Riding on the coat tails of her award of “Country Album of the Year” at last years Los Angeles Music Awards, this year, Natasha James takes the honors of “Country Songwriter of the Year” for her hit album “Tequila Time.” In its 20th year, the Los Angeles Music Awards is the longest running independent awards show of its kind. The event will take place on Thursday, Nov. 18, at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. Congratulations Natasha.
With the season winding down, there’s not a lot of live music action this weekend, so lets get right to what’s going on.
The Neil Buckley Octet will be at the Plaza Bistro tonight, Nov. 5, for a 7 p.m. show. The band plays what’s called “1950’s West Coast Cool Jazz” As legend has it, Californian (predominantly white) jazz musicians went to New York in the ‘50s. These musicians mixed with the mostly black bebop musicians and were also influenced by the “smooth” sound of black saxophonist Lester Young. The style that emerged became known as “cool jazz”, which avoided the aggressive tempos of bebop. Cool jazz included intricate arrangements, innovative forms, and songs having a thoroughly composed sound while never neglecting virtuoso improvisation. There is no cover for the show.
The Lodge at Sonoma has jazz legend Dick Conte in the lounge tonight, Nov. 5, for a 7 p.m. show. Conte will be playing standards and originals from tracks among his four albums. Saturday, Nov. 6, brings John MacKay to the lounge, also for a 7 p.m. start. There is no cover for either show.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards will continue its Friday night music series in the tasting room tonight, Nov. 5, with the Jon Popenoe Blues Band for a 6:30 p.m. show. According to tasting room manager Chris Johnson, the popular Friday night series will continue through mid- December, with talk of a ramped down version throughout the winter. There is no cover for the shows and typically a local chef is serving dinner. Call the tasting room at 933-3200, ext. 4 for more info.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Sonoma Mountain Band tonight, Nov. 5, for a night of blues, folk, bluegrass, and retro tunes, kicking off at 8 p.m. The band is the longest running act at the pub. Saturday, Nov. 6, brings in the smokin’ guitar licks of Andrew Freeman, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 7, the pub invites everyone to a classic pub jam, which kicks off at 6 p.m.
Mondo American Beer Garden has the rock steady reggae sounds of Dan Martin on Saturday, Nov. 6, for a 7 p.m. show.
Imagery Estate Winery is keeping the afternoon music going this weekend with the Cork Pullers making an appearance on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, brings in the jazzy sounds of EZ Kewl for a 1:30 p.m. start. There is no cover for the shows and families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the winery grounds.
EZ Kewl will be laying down a dinner set tonight, Nov. 5, at the Schellville Grill at 7 p.m.
Static People are on the road to San Francisco for a show at Kimos on Sunday, Nov. 7, for a 9 p.m. show.
Being Giants baseball fans for over 40 years, we want to shout out congrats to the team for grabbing the World Series title this week. Not music related? The news was sure music to our ears.