You’ve heard the name, Ten Foot Tone, we’re sure, but have you ever seen the band? Well, this weekend you will have two chances. First, a little history. Some of you may remember them as Driven, the band that went to England and even played at the original Cavern Club, yes, the same Cavern Club where the Beatles got their start, but the history goes back even further; back to the early ‘90s when Michael Noel and Gerard Serafini played in the Roadside Prophets, doing the Marin County and San Francisco club scene. Driven came after, with guitarist Dustin Smart, bass player Alex Johnson, Jon Williams on vocals and Luis A. Montes on drums and percussion with Michael Noel back on guitar. The band has prided themselves on being original in their music and show with singer Williams proclaiming “we’ll never be a band playing in Hawaiian shirts.” As a musician with over 100 Hawaiian shirts, we’re not offended, but we get it. The bands stage show has always been something to see, and with Serafini and Noel trading off on bass and guitar, the vibe of the songs really have their own feel. Recently, Williams has turned over a new leaf, with the proclamation of learning “100 cover songs in 100 days.” He is coming close, and maybe you’ve seen him busking in the foyer of the Sebastiani Theatre recently. The fact is, sometimes the crowd wants to hear Mustang Sally, but maybe Ten Foot Tones unique version. You can catch the band tonight, April 1, at Papa’s Taverna at 5688 Lakeville Highway in Petaluma, for a 7 p.m. start. Saturday, April 2, you can catch the band in the best-suited venue for them in the Valley; the El Verano Inn, for a show that kicks off at 9:30 p.m. There is no cover.
The San Francisco Starlight Orchestra is making their monthly appearance at Little Switzerland a week early, on Saturday, April 2, for a 2 p.m. show. The orchestra, started in 1984 by John Howard as an authentic 1920s “novelty dance orchestra,” with the goal of being true to the full instrumentation and sound of the era. There is a cover for the show and guests are requested to make reservations by calling 938-9990. As a bonus, the band is inviting folks to come see the rehearsals, kicking off at 12:30 p.m. the same day, in advance of the show, and it’s included in the cover charge.
Later that evening at Little Switzerland, the dancehall will host Tudo Bem, featuring guitarist Dave Aguilar who lay down a nice rock and blues groove, then will break into some Brazilian dance music as well. The show kicks off at 8 p.m. and, according to the band, is another locals no-cover night.
Sunday, April 3, brings local favorites Showcase the Band to the dance floor in Little Switzerland, for an early show that kicks off at 5 p.m. and the band is promising “European ballroom dancing” songs.
The Sonoma International Film Festival kicks off next week, April 6, and, once again, there is plenty of music and music themed events happening. The movie we want to see, having never mastered the ability to actually play “Linus and Lucy” on piano is the “Anatomy of Vince Guaraldi.” We’ve also been told that “Come Together: A Beatles Tribute” is one to watch for, which will be followed by live music by The Sun Kings, a Beatles Tribute Band. Other music related movies are “Bouncing Cats,” “Harpooned Soul: The Jade Bell Story,” “Leave Them Laughing,” “Square Grouper,” which chronicles pot smuggling in the ‘70s, “Burning Man: Voyage in Utopia,” “Welcome to Dopeland,” “Joy Ride” and “Do Not Disturb.” Tickets for the weekend are still available and more info can be found by pointing your browser to www.sonomafilmfest.org.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has the sounds of Loose Shoes tonight, April 1, for a night of blues kicking off at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 2, brings in the local favorite from San Francisco, Andrew Freeman, also for a 8 p.m. show. Sunday, April 3, has a Celtic jam at 3:30 p.m. followed by Third Party, playing original rock, blues and even some country for an early show at 6:30 p.m. There is no cover for any of the shows.
The Sunflower Caffe will be buzzing with the sounds of the Magnets, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Magnets are the new name for Sue Albano, Mark Dennis and “the Monster” Bob Edmondson, for a show that includes an artist reception for Plein-Air painter Dorallen. Hughes Winery will also be on the scene pouring wine. There is no cover for the event.
We’re not sure this is actual music, but there will be singing. “Skanky” the clown, who has been responsible for the robot and clown invasion of the Tuesday night market, as well as the pole dancers in the Fourth of July parade, is taking on another American institution, This time it’s the “Sound of Music” complete with karaoke sing-a-long and parody lyrics tonight, April 1, at the Olde Sonoma Public House. The festivities begin at 7 p.m.
The Plaza Bistro welcomes back Jonathan Poretz tonight, April 1, for a 7 p.m. show. Poretz blends the swinging styling of Sinatra, Torme, Bennett and Darin and also sings American jazz standards for an easy night of entertainment. There is no cover for the show.
Jon Popenoe takes his show on the road to Napa at Uva Trattoria on Saturday, April 2, for a 7 p.m. show.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
The Cowlicks – Sunday, April 3.
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219
Super Diamond – Saturday, April 2.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
Chris Robinson – Thursday, April 7.
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121
Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees tribute – Saturday and Sunday, April 2 – 3.
Wells Fargo Center – Santa Rosa
546-3600
Poor Mans Whiskey – Friday, April 1.
HopMonk Tavern – Sebastopol
829-7300
Stanley Clarke – Friday – Sunday, April 1 – 3.
Yoshi’s – Oakland
510-238-9200
George Thorogood & the Destroyers – Thursday, April 7.
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Alvon – Thursday, April 7.
Biscuits & Blues – San Francisco
415-292-2583