Events

Since forming in 1988 in Southern California, Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys have become one of the world’s most beloved Americana/Roots acts, drawing from the deep musical waters that flow just beneath the surface of Rock & Roll’s fertile soil. A childhood passion for Country, Doo-Wop, and Rhythm & Blues 45s led Sandy (born Robert Williams) to pursue a singing career as a teenager, beginning a life in music that continues decades later. And as his personal record collection continues to grow (75,000 and counting), so does the depth of the musical influences that stream through his songwriting and singing style A critically acclaimed tribute to Tex-Mex hero Freddy Fender, released at the beginning of the 2020 lockdown, points the way forward for Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys as they continue on a path of musical growth. After nearly 35 years on the road, and more than two dozen releases to their credit, they remain key figures on the ever-changing Americana circuit, both on record and in live appearances.

 OUTDOOR SUNSET SERIES with JERRY HANNAN, A Marin County Treasure

The film Mad Hannans  – a documentary that tells the story of brothers Sean and Jerry – premiered at the Mill Valley Film Festival in early October 2017 to sold out audiences. The film received the Best Documentary Award at its European debut at the Manchester Film Festival in 2018.

Hannan’s most recent recording, The Light Gets Brighter, features his latest gems including several songs on the upcoming soundtrack to the documentary film Mad Hannans.

Raised on jigs and ballads in San Francisco’s Irish community, Jerry Hannan grew up listening to the music of his Irish-born parents (The Dubliners, The Clancy Brothers), as well as Cat Stevens. As a youngster he took accordion lessons, switching to guitar in high school and playing in rock ‘n roll bands.

Sunset Series with CRYING UNCLE BLUEGRASS BAND 

Crying Uncle Bluegrass (CUBG)

Widely recognized as one of the most exciting young bands in acoustic music, Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band plays a unique mix of bluegrass, Dawg (David Grisman music), jazz, and modern originals. Brothers Miles and Teo Quale are joined by bassist Andrew Osborn and 2023 National Flat Pick Guitar Champion Ian Ly, all outstanding musicians of the vibrant California bluegrass scene. Founded in 2016 as a Duo band, Miles and Teo formed the bluegrass band in 2017 and since then, they have continued to make waves in the world of bluegrass and acoustic music. In 2024, the bluegrass band celebrated their debut at the Grand Ole Opry; and in 2023, they received the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Band of the Year award. The band was also honored to perform for the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame’s induction of their hero, David Grisman.

DINNER SHOW WITH MITCH POLZAK & THE ROYAL DEUCES
The big guy from out West and larger than life energy (he’s also 6’5’) performer, guitarist, singer, banjoist, songwriter, composer, entertainer, musical historian and teacher Mitch Polzak wears his heart on his sleeve and his playing in his heart.

Polzak performs rockabilly and 60’s country music with the religious fervor of Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash and delivers a Honky Tonk ballad with the sincerity of Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. Mitch will bring a room to a fevered pitch of joyous energy on the dance floor and then tell you a story in a song like two old friends sitting at a kitchen table at midnight.

OUTDOOR SUNSET SERIES with BROKEN COMPASS BLUEGRASS

Broken Compass Bluegrass is leading the way in the contemporary bluegrass revival, combining tradition with innovation in a way that appeals to both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Their live performances are characterized by tight harmonies, truly impressive solos, and an undeniable joy that permeates with every note they play. The band’s repertoire includes numerous original compositions as well as fresh takes on timeless classics, all delivered with their own distinctive style.

IKO YAYA

Pronounced I – KO – YAH-YAH. Since 2013, Iko YaYa has been playing the Louisiana-influenced music that gets folks on their the feet – what they like to call “swamp ‘n roll!”

The band: Jim Scott – guitar, Cheryl McBride – vocals & percussion, Sam Siggins – drums & vocals, Lance Houck – bass & vocals, Andre Nigoghossian – accordion & vocals, Susan Copperman – saxophone

OUTDOOR SUNSET SERIES with THE HOT LICKS- celebrating the music of Dan Hicks
The Hot Licks, original members of Dan’s backing band, perform Dan’s classic songs in the style that Dan Hicks invented – Folk/Swing! – A blend of Gypsy Jazz, Folk and Swing with lots of vocal harmonies. The Hot Licks are dedicated to preserving the original sound and spirit in the way Dan taught them! They carry the torch for Folk-Swing with his signature style that has inspired so many others. “The group’s hallmark country/jazz styled vocals shined, highlighted by delectable guitar and violin solos.
The spirit and the sound of that previous Incarnation with Dan Hicks and his spirit is imbued in their sound. A rare occasion not to be missed!” – Arne Frager, The Plant Studios

“Can I Communicate With the Unknown?” is the new album from Go By Ocean, moniker of Northern California based singer/songwriter/producer Ryan McCaffrey. Co-produced alongside Tim Bluhm (The Mother Hips) and David Glasebrook, the album features contributions from a wide cast of characters, ranging from the tight knit community of Phil Lesh’s much loved Terrapin Crossroads to the wider West Coast indie-rock scene, including members of The Mother Hips, Sugar Candy Mountain, ALO, Tea Leaf Green, and more.

Dinner & A Show with SHANA MORRISON

Shana Morrison’s musical style has been called pop with a side of blues and a side of rock, but she has never shied away from including other ingredients, like country, R&B, and jazz into the mix. Her material is ever-changing, but what always remains the same is Shana’s unique and wide-ranging voice. Her dynamic and charismatic talent has earned the attention of national newspapers and magazines as well as airplay on major radio stations.

A special evening of conversation and song with Radio Hall of Fame DJ Dave Sholin, the last person to interview Lennon hours before his death, and dedicated Lennon tribute artist, Drew Harrison.

Moderated by Marin Independent Journal music columnist Paul Liberatore

Playing vintage rhythm & blues and jazz, swing, and boogie woogie, the Rhumba Bums are renowned for their high-energy, highly entertaining show.

Dinner & A Show with MIRACLE MULE

Miracle Mule is a rocking, hoof-stomping, tail-swishing band from Marin County, California. Some folks might describe our music as good-time Americana, others might say it’s down-home country with a heavy dose of Louisiana hot sauce. We prefer to just call it “swampy tonk.” However you describe it, it’s fun and energetic, irresistibly danceable, with rich harmonies and solid song writing. We play at most of the more prestigious venues in the north bay, as well as a host of wineries, festivals and concert series. We have a loyal following, but there’s always room for more. Check us out soon. Dance, Laugh, Bray.

LOWATTERS

The LoWatters are Ethan Okamura, Steve Trivelpiece, and Jason Loeks. The band formed in the fall of 2014 and almost immediately started performing intimate shows near their home in Northern California. In the summer of 2015 they recorded their debut album live at Skywalker Sound. The album was voted by the Marin Independent Journal as one of the top 10 local albums of 2016 . Their sound ranges from the high lonesome twang to the low down dirty roots and is inspired by classic Americana singer songwriters while still retaining a unique sound all of it’s own.

DINNER SHOW WITH FREESTONE PEACHES- Northern California’s premier Allman Brothers Band Tribute
Freestone Peaches brings the raw energy and full throttle rock & roll of the legendary Allman Brothers Band live on stage. Close your eyes and you’re at the Fillmore East!

April & Monroe Grisman The Beautiful Hang Gang

April & Monroe Grisman have spent their lives surrounded by music, art and the creative community of Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area. Those roots continue to shape the original music they make today with The Beautiful Hang Gang, a collective of longtime friends and Bay Area musicians blending Americana, soul, reggae & rock & roll with big, rich vocal harmonies.