The Moose Lodge is quickly becoming a live music venue, and it’s no accident. Billy Bragg and the boys have been improving the venue and making it a nicer place for their members and the general public as well. The tradition of playing live music in fraternal organizations dance halls goes way back, where local bands would get their first chance to play live at the local Elks Club, Eagles Hall or at the IOOF Hall. Certainly not his first show, David Thom has been making big waves in the bluegrass circles as of late, with his latest CD release, “That Old Familiar,” which was produced by Grammy Award-winner Laurie Lewis getting rave reviews, to his appearances at the legendary Freight and Salvage in Berkeley to appearing with Grandpa Banana it numerous shows around the Bay Area. Tonight, at the Moose Lodge, Thom has put together an all-star bluegrass line-up, calling themselves the Hardly Strictly Mash-up Boys, that features himself on mandolin, Kyle McCabe on the upright bass, Riley Hill on guitar and Isaac Cantor on banjo. The show kicks off tonight, July 13, at 8 p.m. and tickets will be available at the door.
It’s a Dixieland band extravaganza on Saturday, July 14, at Cline Cellars Winery on the great lawn at the venue. The all day event will feature 13 Bay Area Dixieland jazz acts, including Black Diamond Blue Five, Devil Mountain Jazz Band, Golden Gate Rhythm Machine and more. Wine, beer and food will be available for purchase, and guests can bring a picnic. Live ragtime and blues piano will be played on tasting room deck with big band and swing in the barrel room. The day kicks off at 11 a.m. and tickets can be purchased the day of the show. For more info or reservations, call 940-4025.
The Plaza Bistro has Noam Lemish tonight, July 13, for a show that will include George Marsh on drums and Jim Kerwin on bass. Lemish released his first album, “Yes And” in Fall of 2008, which is a collaboration with master drummer George Marsh. Recently completed recording projects set to be released in the near future include an album of piano solo improvisations and a forthcoming second release with George Marsh. Showtime is 7 p.m. Saturday, July 14, the bistro welcomes Andrew Emer on bass and Chris Pimental on guitar, also for a 7 p.m. start. There is no cover either night.
There is no music at Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards tonight, July 13, due to a private event on the property. Live music returns next week.
JoyRide brings their act into Steiners Tavern for an early show that kicks off at 7 p.m. tonight, July 13. Sitting in with the band on saxophone will be Keith Ridenhour, of the Jami Jamison Band and the Whiskey Thieves fame. There is no cover for the show.
Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes in local bluesmen the Hellhounds tonight, July 13, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, July 14, it’s Larry Carlin night and he has with him the Penny Hens, also for an 8 p.m. show. If you have not seen this act, then it’s time. We were very impressed with these two young ladies the last time we saw them at the pub. Sunday, July 15, it’s an early start at 6:30 p.m. for Shards of Green. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.
Sonoma Springs Brewing Company welcomes Michael L. Castle to the brewery for an acoustic show on Saturday, July 14, at 7 p.m.
The Ledson Lounge has William Russell tonight, July 13, for a night of acoustic guitar. Russell received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the Boston Conservatory and a Masters Degree in Music from Florida State University. As well as being a classically trained musician, he is also an established composer and arranger. Expect a performance with a blend of original compositions, music from the classical guitar repertoire, contemporary arrangements, traditional Christian Hymns, along with a touch of Chet Atkins. Showtime is 6 p.m. Saturday, July 14, it’s Dan Daniels and Joyce Grant. Grant has been singing jazz in Bay Area venues for over 20 years and has been described as a “mezzo-soprano with a voice like dark honey.” Her unique shows consist of a blend of jazz, blues, country western, rhythm and blues, and funk. Showtime Saturday is 7 p.m. There is no cover either night.
Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood has a Bastille Day celebration that will feature the sounds of the Haute Flash Quartet on Saturday, July 14, kicking off at 11 a.m.
The Hellhounds are on the road to Cuvee in Napa on Saturday, July 14, for a 9:30 p.m. start.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Modern English – Saturday, July 14
19 Broadway – Fairfax
415-459-0293
Reverend Horton Heat – Sunday, July 15
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
Toots and the Maytals – Tuesday, July 17
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000
Ray Davies – Thursday, July 19
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000
Festival del Sol – Sunday, July 15
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372
Tangerine Dream – Friday, July 13
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Willie Nelson – Wednesday, July 18
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Hoo Doo Rhythm Devils – Friday, July 13
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262
Earth Wind and Fire– Friday, July 13
Wells Fargo Center – Santa Rosa
546-3600