Music Fun Week of Feb. 11-18, 2014

SAY IT ISN'T SO! 

NICK FITCH passed on Friday afternoon, February 6, after a severe illness of several months.  Nick was the mastermind behind the last several years’ music renaissance at the San Rafael Elks Club, and particularly the summer series at Magnolia Terrace.  Like so many of us, he LOVED Music, and wanted everyone to partake.  I’ll miss you, Nick!

Memorial celebration to be held March 14.  Details will follow.  

NICK FITCH

Another friend in my community, Jamie Schoen, passed on January 28––way too soon.  She was beautiful, youthful, vibrant.  Life ... take nothing for granted.

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.” – Dalai Lama  [thanks, Teri!]

Just saying …

My calendar:  something is wrong with blogger.  I cannot import my calendar without everything re-formatting:  everything goes in as BOLD and I have no control over spacing!!!  Bah!  This is taking LOTS of time.
(I am going to the Corte Madera Big Band Dance shortly, and will deal with this tomorrow.  Plenty of good shows happening for the coming week!!  Stay tuned ... )

Lots of running around this past week – but only 2 music events – and both were extraordinary and totally different!

Friday night the James Moseley Dance Band at Hopmonk …a packed house in spite of the rain, and they totally rocked it!  One of the best shows ever, and some very happy dancers -- food for the soul, R&B and funk lovers!

On Saturday night (how about that great weather!?) Carlos & I made it to the Seahorse for DJ Richard Habib’s extravaganza:  Gimme Shelter clothing drive, Aquarian birthdays, and a special celebration honoring Steve Sodokoff’s years of donating his time and considerable energy to run this event.  Those fantastic samba dancers, driving rhythms, dancefloor continuously filled … I’ve never seen the Seahorse that packed ♫♪♪♫

This week: last night (Wednesday) I escaped my computer dysfunction for the Big Band Dance in Corte Madera – an interesting crowd, lots of new people.  But where were YOU?  This monthly dance is one of the best-kept secrets in Marin, and a fun social.  Hope you try it out some time.

I’ll be taking the night off, then looking at the weekend … possibly Presidio Yacht Club on Friday for Before the Bang (I haven’t yet heard them play, but have heard they make a joyful noise); and on Saturday again PYC for Doc Kraft Band (I keep missing them because of other commitments—and I know there will be a fun crowd). 
ALSO, hope to attend the Marin Symphony Concert on Tuesday evening.

But plans change, surprises arise, who knows what the “future” will bring.  My best to all of you!  ♫♪

SORRY THE APPEARANCE OF THIS CALENDAR IS SO MESSED UP!  BLOGGER PLAYING TRICKS ON ME!!

Music Fun Week of June 4, 2013

UPDATES (since Tuesday) in RED
Local Color:

Just for fun, adding daughter Laura’s latest post.  You can see more at LauraMaeDesigns.com (aka Lilacs and Lace).

More glad tidings of being well enough to enjoy the music and dance …

This week returned to Hopmonk on Wednesday for Open Mic, capably run by Dennis Haneda, and backed up by his family of musicians Gentry on keys, Dave on bass, Ruthie on drums.  It was a stellar evening to be there, packed with folks enjoying the variety show. We arrived for a young singer/ songwriter/ guitarist Nick Tara, who won my heart when he proclaimed how cool “old” people are. And he’s talented and upbeat. Then Joel Schick came on as the featured act—what a kick!  He’s been around a long time, shades of Dylan and rockabilly.  And of course there’s always Geraldine …

Friday was a treat at TREK Winery with Herb Marshall Group for some jazz, along with wonderful “frontman” Dan Brown.  Still had some energy, so stopped by Hopmonk on the way home, and hit a home run with the B-Side Players for some “Mexican reggae”!  Whew!  First time the management completely cleared the dance floor and the dancers took advantage.

For this week, hope to be at Hopmonk on Thursday for the California Honeydrops!

Friday we’ll be at Northgate as they kick off their summer series with the San Francisco Music Club, with Lorin Rowan and Jimmy Dillon. That’s from 6-8; then we head over to TREK Winery for the debut of the James Moseley Dance Band (yes, the full band) in the Barrel Room from 8-10:30.

On Saturday we’ll be working the TREK Winery booth (#314) at the Novato Art Wine Music Festival, from 1-4pm, near the 7^th St. stage.  Please stop by!

Sunday will likely find us back on Grant Ave. to support some of our favorite musicians!

I aim to get my expanded Summer Music listing up later this week:  SO MUCH TO ADD! (like Creekside, Magnolia Terrace at Elks Club, San Anselmo Creek Park + Art & Wine, Osher Marin JCC, Marin Art & Garden Center—and more!

Wishing good Health & Happiness for y’all!  ♫♪

Listen to the Music, and Dance (like nobody's watching)!!  ♫

And remember to TIP our wonderful and talented MUSICIANS!  Also please support all the gracious venues that support MUSIC.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013 

Osteria Divino, 7-10pm, no cover:  James Moseley Solo Guitar & Vocals.  331-9355 for reservations.

Panama Hotel, 7-10pm, no cover:  Swing Fever– Memories of the Duke [Ellington].  457-3993 for reservations & info.

Peri’s Bar, Fairfax, 8pm, no cover:  John Varn & Tommy Odetto —rock it every Tuesday.

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

Wednesday, June 5 -- Happy Birthday, Clay!

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, 7:20-11:20pm, no cover: Open Mic Nite w/ Dennis Haneda.  Includes a featured act (this week Buck Lacey at 9pm), chosen from a previous open mic.   Note: For this Event, Bar staff is happy to take your food order from the “Venue Menu”.  415-892-6200 reservations & info.

Iron Springs Pub, Fairfax, 8pm, no cover:  JED—Americana/ psychedelic/ jam. 415-485-1005 for info & reservations.

Fenix Music & Supper Club, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael, 8 & 10pm sets, $10: Pro Blues Jam with Fenix Band -- Eric Clapton night.  415-813-5600 reservations & info.

Sweetwater, doors 7, show 8pm, $10 SRO: The Overcommitments – Motown, soul, funk & classic rock.  388-3850 for tix or info.

Panama Hotel, 7-10pm, no cover:  Joan Getz Quartet – jazz, bossa nova, blues & ballads. 457-3993 for reservations & info.

Thursday, June 6 – Happy Birthday, Mark L!

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, doors 7, show 8pm, $15-18: California Honeydrops – brass/ Americana/ blues.  + Howell & Devine opening.  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.

4^th St. San Rafael, 6-9pm, free:  Farmers Market – Jo-Jo Diamond on main stage.

Fenix Music & Supper Club, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael, 8 & 10pm shows, $10:  Tanya Scarlet & Her A-Team – Silky smooth rhythm & blues.  415-813-5600 reservations & info.

Presidio Y.C.  Maria's Music & Dinner-- Dinner beginning at 5 PM, and music from 7-10, $5 cover, please tip:  Eddie Neon & All-Pro Blues Jam.  Dinner: Penne Pasta in Vegetarian Sauce, Meatballs on the side $8; grill closed, pizza available.  332-2319. Credit cards accepted, but tips are cash only, and no ATM around. Call Maria for info: 415-601-3333 

The Trident, Sausalito, 6-9pm, no cover:  Audrey Moira Shimkas with Kelly Park on keyboards -- Jazz, Pop, Blues.  415-331-3232 for reservations.

Panama Hotel, 7-10pm, no cover:  C-JAM with Connie Ducey – eclectic song mix with a fresh jazzy punch.  457-3993 for reservations & info.

Friday, June 7

Northgate Mall, 6-8pm, free:  San Francisco Music Club with Lorin Rowan & Jimmy Dillon

TREK Winery, Barrel Room, 1026 Machin, Novato 8-10:30pm, $10:  James Moseley Dance Band!   [We’ll be here after Northgate.]

Sunnbolt Music, 150 Mitchell Blvd. #260, San Rafael, 8pm, $5:  First Friday Jam.  S’Cream at 9:30, Revenant at 10, + lots more.  BYO refreshments. 499-5688 for info.

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, doors 7, show 7:30pm, $15-20: Bobby Jo Valentine – indie/ roots/ rock.  + Kress Cole & Nick Lopez opening.  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.

Key Lime Pie at the Seahorse, 9-12, $10.

George's Nightclub, 9pm, $12:  The 85s + Pretending (Pretenders Tribute) – Dance Par-tay.  415-226-0262 for info. 

Sweetwater, doors 8, show 9pm, $16 SRO:  Salvador Santana with The Scribe Project.  388-3850 for tix or info.

Fenix Music & Supper Club, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael, 8pm, $15:  Greg Johnson & Glass Brick Blvd. – “Beethoven meets Seal”.   415-813-5600 reservations & info.

Rickeys Jazz, 7-10pm, no cover:  SwingSet – easy-listening swing/jazz quintet.  883-9477 for reservations.

4^th St. Tavern, San Rafael, 10pm, $5:  Ned Endless & the Allniters, plus The Growing Weeds.

Eagles Hall, 2305 Alameda Ave., Alameda, 8:30 lesson, 9pm show, $15:  Alameda All-Star Zydeco Band with Billy, Willy, Lloyd, Frank & Timm.

Saturday, June 8  

Novato Art Wine Music Festival, Grant Ave., 10am-7pm, free: 

[**Come say hello to Carlos & I at the TREK Winery booth near 7^th St. stage from 1-4pm!**]  

Redwood Stage: 10am Black Cat Bone; 4:15 Luvplanet; 5:45 The Tubes w/ Fee Waybill.

7^th St. Stage: 12:15 Firewheel; 4:45 Flanelhed; 6pm Metal Shop.  Full schedule here:  http://www.novatoartwinemusic.com/music/wfmenuconfig/wfmenuconfig/this-year-s-music.html

Fairfax Festival, 11-6 (parade at 10), free. Music schedule: http://www.fairfaxfestival.com/music/

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, doors 8:30, show 9:30pm, $15: Shotgun Wedding Quintet —hip hop/ jazz/ soul. 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.

Rickey’s Jazz, 7-10pm, no cover:  James Moseley Trio – jazz, blues, r&b.  883-9477 for reservations. 

Rancho Nicasio, 8:30, $12-15:  Volker Strifler Band – original blues & dance grooves.  415-662-2219 for reservations/info. 

Fenix Music & Supper Club, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael, 8pm, $10:  Greg Ballad & The Dream’Set – silky crooning and deep grooving from an R&B master.   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) and Ted O'Connell, Jeb Harrison bass, Dave Burns drums, and Special Guests. This is an ongoing weekly gig. 

Sweetwater, doors 8, show 9pm, $15 SRO:  Reckless in Vegas. 388-3850 for tix or info.

San Rafael Joe’s, 7-9:30, no cover:  Phillip Percy Pack   Phillip Percy is a Beach Blanket Babylon alum, singing the jazz standards here with his Trio every Saturday night!  

Sunday, June 9 

Novato Art Wine Music Festival, 10am-6pm, free: 

Redwood Stage: 11:15 North Bay Blues Revue (Carrie Souza Murphy, Denis Murphy, Bob McBain); 1:45 Tender Mercies; 3pm Aja Vu; 4:45 Davey Pattison. 

7^th St. Stage:  12noon THE TICKETS BAND; 4:30 Tom Rigney & Flambeau.  Full schedule here:  http://www.novatoartwinemusic.com/music/wfmenuconfig/wfmenuconfig/this-year-s-music.html

Marin Symphony, 3pm, $20-75:  Pixar in Concert—music and visuals from 13 classic Disney/Pixar films presented live.  Box office 415-473-6800 for tickets & info.

Magnolia Terrace at Elks Club, 1312 Mission, San Rafael, 1-5pm, $8:  420 League Band (classic 60s Bay Area rock, R&B, blues -- along with Pat Campbell, and Linda Imperial and David Freiberg!  Bring a picnic lunch …

Fairfax Festival, 11-6, free. Music schedule: http://www.fairfaxfestival.com/music/

19 Broadway, 6:30pm, free:  Cathey & Elliott’s Evil After-Party!

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, doors 6, show 7pm, $10: Marin School of Arts Alumni —indie/ folk /rock. 2 nights. Merrimack-Merrimack  + Psychic Jiu Jitsu + False Priest.  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.

Sweetwater, 11am, free:  Sunday Brunch with Steep Ravine – bluegrass & folk. 

Café open for brunch & lunch; closes at 4 for Private Event.

Rickey’s 5:30-8:30pm, no cover:  Brad Bann -- music of Frank Sinatra. 883-9477 for reservations. 

Fenix Music & Supper Club, 919 Fourth St., San Rafael, 6:30, $10-15:  Pamela Rose Wild Women of Song –blues/jazz diva musical journey; 415-813-5600 reservations & info.

Monday, June 10 – Happy Birthday, Kara!

Hopmonk Novato, Vintage Oaks, doors 6, show 6:30pm, $5: BandWorks School of Rock – 3 student bands, with musicians ages 9-15 play Beatles to Modest Mouse, Rolling Stones to Red Hot Chili Peppers.  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 Cruising Club, 7-11pm, $20 includes buffet, $15 for members & $10 for Players:  Blue Monday Jam hosted by Joe Tate 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.

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

Tuesday, June 11

Panama Hotel, 7-10pm, no cover:  James Moseley Quartet – jazz, blues, r&b.  457-3993 for reservations & info.

Peri’s Bar, Fairfax, 8pm, no cover:  John Varn & Tommy Odetto —rock it every Tuesday.

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

Mark Your Calendars:

June 14 (Fri.) Creekside at Tennessee Valley, 6:30-8pm, free:  Unauthorized Rolling Stones!

June 15 & 16 (Sat. & Sun.)  Marin Art Festival at Civic Center Lagoon, 10am-6pm, $10: (Sat.) Stompy Jones, Moonalice, (Sun.) Mari Mack & Livin’ Like Kings, The Edge with Lorin Rowan, Lumanation.

June 15 (Sat.) Rancho Nicasio:  Danny Click and the Hell Yeahs!

June 15 (Sat.) Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore (at Camino Alto) Mill Valley, 7:30pm, “Love Offering”:  The Lighthouse Singers Alumni present a Gospel Music Reunion Concert, featuring Steven Roberts, Deborah Rae Thomson, Tim Poston, Ulis Redic and Rev. Ann Jefferson.

June 26 (Wed.) Sweetwater, doors 7, show 8, $12:  James Moseley Dance Band

With Gratitude, and Smiles--

Ellen ♫♪

http://www.ellenjanesmusic.com/