July 4 events & ANNIVERSARIES, 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 4, 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 new edition will post July 4; the most recent previous News Features posted June 28; 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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FRIDAY, JULY 4
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Today’s anniversaries:
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DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE was adopted this day in 1776 by the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, giving ultimate purpose to the ongoing American Revolution against British colonial rule. Though its words have no force in law in today’s America, it is often cited for its philosophy and the intended direction of the Founding Fathers.
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MANY ANNIVERSARIES on July Fourth in American History have followed since 1776.
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LEWIS & CLARK and the “Corps of Discovery,” in the midst on their expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase,” staged the first-ever celebration of July 4th West of the Mississippi by firing their cannon and providing extra rations of rum for all hands. The approximate site is commemorated today with a small monument in Kansas, along a creek near the banks of the Missouri River. They noted it was an especially pleasant camp spot, and they would not see it again until their return from the Pacific shore, two-and-a-half years later.
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The ERIE CANAL’s ground breaking happened this day in 1817.
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THOMAS JEFFERSON and JOHN ADAMS, two key Founding Fathers and past US Presidents, both died, within hours of each other in 1826, on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration,. Adams dying words were, “Thomas Jefferson still lives.” But he didn’t.
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The BALTIMORE & OHIO RAILROAD, America’s first common-carrier railway, began operating this day in 1828.
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“AMERICA,” the song we know today, was first sung this day in 1832. It is still advocated as a replacement National Anthem.
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The WASHINGTON MONUMENT’s cornerstone was laid this day in 1848, though completion of the obelisk would wait until after the Civil War. The color change, partway up, marks the change from pre-war Georgia marble to post-war Vermont marble.
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WALT WHITMAN’s “Leaves of Grass” was first published this day in 1855.
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The FIRST BASEBALL SERIES began this day in 1858.
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The BATTLE OF BULL RUN, or to the Southerners who won it, the BATTLE OF FIRST MANASSAS, was fought this day in 1861, as the first real battle of the American CIVIL WAR, and made some realize that the conflict would neither be over quickly nor a chivalrous affair.
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VICKSBURG SURRENDERED to Union forces on this day in 1863, ending the Confederacy’s ability to navigate and ship goods and troops on the Mississippi. Grant’s victory made him what Lincoln had sought, a winning general. For the South, it was a second day of tragic news, following the loss at Gettysburg the day before. For the first time, it appeared the Union would win.
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“BIRTH OF A NATION” filming began this day in 1914, by D.W. GRIFFITH. The Civil War epic, was, like the later “Gone with the Wind,” told from a white Southern perspective, but it took directions and explored dimensions that have always made it controversial, and caused enough condemnation that that the film is rarely seen today. It was nearly 3 hours long, and commanded a hefty $2 admission, unlike anything of its day. While it introduced new filmmaking techniques and technology that are still common, it showed a defeated South responding to exploitation by Union Carpetbaggers with a Ku Klux Klan portrayed as heroic, going so far as to demonize freed slaves to justify that storyline. Indeed, the film’s original title was “THE CLANSMAN,” changed only because of the outrage of the liberals of the time. Ironically, one of the songs from the film’s score (played on piano or organ in each movie house) was called “The Perfect Song.” It became the theme song for the wildly popular “AMOS ‘N ANDY” radio and TV shows, which gave work to many black comedians and actors. Today, those shows are seen as racial stereotypes and are also seldom seen or heard.
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CALVIN COOLIDGE, US President from 1923-1929, was born this day in 1872. He ascended to the presidency upon the death in office of President Warren G. Harding. Called “Silent Cal” because he said and did very little, he was often cited by President Ronald Reagan as his hero and prototype. Coolidge was, in fact, largely responsible for the fiscal policies that caused the Great Depression that began with the Stock Market Crash in October, 1929, seven months after he left office and Herbert Hoover took over.
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The CENTENNIAL EXPOSITION, with an enormous World’s Fair-like atmosphere, was celebrated in 1876 in Philadelphia, dampened by the news, just arrived, of Custer’s defeat at the Little Big Horn.
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The STATUE OF LIBERTY was formally received on this day in 1884, as a gift from France.
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U.S. EXPEDITIONARY FORCE marched through Paris on this day in 1917, to the tomb of the Marquis de Layfayette. General John J. Pershing, commander of American forces in WW I, symbolically noted that the “New World had sent its might to save the Old,” in repayment for Layfayette’s contribution to the Patriots in the American Revolution. U.S. Colonel Charles Stanton was more succinct, declaring, “Lafayette, we are here!” The French, who had suffered horrendous losses since 1914, cheered wildly.
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POLISH LEADER KILLED while fighting for justice during WW II on this day in 1943. General WLADYSLAW SIKORSKY was head of the Polish government in exile, following the invasions by Nazi Germany and its then treaty partner, the Soviet Union, and their division of Poland between them in 1939. After the Germans attacked Russia in 1941, and Stalin befriended the Western allies, Sikorsky was accepted as a partner in the alliance – until he asked too many questions about a 1939 Soviet massacre of Polish officers in a forest. It would take until 1992 before Poland found the mass graves and confirmed the massacre. But on this day in 1943, Sikorsky’s plane mysteriously crashed, killing all aboard, after taking off from Gibraltar. It remains unclear if the crash was an accident or yet another murder by Stalin’s agents.
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The U.S. BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION culminated on this day in 1976, with the nautical parade of “tall ship” sailing vessels of the world gathering in New York harbor, and an enormous fireworks display and concert festival in Washington, DC. Meanwhile, the only nationwide Bicentennial project, the American Freedom Train, conducted a routine exhibit date in rural Pennsylvania, on its journey through all 48 contiguous states, bringing the nation’s heritage to its people in their own hometowns.
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SOVIETS SEE AMERICAN MUSICIANS in an enormous “Concert for Peace” in Moscow in 1987, featuring BONNIE RAITT, THE DOOBIE BROTHERS, SANTANA, and others. Security was extremely oppressive, and most of the 25,000 concert goers were kept far from the stage. The crowd trickled away, until a Russian Folk Group took the stage, energizing everyone and becoming the unquestioned stars of the event. It was an early part of Soviet Premiere Mikhail Gorbachev’s “glasnost” (openness) policies.
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PATHFINDER LANDED ON MARS on this day in 1997, after traveling more than 120 million miles through space. The following day, the site was renamed “Sagan Station,” in honor of the late astronomer, book author, and cultural icon for science, Carl Sagan. Millions of images have been downloaded from the various NASA websites of pictures taken by Pathfinder on the Red Planet.
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TODAY’S EVENTS:
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FRIDAY, JULY 4
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Happy Independence Day! (Remember the dry hillsides before you try DIY fireworks…)
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Fri, Jul 4 (through Sun, Jul 6); in Washington, D.C.:
42nd Annual “SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL” continues 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. Runs Jul 2-6. Info, www.folklife.si.edu/festival/2008/index.html. If you go, stay for the all-star extravaganza with many music stars and the Marine Corps Band, playing the annual fireworks concert for the Fourth of July
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Fri, Jul 4; in Seattle:
“FOURTH OF JULY MANIA BLOCK PARTY” at 1329 S. Pearl St, Seattle, with RAINA ROSE, ALI MARCUS, GREEN MOUNTAIN GRASS, JOHN ELLIOTT, and other artists. Portland (OR) based Raina Rose has twice performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and Seattle-based Ali Marcus scored a listener favorite on the radio show with her original “Most Autobiographical Song.” Ali tells us, “I'm going to do a PATRIOTIC set - sinking ships, war, baseball, Bruce, the works.” She adds, from the promoter: "There is a wood stove, heated hot tub, a garden, and a puppy named Jack!" [How totally Seattle.] Ali says, “I will add that it's free, all ages, and promises much wonderful music.”
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Fri, Jul 4-Sun, Jul 6; July 4th Weekend; in New Mexico:
“ANIMAS RIVER BLUES FESTIVAL” in Aztec, New Mexico, with BERNIE PEARL and many others.
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Jul 4; in Texas:
“STAR SPANGLED 4th FESTIVAL” at Firewheel Town Center, 245 Cedar Sage Drive, Garland (outside of Dallas), Texas 75040. Includes RENAISSANCE, the popular a capella doo wop group, featuring Maurice Kitchen, Torre Brannon Reese, Kwame Alexander, Anthony "Tony" Snead and Jason Powell. The group was a huge hit at the “Ash Grove 50th Anniversary” weekend at UCLA in April.
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Fri, Jul 4:
1 pm THE HODADS play the July 4th Celebration at the Westchester Recreation Center, 7000 West Manchester Av, L.A. 90045. They perform their first set 1-1:50 pm, and a second set 2-3 pm. Info, http://www.laxcoastal.com/HWISoft/newsfiles/2052-file2008july4_flyer.pdf.
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Fri, Jul 4:
2-5 pm 2nd annual “FOURTH OF JULY ICE CREAM SOCIAL” with a live acoustic music jam at the Learning Garden at Venice HS, 13000 Venice Bl, L.A. 90066; 310-722-3656; learninggardenmaster@yahoo.com. Features ice creams made from the garden. Bring a homemade pie or cobbler to complete the festivities. Garden master and “Tied to the Tracks” associate producer DAVID KING says, “After a nap to sleep off all that sweetness, go watch fireworks totally refreshed!” Bring $5 donation to defer cost of ice cream makings.
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Fri, Jul 4:
3-9 pm RON ELY does authentic and original maritime songs at the weekly “MONROVIA FAMILY FESTIVAL,” at his “usual location” at Myrtle & Colorado. There’s lots of other music throughout old town Monrovia, usually from 5:30-10 pm or after; this week’s festival starts early, because of the Fourth, and ends with a 9 pm FIREWORKS SHOW visible from the festival.
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Fri, Jul 4; in Santa Barbara:
4 pm “FOURTH OF JU-LY MUSIC SPECTACULAR” with PETER FELDMANN & THE VERY LONESOME BOYS and THE SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY at Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens, Anacapa and Victoria Sts, Santa Barbara. Peter tells us, tongue-in-cheek, “Once again, the Santa Barbara Symphony has agreed to close for our well-known, respected bluegrass group. It's a great way to celebrate this country's birthday. Bring a blanket and a picnic hamper for added enjoyment.”
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PETER FELDMANN was honored with the annual "Music Legend" award in May, 2008, by the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Organization. He’s been studying, collecting, and performing bluegrass and old-time music for more than 40 years. An outstanding mandolinist in the Bill Monroe tradition, Peter also adds guitar, banjo, and fiddle to his sets, which combine new arrangements of traditional American tunes with bluegrass classics. The founder of the ‘70s music club, THE BLUEBIRD CAFÉ, as well as the SANTA BARBARA OLD TIME FIDDLERS' CONVENTION, Peter now manages his music company, BlueGrass West! in the Santa Ynez Valley. His band, THE VERY LONESOME BOYS includes bassist TOM LEE, veteran of the CACHE VALLEY DRIFTERS and THE BLUEGRASS CARDINALS, while MIKE NADOLSON, head of Tricopolis Records in Orange County, plays Martin flat-top guitar; record producer DAVID WEST of Play Ball Productions and a CMH Records recording artist, plays banjo (David is known for his song writing and producing skills); TOMMY MARTON plays fiddle. Admission is free.
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Sun, Jul 4:
6 pm Annual “JULY FOURTH FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA” with the 100-piece LOS ANGELES PIERCE SYMPHONIC WINDS providing the music for a patriotic evening outdoors at Lou Bredlow Pavilion in Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Bl, Woodland Hills. Concert at 6 pm, fireworks at 9:05, set to live music. The program features the many talented educators who work for the band’s continued success. The sponsoring Valley Cultural Committee has an upgraded food court with sixteen vendors serving a variety of food and beverages. The Children’s Play Zone is also upgraded this year with bounce rides, clowns, face painting and balloon artists. Parking is available for a $15 (higher price for thie event only) in three nearby parking structures; Califa St between Topanga & Owensmouth and Owensmouth Av between Oxnard & Califa. Proceeds help offset the cost of the concerts. Info on shows and free parking with incentives at VCC, 818-704-1358 or www.valleycultural.org.
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Lou Bredlow Pavilion, Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Bl, Woodland Hills; Valley Cultural Ctr summer series venue; info, www.valleycultural.org; 818-704-1358.
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Fri, every week:
6-9 pm DAVE OSTI and DEANNA COGAN jam out on acoustic classic rock tunes every Friday at the Mayan Bar, 311 W Foothill Bl, Monrovia.
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Fri, every week:
6-8 pm OPEN MIC at Fendi's Café, 539 East Bixby Rd (near Atlantic), Long Beach; 562-424-4774.
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Fri, every 1st & 3rd Fri; in Lancaster:
7 pm SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLASS in Lancaster, meets the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month, at the Lutheran Church of the Master, 725 E Avenue J, Lancaster. Call Walter or Paula at 942-6893 for info. Organizers say, “If you can walk, you can do this social dance. It's great fun, and beginners are welcome.”
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Fri, every week; in Tehachapi:
7 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE at Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; www.mamahillybeans.com; 661-822-BEAN. Venue has great ambience, and food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." Traveling acts have varying admission prices; check venue's web site.
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Fri, every 1st & 3rd Fri; in San Clemente:
Blues legend BERNIE PEARL’s residency at Iva Lee's in San Clemente. Switching his four-year residency there to alternate Fridays; on second Saturdays, Bernie will continue to play electric with pianist Dwayne Smith. He was great performing live on “Tied to the Tracks” in March. Artist info, www.berniepearl.com.
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Fri, first Fri, every month:
7:30 pm ”SONGSALIVE! FIRST FRIDAYS LOS ANGELES SHOWCASE” at Hallenbeck's & Cahuenga General Store, 5510 Cahuenga Bl, North Hollywood 91601; www.hallenbecks.net. Featuring talented songwriters from around the globe, and held around the globe, Songsalive! Showcases are a cozy, intimate and acoustic environment where media and music industry representatives often drop-by to check-out the latest talent. Venue has coffeehouse fare, good sandwiches & salads. Info on sponsoring organization at www.songsalive.org/losangeles. $8 cover at the door.
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Fri, Jul 4; 1st Fri, every month:
8-10 pm monthly "FIRST FRIDAY" show with BEATUNES, hosted by SEVERIN BROWNE at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; live simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. Severin tells us about BeaTunes: “They will go on at 8pm and play a lot of Beatles songs that we all know and love, but were not the A-side of any single! In fact, they only play the B-sides of the 45’s! (Remember those?)” The “First Friday” series features performing guests and the “First Friday Band,” with SEVERIN BROWNE, MIKE BISCH, DAVID STONE, JEFF KOSSACK, AARON WOLFSON, ALEX DEL ZOPPO and GARY POPENOE. No cover, artists are unpaid, and a $10 donation to the venue is expected.
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Fri, Jul 4:
8 pm DAVID STALLER plays the blues at Rattlesnake Slim’s Coffee, Tea, and Tack, 23127 Lyons Av, Newhall; 661-877-4165; www.myspace.com/rattlesnakeslims. We love the venue’s self-promo: “If you like pre-made concentrated coffee from a plastic bag or tea that comes from concentrate than keep goin’ down Lyons. If you prefer music that is produced by a giant media conglomerate and a computer, than stay away. If your preference for music is generated by Pro-Tools, not by people with talent, than stay away. Yeah, we know that we seem like a hick joint. We would rather be hick than fake. We have the blues all the time. We love Howlin Wolf and Ella. We listen to Billie and Willie. We design our own clothes. We have a nice selection of vintage hand made cowboy shirts perfect for the rockabilly in your family. Oh yeah and we are a tack and saddle shop too. Lets see you try and saddle up at Hollister. We brew our coffee and blend our shakes from beans not bags. We bring in live music Fridays and Satudays. If you want to be on our mailing list than just drop us a line at RattlesnakeSlims@earthlink.net.”
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Fri, every week:
8-10:30 pm THE PLOUGHBOYS play an every-Friday residency at the Tam O'Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz 90039; www.lawrysonline.com/tamoshanter_gen_info.asp; 323-664-0228. Band member Mark Romano says, “Great food, drinks, dancing, and of course, music!” Info & directions, www.theploughboys.com. All ages, no cover.
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Fri, first Fri, every month:
8 pm-midnight Songmakers “NORTH COUNTRY HOOT” at a private home in Northridge; for info & loc, www.songmakers.org/hoots/northcountryhoot.htm.
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Fri, every week:
9 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 Marie, 7-9 pm. 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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