Music Fun Week of June 25-July 2 (Wed. to Wed.)

PROCRASTINATION!

That's something I've always had a knack for ... and this week, especially true.

That stupid cough that's been following me around for 3 weeks, me thinking each day is the day it'll go away ... Monday I finally went and got an x-ray.  Tuesday (my Birthday), doctor called and said I need a CT scan because x-ray shows a small mass as well as infection. So I got my 2 antibiotics, and get the scan next Tuesday.  All-in-all the worst birthday ever, as many of you on facebook already know.  There's been quite an outpouring of love and caring from so many, and I am GRATEFUL.  I'm not a daily facebook user, but from the responses I received -- I see the benefits!  Thank you ALL!

Meanwhile, some shoutouts ... heard more music than I anticipated last week!  The always-wonderful and inspiring Greg Johnson & Glass Brick Boulevard at the elegant Fenix on Saturday; the San Francisco Music Club with Lorin Rowan & Jimmy Dillon at Northgate on Friday; Amy Wigton at Trek Winery also on Friday; The Grain (from Petaluma) at Hopmonk on Thursday; and on Sunday I crashed.

Highlights to come, I hope, to make up for a less-than-stellar birth-day:

Thursday the amazing ILLUMINATION free show at 19 Broadway.  Just putting that out there, because I don’t believe I have the energy, better stay home another day.  There’s also Rowan Brothers at Marin Art & Garden Center, and Donna D +3+1 at Seahorse.

Friday I HAVE to be at Pacheco Plaza for some ZYDECO FLAMES!  If I have any strength, might mosey over to Trek Winery after that to have a listen to Factor 11.

Saturday The 7^th Sons with Debra Clawson and fellas are at Presidio Yacht Club.  Another great show is Wall Street at Fenix. Lots more shows, take a look at calendar.

Sunday JAMES MOSELEY DANCE BAND at Corte Madera Town Center, 2-4pm.  Be there!

And for your amusement, meet Mooscles:

Music Fun Week of June 18-25 (Wed. to Wed.)

DOWN and UP

Have not been feeling my best lately, but as a Friend wisely said:  Stress compromises your immune system; on the other hand, doing what you love (for me MUSIC and DANCING) releases endorphins and takes you to another level.

Though “retired” from a paying job, I keep busy enough during the week with other responsibilities that I do not have the chance to go out and hear music each day of the week – despite what many of you kid me about!  This week Carlos & I thankfully managed to go for the Wednesday monthly Corte Madera Ray Simpson Big Band Dance.  A great community event on a large dance floor with friendly folks eager to dance, or just sit and take in the sounds of a big band. You have another chance to enjoy this on July 9 – and then not again until September.

Friday night SPECIAL:  We celebrated MY BIRTHDAY (pre-birthday—actual is June 24) with the James Moseley Dance Band (thank you James, Carrie, Jack, Jean, Marina, John, Steve and Doug!!) at Sausalito Seahorse – and there WAS some special CAKE with that (thank you Mauro)!  Not only that, it was Friday the 13^th-- very auspicious!! and a FULL “Strawberry” MOON (technically the 12^th at 9:11pm, but close enough).  Honored and pleased to see so many of my great friends there!  [Again, my birthday is June 24, but when you get to my age you take the celebrating when you can get it!!!  

Saturday I arrived at the Novato Wine Art Music Festival in time to see our friends LUMANATION; got in a visit to my daughter who lives at Millworks; then some Frobeck – and I’ll definitely want to hear them again.  Carlos & I went to a housewarming party for Sallie & Tim and met up with friends old & new.  Then we traveled down the road to the Presidio Yacht Club with Doc Kraft Dance Band!  More FULL MOON madness …

On Sunday, the fabulous UNAUTHORIZED ROLLING STONES at Magnolia Terrace, Elks Club, San Rafael for us—and another chance to celebrate.  A smaller turnout than it should have been (Novato and Fairfax Festivals as well as Tommy Castro at the Rancho diluted the crowd) – but a happy crowd, and this is a gem of a venue, festival-style -- there’ll be more dates to enjoy.  [Coming up this Sunday on June 22 is Ray Obiedo and Mambo Caribe, and then FOREVERLAND on July 13.]

Tuesday evening Carlos & I made our first visit to the Mill Valley Community Center for the Starduster Orchestra Dance.  Beautiful venue, great dance floor, fabulous music, including vocalist Noah Griffin.

Whew!

Gayle, Ellen, Trish at the end of a fabulous night of dancing:
James Moseley Band at Seahorse

More possible Birthday celebrations in store!

Coming up:  Thursday, if possible, hop over to Hopmonk to check out The Grain, whom friend Michael has been raving about.  They’re headlining, so possibly will not begin until 10 or so.  I’d better call.

Friday:  another bash at Northgate with the San Francisco Music Club with Lorin Rowan and Jimmy Dillon.  After that? Doc Kraft is at Seahorse; if my strength holds, or Trek Winery for a listen to Amy Wigton if it doesn’t.

Saturday: there’s Greg Johnson & Glass Brick Blvd. at Fenix, or the Eldon Brown Band at Presidio YC.  Also Dan Brown & Full Steem at Redwood Café if we dare travel …

Sunday:  possibly Ray Obiedo, Pete Escovedo & Mambo Caribe at Magnolia Terrace (Elks) if I survive the rest of it. Also a Benefit at 19 Broadway including Danny Click, El Radio Fantastique, San Geronimo.  Who knows??

And you KNOW there’s lots more, listed below on the Calendar.  ♫♪♫

Blessings.

Music Fun Week of June 11-18 (Wed. to Wed.)

Endings and Beginnings …

This past week – YES, it was DEFINITELY HAPPENING at Northgate Mall with PRIDE & JOY!!  Way to start their season!  Then the FINAL Knut Kramer & Beth Reynolds Sunnbolt First Friday Jam – the Final One!!  Ouch.  Many great memories … (it's where I brought Carlos the first night we met.)

On Saturday the Special Party on Paradise (also a finale) was exhuberent and exceptional.  Mindy Canter and Fluteus Maximus rocked us plenty!  We never made it out of there to Hopmonk for Reckless in Vegas –what’s a poor party girl to do?

On Sunday we gathered at the home of special friends, the afternoon wore on, and oops I missed out on seeing a band I LOVE-- LUMANATION with Bobby G and Saxy Susan at Sweetwater!  But the company was wonderful – and it’s all about Friendship. Right?  ♫♪♫

Some of the peeps at Sunnbolt's "Final First Friday"!

Coming up:  Tonight hoping to get to the Ray Simpson Big Band Dance in Corte Madera!  A once-a-month treat.

Friday night SPECIAL:  I’ll be celebrating MY BIRTHDAY with the James Moseley Dance Band at Sausalito Seahorse – and there may be some special CAKE with that!  Not only that, it’s Friday the 13^th-- very auspicious!! and it’s a FULL “Strawberry” MOON (technically the 12^th at 9:11pm, but close enough).  My birthday is June 24, but when you get to my age it’s certainly OK to take the celebrating when you can get it!!!  C’mon out, all you June birthdays! And everyone I know, please.

Saturday I believe Carlos & I will be at the Novato Art Wine Music Festival, especially to see our friends LUMANATION at 12:30 at the Hopmonk Stage at 7^th; and Frobeck is at 4 at Redwood Stage.  Then if fortune ordains, we will do another Birthday celebration at the Presidio Yacht Club with Doc Kraft Dance Band!  More FULL MOON madness …

On Sunday, it’s the fabulous UNAUTHORIZED ROLLING STONES at Magnolia Terrace, Elks Club, San Rafael for Carlos & Ellen—and another chance to celebrate.  Yes, there’s the Novato and Fairfax Festivals happening as well – but this is a gem of a venue, festival-style, with the incomparable Rudy & the Guys.

Celebrate [something]!  ♫♪♫

Music Fun Week of June 4-11 (Wed.-Wed.)

Friends move away from the Bay Area, and tell me it makes them feel at home to read my blog, so I’ll keep on with my rambling …

With all the activity last weekend from which to choose, on Friday Carlos and I ended up at the Tiburon Turns 50 party (thanks to Larry and Sue!) and were recipients of the merry music of Wonderbread 5, the Fireworks, and then the Carlos Reyes Band—who could have been Pride & Joy … that kind of R&B Motown funky fun.

Saturday began with a disaster team training for my community, which I had to leave early to get to the Memorial for Glenn.  That stretched well into the afternoon: time well-spent with old mutual friends who celebrated our good fortune to have known Glenn during his brief time (53 years) on our planet.

The evening came, and our wine-tasting party stretched on into the night – so didn’t make it out to any venue, but danced around the house a bit with the gals.

Sunday I was pooped – Carlos & I went to Unity for some soul-inspiration.  Singing from Desiree that took us to another dimension …

Monday evening Laura & I worked the Marin Symphony Wine Auction Dinner event at Marin Country Club.  Always a fun event.

But I’m exhausted.  Fighting a chest cold, trying to keep on top of everything.  Recalling my bout with pneumonia last May … must rest up ...this too shall pass!

Laura & Ellen at Marin Country Club

Laura Mae at Marin Symphony event
http://www.lauramaedesigns.com/ 

Fireworks--or Giant Popcorn Ball--in Tiburon.
What my iPhone saw ...

This weekend?  Definitely happening on Friday, with PRIDE & JOY at Northgate.  THAT will be a party, folks!  Then we’ll on to Knut Kramer’s & Beth Reynolds’ Sunnbolt First Friday Jam – the Final One!!  I’m sure we’ll see many of you there.  That means in all likelihood we won’t make it to Doc Kraft at the Seahorse … 

On Saturday there’s a special party, and Reckless in Vegas at Hopmonk.

On Sunday, LUMANATION with Bobby G and Saxy Susan are at Sweetwater!

Next Wednesday the 11^th is the Ray Simpson Big Band in Corte Madera.

Who knows how it will all PLAY out.

Music Fun Week of May 28-June 4 (Wed. to Wed.)

Celebrations and remembrances.

Another Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone. 

Shoutouts for my musical celebrations to Pop Rocks at Hopmonk on Friday; on Saturday the FABULOUS James Moseley Band -- James, Jack, Carrie, Hailey, Jean, Marina, Doug, Steve, KC, Luis – all 10 of them! at the Seahorse (and the best tiramisu/ cake I’ve ever eaten from Mauro, in honor of Hailey’s birthday); Larkspur Food & Flower Festival on Sunday, with Doc Kraft and his Band—the Higgins twins John & Patrick, and Tucker; then Reckless in Vegas, and topped off by Maria Muldaur and her Blusiana Band!  The weather cooperated all weekend.  Great to see so many of you out there happy and dance-y.  Kudos also to Murphy Productions—Erma and Daniel--for their involvement with this outstanding Festival.

Hard to believe that may have been the last LF&FF—because of funding!  Hope there’s a miracle and that they’re back next year, or the year after that.  ♫♪♫

Larkspur Food & Flower Festival was happening!

Not quite sure about this week’s activities for Carlos & Ellen … quite a selection.

Friday there’s indie rock at Hopmonk, Danny Click at Sleeping Lady, Chime Travelers at Trek Winery, Zigaboo and Gene Washington & Ironsides at 19 Broadway, the Tiburon Turns 50 party with Wonderbread 5 and Carlos Reyes and fireworks (expecting thousands of partyers) and more …

Saturday Carlos & I have a Memorial in the early afternoon for friend Glenn Emge who left us far too soon—at the age of 53, while working out, doing what he loved!  
There’s also a wine tasting party in the evening – don’t think we’ll be able to get to San Rafael for some May Madness …  For Sat. nite there’s plenty of funk in the county, with Pulsators at Fenix; Fenton Coolfoot at the Lady; Frobeck at Rancho – and Chrome Johnson at 19 Broadway.  And a whole lot more: see below!

Sunday: I see the Town Center Summer series has begun; 17 Strings are at Rickey’s; Tracy Blackman at Sleeping Lady – always something going on in Fairfax!  And more.

I leave you with this thought:  Celebrate while you can, with whom you can!

Music Fun Week of May 21-28 (Wed.-Wed.)

Does anyone have enough time?  I didn’t think so!  :-0

Do what you have to do, but be sure to set aside some “me-time”, i.e. “you-time” to treat yourself right.

Carlos & Ellen, Twin Oaks for faves THE MIGHTY GROOVE

How sweet it is!  Grateful for the ability to get out and shake what my momma gave me … and realizing that perhaps it will not always take this form.

Friday night went beyond my comfort zone and into Sonoma County(!) for THE MIGHTY GROOVE at the fun and funky Twin Oaks Tavern in Penngrove.  It’s the same distance for Carlos & me (in southern Novato) as it is to Presidio Yacht Club—so it was a go!  Thanks to Neil, Lyn, Saxy Susan, Chick, Jimmy, Greg, and Conga Bob!  The Mighty Groove moves me, and if you don’t know them, make an effort next time they’re around—they’re sure to get you groovin’ too!

Saturday we took in our first dance at 142 Throckmorton to hear the beloved Danny Click and the Hell Yeahs! with Danny, Don Bassey, Lynn Asher, Kevin Hayes, Adrienne Biggs, and a couple of swell guys on pedal steel & keyboards.  I haven’t set foot in 142 for years, and was pleasantly surprised at the elegance.  However, wish the seating had been set back from the stage a bit more – though of course the dancing crowd managed! Soulful, bluesy rockin' Americana from Danny and Friends!

On Sunday another wonderful service at Unity in Marin—about HEALING.  And in the afternoon, though my body told me I was too tired to dance, we wandered down to our Clubhouse, where Inga and Charles put together a wonderful free movement hour or more each Sunday.  The magic sounds that Charles gathered as DJ convinced my body that moving was effortless and transformative – and so it is!

Where to go??  Some of it will be obvious from my calendar – Doc Kraft (Seahorse) or Pop Rocks (Hopmonk) on Friday; James Moseley Band (Seahorse), followed by (if we have enough juice): The 85s (Hopmonk) on Saturday; the 25^th and Final Larkspur Food & Flower Festival on Sunday!  Hope to see you too!  ♫♪♫

Music Fun Week of May 14-21

Happy night at Hopmonk, with Pop Fiction, Carlos & Trish!

Lovely surprise to see you, Trish!

Wrapped up another fun weekend, and a heap of thanks for Pop Fiction at Hopmonk on Friday, then Rudy Colombini and the Unauthorized Rolling Stones at Sweetwater on Saturday!  Great to cheer on new personnel Kevin Russell and Cole Tate, with Rudy, Kenny Crampton, Eddie Berman and Mike Davis holding down the fort and making for some explosive fun.

Hope you had a Happy Mothers’ Day!

I’m afraid I’ll be missing the Big Band Dance tonight in Corte Madera – as I’ve developed another case of HIVES!  This time I have no idea what caused it – no new lotion at least.  I think that episode in March over-sensitized me, and now my auto-immune response to allergens is overblown.  So is it the pollen?  the kitty? the shellfish? or my neighbor’s toxic stinky dryer sheets??  Face swollen again, and I’m in no hurry to get to the doctor when they’ll again put me on prenisone.  Trying power of positive thinking (without too much luck so far—but I’ll keep hoping).

I know I’ll be better by Friday:  Hoping to travel north to Twin Oaks in Penngrove to get it on with our friends The Mighty Groove.  There’s also Doc Kraft at Presidio Yacht Club; Kevin Russell at Fenix; and rock group Factor 11 at Trek Winery; and the triple-header in Fairfax, fundraiser for Deb Hubsmith (who’s battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia) at 19 Broadway, Peri’s, and Sleeping Lady.

.

Saturday: REVOLVER at Fenix; Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs at 142 Throckmorton; Zydeco Flames at Eagles in Alameda; Chime Travelers at TREK Winery;  Afrofunk Experience at Hopmonk – and of course all the other music I’ve listed in the calendar below!

Sunday?  I don’t know yet … Remember, there’s free music now in the Hopmonk Beer Garden on Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons, and Sunday afternoons.  (I’ve listed below.)  Always a musical treat available—how lucky are we!

Scroll down to see all the music events listed for this week!  ♫♪♫