CRITIC’S CHOICE
Phoenix Theater
Plaza Bistro
Crossed Bridges When actors can actually pull off the ‘rock dude’ thing Oscar winner, bearded maestro and inveterate crusty old guy Jeff Bridges is joining Bruce Willis, Kevin Bacon, Jared Leto, John Corbett and Keanu Reeves (remember Dogstar?) by putting down the acting mask and taking his rock-and-roll sideshow on the road. But while Leto and Willis brim with ego and are annoying as hell, Bridges actually doesn’t seem too caught up in all the Hollywood razzledazzle. On Aug. 24, Bridges hits up the Marin Center with his band the Abiders—as in “the Dude abides,” although Lebowski diehards, of course, already know this. They’ll be playing some of the catchy, melancholy country tunes like “The Weary Kind” and “Fallin’ and Flyin’” from Bridges’ Oscar-winning 2009 film Crazy Heart alongside new originals from his self-titled Blue Note records debut. Bridges isn’t the best singer in the world, but his slightly ragged crooning works perfectly for a simple bluesy Americana sound. So move over, Jordan Catalano, and watch a real man show you how this singer-actor thing really works. Jeff Bridges and the Abiders abide on Wednesday, Aug. 24, at the Marin Center. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $45–$75. 415.499.6800.—Leilani Clark
19080 Riverside Dr, Sonoma. 707.938.9910.
Northwood Restaurant Thurs at 7, the Thugz (cosmic rock). 19400 Hwy 116, Monte Rio. 707.865.2454.
Papa’s Taverna Fri at 7, live music. Sat at 7 and Sun at 4, Kefi (Greek). Sun at 1:30, Greek dance lessons; at 3:30, live music and bellydance show. 5688 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma. 707.769.8545.
Aug 19, Neil Buckley Octet. 420 First St E, Sonoma. 707.996.4466.
Quincy’s Pub & Cafe Wed, Hump Day with DJs Armin, Konex and Beset. Thurs, karaoke. Sat, Noches Calientes with DJ H-Smoove. 6590 Commerce Blvd, Rohnert Park. 707.585.1079.
Red Rose Cafe Sat at 6, Ron Dubin One Man Band (blues). 1770 Piner Rd, Santa Rosa. 707.573.9741.
Rita’s Restaurant & Lounge Wed at 8, blues jam with Sonoma County Blues Society. Thurs at 8, Fri and Sat at 9, Sun at 8 karaoke. 138 Calistoga Rd, Santa Rosa. 707.537.0308.
Riverside Bistro Every Fri at 6, Peter Welker Sextet (jazz). 54 E Washington St, Petaluma. 707.773.3200.
The Rocks Fri, Lust with Geronimo, Rob Cervantes and guest DJs (sexy Top 40). Sat, Deja Vu with Geronimo (old-school beats). 146 Kentucky St, Petaluma. 707.782.0592.
Russian River Brewing Co Aug 21, Trailer Park Rangers. 725 Fourth St, Santa Rosa. 707.545.BEER.
Spancky’s Wed, DJs Tiana and Char. Thurs at 9, DJ Dray Lopez. Sun at 8, karaoke. 8201 Old Redwood Hwy, Cotati. 707.664.0169.
Studio E Aug 20, John Dee Graham. Address provided with tickets, Sebastopol. www.northbaylive.net.
Toad in the Hole Pub Mon, open mic with Phil the Security Guard. 116 Fifth St, Santa Rosa. 707.544.8623.
Tradewinds Thurs, DJ Dave. Aug 19, Amnesia.
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MONTE RIO MUSIC FESTIVAL melvin seals -
JGB- both nights!
groundation - hot buttered rum poorman’s whiskey - moonalice the thugz - jug dealers SEPTEMBER 3RD & 4TH - 11am to 10pm MONTE RIO AMPITHEATER, MONTE RIO CA tickets & info:
www.monteriomusicfestival.com
35 NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN | AUGUST 17-23, 2011 | BOHEMIAN.COM
Wed at 6, jazz jam. Aug 18, Sanctuary Lost, Burn Pilot, Dehlingers, Defying Truth, Waxwing. Aug 19, J Stalin, Philthy Rich, Shady Nate, Stevie Joe (see Concerts). Aug 20, Love Equals Death, Our Vinyl Vows, Semi Evolved Simians, My Last Line, Hit System. Sun at 5, rock and blues jam. Mon at 7, young people’s AA. Tues at 7, acoustic Americana jam. 201 Washington St, Petaluma. 707.762.3565.