By Mike Guarniero
Today is Fat Tuesday, or as it is known in different countries, Pancake Day, Paczki Day, Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, and finally, the Tuesday of Carnival – all of which are 47 days before Easter Sunday. The religious connection has you eating up all meats plus any other foods that comes from animals, like eggs and cream, along with certain libations restricted during the Lenten Season that commences the following day, Ash Wednesday. Of course, Fat Tuesday has since evolved, (some would prefer “de-evolved…), into a month of hedonism and debauchery, (or just about any other inappropriate behavior), to end at the stroke of midnight of said Tuesday. I tend to go along with the latter, I mean, rich pastries and fatty meats can be over-rated – so just give me a Hurricane and then show us your, um… well, you get the point… Meanwhile, back in The LC there’s gonna be all kinds of live music to cleanse our souls. Here’s the live music guide for the week of 2/25 through 3/3…
Tuesday at the Blue Wing Saloon in Upper Lake there’s going to be a special Mardi Gras Supper featuring the music of David Neft from 6 to 8:00. Beads and ceramic costume masks are optional. Reservations are strongly recommended...
The Moose Lodge in Clearlake Oaks on Wednesdaywill feature the music of 20 Feet of Shade
from 5 to 7:00. It’s also Wimpy Burger Wednesday. While I rave about these burgers, many of my friends have become converts. Wimpy Burgers and Shade, and it’s just Wednesday…
Thursday at the Catfish Coffee House in Clearlake, Chris Grant will be hosting another Open Mic event starting at 7:00. This is a comfortable atmosphere with free coffee, (not made from catfishes…) appreciative audiences and all musicians are invited.
The D-Bag, (Drinx in Lakeport) will have another “Folk Y’all” event on Thursday featuring none other than Cowboy Johnson and Chris Rovetti. Man, can these boys play! Go check ‘em out for yourselves from 8 to 10:00.
The Smiling Dogs Tasting Room in Kelseyville on Fridayare happy to bring back acoustic guitar savants Austin and Owens from 6:30 to 9:30. Contrary to popular beliefs, I don’t have a “man crush” on these guys, I’m just totally in awe of what they can do on guitar. Enjoy some award winning wines, then experience the greatness… On Saturday afternoon Rural Jazz Conspiracy will be showing the masses why Jazz isn’t just for wine snobs and wussies from 2 to 5:00. Come on out and join in the conspiracy. It’ll set you free…
This might be a typo because O’Meara Bros Brewing Cousually has music on Saturday, but they have The Brannigans listed for Friday. Solution: go both nights and enjoy lots of the O’Bros fine handcrafted beers and ales, (I like the Blond…).
On Friday night The Kentucky Jugglers will be tearing it up at The Pub in Ukiah from 9 to midnight. Still one of my favorite Lake County bands, it’s always a party in the making when the K’Juggs take the stage.
Saturday at Chacewater Winery and Olive Mill in Kelseyville, they’ll be presenting “Hot Havana Nights” featuring the Latin rhythms of The Carlos Herrera Cuban Band. Enjoy an evening of sampling CWOM’s excellent local wines paired with Cuban delectables, (and Cuban cigars?...), from 5:30 to 9:00. Cost is $45.
The Fore Family Tasting Room in Kelseyville along with the Unitarian Universalist Community of Lake County on Saturdaywill host another in their Coffee House Concerts Series featuring the music of Joshua Davis and Alice Howe from 7 to 9:30. Some might remember Joshua from “The Voice”. Cost is $25.
Spend Leap Night, (it’s Leap Year, after all…) at The Riviera Hills Lounge up in the Riviarea where The Fargo Bros Band will make their once every four years appearance on Saturday night from 7 to 11:00. (okay, they play more than once every four years – go see ‘em anyways…).
Robinsons Rancheria Lounge in Nice will present Flat Busted on Friday night from 9 to 1:00. A friend was just asking where one can find Country Music in Lake County and, well, here it is. Lots of vids on Youtube… On Saturday the Blackhorse Blues Band are back at the Lounge. Check out their videos, then check ‘em out. They’re pretty good…
Twin Pine Casino in Middletown will have on Friday and Saturday nights The Sons of Rock & Roll. I can’t for the life of me find any info on this band, which must mean they’re America’s best kept secret. Go check them out, then let me know…
Sunday at McCarty’s Bar in Redwood Valley there will be the 12th Annual Bobby Keys Musicians Memorial Jam Session starting at 11:30 AM. Bobby Keys was a local Redwood Valley musician and friend to many. Should be some familiar players there… Please call for more info.
Sunday is the day of the 1st Sunday Fiddlers Jam at The Ely Stage Stop on Soda Bay Rd. Bluegrass players and lovers alike make this their once a month destination. Free to the public, (donations accepted) and starts at noon.
In Loch Lomand it’s time for another 1stSunday Open Jam at the Roadhouse from 6 to 10. Come see why musicians from all over the Bay Area and Sacramento have made it over to this jam. Savor the flavors from an excellent menu and a full bar while being part of a “Happening”. Hope to see you there…
Karaoke Korner: Drinx in Lakeport will be hosting Karaoke on Wednesday from 8 to 11:00. The Barn in Clearlake Oaks and Good Time Karaoke, (Billy Kidd) will be handing out the mics on Saturday from 8 to 11:00. On Sunday the Rivierain the Riviarea will be making stars from 5 to 9:00. Tip to all singers - be sure to warm up your vocal cords - mi mi mi mi mi mi mi mi mi mi…
I’d like to once again thank all of you who have been especially supportive of our local musicians and the venues who provide music for their customers. I’m thinking it’s gonna be another great Summer of music here in the county, with outdoor shows starting in a couple months. Presuming I’m not in trouble for the inappropriate bon mot implied at the beginning of this week’s guide, (I apologize… I just got caught up with the spirit of the day, I’ll be at the Kelsey Creek Brewery busking for brewskis today, Tuesday afternoon. Just sayin’…) For now, if and when you go out this weekend to enjoy some live music, have fun – but please be safe…