The West End Neighborhood is “home” to many resident artists- from songwriters to musicians to artists in various mediums. One of the best benefits of living here is the opportunity to appreciate the skill, inventiveness and the gifts of our own neighborhood community. Put these dates on your calendar!

August 4th, Wednesday 6 p.m.- West End songwriter Ken Risling has qualified for the Petaluma West Coast Songwriters Playoff which will be at the Mystic Theater, Petaluma. Ken will perform one of his songs, accompanied by his very talented daughter, Oona Risling-Sholl. Joining him will be nine other talented songwriters as they all vie for “Best Song of the Year” recognition. Mystic Theater, Petaluma

August 5th, Thursday 7:30 p.m.- D. G. Sculpture Studio and Gallery invites you to attend a musical celebration with visionary musician Manfred Bleffert. This artist has has dedicated his life to developing new music. Although his compositions come out of the stream of 20th century new music, his studies have encompassed music from all cultures and times. D. G. Sculpture Studio and Gallery is owned by West End sculptor Daniel Graham 25 A Maxwell Court, Santa Rosa

August 20th, Friday 9:30 p.m.- Amber Lee and the Anomalies will perform at Toad in the Hole. Amber Lee is an accordion-ista and singer-songwriter and has recently finished a European tour. Fans can also see Amber on August 21st at the Cotati Accordion Festival

August 21st, Saturday 4-6 p.m. – Artist Reception for West End Artist- William Smith’s show “One Across the Bow”. Join your friends, neighbors and enthusiastic art fans at The Quicksilver Mine Co. Show for the Artist Reception. This solo show will run from August 20th to September 26th. The Quicksilver Mine Co. 6671 Front St./Hwy 116  Downtown  Forestville  William Smith- Killing Time Studios

William Smith- One Across the Bow

August 27th, Friday 8:30 p.m.- West Enders Ken Risling and Avery Risling-Sholl will be back at Aroma Roasters. By popular demand, they will be performing their mix of traditional Celtic and American, featuring Avery’s vocals and fiddle and Ken’s award winning original songs. Aroma Roasters

August 28th, Saturday 9:30 p.m.- The return of the Santa Rosa Gong Show- hosted by Kelly Cowan. This is a live version of the T.V. show featuring local talent.  PERFORMERS needed! Do you have an act only your mother could love? Contact Jacqueline Smith. Toad in the Hole

August 28th, Saturday 8 p.m.- The Blasters . This band has won the hearts and souls of fans worldwide for over three decades. Composed of founding members vocalist-guitarist Phil Alvin, drummer Bill Bateman and bassist John Bazz with Keith Wyatt on guitar, they carry on a hard-won legacy as one of the most recognizable and credible bands in American Music. iSpecial guest band Quarter Mile Combo. You hear pure rockin’ Americana Rockabilly from this 4 piece act! The Quarter Mile Combos backbone is kept solid by drummer Gary Daly, and Todd Troublemaker’s upright bass slappin’. The West End’s own Justin Barr slings sweeping guitar solos and riffs alongside powerhouse vocalist, front woman, Nettie Hammar. With their recent release of “Motels, Gas and Beer”, The Quarter Mile Combo’s live show will take you down an electrifying winding road of good time rock n roll! Hopmonk Tavern

Quarter Mile Combo

Are you a West End performer, artist or other talented individual? Don’t be shy! Share your performance dates and events with the neighborhood. We want to support you. Contact Lea Barron-Thomas at  westend @sonic.net

More West End talent and events  next week, all events now listed on calendar.