Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Ed Neff and Friends

If you like traditional bluegrass and haven't heard of The Willowbrook Ale House, you're in for a very pleasant treat. Every Thursday evening at 3600 Petaluma Blvd. North (just north of Corona Road) Ed Neff, ( www.edneff.com) and Friends (really Blue and Lonesome but sometimes with a different banjo player or guitar player) play some of the best trad. bluegrass you're ever gong to hear.
These guys (Ed on mandolin, Jeff King on bass, Mike Wilhoyte on guitar, Larry Cohea on banjo and Paul Shelasky on fiddle) are true professionals. They've all been playing in various and sundry bands around the bay area and beyond for decades and their expertise shows through every time they start playing.
This is not the jam band "new grass" acoustic music that resembles bluegrass but the straight dope. You'll hear Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, Jimmy Martin, Flat and Scruggs, The Osborne Brothers, Jim and Jesse and The Carter Family just to name a few.
I'd like to say that this is a rare opportunity but the fact is that they play every Thursday night so that part is not too rare. However, to have such an accomplished band as this in our very backyard is something special and when the band is cookin' (which is usually every week) it's not to be missed.
Do yourself a favor and take some time out to see these guys. The music starts at around 6:30pm and goes til about 9:30pm. It's not a real late night so Friday morning won't be so bad.
The Willowbrook has a full bar and serves meals. There are pool tables and dice games on the bar. (just thought I'd warn you)
Anyway, check out this fabulous band and you won't be disappointed.