Explore Marin’s music scene at some of our favorite venues. Here’s the best live performances happening in May.
The Coffis Brothers
May 4
Peri’s Tavern
Show 8 p.m. — $10 at door
The Coffis Brothers, a beloved Santa Cruz band, are sharing songs from their latest album, “Turn My Radio Up,” which was recorded at producer Tim Bluhm’s (Mother Hips) home studio in Marin County.
Vinyl celebrates drummer Lex Razon’s Birthday
May 5
Peri’s Tavern
Show 8 p.m. — $20 advance tickets
Come to Peri’s to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and star drummer Lex’s birthday. Local band Vinyl, renowned for its 25 year reign in the Marin rock scene, will also be featuring Fred Ross from Cold Blood and Tower of Power.
Prezident Brown & the Isound + Towerful Band
May 6
Peri’s Tavern
Show 9 p.m. — $25 advance tickets
This promises to be a special night, as this will be the first performance of a Jamaican artist in Fairfax in many years. Prezident Brown is a roots reggae singer who’s spent the last two decades uplifting audiences with messages of love and consciousness around the country.
Marty O’Reilly
May 7
Smiley’s Saloon
Show 3 p.m. — $15 advance tickets
You might know Bay Area musician Marty O’Reilly from his work with The Old Soul Orchestra; if not, check out their Humboldt Live Session on YouTube to get the full flavor of his blues-y, gritty, genre-bending sound. Appearing at Smiley’s to promote his latest album, “Signal Fires,” there’s no better way to spend your Sunday afternoon.
John Craigie
May 10 and 11
Sweetwater Music Hall
Doors 7 p.m. / Show 8 p.m. — $25 standing/ $30 seated
Hailed as a “modern-day troubadour” in the style of Woody Guthrie, this Portland-based artist has been entertaining audiences world-wide with his incredibly funny lead-in’s to beautifully rich and tender songs. Most notably, he has opened for Jack Johnson. This two night run features Craigie covering the Beatles’ album Revolver (Lonely).
Graham Parker
May 12
HopMonk Novato
Show 8 p.m. — $48
Best known as the lead singer of Graham Parker and the Rumour, British singer-songwriter Parker has been creating music since 1975 and rose to fame in the ‘80s with hits like “Temporary Beauty” and “Wake Up (Next to You).”
Luvplanet
May 12
Rancho Nicasio
Dinner reservation 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m./ Show 7:30 p.m. — $23
Together since 1999 and led by singer/guitarist Nicole Sutton and singer/guitarist Mark McGee, Luvplanet has recorded over seven albums and guarantees a night of rock and roll fun.
Mill Valley Music Festival
May 13-14
Friends Field
2 Day General Admission $259, 1 Day $139, discounts for teens and seniors
The Mill Valley Music Festival features a heady, multi-genre mix of diverse national acts and local lights, coupled with world-class food, drink and art. Hosted by the Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce (with Noise Pop Industries) this all-ages art and culture festival offers an impressive lineup this year including Cake, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew: Remain in light, and more.
Jeremy D’Antonio, Darren Nelson & Friends
May 14
Papermill Creek Saloon
Show 6 p.m. — $10
These local favorites are teaming up once again to offer a night of Americana music — the special guest stars always round out the evening for a fantastic rockin’ night.
Pete Floyd
May 19
Sweetwater Music Hall
Doors 8 p.m./ Show 9 p.m. — $20
Pete Floyd is an 8-piece band from NorCal fronted by Pete Delaniey and including the musical stylings of singers Paige Clem (Mo’lasses) and Teal Collins (The Mother Truckers). Established in 2021, this Pink Floyd tribute band is already a Bay Area favorite.
Gold Dust Brothers feat. Jordan Feinstein & Hall Pass
May 19
HopMonk Novato
Doors 7 p.m./ Show 8 p.m. — $15
Both bands are local cover bands (Dad bands, if you will, and high quality ones at that) that honed their chops through Covid and have since taken the local bar scene by storm. Count on stellar solos, tight harmonies and audience participation.
Anna Moss & the Nightshades
May 20
HopMonk Novato
Doors 7 p.m./ Show 8 p.m. — $20
Born in Arkansas, Anna Moss toured the world playing in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe before coming back to the U.S. and settling in New Orleans. With a voice filled with spirit and grit — and roots in the folk and festival scenes in North America — Anna takes her audience on a soulful journey rich in sound.
Everyone Orchestra
May 20
Sweetwater Music Hall
Doors 8 p.m./ Show 9 p.m. — $32
Everyone Orchestra is a unique musical experience you won’t want to miss. An evening with EO means watching world-renowned musicians on stage being led by master conductor Matt Butler in a spontaneous evening of fully improvised music. Sweetwater’s performance features Dan Lebowitz (ALO), Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band), Grahame Lesh (Terrapin Family Band) and more.
Steve Pile Duo
May 21
The Junction
Show 2 p.m. — free
The spring/summer Sunday outdoor concert series is back for an incredible season at The Junction, and May 21 features the music of Sonoma County-based musician Steve Pile. Known for both his original music as well orchestrating star-studded tribute shows, his vocals have been compared to James Taylor.
Illeagles
May 26
Sweetwater Music Hall
Doors 8 p.m./ Show 9 p.m. — $26
Founded in 2016, the Illeagles are a high-energy Eagles tribute band that regularly sells out shows in the Bay Area.
Sirsy
May 26
Papermill Creek Saloon
Show 8:30 p.m. — $10
Sirsy is a rock-pop duo based in upstate New York, described by both Boston Globe and SXSW as a little band with a big sound. They’ve been touring for 15 years and have played every state except Alaska — this tour promotes their latest release, Seven Seas.
Emilie Rohrbach has taught music and theater to grades pre-school through 8th in San Francisco and Marin counties for the last 20 years. She has been a freelance writer for Divine Caroline for five years, and her writing has appeared in Narratively, Hippocampus, Common Ground, Travelers’ Tales, and Marin Magazine, among others. She is passionate about Room to Read, Shanti Bhavan, and Destiny Arts and serves on the board of Knighthorse Theatre Company.
