NEWS FEATURES, June 7 edition, Acoustic Americana Music Calendar & News, 2008

.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
.
"Tied to the Tracks"
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC CALENDAR & NEWS
.
NEWS FEATURES for June 7, 2008
.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
copyright (c) © 2008, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
.
Myspace is suddenly accepting only short posts, so we must go through the ponderous process of listing events one day at a time – until we move the calendar to another site, and that will happen soon.
.
.
DON'T SEE WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR?: Myspace listings do NOT show all that's posted. Click "View ALL," and that brings up much more than what shows in the initial window. Then, oddly enough, to go into the future, where you can read about events clear into 2009, click the "OLDER" button, as many times as necessary, and you can journey into the future as well as the past, and find future events and old news features and more. You'll be able to go back to when acoustic music was indigenous natives beating on hollow logs with stones.
.
.
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
NEWS FEATURES:
June 7, 2008
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
.
1) NEW LEGISLATION IS A STUNNING THREAT TO ARTISTS
It’s a bigger threat than we faced when we stopped those who tried to kill internet radio. It’s known as the “Orphan Art Act of 2008,” and it’s now sailing through both houses of the US Congress, in the House of Representatives as H.R. 5889 “The Orphan Works Act of 2008,” and in the Senate as S.2913 “The Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act of 2008.” Both bills permit, and even encourage, wide-scale infringements of visual art while depriving creators of protections currently available under the Copyright Act.
+
If this passes, you will be at risk of having your original visual art stolen, with no compensation or credit of authorship. Your original artistic creations are currently protected, from the moment of their creation, under US and international laws and agreements, but that would vanish. Others would be able to take your work and realize money from it. And, if it passes and strips creators of visual art of their proprietary rights, how long before the same thing happens to our original music, lyrics, and poetry?
+
Under the Orphan Art Act, your CD cover art would no longer be protected. The photos you pay professional photographers to shoot, and the art you create or commission for your CDs and posters and t-shirts will be as much at risk as the work of all professional and casual artists and illustrators, editorial cartoonists, technical and medical artists, and everyone who creates anything and everything visual. The premise of the law is simple: it reverses the protections that artists have worked to achieve to safeguard our rights to our original work. Unless the artist pays to register each and every piece of their work before it appears, the work would be considered “orphaned,” and fair game in a marketplace where anarchy and piracy would prevail.
+
H.R. 5889 unanimously sailed through the House IP Subcommittee on May 7th. Its counterpart, S.2913 is now on the Senate floor.
+
The implications are enormous. Will US artists be denied international protections because their work will no longer be protected at home? Will overseas artists ban exportation of their work to the US, because it would not be protected from theft? Could photographers send their pictures to publications “on approval,” to be paid for what is used, or would the publishers be able to use them upon receipt because they arrived as “orphans”-? What about illustrations that evolve in consultations and collaborations? Would each iteration require a payment and registration before it went to a client or collaborator, lest it be stolen without the creator being paid?
+
Why has this not received attention in the mainstream media? Your guess is as good as ours. One blogger who has been tracking it writes, “the Orphan legislation passed the House today and it’s on its way to the House Judiciary Committee. Please continue to write your political representatives - this bill as written would eliminate our current copyright protection and endanger our artworks, photographs and any other intellectual property we may have available.” (At http://ruinedart.blogspot.com/2008/05/orphan-art-bill-hr-5889-has-passed.html.) Continue reading here, to learn how to contact your Senators and member of Congress.
+
The main source of information is the “LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER,” at http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/home. There, you can send pre-written letters (or modify them as you wish) to your elected officials, protesting the legislation before it’s too late. The site guides you to find your representatives, and it has an extensive list of the arts organizations that are opposing the Orphan Art Act.
+
The pair of bills – counterparts in the Senate and House of Representatives – are nearing passage and will then be sent to President Bush for his signature to become law. Unless we stop this now.
+
(Thanks to Mimi Champlin, Talent Producer, Music at the Court, Boston Court Performing Arts Center in Pasadena, CA, www.bostoncourt.com, for contact info used in this feature story.)
.
.
2) SONGS WANTED FOR COMPILATION CD TO FIGHT CANCER
Stomp Out Cancer (www.sonicbids.com/socmusic) is a non-profit organization dedicated to curing a form of cancer known as Ewing’s Sarcoma. They are calling on artists and bands to participate in a CD compilation. Release date is Oct 28, 2008. All proceeds go to cancer research. All genres are accepted and songs should be sensitive to the theme. They tell us that songs may be about enjoying life, an artist's own experience with cancer, or a tribute to someone’s courage or to their loss. Songs that honor those who have cancer, or overcoming obstacles, are appreciated. Submit a song at www.sonicbids.com/socmusic. Info on the organization at www.stompoutcancer.com.
.
.
3) AUGUST MUSIC FEST IN TEHACHAPI SEEKS ARTISTS
Mama HillyBeans in Tehachapi is becoming something of a music oasis in the Tehachapi Mountains, with scheduled shows that often include well-known touring folk artists. They just sent word that they’re doing “a Mini Music Festival” the weekend of August 22 & 23. Jennie, who is booking the event, tells us, “I am looking for all types of bands. Big name, locals, bluegrass, to reggae, rock to country. If you can help spread the word and or contact me, Jennie, I would love to hear from ya :-) A photo and bio (demo if able) sent with any interested replies would be greatly appreciated.” Send to jenniebooking@yahoo.com or call her with questions at 661-750-3261.
.
.
4) WATCH LOWEN & NAVARRO VIDEO AND HELP THOSE WITH ALS
This week, we’re not sending you to You Tube. Instead, we offer a great performance video that enables you to do some tangible good and generate a buck a click for medical research and support of patients – just for clicking the link.
+
ERIC LOWEN & DAN NAVARRO have been writing and performing together for over 20 years. With their unique harmonies, honest lyrics and beautiful melodies they have influenced countless singers and songwriters and entertained thousand of fans. You no doubt know their song “We Belong” was a worldwide #4 hit for PAT BENATAR. But that is merely the tip of the iceberg in their songwriting history.
+
As you all know by now, our good friend ERIC LOWEN was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) more than four years ago. He and Dan picked the “Tied to the Tracks” radio show to speak about it publicly for the first time, and that broadcast remains as the most memorable TttT show, wherein their music performances were brilliant. RUSS & JULIE of the acclaimed house concert series that bears their names say, “Eric's attitude and strength while fighting this neuro-muscular disease has been more than inspiring.”
+
LOWEN & NAVARRO continue to tour, to perform and to record. Over the last few years, Eric and Dan have become tireless teachers and advocates of those living with ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
+
Their new album “Learning to Fall” will be out this summer, and the first video is now available, "with 30-voice ALS Choir including patients (PALS), friends, family and caregivers, all joining in song to make a point. That life is beautiful with or without a serious disease."
+
Please take a few minutes to be inspired by this incredible song and Eric's example of how life should be lived each moment. And by clicking to watch it, help those with ALS.
+
Thanks to DEBBIE HENNESSEY (www.debbiehennessey.com) and to RUSS & JULIE (Russ & Julie’s House Concerts) www.myspace.com/russjuliehouseconcerts for spreading the word to their lists, and contributing to our news feature here.
+
PLEASE click on the two links below to view the video about Eric and see the Lowen & Navarro performance. By doing so, you will log a credit that earns the benefited charity, “Augie's Quest,” an ALS support and research group associated with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, approximately one dollar for each click. Your clicks will help generate needed credits that will steer donations to Augie's Quest.
+
> Eric's story from Jerry Lewis' MDA telethon 2006, at www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/401480.
+
> LOWEN & NAVARRO’s new song (title track of upcoming CD), “Learning To Fall,” at www.whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com/videos/view/id/884613 (video from Nov 2007, with Eric leading a recording session for the song "Learning to Fall" with friends, family and people with ALS in the chorus.)
+
Also, if you haven't already done so, please read (or re-read) Eric's inspiring words from the June 2006 issue of Performing Songwriter Magazine. Eric is a real hero: http://www.lownav.com/perfsong.html.
+
LOWEN & NAVARRO are performing June 20 at McCabe's in Santa Monica (www.mccabes.com) STONEHONEY opens. See our calendar listing, and get tix while you still can, because it’ll sell-out.
.
.
5) BO DIDDLEY’s LAST ENCORE
We just keep losing the great ones. Last week it was UTAH PHILLIPS, this week word arrived that singer-songwriter-guitarist BO DIDDLEY has died of heart failure at age 79 at his homeof 20+ years in Archer, Florida. Born Ellas Otha Bates, Bo Diddley, was one the founders of the sound that became rock and roll, together with CHUCK BERRY, LITTLE RICHARD, ELVIS PRESLEY, FATS DOMINO and JERRY LEE LEWIS. One of the only people ever to score a major hit with a song whose title proclaimed his own name, his 1955 hit “Bo Diddley” was followed the same year by “I’m a Man,” and “Say Man” was a hit for Diddley in 1959. He performed as late as May 2007, until a stroke that month, on the road in Council Bluffs, Iowa, kept him from the stage. A heart attack followed in August, and sent him into retirement until his death. His musical influence reached across many genres, and will be felt for a very long time.
.
.
6) ZYDECO & CAJUN MUSIC E-NEWS AVAILABLE
BJ DECULUS, leader of the band BONNE MUSIQUE ZYDECO, has twice appeared on radio’s “Tied tot the Tracks.” BJ does a colorful and informative newsletter on the Southern Cal and national zydeco music scenes. Go to the band’s site to access the current edition and the newsletter archives, and follow the link to sign-up to get it free, at http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs019/1101606953212/archive/1102122578591.html or www.bonnemusiquezydeco.
.
.
7) OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW TO RETURN TO L.A.
Yep, they’re here Thu, Nov 6, at 8 pm, at The Music Box, Henry Fonda Theater, 6126 Hollywood Bl between Argyle & Gower, Hollywood; 323-464-0808. Last time they played L.A., radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” did exclusive radio promotion, and their show sold-out. They’re wonderfully entertaining and wildly popular, so get tix early! Tix went on sale Jun 2, at www.goldenvoice.com. $30.
.
.
8) ELEVEN DAYS OF MUSIC IN COLORADO
Okay, so you’re willing to go the guy in the bulletproof booth at the gas station and give him the kid’s inheritance, because you really, really want to get out of town for an escape. Okay, so do it for something with a lot of music. Here’s our top pick for a road trip. Begin in the high San Juan Mountains with the “TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL” (www.planetbluegrass.com) in SW Colorado, June 19-22, then go to the “SOUTH PARK MUSIC TOUR” (www.SouthParkMusicTour.com) June 26-29. Telluride’s four-day passes always sell-out close to the festival dates, so you may need to settle for some part of one of America’s best music festivals, before you soak in high hot springs and sightsee in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. When you get to the second festival, South Park is FREE, unless you want to pony-up $50 for a VIP pass to all the parties & workshops. Hey, you’ll be bending over at the gas pumps all summer whether you go anywhere or not, and THIS would pay you back with a most memorable Colorado Rocky Mountain High!
.
.
9) NEW WILLIE NELSON ALBUM TRACKS AVAILABLE ONLINE, CHEAP!
Willie’s “The Early Times” has a wealth of recorded material from studio sessions and live shows from the '70s and '80s. One of the most famous troublemakers in music for decades, he’s as much a thorn in the cops' side as a hero to all his fans, and the "Red Headed Stranger" has been an American icon for the better part of his adult life. “The Early Times” is a look back at some of his earliest recordings, and a treat for every fan of Americana and “real country,” pre-Nashville pop. Preview samples and buy any of the CD’s twelve tracks (or any of 38 more of his songs) for 30 to 32 cents each, online, at http://amiestreet.com/artist/16467?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=MTEzNDkxMTkyS0&utm_campaign=110955.
.
.
10) BOB NOLAN WEBSITE OFFERS WESTERN MUSIC & MORE
BOB NOLAN wrote more classic cowboy songs than anybody. CALIN COBURN and ELIZABETH MCDONALD maintain a site to his legacy and career, and are able to post things that are hard to find, or unavailable elsewhere.
+
During June, you can find:
> Song of the Month: "In This Room"
> Movie of the Month: "The Old Wyoming Trail"
> Photo of the Month: "Still Mobile"
> Spotlight on "Bob Nolan's Tucson" by SUZETTE SPENCER MARSHALL
+
They also have news, including the sad announcement that WAYNE AUSTIN passed away on May 30 of a lingering illness. They say that Wayne “gave generously of his time to make demos of many of Bob Nolan's songs, recited as poetry in Wayne's magnificent voice. We will always be grateful.”
+
Find all that and more at www.bobnolan-sop.net.
.
.
11) STEVE ALLEN THEATER IN THE L.A. TIMES
JANET KLEIN that delightful throwback to the music of the 1920s who most often performs with her all-star band, JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS, has a long-running monthly residency at the historic Steve Allen Theater in Hollywood. Her shows there always open with vintage film shorts from animation historian JERRY BECK. That’s very much in character with what happens there. Janet’s July show is coming up on the 3rd, and her show June 5th included “Dimestore Dandy” RICK QUISOL, VINCE CORTESE, and THE DIXIE DAISIES in a 1920s extravaganza. The Steve Allen Theater is at 4773 Hollywood Bl (2 blks E of Vermont), in Hollywood, and you can see their schedule at www.steveallentheater.com. Janet wrote to ask, “Did you read about the beloved Steve Allen Theater in the Sunday L.A. Times?” Here’s the link: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-ca-steve1-2008jun01,0,4710699.story.
.
.
12) TUBE AMPLIFIER? FENDER MOVES SUPPORT TUBES
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC; www.fender.com) has acquired “certain assets” of Groove Tubes LLC, which develops and produces amplifier tubes. MATT JANOPAUL, President of FMIC says, "An important part of Fender's history revolves around tube amplifiers. The '59 Bassman and the '65 Twin Reverb are great examples of our long history of amplifier innovation that dates back to 1946. More importantly, these amps have been instrumental in shaping modern music today.” Groove Tubes was founded in 1979 to make and supply hard-to-find tubes, and during the years since, their product line has grown to include mics, accessories, and other electronics. FMIC purchased the Groove Tubes brand and “other assets.” Groove Tubes founder ASPEN PITTMAN isn’t leaving; he’s continuing in a consulting role. We’re certain that our buddy WHIT SMITH, guitarist & vocalist with Austin-based HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN, will be glad to hear this one; no matter how big the concert stage or how coveted the venue, Whit has the sound man mic his 1930’s tube amp, which sits on a little wood crate on stage, right behind him.
.
.
13) PAUL McCARTNEY AMP - AUCTION FOR CHARITY
Speaking of amps… for ten days, commencing June 9, you can bid on a VOX AC15H1TV signed by Sir Paul. VOX amps is auctioning the amp, with all proceeds going to “No More Landmines” (www.landmines.org.uk) a British-based charity that works throughout the world to remove the threat of unexploded land mines and weapons of war. More info from VOX at 631- 390-6500 or www.voxamps.com. The bid page is www.ebay.co.uk/vox.
.
.
NEXT WEEK, we’ll bring lots more news. Meantime, go back to our first news feature in this edition, and CONTACT CONGRESS to protect your rights to your created works!
.
.
=====================
.
copyright (c) © 2008, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
.
=====================
.
Be sure to check EVERY WEEK for
.
+ the extensive and always huge Acoustic Americana Music Calendar’s event listings
+ news of the “TIED TO THE TRACKS” radio & TV shows coming soon in syndication
+ the latest NEWS FEATURES from the acoustic music universe!
.
.
..............
.