Dick Conte Archives - Sonoma Music Scene

Benefit for fallen motorcyclists at the Moose Lodge

It was Thursday, Oct. 4, when Heath Hunter and Angelica Gonzalez left town for Petaluma on Hunter’s Harley Davidson. They didn’t make it. The crash is still under investigation, but something went awry close to the intersection of Watmaugh Road and Arnold Drive. Hunter did not survive the crash and Gonzalez was left with serious injuries and a long recovery time ahead of her. Hunter’s cousin, William Kizer, has put together a benefit music festival slated for Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Moose Lodge kicking off at 5 p.m. to raise money for the Gonzalez and Hunter families. On the bill is Refuge, Failed Sanity, the Wind Up Monkeys, Paulie Hips and the Child Bearers and Amongst Reason. The day is billed as a family event and there will be a raffle for prizes and hot dogs and hamburgers available from the grill. “There’s only going to be about 300 tickets sold and I hope we sell out,” said event organizer William Kizer. For tickets and more info, call 933-6620.

The Kathmandu Corner is back in full swing this weekend with 2 Friends and a Benz tonight, Nov. 9, for an 8 p.m. show. The act consists of “The Monster,” Bob Edmondson, Eric Joost and Katie Benz. Benz is a recent graduate from University of California at Berkeley and a former student of Edmondson, who is an educator at Sonoma Charter School. Saturday, Nov. 10, it’s Tom Martin, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 11, the corner welcomes Rhys Wade for an early show kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

The Annex Wine Bar has music all weekend, starting tonight, Nov. 9, with Tony Gibson, for a 6 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 10, it’s Dave Hamilton, fresh off his latest CD release party, also at 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, it’s an early show, kicking off at 4 p.m. with the incomparable Jon Williams. There is no cover for any of the shows at the annex, and food and wine are available for all shows as well. The venue is dog-friendly, but you must be 21 years or older in human years to attend.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has local bluesmen the Hellhounds tonight, Nov. 9, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 10, it’s Larry Carlin’s Under the Radar, playing traditional bluegrass, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 11, there is no music, but Jack Benny Dinner Theater. For tickets and more info, call 935-0660.

Sonoma Springs Brewery has Pete Olson tonight, Nov. 9, for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover.

The Blue Moon Saloon welcomes bluesmen Levi Lloyd and the 501 Blues Band on Saturday, Nov. 10, for a 9 p.m. show. Lloyd is a blues veteran, having played with B. B. King, John Lee Hooker and toured worldwide as the longtime guitarist for the legendary Joe Louis Walker. There is no cover for the show. Sunday, Nov. 11, it’s the regularly scheduled blues jam, kicking off at 10 p.m.

Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen welcomes the Carlos Herrera Trio, laying down two sets of Latin fusion on Sunday, Nov. 11, kicking off at 6 p.m. Don’t be surprised if John Burdick jumps in for a tune or two. The venue also has a special bistro menu planned for the evening.

The Plaza Bistro has the Dick Conte Trio tonight, Nov. 9, for a 6:30 p.m. show. Conte is somewhat of a local legend in jazz, with his contributions to the Bay Area jazz radio scene stretching back 40 plus years. Tonight, Conte will have with him Steve Webber on bass and Bill Moody on drums. There is no cover.

The Epicurean Connection welcomes Becky Alter tonight, Nov. 9, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

The Whiskey Thieves are on the road to Petaluma on Saturday, Nov. 10, to the Lagunitas Taproom and Beer Sanctuary for a 3 p.m. show.

Dick Conte at the Plaza Bistro

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Saucy 1 with special guests tonight, Nov. 6, at 9 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Open-Mic plus on Thursday, Nov. 8, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. and will feature the lovely and talented Kathryn DelChiaro. For a slot, call Steve T. Ney at 287-7109.

The Annex Wine Bar welcomes Adam Traum on Thursday, Nov. 8, starting at 6 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro presents the Dick Conte Trio on Friday, Nov. 9, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Hellhounds on Friday, Nov. 9, for an 8 p.m. show.

The Annex Wine Bar welcomes Tony Gibson on Friday, Nov. 9, for a 6 p.m. show.

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 Country – 8/31 – 9/2

Even though it’s Wine Country Weekend here in Sonoma Country, there’s still plenty of music to pair it with, some even at a winery.

This week, we’ve got legends from many genres all over. The legendary Lester Chambers will be sitting in with his son, Dylan, in Santa Rosa. Huey Lewis is in town with some news and one of the jazz legends of the Bay Area is in Healdsburg. Have a peek below and pair up some local music with that wine this weekend.

Friday, Aug. 31 – E Minor and the Dirty Diamonds
After more than a decade of playing in various Sonoma County bands, the six members of Dirty Diamonds have hit their stride blasting out country rock and hillbilly blues originals that conjure up images of the Allman Brothers, CCR and Hank Williams Sr. along with a taste of Howlin’ Wolf, Ralph Stanley and Tom Waits.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

Monday, Sept. 3 – Jason Bodlovich
Jason Bodlovich is an absolute musical monster. Originally from Huntington Beach, Calif, Bodlovich now resides in Sonoma County where he performs with a mix of original projects. Eclectic is a good word to use for his 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 & Jean Luc Ponty and more. Mostly a guitar player these days, Bodlovich played drums on a tribute album for the jazz legend Ray Brown, where he assembled many of Brown’s original band members.
Lagunitas Brewing Company – Petaluma
778-8776

Saturday, Sept. 1 – Midnight Sun Massive
This would be my hot pick of the weekend. Midnight Sun Massive is a step back to when reggae music was Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, blended with a little calypso and some blues. The band has been together in some configuration since 1984 in and around the Bay Area. If dancing to a reggae groove hits you this weekend, these are the guys to check out.
Flamingo Hotel – Santa Rosa
545-8530

Huey-Lewis-&-News — Huey Lewis and the News

Saturday, Sept. 1 – Huey Lewis and the News
What can we say about this act that hasn’t been said? From their humble beginnings in Marin County in the ‘70s to superstardom in the ‘80s and beyond, the band has had entire albums of songs that almost went to #1 on the Billboard charts, won Grammys, had numerous #1 hits, but s great a recording career as the band has had, it’s their live performances that remain the stuff of legend. They have toured worldwide continuously for more than 30 years. Huey Lewis & The News incorporate a variety of musical influences, including R&B and soul, to create their own unique sound.
Rodney Strong Winery – Healdsburg
949-360-7800

Friday, Aug. 31 – Dick Conte
Dick Conte is a regional jazz legend, from his work on numerous jazz radio stations for almost 50 years, to his performances around the Bay Area at such events as the San Francisco Jazz Festival, the Russian River Jazz Festival, the San Jose Jazz Festival, the Sonoma Valley Jazz Festival, the Calistoga Jazz and Blues Festival, Jazz on the Hill and the Cotati Jazz Festival. Tonight, the pianist will have with him Steve Webber on bass.
Hotel Healdsburg – Healdsburg
431-2800

Saturday, Sept. 1 – Dylan Chambers
Dylan Chambers grew up around rock and blues and it’s clear the apple didn’t fall from the tree. His father, Lester Chambers from the Chambers Brothers, famous for the hit “Time has come today,” will be joining Dylan’s group Mass Transit on stage
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-5876

Cruisin’ for Cody has live music and more

There is another benefit planned for Cody Cordellos on Saturday, June 16, that will kick off at the Moose Lodge at 8 a.m. and finish at Cary’s Sports Grill starting at noon. Young Cordellos was born with the skin condition “Epidermolysis Bullosa” (EB). EB is a skin disorder that with even the slightest bump or friction on the skin will cause blistering, akin to third degree burns. It is estimated that 50 in every one million live births have the condition, which crosses all races and genders. The cruise and car show, which is open to anyone with a vehicle, kicks off at the Moose Lodge for registration and travels up to Stokes Ranch, then returns with a stop at the London Lodge and then on to Cary’s Sports Grill on Arnold Drive at about noon. That’s when the music kicks off with the Cork Pullers, the Gentlemen Soldiers, Uncle Jesse and the Porch Junkies followed by Junior Boogie and an all-star band. The afternoon event is family-friendly with Popo the Clown, a dunk tank, jumpy house and other things for the children to enjoy. The Butterfly Fund, who is organizing the event, hopes to raise over $5,000 to cover Cordellos’ rent for the next year to assure he has a home. For more info, call 548-2957.

It’s time for another barn dance at the Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs on Saturday, June 16, and this time it’s a fundraiser for the new kitchen at the facility. The band for the night, Contrazz out of Santa Rosa, includes Ann Gillerand on fiddle, Pat Gillerand on bass, and Rob Crummett on guitar. No partner needed for the evening. Ken Olcott will be calling and teaching the reels and circles in advance, then continue calling while the band plays and dancers do-si-do, circle right, 4-hand star, and swing their partners. The night gets underway at 8 p.m. There is a suggested donation for the cause, but dancers under 26 years old get in free.

Local instrumental rockers Points North are starting their west-coast tour tonight, June 15, in support of their latest album, titled “Road Less Traveled” The first video released in support of the album has gotten thousands of views on youtube in just a couple of weeks. The tour kicks off tonight at the Jumping Turtle in San Marcos and wraps on Saturday, June 23, with a show at Vinnie’s Bar and Grill in Concord. You can find out more about the band and tour at www.pointsnorthband.com.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards welcomes local bluesmen the Hellhounds tonight, June 15, for an evening of blues in the tasting room. There will be barbecue available and wines by the glass or bottle. There is no cover.

The Sonoma Community Center will be hosting the last in a series of shows to benefit the Silver Moon Theater on Saturday, June 16, that will feature Cynthia Carr and the Carrtunes. Showtime is 7 p.m.

The Moose Lodge is planning on having regularly scheduled live music each Friday and tonight, June 15, it’s the California Cowboys for a show. The evening kinks off at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 17, the Moose Lodge welcomes Showcase the Band for the “Sunday Social” that starts early at 5 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Tony Gibson tonight, June 15, in the snug for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, June 16, it’s the Perfect Crime, playing folk and bluegrass. Sunday, June 17, it’s pub favorites Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly for an early show that kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

Steiners Tavern welcomes Dan Martin tonight, June 15, for a show that starts at 10 p.m.

HopMonk Sonoma has Loosely Covered on the inside stage on Saturday, June 16, kicking off at 9 p.m.

The Sonoma Springs Brewing Company welcomes Toby Germano performing solo on Saturday, June 16, kicking off at 7 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro has jazz this weekend, starting tonight, June 15, with the legendary Dick Conte Trio. Conte has played at many jazz festivals, and opened for Cassandra Wilson, Tony Bennett and Doc Powell and performed at Yoshi’s, the Plush Room, Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society, One Market Restaurant, Washington Square Bar and more. Tonight he will have with him Bill Moody on drums and Steve Webber on bass. Saturday, June 16, the bistro has guitarist Kai DeVitt Lee. The 19 year old has already received a plethora of awards and scholarships from jazz societies across the country. Lee will have with him Peter Barshay on bass and Hamir Atwal on drums. Shows both nights start at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.

The Blue Moon Saloon is starting a new Friday night series called “Rap and Roll” tonight, June 15, with DJ’s David Chan and Ryan Ismond laying down upbeat reggae, hip hop, and rap. Show starts at 10 p.m. Sunday, June 17, the weekly blues jam continues, also at 10 p.m. There is no cover either night.

Rancho Viejo is having a Fathers Day event that will feature the Carlos Herrera Band on Sunday, June 17, starting at 2 p.m.

Many locals are on the road this weekend, with Stephanie Ozer at the Hotel Healdsburg tonight, June 15, for a 6 p.m. show.

The Jami Jamison Band is at Papas Taverna in Petaluma on Saturday, June 16, for a 7 p.m. show.

David Thom is with the Sycamore Slough String Band at the Marin Art Festival at the Marin Civic Center on Saturday, June 16 at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 17, Thom will be with Grandpa Banana’s band at Bergamot Alley in Healdsburg for a 4 p.m. show.

Jason Bodlovich will be at the Cotati Jazz Festival with the Jason Bodlovich Group on Saturday, June 16, starting at noon.

Gator Beat is in Isleton at the Cajun Fest on Saturday, June 16, on the ice stage, kicking off at 8 p.m.