End of Oct / Early Nov: Oct 28 UPDATE, Acoustic Americana Music Guide 2008

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“Tied to the Tracks”
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
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October & early November, 2008 events
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October 28 through November 9 update
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WELCOME! And after reading this little section of relevant stray facts, if you feel lost or mystified about any of this, BE SURE to read our “Welcome” post (find it in the list, at left) – it’s a good idea to do that if you are new to the calendar & news. It’ll help you understand how all this works!
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The CALENDAR and the NEWS FEATURES post separately.
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THE MOST RECENT CALENDAR is identifiable by the date it was posted at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com. We DO post future months separate from the current month, so they may get buried under updates to the current month; use the list on the left side for guidance. And we occasionally post a calendar of “Best-Out-of-Town (Beyond L.A.)” events, for those great festivals and special happenings in other parts of the country, and to help everyone include music with travel plans.
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MOST RECENT NEWS FEATURES will post early this week (probably Oct 28), at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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Recent week’s and month’s editions are available by reading the list of posts at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com and clicking what you want.
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WHAT’S IN THE NEWS WE COVER? Our latest news features always include things of interest to acoustic music fans AND artists (musicians and songwriters). Topics include trends in the industry, radio, internet radio, music conferences, artists who have recently won awards and recognitions, charity benefits, festival lineups and booking information, our picks for on-line music videos, music-related books, things that are fun to know, and more – but NEVER any “who’s-sleeping-with-who” gossip crap. (That’s YOUR business, and it’s not the public’s business just because you work in show biz.) Current and recent news editions are found at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com. Old archived editions are on the myspace page (www.myspace.com/laacoustic), accessible by using the “View All” and the “older entries” button and scrolling all the way back to when acoustic music happened because dinosaurs got rambunctious.
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CALENDAR UPDATES TO THE CURRENT MONTH are made at least weekly, because MORE acoustic and folk-Americana music events are posted all the time, and we include events as we learn of them from artists, presenters, venues, festivals, etc.
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FUTURE EVENTS are currently posted into mid-2009, and will soon go farther than that.
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RECURRING EVENTS include residencies, series, showcases, and open mics, and all these are numerous in the Southern California acoustic music universe. We generally add them to the calendar one week at a time, as dates approach, because there are so many of them, AND because it gives us a chance to learn who is playing. These are currently included through –
November 9.
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GETTING YOUR GIG LISTED: We welcome your feedback, and news of your acoustic Americana music shows (send us gig notices in our format, please; see any listed show for an example) please DON’T expect us to re-type all the info in a jpg – send us plain text, so we can work with it! Send to us at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com .
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WE’RE ON BLOGSPOT.COM after a long presence on MySpace, because that site now accepts only short posts. The calendar is waaaay too comprehensive to fit there. We began posting to Blogspot in early 2008.
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Our MYSPACE PAGE (www.myspace.com/laacoustic) has current news of the syndicated “Tied to the Tracks” radio show, and what’s happening with its TV counterpart. It’s also where you can find archived Acoustic Americana News editions from prior to Spring, 2008.
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COMMUNICATE WITH US about anything related to the Acoustic Music Calendar & News, at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com. Please don’t send us anything through myspace email. It’s esoteric, can’t be auto-forwarded into a “real” email account, and we just can’t keep up with it. So, communicate through the above address. And, yes, we get HUNDREDS of emails every week, so please give us as much advance notice as possible!
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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2008, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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Updated October 28, 2008;
recurring events are included through November 9.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28
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Tuesday’s “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick is in Altadena at 8 pm.
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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, 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, Oct 28:
7-8:45 pm GILLI MOON plays her monthly residency and “SONGSALIVE! SHOWCASE” 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. Plenty of parking, $7 cover.
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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:
7 pm “MAIN STREET SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE” brings “Two Generations of the Turners” to 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.
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Host garret Swayne tells us, “This week, we're doing something brand new at the MSSS! It's a ‘generational’ thing! We're featuring the one- and-only LISA TURNER, AND we're also featuring her first-born son TIM TURNER, a fine emerging new singer/songwriter in his own right.”
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TIM TURNER, neo folk-rock song stylist, has years of classical guitar training under his belt, has placed in national competitions, including the ASTA/Green Classical Guitar Competition at USC for two years in a row. Tim is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and guitarist who Garret says, “has been turning heads and ears in the neo-folk scene in Los Angeles for several years now. A lot of people feel he has the sound and look that the world of music has been waiting for. Much of his musical ability is clearly inherited... both his parents are very musical, and his mother is, of course LISA TURNER, well known in the L.A. acoustic music scene for her extraordinary voice and songwriting. … a quick listen to some of Tim's songs will show that the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. His music can be described as a mix of acoustic R&B interwoven with elements of jazz and blues, a style he likes to call ‘Guitar & B.’ His performances now include solo appearances, shows with his self-titled band, and combo gigs performing old jazz standards. Tim Turner is a unique talent and hopes to release his first album next year. Just listen to some of his music and you'll understand why Lisa is so proud of him, and we're pleased to present him for the first time on our stage: www.myspace.com/timturnermusic.”
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LISA TURNER is sometimes described as a “New Age Celtic rock chanteuse.” Lisa has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and is well known for her acoustic guitar and fine voice. In 2003, Lisa Turner created quite a stir in the Hollywood area, winning the inaugural "Performing Songwriters Boot Camp" Competition at Highland Grounds. In 2006, she was a finalist in the “Wildflower Arts & Music Festival Singer/Songwriter Competition” in Texas. And in 2007, she was selected as a “Featured Emerging Artist” at the Sedona Jam in Sedona, AZ. MSSS host Garret Swayne says, “Lisa always brings down the house wherever she appears. Her songs are revealing and deeply personal, yet easy to relate to. Lisa delivers smartly crafted songs in a variety of colors and textures in plainspoken stories and with honesty and depth of emotion. Moving songs of loss and heartbreak. Songs that remind us it's the simple things that matter most. Songs that tell us to open our hearts and love. Lisa is right in the vanguard of the new generation of female songwriters who not only sing, but have taken the time to master their instrument as well (in her case, the guitar). She's got a clean, pure, agile voice reminiscent of SHAWN COLVIN, and that, coupled with some smokin' tight guitar licks, makes her a very compelling act to watch onstage. Paul Anderson wrote in the L.A. Times, "Her crystal-clear voice will make your head turn. And once you hear her folk-based songs, you're hooked..." More on Lisa at www.lisasongs.com
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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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Tue, Oct 28; in Ojai:
7 pm SMITTY WEST plays his CD release show as a benefit for victims of land mines, at the Ojai Concert Series; ALSO, there is a special “DINNER AND THE SHOW” offer, so read on. Concert at the Ojai Valley Woman's Club, 441 E Ojai Av, Ojai; 805-649-5189; www.ojaiconcertseries.com. It’s his first solo CD, “Your World,” and songwriter-pianist-singer Smitty West performs a concert of originals and his favorite covers, “backed up by local favorites and some of Southern California’s finest musicians.” Smitty West (stage name for SCOTT SMITH) has assembled an eclectic solo collection of 12 original songs, spanning genres of folk, rock, metal, and country. Backing Smitty are some of Southern California’s finest musicians: Legendary bass guitarist Jim Monahan, drummer/percussionist Bob Nichols, Scott Luedke on guitar, and vocalist Julija Zonic. Smitty is the founder of Ojai Songwriters Anonymous, a collaborative support group of local songwriters. He has recently completed the scoring of Christopher Devine’s “Fighting With Sticks,” a high-definition movie shot in Ojai. In September, Smitty produced and recorded Jim Monahan’s political satire “Wasilla Girl,” which has received national radio play and is a YouTube favorite. Smitty is the manager and keyboard player for the Ojai-based original rock band MYRIDIAN, and produced the band’s full-length CD, “Prime Myridian,” in 2007. He owns and operates Euterpe Farms, a California native plant farm that supports the efforts to support the local ecosystem with the cultivation of local plants and food crops. All profits from Smitty’s music are donated to supporting "Landmine Action” which helps bring hope to people in war-torn countries. Doors at 6:30 for adv tix & will-call, 6:45 for tix buyers. Seating first come. Kids tix, under 14, are 1/2 price; on-site child care, by adv reserv is $5. Show tix, $10 adv, $12 door.
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“Dinner and the Show” - as a special treat for those attending the Ojai Concert Series show tonight, there is an intimate "Pre-concert dinner with the band" offer. Meet Smitty and the band at Il Giardino Restaurant for a special Italian buffet at 5:45 pm. It’s a one-minute walk to the Woman’s Club from the Restaurant at 401 E Ojai Av. For $20, you get the ITALIAN BUFFET AND A TICKET TO THE SHOW! (drinks, dessert, etc. are extra). Call ahead for a restaurant reservation, at 805-640-7381. Ramiro Santana, the owner of Il Giardino’s, is a strong advocate of local music and “landmine removal” action, and he was happy to support this event. If you already have a ticket to the show, show it at the restaurant, and they’ll knock $10 off the price of dinner.
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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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Tue, Oct 28; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm STONEHONEY and VICTORIA VOX doing a rare double-headliner billing at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. This is a double headline bill with each act doing about an hour. As venue impresario Bob Stane says, “STONEHONEY & VICTORIA VOX. What a night!”
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STONEHONEY is, says Bob Stane, “something new and wonderful descends from Nirvana. The Buzz on this act is hot and electric.” Stonehoney began as a bunch of “songwriters in the round.” It’s that simple. 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,” says band member Shawn. “With four singers we just naturally started singing harmonies and this sound began to develop, reminiscent of the country rock sound of the ‘70s, 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. Since then, they’ve repeatedly headlined at McCabe’s and elsewhere.
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STONEHONEY is SHAWN DAVIS, PHIL HURLEY, DAVID PHENICIE, NICK RANDOLPH, & SCOTTY LUND. They’ve generated several albums’ worth of new material and along the way, caught the attention of hit maker and record producer Ric Wake. Ric took the band into the studio to capture the magic of their live “living room” sound and they cut over 40 tracks. The first record is planned for release early next year.
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VICTORIA VOX is tonight’s co-headliner. A once-a-year treat for patrons of the arts at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, Baltimore-based Victoria returns to her favorite Southern California haunt to delight audiences with her musical skills and pixie-like stage persona. What a show she puts on with delightful ditties on the uke, while her vocal cords and lips imitate a trombone. She sings unique songs and standards. This is her only CGB show this year where she performs a full hour. Bob Stane adds, “She is so cute and cuddly you will want to adopt her.” VICTORIA is in the middle of her once-a-year California tour, during which she is recording and playing three appearances at the CGB. Bob Stane says, “Singing, musical charm, trombone imitations, fun, wit and ever-so-cute. She does it all.” VICTORIA VOX is a headliner in her own right who often headlines venues and ukulele festivals. She plays the uke, does witty trombone sounds, and sings, all of which she did to the delight of the radio audience on “Tied to the Tracks.” A full-time touring performer, the foxy Vox performs in French and English, playing 120 shows a year coast to coast and in the UK. The Pittsburgh Tribune names Victoria Vox as "one of the purest musicians touring the county today" celebrating that she provides inspiration to "the most skeptical, cynical, jaded ears, to view the world in a positive, romantic light." Vox's latest recording, “In Between,” is a collection of “lightly produced” acoustic love songs. $15.
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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; 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, Oct 28:
8 pm “TAKING BACK TUESDAY” show with ADJOA SKINNER, JON PETER LEWIS, VICTORIA CLEMMONS, at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640. Sponsored by ASCAP and Adrenaline Music. 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, 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 week:
8 pm OPEN MIC at Sierra Cup, 409 S Myrtle Av, Monrovia 91016; 626-301-4214; www.sierracup.com. Sign-ups at 7:30 pm.
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Tue, Oct 28:
8:30 pm MARK FOSSON at The Unurban Coffeehouse, 3301 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; 310-315-0056. Songwriter-guitarist Mark Fosson grew up on the Ohio-Kentucky border and started writing songs in his early teens. In the late ‘70s, he sent his demos to legendary folk/blues guitarist JOHN FAHEY’s Takoma label. Fahey deemed Fosson’s talent as “the best I’ve heard since [LEO] KOTTKE.” Fosson recorded an album of material for Takoma, but the label unfortunately folded before its release. In 2006, a CD brought those tracks to life as “Mark Fosson – The Lost Takoma Sessions” on the Drag City label. Rolling Stone’s David Fricke wrote that the CD has, “precise delicacy and melodic inventions [that] brightly confirm Fahey's original enthusiasm. ”Prior to that CD, Fosson worked with songwriter EDWARD TREE in the country-tinged group THE BUM STEERS who performed at the GRAND OLE OPRY at the request of PORTER WAGONER. During the ‘90s, Fosson's material appeared on several soundtracks. In 2001, he collaborated with singer-songwriter LISA O'KANE, who recorded several of his songs, including the #1 European single, "Little Black Cloud.” In 2006, Fosson followed up “The Lost Takoma Sessions” with “Jesus On a Greyhound” (New Light Entertainment/Universal) drawing comparisons to Americana artists like Ramblin' Jack Elliot, Joe Ely, John Prine, & Guy Clark. More at www.markfosson.com and www.myspace.com/markfosson
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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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Tue, Oct 28:
8:30 pm JONATHAN BLAKE, TERESA WALKER, PAUL STARLING, NEW DAY MILE, at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A.; 323-954-9630; www.themintla.com. This is a full and long evening, with TERESA WALKER playing her CD release show at 9:30 pm, and New day Mile taking the stage at 11:15 pm. Adv tix $20; $8 & $20 at door.
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Tue, Oct 28 (Oct 28-31 & Nov 1-2); in Laughlin, Nevada:
RIDERS IN THE SKY play six nights at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino, Laughlin, NV.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29
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There are four “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks for Wednesday, one each in L.A., Altadena, and Cerritos, all at 8 pm, and one in Hollywood at 9 pm.
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Wed, Oct 29:
10:30 am, noon, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm KEN WALDMAN, “Alaska’s Fiddling Poet,” political satirist, and prolific book author, performs for the Pasadena Library concert series, with one show each at four different library branches in Pasadena; 626-744-7076; www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/library/libraryevents.asp.
> 10:30 am at the San Rafael Branch, 1240 Nithsdale Rd, 91105; 626-744-7270;
> Noon at the Allendale Branch, 1130 S Marengo Av, 91106; 626-744-7260;
> 1:30 pm at the Hill Avenue Branch, 55 S Hill Av, 91106; 626-744-7264;
> 3:30 pm at the Lamanda Park Branch, 140 S Altadena Dr, 91107; 626-744-7266.
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Ken Waldman draws upon his 23 years in Alaska to produce poems, stories and fiddle tunes uniquely his own. His Alaskan travels have included visits to the Yukon and outer regions of Alaska, bringing music and poetry to small towns and Inuit villages. Check his web site for info on these shows and his “very cool new book,” published in August. As for his new double CD, Ken says, “It’s so new (and I'm so busy), it will take a few weeks to get it out on my site.” That site is www.kenwaldman.com.
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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, Oct 29:
7-8:45 pm monthly “GILLI MOON'S SONGSALIVE SHOWCASE” with GILLI MOON, DAVID BABICH, LIZ NASH, ZACHARY PROVOST, at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640.
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GILLI MOON is an australian singer, songwriter, recording artist, pianist, actor, producer, author, painter, motivator, entrepreneur, visionary and community builder. She has been in L.A. for 8 years and has performed live shows worldwide, getting good reviews, including one in Newsweek Magazine. Artist info, www.gillimoon.com and www.myspace.com/gillimoon
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DAVID BABICH studied classical voice and composition at UCLA, then moved to the San Francisco Bay Area where he became deeply involved in jazz, pop, folk and musical theatre. In addition to performing as a singer-songwriter, he has also composed film and theatrical scores, including the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival's “Romeo and Juliet” in 2002 and American Conservatory's Theatre's production of “Caucasian Chalk Circle” in 2005. Since his return to L.A. in 2005 he released his first Solo EP, "Mind Aside." He performs throughout the L.A. area and runs his own vocal teaching studio. David is on faculty at the Santa Monica Academy of Music. Info, www.davidbabich.com
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LIZ NASH's music has been featured in HBO. She has an honorable mention in Billboard's “World Song Contest” in the jazz category, and is a local favorite. Liz is compared to “a sexy Norah Jones,” and is known for her good stage presence and faithful following. She’s played the Grove’s main stage, the Key Club, Room 5, Tangiers, and Café Cordiale. Info, www.myspace.com/liznash
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ZACHARY PROVOST, says Grammy-winning producer David Foster, is at the top of the list of talented musicians. Foster says, "the depth of his musicianship is endless and his great songwriting, arranging and production skills make him a triple threat." Gilli Moon adds, “Zachary's latest EP, ‘Heart of the Moment,’ is a shining example of these skills. Songs such as ‘The Time I Have,’ ‘Passage,’ ‘Running in the Rain,’ and the title track [are] winning over new fans daily.” Zach spent the past five years touring as the music director for JOSH GROBAN. Info, www.zacharyprovost.com and www.myspace.com/zacharyprovost
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J. WALKER is a counselor, a poet, a rapper and a healer, living his dream, working as a self proclaimed “Rhymecologist.” He helps "at risk youth work" through their problems by expressing themselves through rap or poetry. Info, www.rhymecology.com
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$7 cover, or $5 if you print this calendar listing and present it at the door.
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Wed, every week:
7-10 pm weekly OPEN MIC at the Talking Stick, (new location), 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. Alternating hosts TOM & BYRON or ELLEN. Sign-ups at 6:45 pm. Venue has coffeehouse fare and good sandwiches. All ages, no cover.
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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, Oct 29 (Oct 28-31 & Nov 1-2); in Laughlin, Nevada:
RIDERS IN THE SKY play six nights at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino, Laughlin, NV.
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Wed, Oct 29; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm RONNY COX and JACK WILLIAMS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. RONNY COX, musician and noted actor, is joined tonight by South Carolina-born singer-songwriter-guitarist JACK WILLIAMS. Ronny and Jack have collaborated musically many times in recent years, touring together on the US folk circuit and recording & producing Ronny’s most recent CD. Each will present his own music and stories in two separate sets, with Jack accompanying Ronny on guitar.
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While RONNY COX started out as a musician and has emphasized that side of his career for the past few years, he is still one of the most respected and sought-after character actors in Hollywood. Since his debut as “Drew” in John Boorman's film "Deliverance" - including playing guitar in the famous "Dueling Banjos" scene - Ronny has appeared in over 50 films, including "Beverly Hills Cop (I & II)," "Bound for Glory" where he played Woody Guthrie’s sidekick, "Robo Cop," and "Total Recall," and Ronny has played the president of the U.S. at least four times, including in “1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” and usually with a more convincing competence than the actual occupant of that address.
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In his most recent CD, “HOW I LOVE THEM OLD SONGS: RONNY COX SINGS MICKEY NEWBURY,” which was produced by Jack Williams and had its world premiere on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” Ronny pays tribute to the music of the legendary Texas songwriter. His previous recordings, "Ronny Cox Live," "Cowboy Savant," and "Acoustic Eclectricity," all showcase Ronny’s homegrown style of folk music and his lively story-telling that is an integral part of it. Steadily increasing his following on the U.S. folk music circuit, he has headlined at such venues as the prestigious Old Town School of Folk in Chicago, the New Bedford SummerFest, and the Kerrville Folk Festival, a favorite of Ronny’s held annually in Kerrville, Texas. Whether it is in his acting or his music, Ronny is a storyteller who says, “I’ve never felt the truth should get in the way of a good story!”
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JACK WILLIAMS is well known in the contemporary US folk community as a Southern singer-songwriter-storyteller and unique guitarist. He continues to tour the country, as he has for the past 50 years, motivated by his love of music and performing. Jack books an annual circuit of approximately 100 US festivals, house concerts and major folk venues each year, and has been a featured performer on the stages of the Philadelphia, SummerFest, Kerrville, Boston, and Newport Folk Festivals. In addition to his US audience, Jack has also become a favorite in England, Canada and Europe. Jack Williams’ music is born at the meeting ground of the traditional and the contemporary, and it’s original Southern-American songwriting and performance at its best, drawing deeply from the eclectic well of musical heritage. Loaded with delightful influences from his career in jazz, classical, rock, blues, country and folk, Jack’s music is an easy, natural fusion of guitar, voice, songs, and stories. This is a must-see show, and a bargain in an intimate venue at $18.
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Wed, Oct 29; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm CORB LUND, GRANT LANGSTON, THE RUNNING KIND, MICHAEL O’NEILL at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A.; 323-954-9630; www.themintla.com. This is a full and long evening of alt-country/Americana, with THE running Kind at 8, Grant at 9, Corb at 10, and Michael O’Neill at 11:15 pm.
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Wed, Oct 29; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm CHERISH THE LADIES with LIZ CARROLL, DÁITHÍ SPROULE, DERMOT HENRY, & MAURA O'CONNELL at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr, Cerritos; 562-916-8501 or 800-300-4345; www.cerritoscenter.com. Artists info, www.cherishtheladies.com - www.lizcarroll.com - www.daithisproule.com - www.mauraoconnell.com.
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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. 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, 5th Wed, when there’s a fifth Wed:
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 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, 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, Oct 29; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
9 pm THE BITTERSWEETS play the Hotel Café, 1623 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood; 323-461-2040; www.hotelcafe.com. The Bittersweets live up to their name - they fuse yellows and blues, sunny-ness and melancholy, with evocative lyrics and lush arrangements, transcendent melodies and Prater's alluring voice. On every track of their new album, “Goodnight, San Francisco,” The Bittersweets weave a captivating tension between hope and poignancy that rings true. They are CHRIS MEYERS on guitar, keyboards, vocals, and HANNAH PRATER on vocals & guitar. Tonight, they excitedly return to California to wrap-up their West Coast dates. The Nashville Tennessean newspaper said of their new album, "Goodnight, San Francisco is a melancholy beauty, built from melody and poetry." Though they are apt to go electric, they are a fine Americana duo. More at their label’s website, www.compassrecords.com.
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Wed, Oct 29:
9 pm THE GHOST HOUNDS, PHILIP SAYCE, at Molly Malone's, 575 S Fairfax Av, L.A.; 323-935-1577; www.mollymalonesla.com. $10.
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Wed, Oct 29:
10:30 pm BRIAN TRAVIS BAND at Aura Nightclub, 12215 Ventura Bl, Studio City. Brian Travis has an all-acoustic album, and he’s performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” We expect this one might be a mostly-electric show. Brian tells us, ”Just prior to the BTB set will be a great group called VETTE led by the incomparable DAWN DEMONE. She’s a star already. You gotta see her band. Get there by 10 pm to catch both groups.” Artist info, www.briantravis.com and www.myspace.com/briantravisband. Free parking, $7 cover.
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Thu, Oct 29:
11 pm PAUL MARSHALL (I See Hawks in L.A.) with MICHAEL O’NEILL at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A. 90035; 213-954-9400. Paul has performed several times on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” including live radio shows with I See Hawks, Fur Dixon & Steve Werner, and Chicago Red. $12/$8 (?? - so says the Mint website).
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30
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Our three “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks for Thursday are in Los Feliz, Altadena, and Culver City.
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Thu, every week:
11 am-2 pm “VAN NUYS FARMER'S MARKET,” brand new in October ’08, with live music performances, in the Van Nuys Civic Center behind the Los Angeles City Hall annex building and in front of the City Library, 14410 Sylvan St, Van Nuys 91401.
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Thu, Oct 30:
Noon PETER ALSOP is the luncheon keynote speaker for ICAN - INTER-AGENCY COUNCIL ON CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT, at the Sheridan Universal Hotel, Universal City; 626-455-4585 for info. Artist info, www.myspace.com/peteralsop2 and www.peteralsop.com.
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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, 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, 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, Oct 30:
7-10 pm “POCKET GOLDBERG & FRIENDS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” with this week’s guest artists ED TREE (John Schneider, Lacy J. Dalton, Spencer Davis), and JOHN STOWERS, at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; www.myspace.com/arniescafe; 818-951-9089. 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, 4-7 pm. Evening costs $7 plus two drink minimum (bottled water, juices, more available). Zydeco dance lessons included: 7-7:30 basic zydeco; 7:30-8 pm intermediate / advanced dance moves. CD dancing 8-9 pm. Beginners, singles, all ages welcome. Dance instruction by Karen Redding of LouisianaDanceLA.com; Karen has taught at L.A. Music Center, “Long Beach Bayou Festival,” San Diego's “Gator By The Bay” Festival, “Simi Valley Cajun Festival,” Galaxy Theater, private parties and corporate events. Info, Karen, 562-438-1255, karinovations@verizon.net.
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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, Oct 30:
7-9 pm ONE FOOT IN at Java Joe's, corner of Yorba Linda Bl & Yorba Ranch Rd, Yorba Linda. They’re a fine and fun rollickin’ old-timey string band, and you’ve heard their music on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” The band tells us the venue is a “cool joint - spacious coffeehouse with some nice wines and beer and a great vibe, too. But it is easy to miss this ‘strip mall,’ so watch for a sign at the corner, near the sidewalk and on your left, saying ‘Yorba Ranch Village.’ The building actually on the corner is an Orthodontist's office. Once you see that, turn into the strip mall occupying the greater part of that same large corner lot.”
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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, Oct 30:
7:30 pm “SONGWRITER CIRCLE” with GARRET SWAYNE, LAUREN ADAMS, JOHN M, & CARRIE WADE, solo sets from DEBLOIS, and KELLY MCGRATH, presented by Shout it Out Promotions and NIXA country radio; followed by other acts at 8:45 pm: DEBLOIS, MOLLY MARLETTE, KELLY McGRATH, at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640. JOHN M (www.myspace.com/johnmmusic), owner of M-Pire Records and M-Pire Recording Studio, is a “classic rocker;” CARRIE WADE (www.myspace.com/carriewade) identifies herself as an “alternative musician,” though we’ve heard her play acoustic; LAUREN ADAMS (www.myspace.com/laurenadams101) is a solid Americana songwriter, and Main Street Songwriters Showcase host GARRET SWAYNE (www.myspace.com/garretswayne) have both performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” All four are taking part in a Songwriter Circle, beginning at 7:30 pm. Following them at 8:45 pm is DEBLOIS a “Florida-native-surfer-turned-musician” (www.myspace.com/debloismusic) performing “Americana / reggae / cajon,” music. At 9:30 pm is up-n-coming folk artist MOLLY MARLETTE (www.myspace.com/mollymarlette). The closer at 10:15 pm is L.A.-based KELLY MCGRATH (www.myspace.com/kellymcgrath) with her “countrified sounds.” Venue is known for its Chinese food and reasonably-priced drinks. $7 cover for the songwriter circle, $10 cover for the rest.
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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, Oct 30:
7:30 pm free screening of “DIVIDED WE STAND,” with soundtrack music by KENNY EDWARDS and WRECK ’N SEW, in Harbeson Hall, Pasadena City College, 1570 E Colorado Bl (Hill exit off I-210), Pasadena. The PCC College Democrats and College Republicans are sponsoring this free screening of the folksy road trip documentary (78 mins) exploring the country's political and cultural divide on the cusp of the 2004 presidential election. "Divided We Stand" was broadcast nationally earlier this year on the Dish Network and has played in several film festivals. The doc's Emmy-winning filmmakers, TOM DREW & MIKE BLOECHER will be in attendance for a discussion of the film, and politics in general, after the screening. View the film's trailer (and / or purchase it on the SNAG FILMS window) at www.indiepixfilms.com/film/2186.
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The filmmakers say, “Given the current political season, ‘Divided We Stand’ is particularly timely, and if you have any interest in politics, you should find this doc especially entertaining. Please forward this invite onto other politically-minded friends and associates.” (The final free screening of the film is Sun, Nov 2, at 8 pm, at the Akbar Screening Room in Silver Lake – see listing.)
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Thu, Oct 30:
“STAY AWAKE: THE OFFICIAL 20TH CENTURY ANNIVERSARY CONCERT” (West Coast premiere) at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A. UCLA ticket office: 310-825-2101 or www.uclalive.org. From record producer HAL WILLNER comes this celebration of Willner’s historic compilation of music from the vintage Disney Songbook by an eclectic range of artists from SUZANNE VEGA and LOS LOBOS to RINGO STARR and BONNIE RAITT. The soon-to-be-announced lineup will include many of the album’s original performers in this one-time-only event.
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Thu, Oct 30 (Oct 28-31 & Nov 1-2); in Laughlin, Nevada:
RIDERS IN THE SKY play six nights at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino, Laughlin, NV.
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Thu, Oct 30; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE HACKENSAW BOYS at Tangier, 2138 Hillhurst Av, Los Feliz; 323-666-8666; www.tangierrestaurant.net. We caught them last year at the Knitting Factory on their ’07 national tour. They’re just as exciting as their record label mates, OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW, and this is a show to see. At last year’s venue, they got frustrated with the half-deaf old rocker doing sound, so they just climbed down from the stage and did a fully acoustic show in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by gyrating fans. Make a dinner reservation here, so you’ll have a table.
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Thu, Oct 30; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm RILLIAN & THE DOXIE CHX bring acoustic seafaring and “pyrate” music to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Venue impresario BOB STANE says, “Watch what ye do when you go out with those women, Aye, never give an inch when that Rillian’s with them. Keep them warm and they will all agree. Yer a hard one lad. Best keep yer eye on me. Ye’ve seen and heard Ruby Cruzado and McAleenan O’Malley play with their mates, 'Pirates of the Black Swan', now come hear the Premiere Pyrate Band of Southern California, Rillian and The Doxie Chx!” They’re a raucous crew of six that will delight you with traditional sea shanties, jigs and reels, contemporary “pyrate” rock as well as their own original piratical songs, all played on traditional acoustic instruments - fiddle, mandolin, guitar, flute, tin whistles, Irish pipes, button accordion, and bodhran. For the past five years, they’ve played for Disney’s Red Carpet and El Capitan theater premieres for the blockbuster movies “Pirates of the Caribbean ‘Dead Man’s Chest’” and “At Worlds End,” and they’ve played venues as diverse as Las Vegas, The Olivia Adobe, Ventura Harbor, the “Pyrates4CHOC” event, and the “Revenge of the Sea Pyrate Cruise” aboard the schooner “American Pride.” They’ll have you swinging your glass and singing along, and maybe steppin’ lively on your table. $15.
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Thu, Oct 30; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm DAFNI plus ANNY CELSI at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; 310-390-1328; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Dafni has performed live, twice, of radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and Anny Celsi’s music has been featured on the radio show. Both are excellent performing songwriters. Artist info, www.dafni.us. No cover; bring $ for the artists' tip jar.
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Thu, Oct 30:
8 pm RAY LaMONTAGNE at the Wiltern Theatre, 3790 Wilshire Bl, L.A.; 213-380-5005.
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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, 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; 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, 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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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
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Friday’s Halloween “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick is in Altadena at 8 pm.
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Fri, Oct 31-Sun, Nov 2; in Arizona:
Annual “TOMBSTONE WESTERN MUSIC FESTIVAL” in Tombstone, AZ, with THE DUE WEST TRIO, GEORGE DICKEY, RODGER MAXWELL, MARVIN O’DELL, JOE BETHANCOURT, PATTY CLAYTON, BILL BARWICK; info, www.tombstonewesternmusicfestival.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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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, Oct 31; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm Halloween show, “THE ALL SAINTS' MELODY MASQUERADE,” with HOBO JAZZ, MADAME PAMITA & HER PARLOUR OF WONDERS, and TIPPY CANOE, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Venue impresario BOB STANE says, “Join us on Edgar Allan Poe's favorite holiday weekend for an evening of swirling old-time melodies, costumed revelers, mysterious ladies, fiery vagabonds and a peek behind the curtain of your fascinating future.”
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HOBO JAZZ might be called a skiffle band, or blues, hillbilly, folk, or even jazz. Just say Hobo Jazz & dispense with all the fancy words. They play the music of the contemporary 1930s hobo country bluesman. This is part rail ridin' music, part field holler sonnet, part rock-a-billy Cadillac, part 1932 Ford wagon. One part dirty hobo, one part hot jazz, all parts kick up your heels and live a little! www.hobojazz.com

MADAME PAMITA & HER PARLOUR OF WONDERS always brings a unique show. Enter into a curious and sublime world, an old-time medicine show filled with mysticism, music and melodrama, an entrancing array of spectacles and song. Madame Pamita uses the powers of euphonious prognostication to tell audience member fortunes and plays songs written both by herself and by those who have moved on to the great beyond, including rural blues, old time, jug band and proto-jazz numbers about romance and revenge, mirth and mayhem, performed on an assortment of odd and bizarre vintage instruments (Imperial Banjeaurine, Banjolele, Ukelin, Marxophone, Polka-Lay-Lee, and Tiple; as well as a 115 year-old banjo and early 20th century ukuleles). http://madamepamita.com
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TIPPY CANOE is Oakland, California's songbird and uke-slinger. Tippy Canoe is on a mission to bring sincere uplift in a severely down-slanted era. Her voice is a mixture of ‘60s “girl group sound” and classic country with its own quirky nature. Her songwriting bears the stamp of a person who has absorbed a variety of influences, from ‘20s and ‘30s acts like THE BOSWELL SISTERS & JACK TEAGARDEN to ‘50s and ‘60s performers like BRENDA LEE & THE CHIFFONS and catchy post-punk bands such as SQUEEZE & BLONDIE. You can call it old-timey, you can call it retro, you can even make up a word and call it 20s-jazz-country-doo-wop-pop, but whatever the moniker, just let yourself go and enjoy it. www.tippycanoe.net. $20.
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Fri, Oct 31 (Oct 28-31 & Nov 1-2); in Laughlin, Nevada:
RIDERS IN THE SKY play six nights at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino, Laughlin, NV.
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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 play a “HALLOWEEN SHOW” with the PIPER-GREY duo, plus DAVE MORRISON, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. All three have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and all three are fine performing songwriters. The duo is DAVID PIPER & EARL GREY, who are currently completing a new CD. DAVE MORRISON’S CD had its world premiere on TttT, en-route to global airplay. They invite you to come in costume. 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, Oct 31
8:30 pm “HALLOWEEN PARTY AND COSTUME CONTEST” with prizes, and music by MIKE OFFICER AND THE M.O.B. (Mike Officer Band), CHARLIE SUPERFLY, SUPERBROKE BRASS, TIN AND WHISTLE ENSEMBLE, at Molly Malone's, 575 S Fairfax Av, L.A.; 323-935-1577; www.mollymalonesla.com. Start time moved-up to 8:30 (previously set for 9 pm). Mike Officer tells us, “There will be an exorcism performed during our show!” (Hey, it IS Halloween…)
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Fri, Oct 31:
8:30 pm “POLKA HAUNT US HALLOWEEN SHOW” with VERONIQUE CHEVALIER, DADDY BONE, others, at Room 5 Lounge, 143 N La Brea Av, L.A. 90036. Veronique Chevalier is lending the name of her new CD to this show. Daddy Bone, (aka blues artist MIKE BONING) tells us, “She is doing a very ghoulish performance of polka music on the accordion with great spooky and silly songs. Guaranteed to be a treat. I will be adding the tricks with a no holds barred set of Daddy Bone music made to make you blush or scream or do something you weren't doing before you decided to do something else. Oh dear, that didn't go well. Anyway, there will be some new material and prizes too! So if you're not interested in staying home to hand out candy to those greedy little ghost and goblins, come to the Room 5 Lounge.” Artist info, www.daddybone.com. Venue has full bar, serves dinner, and is 21+. $10 cover.
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Fri, Oct 31:
9 pm VON COTTON at Joe’s Great American Bar and Grill, 4311 W Magnolia Bl, Burbank 91505; 818-729-0805; www.rootsatjoes.com , www.myspace.com/rootsatjoes .
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Fri, Oct 31:
9 pm DAVE GLEASON, DANIELLE TUCKER, & LARRY DEAN at Borderline Bar & Grill, 99 Rolling Oaks Dr, Thousand Oaks; 805-446-4435.
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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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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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NOVEMBER is finally here, long-awaited this year because of the November 4 Presidential election. (At loooooooong last!)
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NOVEMBER gets its name from the Latin word, “novum,” meaning, “nine.” November was the ninth month in the ancient Roman calendar.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
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TODAY is “Dia de los Muertos,” the “Day of the Dead.” In Mexican and other Latin American traditions, it is a day to remember the contributions of those who made a difference in our lives, but who have now passed. In and around Los Angeles, there are several events, and some include music performances.
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Saturday brings three “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks, one each in Altadena at 7 pm, and in Encino and Ventura at 8 pm.
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Sat, Nov 1:
Annual “INTERNATIONAL CREATIVE PERSON'S DAY” honoring creative people all around the world. This year was proclaimed as a tribute to and focus on the music of BILLY JOEL. Info, www.lvcreativehalloffame.org.
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Sat & Sun, Nov 1 & 2:
“ANNUAL JAPANESE GARDEN FESTIVAL” includes music & dance at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge 91101; 818-949-4200; www.descansogardens.org. The grace and power of Japanese dance and taiko drummers and the beauty of Japanese flower arranging are included with Gardens admission.
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Taiko Drum Performance (Sat only, 1 to 1:30 pm). The thundering taiko drums of Japan are performed by a multi-ethnic group of adults and children; after the show, try your hand at drumming and take a photo with the instruments.
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Japanese Dancers (Sun only, 2 to 2:30 pm). Madam Fujima Kansuma and her dance troupe bring a narrated performance to entertain and enlighten many facets of Japanese dance and culture.
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Ikebana display all weekend. Gardens open 9 am-4:30 pm daily except Christmas Day; free parking. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums. $8 adults, $6 srs & students, $3 children ages 5-12; members, & children age 5 & younger are free.
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Sat, Nov 1:
11 am-4 pm “FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL IN MALIBU” with HIGH HILLS, the all-women bluegrass band, at Our Lady of Malibu School, 3625 Winter Canyon, Malibu 90265; 310-456-8071. Band info, www.highhills.com
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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, Nov 1:
2 pm MARK NIZER plays the Caltech Committee on Institute Programs series in Beckman Auditorium on the Caltech campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; http://events.caltech.edu/events/event-5482.html; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832). Imagine four Lasers being juggled at 1000 rpms, with the spinning laser beams dancing just above the audience's heads. Or, a burning propane tank, a running electric knife, and a 16-pound bowling ball, all being juggled at once. Original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music, and technology set Mark Nizer's performances apart. Artist info, including a performance video, at www.marknizer.com. Discounted tix available if you mention the Folk Music Society. Unreserved seating, $15 gen’l, $10 youth.
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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, first Sat every month:
4 pm “CHARITY AUCTION” at Amoeba Music, 6400 Sunset Bl, Hollywood; 323-245-6400. Host Brently Heilbron presides over the event, bringing a good time and money for a variety of charitable causes.
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Sat, Nov 1:
6 pm monthly “PICKIN’ NIGHT” at the Blue Ridge Pickin Parlor, 17828 Chatsworth Street 91344; info, 818-282-9001. “BEGINNER’S JAM” is 6-7:30 pm In the Main Store; “INTERMEDIATE JAM” is 7:30-10:30 pm (note the extended hours) in BRPP’s extended space at 17824 Chatsworth St (2 doors E of the main store); “OPEN JAM” is 7:30-10:30 pm in the Main Store, and ALL are “absolutely welcome” at the Open Jam.
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Sat, Nov 1:
6 pm TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND return to perform at Sierra Cup, 409 S Myrtle Av, Monrovia; www.sierracup.com. The duo’s music has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” where they latest CD premiered, on its way to enjoying global airplay. Venue seres, coffee, frozen yogurt, light fare, and tonight, fine and fun acoustic music. Music stage is on a charming outdoor patio, so dress appropriately if it’s a cool evening. No cover.
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Sat, Nov 1; 1st Sat every month; in Oak Glen:
6 pm monthly “HOMETOWN JAMBOREE” show & jam at Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, in the beautiful hills of Oak Glen above Yucaipa and Beaumont; info & tix, 909-797-1005 or www.losriosrancho.com. They tell us, “Folks can tuck into a tasty meal and enjoy a hand-clappin', knee-slappin', toe-tappin' good time as RILEY'S MOUNTAINEERS and special guest performers pick, fiddle and sing their favorite old-time bluegrass, western, and gospel tunes, as well as a few surprises along the way. Guest musicians are always welcome to tote along an instrument or two and join in the free-wheeling jam after the show. You never know who'll turn up, or what you'll hear next!” No shows in Dec and July. Jamborees start at 6 pm. Upcoming: Nov 1, 2008; 2009: Jan 3, Feb 7, Mar 7, Apr 4, May 2, Jun 6, Aug 1, Sep 5, Oct 3, Nov 7. Advance tix $15 adults, $10 kids age 12 & under.
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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, Nov 1; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7 pm BERKLEY HART at the Coffee Gallery Backstage. Reservations, 626-398-7917; info, www.coffeegallery.com. Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “I encourage you to see and hear this marvelous duo. Fine performing songwriters, funny guys and sensitive stuff, while being unusually entertaining. This is their fifth or sixth time up from San Diego to amuse you. Super act. Money Back Guarantee.”
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Add in the virtuoso guitar playing from both JEFF BERKLEY and CALMAN HART, as well as their good-natured humor, and it’s easy to see why the two have become live favorites. They have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” and scored a “Listener Favorite” on the radio show with the title track of their album, “Twelve.” They are repeat winners of the San Diego Music Awards, and celebrated in the media as San Diego’s best musical duo.
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Hailed as masters of both two-part harmony and dazzling song craft, Berkley Hart have established themselves as one of the premier acoustic duos touring the country. In concert, the duo shines, the obvious camaraderie between these two top singer-songwriters driving each performance. That said, it’s their acclaimed albums that have racked-up the accolades, each filled with tunes as catchy as you’re likely to hear anywhere. Over their four albums to date, the duo has honed their approach, experimenting with format and instrumentation, even using a band. Now the pair has stripped their sound down to the basics, using only what they can carry, their guitars and their voices. $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, Nov 1; in Victorville:
7:15 pm STEVE SMITH & CHRIS SANDERS, with SCOTT GATES opening, at the High Desert Center for the Arts, 15615 8th St (at C Ave), Victorville 92395; 760-243-7493; www.highdesertcenterforthearts.com. STEVE SMITH & CHRIS SANDERS of Las Cruces, New Mexico, are performing four rare California concerts during the first week of November. The pair are a dynamic acoustic duo, performing original compositions and old favorites in the traditions of folk, rock, bluegrass and country. Scott Gates, the California High Desert's 16-year-old mandolin wunderkind, is opening, and he will join Steve and Chris during their set, as well. $15.
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Sat, every week:
7:30-10:30 pm GRATEFUL DUDES weekly bluegrass concert at Vincenzo’s Pizza, 24500 Lyons Ave, Newhall; 661-259-6733. (Lyons exit, just off I-5.) This a long-running series, often, with very impressive performing guests.
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Sat, Nov 1; every Sat:
7:30 pm weekly “RANCH PARTY” this time with MICHAEL ANN & OZARK MOUNTAIN THRUSH, PATTY BOOKER, & LISA FINNIE for an 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. Parking: 2 hours free with validation from sponsoring venue; $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, first Sat every month:
7:30-11:30 pm “SANTA MONICA TRADITIONAL FOLK MUSIC CLUB” at Santa Monica Synagogue, 1448 18th St (corner of 18th & Broadway), Santa Monica. Info, coordinator April Halprin Wayland, 310-376-8760, Aprilstory@aol.com; www.santamonicafolkmusicclub.org.
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Sat, Nov 1 (Oct 28-31 & Nov 1-2); in Laughlin, Nevada:
RIDERS IN THE SKY play six nights at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino, Laughlin, NV.
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Sat, Nov 1; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE FOLK COLLECTION performs the California Traditional Music Society (CTMS) concert series in Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Bl (at Ventura Bl), Encino 91316; tix & info, www.ctmsfolkmusic.org or 818-817-7756 (11 am-4 pm). Doors at 7:30 pm. CTMS tells us, “THE FOLK COLLECTION is back by very popular demand. Many of us got started in traditional music in the 60's buying our very first Martin guitar for $50 – my, have times changed.” The band has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” where they delighted listeners with their repertoire of the rich traditions of the Kingston Trio, The Limeliters, Peter, Paul & Mary, and others of the folk revival era. Because this concert sold-out for the CTMS Center for Folk Music, they’ve moved to the much larger Encino Community so that many more may rejoice in these rich musical traditions. Singing along is definitely encouraged. More at www.thefolkcollection.com. You can purchase multi-concert packages and save from prices shown. Adv tix, $15 ($25 front section, $30 front row; tix at door are unreserved seats only, $20.
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Sat, Nov 1:
8 pm “FIESTA DEL DIA DE LOS MUERTOS” celebration, as "LA CATRINA” comes to life again at the new LATC, Theatre #1, 514 S Spring St (between 5th & 6th Sts), downtown L.A. 90013; 213-489-0994 ex 107; reservations@thenewlatc.com. The theatre will be transformed into a local cemetery by Danza Floricanto / USA to commemorate “El Día de los Muertos.” Through a series of vignettes that celebrate and honor this very traditional Day of the Dead – Chicano style, the company, under the direction of Gema Sandoval, will tackle a series of social issues (love, death, pregnancy, and immigration) with humor and respect. Addt’l info, www.danzafloricantousa.com. Tix $35 gen’l, $15 students & srs.
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Sat, Nov 1:
8 pm HEATHER WATERS at Hotel Café, 1623 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood; 323-461-2040; www.hotelcafe.com.
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Sat, first Sat every month:
8-10 pm monthly “JUKE JOINT GANG” show at The Talking Stick (new location), 1411c Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. It’s an evening of fine acoustic roots music, with four acts, each playing a 30-min set. Usually hosted by ERNEST TROOST and/or LAUREN ADAMS, who have each performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Venue has coffeehouse fare, good sandwiches. No cover.
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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, Nov 1; in Ventura; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm MARK O'CONNOR & THE APPALACHIA WALTZ TRIO at Ventura Missionary Church, 500 High Point Drive, Ventura 93003. GRAMMY Award winner MARK O'CONNOR brings his masterful fiddle playing and his trio to perform for the first “VENTURA MUSIC FESTIVAL FALL CONCERT SERIES;” info & tix, 805-648-3146 / 800-838-3006, or www.venturamusicfestival.org. Mark is an acclaimed musician and recording artist who has performed with everybody whose names you know, and he has been a featured act at all the major Americana music festivals. He is also fondly remembered for his “American Music Shop” TV show on the Nashville Network, before it dropped music and went to wrestling, redneck hunters, and car crashes. Artist info, www.markoconnor.com. Tix $45 & $35, $15 students with I.D.
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Sat, first Sat every month; in the OC:
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “ORANGE COUNTY HOOT” meets in a private home in Mission Viejo. Info, www.songmakers.org/hoots/orange_county_hoot.htm.
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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, Nov 1:
9 pm-1 am The band 21st CENTURY BLUES at The Drifters, 18240 Soledad Canyon Rd, Canyon Country (Santa Clarita Valley) 91387. The band’s Brian Brazil says, “It's a relaxed friendly local bar with no cover charge and plenty of free parking.”
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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, NOVEMBER 2
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Sunday’s “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks are a 3:30 pm matinee in Pasadena, and a 7:30 pm concert in Santa Monica.
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Sun, Nov 2; in San Diego:
All-day annual “FALLBACK FESTIVAL” in the Gaslamp Quarter, 4th Avenue & Island Streets, San Diego; www.mcfarlanepromotions.com/Upcoming/upcoming.htm; 619-233-5008. Music includes performances by the STEVE SMITH BAND (from New Mexico) and mandolin wunderkind SCOTT GATES, performing together at 3 pm. Historical music, games, arts, traditional trades and machinery of the wild-west are demonstrated throughout the day by dozens of historical societies from around the county. A “Family & Friends” ticket is $5, Kids under age 2 are free.
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Sun, Nov 2 (and Sat, Nov 1):
“ANNUAL JAPANESE GARDEN FESTIVAL” includes music & dance at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge 91101; 818-949-4200; www.descansogardens.org. The grace and power of Japanese dance and taiko drummers and the beauty of Japanese flower arranging are included with Gardens admission.
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Japanese Dancers (Sun only, 2 to 2:30 pm). Madam Fujima Kansuma and her dance troupe bring a narrated performance to entertain and enlighten many facets of Japanese dance and culture.
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Ikebana display all weekend. Gardens open 9 am-4:30 pm daily except Christmas Day; free parking. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums. $8 adults, $6 srs & students, $3 children ages 5-12; members, & children age 5 & younger are free.
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Sun-Sun, Nov 2-9, 2008; in Canada:
“POLAR BEAR TRAIN” With FRED EAGLESMITH, GURF MORLIX, JON DEE GRAHAM and friends Winnipeg-Churchill, MB and return. Music, a 900 mile train ride, and lots of Polar Bear watching. Includes all Polar Bear Train activities, all meals on board when train is enroute, sleeper accommodations (upper or lower semi-private berth accommodations, shower in each car, private dome car/lounge, concerts and workshops in Performance Car, farewell concert in Winnipeg, hotel room in Winnipeg 11/8. E-mail Roots on the Rails at trains@sover.net, or call 866-484-3669 (toll free in the US & Canada) or 802-258-1397. Info, www.rootsontherails.com. $3459.00 CN per person.
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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, Nov 2:
11 am-noon “BENEFIT CONCERT FOR LISA ATKINSON” with PETER ALSOP, JACKIE BREGER, DAN CROW, CARRIE HIGGINS, DAVE KINNOIN, JULIETTE MCDONALD, DENNIS O'HANLON, SUNI PAZ, BARNEY SALTZBERG, UNCLE RUTHIE, JOHN WOOD, & JOANIE BARTELS at McCabe’s, 3103 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; info, 310-828-4497. Artist info, www.myspace.com/peteralsop2 and www.peteralsop.com.
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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; 1st Sun, every month:
1-5 pm “1ST SUNDAYS BLUEGRASS JAM” at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance; first Sun, every month. Bill Elliott 909-678-1180; Ron Walters 310-534-1439.
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Sun, 1st Sun, every month:
1 pm Monthly “CTMS OLD TIME JAM” at the Center for Folk Music, 16953 Ventura Bl, Encino; 818-817-7756. Free.
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Sun, Nov 2:
1-3 pm “MATREYA ROCK OPERA” reading at the Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A.; 323-954-9630; www.themintla.com. Reservations, 323-463-2264. The reading of an original rock opera by Jayne DeMente & Gilli Moon, presented by Women's Heritage Project & Warrior Girl Music. Proceeds go towards Women's Heritage Project and Females On Fire series. $35 Includes "special venue "Mint" beverage.
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Sun, recurring:
1:30 pm WELSH CHOIR, for location, contact Rutthy: 818-507-0337.
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Sun; first Sun every month; in Nipomo:
2 pm WILD RIVER RAMBLERS bring bluegrass to Santa Maria Brewing Co, 112 Cuyama Ln (1/2 blk W of the 101), Nipomo; 805-349-2090. Features JULIO BOYSENBERRY on banjo. “2 PM to whenever.”
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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, Nov 2; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
3:30 pm PRAZAK STRING QUARTET with ROGER TAPPING, viola, play the Coleman Chamber Music Association series in Beckman Auditorium on the Caltech campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; http://events.caltech.edu/events/event-5702.html; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832). The Chicago Tribune wrote, "Definitive... no other single word more aptly describes the achievement by this superb foursome." Established in 1972 by students at the Prague Conservatory, the Quartet soon won significant awards, including first prize at the Evian String Quartet Competition in 1978. Their recordings have also won many honors, among these the Grand Prix International du Disque, the Diapason d'Or, and a special prize from Radio France for the best recording during the Evian Competition. The Quartet returns to the Caltech series with violist Roger Tapping, a member of the Order of the Knight Cross of the Hungarian Republic and known to Coleman audiences from his tenure with the Takács Quartet. Program includes:
Haydn, Quartet in D Major, Op. 50, No. 6 "The Frog"
Beethoven, Quintet in C Major, Op. 29 "Storm Quintet"
Dvořák, Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 97 "The American"
Artists’ info, www.prazakquartet.com. More at www.colemanchambermusic.org, including a downloadable series brochure. Series of Six Coleman Chamber Concerts, by subscription, $192, $156, $120, $90; $60 youth. Discounted tix available if you mention the Folk Music Society. Tix for this show, $36, $30, $25, $20; $10 youth.
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Sun, every week:
4-7 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Finn McCool, 2702 Main St, Santa Monica; 310-452-1734.
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Sun, every week:
4-7 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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Sun, every week:
4-6 pm “BEGINNERS IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Celtic Arts Center at Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com.
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Sun, 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; first Sun every month; in Santa Margarita:
5:30-8:30 pm SANTA MARGARITA JAM (bluegrass & more) at "The Porch" (formerly Solomon's Café), 22322 El Camino Real (Rt 58), Santa Margarita. First 1/2 hour is a free music lesson for anyone getting started; remainder of evening is an open jam for all pickers. Bluegrass / trad / old time oriented. Info, siminoff@siminoff.net.
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Sun, Nov 2:
6 pm “HIGH DESERT BLUEGRASS SESSIONS” CD release party in Altadena 91001, with DAVID NAIDITCH, PAT CLOUD, ERIC UGLUM, CHRISTIAN WARD, AUSTIN WARD, for David’s new CD, is a house concert and bluegrass jam all night. Contact David for info & directions: french10@pacbell.net or 626-797-1827. The new album’s all-star cast will all be there, performing live. David tells us, “Plenty of food and drinks will be provided. Feel free to invite others. There will be several jam rooms to accommodate different styles of music such as swing and gypsy jazz.” David’s previous instrumental bluegrass CD has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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Sun, Nov 2:
7 pm NATHAN McEUEN TRIO plus Nathan’s special guests, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations, 626-398-7917; info, www.coffeegallery.com. Yes, his father is JOHN McEUEN (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), and NATHAN McEUEN grew up in and around the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by incredible music and talented musicians. At an early age he started performing at various venues worldwide including festivals, taverns, theaters and radio stations with his father. Recently, Nathan has been on the road non-stop promoting his latest solo album releases “Grand Design,” which had its radio world premiere on “Tied to the Tracks,” and his more recent CD, “Festival.” Nathan's albums, composed of all original material, feature a wide variety of musical styles ranging from pop to Americana to bluegrass, and both feature many special guest musicians. Some of the many guests who perform on Nathan’s albums have also been known to sit-in with Nathan and hios trio at his concerts. They include MARIO CALIRE (OZOMATLI, WALLFLOWERS), JESSE SEIBENBERG (SUPERTRAMP, KENNY LOGGINS), CHRIS CASWELL (MUSICAL COMPOSER: THE SMURF's, ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS), JIMMY CALIRE (AMERICA), MIKE LONGORIA (PATTI GRIFFIN, BOB SCHNEIDER), & PAUL CARTWRIGHT (DR. DRE, CROSBY LOGGINS), and others.
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Nathan has performed on the “Tonight Show” with JAY LENO, “The Grand Ol Opry,” on XM Radio (3 Times), Voice Of America Radio, opened for DAVID CROSBY & GRAM NASH, DAVE MASON, LEON RUSSELL, KENNY LOGGINS, MONTE MONTGOMERY, TRISHA YEARWOOD, The NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND, BOB SCHNEIDER, LEE GREENWOOD, RIDERS IN THE SKY, performed with KEVIN NEALON (SNL), ED HELMS (“Daily Show,” “The Office”), RISSI PALMER, BRETT DENNEN, HOLLY BROOK, MARIO CALIRE (OZOMATLI, WALLFLOWERS), worked with GREG PENNY (producer K.D. LANG, ELTON JOHN), PAUL WILLAMS, WILLIE NELSON, and many others.
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"Nathan McEuen hits on all levels with 'Festival.' Rarely does an album come out these days that is not only well written and performed, but it is very entertaining."
- John Sandige, Santa Cruz, CA, KPIG 107.5 FM
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"The Nathan McEuen Trio and this album's influences surface in many beautiful, incredibly interesting and moving ways. One moment you're in a sizzling 'Le Club Hot' in Paris of the ‘30s, only to find yourself minutes later, transported to melodic and musical styles of rock, world, and folk. With virtuosity, soul and a huge musical vocabulary, this band needs to be heard." -Kim Hall, Salt Lake City, UT, KSOP 104.3 FM
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"The new album captures the live feel of this group wonderfully. Simple and stripped down, yet lacking nothing. Lyrically and Musically superb!" -Mitchell Keller, “Back Porch Radio Show,” Portland, OR. Tix, $15.
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Sun, Nov 2; world music:
7 pm “THE LOST SOUL OF SPAIN CONCERT” presents music & dance of the Sepharidc Jews, with THE YUVAL RON ENSEMBLE, singer SMADAR LEVI, and more, at Brentwood Presbyterian Church, 12000 San Vicente Bl, Brentwood 90049. YUVAL RON (www.yuvalronmusic.com) is an Oscar-winning composer, and master of the oud and saz. Check out Smadar Levi at www.smadarlevi.com. For more info, email info@yuvalronmusic.com or call 818-505-1355. JAMIE PAPISH, a past guest on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” is also performing; info of Jamie, www.myspace.com/jamiepapish
$20.
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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, Nov 2; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm LISBETH SCOTT & KIM CARROLL perform “Tunes about Love, Freedom, Peace, Hope & Life” at Kula, 1231 Lincoln Bl, Santa Monica (betw Santa Monica Bl & Arizona); www.kulaspace.com. Entrance is from alley. LISBETH SCOTT has performed live, several times, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” She sang the music in Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ,” then annoyed Christian radio when she wouldn’t parrot their buzz word philosophy during on-air interviews. She was a great guest on “TttT.” Do not park in neighbor’s lots. 30% of proceeds from the performance will be donated to “Stand Up for Kids!” Open seating, come early; bring a pillow if sitting on the floor makes you happy. Artist info, www.lisbethscott.com. $15 suggested donation.
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Sun, Nov 2:
8 pm “FOREVER FLAMENCO!” at The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Av (Fountain at Normandie), L.A. 90029; 323-663-1525; www.FountainTheatre.com.
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This time, the show features Guitarist / artistic Director ANTONIO TRIANA, singer JESUS MONTOYA, dancer CRISTINA LUCIO, guest dancers CAROLA ZERTUCHE & "JUANAIRE" from San Francisco.
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Ongoing Flamenco series takes place on the first and third Sunday of every month. With only 80 seats in four rows, The Fountain Theatre is the perfect place to view Flamenco. Each show features a roster of world-class Flamenco dancers, singers and musicians drawn from the rich pool of Flamenco artists in Southern California, with additional guest artists brought from San Francisco, Albuquerque and Spain. Series continues Sundays, 8 pm, Nov 16, Dec 7 & 21. Secure, on-site parking is $5; tix $30.
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Sun, Nov 2:
7:30 pm free screening of “DIVIDED WE STAND,” with soundtrack music by KENNY EDWARDS and WRECK ’N SEW, at the Akbar Screening Room, 4356 Sunset Bl (at Fountain), L.A. 90029. This folksy road trip documentary (78 mins) explores the country's political and cultural divide on the cusp of the 2004 presidential election. "Divided We Stand" was broadcast nationally earlier this year on the Dish Network and has played in several film festivals. The doc's Emmy-winning filmmakers, TOM DREW & MIKE BLOECHER, will be in attendance for a discussion of the film, and politics in general, after the screening. View the film's trailer (and / or purchase it on the SNAG FILMS window) at www.indiepixfilms.com/film/2186.
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The filmmakers say, “Given the current political season, ‘Divided We Stand’ is particularly timely, and if you have any interest in politics, you should find this doc especially entertaining. Please forward this invite onto other politically-minded friends and associates.” This is the final free screening of the film.
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Sun, Nov 2 (Oct 28-31 & Nov 1-2); in Laughlin, Nevada:
RIDERS IN THE SKY conclude a six night run at the Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino, Laughlin, NV.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3
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Monday’s “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick is at 7 pm in Hollywood.
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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, Nov 3:
6:10-8:10 pm “2008 PIANO FESTIVAL” at the Pasadena Central Library Auditorium, 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena 91101; www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/library/events. Info, contact Marilou Ladines or Cecilia Celis, 818-353-8457. Accessible to people with disabilities, and handicapped parking available. All ages. Free.
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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, Nov 3; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7 pm TRAVIS TRITT & MARTY STUART play The Music Box at Henry Fonda Theatre, 6126 Hollywood Bl (between Argyle & Gower), Hollywood; 323-464-0808. Doors at 7 pm; show time not specified. While both get airplay among mainstream Nashville country performers – though not on all of the stations that supposedly play “country” – each has remained true to his own vision of his music, so that neither can be confused with the dearth of Nashville’s soundalike red-state-trailer-park-rock. That alone makes each of them an Americana music figure, and the strength of their individual musical and songwriting abilities makes them both stars. Tix went on sale Sep 12 at 10 am. $42.
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Mon; 1st (and 3rd) Mon, every month:
7-10 pm DALE LaDUKE & FRIENDS play a twice-a-month singer-songwriter showcase night, with different guests each time, at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; http://arniescafe.com; www.myspace.com/arniescafe. DALE LaDUKE (Kaedmon, BeaTunes, Five Wheel Drive) tells us, it’s “a new little coffee house that is becoming quite a scene.” Dale gets major-league songwriters; a recent edition featured HAROLD PAYNE, & FREEBO. No cover, donations to artists are welcome.
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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; repeats every first Mon:
7:30-9 pm “LAMN JAM” at The Scene, 806 E Colorado St (x-st Everett), Glendale 91205; 818-241-7029. L.A. Music Network Jam is billed as a place where “artists, musicians, singers and songwriters play for the pros.” Only LAMN Members perform by registering at 818-769-6095 or tara@lamn.com. Info: www.lamn.com. Performers receive constructive criticism in the areas of music, lyrics and performance. No cover.
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Mon, every week:
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 week:
8 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at the Celtic Arts Center at Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com.
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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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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4
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TODAY IS ELECTION DAY across the United States of America, after what seemed like an endless campaign and series of primaries, caucuses, and 49 face-to-face debates among, and ultimately between, the candidates. Historians, political scientists, learned professors, pundits, preachers, pollsters, barber shop orators, and the presidential candidates of both major parties agree that it is the most important election in the lifetimes of most living Americans. For your future, for the sake of the future of coming generations here and across the globe, there is no greater priority today than for you to cast your thoughtful vote.
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(Even if all it does is direct the members of the Electoral College, who will actually choose the next President in December... if you remember the 2000 election, you know that Al Gore won, but, thanks to a meddlesome Supreme Court, he lost the Electoral College, and the White House.) Far more than most days, today is the first day of your future, and of our shared future on this planet.
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Tuesday’s “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick is likely to be an OBAMA VICTORY PARTY, near you. With songs of the Civil Rights era still sung by today’s singer-songwriters – even the young ones – and the opportunity for “We, the people,” to end a seemingly endless war, it’s difficult to imagine anything, anywhere, that will compete with the sweep of history that will overtake all else today and tonight, whatever the outcome of millions of individual decisions today at the polls.
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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, Nov 4:
12:30-2:30 pm “TUESDAY MUSICALE RECITALS” 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. Program & performer info, contact Barbara Shofler, 818-753-9521. All ages, free.
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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; first Tue, every month:
6:30-10 pm HAMMERED DULCIMER PRACTICE GROUP at a private home in Downey; first Tue, every month. Round-robin format, all levels welcome. No dues or fees. Contact Bea Romano for loc: celticanamusic@yahoo.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; first Tue, every month; in Camarillo:
6:30-10 pm Songmakers “ROUND TABLE PIZZA SONG CIRCLE” at Round Table Pizza, 880 Arneill Rd (near Ponderosa; in Longs, K-Mart, Vons shopping center), Camarillo. Get 20% off your order during the Songmakers event. You can call to order ahead at 805-484-8900. Info, www.songmakers.org/circles/round_table.htm; TJ Zeiler, 805-482-0029.
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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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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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Tue; first & third Tue, every month:
“BACK PORCH AT THE UNURBAN” hosted by swamp grass band KILLING CASSANOVA, on the back porch at the Unurban Coffee House, 3301 Pico Bl (at 33rd), Santa Monica. The back porch is “a night of acoustic singer-songwriters, folk and freak folkers” sharing the stage with Killing Cassanova. The Unurban is a free thinking, all ages, speakeasy-style coffee house, with food for vegeterians and deli lovers alike, and the usual coffeehouse fare. The hosts also say, “Please contact us if you're interested in sharing the stage with Killing Cassanova,” through www.myspace.com/killingcassanova .
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Tue, Nov 4:
8 pm-1 am monthly “RONNIE MACK'S BARNDANCE” at the historic El Cid, 4212 Sunset Bl (5 blocks E of Vermont), L.A. 90029; 323-668-0318. Ronnie Mack's monthly extravaganza always brings a good lineup, including The Barndance Band, which opens the show, and usually plays again before the jam. In between are the featured guests. If you want a table, make dinner reservations. FREE admission.
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Tue, Nov 4:
8 pm RIVER ROUGE plays their CD release show with guests MIKE SCHMID, and MISS WILLIE BROWN, at The Bordello Bar, 901 E 1st St, L.A.; www.bordellobar.com. River Rouge’s "Dark Horse Running" CD is now up at iTunes, eMusic, MSN, Rhapsody, and similar places that sell music by download. CD's can be purchased from the band at the show for $10. Artists info, www.andrecomeau.com. $6 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, 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 week:
8 pm OPEN MIC at Sierra Cup, 409 S Myrtle Av, Monrovia 91016; 626-301-4214; www.sierracup.com. Sign-ups at 7:30 pm.
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Tue & Wed, Nov 4 & 5; in Seattle:
MARTIN SIMPSON, winner of two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, performs two nights at Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA. Compass records recording artist Martin Simpson is touring his new CD, “Prodigal Son,” which won the BBC’s “Best Album,” together with “Best Original Song” for "Never Any Good." The publication “The List” calls him, "roots music at it's finest," and The “Boston Globe” says he is "One of England's finest guitarists." There is no one who has more successfully combined the diverse elements of British, Afro-American and old-timey music than Martin Simpson. After 35 years as a professional musician, Simpson is better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest fingerstyle and slide guitarists in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His performances are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Hear clips from “Prodigal Son” at http://compassrecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=531
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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, NOVEMBER 5
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Wed-Sun, Nov 5-9; in Death Valley Nat’l Park:
Annual “DEATH VALLEY 49ERS ENCAMPMENT” with DAVE STAMEY, KEN GRAYDON, many others performing.
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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:
7-10 pm weekly OPEN MIC at the Talking Stick, (new location), 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. Alternating hosts TOM & BYRON or ELLEN. Sign-ups at 6:45 pm. Venue has coffeehouse fare and good sandwiches. All ages, no cover.
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Wed, 1st & 3rd Wed, every month:
7-11 pm 7-11 pm OPEN MIC, followed by “WESTSIDE SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND” at Santa Monica Bar & Grille, 3321 Pico Bl, Santa Monica. The Open Mic is 7-9 pm (6:45 pm sign-ups) and it’s hosted by ALLAN COMEAU. The pre-booked songwriters follow, 9-11 pm, hosted by JEFF KOSSACK & JOHN STOWERS. “They usually have a song circle with 4 or 5 songwriters,” says SEVERIN BROWNE and he continues, “For those of you who like a good open mic night, my friend Allan Comeau is hosting. The location for this wondrous event is not far from McCabe’s. For those of you on the West Side, this may become your regular Wednesday night outing! John and Jeff are talking about having the very best singer-songwriters that they know join them every two weeks. And the food is GOOD.”
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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, Nov 5:
7:30 pm CARRIE UNDERWOOD on her “Carnival Ride” tour, with LITTLE BIG TOWN, at NOKIA Theatre L.A. Live, downtown L.A. $ tbd; tix on Sale June 30 at 10 am. Info, www.goldenvoice.com.
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Wed, every week:
7:30-10:30 pm “SINGER-SONGWRITER NIGHT” with STRUFF & TERRY, and Musical Guests at Tango D'Amore, 19524 Nordhoff St #3, Northridge 91324; shared parking with Guitar Center; 818-727-7399; www.tangodamore.com. Lineup always includes hosts Struff & Terry (www.struffandterry.com) and others, sometimes unknown, sometimes rather well-known. $5 cover.
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Wed, every week:
7:30-10 pm OPEN MIC at Guitar Merchant, 7503 Topanga Cyn Bl, Canoga Park 91303; 818-884-5905. Every Wednesday, hosted by Melinda Gibson. 7 pm sign-ups. Get your set recorded on CD for $10 (optional). Snacks and drinks available. No cover, tip jar for artists.
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Wed, 1st Wed, every month:
7:30-10 pm monthly “SONGWRITER'S NETWORK SEMINAR” with a music industry guest speaker, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001. Songnet’s monthly seminar brings an assortment of accomplished music industry insiders, from traditional record label execs to the gurus of new media. It provides musicians and songwriters the opportunity to get inside information on the business side of music, to help their creative endeavors and careers. Info on night’s program, the organization, 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. Coffeehouse fare available. Free entry, $5 suggested donation.
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In addition, every THIRD Wednesday, SongNet’s performance showcase is held here, with lots of musicians, plenty of songs and fun. (Register on their website to perform.)
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Wed, 1st & 3rd Wed every month:
7:30-9:30 pm twice-monthly “COWBOY WESTERN JAM” at El Trocadero, 24274 Main St (at Market), Newhall 91321; 661-284-6615; www.eltrocaderosteakhouse.com. (Many maps show the street name as San Fernando Rd; the part where the venue is located was renamed Main St in 2007.) Event moved to this venue in Sep, 2008. This is the event that was held at Rattlesnake Slim’s until that venue had a fire, and before that, it was held for years at Vincenzo’s Pizza. All pickers invited. No cover.
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Wed, every week; in Simi Valley:
7:30-11:30 pm SONGMAKERS “SIMI VALLEY HOOT” jam session; call for location, 805-579-6416; www.songmakers.org/hoots/simi_valley_hoot.htm.
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Wed, 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, 1st 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, 1st Wed, every month:
8 pm monthly “ACOUSTICALLY SPEAKING” show with performing host PoetRoniGirl and a full evening’s lineup, at Room 5, 143 N LaBrea, L.A. $6 at door with a flyer, or $6 if you say "Flyer" (otherwise, it’s more).
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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, Nov 5; in Seattle:
8 pm ALANIS MORISSETTE at the Paramount Theatre, 901 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101. Tix $62, $46.50, $36.50.
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Wed, Nov 5; in Seattle:
MARTIN SIMPSON, winner of two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, performs the second of two nights at Dimitrou’s Jazz Alley, Seattle, WA. Compass records recording artist Martin Simpson is touring his new CD, “Prodigal Son,” which won the BBC’s “Best Album,” together with “Best Original Song” for "Never Any Good." The publication “The List” calls him, "roots music at it's finest," and The “Boston Globe” says he is "One of England's finest guitarists." There is no one who has more successfully combined the diverse elements of British, Afro-American and old-timey music than Martin Simpson. After 35 years as a professional musician, Simpson is better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest fingerstyle and slide guitarists in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His performances are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Hear clips from “Prodigal Son” at http://compassrecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=531
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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, 1st & 3rd Wed, every month:
9-11 pm “WESTSIDE SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND” hosted by JEFF KOSSACK & JOHN STOWERS with pre-booked guests, at Santa Monica Bar & Grille, 3321 Pico Bl, Santa Monica. Usually a song circle with 4 or 5 accomplished songwriters. See 7 pm listing for more.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
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Thursday’s pair of “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks are at UCLA and in Hollywood, both at 8 pm.
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Thu, every week:
11 am-2 pm “VAN NUYS FARMER'S MARKET,” brand new in October ’08, with live music performances, in the Van Nuys Civic Center behind the Los Angeles City Hall annex building and in front of the City Library, 14410 Sylvan St, Van Nuys 91401.
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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, 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, 1st and 3rd 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, Nov 6; every week:
7-10 pm “POCKET GOLDBERG & FRIENDS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” with this week’s guest artists DAN NAVARRO (Lowen & Navarro, Pat Benatar), and PHIL PARLAPIANO (John Prine, Lowen & Navarro, Lucinda Williams), at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; www.myspace.com/arniescafe. DALE LaDUKE (Kaedmon, BeaTunes) tells us, “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, 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, 4-7 pm. Evening costs $7 plus two drink minimum (bottled water, juices, more available). Zydeco dance lessons included: 7-7:30 basic zydeco; 7:30-8 pm intermediate / advanced dance moves. CD dancing 8-9 pm. Beginners, singles, all ages welcome. Dance instruction by Karen Redding of LouisianaDanceLA.com; Karen has taught at L.A. Music Center, “Long Beach Bayou Festival,” San Diego's “Gator By The Bay” Festival, “Simi Valley Cajun Festival,” Galaxy Theater, private parties and corporate events. Info, Karen, 562-438-1255, karinovations@verizon.net.
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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, Nov 6; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm LINDA RONSTADT, ten-time Grammy-winner, reunites with the world-famous MARIACHI LOS CAMPEROS DE NATI CANO in “A Romantic Evening in Old Mexico,” at UCLA Live, Royce Hall, UCLA campus at Royce Dr between Westwood Bl and Hilgard Av, West L.A. UCLA ticket office: 310-825-2101 or www.uclalive.org. The show highlights songs from her best-selling albums “Canciones de Mi Padre” and “Más Canciones.” The dance troupe, Ballet Folklorico Paso del Norte, will also perform to the classic Mexican ranchera music.
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One of the most enduring and beloved singers in American popular music, LINDA RONSTADT continues to enjoy a spectacular career, highlighted by a string of platinum-selling albums and 10 Grammy Awards that span diverse genres, including pop, country, jazz and Latin music. In a romantic and heartfelt tribute to the classic Mexican music of her youth, Ronstadt will reunite with the world-famous and fellow Grammy-winners, MARIACHI LOS CAMPEROS DE NATI CANO (who were a hit with UCLA Live audiences last season, with their “Day of the Dead” celebration). Together with Linda, they perform songs from her best-selling albums, “Canciones de Mi Padre” and “Más Canciones.” Long recognized as one of the premier mariachi ensembles on the planet, MARIACHI LOS CAMPEROS has been a driving force in mariachi music for almost 50 years, hailed for innovative concerts and the visionary leadership of its founder, NATI CANO. Ronstadt will also be joined by the renowned dance troupe, BALLET FOLKLORICO PASO DEL NORTE from El Paso, Texas, for an all-star evening of classic ranchera music from Northwestern Mexico. Tix $80, $62, $50, $38; $15 for UCLA students.
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Thu, Nov 6; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW at The Music Box, Henry Fonda Theater, 6126 Hollywood Bl (between Argyle & Gower), Hollywood; 323-464-0808. Last time they played L.A., radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” did exclusive radio promotion, and their show sold-out. How can a string band from the Appalachian Piedmont make a dance hall from a concert venue packed with kids just old enough to get in the door? Come find out. They do, raucously and joyously. They’ve played radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion” several times, they’re wonderfully entertaining and wildly popular, so get tix early! Tix went on sale Jun 2, at www.goldenvoice.com. $30.
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Thu, Nov 6:
8 pm HuDOST at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Haling from Montreal and New York, HuDost's unique wide-ranging style blends “alternative world music” with atmospheric, experimental sounds to create their own "Country and Eastern" fusion. Venue impresario BOB STANE tells us, “They mix traditional Sufi, Bulgarian, Turkish and Arabic music with folk, pop, rock and Southern gospel to create a breathtaking combination of sonic moods.”
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HuDost is a musical collective whose core musicians are Moksha Sommer and Jemal Wade Hines. HuDost has two albums, “In an Eastern Rose Garden” (2005) and “Seedling” (2006), and one B-sides record, “Archive Anomalies: Volume 1.” They just finished their third album, in 2008, with producer Malcolm Burn, who won a Grammy with Emmylou Harris’ “Red Dirt Girl.” Burn has also worked with Peter Gabriel, Daniel Lanois, Bob Dylan, Kaki King and many other renowned artists. The new album is slated for an early 2009 release.
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HuDost toured Europe and performed extensively on the east coast including shows at Alex Grey’s CoSM in NYC, the Salvador Dali Museum, Omega Institute, Rumi Festival at the Carborro Arts Center, the Shakori Grassroots festival. They have opened for the CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO, OMAR FARUK TEKBILEK, & JEFFERSON STARSHIP as well as working with MERCAN DEDE, & NEKO CASE. The group has just returned from touring Turkey, Germany and several other cities in Europe. $15.
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Thu, Nov 6:
CANCELLED: 8 pm TRIO GONZALO at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, . TRIO GONZALO is considered to have one of the best guitar players in America. Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “You will hear a mix of Gypsy Jazz and latin acoustic music with melodies you will not forget. Passionate, virtuoso guitar, incredible clarinet player Rob Hardt, and a pumping rhythm section.” After touring the world extensively with JOHN JORGENSON, Gonzalo is presenting their new CD, “Porteña Soledad” to incredible reviews all over the planet. $15. (See preceding listing for the show that IS there tonight.)
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Thu, 1st and 3rd 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:
8-11:30 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; 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, 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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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
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There are four “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks for Friday: one in Altadena at 7 :30 pm, the rest at 8 pm, in Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Oak Park (Thousand Oaks area).
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Fri-Sun, Nov 7-9; in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear, CA:
10th annual “MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS FOLK MUSIC WEEKEND” at Camp de Benneville Pines in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear; event info, www.debenneville.org/folkmusic/WebFlierFolkMusic08.pdf. Musicians, singers, dancers are all invited. Camp features workshops, classes, activities, “great food, great people and great fun.” Workshops & Activities include:
> “Blues Basics” - A Teaching Jam
> “Carter Family Songs”
> “A Capella Potpourri” / Rock & Roll Party Hoot
> Camper's Concert, “Songs of Meaning”
> Country Western Line Dancing
> “Building a Didgeridoo” workshop
> Yoga / Buddhist-Swedish Massage / Hot Tub / Archery / Hiking
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For more information and to register, contact www.debenneville.org or call Caroline Quintanilla, Camp de Benneville Pines, 909-794-2928 (camp office for messages), caroline@uucamp.org
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Fri-Sun, Nov 7-9:
Annual “TAXI ROAD RALLY” at 5400 W Century Bl, L.A. 90045. Includes song pitch opportunities and many workshops and panels. Info, www.taxi.com and www.songsalive.org/sponsoredevents.
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Fri, Nov 7; in Illinois:
Annual “GREATER DOWNSTATE INDOOR BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL,” at Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S Dirkson Pkwy, Springfield, IL. Includes an all-day banjo workshop taught by BILL EVANS, designed for banjo players with one or more years of playing experience. Event info, Terry Lease, 217-243-3159 or tjlease@fgi.net .
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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, first Fri, every month:
6:30-10 pm “JAVA WITH JAVELYN INDIE MUSIC NITES” is a featured act / OPEN MIC monthly event at the The Talking Stick, (new location), 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. Includes music and raffles of merchandise from indie artists and sponsors, including massage, life coaching, and acting coaches. Venue has coffeehouse fare and good sandwiches. Javelyn holds a companion event every 3rd Sat at another venue, at 8 pm; see that calendar listing. Info, www.javawithjavelyn.com. $2 cover.
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Fri, 1st & 3rd Fri, every month:
7-10 pm MARC BOSSERMAN plays piano at Vitello’s Restaurant 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City 91604; 818-769-0905. Marc says, “Great place for Italian grub.” He delivers fine piano (and elsewhere, vocals). Info, www.marcbosserman.com.
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Fri, every 1st & 3rd Fri; in Lancaster:
7 pm SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLASS in Lancaster, meets the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month, at the Lutheran Church of the Master, 725 E Avenue J, Lancaster. Call Walter or Paula at 942-6893 for info. Organizers say, “If you can walk, you can do this social dance. It's great fun, and beginners are welcome.”
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Fri, every 1st & 3rd Fri; in San Clemente:
Blues legend BERNIE PEARL’s residency at Iva Lee's in San Clemente. Switching his four-year residency there to alternate Fridays; on second Saturdays, Bernie will continue to play electric with pianist Dwayne Smith. He was great performing live on “Tied to the Tracks” in March, ‘07. Artist info, www.berniepearl.com.
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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, Nov 7; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm STEVE SMITH & CHRIS SAUNDERS, with SCOTT GATES opening, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001; reservations, 626-398-7917; info, www.coffeegallery.com. STEVE SMITH & CHRIS SANDERS of Las Cruces, New Mexico, are performing four rare California concerts during the first week of November. The pair are a dynamic acoustic duo, performing original compositions and old favorites in the traditions of folk, rock, bluegrass and country. SCOTT GATES, the California High Desert's 16-year-old mandolin wunderkind, has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and he was a performing guest this past summer with the NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND. Scott is opening, and he will join Steve and Chris during their set, as well. $15.
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Fri, first Fri, every month:
7:30 pm “SONGSALIVE! FIRST FRIDAYS LOS ANGELES SHOWCASE” at Hallenbeck's & Cahuenga General Store, 5510 Cahuenga Bl, North Hollywood 91601; www.hallenbecks.net. Featuring talented songwriters from around the globe, and held around the globe, Songsalive! Showcases are a cozy, intimate and acoustic environment where media and music industry representatives often drop-by to check-out the latest talent. Venue has coffeehouse fare, good sandwiches & salads. Info on sponsoring organization at www.songsalive.org/losangeles. $8 cover at the door.
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Fri, Nov 7; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm ANDY M. STEWART and GERRY O’BEIRNE at the CalTech Folk Music Society series on the Caltech campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; www.folkmusic.caltech.edu; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832).
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ANDY M. STEWART, Scottish singer and songwriter, ”is among the finest interpreters of Scottish Folk songs and a wonderful songwriter." - The Boston Globe.
Known for his wicked wit and sterling live performances, he is among the finest singers in the Scots/Irish traditional genre, with a voice that "conveys more emotion in one line than most singers do in a lifetime." - Beacon Herald. Lead singer & guitarist for SILLY WIZARD, with whom he recorded eight albums before the group’s 1988 breakup, Andy has since recorded four solo albums, namely, “By the Hush,” named “Folk Album of the Year” by Melody Maker Magazine; “Songs of Robert Burns;” “Man in the Moon;” and “Donegal Rain,” which was named Mojo's Folk Album of the Month. He has also recorded three albums with Manus Lunny. More at www.andymstewart.com.
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GERRY O’BEIRNE is a renowned singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, playing 6 and 12 string guitar, tiple, ukulele, slide guitar, and more. He grew up in Ireland and in Ghana (West Africa), and has since lived in England, California, and Mexico. Many of his songs have been embraced by the contemporary folk community. Maura O’Connell recorded “Half Moon Bay,” “Western Highway”, “Shades of Gloria,” and “The Isle of Malachy.” Mary Black recorded “The Holy Ground” as a title track and Andy Irvine recorded it with Patrick Street. Gerry is touring his new album, "The Bog Bodies and Other Stories: Music for Guitar." More at www.gerryobeirne.com.
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Info & tix, Caltech Ticket Office, 626-395-4652 or 1-888-2CALTECH.
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Fri, Nov 7; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm LAURENCE JUBER, two-time Grammy Award-winner, Fingerstyle "Guitarist of the Year," former lead guitarist for PAUL McCARTNEY’s band, WINGS, plays at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com. LAURENCE JUBER fuses folk, jazz, pop and classical styles, creating a multifaceted performance that belies the use of only one instrument. Among his many honors, Juber won the “Best Rock Instrumental” Grammy for the track, “Rockestra” on the WINGS album "Back to the Egg." Juber has developed a reputation as a world-class guitar virtuoso solo artist, composer and arranger, voted #1 by “Fingerstyle Guitar” magazine. LAURENCE JUBER has released 12 critically acclaimed solo albums, including "LJ Plays the Beatles," "Guitarist," "One Wing," and "I've Got the World on 6 Strings." Artist info, www.laurencejuber.com. $20.
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Fri, Nov 7; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm ELLIS PAUL at Russ & Julie's House Concert series in Oak Park (Thousand Oaks area); www.myspace.com/russjuliehouseconcerts; www.houseconcerts.us. Reserv & directions at houseconcerts@jrp-graphics.com. Features coffee & dessert buffet, to which contributions are welcome. Doors at 7:30 pm. All proceeds go to the artist. Check for price of each concert.
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Fri, Nov 7; series runs first Fri, every month:
8-10 pm monthly “FIRST FRIDAY” show with this month’s guest BOB CHEEVERS, hosted by SEVERIN BROWNE at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; live simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. BOB CHEEVERS writes and sings down home, award-winning folk-Americana, alt-country songs, with, as Severin Browne says, “Stories up the wahoo!” Bob is touring the West Coast in support of his new CD, "Fiona's World."
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The monthly series features performing guests (one or more recording artists) and the “First Friday Band,” with SEVERIN BROWNE, MIKE BISCH, DAVID STONE, JEFF KOSSACK, AARON WOLFSON, ALEX DEL ZOPPO and GARY POPENOE. 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-Sun, Nov 7, 8, 9:
8 pm “REDDY OR NOT: A MUSICAL COMEDY TRIBUTE TO HELEN REDDY” returns to L.A. for a three-day run at ITA Productions, 10820 W. Washington Bl, Culver City 90232; reservations, 646-342-8861; www.reddy-or-not.com. It was in town in February & March, we saw it, and it’s very entertaining, with a charming premise based on two lead characters who desperately need to get a life. The story line functions as a 70-minute musical comedy tribute to Helen Reddy, including '70s pop chart hits like "I Am Woman," "You and Me Against the World", and "Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady." It takes a fresh and funny look at Reddy's music and the effect it had on two characters’ very odd lives. Will the idealistic young woman and excitable young gay man become fast friends, or American-Idol-style combatants? It's co-written by JOANNA PARSON and LANCE WERTH, who call it, "an evening of hilarity for people who love 'Pete's Dragon'...and those who don't!" This Los Angeles production again stars JOANNA PARSON and ALEX BOLING (he of the ABC Family TV show, “Secret Life of the American Teenager”) with Musical Direction by BARBARA ANSELMI.
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The LA Weekly declared, "Do we really need a comedy tribute to Helen Reddy? You bet your Delta Dawn, we do!" Harriet Schock, songwriter of “Ain’t No Way to Treat a Lady,” says, “I thoroughly enjoyed this when I saw it before. I will see it again. It was quite hilarious.” –During its run in NYC, Sara Cardace in New York Magazine (.com) called it "As hilarious as it is endearing!" People Magazine (.com) calls it "Hilarious!" And Helen Reddy herself is quoted on The Washington Post.com, saying, "I loved it!"
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Info, www.joannaparson.com; trailer, www.youtube.com/watch?v=xor3bs1KsAQ.
Show runs Fri & Sat at 8 pm, and Sun at 3 pm. $15.
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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, first Fri, every month:
8 pm-midnight Songmakers “NORTH COUNTRY HOOT” at a private home in Northridge; for info & loc, www.songmakers.org/hoots/northcountryhoot.htm.
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Fri, Nov 7; in the OC:
8 pm TOMMY CASTRO at The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano; 949-496-8930.
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Nov 7; in Olympia, WA:
MARTIN SIMPSON, winner of two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, performs at the Washington Performing Arts Center, Olympia, WA. Compass records recording artist Martin Simpson is touring his new CD, “Prodigal Son,” which won the BBC’s “Best Album,” together with “Best Original Song” for "Never Any Good." The publication “The List” calls him, "roots music at it's finest," and The “Boston Globe” says he is "One of England's finest guitarists." There is no one who has more successfully combined the diverse elements of British, Afro-American and old-timey music than Martin Simpson. After 35 years as a professional musician, Simpson is better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest fingerstyle and slide guitarists in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His performances are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Hear clips from “Prodigal Son” at http://compassrecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=531
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Fri, Nov 7:
9 pm LIGHTNIN' WILLIE & THE POORBOYS at the Knitting Factory, 7021 Hollywood Bl, Hollywood; www.knittingfactory.com; 323-463-0204. Gene and Lorey of the “Maxson Road House” concert series tell us,” They’re our friends. Get out there and support the blues.” Tix $12 advance, $14 door.
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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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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
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There are three “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks for Saturday, one each in Sherman Oaks and Venice (both at 7 pm), and one in L.A. at 8 pm.
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Sat, Nov 8 (Fri-Sun, Nov 7-9); in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear, CA:
10th annual “MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS FOLK MUSIC WEEKEND” at Camp de Benneville Pines in the San Bernardino Mountains near Big Bear; event info, www.debenneville.org/folkmusic/WebFlierFolkMusic08.pdf. Musicians, singers, dancers are all invited. Camp features workshops, classes, activities, “great food, great people and great fun.” Workshops & Activities include:
> “Blues Basics” - A Teaching Jam
> “Carter Family Songs”
> “A Capella Potpourri” / Rock & Roll Party Hoot
> Camper's Concert, “Songs of Meaning”
> Country Western Line Dancing
> “Building a Didgeridoo” workshop
> Yoga / Buddhist-Swedish Massage / Hot Tub / Archery / Hiking
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For more information and to register, contact www.debenneville.org or call Caroline Quintanilla, Camp de Benneville Pines, 909-794-2928 (camp office for messages), caroline@uucamp.org
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Sat, Nov 8 (Fri-Sun, Nov 7-9):
Annual “TAXI ROAD RALLY” at 5400 W Century Bl, L.A. 90045. Includes song pitch opportunities and many workshops and panels. Info, www.taxi.com and www.songsalive.org/sponsoredevents.
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Sat, Nov 8; in Texas:
“REDNECK FESTIVAL” with lots of music, a truck show with prizes for “Best Redneck Truck” & “Worst Redneck Truck,” a pool tournament with “8-Ball Break” (they spelled it “brake”) contest, a “Washer Pitching Tournament” (no, we don’t know if that’s nut-bolt-washer, or washing machines, and we’re not gonna ask), a horseshoe tournament, and an array of contests, including hot-dog-eating, lawn-mower-racing, watermelon-seed-spitting, together with the crowning of the “Redneck Royal Court,” prizes for “Best Dressed Redneck” (man & woman), a “Miss Redneck” contest (they said “contest,” not beauty pageant, so be warned), and probably more. Live music (scheduled bands) noon-midnight, plus indoor acoustic jams noon-9 pm. Regis & tix on sale for the "Redneck Coupon" price of $13. Specify if a band refers you, so they’ll get paid for their performance. Info, www.myspace.com/redneckfestival.
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Sat, Nov 8:
10 am- Noon “ONCE UPON A TIME AT THE HOMESTEAD” at the Homestead Museum, 15415 East Don Julian Rd, City of Industry; 91745; www.homesteadmuseum.org. The imaginations of children come to life as Museum storytellers share memorable tales with them and instruct them in making a craft. Ideal for children 8 and under. Details when available. Meantime the museum advises, “Parents: consider visiting your local library before or after the event to keep your young ones engaged with reading.” Reserv recommended, and can be made starting July 25. Admission is free.
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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, 2nd Sat, every month; in Tehachapi:
2-5 pm Monthly “FIDDLE JAM” at Veterans Hall, 125 East F Street, Tehachapi. Second Sat, every month. Info: Leslie Schoenberg, California State Old Time Fiddlers Association, District 3, 661-821-0800. Every second Saturday, fiddlers and pickers are all welcome to join in the fun and learn some new fiddle tunes. All ages welcome as well as those who want to listen and tap their toes; www.tehachapi.com.
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Sat, Nov 8; not music, but relevant:
3 pm “CLIMATE CHANGE AND PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE 21st CENTURY” at the The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; www.getty.edu. What does global warming portend for our built environment - our cities, buildings, and monuments? A panel of environmentalists and cultural heritage experts discuss the effects of climate change on our communities and the actions we can and must take now. Reservations at www.getty.edu/visit/events/climate_panel.html?cid=egetty084. Free; reservations required.
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Nov 8; in Seattle:
3 & 8 pm TRANS SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA at the Key Arena, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109. Tix $59, $49, $39. Unless they’ve cloned themselves, we’re not sure how they plan to do this, because they’re playing a show the same day in Richmond, VA!
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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, Nov 8; 2nd Sat every month:
4-6 pm new OPEN MIC preceding the monthly “GRASSROOTS ACOUSTICA” at The Talking Stick’s NEW location, 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; 310-450-6052; www.thetalkingstick.net. See the 7 pm listing for the scheduled show’s lineup. No cover.
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Sat, 2nd Sat, every month; in Lake Elizabeth & web simulcast:
4 pm-midnight “EAST OF NOWHERE JAM & POTLUCK” at a private residence in Lake Elizabeth 93532; call for info & directions, 661-724-1064. Sponsors say, “Bring your axe, your voice, your ears and something to eat and/or drink. We’ll have a ball!” For the first time, the monthly event will be simulcast on the web, at http://lakesandvalleys.camstreams.com.
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Sat, Nov 8:
6:30-8:30 pm “COME CELEBRATE ARTS WITH US!” at the Pasadena Central Library Auditorium, 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena 91101; www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/library/events. This is a visual arts/photography event. Info, contact Mira Mataric, 626-578-0470, mira016@hotmail.com. Accessible to people with disabilities, and handicapped parking available. All ages, free.
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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, 2nd Sat, every month; in the OC:
6:30 pm Blues legend BERNIE PEARL plays a monthly duet show with pianist DWAYNE SMITH at Iva Lee's in San Clemente. This is Bernie & Dwayne’s every-second Saturday show, and Bernie usually plays this one electric. He was great performing live acoustic on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” in March 2007. Artist info, www.berniepearl.com.
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Sat, Nov 8; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7-9 pm “SAVE YOUR FORK, THERE’S PIE” – an evening of music in support of the Valley Food Bank, with LINDSAY TOMASIC plus STRING PLANET at M Street Coffee, 13251 Moorpark St, Sherman Oaks 91423; 818-902-9699. Award-winning singer-songwriter LINDSAY TOMASIC‘s music has appeared in many films and TV shows, including the “Oprah” show’s theme. STRING PLANET is the duo of Grammy winner NOVI NOVOG, & LARRY TUTTLE with NICOLE FALZONE joining both headliners for two sets of music. The event title is one of Lindsay’s songs, and it’s been chosen as the name of the 1st Annual "Save Your Fork, There's Pie" food drive for the Valley Food Bank, a project of Rescue Mission Alliance. Admission to the event is a donation, as well as at least one can of food. Help others in our community to put food on the table during these difficult times. Enjoy some great music while these talented artists take a couple of hours to give back to our community, with your help. Lindsay adds, “This is a beautiful venue. You'll love it!”
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Sat, Nov 8; 2nd Sat every month; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7-10 pm monthly “GRASSROOTS ACOUSTICA” this month with a “Greatest Hits Edition” featuring LARRY JOHN MCNALLY, HARRIET SCHOCK, ALAN O’DAY, LOIS BLAISCHE, JOHN TOWNSEND, LAUREN WOOD, artists-in-residence TOM GRAMLICH & BYRON PFEIFER, & performing host MARK ISLAM, at the charity benefit series new home, The Talking Stick’s NEW location, 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; 310-450-6052; www.thetalkingstick.net. Tonight is the series’ 17th installment with 100% of donations benefitting “The Braille Institute.”
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This is certainly a “Greatest Hits” night. Harriet Schock wrote “Ain’t No Way to Treat a Lady,” Lois Blaische (who has performed on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”) has had many songs placed in films and scored a top ten hit with a song she wrote for TIFFANY, and Alan O’Day wrote and recorded “Undercover Angel.”
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Beginning with this show, an open mic from 4-6 pm precedes the scheduled lineup. More on Grassroots Acoustica, at www.grassrootsacoustica.org. No cover, but it’s a fund-raiser for charity.
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Sat, Nov 8:
7 pm MOJACAR FLAMENCO performs “BAILES CANDILES” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. It’s an evocative duet concert that takes its inspiration from the 19th century "Café Cantante" flamenco shows, where the only lighting was supplied by gas lamps. This intimate concert setting allows the artists to perform their best, most difficult flamenco works. Featuring guitar virtuoso STEPHEN DICK and elegant, fiery flamenco dancer/singer KATERINA TOMÁS, this exciting duet transforms the art of flamenco. Recognized with numerous awards and honors for their artistry by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, the City of Los Angeles, the Zellerbach and Haas Foundations, and “Meet the Composer,” Mojácar Flamenco is well known for their distinctive use of Katerina's footwork as a rhythmic instrument and Stephen's outstanding flamenco guitar compositions. Tonight, they celebrate the release of their hot new Flamenco and Latin album, “Al Que Quiere.” $15.
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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, Nov 8; in Poway (San Diego):
7 pm JOEL RAFAEL plays the San Diego Folk Heritage series at Templar's Hall, Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd, Poway; 858-566-4040; SDFH@san.rr.com. Joel’s CD tracks have been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” He is an award-winning, internationally-recognized songwriter from San Diego County. Among his accomplishments are winning the Kerrville Folk Festival "New Folk Emerging Songwriter Award" in 1995. Artist info, www.joelrafael.com. Adv tix, www.ticketweb.com; $18 gen’l, $15 mbrs.
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Sat, Nov 8; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm MONTREAL GUITAR TRIO at Theatre Raymond Kabbaz, Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, 10361 W Pico Bl, L.A. 90064; www.theatreraymondkabbaz.com; 310-286-0553. Marrying passionate virtuosity with a stealthy sense of humor, “MG3” is the hottest guitar ensemble in Canada. Guitarists GLENN LÉVESQUE, MARC MORIN and SÉBASTIEN DUFOUR at once charmed the ears of seasoned critics and continue to capture the hearts of their expanding audiences.
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The Trio's eclectic, energetic music takes listeners on a journey through the world's many cultures - from the mysterious exotic melodies of India to the hot rhythms of South America, Spain, the Balkans, the orient, traditional Quebec and... Hollywood.
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Since it was founded at the University of Montréal in 1998, the MG3 has given hundreds of concerts in North America and Europe, and many have been recorded and broadcast by national networks, including CBC, BRAVO, Radio France, the Romanian National Television and Société Radio-Canada. MG3’s 2002 concert, entitled "The Heat of the Day," performed in Montreal, was nominated for “Concert of the Year - Jazz and World Music” at the prestigious Prix Opus 2002, celebrating musical excellence in Quebec. This concert launched the Trio's second album, “Garam Masala,” which was also nominated for “Disk of the Year.”
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"The Montreal Trio's guitars know no limits. They journey along with brio from jazz to classical music, from India to Canada. The Ussac Church has been swept away on the thunder of their strings!" - La Montagne Newspaper - FRANCE
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"... They delivered loads of infectious good humour and some solid ensemble playing that skirted the four corners of the musical world."
- Bill Rankin, Edmonton Journal – CANADA
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Tix $35 gen’l, $20 students.
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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, Nov 8:
7:30 pm weekly “RANCH PARTY” this time with DAVID SERBY & THE SIDEWINDERS for an evening of alt-country & Americana roots music, on the West Patio Stage, Original Farmers Market, 3rd & Fairfax, L.A. Presented by EB’s Beer & Wine Bar. Parking: 2 hours free with validation from sponsoring venue; $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, Nov 8:
8 pm BOB CHEEVERS plays a House concert in Glendale 91206; reservations get directions, at 818-621-7222 or Dschuste@usc.edu. BOB CHEEVERS writes and sings down home, award-winning folk-Americana, alt-country songs, with, as Severin Browne says, “Stories up the wahoo!” Bob is touring the West Coast in support of his new CD, "Fiona's World." $15.
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Sat, Nov 8:
8 pm CAL PHIL opens its “ADVENTURES IN MUSIC” 2008-2009 SEASON with two choruses and a marching band, in its first adventure its new venue, at The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E Green St, Pasadena. Soloists starring in the orchestra’s Opening Night Gala performance of “Andrew Lloyd Webber Meets Puccini” include “L.A.’s Evita,” VALERIE PERRI; Broadway star SAM HARRIS; Australian soprano CATHERINE IRELAND; and tenor ROBERT MACNEIL.
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Throughout the summer, the California Philharmonic has long been a familiar sight at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia, and at Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. However, when Cal Phil opens its 2008-2009 series of winter concerts – “Adventures in Music” – tonight, the “adventure” begins before the first note sounds at 8 o’clock, with a pre-concert lecture at 7 pm, as the orchestra makes its winter home at the historic Pasadena venue.
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“Andrew Lloyd Webber Meets Puccini” – tonight’s opening night gala – brings highlights from Webber’s musicals, including “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Phantom of The Opera,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “Evita.” Also on the program are semi-staged scenes from Puccini’s operas “La Boheme,” “Turandot,” and “Madame Butterfly.”
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Cal Phil has proven that it is adept at combining seemingly disparate music into a highly-entertaining program, as they did in their summer season closer, “GOTTA DANCE!” with songs by the MAMAS AND PAPAS, the BEATLES, and GLENN MILLER, in addition to the classical “Blue Danube” waltz by JOHANN STRAUSS II, IGOR STRAVINSKY’s “The Firebird,” the splendid orchestral cowboy music of AARON COPLAND’s “Four Dance Episodes” from “Rodeo,” and “Anitra’s Dance” from EDVARD GRIEG’s “Peer Gynt.” That was a delightfully fun and splendidly musical evening that brought 5,000 people to the Arboretum’s “Green” to enjoy it.

The two choruses are the new California Philharmonic Chorus, and a children’s choir, both under the direction of singer and conductor MARYA BASARABA, a new addition to Cal Phil. “Marya will be a tremendous asset to Cal Phil,” says VICTOR VENER, Founder and Music Director of Cal Phil. “People are still complimenting us on her first performance with us last summer, when we presented excerpts from Bernstein’s ‘Candide’ and the ‘Ode to Joy’ from Beethoven’s ninth symphony, and Marya directed our 120-voice choir.”
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The symphony orchestra, star soloists, two choirs and a marching band? “That’s part of the reason we’re so pleased to be performing at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium,” says Vener. “We’ll have the space we need to mount larger and more elaborate productions.”
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For more information about Cal Phil and its upcoming season at www.calphil.org or 626-300-8200. Tix at www.ticketmaster.com or 213-365-3500, range from $23 to $88.
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Sat, Nov 8 (runs Fri-Sun):
8 pm “REDDY OR NOT: A MUSICAL COMEDY TRIBUTE TO HELEN REDDY” returns to L.A. for a three-day run at ITA Productions, 10820 W. Washington Bl, Culver City 90232; reservations, 646-342-8861; www.reddy-or-not.com. It was in town in February & March, we saw it, and it’s very entertaining, with a charming premise based on two lead characters who desperately need to get a life. The story line functions as a 70-minute musical comedy tribute to Helen Reddy, including '70s pop chart hits like "I Am Woman," "You and Me Against the World", and "Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady." It takes a fresh and funny look at Reddy's music and the effect it had on two characters’ very odd lives. Will the idealistic young woman and excitable young gay man become fast friends, or American-Idol-style combatants? It's co-written by JOANNA PARSON and LANCE WERTH, who call it, "an evening of hilarity for people who love 'Pete's Dragon'...and those who don't!" This Los Angeles production again stars JOANNA PARSON and ALEX BOLING (he of the ABC Family TV show, “Secret Life of the American Teenager”) with Musical Direction by BARBARA ANSELMI.
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The LA Weekly declared, "Do we really need a comedy tribute to Helen Reddy? You bet your Delta Dawn, we do!" Harriet Schock, songwriter of “Ain’t No Way to Treat a Lady,” says, “I thoroughly enjoyed this when I saw it before. I will see it again. It was quite hilarious.” –During its run in NYC, Sara Cardace in New York Magazine (.com) called it "As hilarious as it is endearing!" People Magazine (.com) calls it "Hilarious!" And Helen Reddy herself is quoted on The Washington Post.com, saying, "I loved it!"
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Info, www.joannaparson.com; trailer, www.youtube.com/watch?v=xor3bs1KsAQ.
Show runs Fri & Sat at 8 pm, and Sun at 3 pm. $15.
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Sat, Nov 8:
8 pm TRACY NEWMAN & THE REINFORCEMENTS play a house concert in Glendora; reservations get directions at 626-335-4166. TRACY NEWMAN started her show business career as an actress. From the seventies on she has been involved intermittently as part owner, director and cast member of the Groundlings, the premier improvisational group and theater in Los Angeles, of which her younger sister, Laraine Newman, of "Saturday Night Live" fame, was also a member. From 1989 to 2004, Tracy was a television writer and producer. Along with her partner, Jonathon Stark, her first staff writing position was on "Cheers." After that she wrote for "The Nanny," "Ellen" (with Ellen Degeneres), "The Drew Carey Show," "Bob" (with Bob Newhart) and "Hiller and Diller" (with Richard Lewis and Kevin Nealon)." She and John won an Emmy for co-writing the groundbreaking "coming out" episode of "Ellen." And, for her television finale, they wrote and co-created "According to Jim" starring Jim Belushi, which is still running today.
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But now, Tracy Newman dedicates her life to songwriting. It is indeed rare that a veteran with Tracy's accomplishments is willing to start over and pay her dues in a completely different aspect of entertainment. But that's exactly what Tracy has done. A guitarist her whole life, Tracy has studied nobly to learn to adapt her storytelling from a twenty-two minute format to a three-minute one. $10.
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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, Nov 8; in Lancaster:
8 pm DEBBIE REYNOLDS at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster; 661-723-5950; www.lpac.org. For a lengthy era, Debbie Reynolds was ceratinly America’s sweetheart. The veteran singer, dancer and star of more than 30 films performs an evening of music and comedy as she shares stories and performs the music of her lifetime. www.debbiereynolds.com. Tix $57 & $50.
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Sat, Nov 8; in San Francisco:
8 pm “A MAGICAL MUSICAL EVENING” celebrates the legendary late singer-songwriter JOHN STEWART at the Throckmorton Theatre. Info & tix by phone, 415-383-9600; info at www.142throckmortontheatre.com/event.php?eventid=870. Tix also at www.ticketweb.com/user?region=sfbay&query=schedule&venue=142throckmorton. The evening celebration of John Stewart and his music features the JOHN STEWART BAND with BUFFY FORD STEWART, SHANA MORRISON, DAN HICKS (Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks), MARIO CIPOLLINA (Huey Lewis Band), ANTONIA CIPOLLINA, RONNIE SCHELL, ED BEGLEY JR., BILL MUMY, CHIP DOUGLAS, HENRY DILTZ, and other special surprise guests.
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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, Nov 8:
10 pm “CANS FOR COMEDY” charity benefit standup comic showcase at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reserv, 626-398-7917. Coffee Gallery Coffee Bar proprietor and professional comic JULIE SANDOVAL says, “In a world saturated with reality TV there's only one place a comedian can go to be him or her self. To the stage to feel the embrace of an audience.”
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CANS FOR COMEDY has a simple premise to help others. Bring in one-or-more canned food donations for admission to enjoy a comedy show. All food is donated to Friends-n-Deed Food Bank. All shows are held in The Coffee Gallery Backstage. All shows include pizza and soft drinks. Reserv strongly recommended. Comedians interested in performing, go to www.comedytrain.net.
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Shows are once-a-month, on Saturdays at 10 pm (after the evening’s music performance in the Backstage). Info, www.funkylittlecoffeehouse.com.
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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). Recent editions have happily featured classic Americana artists, rather than the dearth of alt rockers who dominated for several months.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
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We haven’t yet made our “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks for Sunday. They’ll be in a forthcoming update.
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Sun, Nov 9:
Annual “SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HERITAGE FAIRE” with THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS, and others, at Rancho Los Alamitos, 6400 Bixby Hill Rd, Long Beach.
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Sun, Nov 9 (Fri-Sun, Nov 7-9):
Annual “TAXI ROAD RALLY” at 5400 W Century Bl, L.A. 90045. Includes song pitch opportunities and many workshops and panels. Info, www.taxi.com and www.songsalive.org/sponsoredevents.
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Nov 9 & 23:
All day “FAMILY STORYTELLING” at the The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; www.getty.edu. Uncover the wild stories hiding in works of art with two master storytellers this month. What's that mysterious bronze skull on the Getty Center plaza? VICTORIA BURNETT reveals all, in storytelling sessions Nov 9, including a rollicking tale about Rambunctious Rumpus the Ram inspired by JACK ZAJAC's sculpture “Big Skull and Horn in Two Parts II.” On Nov 23, LOU STRATTEN parties 18th-century style with a musical tale inspired by Nicolas Lancret's painting, “Dance Before a Fountain.” Tpday’s sessions are at 10:30 & 11:30 am; 1:30, 2:30 & 3:30 pm. The Getty’s complete fall and winter storytelling schedule is at www.getty.edu/visit/events/storytelling_fall_2008.html?cid=egetty084.
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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, 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; second Sun, every month:
Noon-3:30 pm monthly BLUEGRASS JAM at Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake, Altadena 91001; www.coffeegallery.com. These jams are the second Sunday of every month. Info: David Naiditch, 626-797-1827; french10@pacbell.net. Host David Naiditch's wonderful instrumental CD has been heard on radio's "Tied to the Tracks." The jam is always free.
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Sun, 2nd Sun, every month; near Goleta:
Noon “TUCKER'S GROVE OLD TIME & BLUEGRASS JAM” at Tucker's Grove County Park, near the intersection of Cathedral Oaks and Turnpike Rd, in "Noleta" (between Santa Barbara and Goleta). After entering the park, go to the right about 1/3 mile to the Kiwannis Meadows section. Hosted by Alan Aleksander (constatty@aol.com.) this jam from the early ’70s was recently reinstated. Goes from noon, "until."
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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, Nov 9:
2 pm DEBBIE REYNOLDS at the Haugh Performing Arts Center, at Citrus College 1000 W. Foothill Bl, Glendora 91741; www.haughpac.com. Billed these days as “America’s Favorite Mother,” and for many years as “America’s Sweetheart,” she is an enduring presence on the American stage and in concert halls. She performs with her musical director, JOEY SINGER. Since her sold-out performance at this venue nearly five years ago, they tell us, “Debbie Reynolds has been THE most requested artist to bring back for a repeat visit.” The show is billed as a “very special afternoon that looks back at a glorious career that has (so far!) included starring during the glory years of the MGM musicals and headlining in showrooms across the country and abroad.” Dubbed “America’s favorite mother” following her starring role in the Albert Brooks film “Mother,” Debbie’s show is filled with the laughter, warmth, tuneful music, and personal insights that have made her an entertainment icon for decades. Artist info, www.debbiereynolds.com. Tix $50 & $45, students & srs $48-$43.
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Sun, Nov 9; 2nd Sun, every month, in Lancaster / Palmdale:
2-5 pm monthly “AV FOLK MUSIC CLUB CIRCLE” is returning to homes for its potluck and jamfest (no longer at the Health Tree Coffee Lounge & Café.) They tell us, “Bring your instruments and voices and join in.” Held every month on the second Sunday. Info and location, 661-339-2655.
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Sun, 2nd Sun, every month:
2:30-3:30 pm “TUESDAY MUSICALE CLUB SECOND SUNDAY CONCERT” 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. Program & performer info, contact Celeste French, 818-790-1739.All ages, free.
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Sun, Nov 9 (runs Fri-Sun):
3 pm “REDDY OR NOT: A MUSICAL COMEDY TRIBUTE TO HELEN REDDY” completes its three-day run at ITA Productions, 10820 W. Washington Bl, Culver City 90232; reservations, 646-342-8861; www.reddy-or-not.com. It was in town in February & March, we saw it, and it’s very entertaining, with a charming premise based on two lead characters who desperately need to get a life. The story line functions as a 70-minute musical comedy tribute to Helen Reddy, including '70s pop chart hits like "I Am Woman," "You and Me Against the World", and "Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady." It takes a fresh and funny look at Reddy's music and the effect it had on two characters’ very odd lives. Will the idealistic young woman and excitable young gay man become fast friends, or American-Idol-style combatants? It's co-written by JOANNA PARSON and LANCE WERTH, who call it, "an evening of hilarity for people who love 'Pete's Dragon'...and those who don't!" This Los Angeles production again stars JOANNA PARSON and ALEX BOLING (he of the ABC Family TV show, “Secret Life of the American Teenager”) with Musical Direction by BARBARA ANSELMI.
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The LA Weekly declared, "Do we really need a comedy tribute to Helen Reddy? You bet your Delta Dawn, we do!" Harriet Schock, songwriter of “Ain’t No Way to Treat a Lady,” says, “I thoroughly enjoyed this when I saw it before. I will see it again. It was quite hilarious.” –During its run in NYC, Sara Cardace in New York Magazine (.com) called it "As hilarious as it is endearing!" People Magazine (.com) calls it "Hilarious!" And Helen Reddy herself is quoted on The Washington Post.com, saying, "I loved it!"
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Info, www.joannaparson.com; trailer, www.youtube.com/watch?v=xor3bs1KsAQ.
Show runs Fri & Sat at 8 pm, and Sun at 3 pm. $15.
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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:
4-7 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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Sun, every week:
4-6 pm “BEGINNERS IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Celtic Arts Center at Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com.
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Sun, Nov 9:
5-9 pm “ZYDECO DANCE SERIES” with live music by DEXTER ARDOIN from Louisiana, at the Gardena Elks Lodge, 1735 W 162nd St, Gardena 90247. Info, call Sydney, event producer, at 323-401-8859. $20.
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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, 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, Nov 9:
7:30 pm CARRIE UNDERWOOD on her “Carnival Ride” tour, with LITTLE BIG TOWN, at Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, CA. $ tbd; tix went on Sale Jun 30 at 10 am. Info, www.goldenvoice.com.
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Sun & Mon, Nov 9 & 10; in Seattle:
8 pm JASON MRAZ at the Paramount Theatre, 901 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101. Show on Nov 10 is “A special acoustic performance,” only one on this national tour. Tix $37.50, $27.50, either show.
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As always, more to come, and a FULL UPDATE of the NOVEMBER calendar will post soon!
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View more events at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com, where all is presented as chronological date listings, for today/tonight, this week, this month, and longer “looks ahead.” The Acoustic Americana Music Calendar updates often, and News Features post weekly.
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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 & 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 the ancient archives on our Myspace page, use the “view all” button and scroll, then use the “older” button as many times as needed to explore into the paleozoic.
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NEWS FEATURES as well as the calendar’s MOST RECENT EDITIONS – that’s both event calendars with descriptive write-ups, and news for and about acoustic musicians and music – can be found conveniently at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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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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