The Boon Hiker Band

The Boon Hiker Band includes John Bidwell, Clare Broussard, J.T. Devine, Robin  Eschner, Natasha Haugnes, Dennis Hysom, Chris Smith, and John Tuttle. The 8 members of the group bring dynamic vocal harmonies to the heart of original compositions and arrangements of covers – all supported by various combinations of guitar, bass, keyboard, banjo, accordion, dobro, lap steel and percussion.

The songs lean toward Americana/Folk/Indie traditions, with energetic and vibrant musicianship provided by the 3 East Bay members – Natasha Haugnes, John Tuttle, and John Bidwell (Quake City Jug Band, The Lonestar Retrobates, Walavista Ave. neighborhood sidewalk jams). The 5 North Bay members bring additional mayhem on instruments and enhance the vocal textures and harmonies with their choral backgrounds (Acorn MusEcology Project, Chimney Full of Birds, Cantiamo).  

The bond these band members share began many years ago during time spent in outdoor settings such as the Strawberry Music Festival, occasions that involved singing and playing music through every kind of weather and time of day. The person at the center of all was Bay Area composer, guitarist, singer and beloved, stellar person on the planet, Bill Horvitz. Bill always wanted to play one more song, steadily encouraging each person to join in, to try something new that was just out of their comfort zone. He loved hiking in the mountains almost as much as he loved sharing music. Bill died of pancreatic cancer in January, 2017. Later that year, when we next met up for a music festival, the Boon Hiker Band was formed. The name came from a dream in which Bill was introduced, as he hiked down a switchback trail in the mountains, as “The Boon Hiker.” 

Tickets are $20 advance, $25 at the door general admission; $15 for students/low-income individuals. 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 30 minutes 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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Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.

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

Thank you for your support!