It seemed like a fun idea at the time three years ago, lets get some guys together and jam on a night when we’re not gigging and ask anyone that wants to sit in to come on down. Isaac Carter rounded up his buddies Phil Herrschaft, Stu Sperring and Adrian Trevino and the Sunday Night Blues Jam at the Blue Moon Saloon was born. Although they play much more than blues, in fact, a couple acts have sprouted from the jams at the regular Sunday night sessions. Over the years, local musicians like the Whiskey Thieves, Dave Aguilar, Brian Nova, Jason Huybers, Andrew Emer, George Honey and many more have all sat in with the core group. This Sunday, Feb. 26, it’s all the usual suspects plus some special guests. The show kicks off at 9:30 p.m. and there is no cover.
Traditional Hawaiian music will be in the air at the Moose Lodge on Sunday, Feb. 26, when Patrick Lendeza and other musicians will not only entertain the crowd with music, but will be preparing a traditional Hawaiian feast as well. “…the word in Hawaiian is “kokua.” He’s doing a real island kind of event. He’ll cook a Hawaiian luau lunch and we’ll help him serve it up. After lunch, he’ll play his wonderful slack key guitar and we’ll dance.” Betty Ann Bruno founded Hula Mai in Sonoma three years ago and according to Bruno, “when I gave the first hula workshop at Vintage House in 2009, Sonomans had to travel out of town to hear live Hawaiian music or see the hula. Now, not only does Hula Mai have an annual show in the Plaza every year, we perform all over the Valley. Hawaiian performers are beginning to see Sonoma as an appreciative audience. Patrick is just the first, but he is also a producer and if this event succeeds, he will bring others, and that’s exciting!” The event kicks off at noon and tickets will be available at the door. For more info, call 938-3162.
He’s referred to as “The Last Crooner” and on Saturday, Feb. 25, local Sonoman Jeff Gilbert will be in the lounge at the Ledson Hotel for an evening of songs from the Great American Songbook. According to Gilbert, “we’ll be performing the songs from Tin Pan Alley, the Big Bands and the Golden Age of Hollywood. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. and there is no cover.
It’s being billed as “The Four Guitarists that Destroyed the World” and we kind of hope it doesn’t actually get destroyed, as we have our own gig Monday morning, but John Burdick, Dave Aguilar, Mark Willson and Mario Ramirez will all be taking turns one-upping each other with full-frontal assaults of licks and tone on Sunday, Feb. 26, at Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen, as part of the Sunday Songwriter Sessions. Showtime is 5 p.m. and doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Train Wreck Junction is back on track and in action at the Plaza Bistro on Saturday, Feb. 25, for a 9 p.m. show. “This is a honky-tonk country band” says front-man Nick Kardum. “None of that new country stuff for us…” There is no cover for the show.
Many local musicians from past and present know Michael Halem. Halem has played in so many acts in the Valley over the years it’s hard to count them all. Currently with the act Crossfire, Halen is celebrating his birthday at the Sonoma Community Center on Sunday, Fed. 26, and is inviting anyone he missed to come on down and sit in with the band he has assembled. Just bring your instrument. Crossfire will be playing the first set then the jam is on. The event is 21 and over, and kicks off at 3 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the Cork Pullers tonight, Feb. 24, for an evening of popular folk songs done their way. Showtime is 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, it’s High Country for a night of traditional and contemporary bluegrass. Sunday, Feb. 26, has an Oscar Night Party featuring the guitarist from E. Z. Kewl, Mike Z. That show kicks off at 4 p.m. and includes a sit-down dinner. For reservations and more info, call the pub at 935-0660.
The Plaza Bistro has jazz from the Mary Jensen Trio tonight, Feb. 24. With Jensen tonight will be Terrance Brewer on guitar and Tim Campbell on piano. Showtime is 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
The El Verano Inn has Robert Roots spinning dub tracks and appearing live will be Bugsy Ranks from Jamaica tonight, Feb. 24, kicking off at 9:30 p.m. In addition, local reggae sensation Joshua will take the stage and DJs Saucy 1 and Zion Club will spin along with Roots.
The Olde Sonoma Public House has Karaoke with Cat on Sunday, Feb. 26, kicking off at 8 p.m.
Brewnel will be in Novato at Ghiringhelli’s Pizzeria tonight, Feb. 24, for a 10 p.m. show.
The Jason Bodlovich Group will be at the Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m.
The Whiskey Thieves will be at the Red Devil Lounge in San Francisco tonight, Feb. 24, for a 9 p.m. show.
The Tri Tip Trio will be at Monroe Hall in Santa Rosa on Saturday, Feb. 25, for a 7 p.m. show.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Don Carlos– Friday, Feb. 24.
19 Broadway – Fairfax
415-459-0293
Petty Theft – Saturday, Feb. 25.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219
Concrete Blonde – Friday, Feb. 24.
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365
Natalie Cole – Saturday, Feb. 25
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372
George Thorogood – Thursday, March 1.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88’s – Friday, Feb. 24.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262
Pride and Joy – Saturday, Feb. 25.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262
Vinyl – Friday – Saturday, Feb. 24 – 25.
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850