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Up first is the Purple Pachyderm Pinot Release Party at Sebastopol's Hopmonk Tavern on Nov. 20, featuring the "mischievous musical ramblings" of Primus' Les Claypool - presumably on bass. Claypool, the owner of Claypool Cellars (makers of the wine) is also a novelist, film director as well as an avant-garde musical adventurer with a fondness for food and drink attested to by album titles such as "Sausage," "Sailing the Seas of Cheese" and "Pork Soda." Celebrate a wine made from grapes grown in the Russian River Valley and botttled in San Rafael by a guy born in Richmond, with music played at club on Petaluma Street -- that's in Sebastopol ($20, 9:30 p.m.).
If that is too far out, then perhaps the guitar work of Mark Karan and his band Jemimah Puddleduck at the Harbor Lights Restaurant and Bar (formerly Saylor's Landing) in Sausalito on Nov. 20 will be more to your liking. Karan is well known for his work as lead guitarist for Bob Weir and RatDog as well as his tours with the Other Ones and more contemporary musical ventures with the Rembrandts and Dave Mason. But Marinites might also remember his stints with local bands such as Spys and the Holly Stanton Band, both of which also featured drummer Billy Carmassi (brother of legendary Heart/Montrose/Gamma drummer Denny Carmassi). This time out, Karan will be celebrating the release of his own
Petaluma's Mystic Theatre brings the yesterday to today with local legends Y&T (originally known as Yesterday and Today) on two nights. See if guitarist Dave Meniketti still has his chops up on either Nov. 20 or 21 ($35, 8 p.m.). Hearing "Rescue Me" and "Mean Streak" again might bring back memories of drive-ins and Trans Ams, or perhaps both.
On Nov. 20, Petaluma's other musical "theater," the Phoenix, presents an all-ages rap extravaganza featuring headliner Too Short and the Jacka and D-Lo. The all-ages show is $25 (8 p.m.). On Nov. 21, the Phoenix presents a benefit for itself (is it getting advice from that now-defunct Mill Valley club that seemed to stage a benefit for itself every few weeks?). The 5 p.m. all-ages show features Sabertooth Zombie, Alcatraz (not to be confused with Alcatrazz, the Graham Bonnet/Ingwie Malmsteem version), All Teeth, Duckhunt, Murder Practice, Hear the Sirens, Litany for the Whale, At Our Heels, the Farley Overdose, Diamond Grip, T.R.Y. and Infinite War ($10, $12 at the door).
Speaking of benefits and multitalented, Susan Z, the founder and orchestrator of the Wine, Woman and Song breast cancer research benefit that took over Fairfax a few weeks ago, is back at it again this weekend with two more Fairfax shows. The first is an acoustic rock concert at the Sleeping Lady Cafe on Nov. 21, with Susan, Worried Minds and Stephanie Keys ($5, 9:30 p.m.). For the second show Susan celebrates motherhood and her successful children's CD, "Songs for Little Hands" (which has sold more than 30,000 copies) with a "Concert for Kids" at the Fairfax Pavilion on Nov. 22. Also performing will be Tom Freund, whose recording "Hug Trees," won him a 2008 Parent's Choice Award. Some of the proceeds from the show will benefit the historic Fairfax Pavilion ($15 a family, all ages, 11 a.m.).
Two (or is it three, or four) other shows worthy of note this weekend are both on Nov. 21. Milestone featuring Miles Schon (son of Journey's Neal Schon) will appear at 19 Broadway after two earlier shows by the Mose Allison Trio ($25 to $30, 4:30 and 7 p.m.). Milestone is a separate cover of $10 (9 p.m.). The covers for all three shows are exclusive for each individual show. Meanwhile, the Johnny Cash tribute of Rusty Evans and Ring of Fire appear at Peri's Silver Dollar ($5, 9:30 p.m.).
For band listings, musical news, music-related gossip or related sightings, contact Doctor.rock@live.com.
