They call it “Hippie Mountain Music” and after several years of getting it all together, locals Wildflower Weed have compiled a nice disc of tunes, all recorded locally in the studios of Gerard Serafini, owner of Sonoma Valley Music. The tracks were all recorded almost one year ago in one five-hour session in a live setting to grasp the natural feel of the music. Only the harmonica tracks laid down by the legendary Will Scarlett were overdubbed. You will hear some of their influences in the songs; Gillian Welch, the Dead, and other artists of that genre, but the songs are all uniquely theirs. The disc, titled “Down the Road We Go,” is dedicated to some close musician friends the band has lost over the last year or so, including Steve Edelson, Steve Mann and Alex Ruiz. The CD release party takes place on Saturday, Feb. 4, at the Olde Sonoma Public House, and most of the players on the disc will be making an appearance, including yours truly. Showtime is 7:30 p.m.
The monthly first Friday artists reception at the Sunflower Caffe, held tonight, Jan. 3, has a musical aspect far beyond the appearance of JoyRide. Photographic images from Sandie Nalezny will be on display and much like pairing food and wine, Nalezny has paired her images with songs, with a playlist available for downloading. Although billed as imagery from Sonoma Valley, there is not a single image of vineyards, which is actually kind of refreshing. St Supery will also be on hand to pour some wines from Napa Valley. There is no cover for the show, which kicks off at 5 p.m.
Sonoma Valley Music has taken local service to a new level with a variety of classes now being offered in the music store. For many years now, Sonoma Valley Music has saved many a musician in need of last minute strings or that quick repair before a show. We remember when there was no music store in the Valley and had to drive to Petaluma for music services. Online sales have been tough on the local guys as of late, and the folks are getting creative with some really interesting classes. Some of the classes are ‘You and Ukulele” taught by Sean Carscadden, “Teen Sing” with Vanessa Schilling, “Group Guitar” with Ralph Cetola, “Storytime Theater” taught by Kathryn DelChiaro, “Playtime Performance” with Jon Williams and more. For info about the classes, call the store at 996-2196.
Murphy’s Irish Pub welcomes True Grit tonight, Feb. 3, for an 8 p.m. show. Saturday, Feb. 4, brings in the monthly performance of the popular guitarist Andrew Freeman, also for an 8 p.m. show. Sunday, Feb. 5 there will be no music, but a Super Bowl Extravaganza, for all interested parties.
The Kathmandu Corner behind the Taste of the Himalayas restaurant welcomes the Timothy O’Neil Band tonight, Feb. 3, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Saturday, Feb. 4, the corner brings in the popular local duo of Dave Aguilar and Peter McCauley, also for a 7:30 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.
The Ledson Lounge welcomes back Jess Petty and Ken Chambers on Saturday, Feb. 4, for a 6:30 p.m. show.
The Plaza Bistro has Erik Jekabson tonight, Feb. 3, with Jeffrey Burr on guitar and John Witala on bass. Jekabson is a freelance trumpet player, composer and educator. He leads his own ensembles in the Bay Area. Saturday, Feb. 4, brings in jazz legends Mad and Eddie Duran for one night only. According to Dirk Richardson of the North Bay Guardian, the duo plays with “palpable emotional and musical chemistry… a warm, glowing core, whether the tunes are straight-ahead standards or Afro-Cuban and Brazilian, Eddie boasts complete choral and melody-line virtuosity, and Mad, especially on tenor elegantly reflects the influence of Stan Getz.” There is no cover for either nights show, both of which kick off at 7 p.m.
The Blue Moon Saloon continues the Sunday Night Blues Jam on Sunday, Feb. 5, kicking off at 10 p.m.
Local guitarist Michael Hinton will be at Biscuits and Blues in Union Square in San Francisco on Saturday, Feb. 4, playing with Barry Melton, kicking off at 9 p.m.
The Hellhounds will be in Napa at Uva Trattoria tonight, Feb. 3, for an 8 p.m. show.
The Jon Popenoe Blues Band will be at Finnegans Pub in Novato Saturday, Feb. 4, for their debut appearance, kicking off at 10 p.m.
Points North will be at the Quarternote in Sunnyvale tonight, Feb. 3 for an 8 p.m. show.