Sebastopol's New Year's Day Music Fix: A Hangover Helper

In Sebastopol, a unique musical event has been helping locals recover from New Year's Eve celebrations since 2019. The "Hair of the Dog" show, organized by Doug Blumer and Nancy Irish of the band Bohemian Highway, offers a mid-afternoon musical pick-me-up on January 1st. This free event has become a beloved local tradition, providing a refreshing alternative to the usual New Year's Eve festivities. The idea for the show came about when Blumer and Irish noticed a gap in the musical calendar. Most bands play on New Year's Eve, but what about the day after? They wanted to create a show that was more suitable for their aging fan base and themselves. The name "Hair of the Dog" is a playful nod to the old remedy for easing a hangover, and the event's poster features a charming dog illustration.The show takes place at the Abbey concert space in the HopMonk Tavern in Sebastopol. It starts at 3 p. m. and features two sets by the six-piece band Bohemian Highway. The band is known for their original material, which focuses on positive themes like love. Fans often leave the show feeling uplifted, making it a great way to start the new year. For those looking to recover from New Year's Eve, HopMonk offers a range of options. If you're feeling rough, you can enjoy a fresh craft beer or a spicy Bloody Mary. If you're taking a break from alcohol, there are mocktails available, including a virgin Bloody Mary. Bohemian Highway has been around since 2010 and has recorded two albums. Their songs have been featured on local radio stations KRSH and KRCB. The band is known for their original material, which they have been performing for several years now. Singer-songwriter Michael McNevin of Niles will open the show, providing a healthy shot of free live music to kick off the new year.