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Plan panel OKs two new music venues

Weekend music – from jazz to children’s piano recitals – will be available in Sonoma after the Planning Commission approved two new music licenses Thursday.

The Epicurean Connection at 122 W. Napa St., will feature live music with one to three musicians, generally occurring on Friday and Saturday nights; and children’s piano recitals on Sundays. Jonathon Smith Cellars Tasting Room, tucked back behind La Salette and Chocolate Cow in the Mercato Shopping Center, will offer jazz on weekends. Both venues will be required to be indoors and have doors and windows closed.

Music licenses are relatively new, with strict restrictions, automatic reviews and revocation criteria. Because they are not conditional use permits, they do not “run with the land” when a business closes or is sold.

“Music adds additional liveliness to the block,” said Sheana Davis, owner of the Epicurean Connection. She added that the music will not be loud because people are in her establishment to have conversations or transact business while eating.

Davis was given some flexibility in her days and hours, but was given strict limitations on the number of overall music performances during the year. The tasting room was also restricted so that it does not bother neighboring businesses. No residences will be affected by either business.

“I am excited to be able to do music,” said Robert Ryan, applicant for the tasting room music permit. “I like to support the older style of jazz and I hope to generate traffic for my neighbors in the Mercato.”

In other business, the commission reviewed a 6-foot wood fence at 19241 Fifth St. W., which exceeded height requirements. The application for the exception was denied.