The good news: it’s gonna be a pretty busy week in terms of holidays and observances, where Hanukkah started two days ago on Sunday, Winter Solstice happens on Wednesday, Christmas is on Sunday and the doubleheader of Kwanzaa and Boxing Day occurs on Monday. The bad news: because Christmas eve is on Saturday and Christmas Day is on Sunday, many places will be closed for these observances. But despite those days being sans live music, there’s at least one joint each day from Tuesday through Saturday to go out and get your live music fix. WOOHOO!!! Here’s the schedule, plus an updated NYE rundown for the week of 12/20 through 12/26.
In keeping with the new tradition of making Tuesday the official first day of the week, Kelsey Creek Brewing in K’ville will present the acoustic music sensations, Buskin’ for Brewskis, (a shameless promotion? …), from 3 to 6:00. Plus, as a warmup act, the brewery will feature some excellent handcrafted beers, ales and seltzers to enjoy equally with the live music, so drop in any time after 2:00. Such a fun time!
FYI, the Big Valley Grange show featuring the Fargo Bros has been cancelled.
The Hopland Tap in that bustling town of Hopland has presented for the better part of the last two years the uber-successful Blues Invitational Jam featuring house band Wendy DeWitt, Kirk Harwood and Pierre Archain, plus on many occasions a bonafide name brand Bay Area Blues artist joins them to round out the band – and it’s some of the best Blues you’re gonna hear outside of the big cities! Also, food, drink and good music awaits you all. Music happens from 7 to 10:00.
On Thursday at the Saw Shop Public House in Kelseyville, Beatz Werkin’ will be tearing it up from 6 to 9:00. Come for an excellent meal, libations from a full bar and then dance away the evening to the jumpin’, bumpin’ and thumpin’ music of BW. Reservations are recommended…
Andre’s Lounge in Lakeport on Thursday will feature the sublime Jazz-lite performances of the hot new band Blue Hour from 7 to 9:00. With Jon and Kimberly Thomas – drums and keys respectively, Chris Clark on bass and vocalist extraordinaire Cynthia Gouig, this is so special I just can’t come up with the superlatives to properly describe this band. In the mood for something on the mellow side, look no further! Plus, come see what Andre’s done with the place…
On Friday in downtown Kelseyville, a town where something always seems to be happening, the Smiling Dogs Tasting Room will present acoustic guitar virtuosos, Austin and Owens from 6:30 to 9:30. Folks have been dropping jaws everywhere these guys play – they’re that good! But don’t take my word for it, go see them yourselves. While you’re at it, enjoy some of the SDTR’s award-winning wines by the glass or the bottle. Take some home for your Christmas dinner…
Twin Pine Casino in Middletown on Friday is happy to bring back, by popular demand the rock band Rockhaven from 9 to 1:00. Who know, maybe one of you local rock music lovers will hit the big jackpot that night. It could happen…
On the other side of the lake in Nice, Robinson Rancheria Casino will feature the music of Lake County Royalty, Twice as Good. 2XG have been rockin’ things up all over the country, but on Saturday night they’ll be rockin’ The LC from 9 to 1:00. You’re always a winner when these guys are playin’…
The Blue Wing Saloon in Upper Lake always has a weekend of good music – this week being no different. On Friday evening, come enjoy a nice meal while listening to the wonderful songs, maybe Christmas-themed, from the Majide Trio, featuring Paul Kemp, (famous musician), Machico Shimada, (wonderful songstress) and Pierre Archain, (bass player extraordinaire) from 6 to 8:00. On Saturday evening the BWS will present a Christmas Eve to remember when the very exciting Saxophone artist, Nancy Wright takes the stage from 6 to 8:00 with musical backing from by the aforementioned Majide Trio. Hoowee! Nothing on Sunday but for their Monday Blues Series, Margo and Friends will be laying down the 1,4,5 from 6 to 8:00. Reservations are strongly suggested.
Karaoke
The Riviera Hills Lounge will host Karaoke on Friday evening from 6 to 10:00.
Robinson Rancheria Casino will host Karaoke on Friday from 10 to 1:00.
Mendocino County
Shanachie Pub in Willits will feature on Thursday the music of Helene Eve starting at 7:00.
Here’s the Pre-NYE rundown…
The Saw Shop Public House will watch the ball drop in Eastern Standard Time when Dave Broida and Blues Farm help ring in the New Year from 6 to 9:00.
Konocti Harbor Resort will feature the music of the LC Diamonds, all celebrations starting at 7:00.
The Keys Club in Clearlake Oaks will present K&J Music from 8 to 12:30.
Konocti Vista Casino will have you dancing to the Fargo Bros from 8 to 12 midnight – no cover.
Twin Pine Casino will make it Country when Breaker One-9 takes the stage from 9 to 1:00.
Ukiah Brewing will bring you a Rasta Happy New Year with the Reggae music of Rising Signs starting at 10:00.
Hopefully, more venues will announce their NYE parties as well.
Not much more to say this week except I wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, an exciting Winter Solstice, and a Happy Kwanzaa! And whether you’re either celebrating one of these wonderful occasions and holidays or checking out what the local live music schedule has to offer, have a fun time, but please be safe…
