Recently returned from China, on a tour sponsored and paid for by the Chinese government, the American Philharmonic Orchestra will be doing a special show at Jacuzzi Family Winery on Sunday, Jan. 16, at 4 p.m. The orchestra played eight shows in 12 days in China, and at some of the largest and most prestigious venues in the country, including the 2,000 seat Poly Theater in Beijing and at the Shanghai Arts Center. In the spirit of cross – cultural exchange, music director Gabriel Sakakeeny led the orchestra in performances of American, Chinese, and European music. Sunday, the all-volunteer orchestra will be performing the music of Beethoven, Brahms and Schumann. Tickets for the show can be purchased in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com or at the door the day of the performance.
Junior Boogie is back in town tonight, Jan. 14, for a show at the El Verano Inn, with opening act the Sharp Objects. Many may remember Boogie as the harmonica player in the Rock Bottom Blues band, before they re-grouped and became the Whiskey Thieves. The show kicks off at 9 p.m. and there is no cover.
The John Burdick band will play the swan song performance at Olive & Vine, the popular nightspot in Glen Ellen, as chef-owner Catherine Driggers will be changing up the night menu format and the interior as well, to make the venue more of a sit-down dinner style setting and live music just does not fit in the new bill. Thanks Catherine, for the years of great shows at the cafe. They will be missed. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
Little Switzerland is experimenting with a no cover night at the popular El Verano nightspot on Saturday, Jan. 15, with a show from BackTrax. The band plays classic rock covers and the club boasts not only the oldest, but the largest dance floor in the Valley. Dinner will be available from 5 to 9 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. and there is…no cover.
The Sonoma Community Center has a special one-night only show tonight, Jan. 14, with the appearance of Julian Waterfall Pollack, who is considered by many in the jazz world to be a prodigy. Pollack will have with him his trio tonight, and all proceeds from the performance will be used to help support Sonoma Community Center’s Music Education Program, which provides music instruction, one-on-one vocal lessons, guitar, and piano classes for adults and children in Sonoma Valley. Opening the show will be local jazz act the Mobius Jazz Quartet. Showtime is 6 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at the door, if available.
Sebastiani Theatre will have two special performances from the Yard Dogs Road Show on Sunday and Monday, Jan. 16 – 17. The show is a combination of a circus act, carnival show and rock concert, with live music accompanying acts such as sword swallowing, magicians and other daredevils. Showtime for both days are 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office.
Steiners Tavern has a special promotional night featuring Sean Carscadden and Bud Light beer specials tonight, Jan. 14, kicking off at 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15 brings in DJ Dave for some dance grooves, also at 10 p.m.
Sonoma Springs Brewery will have Randy Cook of the Maldonado Brothers doing a special solo acoustic show on Saturday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. There is no cover.
The Plaza Bistro has the Terrence Brewer Trio tonight, Jan. 14, for a night of jazz in the back room, in another show sponsored by the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society. Brewer has played to sold out crowds at Yoshi’s, the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Fillmore and more. Bill Milkowski, of JazzTimes proclaims, “Brewer is a melodic improviser with an exquisite tone and an abundance of soul…” Showtime is 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
Showcase the Band takes over Little Switzerland on Sunday, Jan. 16, for an afternoon show that kicks off at 5 p.m.
Mondo American Beer Garden has the funky-fresh folk sounds of the Cork Pullers on Saturday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. Guitarist and ring-leader Tim Curley has told us there will be no bass player, apparently taking a cue from the White Stripes. There is no cover for the show.
Jon Popenoe will be playing a solo performance at Imagery Estate Winery on Sunday, Jan. 16, for a 1 p.m. show.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has music all weekend, starting tonight, Jan. 14, with local bluesmen the Hellhounds for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Jan. 15 brings the Perfect Crime to the pub, laying down folk, blues and ballads. Sunday, Jan. 16, is the debut performance of EZ Kewl, without King Daddy Murr. Step out and show the boys you still love them. That show starts at 6 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.
Sonoma band Points North will be opening at the Guitar Player’s Ball 7 at the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana tonight, Jan. 14, for a show that will headline Ronnie Montrose, Gilby Clark, George Lynch and special guests.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Doug Adamz and Bravo – Saturday, Jan. 15.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219
Guitar Masters – Sunday, Jan. 16
Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium – San Rafael
415-499-6400
The English Beat – Saturday, Jan. 15.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300
McKenna Faith – Sunday, Jan. 16.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300
Rockapella – Saturday, Jan. 16.
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372