Mary Sue Ulven-Rank (Maris) thought it would be fun to have a private party at Sebastiani Theatre for her birthday and invite some of her friends. The thing rapidly grew into a “who’s-who” of local performers, and it became clear that she had to go public with the event, so on Saturday, May 5, kicking off at 2 p.m., it’s ”Cinco de Maris.” Zoe Rank will be reprising her role as “Trixie,” the Sebastiani Theatre’s ticket-taking mannequin, and brother Spencer Rank also returns to Sonoma, joining his sister on stage with Roger “the Magic Man” Rhoten, Jeff “the Last Crooner” Gilbert, Cliff Hugo, Tommy Thomsen, Dave Aguilar, Mario Allioto Jr., Sarah Summers, Mark Dennis, Cynthia Tarr, the Hot Flashes and the entire Rank family. Over the past 18 years, the Rank family has enjoyed participating in various Sebastiani productions, including Witchie Poo, holiday extravaganzas, Cat Austin’s ETC!, Kate Kennedy’s Avalon Players and more. All event proceeds will help Roger and Diana Rhoten continue their mission to provide live entertainment and creative opportunities for all ages while preserving the historic Sonoma treasure, the Sebastiani Theatre. Tickets are available at Readers Books and at the box office, from Trixie, of course, on the day of the show.
The Mix is back at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art on Saturday, May 5, at 7 p.m. with an evening of art, music, cocktails and an interactive art project inspired by the current exhibition “Color Theory: The Use of Color in Contemporary Art.” Guests are encouraged to wear their best ’60s inspired outfits. DJ Couleur will be laying down ‘60s grooves and Captain Lou will be bartending. Wines from Beaulieu Vineyards and Provenance will also be poured. The event is free to museum members, but for the price of admission, you will then become a member and be eligible for access to many of the events over the next year.
Mexican vocalist Luna Itzel will be performing for one night only in the Ledson Lounge tonight, May 4, for an evening of contemporary Mexican music. Itzel has Fourteen years and seven discs that have allowed her to interpret different musical styles. For Itzel, the traditional Mexican music is the best route to share what exists in her heart. There is no cover for the show.
The first, of what is sure to be many, benefits for Austin Ridge is set for Saturday, May 5, at the El Verano Inn, kicking off at 8:30 p.m. Several DJ’s will be stepping up to lay down oldies, rock, hip hop and dubstep to keep the evening hopping. There is no admission charge, but contributions will be accepted for Ridge throughout the evening.
HopMonk Tavern Sonoma has live music tonight, May 4, from Boys & Girls. Based out of Santa Rosa, their debut album “The Feel of the Sun” came out October 2011 and is a mix of vibes and styles ranging from the intense energy and emotion of The End, to the laid back groove of Winter Moon. Showtime is 9 p.m.on the inside stage. Saturday, May 5, the tavern welcomes Roem Baur. Picking up books from the local library, Baur taught himself guitar and piano and began writing songs that would inevitably lead to him to drop classical music to pursue his love of the blues, soul, and folk music. Showtime is also 9 p.m. on the inside stage. Sunday, May 6, it’s Nate Lopez who plays a custom electric 8-string hybrid bass-guitar and an acoustic 7-string guitar. Over the years, Lopez has acquired a broad array of musical interests and skills, and is always exploring different sounds and experiences. That show kicks off at 1 p.m. in the beer garden. There is no cover for any of the shows.
Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the Sonoma Mountain Band to the snug tonight, May 4, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, May 5, it’s Andrew Freeman, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, May 6, it’s an early show, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. with Out of the Blue. There is no cover for nay of the shows at the pub.
Rancho Viejo Restaurant will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with an appearance by Carlos Herrera on Saturday, May 5. The event is also a celebration of the grand opening of the new patio at the venue and opening for Herrera will be the Folkloric Dance Group performing Mexican folk dance. After Herreras set, it will be Karaoke until 1 a.m. The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. and there is no cover.
The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ music tonight, May 4, with Ignite the Fire, Rap and Roll Music, DJ Bacchus, DJ Divine Proportions and special guests. The show kicks off at 9 p.m. and there is no cover. The blues jam continues on Sunday, May 6, starting at 10 p.m.
Sonoma Springs Brewery welcomes Dan Martin tonight, May 4, for a 7 p.m. show.
The Moose Lodge has Showcase the Band on Sunday, May 6, for a 5 p.m. show. The venue is quickly becoming a great place for music and dancing, with a stage and a wooden dance floor.
The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Rolando Morales Duo tonight, May 4, for a 7 p.m. show. Morales will present a special Cinco de Mayo show highlighting “La Canción Latina,” songs from the popular Latin American songbook. There is no cover for the show.
The Whiskey Thieves are in Napa for a marathon show at Duckhorn Winery on Saturday, May 5, for a show that kicks off at 11 a.m. and wraps at 5 p.m.
Garen Patterson will be at the Marsh Theater in San Francisco on Monday, May 7, where he will be presenting a portion of his play, “Martta’s Inferno.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
The Hellhounds are on the road to Petaluma on Saturday, May 5, with a show at the First Edition, kicking off at 9:30 p.m.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Miles Schon– Saturday, May 5
19 Broadway – Fairfax
415-459-0293
Petty Theft – Friday, May 4
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
The Pulsators – Saturday, May 5
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343
Tommy Castro and the Painkillers – Sunday, May 6
Biscuits & Blues – San Francisco
415-292-2583
Bill Champlain – Friday, May 4
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600