set against the sharp convex images reflected in the chrome globe, offering a visual irony that I find endlessly intriguing.  I have shown and sold my pieces in juried shows. Language and Literature: I am an adjunct professor of German with an emphasis on women writers in German literary history.  My doctoral research, using a feminist literary perspective, was published in my book The Body and Eucharistic Devotion in Catharina Regina von Greiffenberg's Meditations.  Teaching German brings me joy and of course my college students are constantly engaged in music, art, and theater as they become speakers of German

Ross Friedman Composition, Instrumental, Music, Other, Vocal Ross Friedman is a songwriter, recording engineer and music instructor based in Petaluma, California. Ross' songwriting covers many genres including: singer/songwriter, jazzy ballads, blues, rock and country rock. Instrumentals of various styles (acoustic, jazzy, blues and rock are also part of Ross' repertoire. Ross has a ProTools recording setup and can help songwriters and other musicians record their music. Ross provides individualized instruction on guitar and bass, taking into account the students taste in music. Instruction is provided for all levels - beginning, intermediate and advanced. Ross has many years of experience in music instruction and has been teaching in California since 1979. Ross has performed in bands and as a solo act since the age of 12. Although a professional for many years, he says "I remember what it's like to be a beginner and know that people starting out appreciate patience and encouragement." With this in mind, he has developed teaching techniques to simplify and explain the workings of music to all ages and levels of ability.

Carissa Green Instrumental, Music, Other, Vocal Carissa Green is a singer/songwriter & vocalist hailing from Sonoma County whose musical influences include Americana, folk, blues, jazz, alternative, rock, funk, & reggae, to say the least. Like so many, she got the early church-going start! Miss Caris always has a ukulele on hand & plays to connect emotionally with people on that level only music can reach. Wherever there's music, there's instant community. She has been part of various, widely differing musical groups including Midnight Sun, Freedom Jazz Choir, Santa Rosa Junior College Choir, Saturn Goes Pop, Jon Gonzales Stringband, Jon Gonzales & Family, Helen's Mini Band, The Ukazookee Orchestra of Sonoma County, Jamie Clark Band, and the Hunka Hunka Hula Revue. She writes music that can be played solo, with a few fellow musicians, or a full band. She prefers to explore music from an inclusive perspective, often writing across genre lines and blurring the traditional sense of styling. Music is love! Music is as important as life itself. Sharing music is the ultimate honor & she endeavors to connect community around music in every way, shape and form available.

Janet Greene Children's, Dance, Instrumental, Literature, Music, Other, Storytelling, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Youth, Vocal Janet Greene is a teaching artist specializing in arts integration using music and movement. Janet received her M.A. in Early Childhood Education with an emphasis on Curriculum Development from Sonoma State University. She has a Level 3 Orff Certification and received Fulbright and Austrian Government Grants to attend the one year Special Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. Janet is in her 14th year as the TK-3rd grade Orff Music and Movement Specialist at Oak Grove Elementary School in Graton, California. For several years she was the pre-orchestra teacher for the Simply Strings El Sistema program sponsored by the Santa Rosa Symphony and was a mentor teacher for the San Francisco Symphony Keeping Scoreproject for classroom teachers. Janet has received numerous district grants to integrate music and movement into the K-4 Language Arts, ESL, Math and Science curricula. She currently has a 3-year grant to bring music and creative movement into the NGSS science curriculum at Oak Grove Elementary School. Her course Music, Movement and Language in Early Childhood is offered every spring at Mendocino College. She also teaches Introduction to Orff Schulwerk and Classroom Applications at the San Francisco International Orff Course. Janet has been a presenter for local and national music conferences. She has shared her interest in music, language and movement by offering courses for teachers and children in Bali, Bhutan, South Africa and Thailand. Janet enjoys dancing and playing the harpsichord, percussion, and the accordion.

Ehme Haas Artisan, Audio, Ceramics, Fiber Art, Jewelry, Literature, Media, Mixed, Multi-Media, Music, Other, Painting, Poetry, Sculpture, Visual Arts, Vocal e.h.me is a multi-medium, hungry fArtist currently beginning an exploration of the play between place and perspective with mobile-inspired, found object suspended sculpture. an imported local of the Russian River area with a tendency toward forest frolicking, she is inspired by birth cycles and bridges, plastic bags caught in tree boughs, fermentation and regeneration. she seeks to convey a sense of the beautiful wonder within even the 'ugly' parts of experience. create(or) de(con)struct

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.

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

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 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.  

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.