Sonoma Replaces Tuesday Night Market Band After Community Backlash

SONOMA VALLEY, CA — Sonoma officials replaced the featured band for this week's Tuesday Night Market after outrage over alleged homophobic social media comments by the leader of the previously scheduled act prompted the city to change course.

The City of Sonoma announced Monday that The Humdinger Band will headline the June 30 Tuesday Night Market on Sonoma Plaza after city officials removed Big O and Company from the lineup following community complaints.

The free market runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sonoma Plaza and will feature The Humdinger Band, which describes itself as a high-energy dance band performing rock, soul, funk, and blues hits from artists including Janis Joplin, Fleetwood Mac, and Aretha Franklin.

The entertainment change followed a scheduling decision made Friday after residents objected to comments reportedly posted on social media by Big O and Company's leader.

City officials said the decision reflected both public feedback and the city's commitment to maintaining an inclusive atmosphere at community events.

Officials said they also heard from residents and community organizations who expressed concern that allowing the performance to proceed could create confrontations that would undermine the welcoming atmosphere the city seeks to provide at its events.

The city noted that the Sonoma City Council proclaimed June as Pride Month earlier this month and said it continues to support Sonoma's LGBTQ+ community.

Big O and Company also had been scheduled to perform July 4 at Murphy's Irish Pub & Restaurant in Sonoma, but that appearance has also been canceled, according to reports.