Though singer/songwriter/ activist Holly Near has made a name for herself as a contemporary folk music artist, that's just one of the many facets of an entertainer whose wide-ranging career is matched by the diversity of her repertoire.

On Feb. 4­5, Near will treat audiences to an evening of song--her own, those by other folk artists, as well as cabaret standards and show tunes and more--when she appears as part of Sunnyvale's "An Evening of Cultural Arts." The annual music series, sponsored by the city of Sunnyvale, is offered once a month from January through April. The series itself offers a variety of music so Near should fit right in.

Near has become well known for her passionate performances of topical songs that address issues of civil rights, labor and the environment among other major issues. World peace is also an overarching theme in her works which span more than 30 years and 20 albums.

Her work includes collaborations with other admired and respected voices in political and folk music, including Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie, Bonnie Raitt and Linda Tillery. A landmark performance in 1983 with Ronnie Gilbert at San Francisco's Great American Music Hall became the live concert album, Lifeline, an enduring fan favorite that was re-released on CD in 2002. Near's most recent release is Cris&Holly, an album recorded with fellow feminist music pioneer Cris Williamson.

As important an icon of political music as she may be, Near has a broad-based foundation in show business that makes her an artful entertainer. Near's career has included everything from stage, television and film to founding her own independent record label to teaching to writing a children's book. As a young actress, she performed in a Broadway production of Hair and appeared on such shows as The Partridge Family and The Mod Squad. She has an eclectic film resume that spans her career and includes Slaughterhouse Five, John Cassevetes' Minnie and Moskowitz and Dogfight. Near also made a lasting impact on the alternative music scene with her founding of Redwood Records in 1972. As a teacher, in recent years, she has led master classes in performance and songwriting.

Sunnyvale's "An Evening of Cultural Arts" kicked off last month with two Celtic music concerts. The series' next shows are on March 18 with a performance that features trumpeter John Worley, with other local jazz artists, and March 19 with jazz ensemble the Eric Mintel Quartet. "An Evening of Cultural Arts" concludes on April 1­2 with performances by top harmonica virtuoso Norton Buffalo & Friends.

The city of Sunnyvale's An Evening of Cultural Arts presents Holly Near performing Feb. 4­5 at the Sunnyvale Community Center Theatre, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale. Tickets are $20­$25. For more information, call 408.733.6611 or see www.ci.sunnyvale.ca.us/recreation.