Dick Conte is a Bay Area jazz legend, plain and simple. Conte arrived in San Francisco in 1961 and has since become an integral part of the Bay Area jazz scene with his encyclopedic knowledge of jazz, formidable jazz radio presence and his piano performances at clubs, festivals and various venues. Conte was one of the pioneers as a DJ on KJAZ, the fabled jazz radio station of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and continues his radio career today on KCSM and KKSF. Conte, as a solo act or with one of the many configurations of his band, has played essentially every jazz festival in Northern California and beyond, but is keeping it local these days. You can catch the legend tonight, Nov. 4, at the Plaza Bistro with his trio that consists of Steve Webber and Bill Moody. Showtime is 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
Conte will be busy all weekend as well, with a show on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Hotel Healdsburg in Healdsburg at 7:30 p.m. and then off to the Sand Dollar at Stinson Beach on Sunday, Nov. 6, for a 6 p.m. show.
The Plaza Bistro continues with jazz on Saturday, Nov. 5, with the Jeff Massanari Duo, also for a 7 p.m. start time.
There is a special event being held this weekend for a Sonoma Valley musician that has had a run of bad luck in the medical department. Saxophone player extraordinaire David Scott, had to undergo emergency surgery in late August and will not be able to work or gig for six months. You may know him from his work in Gator Beat, but we can attest that anytime we needed a sax player for a benefit, the call went out and David was there. His musician friends have put together a day of music to help him raise money to cover the medical and life expenses he will incur until he gets back on his feet. Six acts will come together on Sunday Nov. 6, from noon until 6 p.m. at the Tradewinds in Cotati. The acts include Foxes In The Henhouse, the Blues Defenders, the Pulsators, Yo Pizza Face, Peter Welker, and Gator Beat.
The Community Cafe is testing the waters for a Friday night music series, paired with a wine and dinner, and tonight, Nov. 4, will be Rich Little on his Chapman Stick. In addition, the meal will be paired with some of Little Vineyards award-winning wines. For reservations and more info, call 938-7779.
The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art will have a workshop on Saturday, Nov. 5, where children ages 12 – 18 will have a chance to make a playlist and then design a custom old-school-style album cover for the list. The workshop will be presented by one of the exhibitors in the current exhibit, Juan Luna-Avin. The workshop kicks off at Noon and requires registration. To register and for more info, point your browser to www.svma.org.
They will be swinging in Oakmont in Berger Center on Sunday, Nov. 6, to the sounds of John Simon, Swing Time and Music Works. The event is a fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club of Oakmont to help with all the projects they do for the community. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. For tickets and more info, call 321-4583.
JoyRide is back in action at the monthly artists reception at the Sunflower Caffe today, Nov. 4, kicking off at 5 p.m.
Michael L. Castle will be at Whole Foods in the Sonoma Marketplace today, Nov. 4, for a 5 p.m. show. Castle is a master bluesman and lays down some great country and folk songs as well.
Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes back the Sonoma Mountain Band tonight, Nov. 4, for an evening of folk and bluegrass, starting at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, it’s the popular Andrew Freeman, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 6, has two scheduled shows; a Celtic pub jam at 3:30 p.m. and then Shades of Green at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.
The Kathmandu Corner has Dawn Angelosante tonight, Nov. 4, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 5, brings in Blue House, also for an 8 p.m. show.
HopMonk Tavern Sonoma presents Kunkel and Harris today, Nov. 4, at 5 p.m. Later the same day, it’s the Courtney Janes on the indoor stage for a 9 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 5, has Dan Goldfus at 1 p.m. and then J. L. Stiles at 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, welcomes in Greg Lamboy for a 1 p.m. show. There is no cover for any of the shows.
Stephanie Ozer is on the road this weekend with her duo, starting tonight, Nov. 4, in Healdsburg at the Hotel Healdsburg for a 7:30 p.m. start. Saturday, Nov. 5, has them in Sausalito at Osteria Divino, for an 8 p.m. show.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Sun Kings – Beatles tribute – Saturday, Nov. 5.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219
Junior Brown – Saturday, Nov. 5.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
Super Diamond/Petty Theft – Friday, Nov. 4.
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365
The Bangles – Tuesday, Nov. 8
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000
Moonalice– Friday, Nov. 4.
Southern Pacific Smokehouse – Novato
415-899-9600
Frobeck – Saturday, Nov. 5.
Southern Pacific Smokehouse – Novato
415-899-9600