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Words by: Andy Gadiel | Images by: Josh Miller (Saturday) & Bob Minkin (Sunday)

Steve Kimock & Friends :: 01.28.12-01.29.12 :: Sweetwater Music Hall :: Mill Valley, CA

Photo gallery below review and setlists!

Steve Kimock @ Sweetwater by Josh Miller

Live music returned to downtown Mill Valley this past weekend as the newly renovated Sweetwater Music Hall opened its doors to the public. Just a stone’s throw away from the old Saloon, the nightclub includes a state of the art Meyer sound system, a beautiful bar and decadent cafe featuring renowned chef-restaurateur Gordon Drysdale (see full write-up here). While located in an idyllic, sleepy town just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the walls, lights and exposed ceiling make the Sweetwater Music Hall feel like it could be a late night jazz club on the lower east side of Manhattan. There is little doubt that this venue and music community center will quickly become a rite of passage for any sized touring artist passing through town, or local legends just looking to sync back up with their friends.

Steve Kimock christened the first weekend by inviting some of his longtime musical friends to join him for a stellar musical double header. Guest musicians included a core group of Bobby Vega (bass), Jeff Chimenti (keys) and Prairie Prince (drums) who were join by Tim Hockenberry the first night and Bob Weir, Dave Ellis and Ray White (Frank Zappa, KVHW) for night two. Weir’s guest appearance at Sunday night’s show was the first of what will likely be many special sit-ins at the new hometown club, as he’s not only a local but was instrumental in helping to re-launch the Sweetwater. Ray White has rejoined Kimock on stage a couple of times over the past few years in Denver, but last night represented the first time Bay Area fans were treated to the sounds of the KVHW classic songs in over a decade. Kimock’s history in the Bay Area is well known, and it felt ever-appropriate for the guitar virtuoso to host the first two night stand at the new club, elevating the room to a special level of musical master class that will set a tone and standard for future performances.

January 28 Setlist

Set I: Rigor Mortis, Ice Cream, Baby Baby, Severe Tire Damage, Anorexia, You’re the One

Set II: Cole’s Law > Tangled Hangers, 5b4 Funk, Feelin Alright, Berm, Hillbillies on PCP

January 29 Setlist

Set I: Nanas Chalk Pipe, Thing One*, Good Mornin Lil Schoolgirl*, Dark Star* > Scarlet Begonias*, Goin Down The Road Feeling Bad

Set II: Spring Water, Point of No Return, Merles Boogie/Superbad, Ring around the Moon, Shotgun House

E: Its Your Thing

*w/Bob Weir and Dave Ellis
Ray White sat in for the whole second set
Dave Ellis sat in for the whole second set except Spring Water

1/28/12 – 1/29/12 – Steve Kimock and Friends @ Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley, CA) View Photos

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