| Arts and Entertainment - Friday, September 28, 2007
Music: Last call
Sweetwater closes out tabs at 153 Throckmorton
by Matt Kramer
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After the Sweetwater ended its public performances last weekend, the doors opened Monday for a semi-private farewell evening that was all about celebrating the legacy of the long-lived saloon. After the doors opened promptly at 7pm—but before Ramblin' Jack Elliott humbly led into the night's musical performances—I heard the word "bittersweet" come out of the mouths of a few attendees. But I also witnessed, and experienced, a few happy reunions with people who hadn't crossed paths in years. Sweetwater T-shirts and sweatshirts were prominent among the partygoers, and a few folks sported varsity-style Sweetwater jackets from the 1970s. For me, the sole disappointment of the evening was the empty wall, stage left, where the recently stolen quilt had hung for so long. But if the Sweetwater can survive losing its lease (and it can), then the wet blanket who made off with that quilt is a mere annoyance. And I tip my hat—as I saw Ramblin' Jack do much later in the evening to an onstage Bob Weir—to whoever tacked onto that bare wall the album cover (by local funksters Vinyl) that features an image of the distinctive quilt.
Among the maelstrom of conjecture, some pre-show rumors proved true. Early in the evening, it was announced that Sweetwater owners Becky and Thom Steere had something significant to say. They'd both been visible in the crowded club, chatting with and hugging friends and fans, since the opening of the doors. Perhaps it was from their celebratory demeanor—and that of their longtime staff—that attendees adopted such convivial spirits. When they were called to the stage and introduced to the crowd, both of the Steeres were overwhelmed by emotion as they spoke to the hopeful. After giving heartfelt thanks to the community (including staff members and musicians) for its years of support, the Steeres shared some welcome news. The Sweetwater will stay in Mill Valley. Not in its current location, but in such proximity that Barry Bonds or Jack Cust could bash a baseball from the now closed location to the next incarnation. It was also announced that, up until Friday, September 28, the Sweetwater is seeking investment funds for the new club. They already could be turning away offers by the time you see this in print, but if you have at least $25K that you'd like to invest in Mill Valley's musical future, contact Becky Steere at: becky@sweetwatersaloon.com.
But what about the music? If I had a nickel for every time I've been asked that question, I'd be able to pitch in for half of the club. Austin deLone anchored an awesome house band, with a three-piece horn section, that started off with some smokin' blues featuring Mighty Mike Schermer on guitar. Maria Muldaur was quickly up and dancing, as were most of the folks packed into the place. Lisa Kindred belted out some raucous blues tunes with the band, and later joined Sammy Hagar on a couple screaming rock-tinged numbers. Heather Combs led a feisty set, and the Rowan Brothers played in a couple different configurations, joined at times by Barry Sless and Pete Sears, the latter providing some booming bass for Weir during "Sugaree." In what might have been the strangest mix of the night, the Talking Heads's Jerry Harrison led a jam-packed stage that included Marin's favorite guitarist, Jeff Watson, shredding to tunes like "Life During Wartime." As someone said earlier in the evening, it's been a long, strange trip for the Sweetwater, and Monday's celebration definitely displayed that the fans and the musicians are primed for the next stage.
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