Before compiling everything for this week’s music schedules, I found myself taking a walk down memory lane and reminiscing about all the changes in the music scene here in Lake County since I started posting the LCMG 6-1/2 years ago. Although the scene continues to thrive, I can still remember the names of many of the venues featuring live music that have shut their doors forever; Village Pub, Twisted Sister, Konocti Harbor Inn, The Roadhouse, Molly Brennans, Black Rock, and even The Spot. There have been a number of restaurants, bars, halls and lodges that have tried to provide live music but discontinued after a brief trial period. And, of course, Covid 19 reared its ugly head causing many places to either temporarily or permanently pull the plug. And yet our vibrant music scene keeps coming back. This last Summer was a testament to the support and love offered by our local folks wanting live music, as there always has someplace to go dancing. And my hat’s off to the resilience of our local business community, especially those that provide live music. Without them, none of this would be possible. Here is the live music guide for the last week of September – 9/28 through 10/3…
MUSIC
Did anything surprisingly unusual happen while I was hiding under a rock this weekend? I always like to keep up with current events. Anything? Nothing? Here’s what I do know – that the Kelseyville Pear Festival is happening this coming Saturday. More on this… Also, for those of you who were disappointed about the canceled Moonalice show – it’s back this coming Sunday. More on that as well. But for these last few days, still nothing? Oh, well… Here’s the live music guide for the week of 9/21 through 9/26…
With two and a half weeks until the Autumnal Equinox (1stday of Autumn 9/23), the Summer is giving us all one last gasp as it races down the homestretch, kicking and screaming all the way! Sorry, folks, it’s gonna be muy caliente this whole week… But there is a silver lining – there’ll be no shortage of stars on these wonderfully warm nights. Nor will there be a shortage of live music. Here’s the music schedule for the week of 9/7 through 9/12…
This week’s activities should run the gamut between Shredding and a Car Show, with lots of live music events scrunched up in between. With Friday, Saturday and Sunday predicting good weather, the outdoor events are stacking up, while the indoor ones are gonna be just as busy. Enough prattle – here’s the live music schedule for the week of May 12th through May 16th…
Technically, the First Sunday Jam is an open mic, but don’t for a second think it’s the kind with poorly played guitar riffs sung by tone-deaf singers. Nope. This jam is made for musicians. John wanted a chance to play more with his friends, so he decided to schedule it on Sunday, the one day of the week that hardly ever has music scheduled. And every musician in the county knows about it. In one night, the ever-changing band will play classic rock, blues, jazz, a bit of reggae, fusion, and original tunes. It’s like visiting every musical event in Lake County at once.
Tuesday afternoon in Kelseyville, August. Mike Guarniero and Danny Prather perch on barstools next to the front window, half-full beer glasses on the floor next to them. Danny’s taken the lead on a Neil Young tune he’s finishing, and odds are they’ll switch it around on the next song. Between the two of them, they could play all day and never repeat a tune. Danny gives a hearty strum on his guitar as the song ends, then grins as he leans over and takes a sip of his beer. Caroline Chavez, co-owner of Kelsey Creek, sees his glass empty and quickly brings over two full ones. “Now everybody,” she says, walking the smooth walk of a skilled bartender, “You all need to pitch in. I’m the only one buying them beer right now.” Mike and Danny happily grab their full brewskis, sip off the foam, and start a new song.
The sun’s setting behind the casino, leaving imprints of red and orange on Hogback Ridge across the lake. Kids swim in the pool, laughing and splashing each other. People spread across the grass, swaying to the music while on the stage, the Higher Logic Project, Lake County’s local reggae band, has just finished their set. Now it’s time for reggae legend Pato Banton. “We’re going to chill the vibe for a bit here. Antoinette ‘Roots Dawtah’ Hall kicks in on the keyboards. Sing with me,” Pato begins. “Life, oh life. Life is a miracle.” He stops for a second and holds the mic out to the audience. “Now you know the lyrics. It’s your turn.”
The sun’s still above Cobb, but it’s steadily easing behind it, stretching the light into the four-car garage, where, tucked in a corner and surrounded by sound-dampening cloth, Breaker One-9 finishes up a song. A few thumps and bass notes fiddle around, then quiet as the band takes a break from practicing their first set. In an empty bay of the garage, papers, a tablet, and Diet Coke spread across the pool table. Mike Mendenhall sits at its edge in a foldup chair, his knees pressed against the table.
While you may not know musician Mike Guarniero personally, odds are you’ve seen him play. For years he has been involved in the Lake County music scene and played with over twenty different bands. You might have heard him play with his band, Dr. Groove, which regularly has performed in the county. Or you might have caught his Lake County Music Guide, which posts on Facebook and in The Bloom (when there is live music).
Sitting in the courtyard of Pogo’s Pizza in Kelseyville earlier this week with Mike felt as if we were seated with a long-time friend we haven’t seen in a while. You might feel the same if you are a music lover in Lake County; Mike’s friendly personality makes conversation easy.
It’s nine in the evening at Robinson Rancheria. The Kentucky Jugglers have finished warming up and kick into their first song, “Keep on Rockin’ me, Baby.” On the left of the stage, Danny Hogan, a black cowboy hat on his head and cowboy boots on his feet, plucks away at his bass. It’s been a while since he’s played; over a year ago, he was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. But now he’s back, and stands tall, thumping away to the beat. Tonight is special, and not just for Danny. Once the band found out about Danny’s illness, instead of replacing him, they decided to stop their gigs and wait until he got better. Tonight, they are playing together for the first time in over a year.
Kim Rippy-Thomas sits at a picnic table on the deck of her house. Cobb Mountain…
It’s a bright blue spring morning. A hint of crisp floats in the air, but…
