James McMurtry performs on the stage at HoMonk Tavern in Novato, California on Friday, June 13, 2025 [Photo credit: Dean Birkheimer]
DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine
HopMonk Taverns, the brainchild of Dean Biersch, the co-founder of Gordon Biersch, is a chain of brew pubs that’s all about serving up a crazy good selection of craft beers in a lively atmosphere. Biersch, a total rock star in the American craft beer movement, teamed up with Dan Gordon to open the first Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant back in 1987. Then, in 2008, he went on to open the first HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol, CA, followed by a couple more in Sonoma and Novato. The name “HopMonk” is a cheeky combo of the importance of hops in brewing and the historical significance of monks in brewing methodology. HopMonk, decided to turn up the volume in the early 2010s by expanding into live music venues. HopMonk’s music venues feature local and touring artists, live music rooms, and beer gardens – because what’s better than beer and tunes?
On Friday, June 13th, James McMurtry, the acclaimed Texas singer-songwriter, would grace the stage of HopMonk Tavern in Novato, California, delivering a performance that resonated deeply with the audience.
The evening unfolded in HopMonk’s outdoor venue, part of the renowned Cookout Concert Series. This would be version 12. The setting, with its intimate atmosphere, provided the perfect backdrop for McMurtry’s storytelling prowess. The full band that accompanied him would add depth and grandeur to the performance.
Up first would be Betty Soo. Her set showcased a blend of heartfelt Americana and seasoned storytelling, set against the venue’s welcoming outdoor stage under vintage oak trees. Betty Soo captivated the audience with her rich vocals and emotive songwriting. At one point, she told us a story in which a friend defined her style of music. She said that Betty Soo has created her own genre called “Bummer Music”. Her performance was a testament to her ability to connect deeply with listeners, setting a reflective tone for the evening. Fans appreciated her nuanced delivery and the story telling between songs, as well as the authenticity she brought to the stage. Speaking of brought to the stage, for her last three song, James McMurtry and his drummer Daren Hess joined Betty Soo. The final song was a Woody Guthrie cover of “Deportee (Plane wreck at Los Gatos)”. It was an astounding way to end a set. The crowd was very appreciative and well entertained. Betty Soo is an extremely talented songwriter and musician and should be seen live at every opportunity.
McMurtry is like the wittiest guy at the party, except instead of telling jokes, he’s singing songs that are ridiculously insightful and poignant. His lyrics are like a sharp-tongued friend who always tells it like it is, exploring the wilds of working-class life, the American landscape, and the human condition. And let’s be real, his deadpan delivery is the perfect complement to his storytelling style.
McMurtry is widely regarded as a master songwriter. His songs are like little narrative nuggets, focusing on characters and situations that reflect the realities of working-class and offer a unique perspective, often exploring the struggles and complexities of the human experience. Oh, and he’s also a skilled guitarist, known for extracting a full sound from an acoustic guitar. He is not strictly acoustic, as he can absolutely wail on his PRS and his Resolectric National Guitar. McMurtry’s songs aren’t overtly political, but they often expose the realities of working-class life, like economic hardship, disillusionment, and the slow erosion of the American dream. The band he brought with him were as tight and talented as anybody has ever played with. Daren Hess on drums has perfect timing and a sharp, crisp sound that echoes beautifully. Cornbread on bass is a virtuoso, his style is personable and performance driven. Tim Holt on guitar is a skilled performer and is the perfect accompaniment to McMurtry. As a whole, the trio fills the air with masterfully created sound. “Choctaw Bingo” was the song of the night as it had the entire venue singing and dancing. Certainly one of the best story telling songs of all-time. Betty Soo joined the band with an accordion for four songs including the always popular “Canola Fields” adding even more depth sonically and vocally. The entire set was a pleasure to behold and listen to. The encore was “Blackberry Winter” which featured James alone, standing atop a monitor with an acoustic guitar, but with no microphone. James is always somewhere, and if you ever find yourself at the same somewhere, then please, for God’s sake, GO SEE HIM!!
A Note about the promoter…
KC Turner is a visionary entrepreneur who has established himself as a linchpin in San Francisco’s live music ecosystem, with KC Turner Presents LLC representing the culmination of his efforts. By producing a unique house concert series, booking talent at fashionable venues like HopMonk Tavern in Novato and Sebastopol, and facilitating meaningful interactions between music enthusiasts and performers, he delivers concerts that are consistently of the highest caliber and well worth the cost of admission.
James McMurtry Set List
Fuller Brush Man, Childish Things, Black Dog and Wandering Boy, Copper Canteen, Choctaw Bingo, Sons of the Second Sons (acoustic), Color of Night (with Betty Soo), South Texas Lawman (with Betty Soo), Sailing Away (with Betty Soo), Canola Fields, (with Betty Soo), Vaquero, No More Buffalo, Ft. Walton Wake-up Call, Too Long in the Wasteland
Encore
Blackberry Winter (acoustic, no microphone)
James McMurtry
Betty Soo
KC Turner
All images © Dean Birkheimer
Follow our socials, only take a second and is free by finding us on:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BlueSky
Publisher: Source link
