There’s still time to enjoy one more craft fair. Petaluma United Methodist Church crafters have been busy and Sunday, Dec. 23, is the final day to pick up goodies, including knitted and crocheted items, note cards, candy and jam. In addition, they’ll be offering soup and cornbread for $5, either dine in or take out. Holiday Craft Faire proceeds will go toward replacing the oven hood in the church kitchen. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. in the social hall of the church, 410 D St. at Fifth.
Take part in an evening hike and meditation as a slow-paced, thoughtful way to say good-bye to 2012. The event combines a nature hike at Helen Putnam Regional Park with outdoor meditation. The meditation hikes are coordinated with the solstice, full moon or an equinox. The park is at 411 Chileno Valley Road, and the hike is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28. Call 565-2041 or go to for-the-love-of-you.com. Rain or inclement weather cancels.
Hip hop duo Zion I plays the Phoenix Theater on Friday, Dec. 28. The Oakland duo (producer DJ AmpLive and MC Zumbi) is known for Amp’s futuristic production techniques, mixing live instrumentation and samples, and Zumbi’s positive, socially conscious lyrics. They’ll be joined by rapper Mistah F.A.B. in the 8 p.m. show. Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets are $20. The Phoenix is at 201 Washington St. Call 762-3565 or go to thephoenixtheater.com.
We the People meets the fourth Saturday of each month at the Petaluma Senior Center. “Instead of complaining about the government,” the group believes, “this is an opportunity to be part of the solution.” This month’s discussion includes a fair tax proposal, health insurance, tax breaks, gang violence and transparency of banks. The event is from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, at 211 Novak Drive. Donations are welcome. Call 237-5320.
Why not R&B out the old and rock in the new year at McNear’s Mystic Theatre? The venue’s annual New Year’s Eve Bash features Tommy Castro & the Painkillers, playing “music to make you smile” with more than a little hot swing included, courtesy of Lost Dog Found. The tunes start at 9 p.m. on New. Year’s Eve., Monday, Dec. 31, at the Mystic, 23 Petaluma Blvd. North. Tickets are $51 to $56. Call 765-2121 or visit mystictheatre.com.
If you’re looking for a free and sober New Year’s Eve event, check out “Funny Vibes” with Bay Area comics and reggae musicians King Hopeton and Sky-I with DJ Cleanface at the Sunflower Center. The event runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., with a free midnight toast. The center’s vegan café is open all night. The Sunflower Center is 1435 N. McDowell Blvd. Call 792-5300 or visit thesunflowercenter.org.
“A Couple of Blaguards,” an evening of Irish song and story, opens New Year’s Eve at the Cinnabar. Created by Frank and Malachy McCourt about their childhood in Ireland and adult years in the United States, the cabaret show features Tim Kniffin and Steven Abbott. The show starts at 9 p.m. Dec. 31, and the evening includes treats, desserts and wines, plus midnight champagne and favors. Opening night tickets are $60 to $75. The show runs through Jan. 20: tickets are $25 to $35. Call 763-8920 or visit cinnabartheater.org. Cinnabar is at 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North.
The Petaluma Museum rings in the New Year to the strains of Beethoven and Brahms. The traditional New Year’s Eve concert includes pianists Elizabeth Walter and Marilyn Thompson, plus guest string players from the San Francisco Symphony, playing from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31. Tickets are $45 and seating is limited. Call 778-4398. The museum is located at 20 Fourth St.
— Katie Watts
