The end of summer may be nearing, but that does not mean an end to some great outdoor music in California’s wine country.
To close out this week, I’d like to share colleague Michael Coats’ media release on the Sonoma Music Festival — an event that was held for 28 years on the grounds of the B.R. Cohn Winery, but ultimately outgrew that facility.
The “B” in B.R. Cohn, by the way, is Bruce Cohn, who not only established an exceptional winery, but years before that managed some of the most successful rock bands ever, including the Doobie Brothers.
Take it away, Michael…
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Bruce Cohn of Bruce Cohn Charity Events (BCCE) is pleased to present the big 30-year anniversary of the Sonoma Music Festival, October 7-9 at the Field of Dreams near downtown Sonoma.
Appearing at the successor to his fabled 28-year winery fall festival are John Fogerty (only NorCal appearance), Andy Velo, and the Fogerty kids’ band Hearty Har on Friday, October 7 (doors at 3 p.m.); the Steve Miller Band, Dave Mason, Paul Barrere, Gabe Ford, Kenny Gradney and Fred Tackett of Little Feat, plus Greg Douglass and the Accomplices on Saturday, October 8 (doors at 2 p.m.); and Toby Keith (only NorCal appearance), Andy Velo, the Curly Wolf, and “The Voice” finalist from Vacaville, Lyndsey Elm, on Sunday, October 9 (doors at 3 p.m.).
Ticket prices, purchases and information are available at www.sonomamusicfestival.com.
Last year, over 10,000 attendees saw stellar performances by Ringo Starr, Chicago and Gregg Allman.
The Field of Dreams location not only puts the concert goer two blocks from Sonoma’s Plaza, it allows the festival the opportunity to grow and generate more proceeds for charity, raising over $250,000 last year. This year’s beneficiaries include national and local veterans organizations, including Fisher House and American Legion Post 489, the Redwood Empire Food Bank, and others. Over its 29-year history, BCCE has raised over $7 million for charity.
“This is a very important milestone year,” exclaimed Bruce Cohn. “We needed to top last year and we think we have with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and first-time BCCE festival performer John Fogerty, plus Hall of Famers Steve Miller Band and Dave Mason on Saturday. And we are going country with superstar Toby Keith and up-and-comer Andy Velo, whom I’m now managing, on Sunday.”
The Field of Dreams set-up, while different than the winery set-up, still follows in the BCCE tradition, with great sight lines and access no more than 150 feet from the stage. These are rain or shine shows.
Plans call for the best music, food and wine Sonoma has to offer. Many of the region’s finest purveyors are joining in, including Lagunitas Brewing, a pop-up HopMonk beer garden and second stage, high-end and popular restaurants and, of course, some of the best wine in California, including B.R. Cohn, Sivas-Sonoma and many others. There will be no in-and-out privileges.
Because of the new location, visitors are only 45 minutes from San Francisco, and one hour from Sacramento. Locals are encouraged to walk, ride a bike or car-pool. VIP, motorcycle and bicycle parking near the venue will be available, and there is plenty of parking surrounding the venue in Sonoma. Check in with the festival website for maps and details.
