Episodes

Host Michelle Marques chats with Karissa Kruse, President and CEO of Sonoma County Winegrowers and Executive Director of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos, about a very exciting opportunity for vineyard ag workers in Sonoma County. Members of the third class of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ Leadership Academy will be heading to Washington, D.C. to attend the Congressional Wine Caucus as guests of Congressman Mike Thompson in June! Their flights are taken care of by Alaska Airlines, and the Foundation will cover expenses for hotels, food, and tours while in our nation's capitol. For many, this will be their first trip to Washington D.C., and for some, this will be their first time on an airplane. If you would like to help cover costs of their trip, click here to donate. Last year, the first two classes were treated to this experience, and it was a highlight for all involved. Vineyard workers got to meet lawmakers who make policy that impacts their lives, including House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. They were proud to present wines to the bi-partisan Wine Caucus that contained the grapes they grew, tended, and harvested. The Leadership Academy provides skills that go beyond farming, including leadership skills, public speaking, financial literacy and more. Graduates of the Leadership Academy gain so much from their experience, including promotions at their current positions, networking with other ag workers, and increased confidence in all aspects of life.

Host Michelle Marques talks with Grammy-nominated musician Andre Thierry about the 2nd Annual Kreole and Krawfish CommUNITY Gathering happening at the SOMO Village Event Center on Saturday, May 11 from noon to 6pm. The event features live music from multiple bands, delicious food (crawfish boil, gumbo, fried chicken and MUCH MORE!), a full bar, dancing, a kids area, and family fun. Proceeds benefit a musical education program called "Are You Ready To Learn" that introduces children to musical instruments and the rich cultural impact of Zydeco music. Tickets are available now at kreolekrawfish.com

Host Michelle Marques talks with Josh Perucchi, President of the board for the 51st Annual Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 4th and 5th, 2024. This event is great for the whole family and features live music each day, including headliners Petty Theft and The Unauthorized Rolling Stones! Check out the blessing of the fleet, crafts, non-profits, kids activities, the wooden boat challenge, public safety demos, wine and beer, and of course great seafood! Proceeds support local non-profits and schools. Learn more and get your tickets today at bbfishfest.org

Host Michelle Marques talks with artists Mary Vaughan and Rachel DuFour about their Earth Day themed art show called "Ode to the Earth, Duo Show" which is up for the next two weekends, April 13-14, and April 20-21, 2024 at the Backstreet Gallery in Santa Rosa. There is no fee to see this show. In this conversation, we chat about inspiration, the way nature and nostalgia inform the artwork, the artist process, and what it means to collaborate as artists. There will be a moment of silence on the last day of the exhibit at 3pm, in honor of the Earth. You can preview pieces and learn more about the artists at Mary's website: maryvaughan.com Backstreet Gallery down Art Alley off of 312 South A in Santa Rosa April 13th-14th, and April 20th-21st from 11am to 4pm each day

Host Michelle Marques talks with Bridget Palmer, Executive Director of A Theater for Children. This volunteer program produces three theater productions each year, featuring actors up to the age of 18, and each show is designed for young children up to the age of about 10 years old. The next show is Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. with 8 performances from April 26th through May 5th at Kid Street Charter School located at 709 Davis Street in Santa Rosa. Performances will feature a mural with audience interaction before the show, and audience members are encouraged to dress up in their mermaid/sea creature best! The show features environmental themes, and Bridget says this is a great way to work Earth Day into the experience. Get tickets and learn more at atheaterforchildren.com

Host Michelle Marques talks with Tyra Benoit, volunteer with Climate Action Healdsburg, about the upcoming free Healdsburg Climate Fest on Sunday, April 21st in the Plaza from noon to 6pm. The second annual event includes lots of great solutions and ideas to combat climate change on a local level, as well as ways to work on a larger scale to support policy change. There will be booths, children's activities, free cookies, food and drink for purchase, an innovative balloon demonstration, a transit fair with alternate modes of transportation, and a free concert from 4:30 to 6pm to end the event, featuring Rocio, La Dama de La Cumbia. Sponsors include Enso Village, Recology Sonoma Marin, the City of Healdsburg and other community organizations. Learn more at climateactionhealdsburg.org

Host Michelle Marques talks with Andrew Bailey, Founder and CEO of Anova Center for Education in Santa Rosa. Anova is a school serving students on the autism spectrum. In October 2017, the Tubbs Fire swept through large portions of Sonoma County, destroying thousands of structures, including the Anova campus at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. A capital campaign was started in 2019 to rebuild a new center, with over half of the funds collected so far. They have an additional $9-million to $10-million to raise to complete the project. The new campus will serve as a national model for educational and behavioral innovation.  You can support their efforts by visiting rebuildanaova.org

Host Michelle Marques talks with Kevin Wodlinger, President of North Bay Honor Flight, about our new local chapter of Honor Flights. The Honor Flight non-profit organization was established in 2005 with a powerful vision: to fly World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit their memorial and other significant memorials in the city. This is a powerful experience, giving our vets a chance to reflect and share their memories with other veterans, and get the heroes welcome they deserve. Donations and volunteers are needed to help make the first Honor Flight (planned for October 2024) possible, so please reach out to learn more and help if you can!

Host Michelle Marques talks with Terry Sanders, Chair of the Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival Organizing Committee and Cadance Allinson, Organizing Committee Member about the return of the Parade and Festival on Saturday, May 18th in downtown Santa Rosa. The Parade kicks off at 10am and the Festival is in Courthouse Square from 11am to 3pm with lots of family fun! Entries are due by March 22nd, so don't delay! You can learn about the Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival online at lbroseparade.com

Host Michelle Marques talks with artists about SOFA's Newcomer Invite on Friday, March 1st, 2024 from 5pm to 8pm at Backstreet Gallery in the SOFA District. Conceived by artist Nick Mancillas, the show brings together younger artists who may not have had a chance to exhibit their work yet. Seven women will be a part of the show, and have been able to get critique and mentorship from artist Mary Vaughan leading up to the show. Besides showing a selection of their own pieces, the artists are also creating a piece inspired by the Sonoma County street artist known as The Velvet Bandit. If you can't attend the opening of the exhibit on March 1st, the show will be open for the following two weekends (March 2nd and 3rd, and March 9th and 10th) from 11am to 4pm each day. The SOFA Arts Block is in Santa Rosa, just behind Julliard Park along South A Street to Sebastopol Avenue. Backstreet Gallery is located down Art Alley off of 312 South A Street. This exhibit coincides with the monthly First Friday Open Studios event in the SOFA District.