Up close & personal with the Doobie Brothers

Sunday, October 4th, 2009
Charity Fall Music Festival
B.R. Cohn Winery Amphitheater, Glen Ellen, CA
12:00 pm (noon) - 6:00 pm (Doors open at 11:00 am)
General Admission Tickets: $95
(General admission tickets are for lawn seating - no chairs permitted.)

About the book:
The American Motorcycle Girls 1900 to 1950: A Photographic History of Early Women Motorcyclists
By Cristine Sommer-Simmons (September 2009)

Data collected by the Motorcycle Industry Council says that in the first three quarters of 2008 female owners had increased by some 29 percent over the same period in 2003. A dramatic increase.

Of the over one million new motorcycles sold in 2008 well over 100,000 were sold to women. Kawasaki says 15% of its new bike buyers are women. For one of its small capacity bikes over 40 percent of those sold are bought by women. Other brands across the board offer similar data. Headlines are made, yet this is really nothing new!

Cris Sommer-Simmons' soon to be published The American Motorcycle Girls 1900 to 1950 celebrates the past as it reflects the currency of these statistics and the ongoing sales trend. A Photographic History of Early Women Motorcyclists will fascinate all women, both riders and those tempted to join them. Nearly 400 photographs provide spiritual support, entertainment and artistic appreciation to one and all. Male and female.

The American MotorcycleGirls 1900 to 1950 is a large format hardcover with 240 pages. The first fifty years of the life of the motorcycle are divided into six sections. Each section features a great variety of photography. Many of the women motorcyclists included are personally known by the author, and some are interviewed especially for this book. Thus unique, first-hand interviews are offered whose charm is matched only by the originality of the photographs themselves. Top quality paper, printing and binding will make this book a keepsake. The author, Cris Sommer-Simmons, three-time Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee, has been collecting photographs for more than 30 years.

Friend Willie Nelson, iconic American country singer-songwriter, says of the book, "I have always thought that you could tell a lot about a person by the way he or she looks on a horse or a bike. There is a certain look independence, pride and freedom. Fearless but respectful. Kinda like you, Cris."

The Foreword was written by good friend Karen Davidson, great granddaughter of Harley-Davidson co-founder William A. Davidson, and today the company's Director of Creative for General Merchandise.

Featured guests: About Cristine Sommer-Simmons
Cristine Sommer-Simmons is a respected ambassador of women in motorcycling through her work as an author, journalist, and co-founder of Harley Women magazine. She was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2003. Parker House has just published Cris's new photography book, The American Motorcycle Girls 1900-1950.
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About Patrick Simmons
Throughout the bands' career, Pat has contributed many songs that have become Doobie classics. The hit "Black Water", was the group's first #1 record. He also penned such memorable songs such as, "South City Midnight Lady", "Dependin' On You", "Echoes of Love" and the motorcycling song "Dangerous". While the group has experienced many personnel changes over the years, Pat has remained as the only member who has stuck with the band and continues to be the driving force behind the Doobie Brothers. Pat grew up in San Jose, CA.
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About Bruce Cohn
Bruce Cohn, founder and proprietor of B.R. Cohn Winery, has embraced a lifelong passion for Northern California's wine country and its bounty. An equally strong passion for music led to a parallel career in the music industry as the manager for one of rock 'n' roll's perennially favorite American bands, The Doobie Brothers. His down-to-earth attitude, focus and dedication have made both careers flourishing successes to this day. For more info about the concerts/fundraisers: http://www.brcohn.com/concerts