Dancing through the decades
Kat and Oscar Mooneyhan of Sonoma’s Valley of The Mooneyhan productions (I love that name) are producing their 6th annual Bell Bottom Bash on Saturday, May 19, and it’s back at Andrews Hall in the Community Center. Proceeds from the event this year will benefit the many U.S. Service members who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, culminating in a permanent national memorial. The Sonoma post of the American Legion has established a committee to secure a location to display the tribute and to help raise funds for the California memorial that will contain “spirit boxes” that display a facial image of these American heroes.
Oscar’s band BackTrax will once again headline the show along with Wild Flower Weed opening with an acoustic set. Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are only $15 per person, available at Sonoma Valley Music store on Broadway (right now) or at the door. Since there is limited capacity, it would be wise to get your tickets early.
Former Mayor and present City Councilmember Laurie Gallian will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Mary’s Pizza Shack will be on hand offering pizza by the slice. Beer, wine and soft drinks will also be available for purchase. This is a family friendly show; PoPo the Clown will be on hand to paint faces and entertain the youngsters.
BackTrax will take the stage at approximately 7:15 to get the crowd dancing through the decades, featuring one set each of the groovy ‘60s; the rock, pop and disco (really) of the ‘70s, culminating with the big hair rock and pop sounds of the ‘80s. The Go-Go Cages will be back, and of course, there will be a costume contest, so dust off your best ol’ hippie wear and get your ticket to a great time for a great cause and let’s show ‘em that Sonoma knows how to rock!
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And just before you go back in time to the ‘60s, on Sunday, May 13 (yes, it is Mother’s Day) you can go back further in time on Sunday, May 13 (yes, it is Mother’s Day) and listen to the music of that heavy piano trio of Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt as the internationally acclaimed pianist Anastasia Dedik makes her solo debut in Sonoma when she performs in concert at Vintage House at 264 First Street East at 3 p.m. In addition to performing all over the world and continually winning numerous piano competitions. Dedik also the founder and artistic director of the “Russian Heritage” Piano Competition for young pianists that takes place in St. Petersburg each year.
For her Sonoma debut she will be performing a striking and challenging program including Beethoven’s “Moonlight” and “Appassionata” sonatas; the Scherzo op. 31, no. 2, the Nocturne op.15, no. 2 and three “Waltzes” by Chopin; as well as Liszt’s “Memphisto Waltz #1.” Tickets for the concert, presented by the Sonoma Classical Music Society, are $25 for adults, $20 for members of the Society, and $10 for students, at Sonomaclassical.org, Readers’ Books, Pharmaca and at the door. And get a ticket for your Mom as well.
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And one final note, the great Ray Davies is coming to the Bay Area and you have at least two chances to see him live. He plays at the Uptown Theatre in Napa on Tuesday, July 17 and the Fillmore in the City on Thursday, July 19. Davies, the founder, chief writer and lead singer of the Kinks is responsible for “You Really Got Me,” “All Day and All of the Night,” “Tired of Waiting,” “Dedicated Follower of Fashion,” “Sunny Afternoon,” “Lola” and “Come Dancing” as well as several killer solo albums. A true British Invasion original.