What do metal working, the music before Bach, hand-made dolls, Native American code breaking and rice wine have in common? They’re all readily available for your use, enjoyment or enlightenment right here, this week in Petaluma.
Experience the passion and beauty of metal working 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28, as the California Blacksmith Association holds its annual spring conference at the Sonoma-Marin Fair Grounds, 175 Fairgrounds Drive. The conference is for members only, but the public may visit the gallery 3-6 p.m. Friday and all day Saturday. Guided public tours are $10 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday and last 40 minutes. For further information, contact john@calsmith.ccsend.com or visit calsmith.org.
Here’s a chance to hear classical baroque music from before the time of J.S. Bach. At 8 p.m. Friday, April 27, and Saturday, April 28, the Circa 1600 Chamber Choir will perform sacred and secular music by longtime friends Heinrich Schütz and Johann Schein at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 35 Liberty St., accompanied by organist Charles Rus. Tickets are $15 to $20, with discounts for seniors, students and groups, and can be purchased at sonomabach.org or (877) 914-BACH. For more information, visit sonomabach.org.
Make a doll with your child 10-11:30 a.m. or noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at McNear Elementary School, 605 Sunnyslope Ave. Personal project guidance and all the materials you need will be provided. The event is recommended for children K-6, hosted in the school’s Mentor Center. Cost is $15. For further information, call 778-4798.
Learn the history and culture of traditional Japanese sake at 6:30 p.m, May 3, as the Petaluma Arts Center hosts a sake tasting with Izumi Motai, marketing and tasting room manager for Sho Chicku Bai Sake. Part of “A Culture Within: The Japanese Experience Through Art,” the event costs $20 and happens at the Arts Center, 230 Lakeville St. Reservations are required at 762-5600.
Discover the incredible story of the WWII Native American Code Talkers through July 1 at the Petaluma Historical Museum, 20 Fourth St. This Smithsonian exhibit, called “Native Words Native Warriors – WWII Code Talkers,” tells the story of America’s secret weapon in the Pacific theater of war. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, noon-3 p.m. Sundays. Reservations can be made for private viewings. Further information is available at 778-4398 or petalumamuseum.com.
— Sheldon Bermont
Note: Information about the California Blacksmith Association’s annual meeting has been corrected to provide details about events that are open to the public.
