What's a Weekender to Do in Rohnert Park?

The Friendly City isn't widely known for its weekend activities, , and the imminent aside, but we are on the mighty 101 so getting to local and regional events couldn't be easier. This weekend there are three music festivals of note, from north to south. The hardest part isn't the getting there - it's the choosing.

In Healdsburg they're headed into the second and final weekend of the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, the 14th annual for this nationally-recognized event. Big draw is Roy Haynes, a drummer with an astonishing career dating back to Charlie Parker in the 1940's; his current band is called Fountain of Youth, and he must have been sipping from their waters all of his 87 years. He plays Sunday afternoon, on a triple-bill including singer Sheila Jordan and experimental jazz pianist Vijay Iyer. Saturday night guitarist Kenny Burrell is at the Raven Theater in town, and there are plenty of more events listed on their website, some of them free.

Closer to home is Saturday's Higher Vision Festival, built on the ashes of the long-lived Harmony Festival. As reported in the Press Democrat this morning, this year's event is only possible because reggae legend Burning Spear finally decided to come to Santa Rosa to stoke the Sonoma fanbase. Also on hand will be Grammy-winning Tuareg musicians Tinariwen from the Sahara in northern Mali, as well as other artists, speakers and vendors. They don't seem to have a website, per se; a Facebook page, yes, a promotion from artist Stanley Mouse, and information on their ticketing page.  It will be at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, from 11 Saturday morning until past midnight.

is this also weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It's always a perfect blend of unique handcrafted art, regional vintage wines, award-winning micro brews, Americana and gourmet foods, with first-rate live music. This weekend that music includes Chuck Prophet and Mission Express, plus Linda Pense & Cold Blood on Saturday; Sunday headliners include Moonalice ("It's 4:20 Somewhere") and Mystery Dance with Bonnie Hayes. Plenty of other artists and events, check 'em out here.

If you know of something going on in Rohnert Park or even Cotati this weekend, please let us know - and your fellow citizens - by adding your event to the Patch listings. It's the best way we know to spread the word.