Artists | CreativeSonoma.org

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.

Christopher Mckee Artisan, Ceramics, Functional Art, Furniture, Illustration, Mixed, Other, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Teacher/Instructor, Visual Arts, Woodworking more to come

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.

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 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.

Kayatta Patton Composition, Music, Other, Vocal My name is Kayatta Patton. My stage name is Kayatta and I have a ton of other names that are too many list. I am an educator, poet, song writer and lyricist. I grew up on the west side of Oakland with my mother and sister. My first exposure to music was at the expense of my grandmother Nana. She'd play Bobby Blue Bland while the kids played in the yard and the adults played spades and smoked cigarettes. I remember those days like yesterday and though Bobby Blue Bland was amazing I had a thing for rap and r and b. It spoke my love language. Maybe it was the beat or the way words were stitched over the beats. I'm not sure exactly what the connect was but it shaped and became the sounds track of my life I first got my feet wet trying out for the band in the 3rd grade. Back then schools actually had programs where we could take the instruments home. I chose the trumpet. That was the mustard seed that would fueled her artistic inspiration. Over the years I worked diligently and challenged myself musically and artistically. In doing so I was able to hone in on the craft and become comfortable in my skin. The lyrical execution is profound and passionate with heaps of soul and raw emotion. Rooted in hip-hop and spoken word, raspy authenticity, and a knack for engaging the audience. My work ethic she has enabled me to evolve from just being an MC to an all around artist. It is simply honey in the form of words.

PRXZM Composition, Music Nick and Emma began PRXZM in 2013. They started creating music together in their dorms, and the electronic music scene took notice. Their signature sound is comprised of Nick's soaring, melodic synth progressions and Emma's pure, honest lyrical musings. Daniel Urquhart brings another level of genius to the project on guitar. Beautifully refreshing and ripe with emotion, PRXZM never fails to draw listeners in and keep them there. Now, 5 years and a few big tours in, the band has grown a loyal fan base. They are heading out again this summer on a US tour, as fresh as ever, looking forward to sharing their new EP “High Desert” with the world.

Puffinhorn Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Puffinhorn is a duo of Mike Campbell - (guitar,trumpet, ukelele,vocals) and John Paul Norris - (acoustic & electric bass, bass uke, vocals). We perform a mix of original & classic folk-rock, blues & jazz. The amount of each of these genres will vary depending upon venue & event. We are also available as a trio with drums for dance parties. Our venue specialties include restaurants, coffee house, private dinner parties festivals & wine events. We are self contained with our own sound & lighting systems and can provide music and sound levels appropriate for any occasion. .

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.

Ricky Ray Composition, Instrumental, Music, Vocal Ricky Ray is a Blues singer/songwriter born and raised in North Carolina. His musical influences are from four major musical eras; Southern Rock, Texas Blues, Motown, and the Stax sound of Memphis. Ricky performs fresh versions of established popular songs that bring an expressive style of soloing based on fluid, rhythmic guitar and soulful vocals.

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.

Eki Shola Composition, Holidays Shop Local, Instrumental, Music

Born in London and given a Nigerian name by Jamaican parents, we later emigrated to New York in the late 1980s.

I feel that Jamaica is my cultural roots; London the place where I remember my childhood memories; and New York City the place that offered amazing gritty life adventures. For now, California is my current abode – a beautiful place with an abundance of glorious weather.

My main love is music and as a keyboardist and singer, I enjoy sharing my music with others. As a solo artist, I composed, produced and released my debut album, Final Beginning, on August 20, 2016. The album is a musical journey that fuses electronica, jazzsoul and classical. I lost most of my new and unreleased music in the October 2017 wildfires however, I am happy to be currently completing three new albums that fuses chillhop, jazzfunk, and lush vocals.

My other passion is writing. Unforeseen circumstances in 2011 triggered me to start writing again and I began working on a memoir. From the sorrowful depths and joyous occasions of grief, I drew from personal reflection and humor to help relay the importance of self healing through the most challenging of times. Unfortunately I lost the entire manuscript in the wildfires but have started to rewrite it!

Irene Silva Dance, Latin, Teacher/Instructor Santa Rosa Salsa is the pulse of the local Salsa music and dance scene whose purpose is to inspire joy and connection through Latin dance classes, boot camps and live music events. Propelled by the purpose of bringing live Salsa music to Sonoma County, visionary entrepreneur Irene Silva founded Santa Rosa Salsa in 2001. Silva holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics with a Minor in Communications from University of California Davis and offers experience in Event Planning, Customer Service, Advertising, Sales, and Strategic Planning.

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.