Some say he won it in a poker game. Some say he traded a fancy horse–and-buggy for it. However he came by it, the 640 acres that is known as Browns Valley was deeded in 1850 to John E. Brown by Salvador Vallejo, General Vallejo’s brother, from his Rancho de Napa grant. Over the years, the valley lost its possessive apostrophe while Brown and others subdivided and sold parts of that acreage to cattle ranchers, prune orchardists, and then developers. The original home-site and house that Brown built still stands and still is in private hands. Now known as 4009 Browns Valley Road, the house has been remodeled and added to by a long succession of owners.
Napa has long been known for it’s food and wine – and now live music is becoming a bigger part of the Napa scene. We have our annual music festivals – including Yountville Live, Festival Napa Valley, Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, the Robert Mondavi Summer Concert Series, Napa City Nights, and of course, BottleRock Napa Valley. Thanks to more venues now offering live music, you don’t have to wait for one of these festivals to see a show. Wine bars, restaurants and more are offering a variety of musical genres and styles to the Napa entertainment scene.
Lincoln Theater
Napa Valley Performing Arts Center
100 California Drive ,Yountville | lincolntheater.com
Known locally as the Lincoln Theater, this is one of the largest venues in the Napa Valley. A nonprofit organization, the theater offers everything from world-class artists and the Napa Valley Symphony to sustaining arts education and access programs in schools. Concession stands inside offer drinks and snacks. Parking is limited. For shows with over 500 patrons, valet and self parking is available. It’s advised to arrive 30 minutes before show time for parking and getting into the theater.
Uptown Theatre
1350 Third Street, Napa | uptowntheatre.com
A historic landmark, the Uptown Theatre, a stunning Art Deco masterpiece from 1937, has been lovingly restored in to entertainment destination that has drawn some of the biggest names in entertainment. World-class sound systems and excellent site lines, along with a venue that’s last row is only 98 feet away from the stage, makes every seat a great seat. Beer and wine are available for purchase, with multiple restaurants within walking distance.
Blue Note Napa
1030 Main Street, Napa | bluenotenapa.com
The Blue Note Napa is located on the bottom floor of the historic Napa Valley Opera House. Part of the Blue Note Jazz Club family of venues, it offers an intimate atmosphere and gourmet dining along with top acts in live music. Seating includes less than 150 patrons per show. The Blue Note legacy mixes with wine country charm, a concept they refer to as the Four Pillars: world class live music, gourmet farm to table cuisine, spectacular local wines, and exciting art.
Downtown Joe’s
902 Main Street, Napa | downtownjoes.com
A longstanding member of the live music scene is Downtown Joe’s. A full restaurant and bar, the bar features a large music lineup every week. Come and see your friends and neighbors perform on karaoke nights each Tuesday and Wednesday, or dance to a DJ on Sunday evenings. The nights in between are when some of the best live bands in Northern California hit the stage. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday join them for a night of great music, great food, and great fun – all under one roof.
JaM Cellars
1460 First Street, Napa | jamcellars.com
JaM Cellars offers live music every weekend and there is never a cover charge. Their fun, relaxed atmosphere features a state of the art sound system. Enjoy acoustic solo acts on Thursday nights, and full band performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Performances are two sets, with a small intermission in between. JaM Cellars popular wines are available to purchase by the glass or by the bottle. Music begins at 8pm, It can get busy on the weekends, so be sure to arrive early to get a good seat.
Mercantile Social and Mercantile Terrace
1450 First Street, Napa | napa.andaz.hyatt.com
Andaz Napa houses the Mercantile Social and Mercantile Terrace. Both bars offer farm fresh, seasonal foods, hand crafted cocktails featuring local spirits, and a wide variety of wines. Mercantile Social is housed inside the building, Mercantile Terrace is an outdoor option complete with fire pits. Both areas offer live music weekly – Wednesdays from 6-9pm up on the Terrace, Saturdays from 8-11pm in the Social lounge. Music is upbeat while keeping the atmosphere relaxed to enjoy a chat and glass of wine with friends.
Silo’s Napa 530 Main Street, Napa | silosnapa.com
Located within the Historic Napa Mill, Silo’s Napa offers a full bar, food, and live entertainment. With all seats inside within 30 feet of the stage and a house capacity of 125 people, every seat gives you an up close and personal performance. They also have an outdoor stage, the River Bend Performance Plaza, with searing for approximately 150. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time, doors open approximately one hour before shows begin.
Uncorked at Oxbow
605 First Street, Napa | uncorked-at-oxbow.com
Supporting local musicians is the name of the game at Uncorked at Oxbow. Combining wine, art, music and education – their open mic night has long been a local favorite. Thursday nights are open mic, Fridays are band performances, both evenings 6-9:30pm. On Sundays from 2-5pm, local guitarist Christopher Robbins plays acoustic sets. There is never a cover charge, and wines are available by the glass and bottle. Cheese plates are available upon request.
With so many options to chose from, the music scene in Napa is continues to grow. Good food, good wine, good music. There’s a lot to love about our Valley!