In the Mix

Many of us know that Julius Caesar was warned to "beware the ides of March." But perhaps we don't know that the Ides of March (March 15) was the celebration for the Roman god of war, Mars. It appears however that the booking agent for Petaluma's Phoenix Theater knows that, because its weekend triple bill is enough to scare the bejesus out of most of all-ages suburbia.

 

Leslie Lindell

I HAVE HEARD it said that there is no music scene in Marin anymore. However, every time I take a look around, something new and cool is happening. Sure, things have changed, but in the musical universe (much like the real one) the only real constant is change.

 

AS WE finish up the short month of February, we start the weekend with two bands known for their long improvised jams.

On Feb. 26, Sebastopol's Hopmonk Tavern features the double bill of New Monsoon and Hillside Fire (Petaluma's own). It's a chance to see two bands that seem to be spearheading the new wave of improvisational jam bands.  

Mardi Gras is over, or so it should be - Saints fans notwithstanding. Now is the period known as Lent. A time of self- sacrifice and penitence and, well, it's no wonder that many people who celebrate Fat Tuesday forget about Lent. Speaking of forgetting about Lent, Paddy Moloney and his band the Chieftains may be able to help you out in that regard.  

Happy birthdays to Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Washington wherever they are. As for the rest of you, you'll have to make due with a happy Valentine's Day. And just what does the good Doctor prescribe for just such an occasion? How about a Grammy winner, a former New Rider, a Rolling Stone cover artist and three blazing-hot lead guitarists?

 

Super Bowl weekend? Who cares when you have the mélange of musical anniversaries, birthdays, knowns and unknowns that populate the two county live musical scene. In honor of Bob Marley's birthday when Sebastopol's own Sol Horizon plays in their hometown at Hopmonk Tavern.  

Often, looking at the local live music calendar is a lot like stringing together the old sayings "all the usual suspects" at "all the usual places." Club owners like to stick with the tried-and-true; they are business people, after all. But this week they seem to be game for something different.

 

THE DOCTORS say that in order to avoid getting a cold or the flu, you should avoid large groups. Luckily, a few venues will offer some musical tonic for healthy concertgoers. Petaluma's Mystic Theatre will offer up its stage to former Warren Zevon and Jonathan Richman sideman Chuck Prophet, who is in town to promote his album "Let Freedom Ring."  

Exciting is the only way to describe a triumphant return to your home. On Jan. 15, alternative darlings A.F.I. play Petaluma's Phoenix Theater. OK, Petaluma is not A.F.I's hometown, Ukiah is, but it is about as local as we are going to get with these guys.  

It's the second weekend of the new year, and already the nostalgia is setting in. For those more inclined to bang one's head than wax nostalgic, perhaps the hard-core metal of Vengince and Importaletum at Petaluma's Phoenix Theater might be more to your liking.