by Whitney Butler

 

Live music is a great way to catch a city’s vibes—connect with the people over shared interests, a cold beer or great food. It’s a time to let loose, kick up your heels or sip slowly while enjoying a melody, and Marin County has a beat for every night owl who cares to listen.

 

Whatever the genre, whatever the style, venues of all sizes abound in Marin, which has become a musical playground for budding local talent, retired artists and touring musicians. So if you’re planning a night out or a weekend getaway to Marin, you simply can’t miss the chance to follow the beat.

 

Here’s your night owl’s guide to some of the best places to catch live music in Marin County.

 

Rancho Nicasio Restaurant & Bar

Every weekend Rancho Nicasio Restaurant & Bar welcomes beloved, new and classic local artists to play their stylings while guests enjoy a delicious American-fare menu. From bands to individual concerts, Rancho Nicasio has become a locals favorite to visit. While most of the live music offered has no cover charge, those that do are low cost and well worth it. Check out their music calendar to help you make your plans.

Located on the town square in Nicasio, California, this historic roadhouse was established in 1941 and situated in the geographical center of Marin County.  Nicasio has retained its rural atmosphere and tranquil beauty. 

 

Station House Cafe

Station House Cafe is a Point Reyes Classic, established in 1974, featuring locally-sourced and organic, farm-to-table ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner six days a week. Enjoy our full bar featuring premium beer, wine and cocktails.

 

Every Sunday join us for FREE, live performances by some of the Bay Area’s most loved musicians. Head over to the Station House Cafe for lively music-everything from Jazz to Bluegrass to R&B- coupled with fantastic drinks and good company. View this month's music lineup.

 

The Panama Hotel and Restaurant

The Panama Hotel and  Restaurant is proud to present many accomplished and versatile musicians as part of your dining experience. Featuring many local Bay Area artists every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening throughout the year from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. With a themed day throughout the month, there is a night or nights for everone's ecelectic taste: Tuesday nights feature jazz and blues artists, Wednesday nights feature acoustic and intimate artists, and Thursday nights feature popular and contemporary artists. For information on which artists/bands or scheduled, visit their website.

 

The Panama Hotel Restaurant offers wonderful food influenced by Latin America, the Mediterranean and California’s wine country. Featuring a presentation that is simple, yet stylish, the menus are prepared with the finest seasonal organic products and highest quality ingredients from purveyors throughout the Bay Area. Serving dinner at 5:30pm with music starting at 6:30pm. Reservations are recommended.

 

Terrapin Crossroads

Terrapin Crossroads is the love child of Grateful Dead musician Phil Lesh and his wife Jill, who wanted to bring people together with music and fine food. Night owls looking to have a celebrity sighting, or simply feel like a celebrity, will love the posh interior and live music scene happening nearly every night of the week at this community venue.

 

The bar talent is a curated group of local musicians hand selected by Lesh and his associates, ranging in style from acoustic jazz to indie rock. In addition to nightly talent in the bar, Terrapin Crossroads has a larger venue called The Grate Room, which is used for special musical performances.

 

Surprise appearances by Lesh and other well-known musicians happen frequently. Special musical guests have included Boyd Tinsley (Dave Matthews Band), Bob Weir (Grateful Dead) and Warren Haynes (The Allman Brothers Band).

 

HopMonk Tavern

If you’re a night owl who loves live music and craft beer, then HopMonk Tavern in Novato is your final destination. In addition to brewing several of its own tasty brews, HopMonk also has a beautiful outdoor music venue with firepits and family-style tables. 

 

HopMonk features live music nearly every night of the week spanning just about every genre. From R&B to electronic, there are plenty of high-energy beats to dance to. Reggae fans will love HopMonk’s newest addition to its musical lineup: Sacred Sundayz, a compilation of different reggae styles, every first Sunday of the month.

 

Don’t miss your chance to catch a beat on your next trip to Marin County at one of these unique live music venues.

 

For all you need to plan your Marin County vacation, visit the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website or Facebook page.