Mendocino Stories and Music Series presents live entertainment in the town of Mendocino – from acoustic music to improv comedy, swing/jazz/salsa dances to authors’ nights. The Mendocino Hotel and the Hill House Inn host the majority of these programs, providing casual and intimate venues in a cabaret setting. Since the first event in January 2007, locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the welcoming atmosphere.

Musician and Series producer, Pattie DeMatteo was named “Arts Champion 2011" for her work with Mendocino Stories and Music Series. She says, “The entire project started as MendocinoStories.com, which was launched in 2006. The creation of the website was influenced by the late Bonnie Sanger, lit up with her desire to publish her journal “Conversations with Grandmother Redwood”. James Maxwell, artist and educator, was immediately enthusiastic in his support and web design.” Now many artists, writers, photographers and musicians are represented on this site. 

From this online community of artists, the Series was a natural extension and has taken on a life of its own. Hit and Run Theater & Friends improv group is always a crowd pleaser, supporting the theory that laughter is the best medicine. The singer/songwriters-in-the-round evenings bring a flavor of songwriting circles like they have at the Bluebird Café in Nashville. In 2012 the Series will bring some percolating ideas to fruition – a “BobFest” celebrating 50 years of Bob Dylan recordings and a Ukulele Summit, featuring the instrument that is having a rebirth in music making circles.

The variety of events reflects the many talents of our local artists. Whether a concert, dance, benefit performance, or authors’ readings, Mendocino Stories and Music Series celebrates and supports the local artist community. 

Some comments from audience and performers: 

“I am happy to say that it is both inspiring and energizing to experience the music and literature events by Mendocino Stories and Music Series. This series adds a whole new element to the long tradition of poetry, stories and music that are so integral to the Mendocino Coast.  

Devreaux Baker, poet 

Many, many thanks you for bringing culture and talent and friends together...and many more years of success!

Kathleen MacDonald

Once again, what you offer to this community is of extraordinary value. Thanks for all your effort!

Marcus McCallen, musician

We just went to your website - what a fantastic thing! That site shows all your love translated into an entire community that you have sculpted. 

Cynthia Tarr and Cliff Hugo, musicians

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for what you're doing for this community with all these events!  I'm so happy to have such a great variety of choices of things to attend!  It's wonderful!

Suzi Long, artist

"It’s been lovely to work with Pattie and Max. They have gone out of their way to bring back a lot of the cultural and community spirit that thrived here in the seventies and eighties. This has meant plenty of excellent as well as solid comedy."

Doug Nunn, Veteran improviser

File Attachments: 

Mendocino Stories Origins

Mendocino Stories Online Storie