junior boogie Archives - Sonoma Music Scene

Local musicians shine at Relay for Life

It’s time for the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life, held at the track at Sonoma Valley High School. Since 1985, more than 5,000 locations will have their own local version of the relay, many that will their own local flavor. Since its inception, the Relay for Life has raised more than $3.8 billion nationally, and more than $2 million here in Sonoma Valley, money that is used to fund research to find a cure and offer support programs to make cancer easier to cope with. The event is a 24-hour one, kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 4, with the survivor lap, a lap that is reserved for cancer survivors, then for the next 24 hours, teams and individuals take turns walking the track for the entire 24 hours. After the opening ceremony, the music begins, with the “Sonoma Sinatra,” Stan Pappas kicking things off at 10:30 a.m. The Maldonado Brothers follow at 11 a.m. with the mmmm bop fundraiser at 11:30 p.m. Noon brings Danny Wirick to the stage, followed by the Cork Pullers at 12:30 p.m. and then Jon Popenoe at 1:30 p.m. 2 p.m. welcomes Elvis and the Flashbacks, followed by Dan Martin at 3 p.m. 3:30 p.m. brings Junior Boogie and his award-winning harmonica to the stage with Tony Gibson at 4:30 p.m. Ian Franklin kicks off the 5 p.m. hour and the Rich Little Band wraps up the live music at 6 p.m. From 7 p.m. on, it’s Karaoke with Cat. There is no cover for the event, but there will be plenty of opportunities to donate and support the cause. We have to say from experience, that once you get to the event, it’s actually hard to leave.

The Jack London State Park will be the scene of another performance from the Transcendence Theatre Company, and this weekend it’s family night. The first show goes off tonight, Aug. 3, with the doors open to picnicking at 5 p.m. and show time at 8 p.m. in the winery ruins in the park. The shows will feature songs and performances from “Mary Poppins,” “Peter Pan,” “Annie,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “the Little Mermaid” and more. The show is performed again on Saturday, Aug. 4, with doors also at 5 p.m. and show time at 8 p.m. A portion of each ticket benefits the Jack London State Park.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards welcomes the Jami Jamison Band to the tasting room tonight, Aug. 3, for an evening of swing, blues and jazz. We’ve been saying it for years that Jamison is one of the best undiscovered vocalists in the whole North Bay and longtime Sonoma Valley boy Dennis Cordellos never fails to deliver on the guitar. Barbecue from Mongo’s Barbecue will be available as well as wines by the glass. There is no cover for the show, which kicks off at 6 p.m.

We’re not sure exactly where this fits in, so we’re just going to lay it out there. Sunday, Aug 5, is Farmer’s Day at the Sonoma County Fair. They are kicking off the morning with a sheep drive from downtown Santa Rosa at 10 a.m. The event will be a follow up on last year’s cattle drive and this year will have a 76 – trombone parade and tractor procession. Anyone wanting to participate with a horn instrument, or not, can just show up at Courthouse Square in Santa Rosa on Sunday, Aug. 5, at 9 a.m. All participants will get a commemorative T-shirt and free admission to the fair for the day. For more info, call 545-4200, ext.283. Please, if you attend, take video and send the highlights to us at the e mail above. This should be good.

Murphy’s Iris Pub welcomes Liz Brown and True Grit tonight, Aug. 3, for an 8 p.m. start. Saturday, Aug. 4, it’s a pub favorite, Andrew Freeman, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Aug 5, it’s an early show with Out of the Blue, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Ledson Lounge has music tonight, Aug. 3, from William Russell on solo-acoustic guitar, for a 6 p.m. start time.

The Plaza Bistro has jazz tonight, Aug. 3, with the Jeff Massanari Trio, kicking off at 7 p.m. With Massanari tonight will be Tim Campbell on organ and Marshall Gentry on drums. Saturday, Aug. 4, it’s the Real Jazz Quartet, a group that contains local jazz musicians and will feature Max Bonick on piano, Colin McCuen on bass, Miles Tune on drums and Alex Garcia on saxophone, flute and clarinet. That show also kicks off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover either night.

It’s artist reception night at the Sunflower Caffe tonight, Aug. 3, and acoustic music will be provided by Sue Albano and Mark Dennis. The featured artist is Mila Chaname and the event kicks off at 5 p.m.

The Moose Lodge has Showcase the Band on Sunday, Aug. 5, for an early evening of dancing that kicks off at 5 p.m. If you liked dancing at the Little Switzerland before its demise, these Sunday night shows are for you.

The Blue Moon Saloon has karaoke on Saturday, Aug. 4, starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, the Sunday night blues jam continues, kicking off at 10 p.m.

The Hellhounds are on the road this weekend to Napa, with a show tonight, Aug. 3, at Uva Trattoria, kicking off at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, the bluesmen are at Cuvee, for a 9:30 p.m. show.

Jaydub and Dino have achieved a status achieved by only a few, and that is to be able to play in the produce aisle in a grocery store, and this time it’s on Saturday, Aug. 4, at Oliver’s Market in Cotati.

Local Glen Ellen musician Chris Votek will be in Santa Rosa with his band, Tes Elations, at the Arlene Francis Center on Saturday, Aug. 4, for an 8 p.m. show.

Showcase the Band will be in Santa Rosa at the Odd Fellows Hall on Saturday, Aug. 4, as part of the ICF fundraiser, that kicks off at 8 p.m. For tickets and more info, call 535-0292.

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

Martina Mc Bride – Tuesday, Aug. 7
Third Eye Blind – Wednesday, Aug. 8
Miranda Cosgrove – Thursday, Aug. 9
Sonoma County Fair – Santa Rosa
www.sonomacountyfair.com

Blame Sally – Friday, Aug. 3
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

Ottmar Liebert – Friday – Saturday, Aug. 3 – 4
Yoshi’s – San Francisco
415-655-5600

The English Beat – Saturday, Aug. 4
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365

New Riders of the Purple Sage – Wednesday, Aug. 8
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

Soul Asylum – Friday, Aug. 3
The Independent – San Francisco
415-771-1421

David Grisman Bluegrass Experience – Saturday, Aug. 4
The Independent – San Francisco
415-771-1421

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.

Sonoma Valley Chorale does Puccini

The Sonoma Valley Chorale is back in action, under the direction of David Irvine, with two shows this weekend at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building, kicking off tonight, May 11, at 7:30 p.m. and then again Saturday, May 12, for a matinee show that starts at 2 p.m. The group will be accompanied by a full orchestra and local tenor Diego Garcia. The group will be performing Pucini’s “Messa di Gloria.” Tickets for the shows can be purchased at Pharmaca or at the door, if available. For more info, call 935-1576.

Internationally acclaimed pianist Anastasia Dedik will make her solo debut in Sonoma on Sunday, May 13, when she performs at the Vintage House senior center, for a 3 p.m. show. Dedik is Founder and Artistic Director of the “Russian Heritage” Piano Competition for young pianists in St. Petersburg and will perform a striking and challenging program that includes pieces from Beethoven, Chopin and more. The show is being presented by the Sonoma Classical Music Society and tickets can be purchased at Readers Books or at the door the day of the show.

There’s a rock and roll show this weekend on Saturday, May 12, at the El Verano Inn with three bands, headlined by locals Josh and Nelson Kraft, supported by Motogruv and opening the night will be Crash Landing. Showtime is 9 p.m. and there is no cover.

The Maysonnave House has a benefit for little Sierra Luby tonight, May 11, at 6 p.m. Sierra has been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and to make complications worse, she also has downs syndrome. Some of the contributors to the event are the Red Grape, the Depot Hotel, the Hot Box Grill and more. Chris Hanlin will be providing the music. For tickets and more info, call 935-7960.

There is another benefit for Austin Ridge, the young man that was attacked in Boyes Hot Springs back on April 25, tonight, May 11, at the Blue Moon Saloon with the Roadside Bombs and the Braineaters, a Misfits tribute act. The band is comprised of some of the finest in local punk, with former members of the Randumbs, Arise, Ammo Wagon and Motogruv. Showtime is 9 p.m. and there is no cover, but donations will be accepted all night. Saturday, May 12, the saloon will have karaoke starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, May 13, it’s the blues jam, that will kick off at 10 p.m. There is no cover.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes Dan Martin to the Snug tonight, May 11, for a night of “reggae fusion,” kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 12, the pub welcomes Larry Carlin and Keystone Station for a night of traditional bluegrass, also kicking off at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 13, has an early show for Mothers Day with Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly, that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Carscadden is encouraging everyone to “bring your mom!” There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Ledson Lounge welcomes back Dan Daniels and Nicky DePaola on Saturday, May 12, for a 6:30 p.m. show that brings jazz with a smidge of Motown. There is no cover for the show.

The Sonoma Plaza will be host the Sonoma Napa Grand Fondo on Saturday, May 12, and there is live music scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kicking off the day will be Traffic Jam, followed by Junior Boogie with the Whiskey Thieves wrapping up the day. There is no cover for the event, but food and beverages will be available in the Plaza.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes Chris Amberger tonight, May 11, at 7 p.m. With Amberger tonight will be with Aaron Garner on piano and Brian Kendrick on drums. Saturday, May 12, it’s the Cynthia Tarr Trio, that will feature Randy Vincent on guitar and Cliff Hugo on bass. That show also kicks off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover either night.

HopMonk Tavern Sonoma has Doug Blumer tonight, May 11, for a 5 p.m. show followed by Brian Bergeron at 9 p.m. There is no cover.

Rancho Viejo is bringing back Latin guitarist Carlos Herrera for an encore performance for a special Mothers Day evening show on Sunday, May 13, that will kick off at 5 p.m. The venue has a special Mothers day menu planned as well.

The Cork Pullers will be at Larson Family Winery on Sunday, May 13, for an afternoon of music, kicking off at 11:30 a.m.

Stephanie Ozer is on the road to Piedmont to Piedmont Piano on Saturday, May 12, at 8 p.m.

Adam Traum is in Marin at the Marin Community Music School at 5 p.m.

Sean Carscadden is at Provenance Vineyards in Rutherford, Napa valley, on Saturday, May 12, for a noon show.

The Hellhounds are in Napa on Saturday, May 12, at 8 p.m. for a show at Uva Trattoria.

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

Pride & Joy – Friday, May 11
19 Broadway – Fairfax
415-459-0293

Gator Beat– Saturday, May 12.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Wonderbread 5 – Saturday, May 12.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Johnny Winter – Wednesday, May 16.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

LuvPlanet – Saturday, May 12
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Lindsey Buckingham– Monday, May 14
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Creed – Wednesday, May 16.
The Warfield – San Francisco.
www.thewrarfieldtheater.com

Jamming to benefit the Sebastiani Theatre

The Joe Chaplain Band along with the Cork Pullers are getting together for a musical revue that will cover everything from folk, country and blues and features songs from Neil Young, Chris Isaak, Lucinda Williams and more, all as a benefit for the historic Sebastiani Theatre on Saturday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. Chaplains band will have a few special guests sitting in that night as Sheila Whitney, Monica McKee, Keith Ridenhour and Sean Caffey will all be on stage. The Cork Pullers open the show with their own brand of folk-rock covers. The show is reserved seating, so it’s first come, first served. Tickets can be purchased at the theatre box office.

Sonoma Jazz Camp is back for this summer, and thanks in a big way to the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society. The society is presenting a benefit on Saturday, April 21, at the Sonoma Valley Womans Club that will feature a historic jazz movie, “Great Day in Harlem” followed by a performance by jazz greats, the Roger Glenn Quartet. Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at Readers Books or at the door, if available.

Hawaiian music legend Dennis Kamakahi is in town for his CD release party to be held on Sunday, April 22, at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building. Kamakahi will be accompanied by Stephan Inglis, as the duo has put a CD together about Kalaupapa on the island of Moloka`i, singing songs and stories about the people of the island. Show time is 3 p.m. and for tickets and more info, call 996-0719.

April in Carneros is this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22, and a few of the wineries participating in the event will have live music. Ceja Vineyards will feature Orquesta Borinquen, playing fiery salsa music both days. Meadowcroft Winery will have Adam Traum and Liz Brown on Saturday, April 21, and Ten Foot Tone on Sunday, April 22. Tickets for the event can be purchased at any of the participating wineries and for more info, point your browser to www.carneroswineries.org.

The Granery on Eighth St. E. presents Family Farm Day on Saturday, April 21, with the music of Terry Barboza, as well as animals in attendance, 4H info, haystack mazes and an earth day celebration. Popo the Clown will even paint your face if you need a little color. The event kicks off at 10 a.m.

The El Verano Inn has the classic rock sounds of Captain Crunch on Saturday, April 21, kicking off at 9 p.m. There is no cover for the show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the David Thom Band tonight, April 20, for a night of traditional bluegrass. Thom has been making a lot of noise in the national bluegrass circuit as of late, and it might not be long before we will have to say “we knew him when…” Saturday, April 21, it’s the Perfect Crime. Both shows go off at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 22, it’s E. Z. Kewl for an early show, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Ledson Lounge welcomes back Jess Petty and Ken Chambers on Saturday, April 21, for a night of jazz. Petty plays trumpet and flugelhorn, and sings in a strong jazz vocal style that is his own, and is considered a world-class musician. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. and there is no cover.

The Plaza Bistro also has jazz tonight, April 20, with an appearance by the Anton Schwartz Quartet that kicks off at 7 p.m. Schwartz walked away from a high-powered academic career in Artificial Intelligence to play music full-time. Anton quickly gained an enthusiastic following as fans responded to what the San Francisco Chronicle called his “warm, generous tone, impeccably developed solos and infectious performance energy.” With Schwartz tonight will be Keith Saunders on piano, Mike Bordelon on bass and Alan Uren on drums. There is no cover for the show.

Landmark Winery and Vineyards has Carlos Herreras at the winery in Kenwood on Saturday, April 21, kicking off at 11 a.m. Reservations are required and can be had by calling 833-0221.

The Blue Moon Saloon has Crazy Noisy Karaoke on Saturday, April 21, starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, April 22, the blues jam continues into its fourth year, starting at 10 p.m. There is no cover either night.

Junior Boogie will be in Napa on Saturday, April 21, at Silos Jazz Club, for an 8 p.m. show.

Michael Hinton is on the road to San Francisco on Sunday, April 22, as part of the Earth Day celebration at the Civic Center. Hinton will be a part of the legendary Barry “the Fish” Melton’s band. Their set is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

The Hellhounds will be in Calistoga at the Hydro Bar on Saturday, April 21, for a 9 p.m. show.

WhiteWall will be playing their debut show at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma on Saturday, April 21, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

Showcase the Band will be in Napa tonight, April 20, at the Napa Elks Club as part of the Sons of Italy Dinner Dance. For tickets and more info, call 255-4114. Showtime is 6:30 p.m.

Junior Boogie wins blues harmonica award

Nigel Armstrong, Sonoma’s own internationally acclaimed violinist, returns on Sunday, March 25, for a concert in Andrews Hall at the Sonoma Community Center at 3 p.m. Since making his solo debut with the Baroque Sinfonia in 2002, Armstrong has performed concertos and showpieces with many orchestras in the United States and abroad, including the Boston Pops, the Norwegian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and the Burbank Philharmonic. He received his Bachelors Degree from the Colburn School Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Robert Lipsett, and is currently in the Diploma Program at the Curtis Institute of Music, Philadelphia, where he studies with Arnold Steinhardt and Shmuel Ashkenasi. Nigel began his violin studies here in Sonoma at the age of five with Leta Davis. The performance will include pieces by Beethoven, Paganini, Faure, and Tchaikovsky. Accompanying Armstrong for the show will be Marilyn Thompson. Tickets for the show can be purchased at Pharmaca, Readers Books or at the door.

Local blues harmonica player Junior Boogie has been bestowed quite an award. Boogie has been named the “Bay Area Blues Societies West Coast Hall of Fame Blues Harmonica Player of the year for 2012.” Boogie grew up in Sonoma and watching his buddies parents play, folks like Rick Binkley and Norton Buffalo, were his inspiration. Although Boogie played piano and guitar, he just kept coming back to playing the harmonica. “I like that I can just carry it around in my pocket” said Boogie. Boogie plays Seydel Harmonicas. He is being presented the award this Sunday, March 25, at 6 p.m. at the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame Awards Show that is being held at the Oakland Airport Hilton. Boogie is bringing with him an all-star band of locals to perform with him that night, including Tommy Thomsen, Wendy Dewitt, Codi Binkley, David Aguilar, Raymond Jones, Keith Ridenhour and more. For tickets and more info, point your browser to www.bayareabluessociety.net. Well done Boog!

MusicWorks!/Sonoma will be presenting a sacred concert, Celebrations of New Life!, on Sunday March 25, at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Solano Church, and is inviting the public and the church community to join them on a musical adventure of festive music sparkling with the rhythmic vitality and marvelous harmonic textures of the renaissance, baroque, and classical eras. The 16-voice chamber choir will be accompanied by Christopher Alexander and John Simon. Soloists include Shannon Howlett, Denise Van Eschen-Rich, Dana Frank, and Sean Bush. Admission is free but donations will be gladly accepted.

The Hometown Band is back in action on Sunday, March 25, at 1 p.m. in the historic Sebastiani Theatre for a show they’re calling “Celebrating the Classic Composers.” The group, founded in 1966 by Richard Schneider, presents opportunities for local musicians to develop skills through performing. The current conductor is Justin Enright. The show will be narrated by Butch Engle. There is no cover for the show. For more info about the Hometown Band and how to join, point your browser to www.sonomahometownband.org.

The Sonoma Valley Chorale will be holding its annual presentation and auction fundraiser tonight, March 23, at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building. It’s being billed as “Puccini and Pasta” and will include live and silent auctions as well as a performance by the Chorale. The evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. For tickets and more info, call 935-1576.

Sonoma Hills Retirement Home is welcoming the Fondettes to the building for a vocal performance on Saturday, March 24, for a 1 p.m. show. The public is invited to the event, which is being called “Celebrating a Healthy Sonoma” and is also a fundraiser for the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation.

Local country and folk musician Adam Traum is trying to raise money for his new CD using what’s called a Kickstarter campaign. Kickstarter has been a way for musicians and artists to raise money for creative projects such as films, videos and music. The reward for investors varies from advance copies of the CD to credit on the disc. For more info about Traums project, view his short video at www.reverbnation.com/adamtraum.

Hunter-Germano will be at Sonoma Springs Brewing Company on Saturday, March 24, for a 7 p.m. show. It’s rumored the band is named after their high school gym teacher, but we’ve yet to confirm that. There is no cover for the show.

BackTrax will be doing an acoustic show at the Olde Sonoma Public House on Saturday, March 24. The show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and there is no cover.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the Jami Jamison Band tonight, March 23, for what we believe is their debut performance at the pub. Showtime is 8 p.m. Saturday, March 24, its Larry Carlin’s Mostly Simply Bluegrass Band and that night will feature Dr. Elmo from Wild Blue. That show also starts at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 25, the pub welcomes Amy Wigton and her band, also for a debut show for an early start time at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

Local Diva Sheila Whitney will be performing in the Centre du Vin in the Ledson Hotel on Saturday, March 24. Whitney performs jazz, pop, broadway tunes and classical repertoire, including opera, art songs and sacred music. Whitney is currently a soloist at Trinity Episcopal Church and the Sonoma Valley Chorale. Whitney will be accompanied by Mike Greensill on piano and Chris Amberger on bass. Showtime is 6:30 p.m.

Stephanie Ozer will be at the Sonoma Mission Inn in the lobby on Saturday, March 24, for a 6:30 p.m. performance. Ozer performs a unique mix of Brazilian jazz, standard gems, and “in-between genres.”

The Plaza Bistro welcomes trumpeter Dave Rocha tonight, March 23, for a 7 p.m. show. With Rocha tonight will be Randy Vincent on guitar and Chuck Bennet on bass. Saturday, March 24, the bistro has guitarist Rick Vandivier with Cliff Hugo on bass, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

The El Verano Inn has hip-hop with Z Man and True Justice on Saturday, March 24. Also on the bill will be Distant Relatives. There is no cover for the show that kicks off at 9 p.m.

Don Trotta is back in action and on the road to Mack’s in Penngrove both tonight, March 23, and Saturday, March 24, for shows that kick off at 9 p.m.

Adam Traum is on the road to Sausalito at the Taste of Rome tonight, March 23, for a 7 p.m. show.

Jason Bodlovich is in Santa Rosa tonight, March 23, at A’Roma Roasters for an 8:30 p.m. show.

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

Soulshine Blues Band – Saturday, March 24.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

James Cotton and Elvin Bishop – Friday – Sunday, March 23 – 25.
Yoshi’s – Oakland
510-238-9200

Eric McFadden – Saturday, March 24.
Yoshi’s – San Francisco
415-655-5600

Y & T – Saturday, March 24.
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Foreverland – Friday, March 23.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

David Lindley – Thursday, March 29.
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600