points north Archives - Sonoma Music Scene

Kathmandu Festival returns this weekend

It’s time again for the annual Kathmandu Festival which raises money for many programs in Neapl. Carol Vernal and countless members of the local Nepalese community here in Sonoma Valley have created weekend that celebrates the diverse cultures of Nepal, Tibet and India through traditional Himalayan music and lively dance performances throughout both days. Attendees are invited to stroll through a colorful marketplace to shop for jewelry, clothing, art, antiques and crafts, held at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 15-16, kicking off at 11 a.m. both days. Live music accompanies both days, starting at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, with Rene Jenkins and friends, followed by Michael Davis and friends. Playful Goddesses take the stage at 2:15 and then it’s time for local Sukhawat Ali Khan at 2:30 p.m. Shyanti Saha and Tsering Wangmo wrap up the day. If you miss Saturday, have no fear, as Sunday, Sept. 16, kicks off at 12:30 p.m. with Christine Boyd followed by Peter VanGuilder and friends. The Bhutanese Dancers take the stage at 2 p.m. followed by the Shruti Rekha singers. The day wraps up with Sharnawi KC and Eliza Paneru and Meera and Troupe. Tickets for the event will be available at the door. More info about the weekend and the cause can be found at www.childrensmedicalaid.org.

It’s a bluegrass extravaganza at the Moose Lodge tonight, Sept. 14, and it’s a free show. Some of the top bluegrass acts in Northern California will be at the show. Headlining, back from touring the United States this summer, will be the Knock on Wood Players, followed by locals the David Thom Band and opening the show will be Windy Hill. Dinner will be available and the bar will be open for Moose drinks.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents blues from the Hellhounds tonight, Sept. 14, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, it’s Vanessa Schillings Trio, also kicking off at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, there is no music, as it’s time for Jack Benny Radio Show Dinner Theater. There is no cover for the music, but for more info on the theater show, call 815-6159.

The El Verano Inn is quickly becoming a weekly music venue, with two shows this weekend. The first show, Saturday, Sept. 15, features the Mountain Squirrel, laying down a little classic rock and country starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, it’s the afternoon blues kicking off at 5 p.m. with 3 on a Match, featuring Smokin’ Joe Herrschaft. The act is primarily a duo, comprised of Herrschaft on vocals and Paul “Steelhead” Christopulous on slide guitar. Together since 2006, the band covers many genres and artists, as well as laying down some original songs. There is no cover for either show.

Sheila Whitney and John Burke will be starring in a special show on Sunday, Sept. 16, starting at 1 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church. The duo will be performing secular and sacred music titled “Celebratory Songs of Praise” and will contribute to the day-long celebration at to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its building at 275 East Spain Street. Whitney is the soprano soloist at the church and Burke is the organist, pianist, composer and music director. They will be bringing you an array of songs with the theme of praise, from composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Andrew Lloyd Webber, locals Bertil E. Anderson, John Burke and more. The event is free, but donations will be accepted.

Wildwood Farm in Kenwood is presenting a garden party and plant sale on Sunday, Sept. 16, and to get you in the mood, the good doctor, Dr. Joel Rudinow, has put together an afternoon of New Orleans piano, blues, boogie-woogie, and rock and roll. The afternoon kicks off at 1 p.m. and for more info, call 833-1161.

It’s time for another barn dance at the Sonoma Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs on Saturday, Sept. 15, now with a brand new air conditioner unit to keep everyone cool. The evening kicks off at 8 p.m. and caller Mavis McGaugh will teach circle mixers and reels, starting easy and leading beginners to intermediate steps, accompanied by the bluegrass melodies of the Santa Barbara Mountain Boys. A donation is requested at the door, but dancers under 26 years of age are free.

The Sonoma Springs Brewery welcomes Tom Martin tonight, Sept. 14, for a 7 p.m. show. According to Martin, he will be playing “…solo acoustic, one man, one guitar, no net.” There is no cover for the show.

The Ledson Hotel welcomes back to the lounge Jess Petty on Saturday, Sept. 15, for a 6 p.m. show. There is no cover.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the John Kalleen Group tonight, Sept 14, kicking off at 7 p.m. The band is a quintet in the classic style; trumpet, sax, piano, bass and drums, offering fresh compositions, echoing the admired hard bop and post-bop eras of the ‘50s and ‘60s, but infused with a modern, dynamic spark. Saturday, Sept. 15, it’s the Jeff Massanari Duo, with Ken Campbell on keyboards. Massanari regularly plays with the Johnny Nocturne Band, the Murasaki Ensemble, Swing Fever and other musicians in the jazz, blues, and world music genres.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards welcomes the Rett Hamer Band tonight, Sept. 14, for an evening of blues, kicking off at 6 p.m.

The Swiss Hotel has the Jami Jamison Band in the back patio on Sunday, Sept. 16, for an afternoon show kicking off at 3 p.m. There is no cover and a special appetizer menu will be available. If you can’t check them out Sunday, the band will be at Papa’s Taverna the night before, Saturday, Sept. 15, for a 7 p.m. show.

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Divine Proportion tonight, Sept 14, at 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, the moon welcomes back karaoke, kicking off at 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, the blues jam continues, starting at 10 p.m. There is no cover any for of the nights.

Points North will be doing a free show on Sunday, Sept. 16, at 19 Broadway in Fairfax, kicking off at 9 p.m.

Adam Traum will be at Cuvee in Napa tonight, Sept. 14, for a 9 p.m. show.

Showcase the Band will be in St. Helena on Sunday, Sept. 16, for a Mexican Independence day celebration at Lyman Park, starting at noon.

The Whiskey Thieves will be at the “Woofstock Adoptathon” on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Marin Humane Society in Novato, for a 2 p.m. show.

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

Crosby Stills & Nash – Wednesday – Thursday, Sept 19-20
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Pat Metheny – Tuesday, Sept 18
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

Pride and Joy – Friday, Sept. 14
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365

Wonderbread 5 – Friday, Sept. 14
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Tommy Castro and the Pain Killers – Sunday, Sept. 16
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Super Diamond – Neil Diamond Tribute – Saturday, Sept. 15
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

Moonalice – Friday – Sunday, Sept. 16
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

Brothers Comatose – Friday, Sept. 14
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Zepparella – Saturday, Sept. 15
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Dave Matthews Tribute – Sunday, Sept. 16
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Points North celebrates their CD release

He’s been here long enough to call him local, although the genre of music he plays doesn’t lend itself to many Sonoma Valley venues. Guitarist Eric Barnett arrived on the scene in 2004 after a fairly successful career as a working studio musician from the East Coast. Moving the family west, he thought he’d settle down into a different lifestyle, but like he said in a radio interview from 2006, “it never really goes away.” He saw an ad on Craigslist for an instrumental guitarist for jams and maybe more, so he answered the ad. For the next couple years, the trio jammed semi-regularly and then it turned into gigs, demos, and even appearances. Barnett was one of the finalists in Guitar Player magazines “Guitar Superstar” competition, where he was able to rub elbows with the likes of Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. One thing led to another, with gigs around the North Bay with local metal acts. The quality of the music was not going unnoticed, and as an instrumental act, the band started to stand out. The deciding moment came recently when the band was signed to a record deal with Magna Carta Records, home of such artists as Steve Stevens and Steve Morse. The band, which includes Kevin Aiello on drums and Uriah Duffy on bass, whose credentials include Whitesnake and Christina Aguilar, will be having a CD release show tonight, March 9, at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. “The title, “Road Less Traveled,” felt like a description to us,” said Barnett. “In this day and age of pop music, being in an instrumental band is, in itself, a statement.” Tickets will be available at the door for the 8 p.m. show, where the band will also be shooting a video. For more about the band, point your browser to www.pointsnorthband.com.

We were lucky enough to get invited to a singer-songwriter showcase this week at the home of the Music Nomad, Rand Rognlien, where he and Jeff Bundschu had six Indie rock and local acts playing a couple of tunes each. Local Sarah Summers was one of the acts, and my friends, you need to see this young woman perform before she runs off to college. Telling original stories far beyond her years on this earth mixed with excellent finger-picking guitar, if she wasn’t going to college, she’d be ready for a record deal. The evening was topped off by an amazing performance from Kelly McFarland, who with only a banjo and her voice had the small crowd mesmerized. Judging from her comments about Sonoma, she’ll be back soon. Music Nomad provides free online resources for all independent musicians on their website at www.musicnomad.com.

The Joe Chaplain Band presents “Way Out West” at the Sonoma Community Center on Saturday, March 10, kicking off at 7 p.m. In addition to his regular band, the night will feature local Diva Sheila Whitney and Monica McKey. For tickets and more info, call 938-4626.

Ramekins Event Center welcomes Manual Barrueco for one night only on Saturday, March 10, for a 7 p.m. show. The evening also includes a meet and greet with the artist after the show. Barrueco typically performs at such venues as New York’s Lincoln Center, the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and internationally at the Palau de la Musica in Barcelona, so this is a unique opportunity to see an intimate performance. For tickets and more info, call 933-0450.

Adam Traum will be at HopMonk Sonoma on Saturday, March 10, for a 9 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Dinner Theater with a presentation of Moll tonight, March 9, presented by Kate Kennedy. The show includes dinner, which starts at 5:30 p.m. For tickets and more info, contact the pub at 935-0660. Saturday, March 10, the pub has Dan Martin for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, March 11, it’s Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly for an early show, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

Sonoma Springs Brewery welcomes the all-original music of Calvin Ross on Saturday, March 10, for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover.

The Plaza Bistro has John Stowell and Mike Zilber tonight, March 9, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, March 10, it’s the Jazz Komradz for one night only, also for a 7 p.m. show. The band features Graham Bruce on trumpet and flugelhorn, Tim Campbell on keyboards, Andy Dillard on drums and percussion and Bryan Girard on alto and tenor saxophones. Four long-time friends and instrumentalists comprise a formidable array of compositional and improvisational talent. There is no cover for any of the shows at the bistro.

The Whiskey Thieves will be at Quincy’s Pub in Rohnert Park tonight, March 9, for a 9 p.m. show.

The Jason Bodlovich Group will be at the Lagunitas Tap Room today, March 9, at 4:20 p.m.

The Jami Jamison Band is at Papas Taverna in Petaluma on Saturday, March 10, for a 7 p.m. show.

The Hellhounds will be in Petaluma at the First Edition Saturday, March 10, for a 9:30 p.m. show.

Mad and Eddie Duran are at the historic Cliff House in San Francisco tonight, March 9, for a 7 p.m. show.

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

Jackie Greene – Friday -Saturday, March 9 – 10.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Frobeck- Saturday, March 10.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Dumpstaphunk – Sunday, March 11.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

Foreverland – Friday, March 9.
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365

John Lee Hooker Jr. – Friday, March 9.
Biscuits & Blues – San Francisco
415-292-2583

Harvey Mandel – Saturday, March 10.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Petty Theft- Friday, March 9.
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

Pegi Young – Tuesday, March 13.
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

Holiday music aplenty this weekend

The Sonoma Hometown Band will be in action two times this weekend for this years “Christmas Concert.” Tonight, Dec. 16, for the first time, the band will be at the Sonoma Community Center for a 7 p.m. show. Sunday, Dec. 18, the band will be at its traditional venue, the Sebastiani Theatre for a 1 p.m. show. Both concerts are free and open to the public, although donations will be accepted.

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church will be performing their 18th annual “Christmas Concert for La Luz” on Sunday, Dec. 18. The show has become an important part of the mission effort at St. Andrew and helping La Luz each year has become a tradition. The music will consist of familiar carols sung by the choir and played by the hand-bell choir. The concert is free, but the church will take an offering and 100 percent of the money collected will go directly to La Luz. The first show is at 2 p.m. and the second will start at 7 p.m. St Andrew Presbyterian Church is at 16290 Arnold Dr.

There will be caroling around the Plaza tonight, Dec. 16, led by Cynthia Tarr. Interested participants should meet at the Sonoma Community Center at 7 p.m. to assemble and walk to the Plaza, where the group will serenade the Plaza Merchants. No caroling experience is necessary.

Local guitarist Eric Barnett got some excellent news this week, on his birthday no less, when he learned that his band, Points North, was signed to a record deal by Magna Carta records. The label is currently home to acts such as Steve Morse, Steve Stevens and former members of Dream Theater, so the label seems a perfect fit for the bands instrumental hard rock sound. Barnett was a session guitar player in New York and moved to Sonoma without a real music agenda. A chance ad for a couple guys to jam with on Craig’s List ad ended up being so fruitful that the band was born. The official announcements will be out soon, but look for a new album, video and maybe even a tour in 2012. Congrats Eric! The band will be sharing the stage tonight, Dec. 16, in San Juan Capistrano at the Coach House with rock guitar legend Gary Hoey for a 6 p.m. show.

Another local Sonoma musician, although currently re-located to Santa Barbara, is also making some noise in the industry. Scott Foreman, a Sonoma Valley native, lives on a lemon farm there, with all seven of the bandmates in the band Sprout, while he finishes up his degree at the University of California Santa Barbara. The band has been together since 2009, and has shared the stage with members of the Wallflowers, the Foo Fighters and even the daughter of the legendary Jerry Garcia, Annabelle Garcia, has given the band props. They recently played a show on the campus with thousands of students in attendance. They have just released their first album, and you can check it out at www.sprouttheband.bandcamp.com.

Now, back to the local stuff. The Sunday Songwriter Sessions continues on Sunday, Dec. 18, at Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen with Chris Hanlin and Hilary Wicht joining John Burdick for an afternoon of singer-songwriter enjoyment. The doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 5 p.m.

HopMonk Tavern Sonoma welcomes the Courtney Janes to the inside stage tonight, Dec. 16, at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, brings the reggae inspired sounds of Dan Martin to the Tavern, also for a 9 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Midnight Sun Massive in the Snug at 8 p.m. tonight, Dec. 16. Saturday, the pub has the Perfect Crime, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Dec. 18, it’s Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly for an early show, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

The Kathmandu Corner has no music tonight, Dec. 16, due to a private function. Saturday, Dec. 17, the venue welcomes JMB and the Big ‘O’ to the stage. The duo is usually in BackTrax and has been doing acoustic classic rock as of late. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

The Barking Dog Roasters in Boyes Hot Springs welcomes Dale Henry Geist and the Strays, featuring Adam Traum tonight, Dec. 16, for a 5 p.m. show.

It’s barn dance time again at the Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs on Saturday, Dec. 17. Barn dance is similar to square or contra dancing, with the “caller” announcing all the steps of the dance as they come along. This dance will have Mike Fynan calling the steps, with Plaid Menagerie providing music. The dance kicks off at 8 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro has jazz tonight, Dec. 16, from saxophonist Mike Zilber and his trio, kicking off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, brings in the John Kalleen Group, also for a 7 p.m. show.

The Ledson Hotel welcomes back Jess Petty and Ken Chambers on Saturday, Dec. 17, for a 6:30 p.m. show.

El Verano Inn has a benefit show put on by Robert Roots and Ire Sounds International on Saturday, Dec. 17, that features DJ music and many special guests. The show kicks off at 9 p.m.

The Blue Moon Saloon has Karaoke on Saturday, Dec. 17, kicking off at 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, the weekly blues jam continues at 10 p.m.

Tudo Bem will be in Petaluma tonight, Dec. 16, at Graffitis, for an 8 p.m. show.

Stephanie Ozer will be at the Hotel Healdsburg on Saturday, Dec. 17, for a 7:30 show. Joining her on bass will be Cliff Hugo.

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

Norrisman – Friday, Dec. 16.
19 Broadway – Fairfax
415-459-0293

Flanelhed/ Fantasia – Friday, Dec. 16.
Peri’s – Fairfax
415-459-9910

Sol Horizon – Friday, Dec. 16.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Tony Bennett – Friday, Dec. 16.
Wells Fargo Center – Santa Rosa
546-3600

Narada Walden Holiday Benefit Concert – Saturday, Dec. 17.
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600

Happy Birthday Frank Sinatra – Jonathan Poretz – Sunday, Dec. 18.
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600

Thelma Houston at the Black Cat Cabaret

Yep, you read it correctly, Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and actress Thelma Houston will be performing at this years benefit for Pets Lifeline, the Black Cat Cabaret, to be held tonight, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Field of Dreams. Houston is no stranger to performance, touring for over 43 years and still doing over 200 shows a year. The musical director for this years “Cirque-like” performance is Robin Finck, who toured for years as guitar player for Guns and Roses and Nine Inch Nails and was a member of Cirque Du Soleil in 1996. The cast this year is also very musical, with Gabriel Harris on African drums, Ross Gualco on keyboards, Gabe Noel on bass, Zack Harmon on drums and Holiday Childress on vocals and guitar. There will be three shows, two are evening gala events to be held at 7 p.m. both days, and a special childrens show on Saturday, Sept 17, at 1 p.m. For more info, call 996-4475.

The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art opens a new music-related exhibit on Saturday, Sept. 17, titled “Sonido Pirata.” Sonido Pirata is an exhibition exploring sound, memory, and cultural history. Based on the phenomenon of pirated music and its methods of distribution as forms of cultural resistance, the artists in the exhibition make use of appropriated sounds and images.

Sonido Pirata refers to “knock-offs” in the same way that black-market luxury goods, such as Gucci and Prada handbags, are counterfeited in the fashion industry. Sonido Pirata can be thought of as pirating out of necessity, in order to allow direct access for consumers to acquire “name brands” at a reasonable price. The access is also a reference to music culture, such as in Latin America, where aspiring bands and musicians do not consider themselves to have “made it” until their music is pirated and sold by street vendors on the black market. The exhibit runs until Jan. 1, 2012. For more info, point your browser to www.svma.org.

The Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs will have the third in a series of community barn dances on Saturday, Sept. 17, kicking off at 8 p.m. and will feature Heartstrings, with Debra Tayleur on keyboard and two fiddles, playing Irish and bluegrass songs. The type of dancing is called “Contra” and has similar moves to square dancing but claims to be even easier. Stuart Moody teaches every dance before the music starts and then continues calling while the band plays. No experience or partner is necessary. Cool clothing and comfortable shoes are suggested. For more info, call 939-9999.

The Kathmandu Corner has the debut of JMB and the Big O tonight, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. Both are members of BackTrax and will be playing as an acoustic duo for the first time. Saturday, Sept. 17, the corner has Marty O’Reilly, also for an 8 p.m. show. Monday, Sept. 19, the corner welcomes Kathryn DelChairo and Jon Williams for a night of songs and theater at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Two Rock Ramblers in the snug at 8 p.m. tonight, Sept. 16. Saturday, Sept. 17, the Perfect Crime returns for a night of folk, blues and ballads. Shows both nights start at 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, is a special day at the pub, when the latest CD from Norton Buffalo and friends will be released, and many from his old band will perform. Buffalo passed away in 2009, but there is a lot of unreleased material stashed away. Many of his friends will be on hand for the debut. Showtime is 4 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Chris Amberger Trio tonight, Sept 16, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Sept. 17, the bistro has the Amanda King Duo, also for a 7 p.m. shoe. There is no cover either night.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards welcomes 5 A.M. back to the tasting room tonight Sept. 16, for a 6:30 p.m. start.

The Swiss Hotel welcomes the Jami Jamison Band in for an early evening show on Sunday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. on the back patio. There is no cover.

Sean Carscadden and his trio will be at Steiners Tavern tonight, Sept. 16, for a 10 p.m. show.

The lounge in the Carneros Bistro has a special show tonight, Sept. 16, when Jenny O makes an appearance for one-night only as part of their “Rlife LIVE” program. RLife LIVE showcases an eclectic fleet of emerging artists at various Renaissance Hotels throughout the world. Tonights show kicks off at 8 p.m.

Noche Tropical will be playing the celebration of Mexican Independence Day on Sunday, Sept. 18, behind City Hall. The show features Aztec dancers as well. The event starts at 2 p.m., with the band taking the stage at 6 p.m.

El Verano Inn welcomes back the Maldonado Brothers on Saturday, Sept. 17, for a show that goes off at 9 p.m. The Brothers have new material that will debut, and are looking forward to “delivering high energy jams and getting the crowd on their feet and dancing.” The band is comprised of several Sonoma Valley musicians, including Ralph Cetola Maldonado, Jeff Hunter Maldonado, Hugo Knef Maldonado and Randy Cook Maldonado. There is no cover.

Centre du vin in the Ledson Lounge has Amber Gougis on Saturday, Sept. 17, for a 7 p.m. show. Gougis combines down-home blues with French chanson to deliver a seductive and soulful performance. There is no cover for the show.

Landmark Winery and Vineyards welcomes Chi McClean to the patio of the tasting room on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 1 p.m. Many may remember McClean form his backstage performances at this years Sonoma International Film Festival.

The Studebaker Cheesecake Cafe, which replaced Fiorini on Napa St. has an open-mic Monday, Sept. 19, at 7:30 p.m. “Corner of the Sky,” The evening is modeled after the old Center of the Universe Cafe, previously held at the Sonoma Community Center. The evening will encourage spoken word as well as music performances. To reserve a spot or for more info, call Stephan at 503-564-4184.

Many locals are out of town this weekend, starting tonight, Sept. 16, when Stephanie Ozer heads to Healdsburg at the Healdsburg Hotel for a 7 p.m. show.

Showcase the Band will be in St. Helena in the St. Helena Plaza tonight, Sept. 16, for a 5 p.m. show.

The Jon Popenoe Blues Band is in Napa at Uva Trattoria tonight, Sept. 16, for an 8 p.m. start.

Crossfire will be at the Flamingo Lounge in Santa Rosa tonight, Sept. 16, for a 9 p.m. show.

The Hellhounds will be at Cuvee in Napa tonight, Sept. 16, for a 9:30 p.m. show. Tuesday, Sept. 20, the local bluesmen will be featured in a film documentary titled “Roots of Music Americana.” The documentary is part of the Luna Fest Film Festival in Santa Rosa. The film will air immediately after a performance by the band. For tickets and more info, point your browser to www.lunafest.org. Showtime is 6 p.m.

Mad and Eddie Duran will be in San Francisco at Rose Pistolas on Saturday, Sept. 17, kicking off at 7 p.m.

Tommy Thomsen has been invited to sit in on a birthday tribute to Hank Williams to be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Club Deluxe in San Francisco. Thomsen and others will be backed by the New Drifting Cowboys.

Adam Traum will be playing a weather-permitting show in Stinson Beach at the Sand Dollar on Sunday, Sept. 18, kicking off at noon.

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

The Jamie Clark Band – Saturday, Sept. 17.
Peri’s – Fairfax
415-459-9910

Stompy Jones – Saturday, Sept. 17.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

The Ford Brothers – Friday, Sept. 16.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Herbie Hancock – Sunday, Sept. 18.
Wells Fargo Center – Santa Rosa
546-3600

Joan Osborne – Saturday, Sept. 17.
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Joan Osborne – Friday, Sept. 16.
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

Lee Ritenhour – Saturday, Sept. 17.
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

Big music weekend in Sonoma Valley

If you’re a fan of live music, local or big names, this is your weekend. The amount of musical options this weekend is off the chart, so let’s lay it out here. For the big names, that starts tonight, May 20, with the former front-man of Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty headlining the kick off night of Sonoma Jazz Plus at the Field of Dreams. Opening the night on the big stage will be the Tedeschi-Trucks band, featuring Susan Tedeschi with Derek Trucks and on the outside stage, will be the popular Marin County act, Vinyl. The award-winning Sonoma Valley High School Jazz Choir will also be performing on a side stage as guests enter the festival pavillion, when gates open at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 21, brings Sheryl Crow to the big stage, with Hiromi the Trio Project, as the opening act. The Pimps of Joytime will be performing on the outside stage, and arriving guests will be serenaded once again by the Sonoma Valley High School Jazz Choir. Doors that night are also 5 p.m. Sunday, May 22, has an early start time, with doors opening at 3 p.m. for the Gipsy Kings. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will be opening and closing the show with sets at 3 and 6 p.m. Tickets are still available for all shows, by pointing your browser to www.sonomajazz.org.

Murphy’s Irish Pub is also in on the festivities, as part of the “Wine & Song” series, with over 17 hours of live local acts over the course of the weekend, and also as a fundraiser for the Sonoma Community Center. Saturday, May 21, kicks off at 1 p.m. with the Phil Herrschaft Band, followed by Arann Harris and the Farm Band at 3 p.m. The evening gets started at 5:30 p.m. with the Willie Adams Soul Revue and the night wraps up with the Sean Carscadden Trio at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 22, the music kicks off again at 1 p.m. with Tudo Bem, followed by the Jami Jamison Band. The Whiskey Thieves kick the evening off at 5 p.m. and the Brothers Comatose wrap it up at 7 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub, but donations for the Sonoma Community Center will be accepted.

The “Wine & Song” series portion of Jazz Plus will be held in venues around Sonoma Plaza on Saturday, May 21 – Sunday, May 22. The bands will vary each day, playing two sets, starting at 1 p.m. and kicking off Saturday, May 21, with the Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Group at the Plaza Bistro. Roessler Cellars will host the Rick Vandiver Quintet. Hopmonk Tavern Sonoma has the Evans Francis Group. Sonoma Meritage Martini and Oyster Bar will host Times 4. The Delta Wires will be at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. Roche Winery will present Santos Perdidos. The Swiss Hotel will have Horace-Scope. The Jazz + In-Schools Student Band and Burning Broadway will be at Union Bank at 500 Broadway. And that’s just Saturday. Sunday, May 22, has an earlier start time for the venues, at 11 a.m. to accommodate the early stage call of the Gipsy Kings on the big stage. Rue Manouche will be at Roessler Cellars. Sonoma Meritage Martini and Oyster Bar has the Fog City Stompers. Mo’ Fone will be at Roche Winery. The Swiss Hotel will have Du Gris. Tickets to the Wine & Song series are separate from the tickets to the big shows, and to purchase and for more info, point your browser to www.sonomajazz.org.

The Plaza Bistro, in conjunction with the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society has expanded their weekly event to two nights, starting tonight, May 20, with vocalist Frank Jackson, along with Larry Vuckovich and Al Obidinski. Saturday, May 21, welcomes Bryan Girard on alto and tenor saxophone, Tim Campbell on keyboard and Greg German on drums and percussion. Shows both nights start at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has music tonight, May 20, from Penny Royal, whose music leans in the direction of circus-noir gone gypsy. Showtime is 8 p.m.

Steiners Tavern has the Whiskey Thieves tonight, May 20, at 10 p.m. where they will be having a CD release party. Saturday, May 21, has the sounds of DJ Dave, for a 10 p.m. start. There is no cover for the show.

Olde Sonoma Public House in Boyes Hot Springs welcomes the Maldonado Brothers tonight, May 20. The brothers will debut several new originals. The band is evolving into a bit of a jam band that focuses on allowing their songs to breathe and develop as each member contributes their own stylistic renderings to the songs, including an increasing repertoire of original music spanning several genres. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and there is no cover.

Katmandu Corner, in the back of the Taste of the Himalayas, has the sounds of Dawn Angelosante and Joe Pennell tonight, May 20, for a 7:30 p.m. show. If you miss the duo tonight, you can catch them at Hopmonk Tavern Sonoma on Saturday, May 21, for a 5 p.m. show.

The Barking Dog in Boyes Hot Springs welcomes back the Joe Chaplain Band for an early evening show that will kick off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 21.

Landmark Winery and Vineyards welcomes Laurent Fourgo to the patio on Saturday, May 21, for a 1 p.m. show.

Many local acts are out on the road this weekend, starting with Adam Traum who will be at the Wipeout Grill in Greenbrae tonight, May 20, for a 6 p.m. show.

Ten Foot Tone will be appearing at the Tradewinds in Cotati tonight, May 20, for a 9:30 p.m. show.

The Tonewoods will be at Aqus Cafe in Petaluma tonight, May 20, for a 7 p.m. show.

The Hellhounds will be at Uva Trattoria in Napa tonight, May 20, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, May 21, has the Hellhounds in Calistoga at the Hydro Bar, for a 9:30 p.m. show.

The Jon Popenoe Blues Band will be at Uva Trattoria in Napa Saturday, May 21, for an 8 p.m. show.