Soundbytes
Chris Robinson Brotherhood coming to town
Jeff Bundschu and FolkYeah! Productions have announced a show of somewhat epic proportions with the Chris Robinson Brotherhood gracing the stage in the redwood barn on Friday, Feb. 17, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Robinson is the front man of the Black Crowes, who depending on who you talk to, are or are not still a band, but don’t expect to hear any of those songs at this show, Robinson and his band have created their own unique “jam band” vibe with original songs and some covers. The reality is you never know what to expect from these guys. Sources have reported that at a recent show at Terapin Station in San Rafael, the band played two sets, one of nothing but Bob Dylan covers and the next completely Grateful Dead songs. Tickets are on sale now and this show will sell out. For tickets and more info, point your browser to gunbun.ticketfly.com.
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Tommy Thomsen’s Birthday Bash
It seems like just yesterday, but once again it’s time for Tommy Thomsen’s annual birthday bash. Many know the local Western Swing Hall of Famer, who was born and raised here in Sonoma Valley, honing his skills in the musical family that surrounded young Thomsen. Thomsen’s mother, “Big Red” was a well-known piano player and by the age of 7 Thomsen was already playing recitals. Early in his musical career, Thomsen found his way to the classic western swing sounds of Bob Wills and the Texas playboys, and Thomsen embraced the sounds. In his early years, he also played regularly with the late-great Norton Buffalo, recently releasing a disc of rare tunes recorded over time with Norton called “Me and the Buffalo: The Lost Tapes”
The celebration is Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Reel, formerly Rossi’s 1906 in El Verano, and Thomsen will have with him truly an all-star band, with Sean Allen on guitar, who currently tours with Commander Cody when he’s on the road, Jimmy Baughman, also on guitar who has played with Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash, Olen Dillingham on fiddle, who is also a member of the Western Swing Hall of Fame, along with Zack Suponer on bass and Bill Cornett on drums. Thomsen usually has a surprise up his sleeve as well. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. and you can reserve a table by calling Hilary at 831-277-0190.
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The Historic Sebastiani Theatre is the place for a benefit for the Byrd family on Saturday, Jan. 14. You may know Penny Byrd as “Popo the Clown” who is present at about any and every event there are children, doing face paintings, balloon animals and all those things clowns tend to do. Byrds husband, Brian “Papa Bear” Byrd is suffering from another bout with cancer and the event is to help offset the medical costs the family is incurring. Diana and Roger Rhoten have offered up the Theatre and the entertainment includes Rhoten, who is a great magician, Tobias Weinberger, who among many things is a magician, sword swallower and more, with musicians the Sean Carscadden Band and Dave Aguilar also performing. In addition, there will be “Magical Images in Motion” making puppets with kids, a fun camp crafts, a silent auction and raffle. The show all kicks off at noon and donations will be accepted at the door.
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Set List – The Rundown
Annex Wine Bar, 865 W. Napa St. Sonoma, 938-7779
Tonight, Jan. 13: Barry Bisson. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 14: The Drifting Rich. 7:30 p.m.
Barking Dog Roasters, 18133 Sonoma Hwy. Sonoma, 939-1905
Saturday, Jan. 14: Hugh Gallagher. 3 p.m.
B&V Whiskey Bar and Grille, 400 First St. E. Sonoma, 938-7110
Tonight, Jan.13: DJ Willie. 9 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 14: DJ Cal. 9 p.m.
Friday Farmers Market, Depot Park, 270 First St W. Sonoma
Today, Jan. 13: Stewart Degner. 9:30 a.m.
HopMonk Tavern, 691 Broadway Sonoma, 935-9100
Tonight, Jan. 13: Sean Carscadden. 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 14: Aki Kumar. 8 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub, 464 First St. E. Sonoma, 935-0660
Tonight, Jan. 13: Jon Emery Band. 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 14: Big Iron. 9 p.m.
Olde Sonoma Public House, 18615 Sonoma Hwy. Boyes Hot Springs, 938-7587
Tonight, Jan. 13: Reggae Night with Byron Borges. 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 14: Karaoke. 7:30 p.m.
Sebastiani Theatre, 476 First St. E. Sonoma, 996-9756
Saturday, Jan. 14: Popo Family Benefit with Sean Carsdadeden and Dave Aguilar. Noon.
Sonoma Speakeasy and American Music Hall, 452 First St. E. ste. G. Sonoma, 996-1364
Tonight, Jan. 13: Ryan Tatarian. 6:30 p.m. Solid Air. 8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 14: Full Circle. 5 p.m. Magic. 8 p.m.
Sunday, Jan.15: Adrian Trevino, 6 p.m. Acoustic Blues Jam. 8:30 p.m.
If your gig isn’t in my column, you didn’t tell me about it. jmberry@sonomamusic.com