There’s plenty to do in Wine Country after the summer sun goes down.
When the summer sun is shining down on our part of the world, it’s oh-so-easy to find a beach, a trail or a winery’s tasting room patio where we can play the day away. But don’t scurry inside your stuffy house when the sun sinks low. Around here, that’s when the fun is just beginning (if you know where to look). Here are a few of our picks for the best local outdoor events to cap off a sunny day north of the bay.
Broadway Under the Stars
Transcendence Theatre Company of Sonoma (TTC) is kicking off its third season of Broadway-inspired revues this month in Glen Ellen. The shows, billed as Transcendence theatre’s “Broadway Under the Stars” in Jack London State Park, are the result of a serendipitous road trip and growing partnership between two Sonoma County nonprofits.
From June 27 through September 6, the group will present a series of four unique stage productions, with top-tier talent coming in from New York and Los Angeles to be part of the casts. This summer’s performances include shows titled “One Singular Sensation,” “Fantastical Family Night,” “The Music of the Night” and “Gala Celebration.”
Guests begin arriving on the Beauty Ranch lawns at 5 p.m. for a pre-show gathering, where they’re often greeted by performers; live music plays while local food trucks and multiple Sonoma Valley wines are available to those who haven’t brought in picnics of their own. Afterward, it’s a short walk to the open-air theater, where up to 860 guests are shown to their seats before the 7:30 p.m. showtime.
The show itself takes place next to Jack London’s old cottage, inside the open walls of a winery that was ruined in the 1906 earthquake. The ruins form a dramatic set, framed by vineyards and rugged mountains in the background.
“I think we’ve transformed the winery ruins into one of the most extraordinary outdoor theater spaces in the world,” says Amy Miller, TTC’s artistic director and CEO.
Critics and theater-goers share her enthusiasm. Broadway World, the country’s largest theater website, honored TTC as “Theater of the Year” in the San Francisco area for its 2013 season.
“The word that I hear over and over is that it’s magical,” says Miller. “One time, one of the girls was singing the song ‘Memory’ from ‘Cats’ [the musical] and there was a meteor shower happening during her high note. You can’t reproduce that.”
The road to creating the theater troupe was one full of coincidences just like that. A veteran actress and dancer, Miller and her husband (TTC’s co-executive director, Brad Surosky) toured the country in RVs with TTC’s additional four founding members in 2010, interviewing theater leaders nationwide and scouting locations to set up a permanent residence. Deciding Sonoma County was their ideal place, in 2011, they arrived only to find out a season of outdoor theater would be nearly impossible.
A call to local officials quickly confirmed the reason. County sound regulations stipulated that you couldn’t have a full season of outdoor theater held in one location. The official then mentioned, offhand, that the rules didn’t apply on state land. This sparked an idea and Miller hopped online to do some research—on what happened to be the day after the slated closure of 70 California state parks was announced in 2011.
“Two days later, Brad, Stephan [Stubbins, TTC’s co-executive director] and I came up looking for land in parks and Annadel State Park rangers pointed us to Jack London State Park,” says Miller.
Park officials were enthusiastic and gave them six weeks to stage a trial run to see if the public would support it. That first show had 900 people in attendance, and the partnership between the nonprofit theater company and the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association, the nonprofit that has now become park operator, soon followed.
With each ticket sold, $5 is given in support of the park. Park surveys are also showing that concert-goers are being converted into repeat park visitors.
“It’s a magical park and I’m so glad we’ve played a part in keeping it open,” says Miller.
In addition to “Broadway Under the Stars,” TTC hosts other theater events for the community, including additional Artist Series concerts and a Broadway kids camp that culminates in campers performing in the “Fantastical Family Night” shows. Several area wineries will be playing host to “Skits Under the Stars” this summer, an open-mike series where TTC performers and audience members can share a song, a dance or a laugh alongside a good bottle of wine.
Marin Shakespeare Company
This summer, the Forest Meadows Amphitheater at Dominican University in San Rafael will be transformed into the Forest of Arden, the drawing rooms of London and the Italian city of Verona as part of Marin Shakespeare Company’s (MSC) latest season of outdoor theater. It marks the 25th year of the company bringing Shakespeare to life for thousands of people throughout Northern California.
This year’s playbill includes two works by the Bard, As You Like It and Romeo and Juliet, as well as Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband. In celebration of MSC’s silver anniversary and William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday, a generous patron has underwritten a special promotion dubbed “Pay As You Like It.” Donations of any amount will be accepted for tickets to any production of As You Like It, the very first show MSC presented in 1990. “It’s a gift to the community and also a challenge, to see how many people we can get to come see a Shakespeare play,” says Lesley Schisgall Currier, MSC’s managing director.
Both Currier and her husband, MSC’s artistic director Robert Currier, are busy actors, directors, writers and educators who teach the art and craft of Shakespearean performance to adults and children in year-round classes, summer camps and to inmates through their “Shakespeare at San Quentin” program.
Lesley describes the atmosphere at MSC’s shows as relaxed and casual. Guests are encouraged to arrive one hour before showtime for picnicking in the amphitheater or at the surrounding picnic tables, with snacks available for purchase at the Theatre Café.
“People bring everything from fast food to elaborate picnic hampers with wine glasses and cutlery,” she says.
While the sets are classically Shakespearean, meaning simple enough to let the play’s language and audience’s imaginations run wild, the stage’s location provides plenty of drama.
“One of the charming things about the amphitheater is that it was built so when the moon is full, it rises right behind the actors on stage,” says Currier. “Full moon nights are lovely times to be there, when it rises just around intermission.”
She believes seeing Shakespeare outdoors helps drive home one of the recurring themes found in many of his plays: the contrast between country and city life, and between the wilds of nature and the confines of society, which was changing rapidly in Shakespeare’s day. Currier notes that the chance to step away from the fast pace of life to reconnect with nature is something we’re all still looking for, centuries later.
“Once you come inside the amphitheater, you’re seeing the tall trees and the sky, and hearing Shakespeare’s glorious language delivered by fabulous actors,” she says. “I think it’s a pretty great way to spend a couple of hours.”
Robert Mondavi Winery Summer Concert Series
Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville is celebrating the 45th anniversary of its Summer Concert Series this summer with a lineup of five shows taking place from June 28 through July 19. The concert series became famous by featuring jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton, but recent bills have featured a wide range of music, with artists like Martina McBride, Josh Groban and Colbie Caillat (July 19 this year).
This summer’s headliners include Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (July 5), Five for Fighting (July 12) and saxophonist Dave Koz and Friends on July 18. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the 7 p.m. shows. Guests are welcome to bring in food and nonalcoholic beverages, with Robert Mondavi Winery wines and additional food from The Q, Oakville Grocery, Ben & Jerry’s and Vintage Sweet Shoppe available for purchase.
There are four different ticket and price levels available for each performance, including open or reserved seating on the wide lawn area in front of the stage, reserved patio seating or dinner tickets, which include a pre-show reception in the wine cellar, a family-style dinner in the vineyards and reserved concert seating.
The Summer Concert Series was begun by Magrit Mondavi in 1969 as a way to welcome the community to the winery and raise money for local charities. To date, more than $2 million has been raised, with proceeds from this year’s ticket sales benefitting Napa Valley music programs.
Huichica Music Festival
This summer marks the fifth anniversary of a two-day festival of music, food and wine at Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma, featuring an offbeat mix of indie rock favorites and emerging artists. Named for the estate’s predominant soil type in its valley floor vineyards, the Huichica Music Festival was created by Jeff Bundschu and musician Eric D. Johnson (of The Shins and Fruit Bats.) It begins on Friday, June 13, with doors opening at 6 p.m., continuing at noon on Saturday, June 14.
Gundlach Bundschu, California’s oldest family-owned winery, hosts concerts both in its Old Redwood Barn and at its amphitheater throughout the year. Huichica (pronounced we-cheek-a) presents on the amphitheater, in front of the winery’s cave, giving concertgoers a panoramic view of the stage and surrounding hills from the winery’s wide, grassy hill.
This year’s headliners include Vetiver, Mount Eerie and David Longstreth (of the band Dirty Projectors). Also on tap is food from local purveyors like Burk Sandwiches, Rancho Gordo and Q Craft Barbeque and drinks from Taylor Maid Farms, Happy Moose Juice and Deschutes Brewery. Featured chefs will also be serving up hand-picked food and wine pairings spotlighting Gun Bun wines.
Green Music Center
When the Green Music Center’s Weill Hall opened its doors at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park in 2012, it offered visitors the chance to experience world-class concerts in two very different environments: in one of its 1,400 handcrafted seats inside the hall or outside on the property’s terraces and sweeping lawn. The hall’s rear wall was specially designed to slide open, making the stage at least partially visible to more than 6,000 visitors seated in the center’s outdoor spaces.
Those seated outside may see most of the performance thanks to the open, 40-foot wall of Weill Hall and a large Jumbotron, but they can enjoy front row-quality acoustics, projected from the ultra-sensitive sound system on the main stage through speakers installed strategically throughout the patio and lawn areas. They’re alsorewarded with lower ticket prices, sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where children are welcome and you’re free to dance or lie back and look at the stars.
Outdoor guests can also bring in their own food (but not beverages); additional food and beverages are sold onsite. A range of other dining options is available on most concert evenings, with everything from a three-course meal at the center’s restaurant, Prelude, to a full-service meal on the Dining Terrace or pre-packed picnics.
Movies Al Fresco
The old drive-in theater at the Sonoma-Marin county line may be long gone now, but a new breed of outdoor movies has blossomed all over the North Bay. Events listed below are free to the public (unless otherwise stated) and feature everything from popcorn to Pinot Noir for sale. Whether you’re scouting out new ideas for date night or family night, there’s probably an inflatable movie screen being set up somewhere near you.
June-September
Film Night in the Park
Various parks in Marin County
Sponsored by Marin nonprofit Apple Family Works, these popular community events bring movies to community parks in Marin and San Francisco. Last summer’s schedule included “The Birds” at China Camp State Park in San Rafael and “Lincoln” at Creek Park in San Anselmo. Arrive at 8 p.m., with movies beginning at dusk. Popcorn, candy and soda are available for sale. www.filmnight.org
Tuesdays, June 10-August 5
Kids Movies on the Town Green
Windsor Town Green
This family-friendly film series is presented by the town of Windsor and Starry Movie Nights rental company. Refreshments and jumpy houses available. This summer’s features include “Monsters University,” “Jurassic Park” and “Frozen.” Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset. No shows July 1 or July 29. www.ci.windsor.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=342
Thursdays, July 10-31
Stars Under the Stars
St. Francis Winery, Santa Rosa
St. Francis Winery’s movie nights begin at 7 p.m. with live music and a food and wine reception, followed at dusk by a movie on the wide lawn adjoining the Visitors’ Center. Movies include a mix of Hollywood classics and new releases. www.stfranciswinery.com or call (888) 675-9463
Fridays, August 15-September 19
Movie in the Park
Howarth Park, Santa Rosa
The family fun starts at 6 p.m. on the lower lawn of Howarth Park, next to the park’s expansive playgrounds, where jumpy houses are set up and vendors offer food and drinks for purchase. Movies begin at dusk, approximately 7:30 p.m. Moviegoers on blankets are seated to the front, those on low chairs are asked to sit toward the back. www.srcity.org
August 16
Movie Night at Gundlach Bundschu
Gundlach Bundschu Winery, Sonoma
As dusk approaches around 7:30 p.m., it’s time to stake out a glass of wine and a prime spot on the winery’s grassy hillside for this popular annual event. Don’t forget to dress in layers for when the temperature dips after sunset. www.gunbun.com/calendar
August 16-October 18
Summer Movie Nights
Flora Springs Winery, St. Helena
Taking place on the third Saturday of the month, these intimate evenings begin with live music in the Vineyard Courtyard, where guests can enjoy pre-ordered gourmet picnics with reserved tables and Flora Springs wine available by the glass or bottle. Movies are screened in the open-air, rooftop lounge, with a classic movie candy and popcorn bar sure to distract even the most ardent film lover. Cost is $15 per person (includes movie and popcorn). www.florasprings.com/events
September 5
Wine & Movie Night
Cosentino Winery, Yountville
Bring a chair or cushion to watch a movie from Cosentino’s crushpad-turned-theater. Wine and all-you-can-eat popcorn are available throughout the show. Event begins at 8 p.m. www.cosentinowinery.com
Additional Events
Every Friday
Friday Night Jazz Concerts
Marin Country Mart, Larkspur
Come check out the impressive lineup of jazz artists jamming in the Larkspur Landing courtyard from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. www.marincountrymart.com
July 13
Festival Del Sole Annual Gala
Meadowood Resort, St. Helena
Festival Del Sole is a 10-day music and lifestyle festival, held at various venues throughout Napa Valley. During its crown jewel, the Annual Gala, watch a croquet tournament, enjoy fine wines and a catered dinner on the fairways, take part in a high-roller auction and top it off with a musical performance under the stars at Meadowood. You know, your usual Sunday night. www.meadowood.com/events or www.festivaldelsole.org
July 24
Monte Rio Variety Show
Monte Rio
It’s the 103rd anniversary of this classic benefit concert (for St. Catherine’s Church, the Monte Rio School Foundation and the Monte Rio Fire Services Foundation), which keeps drawing big-name, surprise acts to the Russian River year after year. www.monterioshow.org
