July 2 events, 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 July 2, 2008
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copyright (c) © 2008, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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WHY WE’RE ON BLOGSPOT.COM: after a long presence on MySpace, that site suddenly changed parameters to accept only short posts, now requiring a ponderous and VERY time-consuming process to list events in small increments. It’s far too time-consuming. So we began posting the calendar and news on Blogspot. We’ll see how this works, and we welcome your feedback, at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com .
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FUTURE EVENTS are posted into 2009. We update often, and we add a BUNCH of concerts, festivals, club gigs, workshops, and recurring events as dates arrive.
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LATEST NEWS FEATURES always post separately. The most recent edition posted June 28; the most recent previous News Features posted June 19; recent editions are available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com; archived editions are 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 journey farther back by using the “older entries” button as many times as necessary. You can go all the way back to when acoustic music was made by indigenous natives pounding on hollow logs with rocks.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 2
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Today’s anniversaries:
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CONGRESS VOTED FOR INDEPENDENCE on this day in 1776, resulting in the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by 12 of the 13 colonies, with New York abstaining. It had not been at all certain that the rebellion against England would become a war for independence, as late as June 28. When the vote was taken on this day, JOHN ADAMS predicted it would be the most important day in American history. Alas, that would be reserved for July 4, the day that THOMAS JEFFERSON’s final, corrected draft of the Declaration was ready for all the signatures.
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MUTINY ON THE “AMISTAD” slave ship happened this day in 1839. Africans captured by slave traders in Africa were being transported to a life of plantation in the Caribbean. They staged a sudden an effective uprising at sea under the leadership of SENGBE PIEH a Membe African known as CINQUE, in the midst of a storm, killing the captain and a crewmen and seizing the ship. After nearly two months at sea, during which many starved, they were spotted by an American vessel and the brig USS Washington seized the vessel and took it to New London, Connecticut. As chronicled in the Hollywood film, “Amistad,” a trial ensued, with former President JOHN QUINCY ADAMS defending the slaves as free men. While the court ruled that the Africans had been illegally enslaved, it ordered their return to Cuba, where they would have been executed by Spanish authorities. US President MARTIN VAN BUREN appealed the decision through the courts, reaching the Supreme Court, and that’s where Adams took over the defense. The Court ruled, with only one dissenting vote, that the Africans were illegally imprisoned and were free men who could be returned to Africa. They returned to West Africa, with some becoming missionaries in Sierra Leone, and most returning to their homelands in the African interior.
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THE SECOND DAY AT GETTYSBURG happened this day in 1863, as the Confederate armies attacked Culp’s Hill in the north and Little Round Top in the south, both near the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Impromptu place names, including those two, and the Peach Orchard, and a rock formation known as the Devil’s Den, would enter history as Lincoln’s “hallowed ground.” By the thinnest of margins, the Union lines held, preventing Lee’s army from cutting-off the Union troops to the north, and leaving a path open for Lee to march south on Washington, DC. This is the day that COL. JOSHUA LAWRENCE CHAMBERLAIN, a university professor with no formal military training, turned an impending rout of Union troops into an out-of-ammunition bayonet charge that drove the Confederates off the heights. A final, bloody, decisive day would follow. The battle, and every aspect of it, has been examined in hundreds of books, and chronicled in Michael Shaara’s historical fiction, “The Killer Angels,” basis for the Hollywood epic, “Gettysburg.”
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PRESIDENT JAMES A. GARFIELD WAS SHOT on this day in 1881, by a frustrated and probably insane office-seeker. It took 80 days for Garfield to die of blood poisoning. Vice President Chester A. Arthur became president.
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THE CIVIL RIGHTS BILL was signed on this day in 1964 by President LYNDON JOHNSON. Minnesota Senator HUBERT HUMPHREY had fought Southern Senators and others as he carried the bill, and it came down to a one-vote margin for its final vote in the US Senate on June 10, 1964. That was the day the real drama occurred. There to determine the outcome was California Senator CLARE ENGEL. Engel was battling brain cancer, and had come to the Senate from a hospital bed, just to vote. Engel couldn’t speak. When asked for his vote, he slowly raised his arm and pointed to his eye, to signify, “aye,” a yes vote. Engel succumbed to the cancer and died on July 31. But not until he changed history with the vote that sent the bill to the president for the signature that finally eliminated “Jim Crow” and other racially-based segregation and discrimination laws in America. (Thanks to Keith Olbermann for celebrating this key moment in history, back on June 10.)
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FIRST ZEPPELIN AIRSHIP flew on this day in 1900, three years before the Wright Brothers made the first flight in a heavier-than-air craft. The Zeppelin was named for its designer, German Count Ferdinand Graf von Zeppelin, and like all its descendants, had a rigid frame, rather than a simple inflatable gas bag. Zeppelin’s interest in flight began when he was a foreign military observer during the American Civil War. He made several ascents in 1863 in Union army observation balloons.
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AMELIA EARHART VANISHED on this day in 1937, while nearing the home stretch of her around-the-world flight, sparking the largest search ever undertaken, and one of the world’s most abiding mysteries. Earhart and her non-pilot navigator FRED NOONAN were last heard from near Howland Island, a tiny atoll in the South Pacific. Earhart was one of the first heroic women adventurers who had captured the public imagination, with a series of aviation feats and records. Theories have included one that speculates she was on a spying mission to determine Japanese military strength and various other bits of wild speculation. In all likelihood, the two flew a vector in the wrong direction after crossing a navigation point, then ran out of fuel and crashed at sea. But no one knows.
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EARLY FILMS DESTROYED BY FIRE on this day in 1910, as Vitagraph burns in New York, and takes with it the only negatives of a many early silent films, including a number of those starring Rudolph Valentino and Norma Talmadge.
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SHIRLEY TEMPLE SIGNED by Fox on this day in 1934, at age 6. From 1935-38, she would be Hollywood’s top box office draw. She was Nixon’s ambassador to the UN in 1969, ambassador to Ghana from 1974-76, President Ford’s Chief of Protocol, and ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1989-92.
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“THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW” debuted this day in 1955. It would be a long-running variety show notable for making stars of its regular cast members, rather than featuring guests who were already stars. In that sense, it still offers a model for indie musicians. The show ran on ABC for 16 years, then entered syndication.
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SCIENTIST STEPHEN HAWKINGS BREAKS BRITISH BESTSELLER RECORDS on this day in 1992, with his book, “A Brief History of Time.” Diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in his 20s and given two years to live, he continues to defy everyone’s expectations as a brilliantly innovative theoretical physicist and cultural icon ahose synthesized voice has enable him to star on “The Simpsons,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” in a Pink Floyd song, and in the documentary film based on his book.
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THE SHERMAN ANTITRUST ACT WAS PASSED this day in 1890, finally bringing government into the arena to stop the runaway practices of the robber barons of big business. Ohio Senator John Sherman had hoped for an end to monopolies, even the disbanding of those in place. But he saw the law manipulated by the wealthy to instead go after the labor unions. It would take the accidental presidency of Teddy Roosevelt to aggressively go after the entrenched rulers of American business, industry, and money.
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TODAY’S EVENTS:
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 2
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Wed, Jul 2; in Nevada:
Annual “INCLINE VILLAGE RED, WHITE & TAHOE BLUE CELEBRATION” at the Thunderbird Lodge, 5000 Highway 88, Incline Village, NV. 775-832-8750.
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Wed-Sun, Jul 2-6; in Washington, D.C.:
42nd Annual “SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL” on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.; this year brings a Texas emphasis, including performances by ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL, GUY CLARK, JOE ELY, MARSHA BALL, CJ CHENIER, TERRI HENDRIX, THE GILETTE BROTHERS, and THE QUEBE SISTERS, all representing the Lone Star state, and many, many more music acts. Other major themes are a celebration of NASA and space exploration, and the culture of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Info, www.folklife.si.edu/festival/2008/index.html.
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Wed; every week; in Yucaipa:
12:30 pm “YUCAIPA UKERS,” THE YUCAIPA UKULELE GANG, an ‘off-shoot’ of the Loma Linda Ukulele Strummers (LLUS), meets every Wed (recently changed; was 10:30 am). Info, loc, www.lomalindaukestrummers.org.
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Wed, every week:
6-9 pm GARRET SWAYNE does his weekly residency at Giovanni Ristorante, 21926 Ventura Bl, Woodland Hills 91364; reserv 818-884-0243; www.GiovanniRistorante.com. Ample parking behind restaurant. No cover, $15 minimum per person on food or drink.
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Wed, every week, Jun-Aug:
6:30 to 9 pm “CULTURAL ELEVATIONS - Get High on Culture at the Southwest Museum of the American Indian” at the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, 234 Museum Dr, L.A. 90065; 323-221-2164; www.southwestmuseum.org. Every Wed, June-August, journey up the hill for a new cultural high at the Southwest Museum, featuring a mix of local and Native American artists and performers. Bring a picnic, enjoy diverse bands and musicians, and view the best of Native and world cinema. View of the city from atop Mt. Washington, and elevate your mind. You can ride the Gold Line light rail to the Southwest Museum station, and hike up the hill.
June Line-up:
June 4 – Music by UMOVERDE and EL HARU KUROI
June 11 – Native Cinema, “Kumeyaay: Survival in the Weave” (Short) and “Our Land, Our Life” (NR)
June 18 – Native Performances by TED & DENNIS GARCIA (Chumash) / Native Storytelling and Dancing and the COSTANOAN RUMSEN CARMEL DANCERS
June 25 – World Cinema, “We of the Never Never” (Australia) (PG)
Free.
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Wed, every week; in Tehachapi:
7-10 pm OPEN MIC at Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; 661-822-BEAN; www.mamahillybeans.com. They welcome "musicians, poets, writers, thinkers, and audiences." Venue has great ambience, food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." No cover.
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Wed, every week:
7:30-10:30 pm “SINGER-SONGWRITER NIGHT” with STRUFF & TERRY, and Musical Guests at Tango D'Amore, 19524 Nordhoff St #3, Northridge 91324; shared parking with Guitar Center; 818-727-7399; www.tangodamore.com. Lineup always includes hosts Struff & Terry (www.struffandterry.com) and others, sometimes unknown, sometimes rather well-known. $5 cover.
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Wed, every week:
7:30-10 pm OPEN MIC at Guitar Merchant, 7503 Topanga Cyn Bl, Canoga Park 91303; 818-884-5905. Every Wednesday, hosted by Melinda Gibson. 7 pm sign-ups. Get your set recorded on CD for $10 (optional). Snacks and drinks available. No cover, tip jar for artists.
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Wed, 1st Wed every month:
7:30 pm THE BROMBIES bring bluegrass to Viva Fresh Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank (next to L.A. Equestrian Center); 818-845-2425. They have a residency there, the first, third (and occasional fifth) Wed of every month.
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Wed, 1st & 3rd Wed every month:
7:30-9 pm twice-monthly “COWBOY WESTERN JAM” at Rattlesnake Slim’s, 23127 Lyons Av, Newhall (Santa Clarita) 91321; www.myspace.com/rattlesnakeslims; 661-877-4165. Note: it is no longer at Vincenzo’s Pizza, as of June 4, 2008. All pickers invited. No cover.
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Wed, every week; in Simi Valley:
7:30-11:30 pm SONGMAKERS “SIMI VALLEY HOOT” jam session; call for location, 805-579-6416; www.songmakers.org/hoots/simi_valley_hoot.htm.
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Wed, Jul 2:
8 pm THE STOLEN SWEETS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reserv, 626-398-7917. They became a band in 2005 with the intention of reviving the songs of a classic 1930s act, THE BOSWELL SISTERS, whose deco-era music provided radio listeners a ray of hope during the truly dispiriting economic Depression. Today’s group combines the gorgeous vocalists JEN BERNARD, LARA MICHELL and ERIN SUTHERLAND with guitarists PETE KREBS and DAVID LANGENES (both of whom also sing), and double-bass player KEITH BRUSH, The Sweets' repertoire has expanded to include material from the 1920s -1940s. Their arrangements are still inspired by the Boswells' tight 3-part harmonies, frequent tempo changes and "knowing shrugs and raised eyebrows," but also incorporate gypsy jazz manouche accompaniment, reminiscent of Django Reinhardt. The Sweets’ recent exploits have included a headline performance at the “BOSWELL CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION” in New Orleans, plus an exciting 6-country European tour, and the honor of winning “BEST OF ART BEAT” on National Public Television. People all over the world flock to see them light up a room with their vintage sound. $18.
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Wed, every week:
8 pm “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” SERIES at Café Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks; 818-789-1985. One recent lineup included Heather Waters & Duane Jarvis and Micheal Ann & Alexandra Bustamante. Manda has played the series, as well. Hosted by singer-songwriter DONOVAN LYMAN (Blue Meridian) performing a song or two between each act. Dinner served all evening; plenty of private tables. All ages, free parking, no cover.
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Wed, every week:
8 pm OPEN MIC at The Talking Stick, 1630 Ocean Park Bl, Santa Monica; www.thetalkingstick.net.
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Wed, recurring:
8 pm OPEN MIC at The Pig 'n Whistle, 6714 Hollywood Bl, Hollywood 90028; www.pignwhistle.com. Sign-ups at 7:30, show at 8 pm.
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Wed, every week:
8 pm ACOUSTIC JAM at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; www.kulakswoodshed.com. No cover, artists are unpaid, and a $10 donation to the venue is expected from each participant & audience member.
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Wed; repeats every Wed:
8 pm OPEN JAZZ JAM at Hip Kitty Jazz / Fondue, 502 W First St (in the Packing House complex), Claremont 91711; www.hipkittyjazz.com; 909-447-6700. Beautiful venue, serves food, beer & wine, 25 mins E of Pasadena off the 210 Fwy.
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Wed, Jul 2; in Highland (San Berdoo area):
8 pm DENVER AND THE MILE HIGH ORCHESTRA at Immanuel Baptist Church, Highland. They’re a Christian-Americana band from Nashville, with some big fairgrounds gigs this summer. Cliff Wager tells us, “Our friends are playing in Los Angeles at Safari Sam's on July 1st. Come and Enjoy another great band from ‘THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND’ TV show” where CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD NUMBER 7 were final-round finalists. Denver & the boys have only two Southern Cal gigs all year, and this is one of ‘em (along with Safari Sam’s, last night). Artists’ info, www.myspace.com/denvermho.
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Wed, every Wed:
8:30 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) 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 dance lessons with Kathy, 7-8:30 pm. No cover.
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Wed, every week:
8:30 pm-midnight “JAZZ JAM SESSION” celebrates its first night in its new home, at The Smokehouse Restaurant, 4420 W Lakeside Dr (at Barham), Burbank 91505; www.smokehouse1946.com; 818-845-3731. The long-running weekly series was formerly at the Sportsman’s Lodge; it’s hosted by CATHY SEGAL-GARCIA, President of the California Pop & Jazz Council (www.capopandjazzcouncil.org). Event info, www.cathysegalgarcia.com. No cover.
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View more July events at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com, as chronological date listings, and longer “looks ahead,” as separate posts. NEWS FEATURES are also there, AND at www.myspace.com/laacoustic. News Features, radio playlists, and other things, are archived on myspace; use the “view all” button, scroll down, and if you don’t find what you want, then use the “older” button and scroll-down, as many times as necessary, all the way back to when acoustic music was made by indigenous natives pounding with rocks on hollow logs.
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copyright (c) © 2008, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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Questions? Comments? Contact us at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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