Weird Year Bids Farewell to a Friend with an Unforgettable Night of Music
3/28/25-Ukiah, Brewing Company, Ukiah, CA
Nestled in the heart of Ukiah, California, the Ukiah Brewing Company has long been a haven for music lovers and craft beer enthusiasts alike. On a recent evening, the venue played host to an emotional and electrifying show as Northern California’s beloved indie-folk band, Weird Year, headlined a night of music dedicated to a dear friend, longtime MC, and merch guy, Billy. This farewell show was not just a gathering of musicians and fans, but a celebration of camaraderie, memories, and the power of music to bring people together.
A Venue Steeped in History
The Ukiah Brewing Company holds a unique place in the local cultural scene. Founded in 2000, it became the first certified organic brewpub in the United States. Housed in the historic Marks Building, the venue has provided a stage for an eclectic mix of artists, from boogie-woogie blues pianist Wendy DeWitt to punk legends MDC. The brewery’s commitment to community and live music made it the perfect location for this special sendoff show.
Weird Year Takes Center Stage
As the headlining act, Weird Year delivered a performance that was equal parts nostalgic and transcendent. Known for their heartfelt lyrics, rich harmonies, and intricate folk arrangements, the band took the audience on an emotional journey through their discography. Each song washed over the crowd like a wave of memories, a carefully crafted love letter to their audience and, more importantly, to Billy.
Weird Year’s music has always embodied a sense of wistfulness, and on this particular night, every note carried extra weight. The audience swayed and sang along, enveloped in the band’s signature blend of folk nostalgia and modern indie sensibilities. With their characteristic long-winded, heavily harmonized love songs and existential musings, Weird Year proved once again why they have such a devoted following in the Northern California music scene.
Friends Anonymous Fires Up the Crowd
Before Weird Year took the stage, the audience was treated to an electrifying performance by Friends Anonymous, a high-energy punk rock outfit that has been making waves in the local music scene. The band’s emotionally charged lyrics and driving instrumentation set the perfect tone for the evening. With standout tracks from their albums Here and Now, 10 Years Later…, and The Girl in the Red Dress, Friends Anonymous brought an infectious energy that had the crowd jumping and shouting along.
Their performance served as both a contrast and a complement to Weird Year’s more introspective set, proving that music’s ability to move an audience knows no genre boundaries. Fans left the show with a newfound appreciation for the raw energy and heartfelt storytelling that defines Friends Anonymous.
A Farewell to Remember
The night wasn’t just about the music—it was about Billy, the evening’s MC, merch guy, and a cherished member of the community. Throughout the years, Billy had been a constant presence at Weird Year’s shows, bringing humor, warmth, and an undeniable stage presence that elevated every event. This show was a tribute to him, a sendoff that reflected the impact he had on the band and their audience.
As the final notes of the night rang out, the room was filled with applause, laughter, and even a few tears. Weird Year and Friends Anonymous had given Ukiah a night to remember, and Billy was sent off with the kind of love and energy that only music can provide.
The Legacy Lives On
Though this show marked the end of an era for Weird Year and their beloved MC and merch guy, it also reinforced the enduring strength of Northern California’s music scene. With venues like Ukiah Brewing Company continuing to support live music, and bands like Weird Year and Friends Anonymous carrying the torch, the spirit of independent music in the region remains as strong as ever.
For those in attendance, this was more than just a concert—it was a testament to the unbreakable bonds formed through music. And as the echoes of the final song faded into the night, one thing was clear: Billy’s presence would always be felt in every note played and every lyric sung.
Weird Year’s Socials:
https://www.facebook.com/weirdyear1
https://www.instagram.com/weird.year?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3hi76WK0GZhC6H2pFOACSn?si=uy23EPNdTHGOg-uCrSpluA
Friends Anonymous’s Socials:
https://www.facebook.com/friendsanonymousband
https://open.spotify.com/artist/62fTsVPQo0hsghc3TBEAof?si=quIf4s8JSqaLQgOwJdJTFA
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