For the 115th consecutive year, the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, the second longest running festival in the state, with the longest being the Festival of Roses in Pasadena, CA, will take over the Historic Sonoma Plaza which will be full of music, family fun, festivities and wine. The festival has to be one of the most misunderstood events in the Valley, at least since we’ve been here. Long time residents remember the days of the potato toss, face painting and childrens activities, all of which are still there. Newcomers enjoy the art, wine and song and don’t know much about the history of the festival. That story is a whole column on its own. The fact remains that the festival is a place where dozens of non-profits are encouraged, for minimal cost, to set up booths and raise money for their causes, some raising enough to keep them funded all year. All this is paid for by the proceeds of the festival, which is entirely non-profit. No money is kept as profit. All city and county fees for services are also paid for by the festival. Lately, live music has been a big part of the festival, with this year being no exception, with a nice mixture of local and out-of-town talent. Tonight,
Sept. 28, it’s patrons night at the historic barracks on the Plaza, featuring Wonderbread 5. This event is the only cover event for music of the weekend, and tickets, if available, can be purchased at the door. The rest of the weekend is all about the Sonoma Plaza. Saturday, Sept. 29, there are two stages for live music. The wine stage will have Mary Jenson, Jason Bodlovich followed by Cynthia Tarr and the Guys. The main stage features the David Thom Band, Terrie Odabi and Pure Soul followed by Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88’s. Sunday, Sept. 30, the wine stage welcomes Mad and Eddie Duran, the Dick Conte Trio and the Carlos Herrera Latin Trio. The main stage has White Wall, Freddy Lopez followed by Carlos Reyes. All of the entertainment in the plaza is free and open to the public.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards is having the last Friday night music event of the season tonight, Sept. 28, featuring the Rolling Blackouts, and it’s also the last food truck Friday event for the year. The food trucks roll in about 5:30 p.m. and the music in the tasting room kicks off at 6 p.m. There is no cover and the event is family and dog friendly.
Glen Ellen is hoping with live music this weekend, starting Saturday, Sept. 29, at the newly re-opened Grist Mill Bar and Grill with local favorites the WildKats, starting at 9 p.m.
Olive and Vine in the Jack London Village is starting the Sunday Songwriter Series back up, kicking off with John Burdick and friends, and the doors open at 6 p.m. There will be small plates and a special menu available during the music.
The El Verano Inn is keeping up with weekly shows, and tonight Sept. 28, is a special one, featuring Talk That Talk. You may have been lucky enough to get a ticket to see them at the Sonoma Community Center about a month back, but if you missed the act that contains the legendary Roy Blumenfeld from the Blues Project, former members of John Lee Hookers band along with locals Bob Mc Bain and Dave Aguilar, then tonight is your second chance. That night, the act will have Stefanie Keys, from Big Brother and the Holding Company on vocals. In addition to it being a retirement party for Dave Aguilar, it will also be a warm-up for the bands appearance the next day at the Monterey Pop Festival. There is no cover for the show that kicks off at 9 p.m.
The Annex Wine Bar, located next to the Community Cafe on West Napa Street is beginning to have live music as often as four nights a week, and tonight, Sept. 28, they are presenting Chris Hanlin, kicking off at 5 p.m. There is no cover and small plates will be available.
If you miss Chris Hanlin tonight, you can catch him on Saturday, Sept. 29, in Kenwood at the tasting room of Michael Muscardini and Ty Caton, celebrating their fifth anniversary of being open, kicking off at 5 p.m. There is a cover at the door.
The Swiss Hotel has the classic country sounds of Train Wreck Junction in the back patio on Saturday, Sept. 29, starting at 3 p.m. Drink and food specials will be available.
Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes the Tonewoods tonight, Sept. 28, for an 8 p.m. show. There will be variety night at the pub on Saturday, Sept. 29, a comedy show, featuring Nate Follen, Danny Minch and Torio Van Grol and following the show, there will be a live music from Sean Carscadden and Marty O’Reilly. Seats are limited and tickets can be had by calling 548-1225. Sunday, Sept. 30, it’s traditional Celtic music from Kith and Kin, kicking off at 6:30 p.m.
The Moose Logdge has a fish fry tonight, Sept. 28, which will feature live music from Showcase the Band as part of “No Cover Fridays.” The show gets underway at 6:30 p.m.
It’s a movie and a show in the Jack London State Historical Park on Saturday, Sept. 29. The movie is the classic Jack London thriller “Klondike Fever” and the music will be provided by the thrilling Jeff Falconer. The night kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and picnic baskets are welcome. Tickets are available by pointing your browser to www.jacklondonpark.com or at the door the night of the event.
The Plaza Bistro has Jason Bodlovich tonight, Sept. 28, for a 7 p.m. show that will feature local 15 year-old drummer Owen Barrett. Saturday, Sept. 29, it’s the Freddy Lopez Quintet, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.
The Blue Moon Saloon has the reggae grooves of Dan Martin and the Noma Rocksteady Band on Saturday, Sept. 29, kicking off at 10 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, brings the weekly Sunday blues jam, also starting at 10 p.m. There is no cover either night.
Chateau St. Jean Winery in Kenwood, has a wine release party that will feature live music from Solid Air and the Highway Robbers on Saturday, Sept. 29, starting at 11 a.m. For tickets and more info, call 877-478-5326.
Traffic Jam will be at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma tonight, Sept. 28, for an 8 p.m. show.
Brewnel will be at Papas Taverna in Petaluma tonight, Sept. 28, for a 7 p.m. show.
Hot 45s – Shows within a 45 minute drive from the Island
Aimee Mann – Saturday, Sept. 29
The Fillmore – San Francisco
415-346-6000
Aimee Mann – Sunday, Sept. 30
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
The Outlaws – Wednesday, Oct. 3
Uptown Theater – Napa
259-0123
Tom Rigney and Flambeau – Saturday, Sept. 29
142 Throckmorton – Mill Valley
415-383-9600
Blackhawk – Saturday, Sept. 29
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850
The Outlaws – Monday, Oct. 1
Sweetwater Music Hall – Mill Valley
415-388-3850
Jimmy Vaughan – Sunday, Sept. 30
Mystic Theatre – Petaluma
765-2121