It’s likely the best kept musical secret here in Sonoma Valley and that’s the weekly “Blues Jam” that is held each Sunday night at the Blue Moon Saloon, kicking off at 10 p.m., and this Sunday, March 2, the band is celebrating its fifth year. The core “house band” features Phil Herrschaft , Isaac Carter, Bob McBain, Stuart Sperring and Mikey Cannon, but on any Sunday you can count on a number of others sitting in; Adrian Trevino, Jayson Huybers, “Smokin” Joe and even the occasional act that is passing through. Local musicians are also welcome to stop in and sign up for a slot to jam with the band. Having been one of those who have, we can say it is a great night of music. Congrats guys, and keep up the jam!
The Sonoma Community Center continues its winter concert series with two shows this weekend, starting tonight, Feb. 28, with Cynthia Tarr and Band. Tarr is the Sonoma Community Center’s music program director, and has sung the national anthem at the 4th of July celebration and City Party. Most recently, Tarr was the mistress of ceremonies for the Center’s annual Holiday Follies All-Star Review. Tarr has been entertaining audiences with her soulful performances for well over two decades. A prolific songwriter, her songs have appeared on albums by Keb’ Mo’, Manhattan Transfer, Chris Bennett and Hiroko Minato. She has also written and performed with rhythm and blues legend Leon Ware and Brazilian legend Dori Caymmi.
Saturday, March 1, it’s Bob Malone. Based out of Los Angeles, Malone plays keyboards with rock legend John Fogerty, and continues a long running and successful solo career. His sound is a one-of-a-kind hybrid of rock, blues and New Orleans rhythm and blues, delivered with high-energy piano virtuosity and a voice all of his own. Malone plays more than 100 shows a year across the globe, and has played with or opened for Bruce Springsteen, Rickie Lee Jones, The Neville Brothers, Rev. Al Green, Dr. John and many others. Showtime both nights is 7:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online at svbo.org, or in person the night of the show, starting 30 minutes before show time.
The Sonoma Valley Jazz Society is presenting Anton Schwartz at the Vintage House senior center on Sunday, March. 2, for a 4 p.m. show.
In 1995, Schwartz walked away from a high-powered academic career in artificial intelligence to play music full-time and quickly gained an enthusiastic following as fans responded to what the San Francisco Chronicle called his “warm, generous tone, impeccably developed solos and infectious performance energy.” “What I require for music to really captivate me,” said Schwartz “is groove and intellect working in tandem. Music that gets into your bones, into your head and into your heart.” The show is also a celebration and release of his new CD titled “Flash Mob,” which was given four stars by Downbeat Magazine. The band includes Anton Schwartz on saxophone, Tatum Greenblatt on trumpet, Taylor Eigsti playing piano, John Shifflett on bass and Lorca Hart on drums. Tickets and more info can be found at sonomavalleyjazzsociety.org, or by calling 373-0700.
The El Verano Inn has a classic rock show on Saturday, March 1, with an appearance by the band Triple XXX. With over 30 years experience, the band covers everything from Grand Funk Railroad to Metallica. Showtime is 9 p.m. and there is no cover.
The Valley of the Moon Winery presents Sean Carscadden today, Feb. 28, for a 4 p.m. show at the winery. There is no cover and there will be wine and food specials as well.
The Moose Lodge will have Showcase the Band, on Sunday, March 2, kicking off at 4 p.m.
Murphy’s Irish Pub has the DaveEdJohn Quartet tonight, Feb. 28, kicking off 8 p.m. Saturday, March 1, the pub presents Andrew Freeman, for an 8 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.
The Annex Wine Bar has Don Trotta tonight, Feb. 28, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1, it’s Calvin Ross and Friends, also for a 7:30 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.
The Plaza Bistro presents Le Jazz Hot tonight, Feb. 28, starting at 7 p.m. The act lays down “Gypsy Jazz” in the spirit of Django Reinhardt. There is no cover.
The Epicurean Connection presents 2 Friends tonight, Feb. 28, for a 7:30 p.m. show. Saturday, March 1, it’s Rovetti and Meatballs, also for a 7:30 p.m. start. Sunday, March 2, it’s the Echoes, kicking off at 1 p.m.
The Erik James Tasting Room has music tonight, Feb. 28, with the Macy Blackman Group, kicking off at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 1, it’s Chris Burns, Freddie Hughes and Kelvin Dixon also for a 7 p.m. show. There is no cover either night.
HopMonk Tavern Sonoma presents Aqua Velvets for an 8:30 p.m. show tonight, Feb. 28.
Showcase the Band is in Santa Rosa at the Scottish Rites Temple for the Sons of Italy dinner dance. Showtime is 7 p.m.
The Jami Jamison Band is at the Musicians Co-op in Santa Rosa for an 8 p.m. show.
If your gig isn’t in my column, you didn’t tell me about it. Hit me up at jmberry@sonomamusic.com.
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J. M. Berry knows the local music scene. He also knows website services and social media marketing. Check out his other skills at jmberry.com.
J.M. Berry’s Hot 45's
Editor’s Note: While there is no shortage of great concerts in Sonoma, sometimes it is fun to get out of the Valley. Here’s what you can hear within 45 minutes of fair Sonoma.
Wonderbread 5 –
Friday, Feb. 28;
19 Broadway – Fairfax,
415-459-0293
Gator Nation – Friday, Feb. 28; HopMonk
Tavern – Novato;
415-892-6200
Jeff Bridges – Friday, Feb. 28; Lincoln Theater – Yountville; 944-1300
Volker-Strifler – Friday, Feb. 28; The Fenix – San Rafael;
415-813-5600
Midnight Sun Massive – Friday, Feb. 28;
Redwood Cafe – After Dark – Cotati;
795-7868
Pulsators – Saturday, March 1; Twin Oaks
Tavern – Penngrove;
795-5118
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