On a balmy late-winter Saturday evening along Petaluma Boulevard, the sounds of the city make it clear that Petaluma is the hub of live music in Sonoma County. From rock, jazz and folk to blues, bluegrass and even heavy metal, there’s a variety of musical genres in different kinds of settings for the local music crowd to check out.
On any Saturday night, downtown streets are bustling with people who realize that Petaluma has become a destination for lovers of live music, with already-established venues like the Mystic Theatre and the Phoenix Theater drawing audiences from around the Bay Area for decades.
Zodiacs
The Mystic and The Phoenix are still drawing crowds, however, ask anyone on the street where to go for nightlife in Petaluma and invariably they point to Zodiacs Petaluma, a year-old restaurant and music venue that joins the Mystic and Phoenix to keep the music coming.
Co-owner Kristin McMaster recruited chef Owen Rosenberg, most recently the executive chef at the Alta Mira Recovery Center in Sausalito, for an infusion of “healthy gourmet” dishes to Zodiacs’ lunch and dinner menus.
Zodiac’ has also announced the completion of a fully operational brewery - with the date of the first drink still to be announced.
Located at 256 Petaluma Blvd. North (the former Kodiak Jack’s location), it has a full bar, eclectic local art adorning the walls (including a 60-foot-by-15-foot rendering of the Golden Gate Bridge), and a “state-of-the-art” sound system.
Though a huge wooden wagon still hangs from the ceiling above the bar, Zodiacs’ popularity is not for country-western line dancing or bull riding, as one may have expected from the building’s previous occupant. Acts in recent weeks have included Charles Neville (of The Neville Brothers), and Bay Area rock songstress Stefanie Keyes. Regional acts ranging from The Doors Unlocked (a Doors tribute band) to blues trio The Guitarsonists and The Brides of Funkenstein have also heated up the stage recently.
Jamison’s Roaring Donkey
Not to be outdone (although more intimate in size than Zodiacs), Jamison’s Roaring Donkey is a watering hole located at 142 Kentucky St. that has the feel of an old-fashioned whiskey and beer bar, but has musical sensibilities and a separate performance area that appeal to different ages.
Patrons line the bar downing shots and beer during the day and into the evening, some watching sporting events on three big screens situated above the bar. At around 9 p.m. on a recent Saturday, indie bands “Cash for Gold” out of San Francisco and “Airshow Disaster” (Burlingame) took the stage in the nearby Blue Room, a dark venue with tables and seating.
Jamison’s co-owner Brian Tatka said that the bar is still trying to find its musical “sweet spot” since opening in 2014.
“We’re still kind of learning what Petaluma likes,” Tatka said. “We’ve had shows where we have brought in some great bands - San Francisco hipster bands. And it’s not what people wanted.”
Tatka said that the “Cash for Gold” performance was sold out with happy customers.
“We’re looking for a sound that is not too loud, because the room is smaller, more intimate,” Tatka said. He added that the Roaring Donkey will be having its first “hip hop” night later this month.
In May, Grammy Award winners Peter Rowan and Ramblin’ Jack Elliott will grace the stage.
Jamison’s Roaring Donkey’s calendar presently features music on most, but not all, Saturday nights. They also have an open mic night every Wednesday.
Buckhorn Tavern
Those with different sensibilities than Zodiacs Petaluma or the Roaring Donkey (and who prefer making their own music) need only go a short distance to the Buckhorn Tavern, founded in 1938, and located at 615 Petaluma Blvd. South.
With deer and elk heads hanging from the wall behind the bar and a photo display of other Buckhorn Taverns around the United States in a back room, the local watering hole has become a hot destination for Petaluma’s karaoke scene.
Buckhorn owner Bob McCoy, the son of founder Merv McCoy, said that the introduction of karaoke on Saturday nights has brought a big increase in business to the bar. On a recent Saturday, two separate birthday parties took turns at the mic belting out tunes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
“Most of the time it’s pretty busy and everyone is having a good time,” McCoy said. “Local hotels often send guests over to participate.”
He said that his son, Wes, runs the karaoke nights. Grandson Andrew handles the bar’s website and social media, which features photos of the singers in action.
Aqus Café Foundry Wharf
Those who favor live music or karaoke but don’t like the bar atmosphere might amble over to Aqus Café Foundry Wharf, 189 H St., where recent Saturday evenings have featured rousing sing-along nights.
One evening had groups of people harmonizing along with songs of The Beatles. The sing-alongs start and end early, running from 7 to 9 p.m.
Phoenix Theater
Just like its storied history as an opera house, movie theater, rock-and-roll concert hall and teen center, The Phoenix Theater is one of Petaluma’s most eclectic venues.
Upcoming calendar events include a night of professional wrestling on April 4. The Phoenix events are for people of all ages, so young people in particular are attracted to the venue.
Fifteen-year-olds Crystal Goodman and Francesca Wolfson, both students at Casa Grande High School, said that they and friends come to The Phoenix to see punk rock and heavy metal shows. Favorite bands so far have been “Dakota,” a five-piece metal band based in Santa Rosa, and “Don’t Tip the Tweester,” a ska band from Rohnert Park.
Would they come to a show at the Phoenix if it featured country, or classical music?
“I don’t know. Probably not,” Wolfson said.
Goodman said different music brings different people.
“The age range varies at the different shows,” Goodman said. “Mostly at the punk shows it will be people over 21, but at metal shows there are a lot of older people.”
When the shows let out at about 11 p.m., Goodman said that hungry teenagers seek out food at places like Taco Bell and Wendy’s fast food restaurants.
More music venues
Live music can also be found throughout the week as well as weekends at venues such as the newly opened The Big Easy, Lagunitas Brewing Co., Willow Brook Ale House, Twin Oaks Tavern, Corkscrew Wine Bar, Pub Republic, Pongo’s Kitchen & Tap, Brixx and Ray’s Tavern. Each one offers a different atmosphere and various music genres that appeal to all ages.
(Contact Alex Horvath at argus@argus courier.com)
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