Mike Rufo (Album Show!) & Sarah Larkin

Mike Rufo is a Bay Area singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music builds upon powerful lyrics, soaring vocals, and melodic riffs to explore emotional depths and transformation. From poignant to powerful, from rockin’ to refined, he will take you on a journey of the heart, body, and mind. Mike’s songs have been featured on dozens of radio programs throughout the country and he has played with leading artists, including 2016 NPR Tiny Desk Winner Gaelynn Lea, at venues throughout the US and abroad.

In this show, Mike will perform songs from his fourth, upcoming album, living is. An album forged in a crucible of grief and cataclysm of renewal, living is taps neo-medieval folk, folk reggae, bluegrass, and rock motifs to dive into the essence of what it is to be human and make meaning of it all with our families, friends, and communities.

This special live performance of songs from living is will feature some of Northern California’s top musical talents including Sarah Larkin (b. vocals), Graham Patzner (violin, b. vocals), Tony Glaser (upright bass), as well as Mike’s long-time No Exit bandmates David Johnson (keyboard, b. vocals), Skot Christopherson (elec bass), and Brandon Watson (drums).

Sarah "Songbird" Larkin is a lifelong musician and co-founder of the vocal harmony driven ensemble The Real Sarahs. She has performed at festivals, house concerts and venues throughout the Western U.S., British Columbia and the UK. Sarah has shared the stage with award-winning performers and ensembles including Pete Seeger, Keller Williams, Joe Craven, Red Molly, and The California Honeydrops. The Real Sarahs have released 4 albums of original material – most recently in April of 2024 with award winning guitarist Alex de Grassi.

As a songwriter, Sarah seeks to convey the nuance of the human experience with a witty, wise and lyric grace that is both organic and refined. Her written perspective, coupled with her strong yet vulnerable singing style, has captured audiences throughout her life and she delights in any opportunity to share her songs with the world. She truly believes that music is medicine and hopes that her songs bring healing to the hearts of humankind.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Thank you for your support!

Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

Host or Publisher Sam Rudin