Beyond the Valley of the music festival: Other great shows this weekend in Sonoma

We know people have busy lives, but even this week we ran into people who had no idea the Sonoma Music Festival was happening Oct. 2 to 4 with, once again, Bruce Cohn bringing some of the biggest names in classic rock to an intimate location, this time at the Field of Dreams at 151 First St. West. Tonight, Oct. 2, the weekend kicks off with Carlos Reyes, America and Chicago for an evening show with doors at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, it’s a Beatle, Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band, which includes Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie, Steve Lukather and more along with local favorites Pablo Cruise kickstarting the evening show with doors also opening at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, it’s a daytime show, with doors at 11 a.m. that will have Pat Simmons Jr., Lara Johnston, Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, the Edgar Winter Group, Gregg Allman and the Doobie Brothers with Michael McDonald. This weekend was also just officially proclaimed “Sonoma Music Festival Weekend” by Mayor David Cook. The charity concert has moved from the renowned estate winery that features Cohn’s name to the Field of Dreams in downtown Sonoma. Over the years, the concert has helped raise over 6.5 million dollars for local and national charities, with this year’s being Fisher House for Vets, Redwood Empire Food Bank, American Legion Post #489 and Bread & Roses. For tickets and more info, point your browser to sonomamusicfestival.com.

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The official Sonoma Music Festival “After Party” is at B&V Whiskey Bar and Grille tonight, Oct. 2 with the Bad Jones and Saturday, Oct. 3 with 1955. The Bad Jones hails from the Bay Area and was known formerly as Soul Pie. Upon changing its name, the band has reemerged with a new attitude and sound in efforts to focus their strengths as songwriters, and more importantly to shed a fresh and reverent light on what they see as the currently dormant state of rock ‘n’ roll. 1955 consists of several local Sonoma Musicians, including Sasha Papadin on vocals and guitar, Kieran Maloney on drums and backing vocals, Dane Gaffney on bass and Jake Studer on lead guitar. The act prides itself on lean tight songs with a cinematic sweep to them, propelled by a stripped-down garage rock vibe and an unbridled live energy. A throwback to the simplicity and clarity of early rock ‘n’ roll songwriting, the songs bristle with a modern, moody edge. Shows both nights kick off at 10 p.m. and there is no cover either night.

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If you’re not “Ringo-ing” on Saturday Oct. 3, many local musicians are putting on a fundraiser at Rossi’s 1906 to help out victims of the Valley Fire in Clearlake. The acts include Sons of Charles, Dan Martin, Tony Gibson and Dawn Angelosante, Liz Fanora Jones, Jon Shannon Williams, DJ Saucy 1, the Bumblin’ Bones, Tilted Halos and solo sets from belly dancing troupes. The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. and will go until late in the evening. There is a suggested donation at the door.

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Once again, Jeff Bundschu has quietly booked a big-name musician to show up at the Gundlach Bundschu Winery for another intimate show, this time with Rufus Wainwright on Sunday, Oct. 4, for a 6 p.m. show. Wainwright is a true renaissance man, having a music and acting career with seven albums to his name and numerous credits in movies, television and theater. Son of Louden Wainwright III, the younger Wainwright’s rise to fame has not been without challenges. Addiction and the struggles of his own sexuality have shaped his world view and that is reflected in his songs. His much acclaimed, self titled 1998 debut album was named among the best albums of the year by Rolling Stone, which also bestowed Wainwright with its best new artist title. His latest work, “Out of the Game,” is described as more danceable than previous albums and was preceded by a 19-disc release of his entire catalog, including all unreleased tracks. This show will be more intimate on the hillside amphitheatre at Gundlach Bundschu Winery. Tickets will be available at the door and carpoolers of three or more receive complimentary parking. For more info, point your browser to gunbun.com/calendar.