El Verano Inn to Host 'Stu-Fest' Honoring Local Musician Stuart Sperring

Friends and fellow musicians to gather for a rocking tribute to the late Sonoma Valley musician.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:47am

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The El Verano Inn in Sonoma, California will host a memorial concert called 'Stu-Fest' on Saturday, January 31 to honor the life and music of local musician Stuart Sperring, who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer. The event was originally planned as a fundraiser, but with a GoFundMe campaign surpassing its $10,000 goal, the show is now free to attend. Several of Sperring's former musical collaborators, including bands Driven, The Gentlemen Soldiers, RAD, and Scraps, will perform at the tribute concert.

Why it matters

Sperring was a well-loved figure in the Sonoma music scene, having played with many local bands over the years and participated in the Sunday Night Jams at the former Blue Moon Saloon. The 'Stu-Fest' event provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate Sperring's life and legacy through the power of live music.

The details

The 'Stu-Fest' memorial concert will take place at 8 p.m. on January 31 at the El Verano Inn in Sonoma. The event was organized by Sperring's long-time friend Greg Davis, who called on many of Sperring's past musical partners to perform. The lineup includes Driven, members of The Gentlemen Soldiers, RAD (Random Acts of Dimwits), and Scraps - several of whom were friends with Sperring from their days at Sonoma Valley High School. Though the event was originally planned as a fundraiser, the GoFundMe campaign quickly surpassed its $10,000 goal, so the concert is now free to attend.

  • The 'Stu-Fest' memorial concert will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • Sperring passed away recently after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

The players

Stuart Sperring

A native of Sonoma and a well-loved local musician who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer.

Greg Davis

Sperring's long-time friend who organized the 'Stu-Fest' memorial concert.

Tony Gibson

Member of the band The Gentlemen Soldiers, who will perform at the 'Stu-Fest' event.

Marcos Garcia

Member of the band The Gentlemen Soldiers, who will perform at the 'Stu-Fest' event.

Isaac Carter

A talented Sonoma Valley guitarist who played many gigs with Sperring over the years.

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What they’re saying

“He was not really big on having a big write up on his story.”

— Greg Davis, Event Organizer

“A few years later at the Sunday Night Jams at the old Blue Moon Saloon (now Starling Bar), Stuart was always the house bass player. He was always there, super friendly, always had a smile on his face...”

— Greg Davis, Event Organizer

“I first played with Stu in the early '90s when we were both music students at Sonoma State University. We played many gigs together at the Sunday Night Blues Jam. We also played in the swing band Lee Presson and the Nails (with JB Duff, of the Gentlemen Soldiers). Lots of laughs and good times.”

— Isaac Carter, Sonoma Valley Guitarist

What’s next

The 'Stu-Fest' memorial concert at the El Verano Inn is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 8 p.m. Early arrival is encouraged as the event is expected to draw a large crowd of Sperring's friends and fellow musicians.

The takeaway

The 'Stu-Fest' event highlights the close-knit music community in Sonoma Valley and the lasting impact that local musicians like Stuart Sperring can have on their hometown. Even after his passing, Sperring's legacy will live on through the music and camaraderie of this special tribute concert.