Gospel? Oldies? Swing? Music choices in Sonoma this weekend

There is something for every in town (musically) this weekend.|

MusicWorks Sonoma is back in action this weekend on Sunday, April 3, with its annual spring concert titled “Lift up your Voices” at the St. Francis Solano Church at 7 p.m. Produced by artistic director James Griewe, and accompanist John Simon, the group will perform stylings of gospel songs and beloved spirituals. Joining in the sing-a-long will be Larry Murphy and Jim Fitzgerald.

Admission to the show is free, although donations will be accepted. The group donates all proceeds to local nonprofit organizations, and has raised more than $100,000 over the years. Performing in Sunday’s show will be John Bordynski, Sean Bush, Joanne Emery-Knight, Marie Enlow, Dana Frank, Linda Green, Carol Greenlund, Shannon Howlett, Erik Knight, James McFadden, Margie Morin, Mary Northend, Sandy Sillars, Ray Welch and Steve Wolf.

On the other side of the Plaza, the Friday Night Music series returns starting tonight, April 1, at Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards at 6 p.m. with BackTrax taking the “stage” in the tasting room. Things have been changed up a little this year, as the performances now are on the right side of the tasting room as you enter. The popular Food Truck Friday events will still be happening, beginning in the coming weeks. Attendees are encouraged to patronize the local markets and restaurants to bring a picnic and enjoy the music. There is no cover for the show and the event is family and well-behaved-dog friendly. For more information, point your browser to Sebastiani.com.

Up the road, Rossi’s 1906 Dancehall has a triple bill tonight, April 1, with three acts as part of Sonoma County Dance Beats “April Foolery” celebration. Dance Beats has been presenting the popular swing-dance lessons each Wednesday at the venue, and tonight presents Royal Jelly Jive, Lost Dog Found, and Wendy DeWitt with Kirk Harwood.

Royal Jelly Jive, fronted by Lauren Bjelde, combines elements of soul, rock, swing and hip-hop. After releasing its debut album at Slim’s in late 2014, the band toured the West Coast and shared stages with notable acts such as Michael Franti, Rebirth Brass Band and the California Honeydrops.

Lost Dog Found combines soul, rock and roll, New Orleans jazz, modern swing and roots music to create a sound all its own. The band was voted Best Band by the Press Democrat in 2013 and has shared the stage with Imelda May, Jimmie Vaughan, Tommy Castro and Jackie Greene.

Sonoman Wendy DeWitt and Kirk Harwood play boogie woogie and blues that is garnering national attention. This powerhouse duo is two-time regional winner and a one-time finalist in the International Blues Challenge. This act never disappoints.

Contact JM Berry at jmberry@sonomamusic.com.

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