David Thom Archives - Sonoma Music Scene

Music happenings in and around Sonoma County – 11/23 – 11/25

Plenty of local music action this weekend to help you shake off those turkey blues and pumpkin pie calories. We’ve got legends from the ‘60s, a multi-talented reggae act, some excellent blues and even some bluegrass.

Friday, Nov. 23- Midnight Sun Massive

Midnight Sun Massive is an all-original reggae-calypso act that combines potent Caribbean rhythms with conscious lyrics to move your body and your mind. The collection of multi-instrumentalists and song-writers, each drawing from diverse backgrounds creates a genre-hopping, booty-shaking experience. The act has been appearing in and around Sonoma County in one form or another since the early ‘80s, and most recently, has enjoyed a large upsurge in popularity, filling dance floors wherever then play.
Venue: Flamingo Hotel, Santa Rosa, 707-545-8530

Friday, Nov. 23 – the Pulsators

Rooted in the fertile musical soil of the Sonoma County wine country, the Pulsators are a five-piece band that plays its own brand of music. With a get-up-and-dance kind of orchestration, their music has been defined as a spicy blend of driving blues, New Orleans funk, R&B, rock steady reggae and rock-and-roll. Their music supports an ever-growing legion of faithful fans that have followed the act for many years. The Pulsators have been voted a Sonoma County fan-favorite four times in reader’s choice polls given by the Press Democrat.
Venue: Last Day Saloon, Santa Rosa, 707-545-5876

Friday, Nov. 23 – New Riders of the Purple Sage

The New Riders of the Purple Sage (NRPS) were initially formed as a vehicle for Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, and Mickey Hart from the Grateful Dead to indulge their tastes for country music beyond the albums Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty. Their original lineup at early performances consisted of Garcia on pedal steel, Lesh on bass and other Bay Area musicians. The New Riders essentially disbanded in 1982, although the name was later picked up by a new lineup built around Gary Vogenson on guitar and Rusty Gautier on bass, carrying on the songs that gave the act it’s strong regional following.
Venue: Mystic Theatre, Petaluma, 707-765-2121

Saturday, Nov. 24 – Steve Pile Band

With a guitar on his back Bay Area native Steve Pile has traveled the world from Alaska to Austin to Africa, “…distilling his own hybrid of blues, rock and melodic African music, all topped off with a little cowboy swagger” John Beck, Press Democrat. After landing back in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2007, Pile went about assembling the finest musicians he could find. In 2008 the Steve Pile Band was born. Morphing from the acoustic Americana he nurtured while living in Austin, TX to a more electric, cross-cultural stew of styles, the Steve Pile Band represents the full drop of roots music.
Venue: HopMonk Tavern, Sebastopol, 707- 829-7300

Saturday, Nov. 24 – Jason Bodlovich

Jason Bodlovich is a North Bay guitarist, composer and band leader. Originally from Huntington Beach CA, he now resides in Sonoma County where he performs with a mix of original projects. Eclectic is a good word to use for J’s sound as he blends rock, funk, blues, swing, jazz, Brazilian and more. This cross-over appeal has led to opening slots for various artists including instrumental rock guitarist Joe Satriani; jazz artists including Diana Krall and Rites of Strings featuring Al Di Meola Stanley Clarke and Jean Luc Ponty; blues groups including The Ford Brothers featuring Robben Ford and Volker Strifler Group. Bodlovich will be performing as a trio at this show, with one of his protégé students, Owen Barrett on drums and Steve Froberg, from the local act Frobeck on bass.
Venue: Lagunitas Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary, Petaluma, 707- 778-8776

Sunday, Nov. 25 – the David Thom Band

The David Thom Band is fast becoming one of the hottest regional bluegrass acts in the North Bay. Playing in the style of Flatt and Scruggs, the band covers many from the days of Bill Monroe and the “golden years” of bluegrass and even their original songs share a similar take on the genre. The band recently played the legendary Freight and Salvage in Berkeley to rave reviews and is continuing their trek around the North Bay. This is an afternoon show.
Venue: Lagunitas Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary, Petaluma, 707- 778-8776

Music happenings in and around Sonoma County – 10/11 – 10/14

We’ve got a local blues legend in town just before he leaves for a long tour and the next night, one of the hottest reggae acts in the North Bay. If you feel like you might need a blast back to the ‘70s for a little dancing and spinning, then we’ve got just the act for you in Santa Rosa. Some “jazzy” tunes and some traditional bluegrass wrap up the weekend.

Friday, Oct. 12, – Charlie Musselwhite

Saturday, Oct. 13, – Sol Horizon

With a discography that stretches back over 40 years and over 20 titles to his name alone, Charlie Musselwhite is considered an American blues harmonica legend. Born in Mississippi and moving to Memphis at an early age when names like Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley were just making names for themselves had a large impact on the young Musselwhite. He followed a familiar trail of musicians in the day to Chicago, where he connected with John Lee Hooker and the duo moved west to San Francisco in the ‘60s. Since then, there is almost no big name musician that he hasn’t played or recorded with. The will be his next to last show in the states before he leaves on a long tour of Australia.

Sol Horizon has been bringing roots, rock and reggae to the local music scene for over a decade, and the band is one of the most captivating and forward thinking bands of its genre. Sol Horizon’s conscious lyrics reveal the band’s authenticity, sincerity and their commitment to sustainable community.

Venue – HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol – 707- 829-7300

Saturday, Oct. 13, – Keystone Revisited

If you’re a fan of the Grateful Dead or the Jerry Garcia Band, you’ll be in for a treat if you check out this act. Keystone Revisited plays the music of Jerry Garcia and Merl Saunders, and includes Merl’s son, Tony Saunders, Bill Vitt, the drummer on the original Keystone sessions from 1973, Michael Hinton, who played with Sanders and members of the Grateful Dead, and Steve Abrahamson. Keystone Revisited was brought together because of the huge demand from fans to hear more music from the originators of the “Jam Band” sound.

Venue – Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa – 707-545-5876

Saturday Oct. 13, – E. Z. Kewl

Not jazz and not rock, but “jazzy” music, these guys have their own take on tunes that you will recognize. Once known as the hardest working band in Sonoma County, these guys would play anywhere, including the produce aisle in the local grocery store. The gig schedule has slowed a bit and not it’s actually tough to catch them.

Venue – A’Roma Roasters – Santa Rosa – 707-576-7765

Sunday, Oct. 14, – David Thom Band

Venue – Lagunitas Beer Sanctuary and Taproom – Petaluma – 707- 778-8776

Vintage Festival Weekend features an abundance of live music

For the 115th consecutive year, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, the second longest running festival in the state, with the longest being the Festival of Roses in Pasadena, CA, will take over the Historic Sonoma Plaza which will be full of music, family fun, festivities and wine. The festival has to be one of the most misunderstood events in the Valley, at least since we’ve been here. Long time residents remember the days of the potato toss, face painting and childrens activities, all of which are still there. Newcomers enjoy the art, wine and song and don’t know much about the history of the festival. That story is a whole column on its own. The fact remains that the festival is a place where dozens of non-profits are encouraged, for minimal cost, to set up booths and raise money for their causes, some raising enough to keep them funded all year. All this is paid for by the proceeds of the festival, which is entirely non-profit. No money is kept as profit. All city and county fees for services are also paid for by the festival. Lately, live music has been a big part of the festival, with this year being no exception, with a nice mixture of local and out-of-town talent. Tonight,

Sept. 28, it’s patrons night at the historic barracks on the Plaza, featuring Wonderbread 5. This event is the only cover event for music of the weekend, and tickets, if available, can be purchased at the door. The rest of the weekend is all about the Sonoma Plaza. Saturday, Sept. 29, there are two stages for live music. The wine stage will have Mary Jenson, Jason Bodlovich followed by Cynthia Tarr and the Guys. The main stage features the David Thom Band, Terrie Odabi and Pure Soul followed by Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88’s. Sunday, Sept. 30, the wine stage welcomes Mad and Eddie Duran, the Dick Conte Trio and the Carlos Herrera Latin Trio. The main stage has White Wall, Freddy Lopez followed by Carlos Reyes. All of the entertainment in the plaza is free and open to the public.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards is having the last Friday night music event of the season tonight, Sept. 28, featuring the Rolling Blackouts, and it’s also the last food truck Friday event for the year. The food trucks roll in about 5:30 p.m. and the music in the tasting room kicks off at 6 p.m. There is no cover and the event is family and dog friendly.

Glen Ellen is hoping with live music this weekend, starting Saturday, Sept. 29, at the newly re-opened Grist Mill Bar and Grill with local favorites the WildKats, starting at 9 p.m.

Olive and Vine in the Jack London Village is starting the Sunday Songwriter Series back up, kicking off with John Burdick and friends, and the doors open at 6 p.m. There will be small plates and a special menu available during the music.

The El Verano Inn is keeping up with weekly shows, and tonight Sept. 28, is a special one, featuring Talk That Talk. You may have been lucky enough to get a ticket to see them at the Sonoma Community Center about a month back, but if you missed the act that contains the legendary Roy Blumenfeld from the Blues Project, former members of John Lee Hookers band along with locals Bob Mc Bain and Dave Aguilar, then tonight is your second chance. That night, the act will have Stefanie Keys, from Big Brother and the Holding Company on vocals. In addition to it being a retirement party for Dave Aguilar, it will also be a warm-up for the bands appearance the next day at the Monterey Pop Festival. There is no cover for the show that kicks off at 9 p.m.

The Annex Wine Bar, located next to the Community Cafe on West Napa Street is beginning to have live music as often as four nights a week, and tonight, Sept. 28, they are presenting Chris Hanlin, kicking off at 5 p.m. There is no cover and small plates will be available.

If you miss Chris Hanlin tonight, you can catch him on Saturday, Sept. 29, in Kenwood at the tasting room of Michael Muscardini and Ty Caton, celebrating their fifth anniversary of being open, kicking off at 5 p.m. There is a cover at the door.

The Swiss Hotel has the classic country sounds of Train Wreck Junction in the back patio on Saturday, Sept. 29, starting at 3 p.m. Drink and food specials will be available.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the Tonewoods tonight, Sept. 28, for an 8 p.m. show. There will be variety night at the pub on Saturday, Sept. 29, a comedy show, featuring Nate Follen, Danny Minch and Torio Van Grol and following the show, there will be a live music from Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly. Seats are limited and tickets can be had by calling 548-1225. Sunday, Sept. 30, it’s traditional Celtic music from Kith and Kin, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

The Moose Logdge has a fish fry tonight, Sept. 28, which will feature live music from Showcase the Band as part of “No Cover Fridays.” The show gets underway at 6:30 p.m.

It’s a movie and a show in the Jack London State Historical Park on Saturday, Sept. 29. The movie is the classic Jack London thriller “Klondike Fever” and the music will be provided by the thrilling Jeff Falconer. The night kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and picnic baskets are welcome. Tickets are available by pointing your browser to www.jacklondonpark.com or at the door the night of the event.

The Plaza Bistro has Jason Bodlovich tonight, Sept. 28, for a 7 p.m. show that will feature local 15 year-old drummer Owen Barrett. Saturday, Sept. 29, it’s the Freddy Lopez Quintet, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

The Blue Moon Saloon has the reggae grooves of Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band on Saturday, Sept. 29, kicking off at 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, brings the weekly Sunday blues jam, also starting at 10 p.m. There is no cover either night.

Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood, has a wine release party that will feature live music from Solid Air and the Highway Robbers on Saturday, Sept. 29, starting at 11 a.m. For tickets and more info, call 877-478-5326.

Traffic Jam will be at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma tonight, Sept. 28, for an 8 p.m. show.

Brewnel will be at Papas Taverna in Petaluma tonight, Sept. 28, for a 7 p.m. show.

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

Aimee Mann – Saturday, Sept. 29
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Aimee Mann – Sunday, Sept. 30
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

The Outlaws – Wednesday, Oct. 3
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Tom Rigney and Flambeau – Saturday, Sept. 29
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600

Blackhawk – Saturday, Sept. 29
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

The Outlaws – Monday, Oct. 1
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

Jimmy Vaughan – Sunday, Sept. 30
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Music happenings in and around Sonoma County – 9/27 – 9/30

There’s a whole lotta’ blues goin’ down in Sonoma County this weekend, with some of the finest local acts and a blues legend as well. Is country music your thing? There’s a full day of it in Windsor, with plenty of beer. Even thought it’s harvest time here in wine country, any winemaker will tell you it takes a lot of beer to make good wine. There’s also a little afternoon bluegrass in Petaluma. Get on out and enjoy some of the most beautiful days here in Sonoma, and take in some live music as well.

Friday, Sept. 28, – the Hellhounds

Saturday, Sept. 29, – Levi Lloyd and the 501 Blues Band

It’s a blues weekend at the Tradewinds in Cotati. Both these acts will take care of your blues “jones” and more. The Hellhounds are known for their Chicago and delta-style blues, with frontman “Cadillac” Phil Ajoka on guitar and Dave “Shuv” Chavoya on harmonica. The band has been playing in some form or another for almost 20 years, and the groove and tightness of the act shines. Levi Lloyd has played with B. B. King, John Lee Hooker and toured worldwide as the longtime guitarist for the legendary Joe Louis Walker, and brings more of a straight-forward blues sound to the stage, with a little rock and soul.

Venue – Tradewinds – Cotati – 707-795-7878

Saturday, Sept. 29, – the David Thom Band

The David Thom Band is quickly becoming one of the top bluegrass acts in the North Bay and beyond, hot off a successful CD release at the legendary Freight and Salvage in Berkeley, the band has been playing the region pretty much non-stop in support of the disc. Thom, a renaissance man of sorts, has given up all his other pursuits to focus on playing music. The band plays in the style of Bill Monroe, with the whole band playing around one microphone. This is an afternoon show, kicking off at 3 p.m.
Venue – Lagunitas Tap Room and Beer Sanctuary – Petaluma – 707- 778-8776

Saturday, Sept. 29, – Unauthorized Rolling Stones

unauthorized_stones — Unauthorized Rolling Stones

Yep, you’ll know all the words and the act is a pretty good representation of the real band. Frontman and founder, Rudy Colombini, is regarded as one of the most visually accurate “Micks” in the business and is also an accomplished original artist, having two of his recordings reach top 40 status in the Adult Contemporary category. Colombini’s original act will be opening the show.

Venue – Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa – 707- 545-5876

Saturday, Sept. 29, – Country Music and Beer Festival

An all day event featuring two stages and over 10 hours of music from local and regional country music acts, childrens activities and over a dozen different beers. The acts include James Otto, Frankie Ballard, the Boot Band, Erin McKinney, Tom Drinnon, Blue Rock Country, Paulie’s Garage, Twang Ditty and Austin Lynn. Whew!

Venue – Keiser Community Park – Windsor – www.countrymusicbeerfest.com

Sunday, Sept. 30, – Jimmie Vaughan

Sometimes over-shadowed by his younger brother, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie and the Fabulous Thunderbirds had been enjoying some commercial success while Stevie was still David Bowie’s guitar player. Jimmie has been touring and recording since the mid-sixties, even opening for Jimi Hendrix, where the story goes that Hendrix broke Jimmie’s wah-wah pedal. In 1989, he connected with his younger brother to record the only album they played on together, “Family Style” and unfortunately, Stevie never got to hear it. The blues legend died in a helicopter crash on Aug. 27, 1990. The album was released the next day. Jimmie has played continued to play on, and his last solo effort, “Plays Blues, Ballads and Favorites” was nominated for a Grammy in 2011.

Venue – Mystic Theater – Petaluma – 707- 765-2121

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.