The Sonoma Hometown Band will be in action two times this weekend for this years “Christmas Concert.” Tonight, Dec. 16, for the first time, the band will be at the Sonoma Community Center for a 7 p.m. show. Sunday, Dec. 18, the band will be at its traditional venue, the Sebastiani Theatre for a 1 p.m. show. Both concerts are free and open to the public, although donations will be accepted.
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church will be performing their 18th annual “Christmas Concert for La Luz” on Sunday, Dec. 18. The show has become an important part of the mission effort at St. Andrew and helping La Luz each year has become a tradition. The music will consist of familiar carols sung by the choir and played by the hand-bell choir. The concert is free, but the church will take an offering and 100 percent of the money collected will go directly to La Luz. The first show is at 2 p.m. and the second will start at 7 p.m. St Andrew Presbyterian Church is at 16290 Arnold Dr.
There will be caroling around the Plaza tonight, Dec. 16, led by Cynthia Tarr. Interested participants should meet at the Sonoma Community Center at 7 p.m. to assemble and walk to the Plaza, where the group will serenade the Plaza Merchants. No caroling experience is necessary.
Local guitarist Eric Barnett got some excellent news this week, on his birthday no less, when he learned that his band, Points North, was signed to a record deal by Magna Carta records. The label is currently home to acts such as Steve Morse, Steve Stevens and former members of Dream Theater, so the label seems a perfect fit for the bands instrumental hard rock sound. Barnett was a session guitar player in New York and moved to Sonoma without a real music agenda. A chance ad for a couple guys to jam with on Craig’s List ad ended up being so fruitful that the band was born. The official announcements will be out soon, but look for a new album, video and maybe even a tour in 2012. Congrats Eric! The band will be sharing the stage tonight, Dec. 16, in San Juan Capistrano at the Coach House with rock guitar legend Gary Hoey for a 6 p.m. show.
Another local Sonoma musician, although currently re-located to Santa Barbara, is also making some noise in the industry. Scott Foreman, a Sonoma Valley native, lives on a lemon farm there, with all seven of the bandmates in the band Sprout, while he finishes up his degree at the University of California Santa Barbara. The band has been together since 2009, and has shared the stage with members of the Wallflowers, the Foo Fighters and even the daughter of the legendary Jerry Garcia, Annabelle Garcia, has given the band props. They recently played a show on the campus with thousands of students in attendance. They have just released their first album, and you can check it out at www.sprouttheband.bandcamp.com.
Now, back to the local stuff. The Sunday Songwriter Sessions continues on Sunday, Dec. 18, at Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen with Chris Hanlin and Hilary Wicht joining John Burdick for an afternoon of singer-songwriter enjoyment. The doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 5 p.m.
HopMonk Tavern Sonoma welcomes the Courtney Janes to the inside stage tonight, Dec. 16, at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, brings the reggae inspired sounds of Dan Martin to the Tavern, also for a 9 p.m. show.
Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Midnight Sun Massive in the Snug at 8 p.m. tonight, Dec. 16. Saturday, the pub has the Perfect Crime, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Dec. 18, it’s Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly for an early show, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.
The Kathmandu Corner has no music tonight, Dec. 16, due to a private function. Saturday, Dec. 17, the venue welcomes JMB and the Big ‘O’ to the stage. The duo is usually in BackTrax and has been doing acoustic classic rock as of late. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
The Barking Dog Roasters in Boyes Hot Springs welcomes Dale Henry Geist and the Strays, featuring Adam Traum tonight, Dec. 16, for a 5 p.m. show.
It’s barn dance time again at the Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs on Saturday, Dec. 17. Barn dance is similar to square or contra dancing, with the “caller” announcing all the steps of the dance as they come along. This dance will have Mike Fynan calling the steps, with Plaid Menagerie providing music. The dance kicks off at 8 p.m.
The Plaza Bistro has jazz tonight, Dec. 16, from saxophonist Mike Zilber and his trio, kicking off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, brings in the John Kalleen Group, also for a 7 p.m. show.
The Ledson Hotel welcomes back Jess Petty and Ken Chambers on Saturday, Dec. 17, for a 6:30 p.m. show.
El Verano Inn has a benefit show put on by Robert Roots and Ire Sounds International on Saturday, Dec. 17, that features DJ music and many special guests. The show kicks off at 9 p.m.
The Blue Moon Saloon has Karaoke on Saturday, Dec. 17, kicking off at 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, the weekly blues jam continues at 10 p.m.
Tudo Bem will be in Petaluma tonight, Dec. 16, at Graffitis, for an 8 p.m. show.
Stephanie Ozer will be at the Hotel Healdsburg on Saturday, Dec. 17, for a 7:30 show. Joining her on bass will be Cliff Hugo.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Norrisman – Friday, Dec. 16.
19 Broadway – Fairfax
415-459-0293
Flanelhed/ Fantasia – Friday, Dec. 16.
Peri’s – Fairfax
415-459-9910
Sol Horizon – Friday, Dec. 16.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343
Tony Bennett – Friday, Dec. 16.
Wells Fargo Center – Santa Rosa
546-3600
Narada Walden Holiday Benefit Concert – Saturday, Dec. 17.
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600
Happy Birthday Frank Sinatra – Jonathan Poretz – Sunday, Dec. 18.
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600