Since early July of this year, the Transcendence Theatre Company has been putting on a series of shows in the Jack London State Historical Park as a benefit for the park itself, to sell-out crowds and delighted attendees. The group has brought little bits of Broadway right here to Sonoma Valley with performers from actual Broadway and television shows and national touring companies in a number of themed shows under the stars. That all comes to an end this Saturday, Sept. 1, when the group presents a grand finale; a sort of greatest hits from all the previous shows. The gates open at 5 p.m. and families are welcome to bring a picnic basket and can even reserve a table by calling 877-424-1414. The main event kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are available online at www.transcendencetheatre.org.
The Grist Mill Bar and Grill in Glen Ellen is giving live music another chance with the first of weekly live music nights Saturday, Sept.1, at the newly re-opened venue with a new menu and a whole new vibe. Kicking off the series will be local favorites the WildKats, which feature Nazar Eljumaily, Doug DelFava and Tom Peterian. Showtime is 9 p.m. and there is no cover.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards presents BackTrax in the tasting room tonight, Aug. 31, kicking off sharp at 6 p.m. It is also a food truck Friday event, with gourmet food trucks in the parking lot. There is no cover for the event, and tables are first-come, first-served.
Sometimes in this business of writing events, you get a press release that really shouldn’t be edited or changed, so here you go. “The Whiskey Thieves are hosting a first ever “Tips for the Tab” benefit Friday, Aug. 31, at Steiners Tavern, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. They are playing that night to clear their long standing bar tab. There is no cover charge, but the band will be accepting tips to help wipe out their tab. Pay for a drink they already drank! Prizes will be awarded for the largest donations.” See you at Steiners.
Robledo Winery was the scene on Saturday, Aug. 25, of a surprise performance by Nuestra Leyenda as part of the Amistad Awards ceremony.
Sarah Summers presents a going away concert on Monday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. in Andrews Hall as she prepares to go off to college. Her performance will benefit the renovation of Andrews Hall, for which funds are currently being raised. According to Summers, “…I performed once before at Andrew’s Hall and loved the more formal setting, a great change from the bars and restaurants I normally perform in. I hope that my contribution to Andrews Hall will allow me to perform there again someday when I return to Sonoma…” Tickets will be available at the door or beforehand at the Sonoma Community Center box office.
HopMonk Tavern Sonoma welcomes Glenn Carter to the outside stage on Sunday, Sept. 2, for a 1 p.m. show.
The Plaza Bistro has jazz again this weekend starting tonight, Aug. 31, with the Dan Zemelman Trio, featuring Mike Bordelon on bass and Jeff Marrs on drums. Zemelman contributed to John Lee Hooker’s last studio album, “Face to Face” and toured South America with Hookers daughter Zakiya’s band. Zemelman currently plays regularly with bassist-composer Marcus Shelby, as well as his own quartet. Saturday, Sept. 1, brings in Bryan Girard on saxophone with Tim Campbell on keyboards. Born and raised in San Francisco, Girard majored in music at San Francisco State University and has performed in and around the Bay Area for over three decades. Shows both nights kick off at 7 p.m. and there is no cover.
Murphy’s Irish Pub presents Larry Carlin and Mostly Simply Bluegrass tonight Aug. 31, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Sept. 1, it’s the popular Andrew Freeman, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Sept. 2, it’s an early show with the Paper Dolls, featuring Uni and her Ukelele. There is no cover for any of the shows at the pub.
The Ledson Hotel welcomes Dan Daniels and Nicky DePaola on Saturday, Sept. 1, for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover.
The Blue Moon Saloon has DJ Selecta Green B as part of a blue moon celebration tonight, Aug. 31, kicking off at 10 p.m.
Showcase the Band will be in Rio Nido at the picnic grounds on Sunday, Sept. 2, for a barbecue starting at 5 p.m.
The Tonewoods will be at A’Roma Roasters in Santa Rosa on Saturday, Sept. 1, for an 8:30 p.m. show.
Traffic Jam will be at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma tonight, Aug. 31, for an 8 p.m. show.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Old 97’s – Sunday, Sept. 2
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000
James Cotton – Friday, Aug. 31
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372
Bella Fleck – Tuesday, Sept. 4
Napa Valley Opera House
226-7372
John Hiatt – Sunday, Sept. 2
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Tony Saunders – Friday, Aug. 31
George’s Nightclub – San Rafael
415-226-0262
Charlie Musselwhite – Sunday, Sept. 2
Rancho Nicasio – Nicasio
415-662-2219