Pick of the Week
Bell Bottom Bash – Rossi’s Dancehall – Saturday, May 2, 5:30 p.m.
“We had so many of our friends and family affected by cancer, we felt we had to do something” said Oscar Mooneyhan, and with that and his wife Kat by his side, nine years ago the Bell Bottom Bash was born. Raised here in Sonoma, Mooneyhan had spent 30 years in Reno before making it back to “the island” and had produced a similar event in Reno called “The Shindig” which boasted a ‘60s theme. Originally started as a benefit for the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life, Mooneyhan has branched out over the years and with the close to 50 thousand dollars raised, the event has benefited the Rise of the Fallen, Wounded Warriors and this years beneficiary, the American Diabetes Foundation.
Venue issues forced the cancellation of last year event but when Rossi’s owner Max Young got wind of the bash, he offered up his venue Rossi’s in El Verano for the fundraiser. The event has boasted various themes over the years, the Summer of Love, the ‘60s and this year the theme is disco, with his band BackTrax stepping away from the classic rock set they typically play and laying down a long set of danceable disco songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s, learned just for this show. DJ Saucy 1 will be spinning disco classics before and after the live show. There will be prizes for the best dressed disco themed costume, and a dance contest to be held during one of the live songs, with lessons given prior by professional dance instructor Diane Micheli. There will also be an appearance by Nathalie Tedrick and the Rouge Dance Company and Popo the Clown will also be in attendance doing face painting.
The evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with a buffet dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. DJ Saucy 1 gets the dance floor warmed up at 7:30 and the band takes the stage at 8:30 with Saucy 1 taking the dancing all the way till midnight. There are two levels of tickets, one that includes the entire evening and one just for the dance portion of the night. Tickets and more info can be found at rossis1906.com and bellbottombash.com
Sonoma Music Festival Call-in
Bruce Cohn and Michael Coats field questions about the Sonoma Music Festival
When Bruce Cohn announced he was moving his popular benefit concert from the winery in Glen Ellen to the Field of Dreams in downtown Sonoma, many had questions. We can’t go a day without someone asking something when we’re around town. Your chance to ask Bruce and co-producer Michael Coats directly has come, with a live appearance on community radio KSVY 91.3 FM on Monday, May 4, at 9 a.m. when interested parties can call in and get questions and clarifications answered during the hour long session. The call in number is 933-9133. You can also stream the show live at ksvy.org.
The popular concert series has raised more then 6.5 million dollars over it’s 28 year run, and this year, with the expanded venue and lower overhead, Cohn is hoping for even more to be donated to charity. Some of the organizations that have benefited over the years are Sonoma Mentoring Alliance, Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, the Redwood Rood Bank, American Legion Post #489 and many national veterans’ organizations.
This years show, scheduled for Oct. 2 – 4, boasts an additional Friday night show, that will feature Chicago and America. The Saturday, Oct. 3 show welcomes one of the Beatles, Ringo Starr and his All-Starr band, along with Pablo Cruise to Sonoma and Sunday, Oct. 4, Cohn presents the Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald, Gregg Allman, the Edgar Winter band and the Tommy Castro band. Tickets and more info on all the shows and venue can be found at sonomamusicfestival.com.
Set List – The Rundown
Erik James Tasting Room
Tonight, May 1, What’s Shakin’ – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, Willis, Cochran and Davies – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, Diva Singer Night and Community Jam with Dallis Craft and Karla Downey – 7:30 p.m.
Annex Wine Bar
Tonight, May 1, Acoustic Soul – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, Never Fear – 7:30 p.m.
Epicurean Connection
Tonight, May 1, The Jelly Rolls – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, Naomi Hooley – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, Misty Adana and Company – 1 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub
Saturday, May 2, Andrew Freeman – 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 3, Kristen Pearce – 7 p.m.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards
Tonight, May 1, the Cork Pullers – 6 p.m.
Plaza Bistro
Tonight, May 1, Jeff Massanari – 7 p.m.
Rossi’s 1906 Dancehall
Tonight, May 1 – Ten Foot Tone – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, Bell Bottom Bash with BackTrax – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, Tri-Tip Trio – 5 p.m.
HopMonk Tavern
Tonight, May 1, Billy Manzik– 5 p.m. – Sean Carscadden – 8 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, Matt Bolton – 1 p.m. Nathan Dennen – 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, Whitney Lockert – 1 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, Megan Slankard and Jeff Campbell – 8 p.m. – Listening Room
B&V Whiskey Bar and Grille
Tonight, May 1, Adrian Trevino Trio – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 2, DJ Isak – 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, 3 on a Match – 3 p.m.
Olde Sonoma Public House
Sunday, May 3, Karaoke – 7:30 p.m.
Blue Moon Saloon
Saturday, May 2, Karaoke – 9 p.m.
Sunday, May 3, Blues Jam – all welcome – 10 p.m.
Moose Lodge
Sunday, May 3, Showcase the Band – 4 p.m.
B.R. Cohn Winery
Sunday, May 3, Sean Carscadden – 2 p.m.
If your gig isn’t in my column, you didn’t tell me about it.