The Social Weather Map
The social weather along the banks of the Chetco River in Brookings, Oregon and the Smith River in Crescent City California, is sunny, with a brisk breeze of gossip, good music, and enough hometown sparkle to keep the fog rising slower each day in these first few weeks of September, 2026.
I often spot dancing man and friend, “Craig Strong”, perpetually equipped with a friendly grin, a twinkle in his eye, and—one suspects—a secret rhythm section following him from room to room. Then there’s “Sharon Sheets”, the capable maestro of the front office at “Crescent Harbor Art Gallery”, by the boats in C.C. -where organization meets imagination and the local arts thrive in daily doses of calm competence.
Spotted in the wild produce aisle: “Rin Lennon” of “Monogroove”, selecting veggies with the serene purpose of a true believer. Rin is a devout vegan for many years and she practices what she preaches, which is more than can be said for most politicians, grumpy seals and those people who order a side salad alongside a double bacon cheeseburger.
At the “Brookings Elks Lodge”, No. 1934, Thursday evenings now come with a musical garnish. “Danielle Duran”, the friendly singing bartender, pours both libations and good vibrations! “Dr. Gigi” MD, has already named Danielle a favorite, and Dr. Gigi’s taste in such matters is not to be casually dismissed. (After all, MD stands for ‘Musical Danielle!”)
Meanwhile, the always-fun dance band, “Dog Park Mondays”, which features “Harmonica-Veronica Schlesener”, “Scott Shaw” and “Alex Ritter”. These three own the “World Headquarters 101” stage in Brookings-Harbor. There are certain to be howls of approval, on the second Saturday eve/night of every month. They are wildly popular, and usually unleashed: Woof-Woof, as the critics say.
Last Friday, “Chetco Brewing Company” became a happy human cyclone when “DTP”—“Disturbing the Peace”—turned loose its dance-floor magic. Thanks to “Darin Bradbury”, “Vince Danna”, “Alex Ritter”, and smiling “Charlie Perry”, on drums! DTP packed the place with buoyant dancers and enough effervescence to make the beer seem almost secondary.
A big civic salute to “Nick and Lisa Rail”, those founding, indefatigable champions of “PPA”, or the “Partnership for the Performing Arts”. Their ambition: a regional event center where accessibility, imagination, and the arts receive the large, welcoming stage they deserve.
I’ve noticed that downtown Crescent City’s detours may test one’s patience, but artist “Ash Wissler’s” new mural on Third Street makes a persuasive case for keeping one’s eyes open wide! Her large mural is the sort of public art that makes even a pessimist pause mid-grumble.
Keep an eye out for talented musician “Chris Capitano and Wendy” coming to the original “Port-O-Pints”, on a regular schedule!
Singular Shout-Outs to so many special folks and entities who bring joy to our lovely coastal region are: “Black GTO” “The Italian Guys”, “Redwood Records”, “Tony Durso, Sadie and Mom”, “Phyllis Schmidt”, “Rick McNamer”, “Mike Lane” and “Charles Passmore!”
That’s about it for this week! But stay tuned….there are plenty more local luminaries surfing their way into charming commotions that I promise to report to you, dear readers! Keep vigilant! YOU may soon find yourself in the thick of it!
-Jacques Kepner
Social Commentator and Social Pollinator. Email me about cool people and upcoming events! [email protected]