Weekend TEN, Dec 7-9

Holiday shopping have your wallet holding more dust than cheese?  Here are some mostly cheap things you can do this weekend.

Dec 7-9
Holiday Choral Event: The Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus will perform music from “Amahl and the Night Visitors”, “Chichester Psalms”, and “Magnificat” at the Glaser Center. Friday’s dress rehearsal is $10 and will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 8 p.m. and Sunday, 3 p.m. are $15. 547 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa santarosasymphonicchorus.com.

Friday, Dec. 7
First Friday Night Sky:  Grab a FREE show at the SRJC planetarium as they present the current night sky with an emphasis on stars, constellations, planets, and more.  Arrive early enough to get a free parking pass.  Donations much appreciated.  7 p.m & 8:30 p.m.  1501 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa

Saturday, Dec 8
John Craigie:  The popular indie folk singer and harmonica enthusiast performs a free show of covers, originals, and a few tongue-in-cheek melodies.  FREE.  All ages.  9 p.m.  Hopmonk Tavern.  691 Broadway, Sonoma.  hopmonk.com/sonoma.
  Read more on John Craigie HERE.

Saturday, Dec 8
Real Music CD Release Party:  Oliver’s Market just released their 2nd Real Music CD that features local bands, and they’re celebrating with a huge musical shindig!  Over 25 bands will perform, plus there will be tasty food, Lagunitas beer, and Sonoma County wines.  Serving as a benefit for the Redwood Empire Food Bank.  $10 plus a can of food.  All ages.  7-11 p.m.  oliversmarket.com

Saturday, Dec 8
Shotgun Wedding Quintet:  Your dad’s worst nightmare, the jazzy trip hop of this band will rearrange everything you ever thought you knew about music.  $13.  21-plus. 8:30 p.m.  Hopmonk Tavern.  230 Petaluma Ave., Sebastopol.  hopmonk.com/sebastopol

Saturday, Dec. 8
Petaluma Downtown celebration:  During the day enjoy holiday entertainment and sales at participating downtown shops.  Then at 6 p.m., catch the parade of lit up boats gliding into the Turning Basin.  Free.  Kentucky & 4th Street, Petaluma.  petalumadowntown.com

Saturday, Dec 8
A Brave fundraiser: The Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma is hosting a showing of Pixar’s Brave. Your only admission is an unwrapped toy that will be donated to needy children through Toys for Tots. 4 p.m. 476 First St. E, Sonoma. sebastianitheatre.com

Sunday, Dec. 9
Shop Party:  One of the hipper of the holiday craft fairs, this boutique features over 30 artisans who will be selling their handmade wares, as well as food and drinks to warm you up.  $2.  11 a.m. – 4 p.m.  Arlene Francis Center.  99 Sixth St., Santa Rosa.  facebook.com/ArleneFrancisCenterEvents

Sunday, Dec. 9
Grandma got run over by a reindeer:  Dr. Elmo presents his holiday all-star Super Sonic Reindeer Band to sing all your the holiday songs of nostalgic Christmas past, including the one about his dear ol’ grandma.  $10/kids, $15/adults.  All-ages.  6 p.m.  Rancho Nicasio Restaurant & Bar.  1 Old Rancheria Rd., Nicasio.  ranchonicasio.com

Sunday, Dec. 9
Holiday Hat Brunch:  While not one of our cheaper events, this one helps those in need – so we’re including it in this list.  Movie critic Jan Wahl and her infamous  hat will be at Nick Cove’s Restaurant in Marshall, Tomales Bay for a benefit brunch.  Guests are invited to wear their most festive hat, and to bring a warm coat to donate to the Ritter Center of San Rafeal, who will in turn donate it to the homeless and working poor.  Guests who donate coats will receive 20% off of a dinner at Nick’s Cove (with exclusions). A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the cause.  The Holiday Hat Brunch is $55/person, and includes food, drink, tax, and gratuity.  Call 415- 663-1033 for required advance reservations.