Can You Hear the Music? Petaluma's Peoples' Choice is Right Downtown

The voting is over for in Petaluma, and despite a few Facebook posts urging eclectic venues and accidental performances, the winner is that big theater downtown. No, not the one with all the graffiti - the other one, .

Built in 1911, The Mystic Theatre originally played host to live vaudeville shows and other entertainments. In 1992 it was renovated to accommodate live music performances for up to 550 guests (standing,  400 seated) as well as film screenings, parties and even weddings in the 8,000 square foot facility. (Laura and Ben, we're talking about you!)

But it's usually the music that draws people to the Mystic, like last night's sold-out Tab Benoit show, or the upcoming Robert Earl Keene on Tuesday, May 29, or other artists such as Melvin Seals and JGB, Donavon Frankenreiter, Bob Schneider or the Beach Boys tribute band Surfin' Safari on July 6.

Past performances include various Marley offspring, Dick Dale, Richard Thompson in an annual appearance, Afro-pop artists like Thomas Mapfumo and of course more reggae than you can shake a spliff at. Check out their constantly evolving calendar online for latest ticket and show information.

Runner up was the , which also hosts live music several nights a week. Re-opening next week is their , which has been distributing free tickets to their shows like Peter Rowan next Monday night.

, a much smaller venue, also has live music including jazz, reggae, drum circles plus many other activities almost every day of the week.

Congratulations to the Mystic! Next week we'll tackle an even more controversial topic - where's the best burger in town?