Reelin' in the Years: A ‘70s throwback dance party in Sonoma

El Verano’s Reel and Brand has been many things over the years, including being known as Little Switzerland and, most recently, Rossi’s. Tonight, March 6, it morphs yet again, this time into something resembling a disco club straight out of the ‘70s.

Johnny Vegas and the High Rollers, featuring Angie Mazerati, are streaming into town to rip it up with their high energy versions on all those dance hits. Your fuzzy memories of long nights at Studio 54 will be stirred by the nine-piece band powered by a magnificent horn section.

According to their website, a show by Johnny Vegas is “like having Elvis, the Blues Brothers, the Funk Brothers, the Commitments, Brian Setzer and Billy Idol all rolled into one.”

Aaron Chioino is the guitarist in the band, slinging the Stratocaster. He is a veteran of many Bay Area bands and settled into the High Rollers about two years ago. He explained that he has known Johnny “for a long time. We grew up together in Terra Linda, went to Terra Linda High School. Johnny can play just about anything.”

That “anything” will include songs by Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, KC and the Sunshine Band, the Jackson 5, and a slew of the disco hits of the 1970s.

Chioino was reached by phone in his home studio in Marin County. He works as a registered nurse in a cardiac care unit, but explained that “some of the other cats in the band are full-time musicians.”

One of those “other cats” is Chris Barnes, the self-described “dance captain” who plays trumpet and leads the horn section. Barnes’s most recent claim to fame is that he is featured as one of the members of the News on Huey Lewis’s new record, “Weather.” Chioino says of the horns, they “really fatten up the sound of the band.”

Another “cat” in the band is drummer Russ Gold, who has played with the Berkeley Repertory Theater, was in the pit for “Jersey Boys,” and has written a book on drum technique called “Phrasing.”

In addition to Johnny Vegas leading the band through the dance moves we all remember – the Hustle, the Bump, and the beloved YMCA – the band is fronted by a flashy female vocalist who goes by the name of Angie Mazerati.

Mazerati has been singing for more than 20 years and has fashioned a solo career of her own, but for this gig she will be wearing her finest ‘70s fashions and doing her very best disco diva impersonation.

Mazerati, not her real name, called from a secret location in the East Bay. She told of a chance call to “sit in” with the band two years ago that turned into a regular gig for her. “I just love connecting with people,” Mazerati said of her love to perform.

Mazerati has been seen at the summer music series in Santa Rosa’s Montgomery Village, where “the crowd is so very appreciative. They really inspire the passion that we all share for this great music.”

Her stage name came about because of her husband’s penchant for driving a little too fast. Mazerati said that, as soon as she chose the name, “it felt really good.” A stage name, like a guitar, can act as a shield, allowing a performer to be more animated onstage. Mazerati added, “My shield is my fishnet.”

Please observe the speed limit but do hustle over to the Reel Friday night for the free 8:30 p.m. show. Shiny clothes optional.