Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-04-27
Holly Bowling - photo by Michael Bachara
Sweetwater Music Hall continues to be one of the Bay Area’s most dependable rooms for live music, mixing nationally known artists, local talent, community programs, and roots-driven sounds in an intimate Mill Valley setting. The latest calendar has something for just about everyone, with a little extra attention for Dead-related fans while still covering the full spread of upcoming shows.
Leading the way for the extended family is pianist Holly Bowling on Tuesday, April 28. Bowling has built a devoted following through her deeply imaginative solo interpretations of the Grateful Dead, Phish, and other improvisational giants, translating sprawling jams into rich piano journeys. For Bay Area heads, this one should feel right at home.
Bluegrass and Americana fans are equally well served when Molly Tuttle and Ketch Secor team up for an intimate sold-out evening on Friday, May 1. Tuttle’s guitar brilliance and Secor’s storytelling spark make this one of the marquee nights of the season.
The calendar also leans into community and younger players. Multiple School of Rock showcases hit the Sweetwater stage in May, featuring tributes to The Beatles, The Stones, Ozzy Osbourne, and original songwriting. Tam High students also take their turn under the lights with both Broadway and rock-focused performances.
For those who like roots music in all its forms, the room welcomes Karla Bonoff, ambient-Americana outfit Suss, Caroline de Lone, Joe Endoso & Friends, and a special Bread & Roses spring benefit featuring Ron Artis II and Rainbow Girls.
Tribute fans can choose their own adventure with Sabbath Lives honoring Ozzy and Black Sabbath, Purple Haze saluting Jimi Hendrix, and Rash bringing the music of Rush to Mill Valley.
There’s also a healthy reggae and groove presence in the mix. King Yellowman rolls through on May 24, followed by Sol Horizon Bob Marley Tribute on May 31. Ska fans can catch Soul Ska on May 22, while Dark N Stormy lands June 5 with a rock/jam blend likely to appeal to improvisation seekers.
And for pickers and porch-circle types, Sweetwater continues its welcoming community vibe with the monthly Marin Bluegrass Sessions, a free open jam that keeps the tradition alive one tune at a time.
Whether you come for the Dead-related orbit of Holly Bowling, the roots-heavy songcraft, the reggae pulse, or the next generation of local players, Sweetwater remains one of the Bay Area’s most human-scaled and soulful venues.
Upcoming Highlights at Sweetwater Music Hall
April 28 – Holly Bowling
April 30 – Karla Bonoff
May 1 – Molly Tuttle & Ketch Secor (Sold Out)
May 3 – Suss with Evann McIntosh
May 14 – Bread & Roses Benefit w/ Ron Artis II & Rainbow Girls
May 15 – Sabbath Lives
May 21 – Augustana
May 24 – Marin Bluegrass Sessions / King Yellowman
May 27 & 28 – John Craigie (Sold Out)
May 29 – Purple Haze
May 31 – Sol Horizon Bob Marley Tribute
June 5 – Dark N Stormy
June 6 – Rash: A Tribute to Rush
Sweetwater Music Hall
19 Corte Madera Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941
All Ages • Wheelchair Accessible
