sarah summers Archives - Sonoma Music Scene

Transcendence Theatre says goodbye with a grand finale

Since early July of this year, the Transcendence Theatre Company has been putting on a series of shows in the Jack London State Historical Park as a benefit for the park itself, to sell-out crowds and delighted attendees. The group has brought little bits of Broadway right here to Sonoma Valley with performers from actual Broadway and television shows and national touring companies in a number of themed shows under the stars. That all comes to an end this Saturday, Sept. 1, when the group presents a grand finale; a sort of greatest hits from all the previous shows. The gates open at 5 p.m. and families are welcome to bring a picnic basket and can even reserve a table by calling 877-424-1414. The main event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available online at www.transcendencetheatre.org.

The Grist Mill Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen is giving live music another chance with the first of weekly live music nights Saturday, Sept.1, at the newly re-opened venue with a new menu and a whole new vibe. Kicking off the series will be local favorites the WildKats, which feature Nazar Eljumaily, Doug DelFava and Tom Peterian. Showtime is 9 p.m. and there is no cover.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards presents BackTrax in the tasting room tonight, Aug. 31, kicking off sharp at 6 p.m. It is also a food truck Friday event, with gourmet food trucks in the parking lot. There is no cover for the event, and tables are first-come, first-served.

Sometimes in this business of writing events, you get a press release that really shouldn’t be edited or changed, so here you go. “The Whiskey Thieves are hosting a first ever “Tips for the Tab” benefit Friday, Aug. 31, at Steiners Tavern, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. They are playing that night to clear their long standing bar tab. There is no cover charge, but the band will be accepting tips to help wipe out their tab. Pay for a drink they already drank! Prizes will be awarded for the largest donations.” See you at Steiners.

Robledo Winery was the scene on Saturday, Aug. 25, of a surprise performance by Nuestra Leyenda as part of the Amistad Awards ceremony.

Sarah Summers presents a going away concert on Monday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. in Andrews Hall as she prepares to go off to college. Her performance will benefit the renovation of Andrews Hall, for which funds are currently being raised. According to Summers, “…I performed once before at Andrew’s Hall and loved the more formal setting, a great change from the bars and restaurants I normally perform in. I hope that my contribution to Andrews Hall will allow me to perform there again someday when I return to Sonoma…” Tickets will be available at the door or beforehand at the Sonoma Community Center box office.

HopMonk Tavern Sonoma welcomes Glenn Carter to the outside stage on Sunday, Sept. 2, for a 1 p.m. show.

The Plaza Bistro has jazz again this weekend starting tonight, Aug. 31, with the Dan Zemelman Trio, featuring Mike Bordelon on bass and Jeff Marrs on drums. Zemelman contributed to John Lee Hooker’s last studio album, “Face to Face” and toured South America with Hookers daughter Zakiya’s band. Zemelman currently plays regularly with bassist-composer Marcus Shelby, as well as his own quartet. Saturday, Sept. 1, brings in Bryan Girard on saxophone with Tim Campbell on keyboards. Born and raised in San Francisco, Girard majored in music at San Francisco State University and has performed in and around the Bay Area for over three decades. Shows both nights kick off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Larry Carlin and Mostly Simply Bluegrass tonight Aug. 31, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Sept. 1, it’s the popular Andrew Freeman, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Sept. 2, it’s an early show with the Paper Dolls, featuring Uni and her Ukelele. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Ledson Hotel welcomes Dan Daniels and Nicky DePaola on Saturday, Sept. 1, for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover.

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Selecta Green B as part of a blue moon celebration tonight, Aug. 31, kicking off at 10 p.m.

Showcase the Band will be in Rio Nido at the picnic grounds on Sunday, Sept. 2, for a barbecue starting at 5 p.m.

The Tonewoods will be at A’Roma Roasters in Santa Rosa on Saturday, Sept. 1, for an 8:30 p.m. show.

Traffic Jam will be at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma tonight, Aug. 31, for an 8 p.m. show.

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

Old 97’s – Sunday, Sept. 2
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

James Cotton – Friday, Aug. 31
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

Bella Fleck – Tuesday, Sept. 4
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

John Hiatt – Sunday, Sept. 2
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Tony Saunders – Friday, Aug. 31
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Charlie Musselwhite – Sunday, Sept. 2
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

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

Blues and Horseshoes for Cody at the Moose Lodge

It’s that time of year, for the fourth annual horseshoe tournament, barbecue and music festival all to benefit Cody Cordellos, a young man here in Sonoma that suffers from Epidermolysis Bullosa, also known as EB. EB is a genetically inherited skin disease that makes the skin so fragile, that even a casual touch can cause severe blistering or worse. The money raised from the day will go to help Cordellos with living and hospital expenses. The event kicks off Saturday, Feb. 18, at noon and the live music goes on all day with Mike Barnes and Bario Disco, Uncle Jessie and the Porch Junkies, the Scallywaggs, Phil Herrschaft and friends, JoyRide followed by the Whiskey Thieves. The event is family friendly and food and drinks will be available all day.

Meadowcroft Winery and tasting room in Carneros will have their annual Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday, Feb. 18, starting at noon. The party will have music by San Francisco-based St. Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band, a ten-piece band back for a second year, who is billed as the only authentic jazz, funeral, Mardi Gras, strolling, marching band west of New Orleans. Members of the band will lead a Second Line parade around the Cornerstone shops and gardens, returning to the Pavilion directly behind the tasting room where the Krewe of Meadowcroft party will continue. Also returning will be the Dancing Cajuns from Eunice, Louisiana. The food this year will feature authentic red beans and rice, French bread, salad, and King cake. Additionally, the pièce de résistance will be a whole smoked pig. “We set the bar pretty high for ourselves with our inaugural Mardi gras last year,” said Tom Meadowcroft, owner and winemaker of Meadowcroft Wines. “It was a complete success and it is now becoming a tradition of its own with excellent Louisiana-style music, food and fun.”

Lou-Patti-Promo — Louie and Patti from Showcase the band

If you’ve been missing the Sunday afternoon dances that used to be held at Little Switzerland, we’ve been told that the event has been moved to the Moose Lodge with the same set of bands and the same starting time. This Sunday, Feb. 19, Showcase the Band takes the stage at 5 p.m.

Static People have been making noise in the press and online lately with their latest release “The Late Projectionist” with Somjo magazine in the UK saying “Static People are destined to be your next favourite band. They combine distorted greatness, old school punk vibes and a touch of noisy indie – you need them in your life.” The band is also taking the unusual step of avoiding distribution by iTunes, CDBaby and other online services, and only offering the disc on their website, www.staticpeople.com.

Even though he released his new solo CD titled “That Old Familiar” locally a couple weeks back, David Thom will be having his official CD release party on Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley. Also on the bill is Windy Hill from Menlo Park and the David Thom Band. Showtime is 8 p.m.

The barn dance is back at the Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs on Saturday, Feb. 18, and according to spokesperson Lauren Ayers “…our last dance was a big success…50 people and most stayed until the end. One man even brought his birthday party.” This time, it’s Thomas Angell on fiddle, Mike Lewinski on banjo, with Ric Goldman doing the calling. The night kicks off at 8 p.m. and all ages are invited and youth are encouraged, with anyone under the age of 25 getting in for free.

The El Verano Inn has the hard rocking sounds of MotoGruv on Saturday, on Saturday, Feb. 18, kicking off at 9:30 p.m. There is no cover.

The Ledson Lounge welcomes back Jonathan Poretz on Saturday, Feb. 18, for a 6:30 p.m. show.

The Sonoma Community Center has the Young Emerging Artist Series and tonight, Feb. 17, will feature Sarah Summers, starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sonomacommunitycenter.org or at the door.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Leo Vigil band tonight, Feb. 17, for a 7 p.m. show. Tonight, the drummer will have with him Greg Rahn on keyboards and Dan Feiszli on bass. Saturday, Feb. 18, the bistro presents vocalist Kim Prevost and guitarist Bill Solley, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes Timothy O’Neil tonight, Feb. 17, for an evening of folk, blues and hand-clapping rock, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, the pub welcomes the Perfect Crime for a night of folk, blues and ballads, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Feb. 19 has an early start for Arann Harris and the Bad Farmers, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

The Olde Sonoma Public House has the Gentlemen Soldiers playing a tribute to the Irish band the Pogues on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Moon Saloon has karaoke on Saturday, Feb. 18, kicking off at 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, the weekly blues jam continues, starting at 10 p.m.

JoyRide will be in Santa Rosa tonight, Feb. 17, at Christy’s on the Square for a 6:30 p.m. show.

The Whiskey Thieves will be at Peri’s in Fairfax on Sunday, Feb. 19, for a 10 p.m. show.

Ten Foot Tone will be in Novato at Ghiringhelli’s Pizzeria tonight, Feb. 17, for a 10 p.m. start.

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

Miles Schon– Friday, Feb. 17.
19 Broadway – Fairfax
415-459-0293

Leo Kottke – Saturday, Feb. 18.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Norman Greenbaum – Saturday, Feb. 18.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Sarah Summers at the Community Center

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Saucy 1 with special guests on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 9 p.m.

The Olde Sonoma Public House welcomes the Cork Pullers on Thursday, Feb. 16, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Elaine Dempsey in the Snug at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16.

Songwriters in Sonoma is back this week at Meadowcroft Winery in Carneros on Thursday, Feb. 16, kicking off at 7 p.m. This month, the intimate singer-songwriter event will feature John Courage, B. C. Fitzpatrick and Judah Nagler. For tickets and more info, call the tasting room at 934-4090

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Leo Vigil Band on Friday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Timothy O’Neil in the Snug at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17.

The Kathmandu Corner welcomes Sean Carscadden for a Friday night performance on Feb. 17, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

The Sonoma Community Center has the Young Emerging Artist Series and this week, will feature Sarah Summers on Friday, Feb. 17, starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sonomacommunitycenter.org.

Owen Barrett appearing with Jason Bodlovich at the Plaza Bistro

gramaphone — Is this your stereo system?

It’s said by people smarter than us that the media will outlast the medium on which to play it, and that tends to be true. We have all of our vinyl albums and 45s, and even a turntable, but no needle. We have every cassette tape we’ve ever owned, except those that the pencil rewind trick couldn’t fix. We’re pretty sure there’s a player around here somewhere. We even have 8-track tapes, well, a couple, but no player. We imagine there are wax cylinders of music out there in places, just waiting to be played, with nothing to play them on. The latest victim is the Compact Disc, remember those? Indestructible; will last for 100 years, and we’re sure they will, but the media is rapidly being replaced by digital downloads.

Once again, will the devices to play them be around in say 20 years? We think so. Not a day goes by that we don’t hear about some catastrophic failure of some computer or device starting with a lower case letter, and there goes the entire music library. We still find comfort in having that disc you can hold in your hand, much like this publication, that is if you’re holding it. Even with the songs we download, it’s comforting to put them on something that makes it seem like you actually own them. Of course, we would never share, illegally anyways.

So what is all this about? CDs of course; local music CDs. Sonoma Valley Music has always been a huge supporter of the local music scene and local artists by allowing them to sell their music in the store. Now there is another option, Cuban Jacks Smoke Shop in Boyes Hot Springs. Tony, the proprietor, is offering space to any local musician to sell their wares. The Whiskey Thieves and the David Thom Band have already taken advantage of the opportunity and you can find their music there, and any musician or band interested in shopping their latest wares are welcome to call Tony at 478-9505.

The Plaza Bistro has the Jason Bodlovich Trio tonight, Jan. 27, featuring 15 year old Sonoma drummer Owen Barrett. Barrett has studied privately with Bodlovich, who is also an accomplished drummer, for several years. Bodlovich says “Owen is a natural talent behind the drum set and I look forward to his imprint on the music scene.” The trio will also feature Petaluma bassist Steve Froberg, of the band Frobeck. The show starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, the local music continues, with Glen Ellen resident Stephanie Ozer tickling the ivories. Joining Ozer that night will be Mary Fettig on a variety of wind instruments. That show also starts at 7 p.m. There is no cover either night.

Sarah Summers is back at the Kathmandu Corner in the back of the Taste of the Himalayas restaurant tonight, Jan. 27. Summers is also a local Sonoma teen who has been making a big impression as an original singer-songwriter. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, the Corner has Bluehouse, also for a 7:30 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

BackTrax is back in action at the annual Surf and Turf dinner presented by the Native Sons of the Golden Wes, Parlor #111, as a fundraiser for the Sonoma Valley High School Scholarship foundation at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building. The night includes a steak and prawn dinner with all the trimmings. Tickets are $40 and are available at the door. The night kicks off at 6 p.m.

Right across the alley, Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes Thick Soup to the snug tonight, Jan. 28, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Jan. 28, the pub has a special show. Benyaro, an acoustic duo with roots in New York City and Jackson Hole Wyoming, will be passing through for one night only. According to Relix Magazine, the duo has drawn comparisons to the Band, the Avett Brothers, acoustic David Bowie and Cat Stevens. This month has the duo touring Northern California before heading to Oregon, Washington and then through the Great Plains. The show starts at 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, it’s local favorites JoyRide for an early show kicking off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

Sonoma Springs Brewery has an all original singer-songwriter for an acoustic show on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. Calvin Ross will be appearing for one night only. There is no cover.

The Olde Sonoma Public House will have karaoke with Cat on Sunday, Jan. 29, kicking off at 8 p.m.

The Blue Mon Saloon has karaoke on Saturday, Jan. 28, starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, the blues jam continues at 10 p.m.

Jason Bodlovich will be with the Jason Bodlovich Group in Petaluma at Brixx on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8:30 p.m.

Adam Traum will be at the Bamboo Hut in San Francisco tonight, Jan. 27, for a 10 p.m. show.

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

Melvin Seals and JGB – Friday, Jan. 27.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Pride and Joy – Friday, Jan. 27.
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Petty Theft – Friday, Jan. 27.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

Mark Hummels Harmonica Blowout – Friday – Sunday, Jan. 27 – 29.
Yoshi’s – Oakland
510-238-9200

Ronnie Montrose – Friday, Jan. 27.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Bryan Stow Benefit – Bob Weir and more – Saturday, Jan. 28.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Geoff Tate – Unplugged – Thursday, Feb. 2.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Eric Martin – Friday, Jan. 27.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262