Talented musicians have historically gathered in the Russian River Resort Area to play for enthusiastic crowds enjoying the region’s beaches.
Perhaps one of the busiest episodes in local history was during The Big Band Era, when the most popular bands of the time played at multiple venues along the lower Russian River. Artists like Buddy Rogers, Duke Ellington, Harry James, Teresa Brewer and Woody Herman were no strangers to Sonoma County.
Clare Harris, owner of Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville, was the manager of the Rio Nido Dance Hall, one of many dance halls that hosted live bands and attracted a full house back in the day. Although the official dance halls are no longer there, Harris is still a centerpiece of the local resort and music scene with today’s Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival taking place at Johnson’s Beach.
“It’s a way to give back to the community that has been so good to myself and the Harris family,” said Harris.
The festival, put on by Omega Events, draws about 12,000 people to the area annually, packing local hotels and restaurants. This year’s Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22, with doors opening at 10 a.m. and music commencing at 6 p.m. each day.
Plenty of big names still make it to the area. This year, Jeffrey Osborne, Ledisi, Euge Groove, Gregory Porter, Boz Scaggs, Robert Cray Band, Los Lobos, California Honeydrops, Shane Dwight and Robert Thomas will perform at this year’s Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival.
Boz Scaggs and Los Lobos are sure to be at the top of many lists. “Los Lobos is one of my favorite bands and I’ve been a big fan for years,” said Doug Leibinger, director of jazz studies at Sonoma State University. “Kiko” is Leibinger’s favorite album, and he appreciates the way Los Lobos creatively and constantly strives for something different.
Los Lobos has been together 40 years, producing more than 24 albums and performing thousands of shows around the world. “They capture the sound of who they are – East L.A.,” added Leibinger.
In the past, the Doobie Brothers, David Sandborn, Al Jarreau and Etta James have all graced the Russian River with their musical presence, deepening the musical roots already carved into the watery channel.
“I can’t think of a cooler place to have this festival, and it’s great that the community supports it because events like this are getting harder and harder to do,” said Leibinger about the Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival.
Music on the Beach
One of the many beauties of music on the beach is, of course, the opportunity for water activity and the ability to cool off if things get hot. Johnson’s beach rents canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, umbrellas and beach chairs. A free boat launch is also available during business hours. There is a snack bar on the beach and beer is for sale at the boathouse, but cash is the way to go here as debit and credit cards are not accepted.
“There truly is no better location than Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville. Many festivals take place on pavement, dirt or grass fields, but attendees at Russian River enjoy music along the sandy beach and fans have been known to listen to the music from rafts as they float along the river,” said Lex Davies of Omega Events.
A Wine Garden equipped with a shaded seating area for relaxing or a grassy section for dancing is also on tap for festival attendees. Presented by Rodney Strong Vineyards, the Wine Garden offers three tastes of premium local wines for $10. Proceeds from the wine booth benefit Food For Thought (FFT) and Sonoma County’s Aids Food Bank.
FFT volunteers will be pouring the wines. “I never have any trouble staffing this event,” said FFT Volunteer Manager Elisa Baker. For 10 years she’s been attending the event. “People have a really good time,” Baker added, noting she’s grateful for the support that helps to fund the food bank’s general operations.
The event also boasts an International Food Court featuring everything from Thai Barbecue to catfish and jambalaya. A Vendor Village at the festival will be the place to find art, apparel, unique gifts, keepsakes and souvenirs from the Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival.
Those traveling from out of town might want to consider camping or renting a cabin-type room for the weekend’s events. Johnson’s Beach campground and rustic rooms were built in the 1920s and are one of many options in town.
General admission tickets are $50 for a single day or $80 for two days when purchased online at www.russianriverfestival.com. Tickets can also be purchased at select locations in Sonoma County or by calling Omega Events Box Office at 707-869-1595. General admission is open seating; bringing a blanket and low-back chair is recommended. High-back chairs and umbrellas must remain on the outer perimeter to protect visibility for those sitting behind. Gold tickets offer reserved seating for $100 for a single day and $180 for two days.
Various options, packages and pricing for seating and tickets available can be on the event website.
Festival Line Up
Saturday, September 21
Jeffrey Osborne, Ledisi,
Euge Groove, Gregory Porter
Sunday, September 22
Boz Scaggs, Robert Cray Band,
Los Lobos, California Honeydrops, Shane Dwight, Robert Thomas
Johnson’s Beach and Resort
16241 First Street, Guerneville
869-2011, www.johnsonsbeach.com.
