What a remarkable outpouring of love and friendship at the two benefits that went off a week ago! The Michael Whitwell celebration at Grazianno’s, and the John Gaines benefit at the Tradewinds were both well attended, with generous contributions significantly helping the causes. So, thank you! Besides the contributions of the musicians — which is a great strength and “natural” resource in our community — a few individuals really stand out … Read More »

We’re not talking about a newly uncovered hit from the 60’s by the Thirteenth Floor Elevator… but, first, before I explain, and before you do another thing, put this in your date book as a “must attend” musical event: “A Celebration of Life” honoring the memory of Michael Whitwell, this Sunday, November 1, from 4pm until 10pm, upstairs at Graziano’s in downtown Petaluma. Musical guests will include Peter … Read More »

Why do people like loud music? Really, in evolutionary terms, isn’t it somewhat like people who like to swim in sub-zero Arctic waters? Why do we enjoy something that essentially hurts and is not good for us? Or, is swimming in icy waters the only way to get that super high harmony? Back on dry land, who cares about the harmony if the sub-woofers are kicking … Read More »

First, put this in your date book as a “must attend” musical event: A Celebration of Life honoring the memory of Michael Whitwell, Sunday November 1, from 4pm until 10pm upstairs at Graziano’s in Downtown Petaluma. Musical guests will include Peter Welker All-Star Band featuring vocalist Jeff Oster, Crossfire, Hillside Fire, D’Bunchovus, Chris Samson and Friends, and The Gary Vogensen Group. Michael touched the lives of so many people — in the … Read More »

I was playing guitar, in an old country bar, in Occidental… (sounds like the intro to the Stone’s “Honky Tonk Women” doesn’t it?!) But it’s true — I was the lead guitarist in a country rock band called “Big Wheels” that played weekends at the bar at Negri’s Italian Restaurant — it had a nice dance floor, and in that era, bars were hard livin’ hard lovin’ smoky dives. Oh yeah. But there … Read More »

There used to be a sign over the bandstand in a honky-tonk bar in New Orleans that said it all: “Requests:  $1.00 -  “Oh when the saints” $20.00″ Telling, because there is SO much more to the music of New Orleans than “oh when the saints go marching in.”  Like gumbo, the piano music of Louisiana is a rich stew, that has influenced how everyone from the Rolling Stones to Randy Newman … Read More »

If you play electric guitar, you know that you owe a debt of gratitude to one of the most innovative geniuses to ever tune up and turn on. Yes, we’re talking Jimi. Now, imagine that more than 3000 guitarists, recognizing the unprecedented contribution that Jimi made to guitar music, gather at Golden Gate Park to create the world’s largest guitar ensemble ever assembled, for the purpose of playing “Purple … Read More »

I admit it, I am a total shill for every and any benefit that musicians contribute their heart, and in this instance, their soul, to. There will be a benefit for Music Education in all Petaluma area schools this Saturday August 29th, at the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds. Start time for the 2nd Annual Wine, Jazz and Blues Festival is 12:30 and it rolls on from there until 8:00PM with stellar … Read More »

If you were ever wondering exactly what is near and dear to the heart of a musician, I’m about to reveal the answer. No, it is NOT adulation and large amounts of money, although that would be very nice. It’s dancers. That’s right, it’s the presence of frolicking, leaping, gently swaying dancers, enjoying and animating the music. And I can report from personal experience, there is nothing like being on stage playing, … Read More »