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“Tied to the Tracks”
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC CALENDAR & NEWS
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August 20 through 31 UPDATE, 08/20/08 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 16; check for it at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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The most recent previous edition of our NEWS FEATURES posted AUGUST 10 (http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com/2008/08/news-features-aug-10-edition-acoustic.html).
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Recent editions of our NEWS FEATURES are all 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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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’S UPDATED CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20
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Wed; every week; in Yucaipa:
12:30 pm “YUCAIPA UKERS,” THE YUCAIPA UKULELE GANG, an ‘off-shoot’ of the Loma Linda Ukulele Strummers (LLUS), meets every Wed (recently changed; was 10:30 am). Info, loc, www.lomalindaukestrummers.org.
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Wed, every week:
6-9 pm GARRET SWAYNE does his weekly residency at Giovanni Ristorante, 21926 Ventura Bl, Woodland Hills 91364; reserv 818-884-0243; www.GiovanniRistorante.com. Ample parking behind restaurant. No cover, $15 minimum per person on food or drink.
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Wed, every week, Jun-Aug:
6:30 to 9 pm “CULTURAL ELEVATIONS - Get High on Culture at the Southwest Museum of the American Indian” at the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, 234 Museum Dr, L.A. 90065; 323-221-2164; www.southwestmuseum.org. Every Wed, June-August, journey up the hill for a new cultural high at the Southwest Museum, featuring a mix of local and Native American artists and performers. Bring a picnic, enjoy diverse bands and musicians, and view the best of Native and world cinema. View of the city from atop Mt. Washington, and elevate your mind. You can ride the Gold Line light rail to the Southwest Museum station, and hike up the hill. 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. (See 7 pm listing for tonight’s featured professional musicians.) Free.
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Wed, Aug 20:
7 pm GARY ALLEGRETTO plays the Wednesday night children’s series for “Concerts in the Park” at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, Memorial Park, Walnut & Raymond, Pasadena; 626-683-3230; www.levittpavilionpasadena.org. Gary has taken his phenomenal harmonica music for children all over the world, and he was the first performing artist invited to play for orphans of the Southeast Asian tsunami in 2004. (He also taught the kids how to play the harmonica, which he does in many places, as a Hohner-endorsed artist.)
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Gary is renowned as both a blues and a cowboy harmonica performer, and his music has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” where he scored a “Listener Favorite.” 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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Wed, Aug 20:
7-9 pm ALLAN COMEAU hosts an “Experimental Open Mic” with co-hosts JOHNNY SZYMD & RICHARD MARCHETTA, at Santa Monica Bar & Grille, 3321 Pico Bl, Santa Monica 90409; 310-453-5001; www.smbgrocks.com. Free parking across the street in the US Bank lot. Signups at 6:45, show 7-9 pm. At 9 pm, JOHN STOWERS Songwriter Showcase takes the stage.
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Wed; every Wed, Jun 25-Sep 3:
7-9 pm HARD DAY’S NIGHT Beatle’s tribute band plays 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, 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, 3rd (and 1st) Wed, every month:
7:30-9 pm twice-monthly “COWBOY WESTERN JAM” at Rattlesnake Slim’s, 23127 Lyons Av, Newhall (Santa Clarita) 91321; www.myspace.com/rattlesnakeslims; 661-877-4165. Note: it is no longer at Vincenzo’s Pizza, as of June 4, 2008. All pickers invited. No cover. NOTE: VENUE RECENTLY EXPERIENCED A FIRE; CALL AHEAD TO SEE IF THEY HAVE REOPENED.
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Wed, 3rd Wed, every month:
7:30-10 pm monthly “SONGWRITER'S NETWORK SHOWCASE” with about 15 performing songwriters, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001. Songnet’s monthly showcase brings an assortment of accomplished artists trying-out new songs, talented up-and-comers, and others. It provides performing songwriters and other musicians an opportunity to perform their originals on a professional stage, for songwriting peers, in a supportive atmosphere. Info on attending or performing and on the organization, at www.thesongnet.org. Pre-register to perform, or arrive before 7:30 pm for any spots that may remain. Coffeehouse fare available. Free entry, $5 suggested donation.
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Also, every FIRST Wednesday, SongNet has seminars here with industry guests who discuss the business side of music. That’s also FREE and interesting to all those who want a "behind the scenes look" at what it's all about.
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Info, articles, links to the music business, and CGB impresario BOB STANE’s "boilerplate," explaining why some artists do not get booked on a regular basis, are all at www.thesongnet.org.
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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, Aug 20:
8-10 pm GIN BLOSSOMS bring their innovative and usually acoustic music to close-out this year’s “Pershing Square Wednesday Night Downtown Stage” summer series at Pershing Square, on W 5th St between S Olive St & S Hill St, L.A.; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/concerts.htm. Ride the Red Line subway to the Pershing Square Station and avoid expensive downtown L.A. parking. The Biltmore is across the street on the north for fine dining, and inexpensive take-out fare fare is across to the south. Enjoy a FREE summer night concert downtown.
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Wed, Aug 20:
8 pm EMILY ZUZIK plays an acoustic band show at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; 323-653-0640. Emily tells us, “we're working to possibly move the show to Molly Malone's, if another band joins the lineup.” Artist info, www.emilyzuzik.com and www.myspace.com/emilyzuzik.
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Wed, every week:
8 pm “ACOUSTIC CORDIALE” SERIES this week brings NICOLE GORDON & MARTY AXELROD with their “SONGS OF SHILOH” to Café Cordiale, 14015 Ventura Bl, Sherman Oaks; 818-789-1985. Nicole & Marty go-on at 9:30 pm; they have twice performed selections from their thematic “Shiloh” album on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and one of the songs, “The Boy from Crooked Creek,” was a “Listener Favorite” on the radio show. Info, www.nicolegordon.net and www.songsofshiloh.com. 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, 3rd Wed every month:
8 pm THE BROMBIES bring bluegrass to Viva Fresh Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank (next to L.A. Equestrian Center); 818-845-2425. They have a residency there, the first, third (and occasional fifth) Wed of every month.
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Wed, 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, 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; 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, 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 20:
10 pm KEN O’MALLEY with JOHN BREEN bring traditional and original Irish music to O'Brien's Irish Pub, 2941 Main St, Santa Monica; 310-396-4725. KEN O’MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS just played for 2,000 people at a “Concert in the Park” in Santa Clarita, and he’s bound for a show in Phoenix. Info, www.kenomalley.com.
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 21
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Thu-Sun, Aug 21 to 24; in Virginia:
1st Annual “INDIEGRRL CONFERENCE” in Spencer, VA. Indiegrrl is a web-based organization for female musicians and they welcome guys who want to celebrate or support women in the music biz. This is their first conference. Info on that, the organization, and joining their wonderful weblog are all at www.indiegrrl.com.
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Thu, Aug 21:
9 am Tix become available for FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER GETTY CONCERT that happens on Sep 19, 2008. This is a free concert but you must reserve tickets ahead of time in order to attend. CALL the Getty's reservation line at 310-440-7300; info at http://getty.edu/visit/calendar/days/09192008.html but you must CALL to reserve your free tix. Quite often, the tickets for the shows in the Getty series are gone in the first few hours after release, so be sure to call early in the day. Performance is in the Getty Center's Harold Williams Auditorium on Fri, Sep 19, 2008, for those who have tickets. You’ve heard them perform live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and they’ve been hits everywhere they’ve played, including their featured set at the 2008 Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest & Folk Festival. “Equally at home anywhere under the western sky, well-traveled folk festival favorites Fur and Steve will take you on a rollicking musical joyride through the back roads and highways of the West. Their dazzling two-part harmonies, spectacular yodeling, awesome guitar picking, and wise-cracking humor framed by their old- and new-timey traveling songs, folk songs, and singalongs will delight oldsters and youngsters alike.” Artists info, www.myspace.com/furandsteve.
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Thu, Aug 21:
Noon-2 pm MICHAEL SULLIVAN brings his singer-songwriter music to the “Pershing Square Lunchtime Concert Series” at Pershing Square, on W 5th St between S Olive St & S Hill St, L.A.; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/concerts.htm. Ride the Red Line subway to the Pershing Square Station and avoid expensive downtown L.A. parking. Grab a take-out lunch across the street, and enjoy a FREE lunchtime concert downtown.
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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 21; every Thu in Aug:
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. (On Aug. 14, bring blankets and picnics for a rehearsal of the Pasadena POPS on the Main Lawn.) 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, 3rd (and 1st) Thu, every month; in the OC:
6-9 pm “BLUEGRASS JAM IN THE OC” at Orange County Archery, 18792 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley 92708; 714-965-1125. It’s described as “Open Mics and Jams,” and as an “open bluegrass jam, all pickers welcome, all grinners welcome!” Event info, Shelah Spiegel, 714-962-5083 or ifiddler@yahoo.com. Free.
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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, Aug 21:
7-9 pm THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS play the “CULVER CITY SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL” at Culver City Hall Courtyard, 9770 Culver Bl, Culver City 90232; www.culvercitymusic.org. You’ve heard their music on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” They deliver progressive bluegrass with virtuosic playing and fine harmonies.
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THE INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS are one of the hottest young bluegrass groups touring today. They represent a new generation of top-notch young bluegrass musicians, with ANDY HALL on resonator guitar, TRAVIS BOOK on bass, CHRIS PANDOLFI on banjo, JESSE COBB on mandolin, JEREMY GARRETT on fiddle, and ANDY FALCO on guitar. The band demonstrates skill and experience well beyond their years. They boast a combined resume that includes collaborations with artists like DOLLY PARTON, LEFTOVER SALMON, EARL SCRUGGS, BERING STRAIT, RONNIE BOWMAN, and LEVON HELM. Their debut album (on Sugar Hill) "Fork In The Road," was one of the most highly acclaimed bluegrass releases of 2007. It has been praised by fans of traditional bluegrass and newgrass alike, proving that the young Nashville-based band offers something for everyone. The band has performed at some of the country’s biggest acoustic music festivals, including the “Telluride Bluegrass Festival,” North Carolina’s “Merlefest,” “Grey Fox,” and many more, as well as large concert halls, intimate clubs, and everything in between. 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 21:
7-8:30 pm NANNETT & HER HOTSY-TOTSY BOYS play their “DAYS OF THE ROARING ’20S” show for the “Arcadia Summer Concerts in the Park” series, on City Hall west lawn, 240 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Different show every Thu, Jul 10-Aug 21. Inexpensive popcorn & sodas available. Free.
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Thu, Aug 21:
7-10 pm “POCKET GOLDBERG & FRIENDS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” with this week’s guest artists JOHN RHYS (Sonny Geraci & Climax, Terry Evans) and TERESA JAMES (Delbert McClinton, Bonnie Raitt), at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; www.myspace.com/arniescafe. Hosted by MARK “POCKET” GOLDBERG & “BROTHER” RANDY SACKS. Musician DALE LaDUKE (Kaedmon, BeaTunes, past guest on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”) tells us, “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 21:
7-10 pm PETER & GORDON with GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS bring The British Invasion once again, to 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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First came The Beatles, then came... PETER & GORDON! In June 1964, Peter & Gordon became the very first British Invasion act after The Beatles to take the number one spot on the American charts with "A World Without Love." Dubbed the "Everly Brothers of the British Invasion," Peter & Gordon scored Top 40 hits with "I Don't Want to see you Again," "Nobody I Know" and "Woman" - all written by Paul McCartney - plus "Knight in Rusty Armor," "Sunday For Tea" "I Go to Pieces" "Lady Godiva" "To Know You is to Love You" and "True Love Ways." After Peter & Gordon broke up in 1968, Peter Asher became an enormously successful producer, first as the director of A&R at Apple Records, where he worked on James Taylor's first album. After relocating to Los Angeles, he became one of the principal architects of Californian rock in the 1970s, producing Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and others. Peter Asher and Gordon Waller reunited for a special benefit after over 35 years in 2005 and this will be their first concert appearance in Los Angeles since the '60s.
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GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS were TV regulars on The Ed Sullivan Show, Hullabaloo, Shindig, Ready Steady Go! and featured in the legendary TNT/T.A.M.I. Show concert. Today, Gerry Marsden has been featured on PBS music specials and is in great demand in the UK, where he is booked for months at a time at seaside resorts, making his U.S. appearances quite rare. Free.
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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, Aug 21; in Agoura:
7-10 pm “AGOURA BLUEGRASS JAM” at Gateway Church, 29646 Agoura Rd, (betw Kanan and Reyes Adobe offramps off the 101, on S side of fwy), Agoura. In the Kid's Ministry Building (Quonset hut); parking is the first right turn off the main driveway entrance; ltd parking there, but plenty nearby.
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Thu; third Thu, every month:
7-10 pm “BEACH CITIES FOLK MUSIC CLUB” at a private home in Manhattan Beach; for info & loc, 310-376-8760, Aprilstory@aol.com, www.beachcitiesfolkclub.org. Hosts say, “Please bring yummy snacks, drinks to share. Since we meet on a weeknight, we ask that you respect the ending time and leave at 10 pm.” Coordinator is April Halprin Wayland.
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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, Aug 21:
7:30 pm JOHN DOE plays “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. He’s one of L.A.’s top folk-rock artists, and he often sells-out indoor venues. 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, third Thu, every month:
7:30-10:30 pm L.A. SONGWRITERS CO-OP monthly meeting, with music industry guest speaker, at The Pig & Whistle, 6714 Hollywood Bl (1 blk E of Highland), Hollywood. Event info, 323-551-1000; www.SongwritersCoOp.com. Meets here every 3rd Thu, hosted by Alex Del Zoppo. Info: 323-551-1000; info@songswritersCoOp.com; www.SongwritersCoOp.com. Get feedback from songwriting professionals and your peers on what's working in your original song and how to make it even better. Bring 15 to 20 copies of your lyrics (with chords if possible) and your music on CD or tape or play it live. Meetings start promptly. $5 admission fee.
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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 21:
8 pm THE LATE BLOOMERS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. DAN AMES, GAYLE BLUEMEL, ROSS (DEBE) JOHNSEN, & SCOTT SHEPHERD are THE LATE BLOOMERS, an acoustic folk-rock band with some intriguing originals in their repertoire. Now two married couples, they cut their teeth on the music of Bob Dylan and Neil Young while still in high school in the sixties, and have since found their own sound by putting their individual stamp on favorites from that era. All four are accomplished vocalists, and pleasing harmonies dominate the sets. Dan is a singer-songwriter, with a gentle guitar style that he has carried-over to the dobro and pedal steel, and Gayle, his wife, plays the keyboard for the group. Debe, the other passionate singer-songwriter, plays guitar and bass, and Scott rounds-out the instruments with his mandolin and driving blues harmonica. They have individually been part of the Pasadena and LA music scene for many years and have played with other bands such as Smokewood, Touch Candy, The Shakin’ Snakes, Blind Ross, RetroActive, and Accelerator and are now enjoying their collaboration as The Late Bloomers. $15.
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Thu, Aug 21:
8-10 pm WINDY RIDGE brings bluegrass to the Coffee Cartel, 1820 S Catalina Av, Redondo Beach 90277; 310-316-6554. It’s the band’s first and third Thursday residency. Info, contact Frank Bayuk at 310-567-6321 or windyridgeband@aol.com. Band info, www.windyridgebluegrass.com. No cover.
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Thu, Aug 21; in the OC:
GIN BLOSSOMS plus SUGARWALL at the House of Blues Anaheim, 1530 S Disneyland Dr, Anaheim; 714-778-2583. Tix on sale Jun 7.
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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, 3rd (and 1st) Thu, every month:
8-10 pm WINDY RIDGE brings bluegrass to the Coffee Cartel, 1820 S Catalina Av, Redondo Beach 90277; 310-316-6554. Info, contact Frank Bayuk at 310-567-6321 or windyridgeband@aol.com. Band info, www.windyridgebluegrass.com. No cover.
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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; 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 21:
BOB LOG III at The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park 90026; www.myspace.com/thegrandoleecho. Read about the bizarre one man band at www.boblogIII.com.
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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, 3rd Thu, every month:
9 pm-midnight “100% ACOUSTIC & OLD TIME JAM” hosted by TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT, always fun, at the Hyperion Tavern, 1941 Hyperion Av (look for barber pole just S of Lyric), L.A. 90027. “The Foot” has twice performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” The Foot’s Ben says, “Please buy some refreshments and tip your bartender.” 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, Aug 21:
9:30 pm NICOLE GORDON w/ CARL BYRON & ROBERT DILL, plus JAIMI SHUEY & DAVE GLEASON w/ JOHN MCDUFFIE, MIKE BAKER & JUSTIN SMITH, at The Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City 90230. All have been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Info, www.nicolegordon.net and www.songsofshiloh.com. Venue is the “world’s smallest honky-tonk,” and it’s no-cover; artists happily take tips. Jaimi says she will perform “from 10:30 until pretty darn late.”
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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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FRIDAY, AUGUST 22
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Fri-Sun, Aug 22-24; in Nebraska:
5th annual “OREGON TRAIL WAGON TRAIN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL” in Bayard, Nebraska, with Bluegrass Patriots, High Plains Tradition, Bob Turner, Acoustic Mining Company, Prairie Dogs, other bands to be announced. Info, www.oregontrailwagontrain.com/bluegrass.html, Oregon Trail Wagon Train, Box 2, Rte 502, Bayard, NE 69334.
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Fri, every week:
6-9 pm DAVE OSTI and DEANNA COGAN jam out on acoustic classic rock tunes every Friday at the Mayan Bar, 311 W Foothill Bl, Monrovia.
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Fri, every week:
6-8 pm OPEN MIC at Fendi's Café, 539 East Bixby Rd (near Atlantic), Long Beach; 562-424-4774.
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Fri, Aug 22; in Temecula:
6-9 pm SLIGO RAGS, plus GUILTY CONSCIENCE, ROCKY ZHARP & THE BLUES CRACKERS, and OLDER THAN DIRT. plays the “Temecula Hot Summer Nights” at Baily's Courtyard, 28699 Old Town Front St, Temecula; www.temeculacalifornia.com. Sligo Rags played radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” live on St Patrick’s Day 2006, and at the time, EIGHT of the TOP TEN songs on the Celtic Music chart were theirs (no one else in the Top 100 was there even twice). They’re the award-winning, popular Irish Celtic Band that plays Irish music with a bluegrass and rock twist. With an lively fiddle and powerful Irish kick, this band has played to standing ovations for the past two years at Old Town Temecula’s Bluegrass Festival. Event promoters warn, “Don't sit in your chairs for this one - be ready to clog and jig - fiddler Michael Kelly is a show stopper.” Also playing in Old Town are GUILTY CONSCIENCE, ROCKY ZHARP & THE BLUES CRACKERS, and OLDER THAN DIRT. Info, contact Melody at 951-678-1456 or melsads@aol.com. Baily's courtyard is open to the public; food and a full bar are available there from Baily’s and from Old Town Front Street Bar and Grill. There are kid's games and activities. All concerts are free.
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Fri, every week; in Tehachapi:
7 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE at Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; www.mamahillybeans.com; 661-822-BEAN. Venue has great ambience, and food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." Traveling acts have varying admission prices; check venue's web site.
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Fri, repeats 4th Fri, every month:
7:30 pm monthly “COFFEE HOUSE AT THE ONION” is an OPEN MIC at The Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society, 9550 Haskell Av, North Hills. Songmakers tell us, “A great place to showcase your new stuff.” Coffee & cookies available (in return for your donation). Free event.
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Fri, Aug 22:
8 pm DEAN DOBBINS, DANIEL McFEELEY, & SEVERINE BROWNE at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “Severin Browne, Dean Dobbins, and Daniel McFeeley are songwriters with secrets! They are not related, yet their mother claims proudly that after each son attained success in his chosen field (doctor, lawyer, Indian chief, respectively), they each quit their jobs to pursue the more lucrative “folk singer” career. So please come with seatbelts fastened and enjoy a fun show!” Okay, so Bob was in full medicine-show-wagon mode. Still, Bob Stane highly recommends this show. These are solid performers, singers and song writers who have each performed many times at The Coffee Gallery Backstage. A top show and a real financial bargain at $15.
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Fri, Aug 22:
8-10 pm PIPER~GREY play their CD release show for “APPLES,” at Kulak's Woodshed, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. They’re the wonderful duo of singer-songwriters EARL GREY & DAVID PIPER, they’ve performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and their much-awaited album on Trough Records is now available in the music section of Amazon.com (under Piper~Grey APPLES). Earl says, “We'll have the entire band from the CD at our show, including BURLEIGH DRUMMOND (of Ambrosia / Alan Parson's Project fame...), FREEBO (The world-class fretless bassist, famous for his work with Bonnie Raitt , CSN, and Ringo Starr), MATT BROWN, (acknowledged by literally any L.A. musician worth his salt as one of the finest keyboardists in the world), GREGG KRUEGER (Mandolin extraordinaire), ZACHARY SPENCER (master of the baby grand), and LISA JOHNSON (one of Music Connection Magazine's Top 100 songwriters of the year). With this fine band, a plethora of new tunes, and a new album to celebrate, Piper~Grey would love to have your presence at this show, in person, or for the live simulcast. APPLES can be purchased at the show!” More info about the duo, the album, or the show, at 818-846-0552. 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, Aug 22:
8 pm ALLAN COMEAU, JOHNNY SZYMD, & RICHARD MARCHETTA, at Rattlesnake Slim’s, 23127 Lyons Av, Newhall (Santa Clarita); 661-877-4165; www.myspace.com/rattlesnakeslim.com. NOTE: venue experienced a fire, so call ahead to see that they have re-opened.
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Fri, Aug 22:
8 pm XAVIER QUIJAS YXAYOTL and AMERICA INDIGENA play 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. It’s an evening of music and colorful dance of the Aztecs and Mayans in brilliantly feathered regalia. 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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Fri, Aug 22:
8 pm BEACHWOOD SPARKS play a secret (shhhh!) reunion show, together with THE TYDE, THE MOVIES, MIA DOI TODD with DJ NOBODY at The Echoplex, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park; 213-413-8200. www.attheecho.com. Doors at 8, show is 18+.
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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 22:
LANGHORNE SLIM at Spaceland, 1717 Silverlake Bl, Silverlake; 213-833-2843.
Show is 21+.
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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, Aug 22:
9:30 pm KEN O’MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS at Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; 818-785-4031. They just played for 2,000 people at a “Concert in the Park” in Santa Clarita, and he’s bound for a show in Phoenix. Special guest is original Twilight Lords bassist TONY ZAMORA. Info, www.kenomalley.com.
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Fri, Aug 22:
9:30 pm-1 am GARY ALLEGRETTO & BAND at Harvelle's, 1432 4th St, Santa Monica 90401; 310-395-1676; www.harvelles.com. Gary is just back from his East Coast "Many Shades" CD release shows.
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"... Gary Allegretto shines bright on this soulful program of down-to-earth comfort... Allegretto sings with a natural storytelling appeal that’s easy to understand. His harmonica gives the program a zest that ensures magnetic forces. One listen and you’re under his spell. One listen and his audience is sold on pure blues with a message that comes from the heart." - Jim Santella, Southland Blues Magazine, Aug 2008.
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And reviews of the new CD are raves:
"This is honest music crafted from inspiration, talent, and skills, delivered at a high level of accomplishment. I'm really impressed with the maturity, facility, and depth in Gary's harp playing. He could sure teach a lot of harp players about tone, phrasing, and getting the most expression out of a very expressive instrument. His songwriting, singing and arranging are very accomplished too. No wonder (Many Shades of Blue) is being well-received... Gary's music made me feel good, and that's a very attractive quality." - "Steady Rollin'" Bob Margolin, renowned bluesman and columnist
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"A masterpiece... All killer no filler..." - John "Juke" Logan, Mocombo Records.
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"Harmonica wrangler Gary Allegretto is one of the classiest acts in the music business today, working only with the best backup musicians and taking the time to craft music noted not only for its quality but for its authenticity... and what's best about his genuineness is its completely offhand quality. If someone complains to you that they don't make "real" blues records anymore - albums that sound like lost classics yet retain the freshness of an individual - play Many Shades of Blue for them..." - Robert Fontenot, Blues Revue Magazine, June/July 2008
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Gary’s previous album scored a “Listener Favorite” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
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Sat, Aug 23; in Fremont (SF Bay Area):
10 am-7 pm 12th Annual “CAJUN / ZYDECO FESTIVAL” presented by the East Bay Regional Park District, with CREOLE BELLES, QUEEN IDA & HER ZYDECO BAND, ANDRE THIERRY & ZYDECO MAGIC, LIL GUYLAND LEDAY & THE FAMILY & FRIENDS ZYDECO BAND, ROY CARRIER & THE NIGHT ROCKERS, at Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Bl, Fremont. Located at Hwy 880 and Hwy 84, just east of the Dumbarton Bridge; info and map at www.ebparks.org. Adv tix: $16 adults, $2 ages 4-15, children under age 4 are free. Gate prices: $20 adults, $3 ages 4-15, children under age 4 are free. Free parking. Bring low-back chairs, blankets, sunblock and hat. Some picnic tables available.
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Sat & Sun, Aug 23 & 24; in Kansas:
“TUMBLEWEED FESTIVAL” in Garden City, KS, with HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN, others.
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Sat, Aug 23; in Monte Vista. Colorado:
11 am-8 pm debut of “OLD SPANISH TRAILS MUSIC FESTIVAL” sponsored by The Monte Arts Council, KRZA, the Colorado Council on the Arts and the City of Monte Vista, at Ski Hi Park in Monte Vista, CO; www.montearts.com/spanishtrailsmusicfestival; 719-850-0114. The new festival features “folk, country, blues and salsa musicians from throughout Colorado and New Mexico.” Headliners include the country band, THE YAMPA VALLEY BOYS, folk and blues chanteuse GABRIELLE LOUISE, and SAVOR, a New Mexico-based salsa band that offers a 30-minute dance lesson before their set. Others include country musician FRITZ DAVIS; folk, jazz, and pop artist ROBIN JAMES; “cowpoke folk” entertainer FRED HARGROVE; ukulelist MIKE BORK; Crestone’s LATE BLOOM. The festival includes art, craft, merchant and food vendors. Tix $12 ($10 for MAC mbrs) or $48 for five tickets ($40 for MAC members).
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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 23:
1-5 pm “THE POETS SPIRIT” music and spoken word open mic “for peace, love, and humanity,” at the Learning Garden at Venice HS, 13000 Venice Bl, L.A. 90066; 310-722-3656; learninggardenmaster@yahoo.com. Gardenmaster David King tells us, “We are honored to join with the community for an organic uplifting day with music, art, poetry, expression and culture at the Learning Garden. Starting with a "vegan" potluck at the top of the afternoon, we follow that with an acoustic set in the earth circle of the "kiva" amphitheater surrounded by healing herbs, plants, flowers and trees. Later in the afternoon, we will feature the Jazz/reggae sextet THELONIOUS DUB. This is an open mic event welcoming all forms of creative expression.” Bring a contribution for the potluck. Free.
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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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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, 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 23; 4th Sat every month:
5 pm Monthly JAM, POTLUCK, & CONTRA DANCE at The Living Tradition series at the Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim; www.thelivingtradition.org; info, 949-646-1964. Dance caller TBD, band TBD. Monthly jam sessions allow musicians (instrumentalists and singers) to learn, practice, and enjoy traditional music in a relaxed atmosphere; held 4th Sat every month, before the contra dance. Jam participants play a wide array of instruments, from accordions to zithers, and a variety of traditional folk tunes, mostly from the Fiddlers’ Fake Book (by David Brody) and the Portland Collection (by Susan Songer). Open to all ages and levels of experience. Vocalists and song circles are also welcome. Slow jam encourages novices. Fast jam challenges old-timers.
Schedule:
Jam, bring your instruments & join in, beginning at 5 pm; free.
Slow jam, 5-5:45 pm
Fast jam, 5:45-7 pm
Potluck, 6:30 pm
Contra dance introduction lesson, 7:30 pm
> CONTRA DANCE at 8-11 pm is $8 per person, $7 for Anaheim residents, $6 for Living Tradition mbrs; children under 18 are free with paid adult.
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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, 4th Sat, every month; in Lancaster:
6:30-10 pm CONTRA DANCE with Live music by DANANCE BAND at Lancaster United Methodist Church, 918 W Ave J (across from Doublz Hamburgers and Popeye's Chicken), Lancaster; info: 661-272-5648 or rm.trochim@verizon.net. Held the last Saturday of every month. Please bring a snack or dessert to share in the potluck. $6 adults, $2 for age 14 and younger.
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Sat, Aug 23:
7 pm BEAUJOLAIS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Beaujolais (Boh-zhuh-LAY) takes its name from the saucy French harvest wine that is synonymous with spontaneous celebration (and yes, sometimes spontaneous combustion, as well). If you've watched the music scene for a while, you'll remember KEITH BARBOUR as one of the ex-NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS. As a recording artist, his rich baritone has been heard over the years on many records, most notably, his '60s chart hit, "Echo Park." Singer-songwriter LINDA BARBOUR puts her own unique vocal spin on everything and is just as comfortable with her own material as she is with that of Billie Holiday, Norah Jones or Wynonna Judd. SCOTT BAILEY brings mischievous vocals & charm to Beaujolais, along with his diverse talent on mandolin, guitar, dobro, harp, and cello. He is constantly surprising the band with new instrumental additions. MATT FRANSCIONI, is a well-known Central Coast guitarist and impresario. When playing with this bunch, however, he prefers a set of brushes, cymbals, cajon, and his homemade drum box! Musician/actor, RICK AURICCHIO provides the light, fleeting bass lines across wandering melodies. Now in their 15th year, and an institution in the Northern and Central California acoustic music scene, Beaujolais looks forward to their performance at The Coffee Gallery Backstage. Keith, who appeared at The Ice House (in Pasadena) many times, and has known Bob Stane for over 40 years, muses, "Feels like comin' home...." $20.
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Sat, every week; in Tehachapi:
7 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE at Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; www.mamahillybeans.com; 661-822-BEAN. Venue has great ambience, and food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." Traveling acts have varying admission prices; check venue's web site.
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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, Aug 23:
7:30 pm the well-traveled monthly “GRASSROOTS ACOUSTICA” showcase, with FREEBO, LISA TURNER, JEFF SILBAR & ALAN O'DAY, MARC FRANCOEUR, artists-in-residence TOM GRAMLICH & BYRON PFEIFER, and producer/emcee MARK ISLAM, at The Spot Cafe & Lounge, 4455 Overland Av, Culver City; 310-559-8868; www.thespotcafelounge.com.
The series presents its “Back to School” edition, saying, “Three weekends tardy but not truant, and still tuition free, comes Grassroots Acoustica #14.” Each month, a different charity is the beneficiary of the event, and this month it’s a benefit for “Shoes That Fit.”
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Mark Islam was certainly voted “Most Likely To Succeed from Songwriter High,” since his benefit shows have raised $7,353 in patron contributions to non-profit humanities, education, social services, medical research, preservation & animal rescue organizations serving greater metropolitan Los Angeles. This time, he tells us, “songwriters have happy feet for Shoes That Fit.”
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Trough Records artist LISA TURNER, who has performed on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” will sing the series’ adopted opening song, Dolly Parton's “Coat Of Many Colors.” The night’s lineup includes TttT guest FREEBO, L.A. Music Awards' 2007 “Best Folk Performer,” whose catalog boasts a recently-reissued first recording with Philadelphia's Edison Electric Band, essential recordings by Maria Muldaur, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, & Bonnie Raitt, and 3 discs of his own ruminations on love, struggle, triumph, peace, dogs, & politcs; ALAN O’DAY, the imagination behind Helen Reddy’s eerily enigmatic #1 hit, “Angie Baby,” as well as hits for Cher, Bobby Sherman, & the Righteous Brothers, along with his very own two million-selling 45 single from '77, “Undercover Angel,” which more recently resurfaced in the film Charlie’s Angels & prompted O'Day to rerecord the "nocturnal novelette," as he calls it, with a whimsical rap on the independently released EP “Undercover Angel 2001;” and JEFF SILBAR, recipient of over 30 ASCAP awards for cuts by John Mellencamp, Fleetwood Mac, Kenny Rogers, Reba McEntire, Alabama, and Johnny Lang, along with winning a Grammy as co-writer of 1988’s Song Of The Year, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” whose umpteen cover versions had already qualified it as a modern standard by the time Bette Midler internationally popularized it in the sleeper weeper film, “Beaches.”
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Tonight’s show benefits SHOES THAT FIT. Operating exclusively on private donations and receiving no government funding since its founding in 1992, it provides children in need with new shoes and clothes so that they can attend school in comfort and with dignity, allowing them to concentrate on their studies rather than their circumstances. Five employees at the Claremont, California, headquarters manage volunteer coordinators nationwide who run programs in hundreds of schools across the U.S. For further information on Shoes That Fit, how to volunteer or make a secure donation, go to www.shoesthatfit.org.
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Admission is free, but remember it’s a benefit. 100% of any strictly voluntary donations will go directly to Shoes That Fit.
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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 23:
7:30 pm CALIFORNIA PHILHARMONIC presents “Beethoven, Bernstein and Bolero” at The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 301 N Baldwin Av, Arcadia; tix & info, 626-300-8200; www.calphil.org. Featured soloists are soprano Khori Dastoor, mezzo soprano Suzanna Guzmán, tenor Kalil Wilson and bass baritone Cedric Berry. Program includes the fourth movement/Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9,” excerpts from Bernstein’s “West Side Story” and “Candide,” and Ravel’s “Bolero” (which, with the Olympics, many will recall as the ice skaters’ favorite in the ‘80s.) Gates open at 5:30 pm for dining and live jazz from the redwhite+bluezz Jazz Stage, with the Cal Phil performance beginning at 7:30 pm. Tix start at $20.
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Sat, Aug 23; in Temecula:
THOMAS LEEB at KeyStock in Temecula. 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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Sat, Aug 23:
8 pm SLIGO RAGS at the Blue Ridge Pickin' Parlor, 17828 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills; www.pickinparlor.com; 818-282-9001. BRPP proprietor JUDY HERSH says, “If you missed them in February you should not miss them this time!” You’ve heard them perform live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” where they played on St. Patrick’s Day, 2006. At that time, they had eight of the Top Ten songs on one Celtic Music Chart, where no other artist held even two spots in the top 100. They are two-time winners of the Orange County Music Award for Best Folk Band, and this ensemble presents Celtic Folk with a decidedly bluegrass attitude. Using fiddle, acoustic guitar, electric bass, and percussion, Sligo Rags is taking the local and not-so-local Celtic music scene by storm. Their debut studio recording, "The Night Before the Morning After," still gets international airplay, and was called "the best I've heard from a stateside band" by Celtic Beat Magazine. Says the San Diego Troubadour, "This band can light up an atmosphere as dim as the Guinness stout you just ordered at the bar... Sligo Rags really knows their Celtic music." Don't be surprised if elements of country, gypsy jazz and swing manage to sneak their way into the act as well. Bob Stane, the legendary founder of The Icehouse and The Coffee Gallery Backstage, says of Sligo Rags, "this is a money back, no questions asked if you are not thrilled act. Bring friends. Dynamic, up tempo, multi-talented. A fusion that just crackles. Doors at 7:30 pm. Adv tix on sale now, $15 gen’l, kids age 6-12 years are $10. Tix at door, $20.
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Sat, Aug 23:
8 pm PETER SPRAGUE at The Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com. "Sprague reaches for and grabs elusive chords from outer space as easily as most guitarists grab single-note blues riffs. As any of you who have heard Sprague would easily guess, he is, indeed, up to the task. While the playing here is certainly dazzling, the genius and beauty in his approach is that of always letting the guitar playing serve the music, not the other way around." - Craig Yerkes, San Diego Troubadour. Doors at 7:30 pm. $15.
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Sat, Aug 23:
8 pm COW BOP at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; 310-398-2583; www.boulevardmusic.com. They’ve performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and they’re phenomenal. Mix swingin' grooves, thrilling riffs, sweet vocals (Pinto Pam), and tons of fun and you have only begun to describe Cow Bop. Formed in 2003 by acclaimed guitarist BRUCE FORMAN, this jazz and western swing band has toured extensively throughout the country, exciting audiences with their unique brand of American music. "Bob woulda loved 'em!"- Jimmy Wyble, guitarist w/ Bob Wills. $15.
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Sat, Aug 23:
8 pm JACKSH*T at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403. McCabe’s tells us, “The boys from Cocktotin' manage to squeeze another night of country-fried musical salvation in between Pete and Shorty backing up ELVIS COSTELLO, and Beau playing guitar on every danged session worth playin' on. These are some mighty fine musicians, folks. They know a whole bunch of songs (great originals AND cool covers) and they can play in just about any kinda style they please. You just can't have more fun than they deliver, at least not with your clothes on. Sometimes famous people show up and play, too. Yeeee-haw!” Info, www.jackshittheband.com. Tix purchased online or by phone, add $4 svc chg, per order (not per ticket) to price shown. $15.
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Sat, Aug 23:
8-10 pm WUMBLOOZO at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006. Band member HERBIE KATZ tells us, “Wumbloozo will be carrying on the tradition of fresh original blues in the tradition of their ancestors!” And if that’s too cryptic, he has quite a yarn to tell you about his ancestor, Willie Wumbloozo. He also says, “Our brand-new album, ‘Shhh...it's a bootleg,’ will be available at this show, and attendees will be able to obtain it at a discount.” The band is leader/songwriter MICHAEL RICHARD, guitar and vocal; BRUCE BOYERS, keyboard, vocal and songwriter; DOCTOR FUN (aka HERBIE KATZ), harmonica and vocal; MARK PETERS, bass guitar and vocal; BEN BECKLEY, drums, percussion and vocal. Info, www.myspace.com/wumbloozo. $10 cover.
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Sat, Aug 23:
8 pm STONEHONEY play the Concerts at the Bodie House series in Agoura Hills. Reserv gets directions, at bodiehouse@aol.com. Info, http://www.houseconcerts.us.
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They’re one of today’s fastest-rising Americana / alt-country / Southern rock bands. STONEHONEY began as a bunch of "songwriters in the round." Nothing contrived or planned, just a group of songwriters that enjoy playing and singing together. "We would meet up at Nick's house in Beachwood Canyon and play songs around the circle. With four singers we just naturally started singing harmonies and this sound, reminiscent of the country rock sound of the 70's, began to develop that we all really loved." In August of 2005 the band took their "Songs From A Hillside Living Room" live with a monthly show at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood. The line-up consisting of SHAWN DAVIS, PHIL HURLEY, DAVID PHENICIE, NICK RANDOLPH and SCOTTY LUND was now complete. The formation of Stonehoney generated several albums worth of new material and caught the attention of hit maker producer Ric Wake. Ric took the band into the studio to capture the magic of their live "living room" sound and cut over 40 tracks. They recently released their first CD.
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Includes dessert / appetizer bar (food contributions appreciated). More, www.BodieHouse.com. All proceeds go to the musicians. $15.
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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 23; in the OC:
8-11 pm ME AND THEM ACOUSTIC BAND at the OC Pavilion, 801 N Main St (at 3rd), Santa Ana 92701; www.ocpavilion.com. They are a group of professional sessions players with combined musical experience totaling over 100 years. These five artists have created a sound that encompasses blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and more. With multi-instrumental talent and humorous skill, they weave an eclectic repertoire of songs from the past to present, with the colors and textures of banjo, guitar, dobro, bass and percussion.
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Lobby opens at 5 pm or light fare and drinks, as does the downstairs Vault VIP Lounge. Upstairs is the 5-star fine dining restaurant Ambrosia (reservations recommended, 714-550-0811). Ambrosia Restaurant offers a 20% discount to same-night tix holders. Tix from box office at 714-550-0880 or www.ocpavilion.com. Cocktail table seating & booth seating are $35, balcony seating is $30, theater seating is $25.
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Sat, Aug 23; in Encinitas (N San Diego Co):
8 pm “SWEET DREAMS & FLYING MACHINES – AN EVENING OF JAMES TAYLOR MUSIC” with BERKLEY HART and special guests CACTUS, TWANG & WHYTE, GREGORY PAGE, BARBARA NESBITT, JOHN KATCHUR, and more, at Seaside Church, in Encinitas. JEFF BERKLEY & CALMAN HART have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and scored a “Listener Favorite” there with their song, “Twelve.” The guys say, “Don't miss this fantastic evening that's sure to be full of some of your favorite tunes of all time.” Info and $20 adv tix at www.berkleyhart.com; $25 at door.
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Sat, 4th Sat every month:
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “WEST VALLEY HOOT” Group Singing in Woodland Hills; call for loc, 818-887-0446.
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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, 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 24
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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; repeats every fourth Sun:
11 am-4 pm OLD TIME MUSIC JAM, TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FIDDLE AND BANJO, hosted by BRETT WALLER, at Audubon Nature Center, Debs Park “in the Arroyo,” 4700 N Griffin Av, Highland Park; off the 110 Fwy. Link to the Audubon center has a map: http://www.audubon-ca.org/debs_park.htm. Enter through the main portal of the Audubon center, out to the grounds, pass the pond and wind up the path to under the shade of the old pepper tree. Info, call Brett, 323-441-2113.
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Sun, Aug 24:
11 am-noon RHYTHM CHILD 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 24 - RHYTHM CHILD - drums and kids
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; repeats every fourth Sun; in Temecula:
OPEN JAM SESSION IN TEMECULA at The Nettworks Ranch, Menifee Valley, in the Temecula / Murrieta Valley, a few miles N of the I-215 / I-15 split, in that triangle. Take Scott Rd W 2 miles off I-215, or Bundy Canyon Rd E 4 miles off I-15. Turn S on Daily Rd; first ranch on right; info, Diana Nett, The Nettworks Ranch, 951-679-7951 or 909-239-5154.
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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; repeats every fourth Sun:
1-5 pm BLUEGRASS JAM at Torrance Elks Lodge, 1820 Abalone Av, Torrance. Info, Bill Elliott, 909-678-1180 or Bob & Lynn Cater, 310-678-1180.
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Sun, recurring:
1:30 pm WELSH CHOIR, for location, contact Rutthy: 818-507-0337.
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Sun, Aug 24:
2 pm matinee with THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS with GENE CULKIN opening, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reserv 626-398-7917; info, www.coffeegallery.com. It’s an afternoon of Western / Cowboy music and lore, and all these artists have been heard on radio’s “tied to the Tracks.” The Tumbling Tumbleweeds are a tribute band honoring the Sons of the Pioneers, performing those songs and their own originals with multipart harmonies and pleasant choreography. Opening is a recent California arrival, and formerly Pennsylvania’s only cowboy musician, storyteller and tunesmith Gene Culkin, an accomplished musician and singer. Grab a cup of cowboy coffee and mosey on over for a special beat-the-heat air-conditioned edition of this Western Music Review. Artists info, www.thetumblingtumbleweeds.com and www.myspace.com/tumbleweeds4. $15.
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Sun, Aug 24:
2 pm CALIFORNIA PHILHARMONIC presents “Beethoven, Bernstein and Bolero” at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Av, downtown L.A.; info, www.calphil.org; tix, 213-365-3500, www.ticketmaster.com. Featured soloists are soprano Khori Dastoor, mezzo soprano Suzanna Guzmán, tenor Kalil Wilson and bass baritone Cedric Berry. Program includes the fourth movement/Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9,” excerpts from Bernstein’s “West Side Story” and “Candide,” and Ravel’s “Bolero” (which, with the Olympics, many will recall as the ice skaters’ favorite in the ‘80s.) Tix $35-$95.
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Sun, Aug 24:
2-4 pm ISUMI MORRISON plays a piano 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, 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, 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:
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, Aug 24:
6 pm STARSHIP starring MICKEY THOMAS, plus JOHN BATDORF & JAMES LEE STANLEY opening, closes the 34th season of the “CONCERTS IN THE PARK” outdoor series at Lou Bredlow Pavilion in Warner Center Park, 5800 Topanga Canyon Bl, Woodland Hills. Event info, www.valleycultural.org/concerts_august08.php. BATDORF & STANLEY have performed together and separately on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and they will bring another delightful acoustic performance to open tonight’s show; each is an accomplished and celebrated songwriter, and in addition, expect selections from their “All Wood & Stones” repertoire of acoustic renditions of ROLLING STONES hits.
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After that, it’s a mostly-electric show with STARSHIP, starring MICKEY THOMAS and the beautiful, powerful female vocalist STEPHANIE CALVERT. Because it’s the last show of the year, sponsors say, “Enjoy an extended set list.” The sponsoring Valley Cultural Committee has an upgraded food court with sixteen vendors serving a variety of food and beverages. The Children’s Play Zone is also upgraded this year with bounce rides, clowns, face painting and balloon artists. Parking is available for a $8 in three nearby parking structures; Califa St between Topanga & Owensmouth and Owensmouth Av between Oxnard & Califa. Parking proceeds help offset the cost of the concerts. Info on shows and free parking with incentives at VCC, 818-704-1358 or www.valleycultural.org. Bring your lawn or beach chairs & blankets. Free.
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Sun, Aug 24:
6-8 pm “FAIRYTALES & FANTASY IV” (musical theater) is the closing show for this season’s “Sierra Madre Summer Concerts in the Park” series, in the Memorial Park Bandshell, 222 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. Free.
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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 24:
7 pm JAMES LEE STANLEY & JOHN BATDORF at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Yep, they’re scrambling cross-town to play this full show, after opening for Starship at 6 pm in the West SFV. 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 every seat sold-out their last time at this, one of their favorite venues. They deliver a fine and satisfying show of music and wit. $20.
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Sun, Aug 24:
7 pm RED HOLLOWAY 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. He brings slow ballads, hard bop lines, and blues. 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, Aug 24:
7 pm MARLEY’S GHOST at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403. McCabe’s tells us, “For the last twenty years or so, JON WILCOX & co. have blended the disparate styles of English folk and reggae with gospel, country, and R&B, to great and often amusing effect. Make no mistake, however - these guys can PLAY. They've put on tremendous shows here every time through, and you shouldn't miss them.” Info, www.marleysghost.com. Tix purchased online or by phone, add $4 svc chg, per order (not per ticket) to price shown. $16.
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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, 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, Aug 24:
7-0 pm monthly “STRINGS OF COMEDY” show with performing host CHRIS VALENTI and a full lineup of musical comics at Molly Malone’s, 575 S Fairfax Av, L.A.; 323-935-1577; www.mollymalonesla.com. Chris has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” in his satiric persona as the patron saint of the broken hearted.
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Chris tells us, “Strings of Comedy would have to be put in the grammy category of ‘Duos or Groups.’ No solo acts. Just a peacenik / hippy fem duo who hate each other, a couple of single guys who don’t understand women, and an overzealous Jesus loving / fearing Church choir.” So what are you bring us, Chris?
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“Vomit - Comprised of Skye and Moone, identical twins separated at age 11 when their parents got divorced. They were reunited when Skye got arrested and Moone bailed her out. Vomit was born.” Most of us try tio prevent vomit from being born, Chris. Who else?
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“The Dysfunctional Romantics- My acoustic duo with Phil Johnson. If your crowd enjoys good music, stand up comedy, and understands the painful humor of a frustrating relationship, this is the show for them. We turn the suffering into laughter as we lampoon messed up romantic situations that you were actually in.” Uh, okay, Chris…
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“Go People Go! - Sketch Armstrong (Comedy Central Stage, Aspen and Montreal Comedy Festivals) presents Christian Folk Sensation, Go People Go!. These upbeat Christian Soldiers are ‘putting the FUN back in Christian Fundamentalism.’ If you love Jesus as much as you hate unwed mothers, prostitutes and the poor, you’ll love Go People Go!” Anything else we should know, like is Kevlar recommended?
“Bring a healthy sense of humor and an impeccable taste in tunes.”
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Chris is quite the multi-tasker. He adds, “Also, I am happy to announce the launching of Emotional Wreck Clothing. If you thought it was fun to wear your Chris Valenti 'Emotional Wreck', 'Dysfunctional Romantic', or 'Sensitive Johnson' shirt around town, try 'I Love You
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Sun, Aug 24:
8:45 pm SONIC IMPULSE with ERIC BOYD sitting-in, at ERIC BOYD is the acclaimed “Desert Piper” – bagpiper, that is – and he’s playing with the groundbreaking techno-bagpipe band SONIC IMPULSE, at Molly Malone’s, 575 S Fairfax, L.A.; www.mollymalonesla.com. Artist info, www.desertpiper.com.
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MONDAY, AUGUST 25
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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; 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; repeats every 2nd & 4th Mon:
7-10 pm CORONA BLUEGRASS JAM at Crossroads Christian Church, 2331 Kellogg Av (at Ontario Av), Corona. Info, contact Todd Holtkamp, 951-347-2597 or onetoad@adelphia.net. Todd says, “Open Jam, all levels welcome. Having a good time is mandatory. If the weather is good we will be outside in front of the main building. If the weather is bad we will be inside.”
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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, 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, Aug 25:
JIMI YAMAGISHI, J SCOTT BERGMAN, ANDREAS MARIO, JOHN M, and CIAN (from Ireland) at the Talking Stick’s new location, 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091. 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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Mon, Aug 25:
8 pm BYRON WALLS plus TODD JOHNSON opening, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. BYRON WALLS describes himself as a "Storyteller." Some of his stories are set to music. He refers to those stories as "songs." Byron draws these stories from his nearly 50 years of making music, starting with San Francisco in the ‘60s, opening for Phyllis Diller at the Purple Onion and Mort Sahl at the Hungri i as part of the folk trio, "The Travellers." In the late ‘60s he sang with the New Christy Minstrels, and in 1973, toured with Glenn Yarbrough and the Limeliters on their Ten Year Reunion Tour playing 12 string, singing the fourth vocal part, and writing for them (they recorded 6 of Byron's songs). In the early ‘80s, Byron's song "Precious Love" was a Top 20 record for The Kendalls and was also recorded by Emmy Lou Harris. Other artists to do Byron's songs include Burl Ives, Andy Williams, Ed Ames, Ronnie Milsap, Roy Rogers, Glenn Yarbrough, and Dennis Weaver. His songs, "I Love Jesus But I'd Rather Have A Sandwich Right Now," and "I've Had A Rotten Disposition Ever Since My Circumcision" are examples of Byron's more serious offerings. Dave Nathan, in his “All Music Guide” review of Byron's CD of his jazz songs titled, " Calm, Cool, and Collected," said: "Walls falls nicely into that vocal category of witty, carefree performers who deliver comments on life with their vocal and/or compositional ware, such as Dave Frishberg, Mark Murphy, Bob Dorough and Mose Allison and brushing against the satire of a Tom Lehrer."
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TONY BENNETT, in a voice-mail message to Byron, had this to say: "Lenny Triola gave me your CD. I love some of the material. It is so wonderful. He told me about your talent. It is extraordinary." Byron will be accompanying himself on guitar backed by Todd Johnson on six string bass.
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Opening is TODD JOHNSON, recognized as a pioneer of the six-string bass. Johnson uses an innovative technique, wherein he plays chord changes and bass lines simultaneously, giving him a uniquely rich and full sound which is mesmerizing. To hear a bass played like a guitar is a unique experience. Todd is best-known in the jazz world, having recorded with Jack Sheldon, Barbara Morrison, Tierney Sutton, Poncho Sanchez, and as a member of the critically acclaimed Ron Eschete Jazz Trio.
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Byron Walls tells us, “Also, let's hang out before the show at Pinochio's, a nice Italian restuarant at 1449 Lake, about one mile south of the club, say between 6:30 and 7. Drinks, food, conversation, what could be better? Would love to see you there.”
Reservations recommended for the show, at venue’s number above. Tix $15.
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Mon, Aug 25:
8 pm KATHLEEN GRACE BAND at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A. Kathleen, a fine jazz pianist / vocalist, is touring her new CD, “Mirror.”
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Mon, Aug 25:
8 pm debut of quarterly “MY RECORD LABEL DOT NET & SHOUT IT OUT PROMOTIONS MUSIC INDUSTRY SHOWCASE” with HOLLY GLEASON, JOCELYN KAY LEE, JOHN CLINEBELL, THE MIGHTY REGIS, ZURI ALLEN STAR, & BRIGHTMILLION, at The Derby, 4500 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz. Expect this to be partly acoustic, partly electric. Event info, www.myrecordlabel.net and www.myspace.com/shoutitoutpromo or call Bob at Shout it Out Promotions LLC at 909-518-7194.
Artists info:
HOLLY GLEASON, www.myrecordlabel.net/hollygleason
JOCELYN KAY LEE, www.myspace.com/jklmusic
JOHN CLINEBELL, www.myspace.com/johnclinebell
THE MIGHTY REGIS, www.myspace.com/themightyregis “a kick-ass Celtic punk band, in the tradition of Flogging Molly, and not coincidentally, based out of Molly Malone’s.”
ZURI ALLEN STAR, www.myspace.com/zuriallenstar
BRIGHTMILLION, www.myspace.com/brightmillion led by vocalist Dan Holman.
Industry members attend free, with exchange of a business card. $8 cover before 9 pm, $10 cover after 9 pm.
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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, 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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(RECURRING EVENTS have NOT yet been added to the listings for Aug 26-31, and additional updates will also be made as we learn of more events.)
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 26
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Tue, every week; in Loma Linda:
9-11:30 am “LOMA LINDA UKULELE STRUMMERS” welcomes all, every Tuesday at the Loma Linda Senior Center, 25541 Barton Rd (behind the Civic Center), Loma Linda. (Sr Center at the far end of the parking lot.) Info, www.lomalindaukestrummers.org. Contact, Ginny Stone, 909 795 3841 or harryginny@hotmail.com.
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Tue, Aug 26:
Noon-2 pm SWINGIN’ WRANGLERS brings swing music to the “Pershing Square Lunchtime Concert Series” at Pershing Square, on W 5th St between S Olive St & S Hill St, L.A.; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/concerts.htm. Ride the Red Line subway to the Pershing Square Station and avoid expensive downtown L.A. parking. Grab a take-out lunch across the street, and enjoy a FREE lunchtime concert downtown.
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Tue, every week:
4:30-6 pm SON JAROCHO CLASSES at East Side Café, 5469 Huntington Dr N, L.A.; 323-583-5113. Learn to play Jarana, a string Instrument from Veracruz; dance Zapateado; sing & compose Sones-songs; gain knowledge of Son Jarocho music; work sound & lights. Open to adults, children and teens. No cover, donations are accepted.
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Tue, every week:
6 pm Weekly BLUEGRASS JAM at Curley’s Café, 1999 E Willow (at Cherry), Signal Hill; 562-424-0018.
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Tue, every week:
6-8 pm ARANA MUSIC LESSONS at IMIX Bookstore, 5052 Eagle Rock Bl, Eagle Rock; 323-257-2512; www.imixbooks.com. For beginners to experts music lessons focusing on the arana and Son Jarocho, presented by Caesar Castro, El Jarochelo.
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Tue, every week; in Menifee:
6-8:30 pm SANDII CASTLEBERRY & RON DAIGH, folk fest faves, at Giovanni's, Pizza, Pasta & More, 26900 Newport Rd #112, Menifee 92584; 951-672-8080. Info, www.sandiicastleberry.com.
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Tue, every Tue:
6:30-11 pm SONGMAKERS “SOUP JAM,” country & bluegrass jam, at 3240 Industry Dr, Signal Hill 90755. Info, Don Rowan, 562-883-0573; http://songmakers.org. Acoustic instruments only, floating mic for voice, soup, donuts, coffee & tap water served. Loc is 1 mile S of 405 Fwy, 1.2 mi S of Long Beach Airport. Lakewood Bl South exit from 405, immediate right onto Willow for 1 mi (W), left on Redondo for 3/4 mile (S), right onto Industry Dr for 0.2 mi (W), building is 1st entrance for last building on the left; a fair-sized industrial building with high ceilings.
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Tue, Aug 26:
7-8:45 pm GILLI MOON plays her monthly residency and “SONGSALIVE! SHOWCASE” with this month’s artists CHRISTOPHER BARRAN, BILL DOBBINS, KAYE REZNICK, & J. WALKER, at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; 323-653-0640. It’s a mostly-acoustic event with guest artists. Gill says, “It features 'moi,' plus a couple of cool cats from Songsalive! - and we all perform in the round on stage. It's really a wonderful night, and starts early, 7 pm stage time.” Venue is known for its Chinese food; call for dinner reserv.
Artist info:
gilli moon www.gillimoon.com
Christopher Barran www.christopherbarran.com
Bill Dobbins www.billdobbinsmusic.com
Kaye Reznick www.myspace.com/kayereznick
J.Walker www.rhymecology.com
Plenty of parking, $7 cover.
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Tue, Aug 26; every Tue, Jun 3-Aug 26:
7-9 pm JOSE RIZO'S JAZZ ON THE LATIN SIDE ALL STARS closes this year’s “WINE, JAZZ & MOONLIGHT” 5th annual summer series at the Hollywood & Highland Center. Enjoy free concerts by some of the country's top jazz performers on summer Tuesday evenings in the central courtyard of Hollywood and Highland Center. The event is FREE to the public and a wine tasting donation with wine provided by Wente Vineyards benefits Project Angel Food. Come early, and grab some dinner at one of the local restaurants.
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Tue, Tue, every week:
7 pm “MAIN STREET SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE” at Café Bellissimo, 22458 Ventura Bl, Woodland Hills; 818-225-0026. It’s a nice format, always with two recording artists, each doing a half-hour set, and a few songs from performing host GARRET SWAYNE, followed by an open mic; info, www.garretswayne.com. MSSS patrons get half-price drinks, 6:30-7:30, and special discount on award-winning pizza all evening. No cover, but venue expects a minimum $5 food / drink purchase (and that’s half their former expectation).
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Tue, every week:
7-10 pm OPEN MIC - Music, Comedy, Spoken Word, at Synergy Café Lounge, 4437 Sepulveda Bl (just S of Culver Bl), Culver City; www.synergycafelounge.com; 310-482-3490. An eclectic open mic night. Bring your instruments, poetry, comedy, and anything else you'd like to share during your 8-10 minute set. Great atmosphere, excellent opportunity to see and meet other performers. No cover, food / drink purchase expected. Info, contact MC Jackie, jackielievense@yahoo.com.
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Tues; every 4th Tue:
7-8:30 pm “COMMUNITY FOLK MUSIC JAM” led by Bea Romano & Jim, it’s a traditional folk music jam at the Barbara J. Riley Center, 7810 Quill St, Downey 90242; 562-904-7226. Bring your acoustic instrument(s) and join in. Bea says, “It's a lovely facility. We hope you will enjoy playing / listening to music. Bring your acoustic instruments and join in the fun. There are plenty of armless chairs. Best of all, it's free!”
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Tue, every week; in Tehachapi:
7-10 pm “ACOUSTIC JAM” at Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; 661-822-BEAN; www.mamahillybeans.com. They welcome "All unplugged acoustic players." Venue has great ambience, food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." No cover.
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Tue, recurring:
7:30 pm Weekly OPEN MIC at Hallenbeck’s General Store, 5510 Cahuenga Bl, North Hollywood; 818-985-5916; www.hallenbecks.com. Venue offers sandwiches, coffeehouse fare. No cover.
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Tues; every 4th Tue:
8 pm SUZY WILLIAMS and HER SOLID SENDERS play live jazz and jump blues at Temple Bar, 1026 Wilshire Bl, Santa Monica 90401; www.templebarlive.com; 310-393-6607. It’s their new 4th Tue residency, every month, for 2008. They play two sets, 8;30 & 9:30 pm. Jitterbug Janet gives free swing dance lessons at 8:15 & 9:15 pm. Suzy Williams has played Carnegie Hall with Stormin' Norman Zamcheck, performed with Moses Pendleton's Pilobolus dance troupe, and has worked with Van Dyke Parks, Buster Poindexter, Marc Shaiman, Nicholas Ray among many others. Bette Midler, Horace Silver, Roosevelt Sykes, Ann Magnuson, Eubie Blake and Hadda Brooks have praised her passionate singing and vibrant energy. The SENDERS are KAHLIL SABBAGH (band leader and vibes), BRAD KAY (piano), DAVE JONES (bass), NICK SCARMACK (drums), DANNY MOYNAHAN (sax), DAN HEFFERNAN (sax), DAVE WEINSTEIN (trombone) and COREY GEMME (trumpet). Celebrate being alive with Suzy and her swinging 8-piece band, evoking the rockin' dance music of Louis Jordan, and the recent release of “Suzy & The Jtones,” her new ten inch record / CD (www.jtonerecords.com). The NY Times John Rockwell wrote, "Williams is an enormously amusing, endearing presence...with tough, belting authority." “All About Jazz” critic Rex Butters wrote in Venice Beachhead, "Suzy and Her Solid Senders teach old standards (Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Anita O'Day, Fats Waller) new tricks, but it's their originals that will bring you back for more." Read the Santa Monica Mirror article at www.smmirror.com/MainPages/DisplayArticleDetails.asp?eid=6706. Catch ‘em at www.youtube.com/watch?v=rADpTDcq98Y. Artists info, www.puddingbench.com/suzy.htm. $10 cover.
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Tue, Aug 26:
8 pm “SONGWRITERS NIGHT,” with ALLAN COMEAU, JOHNNY SZYMD, & RICHARD MARCHETTA, at 14 Below, 1348 14th St (at Santa Monica Bl); www.14below.com; 310-451-5040. Full bar, no cover.
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Tue, every week:
8-9:30 pm “TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB” weekly summer series with KACEE and MICHAEL DOMAN, with different musical guests each week, at Molly Malone's, 575 S Fairfax Av, L.A. 90036; 323-935-1577; www.mollymalonesla.com. Began Jul 8, 2008. Michael says, “Tuesdays just got a whole lot better.”
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Tue; repeats every 2nd and 4th Tue:
8 pm OPEN MIC at El Cid, 4212 Sunset Bl, Silver Lake 90029; www.elcidla.com. Hosted by MICHAEL MCCARTHY the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, every month. A&R staff from “My Record Label” is on-site recruiting artists based on their original performances. Selected artists will receive an artist page on www.myrecordlabel.net along with a free 3-camera video shoot and professional audio mix of their performance. Sign ups at 7 pm, show at 8 pm. You can also pre-signup online at www.myspace.com/openmicatelcid .
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Tue, every week:
8 pm OPEN MIC at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank; www.vivacantina.com; 818-515-4444.
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Tue, every Tue:
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 swing dance lessons with Ed, 7-8:30 pm. No cover.
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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, 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 (6:45pm downbeat tonight) “POCKET GOLDBERG & FRIENDS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” with this week’s guest artists MICHAEL MAZOCHI, JOHN WILLIAMSON, BRAD HUNT (from STIKY SIDE UP), at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; www.myspace.com/arniescafe. Hosted by MARK “POCKET” GOLDBERG & “BROTHER” RANDY SACKS. Musician DALE LaDUKE (Kaedmon, BeaTunes, past guest on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”) tells us, “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, tip jar donations to artists are welcome.
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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:
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, every week; in Tehachapi:
7 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE at Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; www.mamahillybeans.com; 661-822-BEAN. Venue has great ambience, and food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." Traveling acts have varying admission prices; check venue's web site.
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Fri, Aug 29:
8 pm PIRATES OF THE BLACK SWAN 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, “Batten down the hatches. Secure the main lines, for this ship be a rockin' tonight!” Captain Ron Ely will be performing his maritime music with his trusted guitar and harp, singing songs from 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 nautical wit and mayhem. 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, woodwinds, harmonica and fiddle. 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.
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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, 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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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, every week; in Tehachapi:
7 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE at Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; www.mamahillybeans.com; 661-822-BEAN. Venue has great ambience, and food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." Traveling acts have varying admission prices; check venue's web site.
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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, 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, 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, DAVE MORRISON, DALE LaDUKE, TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, 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, CHAD WATSON, DAVE MORRISON, DALE LaDUKE, TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, PIPER-GREY, “BANJO” FRED STARNER, and ROBERT MORGAN FISHER.
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Featuring (not necessarily in this order):
DAN BERN, special headliner guest, goes on at 9 pm; http://danbern.com/index.html
JOYCE WOODSON, www.joycewoodson.com (wrote the big hit, “He’s Courtin’ Annie)
MANDA, www.myspace.com/myspacemanda
PAUL ZOLLO, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Zollo and http://bluerailroad.com (well-known songwriter and best-selling author of music bio books)
MOTHER NATURE’S ARMY, http://imdb.com/name/nm0424560 and http://imdb.com/name/nm0189845
CHAD WATSON, www.chadwatson.us (Cal Country Music champ before Nashville made country awful)
LEE DOMANN, www.leedomann.com (Kathy Mattea and Riders in the Sky have recorded his songs)
SEVERIN BROWNE, www.severinbrowne.com
DAVE MORRISON, www.davemorrisonmusic.com
DALE LaDUKE, www.daleladuke.com (from TttT “Listener Favorite” Kaedmon)
TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND, www.trough.com/tedrow-vreeland/default.htm
ALLAN COMEAU, www.allancomeau.com
PIPER-GREY, www.trough.com/piper-grey/index.html
“BANJO” FRED STARNER
ROBERT MORGAN FISHER opens the show at 4 pm; www.robertmorganfisher.com
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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, 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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