R.I.P. dear Lenny Weinstein. THANK YOU for sharing your many artistic talents and fervent activism with our grateful communities! You will be so missed.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 th, a reception honoring Lenny will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm at Occidental Center for the Arts, and there will be some of his artworks on display there.

Please visit www.donquixoteartworks.com to view or purchase the amazing variety of Lenny Weinstein's artworks. It was his wish to benefit OCA , and we are profoundly appreciative of this last gift to us all.

Don't miss this fantastic double-bill with some of Sonoma County's most talented musicians! Solid Air Band and The Temblors will present a variety of Americana covers and originals for our musical pleasure. Performed in our amphitheater, this show is sure to lift your spirits and get your toes tapping!

Tickets are $25 GA, $20 for OCA members. Kids 14 and under are free. Bring your own seat cushion or low-backed chair. Limited direct sun for first thirty minutes of show. To request seating for handicapped patrons please email info@occidentalcenterforthearts.org

Fine refreshments available for purchase, art gallery open during intermission.

Solid Air is a music group based in Sonoma County, led by co-founders Allegra Broughton (vocals, guitar) and Sam Page (vocals, bass, baritone slide guitar), along with Steve Barbieri (vocals, lead guitar) and Vic Carberry (drums). All are native Californians who have been performing for over thirty years at fairs, festivals, clubs, concert stages, wineries, coffeehouses and private events. Solid Air performs with high energy vocals, stellar musicianship, top-notch original songs and eclectic covers from jug band to cajun to classic rock ‘n’ roll for both listening and dancing, with references available. They have nine albums and one EP, including 2017's Beautiful World and the 2019 EP undertow  (Jackalope Records), a song on Nina Gerber’s 2007 CD, “Good Music with Good People”, and the opening track (Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit in the Sky) on “Sonoma County Covers Project” double CD, (Jackalope 2015). Sam played bass on Lowell Levinger/Banana’s 2015 CD “Get Together - Youngbloods Classics” and Elvin Bishop's "Gettin' My Groove Back" (2005).  Highlights: 2005/2010 Kate Wolf Music Festival, 2010 Norton Buffalo Memorial Festival, 2011 Sausalito Arts Festival, 2012 Woody Guthrie Centennial, radio shows 2008 West Coast Live & 2011 KRSH-FM 501 Blues, KWMR’s 2007 “Sweethearts of the Radio”, opening for Suzanne Vega and Al Stewart at City Winery Napa (2015), for Loudon Wainwright III (2010) at Petaluma’s Mystic Theater and sharing the bill with Dan Hicks at the 2012 Armstrong Woods Old Grove Festival. Featured in Acoustic Guitar Magazine (Jan.’95 & Nov. ‘07); NORBAY Award nominees (2007-2009); international radio airplay and rave reviews. 

Reviews:  "It’s nice to know that a seasoned group like Solid Air hasn’t forgotten the sense of purpose of progressive forebears like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, singing songs that fight back against cynicism and darkness with good humor and good will.", Paul Liberatore, Marin Independent Journal, May 2017, CA.  

“One of the North Bay’s Brightest Gems”, Larry Kelp, KPFA-FM, Berkeley, CA.  

“Allegra has an extraordinary voice that is at once achingly sweet and remarkably powerful”, Michele Anna Jordan, Dec. 2011, Press Democrat, CA.  

“Great Alterna-Country rockin’ band from northern California...Broughton warbles like a bird in one breath and rocks hard when the material demands it”, Bob Cianci, River Reporter, NY.  

“Soulfully incandescent vocals; an enormously gifted band”, Chris Garcia, Press Democrat

The Temblors are an Indy-Americana band hailing from the CA North Bay Area made up of experienced players with styles and prior band experience ranging from Cosmic Country to Punk to Indy to Dream Pop. Male/Female harmonies take center stage in our approach, along with vibrato guitar, the chime of the mandolin, all backed by a solid rhythm section.

Band members include Dan Silverstein (vocals/guitar), Jess Gallagher (vocals), David Torgersen (lead guitar/mandolin), Ken Finn (bass), and Dan Ransford (drums).

Occidental native Laura Wachtel and friends return for a night of audience-inspired improv. Watch these super-talented, clever and witty improvisers turn simple ideas into theatrical skits before your eyes. Always popular, always a fun time - we can't wait for the return of Zipline to OCA!

Tickets are $20 GA, $15 for OCA members. Kids 6-14 $10.

Paper Birds Pop-Up Band

This event is being rescheduled

We are currently working to secure a new date with the band. Stay tuned for updates!

OCA is pleased to welcome back Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan, joined by Katie Dahl and Rich Higdon to form the pop-up group Paper Birds. If you've ever seen Claudia and Bruce perform at OCA, you know this show is not to be missed! Sweet harmonies, beautiful melodies, energetic rhythms, poignant and funny lyrics, connecting with the audience - these performers always bring a rich experience to our theater.

Tickets are $27 GA - advance, discount for OCA members. $32 at the door.

This show will be held in our outdoor space, an intimate amphitheater. Please plan for part sun/part shade. Bring your own seat cushion or low-backed chair. Reserved ground-level seating is available for those with disabilities.

*Please note - inclement weather moves this show indoors.

Paper Birds is a wonderful, once-in-a-blue-moon pop-up band born of the friendship between two exceptional singer/songwriter duos: California’s Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan, and Wisconsin’s Katie Dahl and Rich Higdon.

From the Bay Area, Russell and Kaplan bring their unique Americana sound, driven by Russell’s gorgeous voice, eclectic and engaging songwriting and the couple’s dynamic instrumental arrangements. The duo has performed more than 1000 shows at festivals, concert halls, clubs, community centers, backyards, and living rooms, often alongside great collaborators—Laurie Lewis, Nina Henry, Don Henry, John Gorka, Peter Rowan, Tish Hinojosa, and Christine Lavin, to name a few.

From the Northwoods of Wisconsin, Katie Dahl adds guitar, vocals, and sparkling songwriting to the mix, alongside her partner Rich Higdon’s upright bass and occasional percussion. Katie is an internationally touring songwriter whose Katie’s five albums showcase her deep, smooth alto and smart, vulnerable songs. Between the two of them, Dahl and Higdon have shared stages with folks like Dar Williams, Peter Mulvey, Cheryl Wheeler, and Leo Kottke.  

Claudia, Katie, Bruce and Rich have been friends for two decades, so they banter comfortably, as well as sing and play on each other’s songs--making every Paper Birds show memorable, fun, and engaging. Join us and this quadruple talented band and keep your summer going!

A Musical Midsummer Night’s Dream

Ever wonder what would happen if Shakespeare met the Beatles and Led Zeppelin?  You’ll just have to come see Occidental Center for the Arts production of A Musical Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare Meets the Beatles.  It’s the 400th year since Shakespeare’s death and time to do one of his plays.  But the year is not 1595, it’s 1969, and it’s Athens alright but not Greece…it’s Ohio!  Hermia and Lysander are not young lovers but mature lovers and very involved with protests and marches while Demetrius, being Egeus straight pet, is still vying for his daughter, Hermia’s, hand. “Good grief!  At this age, dad?!” The two mature, hippie lovers run off to the forest where they encounter, unknowingly, Demetrius…and Helena, as well as the psychedelia realm of Titania and Oberon and of course, that naughty Puck.  Now the action really begins! Groovy, baby!  But don’t forget Pepper Quince and her band of mechanicals/wannabe jug band players.  

See you at the theatre!

This community theatre production will be performed in our beautiful, naturally shaded amphitheater. Bring your own seat cushion or low-backed chair. Please contact us for ground-level reserved seating if you are disabled. No outside food or drinks allowed. Bottled water is ok, no glass containers.

Starring Bob Burnett, Andrea Van Dyke, Steve Fowler, Caitlin Fowler, Maria Culberson, Cyprian Stevens, Shems Peterson, Latefa Mineo, Emily Webster, Lorri Levy-Comer, Darylan Stratten, Dave Michaelson, Keith Blackstone and Kelly McCool with Katie Cogliandro, Jeriah and Caspian Hergenrather and more West County kids!

Directed by Starr Hergenrather and Produced by Ellen Robin with Musical Direction by Miles McKenzie.

Tickets are $20 GA, $15 for OCA members. Kids 6-14 are $10, 5 and under are free. All tickets are $5 additional at the door - if available.

Ever wonder what would happen if Shakespeare met the Beatles and Led Zeppelin?  You’ll just have to come see Occidental Center for the Arts production of A Musical Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare Meets the Beatles.  It’s the 400th year since Shakespeare’s death and time to do one of his plays.  But the year is not 1595, it’s 1969, and it’s Athens alright but not Greece…it’s Ohio!  Hermia and Lysander are not young lovers but mature lovers and very involved with protests and marches while Demetrius, being Egeus straight pet, is still vying for his daughter, Hermia’s, hand. “Good grief!  At this age, dad?!” The two mature, hippie lovers run off to the forest where they encounter, unknowingly, Demetrius…and Helena, as well as the psychedelia realm of Titania and Oberon and of course, that naughty Puck.  Now the action really begins! Groovy, baby!  But don’t forget Pepper Quince and her band of mechanicals/wannabe jug band players.  

See you at the theatre!

A Musical Midsummer Night’s Dream

Ever wonder what would happen if Shakespeare met the Beatles and Led Zeppelin?  You’ll just have to come see Occidental Center for the Arts production of A Musical Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare Meets the Beatles.  It’s the 400th year since Shakespeare’s death and time to do one of his plays.  But the year is not 1595, it’s 1969, and it’s Athens alright but not Greece…it’s Ohio!  Hermia and Lysander are not young lovers but mature lovers and very involved with protests and marches while Demetrius, being Egeus straight pet, is still vying for his daughter, Hermia’s, hand. “Good grief!  At this age, dad?!” The two mature, hippie lovers run off to the forest where they encounter, unknowingly, Demetrius…and Helena, as well as the psychedelia realm of Titania and Oberon and of course, that naughty Puck.  Now the action really begins! Groovy, baby!  But don’t forget Pepper Quince and her band of mechanicals/wannabe jug band players.  

See you at the theatre!

This community theatre production will be performed in our beautiful, naturally shaded amphitheater. Bring your own seat cushion or low-backed chair. Please contact us for ground-level reserved seating if you are disabled. No outside food or drinks allowed. Bottled water is ok, no glass containers.

Starring Bob Burnett, Andrea Van Dyke, Steve Fowler, Caitlin Fowler, Maria Culberson, Cyprian Stevens, Shems Peterson, Latefa Mineo, Emily Webster, Lorri Levy-Comer, Darylan Stratten, Dave Michaelson, Keith Blackstone and Kelly McCool with Katie Cogliandro, Jeriah and Caspian Hergenrather and more West County kids!

Directed by Starr Hergenrather and Produced by Ellen Robin with Musical Direction by Miles McKenzie.

Tickets are $20 GA, $15 for OCA members. Kids 6-14 are $10, 5 and under are free. All tickets are $5 additional at the door - if available.

Ever wonder what would happen if Shakespeare met the Beatles and Led Zeppelin?  You’ll just have to come see Occidental Center for the Arts production of A Musical Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare Meets the Beatles.  It’s the 400th year since Shakespeare’s death and time to do one of his plays.  But the year is not 1595, it’s 1969, and it’s Athens alright but not Greece…it’s Ohio!  Hermia and Lysander are not young lovers but mature lovers and very involved with protests and marches while Demetrius, being Egeus straight pet, is still vying for his daughter, Hermia’s, hand. “Good grief!  At this age, dad?!” The two mature, hippie lovers run off to the forest where they encounter, unknowingly, Demetrius…and Helena, as well as the psychedelia realm of Titania and Oberon and of course, that naughty Puck.  Now the action really begins! Groovy, baby!  But don’t forget Pepper Quince and her band of mechanicals/wannabe jug band players.  

See you at the theatre!!!