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