The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, held on the last full weekend of September since 1947, has announced the music festival portion of the line-up. But, before we go further, we want you to know that the festival is one of the few that foots the bill so 20-plus nonprofits can raise money for their causes over the course of the weekend, some garnering all the funding they need for they year from this one event. The board members are all volunteers and the festival is a certified 501(c)(3). This is not a festival where folks are making a profit, as all the money raised goes back to the community. Now that we have that straight, this year the festival starts on Friday, Sept. 26, at the historic Sonoma Barracks with the patron’s night celebration that will feature Foreverland, along with many local wine and food purveyors. Saturday, Sept. 27, the day kicks off in the Plaza at 11 a.m. with Gator Nation. Luvplanet follows at 1 p.m. followed by Danny Click and the HellYeas and the day wraps with the legendary Lydia Pense and Cold Blood. The show continues on Sunday, Sept. 28, with the Zins at 10 p.m., followed by Frank Bey and the Anthony Paule Band at noon then blues legend Charlie Musselwhite at 2 p.m. There is no cover for the weekend music, but patron’s night is a ticketed event and typically sells out. For tickets and more info, point your browser to sonomavintagefestival.com.
The Rockin’ Heart Hoedown is happening in Kenwood this weekend on Saturday, Aug. 16, at noon on two stages with a number of acts. The “donkey” stage presents Dale Henry Geist and the Strays, Megan McLaughlin, Festival of Friends, the David Thom Band, Kevin Russell and Friends, Doug Blumer and the Bohemian Highway, Solid Air and the Crux. The “goat” stage welcomes Tamara Phelan, the Clementi Boys, Mark and Cindy Lemaire, Jack Hines, Lindalou and Michael, Joel Kolatch and Carb and Swarthy. The festival is family friendly and open to the public, although tickets are required. For more info, point your browser to rockinheartmusic.com.
There is a benefit for FISH on Sunday, Aug. 17, at the Barking Dog Roasters in Boyes Hot Springs that will feature 3 on a Match along with a barbecue meal. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. and tickets are available at the Barking Dog or at the venue the night of the event.
The El Verano Inn has another punk rock show of epic proportions on Saturday, Aug.16, with the CD release party from Static People called “Rare Creatures.” The show also features Paulie Hips and the Childbearers and Dark Lord Byron. The night kicks off at 9 p.m. and there is no cover.
Rossi’s 1906 in El Verano (the former Little Switzerland) continues with live music this weekend starting tonight, Aug. 15, with hometown sweetheart Wendy DeWitt, the “Queen of Boogie Woogie” along with Kirk Harwood for a 9:30 p.m. show. Saturday, Aug. 16, it’s the return of Gator Nation, formerly Gator Beat, to the venue, who were a regular act for years. Showtime is also 9:30 p.m.
Burgers and Vine presents a historic reunion of the band Savanah tonight, Aug. 15, which is the reason owner Codi Binkley is even in Sonoma, as his parents, Rick and Lisa Binkley decided to move to Sonoma to try to break out in music in the Bay Area. The Binkleys are joined by Curt Schillinger, Bob Morrell and Eric Ehrenpfort along with the spirit of Jim Aiken and John Salz who are already jamming up above. Showtime is 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, it’s T-Luke and the Tight Suits playing Cajun zydeco with an act that has former members of Gator Beat, also kicking off at 9:30 p.m. There is no cover either night.
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards presents the Cork Pullers playing folk classics from the ’60s tonight, Aug. 15, in the tasting room for a 6 p.m. show. The venue is child- and dog-friendly, and there is no cover. No outside alcohol, including beer is allowed, per ABC regulations.
The Annex Wine Bar welcomes Zen Stew playing an eclectic mix of songs tonight, Aug 15, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Saturday, Aug. 16, it’s the Smart Fellers playing some classic rock and more. Showtime is also 7:30 p.m. There is no cover but the venue is 21 and over only.
Palooza Gastropub in Kenwood presents JMB and the Big O tonight, Aug. 15, for a 7 p.m. show. Sunday, Aug. 17, it’s “Sangria Sunday” with a show from Steven Kent, who is called a “Grand Ole Opry country music singer-songwriter.”The show kicks off at noon.
The Erik James Tasting Room has music tonight, Aug. 15, with Macy Blackman and the Praline Trio kicking off at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, it’s John Allair and Julia Harrell, also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night, but there is a $10 minimum.
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