It’s Memorial Day on Monday, a time to commemorate the men and women who have died while in the military service of the United States of America. It’s also the weekend that ushers in the onset of Summer, a time for rejoicing, a time for growth and especially a time for live music. So, fasten your seatbelts folks, cuz it’s gonna start rockin ‘this weekend, fer shure! Throughout the Lake / Mendo County areas there’s gonna be a handful of Memorial Day events, (the Lower Lake Daze Parade, with live music, and the Lakeport Memorial Day Parade, among others…) – and for the connoisseurs of Reggae, there’s gonna be more irie vibes than you can shake a spliff at. HOLY RASTA COW !!! And then on June 5th, just one week away from this coming Sunday, rock icon and member of a legendary ’60s band that once found a very clever way of spelling the word, “FISH”, Barry Melton and Band will be rockin’ Cache Creek Winery in support of local radio station, KPFZ – 88.1 FM, (tix are still available – hint, hint () but I’ll mention that again next week… In the meantime, here’s all that and more live music for the week of 5/25 through 5/30…
The Blues Invitational Jam at the Hopland Tap featuring Wendy DeWitt, Kirk Harwood, Pierre Archain and Skip Engle is on every Wednesday from 7 to 10:00. This time the special guest is gonna be local harp master, Dave Broida, (of Blues Farm fame…) plus a little help from local guitar savant, Mo Gioleri, (sorry – Mojo Larry (). This is one of the most fun events happening in the Greater Lake / Mendo Area, with some really top-notch musicians playing. And while we’re on the Subject of music at the Tap, on Saturday, 3 Point Hitch will be making for an enjoyable afternoon of music from 2 to 5.
On Thursday, (please note the new day change) up at Adams Springs Golf Clubhouse in the Cobb area, the lovely and talented Kim Thomas will be playing the grand piano from 7 to 10. Come hear some wonderful standards like “Heart and Soul” and “Chopsticks” along with other faves, (just kidding – she’s way light years more advanced than that – but come anyways “).
Every last Thursday of the month throughout the Summer from 5 to 8:00, the Kelseyville Side Street Market at 2nd and Main St is back and bringing local vendors selling an assortment of handcrafted items, foods, knick-knacks and all the other kinds of stuff we just can’t live without. Plus there’s live music – this time featuring Mike Guarniero, (hey – that’s me! (). This has been a fun event enjoyed by all over the last 2 or 3 years, and we’ve got so many talented craftspeople here in Lake County, why not check ’em out and show some support?
The Saw Shop Public House in Kelseyville, along with providing a superb meal and full bar, will feature the jumpin ’harmonica Blues of Dave Broida and Blues Farm on Thursday evening from 6 to 9:00. When these guys play nobody sits still. For their Sunday Brunch from 11AM to 2:00 you’ll find piano player, singer and raconteur Andy Rossoff, (who often teleports back and forth via a rift in the fabric of reality between The LC and New Orleans – okay, it’s an absurd reference to a movie nobody saw…). Either way, what fun!
On Friday get ready for when the Smiling Dogs Tasting Room in Kelseyville presents Johnny Tsunami and the Hurricanes from 6:30 to 9:30. I might be wrong, but this might be the last of the indoor music show at the SDTR, as it all soon goes to the outdoor Ranch events. And featuring this particular band is like saving the best for last. Oh, and you’ll want to dance. No cost, (tip the band), and plenty of SDR wines available for sale by the bottle or the glass. On Sunday afternoon the ongoing and popular Jam / Open Mic event featuring house band, Margo and Friends is on from 2 to 5:00. All musicians and other performers are welcome to participate.
Hey! What’s going on at Richmond Park in the lower Riviera? Oh yeah, whatzis name is back! The one and only Tommy Rox will be back and in fine form as he Rox the Park on Friday from 7 to 11:00, Sunday from 2 to 6:00 and Monday from 1 to 5:00. It’ll be a perfect weekend to take out the boat and check out T-Rox. Welcome back, Friend!
The Spot in Clearlake offers excellent views, a cozy cabana atmosphere and great live music. This Friday the Mark Weston Band will be rockin ‘up the joint from 6 to 9:00. This veteran Lake County musician has been getting booties shakin ‘in just about every joint he plays. Come out and shake yours… On Saturday come check out the R&B, Soul, Funk and many other Rock-era classics from Dr Groove from 6 to 9:00. Be sure to bring your dancin ‘shoes…
Twin Pine Casino in Middletown will feature in the Grapevine Bar the rockin ‘good music from Gotcha Covered both Friday and Saturday nights from 9 to 1:00. Also, in the main concert hall (under the big tent) from 6:30 to 8:30, a concert event featuring Heidi Newfield and Heath Wright, plus RT Johnson, Megan Mullen Owen, Rusty Vansickle and Jamey D, who collectively go by the Cash Creek Club, (I believe Heidi Newfield originally hails from Sonoma County – Trick Pony). Cost is $ 20. Masking and social distancing are still expected in the casino, just sayin ‘…
Robinsons Rancheria Lounge in Nice will feature on Friday, Country artist Chad Bushnell will be playin ‘from 5 to 9:00. On Saturday put on your old bell-bottoms and tie dye tees and check out Summer of Love from 9 to 1:00.
The Shannon Ridge Mercantile on Hwy 29 in Finley will feature the music of The LC Diamonds on Saturday from 4 to 7:00 at a special Buck Shack release party with food from Badass BLT, all starting at 11: AM. Why not make a whole day of it by coming to the Farmer’s Finest Farmers Market at the adjacent parking lot, then enjoy some Buck Shack Bubbly Rose or Mountain Lemonade while listening to the LCDs.
It’s Reggae at the Casino when the first of this year’s Summer Music Series at Konocti Vista Casino in Lakeport kicks things off with the music of Mystic Roots, Lizano, Drifting Roots and DJ Marko starting at 5:00. There’s food and drink available, but it’s recommended you bring a low back chair or blanket so you can relax on the lawn – provided you won’t be dancin ‘the whole event. And it’s free – how great is that!
On Saturday evening the O’Meara Bros Brewing in Lakeport will feature the music of Jay Bird from 6 to 9:00. An excellent menu and your favorite O’Bros handcrafted beer or ale, plus the music of JB makes this the perfect dining choice for a date night.
The Riviera Hills Lounge in the Riviera is happy to bring back, by popular demand, the Mark Weston Band on Saturday from 6 to 10:00. Come experience one of the most impressive views you’ll find in The LC, enjoy a good meal, some libations, then dance the night away to the MWB. It doesn’t git much betta…
On Sunday morning it’s Lower Lake Daze Parade and Street Fair from 10AM to 3:00, all with a parade, food from local LL eateries, crafts vendors and, of course, live music brought to you by Lake County faves, The Time Travelers playing from 1 to 4:00. Should be a fun time for the whole family, guaranteed!
The Boathouse in that nice little town of Nice on Sunday afternoon will feature the dancing grooves of Dr Groove from 3 to 7:00. The perfect place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon, and the band is gonna rock the joint! (I suggest you try the adobo chicken or one of the other interesting Asian dishes they now serve).
Running Creek Casino is happy to bring back Beatz Werkin ‘on Sunday from 5 to 9:00. These guys are quickly becoming my favorite local band – could soon be yours as well…
The Blue Wing Saloon in Upper Lake seldom if ever has a shortage of good food, good libations and good music to provide, and this weekend will certainly be no different. Friday evening one can find the Majide Trio playing their delightful mélange of old Blues Classics, Torch Ballads and other wonderful songs of a bygone era from 6 to 8:00. Saturday’s Supper will feature the Jazz guitar music mastery from Jeff Massanari from 6 to 8:00. Check out his videos, then check him out. Pretty good stuff, Maynard… Sunday Brunch will feature the music of Barney McClure and Pierre Archain, collectively known as the Jazz Dudes demonstrating their awesomeness from 11:30 to 2:00. Sunday Supper’s biggest treat, besides great food will be the guitar and vocal renditions of Randy Hood from 6 to 8:00. This guy has made a name for himself. Check him out! The Monday Blues is provided by Hardly Strickly Blues – the name alone is intriguing enough to compel me to check them out. 6 to 8, folks.
Reservations are suggested for all events.
Mendocino County Events
Ukiah Brewing will start their week off with Hilary and Christianne on Tuesday starting at 6:30. On Thursday expect Steve Woozie Smith to play starting at 6:30. On Friday they’ll have Jon Gonzales performing starting at 6:30. On Saturday at 7:00 PM Megan Miller and the Meta will do their thing. Wendy DeWitt and Kirk Harwood will boogie Woogie the joint starting at noon. Sunday evening at 6:00 the Jazz Dudes will wrap things up for the weekend.
McCarty’s Bar in Redwood Valley will feature the exciting Country music of local hero Johnny Young on Friday starting at 7 p.m. Gonna be just a little bit too much fun…
At Shanachie Pub in Willits, 3 Point Hitch will demonstrate maximum usable musical traction on Friday starting at 8:00. On Saturday, also at 8:00 come check out the music of Forrest and Friends.
There’s Reggae at The Office in Ukiah featuring popular MC band, Rising Signs on Friday evening starting at 8:30. A most boonoonoonoos musical event!
Rivino Winery in Ukiah on Saturday will feature the Blues stylings and personal originals of TC Culp and the Blue Reptiles starting at 1:00. It’ll be a nice way to relax on a Saturday afternoon.
If you’re lookingin ‘for more Reggae, there’s a Saturday evening concert from 6 to 10:00 at the Compassionate Heart at 260 Kuki Ln in Ukiah, where mi deh yah, yuh know? featuring Queen Dezarie, an international Reggae artist from St Croix in the Virgin Islands who has her Reggae all over the world. The show is free.
The Black Horse Blues Band will be doing some pretty good 1,4,5 at the Sports Attic II in Ukiah on Saturday night from 7 to 10:00. I like this place, good food and a full bar – can’t go wrong…
Wrapping up the week’s music schedule will be the Mark Weston Band playing at Hopper’s Corner in Potter Valley on Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. And the MWB always gets them hoppin ‘at the Corner, I mean it, Peanut!
I was just listening to an old Lightnin ‘Hopkins tune called “Let Me Play With Your Poodle”. It’s always funny when a double entendre is the main focus of a song. These kind of parody songs conjure up so much imagery, I’m sure Freud would have a field day. Anyways, folks, it’s gonna get hot this week, then taper off to tolerable levels over the weekend. So if you go out to support our local live music, dress appropriately, (especially the poodle…), hydrate, have fun no matter where you go, but please be safe (