Sonoma Valley lost a big piece of the fabric of the local music community last Friday, July 18, when David Robbins passed away from a heart attack on the way home from an A’s game. Dave was quietly one of the largest supporters of the local music scene from an adult standpoint but more than that he was there for the children. His role as “Skeleton Jack” with the Witchy Poo players and his involvement with the teen music venue, The Shop out on Eighth Street East, were just a couple of the places Dave made a difference. Born in 1952 in Germany, Dave was a son of British military parents and moved about a lot until settling in the United States in Sonoma Valley with his wife, Sarah, in 1980. Dave had stories and lessons learned for just about any scenario, and his tales of seeing acts like Jimi Hendrix on the Isle of Wight was just one that we remember well. He was also the first to reach out if others needed a helping hand. After more than one local crisis or event, we would get the call or email from Dave that typically just said “let me know what you need me to do.” Dave quietly helped so many young musicians with their starts that just seeing the posts on Facebook opened up a world that even we didn’t know about. A celebration of his life is being planned on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 4 p.m. at the Moose Lodge. Many will be playing music and other festivities are planned. Anyone who is wishing to participate, contact us at this email, jmberry@sonomamusic.com as we’ll be coordinating that portion of the event.
Junior Boogie has, once again, put together a blues band of epic proportions and will be playing at Burgers and Vine tonight, July 25, starting at 9:30 p.m. Members of the act read like an all-star line-up from some of the biggest names in blues history with Sam Andrew who played with Janis Joplin, Rich Kirch of the John Lee Hooker Band, Leroy Bloom from the Blues Project and Seatrain, Bruce Barthol from Country Joe and the Fish, local Treasure Artist Dave Aguilar from the Norton Buffalo Band and guest vocalists Codi Binkley and Ashley Cuellar. There is no cover for the show.
Solo Flight returns this time to the Moose Lodge for a showcase of the vocal talent from Vox Populi on Saturday, July 26, for a 7 p.m. show. The evening opens with the women of Vox Populi, called “Solo Flight” performing followed by the men of the group, performing as “Voices in my Head.” Both acts will be accompanied by the DaveEdJohn Quartet with Cliff Zyskowski and Keith Ridenhour. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Tiddlewinks or at the door.
The Sonoma Community Center continues the presentation of the Kitchen Concert Series in the Rotary Community Kitchen on Sunday, July 27, at 6:30 p.m. with Karen Neihoff. Tickets will be available at the door.
B. R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen presents two music events this weekend, starting on Saturday, July 26, with the Summer Music Series and Dgiin performing in the olive grove for a 6 p.m. show. Tickets include a paella dinner that starts at 4 p.m. Tickets for that event can be purchased at the door. Sunday, July 27, there is a free show on the tasting room lawn, starting at 2 p.m. with the Penguins. Picnics are welcome for that event but no outside alcohol is allowed.
Little Vineyards in Glen Ellen presents a barbecue dinner with wine pairings and show with the Cork Pullers on Saturday, July 26, kicking off at 5 p.m. Tickets and more info can be found at littlevineyards.com or at the door.
The Swiss Hotel presents Train Wreck Junction on the back patio on Saturday, July 26, for a 3 p.m. show. There is no cover for the show.
The Annex Wine Bar welcomes Ralph Cetola and Krazy Kat laying down blues and more tonight, July 25, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Saturday, July 26, it’s the Chris Hanlin Band playing original songs and some blues. Showtime is also 7:30 p.m. There is no cover but the venue is 21 and over only.
Burgers and Vine presents DJ Rick Vegas on Saturday, July 26, playing top-40 hits, kicking off at 9:30 p.m.
Muscardini Cellars in Kenwood presents another ‘Wine Down Friday” at 5 p.m. today, July 25, on the tasting room porch with BackTrax. The cover charge includes a glass of wine and picnics are welcome
Sebastiani Winery and Vineyards presents the Chris Hanlin Band playing blues and originals tonight, July 25, 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.
Palooza Gastropub in Kenwood presents Ricky Alan Ray tonight, July 25, for a 7 p.m. show. Sunday, July 27, it’s “Sangria Sunday” with a show from Tsunami, playing rock and roll. That show kicks off at noon.
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