The Blue Moon Saloon has To Di Moon with DJ Saucy 1 with special guests tonight, Nov. 27, at 9:30 p.m.
The Rive Gauche Dining Club is back in action at the FAHA Manor in El Verano on Wednesday, Nov. 28, with a Caribbean inspired menu that will feature Diego Jameau on 12-string guitar and flute, starting at 7 p.m. For reservations and more info, call 996-0900.
The Gristmill Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen has the Tri Tip Trio on Thursday, Nov. 29, for an 8 p.m. show.
Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes Farshid Etnicko on Thursday, Nov. 29, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.
The Plaza Bistro presents the Bruce-Vincent-Barclay trio on Friday, Nov. 30, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has Adam Traum and the Traumatics on Friday, Nov. 30, starting at 8 p.m.
The Annex Wine Bar welcomes Jaydub and Dino on Friday, Nov. 30, for a 7 p.m. show.
The Blue Moon Saloon welcomes the Rite Spot on Friday, Nov. 30, for a 10 p.m. show.
It started with a couple guitar lessons, the master Carscadden teaching the young jedi O’Reilly a few chords, and then it becomes clear, the young jedi was born ready. After playing around solo for a while, seems it was Hunt Bailey, manager of Murphy’s Irish Pub that suggested that the duo do a show together, with each not having enough material to do a full show, and the rest, they say, is history. The duo began performing around town, learning from each other and building on their influences, which are remarkably similar; delta blues, among others, but both bringing a different approach to the music. After a year or so, it became clear they needed a professional recording to take the project any further, but to where? Both were not sure. It was going to cost money, a lot of money, and it was obvious that the duo was not going to be able to finance it themselves. A new concept had been brewing on the internet, crowd sourcing to acquire seed money for projects. They chose Indigigogo over Kickstarter for a couple reasons, but soon, with the help of the internet world, and many promises on the duos part, they managed to raise five thousand dollars. So now, what to record? They didn’t want to do the same songs that they had been playing, so they took new songs, and some covers, and stepped away from the norm, and created versions of the songs in ways that they had never approached, and laid those down at Ex’pression College for Digital Arts, with help from engineer-extraordinaire, Andy Saks. The disc has been getting rave reviews and this Monday, Nov. 26, it’s your chance to pick up a copy of “Broke the Moon” and see the songs played live at the historic Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma. The duo gathered up an impressive group of local musicians to accompany them on the tracks, like Sarah Summers, Mike Lee Cannon, Cliff Hugo, Chris Lynch and Michael Fecskes. So what’s next for the act? They’re really not sure, but with a brilliant representation of what they do under their belts, as they say, the sky’s the limit. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available in advance at the theatres box office or at the door the night of the show, if available.
The Whiskey Thieves
It’s billed as the “Give Thanks Giving” party and the Whiskey Thieves have been playing the Friday after Thanksgiving in town as far back as when they were the Rock Bottom Blues Band, and tonight, Nov. 23, is no different. Appearing at the Moose Lodge it’s not only the band, but Blessed Coast Sound and a special appearance by the General. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are available at the door. The Moose has polka on Sunday, Nov. 25, with an appearance by the Joe Bajuk Trio, kicking off at 5 p.m.
The Sebastiani Theatre seems to be the place to be this weekend, with a variety called “Toast of the Town” being presented by local crooner Jeff Gilbert on Sunday, Nov. 25, which brings back the spirit of a variety show from the good old days. It promises to be an entertaining afternoon that harkens back to the era of the ‘30s and ‘40s featuring the melodious voice of crooner, Jeff Gilbert. Special guests include Dana Land and Sue Albano, singing some classic standards of yesteryear and the day will also feature the instrumental talents of Peter E. Babcock, “the Coney Island Washboard King,” and the John Simon Trio, with Simon on keyboards, Kendrick Freeman on drums, and Tom Shader on bass. There will also be magic acts and more. Showtime is 2 p.m. and tickets can be purchased in advance at the theatre box office or at the door the day of the show.
Solid Air
The Annex Wine Bar has the debut appearance of the DaveEdJohn Trio tonight, Nov. 23, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 24, the annex welcomes Grammy nominated Solid Air, also for a 7 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 25 it’s Randy Cook for an early show, going off at 4 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows.
The Sonoma Springs Brewing Company welcomes Brian Ruff on Saturday, Nov. 24, for a 7 p.m. show.
The Cork Pullers take over Envolve Winery in the Sonoma Court Shops on Saturday, Nov. 24, for an afternoon show kicking off at 2 p.m.
Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen has the original John Burdick Band on Sunday, Nov. 25, playing originals and unique cover songs, starting at 6 p.m. There will be a special bistro menu that features full dinner options.
Dana Land
The Plaza Bistro welcomes in Sonoma’s sweetheart Dana Land tonight, Nov. 23, with guitarist John Hoy and bassist Tom Shader. Land stirs up the jazz scene with a refreshing style and playful presence, performing a wide range of popular jazz from vintage and contemporary standards, swing and show tunes to Brazilian and blues. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. and there is no cover.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band tonight, Nov. 23, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, it’s Timothy O’Neill, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 25, the pub has local favorites Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley from the act Tudo Bem for an early show that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.
The Ledson Lounge in the Ledson Hotel welcomes Dan Daniels and Joyce Grant on Saturday, Nov. 24, for a 6 p.m. show. Grants unique shows consist of a blend of jazz, blues, country western, rhythm and blues, and funk and her vocal interpretations range from sensitive to powerful to cheeky over a broad spectrum of charts. Daniels is a virtuoso musician, also works as a composer, songwriter, vocalist, bandleader, arranger and teacher. Daniels has traveled and performed internationally and shared the stage with numerous celebrities, including Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Earth, Wind and Fire, Tower of Powerand the New Temptations. There is no cover for the show.
The Kathmandu Corner welcomes Adam Traum tonight, Nov. 23, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 24, it’s Sean Carscadden, also for an 8 p.m. start. There is no cover.
Cornerstone Sonoma in Carneros has the annual lighting of the snowmen on Saturday, Nov. 24, and if you’ve ever been to one, you know that you don’t know what to expect. This year, along with all the festivities, there will be live music from Robert and Amy Ethington, and also a holiday performance by the Sonoma Ballet Conservatory in the wedding tent. The afternoon kicks off at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Steve Pile Band – Saturday, Nov. 24
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300
The English Beat – Friday, Nov. 23
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365
Jackie Greene – Friday – Saturday, Nov. 23 – 24
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000
Alice Cooper – Tuesday, Nov. 27.
The Warfield – San Francisco.
thewarfieldtheater.com
Petty Theft – Friday, Nov. 23
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850
Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings– Saturday, Nov. 24
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850
New Riders of the Purple Sage – Friday, Nov. 23
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
The Pulsators – Friday, Nov. 23
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343
Midnight Sun Massive – Friday, Nov. 23
The Flamingo – Santa Rosa
545-8530
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Musicians turned winemaker. It happens a lot more than you think, and we have one of the most eclectic in the business this weekend, and of course he’s a Sonoma County resident. A classic bay Area rock act that never made it as big as they should have does a 2-night stint, and there’s big dance, small acoustic and classical music as well. A little something for everyone this weekend.
Friday, Nov. 16 – Tonewoods
The Tonewoods
The Tonewoods are a Sonoma county acoustic trio, playing and singing a mix of Americana, British, and classic folk, ragtime and more. The band loves songs that tell stories and their music has been described as vibrant, fun, rhythmic, soulful, with rich harmonies, and touches of humor here and there. The band has been entertaining Sonoma County for over six years and are always well received. If you like the sounds of Richard Thompson, Tom Waits, Tom Russell, Townes van Zandt, Robert Earl Keen, Steve Earle and that ilk, then you’ll love this act. Venue – A’Roma Roasters – Santa Rosa – 707- 576-7765
Friday, Nov. 16 – Unauthorized Rolling 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.
Venue – Mavericks – Santa Rosa – 707- 544-1562
Friday – Saturday, Nov. 16 – 17 – Y & T
Y & T
Y & T is a legendary Bay Area band that arguably never managed to translate its electric on-stage intensity into its studio albums. Originally formed as Yesterday & Today in San Francisco, around 1973, Y&T stood within reach of the Grail of rock and roll stardom many times in their long career, but through a series of mistakes, bad timing, and sheer bad luck, the ultimate prize always seemed to elude them in the end. Years and many musical genres came and went, but 2004 saw founding members Dave Meniketti and old sparring partner Phil Kennemore resuming touring across America as Y&T, with the help of guitarist John Nymann and drummer Mike Vanderhule. (Portions contributed by Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide)
Venue – Mystic Theatre – Petaluma – 707-765-2121
You may remember Les Claypool from the local eclectic prog-metal act Primus, or his re-creation of Pink Floyd’s classic album Animals from a live show at the Great American Music Hall, which later turned into a live album, or the bizarre appearance at Woodstock ’94, where the band was pelted with mud. Claypool claims to still have mud in some of his speakers. Like many rock icons, Claypool has turned into a winemaker, first for himself, then into commercial production, and this show is a combination of a gig and an extreme wine tasting. Frankly, you never know what to expect from a Claypool show, but it’s never boring.
Venue – HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol – 707- 829-7300
Saturday, Nov. 17 – Pride & Joy
Pride and Joy
During its 25 years of playing the Bay Area, Pride & Joy has remained one of the most popular bands on the local music scene. The act plays the timeless pop and soul music hits from the ’60s to the ‘90s in a show that pulls the audience directly into the heart of their performance.” It’s always been natural for us to reach out and draw in the audience. We make the people feel they’re part of the performance because they are,” says Pride & Joy founder and bandleader Coleman Burke. Be prepared to dance all night.
Venue – Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa – 707-545-5876
Sunday, Nov. 18 – Navarro Chamber Players
Led by two icons of the North Bay chamber scene, Marilyn Thompson and Carol Menke, the players lay down dynamic juxtaposition of vocal and instrumental chamber pieces including “Three Tangos” by Brian S. Wilson and “the Piano Quintet” by Robert Schumann, “a fiendish pianistic challenge as well as a masterpiece of the genre” claims The Observer. Venue – The Donald and MaureenGreenMusicCenter – Rohnert Park – 866-955-6040