Rive Gauche back in action

The Blue Moon Saloon has To Di Moon with DJ Saucy 1 with special guests tonight, Nov. 27, at 9:30 p.m.

The Rive Gauche Dining Club is back in action at the FAHA Manor in El Verano on Wednesday, Nov. 28, with a Caribbean inspired menu that will feature Diego Jameau on 12-string guitar and flute, starting at 7 p.m. For reservations and more info, call 996-0900.

The Gristmill Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen has the Tri Tip Trio on Thursday, Nov. 29, for an 8 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes Farshid Etnicko on Thursday, Nov. 29, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro presents the Bruce-Vincent-Barclay trio on Friday, Nov. 30, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Adam Traum and the Traumatics on Friday, Nov. 30, starting at 8 p.m.

The Annex Wine Bar welcomes Jaydub and Dino on Friday, Nov. 30, for a 7 p.m. show.

The Blue Moon Saloon welcomes the Rite Spot on Friday, Nov. 30, for a 10 p.m. show.

Carscadden and O’Reilly release long-awaited album

Sean Carscadden – Marty O’Reilly

It started with a couple guitar lessons, the master Carscadden teaching the young jedi O’Reilly a few chords, and then it becomes clear, the young jedi was born ready. After playing around solo for a while, seems it was Hunt Bailey, manager of Murphy’s Irish Pub that suggested that the duo do a show together, with each not having enough material to do a full show, and the rest, they say, is history. The duo began performing around town, learning from each other and building on their influences, which are remarkably similar; delta blues, among others, but both bringing a different approach to the music. After a year or so, it became clear they needed a professional recording to take the project any further, but to where? Both were not sure. It was going to cost money, a lot of money, and it was obvious that the duo was not going to be able to finance it themselves. A new concept had been brewing on the internet, crowd sourcing to acquire seed money for projects. They chose Indigigogo over Kickstarter for a couple reasons, but soon, with the help of the internet world, and many promises on the duos part, they managed to raise five thousand dollars. So now, what to record? They didn’t want to do the same songs that they had been playing, so they took new songs, and some covers, and stepped away from the norm, and created versions of the songs in ways that they had never approached, and laid those down at Ex’pression College for Digital Arts, with help from engineer-extraordinaire, Andy Saks. The disc has been getting rave reviews and this Monday, Nov. 26, it’s your chance to pick up a copy of “Broke the Moon” and see the songs played live at the historic Sebastiani Theatre in Sonoma. The duo gathered up an impressive group of local musicians to accompany them on the tracks, like Sarah Summers, Mike Lee Cannon, Cliff Hugo, Chris Lynch and Michael Fecskes. So what’s next for the act? They’re really not sure, but with a brilliant representation of what they do under their belts, as they say, the sky’s the limit. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available in advance at the theatres box office or at the door the night of the show, if available.

The Whiskey Thieves

It’s billed as the “Give Thanks Giving” party and the Whiskey Thieves have been playing the Friday after Thanksgiving in town as far back as when they were the Rock Bottom Blues Band, and tonight, Nov. 23, is no different. Appearing at the Moose Lodge it’s not only the band, but Blessed Coast Sound and a special appearance by the General. Showtime is 8 p.m. and tickets are available at the door. The Moose has polka on Sunday, Nov. 25, with an appearance by the Joe Bajuk Trio, kicking off at 5 p.m.

The Sebastiani Theatre seems to be the place to be this weekend, with a variety called “Toast of the Town” being presented by local crooner Jeff Gilbert on Sunday, Nov. 25, which brings back the spirit of a variety show from the good old days. It promises to be an entertaining afternoon that harkens back to the era of the ‘30s and ‘40s featuring the melodious voice of crooner, Jeff Gilbert. Special guests include Dana Land and Sue Albano, singing some classic standards of yesteryear and the day will also feature the instrumental talents of Peter E. Babcock, “the Coney Island Washboard King,” and the John Simon Trio, with Simon on keyboards, Kendrick Freeman on drums, and Tom Shader on bass. There will also be magic acts and more. Showtime is 2 p.m. and tickets can be purchased in advance at the theatre box office or at the door the day of the show.

Solid Air

The Annex Wine Bar has the debut appearance of the DaveEdJohn Trio tonight, Nov. 23, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 24, the annex welcomes Grammy nominated Solid Air, also for a 7 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 25 it’s Randy Cook for an early show, going off at 4 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows.

The Sonoma Springs Brewing Company welcomes Brian Ruff on Saturday, Nov. 24, for a 7 p.m. show.

The Cork Pullers take over Envolve Winery in the Sonoma Court Shops on Saturday, Nov. 24, for an afternoon show kicking off at 2 p.m.

Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen has the original John Burdick Band on Sunday, Nov. 25, playing originals and unique cover songs, starting at 6 p.m. There will be a special bistro menu that features full dinner options.

Dana Land

The Plaza Bistro welcomes in Sonoma’s sweetheart Dana Land tonight, Nov. 23, with guitarist John Hoy and bassist Tom Shader. Land stirs up the jazz scene with a refreshing style and playful presence, performing a wide range of popular jazz from vintage and contemporary standards, swing and show tunes to Brazilian and blues. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. and there is no cover.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band tonight, Nov. 23, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, it’s Timothy O’Neill, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 25, the pub has local favorites Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley from the act Tudo Bem for an early show that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Ledson Lounge in the Ledson Hotel welcomes Dan Daniels and Joyce Grant on Saturday, Nov. 24, for a 6 p.m. show. Grants unique shows consist of a blend of jazz, blues, country western, rhythm and blues, and funk and her vocal interpretations range from sensitive to powerful to cheeky over a broad spectrum of charts. Daniels is a virtuoso musician, also works as a composer, songwriter, vocalist, bandleader, arranger and teacher. Daniels has traveled and performed internationally and shared the stage with numerous celebrities, including Stevie Wonder, Lou Rawls, Earth, Wind and Fire, Tower of Power and the New Temptations. There is no cover for the show.

The Kathmandu Corner welcomes Adam Traum tonight, Nov. 23, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 24, it’s Sean Carscadden, also for an 8 p.m. start. There is no cover.

Cornerstone Sonoma in Carneros has the annual lighting of the snowmen on Saturday, Nov. 24, and if you’ve ever been to one, you know that you don’t know what to expect. This year, along with all the festivities, there will be live music from Robert and Amy Ethington, and also a holiday performance by the Sonoma Ballet Conservatory in the wedding tent. The afternoon kicks off at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

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

Steve Pile Band – Saturday, Nov. 24
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

The English Beat – Friday, Nov. 23
Bimbo’s 365 Club – San Francisco
415-474-0365

Jackie Greene – Friday – Saturday, Nov. 23 – 24
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Alice Cooper – Tuesday, Nov. 27.
The Warfield – San Francisco.
thewarfieldtheater.com

Petty Theft – Friday, Nov. 23
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

Roy Rogers and the Delta Rhythm Kings– Saturday, Nov. 24
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

New Riders of the Purple Sage – Friday, Nov. 23
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

The Pulsators – Friday, Nov. 23
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Midnight Sun Massive – Friday, Nov. 23
The Flamingo – Santa Rosa
545-8530

Dana Land back at the Plaza Bistro

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Saucy 1 with special guests tonight, Nov. 20, at 9 p.m.

The Blue Moon Saloon has a jam from the BMS House Band, followed by the PO-8’s on Wednesday, Nov. 21, kicking off at 9 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro presents Dana Land on Friday, Nov. 23, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Dan Martin on Friday, Nov. 23, starting at 8 p.m.

The Annex Wine Bar welcomes the DaveEdJohn Trio on Friday, Nov. 23, for a 6 p.m. show.

The Kathmandu Corner has Adam Traum on Friday, Nov. 23, for an 8 p.m. show.

The Moose Lodge welcomes the Whiskey Thieves on Friday, Nov. 23, for an 8 p.m. show.

Train Wreck Junction playing for fallen friend

Train Wreck Jucction

We’ve never headlined an out of town show in this space, or even touted many for more than a one-line mention, but if there was ever a time to break that rule, this would be it. You may have read or heard about the tree worker injured Thursday, Nov. 8, in an accident out in Lovall Valley, which had a large eucalyptus trunk that was being moved by a crane break in two, and a piece toppled onto local Jarrad Plaskett, leaving him in serious condition in the ICU at a Walnut Creek hospital. Plaskett is a roommate and close friend of Nick Kardum, lead vocalist of the local country act Train Wreck Junction. The band had a show scheduled for this Sunday, Nov. 18, at Mavericks in Santa Rosa and have managed to get all the proceeds from the bar and restaurant to go towards Plaskett and his recovery effort. The show kicks off at 9 p.m. There is also a local benefit in the works tentatively slated for Dec. 15. Watch this space for more details.

One thing Sonoma Valley does time and time again is help out the folks that need it most, and on Saturday, Nov. 17, there is a benefit for Cody Cordellos, the young man who since birth, has been suffering from the effects of EB, epidermolysis bullosa. EB affects 1 in 50,000 live births and is a skin disorder that makes the outer layer of skin extremely fragile. Minor friction or trauma will separate the layers of the skin and form blisters. The Concerts for Cody have been going on for the last few years and the funds raised help Cordellos with housing and living expenses. The event is to be held at the Moose Lodge, kicking off at noon, and is a family friendly event, with music from the Wind-Up Monkeys, Paulie Hips and the Child Bearers and more. Tickets are available at the door.

If you miss the Wind-Up Monkeys at the benefit, you can catch them on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the El Verano Inn, kicking off at 9 p.m. as part of guitarist Dave Hinkleys week-long birthday celebration. There is no cover for the show.

The Shop welcomes back, after a six-year hiatus, Zarko, and his act Progress Band will take the stage for one-night only on Saturday, Nov. 17, for a 7 p.m. show. Zarko will be coming down from Portland, Ore. but spent considerable time polishing the songs in Santa Barbara as well. Also on the bill are She Drank Poison and Stroke of Luck. Tickets are available at the door and this is an all-ages show.

The Annex Wine Bar, next to the Community Cafe, has music tonight, Nov. 16, from Tom Martin, playing solo kicking off at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, it’s Joe Chaplain and his yearly tribute to Neil Young. This will be the sixth year in a row Chaplain has honored the rock legend. Sunday, Nov. 18, things get jazzy, with Lawrence Behrs on saxophone and Paul Christopulos on guitar, playing as Bosonoma. That show is an early one, kicking off at 4 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has no live music tonight, Nov. 16, but a movie called “A Liar’s Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman” For tickets and more info, call 933-2600. Saturday, Nov. 17, the music is back, with folk, blues and ballads from the Perfect Crime, kicking off at 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, it’s an early show with Shards of Green, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Meadowcroft Winery in Carneros has Adam Traum from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 and Sunday, Nov. 18.

It’s time again for the barn dance at the Sonoma Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs on Saturday, Nov. 17. Caller Jerry Allen will teach the square dance-like moves, and then Whimsical will play Irish and Bluegrass music. Beginners and singles are welcome and comfortable shoes are encouraged. A donation is requested, but people under the age of 26 get in free.

The Sonoma Springs Brewing Company welcomes David Robbins tonight, Nov. 16, for a 5:30 p.m. show.

The Kathmandu Corner welcomes Tim O’Neil tonight, Nov. 16, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 17, the Cork Pullers will squeeze into the corner, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Nov. 18, it’s an early show with Jon Williams, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows.

Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen has a special show Sunday, Nov. 18, with blues legend Ron Hacker taking the solo stage at the intimate setting in the restaurant. According to owner John Burdick, “…known as Hacksaw or simply The Hack, he redefines guitar junky and rips blues from its roots.” Showtime is 6 p.m. and a special bistro dinner menu will be available.

Also in Glen Ellen this weekend, it’s the Jami Jamison Band on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Grist Mill Bar and Grill for a 7 p.m. show.

For almost two years now, local saxophone player Keith Ridenhour has been entertaining the residents of Sonoma Healthcare every Monday morning from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. with a variety of songs stretching from Diana Krall to Frank Sinatra. You may have seen Ridenhour sitting in with the Whiskey Thieves, JoyRide and other local acts around the Valley. Ridenhour usually just has his iPod for accompaniment, but any musicians that want to join in are welcome to just show up. According to Ridenhour, “…these people pretty much get a visit a year from relatives so I (we) are their weekly visit.” Nice work Keith.

The Plaza Bistro has Brian Andrus and his Afro-Cuban jazz cartel trio tonight, Nov. 16, kicking off at 6:30 p.m., which features Andrus on drums, Christian Tumalan on piano and Aaron Germain on bass. There is no cover for the show.

The Blue Moon Saloon has karaoke on Saturday, Nov. 17, starting at 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, it the ongoing blues jam, kicking off at 10 p.m. Players are always welcome to sit in for a tune or two.

The Tonewoods will be at A’Roma Roasters in Santa Rosa on Saturday, Nov. 17, for an 8:30 p.m. show.

Back to back Martins at Annex Wine bar

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Saucy 1 with special guests tonight, Nov. 13, at 9 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Tony Gibson on Thursday, Nov. 15, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

The Annex Wine Bar welcomes Dan Martin on Thursday, Nov. 15, starting at 6 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro presents Brian Andrus on Friday, Nov. 16, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has no live music on Friday, Nov. 16, but a movie called “A Liar’s Autobiography: The Untrue Story of Monty Python’s Graham Chapman” For tickets and more info, call 933-2600.

Sonoma Springs Brewery has David Robbins on Friday, Nov. 16, kicking off at 5:30 p.m.

The Annex Wine Bar welcomes Tom Martin on Friday, Nov. 16, for a 6 p.m. show.