We’re firmly in the camp of there being no such thing as too much live music in Mill Valley.
To that end, while we wake up every day to make the 2024 Mill Valley Music Fest the best version of itself, we’re also focused on getting you excited for a series of pop-up shows around town.
Robby Cronholm & Sam Johnson – March 23rd, Mill Valley Lumber Yard
First up on March 23rd is Robby Cronholm performing a live set, joined by Sam Johnson Live, in one of the most beautiful, revered spaces in town: the Mill Valley Lumber Yard. Cronholm is the longtime frontman for his band TAXES, who as a teenager played in (the original) crumb, an emo pop punk outfit that toured with the likes of Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World and whose final record included contributions from Blair from Knapsack, Jimmy from Jimmy Eat World, and Rachel + Petra Haden. His tracks are a fit for fans of bands like The Weakerthans, The Menzingers, Jimmy Eat World and Sunny Day Real Estate. Recent video.
Cronholm and Johnson will perform from 12-2pm.
Essence & Gold Country – 3:30-5pm – March 30, Depot Plaza
One week later on the Depot Plaza, Essence & Gold Country perform on the Depot Plaza from 3:30-5pm on March 30, followed by Bourbon Street Brass Band on the Plaza from 5:30-7pm. Essence – her birth name really is Essence, she was raised by quintessential flower children – is an award winning singer-songwriter who has been immersed in art and music since childhood. As a sixth generation native of San Francisco, her parents were two free spirited bohemian artists from the Haight-Ashbury ‘Summer of Love.’
Essence’s sound nods to songwriting legends like Tom Petty and Lucinda Williams, Dolly Parton and Gillian Welch. Essence received national and international spotlights for her work with Bernie and the Believers through NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series and BBC. Essence has toured nationally, opening for Jason Mraz, Shawn Colvin, Tom Petty, Sarah McLachlan, Natalie Merchant, Chrissie Hynde, Steve Miller, Pat Benatar, and Linda Perry. MORE INFO ON ESSENCE.
Bourbon Street Brass Band – March 30, 5:30-7pm, Depot Plaza
Direct from the New Orleans French Quarter to Sonoma County, Bourbon Street Brass Band is now available!! Perfect for clubs, private parties and festivals, Bourbon Street Brass Band can accommodate your special event whether small or large.
Playing Funky New Orleans Streetbeat music made famous by legendary groups such as The Meters, Dr. John, Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and The New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Bourbon Street Brass Band brings real Mardi Gras parade revelry and fun to any occasion!!
Perfect for any festival or occasion, Bourbon Street Brass Band brings true NOLA funk and jazz to Sonoma County!!
With a burning 4 piece horn section anchored by tuba and drums, the band doesn’t require amplification or a stage set up and can be entirely mobile.
This band knows how to bring the party to life!! Get in touch with us for more details!! MORE INFO ON THE BOURBON STREET BRASS BAND.
Meggy Travers Clark – April 2, Poet & the Bench, 11 Throckmorton Ave., 5:30-7:30
Geography might just provide the perfect metaphor for songstress Meggy Travers’ music. Surrounded by the redwoods of her Marin County home, she’s also just a short ride across a famous bridge from the bustling metropolis of San Francisco.
The elements of those contrasting waypoints find their way into Meggy’s debut self-titled EP, co-produced with composer and banjo legend Tim Weed, and emerging production-wiz Tano Brock. Like the mix of local geography, the six-song EP mashes-up flecks of bluegrass, folk and pop into a uniquely Americana stew that could only come from this musician and this cut of earth. Though music has been coursing through her veins for most of her life, the constellations finally aligned for the singer/songwriter to set her songs to recording.
“I feel like I’m finally creating meaningful, moving music — with a richness that would have been missing had I hit record earlier,” she says.
For her debut recording, Weed assembled a musical cast of heavy-hitters including Mike Witcher on dobro, David Grisman sextet alumnus Chad Manning on fiddle and Weed on banjo, guitar and mandolin. Rounding out the musical talent pool, Mark Robertson-Tessi on the mandolin, 2022 Latin Grammy Nominee Sascha Jacobsen on upright bass, and percussion virtuoso Kendrick Freeman on drums — all anchored by Meggy’s rhythm guitar. The music forms the ideal bedrock for her ethereal voice and heartfelt songs that hit like sophisticated folk funneled through next world production.
The result is an EP that takes listeners on a stirring journey through the musical topography of this blossoming songwriter’s mind, sparking anticipation for what else may lie around the next corner.
MORE INFO ON MEGGY TRAVERS CLARK.
Maddie Carpenter – April 13, 3:30-5pm, Depot Plaza
On April 13th, Maddie Carpenter will perform at the Depot from 3:30-5pm. Carpenter is a breath of fresh air in the world of music. With her enchanting melodies and heartfelt storytelling, Carpenter effortlessly blends pop sensibilities with the timeless traditions of Americana. Inspired by the rugged coastline, majestic redwoods, and serene beauty of nature, Maddie‘s music is a captivating journey through love, longing, and self-discovery. Each song is a delicate tapestry woven with threads of personal reflection and resilience, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in her thoughtful soundscapes. Last summer, Maddie took the stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where she captivated audiences with her performances. Paying tribute to female songwriters while showcasing her own songwriting, Maddie left a lasting impression. In her latest single, “Take It Slow,” Maddie invites listeners to embrace the beauty of life’s quieter moments. Written during a period of reflection amidst setbacks and loss, the song serves as a personal lullaby, offering solace and catharsis in its gentle melody and poignant lyrics. With “Take It Slow,” Maddie reminds us of the importance of staying true to ourselves, and our paths as artists. (Instagram/Website/Youtube/Spotify).The artist who will be “opening” or playing a couple of songs as well is Lauren Oraange, pronouns they/them/she. Here is their Instagram. Carpenter will be followed on the Plaza by longtime local favorites, Michael White & Friends.
MORE INFO ON MADDIE CARPENTER.
Deep Rivers – April 20, 12-2pm, Mill Valley Lumber Yard
On April 20th, we’ll have Deep Rivers at the Lumber Yard, 12-2pm.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area since 2018, The Deep Rivers is an enchanting acoustic folk duo that effortlessly blends soulful harmonies and evocative storytelling. Comprised of Keeley Valentino and Tim Arnett, this talented pair creates a musical experience that resonates deeply with audiences.
Drawing inspiration from the ebb and flow of life, The Deep Rivers infuse their music with a sense of introspection and emotional depth. Their songs explore themes of love, loss, beauty, and betrayal, inviting listeners to embark on a heartfelt musical voyage.
Having honed their craft through years of collaboration, Valentino and Arnett have developed a seamless musical chemistry that shines through in their live performances. Whether performing in intimate venues or on larger stages, their genuine connection and undeniable talent create a poignant and engaging experience.
The Deep Rivers was formerly known as Oh Glory, but changed their name for obvious reasons. MORE INFO.
Sony Holland – April 27, 5:30-7:30pm, Sweetwater Music Hall Patio
Sony got her start in San Francisco by busking at Pier 39, meeting locals and people from all over the world. “Busking led to many friendships and performance opportunities,” she recalls. “I got my first dates at the KRML Jazz and Blues Club in Carmel through busking and at Jazz At Pearl’s in North Beach.”
Ms. Holland sings for many of the Bay Areas top social events, benefits, festivals and gatherings. She held a 3 year residency performing at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton SF. She headlines at clubs such as Yoshi’s, the RRazz Room, Feinstein’s and SF Jazz and plays in Los Angeles and New York where she has recorded and performed with A-list musicians at premier venues. She toured in Asia for a year which included a stint at Tokyo’s famous New York Bar.
“I’ve found myself in a variety of situations. It keeps things interesting. From fronting big bands to singing in tiny venues with my duo, I love it all.” Sony has performed the National Anthem for the S.F. Giants and L.A. Dodgers. She has released several critically acclaimed CDs that have landed her on the national jazz charts. The SF Chronicle calls her ‘a decidedly modern jazz diva’ and the LA Times proclaimed that her voice ‘drips with honey’. The Minnesota born singer never stops working at her craft.
Recently Sony has been performing tribute concerts to Linda Ronstadt and Dusty Springfield for enthusiastic audiences. “This was something that started out as a personal vocal challenge during the pandemic. Learning and covering both repertoires wasn’t easy, but it’s gotten me to use parts of my voice I didn’t even know I had!” She’s also been using her unique blend of vocal power and finesse to sing original songs written by her guitarist/husband, Jerry Holland. The couple met on a blind date in Nashville shortly after Jerry’s song ‘Friends’ hit the top of the Billboard Country charts for Atlantic artist, John Michael Montgomery.
Through it all she’s discovered that fans respond to good music whatever the genre. “I want to put on a good show for my audience every time I walk on stage. That’s the reward I get for all of the work I do before the first note of each performance.”