AS WE ENTER the first weekend of March with spring just around the corner, the live music scene is healthy and getting stronger with two new venues SEmD or rather two former venues re-entering the scene.
The first will be the underground venue at Kokopelli’s, last used when it was La Casita.
I remember when Maria Muldaur performed a couple shows there.
The second will be the former Lyre’s Club, reopening later in the month as Bar N9ne, remodeled and enlarged.
More on both next week.
Port Angeles
• Tim Halpin and the Better Half bring their funky blues rock to the Junction Roadhouse, junction of U.S. Highway 101 and state Highway 112 five miles west of Port Angeles, Friday at SEmD and get this SEmD 8:30 p.m. So come on by a little earlier so you won’t miss his superb guitar licks. $5 cover.
Wednesday is Deschutes Appreciation Night with free goodies and beer specials from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Good Medicine Band with Jason, Ches and Justin will play from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This is a good way to spend Hump Day.
On Sunday, Barry Burnett invites you to come out early and dance to a variety of music during the open mic jam from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Jimmy Hoffman and his band return to Castaways Restaurant and Night Club, 1213 Marine Drive, Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., playing their signature country originals and covers for a full night of dancing. $3 cover.
• On Saturday, Sarah Shea returns to Wine on the Waterfront, 115 Railroad Ave., following her triumphant appearance in the far-off-Broadway reprisal of “Cabaret.” Stop in from 7:30 p.m. and find out how well she delivers your favorite songs from the great American songbook. $3 cover.
• Charlie Ferris and his Melodies and Memories Show return once again to the Bushwhacker Restaurant, 1527 E. First St., Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.-plus.
• On Wednesday, get another uplifting dose of Charlie Ferris at Kokopelli’s from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• On Saturday, at the Coo Coo Nest, 1017 E. First St., three bands SEmD Amsterjam, Chyeah Chyeah and Man of the Woods SEmD rock from 8 p.m.
• On Friday night, The Veela Cafe, 133 E. First St., has Jim Lind providing both rock and country, fast and slow, from his impressive repertoire, from 7:30 p.m.
• On Tuesday, Chuck Grall and Wanda Umbehocker will be hosting the acoustic jam at the Fairmount Restaurant, on U.S. Highway 101 west of Port Angeles, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., while Dave and Rosalie Secord of Luck of the Draw Band are on the road with their music.
Sequim and Blyn
• Tonight and every Thursday night at the Oasis Sports Bar and Grill, 301 E. Washington St., Chantilly Lace will host an open mic jam open to all musicians, bands and vocalists, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
On Friday, Chantilly Lace returns for a night of dancing with rock and country tunes from the ’50s to the present, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. At a recent benefit, Northwest blues giant Andy Koch of the Badd Bog Blues Society said he hasn’t had as much fun in a long time as he had sitting in with Chantilly Lace. Skidder Hill opens with old-time and country from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Next Wednesday, Final Approach flies in with some boomer music from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• At The Buzz, 128 N. Sequim Ave., Kelly Thomas hosts the very popular open mic Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Denny Secord Jr. goes solo Friday with country favorites at Stymies Bar & Grill at Cedars at Dungeness, Woodcock Road, for your dining pleasure from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• On Friday, popular Club Seven dance band The Goods plays at 7 Cedars Casino, Blyn, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On Saturday, catch the Tribute to the ’80s with That 80’s Show with great music and costumes from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On Sunday, Denny Secord Jr. and Haywire get your country up from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
On Monday, the Dukes of Dabob play Dixieland jazz from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for your dancing pleasure.
Port Hadlock
• Tonight at the Ajax Cafe, 271 Water St., Buzz Rogowski plays jazz and originals on piano from 6.
On Sunday, Jim Nyby plays blues, ballads, jazz and soul from 5:30 p.m.
• Former Port Townsend residents Bruce and Susan Abraham-Mately (aka Nevada Slim and Cimarron Sue) will perform Sunday at Ferino’s Pizza, 846 Nesses Corner Road, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is likely their only appearance in Jefferson County in 2010. Their new CD, “Westerners,” will be available and — wake up, little Susie — they will have a special tribute to the Everly Brothers.
Port Townsend
• Tonight at The Upstage, 923 Washington St., ukulele and mandolin master Lil Rev performs from 7:30 p.m. for your dining and dancing pleasure. $5 cover.
On Friday, 3 Leg Torso mixes tango, chamber, Latin and world music into a jazz-jumping-genre mix at 8 p.m. $8 cover.
On Saturday, dance to the Blues Counselors from 8 p.m. $8 cover.
On Sunday, come out early and dance to Zydeco Explosion from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. $8 cover.
Call 360-385-2216 for reservations.
• On Friday, enjoy the acoustic roots and blues music of Bitter Roots from 9 p.m. at Water Street Brewing, 639 Water St. Cover.
On Saturday, jazzy rock ‘n’ roll prevails from 9 p.m. with the music of the Brad Gibson Trio.
• Sirens Pub, 823 Water St., has local favorite Locust Street Taxi coming by at 9 p.m. for a great show. $5 cover. Earlier Browne and Gilbert perform from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On Saturday, enjoy the music of BluMeadows from 9 p.m. $5 cover.
• The Blue Crows caw again on Saturday when George Rezendes, guitar, and John Morton, clarinet, are joined by Fred Nussbaum, cello, for an evening of rags, blues and early jazz at the Undertown, 211 Taylor St., from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Music News
Deadwood Revival plays for their first ever contra dance Saturday night at the Black Diamond Community Hall, 1942 Black Diamond Road, in Port Angeles from 8 p.m. There will be a beginner’s dance workshop at 7:30 p.m. Joe Michaels from Seattle will do the calling. Cover.
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John Nelson is a self-styled music lover and compulsive night owl who believes in SDLqKLMA — Keep Live Music Alive” on the North Olympic Peninsula. His column, Live Music, appears every Thursday.
Are you performing in or promoting a live music gig? Contact John by phoning 360-565-1139 or e-mailing news@peninsuladailynews.com (subject line: John Nelson).
Also, check out “Nightlife,” a listing of entertainment at nightspots across the Peninsula, in Friday’s Peninsula Spotlight magazine.