It’s said by people smarter than us that the media will outlast the medium on which to play it, and that tends to be true. We have all of our vinyl albums and 45s, and even a turntable, but no needle. We have every cassette tape we’ve ever owned, except those that the pencil rewind trick couldn’t fix. We’re pretty sure there’s a player around here somewhere. We even have 8-track tapes, well, a couple, but no player. We imagine there are wax cylinders of music out there in places, just waiting to be played, with nothing to play them on. The latest victim is the Compact Disc, remember those? Indestructible; will last for 100 years, and we’re sure they will, but the media is rapidly being replaced by digital downloads.
Once again, will the devices to play them be around in say 20 years? We think so. Not a day goes by that we don’t hear about some catastrophic failure of some computer or device starting with a lower case letter, and there goes the entire music library. We still find comfort in having that disc you can hold in your hand, much like this publication, that is if you’re holding it. Even with the songs we download, it’s comforting to put them on something that makes it seem like you actually own them. Of course, we would never share, illegally anyways.
So what is all this about? CDs of course; local music CDs. Sonoma Valley Music has always been a huge supporter of the local music scene and local artists by allowing them to sell their music in the store. Now there is another option, Cuban Jacks Smoke Shop in Boyes Hot Springs. Tony, the proprietor, is offering space to any local musician to sell their wares. The Whiskey Thieves and the David Thom Band have already taken advantage of the opportunity and you can find their music there, and any musician or band interested in shopping their latest wares are welcome to call Tony at 478-9505.
The Plaza Bistro has the Jason Bodlovich Trio tonight, Jan. 27, featuring 15 year old Sonoma drummer Owen Barrett. Barrett has studied privately with Bodlovich, who is also an accomplished drummer, for several years. Bodlovich says “Owen is a natural talent behind the drum set and I look forward to his imprint on the music scene.” The trio will also feature Petaluma bassist Steve Froberg, of the band Frobeck. The show starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, the local music continues, with Glen Ellen resident Stephanie Ozer tickling the ivories. Joining Ozer that night will be Mary Fettig on a variety of wind instruments. That show also starts at 7 p.m. There is no cover either night.
Sarah Summers is back at the Kathmandu Corner in the back of the Taste of the Himalayas restaurant tonight, Jan. 27. Summers is also a local Sonoma teen who has been making a big impression as an original singer-songwriter. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, the Corner has Bluehouse, also for a 7:30 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.
BackTrax is back in action at the annual Surf and Turf dinner presented by the Native Sons of the Golden Wes, Parlor #111, as a fundraiser for the Sonoma Valley High School Scholarship foundation at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building. The night includes a steak and prawn dinner with all the trimmings. Tickets are $40 and are available at the door. The night kicks off at 6 p.m.
Right across the alley, Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes Thick Soup to the snug tonight, Jan. 28, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Jan. 28, the pub has a special show. Benyaro, an acoustic duo with roots in New York City and Jackson Hole Wyoming, will be passing through for one night only. According to Relix Magazine, the duo has drawn comparisons to the Band, the Avett Brothers, acoustic David Bowie and Cat Stevens. This month has the duo touring Northern California before heading to Oregon, Washington and then through the Great Plains. The show starts at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, it’s local favorites JoyRide for an early show kicking off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.
Sonoma Springs Brewery has an all original singer-songwriter for an acoustic show on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. Calvin Ross will be appearing for one night only. There is no cover.
The Olde Sonoma Public House will have karaoke with Cat on Sunday, Jan. 29, kicking off at 8 p.m.
The Blue Mon Saloon has karaoke on Saturday, Jan. 28, starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, the blues jam continues at 10 p.m.
Jason Bodlovich will be with the Jason Bodlovich Group in Petaluma at Brixx on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8:30 p.m.
Adam Traum will be at the Bamboo Hut in San Francisco tonight, Jan. 27, for a 10 p.m. show.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Melvin Seals and JGB – Friday, Jan. 27.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
Pride and Joy – Friday, Jan. 27.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343
Petty Theft – Friday, Jan. 27.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300
Mark Hummels Harmonica Blowout – Friday – Sunday, Jan. 27 – 29.
Yoshi’s – Oakland
510-238-9200
Ronnie Montrose – Friday, Jan. 27.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Bryan Stow Benefit – Bob Weir and more – Saturday, Jan. 28.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Geoff Tate – Unplugged – Thursday, Feb. 2.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Eric Martin – Friday, Jan. 27.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262