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.