Musicians Making a Difference
- Cheryl Alterman | The Music Soup Editor
- Dec 20, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
The Redwood Empire Food Bank, and the music of Todd Snider provided to be two good reasons the house was packed with music lovers in Sebastopol at the Hopmonk Tavern.
In todays' political climate donating to projects like the food bank are so important, as there are many people losing their jobs, benefits, health insurance, and as a result falling on some really tough times. The holidays are already the busiest time of the year for therapists and mental health workers as well as people falling back into addictions and relapsing. Music is medicine for so many ailments, and bringing joy to people is the number one benefit of live music. This night of live music provided it for all those who attended.
On this December evening, the Hopmonk Tavern showcased the music catalogue of the recently departed Todd Snider. 21 artists took part, each playing one of Todd Sniders' songs. Mostly musicians from the North Bay took part but there were also others that came from further afield in this one off music extravaganza for the Food Bank. The Coffis Brothers drove up from Santa Cruz and Micah Nelson (son of Willie and brother of Lukas) also took part. The other artists who participated included, Laurie Lewis, Nina Gerber, Terrier, David Luning, Megan Slankard, Matt Jaffe, Jesse DeNatale, King Dream, Sebastian St. James, Steve Pile, Ellie James, Avi Vinocur, Clay Bell, Joshua James, Jackson, Tom Rhodes, Sweet Sally, Victoria George, Erika Tietjen, Ben Morrison and R.O. Shapiro. All rockstars in my book!
KC Turner Productions and Bill DeCarli and team did a great job orchestrating the feat of navigating sound, songs and artists performing at the event. KC and Bill herded the artists like clockwork, and considering there were 21 performers, they did a cracking great job! Each of them sang one song, many with audience participation. And the most beautiful thing about the evening is that all the proceeds from ticket sales went to the Redwood Empire Food Bank. The totals are not yet tallied but the estimate is at about ten thousand dollars from this night of Todd Snider music. It all went to help the Food Bank. If you want to donate to the Redwood Empire food bank, click here.
I am hoping that more of these events will sprout up all over the country. This is the time that we pitch in and help take care of our neighbors, friends and families for those who are struggling and in need of a little help. 'Twas so heartwarming that the music community is stepping up once again to help. A big thank you to all the musicians, attendees, organzisers and the Hopmonk for providing such a beautiful event for such a good cause!
Donating to projects like the food bank is so important as the cost of living is steadily increasing due to the tarriffs and this tragic administration of clowns trying to destroy this country. Taking care of the poor in America seems to be reducing greatly during this regime. I knew that a second term for the 34x convicted felon, convicted rapist, racist, misogynist, homophobic, grifter, narcissist, con man, convicted fraud, lying POS would be dangerous for us all, but I don't think we had any idea it would get this bad, this quick. Daily we are seeing him and his team of moronic boot lickers stooping to new lows that I don't believe any of us had expected. We are experiencing some dark times. So this big beautiful musical event in Sebastopol was even more meaningful. Boatloads of gratitude to the artists, Hopmonk Tavern, Bill and KC, and all the attendees for supporting live music.
Hugs, community and live music are good for the soul. ~ TMS ❤️
"Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, be kind to each other, apologize easily, have the hard conversations because it makes life better, and never regret anything that made you smile".... Last, but definitley not least... SEE LIVE MUSIC - it keeps us young!
Have a happy and safe holiday season. And please don't drink and drive!
With peace, love, art, and lots of music!
Cheryl ☮ ❤️🎵
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