Artists | CreativeSonoma.org

Christopher Alexander Audio, Composition, Film, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other, Vocal Christopher Alexander is a songwriter from Sonoma County who performs in a style evocative of the 60's and 70's. He's a poet turned musician who composes music of various genres from blues to psychedelic rock and folk rock to jazz. The subject matter he writes and sings about ranges from the mundane to the fantastical often blending the two in a seamless, mind-bending way.

Audio Angel Acting, Audio, Composition, Dance, Design, Directing, Film, Film Office, Graphic Design, Improvisation, Instrumental, Literature, Media, Multi-Media, Multimedia, Music, Other, Other, Other, Performance Art, Poetry, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Teaching Artist for Adults, Teaching Artist for Youth, Theatre, Video, Vocal Music. Chose. Me. Hi CS Community. Happy to be here. Hope you are well in this moment & look forward to meeting you soon. In the meantime, here's a bit about my latest LIVE project. <3 ***

Fronted by the divine Audio Angel, Audio Angel & Her Good Intentions is a playful experiment in performance art. With an incredible live band, 30-year dancehall veteran Audio Angel reinterprets her own original electronic music while shuffling in a mix tape of B-sides and rarities from that cool bestie who had the weirdest but raddest taste. Expect the unexpected, and be ready for a danceable journey through soul, RnB, jazz, indie rock, gospel and more!

Two Lions Band Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal

Once Upon a time...

The Two Lions band was created to showcase the music of Mitchel Slade. The idea of the band stems from the iconic idea that the Lion and the Lamb in friendship are a sign of peace.

We have come far towards our goals of peace, but we are truly in the time of the Two Lions. The time of personal leadership and evolution, and the need to resolve differences. Musically, we hope to bring a depth in the poetry and create an ambiance with the music that provokes a thoughtful, intended, and progressive experience.

The Band:

Mitchel Slade - guitar and vocals

Ashley Holmberg - violin & viola

Lance Harrington - percussion

Mandy Brooks Composition, Instrumental, Music, Teacher/Instructor, Vocal Mandy Brooks found the road to music career a natural path to follow as she grew up with a mother who was a professional singer. She began sitting in with her mom's bands and learning about the industry from about 12 yo. Throughout her teens and twenties, she studied music in high school, college, recorded on various audio and visual projects in the studio and performed in live groups and ensembles including The Jimmy Scott Band, Blues Baby & Good Thing. Mandy has taught piano, voice and band workshops throughout the years at Yamaha Music School; Irvine, CA; Moody Music; Anaheim, Ca. and currently teaches privately out of her home studio. As the founder of Mockingbird Productions Company, she enjoy promoting and booking acts for venues and independently. 2017 marked the year of my debut album release, "Move on Up". Mandy Brooks is the leader of the "Mandy Brooks Band", also formed in 2017, featuring local artists including Levi Lloyd on guitar. Since this release, Mandy has also released five original songs and performs nationally with her family band “Small Hat”. As well as performing live, Mandy has a passion for songwriting. Mandy has won an award in 2017 from the West Coast Songwriters, and a finalist in the 2019 Creative Sonoma Next Level songwriting contest. Mandy was also commissioned in 2018 to write a song “Common Ground” in commemoration of the 2017 Tubbs fire. Women in Music Collective was founded by Mandy Brooks in 2017 and has since produced a benefit concert in 2018 as well as donated instruments to women, to Verity and the Ronnie Martin Foundation. In 2019 Mandy was asked to speak on behalf of the collective for the Women’s March in Santa Rosa in front of 3,500 people. 2018 Mandy won the female artist of the year for the Christian/Gospel category for the Josie Music Awards in Nashville. Mandy has a passion for helping other musicians achieve their goals and making a positive change in her community through her songs and her music. Singing, playing guitar and keyboard, writing songs and utilizing the gift of music to make a difference in individuals and communities is a driving force behind the music and life of Mandy Brooks.

Karen Joy Brown Music, Vocal Karen Joy Brown's elegantly sparse acoustic pop/jazz/Americana guitar and deeply soulful voice express heartfelt emotion that inspires reflection and connection in listeners. Her songwriting reveals a poet's soul captivated by the spiritual challenges, lessons, and bliss inherent in human experience. The powerful combination of well-crafted lyrics and an enchanting vocal delivery reach out to befriend and uplift with her singular sense of rhythm, humor, and compassion. Karen and former Bootleg Honey bandmate, Katie Phillips, are currently exploring new ways to combine songwriting, singing, and recovery/personal growth work in an upcoming podcast to be released April 2024, Supernova Support. The show aims to inspire by sharing how songwriting has supercharged their own personal work and craft as well as create an interactive space for listeners to engage their own creativity and personal insight through meditation, writing, and more. They aspire to expand the principles of the show into both online and in-person workshops, retreats, house concerts and more.

Mark Bush Audio, Composition, Fiction, Instrumental, Literature, Media, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Performance Art, Photography, Poetry, Visual Arts, Vocal Musician performer songwriter composer Artist rocKabilly poP coWboy punK jazz PoetrY

Eric Butterfield Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal

Eric Butterfield's most recent single was a semi-finalist in the 2017 International Songwriting Competition.

Eric Butterfield is a songwriter based in Santa Rosa. His most recent single, "Wake Me in Paris," was a semi-finalist in both the 2017 International Songwriting Competition (unsigned category) and the 2018 Unsigned Only music contest. The song was produced and co-written by Scott Mickelson. His near-term goal is to release a full album featuring this song.

Eric performs locally as a solo act. He also releases music as Sons of the Golden West, and released a CD under that name in 2016.

Eric's music has appeared on more than 200 TV show episodes, on many major networks.

His self-produced six-song EP as Sons of the Golden West, "Oh, California!", received airplay on KALX in Berkeley, the Americana Music Show (Durham, N.C.), WCNI (Connecticut), and was put in rotation at San Diego State's KCR.

Eric's TV credits include Last Call With Carson Daly (NBC), True Life (MTV), The Nate Berkus Show (OWN), Remodeled (Web TV Network), Real Housewives of Atlanta (Bravo), N.Y. Ink (TLC), Last Chance Highway (Animal Planet), Porter Ridge (Discovery), Flipping Out (Bravo), and PM Miami (Mun2). The song "Teriza" appeared in an online video narrated by Ashley Judd, "Help Save Idaho's Wolves." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK1mZ4fL6Pk). A nearly complete list can be found at https://www.ericbutterfieldmusic.com/tv-credits

Eric's West Coast roots run deep. He is a fourth-generation Californian who grew up in the Los Angeles area. This heritage and a sense of a rapidly changing landscape losing its history inspire much of what has become the varied Americana sounds of Sons of the Golden West (www.sonsofthegoldenwest.com). Travel and relocation have also been an influence. In the 1990s, Eric was turned on to the vibrant Americana music scene in Denver, Colorado. At the time, he played in a pop punk band that toured the Western U.S. and released multiple albums, landing songs on compilations from AP magazine and San Diego label Goldenrod Records. Prior to that, Eric played in Dublin, Ireland, with The Mexican Pets, which recorded albums for Blunt Records, toured Europe, and played with the likes of Pavement, Fugazi, Sebadoh, and Therapy?. More recently he played in San Francisco with the Subtractions before forming Sons of the Golden West, both of which performed in clubs in the Bay Area and beyond.

Jason Cool Acting, Architecture, Artisan, Arts Administration, Ballroom, Ceramics, Children's, Choreography, Composition, Crew, Dance, Design, Directing, Equipment, Fashion Design, Fiber Art, Fiction, Film Office, Folk Art, Functional Art, Furniture, General Services, Glass, Hip-Hop & Funk, Illustration, Improvisation, Improvisation, Instrumental, Interior Design, Jewelry, Literature, Media, Mixed, Modern, Multi-Media, Music, Non-Fiction, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Other, Painting, Performance Art, Photography, Poetry, Production, Professional Performance, Puppetry, Sculpture, Storytelling, Talent, Teacher/Instructor, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal, Woodworking

Jason Cool/Henson

Raised by musical and artistic tallent. from my grandfather Walter cool.writing and composing set designs on and off Broadway as well as music teacher. He tought me many things about music ,set design ,and writing stories making songs.mom colleen cool was a d.j for many years growing up .her morning talk show won an addy award. experience of the evolution of radio stations format from vinal,reel to reel,8 track,cassette,cd,to digital.learned lots about the insider secrets and politics , selling air time ,being a paid musical artist.and much more.on my dad's side .the "story family." his grandmother had 21 kids .4 sets of twins ,all natural birth!all musicians playing together ofton..on ed sullvon show and groucho marks.this popular family band and I would practice at grandma's regularly. As a kid growing up. i would try many instruments pianos ,drums,accordion ,banjo ,mandolin etc. I have been in theater,loved the arts, music ,writer. open to everything since i was a young kid.arts and music are my life!if i dont know how to do something,i will be honest!i ask,try and will do all things of interest with love !and any collaboration with heart.I Compromise to learn others perspectives because im always learning. preforming on and off stage.jamming with the public.sharing what i know. Learning what others are willing or able to teach.I loved all the music,art,storys,I have been a part of, or experienced 1999 to current over 15 countries I visited. World Share

Scott Decker Composition, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other, Video, Vocal

Scott Decker was born and raised in Healdsburg. Scott 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.

Christa Durand Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Christa is dedicated to exploring the relevancy of classical music in our lives today. With her students and in her performances, Christa encourages creating music from a place of authenticity, using music as a medium to share our collective and individual stories and cultivate compassion for one another.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Steven Radice Composition, Illustration, Instrumental, Music, Other, Painting, Technical, Theatre, Visual Arts, Vocal Are you smiling? Is it fun? That's what I look for in my art, in my life. I want to play. I want to share. In music or visual art, I offer the joy of my heart. And yes, I've won the awards, endorsements, audiences and whatever. That's nice, but Love is what matters. Smile, dance, live the life. Balance. Enjoy.

Jewel Shield Artisan, Ceramics, Composition, Instrumental, Music, Other, Other, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts, Vocal Music is the Universal language of all people and creation. I am a lifelong Artisan with a deep love and appreciation for harmony and beauty. The creative spark that leads me from within feels natural and familiar. It perhaps comes from an experience of many lifetimes being emerged in the arts and my ancestral lineage that includes many artists, musicians and teachers. I have been a professional harpist, musician, artist, teacher and mentor since the early 1980’s. I have a passion for creating and contributing more love, beauty and peace in the world through music, arts and compassionate teaching. I have a BFA in Studio Arts/ Ceramics with a background in Creative Arts Therapies and also Certifications in Sound, Voice and Music Healing, and Yoga of the Voice and Transformational Life Mastery Coaching. Although I have played and performed a variety of genres and styles mostly rooted in world and ethnic traditions, I am currently focused on my own creative compositions and contemplative improvisations on Harp, my primary instrument, as well as exploring and creating new music, instruments and sounds for healing. I am a holistic and compassionate teacher and creative mentor. Primarily being a self taught musician, I love to empower my students and assist them in discovery of their inner guide and teacher. Music is natural to everything, it is what connect us and has powerful transforming and healing benefits. I currently perform ambient background for special events, receptions, featured performances, Sacred occasions and meditations, healing and magical SoundScapes. I also perform music as accompaniment for yoga, dance, chi gong and tai chi classes, poetry readings and other various events and collaborations. As a multi instrumentalist I play a variety of instruments, especially in my Sound Healing work, including Crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, Native American flutes, and zithers. I am now combining my experience and artistry, and working on designing instruments that anyone can enjoy playing and experience the powerful and therapeuticbenefits of making music.

Kenny Simeone Audio, Composition, Instrumental, Media, Music, Other KENNY SIMEONE from San Rafael, California, Now in Windsor, CA. I offer Songwriting, Recording, music production, Mixing and mastering and can create a song for anything.

Mitchel Slade Composition, Music, Vocal

Take a moment, and show the world what you got....

Music offers us a form of expression to help explore and give meaning to the otherwise predictable world.

Born in 1973, Mitchel's musical training began with his first classical piano teacher in sixth grade. Her inspiration continued to push him forward into using music to express his experiences and journey. His musical influences range from the 80's punk scene to bluegrass, and include the great song writers: Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Beck, Cohen and an endless list of poets, mentors, family, friends, and a constant supply of interesting people from around the world.

CREATIVES

Once Upon a time...