Shollenberger Shindig Returns to Lagunitas on June 12

With the slogan "Wet Your Whistle for the Wetlands," theare putting together their second annual Shollenberger Shindig, to be held Tuesday, June 12 at the on McDowell.

"Local, local, local, that's the theme," said Friends of Shollenberger spokesperson Joan Cooper. "It'll be all local with wonderful musicians, a silent auction with local artists, and local products from local producers."

The event will be put on by Friends of Shollenberger Park, the local community group working to stop the near the wetlands park south of town. They hope to raise as much or more as they did in last year's sold-out June 14, 2011 event, where some $14,000-plus was raised to help defray legal and other costs.

Doors open 6 p.m. for this "quintessential Petaluma celebration," said Cooper. "There's nothing like it - being at Lagunitas, under a Petaluma sky on a warm night, listing to great music -- People should not miss it!"

Local musicians will include the jazz combo Peter Welker Sextet with singer Deborah Winters, Elaine Lucia of Foxes in the Henhouse, the colorful Gabby La La and The Ukulady in Kit 'n' Tenders, with Katie Freeman (of the Incubators) playing the Food Cart stage.

Most of the music will be held on the main Beer Sanctuary stage, and the Tap Room will serve as a "green room" for artists and the $100 ticket purchasers, Duck Brigade Boosters. The will not be part of the event.

A silent auction is expected to be a big part of the fund-raising efforts, along with ticket sales for the event. "When we put out the call to area artists, we had an overwhelming response," said Cooper. "It's because of the park, it's such an enjoyable and inspirational part of Petaluma."

Local artists including and will donate works which highlight Petaluma's beauty in fine paintings, pastels and photos for bid at the silent auction. Also expected to be a big draw are prints by Baron Wolman, original photographer for Rolling Stone magazine, who is donating iconic photos of Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia and perhaps others.

Products and services donated by local organic producers, Petaluma restaurants, shops, businesses (, Dharma Trading, etc.) and wineries will be on sale. Cow Girl Creamery, Straus Family Creamery, Keller Estate and others are generously donating.

It's a benefit for Friends of Shollenberger, a special project of the O.W.L. Foundation (510c3) dedicated to preserving and protecting Shollenberger Park. "It's really to keep the community tuned into the issue, because it hasn't gone away," said Cooper. "It's about keeping a city park!"

Dutra Cement still plans to put an asphalt plant nearby, and they have gained to do so. But the City Council and many local residents are firmly in opposition. Friends of Shollenberger promised to help defray the city's , and that's a big reason for the Shollenberger Shindig, Cooper indicated.

Tickets are now available online at saveshollenberger.com and The Mail Depot or the Lagunitas Beer Sanctuary Store, 1280 No. McDowell Blvd. Ticket prices are $30 advance general admission ($35 at door); $15 youth (under 16); and $100 for all-access Duck Brigade Booster.