Stories will be told and songs will be sung. Banjos will be plucked, jazz will be strummed, fiddles will be bowed and adult libations will be tasted, consumed and graded. Bioflora will be studied, buildings will be appreciated, gardening skills will be strengthened, big bands will be swingin’, steel drums will be played, high school students will be protected, and Literacy in America will be salvaged.

That’s a lot for one week in a small town.

The River Montessori Children’s Choir will present the Irish tale, “A Matter of Brogues: A Tale of Musical Magic (& Shoes!)” Sunday, March 4, at 4 p.m. at the Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd. The story will be told by Georgia Churchill, with children performing traditional Irish songs and special guest performances by Chris Carney on fiddle and the Keenan Irish dancers. Tickets are $10, $5 for children. Call 778-6414.

The Michael DiFranco Trio will perform rhythm guitar-driven jazz and soul 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the Petaluma Sheraton, 745 Baywood Drive. Proceeds benefit Literacy Works. Vodka tasting, heavy appetizers and a fashion show round out the evening. Admission and two taste tickets are $20. Appropriate for adults only. More information: 283-2888 or literacyworks.org.

The Seed Bank hosts horticulturist/naturalist Phil Van Soelen 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday for a free talk called “Gardening to Sustain Biodiversity with California Native Plants.” It’s sponsored by Petaluma Bounty Community Farm. The Seed Bank is at 199 Petaluma Blvd. N. Call 509-5171.

Two-time Juno Award-winning banjo player Jayme Stone will play music inspired by the world’s folk traditions at 8 p.m. Friday at the First Church of Christ Scientist, 522 B St. Stone’s band will feature Sandra Wong on nyckelharpa and fiddle, Andrew Small on bass and Nick Fraser on drums. Tickets are $22 at the door, $19 in advance at BrownPaperTickets.com. More information: petalumachurchconcerts.com or 542-8995.

The Petaluma Lions Club will hold its annual Food Festival and High School Band Showcase at 6 p.m. Saturday. The fundraiser features food from more than 30 local restaurants, as well as music by the Petaluma High and Casa Grande jazz bands and the Tomales High School steel drum band. Proceeds benefit local Project Graduation parties that keep high school graduates safe and sober. The event will be at the Veterans Memorial Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S. Tickets are $40. More information: 766-7350.

 — Sheldon Bermont

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