The San Francisco Starlight Orchestra, a 14-piece 1920s novelty orchestra, is back at Little Switzerland Saturday, Aug. 14, from 2 to 5 p.m. The orchestra, started 25 years ago by John Howard, plays original orchestrations from the jazz age of the ‘20s and ‘30s. Folks are encouraged to be dressed to dance, with the band laying down grooves like the fox trot, the Charleston, tangos, waltzes and rumbas. They also take requests and will form the afternoon around how you want to dance. Reservations are encouraged by calling 938-9990.
The El Verano Inn has a Jimi Hendrix tribute act on Saturday, Aug. 14. The Ralph Woodson – Jimi Hendrix Experience takes the stage at 9 p.m. The show might be worth the $5 cover just to see the look on proprietor Richard Danon’s face when Woodson dives into Purple Haze.
Landmark Winery and Vineyards has quite an event planned for Saturday, Aug. 14, starting off at 1 p.m. with Carlos Herrera and Dan Adela laying down Latin acoustic music. Shiso sushi chef Ed Metcalfe will be there as well, serving some Latin themed dishes, such as Cabo oyster shooters, using local Pt. Reyes oysters, ceviche hand rolls, New Zealand Baked Mussels and a trio of sashimi. There is no fee for the event, but seating is limited. Reservations are suggested by calling 833-0224.
The Moose Lodge will be the place to get your ‘50s dance groove going on Saturday, Aug. 14, for the annual sock hop, put on by Showcase the Band, featuring Louie and Patti Perez. The dance gets underway at 7:30 p.m. We’d be remiss in not mentioning that someone recently stole the portable stage from the Moose Lodge. The stage; really? C’mon. So if you know anyone with a suspicious recently acquired stage, I think you know what to do.
The Plaza Bistro has legendary New York drummer Sylvia Cuenca tonight, Aug. 13, for one night only in the Plaza Wine Bar, located in the back room. She will have with her a trio, which consists of bassist Essiet Okon and pianist Peter Zak. The list of musicians that the young drummer has performed with is a laundry list of who’s-who in the jazz world. Once again, the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society shows it’s clout by bringing top notch acts into Sonoma Valley. The show kicks off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
Cornerstone Gardens in Carneros will have singer-songwriter Rick Hardin tonight, Aug. 13, for what’s being called “Culture and the Country.” The evening will feature fashion, music, film, and of course, food and wine. The night starts off with a fashion show, presented by Revigor, then a series of childrens films from the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, wrapping up with Rick Hardin and friends. Tickets can be purchased at the door the night of the event for $5, with children under 12 free.
John Burdick is back at Olive & Vine tonight, Aug. 13, for a night of original acoustic rock for a 7 p.m. show. Burdick has had some rotating band members as of late, with a different surprise each show. There is no cover for the show.
Steiners Tavern will be rocking all weekend long, starting tonight, Aug. 13, at 10 p.m. with the Sean Carscadden trio. Saturday, Aug. 14, brings in the DJ dance sounds of DJ XXXenos. Saturday Aug. 15, has an early acoustic show from BackTrax that will start at 6 p.m. The band will debut their new drummer, Nick Cordellos. Cordellos is a veteran of the local music scene, most recently having held down the beat at the weekly Sunday night jam at the Blue Moon Saloon. King Daddy Murr from EZ Kewl will also be sitting in on congas. There is no cover for any of the shows.
The gazebo in the Sonoma Marketplace will have Jon Popenoe and friends for an afternoon show today, Aug. 13, for a 5 p.m. show
The Schellville Grill brings in EZ Kewl for a dinner set tonight, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. If you miss the boys there, you can catch them Saturday, Aug. 14, at A’Roma Roasters in Railroad Square in Santa Rosa for an 8:30 p.m. show. Sunday, Aug. 15, has the band in Petaluma at Bounty Farms for a 3:30 p.m. show.
Jess Petty and Ken Chambers will be at the Ledson Lounge on the Plaza tonight, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards will have Debra Winters tonight, Aug. 13, at 6:30 p.m.
The Lodge at Sonoma has the eclectic Terry Disley tickling the ivories in the lounge tonight, Aug. 13, for a 7 p.m. show. Disley has played with the likes of Bryan Ferry, Bon Jovi and Sir Paul McCartney. Saturday, Aug. 14, brings Mike Greensill to the lounge, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Celtic groove of Kith and Kin tonight, Aug. 13, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Aug 14, has the debut performance of Sweet Burgundy, a three piece female folk rock act, which we had the fortune of seeing at an event in St. Helena just last week. The ladies put on a nice show. Sunday, Aug. 15, brings in Arann Harris and the Farm band for an early show that kicks off at 6 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.
Saddles at MacArthur Place will have the folk rock sounds of the Cork Pullers on Sunday, Aug. 15, for an afternoon show in the veranda garden that kicks off at 4 p.m.
Mondo American Beer Garden will bring in Hard Travelin’ on Saturday, Aug. 14, for a 7 p.m. show.
Sonoma Springs Brewery will have Dawn Angelosante for an evening of acoustic inspirational music tonight, Aug. 13, kicking off at 6 p.m.
Lots of locals are on the road this weekend, starting with guitarist Michael Hinton, who will be playing the Highland Dell Lodge in Monte Rio tonight, Aug. 13, with blues legend Nick Gravenites. Showtime is 7 p.m.
The Jami Jamison band is down in Novato at the Wild Fox tonight, Aug. 13, for a 7 p.m. show.
The Tonewoods will be at Cafe Azul in Santa Rosa on Saturday, Aug. 14, for a 7:30 p.m. show
If you missed Jason Bodlovich at his CD release party last week, you can catch him both Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14-15, at Bella Winery in Healdsburg. Both days shows start at 11 a.m.
The David Thom band is at a three-day event this weekend, Aug. 13 – 15, called the “Good Old Fashioned Bluegrass Festival” in Tres Pinos, in San Benito County.
Adam Traum will be at Max’s Cafe in Corte Madera tonight, Aug. 13, for a solo acoustic performance that kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, he brings his band the Traumatics to the Rickhouse Bar in San Francisco for an acoustic show that also kicks off at 8:30 p.m.
Turning Point will be at La Barca on Lombard St. in San Francisco tonight, Aug. 13, for a 9 p.m. start time.
Dr. Joel Rudinow will join Levi Lloyd, Bill Noteman and the Pulsators for the umpteenth “Jaminiversary” to be held at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa on Saturday, Aug. 14, starting off at 1 p.m.