TODAY IS THANKSGIVING, a day on which we give thanks for all the blessings we receive throughout the year.
Musically, we receive many blessings, as the North Olympic Peninsula is home to many fine musicians.
Due to the fine music programs in schools, we have many up-and-coming young people on the musical stage.
They’re followed by others who have joined the day-to-day workforce but who perform evenings and weekends.
Some have even made it to a point where that’s all they do to make a living.
Then there’s the retirees, those who have settled here from other parts of the country and have brought their musical talents with them.
This mix of musical talent infects us all with a greater appreciation for live music.
I am — and I hope you are, too — thankful for this multitude of God-given talent and hope it’s never taken for granted.
NOTE: During this time of holiday parties, if you plan to drink, please have a designated driver, get a cab or call a friend to get you home safely.
Port Angeles
■ Today at the Junction Roadhouse, 242701 U.S. Highway 101, one of the greats of Northwest rock ’n’ roll, the Jerry Miller Band, returns after an 11-year hiatus. Miller was a founding member of internationally known Moby Grape back in the ’60s.
Miller’s appearance from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. is in appreciation for all their customers and follows a Thanksgiving potluck from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. kicking off the Junction’s annual holiday food and toy drive. Bring a new unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item, as there is no cover but donations accepted for purchase of same.
On Saturday, noted Seattle bluesman BluMeadows returns to Port Angeles with his band for a performance from 8 p.m. to midnight that will get you into a holiday groove. $5 cover.
All Points Charters & Tours will be available for transportation both nights. Phone 360-775-9128 for a free pickup to or from the Junction.
On Wednesday, Joy in Mudville (Jason Mogi, and Paul Stehr-Green and Colin Leahy) performs a unique mix of old-time/jam-band/rock/Celtic-funk-influenced original and cover tunes at 7:30 p.m.
■ On Friday at Barhop Brewing, 124 W. Railroad Ave., Chesnut Junction, a rocking roots band, will perform with some originals to kick off the third anniversary of the brewery from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
■ On Saturday, Dee Coburn and the Nightbeats bring you classic rock ’n’ roll from 8 p.m. to midnight at Castaways Restaurant and Night Club, 1213 Marine Drive.
■ On Saturday at Wine on the Waterfront, 115 E. Railroad Ave., The Mogis (Kim and Jason of local and Northwest fame, notably with Deadwood Revival) will team up with local artist Jeff Tocher for a no-cover, artsy-musical evening at 8 p.m.
■ On Tuesday at the Port Angeles Senior Center, 328 E. Seventh St., the Port Angeles Senior Swingers present Wally’s Boys playing ballroom dance favorites from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $5 cover; first-timers free.
■ On Friday at the Fairmount Restaurant, 1127 W. U.S. Highway 101, Dave and Rosalie Secord and Luck of the Draw entertain with guest Denny Secord Jr. going solo from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
On Sunday, join the country jam from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Sequim and Blyn
■ On Friday at The Oasis Bar and Grill, 301 E. Washington St., Sean T plays jazz, blues, samba and country rock from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, the Blue Hole Quintet plays jazz-infused pop and standards for dancing and listening from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
■ On Friday at Wind Rose Cellars, 143 W. Washington St., Taylor Ackley and George Radebaugh play jazz from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
On Saturday, Linda Dowdell and Ted Enderle perform jazz from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
■ On Wednesday at Nourish restaurant, 1345 S. Sequim Ave., Victor Reventlow hosts the open mic from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with sign-ups at 6 p.m.
On Sunday, Naki’i (Mike and Erma) perform sweet songs of Hawaii during brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
■ On Saturday in Club Seven lounge at 7 Cedars Casino, Blyn, cowboy up with the mechanical bull from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. and dance to Denny Secord Jr. and Haywire from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by Country Rock Association playing high-energy country music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
On Friday in the Rainforest Bar, Rachael and a special guest are performing from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
On Saturday, listen to Jeremy Pederson sing contemporary blues and country from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Port Hadlock
■ On Friday and Saturday at the Ajax Cafe, 21 N. Water St., Trevor Hanson plays classical guitar from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Port Townsend
■ Today at the Uptown Pub, 1016 Lawrence St., area resident singer and songwriter Brian Douglas plays jazz originals and standards from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by George Rezendes and the Toolshed Trio playing country blues, ragtime, folk and roots-rock from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
On Saturday, the High Council, featuring former Port Townsend resident Zeke Wakefield, plays psychedelic rock ’n’ roll and blues at 9 p.m. $5 cover.
■ On Friday at Sirens, 823 Water St., Lori Goldston, Roro and Helena Sanders (eclectic cello and drums) entertain from 9 p.m. until close. $5 cover.
■ On Tuesday at the Cellar Door, 940 Water St., Selah Martha Trio (jazz vocals) performs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
■ Every Monday, Trevor Hanson plays guitar at Alchemy, 842 Washington St., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
High notes
■ On Saturday, The Gate Keeper’s Castle (formerly the castle at Troll Haven in Gardiner), 960 Gardiner Beach Road near Discovery Bay, presents “Back to Prom: Enchantment Under the Sea” from 7 p.m. to midnight. Dance the night away to NoRey, a band composed of members from Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. Sarah Beeson will be doing professional portraits, and there will be prizes for Best Dress, Best Tux, Oldest Dress, Oldest Tux, Best Recycled Prom Dress, Most Unique Tux and Most Enchanted Couple.
For questions or to purchase tickets, which are limited, visit www.TheGatekeepersCastle.com or phone Violet McCloud at 360-640-3560.
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John Nelson is a self-styled music lover and compulsive night owl who believes in “KLMA — Keep Live Music Alive” on the North Olympic Peninsula. His column, Live Music, appears every Thursday.
Are you performing in or promoting a live music gig? Contact John by phoning 360-565-1139 or emailing news@peninsuladailynews.com, with John Nelson in the subject line. And note: Nelson’s deadline is Monday at 5 p.m. preceding Thursday’s column.
Also, check out “Nightlife,” a listing of entertainment at nightspots across the Peninsula, in Friday’s Peninsula Spotlight magazine.
