By Mike Guarniero
For the last 18 years I’ve had all my automotive needs performed by one shop, the Lake Lube Express in Clearlake. Even repairs I could do myself I’d take to them because the cost was so low, it made perfect sense to have a pro do it. A couple of weeks ago the shop closed down, the owner deciding it was high time he retired. I’d like to wish the best to Mike Greenwood in his retirement years. He saved me a lot of money over the years. Thank you, Sir!
Back in the day I used to do all my own mechanical stuff but grew tired of afterwards having to take it all apart and correct my mistakes. I learned a lot – mostly that I wasn’t cut out for mechanics. Especially when the new style of cars with all the cowling and certain high tech features came on the market, I then ONLY took it in to the shop. Let the experts do it. RIGHT!?!
Of course, that means I’m gonna hafta do a lotta repairs myself now, starting off with a brake pad and rotor replacement which I plan to attempt right after I post this week’s live music guide. For the next week or so, please be on the lookout for a white Toyota Tacoma with matching shell - and steer clear of it just in case...
But, of course, the music guide takes priority, so here’s the live music lineup for the week of 5/26 through 6/2…
On Wednesday the Smiling Dogs Ranch at 6675 Kelsey Creek Dr in K’ville opens this years “Humpday Howler” Concert Series with Sonoma County bluesters, Johnny Tsunami and the Hurricanes. The ranch needs no electrical power for this event - this band generates enough energy to power the entire county. High Energy Blues and Rock! Yessir! Music goes on from 5:30 to 8:30 and there is a cover charge, maybe $10. Bring chairs, a picnic and drinks, (unbreakable containers, please), maybe even some snacks to share with the others. SDR Wines will be sold by the bottle or the glass. Come prepared to dance!
The Hip Replacements, (still love that name…), will be playing Thursday outside at The Saw Shop Public House In Kelseyville from 6 to 8:00. Check out their website and especially their daily menus. Great food, good music. Reservations are strongly suggested.
It’s another T.Rox weekend, this time with a side of Fargo at The Park in the Bayside Riviarea, (Richmond Park for those new to The LC). Tommy Rox plays Friday from 6 to 9:00 and Saturday/Sunday from 2 to 5:00. Try to stump this guy – he knows almost all your favorite songs. Speaking of all your favorite songs, after Tommy concludes his set at 5:00, Sunday, either stick around or else come on out to experience the Rockin’ insanity that only The Fargo Bros can provide. They’re not just another pretty face, they’re also the best dang rockers in Lake County. Showtime is 5:30 to 9:30. Plenty of boat slips if you’re out on the lake…
The Blue Wing Saloon in Upper Lake has a weekend of live musical events starting with the delightful Majide Trio on Friday evening from 6 to 8.
On Saturday evening expect the uber talented David Neft to be both tinkling AND tickling the ivories, (inside joke – fagitaboutit…;) from 6 to 8:00.
For their Sunday Brunch enjoy an excellent fare while listening to the music of “From The Heart” from 11 to 2:00.
David Neft will be back again by popular demand playing piano for the Sunday Supper from 6 to 8:00. He’s that good!
And for Monday Bluzeday, Clean Sweep will be back after a long pause to perform some great Blues and R&B for ya from 6 to 8:00.
As always, it’s a good idea to make reservations for any and all of these dining events.
On Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Finest Farmers Market, along with a selection of locally grown fruit and veggies, hand made crafts, jewelry, tie dye attire and a host of other must have items, come enjoy some of the Cajun/New Orleans style favorites and other Classic piano tunes from our very own Andy Rossoff. The event is from 10AM to 1:00.
On Tuesday the FFFM moves over to Library Park in Lakeport – right on the shoreline, where you’ll find many different produce and crafts vendors setting up shop, while another performer plays tunes. Up on the gazebo you’ll find Margo Fleming playing some Blues and other songs on guitar. I can guarantee she’ll make your shopping experience more enjoyable. Also 10 to 1:00.
Please come support your local produce growers and craftspeople.
O’Meara Bros Brewing in Lakeport is happy to present Carlos Garay on Saturday evening from 6 to 9:00. Enjoy a great meal, some excellent hand crafted beers and ales plus the music of Carlos and you’re evening is complete.
On Saturday evening The Riviera Hills Lounge in the Riviarea will feature the return of Dr Groove, (my band…), from 5 to 9:00. Enjoy a great view, a couple libations, nosh, and then groove to some Rock, Blues, R&B, Soul and Funk from the Doctor, (and we will introduce our newest band member…). Please make reservations early, there’s limited seating outside, (but more inside…).
Robinsons Rancheria Casino Lounge in that nice town of Nice, local favorite John Paul Hodge makes his 2021 appearance in this Lake County venue. Music goes from 9 to 1:00. Pull a few handles or play a few hands at Blackjack – it’s your lucky night when JPH is playing.
On Sunday come on out to Lower Lake where the Lower Lake Daze Parade and Street Fair is taking place. Get there early for the best parking spots – bring chairs and refreshments for the parade, then enjoy some of the food prepared by local eateries as well as a myriad of crafts and such. Local band The Time Travelers will enter our dimension in time to play some Classic Rock from 12 to 3:00.
Folks, because information about live music events is so limited, I can only hope I get everything correct. Please be gentle and let me know if I missed something. It might be time to break out the tanning butter, Hawaiian shirts and wide brim hats, it’s promising to be a nice warm weekend. Please remember, the Covid rules still apply – wear masks and practice social distancing at each of these events. The life you save could be your own… So, if you go out and enjoy what Lake County has to offer this weekend, (including live music), have a fun time, but please be safe… PEACE/OUT!