TOUR STOP
MARIN COUNTY, CA
On the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge lies Marin County, a small, suburban community with a rich musical history. This often-overlooked portion of the San Francisco Bay Area has served as a retreat for the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, Les Claypool and many other great musicians. Though Marin County may appear to be a sleepy, quiet place, a vibrant music scene and unique musical resources await - if you know where to look. At the least, Marin is a great place to stop and enjoy passionate and supportive music fans (who love their jam bands) as well as some of the most inspiring landscapes and nature preserves on the West Coast. -Eric Wolff
VENUES SWEETWATER MUSIC HALL 19 Corte Madera Ave. Mill Valley, CA (415) 388-3850 WWW.SWEETWATERMUSICHALL.COM In the wake of Sweetwater Saloon’s closing in 2007, this legendary venue has been reincarnated in a new and larger location just a few blocks away. Like its predecessor, this venue has hosted a wide array of live music as well as local stars such as Bob Weir, Jerry Harrison, Narada Michael Walden and others. 19 BROADWAY 17 Broadway Blvd. Fairfax, CA (415) 459-0213 WWW.19BROADWAY.COM Tucked away in the alternative community of Fairfax, 19 Broadway is one of the most versatile show spaces in Marin, featuring hip-hop, reggae and funk as well as the usual jam band fare. GEORGE’S NIGHTCLUB 842 4th St. San Rafael, CA (415) 226-0262 WWW.GEORGESNIGHTCLUB.COM A great, small club for rock and blues, with a built-in crowd of regulars. Though the stage is small, the venue boasts a new, high-quality sound system. It’s located in the center of Marin, and an easy, 20-minute drive for fans in SF.
GEAR
RECORDING STUDIOS
BANANAS AT LARGE 1504 4th St. San Rafael, CA (415) 457-7600 WWW.BANANASMUSIC.COM For an independent music store, Bananas carries an impressive range of electric and acoustic instruments and accessories, and regularly produces free clinics that have featured artists such as Terry Bozzio and Victor Wooten.
THE ICE HOUSE STUDIOS 1556 4th St., Suite C San Rafael, CA (415) 457-5199 info@bonniehayes.com WWW.BONNIEHAYES.COM/FILES/ICEHOUSE.HTML Built inside of an actual ice house, this hidden gem is just 20 minutes from San Francisco and is owned and operated by a trio of world-class, yet down-to-earth professional musicians.
AMAZING GRACE MUSIC 91 Redhill Ave. San Anselmo, CA (415) 456-0414 info@amazinggracemusicmarin.com WWW.AMAZINGGRACEMUSICMARIN.COM Features a great selection of acoustic and folk
LAUGHING TIGER 1101 E. Francisco Blvd., Suite A San Rafael, CA (415) 485-5765 ari@laughingtiger.com WWW.LAUGHINGTIGER.COM
PRESS OUTLETS LOCAL MUSIC VIBE 4460 Redwood Highway #16-333 San Rafael, CA shelley@localmusicvibe.com WWW.LOCALMUSICVIBE.COM This website was founded by two Marin residents who have been unrelenting in their advocacy for local music. Their site remains one of the best resources for musicians to connect with fans in the area and has expanded to serve other communities.
RECORD STORES MILL VALLEY MUSIC 320 Miller Ave. Mill Valley, CA (415) 389-9090 WWW.MILLVALLEYMUSIC.COM With mountains of one-of-a-kind vinyl and CDs, Mill Valley Music is one of the best places to find physical music of all styles in the digital age.
DECEMBER 2012 PERFORMER MAGAZINE 13