It started with a couple guitar lessons, the master Carscadden teaching the young jedi O’Reilly a few chords, and then it becomes clear, the young jedi was born ready. After playing around solo for a while, seems it was Hunt Bailey, manager of Murphy’s Irish Pub that suggested that the duo do a show together, with each not having enough material to do a full show, and the rest, they say, is history. The duo began performing around town, learning from each other and building on their influences, which are remarkably similar; delta blues, among others, but both bringing a different approach to the music. After a year or so, it became clear they needed a professional recording to take the project any further, but to where? Both were not sure. It was going to cost money, a lot of money, and it was obvious that the duo was not going to be able to finance it themselves. A new concept had been brewing on the internet, crowd sourcing to acquire seed money for projects. They chose Indigigogo over Kickstarter for a couple reasons, but soon, with the help of the internet world, and many promises on the duos part, they managed to raise five thousand dollars. So now, what to record? They didn’t want to do the same songs that they had been playing, so they took new songs, and some covers, and stepped away from the norm, and created versions of the songs in ways that they had never approached, and laid those down at Ex’pression College for Digital Arts, with help from engineer-extraordinaire, Andy Saks. The disc has been getting rave reviews and this Monday, Nov. 26, it’s your chance to pick up a copy of “Broke the Moon” and see the songs played live at the historic Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma. The duo gathered up an impressive group of local musicians to accompany them on the tracks, like Sarah Summers, Mike Lee Cannon, Cliff Hugo, Chris Lynch and Michael Fecskes. So what’s next for the act? They’re really not sure, but with a brilliant representation of what they do under their belts, as they say, the sky’s the limit. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available in advance at the theatres box office or at the door the night of the show, if available.
It’s billed as the “Give Thanks Giving” party and the Whiskey Thieves have been playing the Friday after Thanksgiving in town as far back as when they were the Rock Bottom Blues Band, and tonight, Nov. 23, is no different. Appearing at the Moose Lodge it’s not only the band, but Blessed Coast Sound and a special appearance by the General. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are available at the door. The Moose has polka on Sunday, Nov. 25, with an appearance by the Joe Bajuk Trio, kicking off at 5 p.m.
The Sebastiani Theatre seems to be the place to be this weekend, with a variety called “Toast of the Town” being presented by local crooner Jeff Gilbert on Sunday, Nov. 25, which brings back the spirit of a variety show from the good old days. It promises to be an entertaining afternoon that harkens back to the era of the ‘30s and ‘40s featuring the melodious voice of crooner, Jeff Gilbert. Special guests include Dana Land and Sue Albano, singing some classic standards of yesteryear and the day will also feature the instrumental talents of Peter E. Babcock, “the Coney Island Washboard King,” and the John Simon Trio, with Simon on keyboards, Kendrick Freeman on drums, and Tom Shader on bass. There will also be magic acts and more. Showtime is 2 p.m. and tickets can be purchased in advance at the theatre box office or at the door the day of the show.
The Annex Wine Bar has the debut appearance of the DaveEdJohn Trio tonight, Nov. 23, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 24, the annex welcomes Grammy nominated Solid Air, also for a 7 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 25 it’s Randy Cook for an early show, going off at 4 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows.
The Sonoma Springs Brewing Company welcomes Brian Ruff on Saturday, Nov. 24, for a 7 p.m. show.
The Cork Pullers take over Envolve Winery in the Sonoma Court Shops on Saturday, Nov. 24, for an afternoon show kicking off at 2 p.m.
Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen has the original John Burdick Band on Sunday, Nov. 25, playing originals and unique cover songs, starting at 6 p.m. There will be a special bistro menu that features full dinner options.
The Plaza Bistro welcomes in Sonoma’s sweetheart Dana Land tonight, Nov. 23, with guitarist John Hoy and bassist Tom Shader. Land stirs up the jazz scene with a refreshing style and playful presence, performing a wide range of popular jazz from vintage and contemporary standards, swing and show tunes to Brazilian and blues. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. and there is no cover.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band tonight, Nov. 23, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, it’s Timothy O’Neill, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 25, the pub has local favorites Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley from the act Tudo Bem for an early show that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.
The Ledson Lounge in the Ledson Hotel welcomes Dan Daniels and Joyce Grant on Saturday, Nov. 24, for a 6 p.m. show. Grants unique shows consist of a blend of jazz, blues, country western, rhythm and blues, and funk and her vocal interpretations range from sensitive to powerful to cheeky over a broad spectrum of charts. Daniels is a virtuoso musician, also works as a composer, songwriter, vocalist, bandleader, arranger and teacher. Daniels has traveled and performed internationally and shared the stage with numerous celebrities, including Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Earth, Wind and Fire, Tower of Power and the New Temptations. There is no cover for the show.
The Kathmandu Corner welcomes Adam Traum tonight, Nov. 23, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 24, it’s Sean Carscadden, also for an 8 p.m. start. There is no cover.
Cornerstone Sonoma in Carneros has the annual lighting of the snowmen on Saturday, Nov. 24, and if you’ve ever been to one, you know that you don’t know what to expect. This year, along with all the festivities, there will be live music from Robert and Amy Ethington, and also a holiday performance by the Sonoma Ballet Conservatory in the wedding tent. The afternoon kicks off at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Steve Pile Band – Saturday, Nov. 24
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300
The English Beat – Friday, Nov. 23
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365
Jackie Greene – Friday – Saturday, Nov. 23 – 24
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000
Alice Cooper – Tuesday, Nov. 27.
The Warfield – San Francisco.
thewarfieldtheater.com
Petty Theft – Friday, Nov. 23
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850
Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings– Saturday, Nov. 24
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850
New Riders of the Purple Sage – Friday, Nov. 23
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
The Pulsators – Friday, Nov. 23
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343
Midnight Sun Massive – Friday, Nov. 23
The Flamingo – Santa Rosa
545-8530