Wednesday, October 26, 2011
music Nov. 1-2: Jeff Beck at the Uptown Theater
Posted on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 11:29 AM
If you’re one of those people who couldn’t pick Jeff Beck out of a lineup, his biography might make you wonder, “Where the hell have I been?” Not only has this guitar God been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, he’s also ranked No. 14 on “Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitarists” list. How many people can claim that Pink Floyd wanted them to join their band, but were just too intimidated to ask? Beck plays Monday, Oct. 31, at the Wells Fargo Center (50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa; 8pm; $30–$89; 707.546.3600) and Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 1–2, at the Uptown Theatre (1350 Third St., Napa; 8pm; $70; 707.259.0123).
music Oct. 30: Nnenna Freelon at The Wells Fargo Center
Posted on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 11:25 AM
All too often, “tributes” are bastardizations of the original versions, only bearable because the original recording holds some sort of nostalgia. Nnenna Freelon, however, is in a category all her own. Freelon showcases her vocal chops with selections from Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Gershwin Songbook, and shows why she’s been sought after by some of the biggest names in music, including Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Herbie Hancock. Absorb the soulful sounds on Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Wells Fargo Center. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. 3pm. $32–$75. 707.527.7006
Oct. 29: Sing-a-long 'Sound of Music' at the Sixth Street Playhouse
Posted on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 11:21 AM
These days, if a movie musical doesn’t incorporate oversized plants exclaiming “Feed me, Seymour!” or a bluesy duo clad in trendy shades and super-sweet suits, most people don’t bother. But the 1960s were a much different time, and even the American Film Institute agrees that The Sound of Music was a little more relevant. It’s also a gas to sing along to. Test your vocal skills with a crowd of other Julie Andrews fans at the Sing-a-Long ‘Sound of Music’ on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the Sixth Street Playhouse. 52 W. Sixth St., Santa Rosa. 7pm. $15–$25. 707.523.4185.
theater Oct. 28: Golden Gate Opera Presents Hansel and Gretel at the Marin Center
Posted on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Personally, the Hansel and Gretel story was the most damaging of my childhood. The idea that ruthless tyrant stepmoms of the world could be so evil as to effortlessly banish their children to the woods was enough to keep my little brain spinning until sunup. The crazy old witch with an appetite for plump children? Just the topping on the whole scary cake. If crazy women torturing children is your schtick, be assured that the tale has stood the test of time. Golden Gate Opera presents Hansel and Gretel on Friday, Oct. 28, and Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Marin Center. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Friday at 7pm; Sunday at 2pm. $15–$45. 415.499.6400.
music Oct. 27: 7 Walkers at the Napa Valley Opera House
Posted on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 11:01 AM
The Grateful Dead franchise seems to turn up in everything, from sneakers and lunchboxes to playing cards and stuffed animals. Sometimes, having grown up in an era mostly devoid of Deadheadery, the younger generation forgets that the Dead were musicians first and icons-turned-novelties second. Many former Grateful Dead members still continue to produce music today, proving their talent far beyond the stretch of their namesake. Former Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kruetzmann brings his new band, 7 Walkers, to wine country on Thursday, Oct. 27, at the Napa Valley Opera House. 1030 Main St., Napa. $25–$30. 8pm. 707.226.7372.
music Oct. 27: Tom Russell in Sebastopol
Posted on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 10:59 AM
If one were to mash the old-soul country twang of Johnny Cash together with the prose and lessons of Aesop’s fables, the end result might bear a striking resemblance to the folk sounds of Tom Russell. Working as a taxi driver, Russell got his big break when he looked in his rear-view mirror one day to find none other than Robert Hunter of the Grateful Dead sitting in the back seat. Hunter invited Russell to play as the opening act for a New York concert, and the rest is history. Russell brings his folk storytelling on Thursday, Oct. 27, to Studio E. Address provided with ticket purchase, Sebastopol. 7:30pm. $25. www.northbaylive.com.
music Oct. 26 - Nov. 1: Across the Bridge
Posted on Wed, Oct 26, 2011 at 10:56 AM
Hans-Joachim Roedelius
German ambient electronic pioneer and founding member of Cluster plays solo. Oct 26 at Cafe du Nord.
The Game
Why isn’t his SF show sold out yet? Oh, right—he has a Dodgers tattoo on his face. Oct 27 at the Regency Ballroom.
Pomplamoose
Charming, twee duo best known for YouTube covers of “Single Ladies” and more. Oct 29 at YBCA Forum.
The Fastbacks
Seattle’s enduring pop-punk ensemble soldiers on with opening act the Muffs. Oct 29 at the Bottom of the Hill.
Zola Jesus
A little Bjork, a little Laurie Anderson: Nika Roza Danilova is an icy experimentalist of fascinating order. Nov 1 at the Independent.
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Thursday, October 20, 2011
music Oct. 25: Lindsey Buckingham at the Uptown Theatre
Posted on Thu, Oct 20, 2011 at 11:20 AM
Since childhood, I have regarded Fleetwood Mac as “Stevie Nicks Plus Some Guys in the Background.” Little did I know that Nicks never would have been asked to join the band if she hadn’t been riding the coattails of Lindsey Buckingham’s mind-bending guitar genius. His loyalty reached as far as demanding that he and Nicks, who used to perform as a duo, came as a package deal when he was asked to join Fleetwood Mac. The rest is history. Buckingham shares his ingenuity on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the Uptown Theatre. 1350 Third St., Napa. 7:30pm. $40–$50. 707.259.0123.
food Oct. 23: 'Chocolate & Wine' at Westin Verasa
Posted on Thu, Oct 20, 2011 at 11:18 AM
I have never been as ashamed as I was the day my roommate came home to find me sprawled on the couch surrounded by an empty box of See’s candy and an even emptier bottle of wine. I lied—I said I had help in the gluttony that had ensued, when in actuality I was the only guilty party involved. The 24th annual Chocolate and Wine event provides a rare opportunity to leave one’s self respect at home while gorging on fine chocolates from 25 chocolatiers and wines from 25 wineries. Leave your belts at home on Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Westin Verasa. 1314 McKinstry St., Napa. 3pm. $40–$45. 707.257.1800.
film Oct. 22: 'The Odd One Out' at Petaluma International Film Festival
Posted on Thu, Oct 20, 2011 at 11:17 AM
An all-inclusive knowledge on knives and their related accoutrements? A deep-seated obsession for slicing recently departed flesh? These aren’t characteristics parents usually foster in their children—unless, of course, the family’s lineage is heavily splattered with a long line of butchers. The Dutch film 'The Odd One Out' is part of the third annual Petaluma International Film Festival, and explores the effects of a child’s inability to assimilate into the family business. A complete schedule of films is at www.petalumafilmfestival.org, and The Odd One Out screens Saturday, Oct. 22, at Boulevard Cinemas. 200 C St., Petaluma. 9:50pm. $10. 707.762.7469.
