By Mike Guarniero
Okay, for those who are interested let me explain my process; As I scroll through Facebook I find out about a particular live music event from a post where someone tells us of about band, a party, a solo artist – everything from a drum circle to a big concert – all courtesy of a friend, relative or neighbor who just wants folks to know about this live music event that’s gonna be happening. I write all this information down onto a template that I created for the LCMG, then I surf to the LC Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar and other websites from our local venues that feature live music, also adding all that info onto the template. Then I make calls to the other venues where live music is featured. Once I’ve checked every nook and cranny where live music info, rumors and even sometimes lies can be found, every Tuesday I create this week’s live music guide. Total time to compile info for the guide, and then write up a reasonably entertaining music listing, and then finally post it onto a few LC music related FB pages: 3 to 5 hours.
Without fail, immediately after posting I get responses from folks letting me know I forgot something.
No, no, no! I didn’t forget anything - I just didn’t know about it. Look up “fallible” in the dictionary and you’ll find a picture of me alongside the definition.
My point is this; many solo musicians, bands and venues don’t do much in the way of self promotion, so I rely on whatever info is available. Get it?
Anyways, here’s some good news, (let’s hear a real loud “WOOHOO”!)... Three more venues will be added to the music guide, (I call them venues because they provide live music, but their businesses may be totally unrelated to each other.) The Spot in Clearlake has finally reopened and live music has slipped by without even your humble blogger knowing about it. O’Meara Bros Brewing Co in Lakeport had their first live music event last weekend, and it’s looking like it’s back to being a regular thing. And finally, the Smiling Dogs Ranch concert events, cleverly called the “Humpday Howlers”, will be starting up again beginning next week. I’m stoked – live music lovers should be as well. So without further ado, (and the cessation of further whining…), here’s the live music guide for the week of 5/20 through 5/26…
The Saw Shop Public House in K’ville is excited to bring back, (after a year’s delay), The Lake County Diamonds. This fun band is the perfect compliment to an excellent menu. Music is from 6 to 8:00. Reservations are strongly recommended.
All weekend T.Rox will be rockin’ the Park. That’s Tommy Rox playin’ guitar and singin’ at Richmond Park in the Riviarea, in case you need further clarification. Friday from 6:30 to 9:30, Sat and Sun, 2 until 5:00. It’s an afternoon party every weekend at The Park! And there’s plenty of boat slips if you’re out on the lake – just sayin’.
The Farmer’s Finest Farmers Market on Saturday features Reikor and Saro Deacon from 10 to 1:00. Stock up on locally grown fruits, veggies and hand crafted wares, then stick around and enjoy some good music in the Floraculture bldg. at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
On Tuesday the FFFM moves to Library Park in Lakeport, also from 10 to 1:00, and featuring the Blues and other music from Margo Fleming. This newcomer on the local live music scene is really making a name for herself. Check her out as you check out the locally grown produce and crafts on display.
Thank you for supporting your local farmers and craftspeople…
The Blue Wing Saloon in Upper Lake, a place that always seems to have something live music wise going on, will not disappoint this weekend.
On Friday evening The Majide Trio will be performing from a repertoire of Classics, Standards, Torch Blues and other delightful tunes from a very special era of music from 6 to 8:00.
On Saturday evening David Neft is back tinkling the ivories from 6 to 8:00. Who doesn’t love David Neft?
For their Sunday Brunch expect the TC Trio, (TC Culp and Friends), to be performing Blues and other songs for your brunch dining pleasure from 11 to 1:00. It’s TC’s birthday, so Sunny Cordell and I will be sittin’ in along with some other friends, so come say hi, have a great breakfast and enjoy some tunes.
Sunday Supper will feature the strummin’ and singin’ of Hillarie Witt from 6 to 8:00.
Monday Blues will feature the 1,4,5 of the Hip Replacements – great name, great Blues.
Reservations are recommended for any or all of these events.
O’Meara Bros Brewing Co in Lakeport is happy to present Tony Neves, “THE VOICE OF LAKE COUNTY”. Tony is the lead singer of The Funky Dozen and has been wowing folks in The LC for more than a dozen years. Welcome OMBBC back to our live music lineup, enjoy a good meal and show some love for Tony. 6 to 9:00, Dudes.
On Saturday afternoon the Cobb Mtn community and Pancho, (Paul Greenley) will present a live music benefit for the “75th Anniversary For The Pool” featuring local musicians Robert Start plus John and Lia Findley Jennings, and maybe somebody else you might know and love. This benefit is to support the pool, but also to spread good cheer amongst the mountain folks, (as well as some flatlanders…). No cover, but donations are greatly appreciated. Step on up to the mountain and enjoy some music. I believe it’s from 6 to 9:00 PM.
If a rockin’ good DJ is your thing, come on out to The Riviera Hills Lounge in the Riviarea for the groove thang tunes of DJ Funkenstein, 6 to 10:00. Enjoy a meal, a great view and dance the evening away.
On Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30, (5/26), the Smiling Dogs Ranch Humpday Howler starts off like a long awaited double disaster when Johnny Tsunami and the Hurricanes rock the pool with some high energy Blues and Rock music. This Sonoma County band has rocked the North Bay for more than a decade or two or three, (but who’s counting?), and the SDR’s gonna start off their summer concert series with a BIG BANG! Locally produced wines by the glass and bottle will be available during this event. Don’t quote me, but I believe there’s a cover charge ($10+ or -), and please bring a lawn chair and maybe a snack for others to share.
Like I’ve been saying, “baby steps”. Little by little the local music scene is coming back to life, just as we all will. Please remember that the Mask and social distancing rules are still in place, so do your part in complying with these rules until the Covid situation is finally over. So, if and when you come out this weekend to enjoy live music, have fun… but please be safe.