Dave Nachmanoff & The Usual Culprits will perform a benefit concert for Meals on Wheels Yolo on Jan. 24 at the Winter Opera House. Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels Yolo 

YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Tunes lyrically capturing unique local places, people and events set the theme for “The Local Angle,” a concert benefiting local nonprofit Meals on Wheels Yolo County (MOW Yolo) by Davis-based musician and recording artist Dave Nachmanoff and The Usual Culprits at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Winters Opera House, 13 Main Street, Winters. The event is sponsored by Davis residents Sarah and Tom Pattison for a second year in a row.

“It’s an evening of songs inspired by our corner of the world, from the Pope Valley to George’s Corner,” Nachmanoff shared. “Celebrating these spots musically is meaningful to me. However, paired with the potential to raise funds critical to nourishing struggling older adults in my community at a challenging time, it really elevates the motivation for the band and me to offer an engaging and entertaining show.”

Although Nachmanoff tours internationally, both with the legendary Al Stewart and on his own, the singer-songwriter has lived in Yolo County for more than 30 years. He and his wife, ceramicist Jennifer Nachmanoff, raised their two children and continue to pursue their careers in Davis in an artistic compound they whimsically call “Nachville.”

A sell-out in January 2025 highlighting selections from Nachmanoff’s “Spinoza’s Dream” album, this year, concert admission is available by advance donation only at the Meals on Wheels Yolo website at https://mowyolo.org/the-local-angle/, with 100 percent of proceeds remaining with Meals on Wheels Yolo. 

The $40 contribution includes admission for one, a 5:30 p.m. pre-show reception offering savory appetizers crafted in Meals on Wheels Yolo’s Winters meal production facility, the 6 p.m. concert, and Meals on Wheels Yolo dessert creations at intermission. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be available for purchase, benefiting Winters Theatre Company.  

While Nachmanoff’s musical style ranges from folk to rock to jazz, The Usual Culprits complement with a mix of rock and Americana influences that provide a dynamic backdrop to Nachmanoff’s talents. Featuring mainstays Nick Carvajal on bass and vocals, and Ryan Davis on drums, the Meals on Wheels Yolo benefit performance also will welcome Woodlander Max Hart – a multi-instrumentalist who tours with Melissa Etheridge – on keyboards/pedal steel and guitar, and Davisites Brendan Del Favero and Heidi Bekebrede presenting material specifically focused upon the town. 

More information is available at https://davenach.com/the-usual-culprits. 

“As grateful as we were last year for the generosity of the Pattisons, Dave and his musicians, and Winters Theatre Company for the successful concert, the appreciation is magnified this January by the depth of the community need to provide dependable nutrition for food insecure, isolated seniors in Yolo County,” explained Joy Cohan, Meals on Wheels Yolo Executive Director.  

“Reduced and uncertain government funding for Meals on Wheels programs, interruptions to food assistance programs, and the ongoing ‘epidemic of loneliness’ identified by the Surgeon General all are hitting the senior population so hard,” Cohan added. “Meanwhile, the demographic is swelling as the Baby Boom generation ages. Providing entertainment that encourages community members to come together socially is such an appropriate and uplifting way to support the Meals on Wheels Yolo mission to nourish and engage seniors.” 

Built in 1876 and having served as a live music venue for nearly two decades during the Palms Playhouse’s residency, Winters Opera House now is home to the Winters Theatre Company (WTC) and performances of their full season of plays. The musical performance tradition continues, however, featuring a variety of genres to complement the frequent stage productions.      

“Showcasing local performing arts and artists to advance local causes is central to Winters Theatre Company’s purpose,” stated Linda Glick, a founder of the theatre group. “The Pattisons’ fervent vision to connect the community in a multi-sphered way to benefit Meals on Wheels is so appealing, and it’s our continued honor to host Dave and his band to elevate ‘the local angle’ of our community on so many levels.”

Sarah Pattison equally is honored to make the event possible again for a second consecutive year, along with her husband, Tom.

“As aging adults ourselves, Tom and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to initiate and now perpetuate this sponsorship, especially this year focused upon “The Local Angle,” Pattison commented. “Working with Dave, Joy, and Linda and their teams to marry music with meeting basic needs for local seniors is rewarding and relevant in the times in which we all live.”

For more concert details, or to learn further about donating, volunteering, or connecting with Meals on Wheels Yolo’s nutrition services, visit www.mowyolo.org or call 530-662-7035.