PUBlication: Hops & Hounds

The Sonoma Humane Society and Lagunitas are teaming up for an event to benefit animals at the shelter. Bring your woofer and enjoy live music and tasty libations. This event begins at 5:30 and runs until 8:30pm. Tickets cost $20 and includes your meal, photo booth debauchery, plus a chance to win some cool prizes. Help support our local Humane Society, which is awesome by the way. All beer and wine proceeds will go to Sonoma Humane. See you at the Hops & Hounds event Tuesday, June 30th. Tickets will be available at the door or by clicking here. Enjoy.

eightychoices.

Houndmouth | Great American

Houndmouth | GAMH | 6.23.15

Rock and roll is not dead. It resides in the lesser known avenues of current music. One such place of refuge is Houndmouth—dare I say Indiana's finest? All four members are able to take on the roll of vocalist, reminding me of The Band. Their catalog is still growing and yet their young canon of songs are somehow familiar. I liken their brand of songwriting to that of Tom Petty. High praise for quartet still carving a path. 

Their level of confidence has risen since the last time I saw them. They seem more comfortable on stage, especially the unsung guitar hero and bassist. Over the course of the evening we were treated to a balanced serving of songs from both albums—blending the night's energy well.

The first song, "Black Gold," is from their recent release, Little Neon Limelight. The vocals were impressive. Soon thereafter they blitz the crowd with "15 years" and "Comin' Down Again." Both numbers were straight-up rock and roll. The guitar work on "Palmyra," and the prancing for that matter, was very Prince-like. Then came the shred. "Casino (Bad Things)" was just a blistering wave of clean, powerful music. 

If California's burgeoning agriculture scene needed an anthem, it might just be "Sedona." With a chorus of, you've got the cash but your credit's no good. Ya flipped the script and shot the plot, it seems to fit the bill. The buzz of the organ felt cool like a breeze, juxtaposing the hot guitar riffs. This one was a highlight of the set. 

Matt Myers ability became fully apparent during 'Darlin'. For those of us who hanker for effortless guitar chops, this guy can bring it. "Say It" reminded us all to, say it like you mean it. Closing out the mega-set was, "My Cousin Greg." I'd like to think I'm living a life based on this songs' mantra—if you want to live the good life, you better stay away from the limelight.

Matt returned to the stage by himself for the first encore, performing a candid version of, "For No One," another one of my favorites. The rest of the band came out for "Houston Train." The lyrics of this song feel like mistakes made when you don't have what you want. Houndmouth ended the night with a classic from 1961. Dion's "Runaround Sue" sent the Great American crowd into the night on a nostalgic high. They pushed us into having fun, taking us places that were both new and classic. 

eightychoices.

Set list: Black Gold, On the Road, 15 years, Comin' Around Again, Palmyra, Casino (Bad Things), Honey Slider, Sedona, Hey Rose, Darlin', Say It, Penitentiary, Gasoline, Greg, E: For No One, Houston Train, Runaround Sue

Leon Bridges

Leon Bridges | Coming Home | 6.23.15

Bridging the generation gap on his debut album, Coming Home, Leon Bridges is breaking new ground in yesteryears' sound. The title track leads off with feeling, warmth surrounds what you're hearing. I felt it as much as I heard it. On the next track, "Better Man," he tries to sooth, singing, 'I'd swim the Mississippi River, if you would give me another start.' Those words juxtapose nicely with the do woo of backup singers. Other songs pull instantly on the personal strings of nostalgia. One of those coaxing elixirs is "Lisa Sawyer," another is the final track, "River." This Record drops June 23rd. Don't be late in experiencing young Mr. Bridges deeply rooted American music. 

eightychoices.

PUBlication: California Beer Festival

Do you enjoy beautiful scenery, epic beer and nice weather? Of course you do, there's probably something wrong with you if you don't like those things. Therefore, if you have an extra $50, maybe there's a trip to Marin in your future—so you too can drink and be merry. The California Beer Festival takes place at Stafford Lake in Novato this Saturday. (1:00-5:00pm). Drink Responsibly. 

eightychoices.

Cloverdale Concerts

Cloverdale | CA

Friday night live is a weekly event at the Plaza in Cloverdale. These free concerts begin at 7:00pm. This summer's lineup hosts a plethora of artists, most are local, some are well-known. Thanks to the Cloverdale arts alliance for curating such a cool endeavor. The farmers market accompanies each live show, getting under way at 5:30pm.

This Friday (June 19th) JP Harris & the Tough Choices play their own brand of Nashville country. Some of the other artists I'd like to catch are Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds (July 3rd), El Radio Fantastique (July 10th), The Stone Foxes (July 17th), Orgone (July 31st) and The Mother Hips (August 7th). This weekly series runs through September 4th and is often sponsored by a winery or vineyard. Free music is worth the drive.

eightychoices.

PUBlication: Brew Detective

AleSmith Brewing Company

Thank you San Diego, your bounty runneth over. AleSmith Brewing Company creates a flavor profile in their X-Extra Pale Ale that could lead to addiction. It may have an appearance that is light-gold when poured, but don't let its looks fool you.

A crisp cleanliness is produced in color and taste. There's a grainy quality that works in cooperation with the slight hop bitterness and notes of citrus. The X-Extra Pale Ale is a strong candidate for representing what an American pale ale should taste like. Locally I'm able to score this delicious ale in a 22 ounce bottle. 5.25% | 35 IBU

eightychoices.