Tommy Thomsen at the Sonoma Grange Hall

The Tuesday night market has Pete Olson and his band in the Grinstead Ampitheater tonight, June 26, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The market after-party at Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes JoyRide tonight, June 26, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Saucy 1 with special guests tonight, June 26, at 9 p.m.

The Sonoma Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs has Tommy Thomsen as the entertainment for the Rive Gauche Dining Club on Wednesday, June 27, at 6 p.m. Call 996-0900 for reservations and more info.
Murphy’s Irish Pub
has Two on a Match on Thursday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m.

The Olde Sonoma Public House welcomes Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band on Thursday, June 28, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

The Plaza Bistro has Mads Tolling on Friday, June 29, at 7 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents the David Thom Band on Friday, June 29, for an 8 p.m. show.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards has 5 a.m. on Friday, June 29, Showtime is 6 p.m.

Steiners Tavern welcomes Sean Carscadden on Friday, June 29, for a 10 p.m. show. There is no cover.

Bell Bottom Bash benefits veterans’ memorial

Bell Bottom Bash

It’s time, once again, for the Bell Bottom Bash, this year to be held at the Sonoma Community Center in Andrew’s hall on Saturday, May 19, kicking off at 6 p.m. The event, now in its sixth year and presented by Valley of the Mooneyhan ProMotions, has decided that this years beneficiary will be the “Rise of the Fallen” memorial project. The project creates “spirit boxes” which are holograms of fallen soldiers from Afghanistan and Iraq, so that more than the soldiers names will live on. This years bash will be dedicated to long-time Sonoman Allen Moore, who lost his short battle with cancer last year. In addition to the fun and silent auction, costume contest and go-go cages, Popo the Clown will be painting faces and there will be line dancing lessons to go with the disco songs. Wildflower Weed will open the night with some influential music from the sixties and then BackTrax will be doing three sets, one each from the ‘60s, ‘70s and wrapping with a set from the ‘80s. The dance music will stretch from Question Mark and the Mysterians, to the Bee Gees all the way to the Cars and Peter Frampton. The event is family friendly but is expected to sell out. There will be food available from Mary’s Pizza Shack and beverages as well. Advanced tickets can be purchased at Sonoma Valley Music and at the door, if available.

David Thom Band

It’s being called “Jammin’ for Safe Access” and will be held at the Moose Lodge on Saturday, May 19, kicking off at 5 p.m. The organization works to provide researchers and patients access to medical cannabis for research and therapeutic uses. The evening includes performances from the David Thom Band, Dead Horse String Band, Sycamore Slough String Band, Melody Walker and Jacop Groopman, plus Grandpa Banana’s Band. There will also be a “picking parlor” for those that want to jam. David Thom’s famous pulled pork sliders will also be available. Tickets will be available at the door. For more info about the organization, point your browser to www.safeaccessnow.org.

Tommy Thomsen

Larson Family Vineyards will be presenting a benefit for Sonoma Valley Teen Services on Saturday, May 19, called “Cowboy Cab” that will feature Western Swing Hall of Famer, Tommy Thomsen and his band, in addition, there will be vintage wine tasting, a silent auction and hors d’oeuveres from Community Cafe. Showtime is 6 p.m. and advance tickets can be purchased at Mary’s Pizza Shack or at the door.

The Whiskey Thieves

Tonight, May 18, at the Moose Lodge it’s the Whiskey Thieves and Train Wreck Junction. From what we can tell, it’s not a benefit for anything and just a show to go out and have fun at and enjoy the new set up at the Moose Lodge, as they’re making the venue very music-friendly, with a new enclosed bar area and new stage. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. and tickets will be available at the door.

It’s barn dance time again at the Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs on Saturday, May 19, starting at 8 p.m. Music will be provided by the Honeysuckle Sisters. The dances are similar to square dancing, with caller Ken Olcott teaching the reels and circles in advance, then continue calling while the band plays. Dancers under 26 years of age are admitted free.

The Sonoma Community Center will be hosting the student vocal recital of “Find your Voice” tonight, May 18, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. It’s also rumored that there will be an appearance by the Hot Flashes as well. Tickets are available online at www.sonomacommunitycenter.org or at the door.

The El Verano Inn presents Josh and Nelson Kraft on Saturday, May 19, kicking off at 9 p.m. There is no cover.

The Corkpullers

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the Cork Pullers for their 100th show as a band tonight, May 18, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 19, the pub welcomes the Perfect Crime, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, May 20, it an early show for Shades of Green, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

The Ledson Lounge welcomes back Dan Daniels and Nicky DePaola on Saturday, May 19, for a 6:30 p.m. show that brings jazz with a smidge of Motown. There is no cover for the show.

Chris Hanlin

The Epicurean Connection presents Chris Hanlin on Saturday, May 19, kicking off at 5 p.m. There is no cover for the show.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes Nooo Brass, which is kind of the opposite, as the band is teeming with trumpets, featuring Graham Bruce on trumpet, Chris Amberger on bass, Tim Acosta on trumpet, Chris Barnes on trumpet and Jerry Dibble also on, you guessed it; trumpet. Saturday, May 19, the bistro brings in Jazz Gitan, which features Don Price on lead guitar, Ken Billeci on rhythm guitar with Jane Thompson on bass. The act is an acoustic jazz trio that carries on the tradition of gypsy swing created by Django Reinhardt together with Stephane Grappelli during their domination of the Paris jazz scene in the ‘30s. The music of Jazz Gitan is the swinging jazz of the ‘30s and ‘40s, plus a cross-section of songs from the modern Gypsy Jazz repertoire. There is no cover for either show.

Reader’s Books will have a ‘Meet the Musicians” session on Saturday, May 19, with several jazz musicians available for questions. Bill Moody will talk about his career in jazz, joined by bassist Steve Webber to demonstrate the role of the rhythm section, followed by a reading from Bill’s new book, titled “Czechmate: The Spy Who Played Jazz” and interviews following. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. and seating is limited. Tickets will be available at the door.

Trinity Church is presenting a concert to honor music director John Burke on Sunday, May 20. Burke has been a prolific composer of choral music.  He has particularly enjoyed writing songs for children. During the show, Beth Carter, Choral Director of the First United Methodist Church, accompanied by flautist Nan Perrott, will sing three of the 30 pieces which were published by the duo in past years. The Valley of the Moon Chamber Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Brian Sebastian will sing two Christmas anthems written by Burke, to honor his composing and his long career conducting Bay Area church choirs. Admission is free and the event is open to all, although if you feel like making a donation, there will be places available.

Vox Populi, the local contemporary rock vocal group, will be back at the Sebastiani Theatre on Monday, May 21, at 7:30 p.m. for a show called “PEOPLE GET READY! Vox Populi and Plan Be go eclectic.” This will be their third performance at the Sebastiani Theatre with songs by such popular artists as Jason Mraz, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, the Beatles, and more. Also, joining Vox Populi and Plan Be this year is “V. P. KIDS,” Vox Populi’s choir for musical children. Tickets will be available at the door.

Ten Foot Tone will be on the road to Cotati on Saturday, May 19, to the Tradewinds for a 9:30 p.m. show.

The Hellhounds will be at the Tradewinds in Cotati tonight, May 18, for a 9:30 p.m. start.

BackTrax will be at Infineon Raceway on Monday, May 21, at noon as part of Pacific Track Times training session.

Stephanie Ozer will be at the Hotel Healdsburg in Healdsburg tonight, May 18, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

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

BoDeans – Friday, May 18.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Canned Heat – Friday, May 18.
Yoshi’s – San Francisco
415-655-5600

Pride and Joy – Friday, May 18
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Jeff Campitelli, Peppino D’Agostino, VOENA & friends – Sunday, May 20
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

John Lee Hooker Jr. – Saturday, May 19.
Biscuits & Blues – San Francisco
415-292-2583

Sun Kings – Beatles Tribute – Saturday, May 19.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Variety show at Sebastiani Theatre

Trixie

Mary Sue Ulven-Rank (Maris) thought it would be fun to have a private party at Sebastiani Theatre for her birthday and invite some of her friends. The thing rapidly grew into a “who’s-who” of local performers, and it became clear that she had to go public with the event, so on Saturday, May 5, kicking off at 2 p.m., it’s ”Cinco de Maris.” Zoe Rank will be reprising her role as “Trixie,” the Sebastiani Theatre’s ticket-taking mannequin, and brother Spencer Rank also returns to Sonoma, joining his sister on stage with Roger “the Magic Man” Rhoten, Jeff “the Last Crooner” Gilbert, Cliff Hugo, Tommy Thomsen, Dave Aguilar, Mario Allioto Jr., Sarah Summers, Mark Dennis, Cynthia Tarr, the Hot Flashes and the entire Rank family. Over the past 18 years, the Rank family has enjoyed participating in various Sebastiani productions, including Witchie Poo, holiday extravaganzas, Cat  Austin’s ETC!, Kate Kennedy’s Avalon Players and more. All event proceeds will help Roger and Diana Rhoten continue their mission to provide live entertainment and creative opportunities for all ages while preserving the historic Sonoma treasure, the Sebastiani Theatre. Tickets are available at Readers Books and at the box office, from Trixie, of course, on the day of the show.

The Mix is back at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art on Saturday, May 5, at 7 p.m. with an evening of art, music, cocktails and an interactive art project inspired by the current exhibition “Color Theory: The Use of Color in Contemporary Art.” Guests are encouraged to wear their best ’60s inspired outfits. DJ Couleur will be laying down ‘60s grooves and Captain Lou will be bartending. Wines from Beaulieu Vineyards and Provenance will also be poured. The event is free to museum members, but for the price of admission, you will then become a member and be eligible for access to many of the events over the next year.

Luna Itzel

Mexican vocalist Luna Itzel will be performing for one night only in the Ledson Lounge tonight, May 4, for an evening of contemporary Mexican music. Itzel has Fourteen years and seven discs that have allowed her to interpret different musical styles. For Itzel, the traditional Mexican music is the best route to share what exists in her heart. There is no cover for the show.

The first, of what is sure to be many, benefits for Austin Ridge is set for Saturday, May 5, at the El Verano Inn, kicking off at 8:30 p.m. Several DJ’s will be stepping up to lay down oldies, rock, hip hop and dubstep to keep the evening hopping. There is no admission charge, but contributions will be accepted for Ridge throughout the evening.

HopMonk Tavern Sonoma has live music tonight, May 4, from Boys & Girls. Based out of Santa Rosa, their debut album “The Feel of the Sun” came out October 2011 and is a mix of vibes and styles ranging from the intense energy and emotion of The End, to the laid back groove of Winter Moon. Showtime is 9 p.m.on the inside stage. Saturday, May 5, the tavern welcomes Roem Baur. Picking up books from the local library, Baur taught himself guitar and piano and began writing songs that would inevitably lead to him to drop classical music to pursue his love of the blues, soul, and folk music. Showtime is also 9 p.m. on the inside stage. Sunday, May 6, it’s Nate Lopez who plays a custom electric 8-string hybrid bass-guitar and an acoustic 7-string guitar. Over the years, Lopez has acquired a broad array of musical interests and skills, and is always exploring different sounds and experiences. That show kicks off at 1 p.m. in the beer garden. There is no cover for any of the shows.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the Sonoma Mountain Band to the snug tonight, May 4, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, May 5, it’s Andrew Freeman, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, May 6, it’s an early show, kicking off at 6:30 p.m. with Out of the Blue. There is no cover for nay of the shows at the pub.

Rancho Viejo Restaurant will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo with an appearance by Carlos Herrera on Saturday, May 5. The event is also a celebration of the grand opening of the new patio at the venue and opening for Herrera will be the Folkloric Dance Group performing Mexican folk dance. After Herreras set, it will be Karaoke until 1 a.m. The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. and there is no cover.

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ music tonight, May 4, with Ignite the Fire, Rap and Roll Music, DJ Bacchus, DJ Divine Proportions and special guests. The show kicks off at 9 p.m. and there is no cover. The blues jam continues on Sunday, May 6, starting at 10 p.m.

Sonoma Springs Brewery welcomes Dan Martin tonight, May 4, for a 7 p.m. show.

Louie and Patti from Showcase the band

The Moose Lodge has Showcase the Band on Sunday, May 6, for a 5 p.m. show. The venue is quickly becoming a great place for music and dancing, with a stage and a wooden dance floor.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Rolando Morales Duo tonight, May 4, for a 7 p.m. show. Morales will present a special Cinco de Mayo show highlighting “La Canción Latina,” songs from the popular Latin American songbook. There is no cover for the show.

The Whiskey Thieves are in Napa for a marathon show at Duckhorn Winery on Saturday, May 5, for a show that kicks off at 11 a.m. and wraps at 5 p.m.

Garen Patterson will be at the Marsh Theater in San Francisco on Monday, May 7, where he will be presenting a portion of his play, “Martta’s Inferno.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

The Hellhounds are on the road to Petaluma on Saturday, May 5, with a show at the First Edition, kicking off at 9:30 p.m.

 

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

Miles Schon– Saturday, May 5
19 Broadway – Fairfax
415-459-0293

Petty Theft – Friday, May 4
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

The Pulsators – Saturday, May 5
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers – Sunday, May 6
Biscuits & Blues – San Francisco
415-292-2583

Bill Champlain – Friday, May 4
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600

Dance for the Troops slated for Saturday

Once again, set to coincide with Veterans Day, the Dance for the Troops benefit is set for Saturday, Nov. 12. The evening has a variety of activities and music, and the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building will be decorated to take you right back to the flavor of a USO dance hosted in the 1940s. The music will be provided by the big band sounds of the Moonlighters and the Fondettes. Costumes or period-specific uniforms are encouraged as there will be prizes for the best costume. There will also be a live and silent auction. The evening includes dinner and a no-host bar as well. All proceeds from the event will go to providing holiday gift packages for our men and women serving in the military overseas. Advance tickets can be purchased at Steiners Tavern, the Town Square and Eraldi’s Menswear. For more info, call 935-9426.

Were you in third grade in Sonoma Valley? If so, you probably got a free dictionary from the Kiwanis Club of Sonoma Plaza. On Sunday, Nov. 13, the group is holding a fundraiser to help with that project and more, with an evening of music from the band Cloudfire. The event gets underway at 6:30 p.m. at Jacuzzi Winery and the price of admission also includes desert and a glass of wine. For tickets and more info, call 939-8456.

Western Swing Hall of Fame member Tommy Thomsen is back in town at Little Switzerland on Saturday, Nov. 12, with another all-star band. With him that evening will be folks that have been in bands with the likes of Commander Cody, Charlie Musselwhite, John Lee Hooker, Bob Willis and the Texas Playboys and more. The show gets underway at 8 p.m.

A former Sonoman, Les Cordoza, will be hosting a benefit for his alma mater, St. Vincent’s High School in Petaluma on Saturday, Nov. 12. Cordoza and many Sonoma Valley residents attended St. Vincent’s over the years, and the evenings proceeds will benefit the St. Vincent’s performing arts department. The evening will be held at Tillman Hall on the St. Vincent’s campus which features Cardozas band, the Face Cards, and gets underway at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door.

The Plaza Bistro will have the Terrence Brewer Trio tonight, Nov. 11, for a 7 p.m. show. Brewer has worked with many musicians in and out of the jazz genre. Saturday, Nov. 12, the bistro welcomes Rolando Morales, also for a 7 p.m. show. The jazz events at the Plaza Bistro are presented in-part by the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society, which recently granted the Sonoma Music Arts School with $700 to help further the musical education of Sonoma Valley youth. We say congrats on all accounts.

Whole Foods Market in the Sonoma Marketplace seems to be becoming a regular music venue, with Michael L. Castle appearing in the market for the shoppers enjoyment today, Nov. 11, at 5 p.m., and the Cork Pullers showing up early in the morning (for musician standards) at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The Grist Mill Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen welcomes back Plan Be tonight, Nov. 11, for a 7 p.m. show.

Shiso Sushi, in its new location in the Maxwell Village Shopping Center, has the Sean Carscadden Duo on Saturday, Nov. 12, for an 8:30 p.m. show.

The Blue Moon Saloon presents Tudo Bem in the bar on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 9:30 p.m. There is no cover.

The Kathmandu Corner welcomes Paper Dolls tonight, Nov. 11, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 12, brings in the Bell Boys, also for a 8 p.m. show. There is no cover.

Centre du vin in the Ledson Hotel has Amber Gougis on Saturday, Nov. 12, for a 6:30 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has local bluesmen the Hellhounds tonight, Nov. 11, for an 8 p.m. start. Saturday, Nov. 12, the pub welcomes Larry Carlin’s Mostly Simply Bluegrass, which also features Dr. Elmo, the author on one of the most infamous Christmas songs of our time, “Grandma got run over by a Reindeer,” also for an 8 p.m. start time. Sunday, Nov. 13, brings in Sean Carscadden and Friends for an early show that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

HopMonk Tavern Sonoma has Buscar Ban tonight, Nov. 11, for a 9 p.m. show. Saturday, Nov. 12 brings in the Farallons, also for a 9 p.m. show.

Tom Martin at the Big 3 Diner

The Tuesday night market has Welcome Matt under the palm tree tonight, Sept. 20.  The show kicks off at 5:30 p.m.

The after market party at Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes Tony Gibson tonight, Sept. 20, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Little Switzerland has Paradise Vybz Dance Hall, featuring dance hall reggae music tonight, Sept. 20, starting at 9 p.m.

The Big 3 Diner has Tom Martin for a dinner show on Wednesday, Sept. 21, kicking off at 7 p.m.

The Rive Gauche Dining Club has blues at this months dinner featuring Tommy Thomsen and Ron Hacker on Wednesday, Sept 21, kicking off at 7 p.m. For reservations and info about the menu, call 996-9453

The Olde Sonoma Public House presents Josh and Nelson Kraft on Thursday, Sept. 22, kicking off at 7 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes Solid Air in the Snug at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22.

The Sonoma Holistic Center welcomes JoyRide to their open house on Thursday, Sept. 22, for a 5 p.m. show.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Misner and Smith in the snug at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23.
The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Pamela Rose Trio on Friday, Sept 23, for a 7 p.m. show

The Kathmandu Corner will have the Penny Hens on Friday, Sept. 23, for an 8 p.m. show.