A Quick Hello From Sonoma Beat |
Meet the neighbor behind Sonoma Beat — and the simple idea behind building a more connected local community. |
Hi neighbors — I thought it was time to properly introduce myself. I’m Michelle Hembree, a Sonoma local and the person behind Sonoma Beat.
I created Sonoma Beat because I love this community and wanted one friendly place where we could keep up with the things that make living here special — local events, restaurants and small businesses, wineries and tasting rooms, breweries, distilleries, cider houses, cocktail bars and speakeasies, great food, community stories, local history, pets who need homes, and those little Sonoma discoveries we sometimes miss even when they’re right around the corner.
Sonoma is known around the world for wine, and I love that part of our community — but there is so much more here. I want Sonoma Beat to celebrate the whole local scene, from a neighborhood coffee shop or food truck to a new restaurant, a favorite brewery, an independent shop, a hidden cocktail spot, a local artist, or someone quietly doing something wonderful for the community.
I’m not a big media company or a newsroom. I’m your neighbor, learning as I go, talking to local people, following what’s happening around town, and trying to create something genuinely useful for the community.
You’ll probably see Sonoma Beat grow and change along the way. That’s part of the fun. My hope is that it becomes something we build with the community, not simply something I send to it.
So if you know about an upcoming event, a new business, an interesting neighbor, a great meal or drink, a local organization doing good work, or just something you think Sonoma should know about, please tell me.
Thanks for being here at the beginning.
Stay local. Stay connected.
— Michelle reply@sonomabeat.com |
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Four black cats at Pets Lifeline in Sonoma are looking for homes: adult cat Goldeneye and kittens Cooper, Robona, and Nutmeg. Each has a distinct personality, from Goldeneye’s affectionate, gentle nature to the kittens’ playful curiosity and independence. Read More... |
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After winning Last Comic Standing in 2006, Josh Blue built a career as a nationally touring headliner known for sharp observational comedy, quick improvisation, and a style that makes every performance feel a little different.
His television appearances have included The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and in 2021 he finished third on NBC’s America’s Got Talent before heading back on the road for a new tour.
Blue performs more than 200 shows a year, using comedy not only to entertain audiences but also to challenge stereotypes about people with disabilities.
Before comedy became his full-time career, Blue also represented the United States as a member of the U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team, competing internationally, including at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens.
Now Sonoma gets a chance to see him live at the Sebastiani Theatre — an intimate setting for a comedian whose off-the-cuff style means no two shows are exactly alike. |
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Step into Sonoma Speakeasy and experience world-class music in an intimate, unforgettable setting right in the heart of Sonoma. August is packed with an incredible lineup — from jazz and blues to karaoke nights and special live acts every week. Every Sunday features the beloved Jazz Concert Series from 5–7 PM, while Fridays and Saturdays bring a rotating roster of talented artists including Aki Kumar, The Sharyn Paquette Collective, Edu Bega, and more. Whether you're a local or just passing through wine country, Sonoma Speakeasy offers something for every music lover all month long. |
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Tucked in the heart of Sonoma, the Sonoma Speakeasy is both a world-class venue and a beloved neighborhood bar — the kind of place where something wonderful is always happening. Think live music almost every night, karaoke, open mic nights, and special performances from some of the finest artists in the San Francisco Bay Area. Hosted by Ladonne and Rubén Valtierra, the Speakeasy has a fresh energy while keeping its welcoming, laid-back spirit intact. Whether you're a local regular or just passing through wine country, this is the spot to land for a great night out. |
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Secret Little Hack |
Want to enjoy the Plaza before it feels like everyone else has the same idea? Go early. Sonoma Plaza is at its best in the morning, when the sidewalks are quieter, the light is soft, and you can actually notice the details — the historic buildings, the trees, the benches, the dogs on their morning walks, and the little pockets of town that disappear once the day gets busy.
Then grab a coffee or something small to eat and walk a block or two off the Plaza before deciding where to spend the rest of your time. Some of Sonoma’s most interesting shops, bars, tasting rooms, restaurants, and local hangouts aren’t necessarily the places with the biggest signs. The best Sonoma days often start with no reservation at all — just a little curiosity. |
