Once again, when the call is put out, the musicians of Sonoma Valley step up to the plate, and this time it’s for the Sonoma Relay for Life, to be held this weekend, July 31 – Aug. 1. The live music show, billed this year as “Realy-palooza” will kick off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, with members of SonomaSong performing until noon. Noon to 1 p.m. brings in the jazzy sounds of EZ Kewl, followed up by a set from Mark Dennis and Sue Albano that goes until 1:30 p.m. Joe Chaplain is next on stage until 3 p.m. with a solo act followed by a set from the his band, the Joe Chaplain Band. Sue Albano is back on stage at 3 p.m., and this time with yours truly, James Marshall Berry, for a 30 – minute set. Next brings on the Big Easy for a set that goes until 4 p.m. when Jon Popenoe and friends take the stage. 5 p.m. brings on a set from the Dollhouse, and at 5:30 p.m. Randy Cook will take the stage. Adam Traum takes over at 6 p.m. for an hour slot, followed by Kit Kat Karaoke into the evening. The event is held yearly on the track at Sonoma Valley High School. There is no cover for the show, but there will be plenty of opportunities to help the cause, from participating in the silent auction to simply writing a check.
The Plaza Bistro will have the Curtis Brothers Quartet tonight, July 30, for a show that kicks off at 7 p.m. Pianist Zaccai and bassist brother Luques, along with the percussion section of conguero Reinaldo DeJesus and drummer Richie Barshay, make up the Curtis Brothers Quartet. With Latin jazz roots, the group explores funk, bop and classical, all while defining a new Latin sensibility. There is no cover for the show.
The Swiss Hotel will be trying out live music on the back patio, behind the restaurant, on Sunday afternoons, starting Sunday, Aug. 1, with Black Cab. The band plays a variety of classic rock-style original music, and features some veterans of the local wine and music scene, with “Detroit” Danny Barbane on guitar and Scott DeMartini on drums. The no cover show kicks off at 2 p.m.
The El Verano Inn will have Sean Carscadden and Isaac Carter on the stage on Saturday, July 31, for a 9 p.m. show. Carscadden and Carter are regulars at the open jam that happens every Sunday at the Blue Moon Saloon and if you haven’t seen them, the guys put on quite a guitar clinic. There is no cover for the show.
Steiners Tavern has the sounds of Fyred Up tonight, July 30, for a 10 p.m. show. Saturday, July 31, brings DJ Dave back to the house for some DJ dance tunes for a show that also kicks off at 10 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Americana sounds of Thick Soup tonight, July 30, at 8 p.m. The trio, according to pub manager Hunt Baile, has “…amazing harmonies.” Saturday, July 31, brings in Blue & Lonesome playing traditional bluegrass, also at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, there will be a Celtic pub jam kicking off at 6 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows.
Jess Petty and Ken Chambers will be at the Ledson Lounge on the Plaza tonight, July 30, at 6 p.m.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards will have the Jon Popenoe Blues Band tonight, July 30, at 6:30 p.m.
Landmark Winery and Vineyards will have blues from Mark MacDonald at the winery on Saturday, July 31, kicking off at 1 p.m.
Olive & Vine in the Jack London Village in Glen Ellen will have music from Adam Lieb tonight, July 30, for a no cover show that kicks off at 7 p.m.
The Lodge at Sonoma will have Mike Greensill tickling the ivories in the lounge tonight, July 30, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, July 31, it’s John Groves turn on the 88s for a show that also kicks off at 7 p.m. There is no cover for either show.
The Shop, the local drug and alcohol-free venue in Sonoma Valley for teens, will have a packed bill on Saturday, July 31, with headliners Neverland Night, followed by Body or Brain, Finish Ticket and Nana De Carlo. Showtime is 7 p.m.
The Big 3 Diner will have the jazzy grooves of EZ Kewl on Monday, Aug. 2, for a night of music during dinner, starting at 7 p.m.
Local harmonica legend Dave Chavoya of the Hellhounds, who was recently honored in Sonoma Valley with the dedication of the Plaza horseshoe named after him, will be making an appearance at the Blues Harmonica Summit on Saturday, July 31, at 9 p.m. at the Last Day Saloon in Santa Rosa. The event is an extension of the blues festival that will take place that day at the Sonoma County Fair, and fair ticket holders will get half off at the door for the evenings show. Also on the bill are Bill Noteman, Sonny Lowe, Steve Judkins and Sky O’Bannion.