Soundbytes – Bits and Pieces
The Sonoma International Film Festival is in full swing as you read this, and there’s more than movies, there’s music in the back-lot (see the Set List for acts and times) but there’s also many music-themed movies for you to catch around town. In addition, Colin Hay from the ‘80s band Men at Work will be in town presenting his own movie, “Waiting for my Real Life” which will screen Saturday, April 2, at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday April 3, at 3:30 p.m. Check the Film Festival schedule or below for viewing locations. For all the info, point your browser to sonomafilmfest.org
Let’s highlight some of the music movie selections:
All in Time
The classic story of a kid in a rock band sure they’re going to make it big, but this time, Charlie isn’t in the band, but manages it. The movie features the Badlees (performing as the Damsells) who have been an actual performing band since 1990. The story follows Charlie and his struggles to reign in the bands disgruntled guitarist, who has already been burned by the music industry, the fight to keep his relationship with his girlfriend intact and to actually be able to have food, clothing and shelter. The movie screens Saturday, April 2, at 3 p.m. and Sunday, April 3, at 6 p.m. at the Vintage House senior center.
Big Voice
A choir instructors dream is to assemble a group of voices so amazing that they can sing anything and sound like one. The movie depicts a year in the life of Mr. Huls and his choir to uncover what makes him such a remarkable teacher. Mr. Huls compiles his dream ensemble, the most ideal combination of voices he has ever had, and finds it’s like herding cats; cats with attitudes and egos. Through the struggles they manage to create one big voice. The movie screens today, April 1, at 10 a.m. in the Le Tigre Tent and Sunday, April 3, at 2:30 p.m. in Andrews Hall.
Colin Hay – Waiting For My Real Life
The front man from the ’80 super-group Men at Work, the movie, co-directed by Hay himself, tells the story of the struggle to make it as a young act in the big world of music, the trials and tribulations of stardom as he wrestles with addiction and the realization of what life becomes after the spotlight fades. Now back on track with a solo career, Hay is now discovering his life once again. The movie screens Saturday, April 2, at 8:30 p.m. at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building 1 venue and Sunday, April 3, at 3 p.m. in the Le Tigre Tent.
Gordon Getty – There Will Be Music
Is it possible that the son of once the richest man in the world, J. Paul Getty be taken as a serious composer? Gordon Getty is set out to prove just that. Getty started his musical journey in 1984 at the San Francisco Conservatory and has been paying his musical dues since then. All the money in the world can’t buy you talent, and Getty seems to know that. Getty has written for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo piano, as well as many vocalists. The movie screens today, April 1, at 5:30 p.m. at the Vintage House senior center and Saturday, April 2, at 2:30 p.m. in Andrews Hall.
Yard Dogs Road Show
What would happen if you were trying to make a documentary movie about a jug band and an actual band broke out? This movie tells the story of three young troubadours trying to produce a short film and realized the show needed to go on the road, literally. The act has gone from a three piece in 2005 and living in a Ford Galaxy 500 to a 15-piece ensemble touring the country in some of the finest halls around. The story has a local twist as well, with Tobias Weinberger being the one in charge of “contraptions and mysticism.” The movie screens one time, tonight, April 1, at 5:30 p.m. in the Sebastiani Theatre.
#########
MusicWorks!Sonoma is back in action this weekend on Sunday, April 3, with their annual Spring concert titled “Lift up your Voices” at the St Francis Solano Church at 7 p.m. Produced by artistic director James Griewe, and accompanist, John Simon, the group will perform styling’s of gospel and beloved spirituals songs. Joining in the sing-a-long will be Larry Murphy and Jim Fitzgerald.
Admission to the show is free, although donations will be gratefully accepted. The group donates all proceeds to local non-profit organizations, and raised over $100,000 over the years. Performing in Sundays show will be John Bordynski, Sean Bush, Joanne Emery-Knight, Marie Enlow, Dana Frank, Linda Green, Carol Greenlund, Shannon Howlett, Erik Knight, James McFadden, Margie Morin, Mary Northend, Sandy Sillars, Ray Welch and Steve Wolf.
########
The Friday night music series opens back up tonight, April 1, at Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards at 6 p.m. with BackTrax taking the “stage” in the tasting room. Things have been changed up a little this year with the bands now on the right side of the tasting room as you enter. The popular food truck Friday events will still be happening, although tonight will not be one of those. Attendees are encouraged to patronize the local markets and restaurants and bring a picnic and enjoy the music. There is no cover for the show and the event is family and well-behaved dog friendly. For more info, point your browser to Sebastiani.com.
########
Rossi’s 1906 Dancehall has a triple bill tonight, April 1, with three acts as part of Sonoma County Dance Beats “April Foolery” celebration. The group has been presenting the popular swing-dance lessons each Wednesday at the venue and tonight presents Royal Jelly Jive, Lost Dog Found, Wendy DeWitt with Kirk Harwood.
Royal Jelly Jive combines elements of soul, rock, swing and hip-hop. Fronted by Lauren Bjelde, after releasing its debut album at Slims in late 2014, the band toured the West Coast and shared stages with notable acts such as Michael Franti, Rebrirth Brass Band and the California Honeydrops.
Lost Dog Found combines soul, rock and roll, New Orleans jazz, modern swing and roots music to create a sound all its own. The band was Voted Best Band by the Press Democrat in 2013 among others and has shared the stage with Imelda May, Jimmie Vaughan, Tommy Castro and Jackie Greene.
Local Sonoman Wendy DeWitt and Kirk Harwood, play boogie woogie and blues that is garnering national and International attention. This powerhouse duo are two-time regional winners and International Blues Challenge Finalists. This act never disappoints.
########
Set List – The Rundown
Annex Wine Bar, 865 W. Napa St. Sonoma, 938-7779
Tonight, April 1: Sharyn Paquette and Friends. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 2: Shameless. 7:30 p.m.
Barking Dog Roasters, 18133 Sonoma Hwy. Sonoma, 939-1905
Saturday, April 2: Stewart Degner. 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 3: Carl and Eddie. 3 p.m.
B. R. Cohn Winery, 15000 Sonoma Hwy. Glen Ellen, 800-330-4064
Sunday, April 3: Don Trotta and Dann Walters. 2 p.m.
Friday Farmers Market, Depot Park, 270 First St W. Sonoma
Today, April 1: Stewart Degner. 9:30 a.m.
HopMonk Tavern, 691 Broadway Sonoma, 935-9100
Tonight, April 1: Vitamin Girl. 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 2: Jimbo Scott. 8 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub, 464 First St. E. Sonoma, 935-0660
Tonight, April 1: Tudo Bem. 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 2: Andrew Freeman. 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 3: Ain’t Misbehavin’. 7 p.m.
Olde Sonoma Public House, 18615 Sonoma Hwy. Boyes Hot Springs, 938-7587
Sunday, April 3: Karaoke. 7:30 p.m.
Plaza Bistro, 420 First St E. Sonoma, 996-4466
Tonight, April 1: Ricardo Peixoto Quintet. 7 p.m.
Rossi’s 1906 Dancehall, 401 Grove St. El Verano, 343-0044
Tonight, April 1: Triple Bill with Royal Jelly Jive, Lost Dog Found and Wendy DeWitt. 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 2: Aqua Nett. 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 3: Fanora Jams School, Band. 9 p.m.
St. Francis Solano Church, 469 Third St. W. Sonoma, 996-6759
Sunday, April 3: MusicWorks! – 7 p.m.
Schellville Grill, 22900 Broadway, Sonoma, 996-5151
Saturday, April 2: Butch Engle and Styx. 12:30 p.m.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards, 389 Fourth St. E. Sonoma, 933-3230
Tonight, April 1: BackTrax, 6 p.m.
Sonoma International Film Festival
Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building, 126 First St. W. Sonoma, 938-4105
Today, April 1: Sean Carscadden. 3 p.m. Kristen Storment. 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 2: Ari Eisenberg. 3 p.m. Chris Hanlin. 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 3: Adam Traum. 3 p.m. Tsunami. 4:30 p.m. Grateful Bluegrass Boys. 8 p.m.
Sonoma Speakeasy and American Music Hall, 452 First St. E. ste. G. Sonoma, 996-1364
Tonight, April 1: Champagne Groove. 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 2: Wildflower Weed 1 p.m. The Marks Brothers. 5 p.m. John Kruth, Roy Blumenfeld and David Aguilar. 8 p.m.
If your gig isn’t in my column, you didn’t tell me about it.