OK. We’re going on a mini-rant here. Once again, we have Halloween in the middle of the week and parties and events planned this weekend AND on the actual day of Halloween. We’ve managed to move the days we celebrate the birthdays of people like the founder of our country to a day that is “more convenient.” Can’t we move Halloween to the closest Friday or Saturday night? I’m pretty sure the children would like it, not having to go to school the next day, and we can still celebrate “All Hallows Eve” in our own special way on the 31st. Rant over. So, we have a lot going on this weekend, and it seems that the El Verano Inn and the Moose Lodge have it all wrapped up.
Tonight, Oct. 26 at the El Verano Inn it’s the “Brain Eaters Halloween Festival,” kicking off at 7 p.m. with a huge punk and rock line-up, that features the Brain Eaters, the Gentlemen Soldiers, Pauly Hips and the Child Bearers, Bite, the Quitters, Ammo-Wagon and Dark Lord Byron. There is no cover for the show. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s Ten Foot Tone, playing their 13th Halloween show at the venue. There will be prizes for the best costume, candy and other surprises. That show kicks off at 9 p.m., also no cover.
The Moose Lodge has a double bill tonight, Oct. 26, with BackTrax and Showcase the Band coming together for a show that will celebrate Halloween with a costume contest and more, but also raise money for PKD, Polycystic kidney disease. PKD is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases, affecting an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s the annual Halloween show with the Bodies, the Quitters and some “dumb” guests. Doors are at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. You must be 21 or over to attend.
If rock and punk music isn’t your thing for Halloween, then you can catch Dana Land on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Sonoma Valley Womans Club, for a night of jazz that is being billed as “Nightmare on First Street East” which kicks off at 7 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Womans Club. Land has assembled quite a line-up for the evening, with Jonathan Alford, Jeff Sanford, Akira Tana and Chris Amberger backing her on vocals. For tickets and more info, call 373-0700.
Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen has the full John Burdick Band on Sunday, Oct. 28, for the “Supper and a Show” series, kicking off at 6 p.m. The band will be doing original material as well as some cover songs.
Annex Wine Bar, next to the Community Cafe on W. Napa St. welcomes Chris Hanlin for a show tonight, Oct. 26, kicking off at 6 p.m. Fridays are Fondue night at the annex, with a surprise fondue every week.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has the always popular reggae act Midnight Sun Massive tonight, Oct. 26, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s Mike Z, guitarist with E. Z. Kewl, for a night of standards and more, also going off at 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, it’s an early show with Cynthia Carr and the Carrtunes doing their annual Halloween Extravaganza, with prizes and specials. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.
The Plaza Bistro welcomes Kontrabanned tonight, Oct. 26, for a 7 p.m. show, that features Sandra Poindexter on violin, Chris Planas on guitar and Ben Luis on bass. There is no cover for the show.
The Gristmill Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen has the WildKats on Saturday, Oct. 27, for an 8 p.m. show. The band features several Glen Ellen locals and is always a fun time. There is no cover for the show.
Sonoma Springs Brewery is celebrating their fourth anniversary this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 27, with live music and discounts, all depending on your apparel. The afternoon kicks off at 3 p.m. and has the Trees, followed by Wildflower Weed and friends. Discounts on brew can be had by wearing your Sonoma Springs T-shirt, a tye-dye T-shirt, or any model of lederhosen. At 7 p.m., it’s time for Jafar Thorne. Thorne has been engulfed in music since he was 13 years of age, but over the years, he came to admire the song craft and production of U2, the bluesy edges of Led Zeppelin, the pure soul of Bob Marley, the neo-tribalism of electronica, and the improv-driven, melting-pot ethos of the Grateful Dead. There is no cover for the afternoon or evening shows.
The Jewish Winemakers are having a celebration of wine, and along with that is live music on Sunday, Oct. 28, kicking off at 1:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building with more than 20 local wineries pouring. The afternoon features Stephaine Ozer, Mama Loshn and Shameless.
The Kathmandu Corner has Wildflower Wed with Jeffro Hunter tonight, Oct. 26, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s Richard Sumberg, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Oct. 28, the corner welcomes Jon Williams from Ten Foot Tone for an early show, at 6:30 p.m. doing a solo acoustic performance. If you’ve not yet seen Williams perform, make it on over to the corner on Sunday.
The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ music tonight, Oct. 26, with Robert Roots, Cruxx and Divine Proportion laying down grooves starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s time for karaoke, kicking off at 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, it’s time for the blues jam that goes off at 10 p.m. There is no cover any night.
The Epicurean Connection welcomes Gayle Skidmore on Saturday, Oct. 27, for a 7:30 p.m. show.
Jami Jamison is on the road on Saturday, Oct. 27, for a show at Papas Taverna, kicking off at 7 p.m.