Yep, you read that right; a neighboring bar is hosting a benefit for the historic El Verano Inn that is currently undergoing county mandated structural upgrades. The building is one of the most historic in the Valley and why it isn’t an official historical landmark is beyond us, maybe the Index-Tribune historian Gerald Hill can follow up, but that’s for another day. Saturday, April 3, Ten Foot Tone and many other local musicians will take the stage at Little Switzerland, a venue that has been around almost as long as the El Verano Inn, with a variety of other local musicians to help raise funds to defray the costs of the massive overhaul of the building. In 1887 when the building was originally built, foundations were optional. Today, you don’t get away without them, and the seasoned building was sinking. We used to say on the terrestrial radio show that the only place you could still rock hard in the Valley was the El Verano Inn. Lately, Steiners Tavern has picked up the slack, but EVI owners Richard and Leslie Danon have done a great job over the years of providing a place for bands that aren’t necessarily mainstream an opportunity showcase their wares. We also think the building is important to the history of Sonoma Valley, and admire the efforts of the Danons to keep that look into the past alive. The show gets underway at 7:30 p.m. at Little Switzerland in El Verano and there is a suggested donation of $20.
Steiners Tavern will be hosting the Whiskey Thieves tonight, April 2, for a night of original rock and roll. Showtime is 10 p.m. The boys have just returned from the South by Southwest Music Conference and should have some tales to tell. Some might even be true. Saturday, April 3, the Tavern brings in DJ Dave for a night of dance music. That show also kicks off at 10 p.m.
The Plaza Bistro has local favorites, and jazz legends, Mad and Eddie Duran tonight, April 2, for a night of jazz. Eddie is a jazz legend, having played with the likes of Charlie Parker, Nat King Cole and Benny Goodman. Herb Caen once described Mad like this; “Mad Duran is just what jazz needs – soul, swing and a breath of femininity.” Tonight night, the band will include Smith Dobson on drums and Adam Gay on Bass. Showtime is 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
Cornerstone Gardens in Carneros has a house concert style show Saturday, April 3, with indie rock musicians Petracovich and Joe Rathbone starting at 7 p.m. For tickets and more info, contact Drew Pearce at (415) 706-3800.
The Sonoma Springs Brewery has the sounds of the Steve Dudgeon quartet on Saturday, April 3, at 7 p.m.
The hardest working band in the Valley, EZ Kewl, will be lurking in the wine world this weekend, with an appearance at Larson Family Winery on Sunday, April 4 at noon. If you miss them there, you can catch them Monday, April 5, at the new wine bar at the Big 3 Diner at 7 p.m.
Hard Travelin’ is busy this weekend with two shows on Saturday, April 3. The first is at Imagery Estate Winery with a 1 p.m. start time then the boys head to Mondo American Beer Garden for a night of acoustic music classics starting at 7 p.m. It’s rumored that the “Journeyman,” Corey Jennings will be joining the band for one or both shows.
Imagery Estate Winery will have music Easter Sunday, April 4, with the sounds of the NiteLites for an afternoon show that starts at 1 p.m.
Adam Traum will be at the El Dorado Kitchen tonight, April 2, for a show that will feature folk, country and Americana tunes. Traum will have with him a trio that includes Pat Campbell and Michael Yonchenko. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. and there is no cover.
Landmark Winery and Vineyards will have the acoustic sounds of Jason Bodlovich on Saturday, April 3, as part of their continuing Complimentary Concert series. Showtime is 1 p.m. and there is no cover.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has music from local favorites the Sonoma Mountain Band, tonight, April 2, for an 8 p.m. start time. Saturday, April 3, brings Andrew Freeman to the pub for a night of music that also starts at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 4, has a classic Celtic pub jam session beginning at 6 p.m.
The David Thom band will be sharing their traditional bluegrass music with folks at the Lagunitas Brewery in Petaluma on Saturday, April 3, at 3 p.m. We have it on good authority that folks from Sonoma Valley are welcome too.
The Hellhounds will be at A’Roma Roasters in Santa Rosa tonight, April 2, for a night of blues. The show kicks off at 8:30 p.m.