Sister city gig
Sonoma and Tokay, Hungary, became sister cities in 2012. Both are well-known wine regions, but another tie that binds the two pretty places is a wealth of music.
Zoltan Kodaly was a famous Hungarian composer who created an innovative method of teaching music. On Saturday, Nov. 4, music educator Marni Strome and University of Calgary music professor Janos Horvath will present a program describing Kodaly’s life and accomplishments.
Following the lecture, there will be a performance by the Young Musicians Chorus from Berkeley. The matinee will conclude with a piano piece written by Kodaly and played by Hyunjoo Chung.
More information is available at sonomatokajeventnov4.eventbrite.com.
KSVY Benefit
What more appropriate way is there to raise money for a local radio station than to have a concert starring local musicians?
Western Swing Hall of Famer Tommy Thomsen is throwing a show together for just that reason. Thomsen wears many hats around these parts, and recently added a radio host’s hat to his collection.
His swingcentric show airs on KSVY (91.3 FM) on Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m. He is using his musical connections to benefit his new gig and his new “job,” hosting a show on KSVY.
The benefit concert is being held at Sebastiani Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 26 from 1 to 6 p.m. The lineup for “Swingin’ Out West” so far includes local favorites T-Luke and His Tight Suits, Aguilar, Blumenfeld & Eschliman, JayDub and Dino, Tommy Thomsen and Friends, singing cowboy Scott Gerber, Helen Mead, cowboy poet Gary Felder and CW Bayer.
Gram Parsons / Emmylou Harris tribute show
Fans of Americana, or country rock, or whatever other styles that wide and all-inclusive genre holds, should know about the late Gram Parsons. He just might be the single most important musician in the development of country rock.
His work with The Byrds on their wonderful album, “Sweetheart of the Rodeo,” was a game-changer for many of the bands of the day. His song, “Return of the Grievious Angel,” from his album by the same name, is a country rock classic and one of my all-time favorite songs.
One of Parson’s early protégés was the great Emmylou Harris, who to this day is a darling of the country rock/Americana set.
Those two artists are being honored and their songs will be played on Saturday, Nov. 4 at California Theatre in Santa Rosa. This show will feature many Sonoma County musicians singing the well-known songs of Parsons and Harris, both the songs they sang together and the songs they recorded separately.
Expect to see Jill Rogers and Myles Boisen of Crying Time, Loralee Christensen and Paul Olguin (The Loralee Combo), Doug Jayne, Shannon Rider, Candy Girard and Kevin Russell. The band will feature Tim Rowe, Dave Zirbel and Sean Allen. Tickets are available at caltheatre.com.
Yuks at Starling
Tuesday, Nov. 7 will be a hilarious night be at Starling Bar Sonoma. Owner Fred Johnson is hosting another Starling Comedy Night, with the doors opening at 7 p.m. This show will feature Bill Heil, Sue Alfieri and Alfred Robinson, as well as host Steve Ausburne.
These shows always sell out, so don’t let the last laugh be on you. Get your tickets early at eventbrite.com.
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