September

Sausalito Art Festival Sept. 3–5. Sausalito has long been hailed as an artistÕs paradise, with its seaside breezes and laid-back environment, so hosting this excellent arts fest is a no-brainer. The music is always a draw, and this year features Õ80s synth-rockers the Human League and Men without Hats, power pop from the Smithereens and light rock from Kenny Loggins. Did we mention more art than you can shake a watercolor brush at? Marinship Park, Sausalito. Friday, preview party at 6pm, advance tickets only. Saturday–Sunday, 10am–6pm; Monday, 10am–5pm. $5–$40; under six, free. 415.331.3757. sausalitoartfestival.org.

EcoFair Marin Sept. 4. The first annual fair dedicated to promoting a sustainable Marin, the EcoFair features workshops and programs with community members and professionals in green industries. The Local Music Vibe stage also presents exactly what its name suggests. Marin County Fairgrounds, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $5. 10am–7pm. 415.519.5565.

Jane Austen Unscripted Sept. 7–8. For the third year in a row, L.A.Õs Impro Theater brings its improvised version of Jane AustenÕs classic tales of sass and social satire. The much-lauded show is a surefire first-date activity. 142 Throckmorton, 142 Throckmorton Avenue. 8pm. $20–$30. 415.383.9600.

Eighth Annual Chautauqua Revue Sept. 9–11. Over a hundred years ago, in encampments all over the United States, lecture, debates, vaudeville, drama and storytelling took place. Such gatherings became known as a Chautauqua, and the tradition has set up sturdy camp in Occidental. This yearÕs event is sure to entertain, with slack-rope walker and juggler David Hunt, Faun Fables, Smirk IrksomeÕs new micromusical called Apostasy of the Sea Monkeys, musician Arann Harris and more. The Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, 15290 Coleman Valley Road, Occidental. $20–$35, sliding scale. Friday–Sunday, Sept. 9–11. Friday–Sunday at 8pm; also, childrenÕs matinee Saturday at 2pm. 707.874.1557. oaec.org.

Sebastopol Center for the Arts Auction Sept. 9. Help support arts programming in western Sonoma County at this inexpensive fun evening featuring martinis, wine, desserts and, of course, an auction, which starts at 8:30pm. 7–10pm. Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780 Depot St., Sebastopol. $20. 707.829.4797.

Wine Country Ukulele Fest Sept. 9–11. Now in its fourth year, this once-fledgling uke exhibition has expanded to a full-blown festival. Virtuoso James Hill leads the pack with plenty of guest stars on Friday. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. 8pm. $25. 707.226.7372. Saturday and Sunday are more interactive, with jam sessions and lessons for beginners. Upper Valley Campus of Napa Valley College, 1088 College Ave., St. Helena. 10am–5pm. $15. 707.226.7372. winecountryukefest.com.

Dan Goodman Sept. 9. Billed as both a Òhambone HamletÓ and a Òfriend of misguided aliens,Ó Dan Goodman defies description. See his one-man show of recitation, satire and other eclectic tidbits in this 21st-century interpretation of 19th-century vaudeville. Marin Center Showcase Theater, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $36–$24. 415.499.6800.

Cajun & Zydeco Fest Sept. 10. The 16th annual fest in Sebastopol infuses life with some good olÕ fashioned New Orleans spice. All rumps under the redwoods are guaranteed to be shakinÕ as the Zydeco Flames, the Sheryl Cormier Band, Andre Thierry & Zydeco Magic and Freeze Guillory & the Bon Temps Zydeco Band storm the stage to take the edge off those gator sausages and oyster shooters. Ives Park, 400 Willow St., Sebastopol. 11:30am–7pm. $20; under 12, free. 707.823.3631. winecountrycajun.com.

George Komsky Sept. 10. After training with world-famous teacher Seth Riggs, touring with Riverdance and being a finalist on AmericaÕs Got Talent, vocalist George Komsky now comes to you. HeÕs got quite the repertoire: Neapolitan songs, opera and pop-opera are just few pieces of the set. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. 8pm. $20-$25. 707.226.7372.

Don Friesen Sept. 13. The only two-time winner of the San Francisco International Comedy Competition, Don Friesen bills himself as a highly caffeinated satirist taking aim at suburban life. Much of his material is taken from his own experiences muddling through fatherhood and husbandry. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. 7:30pm. $18. 707.226.7372.

Willie Nelson and Family Sept. 13–14. Willie Nelson has earned every award imaginable for a singer, which is a testament to both his talent and how long heÕs been playing. Sept. 13 at the Uptown Theatre (1350 Third St., Napa; 7:30pm; $95–$110; 707.259.0123) and Sept. 14 at the Wells Fargo Center (50 Mark West Springs Road; $45–$85; 8pm; 707.546.3600).

Santa Rosa International Film Festival Sept. 14–20. For its 25th year, the Wine Country Film Festival has reinvented itself as the Santa Rosa International Film Festival. There are eight categories for all movies of all lengths including World Cinema, Music in Film and CineLatino. Sept. 14–20 in Santa Rosa. winecountryfilmfest.com.

Daedalus Quartet Sept. 16. The Daedalus Quartet brings a young spirit to Haydn, Lawrence Dillon and Dvorak as part of the Russian River Chamber MusicÕs 20th Anniversary Season. Get there early for interviews with the artists and stay late for post-concert receptions with free local wine. Healdsburg Community Church, 1100 University St., Healdsburg. 7:30pm. Free. 707.524.8700.

Art for Life Sept. 17. Support Face to Face Sonoma County AIDS Network and get some good stuff for the walls at this 24th annual auction and party. Last year, Art for Life raised over $2 million. Exhibit preview on Friday, Sept. 16, from noon to 3pm; bidding begins the next day at 2pm and goes to 6pm. Mary Agatha Furth Center, 8400 Old Redwood Hwy., Windsor. $75. 707.544.1581. f2f.org.

Lee Ritenour Sept. 17. The Grammy-winning smooth-jazz guitarist brings four decadesÕ worth of experience, from jamming with the Mamas & the Papas at age 16 to founding Fourplay, contemporary jazzÕs most successful band. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. 8pm. $38–$48. 707.226.7372.

Fall Napa Valley Aloha Festival Sept. 17. The Manaleo Hawaiian Cultural Foundation hosts the fourth annual festival to celebrate Hawaiian native culture and promote scholarships in local education. Live music and dance, authentic foods, arts and crafts, and a variety of vendors provide a bounty of delights for the senses. Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third St., Napa. 10am–6pm. Free; bring a canned-food donation. 707.966.4017.

Much Ado About Sebastopol Sept. 17. This second-annual festival rushes to fill the hole left when the Ren Faire finally pulled out of NovatoÕs Black Point, partnering with the many Renaissance guilds in the area to reproduce a merry autumn day in dear ElizabethÕs time, replete with fencing, workshops, games, food and drink, vendors, belly dancing, turkey legs and all the many reliable things Ren Faire lovers, well, love. Costumes encouraged but not required. Ives Park, 7400 Willow Ave., Sebastopol. 10am–8pm. $5–$10. muchadoaboutsebastopol.org.

Old Grove Festival Sept. 17. ItÕs hard to find a better acoustic amphitheater than the one located at the heart of Armstrong WoodsÑexactly why the folks behind the fourth annual Old Grove Festival put it to good use. The Best Intentions take on the theme, ÒGroove in the Grove,Ó with tributes to Motown hits of all decades. The Mighty Chiplings open. Bring flashlights, seat cushions and warm clothes to the Redwood Forest Theater. Armstrong Redwoods State Preserve, 14107 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville. 6pm. $10–$40. 707.869.9403.

Diana Ross Sept. 17. The queen of the Supremes is still touring and giving spectacular live shows. Drawing on almost 40 years in the business, her set list will be extensive. 8pm. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $75-$150. 415.499.6800.

Floating Homes Tour Sept. 17. More than 20 homes on the Sausalito waterfront are open for the sweet voyeur to enjoy while wandering and contemplating life on a houseboat. 11am–4pm. $35–$40. 415.332.1916.

Napa Valley Open Studios Sept. 17–18 and 24–25. Some 48 studios featuring 73 artists from Calistoga to Napa are open for this 24th annual four-day self-guided tour. The event is juried, meaning that a high quality of art is maintained and, unlike other open-studio tours in the North Bay, the entire affair is run by the artists themselves. Maps and info at napavalleyopenstudios.org.

Herbie Hancock Sept. 18. The only jazz artist to win a Grammy for Album of the Year in quite a long time, Hancock is a living legend of the Blue Note era of jazz. HeÕs in his fifth decade of performance and composition, and seeing this icon is a must for any modern music buff. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road. 8pm. $45–$199. 707.546.3600.

Pat Metheny Sept. 23. The jazz guitar legend whoÕs fearlessly experimented with everyone from Ornette Coleman to, most recently, an animatronic orchestra. With Larry Grenadier. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Third St., Napa. 8pm. $40–$50. 707.259.0123.

Fifth Annual Pacific Pinball Exhibition Sept. 23–25. With half an acre of pinball machines set to free play, Pacific Pinball is the largest exhibition of pinball machines in the world. It also showcases the history of automated games from their inception in the 1930s to the hyper-realistic games of today. Participate in everything from lectures to tournaments to original artwork. Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $25–$45. 415.473.6400.

The 25th Annual B.R. Cohn Fall Music Festival Sept. 23–26. Vintner and philanthropist B. R. Cohn has raised over $5 million for various charities by having a concert in his backyard. SaturdayÕs lineup features old favorites the Doobie Brothers, as well as Sammy Hagar and Joe Satriani. On Sunday, Lynyrd Skynyrd headlines, and the Doobie Brothers stay for another night. Special guest Jim Messina also plays both nights. B.R. Cohn Winery Amphitheater, 15000 Sonoma Hwy., Glen Ellen. 11am–6pm. $100–$300. 707.938.4064, ext. 127. brcohn.com.

Earle Fest Sept. 24. A celebration of Americana music, this benefit for the Earle Baum Center livens up Santa Rosa with the music of the Flatlanders, Chuck Prophet, Paul Thorn Band, Jug Dealers and others. There will be good old-fashioned barbecue and cold beer, as well as local wine and veggie options to fill sun-warmed bellies. The Earle Baum Center of the Blind, 4539 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa. Noon–6:45pm. $20–$25. 707.523.3222.

Napa Valley Opera House Gala Sept. 24. The Opera HouseÕs annual black tie gala/fundraiser auction. This yearÕs theme is ÒIÕll Take Manhattan,Ó with auction of the same name. The musical stylings of the Grammy-nominated jazz ensemble Tierney Sutton Band spice up the night, Ken Frank of La Toque crafts the meal, and David Reynolds hosts the live auction. 4:30pm. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. Reservations at 707.603.2333.

100 Thousand Poets for Change Sept. 24. Join poets from all over the world as they attempt to better the world with verse. Started by Guerneville poet Michael Rothenberg. Local readings are happening at the Sonoma County Book Festival, hosted by Francisco X. Alarcon. Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa. 10am–4pm. Free. bigbridge.org.

Sonoma County Book Festival Sept. 24. The 11th annual book fest features readings and workshops by both local and national authors, a sure bet for any bookworm. More than 50 local authors and poets, among them David Beckman and Zoe Carter, will be reading their work, and plenty of young adult and childrenÕs programs will keep the whole family busy. Old Courthouse Square and environs (some readings at the main library), downtown Santa Rosa. 10am–4pm. Free. 707.537.8783. socobookfest.org.

Harvest Fair Awards Night Gala Sept. 24. Before the Harvest Fair kicks off, get a sneak peek at the best of what this yearÕs festival has to offer. New to the event is the Sonoma County Wine Awards, for which judges spend three days judging more than a thousand wines. Admission price includes a commemorative glass and other swag. Sonoma County Fairgrounds Grace pavilion. 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. 7–9:30pm. $100. Tickets available at select wineries.

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival Sept. 24–25. The sculpture, painting, ceramics and photography of some 150 different artists are on display under the beautiful trees of Mill Valley. This festival, produced by artists, makes sure that all profits go to local schools and charities. Also enjoy live music under the majestic redwoods. Old Mill Park, 320 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. Saturday, 10am–6pm; Sunday, 10am–5pm. $5–$8; under 12, free. 415.381.8090.

Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival Sept. 24–25. Now in its 35th year, the Russian River Jazz and Blues festival has come up with its best blues lineup in ages: living legends B. B. King and Buddy Guy share a bill on Sunday with worthy openers. SaturdayÕs smooth-jazz fare includes Babyface, Jeff Golub and Norman Brown, surrounded by the river and the redwoods. JohnsonÕs Beach, Guerneville. 10am to 6pm. $45–$160; ages five and under, free. 707.869.1595. omegaevents.com.

The 14th Annual Petaluma Progressive Festival Sept. 25. See the San Francisco Mime Troupe perform their original production 2012: The Musical about corporate corruption for the last time this season. The Petaluma Progressives also host activist authors from a diverse set of backgrounds, including Helen Caldicott speaking on nuclear power, author and activist Daniel Ellsberg, who released the Pentagon Papers in 1971, anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan and professor Stephen Zunes, among other outspoken folk. Walnut Park, Sixth Street and Petaluma Boulevard South, Petaluma. 11:30am–4:30pm. Free. 707.763.8134. progressivefestival.org.

The Great West End & Railroad Square Handcar Regatta & Exposition of Mechanical & Artistic Wonders Sept. 25. Quite simply one of the most eye-boggling arts festivals in the North Bay, the Handcar Regatta offers a steampunk vision of the past with oodles of hope for the future. Kinetic sculpture races, live music, vaudevillians, costumes, food and general creative ingenuity prevail. Depot Park and surrounding railroad tracks, Fourth and Wilson, Santa Rosa. 11am–6pm. $8–$10. 707.490.5039.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair Sept. 30–Oct. 2. Hit up the World Championship Grape Stomp competition, slurp some wine, hitch a hay ride or just get down to some swinginÕ music at the Harvest Fair. Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. $8; six and under, free. 707.545.4200. harvestfair.org.

October

San Francisco Comedy Competition Semi-Finals Oct. 1. The comicÕs last chance to make it to the big-time audience. The pool of 10 contestants will be busting out their funniest seven minutes in a last ditch attempt. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $40. 707.546.3600.

A Night to Bond Oct. 1. Join the Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation for its annual fashion show and dinner/dance. Featuring breast-cancer survivors modeling clothing from local boutiques on the theme ÒThe World Is Not Enough,Ó this event has raised funds for support programs and early detection screening for 16 years. Marin Center Exhibit Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 5:30pm. $225. 415.455.5882.

Esperanza Spalding Oct. 2. An upright bassist with tremendous hair, Spalding has put the jazz world in a tizzy with her mainstream appeal, placement in Starbucks and views on ÒtraditionalÓ jazz. Uptown Theatre, 1350 Third St., Napa. 7:30pm. $65. 707.259.0123.

Calabash Oct. 2. What can 100 local artists do with a bunch of gourds from the Food for Thought food bank? Make some of the most gorgeous Thanksgiving centerpieces youÕve ever seen, obviously. Food for Thought Food Bank, 6550 Railroad Ave., Forestville. 1–5pm. Call for ticket information. 707.887.1647.

Totally Tchaikovsky Oct. 2 and 4. The Marin Symphony under the direction of maestro Alasdair Neale and joined by Orion Weiss play the music of the Òultimate romantic.Ó Come at 2pm for the pre-concert talk. Marin Center VeteransÕ Memorial Theater, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 3pm on Oct. 2; 7:30pm on Oct. 4. $29–$70. 415.473.6400.

34th Annual Mill Valley Film Festival Oct. 6–16. Presented by the California Film Institute, this annual event is known for its contributions to the upcoming Academy Awards, featuring the best of independent and world cinema screening at three venues in Marin. mvff.com.

Oktoberfest Petaluma Oct. 8. Beer, live music, dancing and delicious foodÑwhat more could any North Bay Resident want? Just like Germany, but without the expensive plane ticket. Petaluma Community Center at Lucchesi Park 320 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma. $1–$12. 4–10pm. 707.763.9556.

Gilbert Gottfried Oct. 8–9. The Aflac duck may never leave your memory, and neither will GottfriedÕs zany humor. Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville. $35–$55. 707.944.1300.

Dark Shadows at Twilight Oct. 9. See the American Philharmonic play music appropriate for the creepiest month of the year including favorites like MussorgskyÕs Night on Bald Mountain, GounodÕs Funeral March for a Marionette and BerliozÕs Symphony Fantastique, among others. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $5–$30. 707.546.3600

Joe Klocek Oct. 11. This comedian hopes to show people that an Opera House can be used for more than just opera, which fits with his description as a Òsquare-peg, round-hole type of guy.Ó This should be interesting. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. 7:30pm. $18; $60 for the whole comedy series. 707.226.7372.

Keiko Matsui Oct. 13. Having recently released her 22nd album after more than three decades in the business, Keiko Matsui is still going strong. Six other continents canÕt all be wrong in welcoming her. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. 8pm. $28–$38. 707.226.7372.

Mary Oliver Oct. 14. Elevating the mundane elements of everyday nature to the miraculous has earned the romantic Mary Oliver a Pulitzer Prize. Come see her turn the simple into the sublime with nothing but words. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $25–$35. 707.546.3600.

Bioneers Conference Oct. 14–16. Hear about groundbreaking ideas and discuss building a blueprint for sustainable systems at the 22nd annual Bioneers Conference, a meeting of environmentally focused minds. This yearÕs theme is ÒBreakdown and Breakthrough: Reimagining Technology in the Age of Nature.Ó Notable speakers include Gloria Steinem and John D. Liu. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. $195–$495. 877.246.6337. bioneers.org.

ChefÕs Harvest 2011 Oct. 15. Chefs from the country make the pilgrimage to this event to showcase their heritage foods alongside some of CaliforniaÕs finest Zinfandels. Rock and party music provided by Wonderbread 5. Seghesio, 14730 Grove St., Healdsburg. 4–8pm. $95–$125. 707.433.3579.

ARTRAILS Oct. 15–16 and 22–23. Self-guided opportunity to buy directly from artists and peek into their workspaces. Preview galleries and receptions at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Pelican Gallery and Graton Gallery. 10am–5pm. Free. 707.579.2787, ext. 109. artrails.org.

Santa Rosa Symphony Oct. 15–17. The symphony waxes Russian with a set titled ÒPuppets, Princesses and Prokofiev,Ó accompanied on the piano by soloist Natasha Paremski. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark Springs West Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $25–$35. 707.546.3600.

Sonoma County Jewish Film Festival Oct. 18–Dec. 13. The SCJFF returns for its 15th year of showcasing Jewish life the world over, this year co-presented by KJZY. Films show at the Sixth Street Playhouse (52 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa). 707.528.4222.

Laugh with Will Durst: Cartoonist in Words Oct. 20. AmericaÕs leading political satirist takes aim at everything from Michele Bachmann to gay marriage, leaving no joke unturned. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $40–$80. 415.455.5882.

Summer Jazz at Seasons Oct. 22. Live jazz performance paired with wine. Red with jazz of the Õ20s; white with contemporary, of course. Presented by Seattle saxophonist Anton Schwartz. Seasons of the Vineyard, 113 Plaza St., Healdsburg. Free. 4–6pm. 707.431.2222.

Vienna Boys Choir Oct. 27. Founded in 1469 by Emperor Maximilian I, the sings everything from traditional Austrian waltzes to bubblegum pop tunes in their distinctive angelic tone. Come at 6:30pm for the pre-show discussion and reception. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $10–$45. 707.546.3600.

Fashion at the Vineyards Oct. 28. Benefiting the Boys and Girls Club Valley of the Moon in Sonoma, this annual catwalk showcases some of the hottest designers on the west coast. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma. 5–9pm. Free. 707.938.8544.

Golden Dragon Acrobats Oct. 28. The mysticism of the East combined with unbelievable flexibility makes for an unforgettable experience. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 6:30pm. $19–$35. 707.546.3600.

Hansel and Gretel Oct. 28 and 30. This colorful reproduction of the classic staged by the Golden Gate Opera is sure to provide classy family entertainment that doesnÕt involve walking the streets after dark when the witches are out. Marin Center Showcase Theater, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 7pm on Oct. 28; 3pm on Oct. 30. $15–$45. 415.455.5882.

Jeff Beck Oct. 31. The Grammy-winning guitarist returns to Santa Rosa for the first time in 10 years, right on the heels of a new album, a world tour and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark Springs West Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $49–$89. 707.546.3600.

November

Kings of Salsa Nov. 4. On their first American tour, this Cuban dance troupe is well-versed in all of CubaÕs classic dance styles: Mambo, Rumba, Cha Cha, reggae and hip hop. Marin Center VeteransÕ Memorial Auditorium, 10 Avenue of the Flags. 8pm. $20-$30. 415.499.6800.

Hospice By the BayÕs Annual Ball 2011 Nov. 5. Celebrating 35 years of care, the hospice puts on its annual gala. Live auction, live music, and lively dancing make this night one to remember. Marin Center Exhibition Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 6pm. $250. 415.526.5500.

The 13th Annual Food & Wine Affair Nov. 5–6. Russian River Wine Road gathers 89 local wineries for another delicious extravaganza. Disregard the unlucky number 13 and nab early tickets starting on Sept. 15. They sell out. Various locations in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valley. 11am–4pm each day. $30–$70. 800.723.6336.

Ira Glass Nov. 6. The creator of This American Life talks about how his influential show came into existence. HeÕll tell the funniest stories from the show so far, speak on the direction the show is going and how he plans to change broadcast journalism. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark Springs West Road, Santa Rosa. 8 pm. $30-$45. 707.546.3600

Marin Symphony Nov. 6 and 8. The second concert in the Marin SymphonyÕs 59th season, this event unveils a concerto by Kenji Bunch played by soloist Monica Ohuchi. The orchestra will finish with MahlerÕs Symphony no. 1. Marin Center VeteransÕ Memorial Auditorium, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 3pm, Nov. 6; 7:30pm, Nov. 8. $29–$70. 415.499.6800.

ÒWeird AlÓ Yankovic Nov. 7. Thought parody songs were only for the Õ90s? Think again! Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark Springs West Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $35–$58. 707.546.3600

Jackson Browne Nov. 9. On his solo acoustic career, Jackson Browne brings with him decades of singing, songwriting and performance experience. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $45. 415.499.6800.

Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlen Nov. 11. One of the finest mariachi ensembles in the world. Lincoln Theater, 100 California Drive, Yountville. 8pm. $35–$55. 707.944.1300.

Lisa Lampanelli Nov. 11. The ÒQueen of MeanÓ returns. DonÕt go unless youÕre ready for a sizeable dose of bile, which Lampanelli doles out freely. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark Springs West Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $43. 707.546.3600.

Brian Regan Nov. 13. A versatile comedian whoÕs toured in over 80 countries, Brian Regan balances wit with slapstick quite well. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $40. 415.499.6800.

Momix: Botanica Nov. 16. The Wall Street Journal called this mixture of ballet, light show and illusion Òvisual splendor and theatrical magic.Ó While this Cirque du Soleil of dance refuses to define itself as one thing, Botanica it will surely be surprising and visually spectacular. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark Springs West Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $10–$45. 707.546.3600.

David Sedaris Nov. 16. The legendary NPR humorist and author reads stories about smoking, performance art, being naked and animals. Rumor has it that if children attend, heÕll give them gifts. Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8 pm. $42. 415.499.6800.

Stephen Stills Nov. 17. The only artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice in a single night, once for the Buffalo Springfield and once for Crosby, Stills and Nash. Napa Valley Opera House, 1030 Main St., Napa. 8 pm. $55–$75. 707.226.7372.

Pink Martini Nov. 17 and 19. Pink Martini bills itself as playing Òmusic of the world without being world music.Ó They abandon the clich–s of music thatÕs supposed to appeal to everyone and instead play all genres, from jazz to Russian classical. Nov. 17 at the Marin Center (10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael; 8pm; $45–$65; 415.499.6800) and Nov. 19 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds (1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa; 8pm; $25–$85; 707.545.4200).

Artisano Nov. 18–19. This third annual celebration of food, wine and the arts is a real gem of a walk-around, eat-around, look-around afternoon, featuring high-quality crafts, boutique wineries and really a quite stunning amount of food. Held outside at the Vintners Inn/John Ash & Co. and benefits Slow Food North County. 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa. Noon–5pm. $45–$75. 707.575.7350.

Dana Carvey Nov. 19. Carvey is still going strong after years at SNL, where he created the Church Lady and Hans of Hans and Franz, two of the showÕs most memorable characters. Wells Fargo Center, 50 Mark Springs West Road, Santa Rosa. 8pm. $39–$69. 707.546.3600.

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