We didn’t get a bit of press on this, but if the reviews on the social networks from the Monday, Nov. 8, show are any indication, this may just be the hottest show in town this weekend. ETC! Productions, headed up by Cat Austin, are presenting a 26 member troupe for two shows this weekend at the Sebastiani Theatre for two shows. “MJ – It’s All for Love,” will showcase the music and dance of Michael Jackson, spanning his career from the Jackson 5 through the entirety of his career. Both shows on Saturday, Nov. 13, and Sunday, Nov. 14, go off at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at Pharmaca and the Sebastiani Theatre box office.
Tributes to musical legends seem to be the theme this weekend, with the vocal group Sonoma Song paying tribute to George and Ira Gershwin with a show at Jacuzzi Winery on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Accompanying the vocalists will be the John Simon Trio. George Gershwin’s first song was published in 1916, when he was just 17 years of age, and earned him a handsome $5. After that, he and his brother Ira worked together to score some of the most popular Broadway musicals of the time. Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” was considered epic at the time in the classical music world and his “folk opera,” Porgy & Bess is considered one of the most important American operas of all-time. Tickets for the show can be purchased at Pharmaca, Westamerica Bank and at the door, if available. The show is a fundraiser for the Kiwanis Third Grade Dictionary Project.
They’re stepping back to the 1940’s at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. for a traditional “USO Style” dance party called “Dance for the Troops,” that will benefit our American troops. The fabulous vocal group the Fondettes will kick off the night, followed by dancing into the evening with the big band sounds of the Moonlighters. Decorations of an actual WWII USO dance hall will be done up by American Legion Post # 489. There will also be prizes for the best period-specific costume and uniform. All proceeds will benefit our troops overseas. Tickets can be purchased at Mary’s Pizza, Town Square, Steiners Tavern or at the door.
The Valley has lost a music venue, but not due to its lack of support of local music. The El Dorado Kitchen has decided to no longer have music in the Fireplace Lounge. The decision is part of a new over-all plan for the venue, which includes remodeling of the kitchenette. We have to give a large shout out to Audrey King, who reached out to us a couple years back, looking for local musicians, as she wanted to showcase strictly local music for the out of town folks; she knew there was plenty of local talent to be had. We not only played, but enjoyed many a show at the venue. The spot will be missed, but thanks Audrey, for your support of local music.
Cornerstone Gardens in Carneros will be the host to indie singer-songwriter Chris Von Sneidern for an acoustic show in the Keating Wines tasting room on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 8 p.m. Last years show was a sell-out. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
Local cajun/zydeco legends Gator Beat will be back on familiar turf at Little Switzerland on Saturday, Nov. 13, for an 8 p.m. show. The popular dance act will start with dance lessons then kick off the show soon after. Tickets will be available at the door.
The Plaza Bistro will have the Dick Conte Trio in the back room tonight, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. Conte arrived in San Francisco in 1961 from his native Connecticut and has since become an integral part of the Bay Area jazz scene with his encyclopedic knowledge of jazz, formidable jazz radio presence and his piano performances at clubs, festivals and private venues. There is no cover for the show.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards will have Debra Winters tonight, Nov. 12, at 6:30 p.m.
The Lodge at Sonoma has John Groves in the piano lounge tonight, Nov. 12, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 13, brings in John MacKay for a session on the lounge piano, also at 7 p.m. There is no cover either night.
Murphy’s Irish Pub will have Chicago and delta blues from the Hellhounds tonight, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, has Carolina Special playing bluegrass standards in the style of Flatt & Scruggs, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 14, brings in locals Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly for an early evening show kicking off at 6 p.m.
The Schellville Grill has EZ Kewl tonight, Nov. 12, for a night of crazy-wild-jazziness starting at 7 p.m. If you miss the boys tonight, you can catch them Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall for the “Christmas for Kids” celebration, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.
Mondo American Beer Garden has a special acoustic show with Greg Volker on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Volker has quite a repertoire and you can never really be sure what he may be laying down. There is no cover for the show.
Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen will have the sounds of John Burdick tonight, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. We’re not sure if it’s going to be Burdick as a solo act or with a band, but either way, Burdick always puts on a great show. There is no cover for the evening and small plates are available as well as a nice local wine list.
Imagery Estate Winery has Jon Popenoe for an afternoon of music on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 1 p.m.
American Philharmonic – Sonoma will be presenting a show called “Sonic Fireworks” on Sunday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. at Jacuzzi Winery. The group has been invited to play eight shows in China by the Chinese government and this is part of a series of shows that will help raise funds for the trip. According to Music Director, Gabriel Sakakeeny, “It is an honor to be invited to perform in the Carnegie Halls of China, and we are looking forward to sharing our music and representing our country to the Chinese people. It’s going to be an amazing tour.” Tickets for the performance will be available at the door, or at www.brownpapertickets.com.
The Blue Moon Saloon will have karaoke on Saturday, Nov. 13, with “Crazy Noisy Music” running the festivities. Sunday, Nov. 14, brings the best kept secret in the Valley, the Sunday Night Blues Jam, which will kick off about 10 p.m. Players are invited to come down and sit in.
Stephanie Ozer will be playing a set at the Jazz School in Berkeley tonight, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m.