backtrax Archives - Sonoma Music Scene

Halloween arrives a couple days early in Sonoma

OK. We’re going on a mini-rant here. Once again, we have Halloween in the middle of the week and parties and events planned this weekend AND on the actual day of Halloween. We’ve managed to move the days we celebrate the birthdays of people like the founder of our country to a day that is “more convenient.” Can’t we move Halloween to the closest Friday or Saturday night? I’m pretty sure the children would like it, not having to go to school the next day, and we can still celebrate “All Hallows Eve” in our own special way on the 31st. Rant over. So, we have a lot going on this weekend, and it seems that the El Verano Inn and the Moose Lodge have it all wrapped up.

Tonight, Oct. 26 at the El Verano Inn it’s the “Brain Eaters Halloween Festival,” kicking off at 7 p.m. with a huge punk and rock line-up, that features the Brain Eaters, the Gentlemen Soldiers, Pauly Hips and the Child Bearers, Bite, the Quitters, Ammo-Wagon and Dark Lord Byron. There is no cover for the show. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s Ten Foot Tone, playing their 13th Halloween show at the venue. There will be prizes for the best costume, candy and other surprises. That show kicks off at 9 p.m., also no cover.

The Moose Lodge has a double bill tonight, Oct. 26, with BackTrax and Showcase the Band coming together for a show that will celebrate Halloween with a costume contest and more, but also raise money for PKD, Polycystic kidney disease. PKD is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases, affecting an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s the annual Halloween show with the Bodies, the Quitters and some “dumb” guests. Doors are at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. You must be 21 or over to attend.

If rock and punk music isn’t your thing for Halloween, then you can catch Dana Land on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Sonoma Valley Womans Club, for a night of jazz that is being billed as “Nightmare on First Street East” which kicks off at 7 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Womans Club. Land has assembled quite a line-up for the evening, with Jonathan Alford, Jeff Sanford, Akira Tana and Chris Amberger backing her on vocals. For tickets and more info, call 373-0700.

Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen has the full John Burdick Band on Sunday, Oct. 28, for the “Supper and a Show” series, kicking off at 6 p.m. The band will be doing original material as well as some cover songs.

Annex Wine Bar, next to the Community Cafe on W. Napa St. welcomes Chris Hanlin for a show tonight, Oct. 26, kicking off at 6 p.m. Fridays are Fondue night at the annex, with a surprise fondue every week.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the always popular reggae act Midnight Sun Massive tonight, Oct. 26, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s Mike Z, guitarist with E. Z. Kewl, for a night of standards and more, also going off at 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, it’s an early show with Cynthia Carr and the Carrtunes doing their annual Halloween Extravaganza, with prizes and specials. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes Kontrabanned tonight, Oct. 26, for a 7 p.m. show, that features Sandra Poindexter on violin, Chris Planas on guitar and Ben Luis on bass. There is no cover for the show.

The Gristmill Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen has the WildKats on Saturday, Oct. 27, for an 8 p.m. show. The band features several Glen Ellen locals and is always a fun time. There is no cover for the show.

Sonoma Springs Brewery is celebrating their fourth anniversary this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 27, with live music and discounts, all depending on your apparel. The afternoon kicks off at 3 p.m. and has the Trees, followed by Wildflower Weed and friends. Discounts on brew can be had by wearing your Sonoma Springs T-shirt, a tye-dye T-shirt, or any model of lederhosen. At 7 p.m., it’s time for Jafar Thorne. Thorne has been engulfed in music since he was 13 years of age, but over the years, he came to admire the song craft and production of U2, the bluesy edges of Led Zeppelin, the pure soul of Bob Marley, the neo-tribalism of electronica, and the improv-driven, melting-pot ethos of the Grateful Dead. There is no cover for the afternoon or evening shows.

The Jewish Winemakers are having a celebration of wine, and along with that is live music on Sunday, Oct. 28, kicking off at 1:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building with more than 20 local wineries pouring. The afternoon features Stephaine Ozer, Mama Loshn and Shameless.

The Kathmandu Corner has Wildflower Wed with Jeffro Hunter tonight, Oct. 26, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s Richard Sumberg, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Oct. 28, the corner welcomes Jon Williams from Ten Foot Tone for an early show, at 6:30 p.m. doing a solo acoustic performance. If you’ve not yet seen Williams perform, make it on over to the corner on Sunday.

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ music tonight, Oct. 26, with Robert Roots, Cruxx and Divine Proportion laying down grooves starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s time for karaoke, kicking off at 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, it’s time for the blues jam that goes off at 10 p.m. There is no cover any night.

The Epicurean Connection welcomes Gayle Skidmore on Saturday, Oct. 27, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Jami Jamison is on the road on Saturday, Oct. 27, for a show at Papas Taverna, kicking off at 7 p.m.

Hot Flashes to cool off Andrews Hall

Sonoma Community Center’s vocal ensemble, the Hot Flashes, will take the stage in Andrews Hall Sunday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. Under the direction of the Sonoma Community Centers music director, Cynthia Tarr, this group of six women performs classic songs in a variety of styles spanning the decades from the ‘40s thru today. The group includes Susan Frye, Margaret Hatcher, Debbie Mulcahy, Cathie Powell, Mary Sue Ulven-Rank and Suzanne Shonbrun.

Tickets are available in advance at the Sonoma Community Center box office or at the door. Proceeds benefit the centers music program. For more info, call 938-4626, ext. 1

The Annex Wine Bar has Tim Eschliman and Kevin Zuffi on the patio as part of the “L’Affaire d’Huitre” (the oyster affair) on Saturday, Oct. 20, kicking off at 3 p.m. There will be a variety of oyster options, both barbecued and raw. There is no cover for the event, and is dog-friendly, but you must be 21 or over to attend.

Sonoma Springs Brewing Company has the always entertaining Jeff Falconer on Saturday, Oct. 20, for a 7 p.m. show. Falconer has a narrative in his songs that will make you wonder what part of the planet he is actually from. There is no cover for the show.

The Kathmandu Corner is back in action with live music all weekend, starting tonight, Oct. 19, with Adam Traum doing a solo performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, it’s the debut of the duo the Big O and J. T., which features Oscar Mooneyhan and John Tuohy from the local act BackTrax, also at 8 p.m. and Sunday it’s Tim O’Neil for an early show, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

The Blue Moon Saloon welcomes, from Finland, the Horsmas, a ska band on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 9 p.m. but it’s also Oktoberfest at the moon, with a pig roast and huge Oktoberfest mugs to hold your adult beverages. Sunday, Oct. 21, it’s the never-ending blues jam, kicking off at 10 p.m. There is no cover either night.

Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen continues the “Supper Club Sunday” on Sunday, Oct. 21, with an appearance by John and Laura Benward. Laura has a voice similar to Judy Collins and John plays the mandolin as accompaniment. Sitting in at times will be John Burdick on guitar. The doors open at 6 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish pub welcomes the Cork Pullers tonight, Oct. 19, playing folk, country and Americana for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Oct. 20, it’s Larry Carlin and Keystone Station for a night of bluegrass, also at 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, there is no music, but an evening of dinner theater. For reservations and more info, call 935-0660.

The Big 3 Diner has Showcase the Band tonight, Oct. 19, for a 7 p.m. show.

The Ledson Lounge has William Russell tonight, Oct. 19, for a 6 p.m. show. Russell’s musical style is a combination of Latin smooth jazz, light rock, blues and melodic romantic original compositions. Saturday, Oct. 20, it’s Dan Daniels and Joyce Grant for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island

Michael Landau – Friday, Oct. 19
19 Broadway – Fairfax
415-459-0293

Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings – Saturday, Oct. 20
Yoshi’s – San Francisco
415-655-5600

Jorma Kaukonen – Friday, Oct. 19
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

Eric Martin and the Gray Coats – Friday, Oct. 19
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Petty Theft – Friday, Oct. 19
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Aaron Freeman (Gene Ween) – Friday, Oct. 19
The Independent – San Francisco
415-771-1421

Sonny Landreth – Friday, Oct. 19
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Death Angel, Potential Threat and more – Saturday, Oct. 20
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Jamie Clark Band – Friday, Oct. 19.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88’s – Saturday, Oct. 20
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Loretta Lynn – Monday, Oct. 22
Wells Fargo Center – Santa Rosa
546-3600

Crossfire – Friday, Oct. 19
The Flamingo – Santa Rosa
545-8530

Big local music weekend at Murphy’s Irish Pub

Its strictly locals this weekend at Murphy’s Irish Pub, starting tonight, Sept. 21, with the David Thom Band, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, welcomes the Jami Jamison Band to the snug for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Sept. 23, it’s an early show with Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards welcomes the classic rock tribute act BackTrax tonight, Sept. 21, for what might be the last show of the year for the band. Still contemplating a Halloween show, but after a busy summer season, the band is looking at taking a little time to re-load. The band has added Lawrence Behrs, a new player in town, on saxophone for the evening. There is no cover for the show that kicks off at 6 p.m.

Quarryhill Botanical Garden presents the Whiskey Thieves for a show to benefit the gardens on Saturday, Sept. 22, kicking off at 5 p.m. If you’ve not been, the gardens are amazing. The story goes like this: A fire swept through the Mayacamas Mountains foothills in 1964, creating an environment ripe for the knob cone pines that quickly repopulated the land. Four years later, Jane Davenport Jansen purchased more than 40 acres of the nascent thicket, taming it with vineyards planted on the open valley floor. In 1987, Jansen began cultivating a garden along the rocky, steep hillsides, which were pocked with the remains of abandoned rock quarries. Heavy rains and natural infiltration of waters created a group of ponds, creating a serene natural environment that Jansen soon planted with seedlings, flowers, and plants from seeds collected on more than 25 annual Asian expeditions. For tickets and more info, call 996-3166.

The El Verano Inn has an epic local punk rock show tonight, Sept. 21, with Static People headlining. The band has been achieving critical acclaim and had their most recent video ‘Toxic Overload,” nominated for two awards from the Los Angeles Music Awards. Also on the bill is Paulie Hips and the Childbearers and opening the show will be the Dark Lord Byron. There is no cover for the show that kicks off at 9 p.m.

The Sonoma Hometown Band is set to begin rehearsals for the winter season. New and returning players will gather on Sundays, at 6 p.m. starting on Sunday, Sept.30, and rehearsals will be held in the music room of Sonoma Valley High School. Doors to the music room will open at 6 p.m. and the downbeat will fall at 6:15 p.m. from conductor Justin Enright. All are welcome to participate.

If the band isn’t your thing, maybe Hula is. You can still get in on the beginning hula classes with Hula Mai, Sonomas hometown Hawaiian and dance group. Classes are on Friday mornings at the Vintage House senior center. For more info, call 996-0311 or point your browser to www.hulamai.org.

Sonoma Springs Brewery has Wildflower Weed and friends along with a bevy of other performers on Saturday, Sept. 22, kicking off at 6 p.m. Opening the show will be the Trees, followed by Poison Oak, a Wildflower Weed duet then the band itself. There is no cover for the show.

Annex Wine Bar, located next to the Community Cafe on West Napa Street is beginning to have live music, starting on Saturday, Sept. 22, with Jon Williams, kicking off at 5 p.m. There is no cover for the show and small plates will be available from Community Cafe. The wine bar is looking at doing live music Wednesdays and Fridays as well. Stay tuned for more details.

HopMonk Tavern Sonoma welcomes Michael L. Castle fort an acoustic show on Sunday, Sept. 23, in the beer garden kicking off at 1 p.m.

Larsen Family Winery is the place for the Future Farmers of America and the Sonoma Valley High Ag Program fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 22. The Rich Little Band will be providing the music and there will be a silent and live auction, as well as dinner. For more info, call 529-6085.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Fiveplay Jazz Quintet to the backroom tonight, Sept. 21, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Sept. 22, it’s the Willie Adams Blues and Soul Review, for a show that kicks off at 8 p.m. There is no cover either night.

The Sonoma Mission Chapel has another of its concert series tonight, Sept. 21, featuring the Mark Taylor Flamenco Trio. Taylor has played guitar in the classical style for many years, and has studied Flamenco guitar in Madrid, Granada and Seville. Upon returning to the United States, he formed the Aire Flamenco Dance Company and the Mark Taylor Flamenco Quartet as well as the Mark Taylor Trio. Tickets are available at the Mission San Francisco Solano and for more info, contact Liz Kane at 484-9552.

Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood welcomes the Mariachi Festival on Sunday, Sept. 23, kicking off at 2 p.m. Two of Northern Californias highly-regarded traditional arts groups, Mariachi Zacatecas of Sacramento and the Ballet Folklorico Compania Mazatlan Bellas Artes, are headlining the event. For tickets and more info, call 833-4134.

The Ledson Lounge welcomes Dan Daniels and Jack Pollard to the fireplace lounge on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. Pollard brings a lifetime of experience to the stage. His silky baritone and impeccable vocal interpretation brings to life a repertoire of songs which span decades of hits from the ‘30s to the ‘80s. His shows encompass jazz, blues and more to bring you a varied palette of songs with something to please everyone. There is no cover for the show.

The Hellhounds are at Cuvee in Napa on Saturday, Sept. 22, for a 9:30 p.m. show.

Mad Duran will be at the Jazzschool in Berkeley on Sunday, Sept. 23, for a 4:30 p.m. show.

Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island

Pride and Joy – Friday, Sept. 21
Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium – San Rafael
415-499-6400

Crosby Stills & Nash – Sunday, Sept. 23
Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium – San Rafael
415-499-6400

Moonalice – Friday, Sept. 21
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

Gov’t Mule – Friday, Sept. 21
The Warfield – San Francisco.
www.thewrarfieldtheater.com

Tommy Castro and the Pain Killers – Sunday, Sept. 16
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Static People at El Verano Inn

The Tuesday night market has Megan Slankardunder the palm tree tonight, Sept. 18, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Saucy 1 with special guests tonight, Sept. 18, at 9 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents the after party with Big Wide Grin tonight, Sept 18, after the Tuesday night market.

Garen Patterson debuts his one man folk opera at the Marsh Theater in San Francisco Wednesday, Sept.19, for a 7:30 p.m. show. For tickets or more info, call 415-282-3055.

Tom Martin will be at the Big 3 Diner for a dinner set on Wednesday, Sept. 19, kicking off at 6 p.m.

The Rive Gauche Dining Club will be meeting at the FAHA Hall in El Verano on Wednesday, Sept. 19, for dinner and along with that, there’s music from Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley, kicking off at 6 p.m. For tickets and more info, call 996-0900.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Gentleman Soldiers for a Pogues Tribute on Thursday, Sept. 20, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards welcomes BackTrax on Friday, Sept. 21, kicking off at 6 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents the David Thom Band on Friday, Sept. 21, for an 8 p.m. show.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Five Part Jazz Quartet on Friday, Sept 21, kicking off at 7 p.m.

The Sonoma Mission Chapel has another edition of the Chapel Concert Series, which will feature the Mark Taylor Flamenco Trio on Friday, Sept. 21. For tickets and more info, call 484-9552.

The El Verano Inn has a punk rock show featuring Static People on Friday, Sept. 21, who just had three of their songs added to an indie film that may show at the Sundance Film Festival. Also on the bill are Dark Lord Byron and Paulie Hips. Showtime is 9 p.m. and there is no cover.

Transcendence Theatre says goodbye with a grand finale

Since early July of this year, the Transcendence Theatre Company has been putting on a series of shows in the Jack London State Historical Park as a benefit for the park itself, to sell-out crowds and delighted attendees. The group has brought little bits of Broadway right here to Sonoma Valley with performers from actual Broadway and television shows and national touring companies in a number of themed shows under the stars. That all comes to an end this Saturday, Sept. 1, when the group presents a grand finale; a sort of greatest hits from all the previous shows. The gates open at 5 p.m. and families are welcome to bring a picnic basket and can even reserve a table by calling 877-424-1414. The main event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available online at www.transcendencetheatre.org.

The Grist Mill Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen is giving live music another chance with the first of weekly live music nights Saturday, Sept.1, at the newly re-opened venue with a new menu and a whole new vibe. Kicking off the series will be local favorites the WildKats, which feature Nazar Eljumaily, Doug DelFava and Tom Peterian. Showtime is 9 p.m. and there is no cover.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards presents BackTrax in the tasting room tonight, Aug. 31, kicking off sharp at 6 p.m. It is also a food truck Friday event, with gourmet food trucks in the parking lot. There is no cover for the event, and tables are first-come, first-served.

Sometimes in this business of writing events, you get a press release that really shouldn’t be edited or changed, so here you go. “The Whiskey Thieves are hosting a first ever “Tips for the Tab” benefit Friday, Aug. 31, at Steiners Tavern, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. They are playing that night to clear their long standing bar tab. There is no cover charge, but the band will be accepting tips to help wipe out their tab. Pay for a drink they already drank! Prizes will be awarded for the largest donations.” See you at Steiners.

Robledo Winery was the scene on Saturday, Aug. 25, of a surprise performance by Nuestra Leyenda as part of the Amistad Awards ceremony.

Sarah Summers presents a going away concert on Monday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. in Andrews Hall as she prepares to go off to college. Her performance will benefit the renovation of Andrews Hall, for which funds are currently being raised. According to Summers, “…I performed once before at Andrew’s Hall and loved the more formal setting, a great change from the bars and restaurants I normally perform in. I hope that my contribution to Andrews Hall will allow me to perform there again someday when I return to Sonoma…” Tickets will be available at the door or beforehand at the Sonoma Community Center box office.

HopMonk Tavern Sonoma welcomes Glenn Carter to the outside stage on Sunday, Sept. 2, for a 1 p.m. show.

The Plaza Bistro has jazz again this weekend starting tonight, Aug. 31, with the Dan Zemelman Trio, featuring Mike Bordelon on bass and Jeff Marrs on drums. Zemelman contributed to John Lee Hooker’s last studio album, “Face to Face” and toured South America with Hookers daughter Zakiya’s band. Zemelman currently plays regularly with bassist-composer Marcus Shelby, as well as his own quartet. Saturday, Sept. 1, brings in Bryan Girard on saxophone with Tim Campbell on keyboards. Born and raised in San Francisco, Girard majored in music at San Francisco State University and has performed in and around the Bay Area for over three decades. Shows both nights kick off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Larry Carlin and Mostly Simply Bluegrass tonight Aug. 31, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Sept. 1, it’s the popular Andrew Freeman, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Sept. 2, it’s an early show with the Paper Dolls, featuring Uni and her Ukelele. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Ledson Hotel welcomes Dan Daniels and Nicky DePaola on Saturday, Sept. 1, for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover.

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Selecta Green B as part of a blue moon celebration tonight, Aug. 31, kicking off at 10 p.m.

Showcase the Band will be in Rio Nido at the picnic grounds on Sunday, Sept. 2, for a barbecue starting at 5 p.m.

The Tonewoods will be at A’Roma Roasters in Santa Rosa on Saturday, Sept. 1, for an 8:30 p.m. show.

Traffic Jam will be at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma tonight, Aug. 31, for an 8 p.m. show.

Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island

Old 97’s – Sunday, Sept. 2
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

James Cotton – Friday, Aug. 31
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

Bella Fleck – Tuesday, Sept. 4
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

John Hiatt – Sunday, Sept. 2
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Tony Saunders – Friday, Aug. 31
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Charlie Musselwhite – Sunday, Sept. 2
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219