Music Fun Week of May 27-JUNE 3

I am doing just dandy, thank you – but for any of you who may be suffering – I’d like to send a blessing for recovery, health and happiness.

Let MUSIC help you heal! ♫♪♫

Hopmonk, Pop Fiction, Special Friend Trish 

What happened??  

Friday at Hopmonk for some crazy AZ/DZ!  I would not call myself a heavy metal babe, but because I know these guys (Dave, Monroe, Tal, Bagel, Boris) are fun I showed up—and it was plenty exciting!  Also caught the last song from opener Ann Halen—rave reviews for them from the crowd! (glad to meet you, Annie!)

Saturday back at Hopmonk with Trish & Steve for Pop Fiction. They always get the crowd dancing, and we did.

Sunday took in Carolyn Gauthier’s wonderful talk about Heart at Unity in Marin, then spent the long afternoon with Trish, watching the water flow …

Monday, after beginning my crock pot adventure with bone broth, drove out to the Log Cabin to honor the Veterans, hear Tommy Odetto’s Band, and dance a bit.  Then to Sweetwater for Great Spirit … hung with the 21-year-olds (average age of the crowd) for awhile, but didn’t stay late!

To come:

Tonight Wednesday must go to Fairfax, Peri’s, TWANGFEST with Frank, Jeb, Kevin, Schrammie—and undoubtedly more of our illustrious music makers.

Friday and Saturday I may well be back in Fairfax, for The Right Time [& Fenton Coolfoot] at Peri’s on Fri., and Korty & Friends at 19 Broadway on Sat.

Check out the calendar—‘cause there’s lots more!  Like Lumanation, El Radio Fantastique, Jamie Clark Band, The Chime Travelers, Freddy Clarke, The 7^th Sons, Miles Schon, Stax City, The Sorentinos – and no less than Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs! at Hopmonk SEBASTOPOL  ♫♪♪

[OH!  I’m working on a Summer Music Series listing, and will post separately, soon.] 

Music Fun Week of May 20-27

BUTTERFLY-to-Be … Yesterday’s Discovery!

Amongst my fennel, spotted this critter:

A lovely Anise Swallowtail Caterpiller.  Welcome to my world!

[Breeze prevented a well-focused shot, so including before & after from internet.]

As usual, giving thanks: 

Wednesday last:  Corte Madera Big Band Dance.

Thursday: In Mill Valley for the Throckmorton Community Chorus spring concert.  Went around the corner to Sweetwater and caught the last set of the Flamin’ Groovies!  Then on to Fairfax for Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs! last hurrah at Sleeping Lady. Of course, they did it right!

Friday:  ZYDECO FLAMES at Eagles.  More, please.

Saturday: Duran Duran Duran at Hopmonk.  After spending most of the day at a 60^th Birthday Party for a great friend, I may have used up my reserves—and had to leave DDD by 11:30—thinking they weren’t holding my attention!

Sunday:  Key Lime Pie at the Food Bank Fundraiser at Magnolia Terrace (Elks Club).  Good music, good cause, memories of Nick Fitch.  Party on, Nick!

Highlights coming up: 

If I made it out tonight (Wed.), would like to transport to Fairfax for The Right Time [& Fenton Coolfoot] at 19 Broadway for some funky soul & boogie.

Friday very likely be close to home at Hopmonk for some crazy AZ/DZ!  There’s also Papa’s Bag at Fenix; Gary Vogensen’s Ramble at Rancho; Paul Liberatore & The Liberators at Sweetwater; Lonestar Retrobates at PYC … and a special Wine Tasting event at the Greek Festival ... among other things.

Saturday back at Hopmonk for Pop Fiction – sure to be a party vibe; Petty Theft is at Sweetwater (probably a sellout, as usual!); Freddy Clarke & Wobbly World at Seahorse; Marin Greek Festival both Sat. & Sunday; lots going on at all the Clubs.  Check out the calendar—way more!  Further adventures await …♫♪♪

Memorial Day Weekend is upon us:  Honoring those who have lost their lives while serving our country in the military.  Have Fun, Be Careful ♫♪♫♪

Music Fun Week of May 13-20, 2015

MOTHERHOOD!  Best thing that ever happened to me!

The gal that made me a mother, Laura Mae – in her latest new fashion, this watercolor creation (published yesterday in Britex Fabrics online blog; and soon on her own website Laura Mae Designs, aka Lilacs & Lace).

The pup that made Laura a mother (or something like that), my grandpup Valentino aka Tino.  Aawww!

My praises, the week in review:

Wednesday Miracle Mule at Hopmonk’s Open Mic.

Thursday, back to Hopmonk for S’Cream — Knut, Beth, Chris & Jeff!

Friday MOJO RISING at Fenix:  Teal, Josh, Tommy, Denise & John!!

Saturday The Chime Travelers Rick & Jay at Trek Winery; then James Nash & The Nomads (Jay Lane, Reed Mathis, Danny Eisenberg) at Hopmonk;

Sunday, Mothers’ Day:  several Art studios at Hamilton for the final taste of Marin Open Studios!  Then enjoyed the afternoon, evening and into the night hanging with favorite daughter Laura Mae and grandpup Valentino (our little Tino).  ♫♪♪.

Comin’ up Highlights: 

Wednesday (tonight):  Corte Madera Big Band Dance, or M6 at Hopmonk Open Mic.

Thursday Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs! at Sleeping Lady.  Last hurrah at the Lady??! Yikes.  Also the COM Big Swing Band at Seahorse …

Friday:  ZYDECO FLAMES at Eagles;  REVOLVER at Presidio Yacht Club; The Meters Experience at Sweetwater—a longshot for me, but wouldn’t that be sweet!  Also Freddy Clarke at Fenix; Monophonics at 19 Broadway …

Saturday Duran Duran Duran at Hopmonk; Bollywood by the Bay with DJ Richard Habib at Seahorse!; more Meters at Sweetwater; Vinyl’s 20^th anniversary celebration at GAMH (along with The Right Time & Fenton Coolfoot); Greg Johnson & Glass Brick Boulevard at The Big Easy; Harmony Sweepstakes … yeah, and more.

Sunday:  oh heck, let me catch my breath a moment ;-)

Wednesday next: The Right Time [& Fenton Coolfoot] do their thing at 19 Broadway. 

Here you go!  ♫♪

Music Fun Week of May 6-13, 2015

FELICITOUS GREETINGS!

The Week in Review, and Thanks a bunch ♫♪♪♫ – to all of you with whom I’ve had the privilege of sharing smiles and music! 

Friday the Bandworks/ Sunnbolt Friday Night Jam, with Lovitt-Page Band & plenty of blues; Big Rock with Haley Mears rocked us good; and then …

REVOLVER at Hopmonk—plenty of hopping, cavorting, dancing with a very happy crowd.

Saturday May Madness on 4^th St. San Rafael, with the Fenix House Band, more REVOLVER, and the Car Show & Parade.

Then JAMES MOSELEY DANCE BAND at Seahorse:  woot woot, glad to get me some of that!  Thank you James, Jack, Carrie, Haley, Jean, Marina, John, Marlon and KC!  Wasn't that FUN?!

Sunday out at Rancho Nicasio:  HowellDevine!  Mm hmm, blues and boogie—very smart!

May Madness, Happy Crowd revving with REVOLVER

Herman Privette, our Favorite Festival Fotographer

Highlights coming up:

Thursday, must try to get out to Hopmonk for S’Cream (along with LemonHammer and Mercuryville).

Friday we’ve got MOJO RISING at Fenix; Miracle Mule at Hopmonk; Lucky Drive at Seahorse; 

Saturday there’s Soul Ska at 19 Broadway; James Nash & The Nomads at Hopmonk; Danny Click & The Hell Yeahs! at 142 Throckmorton; The Chime Travelers at Trek Winery; ZYDECO FLAMES at Rossi’s; The 85s at Fenix -- for a small slice of what’s happening.

Sunday is Mothers’ Day – Bless us EveryOne!  ♫♪♪

This is the final weekend for Marin Open Studios, Saturday & Sunday – see the calendar for more info.

Get on out and enjoy some MUSIC ♫♫♪

Music Fun Week of Apr. 29-MAY 6, 2015

PLANET MARIN!  (Did someone say Disneyland is the happiest place on earth?  I guess they haven’t been here!)

Thanks!

Last Friday I actually made it beyond the county line, to Alameda and Eagles Hall for the phenomenal ZYDECO FLAMES!  Thanks, Fellas, glad to get me some zydeco state of mind!

Came home in the welcomed rain storm.

Then on Saturday there was an Emergency Preparedness Fair at our community clubhouse … I’m looking at earthquake bracing for my mobile home ...

After that the Marin Open Studios Gala at Bon Air – WOW!  Actually I got the time wrong and showed up early, which gave the opportunity to actually look at all the wonderful artwork – and was free to schmooze at the Gala ;-)

Then to Fairfax for a listen to the Shut Your Von Trapp Family carrying on at 19 Broadway.  Lively, driving rock cover band with plenty of dancing – but, truth be told, after being on my feet all day, had to leave by 11:30!

Sunday a beautiful gathering of friends honoring and celebrating Ted O’Connell.  Happy Birthday, Teddy!

Marin Open Studios Gala
Claudia, Erma, Ellen

Comin’ up: 
FULL FLOWER MOON!  
Cinco de Mayo!  
The JAMES MOSELEY BAND at Seahorse on Saturday night!!  Yes, I’m excited …

And also:

Thursday there’s Linda Imperial Band at Hopmonk; Talley Up at 19 Broadway; Bubba’s Taxi at PYC.

Friday REVOLVER is at Hopmonk; and the Sunnbolt Friday Night Jam is happening; and Lumanation is at Presidio Y.C.; and Cheeseballs at Fenix, and …

Saturday we’ve got May Madness on 4^th St. with Blue Diamond Fillups, the Fenix House Band, and REVOLVER for some dancing in the streets (and the Car Show & Parade).

The Marin Open Studios continues Saturday and Sunday this weekend and next!  This weekend primarily in Southern & Central Marin, next weekend North & West Marin.  And the gallery at Bon Air is open until May 10 as well.

Saturday Night I’ll be movin’ and groovin’ with James Moseley and the gang at Seahorse!  Also playing: Doc Kraft Band at Presidio Y.C.

Sunday:  want to catch HowellDevine at Rancho.  Friend and awesome blues guitarist John Maxwell has highly recommended them!

Wednesday next (and 2 weeks later) The Right Time [& Fenton Coolfoot] do their thing at 19 Broadway.  Catch them if you can.

Here you go!

Music Fun Week of April 22-29, 2015

“Honor the Earth and All of Life” … (from Unity Daily Word)

On this Earth Day and every day!

Reduce your carbon footprint as a matter of daily habit:  REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!  And enjoy some MUSIC! ;-)

Fenix:  Unauthorized Rolling Stones!
Vito, Carlos, Ellen, Mark

Made an unexpected visit to Hopmonk last Thursday night for “Jazz at the Monk”.  James Harman Band was scheduled as the 2^nd act, and I KNOW he is good, but when we arrived he was just finishing the first set.  We can catch him at the Novato Music Art & Wine Festival coming up in June.  Stayed for the next 2 sets and was absolutely excited by Stacks with Sanford Barnett, and then Miles Ahead, with some of the same personnel.  Wow!  GREAT jazz, took me back to Philadelphia, when I was really into it.

Friday night it was Soul Jah Family Band at Hopmonk for some fun reggae roots hip-shakin’. Did not make it up to Twin Oaks for MOJO RISING, so I didn’t get to wish a big Happy Birthday to Teal in person …J

How was the show at Fenix, with Van Animals and Cosmo’s Factory?

Saturday night the big party was at Fenix with The UNAUTHORIZED ROLLING STONES!  Mighty fine, mighty fun – they’ll be back!

Highlights coming up: 

Friday there’s Fenton Coolfoot & The Right Time opening for La Gente at 19 Broadway; Zydeco Flames at Eagles in Alameda; The Chime Travelers at Trek Winery; The Grain at Peri’s, and more…

Saturday at Fenix there’s Aja Vu and Stealin’ Chicago—should be a hot show.  Also the Marin Open Studios Preview Gala at Bon Air; Zydeco Flames at Ashkenaz; Daycaring fundraiser at Peri’s including Tom Heubner’s The Real Deal; Volker Strifler at Rancho; CERES FUNdraiser at San Rafael Yacht Club with Buck Nickels & Loose Change; look at the calendar—too much to call out!

Whole lot of opportunity out there to hear some tunes, and shake your tailfeathers if you so choose! ♫♪♪

Music Fun Week of Apr. 15-22

MUSIC is REDEMPTION!  ♫♪♪

And there’s lots of both available.

What’s happened??  Who to thank? 

The monthly Ray Simpson Big Band Dance in Corte Madera last Wednesday—and one of the best turnouts we’ve had in awhile (as far as fun dancers).

Thursday a docent talk at Corte Madera Library for the Costume exhibit at Legion of Honor with Laura Mae.

The Friday Night Jam at Bandworks/ Sunnbolt – began and ended too early, but they will adjust and get it right next month.  Some of my favorite folks showed up!

Continued on to Hopmonk for Sambada – incredible musicians, world-class sounds and dancing girls -- all the Zumba dancers had a chance to show off their stuff.

Saturday a rehearsal with the MARIN SYMPHONY Orchestra; a wedding party celebration (congrats John & Zoe!); and an exhilarating Zodiac celebration dance party with DJ Richard Habib and dancers at the Sausalito Seahorse!

Sunday:  a final rehearsal, then my performance with the Marin Symphony Orchestra & Chorus!

Monday The Wrecking Crew film at Smith Rafael Theatre.  You have another week to catch this witty and nostalgic documentary.

Tuesday evening another Marin Symphony Orchestra & Chorus performance, and Wrap Party at Gaspari’s to congratulate ourselves!

After-Symphony Party at Gaspari's
Friends Marty, Nikki, Angela & Art

To come:  Friday night it’s either MOJO RISING at Twin Oaks, or Soul Jah Family Band at Hopmonk – or maybe both?  More good music at Seahorse for Jimmy Presta & the All Stars; and at Fenix a couple tribute bands Van Animals and Cosmo’s Factory.

Saturday the big party is at Fenix with The UNAUTHORIZED ROLLING STONES!  There’s also Tommy Castro & The Painkillers out at Rancho; Lumanation at Peri’s; Soul Section at Twin Oaks … and a whole lot more goin’ on.

Plenty of fun available, so find something to tickle your fancy ♫♪♪♫