Train Wreck Junction Archives - Sonoma Music Scene

Train Wreck Junction playing for fallen friend

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.

Vintage Festival Weekend features an abundance of live music

For the 115th consecutive year, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, the second longest running festival in the state, with the longest being the Festival of Roses in Pasadena, CA, will take over the Historic Sonoma Plaza which will be full of music, family fun, festivities and wine. The festival has to be one of the most misunderstood events in the Valley, at least since we’ve been here. Long time residents remember the days of the potato toss, face painting and childrens activities, all of which are still there. Newcomers enjoy the art, wine and song and don’t know much about the history of the festival. That story is a whole column on its own. The fact remains that the festival is a place where dozens of non-profits are encouraged, for minimal cost, to set up booths and raise money for their causes, some raising enough to keep them funded all year. All this is paid for by the proceeds of the festival, which is entirely non-profit. No money is kept as profit. All city and county fees for services are also paid for by the festival. Lately, live music has been a big part of the festival, with this year being no exception, with a nice mixture of local and out-of-town talent. Tonight,

Sept. 28, it’s patrons night at the historic barracks on the Plaza, featuring Wonderbread 5. This event is the only cover event for music of the weekend, and tickets, if available, can be purchased at the door. The rest of the weekend is all about the Sonoma Plaza. Saturday, Sept. 29, there are two stages for live music. The wine stage will have Mary Jenson, Jason Bodlovich followed by Cynthia Tarr and the Guys. The main stage features the David Thom Band, Terrie Odabi and Pure Soul followed by Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88’s. Sunday, Sept. 30, the wine stage welcomes Mad and Eddie Duran, the Dick Conte Trio and the Carlos Herrera Latin Trio. The main stage has White Wall, Freddy Lopez followed by Carlos Reyes. All of the entertainment in the plaza is free and open to the public.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards is having the last Friday night music event of the season tonight, Sept. 28, featuring the Rolling Blackouts, and it’s also the last food truck Friday event for the year. The food trucks roll in about 5:30 p.m. and the music in the tasting room kicks off at 6 p.m. There is no cover and the event is family and dog friendly.

Glen Ellen is hoping with live music this weekend, starting Saturday, Sept. 29, at the newly re-opened Grist Mill Bar and Grill with local favorites the WildKats, starting at 9 p.m.

Olive and Vine in the Jack London Village is starting the Sunday Songwriter Series back up, kicking off with John Burdick and friends, and the doors open at 6 p.m. There will be small plates and a special menu available during the music.

The El Verano Inn is keeping up with weekly shows, and tonight Sept. 28, is a special one, featuring Talk That Talk. You may have been lucky enough to get a ticket to see them at the Sonoma Community Center about a month back, but if you missed the act that contains the legendary Roy Blumenfeld from the Blues Project, former members of John Lee Hookers band along with locals Bob Mc Bain and Dave Aguilar, then tonight is your second chance. That night, the act will have Stefanie Keys, from Big Brother and the Holding Company on vocals. In addition to it being a retirement party for Dave Aguilar, it will also be a warm-up for the bands appearance the next day at the Monterey Pop Festival. There is no cover for the show that kicks off at 9 p.m.

The Annex Wine Bar, located next to the Community Cafe on West Napa Street is beginning to have live music as often as four nights a week, and tonight, Sept. 28, they are presenting Chris Hanlin, kicking off at 5 p.m. There is no cover and small plates will be available.

If you miss Chris Hanlin tonight, you can catch him on Saturday, Sept. 29, in Kenwood at the tasting room of Michael Muscardini and Ty Caton, celebrating their fifth anniversary of being open, kicking off at 5 p.m. There is a cover at the door.

The Swiss Hotel has the classic country sounds of Train Wreck Junction in the back patio on Saturday, Sept. 29, starting at 3 p.m. Drink and food specials will be available.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the Tonewoods tonight, Sept. 28, for an 8 p.m. show. There will be variety night at the pub on Saturday, Sept. 29, a comedy show, featuring Nate Follen, Danny Minch and Torio Van Grol and following the show, there will be a live music from Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly. Seats are limited and tickets can be had by calling 548-1225. Sunday, Sept. 30, it’s traditional Celtic music from Kith and Kin, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

The Moose Logdge has a fish fry tonight, Sept. 28, which will feature live music from Showcase the Band as part of “No Cover Fridays.” The show gets underway at 6:30 p.m.

It’s a movie and a show in the Jack London State Historical Park on Saturday, Sept. 29. The movie is the classic Jack London thriller “Klondike Fever” and the music will be provided by the thrilling Jeff Falconer. The night kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and picnic baskets are welcome. Tickets are available by pointing your browser to www.jacklondonpark.com or at the door the night of the event.

The Plaza Bistro has Jason Bodlovich tonight, Sept. 28, for a 7 p.m. show that will feature local 15 year-old drummer Owen Barrett. Saturday, Sept. 29, it’s the Freddy Lopez Quintet, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

The Blue Moon Saloon has the reggae grooves of Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band on Saturday, Sept. 29, kicking off at 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, brings the weekly Sunday blues jam, also starting at 10 p.m. There is no cover either night.

Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood, has a wine release party that will feature live music from Solid Air and the Highway Robbers on Saturday, Sept. 29, starting at 11 a.m. For tickets and more info, call 877-478-5326.

Traffic Jam will be at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma tonight, Sept. 28, for an 8 p.m. show.

Brewnel will be at Papas Taverna in Petaluma tonight, Sept. 28, for a 7 p.m. show.

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

Aimee Mann – Saturday, Sept. 29
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Aimee Mann – Sunday, Sept. 30
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

The Outlaws – Wednesday, Oct. 3
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Tom Rigney and Flambeau – Saturday, Sept. 29
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600

Blackhawk – Saturday, Sept. 29
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

The Outlaws – Monday, Oct. 1
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

Jimmy Vaughan – Sunday, Sept. 30
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Rolling Stones tribute at Steiners Tavern

In honor of the Rolling Stones 50th anniversary of playing as a band, BackTrax will be playing a two-set tribute to the band tonight, Aug. 10, at Steiners Tavern. The first set will cover songs from the ‘60s – the ‘early ‘70s, then followed by a second set that will take you to the ‘90s. The third set of the evening will be a set off all 80’s classic rock. Showtime is 8 p.m. and there is no cover. Saturday, Aug. 11, the band is at the Oakmont Golf Club for the “R.O.C.K in the USA Dance Party,” put on by the Oakmont Golf Club events team. The evening includes a four-course meal and a no-host bar. The party requires an advance ticket, which you can get, along with more info, by calling 537-3671.

The Moose Lodge has the classic honky-tonk sounds of Train Wreck Junction tonight, Aug. 10. Dinner will be available starting at 6 p.m. and the show kicks off at 8:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. Sunday, Aug. 12, the moose welcomes Showcase the Band for an afternoon of dancing that starts at 5 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the folk and Americana sounds of Adam Traum and the Traumatics tonight, Aug. 10, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, it’s a special one-night-only appearance by Benyaro, a duo based out of New York City and Jackson Hole Wyo. Tonight is part of the bands CD release tour, where they will be playing tunes from the disc, which is the duos interpretation of other peoples songs. Called “The Cover EP,” the disc features completely acoustic arrangements of songs written and/or performed by the late Sam Cooke, the late Etta James, Moby, Procol Harum, the late Blaze Foley and The Coasters. Showtime is 8 p.m. and there is no cover. Sunday, Aug. 12, it’s an early show with local favorites Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards has Five A.M in the tasting room tonight, Aug. 10, for a show that kicks off at 6 p.m. There is no cover.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes local jazz legend Dick Conte and his trio tonight, Aug. 10, for a show that goes off at 7 p.m. Tonight, his trio will have Steve Webber on bass and Bill Moody on drums. Saturday, Aug. 11, the bistro welcomes Terrence Brewer and Wayne De la Cruz for a night of jazz that also kicks off at 7 p.m. There is no cover for either show.

Sonoma Springs Brewery has the acoustic sounds of Tom Martin tonight, Aug. 10, for a 7 p.m. show.

The David James Tasting Room, around the corner from the Chocolate Cow in the Mercato, has jazz tonight, Aug. 10, with Kevin Zuffi and Tim Eschliman. Saturday, Aug. 11, the room welcomes Ken “Snakebite” Jacobs. Showtime both nights is 8 p.m. and there is no cover.

Chateau St. Jean winery will be hosting the finals of the pianoSonoma concert tonight, Aug. 10, that will feature dual piano and chamber music performances led by Juilliard-trained master concert pianists Jessica Chow and Michael Shinn. The evening will also feature performances from the Sonoma Young Artists series, which wrapped up at the Sonoma Mission Inn this week. You must be 21 or over to attend the event, which kicks off at 6 p.m. For tickets and more info, point your browser to www.chateaustjean.com.

Local youth act Traffic Jam will be performing at the Battle of the Bands at the Sonoma County Fair on Saturday, Aug. 11, on the Community Theater Stage, starting at 7 p.m.

The Jami Jamison Band will be at Papas Taverna in Petaluma on Saturday, Aug. 11, for a 7 p.m. show.

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

The Pulsators – Saturday, Aug. 11
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks – Sunday, Aug. 12
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Metallica – Neil Young – Foo Fighters and too many more to mention – Friday – Sunday, Aug. 10 – 12.
Golden Gate Park – San Francisco
www.sfoutsidelands.com

Seal – Saturday, Aug. 11
Wells Fargo Center – Santa Rosa
546-3600

ZZ Top – Wednesday, Aug. 15
Wells Fargo Center – Santa Rosa
546-3600

Jammin’ in the Vineyards with Rich Little

The Tuesday night market has no live music tonight, Aug. 7, but will present the zucchini races. Yep, grab a zucchini and slap some wheels on it and let’s go racing!

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Saucy 1 with special guests tonight, Aug. 7, at 9 p.m.

The Sonoma Mission Inn welcomes Anne Miller and Vicky Wang as part of the Young Musicians in Residence Program tonight, Aug. 7. The show will be in the hotel lobby and kicks off at 5:30 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents the after party with Timothy O’Neil tonight, Aug. 7, after the Tuesday night market.

The Rive Gauche Dining Club is back in action on Wednesday, Aug. 8, at the FAHA Manor on the lawn with bluesman Ron Hacker. For reservations and more info, call 996-0900.

Little Vineyards in Glen Ellen is presenting Jammin’ in the Vineyards on Thursday, Aug. 9, with a barbecue and a show by Rich Little and Friends, which include Josh Little, Dave Ronconi and Bill Nelson. Admission is free and food and wine will be available

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Open-Mic plus on Thursday, Aug. 9, for a show that will feature C. J. Giron, that kicks off at 7:30 p.m. To reserve a slot at the mic, call Steve T. Ney at 287-7109.

The Olde Sonoma Public House welcomes the Wind-Up Monkeys on Thursday, Aug. 9, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards has Five A.M. on Friday, Aug. 10, kicking off at 6 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Adam Traum on Friday, Aug. 10, for an 8 p.m. show.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Dick Conte Trio on Friday, Aug. 10, for a 7 p.m. show.

The Moose Lodge has Train Wreck Junction for an 8:30 p.m. show Friday, Aug. 10.

The David James tasting room, in the Mercato next to the Chocolate Cow, welcomes Kevin Zuffi and Tim Eschliman for an evening of jazz on Friday, Aug. 10, at 8 p.m.

BackTrax will be playing a Rolling Stones tribute followed by an ‘80s set at Steiners Tavern on Friday, Aug. 10, kicking off at 8 p.m.

Brewnel finally makes it to Sonoma Valley

Although most of the members are from Sonoma Valley, and Brewnel plays many high-profile venues all over the Bay Area, the group has yet to land a local show, until tonight, July 20, when the band takes over the Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards tasting room for a night of rock, blues and dance music. The band has just come off stints at the Novato Art and Wine Festival and the Sausalito Jazz and Blues by the Bay Festival, and will kick off in the tasting room tonight at 6 p.m. with wine specials and barbecue offered up by Mongo’s Barbecue. The band consists of Kerry Daly on vocals, Crystal Brunelle on guitar and vocals, Bob McBain on keyboards, Marius Pelsma on bass and vocals and Jim Sterling on drums. There is no cover for the show.

Jack London Park has a stage musical performance of “Dream the Impossible Dream” from the Transcendence Theatre Company tonight, July 20, for picnicking starting at 5 p.m. then the show in the winery ruins kicking off at 8 p.m. Last weeks show was sold out and received rave reviews. For tickets and more info, point your browser to www.transcendencetheatre.org.

The Moose Lodge continues its Friday night music series tonight, July 20, with an appearance by Showcase the Band, and instead of playing polkas and waltzes, the band will be laying down rock and roll and dance tunes. Dinner will be available at 6 p.m. and the music starts at 8:30 p.m.

The El Verano Inn has rapper 4Tay from San Francisco tonight, July 20, performing the Players Club Anthem. Also on the bill is Benni Boom, Octavious, Superdub, Money Grippa, the F. C., Irie Sounds International, Saucy 1 and DJ Isaak. Showtime is 9 p.m. Saturday, July 21, the venue welcomes in locals Tudo Bem for a night of classic rock and blues. Showtime is also 9 p.m.

Vanessa Schilling makes her debut tonight, July 20, at Murphy’s Irish Pub with her band at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 21, it’s the Perfect Crime, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, July 21, the pub welcomes back Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley for an early show that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

Michael L. Castle will be back at the Sonoma Springs Brewing Company for another night of folk, country and blues on Saturday, July 21. Showtime is 7 p.m.

The Sonoma County Fair is having a Battle of the Teen Bands on Saturday, August 11, and they are looking for Sonoma Valley bands to participate. There are a variety of rules like “…all performers shall be between 12 and 24 years of age. At least two members of your band must be between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age as of July 25, 2012. No more than two members of your group may be between the ages of 18 and 24 as of July 25, 2012” and many more rules. First prize is $1,000. For more info, shoot off an e mail to specialevents@sonomacountyfair.com with “Battle of the Teen Bands” in the subject line.

Adam Traum will be at the MacRostie Winery tasting room on Eighth St. E. on Saturday, July 21, kicking off at noon.

The Plaza Bistro has Train Wreck Junction tonight, July 20, kicking off at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 21, it’s Cynthia Tarr in the back room, also for a 7 p.m. show. With her that night will be Cliff Hugo on bass and Randy Vincent on guitar. There is no cover either night.

HopMonk Tavern Sonoma welcomes back Matthew and the Unfortunates tonight, July 20, for a 9 p.m. show on the inside stage.

The Sonoma Valley Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs is celebrating the one-year anniversary of the monthly barn dance at the venue on Saturday, July 21. The event is also a fundraiser for the community kitchen the hall is planning. The night kicks off at 8 p.m. with caller Mavis McGaugh teaching the reels and circles in advance, then continues calling while the band, Drayton and Engle, play bluegrass music. A donation is requested, but dancers under 26 years of age are free.

The Ledson Lounge welcomes back Dan Daniels and Nicky DePaola on Saturday, July 21, for a 7 p.m. show.

Steiners Tavern has rock and roll classics from Loosely Covered tonight, July 20, for a 10 p.m. show. There is no cover.

The Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance presents “Sangiacomo Under the Stars” on Sunday, July 22, with the Carrtunes performing. The event, held at the Sangiacomo Family Vineyards, is a benefit for the Mentoring Alliance and tickets are limited to 50 attendees. For tickets and more info, call 938-1990.

Showcase the Band will be playing at La Luz on Saturday, July 21, kicking off at 4 p.m. in Booker Hall at the facility. The event is a benefit for the Sonoma Chapter of Lideres Campesinas. For tickets and more info, call 938-5131, ext. 106.

Points North will be at the Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco tonight, July 20, for an 8 p.m. show.

Cuvee in Napa will be taken over by Sonoma Valley talent this weekend with tonight, July 20, Adam Traum gracing the stage for an 8 p.m. show and Saturday, July 21, it’s the Hellhounds, for a 9 p.m. show.

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

Wonderbread 5 – Friday, July 20
Last Day Saloon – Santa Rosa
545-2343

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers – Friday, July 20
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

Charlie Musselwhite – Saturday, July 21
Yoshi’s – Oakland
510-238-9200

Steve Kimock – Saturday, July 21
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Charlie Musselwhite – Friday, July 20
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

Leo Kottke – Wednesday, July 25
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372

The Mavericks – Friday, July 20
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Pride and Joy – Friday, July 20
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Gator Beat – Saturday, July 21
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Sheryl Crow– Friday, July 20
Wells Fargo Center – Santa Rosa
546-3600

The Mother Hips – Friday, July 20
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

Tommy Castro and the Painkillers – Saturday, July 21
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850