Feeling that ol' post-holiday let down? Life's not just killer hot weather and fireworks, you know. Here in Sonoma Valley we have Americana and New Orleans music, BBQ and classic cars, and love songs under the stars.
People are talking about the regular weekend-night New Orleans music at Eric K. James Vineyards, a small tasting room tucked in the Mercato gallery across 1st St. E from the Visitor’s Center. Winemaker Robert O’Maoilirain is a veteran of the New Orleans food scene, and decided to share the fun of the music with local audiences, got a permit, and is now doing it three days a week, Friday through Sunday, 7 – 10 pm.
There is no cover, the small (25-capacity) tasting room has an “open food policy” which means bring a picnic or take-out and add to your meal with an Eric K. James pinot noir or syrah to best enjoy the trip to Oz. The musicians vary, running the gamut of New Orleans music (Cajun, Mardi Gras Indian, Dixieland, R&B, Rhumba-boogie, Dr. John and Professor Longhair). On Sunday it’s “Throw-back night,” with “Sonoma Satchmo” on vocals. Call 996-1364 for information.
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This Funky Friday at Sugarloaf, the band is the ever-popular Cork Pullers, playing from their repertoire of Dead to Dylan to Doris Day. Music is 6:30 – 8:30 in the park Amphitheater; admission is $10 (on top of park fees) and it all goes to support Team Sugarloaf.
If you choose not to leave town, head to Murphy’s Irish Pub tonight at 7 for a solo show by Aussie Americana artist David T. Carter, of the popular Trailer Park Rangers. Roots music with Chet Atkins-style fingerpicking and poetic lyrics make Carter an artist worth watching. Or hearing, at any rate. No cover for music; all events listed at sonomapub.com/snug.
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“Broadway Under the Stars” continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend at Jack London State Historical Park, from Transcendence Theater. Each evening begins at 5:00 with pre-show picnicking on the great lawn, alongside the vineyards of the park with wineries pouring and food available for purchase. Then enjoy the open-air concert of Great American Songbook classics until 9 pm.
Not to be stymied by a Thursday Fourth of July, Viansa Winery is doing their holiday barbecue all weekend days, Friday – Sunday, at their Arnold Dr. Winery and Italian Marketplace. Hours are 10 – 5, musicians vary daily, menu includes barbecue, pizza and wine pairings, gelato, and wines. Did we mention the wines? No charge, but nothing’s free.
Lest we forget, it’s time for the annual B.R. Cohn Charity Car Classic, Saturday and Sunday at the Hwy. 12 winery, music and olive oil emporium. Live music, food vendors, and a hand-picked collection of vintage cars from Bruce Cohn’s own stables and those of his classic car friends. Even if you don’t think you’re into cars, this can be a lot of fun. A portion of the proceeds goes, as always, to benefit Redwood Empire Food Bank. Go here for more details.
