Aug 30 thru Sep 1 - Labor Day Weekend events, Acoustic Americana Music Calendar 2008

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“Tied to the Tracks”
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC CALENDAR & NEWS
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August 30 to September 1 LABOR DAY WEEKEND UPDATE, 08/30/08 edition
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Entire contents 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.
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The most recent edition of our NEWS FEATURES posted AUGUST 28, available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2008/08/news-features-august-28-edition.html
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The most recent previous edition of NEWS FEATURES posted AUGUST 22, and is included in the compilation of all August editions published prior to the Aug 28 edition; that compilation is at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2008/08/news-features-all-august-editions-to.html – and each week’s edition for all recent months is available on Blogspot by reading the catalogue of posts at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com.
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Older archived editions of our NEWS FEATURES are available on our myspace page (www.myspace.com/laacoustic), by using the “View All” button and scrolling, and if you don’t see what you want, then journey farther back by using the “older entries” button and scrolling, as many times as necessary. You can go all the way back to when acoustic music was made by trees crashing to the floor of the primeval forests when the dinosaurs got too rambunctious.
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ANNIVERSARIES – things that happened in music, entertainment, and elsewhere in history – are on hiatus. Let us know if you miss them, and maybe that’ll prod us to start doing them again.
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COMMUNICATE WITH US about that, and anything else related to the Acoustic Music Calendar & News, at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com.
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LAST OF AUGUST – FINAL WEEKEND UPDATE:
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
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Sat, Aug 30; runs Aug 29, 30, 31, & Sep 1:
“SWEET & HOT FESTIVAL” at L.A. Airport Marriott Hotel; info, www.sweethot.org. Check their site for lineup and performance schedule, and to reserve tix. We do know that JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS are performing.
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Sat, Aug 30:
Annual “LONG BEACH BLUES FESTIVAL” with CHUCK BERRY, JOHN MAYALL, PINETOP PERKINS, THE DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND, ROY ROGERS & THE DELTA RHYTHM KINGS, SLY & THE FAMILY STONE, BOOKER T. JONES, CHARLIE MUSELWHITE, JOE LOUIS WALKER, and more, at Rainbow Lagoon Events Park, on Shoreline Dr (at Linden Av) across from the Marina Green, near the Long Beach Arena, in Long Beach; info, www.jazzandblues.org/longbeachbluesfestival.
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Sat & Sun, Aug 30 & 31, in Pennsylvania:
20th Annual “MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS FESTIVAL” in Ohiopyle State Park, across from Falls Market, Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania 15470. Runs Sat, noon-9 pm, and Sun, noon-6 pm. Music all day, plus arts and crafts, marathons, interactive shows, car show, and more. CHE ZURO plays Sat at noon. Expect an especially energetic event for the 20th anniversary of the festival. Free.
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Sat, Aug 30; in Wyoming:
“MAGIC CITY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL,” in Lyons Park, Cheyenne Wyoming. Great bands, free.
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Sat, Aug 30:
9:30-10:30 am GUITAR COURSE from KIM KOPP of VERTIGO ROAD begins today, runs eight weeks. In North Hollywood. Contact Kim at 818-298-9864. Runs Saturdays, Aug 30-Oct 18; doors open at 9 am for bagels, coffee and set-up. Fee is $150 for entire 8 week course.
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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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Saturdays, on web radio:
Noon-2 pm “CONTINENTAL DRIFT” Celtic and British Isle folk show, on KUSP in Santa Cruz, includes live performance-interviews with host CINDY ODOM on her long-running show. From the highlands of Scotland to the midlands of England and beyond, it’s traditional and contemporary music from Ireland and the other British Isles, with Celtic lore and Celtic-influenced folk and ethnic music from Europe and North America. Info, playlists, and web simulcast at www.kusp.org.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
Noon-1 pm “UNSIGNED MUSIC SHOW” on WPMD with TEE-M and MIKE STARK is “a genre-busting show, where the UNsigned Revolution is on.” On the web at http://wpmd.org. Mike and TEE-M spin CDs 11 am-noon “from cutting-edge indie artists and bands,” (acoustic and electric) then welcome guests at noon, usually for all-acoustic live performances. The show also rebroadcasts through the week; check site for details.
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Sat, Aug 30; in the OC:
1-4 pm “ACOUSTIC MUSIC JAM” at Mo's Fullterton Music Center, 121 N. Harbor Bl, Fullerton.
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Sat, Aug 30; in Santa Barbara:
2-5 pm KELLY'S LOT at Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stage Coach Rd, Santa Barbara. Kell tells us, “Acoustic but ROCKIN! with special guests!” Info, www.myspace.com/kellyslot and see Kelly’s Lot perform at www.youtube.com/kellyslot.
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Saturdays, alternate Saturdays, on web radio:
2 pm (Pacific) “ACOUSTIC HARMONY,” hosted by Mark Michaelis, from WGDR at 91.1 FM in the Green Mountains of Vermont, simulcast at www.wgdr.org. Mark sometimes hosts folk and acoustic renaissance artists in-studio for all-acoustic performance-interviews. He says, “The focus is on contemporary and traditional folk, singer-songwriters and local artists, but a little of anything and everything might creep-in. Whether it's Celtic, bluegrass, world music or even rock or blues, as long as it's got beautiful harmonies and melodies you might here it here on a Saturday afternoon.” More info, playlists, and archived performance-interviews at www.acoustic-harmony.com.
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Sat, Aug 30:
2:30-4:40 pm BUDDY ALLEN LaMONT brings “Melody and Rhyme” to the Pasadena Central Library Auditorium, 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena 91101; www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/library/events. Accessible to people with disabilities, and handicapped parking available. All ages, free.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
3-5 pm (Pacific) “A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION” always features live performances and skits and stories with host GARRISON KEILLOR, a regular cast of recording artists, and guests, whether broadcasting from various live venues across America, or from its home base in Minnesota. This initial “live” broadcast tiume each weekend is standard everywhere, though repeat times vary by station. In L.A., the show is broadcast on KPCC 89.3 FM, and repeats Saturday night, 6-8 pm and Sunday Noon-2 pm. But if you’re in L.A., it’s much better to find a web simulcast from somewhere; that’s because KPCC has no other music shows and they do not know how to control the levels for music performances, causing frequent peaking and signal cut-out.
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Sat, Aug 30:
4-7 pm MASON MOUNTAINEERS at Suzy's Bar and Grill, 1141 Aviation Bl, Hermosa Beach 90254; 310 379-6171. Traditional bluegrass with Glen Mason on guitar and mandolin, Dave Sharp on banjo, Tom Hall on bass, and Bryan Dresler on fiddle. They play for the venue’s dinnertime, every other Saturday. charge. Selection of food and drinks available. No cover.
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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, Aug 30-Mon, Sep 1:
6 pm-2 am (hours different each day) 1st Annual “DOG AND PONY SHOW” with THE KNITTERS, DAVE ALVIN & THE GUILTY MEN, THE BLASTERS, PETER CASE, TEX & THE HORSEHEADS, HACIENDA BROTHERS, RED MEAT, MIKE STINSON, JOE WOOD SINGS TSOL, THE COLD HARD FACTS, BIG SANDY & THE FLY-RITE BOYS and many others, all to benefit people in the music community who have no health care, all at Safari Sam's, 5214 Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90027; www.safari-sams.com. The music community is filled with talented people who share the same plight: they have no access to adequate healthcare. Please join us in bringing awareness by attending this three day festival, with a stellar lineup of artists. In memory of the late CHRIS GAFFNEY. Info, www.musicmenagerie.net/dogandponyshow. Runs Sat, 6 pm-2 am; Sun, 5 pm- 2 am; Mon, 3-9:30 pm. $30 / day, or $70 for 3-day pass; VIP table eating is $50 / day or $125 for 3-day pass.
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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, Aug 30:
7 pm THE DUO TONES at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Veteran rock-instrumental masters PAUL JOHNSON & GIL ORR have hit upon a unique and winning idea: by leaving-out the drums and bass, they put the focus on their delightful dual-guitar interplay, both acoustic and electric, which lends fresh appeal to the surf-instro genre. Paul co-founded the pioneer '60s surf band, the Belairs ("Mr. Moto"); and he currently plays with the Surfaris ("Wipeout"). Gil has been with the Chantays ("Pipeline") since the '60s.
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With two popular CDs and a growing visibility, including their recent performance on radio’s "A Prairie Home Companion," the Duo Tones are creating a stir among music fans who are discovering, for the first time, just how rich this stuff can be when played with the skill and authority that Paul and Gil bring to it. Always a fave act at the venue; many encores for a reason. Get reservations early. $18.
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Sat, Aug 30:
7 pm BARNEY GENTRY, autoharp balladeer, plus WHEN PIGS FLY!, at the “Monrovia Traditional Music Gathering,” during the weekly family street festival, 400 Block Myrtle Av, Monrovia 91016; 877-365-5744. Artists info, www.sokattywompus.com and www.WhenPigsFlyMusic.com.
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Sat, Aug 30:
7 pm MANDA performs at Abbot’s Habit, 1401 Abbot Kinney Bl, Venice 90291; 310-399-1171. Manda plays a 45 min set, accompanied by IDO, IAN GOTHE, & CHUCK LEE BRAMLET. Her fine debut CD, “Keeps On Turning,” will be available. Artist info, www.mandamusic.net. All ages, no cover, tips for artists are appreciated.
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Sat, Aug 30:
7-10 pm FINAL SHOW at the original Talking Stick in Santa Monica, with DADDY BONE, PETER QUENTIN, KAYE REZNICK, RICK LESHEVER, AND PERFORMING HOST CANYON ELLEN, at the Talking Stick, 1630 Ocean Park Bl, Santa Monica 90405; www.thetalkingstick.net. Yep, the original location is closing its doors, as the venue moves to Venice. Get there early for good seats. DADDY BONE tells us, “The show starts promptly at 7 o'clock (maybe earlier). Lollygaggers will be sitting outside.” Venue has coffeehouse fare and good sandwiches. All ages, no cover.
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Sat, Aug 30; in Tehachapi:
7 pm JOEL RAFAEL returns to Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; www.mamahillybeans.com; 661-822-BEAN. He’s won major awards in the folk world, and scored a “Listener Favorite” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Based in San Diego, Joel has played at Telluride, Strawberry, and Millpond Music Festivals. Artist info, www.joelrafael.com and there’s a YouTube link for one of Joel’s performances at www.mamahillybeans.com/calendar.html#083008. Venue has great ambience, and food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." Adv tix $12, $15 at door.
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Sat, Aug 30:
7:30 pm MARC FORD (formerly of THE BLACK CROWES and BEN HARPER & THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS), at the Folk Music Center, 220 Yale Av, Claremont; 909-624-2928; www.folkmusiccenter.com. Artist info, www.marcford.net. $15.
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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, Aug 30:
8 pm STAN WEST at The Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com. “Stan West is something of an institution on the Southern Californian blues scene, delighting the patrons of the area's blues clubs with his potent slide guitar riffs for around thirty years as well as opening for artists like Bo Diddley, Johnny Winter and Robben Ford and running his own guitar shop in Glendora (now closed). If you're looking for the real deal, invest your time in Mr. West.” -Doug Deutsch (Happening). “Stan West knows the blues.” - Vintage Guitar Magazine. Doors at 7:30 pm. $15.
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Sat, Aug 30:
8 pm MARIACHI DIVAS play “Musica Latina Saturadys” for the “Concerts in the Park” series at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, Memorial Park, Walnut & Raymond, Pasadena; 626-683-3230; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org. They’re an all-female, multicultural ensemble, full of mariachi energy and musicality. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station, and save expensive parking and gas. Nice outdoor venue. Free.
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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. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Sat, Aug 30:
8 pm BIG RED SKY at Viva Fresh Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank (by the L.A. Equestrian Center, across from the Pickwick Bowl); www.vivacantina.com; reserv, 818-845-2425. All ages, no cover. Band info, www.thebigredsky.com. They have a new CD out, on Woodenship Records.
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Sat, fifth Sat of the month (when there is one):
8 pm-midnight Songmakers “TAKE THE FIFTH HOOT” at a private residence in Sherman Oaks; call for loc, 818-761-2766.
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Sat, 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 / couple dance lessons with Charlotte, 7-9 pm. No cover.
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Sat, Aug 30; Mariposa road trip:
9 pm-1 am I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. play the “Amigo Dance Slab” at the Mariposa County Fair, in Mariposa. The boys tell us, “Come on up to the lovely foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, near the entrance to Yosemite, to celebrate the beginning of the end of summertime with your friends, I See Hawks in L.A.” Band member PAUL MARSHALL says, “Take the 99 to Merced. Go East on the 140 to Mariposa. Look for the Ferris Wheel.” Since 1939, the Mariposa County Fair has been providing family fun to the people of Mariposa and other surrounding communities. Agricultural events, displays, demonstrations, entertainment, a carnival, a midway and more provide old-fashioned fun for the young and young-at-heart. www.mariposafair.com.
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Sat, Aug 30:
9:45-10:45 pm ERIC SCHWARTZ plus PAUL CHESNE at O'Brien's, 2941 Main St, Santa Monica 90405; 310-396-4725. Eric is that wickedly funny satiric / comedic / political performing songwriter. You’ve heard him on “Air America.” He plays all over the country, so he’s not in L.A. all that often these days. Info, www.ericschwartz.com and this gig, www.communitywalk.com/fat_tire_beer__los_angeles/map/9692#0003@j%60.
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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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SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
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Sun, Aug 31; runs Aug 29, 30, 31, & Sep 1:
“SWEET & HOT FESTIVAL” at L.A. Airport Marriott Hotel; info, www.sweethot.org. Check their site for lineup and performance schedule, and to reserve tix. We do know that JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS are performing.
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Sun, every week:
10 am-2 pm DAFNI performs this week at the WEST L.A. FARMERS MARKET, 11360 Santa Monica Bl (at Corinth); www.westlafarmersmarket.com. Dafni will do two sets, with playing two sets. She says, “I'll be with GEOFF RAKNESS (upright bass), PETER KAVANAUGH (lead guitar), and MILES SENZAKI (drums).” Artist info, www.dafni.us. Also, free raffle for Farmers Market fresh food. A nice, permanent band shell stage and good sound system distinguish this one. Usually the first act performs from 10 or 10:30 am-noon, there’s a second act noon-1 pm, a break for the raffle of market goodies, and the final act performs 1:15-2 pm. This is a well-structured event. Free wifi at the farmers market and throughout the West L.A. Civic Center Plaza, and Free kids crafts table operated by volunteers 9 am-2 pm, both sponsored by West L.A. Neighborhood Council www.wlanc.com. When you are on the plaza with your laptop, select wlancwifi as your free wireless network. Free event. Map to free parking, www.westlafarmersmarket.com/Location.htm.
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Sun, every week:
10 am & 1 pm “GOSPEL BRUNCH” at House of Blues Sunset Strip, 8430 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; 323-848-5100.
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Sun, every week:
10 am & 1 pm “GOSPEL BRUNCH” at House of Blues Anaheim, 1530 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim; 714-778-2583.
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Sun, Aug 31:
11 am-noon KATHERINE DINES plays the “KIDS KONCERT” SERIES at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicam, 1419 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga 90290; tix & info, www.theatricum.com; 310-455-3723. This year’s series brings a great lineup of shows:
Aug 31 - KATHERINE DINES - lively and unique
Sep 7 - BUCK HOWDY & BB - wild west romp
Sep 14 - JUMBO SHRIMP CIRCUS - circus folks
Sep 21 - PARACHUTE EXPRESS - super stars in the world of children’s music
Sep 28 - THE SQUEEGEES - good clean fun
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Sun, every week:
Noon-3 pm “AMERICANA BRUNCH” this week with CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 at Safari Sam's, 5214 W Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90027; www.safari-sams.com; 323-666-7267. Different performers each week, hosted by Hillbilly DJ Jeff W, who David Serby says, “Not only puts these Sunday shows together, but he spins some serious old school country, honky tonk and rockabilly music, too.” Artist info, www.oldnumber7.net.
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Sun, every week:
12:30 pm families; 1:30 pm adults only COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLES at Rock Rose Gallery/Productions & Arroyo Books, 4108 N Figueroa St, Sycamore Grove; 323-222-4740; rockroseart@yahoo.com; www.rockrosegallery.com. Every Sun; 12:30 pm families, 1:30 pm adults only. Bring your own drum or percussion instrument to the drum circle or use one of those provided by the gallery. Taught by Mr Blue, a versatile artist from New York.
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Sun, Aug 31:
1-3 pm KELLY'S LOT at plays the “MALIBU CHILI COOKOFF” at the corner of Civic Center Way and Webb Way, close to PCH and Malibu Canyon Rd (Pepperdine). Info, www.myspace.com/kellyslot and see Kelly’s Lot perform at www.youtube.com/kellyslot.
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Sun, recurring:
1:30 pm WELSH CHOIR, for location, contact Rutthy: 818-507-0337.
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Sun, Aug 31:
2 pm “POETRY IN MOTION,” the first annual Coffee Gallery Backstage Poetry Festival, with poets SHARMAGNE LELAND-ST. JOHN, SHERMAN PEARL, *ellen*, ABEL SALAS, & MICHAEL PLISKIN, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. It’s a matinee show with Native American poet SHARMAGNE LELAND-ST. JOHN, a 2007 Pushcart Award nominee, author of 3 books, and editor of the e-zine “Quill;” SHERMAN PEARL, winner of the 2002 National Writers Union Prize, and 2007 Anderbo Prize, and a 2nd place finish in Ireland’s largest poetry competition, co-founder of the L.A. Poetry Festival, co-founder of CQ magazine, and author of 5 books; *ellen*, winner of the Blue Unicorn, Cape Cod Times, and DA Center for the Arts prizes, and teacher emeritus at Santa Monica College; ABEL SALAS, AIM activist and owner of Resistencia Bookstore in Austin, TX, he sometimes teached poetry in juvenile detention facilities in California; MICHAEL PLISKIN, guitar accompanist on 12-string, whose first major performances were at the Hudson River Festival, to benefit Pete Seeger’s nonprofit foundation and its sailing sloop that promotes river conservation. $10.
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Sun, recurring:
3-5:30 pm JAZZ COMPOSERS WORKSHOP at Rock Rose Gallery/Productions & Arroyo Books, 4108 N Figueroa St, Sycamore Grove; 323-222-4740; rockroseart@yahoo.com; www.rockrosegallery.com. Every Sunday.
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Sun, Aug 31:
3-4 pm JOE MURO plays a tuba & clarinet recital in the Pasadena Central Library Auditorium, 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena 91101; www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/library/events. Accessible to people with disabilities, and handicapped parking available. All ages, free.
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Sun, every week:
4-7 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Finn McCool, 2702 Main St, Santa Monica; 310-452-1734.
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Sun, every week:
4-7 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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Sun, every week:
4-6 pm “BEGINNERS IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Celtic Arts Center at Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com.
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Sun, Aug 31:
4 pm-midnight Robert Morgan Fisher’s semi-annual “FOLKTACULAR” returns with DAN BERN, MANDA, JOYCE WOODSON, MOTHER NATURE’S ARMY, CHAD WATSON, LEE DOMANN (from Albuquerque), SEVERIN BROWNE, FREEBO, DAVE MORRISON, DALE LaDUKE, TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, GARRET SWAYNE, ALLAN COMEAU, PAUL ZOLLO, PIPER-GREY, “BANJO” FRED STARNER, and ROBERT MORGAN FISHER, at Writers Boot Camp Auditorium at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, Bldg. I, Santa Monica. Adv tix/reserv strongly encouraged. Robert says, “We expect a pretty big response due to the stellar lineup, which includes (as Ed Sullivan used to say): “A fine balladeer, causing quite a splash with the young people … DAN BERN.” And Robert adds, “Yes, 4-12 is a long show – but this is a luxurious auditorium with couches and everything.”
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Many of these artists have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” including LEE DOMANN, SEVERIN BROWNE, FREEBO, CHAD WATSON, DAVE MORRISON, GARRET SWAYNE, DALE LaDUKE, TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, PIPER-GREY, “BANJO” FRED STARNER, and ROBERT MORGAN FISHER.
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REVISED & Final (as far as we know) performance schedule:
4 pm host ROBERT MORGAN FISHER opens the show, www.robertmorganfisher.com
4:30 pm “BANJO” FRED STARNER (www.hobobanjofred.com) longtime banjo player for PETE SEEGER and the official “Grand Duke of Hobo Minstrels” (voted by the hobos at their annual gathering in Britt, Iowa.
4:45 pm ALLAN COMEAU, www.allancomeau.com; www.topangarecords.com
5 pm DALE LaDUKE, www.daleladuke.com (from TttT “Listener Favorite” Kaedmon)
5:15 pm TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, www.trough.com/tedrow-vreeland/default.htm5:15 pm GARRET SWAYNE, www.garretswayne.com
5:30 pm SEVERIN BROWNE, www.severinbrowne.com
5:45 pm PAUL ZOLLO, http://bluerailroad.com (well-known songwriter and best-selling author of music bio books)
6 pm CHAD WATSON & PAM LOE, www.chadwatson.us (Cal Country Music champ before Nashville made country awful)
6:15 pm FREEBO, http://freebo.com, Bonnie Raitt’s longtime bass player, award-winning singer-songwriter, and occasional tuba player
6:30 pm GARRET SWAYNE, www.garretswayne.com
6:45 pm LEE DOMANN, www.leedomann.com (from New Mexico; KATHY MATTEA and RIDERS IN THE SKY have recorded his songs)
7 pm JOYCE WOODSON, www.joycewoodson.com (wrote the hit, “He’s Courtin’ Annie)
7:15 pm DAVE MORRISON, www.davemorrisonmusic.com, with Greg Krueger, D. Whitney Quinn, and “special stunt guests”
7:45 pm PIPER~GREY, www.trough.com/piper-grey/index.html
8 pm MANDA, www.myspace.com/myspacemanda (her new CD is getting rave reviews)
8:30 pm MOTHER NATURE’S ARMY, http://imdb.com/name/nm0424560 and http://imdb.com/name/nm0189845
9 pm DAN BERN, special headliner guest, http://danbern.com/index.html
10 pm-midnight is reserved for “encore sets,” TBA
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DIRECTIONS: I-10 W of I-405, exit Cloverfield, turn right, then right on Michigan, which ends at gates of Bergamot Station. Enter gates and park as far to the left, or West, as you can, get out and follow signs, on foot, to Writers Boot Camp, Bldg. i.
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Tix include admission, beverages (beer, wine, soda) and Tito’s Tacos while they last. Adv tix encouraged, so they know how much food to get. $15 adv, $20 door. To purchase $15 adv tix, email robert@robertmorganfisher.com.
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Sun, Aug 31-Mon, Sep 1:
5 pm-2 am (hours different each day) 1st Annual “DOG AND PONY SHOW” with THE KNITTERS, DAVE ALVIN & THE GUILTY MEN, THE BLASTERS, PETER CASE, TEX & THE HORSEHEADS, HACIENDA BROTHERS, RED MEAT, MIKE STINSON, JOE WOOD SINGS TSOL, THE COLD HARD FACTS, BIG SANDY & THE FLY-RITE BOYS and many others, all to benefit people in the music community who have no health care, all at Safari Sam's, 5214 Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90027; www.safari-sams.com. The music community is filled with talented people who share the same plight: they have no access to adequate healthcare. Please join us in bringing awareness by attending this three day festival, with a stellar lineup of artists. In memory of the late CHRIS GAFFNEY. Info, www.musicmenagerie.net/dogandponyshow. Runs Sat, 6 pm-2 am; Sun, 5 pm- 2 am; Mon, 3-9:30 pm. $30 / day, or $70 for 3-day pass; VIP table eating is $50 / day or $125 for 3-day pass.
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Sun, every week:
5-9 pm “THE GRAND OLE ECHO” does a special edition show with SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS and 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE on the main stage, and TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT and the BBQ out back, at The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park 90026; www.myspace.com/thegrandoleecho. This edition of the country & roots series has a cover charge; series runs weekly through the spring and summer at All ages (children under 14 are free), normally no cover, but this one is $10 adv (www.ticketweb.com), $12 door.
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Sun, every week:
5 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) and WEEKLY COMPLIMENTARY BBQ at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. (BBQ changed to 5-8 pm, effective July 4.) Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line dance lessons with Bonnie, 4-6 pm. Every Sunday they “light up the 'ol barbie and throw on anything from marinated tri-tip beef to good 'ol hamburgers. Every BBQ is served with all the fixin's, like baked beans, vegetables, rice, cole slaw, potato salad and more.” They tell us, “If you're looking for something really fun and different to do on Sundays, then head on down to The Cowboy Palace Saloon for dance lessons at 4, mouthwatering BBQ at 5, and a hot country band starting at 6!” No cover.
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Sun; repeats last Sun, every month:
5:45 pm OPEN MIC at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; 310-828-4497; www.mccabesguitar.com.
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Sun, Aug 31:
6 pm “LADY JAZZ IN THE KEY OF GRAND” presented by The Instrumental Women Project at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-GO1-FORD; www.FordTheatres.org; box dinner orders (in adv) 310-652-3797. The grand piano takes center stage as honoree KAREN HERNANDEZ, often compared to Ramsey Lewis, performs on piano with a jazz string ensemble and full roster of master instrumentalists, weaving Latin and blues riffs throughout the evening’s jazz repertoire. A Hammond B-3 organ provides the genre’s rich, Gospel undertones delivered by vocalist and keyboardist La Carol Miles. Featured jazz harpist and pianist Corky Hale joins this all-female annual showcase of master jazz musicians, with bassist, Nedra Wheeler, saxophonist Carol Chaikin, drummer Maria Martinez, percussionist Estaire Godinez, trumpeter Anne King, trombonist Alisha Marie Ard and members of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra. Co-Hosts for the event are Jane Monreal of ABC-7 and James Janisse, of Los Angeles’ Gentleman of Jazz. The song list includes “Sister Sadie,” “Oh Happy Day,” “Life’s Too Short,” “Cherokee,” “Green Tomatoes,” “Riverside Drive,” “Over The Rainbow” and “I Did Know What Time It Was,” and more.
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The event is preceded by a limited Art Exhibit of select works created by Huichol Indian artists who live in the mountainous region of West Central Mexico. The exhibit, on the Ford Plaza, opens at 4 pm. Tix $35 / $25. Buy 3 or more and pay $28 / $20. Children $12.
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Sun, every week, Jun 29-Aug 31:
6:30 pm “LEVITT LOVES KIDS” series for a half-hour before the evening’s professional musicians, at the “Concerts in the Park” series at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, Memorial Park, Walnut & Raymond, Pasadena; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org; 626-683-3230. Talented local musicians under age 18 take the stage; this year’s offerings include a Spotlight Awards winner and performers from the Young Musicians Foundation and Theatre 360. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station, and save expensive parking and gas. Nice outdoor venue. (See 7 pm listing for tonight’s featured professional musicians.) Free.
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Sun, Aug 31:
7 pm CAJI & SALOMÉ at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. With voice, guitar, pandeiro, uke, CAJI comes from the rich cultural city of Salvador, Bahia in Brazil. Here, Afro-Brazilian roots are blended with influences from around the world. A distinctive guitarist in the Brazilian style and unique singing interpretation redefines the grooves from his hometown. After studying classical and Brazilian music in college, he worked for an organization that provided relief throughout Brazil, giving him the opportunity to travel and play folk music with many people. His sophisticated acoustic guitar playing, sensitive voice and original compositions are a true expression of strong, sensual and percussive Brazilian music.
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SALOMÉ, a native of Portugal, joined him with vocals, pandeiro and ukulele. Born on the islands of the Azores, she moved to the cosmopolitan city of Montréal, where she was able to develop her unique musical style combining traditions of European music with the contemporary sounds of Brazil. Salomé brings to her music the influences of many languages and cultures, transmitting a love for the Portuguese and Brazilian music and for the many cultures of the continents that surround her homeland islands: Africa, Europe, North, Central and South America, and a desire to bring them closer together in one voice.
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With Salomé’s percussiveness and ability to sing in four different languages (Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English), and Caji's unbelivable guitar playing and singing, they are able to bring to the music of the world, including Brazilian, Cuban, French, Peruvian, Cabo Verdian, Portuguese and more, a special sensitivity to the rare beauty of these cultures. Caji & Salomé will be accompanied by two fine musicians on percussionist or/and bass and/or flugel horn. $20.
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Sun, Aug 31:
7 pm AMY LONDON plays “Jazz Night Sundays” for the “Concerts in the Park” series at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, Memorial Park, Walnut & Raymond, Pasadena; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org; 626-683-3230. The NY jazz artist and Broadway star under the stars in Pasadena. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station, and save expensive parking and gas. Nice outdoor venue. Free.
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Sun, every week:
7 pm PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP WITH MARC PLATT at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; www.kulakswoodshed.com. Must be a member in advance to gain entry. Limit 10 performers per week. Info, www.kulakswoodshed.com/workshop.shtml. Each week's workshop is $20, with all proceeds to the venue.
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Sun; repeats last Sun, every month; in the OC:
7-9 pm monthly “ORANGE COUNTY SONGSALIVE! SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP” at Spires Restaurant (in the Meeting Room), 13030 Goldenwest Av (crnr of Garden Grove Bl), Westminster 92683; 714-636-0442; event info, 714-333-8222 (Rodney). Songwriting workshop, critique session and songwriting exercises. Event gathers songwriters to share their songs, gain feedback and develop relationships within the global Songsalive! songwriting communities. First half is an in-the-round workshop where writers present one song each (on tape, CD or live) followed by a guest speaker or industry discussion in the second half, with time to talk and network. Moderated by Rod O'Riley. Directions, info, www.songsalive.org/losangeles.
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Sun, every week, on web radio:
7-9 pm “FOLKSCENE” is a long-running folk music show from Los Angeles, hosted by ROZ LARMAN on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles, 98.7 FM in Santa Barbara, and simulcast at www.kpfk.org. Each edition features a long-form performance-interview, recorded live, with a guest recording artist. The show celebrated its 37th year on the air in February 2008. Info on the show and guests, playlists, and tributes to the late co-host HOWARD LARMAN, at www.folkscene.com.
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Sun, every week, on web radio:
7 pm “FLAT CAT RADIO,” hosted by DAVE STRAUSS, features live on-air performance-interviews at www.myspace.com/flatcatradio. It’s a weekly live web-only show focused on Los Angeles-based songwriters of all genres, but the live segment is generally an acoustic performance.
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Sun; repeats last Sun, every month:
7:30 pm OPEN MIC at the Folk Music Center, 220 Yale Av, Claremont; 909-624-2928. Sign-ups at 7 pm. $1 cover.
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Sun, Aug 31:
8 pm MAIRE CLERKIN'S “THE BAD ARM - CONFESSIONS OF A DODGY IRISH DANCER” is an “Uproarious & tender dance-comedy” at the Bang Improv Theatre, 457 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90036; 323-653 6886; www.bangstudio.com. Moira Smiley (VOCO) tells us, “This hilarious woman is only doing this incredible show a few times. Unlike music, it's ‘one run,’ then you're done (at least for a long while), so please consider treating yourself to the best laughing & crying I can recommend. I LOVED it so very much.”
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Written and performed by Máire Clerkin, directed by Dan O’Connor, the show asks, “> "Have you ever felt overlooked? As if the world had failed to notice your brilliance? Growing up in a large family can have that effect - especially when your mother, a dance teacher, is otherwise occupied. At a safe distance from her native London, Maire Clerkin uses the format of a one-woman show to air her grievances, complain about parental neglect, overbearing siblings, ignorant boyfriends, and accidental alcohol abuse; and to prove once and for all that she should have been a famous irish dancer! (this is an ugly duckling story in which the beautiful swan refuses to emerge). The London-Irish dancer / comedienne Maire Clerkin cut her teeth in the 80’s punk-vaudeville scene with an act called The Hairy Marys. Recently immigrated to the U.S., she debuts on this side of the pond with hilarious tales about the disappointing daughter of an Irish dancing-school mistress. Ear-bashingly good jigs punctuate stories of dysfunctional family strife, embarrassing adolescence and a totally hopeless adulthood." Runs here Aug 10, 14, 31 and Sep 7, 11, 18. $12 adv, $14 door.
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
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LABOR DAY note:
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The first Monday in September is Labor Day, a legal holiday to honor America’s workers. In 1886, the American Federation of Labor (AFL), one of America’s earliest and largest unions, proclaimed, “It shall be as uncommon for a man to work on that day as on Independence Day.” The nation’s first Labor Day parade was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City. The day was not made a national holiday until 1894, when President Grover Cleveland signed the bill into law. The founder of Labor Day was Peter J. Maguire, a carpenter and founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. Each Labor Day, services are held at Maguire’s grave in Philadelphia.
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Labor Day Events:
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Mon, Sep 1; runs Aug 29, 30, 31, & Sep 1:
“SWEET & HOT FESTIVAL” at L.A. Airport Marriott Hotel; info, www.sweethot.org. Check their site for lineup and performance schedule, and to reserve tix. We do know that JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS are performing.
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Mon, every week:
2-4 pm “HEAR, HERE” at the Lost Souls Café, 124 E 4th St (down the gated alley), downtown L.A.; 213-617-7006; www.lostsouls.com. A weekly live benefit event of “whatever” kind of music, by and for www.killradio.org, which has daily internet radio and live webcasts on Fridays, Noon-2 pm. The “Kill Radio” webcast is a submission show; send them your CDs or mp3s for “guaranteed” airplay. All the info for that is at www.myspace.com/hear_here.
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Mon, Sep 1:
3-9:30 pm (hours different each day) conclusion of 1st Annual “DOG AND PONY SHOW” with THE KNITTERS, DAVE ALVIN & THE GUILTY MEN, THE BLASTERS, PETER CASE, TEX & THE HORSEHEADS, HACIENDA BROTHERS, RED MEAT, MIKE STINSON, JOE WOOD SINGS TSOL, THE COLD HARD FACTS, BIG SANDY & THE FLY-RITE BOYS and many others, all to benefit people in the music community who have no health care, all at Safari Sam's, 5214 Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90027; www.safari-sams.com. The music community is filled with talented people who share the same plight: they have no access to adequate healthcare. Please join us in bringing awareness by attending this three day festival, with a stellar lineup of artists. In memory of the late CHRIS GAFFNEY. Info, www.musicmenagerie.net/dogandponyshow. Runs Sat, 6 pm-2 am; Sun, 5 pm- 2 am; Mon, 3-9:30 pm. $30 / day, or $70 for 3-day pass; VIP table eating is $50 / day or $125 for 3-day pass.
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Mon, Sep 1:
4-7 pm “BODDY’S BIG BACKYARD PICNIC” celebrates Labor Day with an old-fashioned community picnic and music of the ’30s and ’40s from The Verdugo Swing Society, at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge (near the interchange of the 2 and 210 fwys); 818-949-4200; www.descansogardens.org. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums. Take a step back in time to the 1930s and ’40s as Descanso continues its founder’s legendary reputation for hosting grand parties and fun events. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the concert on the lawn. Activities include music from the Boddy era, “Heritage Tours” with docent-led tours of the Boddy House, (the place E. Manchester Boddy called home), a “Picnic on the Lawn” - prepare your own picnic or buy one there from Patina, from a menu of hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, corn, apple pie, black cows (root beer floats) and other goodies. Also, “Farmtastic Crafting” to keep the children busy creating a fun craft that represents a day on the farm. The Enchanted Railroad will run, allowing you to see the Gardens from a different perspective, aboard a miniature, 1/8-scale railroad, for $3 a ride. Parking is free. Admission is $8 for adults; $6 for srs & students; $3 for children age 5-12; free for mbrs and children age 5 & younger.
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Mon; every Mon:
6-10 pm MARC BOSSERMAN plays his residency at Parkway Grill, 510 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena 91105; reserv recommended, 626-795-1001 (or hang out at the bar). He delivers fine piano and vocals. Info, www.marcbosserman.com.
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Mon, recurring, on web radio:
6 pm (Pacific) “RALPH’S BACK PORCH” broadcast from Texas, usually has live in-studio western music guests; call-in number to chat with Ralph and guests, 347 215 8849; catch the show at www.blogtalkradio.com/ralphsbackporch.
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Mon; 1st (and 3rd) Mon, every month:
7-10 pm KAEDMON plays their twice-a-month jam and public rehearsal at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; http://arniescafe.com; www.myspace.com/arniescafe. DALE LaDUKE (Kaedmon, BeaTunes) tells us, it’s “a new little coffee house that is becoming quite a scene. KAEDMON hosts a night there every 1st & 3rd Monday of the month. JEANNIE WILLETS is hosting a night there once a month (I think) and this bass player-songwriter MARK GOLDBERG hosts a fantastic Americana Songwriter Showcase every Thursday night, many times with name songwriters. I try to go as often as possible, because it's always good.” KAEDMON and JEANNIE WILLETS have both performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” No cover, donations to artists are welcome.
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Mon, every week:
“PRO BLUES JAM” at Cozy's Bar & Grill, 14058 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks; 818-986-6000 www.cozysblues.com.
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Mon, every week:
“ALL STAR PRO JAM” (blues, R&B, jazz, soul, etc.) every Monday at Harvelle's, 1432 Fourth St, Santa Monica; 310-395-1676.
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Mon; repeats every first Mon:
7:30-9 pm “LAMN JAM” at The Scene, 806 E Colorado St (x-st Everett), Glendale 91205; 818-241-7029. L.A. Music Network Jam is billed as a place where “artists, musicians, singers and songwriters play for the pros.” Only LAMN Members perform by registering at 818-769-6095 or tara@lamn.com. Info: www.lamn.com. Performers receive constructive criticism in the areas of music, lyrics and performance. No cover.
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Mon, every week:
7:30 pm OPEN MIC at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; Web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. Hosted by LISA TURNER. Kulak’s provides all necessary connections for acoustic stage, plus a baby grand piano. Sign-ups 7-7:15 pm, show at 7:30 pm. Performers may choose (in advance) to purchase a multi-camera DVD of their performance. One (max length 3-4 minute) song per performer. Info, www.kulakswoodshed.com/openmic.shtml. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Mon, every week:
8-11 pm blues legend BERNIE PEARL hosts the weekly BLUES JAM at M'Dear's, 78th & Western, L.A. Bernie says, “If you haven't been in, you owe it to yourself to join us either to play or just to listen, and be sure to bring an appetite for home-made soul food and home-baked cobbler, cake and pie. We have a ball, every Monday, 8-11.” Bernie was great performing live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” in March, ‘07. Artist info, www.berniepearl.com.
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Mon, every week:
8 pm “BLUE MONDAYS” brings NEW ORLEANS WEST and featured blues performers to Club Fais Do Do, 5257 W Adams Bl, L.A. 90016; www.faisdodo.com; 323-215-5212; (Adams & Cloverdale; exit La Brea S from 10 Fwy). Free red beans & rice with BBQ chicken.
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Mon, Sep 1:
8 pm TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT at Juanita’s Restaurant, 5930 York Bl, Highland Park 90042. You’ve heard them perform their old-time string band music live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” The Foot says, “for all you exhausted, too-lazy-to-cook-for-yourselves, Labor-Day-enjoying folks, Foot's on at 8 pm, then comes HP locals ARTICHOKE.” Artist info, http://triplechickenfoot.com and http://myspace.com/triplechickenfoot. No cover.
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Mon, every week:
8 pm “KILLING CASSANOVA'S SALOON MONDAYS” series at The Bordello, 901 E First St, L.A 90012; www.bordellobar.com; 213-687-3766. Event info, scheduled performers, www.myspace.com/saloonmonday. Always a lineup of alt-country and roots bands, often with names you recognize and already know you want to go see. The Bordello is the oldest bar and brothel in downtown Los Angeles, reflecting its legendary status as the theater of the unusual and provocative, and it is now the venue for “Killing Cassanova’s Saloon Mondays.” $3 cover.
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Mon, every week:
8 pm “ACOUSTIC MONDAYS” in-the-round showcase, guided by singer-songwriter JAY NASH, with different guest artists each week, at Room 5, 143 N LaBrea Av (2nd floor, above Amalfi Ristorante), L.A. 90036; 323-938-2504. Upscale, cozy atmosphere with affordable food. Full bar and menu.
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Mon, every Mon:
8:30 pm “TALENT NIGHT” hosted by CHAD WATSON BAND at the Cowboy Palace Saloon (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Cash prizes, and some winners have gone on to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. Free dance lessons 7-8:30 pm, "Two-Step with Ed." No cover.
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Mon, every week:
8:30 pm OPEN MIC at the Rainbow Bar and Grill, 9015 W Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; 310-278-4232. Sign-ups at 8, show at 8:30 pm.
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Mon, every week:
9-11:30 pm "IRISH MUSIC SESSION" weekly at Celtic Arts Center’s new shared location, Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood 91602; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com. Schedule every week is Irish language workshop at 7 pm, followed by the Irish céilí dance workshop at 8 pm, then comes Southern California's longest running traditional Celtic music seisiún, from 9-11:30 pm. Free.
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Mon, every week:
10:30 pm MISS MICKEY CHAMPION at the Social, 6525 Sunset Bl, Hollywood. L.A.’s legendary blueswoman plays an every-Monday residency. Artist info: www.mickeychampion.net. No cover.
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View more events at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com, as chronological date listings, and longer “looks ahead” to May, 2009. The Acoustic Americana Music Calendar updates often, and News Features post weekly. Current chronological date listings, to May, 2009, are available for (1) Los Angeles-area acoustic Americana music events, and (2) festivals and other events of great note throughout the US and Canada (and sometimes beyond) in our presentation of “Best-Out-of-Town (Beyond L.A.) Events,” which also updates often. If you don’t see the dates you need in the first window, browse-around on the site. If you are exploring our Myspace page, use the “view all” button and scroll, then use the “older” button as many times as needed to explore the archives. The calendar’s most recent info, both events and news, lives at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com and news of the “Tied to the Tracks” radio & TV shows is at www.myspace.com/laacoustic.
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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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NEWS FEATURES, August 28 edition, Acoustic Americana Music News, 2008

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"Tied to the Tracks"
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC NEWS
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NEWS FEATURES for Aug 28, 2008
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copyright (c) © 2008, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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WELCOME to the ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC NEWS, our weekly news feature companion to the ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC CALENDAR. Here, you’ll find news for artists and music fans alike, ranging from the immediately useful to the merely informative, from gig opportunities and festival deadlines to early bird discounts, from venue openings and closings to career tips, and hot tips for acoustic music fans.
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The Acoustic Americana Music Calendar with frequently updated posts of upcoming events well into 2009, is available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com and various other places around the web. We post links for current editions on our Myspace page, but new editions of the calendar are no longer there. Myspace has made changes that limit the size of posts, and that makes it far too time-consuming and ponderous to post the calendar there in far too many small pieces.
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Our myspace site, www.myspace.com/laacoustic is still the place to go for news of the syndicated “Tied to the Tracks” radio show, and its new TV counterpart that launches soon.
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LATEST NEWS FEATURES always post separate from the calendar. Recent editions are available on Blogspot at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com; older archived editions are available on the myspace page (www.myspace.com/laacoustic), by using the “View All” button and scrolling, and if you don’t see what you want, then journey farther back by using the “older entries” button and scrolling, as many times as necessary. You can go all the way back to when acoustic music was made by trees crashing to the floor of the primeval forests when the dinosaurs got too rambunctious.
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MOST RECENT previous News Features posted AUGUST 22, 2008 at
http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2008/08/news-features-august-22-edition.html
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COMMUNICATE WITH US about anything related to the Acoustic Music Calendar & News, or “Tied to the Tracks,” at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com.
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NEWS FEATURES:
August 28, 2008
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1) SINGING COMPETITION REALITY-TV SHOW SEEKS ENTRANTS
The winner gets a fully produced 12-song CD of their music, which sponsors say is valued at over $25,000. It’s the “HOLLYWOOD TALENT QUEST” reality show, a “reality show singing competition to find the best new singers.” They say they invite all styles of music, but look below at the categories that can win. It’s for ages 16 and above, and first round auditions are Sep 12 & 13, with callbacks on Sep 14. Finalists will be selected by industry judges and celebrities for each category of music: pop, rock, R&B, country and jazz / adult contemporary. The grand prize winner will be the finalist who receives the greatest number of free downloads of their single which will be recorded at the Burnley Complex and uploaded at the site. Grand prize winner will receive a fully produced 12 song CD valued by the show at more than $25,000. Free registration on line at www.HollywoodTalentQuest.com.
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Thanks to Jeffrey R. Gund Music & Sound Design and his infolist.com for this news;if you enter, be sure to mention you heard about this from Jeff Gund at INFOLIST.com for priority consideration – just type INFOLIST in the first field (labeled "foreign languages"). We have standing permission from Jeff for you to do that. All entrants must reserve an audition day and time on the show’s site. Space is limited. All entrants will be asked to sign a video release, as this is a pilot for a TV show.
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2) “FOLKTACULAR” RETURNS THIS WEEKEND, WITH DAN BERN HEADLINING
It’s been held concurrent with a bigger and unaffiliated music event at the same time and place (the other event’s attendees were outdoors and overheated; Folktacular is indoors and cool). It’s gone waaay too far into the night so it accommodate everyone in past lineups. It’s served lots of beer and wine and tacos. It’s offered more music on one stage than just about anyplace else under one roof in the same amount of time. And the twice-a-year event persists. It’s “ROBERT MORGAN FISHER’S ‘FOLKTACULAR’” and it returns to the Bergamont Station Arts Complex in Santa Monica in the middle of Labor Day Weekend, this Sunday, August 31, with a huge lineup.
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This time, the headliner is DAN BERN, who will perform a full hour. Robert (www.robertmorganfisher.com) says, “We expect a pretty big response due to the stellar lineup, which includes, as Ed Sullivan used to say, “A fine balladeer, causing quite a splash with the young people … DAN BERN.” Also in the big lineup are MANDA, JOYCE WOODSON, MOTHER NATURE’S ARMY, CHAD WATSON, LEE DOMANN (coming from Albuquerque to perform), SEVERIN BROWNE, DAVE MORRISON, DALE LaDUKE, TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, GARRET SWAYNE, ALLAN COMEAU, PAUL ZOLLO, PIPER-GREY, “BANJO” FRED STARNER, and ROBERT MORGAN FISHER, who opens the show, in the air-conditioned haven of the Writers Boot Camp Auditorium at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, Bldg. “i.” How do you get all those artists in the same lineup? You start at 4 pm, include food and beverages with the admission ticket, and run the show until midnight. You also have the artists (except Bern) play short sets, and wisely include an “elastic” period at the end for encores. And Robert adds, “Yes, 4-to-12 is a long show – but this is a luxurious auditorium with couches and everything.”
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Many of the artists have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” including LEE DOMANN, SEVERIN BROWNE, CHAD WATSON, DAVE MORRISON, GARRET SWAYNE, DALE LaDUKE, TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, PIPER-GREY, “BANJO” FRED STARNER, and ROBERT MORGAN FISHER. See our calendar listing for the performance schedule, directions, artists’ web links, and more info. Adv tix / reservations are strongly encouraged.
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3) COFFEE GALLERY SEEKS OPEN MIC HOST
Everyone knows about the world-famous COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE, booked and operated by BOB STANE, the one with the great lighting and sound that always wins the FolkWorks annual recognition as “Best Small Venue for Live Acoustic Music” in the L.A. area. Far fewer folks know about the Coffee Gallery FRONT-STAGE, booked and operated by JULIE SANDOVAL, proprietor of the Coffee Gallery’s coffee-snack / real-fruit-smoothie / gourmet-breakfast-&-lunch / sweets-emporium / art-gallery / free-wi-fi “front half.” The FRONT-STAGE is a simpler, portable, raised stage, and it’s only there when Julie wants to host an event – in addition to the act Bob has booked in the Backstage “show room.” (And a few times they’ve collaborated to host coordinated events on both stages.) Okay, that’s all the pretext.
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Julie tells us she wants to add a WEEKLY OPEN MIC, every Sunday, on the FRONT-STAGE. It’ll be acoustic music only, and since she needs to sleep some time, she’s seeking a host for the Open Mic. If you think that should be you, contact Julie at 626-831-8285, or BohemianJoe@gmail.com.
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4) CATIE CURTIS ON “ETOWN” AIRS THIS WEEK
Depending where you are, it airs on a local station, or on a web simulcast from a station somewhere, between Aug 27 and Sep 2. Check www.etown.org and the specific page www.etown.org/findstation.php for local stations and times. In L.A., etown airs on KSWD 100.3 FM, Sunday mornings at 6 am. You can find a more civilized hour with a web simulcast from elsewhere, using the station finder, or go the main site and get a free podcast or MP3 from their archive. Catie’s appearance on etown was taped earlier this summer along with THE BARENAKED LADIES.
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For those who don’t know about the show, etown's mission is “to educate, entertain and inspire a diverse audience, through music and conversation, to create a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable world,” and etown is heard from coast-to-coast on NPR and other public, commercial, and community stations.
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CATIE CURTIS is touring her new CD, “Sweet Life” (on Compass Records), due Sep 9. http://e2ma.net/go/1293529381/1173617/42866426/goto:http://compassrecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4607, has song samples and more. Label info, www.compassrecords.com and www.myspace.com/compassrecords.
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5) “BARNSDALL ART PARK ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA” SEEKS HELP
Funds raised at this event, on Sep 6, support facilities and programs in the park, including the L.A. Municipal Art Gallery, Theatre, Hollyhock House, art classes and more. The Fundraising Gala includes a silent auction, and artists are asked to CONTRIBUTE WORK FOR IT BY SEP 1. They say, “If you have ARTWORK, SERVICES, PRODUCT or ANYTHING INTERESTING please consider donating it. All donations are tax deductible and very appreciated!“ All info at www.Barnsdall.org . Those interested in donating to the silent auction, contact JULIE RASMUSSEN at Julie@alittlebirdytoldme.com.
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6) ROOTS MUSIC DOUBLE-HEADER WEEKEND SEP 6 & 7 AT THE FORD
The two big acoustic-roots-traditional music events in the John Anson Ford Theatre’s season each year are the Celtic Arts Center Concert and the “Bluegrass at the Ford” show sponsored by the Bluegrass Association of Southern California (BASC). This year, they’re on consecutive nights.
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On Sat, Sep 6 at 8 pm, The Celtic Arts Center brings THE WICKED TINKERS and the FINN MacCOOL and SLUGGER O’TOOLE BANDS with the sounds of the Highland clans, bagpipes, drums and Bronze Age horn, blending traditional and new Celtic music.
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Then, Sun, Sep 7 at 7 pm, it’s the annual “BLUEGRASS AT THE FORD” show, with RUSSELL MOORE & IIIRD TYME OUT and CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD NO. 7. It’s a mountain music mini-festival featuring seven-time IBMA “Vocal Group of the Year” winner RUSSELL MOORE & IIIRD TYME OUT (www.iiirdtymeout.com). Plus, stars and final-round finalists on the NBC-TV series, “America’s Next Great Band,” CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD NO. 7 (www.oldnumber7.net), who meld traditional sounds with blues and honky tonk.
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There’s more in our calendar listings. The John Anson Ford Amphitheater is located across the canyon from the Hollywood Bowl, at 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-GO1-FORD; www.FordTheatres.org; box dinner orders 310-652-3797.
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7) GRAMMY-NOMINATED INDIE CONTINUES TO SCORE BIG
LISA HALEY (www.lisahaley.com) of LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS gave radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” a five-week exclusive head-start last summer with her album, “King Cake,” then brought the band on the show last fall to perform the tracks live, and made the CD available to supporters of the radio show before it was widely available elsewhere. A few weeks later, the album, on Lisa’s own Blue Fiddle Records (www.bluefiddle.com), was nominated for a GRAMMY in the new “Cajun / Zydeco Album of the Year” category.
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Now, Lisa tells us, “Our GRAMMY Nominated CD ‘King Cake’ charts next week on Billboard’s ‘World Chart,’ position #15. Pollstar, this week, has us halfway up their International box office summary for our European shows, and our US shows are showing strong 90%-100% ratings.” You can track their current ratings position at www.pollstar.com/tour/searchall.pl?By=Artist&Content=LISHALR&PSKey=Y and see their EPK at www.lisahaley.com/presskit_01.html.
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Wow, Lisa! As they say in Cajun country, Voulez les bon temps roulez! As if all that isn’t enough, Lisa adds, “I am in the midst of mixing our new live album in time to submit for GRAMMY 2009.”
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8) KAREN HART A WINNER IN WEST COAST SONGWRITERS GRAND FINALS
Congrats to Karen for winning “Song of the Year” honors for her original, "Mirabelle." Performing songwriter KAREN HART’s songs for motion pictures, including being featured in Showtime's "Snow White" as the singing voice of SIGOURNEY WEAVER, have received critical acclaim from the L.A. Times, Variety, The New York Times, and People Magazine. She has sung at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II, opened for Stevie Wonder, performed at the new Walt Disney Hall in Los Angeles, performed in the U.S., England, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Australia, and has often been backed up by a 100-voice choir. And she’s performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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Karen was awarded the 2005 Barry Manilow / Concord Records Scholarship for "Writing Lyrics That Succeed and Endure." She has been honored with three world premiers of her music at the Los Angeles Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Her award winning choral works are performed world wide. (Big Music, where are you with a recording contract?)
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As for capturing this latest honor, Karen tells us, “It was a perfect weekend in San Francisco, topped off by the Sunday night competition in Berkeley,” where she performed and won at the famous Freight & Salvage. Karen adds, “Thank you so very much for all of your well wishes, and to my incredible friends who traveled so far to show their support. xxoo to one and all, Karen.” Surprisingly, “Mirabelle” doesn’t seem to be available on line, but you can hear some of Karen’s other songs, and read more, at www.karenhartmusic.com and www.myspace.com/karenhartmusic.
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You can hear Karen’s song, “Cold, Cold Christmas – A Soldier’s Song” on Neil Young’s Living with War” web site, at www.karenhartmusic.com/ColdXmas.html. It’s also featured on the Huffington Post at www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-hart/cold-cold-christmas_b_117382.html.
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9) L.A.-BASED PERFORMING SONGWRITER GETS MORE SONGS ON TV
We just heard from PAULA McMATH, that singer-songwriter with the empirical name. She had plenty of news. “I got another couple of songs placed. This time in the upcoming DVD release of the first two seasons of ‘Everwood.’”
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Paula’s latest success is one more proof that the execs running the music biz are out-of-touch with what people want to hear. Music execs are even out-of-touch with the people who select music for youth-oriented TV shows: how many episodes of “Everwood,” or “Dawson’s Creek,” or any of those other “youth-oriented” TV series on UPN (ex-WB series, or newer), and elsewhere on the dial, feature acoustic music with solid lyrics, instead of that sh-thump-thud groove-driven soundalike crap that they continue to tell us is the only thing that’s “commercially viable” -? Age demographics aside, people want real music, with harmony and melody, and not just rhythm. TV series execs know that’s true, even if the dummies who do TV commercials insist on backing everything with sh-thud noise – even commercials for prescription drugs for old people. Meanwhile, talented singer-songwriters like Paula McMath continue to write and perform music that people want to hear, and to pursue their art with no interaction with out-of-touch music execs.
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Paula continues, “Next Friday [Aug 29], I am doing a gig at Mackenzie Hall in Southern Ontario [Canada] for those of you who live in that area. For those of you who don't, I thought I'd send you a quick update about what I've been doing. It's been a productive year in the studio. I've been busy recording my 3rd CD. It will be finished this fall. I'll keep you posted on that.” Keep up with Paula at http://paulamcmath.com/
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10) BUDDY HARMAN, NASHVILLE’S MOST-RECORDED DRUMMER, DEAD AT 79
He was called “The father of modern country drumming” by WSM host and country music historian EDDIE STUBBS. During his amazing career BUDDY HARMAN’s drums and percussion drove more than 18,000 recordings, including ROY ORBISON's "Pretty Woman," PATSY CLINE's "Crazy," JOHNNY CASH's "Ring of Fire," TAMMY WYNETTE's "Stand By Your Man," RAY PRICE's "Crazy Arms," ELVIS PRESLEY's "Little Sister," BRENDA LEE's "I'm Sorry," ROGER MILLER's "King of the Road," and LORETTA LYNN's "Coal Miner's Daughter." We received word from Southern California-based ARCHIE FRANCIS, himself an 11-time winner of the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards as a percussionist, of Harmon’s passing, and of the obituary in the August 22 edition of the Nashville “Tennessean.” Harmon had suffered from congestive heart failure. Harmon was the first staff drummer on the “GRAND OLE OPRY” and the first prominent drummer in country music history. He helped secure country music as a viable, popular and modern art form. WSM’s Stubbs told the Tennessean, "No matter the song, he knew what to play. More importantly, he knew what not to play. Always."
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11) TALKING STICK FINALLY MOVING
Yep, as we’ve reported previously, the Talking Stick’s original location is closing its doors, as the venue happily moves to a new location in Venice. Now, we can tell you that the final show at the original Talking Stick in Santa Monica is this Saturday, August 30, 7-10 pm, with DADDY BONE, PETER QUENTIN, KAYE REZNICK, RICK LESHEVER, AND PERFORMING HOST CANYON ELLEN. That show is at 1630 Ocean Park Bl, Santa Monica 90405. Get there early for good seats. DADDY BONE tells us, “The show starts promptly at 7 o'clock (maybe earlier). Lollygaggers will be sitting outside.” The postage-stamp-sized venue has coffeehouse fare and good sandwiches, and the show is all ages, no cover. After Saturday, the Talking Stick and all its acoustic music shows will be in its new home at 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091. Keep up with the little venue and its friendly, music-supporting proprietors, at www.thetalkingstick.net.
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12) “THE WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC” IS COMING SEP 13–SEP 28
It’s got 1,000 artists playing 41 events over a 16 day span, all over the L.A. area. As you know, “world music” is NOT what we cover here; FolkWorks has worked hard to be the place to go for that (www.folkworks.org). It’s quite rare when we make any exceptions here. Those exceptions are always driven by the possibility that the overlapping interests of acoustic Americana fans may occasionally – if demonstrably rarely – go off the reservation. The annual Sacred Music festival isn’t much about Appalachian or bluegrass or Southern Gospel. It is truly a “world” festival, with musical forms that will be familiar to some, and absolute terra incognita to others. We ARE listing the festival’s folk-Americana events in the Acoustic Americana Music Calendar. Beyond that, we decided to do this news feature on the festival, rather than attempt to make judgments on what else to include as calendar listings. So, what’s driving the things we’re including here? The fact that JAMIE PAPISH (www.myspace.com/jamiepapish), award-winning percussionist, and past guest on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” (as a member of EXTREME KLEZMER MAKEOVER) is all over it. Here, we’re listing the “non-Americana” events that Jamie is playing. All the festival events are at www.festivalofsacredmusic.org.
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> Wed, Sep 17: 8 pm “LOVE PRAYERS ON TANBOUR - MYSTICAL MUSIC IN THE SPIRIT OF SUFISM” featuring HEYRANEH with CHRISTO PELLANI & JAMIE PAPISH on percussion and VARDAN on Armenian Woodwinds, at Earth & Sky Lodge, 5521 S Grosvenor Bl, L.A. 90066. Tix $25 acv, $30 door (limited seating). www.festivalofsacredmusic.org/0917Heyranneh.html.
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> Thu, Sep 18: 8 pm “SOUNDS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AND BEYOND” with THE STEFANI VALADEZ ENSEMBLE, THE IST WEST ENSEMBLE, and THE AVA NAHAS PERCUSSION TRIO (JAMIE PAPISH performs w/ Stefani Valadez & Ava Nahas) at Murphy Recital Hall at Loyola Marymount University, One LMU Drive, L.A. 90045. Tix $20 adv, $25 door (limited seating). www.festivalofsacredmusic.org/0918Valadez.html.
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> Thu, Sep 25: 8 pm “SEEKER OF TRUTH - AN EVENING OF SUFI MUSIC FROM TURKEY & PAKISTAN” with THE YUVAL RON ENSEMBLE featuring NAJWA GIBRAN and WHIRLING DERVISH AZIZ with special guest Qawwali master vocalist Sukhawat Ali Khan, at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Bl, L.A. 90049. $25 gen’l, $20 Skirball mbrs, $15 students. www.festivalofsacredmusic.org/0925Seeker.html
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13) MUSIC BIZ MAY DEMAND STRICT, LIMITED, & NARROW GENRES, BUT…
When you can bring star power, you can do what you want. He’s been recently featured on the iTunes music store, and now BFM Digital and SRI Records announces RAY BROWN JR's new album, "Friends And Family." The new CD is an all-star album of duets, with Ray joined by folkies MARIA MULDAUR and SOPHIE B. HAWKINS, and a stellar cross-genre who’s-who of music, including DIONNE WARWICK, DR. JOHN, JANE MONHEIT, JAMES MOODY, FREDA PAYNE, MELBA MOORE, DAVID "FATHEAD" NEWMAN, PAUL WILLIAMS, DR. LONNIE SMITH, TERRY GIBBS, SALLY KELLERMAN, DAVE SOMERVILLE, Ray’s daughter HAYLEE, & KIM HOYER. "Friends And Family" was produced by SHELLY LIEBOWITZ.
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Born in New York City, announces RAY BROWN JR. was raised in a family of musical royalty, the son of singer ELLA FITZGERALD and legendary jazz bass player RAY BROWN. "’Friends and Family,’" say its publicists, “reflects the amazingly diverse musical pedigree that Ray possesses. Original and unconventional arrangements and song choices set the tone and unique style of this release. ‘Friends And Family’ shows a completely different dimension of Ray Brown, Jr. with these artists who have come together to create this historic album."
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HAYLEE (Ray's daughter) does a duet with her Dad on her Grandma, ELLA FITZGERALD's, first hit "A Tisket A Tasket," and there’s a live version of "How High The Moon" with Ray joining his mother ELLA FITZGERALD and father RAY BROWN.
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To honor US military veterans, a portion of the proceeds from the download sales of the duet by RAY BROWN JR. and DR. LONNIE SMITH on "Everybody's Cryin' Mercy" will be donated to the National Veterans Foundation. The album will be available at all digital outlets via SRI's digital distributor, BFM Digital. Info, www.bfmdigital.com.
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Now, this raises an interesting point. Big Music’s stand that they only sign artists who appeal to the “magic” (but demonstrably broke) 18-24 year-old age demographic, and they always say that it’s “wholly necessary” for the industry’s survival to do that. How, then, can they allow a project like this to hot the streets? Moreover, who’s likely to buy it, with all those performers whose names are unknown to the “magic” 18-to-24-year-old age demographic? If Big Music’s default-mode premises are correct, this thing should fail miserably. But we’ll bet it does VERY well with the music-buying public.
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14) “DEAR GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER” IS AN ARTIST’S APPEAL
We bring you music video picks in each edition, and this time, we’re also calling your attention to this video. Artist PATRICIA CUNLIFFE (www.joiedevivreproductions.com), produced “Dear Governor Schwarzenegger.” Says Patricia, “[It] is my latest video, made for the students of the Loma Alta LEARNS Program (Pasadena Unified School District).” With the California legislature and the governor playing a game of chicken with the state’s budget, the governor has tried to put all state employees on the federal minimum wage (substantially less than the state’s minimum wage), while all Californians are being told to expect rationed services for those on Medi-Cal, deep cuts to education, and elimination of arts funding. So, Patricia and the kids decided to weigh-in with what it means to them, and you can see it at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylV4b4cgot0.
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You can read editor Kevin Uhrich’s mention of the video in the Pasadena Weekly, at www.pasadenaweekly.com/cms/story/detail/?id=6286 and email the link to the video directly to the governor’s office at http://gov.ca.gov/interact#contact.
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15) THIS WEEK’S MUSIC VIDEO PICKS – FOR LABOR DAY
a) First, a musical look at a neglected part of American labor history. We’ve introduced you before to PATRICK KARNAHAN (blackirish28@hotmail.com) of the BLACK IRISH BAND (www.blackirish.com), the songwriter-musician who doubles as renowned painter. This year, Patrick’s art graces the OSH (Orchard Supply Hardware) railroad art calendar, the latest in the retailer’s long series of “train calendars” that have proven very popular with collectors. Meanwhile, with the band, Patrick the musician has done a fine tribute album to wildland fire fighters that’s been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and his latest piece of railroad art is the cover for MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY’s new CD.
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Now, just in time for Labor Day, Patrick sent us the url for his BLACK IRISH BAND music video, “Men of Iron,” a new song that pays homage to the nineteenth century railroad workers who built the first transcontinental railroad across vast windswept expanses of prairie, through rugged canyons, and over the realms of deep snow-clad mountains to connect isolated California to the United States of the East.
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Patrick says, “With Labor Day near, let us remember the Chinese Americans that built the Central Pacific Railroad. As a folk songwriter, I thought it was time to write a ballad based on the Chinese railroad workers. I first wrote a ballad about my Irish that worked on the Union Pacific Railroad. [The two railroads connected with the Golden Spike at Promontory, Utah.] Fellow BLACK IRISH BANDmate RICHARD RESTIVO said to me, 'Patrick, what about the Chinese?' I agreed, feeling that the Chinese were left out of a lot of the history of the American West. I hope you all understand about the great task that the Chinese undertook. Treated so poorly by others, they overcame many hardships to make the first transcontinental railroad one of the greatest feats of history. It is to the Chinese that gave their lives to the railroad that this song was written.” The song is at http://i220.photobucket.com/player.swf?file=http://vid220.photobucket.com/albums/dd244/trainfire28/MenofIron.flv
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Patrick says, “My other song, about the Irish on the Union Pacific, 'They Called Them Mic & Paddy', is sung by MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY on his new CD, “Riding the Rio Grande.” (We’ve heard that one, too, and played it on the radio, but there doesn’t seem to be a video available.)
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b) Our second music video offering is “Singer-SongFighter” ROSS ALTMAN. In it, Ross does an original that’s the perfect song for a Labor Day weekend that, oddly enough, punctuates the two political party conventions. Ross knows every labor organizing song since the cavemen formed the first mastodon-overcoat-makers’ union, and he’s being honored at an event on Sep 6 at 6 pm (see the calendar listing). Fortunately, we found this video of him doing his song, “Guess Who’s Coming to the White House.” It’s at www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpCxWRHIuA4.
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Commencing with this edition, we will make you aware of new music CDs and concert DVDs that might interest you. This does NOT represent a change in our emphasis, just a wider one, with Christmas and all the other expenditure-oriented holidays coming.
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16) AMERICANA LABEL HAS BIG CD / DVD SALE
Both KINKY FRIEDMAN and KACEY JONES have appeared live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” with their thoughtfully irreverent humor and both serious and comedic songs. Their labels, Kinkajou Records and its related IGO Records checked-in to tell us about a really big sale, and a chance for TttT fans to get some coveted titles at deep discounts. They say, “These are our lowest prices ever...we're not kidding.” There’s some great stuff on the sale list, including the award-winning tribute that had its world premiere on TttT, “KACEY JONES SINGS MICKEY NEWBURY,” and many of KACEY JONES musical comedy classics, including "Nipples To The Wind," "Every Man I Love is Either Married, Gay, or Dead...LIVE," "The Sweet Potato Queens' Big-Ass Box of Music," "Never Wear Panties to a Party," and "KACEYOKE Volume 1." There’s the classic KINKY FRIEDMAN tribute CD, “PEARLS IN THE SNOW,” featuring TOM WAITS, KINKY FRIEDMAN & THE TEXAS JEWBOYS, WILLIE NELSON, LYLE LOVETT, DWIGHT YOAKAM, DELBERT MCCLINTON, TOMPALL GLASER, GUY CLARK, LEROY PARNELL, MARTY STUART, and more; other albums by KINKY FRIEDMAN, and the DVD, "Proud to Be an A**hole from El Paso;" and albums from BECKY SCHLEGEL, JESSE GOLDBERG, LELAND MARTIN (CDS & DVD), MICHAEL SNOW, RECKLESS JOHNNY WALES, CHRIS RAMEY, GARRISON WHITE, and more. They add, “If your purchase amounts to $30 or more, we'll send you a FREE autographed DVD copy of the KACEY JONES music video, "San Francisco Mabel Joy," featuring KRIS KRISTOFFERSON and WAYLON PAYNE (as seen on GAC and CMT television).”
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There are 56 CDs / DVDs included in the sale. All Kacey Jones items can be personally autographed upon email request (at no extra charge). View all the sale titles and all the artists at www.kinkajourecords.com/cart/specials.php, info, toll-free at 877-999-9975 or www.KinkajouRecords.com.
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17) JOHN McCUTCHEON TO RELEASE LIVE CONCERT DVD
When your web site is FolkMusic.com, you’ve been around a long time. That’s certainly the case with folk icon JOHN McCUTCHEON. John's long-awaited concert DVD will be released in mid-September by Bamboo Concerts of Ann Arbor, MI. Recorded at the legendary Ark, it features many of John's songs and other favorites he covers, plus stories, instrumentals and his always fine performance. Go subscribe to his newsletter and you’ll qualify for the special offer for his newsletter subscribers, wherein Appalseed is offering a pre-release discount of $5 per DVD (a pre-release price of $20, rather than the standard price of $25). John’s newsletter subscriber orders will be the first shipped on release day. Subscribe at newsletter@folkmusic.com then you can order and get the discount at www.folkmusic.com - click on "The Shop." Their offer expires September 15. And yes, in time for the election campaign, the DVD contains John’s “Hail to the Chief” and “Not In My Name.” It also has his classics, “Christmas in the Trenches,” “Ode to Common Things,” and “Leviathan,” plus fiddle tunes and much more, 19 songs in all, and a special interview.
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NEXT WEEK, we’ll bring lots more news.
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copyright (c) © 2008, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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Be sure to check EVERY WEEK for
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+ the extensive and always huge ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC CALENDAR’s event listings at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com, or at www.myspace.com/laacoustic.
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+ news of the “TIED TO THE TRACKS” radio & TV shows coming soon in syndication.
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+ the latest NEWS FEATURES from the acoustic music universe!
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WANT TO CONTACT US?
tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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August 27 to 31 events UPDATE, Acoustic Americana Music Calendar & News, 2008

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“Tied to the Tracks”
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC CALENDAR & NEWS
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August 27 through 31 UPDATE, 08/27/08 edition
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Entire contents 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.
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The most recent edition of our NEWS FEATURES posted AUGUST 22, available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2008/08/news-features-august-22-edition.html
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The most recent previous edition of our NEWS FEATURES posted AUGUST 16, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2008/08/news-features-august-16-edition.html
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The compilation of all August editions of our NEWS FEATURES, published to date, are available on Blogspot at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2008/08/news-features-all-august-editions-to.html – each week’s editions for all recent months is available on Blogspot by reading the catalogue of posts at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com.
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Older archived editions of our NEWS FEATURES are available on our myspace page (www.myspace.com/laacoustic), by using the “View All” button and scrolling, and if you don’t see what you want, then journey farther back by using the “older entries” button and scrolling, as many times as necessary. You can go all the way back to when acoustic music was made by trees crashing to the floor of the primeval forests when the dinosaurs got too rambunctious.
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ANNIVERSARIES – things that happened in music, entertainment, and elsewhere in history – are on hiatus. Let us know if you miss them, and maybe that’ll prod us to start doing them again.
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COMMUNICATE WITH US about that, and anything else related to the Acoustic Music Calendar & News, at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com.
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LATE AUGUST - UPDATED CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27
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Wed, Aug 27; in Denver, Colorado:
Noon-4 pm “SUNFEST 2008” an outdoor concert and solar festival powered by the sun in support of the Solar Revolution, presented by the Solar Energy Industries Association during the Democratic National Convention, at Coors Field, 2001 Blake St (entrance on Wynkoop Way), Denver, Colorado. If you’re there for the Democratic National Convention, take a fun, educational sun break and learn more about solar energy while enjoying live entertainment. Lineup includes the CHUCK McDERMOTT BAND and celebrity guests, featuring comments by environmental advocate ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR. The latest solar energy technology will be exhibited and demonstrated, even as it powers the festival. Refreshments available. Open to the public. Reserve tix at www.seia.org/meetingsandevents.
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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, Aug 27:
6 & 8:30 pm DAVE FRISHBERG plays the “Parlor Performances” series at Steinway Hall, 12121 W Pico Bl (one door W of Bundy under Fields Pianos, level P2); free parking; reserv, 310-471-3979. The New York Times says, “Frishberg is a master pianist and wit. His original songs—over 125 of them—are known to fans of jazz, and lovers of musical wit in every English speaking country. His own records sell consistently in the hundreds of thousands, and when recorded by superstars, they reach a much larger mass audience. His now classic My Attorney Bernie, I'm Hip, Blizzard of Lies and Peel Me A Grape have been ‘covered’ by such icons of hip as Diana Krall, Al Jarreau, Blossom Dearie, Mel Torme, Maria Muldaur, Bob Dorough, Cleo Laine, Susannah McCorkle, Jackie & Roy, Rosemary Clooney and too many others to list.”
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The NY Times continues, “Frishberg's Quality Time (the hilarious and tuneful tale of a multi-tasking couple attempting to schedule a weekend getaway amidst call-waiting, text messages and beepers) has received wide play on NPR, comedy and jazz stations around the world. He has written for Schoolhouse Rock (I'm Just A Bill) and has four Grammy-nominated albums. A favorite guest on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, Frishberg has been profiled in The New Yorker, Esquire, New York Times and Atlantic Monthly – and last year he was named to the ASCAP Jazz Wall of Fame.
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“‘I'm just a jazz musician who has always written songs, and finally summoned up enough nerve to sing them in public,’ Frishberg says modestly. The result: seven albums featuring Frishberg as a singer, four of which earned Grammy nominations.” Two shows. $30 if reserved by Aug 1; $35 thereafter.
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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; 2nd & 4th Wed every month; in Lancaster:
6 pm UKULELE CLUB at Nicks Pizza, 43755 15th St West, Lancaster. Uke players begin arriving about 5 pm, meeting starts at 6 pm. Newcomers welcome.
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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. Free.
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Wed, every week, Jun 25-Aug 27:
6:30 pm “LEVITT LOVES KIDS” series for a half-hour before the evening’s professional musicians, at the “Concerts in the Park” series at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, Memorial Park, Walnut & Raymond, Pasadena; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org; 626-683-3230. Talented local musicians under age 18 take the stage; this year’s offerings include a Spotlight Awards winner and performers from the Young Musicians Foundation and Theatre 360. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station, and save expensive parking and gas. Nice outdoor venue. (Tonight’s featured performance at 7 pm is an R&B show.) Free.
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Wed; every Wed, Jun 25-Sep 3:
7-9 pm THE DOO-WAH RIDERS play tonight’s “Temple City Summer Concerts in the Park” series, outdoors in the Performing Art Pavilion at Temple City Park, 9701 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City; 626-285-2171. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Food, snacks, beverages available. Free show.
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Wed, 2nd & 4th Wed, every month; in Lompoc:
7-9 pm “BLUEGRASS JAM” at Southside Coffee Co, 105 S "H" St, Lompoc. Info, call Bill, 805-736-8241.
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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, 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, last Wed, every month:
8-10 pm “HOBO SOUP” monthly folk music evening with performing host “BANJO FRED” STARNER, usually joined by PHIL VAN TEE and KAREN KRANTZ, at the Lost Souls Café, 124 E 4th St, in the Old Bank District, downtown L.A.; 213-617-7006; www.lostsouls.com. The venue is the big lobby of a 1905-era bank building. Fred says it has “a fine sound system, and a no-alcohol good vibe.” FRED STARNER is the officially-named “GRAND DUKE OF HOBO MINSTRELS” by the National Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa. He’s also well-known for his entertaining, self-described “political rant songs” (get ‘em while the current regime is still in Washington, to obtain maximum enjoyment.) Musical funnyman PHIL VAN TEE has taken his homemade cookie-tin banjo to stages everywhere, opening for nearly all the big-name country music acts. Previous guests have included JILL FENIMORE, ORGANIC DEMO, and DADDY BONE. Artist info, www.hobobanjofred.com. Venue is just down the gated alley between Main and Broadway; it’s a coffeehouse that serves coffee drinks and tasty light fare.
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Wed, Aug 27:
8 pm DEBRA DAVIS & THE BAND OF GOLD at the House of Blues Sunset Strip, 8430 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; in the Foundation Room, the HOB’s private club, but open to you for this special night. Deb's bass player, WADE BIERY, opens the night at 8, Debra and her band play at 9, and MICHAEL LONG performs after that. No drink minimum, $5 cover for the whole evening.
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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. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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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,: 4th Wed every month:
8:30 pm “FESTIVAL OF THE EGG” the monthly all-female musicians’ event, at the Universal Bar & Grill, 4093 Lankershim Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-2114. $7.
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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” at The Smokehouse Restaurant, 4420 W Lakeside Dr (at Barham), Burbank 91505; www.smokehouse1946.com; 818-845-3731. New home for the long-running weekly series formerly at the Sportsman’s Lodge; 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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Wed, Aug 27:
10 pm CIAN (from Ireland) plays Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640. CIAN is a young singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Cork, Ireland. Hot Press says, “This is impressive stuff, full of charm and style, and song arrangements serving as fitting vehicles for Cian's handsome voice." Garret Swayne, host of the Main Street Songwriter Showcase, says, “His music is an urgent, melody-driven fusion of acoustic guitar with electronic beats and synths. Despite his tender years, Cian (pronounced kee-n) has shared the stage with a number of renowned Irish artists such as Cathy Davey, The 4 of Us, and Juliet Turner. Cian completed his first West Coast tour of the US in late 2007 and is now back for select shows in August 2008. His music was featured on popular LA acoustic radio show Tied to the Tracks on with host Larry Wines in 2007. Cian’s debut EP has recently been chosen as ‘Pick of the Fortnight’ in Hot Press Magazine’s ‘Garageland’ section. His new EP entitled Closer will be hitting the retail and online stores very soon and supported by a string of live dates at home and overseas. Cian has a voice to be reckoned with, a mellifluous, pitch-perfect instrument unique in range and melodic sweep. His influences vary from the sweet sublime of Jeff Buckley to the electro-pop inflections of The Postal Service, with more than a nod or two to Depeche Mode, Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, and Van Morrison.” www.myspace.com/ciansongs. More info at www.myspace.com/tonik.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
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Thu, every week:
4:30-5:30 pm SON JAROCHO CLASSES at East Side Café, 5469 Huntington Dr N, L.A.; 323-583-5113.
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Thu, Aug 28; final night of series:
5-8 pm “TWILIGHT THURSDAYS” with live jazz, at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge 91011; 818-949-4200; www.DescansoGardens.org. On Aug 7, 21 and 28, Descanso’s shady Main Lawn provides a casual setting for picnics and to enjoy jazz featuring JENNIFER ROBIN, MICHAEL COMPANIA, RINER SCIVALLY, plus special guests. The Gardens remain open until 8 pm on Thursdays in August. Families are encouraged to “enjoy the day’s shimmering end in the Gardens,” enjoy the music and take a “Twilight Thursday Walk.” The Enchanted Railroad is running, $3 per ride. Descanso Gardens members and children under age 5 are free. Half-price Garden admission begins at 5 pm; adults $3.50; srs & students $2.50; children $1. Free parking.
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Thu, every week; in Santa Barbara:
5:30-7:30 pm THE SALT MARTIANS play bluegrass for Happy Hour at the Tupelo Junction Cafe, 1218 State St, Santa Barbara; 805-899-3900 for dinner reserv. The band is TIM MULLINS, KEN GASTON, AARON DOUGLAS and often MIKE MULLINS. Artists’ info, www.saltmartians.com. Full bar & food. No cover.
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Thu, 4th (and 2nd) Thu, every month; in Ventura:
6-9:30 pm “ZOEY'S JAM” at Zoey’s, 451 E Main St, Ventura. 805-658-8311. Hosted by Gene Rubin, who says, “Check-out Ventura's Bluegrass Jam website, at http://home.earthlink.net/~generubinaudio/index.html. All skills welcome, friendly folks, great food and drink, and even better jammin'. Generally we number 25 to 35 musicians. We now have additional space for even more jam circles. Spectators are appreciated and welcome.” Contact Gene with your email address to receive regular reminders and details: 805-658-8311 or generubinaudio@earthlink.net.
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Thu, recurring; in Idyllwild:
6-9 pm SANDII CASTLEBERRY & KEVIN HAMBY at Café Aroma, 54750 N Circle Dr, Idyllwild; 951-659-5212. Acoustic blues, bluegrass, swing, folk, more; Sandii Castleberry with guitar, vocals, harmonica; Kevin Hamby on bass, vocals.
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Thu, every week:
6:45-10 pm (special early start tonight) “POCKET GOLDBERG & FRIENDS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” with this week’s guest artists MICHAEL MAZOCHI, JOHN WILLIAMSON (TJ Sullivan), BRAD HUNT (Stiky Side Up), at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; www.myspace.com/arniescafe. DALE LaDUKE (Kaedmon, BeaTunes) tells us, it’s “a new little coffee house that is becoming quite a scene. KAEDMON hosts a night there every 1st & 3rd Monday of the month. JEANNIE WILLETS is hosting a night there once a month (I think) and this bass player-songwriter MARK GOLDBERG hosts a fantastic Americana Songwriter Showcase every Thursday night, many times with name songwriters. I try to go as often as possible, because it's always good.” No cover, donations to artists are welcome.
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Thu, Aug 28:
7 pm RUTHIE FOSTER plus JAMES LEE STANLEY & JOHN BATDORF play a double-bill to close the season at the “CULVER CITY SUMMER MUSIC SERIES” in City Hall Courtyard, 9770 Culver Bl, Culver City 90232; 310-253-5715.
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This is their last local show before JAMES LEE STANLEY & JOHN BATDORF launch a national tour for several months. Each is a purveyor of acoustic folk-rock music for decades, JOHN BATDORF of ‘70s BATDORF & RODNEY fame, JAMES LEE STANLEY as a solo act and with many collaborations, on-stage and off, including a longtime performance partnership with an ex-MONKEE. Each is an accomplished and celebrated songwriter, and in addition, Stanley and Batdorf took 11 ROLLING STONES classics and turned them into something totally unheard of, creating "All Wood and Stones." You don't have to live in California or play acoustic guitar to be enchanted by an amazing collection of Stones hits reinterpreted on acoustic guitars and brimming with joyous vocal harmonies. Tonight’s show includes songs from their CD, "All Wood And Stones," and plenty of original newer material. They’ve performed live, multiple times, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and they deliver a fine and satisfying show of music and wit.
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Plus, the RUTHIE FOSTER BAND. Double-bill features Ruthie Foster, who opened for the Persuasions at Blvd Music and blew everyone away, including the Persuasions. An amazing singer originally signed by Atlantic Records, Ruthie Foster’s songs are a remarkable hybrid of blues, gospel, roots and folk music, rich with honest spirituality and emotion. Her amazing vocal abilities have critics comparing her to Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin. Ruthie’s passionate songs and scintillating live performances attract both young and old for an uplifting experience of dancing and listening. Ruthie’s performance highlights include PBS’ “Austin City Limits,” (aired nationally in 2003 and 2004); a 2004 tour of UK theaters with ERIC BIBB; The “Strawberry Music Festival” and “Kate Wolf Festival,” both in California, the “Vancouver Folk Festival,” The Grey Fox Festival,” the “Winnipeg Folk Festival,” the “Folks Fest” in Lyons, Colorado, the Bass Concert Hall, the “Waterfront Blues Festival” in Oregon, the “Austin City Limits Festival,” in Texas, and many other concerts and festivals too numerous to mention. Get parking and dining info at music series website. Bring a blanket or low-height beach chair. All ages. Free concert.
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Thu, Aug 28:
7-10 pm TOOTS & THE MAYTALS, Jamaican reggae legends, close the season at the 24th Annual “SANTA MONICA PIER TWILIGHT DANCE SERIES” presented by Amoeba Music on the Santa Monica Pier; info, www.twilightdance.org; 310-458-8901. This year brings a new 3-hour show format (past years were 2 hrs). Parking near the pier is limited - walk, bike or take the MTA (www.mta.net) or Big Blue Bus (www.bigbluebus.com) or call 310-451-5444 for info. Bike valet starts at 6:30 pm on concert nights, offering safe and convenient parking for thousands of bikes. Santa Monica Pier is wheelchair accessible.
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TOOTS HIBBERT is a legend whose career spans every development in Jamaican music, from ska through rock-steady to reggae. TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS, originally called simply The Maytals, shaped the sound of reggae with a unique, original combination of gospel, ska, soul, reggae and rock. Comprised of leader Frederick "Toots" Hibbert, Nathaniel "Jerry" Matthias, and Henry "Raleigh" Gordon, the childhood friends are credited with giving the music its name, first using the word "reggae" in the song "Do the Reggay" in 1968. The band won the 2005 Grammy award for best reggae album "True Love," recorded WITH BONNIE RAITT, WILLIE NELSON, ERIC CLAPTON, KEITH RICHARDS, NO DOUBT, BEN HARPER, THE ROOTS, and SHAGGY.
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Thu, Aug 28:
7-10 pm (see 6:45 pm listing, tonight only) “POCKET GOLDBERG & FRIENDS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; www.myspace.com/arniescafe.
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Thu, every week:
7 pm WEEKLY ZYDECO DANCE in Long Beach, every Thursday at Golden Sails Hotel, PCH Club, 6285 E Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach; 562-596-1631. Come early for Bar Happy Hour with free food, 5-7 pm. Evening costs $5 plus two drink minimum (bottled water, juices, more available). Zydeco dance lesson included, 7-8 pm; raffle 8-8:15; CD dancing 8:15-10 pm or so. Beginners, singles, all ages welcome. (Total cost for the evening is $10 if you buy two bottled waters.)
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Thu, every week:
7 pm CHARANGOA SALSA DANCE at Steven's SteakHouse, 5332 Steven's Pl, City of Commerce; 323-723-9856; Fay@charangoa.com; www.charangoa.com. Every Thu. Includes dance class with Miguel, 7-8 pm; dancing to live music, 9 pm-1:30 am. It’s reported that there are lots of great dancers & surprises. Free.
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Thu, every week:
7-11 pm OPEN MIC NIGHT on “The Main Stage” at Highland Perk Coffeehouse, 5930 York Bl, L.A. The inaugural event was Apr 12. Sponsors say, “This event repeats every Thursday night. Singers, spoken word, guitar players, drum soloists, almost anything that makes the crowd applaud...”
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Thu, every week:
OPEN MIC / SONGWRITER SHOWCASE at Primo Pizza, 28200 Bouquet Cyn Rd, Saugus. Mike Dill hosts. He's a fine fingerstyle blues picker.
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Thu, every week:
7:30-9:30 pm IRISH SET DANCING CLASSES in Los Feliz area; social dancing for adults every Thursday. Info & location: www.michaelpatrickbreen.com.
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Thu, Aug 28:
7:30 pm BILL REVELES & SHANNON HURLEY plus THE FOLK COLLECTION opening, for “American Music Thursdays” for the “Concerts in the Park” series at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, Memorial Park, Walnut & Raymond, Pasadena; 626-683-3230; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org.
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THE FOLK COLLECTION has performed live, twice, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” delighting listeners with their comprehensive catalog and energetic interpretations of ‘60s Folk Revival classics.
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Both BILL REVELES & SHANNON HURLEY are highly-regarded emerging performing songwriters, and Shannon’s originals have been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” She is also well-known as the performing host of the long-running “Don’t Call Us Tori” female artist showcase. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station, and save expensive parking and gas. Nice outdoor venue. Free.
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Thu, Aug 28:
7:30-9 pm JAMIE PAPISH TEACHING DRUM SEMINAR at REMO Recreational Drumming Center, 7308 Coldwater Canyon Av, North Hollywood 91601; event info, http://remo.com/portal/events/1490.html. Jamie has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” as a member of EXTREME KLEZMER MAKEOVER. Learn essential rhythms used in most of today’s Middle Eastern music. Jamie provides a friendly, no-pressure, environment for beginners and intermediate players to learn together. Even if you feel non-rhythmic, you will be surprised how much you will get out of just one session. Drums are provided. $12.
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Thu, Aug 28:
8 pm STEPHANIE BETTMAN & COMPANY at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. They’ve performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and Grammy winning fiddler Richard Greene (Bill Monroe, Seatrain) calls her "A phenomenal singer-songwriter-fiddler…an artist of great promise destined for huge success."
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Stephanie is a current finalist in the “Mountain Stage” New Song Contest, and Stephanie and her band were among the winners in the past two years’ Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest. And when they played the 2007 Sedona Bluegrass Festival, buzz on the street labeled her "the next Alison Krauss". Stephanie's music is new and very catchy; an engaging mixture of bluegrass, folk, roots, and jazz with sophisticated lyrics and killer instrumentation set in a folky mountain vibe. She has an angelic voice, and when her band chimes in with those soaring harmonies, audiences have been heard to gasp "wow." This band is the culmination of Stephanie's lifelong love affair with the performing arts. She's acted and produced films, theater and commercials, written screenplays, and performed as a trapeze and circeau artist. Her violin has taken her from the National Theater Of Korea to The Capistrano Valley Symphony and beyond.
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Stephanie is backed by an impressive acoustic ensemble: LUKE HALPIN (mandolin and vocals) and BRIAN NETZLEY (bass and vocals). Her illustrious band members have worked as studio musicians in Nashville, toured this and other countries, and opened for everyone from Kenny Chesney to Merle Haggard. Based from L.A., Stephanie and her band have shared the stage with some of Southern California's favorite bluegrass and roots artists at festivals and in numerous respected venues. "A fiddle playing charmer with a set of pipes she knows how to use and gift of gab that regularly amuses her audiences" - Jesse Lilly, Mondo Cult Magazine. $15.
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Thu, recurring:
8-11:30 pm RICK SHEA AND THE LOSIN' END at Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006; 626-447-9349; www.arcadiabluesclub.com. Rick and his honky-tonk blues band’s Thursday series, with guests. Rick & co play 8-9, then from 10-12. At 9 is the guest band, different each week. Artists’ info: www.rickshea.com. Venue serves dinner, has drink specials most nights. $5 cover.
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Thu & Fri, every week:
8-10:30 pm THE PLOUGHBOYS play their residency at the Tam O' Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz. The boys say, “Come down for great music, dancing and a green beer!” Info & directions, www.theploughboys.com.
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Thu, recurring:
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. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Thu, last Thu, every month:
8-10 pm SONGSALIVE! SHOWCASE at The Talking Stick, (apparently still at the “old” location, at 1630 Ocean Park Bl, Santa Monica 90405; call ahead to see if the venue has made the move to its new location in Venice; this series is the last Thu of every month. A full evening of entertainment from local songwriters, hosted by MAUREEN DOHERTY. Songsalive is now booking for various dates in 2007, and seeking singer-songwriters to perform; info: hotline at 310-238-0359 or email usa@songsalive.org; www.songsalive.org. No cover, $5 donation requested.
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Thu; repeats every Thu:
CALJAS ARTISTS WEEKLY JAZZ PERFORMANCE NIGHT at Hip Kitty Jazz / Fondue, 502 W First St (in the Packing House complex), Claremont 91711; www.hipkittyjazz.com; 909-447-6700. It’s a new venue, said to be beautiful, serving food, beer & wine, 25 mins E of Pasadena off the 210 Fwy. The venue is part of the newly-renovated Claremont Packing House. Proprietress Nancy Tessier’s father, Refugio "Coco" Lopez, plays alto, and she wanted her club to feature an array of jazz singers. This led to a fortuitous connection with Dale Boatman, founder and president of the California Jazz Arts Society. CalJAS is a powerful force in bringing some of the best jazz artists in Southern California, especially singers, to restaurants, clubs and other performance spaces in eastern Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire, an area that previously had relatively few opportunities for jazz musicians to perform.
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Thu, Aug 28; in Ventura:
8 pm BERNIE PEARL & MIKE BARRY with BOB JONES opening, for an all-acoustic blues evening at Zoey's, 451 Main St, Ventura 93001; 805-652-1137. Bernie says, “A lovely little eatery with first-rate sound. Thursday night is acoustic blues night. Opening set by our friend, the excellent Bob Jones.” Upstairs venue. Reserv recommended. $15.
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Thu, most Thursdays:
8:30 pm THE WATKINS FAMILY HOUR at one of the two Largo locations, either the original “little stage” venue at 432 N Fairfax Av, LA; 323-852-1073, or the new “big stage” Largo at the Coronet, 366 N La Cienega Bl, L.A. 90048; http://largo-la.com; 310-855-0350. They are alumni of NICKEL CREEK. Cover is $15 in the small venue, $25 in the big venue.
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Thu, every week:
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 Marie, 7-8:30 pm. Happy hour 4-7 pm, M-F. No cover.
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Thu, every Thu; on web radio:
9 pm “FREIGHT TRAIN BOOGIE” radio show from Northern Cal, on KRCB 90.9 and 91.1 FM on Sonoma County’s only public radio station; features live performance-interviews; simulcast on the web at www.krcb.org/listen/listen.html. You can ask the host or the guests questions or make comments at frater@freighttrainboogie.com.
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Thu, every week:
9 pm BEGINNERS SON JAROCHO CLASS with CESAR CASTRO from VeraCruz, at Cal Poly Downtown Center, 300 2nd St, Pomona (Arts Colony). Learn to play jarana, string instrument from Veracruz; dance Zapateado; sing & compose sones (songs); gain knowledge of Son Jarocho music. For children, teens & adults. Venue has a mic and stage lights. Info, www.myspace.com/besskepp. $3 cover.
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Thu; every Thu:
9:30 pm PRESTON SMITH & THE CROCODILES at Bartwist, 48 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia; www.bartwist.com. Expect a good time and dancing’, from honky-tonk to Elvis. Venue has food and full bar. No cover.
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Thu, Aug 28:
10 pm CHRISTOPHER LOCKETT, DAVE DONDERO, & KATY J, at The Unknown Theater, 1110 Seward St, L.A. 90038. Unknown Theater is 3 blks E of Highland and 50 feet N of Santa Monica Bl. Christopher Lockett has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” He tells us, “[Dave] Dondero is on Team Love, Conor Oberst's label. He's an old friend and he's a fantastic live performer. Bob Boilen, host of National Public Radio's show, ‘All Music Considered,’ calls Dondero, ‘One of the greatest living songwriters.’ He's currently on Team Love Records, a label run by Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst.”
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Christopher Lockett continues, “Katy's great. Dondero's great. Me? I'm bringing backup. I've got VOYCE McGINLEY III with me. He's played percussion behind Stevie Wonder. In other news, I should be done with the album by the end of August. AMY FARRIS (www.amyfarris.com) is playing mandolin and fiddle on it. Might do some singin' on it, too. Got MONA TAVAKOLI from the band Raining Jane banging some percussion on it, too.” All-ages show, despite the late hour. For the adults, the theater serves beer and wine. Tonight’s cover is $5.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 29
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Fri-Mon, Aug 29, 30, 31, & Sep 1:
“SWEET & HOT FESTIVAL” at L.A. Airport Marriott Hotel; info, www.sweethot.org. Check their site for lineup and performance schedule, and to reserve tix. We do know that JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS are performing.
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Fri-Sun, Aug 29-31; in Texas:
Annual “KERRVILLE WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL” is the one the locals call “Little Folk,” at Quiet Valley Ranch, 9 miles from Kerrville, Texas; the same site as the annual Kerrville Folk Festival that lasts three weeks in May & June. Info, www.kerrville-music.com.
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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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Sat, Aug 29; in Temecula:
6-9 pm SILVERADO BLUEGRASS BAND, plus AUNT KIZZY'Z BOYZ, TWO OF US PLUS ONE, OLDER THAN DIRT, and JOHN LECLERC play the season finale of “Temecula Hot Summer Nights” at Temecula Valley Cheese Company, 42072 5th St, Temecula; www.temeculacalifornia.com. Organizers say, “We saved the best for last with MIKE NADOLSON and SILVERADO BLUEGRASS. One of the best flatpickers in Southern Cal, Mike heads the band that specializes in vocal harmony and tight musicianship. This is the final concert of the season, and party of the summer, so we punched-up the lineup throughout Old Town with all the favorites including AUNT KIZZY'Z BOYZ - one of the hottest blues bands in Southern California. You'll also find playing in Old Town TWO OF US PLUS ONE, OLDER THAN DIRT, and JOHN LECLERC. Info, contact Melody at 951-678-1456 or melsads@aol.com. There are kid's games and activities. All concerts are free.
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Sat, Aug 23:
7 pm THOMAS LEEB at It's a Grind, Hasley Canyon, in Castaic. Thomas is featured in the current issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine, and he’s playing a few shows in Southern Cal this month.
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Fri, Aug 29; in Tehachapi:
7 pm “COMEDY UNDER CONSTRUCTION,” Tehachapi Community Theatre's own Improv group, returns to Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; www.mamahillybeans.com; 661-822-BEAN. In place of music tonight. “Needed: audience. Provided: Comedy.” 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, Aug 29:
8 pm PIRATES OF THE BLACK SWAN lead an armada of musical pirates, joined by THE DOXIE CHICKS, THE CAPTAIN KIDS, and THE BLACK SPOT, with RON ELY opening, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “3rd time back. Try them just once. Wear your pirate costume, or you can be issued a free, evil headband. Dark, ominous with a skull and cross bones. Evil. Oh, ya.” Captain RON ELY opens with his maritime music on guitar and harp, singing songs from the salt air and various ports of call (the world premiere of Ron’s maritime originals was on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”). Then, the PIRATES OF THE BLACK SWAN board the main deck to perform bone rattlin' pirate rock in full pirate regalia, with music, mayhem, and dancers. Bob Stane adds, “Guaranteed to get your peg leg a tappin' with nautical wit and seafaring music.” They are a five-piece crew with strong vocals, two guitars (one electric), woodwinds, harmonica and fiddle. The DOXIE CHICKS are all acoustic. More at www.myspace.com/piratesoftheblackswanmusic. $15.
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Fri, Aug 29:
8 pm RENAISSANCE plays a Doo-Wop “Bon Voyage party” at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640. It’s an intimate evening as they prepare for their big Caribbean cruise, going international and doo-wopping on the islands. Artists info, www.doowopaintdead.com. $15.
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Fri, Aug 29:
8 pm The BEATUNES plus RICK SIMON play the Starlight House Concert series in North Hills (North SFV). Reserv gets directions, at 818 895-8414. RICK SIMON plays James Taylor’s music. The BEATUNES are The BEATLES music that you've never before heard live, plumbing the depths of the Fab Four’s careers by playing songs from the flip sides of singles, and album cuts. Donations welcome for dessert and drink bar. Show is outside, under the light of the moon. $20 at door, goes to musicians.
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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, Aug 29:
8 pm monthly “OUT OF THE BLUE CHALLENGE” show with TRACY NEWMAN, DANIEL McFEELEY, MICHAEL DOMANN, D. WHITNEY QUINN, at the original Talking Stick, 1630 Ocean Park Bl, Santa Monica 90405; www.thetalkingstick.net. Each month, the challenge to the four songwriters is, “Write at least 1 song on the theme.” This month’s theme is “A kid's song.” Performing host Dan McFeeley says, “Potentially our most offensive show ever. 4 musicians, 24 songs.” This is the second-to-last show ever to be held here. Venue has coffeehouse fare and good sandwiches. All ages, no cover.
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Fri, 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. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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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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Fri, last Fri, every month:
9 pm “LAST FRIDAYS AT THE SCENE” with I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. and MIKE STINSON and guests, at The Scene, 806 E Colorado Bl, Glendale; 818-241-7029; www.thescenebar.com. I See Hawks and Mike Stinson do this monthly gig with a different guest each month, where “The worst stage monitors in California contribute to the fun.” Artists info: www.paulmarshall.net. No cover.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
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Sat, Aug 30; runs Aug 29, 30, 31, & Sep 1:
“SWEET & HOT FESTIVAL” at L.A. Airport Marriott Hotel; info, www.sweethot.org. Check their site for lineup and performance schedule, and to reserve tix. We do know that JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS are performing.
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Sat & Sun, Aug 30 & 31, in Pennsylvania:
20th Annual “MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS FESTIVAL” in Ohiopyle State Park, across from Falls Market, Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania 15470. Runs Sat, noon-9 pm, and Sun, noon-6 pm. Music all day, plus arts and crafts, marathons, interactive shows, car show, and more. CHE ZURO plays Sat at noon. Expect an especially energetic event for the 20th anniversary of the festival. Free.
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Sat, Aug 30; in Wyoming:
“MAGIC CITY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL,” in Lyons Park, Cheyenne Wyoming. Great bands, free.
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Sat, Aug 30:
9:30-10:30 am GUITAR COURSE from KIM KOPP of VERTIGO ROAD begins today, runs eight weeks. In North Hollywood. Contact Kim at 818-298-9864. Runs Saturdays, Aug 30-Oct 18; doors open at 9 am for bagels, coffee and set-up. Fee is $150 for entire 8 week course.
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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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Saturdays, on web radio:
Noon-2 pm “CONTINENTAL DRIFT” Celtic and British Isle folk show, on KUSP in Santa Cruz, includes live performance-interviews with host CINDY ODOM on her long-running show. From the highlands of Scotland to the midlands of England and beyond, it’s traditional and contemporary music from Ireland and the other British Isles, with Celtic lore and Celtic-influenced folk and ethnic music from Europe and North America. Info, playlists, and web simulcast at www.kusp.org.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
Noon-1 pm “UNSIGNED MUSIC SHOW” on WPMD with TEE-M and MIKE STARK is “a genre-busting show, where the UNsigned Revolution is on.” On the web at http://wpmd.org. Mike and TEE-M spin CDs 11 am-noon “from cutting-edge indie artists and bands,” (acoustic and electric) then welcome guests at noon, usually for all-acoustic live performances. The show also rebroadcasts through the week; check site for details.
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Sat, Aug 30; in Santa Barbara:
2-5 pm KELLY'S LOT at Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stage Coach Rd, Santa Barbara. Kell tells us, “Acoustic but ROCKIN! with special guests!” Info, www.myspace.com/kellyslot and see Kelly’s Lot perform at www.youtube.com/kellyslot.
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Saturdays, alternate Saturdays, on web radio:
2 pm (Pacific) “ACOUSTIC HARMONY,” hosted by Mark Michaelis, from WGDR at 91.1 FM in the Green Mountains of Vermont, simulcast at www.wgdr.org. Mark sometimes hosts folk and acoustic renaissance artists in-studio for all-acoustic performance-interviews. He says, “The focus is on contemporary and traditional folk, singer-songwriters and local artists, but a little of anything and everything might creep-in. Whether it's Celtic, bluegrass, world music or even rock or blues, as long as it's got beautiful harmonies and melodies you might here it here on a Saturday afternoon.” More info, playlists, and archived performance-interviews at www.acoustic-harmony.com.
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Sat, Aug 30:
2:30-4:40 pm BUDDY ALLEN LaMONT brings “Melody and Rhyme” to the Pasadena Central Library Auditorium, 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena 91101; www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/library/events. Accessible to people with disabilities, and handicapped parking available. All ages, free.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
3-5 pm (Pacific) “A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION” always features live performances and skits and stories with host GARRISON KEILLOR, a regular cast of recording artists, and guests, whether broadcasting from various live venues across America, or from its home base in Minnesota. This initial “live” broadcast tiume each weekend is standard everywhere, though repeat times vary by station. In L.A., the show is broadcast on KPCC 89.3 FM, and repeats Saturday night, 6-8 pm and Sunday Noon-2 pm. But if you’re in L.A., it’s much better to find a web simulcast from somewhere; that’s because KPCC has no other music shows and they do not know how to control the levels for music performances, causing frequent peaking and signal cut-out.
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Sat, Aug 30:
4-7 pm MASON MOUNTAINEERS at Suzy's Bar and Grill, 1141 Aviation Bl, Hermosa Beach 90254; 310 379-6171. Traditional bluegrass with Glen Mason on guitar and mandolin, Dave Sharp on banjo, Tom Hall on bass, and Bryan Dresler on fiddle. They play for the venue’s dinnertime, every other Saturday. charge. Selection of food and drinks available. No cover.
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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, Aug 30-Mon, Sep 1:
6 pm-2 am (hours different each day) 1st Annual “DOG AND PONY SHOW” with THE KNITTERS, DAVE ALVIN & THE GUILTY MEN, THE BLASTERS, PETER CASE, TEX & THE HORSEHEADS, HACIENDA BROTHERS, RED MEAT, MIKE STINSON, JOE WOOD SINGS TSOL, THE COLD HARD FACTS, BIG SANDY & THE FLY-RITE BOYS and many others, all to benefit people in the music community who have no health care, all at Safari Sam's, 5214 Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90027; www.safari-sams.com. The music community is filled with talented people who share the same plight: they have no access to adequate healthcare. Please join us in bringing awareness by attending this three day festival, with a stellar lineup of artists. In memory of the late CHRIS GAFFNEY. Info, www.musicmenagerie.net/dogandponyshow. Runs Sat, 6 pm-2 am; Sun, 5 pm- 2 am; Mon, 3-9:30 pm. $30 / day, or $70 for 3-day pass; VIP table eating is $50 / day or $125 for 3-day pass.
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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, Aug 30:
7 pm THE DUO TONES at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Veteran rock-instrumental masters PAUL JOHNSON & GIL ORR have hit upon a unique and winning idea: by leaving-out the drums and bass, they put the focus on their delightful dual-guitar interplay, both acoustic and electric, which lends fresh appeal to the surf-instro genre. Paul co-founded the pioneer '60s surf band, the Belairs ("Mr. Moto"); and he currently plays with the Surfaris ("Wipeout"). Gil has been with the Chantays ("Pipeline") since the '60s.
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With two popular CDs and a growing visibility, including their recent performance on radio’s "A Prairie Home Companion," the Duo Tones are creating a stir among music fans who are discovering, for the first time, just how rich this stuff can be when played with the skill and authority that Paul and Gil bring to it. Always a fave act at the venue; many encores for a reason. Get reservations early. $18.
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Sat, Aug 30:
7-10 pm FINAL SHOW at the original Talking Stick in Santa Monica, with DADDY BONE, PETER QUENTIN, KAYE REZNICK, RICK LESHEVER, AND PERFORMING HOST CANYON ELLEN, at the Talking Stick, 1630 Ocean Park Bl, Santa Monica 90405; www.thetalkingstick.net. Yep, the original location is closing its doors, as the venue moves to Venice. Get there early for good seats. DADDY BONE tells us, “The show starts promptly at 7 o'clock (maybe earlier). Lollygaggers will be sitting outside.” Venue has coffeehouse fare and good sandwiches. All ages, no cover.
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Sat, Aug 30; in Tehachapi:
7 pm JOEL RAFAEL returns to Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; www.mamahillybeans.com; 661-822-BEAN. He’s won major awards in the folk world, and scored a “Listener Favorite” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Based in San Diego, Joel has played at Telluride, Strawberry, and Millpond Music Festivals. Artist info, www.joelrafael.com and there’s a YouTube link for one of Joel’s performances at www.mamahillybeans.com/calendar.html#083008. Venue has great ambience, and food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." Adv tix $12, $15 at door.
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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, Aug 30:
8 pm STAN WEST at The Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com. “Stan West is something of an institution on the Southern Californian blues scene, delighting the patrons of the area's blues clubs with his potent slide guitar riffs for around thirty years as well as opening for artists like Bo Diddley, Johnny Winter and Robben Ford and running his own guitar shop in Glendora (now closed). If you're looking for the real deal, invest your time in Mr. West.” -Doug Deutsch (Happening). “Stan West knows the blues.” - Vintage Guitar Magazine. Doors at 7:30 pm. $15.
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Sat, Aug 30:
8 pm MARIACHI DIVAS play “Musica Latina Saturadys” for the “Concerts in the Park” series at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, Memorial Park, Walnut & Raymond, Pasadena; 626-683-3230; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org. They’re an all-female, multicultural ensemble, full of mariachi energy and musicality. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station, and save expensive parking and gas. Nice outdoor venue. Free.
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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. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Sat, fifth Sat of the month (when there is one):
8 pm-midnight Songmakers “TAKE THE FIFTH HOOT” at a private residence in Sherman Oaks; call for loc, 818-761-2766.
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Sat, 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 / couple dance lessons with Charlotte, 7-9 pm. No cover.
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Sat, Aug 30:
9:45-10:45 pm ERIC SCHWARTZ plus PAUL CHESNE at O'Brien's, 2941 Main St, Santa Monica 90405; 310-396-4725. Eric is that wickedly funny satiric / comedic / political performing songwriter. You’ve heard him on “Air America.” He plays all over the country, so he’s not in L.A. all that often these days. Info, www.ericschwartz.com and this gig, www.communitywalk.com/fat_tire_beer__los_angeles/map/9692#0003@j%60.
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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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SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
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Sun, Aug 31; runs Aug 29, 30, 31, & Sep 1:
“SWEET & HOT FESTIVAL” at L.A. Airport Marriott Hotel; info, www.sweethot.org. Check their site for lineup and performance schedule, and to reserve tix. We do know that JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS are performing.
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Sun, every week:
10 am-2 pm LIVE MUSIC at WEST L.A. FARMERS MARKET, 11360 Santa Monica Bl (at Corinth); www.westlafarmersmarket.com. Also, free raffle for Farmers Market fresh food. A nice, permanent band shell stage and good sound system distinguish this one. Usually the first act performs from 10 or 10:30 am-noon, there’s a second act noon-1 pm, a break for the raffle of market goodies, and the final act performs 1:15-2 pm. This is a well-structured event. Free wifi at the farmers market and throughout the West L.A. Civic Center Plaza, and Free kids crafts table operated by volunteers 9 am-2 pm, both sponsored by West L.A. Neighborhood Council www.wlanc.com. When you are on the plaza with your laptop, select wlancwifi as your free wireless network. Free event. Map to free parking, www.westlafarmersmarket.com/Location.htm.
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Sun, every week:
10 am & 1 pm “GOSPEL BRUNCH” at House of Blues Sunset Strip, 8430 Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; 323-848-5100.
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Sun, every week:
10 am & 1 pm “GOSPEL BRUNCH” at House of Blues Anaheim, 1530 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim; 714-778-2583.
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Sun, Aug 31:
11 am-noon KATHERINE DINES plays the “KIDS KONCERT” SERIES at The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicam, 1419 N Topanga Canyon Bl, Topanga 90290; tix & info, www.theatricum.com; 310-455-3723. This year’s series brings a great lineup of shows:
Aug 31 - KATHERINE DINES - lively and unique
Sep 7 - BUCK HOWDY & BB - wild west romp
Sep 14 - JUMBO SHRIMP CIRCUS - circus folks
Sep 21 - PARACHUTE EXPRESS - super stars in the world of children’s music
Sep 28 - THE SQUEEGEES - good clean fun
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Sun, every week:
Noon-3 pm “AMERICANA BRUNCH” with different live performers each week, at Safari Sam's, 5214 Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90027. Hosted by Hillbilly DJ Jeff W, who David Serby says, “Not only puts these Sunday shows together, but he spins some serious old school country, honky tonk and rockabilly music, too.”
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Sun, every week:
12:30 pm families; 1:30 pm adults only COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLES at Rock Rose Gallery/Productions & Arroyo Books, 4108 N Figueroa St, Sycamore Grove; 323-222-4740; rockroseart@yahoo.com; www.rockrosegallery.com. Every Sun; 12:30 pm families, 1:30 pm adults only. Bring your own drum or percussion instrument to the drum circle or use one of those provided by the gallery. Taught by Mr Blue, a versatile artist from New York.
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Sun, Aug 31:
1-3 pm KELLY'S LOT at plays the “MALIBU CHILI COOKOFF” at the corner of Civic Center Way and Webb Way, close to PCH and Malibu Canyon Rd (Pepperdine). Info, www.myspace.com/kellyslot and see Kelly’s Lot perform at www.youtube.com/kellyslot.
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Sun, recurring:
1:30 pm WELSH CHOIR, for location, contact Rutthy: 818-507-0337.
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Sun, Aug 31:
2 pm “POETRY IN MOTION,” the first annual Coffee Gallery Backstage Poetry Festival, with poets SHARMAGNE LELAND-ST. JOHN, SHERMAN PEARL, *ellen*, ABEL SALAS, & MICHAEL PLISKIN, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. It’s a matinee show with Native American poet SHARMAGNE LELAND-ST. JOHN, a 2007 Pushcart Award nominee, author of 3 books, and editor of the e-zine “Quill;” SHERMAN PEARL, winner of the 2002 National Writers Union Prize, and 2007 Anderbo Prize, and a 2nd place finish in Ireland’s largest poetry competition, co-founder of the L.A. Poetry Festival, co-founder of CQ magazine, and author of 5 books; *ellen*, winner of the Blue Unicorn, Cape Cod Times, and DA Center for the Arts prizes, and teacher emeritus at Santa Monica College; ABEL SALAS, AIM activist and owner of Resistencia Bookstore in Austin, TX, he sometimes teached poetry in juvenile detention facilities in California; MICHAEL PLISKIN, guitar accompanist on 12-string, whose first major performances were at the Hudson River Festival, to benefit Pete Seeger’s nonprofit foundation and its sailing sloop that promotes river conservation. $10.
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Sun, recurring:
3-5:30 pm JAZZ COMPOSERS WORKSHOP at Rock Rose Gallery/Productions & Arroyo Books, 4108 N Figueroa St, Sycamore Grove; 323-222-4740; rockroseart@yahoo.com; www.rockrosegallery.com. Every Sunday.
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Sun, Aug 31:
3-4 pm JOE MURO plays a tuba & clarinet recital in the Pasadena Central Library Auditorium, 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena 91101; www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/library/events. Accessible to people with disabilities, and handicapped parking available. All ages, free.
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Sun, every week:
4-7 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Finn McCool, 2702 Main St, Santa Monica; 310-452-1734.
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Sun, Aug 31:
4 pm-midnight Robert Morgan Fisher’s semi-annual “FOLKTACULAR” returns with DAN BERN, MANDA, JOYCE WOODSON, MOTHER NATURE’S ARMY, CHAD WATSON, LEE DOMANN (from Albuquerque), SEVERIN BROWNE, FREEBO, DAVE MORRISON, DALE LaDUKE, TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, GARRET SWAYNE, ALLAN COMEAU, PAUL ZOLLO, PIPER-GREY, “BANJO” FRED STARNER, and ROBERT MORGAN FISHER, at Writers Boot Camp Auditorium at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica, Bldg. I, Santa Monica. Adv tix/reserv strongly encouraged. Robert says, “We expect a pretty big response due to the stellar lineup, which includes (as Ed Sullivan used to say): “A fine balladeer, causing quite a splash with the young people … DAN BERN.” And Robert adds, “Yes, 4-12 is a long show – but this is a luxurious auditorium with couches and everything.”
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Many of these artists have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” including LEE DOMANN, SEVERIN BROWNE, FREEBO, CHAD WATSON, DAVE MORRISON, GARRET SWAYNE, DALE LaDUKE, TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, PIPER-GREY, “BANJO” FRED STARNER, and ROBERT MORGAN FISHER.
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Featuring:
4 pm, host ROBERT MORGAN FISHER opens the show, www.robertmorganfisher.com
5 pm ALLAN COMEAU, www.allancomeau.com; www.topangarecords.com
5:15 pm GARRET SWAYNE, www.garretswayne.com
5:30 pm DALE LaDUKE, www.daleladuke.com (from TttT “Listener Favorite” Kaedmon)
5:45 pm TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, www.trough.com/tedrow-vreeland/default.htm
6 pm SEVERIN BROWNE, www.severinbrowne.com
6:15 pm PAUL ZOLLO, http://bluerailroad.com (well-known songwriter and best-selling author of music bio books)
6:30 pm CHAD WATSON & PAM LOE, www.chadwatson.us (Cal Country Music champ before Nashville made country awful)
6:45 pm LEE DOMANN, www.leedomann.com (from New Mexico; KATHY MATTEA and RIDERS IN THE SKY have recorded his songs)
7 pm JOYCE WOODSON, www.joycewoodson.com (wrote the hit, “He’s Courtin’ Annie)
7:15 pm DAVE MORRISON, www.davemorrisonmusic.com
7:45 pm PIPER~GREY, www.trough.com/piper-grey/index.html
8 pm MANDA, www.myspace.com/myspacemanda (her new CD is getting rave reviews)
8:30 pm MOTHER NATURE’S ARMY, http://imdb.com/name/nm0424560 and http://imdb.com/name/nm0189845
9 pm DAN BERN, special headliner guest, http://danbern.com/index.html
Plus, somewhere in there are FREEBO (http://freebo.com), Bonnie Raitt’s longtime bass player, award-winning singer-songwriter, and occasional tuba player, and “BANJO” FRED STARNER (www.hobobanjofred.com) longtime banjo player for PETE SEEGER and the official “Grand Duke of Hobo Minstrels” (voted by the hobos at their annual gathering in Britt, Iowa.
10 pm-midnight is reserved for “encore sets,” TBA
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DIRECTIONS: I-10 W of I-405, exit Cloverfield, turn right, then right on Michigan, which ends at gates of Bergamot Station. Enter gates and park as far to the left, or West, as you can, get out and follow signs, on foot, to Writers Boot Camp, Bldg. i.
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Tix include admission, beverages (beer, wine, soda) and Tito’s Tacos while they last. Adv tix encouraged, so they know how much food to get. $15 adv, $20 door. To purchase $15 adv tix, email robert@robertmorganfisher.com.
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Sun, Aug 31-Mon, Sep 1:
5 pm-2 am (hours different each day) 1st Annual “DOG AND PONY SHOW” with THE KNITTERS, DAVE ALVIN & THE GUILTY MEN, THE BLASTERS, PETER CASE, TEX & THE HORSEHEADS, HACIENDA BROTHERS, RED MEAT, MIKE STINSON, JOE WOOD SINGS TSOL, THE COLD HARD FACTS, BIG SANDY & THE FLY-RITE BOYS and many others, all to benefit people in the music community who have no health care, all at Safari Sam's, 5214 Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90027; www.safari-sams.com. The music community is filled with talented people who share the same plight: they have no access to adequate healthcare. Please join us in bringing awareness by attending this three day festival, with a stellar lineup of artists. In memory of the late CHRIS GAFFNEY. Info, www.musicmenagerie.net/dogandponyshow. Runs Sat, 6 pm-2 am; Sun, 5 pm- 2 am; Mon, 3-9:30 pm. $30 / day, or $70 for 3-day pass; VIP table eating is $50 / day or $125 for 3-day pass.
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Sun, every week:
5-9 pm “THE GRAND OLE ECHO” country & roots series runs weekly through the spring and summer at The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park 90026; www.myspace.com/thegrandoleecho. All ages, no cover.
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Sun, every week:
5 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) and WEEKLY COMPLIMENTARY BBQ at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. (BBQ changed to 5-8 pm, effective July 4.) Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line dance lessons with Bonnie, 4-6 pm. Every Sunday they “light up the 'ol barbie and throw on anything from marinated tri-tip beef to good 'ol hamburgers. Every BBQ is served with all the fixin's, like baked beans, vegetables, rice, cole slaw, potato salad and more.” They tell us, “If you're looking for something really fun and different to do on Sundays, then head on down to The Cowboy Palace Saloon for dance lessons at 4, mouthwatering BBQ at 5, and a hot country band starting at 6!” No cover.
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Sun; repeats last Sun, every month:
5:45 pm OPEN MIC at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; 310-828-4497; www.mccabesguitar.com.
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Sun, Aug 31:
6 pm “LADY JAZZ IN THE KEY OF GRAND” presented by The Instrumental Women Project at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, 2580 Cahuenga Bl East, Hollywood 90068; 323-GO1-FORD; www.FordTheatres.org; box dinner orders (in adv) 310-652-3797. The grand piano takes center stage as honoree KAREN HERNANDEZ, often compared to Ramsey Lewis, performs on piano with a jazz string ensemble and full roster of master instrumentalists, weaving Latin and blues riffs throughout the evening’s jazz repertoire. A Hammond B-3 organ provides the genre’s rich, Gospel undertones delivered by vocalist and keyboardist La Carol Miles. Featured jazz harpist and pianist Corky Hale joins this all-female annual showcase of master jazz musicians, with bassist, Nedra Wheeler, saxophonist Carol Chaikin, drummer Maria Martinez, percussionist Estaire Godinez, trumpeter Anne King, trombonist Alisha Marie Ard and members of the Pasadena Young Musicians Orchestra. Co-Hosts for the event are Jane Monreal of ABC-7 and James Janisse, of Los Angeles’ Gentleman of Jazz. The song list includes “Sister Sadie,” “Oh Happy Day,” “Life’s Too Short,” “Cherokee,” “Green Tomatoes,” “Riverside Drive,” “Over The Rainbow” and “I Did Know What Time It Was,” and more.
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The event is preceded by a limited Art Exhibit of select works created by Huichol Indian artists who live in the mountainous region of West Central Mexico. The exhibit, on the Ford Plaza, opens at 4 pm. Tix $35 / $25. Buy 3 or more and pay $28 / $20. Children $12.
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Sun, every week, Jun 29-Aug 31:
6:30 pm “LEVITT LOVES KIDS” series for a half-hour before the evening’s professional musicians, at the “Concerts in the Park” series at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, Memorial Park, Walnut & Raymond, Pasadena; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org; 626-683-3230. Talented local musicians under age 18 take the stage; this year’s offerings include a Spotlight Awards winner and performers from the Young Musicians Foundation and Theatre 360. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station, and save expensive parking and gas. Nice outdoor venue. (See 7 pm listing for tonight’s featured professional musicians.) Free.
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Sun, Aug 31:
7 pm CAJI & SALOMÉ at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. With voice, guitar, pandeiro, uke, CAJI comes from the rich cultural city of Salvador, Bahia in Brazil. Here, Afro-Brazilian roots are blended with influences from around the world. A distinctive guitarist in the Brazilian style and unique singing interpretation redefines the grooves from his hometown. After studying classical and Brazilian music in college, he worked for an organization that provided relief throughout Brazil, giving him the opportunity to travel and play folk music with many people. His sophisticated acoustic guitar playing, sensitive voice and original compositions are a true expression of strong, sensual and percussive Brazilian music.
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SALOMÉ, a native of Portugal, joined him with vocals, pandeiro and ukulele. Born on the islands of the Azores, she moved to the cosmopolitan city of Montréal, where she was able to develop her unique musical style combining traditions of European music with the contemporary sounds of Brazil. Salomé brings to her music the influences of many languages and cultures, transmitting a love for the Portuguese and Brazilian music and for the many cultures of the continents that surround her homeland islands: Africa, Europe, North, Central and South America, and a desire to bring them closer together in one voice.
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With Salomé’s percussiveness and ability to sing in four different languages (Portuguese, Spanish, French, and English), and Caji's unbelivable guitar playing and singing, they are able to bring to the music of the world, including Brazilian, Cuban, French, Peruvian, Cabo Verdian, Portuguese and more, a special sensitivity to the rare beauty of these cultures. Caji & Salomé will be accompanied by two fine musicians on percussionist or/and bass and/or flugel horn. $20.
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Sun, Aug 31:
7 pm AMY LONDON plays “Jazz Night Sundays” for the “Concerts in the Park” series at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, Memorial Park, Walnut & Raymond, Pasadena; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org; 626-683-3230. The NY jazz artist and Broadway star under the stars in Pasadena. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Ride the Gold Line light rail to Memorial Park Station, and save expensive parking and gas. Nice outdoor venue. Free.
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Sun, every week:
7 pm PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP WITH MARC PLATT at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; www.kulakswoodshed.com. Must be a member in advance to gain entry. Limit 10 performers per week. Info, www.kulakswoodshed.com/workshop.shtml. Each week's workshop is $20, with all proceeds to the venue.
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Sun; repeats last Sun, every month; in the OC:
7-9 pm monthly “ORANGE COUNTY SONGSALIVE! SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP” at Spires Restaurant (in the Meeting Room), 13030 Goldenwest Av (crnr of Garden Grove Bl), Westminster 92683; 714-636-0442; event info, 714-333-8222 (Rodney). Songwriting workshop, critique session and songwriting exercises. Event gathers songwriters to share their songs, gain feedback and develop relationships within the global Songsalive! songwriting communities. First half is an in-the-round workshop where writers present one song each (on tape, CD or live) followed by a guest speaker or industry discussion in the second half, with time to talk and network. Moderated by Rod O'Riley. Directions, info, www.songsalive.org/losangeles.
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Sun, every week, on web radio:
7-9 pm “FOLKSCENE” is a long-running folk music show from Los Angeles, hosted by ROZ LARMAN on KPFK 90.7 FM in Los Angeles, 98.7 FM in Santa Barbara, and simulcast at www.kpfk.org. Each edition features a long-form performance-interview, recorded live, with a guest recording artist. The show celebrated its 37th year on the air in February 2008. Info on the show and guests, playlists, and tributes to the late co-host HOWARD LARMAN, at www.folkscene.com.
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Sun, every week, on web radio:
7 pm “FLAT CAT RADIO,” hosted by DAVE STRAUSS, features live on-air performance-interviews at www.myspace.com/flatcatradio. It’s a weekly live web-only show focused on Los Angeles-based songwriters of all genres, but the live segment is generally an acoustic performance.
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Sun; repeats last Sun, every month:
7:30 pm OPEN MIC at the Folk Music Center, 220 Yale Av, Claremont; 909-624-2928. Sign-ups at 7 pm. $1 cover.
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Sun, Aug 31:
8 pm MAIRE CLERKIN'S “THE BAD ARM - CONFESSIONS OF A DODGY IRISH DANCER” is an “Uproarious & tender dance-comedy” at the Bang Improv Theatre, 457 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90036; 323-653 6886; www.bangstudio.com. Moira Smiley (VOCO) tells us, “This hilarious woman is only doing this incredible show a few times. Unlike music, it's ‘one run,’ then you're done (at least for a long while), so please consider treating yourself to the best laughing & crying I can recommend. I LOVED it so very much.”
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Written and performed by Máire Clerkin, directed by Dan O’Connor, the show asks, “> "Have you ever felt overlooked? As if the world had failed to notice your brilliance? Growing up in a large family can have that effect - especially when your mother, a dance teacher, is otherwise occupied. At a safe distance from her native London, Maire Clerkin uses the format of a one-woman show to air her grievances, complain about parental neglect, overbearing siblings, ignorant boyfriends, and accidental alcohol abuse; and to prove once and for all that she should have been a famous irish dancer! (this is an ugly duckling story in which the beautiful swan refuses to emerge). The London-Irish dancer / comedienne Maire Clerkin cut her teeth in the 80’s punk-vaudeville scene with an act called The Hairy Marys. Recently immigrated to the U.S., she debuts on this side of the pond with hilarious tales about the disappointing daughter of an Irish dancing-school mistress. Ear-bashingly good jigs punctuate stories of dysfunctional family strife, embarrassing adolescence and a totally hopeless adulthood." Runs here Aug 10, 14, 31 and Sep 7, 11, 18. $12 adv, $14 door.
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View more events at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com, as chronological date listings, and longer “looks ahead” to May, 2009. The Acoustic Americana Music Calendar updates often, and News Features post weekly. Current chronological date listings, to May, 2009, are available for (1) Los Angeles-area acoustic Americana music events, and (2) festivals and other events of great note throughout the US and Canada (and sometimes beyond) in our presentation of “Best-Out-of-Town (Beyond L.A.) Events,” which also updates often. If you don’t see the dates you need in the first window, browse-around on the site. If you are exploring our Myspace page, use the “view all” button and scroll, then use the “older” button as many times as needed to explore the archives. The calendar’s most recent info, both events and news, lives at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com and news of the “Tied to the Tracks” radio & TV shows is at www.myspace.com/laacoustic.
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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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