Taste of Star Quality to benefit Sonoma High Music Department

Sonoma Valley High School Band

“Taste of Star Quality” is what it’s being called by Lauren Popenoe who, as a senior at Sonoma Valley High School, is presenting her senior project which will have breakfast, auction items and live music at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building on Sunday, Jan. 22, starting at 8 a.m. Originally started by senior Ron Perkins as his senior project three years ago, Popenoe has picked up the torch and put together a fine morning of music. Kicking off at 8 a.m. will be her father, Jon Popenoe with Corey Jennings, followed by Adam Traum at 9 a.m. 10 a.m. has jazz legends Mad and Eddie Duran followed by E. Z. Kewl at 11 a.m. At noon, there will be performances from the Sonoma Valley High School band and choir. Tickets are available at the door.

The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchandisers) show is this weekend in Anaheim and Sonoma Valley will have a presence on the stage and in the booths, and not just by attendees hoping to get a picture snapped with an aging rock star. Points North, featuring local guitarist Eric Barnett will be playing the grand finale following the Steve Morse Band. Local music advocate Rand Rognlien, the Music Nomad, will be showcasing his new line of environmentally friendly instrument cleaning products for guitars and drums. The product has taken off, with all the techs in all the Guitar Centers across the country now exclusively using Music Nomad Care products. This will be their chance to reach over 90, 000 music enthusiasts all in one place. If you want to check out the products locally, you can find them at Sonoma Valley Music. One word too, OK, three words, they actually work.

Plan Be will not be at the Gristmill Bar and Grill tonight, Jan. 20, as previously published in the Tuesday column. There will be no music there tonight.

John McCutcheon

Sebastiani Theatre has a special show on Monday, Jan. 23, that will star John McCutcheon. McCutcheon is called by many the “finest folk troubadour of our time,” with music that conveys the message that our global family can make the world a better place by working together. He has appeared with Pete Seeger, with whom he is often compared, Arlo Guthrie, and Johnny Cash, who once called McCutcheon “the most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard.” During performances, McCutcheon switches skillfully from banjo, to guitar, jaw harp, fiddle, auto harp, and piano. He is also recognized as a master of the hammer dulcimer, America’s only traditional mallet instrument. Placing the many instruments he introduces in their, he ethnic framework teaches the audience to make music themselves as he weaves tales as modern fables, rich in history and universal scope. Tickets for the one-night only show can be purchased at the Theatre box office. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

The Sonoma Valley Grange is back with another barn dance on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 8 p.m. Debra Tayleur and the Heart Strings will be providing the music and caller Ken Olcott  “teaches the reels and circle mixers before the music starts, then continues so everyone starts left, allemandes their neighbor, and swings their partner to the beat.” Single dancers and youth are welcome to attend, with anyone under 22 getting in for free.

Sunday Songwriter Sessions are back at Olive & Vine on Sunday, Jan. 23, with Sean Carscadden, Marty O’Reilly, John Burdick and vocals by Emily Hamilton. The show gets underway at 5 p.m.

Whole Foods Market in the Sonoma Marketplace welcomes Garen Patterson to the produce aisle today, Jan. 20, kicking off at 5 p.m.

The Presentation School is having its annual crab feed and Rich Little will be showcasing his new band, Neverland. It’s a step away from some of the stuff Little has done in the past, as it’s a three-piece and the sound is more techno orientated and the show will include a video technician and a laser light show. Tickets are available by calling 935-0122 or at the door if any are still left. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. and typically sells out, so advance tickets are recommended.

The Olde Sonoma Public House welcomes the Happy Smoke on Saturday, Jan. 21, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

David Thom Band

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the David Thom Band tonight, Jan. 20, kicking off at 8 p.m. for a bluegrass extravaganza. Thom has just released his latest CD, titled “That Old Familiar” to rave reviews. Saturday, Jan. 21, it’s the Perfect Crime, playing folk, blues and ballads, also at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, the pub welcomes Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley playing “anything but Celtic music.” That show kicks off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Kathmandu Corner has singer-songwriter Chris Hanlin tonight, Jan. 20, starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, the corner welcomes the David Thom Band for their debut performance at the venue, also for a 7:30 start time.

The Plaza Bistro has guitarist Rolando Morales tonight, Jan. 20, kicking off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, pianist Mike Greensil will be in the back room, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

The Hellhounds are in Napa at Uva Trattoria tonight, Jan. 20, for an 8 p.m. show.

Mad and Eddie Duran are busy this weekend, along with the breakfast show above on Jan. 22, you can catch them tonight, Jan. 20 at the Savanna Jazz in San Francisco for a 7:30 p.m. show and Saturday, Jan. 21, at Rose Pistolas, also in The City for a 7 p.m. show.

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

Tom Rigney and Flambeau – Saturday, Jan. 21.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Dick Dale – Friday, Jan. 20.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Robben Ford – Friday – Sunday, Jan. 20 – 22.
Yoshi’s – Oakland
510-238-9200

Concrete Blonde – Saturday, Jan. 21.
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365

Robben Ford – Monday, Jan. 23.
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

Lucinda Williams – Friday, Jan. 20.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Bill Champlin w/ Bonnie Hayes – Sunday, Jan. 22.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Gentlemen Soldiers at Olde Sonoma

The Tuesday night market has Chris Hanlin under the palm tree tonight, Aug. 2, kicking off at 5:30 p.m. The market also has a belly dancing demonstration by Ellusions Dance Company.

The after market party at Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes Uni and her Ukulele tonight, Aug. 2, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

The Sonoma Community Center has Vox Populi and Plan Be for an evening of music tonight, Aug. 2, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

The Olde Sonoma Public House has the Gentlemen Soldiers on Wednesday, Aug. 3, as the featured guest at the open-mic that will be held that night. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

The Rive Gauche Dining Club at Wild Thyme Cafe in El Verano welcomes Tommy Thomsen and Ken Emerson as the entertainment for the monthly dinner gathering on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. For tickets and more info, call 996-9453.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Cork Pullers in the Snug at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 4.

The Plaza Bistro will feature the Kai-Devitt Trio on Friday, Aug. 5, for a 7 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Loose Shoes in the Snug at 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards has the Jon Popenoe Blues Band on Friday, Aug. 5, at 6:30 p.m.

JoyRide will be at the Sunflower Caffe on Friday, Aug. 5, for a 6 p.m. show.

Astral Kitchen on the Plaza

The Tuesday night market has Astral Kitchen under the palm tree today, July 5, at 5:30 p.m.

The Tuesday Night Market after-party at Murphy’s Irish Pub will feature Joyride, which is the new name of the Sue Albano and Mark Dennis act, tonight, July 5, at 7 p.m.

The Big 3 Diner has Jon Popenoe solo on Wednesday, July 6, at 7 p.m.

The Olde Sonoma Public House has an open-mic on Wednesday, July 5, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

There will be an open jam, hosted by the Tri Tip Trio at Little Switzerland on Thursday, July 7, that goes off at 8 p.m.

Uncle Jesse and the Porch Junkies will be at the Olde Sonoma Public House on Thursday, July 7, for a 7 p.m. show.

Ramekins will host Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums on Thursday, July 8, for a 5:30 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Solid Air in the Snug at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 7.

The Plaza Bistro will feature Mel Martin on Friday, July 8, for a 7 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Hellhounds in the Snug at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 8.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards has Adam Traum and the Traumatics in the tasting room on Friday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m.

Fishtank Ensemble at Andrew’s Hall

We were in a quandary wondering which show to headline this week, but after reading the back-story of the Fishtank Ensemble, presented tonight, June 10, by Sneaker Jones in Andrew’s Hall, it became clear this was the show. Named such as the band used to rehearse on the ground floor of a building with many windows, and passer-bys would peer in and the band felt like they were in a fishbowl. The first weekend the band rehearsed, they spent the weekend learning an entire repertoire of Romanian folk music, but it wasn’t until they landed their first gig and were asked the name of the band, vocalist Ursula Knudson burst out with “Fishtank.” The ensemble was added later. Many of the musicians in the act were accomplished on other instruments, and felt drawn to learn other ones, even with common sense asking themselves “…why?” The first trek the band went on brought them across Europe. Violinist Fabrice Martinez had actually hitchhiked to Istanbul to collect obscure instruments, busking illegally to make enough money to get home with them all. Once home in Paris, he heard an old many playing a solo violin in a theater. Inspired, he immediately sold all his instruments and resurrected a family violin and the tradition as well. Guitarist Doug Smolens had a different but just as unique experience, after playing drums in the Los Angeles rock scene in the ‘80s and hanging out with folks like Slash and Billy Idol, he found himself drawn to the flamenco guitar. “I tried to resist for years,” Smolens laughs, “but in the end, I had to learn to play flamenco guitar. It grabbed a hold of my heart.” Along the way, the trio grabbed up Serbian bassist Djordje Stijepovic, who “literally wrote the book on upright slap bass and has lent his trademark slapping style to some of the best rockabilly, gypsy, bluegrass, and blues acts around the world.” Now based in California, the act is trekking around the U. S. Showtime tonight is 8 p.m. and Tickets are available at www.sneakerjones.com, or at the door.

Vox Populi, the popular rock and roll choir, is back in action on Monday, June 13, at the Sebastiani Theatre for one night only. That night, the choir will be backed by local band Plan Be and will be performing songs by Paul Simon, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, and Crosby, Stills, and Nash. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at the Sebastiani Theatre box office prior to the show or at the door that night, if available.

The Bear Flag Celebration, presented by the Native Sons of the Golden West, is in the Sonoma Plaza on Sunday, June 12, and will include barbecue chicken, a micro-brew beer festival, a re-enactment of the Bear Flag revolt in the amphitheater at 1 p.m. followed by music from BackTrax at 2 p.m. There is no cover for the event.

Hopmonk Tavern Sonoma will have two local acts on Saturday, June 11, kicking off with Dan Goldfus at 5 p.m. and followed by the Tonewoods at 8:30 p.m. There is no cover for the show.

Olde Sonoma Public House in Boyes Hot Springs has Tudo Bem on Saturday, June 11, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

The San Francisco Starlight Orchestra, a 14-piece, 1920s novelty orchestra, returns to Little Switzerland on Saturday, June 11, for a 2 p.m. show. Guests are also invited to view the rehearsal, which kicks off at 12:30 p.m. and is included with the price of admission. Come dressed to dance the fox trot, Charleston, tango, rumba, waltz, lindy, one step, two step, carioca, and more. Reservations are suggested by calling 938-9990.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards will have BackTrax in the tasting room tonight, June 10, for a 6:30 p.m. start. Community Cafe will be catering the event and available will be pulled pork sliders and brined chicken. There is no cover.

Steiners Tavern welcomes back local bluesmen the Hellhounds tonight, June 10, for a 7 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Gentlemen Soldiers performing a tribute to the Irish band the Pogues, tonight, June 10, in what drummer J. B. Duff calls “an attempt to actually get some Irish music back at the Irish pub.” Showtime is 8 p.m. Saturday, June 11, brings in Larry Carlins Mostly Simply Bluegrass, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, June 12, the pub welcomes back Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly for an early show, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

Tonight, June 10, you can catch Sean Carscadden performing solo across the alley from the Pub at the Katmandu Corner, in the back of the Taste of the Himalayas restaurant, for a show that goes off at 7:30 p.m.

Little Switzerland has a special night planned on Monday, June 13, with the debut of Nick Kardum’s much-anticipated act, Trainwreck Junction. The night is kind of an open rehearsal, but the public is invited to have a peek at the new, up and coming local country act. The show kicks off at 7 p.m.

Sue Albano and Mark Dennis, known for singing classic rock songs with the Magnetics, will get back to their roots by performing as a duo. The show goes off Saturday, June 11, at 9 p.m. at Lokal.

Whole Foods in the Sonoma Marketplace will be hosting the Cork Pullers outside on Saturday, June 11, for your shopping pleasure, kicking off at 11 a.m.

Landmark Winery and Vineyards will have Adam Traum in the courtyard on Saturday, June 11, for a 1 p.m. show.

The lobby in the Sonoma Mission Inn will have a solo performance by pianist Stephanie Ozer tonight, June 10, for a 6:30 show.

The Plaza Bistro continues with jazz this weekend, starting tonight, June 10, with the Gloria Calamee Trio. The jazz vocalist has been performing since the ‘70s around the world and as an actress, even appeared in shows like “Barney Miller” and “the Rockford Files.” Showtime is 7 p.m. Saturday, June 11, the bistro has bassist Andrew Emer, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover for either show.

The Blue Moon Saloon has Crazy Noisy Karaoke on Saturday, June 11, kicking off at 9 p.m. Sunday, June 12, the weekly blues jam continues, going off at 10 p.m.

Jon Popenoe and Corey Jennings will be performing as a duo on Saturday morning, June 11, at 10:30 a.m. in Petaluma at Aqus Cafe.

Sonoma’s Sinatra, Stan Pappas takes his Frank Sinatra tribute act on the road tonight, June 10, to Novato at Rickey’s Restaurant for a 7 p.m. show.

The Hellhounds are on the road to Napa on Saturday, June 11, to Cuvee for a 9:30 p.m. show.

Mad and Eddie Duran are in San Francisco at Bird and Becket on Sunday, June 12, for a 4:30 p.m. show.

Jason Bodlovich is everywhere but Sonoma this weekend, kicking off today, June 10, at the Lagunitas Tap Room for a show with the Jason Bodlovich Group at 4:20 p.m. Saturday, June 11, has Bodlovich doing a solo performance at Bella Vineyards in Healdsburg, starting at 11 a.m. followed by a show the full band at Brixx in Petaluma the same day at 8:30 p.m.

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

The Harmony Festival – Friday – Sunday, June 10 – 12.
Santa Rosa Fairgrounds
www.harmonyfestival.com

Vinyl – Saturday, June 11.
19 Broadway – Fairfax
415-459-0293

Ronnie Montrose – Friday, June 10.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Wonderbread 5 – Saturday, June 11.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Petty Theft – Friday, June 10.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

The Edge – Saturday, June 11.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Alvon – Saturday, June 11.
Southern Pacific Smokehouse – Novato
415-899-9600

Cruisin’ 4 Cody at the Moose Lodge

< Note: The Ox Roast has been cancelled due to weather expected this weekend>

It’s time for the second annual “Cruisin’ 4 Cody” poker run and concert on Sunday, June 5, at the Moose Lodge. The run kicks off at 8 a.m. and is open for motorcycles and cars. Participants will meet at the Moose Lodge for a breakfast before heading out on their journey. Around noon, the run will end back at the Moose Lodge, and the festivities will begin, where there will be games, raffles and live music, kicking off with the Scallywags, Uncle Jesse and the Porch Junkies, the Magnetics and wrapping up the day will be the Whiskey Thieves. The day is a benefit for young Cody Cordellos who 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. Funds raised will help him with the treatments he needs and help him and his mother with expenses. There is a $25 fee to participate in the poker run.

Once again, Jeff Bundschu, along with Eric D. Johnson have pulled off an indie-rock festival right here in Sonoma Valley and the event is almost sold out. The second annual Huichica Music Festival kicks off at Gundlach Bundschu Winery on Saturday, June 4, at 2 p.m. and the show features the finest in up and coming indie-rock acts. With eight bands on the bill, opening the show will be David Williams, followed by Tu Fawning. Breathe Owl Breathe and These United States, followed by Richard Swift, Sonny and the Sunsets, J. Mascis and headlining will be the Fruit Bats. Tickets, if still available, can be had online at www.gunbun.com/huichica until 5 p.m. on Friday, June 4, and at the door after that.

The annual Ox Roast, a benefit for the Sonoma Community Center, is going off on Sunday, June 5, in the Sonoma Plaza, kicking off at 11 a.m. Of course, no oxen are actually harmed during the event; it’s really beef tri-tip. The musical entertainment starts at 1 p.m. with the United States Air Force band Mobility, who always put on a great show. BackTrax will take the stage at 3 p.m. and wrap up the day with classic rock. There is no cover for the event.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards will have the Jami Jamison Band in the tasting room, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. as part of the on-going Friday night music series. Dinner will be catered by Margie and Willie Brooke of the new Community Cafe. There is no cover for the show.

The Olde Sonoma Public House will have the father-son duo of Josh and Nelson Kraft tonight, June 3, for a 7:30 p.m. show. The duo covers everything from Jim Croce to Van Halen and in a recent interview, the younger Kraft was quoted saying “there is no one else I would rather have by my side, up on that stage with me. It’s a pleasure to play music with my father.” There is no cover for the show.

Little Switzerland will have another local music no-cover night on Saturday, June 4, and will feature BackTrax for an 8 p.m. show. In addition to the largest dance floor in the Valley and dinner being served, there will be drink specials that night as well.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Loose Shoes tonight, June 3, for a show that kicks off at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 4, brings in San Francisco player Andrew Freeman, who has been a pub favorite for years, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, June 5 has the traditional Celtic pub jam kicking off at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Two Rock Ramblers at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Plaza Bistro has jazz from the Erik Jekabson Trio tonight, June 3, for a 7 p.m. show. The trumpeter plays straight ahead jazz, and has two solo albums to his name. Jekabson is also currently teaching at Chabot College and Los Medanos College. Saturday, June 4, the Plaza Bistro welcomes local jazz legends Mad and Eddie Duran, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover for either show.

Pete Olson and his Cajun Cowboys take their show on the road to Petaluma tonight, June 3, to Papa’s Taverna for a 7 p.m. show.

Showcase the Band is all the way up in Reno at the Sands Regency Casino for Eurofest 2011, with a show on Saturday, June 4, at 11 a.m. and Sunday, June 5 at 12:45 p.m. There is no cover.

The Jon Popenoe Blues Band will be at Uva Trattoria in Napa on Saturday, June 4, for an 8 p.m. show.

 

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

Old 97’s – Friday, June 3.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Pride and Joy – Saturday, June 4.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Michael Landau Group – Saturday, June 4.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

Hiromi – Thursday June 2 – Sunday, June 5.
Yoshi’s – San Francisco
415-655-5600

Bootsy Collins – Saturday, June 4.
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Super Diamond – Friday, June 3
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

John Prine – Wednesday, June 8.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Delta Wires – Saturday, June 4.
Biscuits & Blues – San Francisco
415-292-2583

Harvey Mandel – Sunday, June 5.
Biscuits & Blues – San Francisco
415-292-2583

Luv Planet – Friday, June 3.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262