Keeping music in schools

Jackie Greene is one of the headlining performers at the Petaluma Music Festival on Aug. 4. Photo by Jay Blakesberg

By KEELEY CHISM

Seventeen bands gather once a year to celebrate music in Petaluma, supplying entertainment for those who wish to support music in Petaluma. Every year, for the past five years, Petalumans have gathered for the momentous event known as the Petaluma Music Festival to enjoy music, food, and friends, all the while knowing that their money has been put toward a good cause.

Petaluma Music Festival executive director Cliff Eveland, has worked an extensive amount of time on the event, along with his fellow board members.

Cliff Eveland (photo by Beth Schlanker)

“I make sure everything that is supposed to happen, happens; I basically make sure all of the elements come together smoothly,” he said. “There are 16 people on the board of directors, and each one helps with the planning in different ways. It takes the entire year to plan. We start planning for the next festival as soon as the last one is finished. It’s a lot of work, but worth it.”

The Aug. 4 festival isn’t just a chance to promote music among adults in Petaluma, but among children as well.

“We donate the money we raise to the music programs at local schools, from elementary school to high school,” Eveland said. “Whether the school is on the westside or the eastside, we like to help. The board of directors greatly support the effect music has on a child’s life, and we believe that all children deserve to have music in their life. This festival is a chance to make that happen.”