The Sweetwater Music Hall says goodbye to its largely music-free 17 months this weekend, returning to a blistering live concert schedule fitting for a venue that has been a central piece of the legendary Mill Valley music scene for nearly five decades.
With the more recent debut of its newly covered outdoor patio and the opening last month of its new Rock & Rye restaurant from acclaimed chef Rick Hackett (now expanded to include brunch on Saturday and Sunday, 10am-3pmm, with live music on the patio from 11:30am-2.30pm –FULL MENU HERE), the stage is set – both literally and figuratively. George Porter Jr. and his band Runnin’ Pardners kick things off on Friday, Sept. 3 with a two-night run, followed up on Sept. 5 by some Bourbon Street Swing from Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers (at top left), who are donating a portion of the proceeds from the show this to Disaster Relief in New Orleans to support those hit by the effects of Hurricane Ida.
Natalie Cressman and Ian Faquini (at top right) take the stage on Wednesday, Sept. 8 with their new duo project, drawing from impressionism, jazz, and the great Brazilian songwriting tradition to create a uniquely intimate collaboration. The lineup of shows runs well into November, including local favorites like Koolerator, Petty Theft, Mustache Harbor, Zepparella, Super Diamond, The Mother Hips and renowned mandolinist David Grisman.
As is the case at major venues throughout the Bay and beyond, plenty of precautions due to the COVID-19 crisis will be in place, according to general manager Maria Hoppe. The Sweetwater requires a proof of vaccination or negative PCR test within 48 hours of attendance of a live show, and the need for such precaution hit home this month when a vaccinated person died of COVID-19 after attending a live show at the No Name bar in Sausalito. The bar is now requiring that all patrons wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.
Those requirements match that of Another Planet Entertainment, whose venues include the Independent and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, Greek Theatre in Berkeley, and Fox Theater in Oakland. Venues like Bottom of the Hill, Broadway SF, The Chapel, Chase Center, Freight & Salvage, Great American Music Hall, Marin Theatre Company, Hopmonk Tavern, SF Jazz Center, The UC Theatre, and many more. To access the state’s QR code system and create your digital passprt record, GO HERE.