September 18, 2009 | Ireland brings music to Sonoma
Seldom is this music column led by something happening on a Monday. Coming all the way from Ireland is a three-piece band, Spailpin (pronounced Spal-peen), who will perform at Murphy’s Irish Pub this Monday, Sept. 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Based out of Tralee, the band is made up of Tom Slattery on banjo, whistles, flute and vocals; Paddy Malone on bass, harmonica, and vocals; and Willie Kelly on guitar, banjo, madola, mandolin, bouzouki, and vocals. Their music is traditional Irish and American bluegrass. There is no cover for this unique performance.
Other entertainment at the pub begins tonight, Friday, Sept. 18 with Celtic music from Kith & Kin. Saturday, Sept. 19 enjoy folk trio The Perfect Crime. Both shows begin at 8 p.m. End your weekend with one of Sonoma’s favorites, EZ Kewl, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. EZ Kewl will also be playing at Whole Foods Market in the Sonoma Marketplace from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Saturday, Sept. 19 brings “A benefit for FORD Junior” to Emmy’s Spaghetti Shack. Ford Jr. was injured last weekend racing a stock car he built. His family which includes employee of the Shack, Alisha, is suffering financially as “Jr.” will be out of work for quite a few months. Music will be provided through brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Uncle Jessie and the Porch Junkies and throughout dinner and beyond, DJ Ryan Daley will spin during Emmy’s Rock ‘n’ Roll BINGO. All proceeds from the sale of beer and Mimosa’s will go directly to the family as well as a portion of brunch checks. The event also includes a silent auction and raffle. Stop in to 691 Broadway for more ways to help. There is a suggested donation at the door. Also at Emmy’s this weekend, The Whiskey Thieves will play unplugged on the patio for Sunday Brunch, Sunday, Sept. 20 beginning at 12 p.m.
This past August on the Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma’s 2009 Battle of the Bands showcased some of the best of what Sonoma Valley youth has to offer musically. The top three winners of that event are performing in a showcase this Saturday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at The Sonoma Valley Community Center. The bands include Last Minute, By Sky, and The Jaywalkers. All proceeds benefit the SCC’s music program. There is a minimal cover and more information can be had by calling 707.938.4626, ext. 1.
Jon Popenoe and friends are returning to their Summer Jazz in the Gazebo series. Jon Popenoe on guitar, Stuart Sperring on bass, and Lance Harrington on drums will perform at the Sonoma Marketplace on Friday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. No cover.
Get out your hot pants and dancing shoes because Pure Energy Productions will be playing the greatest hits of the 1970s in a benefit for the Presentation School at “Disco Ball”. The event includes silent and live auctions, champagne reception, dinner, and of course, disco dancin’ fun! Costumes are encouraged. Call 707.935.0122, ext. 202 for more details.
With so much music and so little space, here’s a run down of the rest of the weekends great music finds, beginning with jazz. The Plaza Bistro has The Mad and Eddie Duran Trio on Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. The Lodge at Sonoma brings pianist Lee Bloom on Friday, Sept. 18 and The Chris Amberger Trio on Saturday, Sept. 19. Both shows begin at 7 p.m.
Steiners Tavern welcomes BackTrax back to perform their full show on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10 p.m. Mondo has The Maldonado Brothers at 8 p.m. on Saturday as well. The Joe Chaplain Band will perform at The Barking Dog Headquarters on Highway 12 Saturday, Sept. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Earlier in the day on Saturday The Corkpullers will play at Imagery Estate Winery at 1 p.m. No cover for any of these performances.
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