Kansas City rap king Tech N9ne brings his “Independent Powerhouse” tour to the Phoenix Monday, April 1. Also on the tour are Brotha Lynch Hung, Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Rittz and Ces Cru. The show is from 8-11:30 p.m., tickets are $35 and the Phoenix is at 201 Washington St. Visit thephoenixtheater.com to learn more and buy tickets.

What’s an extremophile? It’s a microbe that managed to live in extreme conditions. Philip Harriman describes the hunt for, and study of, extremophiles and how they manage to grow in inhospitable conditions at Science Buzz Café from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 at Aqus Café, 189 H St. Cost is $10. Learn more at sciencebuzzcafe.org.

Interested in a family class that promotes healthy eating and physical activity? The Petaluma Health Care District offers just such a helpful item, for parents with children between 7-12. The four-class, eight-hour session is offered April 4-25 at PHCD, 1425 N. McDowell Blvd. Registration is needed: call 766-8647.

Taize is a form of communal worship centered around song and ritual chanting. Those interested in experiencing this are welcome to join a meditative candlelit service from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 5 at St John’s Episcopal Church, 40 Fifth St. Call 762-8872 or go to saintjohnsepiscopalpetaluma.org. The service is open to those of all spiritual paths.

Pickleball? Uh-huh, you read it right. It’s similar to tennis, but with an oversized ping-pong-style paddle and whiffle ball and takes place on a badminton-sized court. The sport is growing and is popular with those over 50. Organizers say it’s fun, social and easy to learn, with experienced players available to help beginners. Interested? There’s a free Pickleball clinic at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6 on the tennis courts at Lucchesi Park, 320 N. McDowell Blvd. Details? Call Don Streeper at the Petaluma Senior Center, 778-4399.

This week offers what’s billed at Petaluma’s largest “fun-raiser,” Mentor Me Petaluma’s Mad Hatter Ball. And yes, of course you need to wear a hat – no chapeau is too outrageous or over-the-top for this event. The fun raises from 6 p.m.-midnight Saturday, April 6 at the Boys and Girls Club’s Lucchesi Park clubhouse, 203 Maria Drive. Tickets, at $100, included dinner, wine tasting, cocktails and mocktails, silent and live auctions and dancing to Grooveline. For tickets, visit mentormepetaluma.org or call 778-4798.

It’s a spring feather-fest for kids – a docent-led morning bird and nature walk as youth 6-12 observe the nesting behavior of birds in the local wetlands. The event includes a tailgate party. The event is from 9 a.m.-noon at Shollenberger Park, 1400 Cader Lane, off South McDowell Extension. Cost is $2.50.To sign up, call Al Hesla at 765-9411 or e-mail ahesla@comcast.net before April 5.

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