The Big Easy
Tucked below street level in American Alley in historic downtown Petaluma California The Big Easy is an underground restaurant and nightclub with the soul of a New Orleans jazz cellar. Run alongside its sister spot the Speakeasy Bistro it has become one of the North Bay's most beloved listening rooms with live music nearly every night of the week and a calendar that runs from big band jazz and blues to funk rock folk hip-hop and tribute acts.
Atmosphere and Vibe
Finding The Big Easy is part of the fun. You head down a back alley and step down into a hidden speakeasy-style club that feels a world away from the street above. The room is intimate and warm with a proper stage and a professional full-stage sound system so every note lands. Guests describe friendly staff and an electric late-night energy and the crowd tends to be a mix of serious listeners dancers and locals out for a good night. On the busiest nights the dance floor fills up fast so dancing shoes are encouraged.
Food and Drinks
The Big Easy serves American fare from the Speakeasy kitchen with the meat tacos a frequent favorite among regulars and dietary accommodations available on request. The full bar pours Sonoma County wines craft beer and cocktails made with Sonoma-made spirits which makes it easy to settle in for a full evening of music.
Live Music at The Big Easy
Music is the heart of this room. The club hosts a steady mix of ticketed shows and free nights covering nearly every genre. Recent lineups have included blues bands funk and rock outfits singer-songwriters flamenco hip-hop and R&B showcases and Grateful Dead tributes along with touring acts passing through the Bay Area. A few regular series anchor the week:
- Wednesdays: Free big band jazz night with a full big band swinging through the standards
- Third Thursdays: The Heard Thursday with local band The Heard Eye playing funk and rock originals with no cover
- Weekends: Ticketed and free shows from local and touring artists across many styles
Songwriters Open Mic on First Mondays
On the first Monday of every month The Big Easy hosts the Songwriters Open Mic with longtime host Kevin Hutchinson. Billed as the longest-running original material open mic in the North Bay it draws songwriters from across Sonoma County and sometimes from across the country. Many performers are recording artists road-testing new songs in a relaxed low-pressure room with an attentive crowd.
- When: First Mondays from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sign Up: In person from 6:30 PM
- Format: Original songs only with sets of about three songs or 15 minutes
- Gear: House PA with professional stage sound
- Cost: Free to attend
Upcoming dates include October 5 November 2 and December 7 2026.
Sunday Funday Blues Jam
Sunday nights belong to the blues. The Sunday Funday Blues Jam bills itself as the hottest blues jam in the North Bay and welcomes musicians dancers and blues lovers alike. The jam honors the greats who came before while giving players a stage to sit in with established and up-and-coming blues musicians. This is a player's jam so come ready to play. Recent listings show the jam starting at 7:00 PM but check the venue calendar or Facebook page for the current schedule.
Secret Song Club Open Mic and Showcase
The Secret Song Club presented by host Drew Pearce has also brought its open mic and songwriter showcase to The Big Easy on third Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Performers sign up in advance by email with the first six guaranteed a slot of two songs or 10 minutes followed by a showcase of two or three featured acts. Confirm current dates with the organizer before heading out.
Why Musicians Love It
For performers The Big Easy offers something rare: a real stage a great sound system and a room full of people who came to listen. Whether you are a songwriter trying out a brand-new tune a blues guitarist looking to trade solos on a Sunday night or a horn player who wants to catch the Wednesday big band The Big Easy is one of the best places in Sonoma County to connect with the local music community.
Good to Know
The Big Easy is at 128 American Alley in Petaluma California 94952 in the heart of downtown. The club runs on an event basis so check the calendar before you go and reserve a table for ticketed shows. Many evening events are 21 and over. Call (707) 776-7163 and visit bigeasypetaluma.com or the club's Facebook page for the latest lineup.
