TOP PICKS

Top Shows (week of 12/15)

Great concerts & shows coming to a stage near you!

Our Top Picks

Recommendation  #1
Sweetwater Music Hall

The Christmas Jug Band returns to Sweetwater this Thursday. The tradition began in 1977 at the Old Mill Tavern (where the Corner Bar now is) and moved to the Sweetwater in the mid-'80s... 

The Christmas Jug Band are stalwart purveyors of the jug-a-billy mystique! A tongue-in-cheek seasonal convergence of Bay Area musical luminaries – the CJB has assembled a cast of characters to bring you musical holiday wackiness. The band features players from Back pOrchEstra“The Hot Licks” (Dan Hick’s band), Marty Balin, Those Darn Accordions and New Orleans Nightcrawlers. Performing this year are Greg Dewey, Tim Eschliman, Paul Rogers, Snakebite Jacobs, Candy Girard, Paul Robinson, and Blake Richardson.

 

The show will include mostly CJB tunes, plus a good handful of Dan’s humorous holiday tunes, some of his other classics, and a few Back pOrchEstra ditties as well.

***

Tickets: $33.48

GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Thursday, December 18th. Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
Recommendation #2
Eria Café

Eria Café is hosting Thursday Salsa Night — Sausalito’s newest Latin dance experience.

DJ Franklin will light up the room with the hottest salsa, bachata, and Latin fusion tracks—perfect for dancers of every level. Whether you’re a seasoned salsero or just looking to try something fun and new, this is your night to shine.

Kick things off with a free beginner-friendly dance class from 7:15pm – 7:45pm. The Salsa Dance Marin Team will get you moving with style—learn a few new steps, loosen up, and warm up before the party really takes off.

Expect great music, friendly vibes, and a dance floor full of energy. Come solo, bring friends, or meet new ones—everyone’s welcome.

***

Tickets$15 (advance); $20 (at the door)

GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Thursday, December 18th: 7pm - 11pm. Dance Class: 7:15pm - 7:45pm
Recommendation #3
HopMonk Tavern

Experience the ultimate Duran Duran Tribute this Friday at HopMonk! 

New Moon on Monday isn’t just another tribute band—they’re a full-throttle celebration of everything Duran Duran. For true fans of the Fab Five, this is the real deal: no cheesy wigs, no cut corners—just pure style, sound, and spectacle. Masters of both the music and the moment, New Moon on Monday channels the iconic energy of the New Romantic era with stunning accuracy. From mega-hits like “Girls on Film” to fan-favorite deep cuts like “Hold Back the Rain,” every performance is packed with passion, precision, and unmistakable swagger.

The band also brings Duran’s legendary glam to life, drawing inspiration from trailblazers like Vivienne Westwood to deliver a visual feast as fierce as the music itself. It’s more than a concert—it’s an immersive, era-defining experience.

***

Tickets: $26.94

GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Saturday, December 20th. Doors: 7pm / Show: 8pm
Recommendation #4
Rancho Nicasio

Step into the golden age of jazz for a soulful holiday evening celebrating two of music’s most iconic voices—Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

Singer Stella Heath and her stellar quintet pay loving tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, the First Lady of Song, weaving her timeless melodies with rich historical insights and captivating stories that bring her legacy to life.

The evening also shines a spotlight on Billie Holiday—“Lady Day” herself. Wrapped in mystery and raw emotion, Billie had a rare gift for making every song feel deeply personal, as if she were singing directly to you. Featuring some of the Bay Area’s finest jazz musicians, Stella’s quintet recreates the electric intimacy of a 1930s jazz club, performing beloved standards like “Blue Moon,” “Billie’s Blues,” and “Strange Fruit,” alongside lesser-known gems from Billie’s early catalog. Stories from Billie’s life are woven throughout the performance, adding depth and heart to the music.

Celebrate the season with timeless songs, rich stories, and the unmistakable glow of jazz!

***

 Tickets: $32 (admission only; dinner not included)

GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Saturday, December 20th. Dinner Reservations: 6pm – 8pm / Show: 7:30pm
Recommendation #5
Smiley's Schooner Saloon

Marty O’Reilly is performing a solo show this Saturday at Smiley's Schooner Saloon.

O'Reilly crafts timeless music that’s raw, soulful, and deeply rooted in Americana. Inspired by legends like Woody Guthrie, Howlin’ Wolf, and Sister Rosetta Thorpe, his sound captivates and connects. Known for his cathartic live performances—ranging from soft and haunting to wild and electric—Marty’s songs delve into love, loss, and connection. Over years of relentless touring, he’s built a dedicated following, performing with artists like Shakey Graves and at festivals like Bottlerock. Honest and real, Marty’s music stays with you long after you hear it.

***

Tickets: $20 (advance); $25 (at the door)

** If online tickets sell out, there will be limited tickets at the door.

Standing room only. Kitchen closes at 8pm.

GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Saturday, December 20th: 8:30pm - 11pm
Recommendation #6
Lark Theater

The Lark is hosting SIMPLY SAID - a spoken word series fashioned after NPR's "The Moth Radio Hour" this Tuesday. 

The SIMPLY SAID series is held every third Tuesday of the month and hosted by Corey Rosen. Each show features a lineup of experienced storytellers, blended with opportunities for audience members to put their name in “the hat” to tell their own story on the monthly theme. December's theme is "VACATION." Sure, “vacation” might mean boarding passes, sandy beaches, or a packed car heading up the coast. But vacations can take many forms: the weekend you finally did nothing, the moment you mentally checked out of a job, the break you didn’t ask for, the escape you needed, or the unexpected detour that changed you.

How it Works:

Stories must be 5 minutes or less, spoken aloud, just plain-spoken word about something you have experienced personally. This is spontaneous with no auditions or rehearsals. If you wish to tell a story, just put your name in a hat! 

***

Tickets: $25 (General Admission); $12 (Students with ID)

GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Tuesday, December 16th: 7pm - 9pm
Recommendation #7
GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Recommendation #8
GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Recommendation #9
GET MORE INFO
HOURS:
Recommendation #10
GET MORE INFO
HOURS: