Sonoma Valley Music Scene

The Saturday morning farmers market, held in the parking lot of the Sonoma Community Center, has a new addition; live music, and what better way to kick if off than with the “hippie mountain music” sounds of Wildflower Weed. Life partners Mary Bennett and Lane Means started the band as a side project when they were in the Black Point String Band, and the band has added several neighborhood musicians as the years have gone by, auditioning by jamming on the front porch of their house in El Verano. The act covers some Kate Wolf and Gillian Welch songs, and it’s easy to make the connection, but their original songs really have an identity of their own, having taken new twists as different musicians step in and out of the band. The act kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept 4, in the right hand side of the parking lot at the Community Center. There is no cover for the show or the market.

The Plaza Bistro has the John Mackay Trio in the Plaza Wine Bar, in the back of the restaurant tonight, Sept. 3, for a 7 p.m. show. Mackay wrote his first song at three years of age, started taking piano lessons and six and started his professional music career at 18. Since that time he has appeared on radio and television with a variety of musicians, including big names in jazz, such as Cab Calloway and Leon Marion. Currently making his home in Los Angeles, the trio for tonights show will have Sam Bevan on bass and Alan Uren on drums. There is no cover for the show.

In yet another “local boy makes good” story, Sonoma born and bred Jason Gaffner is about to take his musical career to the next level with his act Call of the Wild. The multi-instrumentalist/vocalist spent some time in Los Angeles before making his way back to the Bay Area, currently making San Francisco his home, where the band has a regular gig at The Wine Jar every Sunday, and every Tuesday at Wellington’s Wine Bar in Sausalito. The young man apparently can’t escape the wine connection; his dad is a winemaker at Saxon Brown. The band is now in the studio recording a single with Grammy-Award winning producer Steve Fontano, whose credits include Santana and Eric Clapton. No local gigs scheduled yet, but keep a look out here in the column.

We can’t have a local boy story without a local girl story as well. She now hails from Stockton, but many will remember Leona Marino and her time in Sonoma, where many in her family still reside. Marino saw an opportunity to showcase some of the talent she saw all over the internet, and started Web World Talent. Similar to American Idol, Web World Talent seeks to discover up and coming vocal talent form across the United States. Instead of holding auditions in a limited number of major U.S. cities, Web World Talent will be holding auditions in at least one city in each of the 50 states, eventually seeking to move into Canada and beyond. For more info, point your browser to www.webworldtalent.com.

Jess Petty and Ken Chambers will be at the Ledson Lounge on the Plaza tonight, Sept 3, at 6 p.m.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards will have Adam Traum and the Traumatics tonight, Sept 3, at 6:30 p.m. Traum and the band play a wide variety of country, folk, Americana and even some blues, and Traum is an excellent finger-picker as well. You might even hear some Merle Haggard, heck, his son is named after the country star. There is no cover for the show.

Steiners Tavern will have Showcase the Band tonight, Sept.3, for a show that kicks off at 7 p.m. If you miss then tonight, you can catch the band at the Rio Nido picnic on Sunday, Sept. 5, starting at 5 p.m.

Jewel and the Rhythm Ride will be back at the Parkpoint Club on Sunday, Sept. 5, for another round of “Sweat your Prayers,” a dance class that all can join. With Jewel that day will be Bob Young on Congas and Steve Shain on stand-up bass, and all class members can enjoy the facilities after the class. For reservations and more info, call Jewel at 480-5639.

The El Verano Inn will have an old favorite, Fast Corky and the Hubcaps for the annual Labor Day weekend party and potluck on Sunday, Sept. 5, at 3 p.m. Proprietor Richard Danon will be grilling up chicken and folks can bring their favorite dish down, or not. There is no cover for the event.

The Cork Pullers are continuing their conquest of all the local, and not so local, wineries with an encore appearance at Imagery Estate Winery on Saturday, Sept. 4, for a 1 p.m. show.

Landmark Winery and Vineyards will have the jazz sounds of Laurent Fourgo for a 1 p.m. show on Saturday, Sept. 4.

The Lodge at Sonoma has John Groves tickling the ivories in the lounge tonight, Sept. 3, and Saturday, Sept. 4, the lounge hosts the antics of the one and only Terry Disley. Shows both nights go off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has music from Big Wide Grin tonight, Sept. 3, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4, brings in Andrew Freeman for his monthly appearance at the pub, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Sept 5, brings in a classic pub jam at 6 p.m. and folks are welcome to bring down whatever instruments they have and join in or start the gig up.

The Schellville Grill welcomes EZ Kewl for a dinner set tonight, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. If you miss them tonight, you can catch them at the Big 3 Diner in Boyes Hot Springs on Monday, Sept 6, for a 7 p.m. show.

Olde Sonoma Pub in Boyes Hot Springs has the sounds of Pug and Bogart, an offshoot project featuring members of Ten Foot Tone on Sunday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m.

Sonoma blues masters the Hellhounds are on the road all weekend with a show tonight, Sept 3, at the Hydro Bar in Calistoga for a 9:30 p.m. start. Saturday, Sept. 4, has the band at the Penngrove Pub in, you guessed it, Penngrove, for a 9 p.m. show.

Sean Carscadden and his trio will be in Petaluma on Saturday, Sept. 4, playing in the theater square with Andrew Emer on bass, J. B. Duff on drums and special guest Isaac Carter on guitar. The act kicks off at 6 p.m.

Jon Popenoe will be at Ricky’s Bar and Grill in Novato tonight, Sept 3, for a 6:p.m. show.

The farmers market will have Pete Olson under the palm tree tonight, Aug. 31, for a set that kicks off at 6 p.m.

The farmers market after party at Murphy’s Irish Pub is tonight, Aug. 31, at 7 p.m. with Izzy and the Kesstronics. .

Wedekinds Garden Center continues its wine and music events on Thursday, Sept. 2, with music from Rich Little on the Chapman Stick at 5:30 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub will have Glen Robertson on Thursday, Sept 2, at 8 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro will have the John Mackay trio in the Plaza Wine Bar on Friday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub will have Big Wide Grin on Friday, Sept 3, at 8 p.m.

Jess Petty and Ken Chambers will be at the Ledson Lounge on the Plaza on Friday, Sept 3, at 6 p.m.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards will have Adam Traum on Friday, Sept 3, at 6:30 p.m.

Steiners Tavern will have Showcase the Band on Friday, Sept.3, for a show that kicks off at 10 p.m.

The Lodge at Sonoma will have John Groves for a show on Friday, Sept 3, at 7 p.m.

Flautist Elena Durán and pianist arranger Luis Zepeda present “Mexico of My Heart” on Sunday, Aug. 29, at 4 p.m. in the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building. “Mexico of My Heart” is an emotional journey through the movies of Los Tres Gallos and through Durán’s growth as a young Chicana in Oakland to becoming an esteemed star of the concert hall. Durán has entranced audiences around the world and has established a reputation as a charismatic communicator in the concert hall, on television and on radio. “Mexico of My Heart” is part of a host of events encompassing Sonoma Hispanic Heritage Month, which included a special arrangement with the Mexican Consulate of San Francisco and the City of Sonoma. With financial support from many, including Sonoma Materials and Nuestra Voz, the concert will be presented free to the public. The event is family-friendly and children are invited to attend as well. For more info, point your browser to www.hispanicsonoma.org.

It’s being called “A Blue Wing Night” and is a benefit to help raise funds to restore the historic Blue Wing Inn, the single oldest original adobe building owned by the State of California. The building is nestled next to La Casa Restaurant on East Spain Street. Once again, the Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley is stepping up to the plate and hosting not only a golf tournament, but a dinner-dance which will include a live and silent auction, food by Meadowbrooke Catering and music by BackTrax, all to help the cause. You may recall just recently, Rotary president Chip Allen presented a check for $5,000 to the Sonoma Community Center to help offset costs for the City Party. The event is tonight, Aug. 27, and kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Sept. 19, when the spirit of the buffalo returns to the Valley, Norton Buffalo that is. The line-up is still being finalized, but the eight-hour event to be held at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building, which kicks off at noon, will feature a harmonica blowout with 15 players, including Dave Chavoya, Corey Jennings, Steve Judkins and Sonny Lowe, to name just a few. Musical acts include Carlos Reyes, Tommy Thomsen, Tudo Bem, the Michael Hinton band and many more. Tickets are currently available at Sonoma Valley Music.

Another upcoming event has changed things around a bit, The B. R. Cohn Fall Festival, already ridiculously packed with talent, has added a second stage, named after the late Norton Buffalo, to entertain folks between acts. Cohn was quoted as saying “Every year we try and spice it up and add more value to the fundraising event. The second stage, named after my friend Norton Buffalo, will provide a different atmosphere to hear music during set changes…” The festival takes place this year on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9 – 10, and features Cheap Trick, War, Night Ranger, Grand Funk Railroad, Eddie Money, Greg Kihn and more over the two day event. Tickets are available at the B. R. Cohn Winery tasting room in Glen Ellen.

Lokal Restaurant will have music from the Eric Lindquist Jazz Trio on Saturday, Aug. 28, kicking off at 7 p.m. Lindquist grew up in Sonoma Valley, playing music, and many locals will be checking out his return. There is no cover for the show.

The Swiss Hotel will have the blues sounds of the Rett Hamer Band on the back patio on Sunday, Aug. 29, for a 2 p.m. show. Local diva Sheila Whitney will be sitting in for a few songs as well. We don’t use the term “diva” loosely with Whitney; she is trained in opera, classical and theater and has a brilliant voice. There is no cover for the show.

Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen will have the Cynthia Tarr band tonight, Aug. 27, for a 7 p.m. show. With some of her regular band out on the road, she has brought in Dave McKee on drums and Jack Hines on bass.

Imagery Estate Winery will have one of the Maldonado Brothers, Randy Cook for an acoustic show on Sunday, Aug. 29, for a 1 p.m. show. Cook will be reaching back to some of the classics in rock and will also have Dann Walters on bass.

The gazebo in the Sonoma Marketplace will have Jon Popenoe and Friends today, Aug 27, at 5 p.m. Performing that day with Popenoe will be several of his students from his music class.

Jacuzzi Family Winery will have Andoni Panici and his band playing Latin dances for guests of the wineries “Sip and Twirl” event on Sunday, Aug. 29. Guests will be taught the tango and the rumba by dance instructor Cynthia Glinka. The event goes off at 3 p.m. and is free to children under 15.

The Blue Moon Saloon will have Izzy and the Kesstronics for one-night only on Saturday, Aug. 28, for a 9:30 p.m. show. Members of the band may stick around for the Sunday night blues jam that goes down at the saloon each Sunday night.

Jess Petty and Ken Chambers will be at the Ledson Lounge on the Plaza tonight, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards will have the Rolling Blackouts tonight, Aug. 27, at 6:30 p.m.

Steiners Tavern will have the Glenn Carter Band tonight, Aug. 27, for a show that kicks off at 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, brings back popular DJ XXXenos for a 10 p.m. show.

Sonoma Springs Brewery has Dan Martin tonight, Aug. 27, for a 7 p.m. show.

The El Verano Inn will have Sharp Objects for a show tonight, Aug. 27, for a 10 p.m. show. The band has members of the local punk rock act the Bodies playing with them, so we think we know what you can expect. There is no cover for the show.

The Schellville Grill brings in EZ Kewl for a dinner set tonight, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. If you miss them tonight, you can catch the boys in Helen Putnam Park in Petaluma (say that five times fast) on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 2 to 5 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro will have the Dick Conte Trio in the Plaza Wine Bar tonight, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. Conte will have with him Bill Moody on drums and Steve Webber on bass. Conte has jazz kudos from being a jazz radio DJ to performing at some of the largest jazz festivals in the west coast. There is no cover for the show.

The Lodge at Sonoma will have Mike Greensill for a show tonight, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 brings in Dick Conte for a night on the ivories.

Mondo American Beer Garden has Tony Gibson on Saturday, Aug. 28, for a 7 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Two Rock Ramblers tonight, Aug. 27, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Aug. 28, brings in the bluegrass sounds of High Country, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Aug. 29, has the acoustic sounds of Peter Lamson, playing groove, swing and originals for a 6 p.m. show. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

Landmark Winery and Vineyards has Adam Traum for a solo acoustic show on Saturday, Aug. 28, at 1 p.m. Traum will be at the Aqus Cafe in Petaluma tonight, Aug. 27, for a 6:30 p.m. show

MacArthur Place has the Latin acoustic guitar sounds of Carlos Herrera for a 4 p.m. show in the veranda garden on Sunday, Aug. 29.

The Cork Pullers travel to St Helena once again for a show on Sunday, Aug. 29, at St. Clement Winery. Showtime is 3 p.m.

Stephanie Ozer will be at the Hotel Healdsburg tonight, Aug. 27, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Points North, with instrumental guitarist Eric Barnett, will be at Blakes in Oakland for an 8:30 p.m. show on Saturday, Aug. 28.

The farmers market will have Sue Albano and Friends under the palm tree tonight, Aug. 24, for a set that kicks off at 6 p.m.

The farmers market after party at Murphy’s Irish Pub is tonight, Aug. 24, at 7 p.m. with Adam Traum and the Traumatics.

Mondo American Beer Garden will have Tom Martin on Wednesday, Aug.25, for a 7 p.m. show.

The Rive Gauche Dining Club has a dinner show planned for Wednesday, Aug. 25, with blues from Ron Hacker, for a dinner set that kicks off at 7 p.m. For reservations and more info, call 996- 9453.

The Eddie Duran Duo with Graham Bruce will be in Andrews Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 25, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Wedekind’s Garden Center continues its wine and music events on Thursday, Aug. 26, with music from EZ Kewl at 5:30 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub will have the father-son duo of Tom and Dan Martin and they’ll be throwing in the journeyman, Corey Jennings, for good measure on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 8 p.m.

The Olde Sonoma Pub in the Fiesta Plaza shopping center will have DJ Saucy 1 for a 7 p.m. show on Thursday, Aug. 26.

The Bluegrass Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen will have an added bonus show of their oyster and music nights on Thursday, Aug. 26, with the Americana sounds of Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly at 6 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro will have the Dick Conte Trio in the Plaza Wine Bar on Friday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub will have the Two Rock Ramblers on Friday, Aug. 27, at 8 p.m.

Jess Petty and Ken Chambers will be at the Ledson Lounge on the Plaza on Friday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards will have Sean Harvey on Friday, Aug. 27, at 6:30 p.m.

Steiners Tavern will have the Glenn Carter Band on Friday, Aug. 27, for a show that kicks off at 10 p.m.

Sonoma Springs Brewery has Dan Martin on Friday, Aug. 27, for a 7 p.m. show.

Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen will have  Cynthia Tarr on Friday, Aug. 27, for a 7 p.m. show.

The gazebo in the Sonoma Marketplace will have Jon Popenoe and Friends for an afternoon show on Friday, Aug. 27, for a 5 p.m. show

The Schellville Grill brings in EZ Kewl for a dinner set on Friday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m.

The Lodge at Sonoma will have Mike Greensill for a show that kicks off on Friday, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m.

The tounge-in-cheek reference to the Texas town Kerrville, which is famous for its folk music festival, isn’t far off with the line-up that the Kenwood festival lays down each year. The Cur-ville Dog Days Festival is a back yard party that Laura Hinerfeld and Dale Henry Geist throw every August to celebrate their birthdays and their anniversary, among other things. The festival started as a small, intimate affair and each year has gotten a little larger. In the past, the festival has benefited the Kenwood School and Delta PAWS Animal Rescue. The event is an all day affair, which even goes into the night, with song circles and just plain good times. The day starts off on Saturday, Aug. 21, just about noon, when the Bodie Travelers, featuring local Stacy Keith, take the stage, followed by Larry Potts, Lindalou and Michael, Dale Henry Geist, Adam Traum, Three at Last, Johnny Harper and Solid Air wrap up the scheduled portion of the day. Finish Line Barbecue will be on hand as well and there will be activities for the children. There are even places to camp overnight. You can get all the details and location of the festival at www.cur-ville.com.

Young rocker Bryan Martinez is doing two shows on Saturday, Aug. 21, with two different bands. The first will be at Little Switzerland with his band Burning Broadway, who recently won the Sonoma Valley Battle of the Bands. The show will be a benefit for girls youth soccer and is a family friendly event that kicks off at 1 p.m. Later that same day, at 6 p.m., The Gathering, a Christian rock act, will play a two hour show in the Grinstead Amphitheater in the Sonoma Plaza.

Little Switzerland will be busy that day, as later in the night on Saturday, Aug. 21, the Dave Amour Band hits the stage for an 8 p.m. show. The band, along with Amour on guitar, features Nick Cordellos on drums and Keith Anderson on bass.

We’re not sure if Jon Popenoe thinks he’s still 22 years old, but the local musician will go for the trifecta on Saturday, Aug. 21, starting off at the Whole Foods in Sonoma with the Jon Popenoe Duo for an 11 a.m. show. Later that same day, the duo heads to St. Helena to St. Clement Winery for a 3 p.m. show. Then Popenoe brings in the whole band to Downtown Joe’s in Napa for a 9 p.m. show. Popenoe will be sleeping all day Sunday.

Popo the Clown will be celebrating her birthday tonight, Aug 20, at the Moose Lodge and the whole town is invited. DJ Byron Borges and Superior Sound will be providing the dance grooves and there will also be a campfire, s’mores and more. The fun kicks off at 7 p.m. and all proceeds will be going to Popo’s favorite charities.

The Sean Carscadden Trio will be laying down blues at Maya Restaurant on Saturday, Aug. 21, for a 10 p.m. show.

BackTrax will be at Sebastiani Winery tonight, Aug. 20, for an acoustic show that goes off at 6:30 p.m. Margie Tosch and Meadow Brooke catering will be providing the barbecue with a menu that consists of XXXXXXXXXXX. You can also purchase wines by the glass or bottle at special prices to go with the meal. There is no cover and the show is family friendly.

The Quarryhill Botanical Garden continues it’s summertime music series with “Bach to Broadway on Brass” with the Bright Brass Quintet on Saturday, Aug. 21. The garden opens at 4:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 6 p.m. Folks are encouraged to bring the family and a picnic basket and enjoy the evening. Proceeds will benefit the conservation of rare and endangered Asian plant species.

Jess Petty and Ken Chambers will be at the Ledson Lounge on the Plaza tonight, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m.

Lokal will bring in the Jon Popenoe Duo tonight, Aug. 20, for a 7 p.m. set.

Mondo American Beer Garden will have the “Hippie Mountain Music” sounds of Wildflower Weed on Saturday, Aug 21, at 7 p.m. Gary Ruiz will be sitting in on lead guitar.

Sonoma Springs Brewery will have Sonoma native Jules Figueroa tonight, Aug. 20, for a set that kicks off at 7 p.m. “Figureoa transcends Latin, folk, soul and rock genres, creating a signature style that only a master craftsman can conceive,” according to his bio. There is no cover for the show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has bluegrass this weekend, starting tonight, Aug. 20, with Under the Radar, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Aug. 21, brings in Keystone Station, playing the styles of the Stanley Brothers and Bill Monroe, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Aug. 22, will showcase Celtic music with Greenhouse for an early show that goes off at 6 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

Steiners Tavern will have the Blue Rock Country Club tonight, Aug. 20, for a 10 p.m. show. Saturday, Aug. 21, brings in the dance grooves of DJ Dave, also for a 10 p.m. show. Proprietor Paul Spadaro has announced that the new kitchen is now open, serving up “pub style” grub, including hot links, jalapeno poppers, chicken strips and even tater tots. Tater tots? We’ll have to try those out soon.

Landmark Winery and Vineyards continues their Complimentary Concert Series with Jason Bodlovich on Saturday, Aug. 21, for a 1 p.m. show in the patio. If you miss Bodlovich Saturday, you can catch him Sunday, Aug. 22, at the Russian River Brewing Company at 5 p.m., for what will be his second CD release party for his new disc, “The Culprit.”

The Plaza Bistro will have the Andrew Emer Trio in the back room that is now the Plaza Wine Bar tonight, Aug. 20, at 7 p.m. Emer, on bass, will be accompanied tonight by Will Sellenraad on guitar and Eddie Marshall on drums. There is no cover for the show.

MacArthur Place will have the blues and Americana sounds of the Po8’s in the veranda garden on Sunday, Aug. 22, for a 4 p.m. show.

The Lodge at Sonoma will have piano jazz in the lounge this weekend, starting tonight, Aug. 20, with Wayne De La Cruz. Saturday, Aug, 21, has Mike Greensill maneuvering his way around the ‘88s. Both shows kick off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.

EZ Kewl will play a dinner set at the Schellville Grill on Saturday, Aug. 21, starting at 7 p.m. You can catch the boys tonight, Aug. 20, at the Apple Box in Petaluma for a 6 p.m. show.

The Tonewoods are all the way up the coast for the weekend in Gualala for the Art in the Redwoods Festival, with shows both Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21 – 22.

St. Clement Winery in St.Helena seems to be hijacking our local musicians as of late. In addition to the previously mentioned Popenoe show, the Cork Pullers will be at the winery on Sunday, Aug. 22, for a 3 p.m. show.

It took sorting out over 100 local acts to come up with the seven that will play the DNA Lounge in San Francisco on Sunday, Aug. 22, for the Battle of the bands event, and one of the bands to make the cut was Sonoma Valley’s own Static People. The winner will win studio time and more. For tickets, send an email to staticp@sonic.net, and your ticket will also get you a free Static People CD. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m.