West Sonoma County has legendary micro-climates and diverse pockets of unique cultures. Some years, the area thrives -then goes into deep decline - then comes back again with another group of visionaries leading the way. The glory days of big band concerts in Rio Nido and posh hotels for bay area guests along the river have never been forgotten. Last night, our Drew gave another one of his inspiring speeches during a musical pause. He sees 2013 as the year for regenerating a vibrant musical scene along the river. Sure, there's the jazz and blues festivals each summer - but he's talking about an all year "festival" for the locals and all comers from wherever. There's so much talent around, and many touring bands love to show off their stuff here. Enter - the Thugz. We just started playing because it felt so good, and folks decided they wanted to feel good too! The band began on a tiny bar platform at Jasper O'Farrell's in Sebastopol - then moved on to the Blue Heron in Duncans Mills. Next we went to the historic Pink Elephant in Monte Rio and wrote our anthem "Monte Rio Town." When the Pink closed, off we went to Northwood where our friend, Brackett Clark, had been trying to introduce music. Since Northwood is primarily a restaurant and sports bar, we were a little exotic for them. After a few years of faithful Thursday performances, we built up a fantastic tribal family that felt at home on the links and in the redwoods. But Northwood has its own scene - one that will go wacko on Super Bowl Sunday. We felt like we wanted to be appreciated for our music. Along came Drew (he's everywhere). He has been helping Jerry at the River Theater for all his big shows, and Drew suggested that the River Theater might just be a place for us. Jerry focuses on music and opens the door to everyone in our quirky community. SO - last night, the last night of January and our manager Craig's birthday, we did the big move. Down the road we went - totally unsure of what would happen. No more kids, dogs, green fairways, outdoor hangouts and tons of parking. We set up our own little nightclub scene on the top level near the bar - got some heaters going - then waited. THEY CAME! Thank you, everyone. It was a happy, dancing crowd - happy to be together and willing to try something new. We will go back next Thursday - then take a week off so our friend David Nelson and his band can do a big show for Valentine's Day. We intend to give it our all at the River Theater every Thursday evening. Change is so hard - but we "beat it on down the line," and it feels good.
Take care. Love, Sylvia