In what’s being billed as the “Sonoma International Film Festivals Filmmakers Bash,” two acts will take the stage at Little Switzerland on Saturday, April 17, for a night of punk influenced revelry. Sonoma Valleys own Static People, described by them as having a “post-punk-rock-opera” vibe, will be playing the venue for the first time. The band has spent the last seven months honing their sound, with the help of multi-platinum producer Jason Carmer, whose acts have included the Donnas and Third Eye Blind, among others. In true spirit with the festival, both guitarist Pascal Faivre and bassist Daedalus Howell will also be debuting separate films at the annual film event. The Dont’s, hailing from San Francisco, boasts an alternative rock sound and was named the Sonicbids spotlight of the week artist in February, 2007. The show is open to the public with tickets available at the door. Showtime is 9 p.m.
The Chapel Concert series is back at the historic Sonoma Mission on the Plaza tonight, April 16, with a performance by Chus Alonsus and Potaje Trio. Billed as “an evening of Spanish and Latin music including classical, flamenco and folkloric styles.” Boasting worldwide musical credentials, three musicians, Chus Alonso, Tregar Otton and Mark Taylor will be putting on a clinic for all to enjoy. For tickets and more info, call 484-9552.
The Sonoma Valley Chorale is having a fundraiser tonight, April 16, at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building that will include dinner, a talent show, entertainment throughout the evening by members of the chorale and even a silent auction. The proceeds of the event will go towards the cost of producing the shows the group performs. The party starts at 5 p.m. and tickets are available at Pharmaca , by calling 935-1576 or can be purchased at the door.
April in Carneros is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, April 17 and 18, and if you’re not at a film, you can hit some local wineries, and many have live music. We’ll just run them down here. Adastra will have the old-time Appalachian sounds of the Cobb Stompers. Anaba Wines will have the Whiskey Thieves for a show only on Saturday, April 17.. Bouchaine Vineyards will have Jacqueline Nicole and Jeff Weinstein. Ceja Vineyards will host the fiery salsa sounds of Orquesta Borinquen. Larsen Family Winery will have the Nate Lopez trio. Meadowcraft Wines will have Ryan Robertson and Truchard Vineyards will have Richard Bolman. For tickets, times and more info, call (800) 366-2806.
Joe Chaplain is back at the Barking Dog in Boyes Hot Springs for an evening of blues on Saturday, April 17, playing favorites by Hendrix, Joplin and Robert Johnson. With Chaplain will be the Judkins brothers and Keith Ridenhour on saxophone. Showtime is 6 p.m. and there is no cover.
The Sunflower Caffe will present a singer-songwriter from Austin, Tx. On Saturday, April 17 at 4 p.m. Havilah will not only be performing live, but her songs are featured in the film”Leading Ladies” that will be playing at the Film Festival this weekend.
Showcase the Band, will be at Little Switzerland on Sunday, April 18, for an evening of European music that gets under way at 5 p.m.
Mondo American Beer Garden will have Dan Martin on acoustic guitar on Saturday, April 17, at 7 p.m.
The Plaza Bistro has music from Jazz Gitan tonight, April 16, for a night of Gypsy Swing, a style made famous by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Jazz Gitan focuses on the swing era from the ‘30s and ‘40s. Showtime is 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
Olive & Vine has the cool jazz and blues sounds of the Plan Be band featuring Robin McKee on vocals tonight, April 16. The show kicks off at 7 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub kicks off the weekend of music tonight, April 16, with Adam Traum for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, April 17, has the folk sounds of the Perfect Crime at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 18, the pub welcomes the Green String Farm band who will be laying down Americana tunes and some originals as well. That’s an early show, going off at 6 p.m.
The Lodge at Sonoma has jazz tonight, April 16, from Wayne de la Cruz starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 17, the lounge will host John Groves at 7 p.m. There is no cover for either show.
Landmark Winery and Vineyards has the Latin sounds of Carlos Herrera and Dan Abela on Saturday, April 17, for a 1 p.m. show.
Imagery Estate Winery has music from the Sonoma Mountain band on Saturday, April 17, on the patio by the fountain. Sunday, April 18, brings the Notorious Shank Brothers to the venue, also for a 1 p.m. show. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the afternoon.
Steiners Tavern has DJ Dave on Saturday, April 17, for a night of dance music that kicks off at 9 p.m. Acoustic Sunday at the tavern has Jeff Walters making an appearance on April 18, at 6 p.m.
EZ Kewl has a busy weekend, starting tonight, April 16, at the Apple Box in Petaluma for a 6 p.m. show. Saturday, April 17, the jazzy gents are hanging out at Benziger Family Winery for an afternoon show that starts at noon. You can catch them for Brunch on Sunday, April 18, at 11 a.m. at the Schellville Grill.
The Maldonado Brothers will be performing a mini rock opera they’ve composed electrically at the Black Cat Bar in Penngrove tonight, April 16, for a 9 p.m. show.
Stephanie Ozer will be performing as a duo with Chuck Metcalf on bass at the Hotel Healdsburg tonight, April 16, for a 7:30 p.m. show.