It’s time to get funky this Friday, but before you run up to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for the fun, the venue has changed. The wildly popular music series, which generated $86,000 for the park in just three years, ended up a victim of its own success. “It simply outgrew the limitations of the park” said Bill Meyers, who along with his wife Linda Pavlik, were the creators of the event.
Meyers was dismayed by the thought that the series might just come to an end. But while he was out hiking last year, he past by the William Hood Mansion, just off Pythian Road – saw the structure and the large lawn with plenty of parking – and thought maybe this would be the place.
After a couple phone calls and some logistic meetings, Funky Fridays had a new home, and benefactor – the William Hood Mansion. Teaming up with the Sonoma Regional Parks Foundation, this year the proceeds will help the mansion, Hood Mountain Regional Park and other parks in Sonoma Valley. “We thought it was important to keep the funds in Sonoma Valley to help out here, where we live,” said Meyers.
“Our organization is honored to be involved with Funky Fridays,” said Melissa Kelley, executive director of the Sonoma County Regional Parks Foundation. “Funds raised from this concert series will help support our parks, and the new concert location also will introduce the attendees to the historic landmark of Hood Mansion and the potential for improvements at this site.”
But what about the music? Once again Meyers and Pavlik have put together an all-star line-up for the series, starting tonight with the Bruthas, which feature Levi Lloyd, Willy Jordan, Willard Blackwell, Ron Lacey and Larry Jones. The series continues every Friday through Sept. 2, with bands like the Jami Jamison band, Gator Nation, the Pulsators and more.
Food and beverages are available at the venue but picnic baskets are welcome as well.
The price of admission has not changed, and parking is free with a Regional Parks parking pass.
The official address of the venue, 7501 Sonoma Highway is a little misleading, as the mansion used to have a driveway all the way to Sonoma Highway, but to get to the venue, you will want to get to Pythian Road, off Sonoma Highway and veer left past St. Francis Winery to Casa Manana and as you drive up the road the mansion will come into view. For tickets and more info, point your browser to funkyfridays.info.
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