Although the band has been around since the early ‘80s, just lately they have been making a big scene wherever they play. Midnight Sun Massive, winners of the North Bay Bohemian’s 2011 North Bay Music Award for Best World-Reggae artist, Midnight Sun Massive brings their signature reggae island dance party to Murphy’s Irish Pub tonight, May 25, to celebrate the release of their new album, “Who’s Feeling Irie?” Reggae superstar Junior Toots will make a special guest appearance, performing the album’s title track, on which he is featured. He will also perform some of his original songs as well. Co-founded by Milo Karobi and Andre Russell, the band is a collection of multi-instrumentalists and songwriters, each drawing from their diverse backgrounds to combine a combination of reggae, dancehall, ska and calypso styles of music. Tonight’s show gets underway at 8 p.m. and CDs will be available. There is no cover for the show.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards kicks of the fourth year of weekly live local music in the tasting room tonight, May 25, with BackTrax. The band is a classic rock tribute act and you’ll be sure to know all the words to all the songs they play. The evening is also one of the popular food truck nights, which will be happening the last Friday of the month, going forward. The winery will have wines by the glass or bottle to go with the food or the dancing. There is no cover for the night. The event time has changed this year, with the bands starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m.
The Vineyards Inn in Kenwood will be hosting a benefit for the leukemia and lymphoma society on Saturday, May 26, kicking off at 2 p.m. There will be Chef Estobans famous paella, a raffle and live music from DeColores. The band consists of two ladies from Santa Rosa who do a mix of traditional Latin music and some western standards as well. The feature of the day will be the vocal harmonies of the ladies, and the back-up band, which consists of a variety of locals, including Uncle Naz. For more info, call 833-4500.
The Vintage House senior center presents the Vintage House Singers, under the direction of JoAnne Connor, performing “Gershwin and Friends” at their annual spring concert today, May 25, at 1:30 p.m. There is no charge for the concert and it is open to the public.
HopMonk Tavern Sonoma welcomes a special act on Saturday, May 26, when the Adversary comes to town. The band has an interesting and unique sound, which is both danceable and beautifully atmospheric with thought provoking lyrics. Tony Gibson will be opening the show at 9 p.m. There is no cover for either act.
Jonathan Poretz is back at the Ledson Lounge on Saturday, May 26, for a 6:30 p.m. show. Poretz brings an electric energy to any stage he’s on, whether appearing in an intimate club or a large outdoor venue. Poretz blends the swinging vocal styles of Sinatra, Torme, Bennett and Darin. There is no cover for the show, which kicks off at 7 p.m.
The El Verano Inn will have the bi-weekly blues jam and barbecue on Sunday, May 27, that will feature Junior Boogie, Andrew Emer and many others. The day kicks off at 4 p.m.
The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Brian Andres Trio with Aaron Germain on bass and Nina Ott on piano tonight, May 25, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, May 26, the bistro has Andrew Emer and friends. Emer is currently adjunct faculty, string bass and electric bass at Santa Rosa Junior College, and summer faculty at Lake Tahoe Jazz camp for Kids. Emer will also be in charge of Jazz Camp Sonoma, 2012 Summer Season for the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society. That show also gets underway at 7 p.m. and there is no cover either night.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has local bluesmen the Hellhounds on Saturday, May 26, for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, May 27, it’s an early start at 6:30 p.m. with Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley. There is no cover for either show.
Dunbar School has their annual performance for the 20th year this weekend, kicking off tonight, May 25, with performances Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, all at 6 p.m. The performance titled “Dastardly Deeds at Yoursin Mine” or “Yukon Take it With You” was written by Squire Fridell and directed by Kate Kennedy. Folks are encouraged to bring a blanket and a picnic dinner. Tickets will be available at the door.
The yearly Memorial Day tribute will be held Monday, May 28, at The Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building. After the service, which starts at 10:30 a.m., BackTrax will be performing in the auditorium during lunch. There is no cover.
Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly have started a fund raising campaign to help support the new album they hope to record. The duo are attempting to raise $5000 to help pay for studio time, engineer Andy Saks, the extra musicians they have contracted to record with them, album artwork and finally the duplication of the album. The fundraiser ends in roughly 52 days. You can find out more by pointing your browser to www.indiegogo.com/Seanandmarty.
The Olde Sonoma Public House has Karaoke by Cat on Sunday, May 27, kicking off at 8 p.m. Rumor has it that it’s also Cats birthday celebration.
The Whiskey Thieves hit the road to the historic Caspar Inn in Mendocino tonight, May 25, for a 9:30 p.m. show.
Adam Traum will be at the Sand Dollar in Stinson Beach on Sunday, May 27, for a show that kicks off at noon.
Jon Popenoe will be at St. Clements Vineyards in St. Helena on Sunday, May 27, for a noon show.
The Tonewoods will be in Gualala at the art festival on Saturday, May 26, and Sunday, May 27, for shows that also kick off at noon.
Showcase the Band will be in Rio Nido on Sunday, May 27, at the picnic grounds for a 5 p.m. show.
Jami Jamison will be at Papas Taverna in Petaluma on Saturday, May 26, for a 7 p.m. show.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Maria Muldaur– Sunday, May 27
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219
Elvin Bishop and Ron Thompson – Monday, May 28
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219
Bobby Jo Valentine – Thursday, May 31
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
Hot Buttered Rum – Friday, May 25
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300
Punching Billy and Loosely Covered – Saturday, May. 26
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300
Tommy Castro and the Painkillers – Friday, May 25
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372
Joan Osborne – Sunday, May. 27
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372
Mother Hips – Saturday, May 26
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Melvin Seals – Saturday, May 26
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850