Once again, the folks in Sonoma Valley show their generosity when it comes to disasters half-way across the earth. Soon after the events in Japan, local mom Karen Stern started calling for a benefit and needed a location. Penny Byrd (Popo the Clown) got wind of it and between them and a host of others; the “Love to Japan from Sonoma” event was born. The event will be Sunday, March 27, at the Moose Lodge at 20850 Broadway from noon to 6 p.m. and features live music, a pasta feed, raffles and auctions and, as Popo claims “…even NASCAR.” Kicking off the live music at 12:30 p.m. will be Isaac Carter and Jason Bodlovich, who have an incredible acoustic duo, having recently checked them out opening for Joe Satriani. Next up is the Emer and Barrett Trio that will feature the young Barrett brothers and Mad and Eddie Duran. Following that act will be the Choro Quintet, featuring Aldo Mosca, Andrew Emer, Mad Duran and the young Barrett brothers playing Brazillian music. Noche Tropical and “Los Differentes del Ritmo” will take the stage next and the evening is wrapped up by Tudo Bem. There will be jumpers for the children and DJ music between the live acts. All the proceeds will go to the Red Cross to help benefit Japan. Entrance to the event is a donation of any size, no matter how large or small.
Noche Tropical is doing a double-header on Sunday, March 27. After playing and packing up at the Japan benefit, the band heads off to La Luz for La Copa Cesar Chavez soccer tournament awards ceremony at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The El Verano Inn welcomes back home town harmonica hero Junior Boogie and his band tonight, March 25, for a night of blues and rock, starting at 9:30 p.m.
The Olde Sonoma Public House has Tudo Bem tonight, March 25, for a 7:30 p.m. show.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards has BackTrax in the tasting room as part of the “Food Truck Friday” event tonight, March 25, at 6 p.m. The food trucks will be in the parking lot. The band will be by the fireplace.
The Cadillac Converters will be at the Sonoma Community Center tonight, March 25, entertaining guests of the Chili Bowl Express. For tickets and more info, call 938-4626, ext.1.
Sue Albano, Mark Dennis and Bob Edmondson have finally decided on a name for their act. From now on, or until they change the name, they will be the Magnets and you can catch them at Steiners Tavern tonight, March 25, for a 7 p.m. show.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has the traditional bluegrass sounds of the David Thom Band tonight, March 25, at 8 p.m. in the snug. Saturday, March 26, brings in Out of the Blue, with their own style of swing music, also for an 8 p.m. start. Sunday, March 27, has an early 6 p.m. start for Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley, who will have just bugged out of the Japan benefit. Sonoma Springs Brewery has the debut of Hunter Germano on Saturday, March 26, for a 7 p.m. show. Rumor has it that Hunter Germano was the name of their high school gym teacher, but we haven’t been able to confirm or deny that. There is no cover for the show.
Little Switzerland has the dance and blues sounds of the Rett Hamer Blues Band on Saturday, March 26, as part of the continuing “No Cover Saturdays.” The venue is trying out a series of local acts that have good followings and eliminating the standard cover charge to give the locals access to the largest dance floor in the Valley. Showtime is 7 p.m. and there is, no cover.
The Plaza Bistro has the jazz sounds of the Andrew Emer Trio, tonight, March 25, and this week the trio includes drummer Greg Wyser Pratt and Michael Parsons on piano. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
The Big 3 Diner in Boyes Hot Springs welcomes Josh Little to the room on Monday, March 28, for a 7 p.m. dinner show.
Uva Trattoria in Napa has Sonoma Valley acts all weekend, kicking off tonight, March 25, with the Jon Popenoe Blues Band for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, March 26, the trattoria welcomes that blues sounds of the Hellhounds, also for an 8 p.m. show.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Volker Strifler Band – Saturday, March 26.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219
Robben Ford – Friday, March 25
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
Pride & Joy – Saturday, March 26.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
Sol Horizon – Friday March 25.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – Friday, March 25.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Taj Mahal – Sunday, March 27.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123