Musical landmark The Annex destroyed

The property that once played important home to the musically community of the Valley of the Tunes, The Annex Wine Bar, was severely damaged in an early morning fire on Sunday, Jan. 28. While the damage is primarily confined to the rear of the building, news the fire has sparked memories of the gatherings that occurred there.

Shuttered since 2017, memories of The Annex still reside in a warm corner in many local’s hearts, particularly the musicians who made it feel like somebody’s living room.

There has been a flood of comments on social media and throughout the community about the place, with most of them focused on the live music that was performed in its modest space. In addition discussions of the inviting atmosphere, many also mentioned the owner of The Annex, Margie Brooke, and the role she played there.

Sharyn Paquette is a local singer who felt The Annex to be particularly important to her. She said, “It was a warm community hub that Margie Brooke created. I used it refer to it as Sonoma’s version of Cheers, “where everybody knows your name.” Paquette recalled, “many nights sitting out by the fire with friends - many that I met there for the first time - it was a wonderful season of life and a very special place.”

Guitarist Davo Farrell was instrumental in kicking off the fine musical tradition at the Annex. Farrell said, “I was one of the first to play there, with John Arntz, and Ed Dufault. Since John knew Margie…and we were the last to play there when it was closed.”

Farrell added, “It was the incubator for the following 10 years of my playing in the valley. Great people, great experiences, great food, too!”

Arntz said of The Annex, “(I have) so many memories. New bands, sitting in with other bands and people, the wonderful employees who served wine and food, the fire pit, and on and on.”

Viola player Megan McKee said, “Wow. When I think about the history there. I met my husband there, I celebrated my 50th birthday there, I met so many people that are key in my life today there. It is like the end on an era.”

And it was special to more than humans, apparently. Katy Byrne said, “My dogs loved it there, with the warm blankets they always kept in a pile in winter near the lovely rocking chairs.”

Paquette continued, “There were so many musical connections there with people being called up to sit in with each other, and the camaraderie in that space where musicians and music appreciators were so blended. It was a really special thing. Add to that the family feel that Margie created.”

Shortly after selling the business, Brooke and her partner moved to Boquete, Panama. She was reached there, where she said, “We are ridiculously happy, and kind of happy to be out of the U.S., to be frank.”

She said, “The Annex was such an important part of the local music community. For me, it was a very special time in my life. It was amazing to be part of something that unique and special in Sonoma. It’s the end of an era.”

While the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, it is clear the building housed more than a business. The feelings being shared about The Annex should be a lesson to developers and civic leaders; a structure need not be glitzy or part of a national chain, it just needs to serve the community in an important way. And it is not about recognizable logos, it is about people. The Annex was testament to that.