Published March 9, 2006

Toot, Rattle, Plunk & Boom!, the fifth annual Art Rewards the Student exhibit showcasing more than 700 works of art by local schoolchildren. Show includes world music and instruments, music-inspired artwork, and interactive displays by Sonoma’s fourth and fifth graders, all taught in a variety of media by Sonoma Valley Museum of Art instructors, as well as middle school learners. Curated by Sonoma Valley High School and Hanna Boys Center students. Friday, March 10 through March 26, Wednesdays-Sundays. Community Music Day with art activities and entertainment, Saturday, March 18. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 551 Broadway, Sonoma. Call (707) 939-7862 or visit www.svma.org.

Mozart’s Birthday Bash performed by prize-winning Sonoma Valley Chorale, which has performed throughout Europe, conducted by Director James Griewe. Saturday and Sunday. The Chorale’s 33rd concert season kicks off with this Mozart-life collection from his early childhood compositions to later works including the fun and lightness of Mozart’s repertoire. Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Unreserved seating $10-$15 at Sonoma Pharmaca and Sonoma UPS Store; reserved seating $10-$18 by calling (707) 935-1576. Veterans Memorial Building, 126 First Street West, Sonoma. More info at www.sonomavalleychorale.org. Check out Deuce Restaurant’s special Mozart Martini at Broadway and Andrieux Street in Sonoma.
Moon Mountain Vineyard Wine & Cheese Education Classes, Saturday, featuring organic cheeses and wines with lots of tastes, led by Sheana Davis of The Epicurean Connection. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. $75, or $60 for wine club members. 1700 Moon Mountain Drive, Sonoma. Call (707) 996-5870 for more info or reservations.

“Meshuggah-Nuns,” another outrageously funny show staged by Hoochi-Doo Productions, bringing “The Little Sisters of Hoboken” back to the Wine Country for a touch of March madness. Follows hugely successful runs of “Nunsense” and “Nuncrackers,” starring Rhonda Guaraglia, Francesca Weiner, and Cindy Brillhart-True, who play out their wacky habits. Friday March 10 through March 26, 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays. $12-$25. Sonoma Community Center, 276 East Napa Street, Sonoma. Call (707) 546-2957.

Looking Forward:
Huge Barrel Tasting event, celebrating fine food, fine wine, and film, in the Glen Ellen-Kenwood part of Sonoma Valley, March 18-19. 20 wineries will feature movie themes, from Casablanca and Grease, to Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, while you sip sneak previews of 2005 vintage wines straight from the barrel, taste great foods, and schmooze with winemakers. A rare opportunity in a stunningly beautiful Spring scene! 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. both days. Tickets $40-$55, with Designated Driver Special Passes $20 for weekend, $10 Sunday only. Reserve tickets soon at (866) 794-9463 or at www.heartofsonomavalley.com.