Owen Barrett appearing with Jason Bodlovich at the Plaza Bistro

January 27th, 2012

Is this your stereo system?

It’s said by people smarter than us that the media will outlast the medium on which to play it, and that tends to be true. We have all of our vinyl albums and 45s, and even a turntable, but no needle. We have every cassette tape we’ve ever owned, except those that the pencil rewind trick couldn’t fix. We’re pretty sure there’s a player around here somewhere. We even have 8-track tapes, well, a couple, but no player. We imagine there are wax cylinders of music out there in places, just waiting to be played, with nothing to play them on. The latest victim is the Compact Disc, remember those? Indestructible; will last for 100 years, and we’re sure they will, but the media is rapidly being replaced by digital downloads.

Once again, will the devices to play them be around in say 20 years? We think so. Not a day goes by that we don’t hear about some catastrophic failure of some computer or device starting with a lower case letter, and there goes the entire music library. We still find comfort in having that disc you can hold in your hand, much like this publication, that is if you’re holding it. Even with the songs we download, it’s comforting to put them on something that makes it seem like you actually own them. Of course, we would never share, illegally anyways.

So what is all this about? CDs of course; local music CDs. Sonoma Valley Music has always been a huge supporter of the local music scene and local artists by allowing them to sell their music in the store. Now there is another option, Cuban Jacks Smoke Shop in Boyes Hot Springs. Tony, the proprietor, is offering space to any local musician to sell their wares. The Whiskey Thieves and the David Thom Band have already taken advantage of the opportunity and you can find their music there, and any musician or band interested in shopping their latest wares are welcome to call Tony at 478-9505.

The Plaza Bistro has the Jason Bodlovich Trio tonight, Jan. 27, featuring 15 year old Sonoma drummer Owen Barrett.  Barrett has studied privately with Bodlovich, who is also an accomplished drummer, for several years. Bodlovich says “Owen is a natural talent behind the drum set and I look forward to his imprint on the music scene.”  The trio will also feature Petaluma bassist Steve Froberg, of the band Frobeck. The show starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, the local music continues, with Glen Ellen resident Stephanie Ozer tickling the ivories. Joining Ozer that night will be Mary Fettig on a variety of wind instruments. That show also starts at 7 p.m. There is no cover either night.

Sarah Summers

Sarah Summers is back at the Kathmandu Corner in the back of the Taste of the Himalayas restaurant tonight, Jan. 27. Summers is also a local Sonoma teen who has been making a big impression as an original singer-songwriter. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, the Corner has Bluehouse, also for a 7:30 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

BackTrax

BackTrax is back in action at the annual Surf and Turf dinner presented by the Native Sons of the Golden Wes, Parlor #111, as a fundraiser for the Sonoma Valley High School Scholarship foundation at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building. The night includes a steak and prawn dinner with all the trimmings. Tickets are $40 and are available at the door. The night kicks off at 6 p.m.

Right across the alley, Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes Thick Soup to the snug tonight, Jan. 28, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Jan. 28, the pub has a special show. Benyaro, an acoustic duo with roots in New York City and Jackson Hole Wyoming, will be passing through for one night only. According to Relix Magazine, the duo has drawn comparisons to the Band, the Avett Brothers, acoustic David Bowie and Cat Stevens. This month has the duo touring Northern California before heading to Oregon, Washington and then through the Great Plains. The show starts at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, it’s local favorites JoyRide for an early show kicking off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

Sonoma Springs Brewery has an all original singer-songwriter for an acoustic show on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. Calvin Ross will be appearing for one night only. There is no cover.

The Olde Sonoma Public House will have karaoke with Cat on Sunday, Jan. 29, kicking off at 8 p.m.

The Blue Mon Saloon has karaoke on Saturday, Jan. 28, starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, the blues jam continues at 10 p.m.

Jason Bodlovich will be with the Jason Bodlovich Group in Petaluma at Brixx on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8:30 p.m.

Adam Traum will be at the Bamboo Hut in San Francisco tonight, Jan. 27, for a 10 p.m. show.

Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island

Melvin Seals and JGB - Friday, Jan. 27.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Pride and Joy – Friday, Jan. 27.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Petty Theft - Friday, Jan. 27.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

Mark Hummels Harmonica Blowout - Friday – Sunday, Jan. 27 – 29.
Yoshi’s – Oakland
510-238-9200

Ronnie Montrose – Friday, Jan. 27.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Bryan Stow Benefit – Bob Weir and more – Saturday, Jan. 28.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Geoff Tate – Unplugged – Thursday, Feb. 2.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Eric Martin – Friday, Jan. 27.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

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Sarah Summers plays Kathmandu Corner

January 24th, 2012

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Saucy 1with special guests on Wednesday Jan.25, at 9 p.m.

The Olde Sonoma Public House welcomes the Dark Lord Byron on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Jaydub and Dino in the Snug at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Jason Bodlovich Trio on Friday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Thick Soup in the Snug at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27.

The Kathmandu Corner welcomes Sarah Summers on Friday, Jan. 27, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

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Taste of Star Quality to benefit Sonoma High Music Department

January 20th, 2012

Sonoma Valley High School Band

“Taste of Star Quality” is what it’s being called by Lauren Popenoe who, as a senior at Sonoma Valley High School, is presenting her senior project which will have breakfast, auction items and live music at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building on Sunday, Jan. 22, starting at 8 a.m. Originally started by senior Ron Perkins as his senior project three years ago, Popenoe has picked up the torch and put together a fine morning of music. Kicking off at 8 a.m. will be her father, Jon Popenoe with Corey Jennings, followed by Adam Traum at 9 a.m. 10 a.m. has jazz legends Mad and Eddie Duran followed by E. Z. Kewl at 11 a.m. At noon, there will be performances from the Sonoma Valley High School band and choir. Tickets are available at the door.

The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchandisers) show is this weekend in Anaheim and Sonoma Valley will have a presence on the stage and in the booths, and not just by attendees hoping to get a picture snapped with an aging rock star. Points North, featuring local guitarist Eric Barnett will be playing the grand finale following the Steve Morse Band. Local music advocate Rand Rognlien, the Music Nomad, will be showcasing his new line of environmentally friendly instrument cleaning products for guitars and drums. The product has taken off, with all the techs in all the Guitar Centers across the country now exclusively using Music Nomad Care products. This will be their chance to reach over 90, 000 music enthusiasts all in one place. If you want to check out the products locally, you can find them at Sonoma Valley Music. One word too, OK, three words, they actually work.

Plan Be will not be at the Gristmill Bar and Grill tonight, Jan. 20, as previously published in the Tuesday column. There will be no music there tonight.

John McCutcheon

Sebastiani Theatre has a special show on Monday, Jan. 23, that will star John McCutcheon. McCutcheon is called by many the “finest folk troubadour of our time,” with music that conveys the message that our global family can make the world a better place by working together. He has appeared with Pete Seeger, with whom he is often compared, Arlo Guthrie, and Johnny Cash, who once called McCutcheon “the most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard.” During performances, McCutcheon switches skillfully from banjo, to guitar, jaw harp, fiddle, auto harp, and piano. He is also recognized as a master of the hammer dulcimer, America’s only traditional mallet instrument. Placing the many instruments he introduces in their, he ethnic framework teaches the audience to make music themselves as he weaves tales as modern fables, rich in history and universal scope. Tickets for the one-night only show can be purchased at the Theatre box office. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

The Sonoma Valley Grange is back with another barn dance on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 8 p.m. Debra Tayleur and the Heart Strings will be providing the music and caller Ken Olcott  “teaches the reels and circle mixers before the music starts, then continues so everyone starts left, allemandes their neighbor, and swings their partner to the beat.” Single dancers and youth are welcome to attend, with anyone under 22 getting in for free.

Sunday Songwriter Sessions are back at Olive & Vine on Sunday, Jan. 23, with Sean Carscadden, Marty O’Reilly, John Burdick and vocals by Emily Hamilton. The show gets underway at 5 p.m.

Whole Foods Market in the Sonoma Marketplace welcomes Garen Patterson to the produce aisle today, Jan. 20, kicking off at 5 p.m.

The Presentation School is having its annual crab feed and Rich Little will be showcasing his new band, Neverland. It’s a step away from some of the stuff Little has done in the past, as it’s a three-piece and the sound is more techno orientated and the show will include a video technician and a laser light show. Tickets are available by calling 935-0122 or at the door if any are still left. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and typically sells out, so advance tickets are recommended.

The Olde Sonoma Public House welcomes the Happy Smoke on Saturday, Jan. 21, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

David Thom Band

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the David Thom Band tonight, Jan. 20, kicking off at 8 p.m. for a bluegrass extravaganza. Thom has just released his latest CD, titled “That Old Familiar” to rave reviews. Saturday, Jan. 21, it’s the Perfect Crime, playing folk, blues and ballads, also at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, the pub welcomes Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley playing “anything but Celtic music.” That show kicks off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Kathmandu Corner has singer-songwriter Chris Hanlin tonight, Jan. 20, starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, the corner welcomes the David Thom Band for their debut performance at the venue, also for a 7:30 start time.

The Plaza Bistro has guitarist Rolando Morales tonight, Jan. 20, kicking off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, pianist Mike Greensil will be in the back room, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

The Hellhounds are in Napa at Uva Trattoria tonight, Jan. 20, for an 8 p.m. show.

Mad and Eddie Duran are busy this weekend, along with the breakfast show above on Jan. 22, you can catch them tonight, Jan. 20 at the Savanna Jazz in San Francisco for a 7:30 p.m. show and Saturday, Jan. 21, at Rose Pistolas, also in The City for a 7 p.m. show.

Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island

Tom Rigney and Flambeau - Saturday, Jan. 21.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Dick Dale - Friday, Jan. 20.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Robben Ford - Friday – Sunday, Jan. 20 – 22.
Yoshi’s – Oakland
510-238-9200

Concrete Blonde - Saturday, Jan. 21.
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365

Robben Ford - Monday, Jan. 23.
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

Lucinda Williams – Friday, Jan. 20.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Bill Champlin w/ Bonnie Hayes – Sunday, Jan. 22.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

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Songwriters in Sonoma back at Meadowcroft Winery

January 17th, 2012

Whitney Lockert will be making a special appearance tonight, Jan. 17, at Murphy’s Irish Pub, at 8 p.m.

The Blue Moon Saloon has Junior Boogie along with DJ Saucy 1 on Wednesday Jan. 18, at 9 p.m.

The Olde Sonoma Public House welcomes Uncle Jesse and the Porch Junkies on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Songwriters in Sonoma starts its second year on Thursday, Jan. 19, inside the tasting room at Meadowcroft Winery in Carneros with Steve Seskin, Craig Carothers and Don Henry. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. and the admission charge includes a glass of wine. For reservations and more info, call 934-4090.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Solid Air in the Snug at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes Rolando Morales on Friday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents the David Thom Band in the Snug at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20.

The Kathmandu Corner welcomes Chris Hanlin on Friday, Jan. 20, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

The Gristmill Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen has Plan Be on Friday, Jan. 20, for a 7 p.m. show.

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The Mountain Squirrel at El Verano Inn

January 13th, 2012

It’s that quiet time of the year for music, most bands are re-grouping, folks are recovering from the holidays and staying home, I know if we had our way, we wouldn’t gig from Thanksgiving until Valentines Day, but there are a couple things around town this weekend. First, lets check out a couple local acts that are about ready to release some new music.

Static People, headed up by Dmitra Smith and Pascal Faivre, are pushing the release of their latest CD “The Late Projectionist,” which is also the title of a short film by the former bass player in the band, Daedalus Howell. Howell, along with Faivre, Smith, Mundo Murguia and new additions, Jim Valvanis and Ken Fad Shelf, are all featured on the nine track release of original music. Produced by multi-platinum awarded Jason Carmer, the band describes the sound as “…germinated in post punk-alt turbulence, with a mix of dirty pop and melodic indie swells.” The bands video, shot entirely in Sonoma, has been getting big views on Youtube and other online video portals. For more info about the band and upcoming shows, point your browser to www.staticpeople.com

Wildflower Weed is getting ready to release their latest CD, titled “Down the Road we Go.” The original tracks were recorded by Gerard Serafini at Ten Foot Tone’s studios, all in one five-hour session, with overdubs only done for tracks laid down by harmonica legend Will Scarlett. According to the band, “We wanted this CD to have the utmost live sound without studio manipulation.” The music genre the band likes to claim is “hippie mountain music.” The nine- track CD is all original material, except for one; “Rosemary,” by the Grateful Dead. The act is presently setting up a venue for a CD release party in the near future on a Saturday night. Look for more details here.

The Mountain Squirrel will be at the El Verano Inn on Saturday, Jan. 14, for a 9:30 p.m. show. The band plays a mix of country, rock and jam-band songs. There is no cover for the show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the hometown bluesmen the Hellhounds tonight, Jan. 13, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Jan. 14, it’s the musical antics of Larry Carlin and his Mostly Simply Bluegrass Band, for a night of, well, bluegrass, also at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, the pub welcomes Shades of Green for an early show, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the John Kalleen Group tonight, Jan 14, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Jan. 15, the bistro has Larry Dunlap and Bobbe Norris. The husband-wife duo presents an exciting program of standards from the Great American Songbook, jazz and Brazilian music as well as original compositions showcasing intuitive communication that can only come from years of performing together. That show is also at 8 p.m. and there is no cover either night.

The Kathmandu Corner welcomes Adrian Bourgeois tonight, Jan. 13, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Bourgeois has just gotten off the road after a six month tour opening for Todd Rundgren. Saturday, Jan. 14, brings in Deirdre Egan, also for a 7:30 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

Local guitarist Michael Hinton will be on the road Saturday, Jan. 14, to the Saloon in San Francisco with Barry “The Fish” Melton, for a 9 p.m. show

The Hellhounds will be the First Edition in Petaluma on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 9:30 p.m.

Ghiringhellis Pizzaria in Novato has commandeered two local acts this weekend, with tonight, Jan. 13, Sean Carscadden taking the stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, its Jaydub and Dino, for a 6:30 p.m. show.

Jason Bodlovich will be at the Lagunitas Taproom in Petaluma today, Jan. 13, at 4:20 p.m.

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