Petaluma Perspective by Houston Porter - May 2019

Although not the first event of the month, it tops my list so gets top billing. The Petaluma Museum presents Jura Margulis, Russian virtuoso, in concert on Fri, May 24, starting at 7:30 p.m. “Pianist Jura Margulis has been internationally recognized for his compellingly communicative performances, as well as for the range of his tonal palette and his consummate virtuosity. Reviewers have praised the “absolute authority” of his interpretations and the sense of “controlled obsession” he transmits at the keyboard (Fono Forum). The Los Angeles Times praised his “excellent pianism” and called him “highly musical.” The Washington Post applauded his “titanic reserves of sheer power” and his “effortless spontaneity.” Drehpunkt Kultur in Salzburg writes: “After the performance one fleetingly thinks of the pianists that became legends, but comparisons are impermissible. Margulis is a master sui generis (of his own kind).”

Margulis currently teaches piano in Vienna, which is the epicenter of classical piano, which clearly speaks to his qualifications. He will be playing works by Nicknamed the “Carnegie Hall of the West”, the sound quality at the Petaluma Museum, which is a former Carnegie library, is beyond reproach and offers and excellent opportunity to hear this master play pieces by Schumann, Tchaikowsky, and Mussorgsky. Tickets include complimentary wine and cheese

Ask about balcony seating with elite beverage service. www.petalumamuseum.com

Another concert of sorts, the Petaluma Speedway has finally started up the short-track race season after being rained out by a couple of soggy weekends. I understand that some may find the roar coming from the track on Saturday nights throughout the summer, but if you have not attended, I encourage you to give them a try. This is a piece of Americana that may be gone sooner than you think and represents yet another thing that makes Petaluma unique and helps to keep us connected to our roots. And if you think this is just boys playing in the dirt, think again. There are more and more female racers these days and Petaluma has even turned out a champion recently. Gates open and practice starts at 4 p.m. every Saturday afternoon, with the actual races starting at 6 p.m. and running until roughly 10 p.m. The season runs through Oct 12.www.petaluma-speedway.com.

Have you ever wanted to see what goes on at the Petaluma Airport? The Petaluma Pilot’s Association is hosting its “Display Day” on the first Saturday of each month, with the next date set for May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is also a great chance to visit, or re-visit the Two-Niner Diner for a hearty American breakfast.

Petaluma Film Alliance hosts the 11th Annual Petaluma Film Festival on May 4 at the Mystic Theater. Show times are 12, 3, 7:30, and 10:30 p.m. and will highlight the best new animated and live action short films from around the world, followed by a lively discussion with the filmmakers.www.petalumafilmalliance.org

On Mother’s Day, either bring your mom, or come visit with some moms whose families are not so close by to the Mother’s Day Tea, hosted at the Petaluma Woman’s Club, presented by Petaluma People Service Center and Petaluma Sunrise Rotary. Light sandwiches, dessert, and tea will be served and there will be live entertainment. www.petalumapeople.org

You know that spring has spring when the Transhumance event has come back around. Kicking off with a flock of sheep being herded through downtown and out to Steamer Landing Park, the Sat, May 11 event will have a shepherds’ breakfast, educational booths, workshops, panels on land ethics and local ranching, and a marketplace. This is a great event aimed at helping to “Keep the CULTURE in agriCULTURE.”

Because food is close to my heart, I have two excellent dinners to recommend. The first is a collaboration between Stockhome and HenHouse. Being that it is spring, which is the traditional time of year for farmhouse ales, also known as saison’s, HenHouse will bring in five of their saisons, including their new “Pure Black” dark saison, which I have had and enjoyed quite a lot. Dinner is five courses, paired with five HenHouse saisons. I find beer to offer a much more diverse set of pairing options than wine and with Stockhome’s excellent food and HenHouse’s award winning beers, this is going to be yet another spectacular Stockhome dinner. https://www.stockhomerestaurant.com/ The second collaboration is between Brewster and Thistle Meats on Thurs., May 9. Also, a five-course dinner, Chef Todd (Brewsters) and Chef Travis (Thisle Meats) will also offer a five-course dinner, with the menu to be announce shortly. http://brewstersbeergarden.com

American Graffiti rolls back into town from May 16 to 19, with plenty of car events for the whole family. The big show is on Sat, May 18, when the streets of downtown are closed to traffic in order to showcase all the beautiful cars. www.americangraffiti.net

Sonoma County Backroad Challenge is Sat, May 18, which still gives you plenty of time brush the cobwebs off your bike and sign up for a nice ride around our end of the county. With four different routes/lengths to choose from, there is something for everyone. Riders will enjoy BBQ and beer at the Backroad Festival after the ride. www.petalumasunriserotary.org

Petaluma Adobe Living History Day returns on Sat, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rancho Petaluma Adobe. “Meet the men and women of 1830-40’s Mexican California at Rancho de Petaluma as vaqueros, traders, cooks, spinners, weavers, merchants, and craftsmen perform their daily routines.” http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=474