Sonoma Botanical Garden’s popular Acoustic Sunsets outdoor music series returns in May for an all-new season of live music, wine tasting, family-friendly activities, and more Wednesday evenings through Oct. 29.
Sonoma Botanical Garden’s popular Acoustic Sunsets outdoor music series returns in May for an all-new season of live music, wine tasting, family-friendly activities, and more Wednesday evenings through Oct. 29.
“Acoustic Sunsets is more than a music series,” said the botanical garden’s Executive Director Jeannie Perales in a news release. “It’s a community happening.Returning music lovers will certainly notice upgrades made to the amphitheater over the winter. With a new staircase, railings, bistro lights, picnic tables, and plantings, the space is now more inviting than ever and ready to welcome a new season of music, celebration, and community.”
A diverse musical lineup of local and Bay Area talent is scheduled to kick off the series. Genre defying pop and folk singer/songwriter Michelle Lambert opens Acoustic Sunsets on May 7. Her latest single, “Come to Me,” was No. 1 on Indie Radio for four consecutive weeks. Americana-rock-folk-joy-jam band, John Elliot and the Band of Supervisors, follows on May 14.
On May 21, young Sonoma County musician Ryan Woodward takes the stage with J Gallard to perform current and classic hits. Woodward, who was diagnosed with autism at age 3 and was nonverbal until age 9 when he began to play guitar, has received widespread accolades for his musical gifts. Guitar World Magazine praised his “jaw dropping guitar skills” and “soulful, heart-wrenching voice,” noting, “Woodward’s playing is a testament to the transformative power of music.”
May 28 features the first Acoustic Sunsets Open Mic Night. The new event offers interested solo artists and duos the opportunity to perform and gives audiences a chance to hear a variety of styles and genres. Artists can register through the Garden’s website sonomabg.org/visit/acoustic-sunsets/. Performers 21 and under can also register there for Young Talent Night, also new, July 30.
June features both returning and new local performers including Sebastopol-based classic pop and rock pianist Nick Foxer, Petaluma favorite Clay Bell, and the Sean Cascadden Trio. Cascadden is a three-time winner of the North Bay Bohemian’s Northbay Award for Best American Artist and three-time winner of The Sonoma Index Tribune People’s Choice Award for Best Local Performer.
The full schedule of performers is available on the garden’s website sonomabg.org/visit/acoustic-sunsets/ and is updated monthly.
The Acoustic Sunsets musical lineup is once again the creation of Michael John Ahern, a garden volunteer and Sonoma-based recording artist and musical producer. Ahern is performing June 4 with Chris Cotruvo, and debuting his new original jazz project, The Grateful Heart Band, on Aug. 20.
“It’s a diamond in the crown of the Sonoma Valley music scene,” Ahearn said in the news release. “The idea that you can sit with family and friends, picnic, bring along your dog, sip some vino, listen to great live music, and have a twilight experience of the garden — there is nothing quite like it in the Valley.”
Local wineries will be on hand to offer a free taste of local terroir including the garden’s own vineyard partner La Prenda Wines, as well as Highway 12 Winery, Bar None’s Canyon, and more. Visitors can pack a picnic or pick up a gourmet pizza from the Glen Ellen Star.
Garden goers are invited to enjoy Acoustic Sunsets with a reserved picnic table for up to 6 adults — complete with fresh flowers and umbrella shades. All proceeds from the $50 per table fee support the musicians who bring the amphitheater to life each Wednesday.
The Sonoma Botanical Garden, located at 12841 Highway 12 in Glen Ellen, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. From May through October the garden extends its hours until 8 p.m. every Wednesday.
Admission to the concerts is included with garden admission and free for garden members. The cost is $15 adults; $12 for 65 and older; $8 youth 5-17, teachers, and active military; children 4 and younger admitted free. The garden is a participant in the Museums for All program with qualifying individuals receiving $3 admissions. Groups of 8 or more are asked to make a reservation in advance.
For more information, visit sonomabg.org/visit/acoustic-sunsets, call 707-996-3166 or email info@sonomabg.org.
Acoustic Sunsets music series returns to Sonoma Botanical Garden – Sonoma Index-Tribune
