The Sonoma Valley Chorale is back on the big stage this weekend, under the direction of David Irvine, with a show titled “Complete Nonsense,” which includes songs from familiar musicals, nursery rhymes and other classics that promises to wow the audience with eclectic offerings. In addition to the chorale, the award winning Sonoma Valley High School Choir will be joining the chorale for a set featuring some of the songs that won the group a silver medal in the Heritage Music Festival competition in New York recently. Two shows are scheduled at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building, one for Saturday, May 15, at 8 p.m. and a matinee at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 16. For tickets and more info, call 935-1576.
The Chapel Concert Series continues at the mission with Marcie Brown appearing tonight, May 14, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Brown will perform with her group, the InStep Strings Trio. Members of the group have played Carnegie Hall and the Palace of Fine Arts, among other venues. Tickets are available at the mission or at the door.
Vox Populi will perform two shows this weekend where the all vocal group will be performing the entire Beatles album, “Abbey Road.” The shows kick off tonight, May 14, at Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards for an 8 p.m. show, with an encore performance at the Sebastiani Theatre on Monday, May 17, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Both shows are a benefit for the Sebastiani Theatre and for the Monday show, Plan Be will be providing the background soundtrack for the 70-person strong vocal group. Tickets for both shows can be purchased at the door.
The Sonoma Battle of the Bands takes place on Sunday, May 16, in the Grinstead Amphitheater at 10 a.m. and features up to 10 various youth acts from Sonoma County. Bands will all play one set and the judges, with a set of criteria in hand, will announce the winner after all the bands have performed. Prizes include recording time at a local studio. Local act the Jaywalkers are hoping for a big showcase. There is no cover for the battle and families are encouraged to show up at the plaza and cheer on the youth acts.
The Tri Tip Trio will be playing a benefit for the Old Adobe Pre-school at Burlingame Hall tonight, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. The band has some veterans from local Cajun act Gator Beat playing with them and all the proceeds go to the scholarship fund and art and science supplies. For more info, call 938-4510.
Steiners Tavern will have the classic rock sounds of BackTrax tonight, May 14, for a 10 p.m. show. Saturday, May 15, the tavern has the sounds of DJ Dave, also at 10 p.m.
Little Switzerland will have Tommy Thomsen for a night of swing and boogie-woogie Saturday, May 15. Thomsen will have the queen of boogie-woogie Wendy DeWitt on keyboards for the night. The show kicks off at 9 p.m.
Olive & Vine will have the Groove Society tonight, May 14, for an evening of funk, blues and rock and roll. The show starts at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
The Barking Dog in Boyes Hot Springs has an evening with the Joe Chaplain band on Saturday, May 15. Chaplain has changed the line-up of the project a bit and now includes, Chaplian on guitar, Tom Judkins on guitar and vocals, Chuck Walter on drums, Ron Leigh on bass and Keith Ridenhour on saxophone. The show goes off at 8 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has the blues sounds of the Hellhounds tonight, May 14, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, May 15, brings in the Perfect Crime for an 8 p.m. set and Sunday, May 16, has EZ Kewl for an early show that kicks off at 6 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows.
Jess Petty and Ken Chambers will be at the Ledson Lounge on the Plaza tonight, May 14, at 6 p.m.
The Lodge at Sonoma will have Jonathan Alford tonight, May 14, for a 7 p.m. show in the lounge. Saturday, May 15, has Jeffery Chin on the piano for a 7 p.m. show as well.
The Plaza Bistro will have the Dick Conte trio in the backroom tonight, May 14. Conte will have with him Steve Webber on bass and Bill Moody on drums. Conte is a local jazz legend, not only as a player, but as a DJ on many FM jazz stations. The show goes off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
Imagery Estate Winery has the Cork Pullers on Saturday, May 15, for a 1 p.m. show. Sunday, May 16, brings a special show with local reggae star Winstrong at 1 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the grounds and the music.
Landmark Winery and Vineyards has the jazz guitar tunes of Randy Vincent on Saturday, May 15, at 1 p.m.
The Big 3 diner has Rich Little on the Chapman Stick on Monday, May 17, for a 7 p.m. show.
Natasha James is on the road this weekend, appearing tonight, May 14, at the Highland Dell in Monte Rio for a 7 p.m. show.
Local Americana artist Adam Traum is also on the road, down to Greenbrae at the Wipe-out Bar and Grill tonight, May 14, for a 6 p.m. show.