Marin in Music to the Ears and Art to the heart

Since Marin County historically draws creative people to its communities, it’s no surprise that Marin home owners are surrounded by the arts and have abundant choices for entertainment.

Marin is Open to Art
Marin is an epicenter for the arts from music to theatre, to film making and writing. The arts community is actively supported by the Marin Arts Council that provides support for artists, access to arts and promotion of the arts throughout the county.  Programs sponsored by the Council include an annual two- weekend event in which artists across Marin open their studios to the public. Open Studios is a favorite of Marin home owners and their families because they have an opportunity to talk with artists in their communities, and have a personal experience with a wide variety of arts. The Council also sponsors many exhibits featuring hundreds of artists each year as part of the group’s public programming.

Marin Calls Film Makers and Fans
Marin is also home to the California Film Institute which sponsors the renowned annual Mill Valley Film Festival in October. This very unique festival draws film makers from around the world and is a crown jewel in Marin’s art scene. The festival has launched the careers of many aspiring and talented film makers. The Film Institute stays busy throughout the year with programs that educate Marin home owners about the art of film making and gives local audiences a chance to see original, contemporary work. Marin County has a tradition of attracting artists in the film and video genre, including being the home of Lucas Films and other smaller studios.

Marin Theatre, Live and Well
Home owners in Marin are also treated to top notch live theatre at a number of venues throughout the county. Among the most high profile is the Marin Shakespeare Company, presenting shows over the summer months and special events throughout the year. This award winning professional company includes the community in its endeavors with outreach classes to schools and drama classes. The company’s motto is “We make Shakespeare fun!”  The summer Shakespeare Festival is in San Rafael at Dominican University in California Forest Meadow’s Amphitheatre.

Another local favorite is the Mountain Play that’s been a tradition for nearly 100 years. Staged outdoors on beautiful Mt. Tamalpais, the nonprofit theatre company aims to provide top flight performances while encouraging the appreciation of Mt. Tam and bringing together thousands of people who call Marin home.

The Sounds of Music
There’s always music in Marin’s fresh air, but many organizations make it ring with distinctive high notes. The Marin Symphony has a season of 12 concerts that feature time honored classics and contemporary composers. Marin music lovers need not go far from home to enjoy guest soloists with international reputations, and emerging talent that’s rising to the pinnacle of the musical scene. Marin’s own “Maestro Alasdair Neale” has achieved international recognition for his innovative and appealing programs that delight fans who call Marin home.

And, Marin opera lovers don’t have to travel far from home to hear glorious voices raised in song and story. The Golden Gate Opera in San Rafael offers professional performances at the Marin Center Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium and also reaches out to young audiences with special programs. The Golden Gate Opera company extends these opportunities to at-risk and low income youth while providing Marin home owners with professional performances that feed the creative soul.

Marin is also home to dancing feet. The Marin Ballet provides a classical venue and the Marin Dance Theatre trains dancers for classical and contemporary performances enjoyed by local enthusiasts. Many other dance groups and studios offer eclectic dance styles such as flamenco, Hula and Irish dance!

The literary arts are also woven into the fabric of Marin County. Kay Ryan, a Marin County author and teacher, is Poet Laureate for 2008. She heads up the Marin County Library’s literary series and plays an active role in fostering an interest in the literary arts for people who call Marin home. The county has a distinguished literary tradition and counts the legendary author Wallace Stegner one of its favorite sons.

Families never have to travel far from their Marin County homes to enjoy quality arts and entertainment. From professional performances to community groups and educational outreach, Marin County has the arts and entertainment covered.