Sphinx Moth and Lilies by Bill Martin Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 9, 2008 for the 17th Annual Art in the Gardens from 10 am to 5 pm. This summer, we will be hosting our 17th annual Art in the Gardens fundraiser — an event hailed as the best garden party on California’s North Coast. Imagine a beautiful summer’s day with over 60 talented artists, more than a dozen of the finest Mendocino County wineries, delicious food and local culinary treats, and fabulous musicians all coming together to create a dynamic event right in the heart of the Botanical Gardens.   Art in the Gardens is held in the Perennial, Heather, and Dahlia Gardens — when these horticultural displays are at their peak — a backdrop that dazzles and delights the senses with color and fragrance. Art in the Gardens highlights include: wine tasting, a wide variety of fine art and crafts including beautiful, handcrafted furniture available for purchase. Artists in Action will be demonstrating their techniques, from weaving to woodworking. The Silent Auction area will offer unique pieces donated by the artists, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Gardens. Wine tasting from over a dozen of Mendocino County’s best wineries will be available with the purchase of an event wine glass. Gourmet picnic baskets featuring the finest local food and wine will be available for purchase, as well as delicious food from select vendors. Live music will be offered on three different stages, and performances by Opera Fresca will add to the ambiance and charm of this delightful summer’s day! Tickets are $20 and available at the door on the day of the event. For more information: Call Karen Clayton at 707-964-4352 ext. 25.

Winesong! is a nationally recognized charity wine auction and tasting attended by more than 1,100 guests from 28 states, who come together to make this one of the most spectacular events on the North Coast. The popularity of this prestigious event guarantees a sellout crowd every year and creates a festive atmosphere in the beautiful Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.

The Auction: The auction takes place in a tent on the coastal headlands at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens from 2 pm to 5 pm. The live auction features nearly 110 exciting lots, in addition to the silent auction with more than 120 lots.

Large format bottles, vertical collections, and some hard to find European wines characterize the event, along with some exceptional California cult wines which are always at the auction.

Winesong for Wine Lovers: Each year more and more collectors from around the country have been coming to Winesong! hoping to walk away with cult wines and others unavailable through normal channels. Leading the list of cult wines up for grabs are large bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon from Grace Family, Screaming Eagle, Colgin, Hartwell and Vineyard 29. Rare vintages and special bottles have been offered by Shafer Vineyards, Caymus, Phelps Insignia, Chappellet, Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Diamond Creek and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. Recent auctions have included hard to find vertical collections such as twenty vintages of Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon.

Also there is Winewong’s vacation packages to leading wine regions offer unbeatable experiences. There have been trips to France, Italy, and New Zealand all feature visits to world famous wine producers, tastings of older vintages and meetings with winemakers.

 Janice Porter 

Contributing Artists: One of the distinguishing features of Winesong! is that artists, both from the local colony of world famous artists, and others who visit the area, contribute original works of art to the Live and Silent auctions.

Among the art items featured each year are one of a kind painted wine bottles and wine presentation boxes. Ranging in size from 3 liters to 9 liters, these large bottles are filled with wines from Mendocino County’s finest wineries. Appealling to people who enjoy both wine and art, these unique art bottles have become a popular attraction. In addition several artists create original images on wine presentation boxes. Also, the auctions offer original paintings, art glass, limited edition prints and framed photographs.

The Event: The wine tasting is scheduled from 11 am to 2 pm. and is held outdoors along the garden paths. Each year over 100 of california’s highly acclaimed wineries showcase their best vintages. The wine is complemented by samples of the excellent cuisine of over 50 of Mendocino County’s restaurants and food purveyors. To add to the festivities, musical groups perform throughout the gardens in a variety of styles including French, and Irish folk music, classical, jazz, and big band. For additonal information, phone 707-961-4909.

This is the 22nd season of the Mendocino Music Festival. Mark your calendar for the dates of Saturday, July 12 to Saturday, July 26, for this magical event.

 Artistic Director Allan Pollack has been Artistic Director and Conductor of the Mendocino Music Festival for the last 21 years. He has led both orchestra and chorus through many memorable performances. With a Ph.D. in composition from UC Berkeley, Pollack has composed a variety of pieces for the festival over the years. As a jazz musician, he leads the fabulous Festival Big Band and sometimes even takes a solo on saxohone himself. In addition to his Festival responsibilities, Pollack has a full studio of private students, and is the Music Director and Conductor of Symphony of the Redwoods for the last 20 years, and was appointed Artistic Director of the Camellia Symphony in Sacramento 3 years ago.

Opening Night:

Saturday, July 12 at 8 pm. The Festival Orchestra Smetana: Overture to The Bartered Bride Dvorak: Symphony No. 8 Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No.1 in Bb, Stephen Prutsman, piano.

Sunday, July 13 at 8 pm. Jesse Winchester, Singer/Songwriter & Floxglove 1960’s folk rock legend, composer of “Mississippi You’re On My Mind”, “Yankee Lady” and “Brand New Tennessee Waltz” sings with his gentle, sweet voice honest, whimsical lyrics and melodic tunes. Foxglove is the Mendocino Coast’s hip bluegrass, R&B, rock n roll influenced band.

Monday, July 14 at 8 pm. Stephen Prutsman versatile and innovatiove pianist, composer and arranger presents a solo piano concert of preludes and fugues mixed with jazz, world and classical music, exploring and seeking common ground in the music of all cultures.

Wednesday, July 15 at 8 pm. The Hot Club of San Francisco borrowing the original instrumentation from the Hot Club de France (violin, bass and guitars) this group breathes new life into the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli with creative arrangements of classics and original compositions from lead guitarist Paul Mehling.

Thursday, July 17 at 8 pm. ‘Degenerate Music’ Susan Waterfall & The Festival Chamber Players. Erin Neff, vocalist. After World War 1, Weimar Berlin was a cauldron of artistic ferment as avant-garde artists and intellectuals, most of them Jewish, struggled to create a modern German culture. Exuberant freedom and hectic experimentation masked a sense of impending doom. After 1933, Hitler denounced them all as “degenerate” and their forced exile carried Weimar modernity to the rest of the world. A re-creation of this fascinating and pivotal era with cabaret and chamber music of Weill, Schoenberg, and Eisler, photographs and film.

Friday, July 18 & July 20 at 8 pm. Opera…. Mozart: Marriage of Figaro. The Festival Orchestra & Cast. Alan Pollack, conductor, Brian Leerhuber, baritone, Nicolle Foland, soprano, Christine Brandes, soprano, Eugene Brancoveanum, bass, Donna Olson, mezzo-soprano, Mark Hernandez, tenor, Matthew Miksak, bass. A hilarious comic opera about the foibles of lovers, with the witty, rapturous music of Mazart.

Saturday, July 19, at 8 pm. Big Band Night with Allan Pollack & The All-Star Festival Big Band. Fasten your seatbelts for a swingin’ rocketship ride to the nostalgia zone. Shimmering vocals, surprise guest artists and the hot, brassy asounds of the fabulous All-Star Big Band.

Tuesday, July 22, at 8 pm. Quintango acclaimed quintet (strings and piano) and dancers present a sizzling, seductive and passionate interpretation of Argentine tango. “For haunting melody, rhythm that makes every part of your anatomy move and a feeling of warmth and enthusiasm, Quintango is downright wonderful.” -Charleston Post and Courier-

Wednesday, July 23, at 8 pm. Ballet & Orchestra with The Festival Orchestra, Allan Pollack, conductor, with special guests Company C Contemporary Ballet. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Ravel:Piano Concerto, Movement No. 2 with Susan Waterfall, piano, Gershwin: “Who Cares”, Rossini: Overtures.

Thursday, July 24, at 8 pm. Festival Chamber Players Great Chamber Music of the 20th Century. Harrison: Simfony #13 for Percussion Quartet, Skostakovich: Piano Trio, Carolyn Steinbuck, piano (room 2 add violin & cello), Stravinsky: L’hostoire du soldat, Les Pfutzenreuter, Conductor.

Friday, July 25, at 8 pm. Los Pinguos natives of Buenos Aires, these musicians combine Latin rhythms, Spanish guitars, a Cuban Tres, a Peruvian cajon and harmoninizing vocals to produce a vivacious sound, part salsa, part rock, part traditional Argentine music. The band has recorded four albums and appears on three Putumayo World Music compilations.

Saturday, July 26, at 3 pm. Julian Waterfall Pollack & Friends. This uncannily young and astonishingly talented pianist leads his group of exceptional musicians in re-imagined jazz standards and original musical compositions that include jazz, rock and pop genres. He has performed with Joshua Redman and Nicholas Payton and appeared at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Lincoln Center and Yoshi’s. In 2007 he was guest on Marian McPartland’s syndicated radio show, Piano Jazz.

Grand Finale

Saturday, July 26 at 8 pm. Festival Chorus & Orchestra Walter Green Memorial Concert.

Piano Series - Lectures & Recitals at Preston Hall

Sunday, July 13 at 3 pm. Paul Roberts - Ravel: Jeux d’eau, Selection from Miroirs Toccata from Le Tombeau de Couperin. Debussy: selections from Preludes.

Monday, July 21 & Tuesday, July 22 at 3 pm. Paul Hersh - Bach: Well-tempered Clavier, Book Two. The first half of Book Two will be performed on Monday, and the second half on Tuesday.

Thursday, July 24, at 3 pm. Helene Wickett Sonatas by Beethoven & Elliot Carter.

Youth Concerts - Festival Tent

Sunday, July 13 at 2 pm. Children’s Matinee Selections from the Opening Orchestra Concert followed by our “Instrument Petting Zoo” where you can meet the musicians and play some instruments.

Sunday, July 20 at 2 pm. Emerging Artists Concert Young musicians from the festival’s youth program perform in chamber ensembles with skill, emotion and depth well beyond their years.

Special Events:

1. Gala Opening Celebration…………Friday, July 11
2. Meet Stephen Prutsman…………..Saturday, July 12
3. Big Band Dance Party……………..Saturday, July 19
4. The Dinner Party……………………Monday, July 21

Since 1970 “The Worlds Largest Salmon Barbeque” has delighted salmon lovers young and old. Every year in conjuction with the Independance Day festivities in Fort Bragg, the barbeque is one of the primary sources of funding for the year for the Salmon Restoration Association.

  This year, the 2008 Salmon Barbeque is scheduled for Saturday, July 5th, from 11 am to 6 pm. In the past the salmon barbeque has fed and entertained more than 6,000 people at this huge community event. There will be live music, the aroma of grilled salmon, family and meet new friends. Great food and a love of the outdoors are all part of the atmosphere at the barbeque. Trade fish stories with and “old salt”, or join one of our younger attendees in learning about the efforts of the Salmon Restoration Associaton.

Well what’s on the menu? Delicious grilled salmon, fresh green salad, good ole’ corn on the cob and garlic bread. There will also be wine and beer available, and of course soda water and water to.

Join us this summer for a good old fashioned barbeque. We’ll grill the salmon, and you bring your appetite, and a few friends! If you’ve joined us berfore, we’ll be glad to see you back. And remember, you aren’t just having a great time eating great food, you’re supporting the restoration and preservation of our wild pacific salmon resources.

About the Associaton: The Salmon Restoration Association exists for one reason: To take positive, measurable action to restore the natural wild salmon runs to rivers of Northern California. Our primary concern at this time is the Hollow Tree Creek Hatchery. Hollow Tree Creek sits on a tributary to the Eel River in Hales Grove, California. (near California’s Lost Coast).

The association is a non-profit organization, and our primary funding come from two sources: The California Department of Fish and Game reserves a portion of the sales of commercial salmon tags for restoration work, and our annual event; The Worlds Largest Salmon Barbeque. Now a part of Californai’s history. Representative Mike Thompson of the 3rd district, has filed The Salmon Restoration Association’s “Worlds Largest Salmon Barbeque” as a Local Legacy project with the Library of Congress.

 In Memory of: VEITH, Bob A veteran of 11 Indianapolis 500-Mile Races and the 1956 Rookie of the Year, “crossed the finish line” March 29, 2006 in Santa Rosa, CA. He was 81. He began his racing career in 1948 as a post World War II roadster driver and member of the California Roadsters Association paving the way for 11 Indy 500 starts beginning in 1954. Of his 11 starts in the Indianapolis “500″, six ended up with finishes in the first 12, topped by his Rookie of the Year run to seventh place in 1956. During that time Veith also competed regularly in USAC sprint car races, ranking fourth in the 1956 Midwest point standings. For more than a decade, Veith was a member of the Champion Spark Plug Company’s Highway Safety program in which Indianapolis 500 race drivers would visit the nation’s high schools in order to pass on safe driving habits to students. Veith was inducted into the BCRA Hall of Fame in 1991 as well as the Indy “500″ Hall of Fame. He retired from active racing in 1969 to his ranch in Hales Grove where he was able to pursue his wood art hobby. He was also active in the Westport Volunteer Fire Department and was Landlord of the Hollow Tree Creek Salmon Hatchery as well as on the Board of the Salmon Restoration Association, where action is taken to restore the natural wild salmon runs to rivers of Northern CA. Later, after his home burned, he moved to Santa Rosa to live with his daughter Christine Veith and granddaughter Amber Peters. They will greatly miss him as will his many friends. At his behest, no services were held.

The History: Stevenswood sits on a hill in a virgin forest overlooking the sea, the vista framed by trees and meadow. The land is private and sheltered, possessing tranquility with a long and peaceful history.

Two brothers, Robert and William Zimmer, inherited the land in 1982. Together, they created Stevenswood Lodge, envisioning a new kind of hospitality for the northern Mendocino coast - blending the matchless natural beauty of its forest by the sea setting with an elegant and spacious contemporary lodge design. Stevenswood opened its doors to the public in 1988.

Stevenswood was built from a guest’s point of view. It needed to be efficient, pleasing, and above all, comfortable. They wanted to create a civilized retreat, not a formal hotel. The Zimmers were adamant that Stevenswood would have the finest construction to create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere where guests could enjoy nature.

In 1992 Stevenswood achieved its first Four Diamond Award from AAA. It was the first property on the Mendocino coast to make such an achievement, and one of the youngest properties to achieve a Four Diamond Award statis.

Ten years later (1998) on Memorial Weekend, Stevenswood opened up its new restaurant.

The New Vision: Then at the end of 2004, Stevenswood was acquired by the current owners, Michael Webster and Seth Kelman with a vision and dedication to bring Stevenswood to a new higher level of amenities, guest services, and creature comforts. It began immediately with a massive remodeling and renovation.

• Slate floors from Madagaskar in the Lobby and bathrooms in all the suites.
• Cork flooring in all the suites and in the Hallways.
• Tempurpedic Sleep systems in all of the suites.
• New micro-fiber Italian furniture.
• Glass Venetian Bowls in the newly remodeled bathrooms.
• Ocean view exercise room where the new infra-red sauna is located.
• New expanded ocean view deck.
• New furniture for both decks.
• Outside propane heaters for the decks for extra comfort for our guests.

Amenities for our guests;

• High-end Herme collection from France for the new toiletrie items.
• Italian coffee makers. (coffee, lattes, and espresso)
• Expanded lavish breakfast for our guests.
• Free Wi Fi wireless internet for our guests.
• Complimentary use of the computer in the mezzanine.
• In room safes.
• Iron & ironing boards.
• Radio, CD Player that is IPOD and MP3 ready.
• Plasma TV’s.
• Turn down service.
• Library selection of pillows. ( heavy orthopedic, tempurpedic, or buckwheat pillows)
• 1,000 count Egyptian cotton sheets and pillowcases.
• Courtesy town car service for our guests.
• Free long distant phone calls
• Pet friendly

In 2005 Stevenswood opened up its gift shop.

In 2006 Stevenswood opened the Indigo Eco-Spa. The Indigo Eco-Spa is the premier center for well-being along the Mendocino Coast. Our state-of-the art, 5 star Luxury spa surrounds and atmosphere of pampering, relaxation and rejuvenation. Our spa is the first eco-friendly spa in the United States. We offer more than 2 dozen treatments at the spa. Such as;

• Dermologica Intensive Facial
• Hydra Facial
• Aroma-Stone Therapy
• Pacific Sea Detox
• Executive Facial
• Swedish Massage
• Comprehensive Deep Tissue
• From Here to Maternity Massage
• Love in Paradise - Couples Massage
• Craniosacral Therapy
• Grape Seed Oil Scalp Massage
• Olive Oil Foot Soak
• Anti-Inflammatory Hand Treatment
• Humboldt Salt Scrub
• Lavender Intensive Eye Therapy
• Citrus Leg Therapy
• Lomi Lomi Massage
• Reflexology
• Reiki Massage
• Body Chemical Dioagnostics
• Gentlemen’s Choice Facial
• Parafin hand and foot treatment

Come and enjoy our beautiful Tranquility Lounge and Canyon Veranda where you can enjoy spa refreshments, before or after your treatments. For a complete discription and  list of services please visit The Indigo Eco-Spa.

In 2008 how do you top all of that. Well we did it. On our 20th Anniversary Stevenswood got a   facelift with a new exterior paint job. “WOW” it is  truly beautiful. The building is now in its full glory. Well done.
 

Join us for the 2008 Mendocino Film Festival. Mark the dates of May 29 thru June 1.

The Vision: The purpose of this festival is to present films that stimulate the creative connection between our inner being and the outer world, films that bring us closer to one another, films that remind us who we are. We seek strong stories and strong characters that move us to laugh, to cry, to pause and wonder about the human experience. We seek work that engages and empowers as it entertains, that ventures into realms beyond worn out conventions.

Inspiration: Mendocino has been inspiration and location for over sixty feature films. It is home to a lively mix of artists, farmers, and activists; students, teachers, and fishermen. We have our disagreements but we weather the storms together. In 2006, our inaugural year, we welcomed over 50 filmmakers from all over the world and invited them into our homes, inns and hotels. Our community and the audience it attracts bring a colorful palette of sensibilites to the dialogue. Come join our conversation.

Last year the Mendocino Film Festival scheduled more than 100 films in six categories, with over sixty filmmakers arriving from across the country and around the globe. In addtion to an extraordinary selection of films, with special emphasis on documentaries and films on art, the film festival program includes panels and workshops with professional filmmakers, concerts and other special events, including an Opening Reception and an Award Ceremony featuring local entertainment, fine food, regional wines, and champagne.

What the Stars Say:

1. I’m thrilled to see the Festival in full growth, dedicated as it is to showing only the best in film. Albert Maysles, Legendary documentary filmmaker: Grey Gardens, What’s Happening: The Beatles First Tour of the US
2. The Mendocino Film Festival is about the appreciation of the craft, the recognition of artistic achievement and about cooperative energy and spirit. Mendocino has it. It’s a magical place. Sharon Lawrence, Actress: Fool Me Once, NYPD Blue, Desperate Housewives.
3. Let’s face it, it was a true filmmaker’s film festival and a damn love fest! I’ve been telling all my friends they must get their act together and have a film ready to submit to next year’s festival. William Farley, Filmmaker.
4. After having screened my films at over 45 film festivals around the world. I can attest that the Mendocino Film Festival is one of the best festivals anywhere. Great films, wonderful people and one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The festival really treats filmmakers special. Jed Riffe, Filmmaker.
5. Congratulations on an absolutely wonderful film festival! I was astonished at the level of professionalism you held while still maintaining a warm, welcoming style. Totally lovely! Tommie Dell Smith, Filmmaker.

We enjoyed a wonderful romantic getaway in the Stevenswood Spa! The accomodations were lovely, with a great private hot tub.
Breakfasts were yummy and dinner was fabulous. I can’t say enough about the staff who were friendly and very accomodating.
We enjoyed a couple’s massage in our room with two very professional masseuses. Mendocino is beautiful all year round!
We would recommend this place to all, it may become our yearly getaway!

This place was beautiful, secluded and yes five star.
The view was great from our room, it was clean and rich.
I will not recommend another place on the coast but Stevenswood. Romantic, and the place where I will spend my next anniversary.

We stayed here in a lovely suite at a bargain rate, thanks to the super last-minute deals posted on the website Matrix. What a pleasure to arrive at this cozy but luxurious spa and hotel after a rainy 3-hour drive from the city. Stevenswood didn’t let us down, in fact, it exceeded our expectations.

Our room, the Pullen Suite, was as billed: - King Temper-pedic bed (m-mmm) with fine Egyptian cotton bedding and linens, in-room fireplace with firewood, espresso machine with a variety of coffee capsules, fine art on the walls, and a large flatscreen TV with built-in DVD. The bath products are Hermes, a real stand out from other hotels, inns and spas - here and abroad. The two out-of-this world chocolates are from a Chocolatier in the Bay Area, and are wrapped in a tiny envelope with a miniature photo of the Inn, a precious memento after eating the treat inside.

We watched whales romp and play from our window! We walked the path to the bluffs that overlook the ocean! We ate a fabulous gourmet breakfast (included) that was as lovely to look at as to consume….fruit pancakes with a faint bit of cheese inside, and an egg bake with fresh fruit. These may sound ordinary but were anything but….I appreciate the chef’s tendency for quality over quantity - though the meal was quite generous. In our room were two flashlights for walking around the grounds and deck after dark - a nice touch. The morning newspaper (The San Francisco Chronicle) was at the door in the am.

Staff were amazingly attentive, and never intrusive. We requested and received additional firewood for our room, and the Manager, Nelson, went to great lengths to light one of the outside gas lanterns when we were sitting outside on a chilly day. Thank you, Nelson.

We didn’t take advantage of the spa services this time because of the brevity of our stay. We truly wanted to just get away and absorb the beauty, peace and harmony of nature. Stevenswood is designed so that you never are without the four elements: wood, water, rock, wind. The fine art on the walls throughout make the Inn a gallery inside; a complement to what nature provides outside.

We have travelled widely in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Stevenswood is recommended without hesitation - can’t wait to return!