If you’re asking “where is that?” then you’re not alone. Centre du Vin is the name of the new French-inspired restaurant in the Ledson Hotel. We’re told by the new manager that the location will begin to be more local focused, in terms of local musicians, food and wine alike. Even though he’s not from the Valley, Jonathan Poretz has been a Sonoma Valley favorite for quite some time and will be appearing Saturday, Sept. 3, for a 7 p.m. show. Poretz has been appearing as Frank Sinatra in the “Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey & Dean (The Rat Pack)” in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Boston and Memphis. Blending the swinging vocal style of Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett and Bobby Darin, Poretz puts his own unique stamp on every song he sings and every story he tells through the great American standard songbook.
More sad news on the local musician front, as we regret to announce the passing of great local guitarist John Salz on August, 24, 2011. In addition to his music skills, Salz was a pilot and worked as a nurse at Sonoma Valley Hospital. Ironically, they never did find out exactly what was wrong with him, or what caused his death, even though he was ill for several months. Salz made his way to Sonoma back in 1982 with the band Savannah, which also had as members Rick and Lisa Binkley, Bob Morrell, Curt Schillinger and Jim Akin. Salz played with and inspired many a musician in Sonoma Valley and beyond, and even had one of his songs, “No one can hurt you” recorded by country star Ricky Skaggs. There will be a celebration of his life at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building on Sunday, Oct. 9, starting at 11 a.m.
Although not a musician, the man made many a contribution to music that you hear almost every day. Marty Cohn, brother of winemaker and philanthropist Bruce Cohn, passed away this year and as a memorial, his brother Bruce has dedicated the second stage at this years Charity Fall Music Festival to the memory of Marty. Marty was instrumental in the signing of the Doobie Brothers and many other acts in the ‘70s. Appearing on the second stage at this years festival on Saturday, Sept 24, will be Lara Johnston and Will Champlin, the Zen Road Pilots (formerly Billy Satellite) and Eddie Bush. Sunday, Sept. 25, performers are the Rich Little Band, Black Market Blues and Frobeck. That’s only the second stage. On the main stage on Saturday, Sept. 24, will be the Doobie Brothers with Sammy Hagar and Joe Satriani, Leon Russell, Jim Messina, Greg Kihn, Jeff Watson – The Lone Ranger and Carlos Reyes. The Sunday, Sept. 25, show has Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Doobie Brothers with Jim Messina, Little Feat, Leon Russell, Lara Johnston and Carlos Reyes. The Doobies have been touring with Skynyrd a good part of the summer and will be fun to see them both back on stage at the end of the tour. There are some tickets still available, but these shows will sell out. Tickets are available in the tasting room at B. R. Cohn winery or online at www.brcohn.com.
The Sunflower Caffe has its monthly artists reception tonight, Sept. 2, this month featuring Jennifer Cabaud and there will also be music from JoyRide. The music kicks off at 7 p.m.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards has the Americana sounds of Adam Traum and the Traumatics tonight, Sept. 2, in the tasting room at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover and food will be available from Community Cafe.
Plan Be will be at Little Switzerland on Saturday, Sept. 3, for an 8 p.m. show. The band is sure to get you dancing with their versions of popular blues, jazz and rock songs.
The Katmandu Corner has Dawn Angelosante and Tony Gibson tonight, Sept. 2, for a show that will be at the new time for all shows; 8 p.m. Deirdre Egan will be at the corner on Saturday, Sept. 3, also for an 8 p.m. show. There is no cover.
The Community Cafe is having a Labor Day party on Monday, Sept. 5, starting at 2 p.m., when they will kick off the new barbecue holiday menu. Joyride will be providing the music starting at 4 p.m.
Viansa Winery in Carneros will have music from SugarFoot on Saturday, Sept.3, from noon to 3 p.m. The band plays rock, funk and blues.
The Plaza Bistro welcomes back the Jeff Massanari Trio tonight, Sept. 2, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Sept. 3, the bistro brings in local Andrew Emer on the stand up bass, playing a duo with guitarist Terence Brewer, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has its longest running act, the Sonoma Mountain Band tonight, Sept. 2, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Sept. 3, the pub welcomes Andrew Freeman, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Sept. 4, has the long-standing, traditional Celtic pub jam, starting at 3:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.
The Blue Moon Saloon has Crazy Noisy Karaoke on Saturday, Sept. 3. You can get in on the antics as well, starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, has the weekly blues jam on Sunday, Sept. 4, kicking off at 10 p.m. Having popped in last Sunday, we can say the music is live on a late Sunday night. There is no cover either night.
Stephanie Ozer will be at the Osteria Divino in Sausalito on Saturday, Sept. 3, for a 7 p.m. show.
The Jon Popenoe Blues Band will be at Rickey’s Bar in Novato on Saturday, Sept. 3, for a 6:30 p.m. show. Sunday, Sept. 4, Popenoe will be with his duo at Beringer Winery in Napa for a show that kicks off at noon.