sheila whitney 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

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

Three years and 219,825 words ago…

It’s hard to believe that it was three years ago this week that we stumbled across the street and asked Sonoma Index Tribune Editor David Bolling if he wanted a music column. To our delight, he said “heck yea!” or words to that affect; it’s still kind of blurry. It’s been an honor and a privilege to be associated with the oldest newspaper in California north of the San Francisco Bay and what certainly must be the longest family owned newspaper in the state. When we download this slick word count app from the internet and scanned the column folder, we were surprised as well that we’ve finished five, and are onto our sixth novel. Yes, we get paid to write the column, but much like the terrestrial radio show we did for five years as a volunteer, followed by a year on the internet, the purpose and focus of the column has always been to showcase the local musicians in Sonoma Valley. Folks come here from all over the world to sample our wine, food, cheese, art, amazing sunsets and, as of late, our “Bachelor.” We dare say that our local musicians are as much of the Sonoma wine country experience as any of the rest of that stuff. Thanks to all of you for reading our ramblings and occasional rants, but more importantly, supporting the local Sonoma Valley music scene. With that said, on to the weekends music.

“One Night in Paris” is being presented at the Sebastiani Theatre on Monday, Feb. 13, at 7:30 p.m. Rue Manouche will be performing “Gypsy Jazz and Musette” as part of an evening of music and poetry. The band was founded in San Francisco in 2009 by actor and French blues singer Michel Saga, and guitarist Vic Wong. The band plays music in the style of gypsy swing that was made famous by Jean “Django” Reinhardt in the 1930s. The origin of this style of music is largely French, and they often refer to it as “Jazz Manouche.” Tickets for the show can be purchased at the Sebastiani Theatre box office.

Sheila Whitney will be performing a solo recital called the “Art of Love” on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Trinity Episcopal Church, starting at 3 p.m. Whitney said “I get to sing beautiful old Italian arias, lovely French art songs by Faure, with pianist Barbara Herrera Hall, original compositions by John Burke, composer and pianist, and to top it all off, some classic mushy Italian love songs accompanied by Phil Amormino on accordion.” All proceeds benefit the friends of music at the church.

Bach is coming to town, at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church with a series of upcoming shows, starting on Sunday, Feb. 12. Of course we know it’s not the real Johann Sebastian Bach who died in 1750, but the group Sonoma Bach will be presenting the Monteverdi Consort, singing spiritual music in which solfege syllables play a structural and symbolic role. Tickets and more info can be found by pointing your browser to www.sonomabach.org, or by calling 877-914-2224.

Swing Fever, accompanied by vocalist Denise Perrier, will be at the Sonoma Womans Club on Sunday, Feb. 12, for a 4 p.m. show. The band plays witty and romantic tunes from the ‘30s and ‘40s have inspired Swing Fever since 1978. For tickets and more info, call 373-0700.

Tiddle E. Winks will have the vocals of Debra Lee Darling in the retro candy store on Monday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. According to the owner Heidi, “what could be more fun than a pin-up girl and a ukulele player?” We’re not sure. There is no cover.

The Ledson Lounge welcomes back Jess Petty and Ken Chambers tonight, Feb. 10, for a 6:30 p.m. show.

The Sonoma Community Center has the Cadillac Converters as part of their Chili Bowl Express event tonight, Feb. 10, kicking off at 5 p.m. For tickets and more info, call 938-4626.

Jack London State Park will be the location for a piano concert on Sunday, Feb. 12, within the “Happy Walls” of the property. Proceeds from the show will benefit Valley of the Moon Natural History Association to further their efforts to operate the park beginning July 1, 2012. The last concert was a sell out, so advance tickets are recommended. For more info, call 938-4827.

Olive & Vine has an amazing show on Sunday, Feb 12, with some big-time regional acts. Valerie Orth and Jimmy Dillon will be taking the stage at 5 p.m. Dillon has toured and recorded extensively, backing up some great artists like John Lee Hooker, Clarence Clemons, and Bruce Springsteen to name a few. Orth is described as “sexy, soulful, genuine, and edgy” by the San Francisco Bay Guardian and the San Francisco Chronicle writes, “There is an honesty to Valerie’s music that is both brilliant and heartbreaking.” In addition to the music, there will be light fare food and beer and wine available.

The Kathmandu Corner welcomes back JMB and the Big O tonight, Feb. 10, for an evening of acoustic rock classics. The duo usually holds court in the classic rock tribute act BackTrax, but will be stepping out tonight. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, the corner welcomes Dierdre Egan and Devra Wolf, also for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the Tonewoods tonight, Feb. 10, kicking off at 8 p.m. The trio plays a mix of acoustic Americana and British folk songs. Saturday, Feb. 11, it’s Larry Carlin’s Mostly Simply Bluegrass Experience, featuring the Whutknotts, who play a mix of bluegrass, old-time rock and roll and even a little country music. That show also kicks off at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 12, it’s Sean Carscadden and Marty O’ Reilly for an early show that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

Junior Boogie is back in town, and he’s sticking around for a while and has formed a new local band. Boogie has been nominated for best west coast blues harmonica player, and will find out if he’s won on March 25, 2012, at the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame inductee award show held at the Oakland Hilton. His new band includes Matt McDavid on guitar, Chris Adams on bass and a drummer out of Chicago, Raymond Jones. You can catch the new act tonight, Feb. 10, at the El Verano Inn for a no cover show that kicks off at 9:30 p.m.

For the sixth year, the Sonoma Classical Music Society will be bringing the Alexander String Quartet to Sonoma, this time on Feb. 12, at the Vintage House senior center, for a 3 p.m. show. The Quartet will perform three classic works of the quartet repertoire, by Haydn, Beethoven, and Schubert. Tickets may be obtained from the Society’s website, www.sonomaclassical.org, and will be available at the door.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes Wayne DeLa Cruz tonight, Feb. 10, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Feb. 11, the bistro has Steve Lucky and Carman Getit, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

Gator Beat will be in Calistoga at the Napa County Fairgrounds for the Saints and Sinners Ball on Saturday, Feb. 11, for a 7 p.m. show.

Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly will be in Novato at Ghiringhellis tonight, Feb. 10, for a 10 p.m. show.

The Whiskey Thieves will be in San Francisco at Grant and Green tonight, Feb. 10, for a 10 p.m. show.

Benefit for Brad Dreyer at the Sonoma Veterans Hall

A benefit for Brad Dreyer, who was seriously injured in 2009 at just 20 years of age, when he was hit by a drunk driver while riding his skateboard, is slated for Saturday, May 7, at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building. Dryer has traveled a tough road since the collision, being in a coma for several months and when he finally awoke, essentially had to learn everything all over again, including how to breathe. He has made incredible progress over the last two years, being able to communicate with his fingers and even trying to re-learn how to play the guitar. Unfortunately, the insurance companies have not been as optimistic as his family, who have strived to get the young man the services they feel could help his recovery, and that is what the benefit will be funding; continued services for his daily care and therapy. The evening will start with the Steven Cohen Jazz Band playing jazz while guests enjoy appetizers. After a sit-down dinner, guests will dance to the sounds of Tudo Bem. There will also be a live and silent auction and a cash-prize raffle. To reserve a table, purchase a ticket and get more information, call 287-4440. To contribute or help without attending the benefit, point your browser to www.friendsofbraddreyer.com.

The Sonoma Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs will be hopping on Saturday, May 7, with the sounds of Cynthia Tarr and Cliff Hugo. Many may remember the duo as Cynthia Tarr and the Guys from nights at Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen. Saturday, the duo will have with them Randy Kwan on guitar and Joe Shotwell on percussion. Tarr, whose vocals have been compared to Peggy Lee and K. D. Lang, has written and performed with Keb’ Mo’ and the Manhattan Transfer. Hugo has played with many artists, including Ray Charles and Melissa Manchester. He leaves to resume a world tour with Supertramp later in May of this year. The entrance fee of $25 includes a complementary drink. Thai food from neighboring E-Saan will also be available for purchase. Tickets can be had in advance at Pharmaca and Sonoma Valley Music. For more info, call 343-1354.

Valley of the Mooneyhan Promotions is presenting a show at Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards tonight, May 6, featuring BackTrax, performing a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute, and one raffle ticket just might win you two tickets to see John Fogerty at this year’s Jazz Plus show on Friday, May 20. Raffle tickets are $10 each and you can purchase as many as you want to try to win. “Flavors of the Bayou” buffet will be offered, as well as specials on Sebastiani wines. The night kicks off at 6 p.m. and unlike previously reported, there is no cover.

The Ledson Hotel will play host to Sheila Whitney tonight, May 6, for a night of classic jazz standards in the newly renovated and re-named Centre du Vin lounge. Whitney will be joined by Keith Saunders on piano and Chris Amberger on bass. The show kicks off at 6 p.m.

The Magnetics will be providing the entertainment at the Sunflower Caffe tonight, May 6, for the monthly artist reception, that this month will feature artist Suzanne DeVueve with wines poured by Petroni Wines. The night kicks off at 6 p.m.

Cornerstone Sonoma and Keating Wines are presenting Chris Von Sneidern on Saturday, May 7, for a 7 p.m. show. The San Francisco-based performer has recorded 13 self-produced albums over the past years, generally releasing one new album each year. Von Sneidern was also the subject of a documentary titled “Why Isn’t Chris von Sneidern Famous?” The film was featured in numerous film festivals around the world. For additional information about the show call 933 3010.

Murphy’s Irish Pub will have the bluegrass and country sounds of the Sonoma Mountain Band tonight, May 6 for an 8 p.m. show. The band owns the title of the longest-running act to play at the pub over the years. Saturday, May 7, brings in Elaine Dempsey, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, May 8 has the Americana and folk sounds of the duo Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly, for an early show that kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

The Taste of the Himalayas presents Dawn Angelosante tonight, May 6, for a 7:30 p.m. show in the back room of the restaurant.

The Moose Lodge will be the place tonight, May 6, for a Cinco de Mayo celebration that will feature Showcase the Band, for a 7 p.m. show, which includes an authentic Mexican meal. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

The Plaza Bistro has the Dick Conte Trio in the back room tonight, May 6, for an evening of jazz. Accompanying Conte tonight will be Bill Moody on drums and Steve Webber on bass. There is no cover for the show.

The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art will be presenting the MIX on Saturday, May 7, and will have the DJ sounds of Lionize. The event is free for museum members, and the cost of admission for the evening makes you a member for a year. The MIX kicks off at 8 p.m.

Steiners Tavern has the sounds of DJ Dave on Saturday, May 7, for a 9 p.m. start.

Mad and Eddie Duran are on the road to Petaluma tonight, May 6, at the Apple Box in Petaluma for a 6 p.m. show.

The Hellhounds will be in Napa at Uva Trattoria on Saturday, May 7, for an 8 p.m. show.

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

Tommy Castro – Friday, May 6.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Shana Morrison – Saturday, May 7.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

First Fusion with Bob Weir – Saturday, May 7.
Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium – San Rafael
415-499-6400

Metal Club with the Gray Coats – Friday, May 6
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

It’s a Beautiful Day – Saturday, May 7.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

The English Beat – Saturday, May 7.
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365

Y & T with Kip Winger – Saturday, May 7.
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Pegi Young – Friday, May 6.
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372