It’s time again for the annual Kathmandu Festival which raises money for many programs in Neapl. Carol Vernal and countless members of the local Nepalese community here in Sonoma Valley have created weekend that celebrates the diverse cultures of Nepal, Tibet and India through traditional Himalayan music and lively dance performances throughout both days. Attendees are invited to stroll through a colorful marketplace to shop for jewelry, clothing, art, antiques and crafts, held at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16, kicking off at 11 a.m. both days. Live music accompanies both days, starting at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, with Rene Jenkins and friends, followed by Michael Davis and friends. Playful Goddesses take the stage at 2:15 and then it’s time for local Sukhawat Ali Khan at 2:30 p.m. Shyanti Saha and Tsering Wangmo wrap up the day. If you miss Saturday, have no fear, as Sunday, Sept. 16, kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with Christine Boyd followed by Peter VanGuilder and friends. The Bhutanese Dancers take the stage at 2 p.m. followed by the Shruti Rekha singers. The day wraps up with Sharnawi KC and Eliza Paneru and Meera and Troupe. Tickets for the event will be available at the door. More info about the weekend and the cause can be found at www.childrensmedicalaid.org.
It’s a bluegrass extravaganza at the Moose Lodge tonight, Sept. 14, and it’s a free show. Some of the top bluegrass acts in Northern California will be at the show. Headlining, back from touring the United States this summer, will be the Knock on Wood Players, followed by locals the David Thom Band and opening the show will be Windy Hill. Dinner will be available and the bar will be open for Moose drinks.
Murphy’s Irish Pub presents blues from the Hellhounds tonight, Sept. 14, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, it’s Vanessa Schillings Trio, also kicking off at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, there is no music, as it’s time for Jack Benny Radio Show Dinner Theater. There is no cover for the music, but for more info on the theater show, call 815-6159.
The El Verano Inn is quickly becoming a weekly music venue, with two shows this weekend. The first show, Saturday, Sept. 15, features the Mountain Squirrel, laying down a little classic rock and country starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, it’s the afternoon blues kicking off at 5 p.m. with 3 on a Match, featuring Smokin’ Joe Herrschaft. The act is primarily a duo, comprised of Herrschaft on vocals and Paul “Steelhead” Christopulous on slide guitar. Together since 2006, the band covers many genres and artists, as well as laying down some original songs. There is no cover for either show.
Sheila Whitney and John Burke will be starring in a special show on Sunday, Sept. 16, starting at 1 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church. The duo will be performing secular and sacred music titled “Celebratory Songs of Praise” and will contribute to the day-long celebration at to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its building at 275 East Spain Street. Whitney is the soprano soloist at the church and Burke is the organist, pianist, composer and music director. They will be bringing you an array of songs with the theme of praise, from composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lloyd Webber, locals Bertil E. Anderson, John Burke and more. The event is free, but donations will be accepted.
Wildwood Farm in Kenwood is presenting a garden party and plant sale on Sunday, Sept. 16, and to get you in the mood, the good doctor, Dr. Joel Rudinow, has put together an afternoon of New Orleans piano, blues, boogie-woogie, and rock and roll. The afternoon kicks off at 1 p.m. and for more info, call 833-1161.
It’s time for another barn dance at the Sonoma Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs on Saturday, Sept. 15, now with a brand new air conditioner unit to keep everyone cool. The evening kicks off at 8 p.m. and caller Mavis McGaugh will teach circle mixers and reels, starting easy and leading beginners to intermediate steps, accompanied by the bluegrass melodies of the Santa Barbara Mountain Boys. A donation is requested at the door, but dancers under 26 years of age are free.
The Sonoma Springs Brewery welcomes Tom Martin tonight, Sept. 14, for a 7 p.m. show. According to Martin, he will be playing “…solo acoustic, one man, one guitar, no net.” There is no cover for the show.
The Ledson Hotel welcomes back to the lounge Jess Petty on Saturday, Sept. 15, for a 6 p.m. show. There is no cover.
The Plaza Bistro welcomes the John Kalleen Group tonight, Sept 14, kicking off at 7 p.m. The band is a quintet in the classic style; trumpet, sax, piano, bass and drums, offering fresh compositions, echoing the admired hard bop and post-bop eras of the ‘50s and ‘60s, but infused with a modern, dynamic spark. Saturday, Sept. 15, it’s the Jeff Massanari Duo, with Ken Campbell on keyboards. Massanari regularly plays with the Johnny Nocturne Band, the Murasaki Ensemble, Swing Fever and other musicians in the jazz, blues, and world music genres.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards welcomes the Rett Hamer Band tonight, Sept. 14, for an evening of blues, kicking off at 6 p.m.
The Swiss Hotel has the Jami Jamison Band in the back patio on Sunday, Sept. 16, for an afternoon show kicking off at 3 p.m. There is no cover and a special appetizer menu will be available. If you can’t check them out Sunday, the band will be at Papa’s Taverna the night before, Saturday, Sept. 15, for a 7 p.m. show.
The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Divine Proportion tonight, Sept 14, at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, the moon welcomes back karaoke, kicking off at 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, the blues jam continues, starting at 10 p.m. There is no cover any for of the nights.
Points North will be doing a free show on Sunday, Sept. 16, at 19 Broadway in Fairfax, kicking off at 9 p.m.
Adam Traum will be at Cuvee in Napa tonight, Sept. 14, for a 9 p.m. show.
Showcase the Band will be in St. Helena on Sunday, Sept. 16, for a Mexican Independence day celebration at Lyman Park, starting at noon.
The Whiskey Thieves will be at the “Woofstock Adoptathon” on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Marin Humane Society in Novato, for a 2 p.m. show.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Crosby Stills & Nash – Wednesday – Thursday, Sept 19-20
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000
Pat Metheny – Tuesday, Sept 18
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372
Pride and Joy – Friday, Sept. 14
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365
Wonderbread 5 – Friday, Sept. 14
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262
Tommy Castro and the Pain Killers – Sunday, Sept. 16
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219
Super Diamond – Neil Diamond Tribute – Saturday, Sept. 15
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850
Moonalice – Friday – Sunday, Sept. 16
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850
Brothers Comatose – Friday, Sept. 14
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
Zepparella – Saturday, Sept. 15
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
Dave Matthews Tribute – Sunday, Sept. 16
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121