June 21 events & festivals, Acoustic Americana Music Calendar & News 2008

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"Tied to the Tracks"
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC CALENDAR & NEWS
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Events for June 21, 2008
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copyright (c) © 2008, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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June calendar, as a continuous read, is now at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com, along with each day’s updated post of events, and our newest popular feature, the anniversaries of things that happened on that date.
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Each day’s updated events and anniversaries are also at www.myspace.com/laacoustic – for the time being. Because Myspace now accepts only short posts, we must go through the ponderous process of listing events there in small blocks, usually one day at a time – so, the calendar will move to other sites, and that will happen soon.
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FUTURE EVENTS are posted into 2009. We update often, and we add a BUNCH of concerts, club gigs, workshops, and recurring events as dates arrive. Things are easy to find at at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com; on our myspace site, reading into the future curiously requires that you use the “Older Entries” button that appears when you click “View All” – thus going “back” to the future… just one of the many myspace aberrations that will cause us to abandon it soon.
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LATEST NEWS FEATURES always post separately. The most recent edition posted June 19; previous news features posted June 13; recent editions are available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com; earlier editions are still available on the myspace page (www.myspace.com/laacoustic), by using the “View All” button, and if you don’t see what you want, then you’ll need to journey farther back than recent editions by using the “older entries” button as many times as necessary, to find what you want (curiously, to see into the future as well as into the past) and you can go all the back to when acoustic music was made by indigenous natives pounding on hollow logs with rocks.
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SATURDAY, JUNE 21
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Today’s anniversaries:
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SPAIN DECLARED WAR ON GREAT BRITAIN in 1779, giving the Americans a de facto ally in the revolution. Spain would not support the revolutionaries – that was too dangerous, considering its own vast colonial empire in the Americas – but the distraction and necessary diversion of British military assets meant the American Patriots had less to face.
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THE US CONSTITUTION WAS RATIFIED on this date in 1788, creating the federal system of government with three branches and checks and balances. New Hampshire was the ninth and final state necessary to adopt the document as the authority for governance. Recent times bring to mind the words of one of the founders, upon completion of writing the Constitution. He was asked, “What have you given us?” to which he replied, “A Republic – if you can keep it.”
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TWO PRESIDENTIAL MARRIAGES happened on this day, when 26-year-old future president Zachary Taylor married 31-year-old Margaret Smith in 1810, and when Richard Nixon married Patrician Ryan in 1940.
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THE “MOLLY MAGUIRES,” early coal mining union organizers, were hanged for murder in 1877. Mine owners had bribed government inspectors to look the other way and ignore dangerous conditions in the mines. The “Mollys” donned women’s clothes to hide their identities, and conducted a campaign of fear and intimidation against the mine owners, in an effort to bring change. The mine owners hired the Pinkerton Detectives to infiltrate, and that produced charges against ten miners who were tried and executed. After that, the organization’s remaining members disbanded, and mine safety wouldn’t come until many more deaths in dangerous workplaces.
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GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING WAS ATTACKED BY MEXICAN TROOPS in 1916 as he led a US expedition deep into Mexico against Pancho Villa. Mexican President Carranza, Villa’s former revolutionary ally, was locked in battle with Villa. Carranza protested the US force in Mexico, even though President Woodrow Wilson supported his government. Pershing’s was the first US military deployment to use mechanized vehicles, including tanks and airplanes. Nevertheless, Villa eluded capture for the 11 months of the US incursion. Eventually, Adolfo de la Huerta took over the Mexican government and drafted a reformist constitution. Villa made peace with Huerta and retired from “politics,” living quietly until he was assassinated on his ranch in 1923.
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ROMMEL TRIUMPHS IN AFRICA in 1942, as the Allies surrender 30,000 troops to the German Afrika Korps at Tobruk. Rommel also took 2,000 vehicles, 2,000 tons of fuel, and 5,000 tons of rations. General Rommel was promoted by Hitler to Field Marshall, whereupon he promised to take the Suez Canal. Eventually, British General Montgomery would stop him at El Alamein.
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ARTHUR MILLER DEFIES HOUSE UN-AMERICAN ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE, refusing to identify anyone who could be suspected of being a communist. Miller’s stand against McCarthyism got him convicted for contempt of court, though the Supreme Court would later reverse that. The Pulitzer Prize winning (1949) playwright’s passport application had already been denied, preventing him from traveling to Belgium for the premiere of his play, “The Crucible,” chronicling the Salem Witch Trials. He would marry Marilyn Monroe in 1956, and they remained married until 1961. Miller died in 2005.
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THREE CIVIL RIGHTS WORKERS DISAPPEAR in Mississippi in 1964, and were later found to have been murdered by the Ku Klux Klan. The story was the subject of the film, “Mississippi Burning.” The killer was sentenced on the 41st anniversary of the murders.

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TODAY’S EVENTS:
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SATURDAY’S FESTIVALS:
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Sat & Sun, Jun 21 & 22; in NY State, w/ LIVE WEBCAST:
7 am (Pacific time) 2008 “CLEARWATER FESTIVAL” in NY State, with PETE SEEGER, THE KENNEDYS, CHERYL WHEELER, KEVIN SO, THE BLUERUNNERS, MAGPIE, GANDALF MURPHY, THE FELICE BROTHERS, THE SLEEPY HOLLOW STRING BAND, THE STRANGELINGS, and many others, on five stages, at Croton Point Park, on the shores of the Hudson River, Village of Croton-on-Hudson, Westchester County, New York; www.clearwater.org/revival/index.html. Runs Sat & Sun, 10 am-dusk, in New York (hence, 7 am simulcast time, Pacific). A joint project of the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc, and Westchester County, NY, the Clearwater music and environmental festival offers music, dance, storytelling, and more, in “a natural park on a river peninsula with sandy beaches and sweeping views of the Hudson, on the Summer Solstice.” Festival Camping, call 845-454-7673 x142 by June 9. “Sail on Tall Ships at the Festival” offers river excursions aboard the sloop “Clearwater,” a replica of a 19th century river sloop, or aboard the schooner “Mystic Whaler,” for a two-hour sail on the Hudson River. Book passage at 800-67SLOOP x107.
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LIVE WEBCAST from the festival on WBAI 99.5 FM, www.wbai.org, Listener-sponsored community radio for peace and justice will broadcast live from the festival. You can listen to the music and sounds from the festival all weekend. (Remember the time zones: the festival begins both days at 10 am Eastern, which is 7 am Pacific. It goes until local dusk in NY, which is about 5 pm Pacific.)
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Sat & Sun, Jun 21 & 22:
11:30 am-9 pm 22nd Annual “LONG BEACH BAYOU FESTIVAL” at beautiful Rainbow Lagoon Park, on N side of Shoreline Dr, between Shoreline Village Dr and Linden Av, Long Beach; www.longbeachfestival.com; 562-427-8834. Featuring Grammy Award winner TERRANCE SIMIEN, THE PINE LEAF BOYS, SAVOY-DOUCET, GUITAR SHORTY, DEBBIE DAVIES, BARBARA MORRISON, LINDA HOPKINS & many more. The festival is always superbly well-done, and it’s the principal annual fund-raiser for Comprehensive Child Development, which helps families in the Long Beach area. This year brings THREE stages for the first time (it’s always been two).
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Cajun & Zydeco Bands on Saturday are:
SAN DIEGO CAJUN PLAYBOYS, BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, SAVOY-DOUCET CAJUN BAND, NEW ORLEANS TRADITIONAL JAZZ BAND, CHUBBY CARRIER & THE BAYOU SWAMP BAND, TERRANCE SIMIEN & THE ZYDECO EXPERIENCE (Grammy Winner).
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Cajun & Zydeco Bands on Sunday are:
T-LOU & HIS SUPER HOT ZYDECO BAND, PINE LEAF BOYS, NEW ORLEANS TRADITIONAL JAZZ BAND, CHUBBY CARRIER & THE BAYOU SWAMP BAND, GENO DELAFOSE & FRENCH ROCKIN' BOOGIE (Grammy Nominee).
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Blues Bands are:
GUITAR SHORTY, DEBBIE DAVIES, BARBARA MORRISON, LINDA HOPKINS, MICHAEL WARD, BERNIE PEARL, CASH MCCALL; there’s a “TRIBUTE TO MOTOWN” by SEVILLE BIG DADDYS.
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All ages event. Parking across from site at Marina Green Lot. Adv tix online (w/ adv savings) or buy at the gate. Children 12 & under are free; gen’l, $30 adv (by Jun 13), $35 at gate; Srs (age 60+) & college students (age 18+) $25 per day; teens (ages 13-17) $10 per day.
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Sat, Jun 21:
All day “PASADENA FETE DE LA MUSIQUE” aka “MAKE MUSIC PASADENA” is a city-wide event including various venues in Pasadena; info at www.makemusicpasadena.org. It’s a FREE musical celebration throughout the main districts in Pasadena, including Old Town Pasadena, One Colorado, the Playhouse District, and throughout the city. It happens on “World Music Day,” which is also the Summer Solstice.
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On that day, sidewalks, parks, courtyards, alleys, lobbies of buildings and other unconventional performance spaces will become spontaneous musical stages and social gathering places. Professional and amateur musicians will bring their talents to the streets of Pasadena and perform to new crowds.
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Top selling and internationally known artists will perform at FOUR themed main stages. What better way to jump start the summer than by dancing in the streets, throughout the day, to these wonderful music performances? A few to catch: JESSICA FICHOT at 1:30 pm at “Music from Around the World Stage” in the Playhouse District, 15 S El Molino Av; WILLOW HALE & BRUCE CERVI (www.willowhale.com) play a half hour set at 44 N Madison Av, Old Town Pasadena, 5-5:30 pm; PERLA BATALA at 8 pm wrapping-up the all-day “Caltech Presents” part of the event, outdoors on Beckman Mall, on the Caltech campus.
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All performances are FREE and open to the public.
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Sat, Jun 21:
8 am “RUN LIKE A GIRL 10K” with lots of music, including KELLY’S LOT, at The Rose Bowl in Pasadena. KELLY’S LOT has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Info, www.montrain.com/runlikeagirl.
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Sat, Jun 21:
Annual 2008 “LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL” continues today, runs Jun 19 through Jun 29, showcasing more than 100 feature films, alongside star-studded premieres, outdoor screenings, live musical performances, and a Family Day. Info and sched at www.lafilmfest.com.
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Sat, Jun 21:
3 pm- late at night “SUMMER SOLSTICE WITH THE TOPANGA ROCK & ROLL SOCIETY” at Topanga Seed & Feed, 106 S Topanga Cyn Bl (in Pine Tree Circle across from the post office), Topanga 90290. Park on the boulevard, inside the white lines, so the music lovers won’t hog the whole parking lot. Celebrate the longest day of the year, the Seed & Feed’s anniversary, the Topanga Days volunteers, and Jewels’ Birthday (from City Fritter) who tells us, “this old broad can still rock!” The agenda includes making curry, and you are invited to pitch-in to direct traffic or sell t-shirts and beer.
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Here's the schedule:3 pm set-up and warm-up jam; bring your instruments, all are welcome to play.4 pm CHRISTOPHER HAWLEY - Venice guitar man5 pm CITY FRITTER with special guests; http://myspace.com/cityfritter 6 pm NORTHSTAR SESSION - dreamy harmonies7 pm ZANE SAUREZ – Jewels says, “this guy rocks “8 pm “Jam, jam, jam until we're toast!”
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Sponsors add, “There will be food and drink but feel free to B.Y.O. whatever....we'll have icy coolers for your cooling pleasure. You may also want a hat, sunscreen, and folding chairs. This event is FREE FREE FREE (but bring some singles for the tip jar!)”
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Sat & Sun, Jun 21 & 22; in the OC:
Annual “IRISH FAIR” in Irvine; more later, or check www.michaelpatrickbreen.com for info.
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Sat, Jun 21:
6 pm-midnight “WORLD PEACE FOR LIFE EVENT 2008” at The Los Angeles Convention Center, downtown L.A. (See “Saturday’s other events,” below, for info.)
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Sat-Sun, Jun 21-22; in Colorado:
The TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL (www.bluegrass.com/telluride) continues (began Thu, Jun 19), as much acoustic roots music as bluegrass, it includes the prestigious Telluride Troubadour singer-songwriter competition. If you're looking for an early summer road trip, this one is fabulous. Tix went on sale in Dec, and it always sells-out. The venue is in the bottom of a box canyon, 10,000 ft above the sea, in Telluride, Colorado, and the view to the left of the stage includes a 600 waterfall. You must go, at least once.
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For those who just need to get out of town, and want an escape with a lot of music, consider the Telluride Bluegrass Festival, then the South Park Music Tour in Central Colorado, which is a FREE festival of all music genres, June 26-29 (see calendar listing). Now, THAT’s a Rocky Mountain High!
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Sat, Jun 21; in Oklahoma:
Annual “SUMMER JAMBOREE” in Gene Autry, OK.
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SATURDAY’S OTHER EVENTS:
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Sat, Jun 21; in Fullerton:
10 am THE ALLEY CATS play the Kids Series at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W Malvern Av (1 blk W of Euclid, 2 1/2 mi N of the 91 Fwy), Fullerton 92833; 714-738-3134; www.themuck.org. Renowned Doo-Wop group currently performing in Vegas with Jay Leno. The “MucKids” shows include a toddlers' area for younger siblings. $15 adults, $10 kids.
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Sat, repeats every week:
11 am-12:30 pm “PACIFIC SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP” with G. F. MLELY, at Theater & Cabaret, 1535 Termino Av, Long Beach 90804. Info, Billie Kalua, songwriters@jazcraft.net or 562-494-9627. Ongoing, began Mar 31, 2007. $15 per workshop, minimum 4 workshops payable in advance; pre-registration required.
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Sat, Jun 21:
11:30 am-3 pm “VOCAL JAZZ PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP” with CATHY SEGAL GARCIA & KATHLEEN GRACE at a private residence; reserv get directions at kg@kathleengrace.com or cathy@cathysegalgarcia.com. Kathleen tells us, “CATHY SEGAL GARCIA is one of LA's shining lights of vocal jazz education. I am excited to be a part of her ‘Vocal Workshop Network’ next Saturday. I will be conducting a Saturday workshop focused on jazz performance, vocal exploration, the ‘new standards’ and even some free vocal improvisation. After a few weeks off from USC, I am really looking forward to teaching again and meeting new vocal jazz friends. MATT POLITANO will be joining me and will provide professional accompaniment for all participants. Please forward to anyone who might be interested.” $40, space limited.
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Sat, Jun 21; in Bishop:
DAVE STAMEY performs at the Laws Museum, old narrow gauge railroad town, 6 mi NE of Bishop on US Hwy 6.
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Sat, Jun 21:
Noon-2 pm EL TAMBOR brings Latin / world music to Café Z at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, L.A. 90049; 310-440-4500; www.skirball.org. El Tambor is a Los Angeles-based Afro-Cuban folkloric ensemble of talented musicians and dancers. Minimum café purchase required for table seating.
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Sat, Jun 21:
1:30 pm JESSICA FICHOT plays at “PASADENA FETE DE LA MUSIQUE” aka “MAKE MUSIC PASADENA,” the all-day city-wide event including various venues in Pasadena; see the full write-up in “Saturday’s Festivals” in this calendar post. More info at www.makemusicpasadena.org. Jessica was lots of fun at the recent sold-out, first-ever “L.A. ACCORDION FEST.” Artist info, www.myspace.com/jessicafichot and www.jessicasongs.com. She plays on the “Music from Around the World Stage” in the Playhouse District, 15 S El Molino Av, Pasadena 91105. Entire event is free.
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Sat, Jun 21; live theater:
3 pm TENNESSEE WILLIAMS’ “SUMMER AND SMOKE” for “L.A. Theatre Works” at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, L.A. 90049; 310-440-4500; www.skirball.org. This sensuous play tells the story of a repressed minister's daughter who secretly longs for a man who is focused only on sexual conquest. Runs Wed, Jun 18 to Fri, Jun 20 at 8 pm; Sat, Jun 21 at 3 pm; Sun, Jun 22 at 4 pm. Skirball Members eligible for discount; gen’l $47 & $39.50; $20 students.
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Sat, recurring:
4-6 pm SHAPE NOTE / SACRED HARP, “The Learners Group” in Santa Monica. Call Laura for location: 310-450-3516.
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Sat, Jun 21:
“SUMMER SOLSTICE IN THE EVENING” at the Learning Garden at Venice HS, 13000 Venice Bl, L.A. 90066; 310-722-3656; learninggardenmaster@yahoo.com. Garden master and “Tied to the Tracks” associate producer DAVID KING says, “Come watch the sun set over the Garden on the longest day of the year. Ice tea with fresh mint or lemonade will be our drinks of choice. Bring a poem, song or a munchie to share.”
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Sat, Jun 21:
6 pm-midnight “WORLD PEACE FOR LIFE EVENT 2008” at The Los Angeles Convention Center, downtown L.A. Promoters say, “For the first time in history, top artists and performers from different countries come together in the shared vision of promoting Peace for the World. This Event will be broadcast through television, the internet, newspapers, magazines to over 2 billion people worldwide. This Event will expand the concept of a ‘Live Aid’ type event, into a Global Media campaign.” Info, www.worldpeaceevents.com.
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Sat, Jun 21; in Oak Glen:
6-7:30 pm THE O’BRIEN FAMILY BAND plays “Bluegrass on the Green," 714-388-7088.
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Sat, every week:
6:30-10:30 pm Weekly BLUEGRASS CONCERT at Me n’ Ed’s Pizza Parlor, 4115 Paramount Bl (at Carson), Lakewood; 562-421-8908.
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Sat, Jun 21:
7 pm CLAUDIA RUSSELL & THE FOLK UNLIMITED ORCHESTRA with MARVIN ETZIONI at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001, reserv 626-398-7917; info, www.coffeegallery.com. Veteran songwriter-producer MARVIN ETZIONI is a special guest. Berkeley-based Claudia Russell makes her sixth return appearance at the Coffee Gallery, joined by her band, the Folk Unlimited Orchestra. The band is BRUCE KAPLAN on mandolin and lead guitar, session ace CARL BYRON on piano and accordion, MARK PETRELLA on acoustic bass with CLAUDIA RUSSELL on acoustic guitar and vocals. Russell is an award-winning singer-songwriter and was named “Best Musician” in the East Bay Express Reader’s Poll 2006, “Best New Artist” from Boston Radio station WUMB, and was nominated this year for “Best Song” by the Texas Music Awards.
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Special guest MARVIN ETZIONI is a veteran songwriter-producer who has worked with Lucinda Williams, Lone Justice, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Victoria Willians and many others.
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Russell and her band are a Coffee Gallery Backstage favorite. Says venue impresario Bob Stane, “Russell is such a natural. I would have her back four times a year if I could.” Russell and her band play an eclectic blend of folk that is woven from blues, country, pop and traditional music to form a unique sound. She has an expressive voice that is as much at home on a whispery ballad as a full-tilt Buddy Holly-styled romp. Her songs deal with the classic themes of songwriting: love, longing and loss – in a distinctive voice.
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In a review of Russell's recent CD, “Live Band Tonight,” Sing Out Magazine wrote, "Claudia Russell is a great performer and a vocalist in the old-fashioned sense. She can really sing. And her band - let’s just say they’re hot. Connect them to the power grid and they’d light up a medium-sized town.” In fact, the gig is a warm-up for the band’s Midwestern tour that takes them to Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Iowa and features live broadcast from Chicago's WFMT and Iowa Public Radio. Russell’s music can be heard online at www.claudiarussell.com or on YouTube for by searching “Claudia Russell.” $15.
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Sat, Jun 21:
7 pm CHRIS STUART & BACKCOUNTRY plus SIMON PURE bring a double-dose of bluegrass to The Cage Venue, at Gateway Four Square Church, Agoura Hills; www.myspace.com/thecagevenue. Chris also tells us, “We're also finishing-up our new album, which should be available by July 1. It's called ‘Crooked Man.’” Artists’ info, www.chrisstuart.com.
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Sat, Jun 21:
7-10 pm “DADDY BONE & FRIENDS” at The Talking Stick, 1630 Ocean Park Bl, Santa Monica 90405; 310-450-6052. An evening of music and fun with:
LIZZY WILLIAMS at 7; RIC LASHEVER at 8; DADDY BONE at 9 pm. Artists’ info, www.daddybone.com.
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Sat, Jun 21:
7 pm TROUT & CO at Rattlesnake Slim’s, 23127 Lyons Av, Newhall (Santa Clarita) 91321; 661-877-4165; www.myspace.com/rattlesnakeslims. The band tells us they “are goin’ to start the summer out with some hot pickin’, slick slidin’ and some down home harmonica licks over at Rattlesnake Slim’s place. He’s been asking for it and we’re gonna let that old sidewinder have it with both barrels. This is our only appearance this summer. We’ll be back there Friday, Sept. 5th, Lord willing. So catch us if you can!”
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Sat, Jun 21:
7 pm-until late “BENEFIT CONCERT FOR STAN BEHRENS” at The Topanga Roadhouse, 1704 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga. This will be an amazing night of music, with many known and up-and-coming artists performing.
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STAN BEHRENS is Hepatitis C positive. He is a harmonica, saxophone and flute player of the highest order who has played with such notables as CANNED HEAT, THE FOUR TOPS, WILLIE DIXON, and EMMANUEL ORTEGA, along with many others. His most recent work has been with the L.A. BLUES ALLIANCE, and they have a CD, called "What a Life." It features Stan and notables KEB MO, SONNY LANDRETH and SNUFFY WALDEN. Info on that at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=253760722&s=14344 .
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Stan contracted the "hep C" virus during his tour of duty in the US Army during the Vietnam War. The virus was most likely transmitted during mass immunizations, where hundreds of troops were inoculated with the same air gun injectors.
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Last year, hep C started taking its toll on Stan’s liver and he began to suffer complications of liver cirrhosis. There was concern that Stan would require a transplant. The good news is, the prognosis is that he will not need a new liver, but can repair his own with interferon treatments. The bad news is that interferon is a tough way to go, as well. Stan started interferon treatments in February, and he will need 50 weeks of this treatment to rid his body of the virus. Even after he completes these treatments it will take a while to fully recover, but a full recovery is expected.
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As you can imagine, the medical costs are staggering, and Stan can't play music to support himself during the next year. So, many musicians have come together to help him with a fundraiser and to ask that you join them. Amilai Spicer says, “If you can't attend but would like to contribute financially, please let me know. We would be most grateful to accept your donations thru paypal.” Contact her at allspice@amiliaspicer.com.
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PLAYERS & PERFORMERS who are friends of Stan Behrens are invited to contact Amilia K Spicer, at allspice@amiliaspicer.com; she is coordinating players and bands. The format is short sets (20 mins max) and blues jams. Amilia says, “We will try to accommodate everybody who wishes to perform, so we will encourage people to play together. Those of you who are musicians and performers lending your talent, we ask to use your names in our promotional efforts for this benefit. There will be FULL BACKLINE at the Roadhouse so we can keep the show flowing and make it as easy as possible for multiple spontaneous performances (drums, bass, electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards and just about anything else you might want to play will be on hand.) Bring ONLY what you think you really need to do your thing.”
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MUSIC FANS & GUESTS: All are welcome to bring their own beverages and there will be a full bar and BBQ. The venue holds about 150 people. Eric Rasmussen has generously donated the venue, and all proceeds will go to help Stan. Please RSVP to Steve McCormick, event organizer, at steve@mccormickaudio.com.
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$20 suggested donation; all amounts gratefully accepted.
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Sat, Jun 21; 3rd Sat every month; in Lancaster:
7-8 pm “AN EVENING OF ACOUSTIC MUSIC” monthly artist showcase with a featured artist and an open mic, at the Treehouse Café (formerly Health Tree), 2797 W Ave L, Lancaster 93536; 661-478-9039. Event info and lineup at http://desertsongfest.org .
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Sat, Jun 21:
7:30 pm “HOW THE WEST WAS SUNG” with MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY & THE RIO GRANDE BANK is the “Best of the West” program with the PASADENA POPS ORCHESTRA at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge 91011; www.DescansoGardens.org; 818-949-4200. Audience members will be transported to the Wild West when cowboy poet and singer MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY (“Carolina in the Pines” and “Wildfire”) saddles-up with the POPS. From Ennio Morricone's "Once Upon A Time in the West" theme to Jay Livingstone's theme for TV's "Bonanza," Maestra RACHAEL WORBY, the POPS and Murphey will take the audience down the trail of the best of the Old West. (Show runs Fri & Sat, Jun 20 & 21.) Dinner available. Free parking. Reserv recommended. $20.
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Sat, Jun 21; in the OC:
7:30-10 pm SWAY plays their CD release show, with LOSERS LIKE US opening, at The Neighborhood Cup, 1 Journey, Aliso Viejo; 949-716-5100. Release show for the country band’s CD, “Let it Roll.” They tell us, “food, fun, raffle.” SWAY is GINA QUARTARO, PERRY MARTIN, LAURENS VERNOT, & TREVOR HANDS, and LOSERS LIKE US is DAVE SMITH, BILL STORMS, & CLIFF NELSON. Band info, www.swaymusic.com. No cover.
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Sat, Jun 21; in the OC:
7:30 pm CONJUNTO LOS POCHOS plus DAFNI & HER BAND play the “LIVING TRADITION” series at the Anaheim Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim; www.thelivingtradition.org; reserv, 949-646-1964 or tinkersown@ca.rr.com.
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The delightful DAFNI has performed live, twice, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” and proven a huge favorite of the show’s listeners. She is a multi-instrumentalist and fine songwriter whose originals evoke Billie Holliday, Paul Kelly and Nina Simone, though her songs are just as apt to remind you of the style of Elizabeth Cotton sung by an evocative female vocalist from the 1930s. Dafni gave TttT the world premiere of her most recent CD, “Charlie’s Lonely Sunday.” Info, www.dafni.us.
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CONJUNTO LOS POCHOS scored a “Listener Favorite of 2006” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” with the title track of their album, “Margie’s.” Their songs are in both Spanish & English, with great accordion playing by OTONO LUJAN. Info, www.lospochos.com. (Note: the Palm Wine Boys, previously scheduled, will not perform tonight.) Reserv strongly recommended. $14, $11 for Living Trad mbrs; children under age 18 free w/ paid adult.
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Sat, Jun 21:
7:30 pm ONE FOOT IN at It's A Grind Coffee, 5125 Candlewood St (at Clark), Lakewood 90712; 562-925-1050; www.itsagrind.com.
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Sat, Jun 21:
7:30 pm “SOUNDS & VOICES OF J-TOWN” is a special Hawaiian music and more concert featuring Grammy nom TIA CARRERE with Grammy winner DANIEL HO, JENNIFER PAZ and MARIKO with THE MUSIC CO., at the Aratani / Japan America Theatre, 244 S San Pedro St, Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles. It’s a benefit concert to kick-off a year-long 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Aratani/Japan America Theatre in Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles. For more than two decades Downtown Little Tokyo Los Angeles has been home to the Aratani/Japan America Theatre, established in 1989 as part of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC). It’s become a symbol of artistic brilliance of Japanese, Japanese-American and Asian Pacific Islander cultural expression, preservation and innovation.
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This one-time concert brings the sounds of classic Hawaiian songs from TIA CARRERE accompanied by DANIEL HO, JENNIFER PAZ sings inspirational new Broadway ballads while the Aratani/Japan America Theatre welcomes community songstress MARIKO with THE MUSIC CO. as she brings her classic dance songs to life on stage. Threaded throughout the evening are poetry and comedic sketches by local poet and performers TRACI KATO KIRIYAMA, KEIKO AGENA and ALISON DE LA CRUZ. “Sounds and Voices of J-Town” illuminates the textured soul of these Asian Pacific American women.
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Grammy nominated TIA CARRERE (Wayne’s World, Relic Hunter, Lilo and Stitch) accompanied by three-time Grammy award-winner DANIEL HO will share some of her favorite classic Hawaiian songs from her newest solo album, Hawaiiana.
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Seattle native and musical leading lady JENNIFER PAZ (Miss Saigon, Evita, The Fantasticks) will share selections from her solo album, Awakenings. Paz brings the bright lights of Broadway with this new collection of ballads and inspirational tunes.
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Simply known throughout Southern California as MARIKO, Mariko Nishizu has been a local singer at community dances and fundraisers throughout the Japanese American Community since the 1970’s. Sounds and Voices will celebrate her journey as an artist in this special homecoming to the Aratani/Japan America Theatre.
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To round out the evening, TRACI KATO KIRIYAMA, KEIKO AGENA and ALISON DE LA CRUZ will offer poetic and comedic interludes linking this amazing collection of textured voices.
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TRACI KATO KIRIYAMA has performed as a solo theater artist and as part of several productions in Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Miami. As a community based artist she has been the leading force behind Tuesday Nights at the Café – a local performing arts venue that began on the steps of the Union Center for the Arts in Little Tokyo.
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KEIKO AGENA is probably best known for her roles as Leila Foster on “Felicity” and Lane Kim on “Gilmore Girls”. Agena is also a big fan of the band Los Denudos and can be scene frequenting their shows and Tuesday Nights at the Café in Little Tokyo.
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ALISON DE LA CRUZ is a multi-disciplinary artist who has toured her solo shows Sungka and Naturally Graceful throughout the country. Locally she has performed at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Highways Performance Space and the Aratani/Japan America Theatre. She is also the narrator and writer for the full length documentary, Grassroots Rising produced by Visual Communications.
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A “Meet the Artists” reception and benefit raffle (two round trip tickets to any American Airlines destination in the U.S.) immediately follows the concert, on the plaza. Proceeds from the concert and raffle go to theatre equipment upgrades to sustain the Aratani / Japan America Theatre’s ability to showcase extraordinary artistry in Los Angeles. Sponsorship opportunities are available for this concert, by contacting Johnny Mori at 213-628-2725, ext 139 or mori@jaccc.org. For tix, call the Box Office at 213-680-3700 (Mon-Sat, 12-5 pm) or www.jaccc.org. Tix $45 balcony, $50 orchestra, $100 VIP.
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Sat, every week:
7:30-10:30 pm GRATEFUL DUDES weekly bluegrass concert at Vincenzo’s Pizza, 24500 Lyons Ave, Newhall; 661-259-6733. (Lyons exit, just off I-5.) This a long-running series, often, with very impressive performing guests.
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Sat; every Sat:
7:30 pm “RANCH PARTY” evening of country & Americana roots music performances, on the West Patio Stage, Original Farmers Market, 3rd & Fairfax, L.A. Presented by EB’s Beer & Wine Bar. New in April, 2008. Performers have included DAVID SERBY, GRANT LANGSTON, 29 MULES, BOB WOODRUFF, OLD BULL, PSYCHEDELIC COWBOYS, PAUL CHESNE, NICOLE GORDON, and BUCKSWORTH. Parking: 2 hours free with validation from EB’s Beer & Wine Bar. $3 for the third hour; $1 for each additional 20 minutes; $15 max. Addt’l parking at The Grove, next door. Get validation for their structure from Grove merchants. No cover.
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Sat, Jun 21:
8 pm ROY BOOK BINDER at The Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com. Combining country blues, ragtime, bluegrass, and folk music, Roy Book Binder has captured the essence of the front porch bluesman of yore. With this music, he's entertained audiences for over 35 years, not only preserving a rich musical heritage, but earning himself a place alongside the men and women he's long admired. Doors at 7:30 pm. $15.
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Sat, Jun 21:
8 pm SUSIE GLAZE & HILONESOME with special guests RICK CUNHA and DAN SANKEY at The Blue Ridge Pickin' Parlor, 17828 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills 91344; Tix & info, 818-282-9001, www.pickinparlor.com. Susie and the band bring their brand-new CD, “GREEN KENTUCKY BLUES,” produced by LAURIE LEWIS, for a live performance of all its tracks and much more. Susie has performed live, numerous times, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” where her Appalachian mountain roots meet new bluegrass. One reviewer wrote, "Susie Glaze does something with a song that only great singers can do...she grabs hold of a song's deepest emotion and purpose and wraps it tightly around your soul." Folk music legend Jean Ritchie has called Susie Glaze "a fresh young voice - a communicator - to me the most important of qualities in a singer..." and Bluegrass Unlimited calls her "an important voice on the California Bluegrass scene." Susie's last CD "Blue Eyed Darlin'" had its world premiere on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” then went on to win the Just Plain Folks 2006 Music Award for Best Roots Album, with over 70,000 people voting in the selections. Before that, the CD won Folkworks Magazine's pick for “Best Bluegrass Album of 2005.” Susie’s long-awaited new CD was produced by bluegrass legend Laurie Lewis in a series of Southern California concerts. "Green Kentucky Blues" features nationally-recognized artists HERB PEDERSEN, DENNIS CAPLINGER, TOM & PATRICK SAUBER, MIKE WITCHER, LAURIE LEWIS, TOM ROZUM, RICK CUNHA, BILL BRYSON and ROB CARLSON.
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Tonight, Susie and her Hilonesome Band play the entire new CD live, from start to finish, with hot Southern California bluegrass players collected to showcase the songwriting mastery of lead guitarist ROB CARLSON, whose seven songs on this new album will likely receive plenty of radio play. These and songs of Jean Ritchie, Iris Dement and Bob Dylan comprise the program.
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Susie had this written about her in Entertainment Weekly: "...she can blow the roof off any joint lucky enough to book her." Info, www.susieglaze.com. Doors at 7:30 pm. $20.
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Sat-Sun, Jun 21-22:
8 pm MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY & THE RIO GRANDE BANK, with the PASADENA POPS, at Descanso Gardens in La Canada-Flintridge; 626-584-8833. Runs Fri, Jun 20-Sun, Jun 22.
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Sat, Jun 21:
8-10 pm HIGH HILLS at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230; 310-398-2583. This all-girl bluegrass band has opened for The Dixie Chicks. In addition to High Hills' two CD's, "Coming Home," and "Leaves on the River," band-member Laura's brand new fingerstyle guitar CD, "Something Blue," will be available for sale at this show. Tix on sale on June 7; $15.
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Sat, Jun 21:
8 pm PERLA BATALA at the “Caltech Presents” series, in conjunction with “PASADENA FETE DE LA MUSIQUE,” aka “MAKE MUSIC PASADENA,” outdoors on Caltech's Beckman Mall, on the Caltech campus in Pasadena; 626-395-4652 or 888-222-5832. Grammy-nominated vocalist, composer, and arranger PERLA BATALA takes the timeless songs she heard growing up and molds their rhythmic and melodic forms to create a cross-pollination of trend and tradition. Born in Los Angeles, Batalla's father was a musician who owned a popular Spanish-language record store. She first gained international attention as a backup singer for LEONARD COHEN, who later encouraged her to embark on a solo career. Perla released her debut "Perla Batalla" on the Warner/Discovery label in 1994. Free concert parking for Beckman Mall at 332 S Michigan Av, Pasadena (south of Del Mar Bl). Bring a blanket, a picnic dinner, and feel free to get up and dance. Food and beverages available for purchase on-site from Manna Mexican. No tix req’d, free.
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Sat, Jun 21; in Santa Barbara:
8 pm ANNA BENTHOLM-JENSEN at North Star Coffee, 916 State St, Santa Barbara; 805-965-5593; www.northstarcoffee.com. Anna is from Denmark, making her second US tour. We heard her last time she was in L.A., and she has some fine original songs, in English.
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Sat, Jun 21; rock-opera:
“THE WHO’S TOMMY” with ALICE RIPLEY & NONA HENDRYX runs Jun 18-29, at the Ricardo Montalban Theater, 1615 Vine St, Hollywood 90028. Somehow, the L.A. Times found it, even though it isn’t classical or jazz (usually the only music they acknowledge), and they have named it their “#1 L.A. Times Summer Theater Pick.” Sure, it’s largely an electric performance, but we’re sure you want to know about it. Info & tix, www.TheWhosTommy.com.
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Sat, Jun 21; in Seattle:
8-10 pm THE WHATEVERLY BROTHERS and BOWI play the “Northwest Seaport Maritime Concert” series at the The Boat House at the Center for Wooden Boats, 1010 Valley St, in the new Lake Union Park, Seattle, WA. Hosted by Phillip Morgan. Info, www.nwseaport.org/programs.html.
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THE WHATEVERLY BROTHERS present “A blending of the finest traditions of vocal harmony: homemade three layer harmonies with instrumental frosting! Drawing from a rich and varied musical history, The Whateverly Brothers harken to the folksinger tradition that: “No musical style is sacred!” Weigh Anchor! Raise the Glass! Sing Along! You might also recognize them as CHRIS GLANNISTER, MATTHEW MOELLER, and DAN ROBERTS.
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BOWI presents “Kickin’ Celtic Music! For years, Seattle-based BOWI has been entertaining audiences with a blend of traditional Celtic music and unique energy. The BOWI sound encompasses a wide range of music including driving jigs and reels, exciting vocals, and beautiful ballads.” Info, www.bowiband.com.
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Coffee, tea, baked goods, and more, are available. Maritime music CDs for sale. $15 gen’l, $10 srs, youths and mbrs of Northwest Seaport or the Center for Wooden Boats.
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Sat, every week:
8-10 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE, singer-songwriter or band, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. Must be a member of venue in advance to gain entry. No cover, artists are unpaid, and a $10 donation to the venue is expected from each participant & audience member.
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Sat, recurring:
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “WEST VALLEY HOOT” Group Singing in Woodland Hills; call for loc, 818-887-0446.
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Sat, Jun 21:
THE CHEATIN' KIND plus GROOVY REDNECKS do a mostly electric show at The Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. They tell us they’ll “celebrate the summer solstice in our own particular fashion.” THE CHEATIN' KIND also tells us they are now working with JOEY VERA (Armored Saint, Anthrax, Fates Warning) as their new producer and engineer. They say, “Stay tuned for what transpires!” No cover, artists play for tips.
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Sat, Jun 21:
9 pm ANTHONY RIVERA & THE RAINING HORSESHOES at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line / couple dance lessons with Charlotte, 7-9 pm. No cover.
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Sat, Jun 21:
9 pm “THIRD SATURDAYS” show with THE CHEATIN' KIND and GROOVY REDNECKS at The Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; 310-390-1328; music series hotline 310-250-1317.
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Sat, Jun 21, in Big Sur:
9 pm ”SUMMER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION” with LAURIE LEWIS AND THE RIGHT HANDS (TOM ROZUM, SCOTT HUFFMAN, CRAIG SMITH and TODD PHILLIPS) at Chappellet Barn, Big Sur, CA. Info, lukiecv@yahoo.com.
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Sat, Jun 21:
9:30 pm-closing NICK PETERS & MARCK SMITH at Café Mundial, 514 S Myrtle Av, Monrovia 91016; 626-303-2233; www.cafemundial.net. Marck tells us, “This may be our last gig there for the summer, so come on out and help us celebrate a year-and-a-half of bringing great music to Monrovia. There is no cover and Café Mundial is a very cool, stylish restaurant with excellent food and a great wine list in the heart of Monrovia's Old Town. Their web site has menus, wine list and other details. We will be playing two sets, including some new original songs and old favorites for your listening and toe tapping pleasure. If you're free that night, come on down, have a glass of wine or a bite to eat (they have wonderful desserts... their chocolate soufflé is to die for), sing along and share in the fun! If you want dinner or dessert, be sure to get there early to get a good seat and get your order in… they usually close the kitchen about 9:30 pm or so.”
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Sat, every week; on TV:
11 pm-12 am "AUSTIN CITY LIMITS" on KLCS (check your cable co.; broadcast TV Ch. 58). Recently moved from Friday night to this new time.
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View all of June at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com, or listings continue at www.myspace.com/laacoustic with chronological date listings, as separate posts. On myspace, use the “view all” and then, curiously enough, the “older” button to see into the future, all the way into 2009. The calendar will be moving soon, where we won’t need to post events in small increments, and we’ll let you know when and to where. Meantime, the most recent info, both events and news, lives on both the myspace and the blogspot pages.
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copyright (c) © 2008, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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