Go to my VENUES page

To see who is playing where ... Click on the Venue links.

I know plenty of you have continued to use this reference during my continued absence from the blog. Thanks for keeping it relevant.

The good news is that brother Jay is safe and cared for at a 5-star nursing home in Doylestown, PA.  I speak with him and staff 3 or 4 times each week.

Hope to resume blogging, putting together a Calendar in some form, and reporting on Marin Music life in the near future -- but first must replace my ailing computer.  Suggestions welcomed -- please email.

Meanwhile, get out and have some FUN!  Hope to see you boogying soon. 

Ellen Jane

🙆🏼🔔🎵🙋🏼🎶🎸🎹🎤🎺🎷

Music Fun begin. Wed. Sept. 30

Running out of Time -- as in I'll be gone for awhile.

Happy I was able to get out last week! for Pop Fiction at Hopmonk; Freddy Clarke & Wobbly World at Seahorse; and for the fab Mill Valley Community Block Party. 
Did you see the Eclipse & Supermoon?  There were about 50 people on the deck at my Community Clubhouse, but the layer of East Bay fog bank prevented us from seeing much until the Moon finally rose above it.  Still lovely after all these years.

Coming up this week, the monthly Sunnbolt Friday Night Jam, Before the Band at PYC, and Doc Kraft at Seahorse will vie for my attention on Friday night.  On Saturday definitely will be at Marin Symphony Waterfront Pops Classical Mystery Tour!

Click here: VENUES links (36 venues, mostly Marin, some Sonoma)

My suggestions for the week (still working on it):

Wed. Sept. 30:
Hopmonk:  Open Mic, 7pm, no cover.
Fenix:  Pro Blues Jam: Soul Train with Dee Coco Johnson, 8pm, $5-10

Thur. OCTOBER 1:
Presidio Y.C.:  Eddie Neon Blues By the Bay, 7:30, $5.
Fenix:  Stax City, 8pm, $10.

Fri. Oct. 2:
Sunnbolt/ Bandworks Studio, 150 Mitchell Dr., San Rafael:  Friday Night Jam! doors 8, jam 8:30, first band 9:30pm, $5.  BYOB.  Call/ text Seth if you want a slot to perform 415-531-2651. 
Presidio Yacht Club:  Before the Bang, 8:30pm, $5.
Seahorse:  Doc Kraft Band, 8:30pm, $10.
Hopmonk:  Ricky Ray ? 

Sat. Oct. 3:
Marin Symphony Waterfront Pops (link):  Classical Mystery Tour! Beatles tribute, at Lagoon Park.  Gates 3pm, show 6pm, fireworks show at conclusion!  Food and drink available for purchase.  GA seating $35-55 adult, $20-25 youth, 415-473-6800; VIP tickets 415-479-8100.  
Sweetwater:  Foreverland, 
Fenix:  Iriefuse, 8pm, $15-18.

Sun. Oct. 4:
Peri's:  Whiskey Pills Fiasco
Hopmonk:  "Sacred Sundays" monthly Reggae (?)
Seahorse:  Salsa

Tues. Oct. 6:  Hopmonk:  Nerd Night (3 fun and nerdy talks, monthly), 7:30pm, $5.

Wed. Oct. 7:  Hopmonk:  Open Mic hosted by Dennis Haneda, 7pm, Free.

Thurs. Oct. 8:
Hopmonk:  Country Line Dance, 7pm, $10.

Fri. Oct. 9:
Hopmonk: Pop Rocks, 9pm, $13. 

Sat. Oct. 10:  

Hopmonk:  Revolver, 9pm, $15.

19 Broadway:  Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs! 9pm, $10.

Wed. Oct. 14:
Corte Madera Community Center:  Ray Simpson Big Band Dance, 8-10pm, FREE (and refreshments included).
Hopmonk:  Open Mic hosted by Dennis Haneda, 7pm, Free.

Fri. Oct. 16:
Fenix:  ZYDECO FLAMES, 8-11pm, $12-15.  
Hopmonk:  AZ/ DZ, 9pm, $12-15.

Sat. Oct. 17:  
Hopmonk:  Zigaboo Modaliste & The New Aahkestra, 9pm, $15.
Fenix:  Fleetwood Mask, 8pm, $20.

Sun. Oct. 18:  Hopmonk:  Full Moon Swing Dance, lesson 7-8pm, live music 8-10pm, $15.

Tues. Oct. 20:  Fenix:  Classical Music with Paul Smith & Marin Chamber Players, 7-9:30pm, $10.

Thur. Oct. 22:  Fenix:  Miracle Mule, 8pm, $10.

Click here: VENUES links (36 venues, mostly Marin, some Sonoma)

BEST WISHES ♫♪

Ellen Jane

Music Fun begin. Wed. Sept. 23

Welcome Distractions

This week:  a return visit from Buddy Buck (he first showed up a week ago camped out at my back door).  And lovely Laura Mae (my daughter) in another attractive and fun frock that she just completed, with my grandpup Tino.  (check out Laura's blog lauramaedesigns aka Lilacs and Lace)





So very appreciative that I was able to get out for 4 nights (and a daytime) in a row for my MUSIC THERAPY.  The only time I can shift my mind from the complex and challenging situation with my brother that is ongoing in Philadelphia.
So for fun there was Matt Bolton--the very talented one-man-band--at Trek Winery; a high-energy party at Presidio Yacht Club with Before the Bang's "Prescription Strength Rockenrol"; a night of funky dancing fun at the Seahorse with my pals The James Moseley Band; a surprise gift of a Sunday matinee at the S.F. Opera for Sweeney Todd!; and the Sunday night Swing Dance at Hopmonk with Dan Brown joining the Full Moon Swing Band.  Whew and YAY! 

On tap?  Pop Fiction Friday night at Hopmonk.  There's also Danny Click at Rancho.
Saturday Freddy Clarke & Wobbly World is at the Seahorse -- and it's Mauro's Birthday!  Rick Kelly of The Chime Travelers does a solo gig at Trek Winery.
And Sunday fun in the sun at Mill Valley's Annual Community Block Party!  Plus a lot of other great music.

Click for links to the VENUES, so you can see who's playing where for each of them.

My suggestions for the week (still working on this, so check back before or during weekend):

Wed. Sept. 23: AUTUMNAL EQUINOX 1:21AM PDT

Hopmonk:  Open Mic ft. Untamed Creatures, 7pm, no cover.

Fenix:  Pro Blues Jam:  Slide Guitar, 8-11pm, $5-10.

Thurs. Sept. 24:

Seahorse:  James Moseley Jazz Quartet (James, Jack Prendergast, Doug Morton, Jimmy Hobson), 7:30pm, no cover.
Fenix:  Michael Barrett & Friends, 8-11, $10.
Presidio Y.C.:  Doggone Blues Band (Maria's Music), 7:30pm, $5.

Fri. Sept. 25:  

Hopmonk:  Pop Fiction, 9pm, $15.

Rancho Nicasio:  Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs!, 8pm, $15-20.  CD Release Party "holding up the sun".
Fenix:  The Cheeseballs, 8pm, $18-20.
Seahorse:  Full Tilt Band, 9pm, $10.
19 Broadway:  Grateful Bluegrass Boys + One Grass Two Grass, 9pm, $10-15.
Presidio Y.C.:  Bleeding Fingers & Bedrock Radio, 8:30pm, $8.

Sat. Sept. 26:

Hopmonk:  Kermit Ruffins, CANCELLED 8pm, $27 & up, lim. seating.

Seahorse:  Freddy Clarke & Wobbly World, 9pm, $12.
Trek Winery:  Rick Kelly of The Chime Travelers, Solo, 7:30-10pm, no cover.
Peri's:  Tommy Odetto Group, 9pm, $8?
Fenix:  Lionel Burns & The Maze Experience, 8pm, $20.
19 Broadway:  Pine Box Boys ("murder ballads"), 9pm, $10.

Sun. Sept. 27: SUPERMOON, FULL HARVEST MOON, FULL BLOOD MOON 7:50pm PDT

Mill Valley Community Block Party, 1-5:30pm, no cover, in front of Famous4, betw. Throck & Miller. The 85s, Lumanation, The Incubators, more.

Hopmonk:  Chuck Prophet Cook-Out Series, 5pm, $16-31.
Rancho Nicasio:  WHISTLESTOCK -- BBQ benefit for Whistlestop, feat. Sal Valentino, Lester Chambers, Linda Imperial, David Freiberg, Barry Melton & more, 3-6:30pm, $125-175.
Peri's:  Jitterbug Riot, 8:30pm, no cover.
19 Broadway:  Walt the Dawg, 9pm, no cover.
Seahorse:  Salsa, 4pm lesson, 5pm dance, $10.

Tues. Sept. 29:
Novato Farmers Market:  Miracle Mule, 4-7pm, free.
Ashenaz:  Zydeco Flames, 8pm lesson, 8:30 dance, $12.

Wed. Sept. 30:
Hopmonk:  Open Mic, 7pm, no cover.
Fenix:  Pro Blues Jam: Soul Train with Dee Coco Johnson, 8pm, $5-10

Thur. OCTOBER 1:
Presidio Y.C.:  Eddie Neon Blues By the Bay, 7:30, $5.
Fenix:  Stax City, 8pm, $10.

Fri. Oct. 2:
Sunnbolt/ Bandworks Studio, 150 Mitchell Dr., San Rafael:  Friday Night Jam! doors 8, jam 8:30, first band 9:30pm, $5.  BYOB.  Call/ text Seth if you want a slot to perform 415-531-2651. 
Presidio Yacht Club:  Before the Bang, 8:30pm, $5.
Seahorse:  Doc Kraft Band, 8:30pm, $10.

Sat. Oct. 3:
Marin Symphony Waterfront Pops (link):  Classical Mystery Tour! Beatles tribute, at Lagoon Park.  Gates 3pm, show 6pm, fireworks show at conclusion!  Food and drink available for purchase.  GA seating $35-55 adult, $20-25 youth, 415-473-6800; VIP tickets 415-479-8100.  
Sweetwater:  Foreverland, 
Fenix:  Iriefuse, 8pm, $15-18.


Sat. Oct. 10  Hopmonk:  Revolver
Fri. Oct. 16  Hopmonk:  AZ/ DZ
Sun. Oct. 18  Hopmonk:  Full Moon Swing Dance
Thur. Oct. 22  Fenix:  Miracle Mule

Click here: VENUES links (36 venues, mostly Marin, some Sonoma)

BEST WISHES ♫♪

Ellen Jane

Music Fun begin Wed. Sept. 16

Pause.  Reflect.  Refresh.

And so I make an attempt to get back to the Life of Ellen, if only momentarily.
I am finding that it's too easy to lose sight of what makes me happy, i.e. MUSIC.  Must - not - let - trials, travails, exhaustion - overcome - that core commitment to FUN that sustains and nourishes!

Thankful this past week for the people that pop in and out of my consciousness, encourage and understand.
And for the musicians:  Sunnbolt Friday Night Jam ft. The Original Millbillies, followed by the "tail-end" of the Miracle Mule party at Hopmonk.  And Saturday night at Twin Oaks -- The Mighty Groove!
Sorry to miss the Corte Madera Big Band for their start of a new season; and didn't get to the Line Dance lesson at Hopmonk. 

Busy week ahead, much available -- I'd like to be at Trek Winery on Thursday night for Matt Bolton's solo show; Before the Bang on Friday would be a treat if I can get myself down to PYC; Saturday James Moseley Dance Band at Seahorse; Sunday at Hopmonk for Full Moon Swing Band & Lesson, featuring Dan Brown on vocals! 
There's also the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival both Saturday & Sunday; and the Sound Summit on Mt. Tam [Mother Truckers at noon] on Saturday for those lucky enough to attend!

Click for links to the VENUES, so you can see who's playing where for each of them.

My suggestions fo the week:

Wed. Sept. 16:

Hopmonk:  Open Mic hosted by Dennis Haneda, ft. Hot Start, 7pm, no cover.

Fenix:  Pro Blues Jam:  BB King, 8-11pm, $5 (seniors)-$10.

Thur. Sept. 17:  

Trek Winery:  Matt Bolton, 7-8:30pm, no cover. 

Hopmonk:  Parcivilion + Skinny Guns + MOBB, 7:30pm, $6.

Presidio Yacht Club: Slim & The Fat Cats (Maria's Music), 7pm, $5? 

Fenix: Wine Tasting 6-8pm, $5; Pam Hawkins, 8pm, $10.  

Fri. Sept. 18:  

Presidio Yacht Club:  Before the Bang, 8:30pm, $5.

Sweetwater:  Petty Theft, 9pm, $27-32.

Fenix:  Reed Fromer Band, 8pm, $12-15.

19 Broadway:  Big Brother & the Holding Company, 9pm, $15-20.

Seahorse:  Overcommitments, 9pm, $12.
Terrapin Crossroads:  Moonalice + Doobie Decibel System, 8pm, $12-15 + service fee (even at door).

Sat. Sept. 19:  

Seahorse:  James Moseley Dance Band, 9pm, $15.

Hopmonk:  Duran Duran Duran, 9pm, $15.

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, 10-5, $5-10.  www.mvfaf.org for Music Schedule.
Presidio Yacht Club:  The Original Millbillies, 8:30pm, $8.
Novato City Green (DeLong at Sherman):  Ridgeway Space Station, 5-7pm, free.

Fenix:  Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, 8pm, $15.

Sweetwater:  Fleetwood Mask, 9pm, $17-22.

Mt. Tam:  SOUND SUMMIT (Tedeschi Trucks, Dr. John, Mother Hips, Portland Cello Project -- and THE MOTHER TRUCKERS with Josh & Teal!) 11am-7pm, $45-100.  soundsummit.net  [Important to check website: parking sold out, must take dedicated bus.]

Sun. Sept. 20:  

Hopmonk:  Swing Dance lesson & Dance with Full Moon Swing, with Dan Brown vocals, lesson 7, dance 8-10pm, $15.

Rancho Nicasio:  Tommy Castro & The Painkillers + Stompy Jones, 4pm, $20.
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, 10-5, $5-10.  www.mvfaf.org for Music Schedule.
San Geronimo Valley Community Center  Moonalice (4pm) w/ Doobie Decibel System & Knights of Saturn, noon-8pm, free.  International Day of Peace Festival: art, speakers, Wavy Gravy.

Marin Humane Society:  Woofstock ft. WonderBread 5, noon-5pm, $12 (child) - $35 (includes food ticket).

Fenix:  11:30-1:30, no cover:  Diamond Jazz; 6:30-9:30, $12-15: Harley White Jr. Orchestra.

Tues. Sept. 22:

Hopmonk:  Roger Clyne & The PeaceMakers + Scary Little Friends, 8pm, $20.

Fenix:  Billy D, Jesse Brewster, Stefanie Keys, Darren Nelson, 7-9:30pm, $10.

Wed. Sept. 23: AUTUMNAL EQUINOX 1:21AM PDT

Hopmonk:  Open Mic ft. Untamed Creatures, 7pm, no cover.

Fenix:  Pro Blues Jam:  Slide Guitar, 8-11pm, $5-10.

and coming up ...

Thurs. Sept. 24:

Fenix:  Michael Barrett & Friends, 8-11, $10.

Fri. Sept. 25:  

Hopmonk:  Pop Fiction, 9pm, $15.

Rancho:  Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs!, 8pm, $15-20.

Sat. Sept. 26:

Hopmonk:  Kermit Ruffins, CANCELLED 8pm, $27 & up, lim. seating.

Seahorse:  Freddy Clarke & Wobbly World, 9pm, $12.
Trek Winery:  Rick Kelly of The Chime Travelers, Solo, 7:30-10pm, no cover.

Sun. Sept. 27:
Mill Valley Community Block Party, 1-5:30pm, no cover, in front of Famous4, betw. Throck & Miller. The 85s, Lumanation, The Incubators, more.

Hopmonk:  Chuck Prophet Cook-Out Series, 5pm, $16-31.

VENUES links

BEST WISHES ♫♪

Ellen Jane

Music Fun beginning Tues. Sept. 8

Struggling.  There's been a hitch in my giddy-up. We all go through this at some time or another.  Tribulations of poor brother eating away at my time and psyche.  Planning on several trips to Philadelphia beginning in October.  

But as a diversion, I will cobble something of a Calendar together for those of you who are inclined to check this website.  And I have to get out for MUSIC 🎸🎤🙆👏 myself, so will share some highlights.

Co-incidentally, google is giving me grief over my extensive email list -- and at some point I will have to investigate a mail service -- but my brain can do only so much in this trying time.  So I am not sending a blast, but hoping that many of you will still check this website for my suggestions.

Ergo, a limited calendar, but the VENUES [click] link I provide will let you do some of the work! 

But first, a brief joyful shoutout to the music/ musicians that have helped sustain me for the past couple weeks:

Where did I leave off? 

Did I tell you about fun with The Mother Truckers, with Teal and Josh, at 19 Broadway?  And Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers at the final Marinwood outdoor concert?  Treble Makers at a party a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon, then the following Wed. night at Peri's for TwangFest, including Frank Bohan, Erik Schramm, Jeb Harrison, Kevin Hayes, Lloyd Meadows, Danny Uzi, Dan Petrozelli, Michael White, Bowen Brown, -- I should have written them down to remember all.  Amazing talent, music that makes me get down, jump and shout!

Pacheco Plaza for their final Friday evening summer offering:  Zulu Spear!  Then on to Hopmonk to check out American Honey -- and imagine my delight at finding the lovely, effervescent, and extremely talented Ms. Teal Collins Zee holding down the fort as their new female vocalist!

Back at Hopmonk the following night for Vinyl-- always good and funky.

This past week at Hopmonk investigated the country, bluegrass, and Americana sounds of Frankie Boots and The County Line from Santa Rosa with their fun brand of easy-to-jump to tunes; opening with McCoy Tyler Band up from Santa Cruz, and bluegrass country.  A young crowd, but fun dance partners.

Saturday night was back  in Fairfax, 19 Broadway, for Rick Lenzi & The Roustabouts, from Arizona.  Fabulous Elvis (and Buddy Holly) tribute.  Rick has the voice, gestures, stance of The King -- but I missed that he had no interaction with his (albeit small) audience.  It really helps when you play with your audience, guys! 😉🙋

Coming right up:  Wed. night's Big Band Dance in Corte Madera; Thursday there's Country Line Dancing (not just country-- the also play R&B, funk) at Hopmonk; then Friday Night Jam at Sunnbolt/ Bandworks; also Friday night Hopmonk has Miracle Mule.

Saturday night The Mighty Groove is at Twin Oaks; and a special party at Trek Winery -- barrel tasting, Big Jim's BBQ, and The Chime Travelers: closed to public, but open to you for $55-65.

Nice writeup from Paul Liberatore's on Matt Bolton & his one-man band -- who'll be onstage at Trek Winery on Thurs. Sept. 17.

What's on my radar:

Tues. Sept. 8:  Novato Farmers Market:  The Four Teardrops -- 4-8pm, Free!

Wed. Sept. 9:  Corte Madera Community Center:  Ray Simpson Big Band Dance -- 8-10pm, Free!

Hopmonk:  Open Mic hosted by Dennis Haneda, ft. Wild Mint, 7pm, Free!

Thurs. Sept. 10:  Hopmonk :  Country Line Dance -- 7pm, $10.

Fri. Sept. 11:  

Sunnbolt/ Bandworks (150 Mitchell Bl.):  Friday Night Jam -- 8pm Youth Bands, 9pm Adult jam + Original Millbillies, The Hanger Band, The Quorum, $5, Byob.

Hopmonk:  Miracle Mule, 9pm, $10.

Seahorse:  Billy Love Express, 9pm, $10.

Rancho Nicasio:  Gary Vogensen with Rusty Gauthier, Big John Main, Gary Silva, Sean Allen. 8pm, no cover.

19 Broadway:  Afrolicious, 9pm, $12-15.

Sat. Sept. 12

Twin Oaks:  The Mighty Groove, 8pm, Free!

Trek Winery:  The Chime Travelers, Trek 3rd Year Anniversary & Harvest Party, Crush Demo, Barrel Tasting, Big Jim's BBQ dinner, 4-10pm, $55-65.

142 Throckmorton:  Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs! -- CD Release Party, 8pm, $20-30.

Hopmonk:  The Lady Crooners + Laura Benitez and the Heartache, 8:45pm, $10.

Sun. Sept. 13

19 Broadway:  Walt the Dawg, 9pm, no cover.

Hopmonk:  New Monsoon + Aaron Redner -- Cookout Concert Series, 4 doors, 5pm show, $16.

Rancho:  Marcia Ball + Angela Strehli Band -- BBQ on the Lawn, 4pm, $25-30.

"And then some" ...

Thur. Sept. 17:  Trek Winery:  Matt Bolton, 7-8:30pm, no cover. 
Fri. Sept. 18:  Presidio Yacht Club:  Before the Bang, 8:30pm, $5.

Sat. Sept. 19:  Seahorse:  James Moseley Dance Band, 9pm, $15.

Sun. Sept. 20:  

Hopmonk:  Swing Dance lesson & Dance with Full Moon Swing, 7pm, $15.

Rancho Nicasio:  Tommy Castro & The Painkillers + Stompy Jones, 4pm, $20.

Fri. Sept. 25:  Rancho:  Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs!, 8pm, $15-20.

BEST WISHES ♫♪

Music Fun Week of Aug. 26-SEPT. 2

The Road to Happiness:  An Inspiration
... happiness is an inside job ...

[click to watch the video--less than 3 min.--or paste into another browser]

http://www.flickspire.com/m/Rubbertree669/RoadToHappiness?
lsid=f72e970495da72a20e2334558d975676

Wednesday, Aug. 26  

Peri’s Bar, 9pm, no cover:  TWANGFEST — The Treble Makers (Frank Bohan, Jeb Harrison, Kevin Hayes, Erik Schramm) and Special Guests. These guys make me dance!  [LAST SHOW at Peri's THIS YEAR!]

Fenix Music & Supper Club, San Rafael, 8-11pm, $10, $5 seniors & students: Fenix Band Pro Blues Jam:  Detroit Blues & John Lee Hooker – “A Journey in Blues History”.  Local talent & special guests invited to join during 2^nd set: Click on Fenix website for details on signing up.  415-813-5600 reservations & info.

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, doors 6, show 7-11:30pm, no cover:  Open Mic Nite hosted by Dennis Haneda.  Includes a featured act (this week Vermillion –).   Note: For this Event, Bar staff is happy to take your food order from the “Venue Menu”.  415-892-6200 reservations & info.

19 Broadway, 9pm, no cover:  Danesh & DeLone – Austin DeLone & Aram Danesh: rockin’ blues, r&b, rock & roll.  Info 415-459-1091.  

Sweetwater, doors 7, show 8pm, $10:  The Beatles Project – .  415-388-3850 for info.

Iron Springs Pub, Fairfax, 8pm, no cover:  Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys – bluegrass with blues, swing, “and a lot of fun”.  415-485-1005 for info & reservations.

Sausalito Seahorse, 6:30-11pm, $10:  Tango.  See website for details.  415-331-2899 for reservations.

My SUMMER FESTIVALS post (of June 8) here.

And here are links for the VENUES.

Mark Your Calendars:

Aug. 27 (Thur.) Fenix:  Miles Ahead Group
Aug. 28 (Fri.): 
Pacheco Plaza:  Zulu Spear (6-9pm)

Seahorse:  Key Lime Pie

19 Broadway:  Soul Ska
Hopmonk:  American Honey
Fenix:  Soul Power--Tower of Power Tribute
Rancho Nicasio:  Stompy Jones
Sweetwater:  Shuggie Otis

Aug. 29 (Sat.): 
11:35am:  FULL Sturgeon MOON

Hopmonk:  VINYL
Trek Winery:  The Chime Travelers
Fenix:  House of Floyd
Seahorse:  Marinfidels
Sweetwater:  Zepparella [SOLD OUT]
Aug. 30 (Sun.): 
Elks Club, Magnolia Terrace:  The Grain + Blue Diamond Fillups. 1-4pm, last outdoor concert of season.
Rancho Nicasio:  Petty Theft BBQ on the Lawn
19 Broadway:  Mad Mama & The Bona Fide Few

Sep. 2 (Wed.) Sweetwater:  Eric McFadden feat. Bryan Kehoe & Josh Zee

With Gratitude, and Smiles--

Ellen Jane ♫♪

Music Fun Week of Aug. 19-26

[I am having trouble sending my email blast.  Last week all thousand emails were put into my spam folder with the message that they bounced because they did not appear to be sent by me.  WAH!  Yes, it was me, dummy google.  I guess I’ll have to get a mail service.  But life is busy and no time.

So please check my website each week even if you don’t get an email from me. J]

Where does the time go?

The time has come for me to find my brother (in Pennsylvania) an assisted living arrangement, put the condo on the market, dispose of all personal property, take his car away, find an attorney to create a Special Needs Trust – and on and on.  Looks like I will travel there and do my best in early October -- hopefully with the assistance of my darling daughter.
Meanwhile, I will continue with this blog and calendar, even if I do not send an email blast.

If not for MUSIC, my soul would shrivel.

But fortunately MUSIC is all around, nourishes and sustains me.

Two Memorial services in one week – for David Brewer and for Norlin Merritt – two beautiful men who left us before we were ready.

Also last week:  Greatly enjoyed the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta Pirates of Penzance at Ross Valley Players.

A great turnout (1,000?) at Northgate’s final concert:  Boys of Summer, an Eagles tribute.  D’giin and Junk Parlor followed at Hopmonk with incredible heart-pumping, joy-inducing gypsy jazz.

Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs! with their brand of happy and heartfelt Americana and down-home blues—again at Hopmonk.

And Full Moon Swing Band wrapping up my weekend at Hopmonk (returns 3^rd Sunday of month).

Highlights/ suggestions for this coming week:

Friday and Saturday nights at 19 Broadway the debut of The Mother Truckers reunion—with Josh & Teal!

Also on Friday The Mighty Groove at Presidio Yacht Club. And Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers from 6-8 at Marinwood (last concert of series).  And Jimmy Dillon at Fenix.

Saturday the JAMES MOSELEY Dance Band at Seahorse.  Also Lumanation at Peri’s.

Sunday a private party with The Treble Makers.  And a free show at Sweetwater:  Matt Jaffe & The Distractions, opening with Roseberry Jam—an R&B band with a young guy who does a great Barry White tribute, along with Michael Buble.  Also on Sunday Groove Society at “Tunes on the Terrace” at the San Rafael Elks Lodge.

Tuesday at Sweewater, DJ Richard Habib’s event “Rock B4 Black” free show, with live musicians.

Wednesday the TrebleMakers return to Peri’s with TwangFest – also free.

The Calendar is sparse because my time is taken with phone calls and internet searches on my brother’s behalf – but here is listed what I can pull together in way less time than I usually spend …

And I will add more as the weekend approaches.  Please check back.

Wednesday, Aug. 19  – Happy Birthday, Bill Clinton!  Happy Birthday, Ginger Baker!  

Fenix Music & Supper Club, San Rafael, 8-11pm, $10, $5 seniors & students: Fenix Band Pro Blues Jam:  Woodstock Blues Revival with Mari Mack – “A Journey in Blues History”.  Local talent & special guests invited to join during 2^nd set: Click on Fenix website for details on signing up.  415-813-5600 reservations & info.

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, doors 6, show 7-11:30pm, no cover:  Open Mic Nite hosted by Dennis Haneda.  Includes a featured act (this week Hillwilliams –).   Note: For this Event, Bar staff is happy to take your food order from the “Venue Menu”.  415-892-6200 reservations & info.

19 Broadway, 9pm, no cover:  Fiver Brown – “soul and blues, flavored with smoke and whiskey”.  Info 415-459-1091.  

Panama Hotel, 7-10pm, no cover:  Donna D’Acuti – “bluesy jazz with sass and swing”.  415-457-3993 for reservations & info.

Iron Springs Pub, Fairfax, 8pm, no cover:  Rusty Evans & Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash tribute, rockabilly.  415-485-1005 for info & reservations.

Peri’s Bar, 9:30pm, no cover:  Elvis Johnson Soul Revue — rock, soul, blues from 60s, 70s, onward.   

Sausalito Seahorse, 6:30-11pm, $10:  Tango.  See website for details.  415-331-2899 for reservations.

Rossi’s 1906 BBQ & Dance Hall, 401 Grove St., El Verano (Sonoma) (formerly Little Switzerland), 7:30-10:30pm, $10:  Jitterbug or East Coast Swing Dance Lesson + Live Music from Ricky Ray Band – beginner lessons from Kevin & Ann Hutchinson of Sonoma County Dance Beat.  No partner required.  “Hump Day Jump” every Wednesday: August Jitterbug; September beginning West Coast Swing; October Jitterbug.  Info 707-343-0044. 

Twin Oaks Tavern, 5745 Old Redwood Hwy., Penngrove, 7-10pm, no cover:  Dallis Craft Band – .   Fried Chicken Dinner $12.  Tavern info: 707-795-5118.

Sweetwater, Café open until 3pm, then CLOSED for PRIVATE EVENT.  415-388-3850 for info.

Thursday, Aug. 20 – Happy Birthday, Loraine B!  Happy Birthday, Deborah W!  

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, doors 7, show 7:30pm, $6 SRO:  33-1/3 Mile Showcase (every 1^st & 3^rd Thurs.) this week “JAZZ at the Hopmonk” headlining James Harman (9:30pm?)— electric guitar fusion; + Alex Scott Band—jazz funk; + Stacks (opening 7:30) – post-bop quintet.  [Note: Meals are served in the Session Room for this event.]  415-892-6200 reservations & info.

Fenix Music & Supper Club, San Rafael, 6-8pm, $5 Wine Tasting (recurring event). Includes complimentary Fenix wine glass.

8-11pm, $10:  The Sorentinos — CD Release party:  “retro rock & roll with a modern twist”, lots of originals.  415-813-5600 reservations & info.

Panama Hotel, 7-10pm, no cover:  James Moseley Trio – jazz, blues, R&B.  415-457-3993 for reservations & info.

19 Broadway, 9pm, no cover:  Cha Ching – Latin Salsa Cumbia from Oakland.  Info 415-459-1091. 

Peri’s Bar, Fairfax, 9pm, no cover:  Burnsy’s Sugar Shack – blues, soul, Motown, with Cathleen Riddley, Dave Burns, and more.  (every 1^st & 3^rd Thursday)

Presidio Y.C.   PRIVATE PARTY. 

Sweetwater, Café open until 3pm, then CLOSED for PRIVATE EVENT.  415-388-3850 for info.

Downtown San Rafael Farmers Market, 6-9pm, free:  Music (don’t know who) at Court St. Plaza; 4^th at A (Starbucks); and 4^th & Lootens. 

Friday, Aug. 21 –  Happy Birthday, Andoni! 

19 Broadway, 9pm, $15-20: The Mother Truckers – reunion debut: high-octane Americana, country & Blues, led by Josh Zee & Teal Collins (Mojo Rising)!  Also Sat. 8/22.  Info 415-459-1091.

Presidio Y.C., 8:30pm, $10:  Sorry, CANCELLED!  The Mighty Groove – “foo fighters of funk,  the magnificent seven of seventies R&B, and the sherpas of soul”. (Their next gig Sept. 12 at Twin Oaks!)

Marinwood Music in the Park , 6-8pm, no cover:  Lavay Smith & Her Red-Hot Skillet Lickers – 40s & 50s jazz & blues.  [This is final concert in the series.]

Fenix Music & Supper Club, San Rafael, 8-11pm, $12:  Jimmy Dillon & Friends — blues, rock, reggae, with Eric McCann, Dallis Craft, more.  415-813-5600 reservations & info. 

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, Beer Garden outdoors: 5-8pm, no cover:  Live Music –.

Session Room: doors 8, show 8:45pm, $15:  Casey Abrams — singer/ songwriter, American Idol finalist.  Opens with Rivvrs – scrambled versions of gypsy jazz covers & beyond …Leonard Cohen meets Django meets Tom Waits.  SRO with Limited Seating.  [Note: Meals are not served in the Session Room, so reserve a table in the Tavern or Beer Garden before the show.]   415-892-6200 reservations & info.

Sausalito Seahorse, 9pm, $10:  Barrio Manouche – Spanish gypsy dance music.  Also with Junk Parlor -- scrambled versions of gypsy jazz covers & beyond …Leonard Cohen meets Django meets Tom Waits.  415-331-2899 for reservations. 

Rickey’s Live Jazz Fireside or Poolside (weather permitting), 6:30-9:30pm, no cover:  Phillip Percy Pack – jazz standards, R&B, soul from Beach Blanket Babylon alum.  415-883-9477 for reservations. 

The Trident, Sausalito, 6:30-9:30pm, no cover, valet parking:  Audrey Moira Shimkas Trio – pop, jazz, bossa and funk with Greg Sankovich & Paul Eastburn.  415-331-3232 for reservations.

Eagles Hall, 2305 Alameda Ave., Alameda, NO ZYDECO DANCE TONIGHT.  [8/28 ZYDECO FLAMES]

Ghiringhelli's Novato, 9:30pm, no cover:  KARAOKE with DJ Rich Rogers.  Kitchen open late.  415-878-4977 info & reservations.

Saturday, Aug. 22 – Happy Birthday, Cynthia G!  

Sausalito Seahorse, 1-4pm, no cover:  Jazz on the Patio with Prendergast, Markels & Campbell. 

9pm, $15:  JAMES MOSELEY Dance Band – the Best in Motown, R&B, jazz, blues, funk.  415-331-2899 for reservations. 

19 Broadway  9pm, $15-20: The Mother Truckers – reunion debut: high-octane Americana, country & Blues, led by Josh Zee & Teal Collins (Mojo Rising)!  [Also Fri. 8/21.]   Info 415-459-1091. 

Peri’s Bar, Fairfax, 3-7pm in the Groove Garden, free:  Soul Saturdays – DJs Ron Ison & John Nolan play vinyl jazz, funk, soul, latin, disco, dub.  Bring your own to BBQ. [every 4^th Saturday]

9:30pm, $8:  LUMANATION – energetic soul, ska, dub, reggae rock with Bobby G, Saxy Susan, Tommy, Jenn, more.

Novato City Green, Sherman Ave., 5-7pm, Free:  Freddy Clarke & Wobbly World – world music.  [Sept. 19 Ridgeway Space Station]

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, Beer Garden outdoors: Live Music 1-4pm, & 5-8pm, no cover.

Session Room: Closed for PRIVATE EVENT, but tavern & restaurant open. 415-892-6200 reservations & info.  To book Session Room for your Private Event, contact kim@hopmonk.com.

Fenix Music & Supper Club, San Rafael, 8-11pm, $20:  Top Shelf — party band, Motown, Doo Wop, soul, r&b.  415-813-5600 reservations & info.

Marin Coffee Roasters, San Anselmo, 10am-12:30pm (Saturday morning), free:  The Treble Makers with Freeway Frank Bohan (Zydeco Flames) guitar, Jeb Harrison bass, Eric Schramm guitar,  Kevin Hayes drums, (or Michael Israel or Bowen Brown drums), and Special Guests. Ted O'Connell is always there in spirit!  This is an ongoing weekly gig. 

Sweetwater, doors 8, show 9, $2-25:  Monophonics – “Psychedelic Soul” and funk.  Also with Gene Washington & Ironsides — Soul.  415-388-3850 for tix or info.

Rickey’s Live Jazz Poolside (weather permitting), 6:30-9:30pm, no cover:  Lady D – soul, jazz vocals accompanied by Jack Prendergast & Alex Markels.  415-883-9477 for reservations.

The Trident, Sausalito, 6:30-9:30pm, no cover, valet parking:  Larry Vuckovich with Marianna August — Great American Songbook.  415-331-3232 for reservations.

Ghiringhelli's Novato, 9:30pm, no cover:  KARAOKE with DJ Rich Rogers.  Kitchen open late.  415-878-4977 info & reservations.

Sunday, Aug. 23 – Happy Birthday, Larry A!  

Sweetwater, 11am-2pm, no cover:  Sunday Brunch with Valarie Mulberry  – pop, folk, blues singer/ songwriter. 

doors 7, show 8pm, no cover:  Matt Jaffe & The Distractions – “California rock”.  Opens with Roseberry Jam – Motown, disco, soul, R&B—with a lead singer who does a mean Barry White!  Presented by KFOG.  415-388-3850 for tix or info.      

Magnolia Terrace (outdoors) at San Rafael Elks Club, 1312 Mission, gates noon, music 1-4pm, $5 ($2 goes to Nick Fitch Music Fund for San Rafael High students):  “Tunes on the Terrace” 6^th Annual Summer Music Series: Groove Society — r&b, smooth rock.  Cash bar (no outside alcohol), no dogs; food available for purchase; lawn seating; kids/ students Free.  [8/30 The Grain & Blue Diamond Fillups]

Rickey’s Live Music (Poolside, weather permitting), 5:30pm, no cover:  Andoni’s 5-Piece Band & Special Guests – Jazz, swing, pop, blues, R&B, & Motown.  Celebrate Andoni’s 50^th Birthday, and FUNdraiser for Joyce Kawasaki’s medical fund.  Dancing, Raffle.  415-883-9477 reservations recommended.

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, Beer Garden, outdoors, no cover:  LIVE MUSIC. 

Session Room, NO MUSIC, PRIVATE PARTY?  415-892-6200 reservations & info.

San Anselmo Music in Creek Park 3-6pm, no cover:  Lorin Rowan & Rattlebox – Progressive Americana with Barry Sless pedal steel & Doug Harman cello.   [final concert 8/30 West Grand Boulevard] 

Corte Madera Piccolo Pavilion Concerts, 5-6:30pm, no cover:  Steep Ravine – bluegrass/ folk. [final concert 8/30 Midnight North]

Corte Madera Town Center, 2-4pm, no cover:  Pickled Beats – .  [8/30 Michael Bartle [Elvis?]; series goes to Sept. 27]

Mill Valley Concerts in the Plaza  2-4pm, no cover:  at 2 Olivia Davis—young singer/ songwriter.  3pm Ain’s Misbehavin’ – sounds like fun.  [This is final concert in series]

Peri’s Bar, Fairfax,  9pm, no cover:  Tom Finch Band – “amazing grooves and original tunes”.  

19 Broadway, 5pm, no cover:  Johnny Adams – blues-rock and Americana.

9pm, no cover:  The Stonies – up-and-coming local band in their 19 Broadway debut.  Info 415-459-1091.

Fenix Music & Supper Club, San Rafael, 11:30am-1:25pm, no cover:  Live Music Sunday Brunch with JetBlacq – “New York supper club style with a sassy Las Vegas funny-bone”.  

6:30-9:30pm, $10:  Dante Roberson & Friends – CD Release party: jazz, rock, r&b, gospel, country.  415-813-5600 reservations & info.

Sausalito Seahorse, lesson 4pm, music 5-10pm, $10:  Salsa—every Sunday.  415-331-2899 for reservations.

Monday, Aug. 24 

Sausalito Cruising Club, 7-10:30pm, $5 members & jammers; $10 guests; $13 buffet dinner:  Blue Monday Jam hosted by Joe Tate & The Blue Monday Band with Guest Jammers.   This is a private club; you must be a member or a Guest. To get on Guest list, please email joebtate@gmail.com or call him 415-385-1606.

Twin Oaks Tavern, 5745 Old Redwood Hwy., Penngrove, 8:30-11:30pm, no cover:  The Blues Defenders – Pro-jam Blues.  Tavern info: 707-795-5118.

Sweetwater, 8pm, no cover:  Open Mic with Austin DeLone.  415-388-3850 for info.

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, [Nothing on calendar for Session Room, but tavern & restaurant open.  415-892-6200 reservations & info.

19 Broadway, 9pm, no cover:  Open Mic with Derek Smith.  Info 415-459-1091.  

Peri’s Bar, Fairfax, 8:30pm, no cover:  Open Mic with Billy D.

Tuesday, Aug. 25 

Sweetwater, doors 7, show 8pm, no cover:  Rock B4 Black — DJ Richard Habib & Live Musicians with a Burning Man pre-compression party!  Rock, Latin, Motown, House, techno, Remixes & Mashups.  415-388-3850 for info. 

Fenix Music & Supper Club, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael, 7-9:30pm, $10:  Caroluna and the Musical Art Quintet – classical, opera, jazz, Great American Songbook.  415-813-5600 reservations & info.  

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, [Nothing on calendar for Session Room, but tavern & restaurant open]. 415-892-6200 reservations & info.

19 Broadway, 9pm, no cover:  Brian Fischer & Friends –.  Info 415-459-1091.

Peri’s Bar, Fairfax, 9pm, no cover:  Waldo’s Special — fiddle-driven rock & roll.

Panama Hotel, 7-10pm, no cover:  Deborah Winters – contemporary & soulful jazz.  415-457-3993 for reservations & info.

Sausalito Seahorse, 7:30-10:30pm, no cover:  Noel Jewkes & Friends – jazz [every Tuesday].  415-331-2899 for reservations.

Twin Oaks Tavern, 5745 Old Redwood Hwy., Penngrove, 8pm-12, no cover:  Karaoke with DJ Hewy Dawg  + Game Night: free pool, ping pong, darts, cornhole.  Tavern info: 707-795-5118.

Wednesday, Aug. 26  

Peri’s Bar, 9pm, no cover:  TWANGFEST — The Treble Makers (Frank Bohan, Jeb Harrison, Kevin Hayes, Erik Schramm) and Special Guests. These guys make me dance!

Fenix Music & Supper Club, San Rafael, 8-11pm, $10, $5 seniors & students: Fenix Band Pro Blues Jam:  Detroit Blues & John Lee Hooker – “A Journey in Blues History”.  Local talent & special guests invited to join during 2^nd set: Click on Fenix website for details on signing up.  415-813-5600 reservations & info.

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, doors 6, show 7-11:30pm, no cover:  Open Mic Nite hosted by Dennis Haneda.  Includes a featured act (this week Vermillion –).   Note: For this Event, Bar staff is happy to take your food order from the “Venue Menu”.  415-892-6200 reservations & info.

19 Broadway, 9pm, no cover:  Danesh & DeLone – Austin DeLone & Aram Danesh: rockin’ blues, r&b, rock & roll.  Info 415-459-1091.  

Sweetwater, doors 7, show 8pm, $10:  The Beatles Project – .  415-388-3850 for info.

Iron Springs Pub, Fairfax, 8pm, no cover:  Belle Monroe & Her Brewglass Boys – bluegrass with blues, swing, “and a lot of fun”.  415-485-1005 for info & reservations.

Sausalito Seahorse, 6:30-11pm, $10:  Tango.  See website for details.  415-331-2899 for reservations.

My SUMMER FESTIVALS post (of June 8) here.

And here are links for the VENUES.

Mark Your Calendars:

Aug. 27 (Thur.) Fenix:  Miles Ahead Group
Aug. 28 (Fri.) Pacheco Plaza:  Zulu Spear (6-9pm)

Aug. 28 (Fri.) Seahorse:  Key Lime Pie

Aug. 28 (Fri.) 19 Broadway:  Soul Ska

Aug. 29 (Sat.) Hopmonk:  VINYL

Sep. 2 (Wed.) Sweetwater:  Eric McFadden feat. Bryan Kehoe & Josh Zee

With Gratitude, and Smiles--

Ellen Jane ♫♪