Dance bands, local acts on the verge of breaking out to the big time and a blues player that if you haven’t heard of, you will soon, all take the stage in Sonoma County this weekend, in venues from coffee houses to the big stage. A Grammy awarded Cuban musician is also at one of the newest and most beautiful venues in Sonoma County. Get on out and support some live music!
Friday, Nov. 9, – Coco Montoya
GuitarOne Magazine calls guitarist-vocalist Coco Montoya “the hottest southpaw in the blues” and raves about his “master touch and killer tone.” The Boston Globe succinctly states that Montoya’s music is “hot, blistering soul.” From his early days as a drummer to his current status as one of the top-drawing guitarists and vocalists on the blues-rock scene, Montoya earned his status through years of hard work and constant touring. British blues icon John Mayall happened to catch Montoya at a jam session in the mid-‘80s and was blown away by Montoyas playing. Mayall recruited him as guitarist in the legendary Bluesbreakers, and Montoya spent the next 10 years touring non-stop. If you’re a blues fan and have not caught Montoya’s act, now is the time.
Venue – HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol – 707- 829-7300
Friday, Nov. 9 – Second Cut
If you’re looking to dance to rock and pop songs from the ‘70s – the ‘90s, then this is the show for you. All seasoned veterans of various music scenes and genres over the last 30 plus years, and from places all over the country, the act has converged in Sonoma County and has become one of the hottest dance bands in the genre. Vocalist Jodi Stevens delivers and guitarist Dave Moran, with his tenure in the Bay Area rock scene, has the tone and licks down.
Venue – Mavericks – Santa Rosa – 707- 544-1562
Saturday, Nov. 10 – Burrows – Dilbeck
Spencer Burrows and Kris Dilbeck, the powerhouse songwriters behind the funk rock band Frobeck, create a funky, fresh exploration of feel good vibes. Expect amazing vocals, rich quality music and tasty guitar riffs. Frobeck is easily one of the top prospects to break out of the local music scene, and if you see this duo in action, you’ll hear why.
Venue – Cloverdale Performing Arts Center – Cloverdale – 707- 894-3222
Saturday, Nov. 10 – Whiskey Thieves
Formed in 2006 from the remnants of the Rock Bottom Blues Band, this local act could also be on the verge or breaking out. The rock and blues based act is anchored by the powerful vocals of Codi Binkley and the guitar tone of Gabe Brueske, backed by a solid rhythm section. Playing mostly originals, the latest release, “Almost Time” created a nice local buzz along with the subsequent video, which debuted at the Sonoma International Film Festival.
Venue – Lagunitas Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary – Petaluma – 707- 778-8776
Saturday, Nov. 10 – Solid Air
This is probably the most unassuming act in Sonoma County. They duo has played and recorded with, and even had on their own albums, the likes of Jackson Browne, Elvin Bishop, Barry Melton and more. Their 2007 release, “Solid Air,” was nominated for a Grammy. But you’d never know it. Chris Garcia of the Press Democrat had this to say about them. “Soulfully incandescent vocals; an enormously gifted band.”
Venue – A’Roma Roasters – Santa Rosa – 707- 576-7765
Sunday, Nov. 11 – Chucho Valdés
Hailed by The New York Times as “the dean of Latin jazz” and “one of the world’s great virtuosic pianists,” Afro-Cuban musician Chucho Valdés has garnered two Grammy Awards and five Grammy nominations. His unique blend of African, South American, Cuban, and Spanish music traditions has made him a jazz legend around the world.
Venue – The Donald and Maureen Green Music Center – Rohnert Park – 866-955-6040