“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.
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.
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