Spotlight
Bowie Forever
Although we were a casual fan, having enjoyed and was inspired by his music even before our teen years, we didn’t realize the impact that David Bowie had on others lives until he passed away. Between Prince and Bowie, we’re not sure which had more posts mourning their departure on our social media feeds, but let’s just say it was plentiful for both. Sonoma Valley has chosen to not forget either, with what seems to be an annual tribute show to both artists. Prince was remembered a couple of weeks ago, and this week it’s time to remember David Bowie and the local musician community has pulled out all the stops with a show on Saturday, May 13, at the El Verano Inn in El Verano.
The show is the brainchild of Dmitra Smith and Tony Gibson, and features a number of musicians performing homage to the musical legend along with prize giveaways and raffles. Slated to perform are musicians from the Bumblin’ Bones, Gentlemen Soldiers, Half People, Shakedown Choir, Sunday night blues jam and more. Special guests include drummer Kevin Carnes of the Broun Fellinis and bassist Shawn Miller of Static People. The list of performers is growing even as we pen this piece. Audience participation is not mandatory, but as Smith puts it, “Everyone is encouraged to dress in their favorite plumage, covered in stardust, and blast off into space for a night to remember.”
Tickets will be available at the door but folks are encouraged to buy in advance, as last year the show was essentially a sell-out. Tickets can be found at eventbrite.com/e/bowie-forever-tribute-tickets-32126611560. Showtime is 8:30 p.m.
***************
Chris Hanlin House Concert
As we noted in our piece on house concerts published on April 21 of this year, with the state of the music industry, house concerts are making a big comeback on the music scene across the country. This weekend is another slated for here in Sonoma Valley that will feature Chris Hanlin and Allie Moss on Saturday, May 13.
Hanlin is a local musician and luthier who has yet, in our opinion, to play a venue in the Valley that showcases him properly. This may be the best venue yet to see him, as Hanlin’s heart-felt lyrics and music really need to be “listened to” and not just be background music as many of the venues in Sonoma are when it comes to live music. We’re not saying anything bad about any venue, just that Hanlin has a unique style when playing his assortment of string instruments and even showcases a harmonium pump-organ at some shows. His performance is sure to open some eyes.
Allie Moss is currently touring the U.S primarily via house concerts, and after a stop in Oakland the night before, Moss will be the headliner at the show on the 13th. Moss has previously worked with Ingrid Michaelson, and has just released a new CD titled “The Other Side,” which features the single, “Bet My Life” and features some songs that were co-written by Garrison Starr. Moss was recently on a tour of larger venues with the Grammy-winning duo, A Great Big World. This is a rare chance to see her perform for an intimate gathering of 40 or so.
Tickets will only be available in advance, as once you purchase the ticket, the venue will be revealed, but we can say it is in the vicinity of West El Verano. For tickets and more info, point your browser to insidelands.org.
***************
Mother’s day Music Round-up
Believe it or not, not every mother wants to go to brunch on Mother’s day. Some actually would rather do anything other than brunch. So what to do? How about some live music? There are plenty of options around the Valley this week. Let’s run them down, many are no cover although some have an admission fee and all shows are Sunday, May 14, Mothers Day.
B.R. Cohn Winery, 15000 Sonoma Hwy. Glen Ellen, 800-330-4064
Bray. 2 p.m. Bray is a singer-songwriter who performs catchy original songs as well as some covers. Oysters are also available at the venue on Sunday.
FAHA Heritage Center, 197 W. Verano Ave. Sonoma, 935-0200
Alan Early Quartet and vocalist Amanda King. 1 p.m. Early and King will be laying down jazz and jazz standards. Lunch and beverages are available for purchase.
Faith Lutheran Church of Sonoma Valley, 19355 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, 996-7365
MusicWorks!Sonoma. 2 p.m. The vocal group will take you on a journey celebrating the vast power, magic, and spirit of our world’s music, followed by a reception to honor guests.
HopMonk Tavern, 691 Broadway Sonoma, 935-9100
Nate Lopez. 1 p.m. Lopez plays an 8-string guitar and does many acoustic standards and original songs.
Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, 938-5216
Piano recital with Jud Goodrich, Deborah Knapp, Michael O’Brien, Rubina Mazurka, Esfir Ross and Jim Wittes. 2 p.m.
Muscardini Cellars, 9380 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, 933-9305
Craig Corona. 2 p.m. It’s very possible Corona knows every song ever written. Acoustic pop and rock classics are his specialty. See if you can stump him. We doubt it.
Vintage House senior center, 264 First St. E. Sonoma, 996-0311
Alexander String Quartet. 3 p.m. The Sonoma Classical Music Society considers this act their “house band” as this is the thirteenth year the quartet has performed for the society.
***************
Set List – The Rundown
Annex Wine Bar, 865 W. Napa St. Sonoma, 938-7779
Tonight, May 12: Noah Trettor. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 13: Aiden Eljumaily. 7:30 p.m.
B. R. Cohn Winery, 15000 Sonoma Hwy. Glen Ellen, 800-330-4064
Sunday, May 14: Bray. 2 p.m.
B&V Whiskey Bar and Grille, 400 First St. E. Sonoma, 938-7110
Tonight, May 12: DJ Isak. 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 13: DJ FYR. 9 p.m.
El Verano Inn, 705 Laurel Ave. El Verano, 935-0611
Saturday, May 13: “Bowie Forever” David Bowie tribute with various Sonoma Valley musicians, 8:30 p.m.
FAHA Heritage Center, 197 W. Verano Ave. Sonoma, 935-0200
Sunday, May 14: Alan Early Quartet and vocalist Amanda King. 1 p.m.
Faith Lutheran Church of Sonoma Valley, 19355 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, 996-7365
Saturday, May 13: MusicWorks!Sonoma. 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 14: MusicWorks!Sonoma. 2 p.m.
Friday Farmers Market, Depot Park, 270 First St W. Sonoma
Today, May 12: Stewart Degner. 9:30 a.m.
HopMonk Tavern, 691 Broadway Sonoma, 935-9100
Tonight, May 12: Clay Bell. 5 p.m. Dawn Angelosante and Tony Gibson. 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 13: Craig Corona. 1 p.m. Kyle Williams. 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 14: Nate Lopez. 1 p.m.
Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, 938-5216
Sunday, May 14: Piano recital with Jud Goodrich, Deborah Knapp, Michael O’Brien, Rubina Mazurka, Esfir Ross and Jim Wittes. 2 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub, 464 First St. E. Sonoma, 935-0660
Tonight, May 12: Tudo Bem. 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 13: Kevin Russell and his So-Called Friends. 8 p.m.
Muscardini Cellars, 9380 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, 933-9305
Saturday, May 13: Acoustic Soul. 2 p.m. “Simmer Down Saturday” with T Luke and the Tight Suits. 6 p.m.
Sunday, May 14: Craig Corona. 2 p.m.
Olde Sonoma Public House, 18615 Sonoma Hwy. Boyes Hot Springs, 938-7587
Tonight, May 12: Ryan Tatarian. 6:30 p.m. Reggae Night with Byron Borges. 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 13: Karaoke. 7:30 p.m.
The Reel Fish Shop and Grill, 401 Grove St. El Verano, 343-0044
Tonight, May 12: Kevin Russell and his So-Called Friends. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 13: Loosely Covered. 8:30 p.m.
Roger Roessler Wines, 654 Broadway, Sonoma, 933-1330
Tonight, May 12: Bart Fletcher. 7 p.m.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards, 389 Fourth St. E. Sonoma, 933-3230
Tonight, May 12: Rubber Soul Acoustic Beatles Tribute. 6 p.m.
Sonoma Speakeasy and American Music Hall, 452 First St. E. ste. G. Sonoma, 996-1364
Tonight, May 12: Bruce Gordon. 6:30 p.m. the Scarlett Letters. 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 13: Jim Caroompas. 5 p.m. Junk Parlor. 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 14: Brandon Eardley and Friends. 5 p.m. Acoustic Blues Jam. 8:30 p.m.
Sonoma Valley Woman’s Club, 574 First St. E., 938-8313
Saturday, May 13: Vox Populi. 7:30 p.m.
The Starling Bar, 19380 Sonoma Hwy. Sonoma, 996-3055
Friday, May 12: Sean Carscadden. 9 p.m.
Saturday, May 13: 3 on a Match. 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 14: “Sunday Night Live!” with the Goddamn Band. 7:30 p.m.
Vintage House senior center, 264 First St. E. Sonoma, 996-0311
Sunday, May 14: Alexander String Quartet. 3 p.m.
If your gig isn’t in my column, you didn’t tell me about it. jmberry@sonomamusic.com