According to Marinmagazine.com, if you’re looking to enjoy the vibrant arts and culture scene in Marin County this month, there’s still time to catch some fantastic live performances. Whether you love reggae, symphonic masterpieces, or a mix of musical genres, May has something special in store. Here are four standout concerts happening in Marin before the month wraps up.
Reggae Legends at Sweetwater Music Hall
Israel Vibration with Duane Stephenson & Roots Radics
Mill Valley
Wednesday, May 15 at 8 p.m.
Sweetwater Music Hall is a cornerstone of Marin’s live music scene, especially for reggae fans. This month, legendary roots reggae group Israel Vibration takes the stage, joined by vocalist Duane Stephenson and the iconic backing band Roots Radics. With roots tracing back to 1970s Kingston and a legacy that includes opening for Bob Marley and Dennis Brown, this is a rare chance to experience reggae history live in Marin.
John Carroll Kirby: Eclectic and Electric
Mill Valley
Thursday, May 23 at 8 p.m.
Also performing at Sweetwater later this month is genre-bending pianist and producer John Carroll Kirby. Known for collaborations with artists like Frank Ocean, Solange, and Harry Styles, Kirby’s sound blends jazz, funk, and experimental tones. With an impressive résumé and uniquely creative visuals, Kirby’s live show promises to be both musically rich and artistically engaging.
Bob Schneider Live at HopMonk Tavern
Novato
Saturday, May 25 at 6 p.m.
Austin-based singer-songwriter Bob Schneider brings his distinctive blend of folk, rock, rap, funk, and beyond—what he calls “Frunk”—to HopMonk Tavern in Novato. Fresh from a set at Napa’s BottleRock Festival, Schneider delivers raw energy and musical versatility. Not sure if his style is for you? Check out recordings from his extensive live catalog on Bandcamp.
Bonus Picks at HopMonk This Month:
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Fantastic Negrito with Anna Moss – May 24
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Anders Osborne – May 23
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Sam Grisman Project – May 26
Marin Symphony’s Grand Season Finale: The Firebird Suite
San Rafael
Friday, May 31 at 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, June 1 at 3 p.m.
Ticket prices vary
Classical music lovers won’t want to miss this. The Marin Symphony closes its season with a stunning program led by conductor Brad Hogarth, featuring Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite along with works by Handel, Prokofiev, and Ravel. This concert also marks the final performance in the symphony’s yearlong guest conductor series, part of a national search for a new music director following Alasdair Neale’s 22-year tenure.
Source: Marinmagazine.com
