Cloverdale Arts Alliance

Situated in the northernmost reaches of the Bay Area is Cloverdale (inc. 1872, pop. c. 11,000). Once known as the Orange Belt of Sonoma County, its contoured hills and valleys are now home to an ever-growing number of vineyards, amid oak trees and small farms. The Russian River whispers nearby, a short stroll from town. The non-profit Cloverdale Arts Alliance (CAA), extant for 14 years, with a mission "to promote the Arts in Northern Sonoma County," is a hub of the thriving arts scene. It hosts a full schedule of events, highlighted on balmy summer evenings, by Friday Night Live, with free, heavily-attended concerts exhibiting world-class musical acts. The rest of the year, the CAA provides a home for a variety of indoor music events, art exhibits, and classes. Volunteers, of which more are needed, produce all events, including monthly performances by local players of blues, jazz, and Americana. A cooperative art gallery, operated by local artists, exhibits original works, which change six times a year. Music workshops, free and open to all levels of experience, provide an opportunity for beginners to learn from long-time performers. Mark Tharrington, the CAA's Executive Director, and the only paid member of the organization, says, during a backroom interview in January, he came onboard initially "to revitalize Friday Night Live." He sees the CAA as "dragging a lot of community resources together with a common goal of bringing artists to Northern Sonoma County. It literally bonds this community." "My passion would be more the music," says Tharrington. Two monthly music events, THE Jazz Club and Americana Night, which go dark in the summer, attract such established performers as David Luning, the Bootleg Honeys, and the Easy Leaves. "We're not trying to make money," he says, "we're just trying not to lose on the shows while supporting the artists." Beer and wine are served. One room is open to the public, where they've created a subdued environment and backdrop for the music, by using a variety of understated colors and a tasteful arrangement of paintings and sculptures by members of the art collective. The "Blues Session" is populated by a core group of people from their blues workshop plus walk-in musicians, says Dave Garland, who's in charge of the Sessions and the two music workshops, electric and acoustic. "The blues night is an extension of the workshop," he says, "to create an opportunity for local musicians to perform. The workshops are a chance for experienced players to share what they know with beginners who are seeking a chance to play with others." R&B, rock n'roll, jazz and swing are also included. The CAA, supported by ticket sales, grants, and sponsorships, also has art and ceramic classes for kids (mostly ages 8 to 13) and adults, separately. Their program also includes workshops for sculptors, writers, and dancers. For the more laid-back, there are art and wine appreciation classes. More info at cloverdaleartsalliance.org Photo Credit: Chelsea Judith 66 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 2/16 Cloverdale Arts Alliance