wildflower weed Archives - Sonoma Music Scene

Halloween arrives a couple days early in Sonoma

OK. We’re going on a mini-rant here. Once again, we have Halloween in the middle of the week and parties and events planned this weekend AND on the actual day of Halloween. We’ve managed to move the days we celebrate the birthdays of people like the founder of our country to a day that is “more convenient.” Can’t we move Halloween to the closest Friday or Saturday night? I’m pretty sure the children would like it, not having to go to school the next day, and we can still celebrate “All Hallows Eve” in our own special way on the 31st. Rant over. So, we have a lot going on this weekend, and it seems that the El Verano Inn and the Moose Lodge have it all wrapped up.

Tonight, Oct. 26 at the El Verano Inn it’s the “Brain Eaters Halloween Festival,” kicking off at 7 p.m. with a huge punk and rock line-up, that features the Brain Eaters, the Gentlemen Soldiers, Pauly Hips and the Child Bearers, Bite, the Quitters, Ammo-Wagon and Dark Lord Byron. There is no cover for the show. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s Ten Foot Tone, playing their 13th Halloween show at the venue. There will be prizes for the best costume, candy and other surprises. That show kicks off at 9 p.m., also no cover.

The Moose Lodge has a double bill tonight, Oct. 26, with BackTrax and Showcase the Band coming together for a show that will celebrate Halloween with a costume contest and more, but also raise money for PKD, Polycystic kidney disease. PKD is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases, affecting an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s the annual Halloween show with the Bodies, the Quitters and some “dumb” guests. Doors are at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. You must be 21 or over to attend.

If rock and punk music isn’t your thing for Halloween, then you can catch Dana Land on Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Sonoma Valley Womans Club, for a night of jazz that is being billed as “Nightmare on First Street East” which kicks off at 7 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the Womans Club. Land has assembled quite a line-up for the evening, with Jonathan Alford, Jeff Sanford, Akira Tana and Chris Amberger backing her on vocals. For tickets and more info, call 373-0700.

Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen has the full John Burdick Band on Sunday, Oct. 28, for the “Supper and a Show” series, kicking off at 6 p.m. The band will be doing original material as well as some cover songs.

Annex Wine Bar, next to the Community Cafe on W. Napa St. welcomes Chris Hanlin for a show tonight, Oct. 26, kicking off at 6 p.m. Fridays are Fondue night at the annex, with a surprise fondue every week.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has the always popular reggae act Midnight Sun Massive tonight, Oct. 26, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s Mike Z, guitarist with E. Z. Kewl, for a night of standards and more, also going off at 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, it’s an early show with Cynthia Carr and the Carrtunes doing their annual Halloween Extravaganza, with prizes and specials. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes Kontrabanned tonight, Oct. 26, for a 7 p.m. show, that features Sandra Poindexter on violin, Chris Planas on guitar and Ben Luis on bass. There is no cover for the show.

The Gristmill Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen has the WildKats on Saturday, Oct. 27, for an 8 p.m. show. The band features several Glen Ellen locals and is always a fun time. There is no cover for the show.

Sonoma Springs Brewery is celebrating their fourth anniversary this weekend on Saturday, Oct. 27, with live music and discounts, all depending on your apparel. The afternoon kicks off at 3 p.m. and has the Trees, followed by Wildflower Weed and friends. Discounts on brew can be had by wearing your Sonoma Springs T-shirt, a tye-dye T-shirt, or any model of lederhosen. At 7 p.m., it’s time for Jafar Thorne. Thorne has been engulfed in music since he was 13 years of age, but over the years, he came to admire the song craft and production of U2, the bluesy edges of Led Zeppelin, the pure soul of Bob Marley, the neo-tribalism of electronica, and the improv-driven, melting-pot ethos of the Grateful Dead. There is no cover for the afternoon or evening shows.

The Jewish Winemakers are having a celebration of wine, and along with that is live music on Sunday, Oct. 28, kicking off at 1:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building with more than 20 local wineries pouring. The afternoon features Stephaine Ozer, Mama Loshn and Shameless.

The Kathmandu Corner has Wildflower Wed with Jeffro Hunter tonight, Oct. 26, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s Richard Sumberg, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Oct. 28, the corner welcomes Jon Williams from Ten Foot Tone for an early show, at 6:30 p.m. doing a solo acoustic performance. If you’ve not yet seen Williams perform, make it on over to the corner on Sunday.

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ music tonight, Oct. 26, with Robert Roots, Cruxx and Divine Proportion laying down grooves starting at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, it’s time for karaoke, kicking off at 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, it’s time for the blues jam that goes off at 10 p.m. There is no cover any night.

The Epicurean Connection welcomes Gayle Skidmore on Saturday, Oct. 27, for a 7:30 p.m. show.

Jami Jamison is on the road on Saturday, Oct. 27, for a show at Papas Taverna, kicking off at 7 p.m.

Richard Glazier at Hanna Auditorium

The Tuesday night market has the Rich Little Band under the palm tree tonight, Oct. 23, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Saucy 1 with special guests tonight, Oct. 23, at 9 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents the after party with BackTrax tonight, Oct. 23, after the Tuesday night market.

The Hanna Auditorium welcomes Richard Glazier performing the songs of George Gershwin on Wednesday, Oct. 24, starting at 7 p.m. There is no cover, but reservations are required. To RSVP, call 933-2504.

Murphy’s Irish Pub has Jaydub and Dino on Thursday, Oct. 25, kicking off at 7:30 p.m.

The Olde Sonoma Public House welcomes Uncle Jesse and the Porch Junkies on Thursday, Oct. 25, for a 7 p.m. show.

Steiners Tavern has “Scary-Oke” with Cat Smith, on Thursday, Oct. 25, starting at 9:30 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes Kontrabanned on Friday, Oct. 26, kicking off at 7 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Midnight Sun Massive on Friday, Oct. 26, for an 8 p.m. show.

The Moose Lodge has Backtrax and Showcase the Band as a benefit for PKD on Friday, Oct. 26, kicking off at 7 p.m.

The Kathmandu Corner welcomes Wildflower Weed on Friday, Oct. 26, for a 7 p.m. show.

Big local music weekend at Murphy’s Irish Pub

Its strictly locals this weekend at Murphy’s Irish Pub, starting tonight, Sept. 21, with the David Thom Band, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, welcomes the Jami Jamison Band to the snug for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Sept. 23, it’s an early show with Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards welcomes the classic rock tribute act BackTrax tonight, Sept. 21, for what might be the last show of the year for the band. Still contemplating a Halloween show, but after a busy summer season, the band is looking at taking a little time to re-load. The band has added Lawrence Behrs, a new player in town, on saxophone for the evening. There is no cover for the show that kicks off at 6 p.m.

Quarryhill Botanical Garden presents the Whiskey Thieves for a show to benefit the gardens on Saturday, Sept. 22, kicking off at 5 p.m. If you’ve not been, the gardens are amazing. The story goes like this: A fire swept through the Mayacamas Mountains foothills in 1964, creating an environment ripe for the knob cone pines that quickly repopulated the land. Four years later, Jane Davenport Jansen purchased more than 40 acres of the nascent thicket, taming it with vineyards planted on the open valley floor. In 1987, Jansen began cultivating a garden along the rocky, steep hillsides, which were pocked with the remains of abandoned rock quarries. Heavy rains and natural infiltration of waters created a group of ponds, creating a serene natural environment that Jansen soon planted with seedlings, flowers, and plants from seeds collected on more than 25 annual Asian expeditions. For tickets and more info, call 996-3166.

The El Verano Inn has an epic local punk rock show tonight, Sept. 21, with Static People headlining. The band has been achieving critical acclaim and had their most recent video ‘Toxic Overload,” nominated for two awards from the Los Angeles Music Awards. Also on the bill is Paulie Hips and the Childbearers and opening the show will be the Dark Lord Byron. There is no cover for the show that kicks off at 9 p.m.

The Sonoma Hometown Band is set to begin rehearsals for the winter season. New and returning players will gather on Sundays, at 6 p.m. starting on Sunday, Sept.30, and rehearsals will be held in the music room of Sonoma Valley High School. Doors to the music room will open at 6 p.m. and the downbeat will fall at 6:15 p.m. from conductor Justin Enright. All are welcome to participate.

If the band isn’t your thing, maybe Hula is. You can still get in on the beginning hula classes with Hula Mai, Sonomas hometown Hawaiian and dance group. Classes are on Friday mornings at the Vintage House senior center. For more info, call 996-0311 or point your browser to www.hulamai.org.

Sonoma Springs Brewery has Wildflower Weed and friends along with a bevy of other performers on Saturday, Sept. 22, kicking off at 6 p.m. Opening the show will be the Trees, followed by Poison Oak, a Wildflower Weed duet then the band itself. There is no cover for the show.

Annex Wine Bar, located next to the Community Cafe on West Napa Street is beginning to have live music, starting on Saturday, Sept. 22, with Jon Williams, kicking off at 5 p.m. There is no cover for the show and small plates will be available from Community Cafe. The wine bar is looking at doing live music Wednesdays and Fridays as well. Stay tuned for more details.

HopMonk Tavern Sonoma welcomes Michael L. Castle fort an acoustic show on Sunday, Sept. 23, in the beer garden kicking off at 1 p.m.

Larsen Family Winery is the place for the Future Farmers of America and the Sonoma Valley High Ag Program fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 22. The Rich Little Band will be providing the music and there will be a silent and live auction, as well as dinner. For more info, call 529-6085.

The Plaza Bistro welcomes the Fiveplay Jazz Quintet to the backroom tonight, Sept. 21, for a 7 p.m. show. Saturday, Sept. 22, it’s the Willie Adams Blues and Soul Review, for a show that kicks off at 8 p.m. There is no cover either night.

The Sonoma Mission Chapel has another of its concert series tonight, Sept. 21, featuring the Mark Taylor Flamenco Trio. Taylor has played guitar in the classical style for many years, and has studied Flamenco guitar in Madrid, Granada and Seville. Upon returning to the United States, he formed the Aire Flamenco Dance Company and the Mark Taylor Flamenco Quartet as well as the Mark Taylor Trio. Tickets are available at the Mission San Francisco Solano and for more info, contact Liz Kane at 484-9552.

Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood welcomes the Mariachi Festival on Sunday, Sept. 23, kicking off at 2 p.m. Two of Northern Californias highly-regarded traditional arts groups, Mariachi Zacatecas of Sacramento and the Ballet Folklorico Compania Mazatlan Bellas Artes, are headlining the event. For tickets and more info, call 833-4134.

The Ledson Lounge welcomes Dan Daniels and Jack Pollard to the fireplace lounge on Saturday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. Pollard brings a lifetime of experience to the stage. His silky baritone and impeccable vocal interpretation brings to life a repertoire of songs which span decades of hits from the ‘30s to the ‘80s. His shows encompass jazz, blues and more to bring you a varied palette of songs with something to please everyone. There is no cover for the show.

The Hellhounds are at Cuvee in Napa on Saturday, Sept. 22, for a 9:30 p.m. show.

Mad Duran will be at the Jazzschool in Berkeley on Sunday, Sept. 23, for a 4:30 p.m. show.

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

Pride and Joy – Friday, Sept. 21
Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium – San Rafael
415-499-6400

Crosby Stills & Nash – Sunday, Sept. 23
Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium – San Rafael
415-499-6400

Moonalice – Friday, Sept. 21
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

Gov’t Mule – Friday, Sept. 21
The Warfield – San Francisco.
www.thewrarfieldtheater.com

Tommy Castro and the Pain Killers – Sunday, Sept. 16
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Train Wreck Junction plays to benefit Maya Restaurant

While many of the Plaza restaurants close in January for maintenance and upkeep, Maya Restaurant hadn’t planned on it, until a flue fire in early January brought things to a screeching halt for the next three months. Riding across the horizon to save the day is the local country act Train Wreck Junction, playing a benefit for the venue tonight, March 30 at Maya Restaurant. The band includes Nick Kardum on vocals, Ross Shafer on lead guitar, Joe Schettig on acoustic rhythm guitar, Matt Sather on drums, Boyd Bel on bass, Josh Yenne on pedal steel guitar and Gary Felder on harmonica, spoons and juice harp. “We don’t play any of that new country” says Kardum. “We’re a honky-tonk band.” Showtime is 10 p.m. and there is no cover.

BackTrax will be at Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards tonight. March 30, as a “Sneak Peek” at the Friday night music shows, that will begin weekly in May. The band plays a variety of classic rock covers that stretch from the ‘50s to the ‘90s. The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. and there will be food available and wine specials from the winery as well. There is no cover.

Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen continues their Sunday Songwriter Sessions this Sunday, April 1, with an appearance by Latin guitar virtuoso Carlos Herrera. Herrera will be joined by John Burdick for several numbers. Showtime is 5 p.m.

The Joyride (not the local act) will be at the Blue Moon Saloon tonight, March 30, for a night of reggae, hip-hop, dub step and rap and roll with performances by DJs Bacchus, Kellicot and Love Letters. There is no cover for the 9 p.m. show. Saturday, March 31, has “Crazy Noisy Karaoke,” also at 9 p.m. Sunday, April 1, the weekly blues jam is back, kicking off at 10 p.m.

Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the Timothy O’Neil Band tonight, March 30, for a night of foot-stomping folk music, kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 31, has the Penny Hens in the snug, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, April 1, brings Blue House in for an early show that kicks off at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.

Sonoma Springs Brewery welcomes Wildflower Weed for a night of original music on Saturday, March 31, kicking off at 7 p.m.

The Plaza Bistro has Rhonda Benin tonight, March 30, kicking off at 7 p.m. Benin sings jazz, blues, big band, pop or African American folk songs. With a voice described as caramel sweetened with honey, Benin has earned a reputation for not just a good voice but showmanship, magnetic stage personality, humor, and of course her great dancing. Benin has worked with Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir, and has performed and recorded with legendary artists like Taj Mahal, Wilson Pickett, Richie Havens, Al Green, Keb Mo and more. Saturday, March 31, the bistro welcomes Andrew Emer and Lori Carsillo, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

The Ledson Lounge welcomes Jess Petty and Ken Chambers on Saturday, March 31, for a 6:30 p.m. show. Petty plays trumpet and flugelhorn, and sings in a strong jazz vocal style that is his own, and is considered a world-class musician. Petty began his musical career in the Monterey Bay area, gigging with other musicians, and studying with Bud Clooney, trumpeter with the Harry James Band. There is no cover for the show.

Gary William Koehler will be part of the songwriters in the round series at Dutch Henry Winery in Calistoga called “Cave In,” on Saturday, March 31, as the show will be in the wine caves. For tickets and more info, call 942-5771.

The Whiskey Thieves will be on the road to Peri’s in Farifax on Saturday, March 31, for a 9:30 p.m. show.

Points North will be in Concord at Vinnie’s Bar and Grill on Saturday, March 31, for a 9 p.m. show.

BackTrax will be in Yountville on Sunday April 1, at the Yountville Community Center as part of the “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” celebration. The day kicks off at 12:30 p.m.

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

Pride and Joy – Friday, March 30.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Fishbone – Sunday, April 1.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300

Atlanta Rhythm Section – Friday, March 30.
Yoshi’s – San Francisco
415-655-5600

Kingston Trio – Saturday, March 31.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

LuvPlanet – Friday, March 30.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Kingston Trio – Friday, March 30.
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600

Tom Rigney and Flambeau – Saturday, March 31.
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600

The Waybacks – Friday, March 30.
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850

Indie act Anadel appearing at Olive & Vine

While not exactly the Partridge Family, it’s truly a family affair when it comes to the Napa-based band Anadel. Anadels beginnings started when vocalist J. T. Bailey began to compose music and lyrics while in his teens. It wasn’t long until his sister, Keri Bailey, on violin and backing vocals, joined in. Soon after father, Tom Bailey jumped in on drums, and finally, brother Steven Bailey on keyboard. In 2010, the family decided to expand and develop their sound as a band and enlisted the help of two additional band members to fill out the sound, and Anadel came to be a gigging act. You can catch the act on Sunday, March 18, at Olive & Vinein Glen Ellen, as part of the Sunday Songwriter Sessions series. Showtime is 5 p.m.

BackTrax is back in action this week at the annual Rotary International St. Patricks day event on Saturday, March 17, at the Sonoma Community Center. The evening includes a corned beef and cabbage dinner, festivities and a raffle for a chance to win a two-week trip to Ireland or $10,000. Tickets can be purchased at the door starting at 6 p.m. Show starts at 7 p.m.

The reggae act Midnight Sun Massive will be back in town at the Olde Sonoma Public House on Saturday, March 17, for a reggae island celebration. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a St. Patrick’s Day in Sonoma without action from Murphy’s Irish Pub on Saturday, March 17, and they’re getting an early start. Kicking off at 2 p.m. will be the Sweet Penny Royals. Following them at 5 p.m. will be the Gentlemen Soldiers and wrapping up the evening will be the Carrtunes. Friday, March 16, the pub welcomes the Hellhounds for an 8 p.m. show and on Sunday, March, 18, it’s the Shades of Green for an early show, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.

The Grange Hall Barn Dance is back at the Grange Hall in Boyes Hot Springs on Saturday, March 17, kicking off at 8 p.m. Rebecca King, a renowned contra dance pianist in the Bay Area, will play with Howard Booster on fiddle and the moves will be called by caller Mike Fynan, who will teach the reels and circles in advance, then continue calling while the band plays. All attendees under 26 are admitted free.

Cynthia Tarr and the Guys will be at the Sonoma Community Center tonight, March 16, for a night of music. With Tarr tonight will be Cliff Hugo on bass, Ken Cook on piano, Alex Aspinal on drums and Randy Kwan on guitar and together they will perform two lively sets of jazz, rock, shuffles, ballads, cha cha, and soul. Tickets will be available at the door. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.

The Heaters will be at Steiners Tavern tonight, March 16, with an all-star line-up. Typically on drums at the Sunday night blues jam, Adrian Trevino will be on guitar, along with Jason Huybers. Andrew Emer will fill the bass role with Bob McBain on keyboards and J. B. Duff on drums. Showtime is 10 p.m. and there is no cover.

The Epicurean Connection will have a variety of piano players as part of the Sonoma Gaydar group tonight, March 16, kicking off at 6 p.m. Enkidu wines will be on hand and apparently many members of the group play piano so they will be taking turns tickling the ivories.

Wildflower Weed will be at Wellington Vineyards as part of the Savor Sonoma event on Saturday, March, 17, kicking off at noon. The event is a ticketed event that gets you access to more than a dozen wineries in Sonoma Valley. For tickets and more info, point your browser to www.heartofsonomavalley.com.

The Moose Lodge has the polka sounds and much more from Showcase the Band on Sunday, March 18, kicking off at 5 p.m. If you’ve been missing the dances at Little Switzerland on Sundays, they’re trying to revive the scene at the lodge

The Ledson Lounge welcomes back Jess Petty and Ken Chambers on Saturday, March 17, for a 6:30 p.m. show. Petty plays trumpet and flugelhorn, and sings in a strong jazz vocal style that is his own, and is considered a world-class musician. He began his musical career in the Monterey Bay area, gigging with other musicians, and studying with Bud Clooney, a great trumpeter with the Harry James band. There is no cover for the show.

The El Verano Inn has the Mountain Squirrels on Saturday, March. 17, for a night of classic rock and roll with a tad of country. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. and there is no cover.

The Plaza Bistro has the Jeff Massanari Trio in the back room for a night of jazz tonight, March 16, kicking off at 7 p.m. Joining guitarist Massaneri tonight will be Tim Campbell on organ and Marshall Gentry on drums. Saturday, March 17, the bistro welcomes Kristen Strom with Scott Sorkin on guitar, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.

“The Sonoma Sinatra,” Stan Pappas, will be on the road to Rickey’s Restaurant in Novato tonight, March 16, for a 7 p.m. show. Pappas will have with him Jon Shearer on piano.

Don Trotta will be at the Penngrove Pub on Saturday, March 17, at 9 p.m.

Bound to Ride is at the Rhythm and Brews event in Lakeport on Saturday, March 17, for a show at noon.

Local guitarist Michael Hinton will be with the legendary Barry “The Fish” Melton at Georges Nightclub tonight, March 16, for a 9 p.m. show.

On a personal note, we want to give our sincere condolences to the Hill family of Sonoma on the passing of patriarch Gerald Hill, a truly great American. His legacy will not soon be forgotten.

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

Jerry Hannan – Saturday, March 17.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219

Unauthorized Rolling Stones – Friday, March 16.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121

Peter Frampton – Saturday, March 17.
Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium – San Rafael
415-499-6400

David Grisman Quintet – Friday, March 16.
Yoshi’s – San Francisco
415-655-5600

Drive By Truckers – Friday, March 16.
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000

Marshall Tucker Band – Saturday, March, 17.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Little Feat – Sunday, March 18.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123

Barry “The Fish” Melton – Friday, March 16.
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262

Santa Rosa Symphony – Set Six – Saturday – Monday, March 17 – 19.
Wells Fargo Center – Santa Rosa
546-3600