December 2008 events remaining, Acoustic Americana Music Guide, update 12-26-08

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“Tied to the Tracks”
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
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December, 2008 events
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Updated December 26, 2008; recurring events included through the end of the year.
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EDITOR’S NOTES ON THINGS YOU HAVEN’T SEEN HERE BEFORE…
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FIRST, you may have noticed that we’ve been including a number of concerts that are usually found only under the headings of “CLASSICAL MUSIC.” We’re happy to bring you the info about these, not only because some of the best holiday music often includes classical music, but because people who love real music tend to love all real music, whether, for example, a fiddle is called a violin or a viola or just a fiddle.
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SECOND, we don’t usually list “WORLD MUSIC,” but we’re making plenty of exceptions during the holidays. We know you’ll appreciate that when you’re looking for things to impress your out-of-town guests (or just to send them off somewhere to hear something they can’t hear at home in Iowa, and to get them out of the house for a night). And, of course, there is much more to it. Many musical traditions, from throughout the world, have combined and evolved into our North Americana celebrations of Christmas and Hanukah. So much so, that Celtic Christmas concerts, as one example, now seem wholly American.
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December is always a time of year when things are just tastier, with huge platters of onrushing flavors old and new. We see it all as quite consistent with letting you know about music and the musicians who make it, and who’s doing live performances that we know you’ll enjoy. We do, of course, stay true to the nature of live acoustic music, “keeping it real.” So, if you’re looking for that Britney Lohan sh-thump-thud, revolving-door-rehab, pop-tart-du-jour electro-cyberized junk that is recorded one note at a time and infests the radio, you’ll need to look elsewhere. THIS is the place for acoustic music that’s REAL MUSIC, from blues-to-bluegrass-to-borderlands, Cajun-to-cowboy-to-Celtic-to-Cape-Breton-to-Quebecois, new-old-trad-alt-post folk, and the exciting artists of today’s acoustic renaissance!
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WELCOME!
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The GUIDE and the NEWS FEATURES post separately.
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IF YOU USED A SPECIFIC URL to reach this edition of the Guide, and more than a few days have passed since the date it posted, THERE MAY BE A NEWER EDITION. Use the basic url - http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com - and check the side bar on the left, to look for more recent editions with additional and updated events.
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THE MOST RECENT GUIDE, with its detailed calendar of events, is identifiable by the date it was posted at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com. We DO post future months separate from the current month, so the next time you come to the site to find “long looks ahead,” remember that they may get buried under updates to the current month; use the list on the left side for guidance. And we occasionally post a Guide / 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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THE MOST RECENT NEWS FEATURES, as well as other recent news posts that are often still relevant, are always available at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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WHAT’S IN THE NEWS THAT 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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UPDATES TO THE CURRENT MONTH’S GUIDE / CALENDAR are made at least weekly, because MORE acoustic and folk-Americana music events get booked into a vast number of venues, with more added all the time. And, we include events as we learn of them from artists, presenters, venues, festivals, workshop presenters, 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 Guide’s 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 –
Tuesday, December 23.
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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 info that you have locked into 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 Guide is waaaay too comprehensive to fit anywhere that imposes limitations. 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. And it’s where you can find archived Acoustic Americana Music News editions published prior to Spring, 2008.
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PLEASE DO COMMUNICATE WITH US about anything related to the Acoustic Americana Music Guide and / or the Acoustic Americana Music News, at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com.
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PLEASE DON’T send us anything through myspace email. It’s esoteric, it cannot be auto-forwarded into a “real” email account, and we just can’t keep up with it. (Myspace “friends” are great, and we DO welcome you there!) But, communicate through email only at the above address. And, yes, we get HUNDREDS of emails every week, so please give us as much advance notice as possible for your event!
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Entire contents copyright (c) © 2008, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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DECEMBER EVENTS
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Updated December 26, 2008; recurring events included through the end of the year.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26
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Fri, Dec 26; at Disneyland:
All day PHIL WARD once again performs at Disneyland, “as the lead goofball” with BILLY HILL AND THE HILLBILLIES in the Golden Horseshoe (Frontierland). Phil tells us, “Five shows daily, with plenty of Christmas music and improvised songs, perhaps about you!” Phil has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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Fri, Dec 26; on web radio:
5 pm “RALPH’S BACK PORCH” broadcast from Texas, with this week’s performing western music guests RICK HUFF and PAUL HARRIS. Call-in number to chat with Ralph and guests, 347 215 8849; catch the show at www.blogtalkradio.com/ralphsbackporch.
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Fri, every week:
5:30-10 pm “MONROVIA FAMILY FESTIVAL” along Myrtle Av, in old downtown Monrovia. It’s year-round and weekly, a street festival and farmers market, that’s been running 17 years. KATTYWOMPUS STRING BAND plays at 412 S Myrtle Av; contact Jennifer Ranger, 877-365-5744. RON ELY does authentic and original maritime songs most weeks, usually at Myrtle Av & Colorado or Myrtle Av and Lemon Av, on the North end of the festival. Artist’s info, www.myrecordlabel.net/ronely. There’s lots of other music throughout old town Monrovia, several acoustic performers each week – singer-songwriters, duos or bands – plus specialty vendors, lots of food, and local merchants. Event is large during the summer when it includes a carnival (rock climbing wall, balloon man, bubble man, petting zoo, pony rides, etc.) It scales-down from 4 blocks to 2 blocks during winter months, following the Christmas holidays. Myrtle Av exit, N of 210 Fwy, free parking, free event.
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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, 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, Dec 26; in the OC:
8-10:30 pm DENNIS ROGER REED BAND at Alta Coffee, 506 31st St, Newport Beach; 949-675-0233. They’ve performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and always deliver a fine and fun performance. Dennis says, “Chances are you’re already tired of leftover turkey and stuffing, you spent the day returning ‘gifts’ at the mall, so now it’s time to relax and enjoy some live music. KEVIN GORE will be handling the keys and banjo, LANCE WULFF will be playing harmonica and DRR will be DRRing.” More at www.dennisrogerreed.com. No cover.
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Fri, every week:
ON HIATUS: 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, 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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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
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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-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 rebroadcasts through the week; check site for details.
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Sat, Dec 27:
1-3 pm The “Youth Program” series brings PAUL WEI plus STRING PLANET to the “Pershing Square Ice Rink Music Series” on the outdoor stage at Pershing Square, 532 S Olive St, downtown L.A. 90014; 213-847-4970; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare. The series has a fine, professional sound system. Ride the Red Line subway to Pershing Square and avoid expensive parking. The series has a fine, professional sound system. Grab lunch at any of several nearby take-out places, and enjoy all or part of the concert. Free.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
1-3 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, 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, 4th Sat every month:
5 pm Monthly JAM, POTLUCK, & CONTRA DANCE at The Living Tradition series at the Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim; www.thelivingtradition.org; info, 949-646-1964. Dance caller TBD, band TBD. Monthly jam sessions allow musicians (instrumentalists and singers) to learn, practice, and enjoy traditional music in a relaxed atmosphere; held 4th Sat every month, before the contra dance. Jam participants play a wide array of instruments, from accordions to zithers, and a variety of traditional folk tunes, mostly from the Fiddlers’ Fake Book (by David Brody) and the Portland Collection (by Susan Songer). Open to all ages and levels of experience. Vocalists and song circles are welcome. Slow jam encourages novices. Fast jam challenges old-timers.
Schedule:
Jam begins at 5 pm, bring your instruments & join in; free.
Slow jam, 5-5:45 pm
Fast jam, 5:45-7 pm
Potluck, 6:30 pm
Contra dance introduction lesson, 7:30 pm
> CONTRA DANCE is 8-11 pm, $8 per person, $7 for Anaheim residents, $6 for Living Tradition mbrs; children under 18 are free with paid adult.
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Sat, every week:
6:30-10:30 pm Weekly BLUEGRASS CONCERT at Me n’ Ed’s Pizza Parlor, 4115 Paramount Bl (at Carson), Lakewood; 562-421-8908.
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Sat, 4th Sat, every month; in Lancaster:
6:30-10 pm CONTRA DANCE with Live music by DANANCE BAND at Lancaster United Methodist Church, 918 W Ave J (across from Doublz Hamburgers and Popeye's Chicken), Lancaster; info: 661-272-5648 or rm.trochim@verizon.net. Held the last Saturday of every month. Please bring a snack or dessert to share in the potluck. $6 adults, $2 for age 14 and younger.
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Sat, 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, Dec 27:
7:30-10 pm monthly “ANIMAL NIGHT” benefit show with JULIE CHADWICK, SIOBHAN CARMEAN, DAVID STONE, DEANNA PINO, MARC PLATT, ALEKSANDRA SEVER, MICHAEL PENROSE, D. WHITNEY QUINN, AVRIL ROY-SMITH, ALANA SOWMAN, “and maybe a few special guests,” at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com.
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Performing host JULIE CHADWICK says, “This month we are celebrating the holidays by holding a fundraiser to help Kulaks stay open. All through the year, Paul Kulak is kind enough to allow us to do ‘Animal Night’ [as a benefit for an animal-related charity] the last Saturday of every month, and we just want to give something back by doing a fundraiser for Kulak’s. This is also a potluck, so if everyone could please bring a little something, like leftovers from your Holiday celebrations, that would be awesome!”
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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, every week:
7:30-10:30 pm GRATEFUL DUDES weekly bluegrass concert at Vincenzo’s Pizza, 24500 Lyons Ave, Newhall; 661-259-6733. (Lyons exit, just off I-5.) This a long-running series, often, with very impressive performing guests.
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Sat; every Sat:
7:30 pm “RANCH PARTY” evening of country & Americana roots music performances, on the West Patio Stage, Original Farmers Market, 3rd & Fairfax, L.A. Presented by EB’s Beer & Wine Bar. New in April, 2008. Performers have included DAVID SERBY, GRANT LANGSTON, 29 MULES, BOB WOODRUFF, OLD BULL, PSYCHEDELIC COWBOYS, PAUL CHESNE, NICOLE GORDON, and BUCKSWORTH. Parking: 2 hours free with validation from EB’s Beer & Wine Bar. $3 for the third hour; $1 for each additional 20 minutes; $15 max. Addt’l parking at The Grove, next door. Get validation for their structure from Grove merchants. No cover.
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Sat, Dec 27:
8 pm-midnight “ZYDECO DANCE SERIES CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR'S DANCE” with live music by ANDRE' THIERRY 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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Sat, 4th Sat, every month:
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “WEST VALLEY HOOT” in Woodland Hills; for location, contact Kay Conroy, 818-887-0446, WestValleyHoot@songmakers.org; www.songmakers.org.
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Sat, Dec 27:
9 pm THE MULLIGANS at O’Malley’s on Main, 140 Main St, Seal Beach 90740; 562-430-0631; www.omalleyssealbeach.com. Jim McDonough of the “Irish News” says, “best pub in the South Bay… a multi-year winner of the ‘Guinness Perfect Pint Award.’ The food selection is also above the fold, the fish and chips are fantastic. Rated Five Shamrocks on PubGuide.com. Prices are moderate.” Insider info: the staff of the “Irish News” will be there.
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Sat, Dec 27:
9 pm-1 am SEAN WIGGINS & LONE GOAT at The Historic Rock Inn, 17539 W Elizabeth Lake Rd, Lake Hughes; 661-724-1855; www.historicrockinn.com. Sean says “Have dinner and be silly!” More at www.seanwiggins.com. No cover.
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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, Dec 27:
9:30 pm CHARLIE WOLF & FRIENDS at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.cafemusela.com; 323-464-MUSE (6873). Charlie's music is a blend of seriousness and comedy, music and humor. His songs range from tender, heartbreaking love songs (one sung from the perspective of a moose) to fast paced story songs reminiscent of Johnny Cash or Bob Dylan and satirical songs that make everybody in the audience howl with laughter. Raised by Southern Cal parents who bestowed upon him the love of music and a name that's far better suited for a blues singer, Charlie Wolf is an accomplished musician who plays guitar, harmonica, bass, and accordion, and self-produces all of his recordings, made in his comfy, non-soundproofed home studio. He is also a member of a band called THE FORMER SOVIET UNION. No cover.
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Sat, every week; on TV:
11 pm-12 am "AUSTIN CITY LIMITS" on KLCS (check your cable co.; broadcast TV Ch. 58). Recent editions have happily featured classic Americana artists, rather than the dearth of alt rockers who dominated for several months.
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Sat & Sun, Dec 27 & 28; in Yermo:
Midnight LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the “CALICO NEW YEARS CELEBRATION” and Saturday night fireworks show. Info, www.calicotown.com/events/newyears
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
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Sun, Dec 28:
2-4 pm BANDIDOS DE AMORE plays a classical guitar concert for the “Pershing Square Ice Rink Music Series” on the outdoor stage at Pershing Square, 532 S Olive St, downtown L.A. 90014; 213-847-4970; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare. The series has a fine, professional sound system. Ride the Red Line subway to Pershing Square and avoid expensive parking. Grab lunch at Grand Central Market or any of several nearby take-out places, and enjoy the concert. Free.
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Sun, Dec 28; last Sun, every month:
5:45 pm monthly OPEN MIC at McCabe's Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com
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Sun, Dec 28:
6-10 pm monthly “GRIMM JAM” at the Big Fish, 5230 San Fernando Rd, Glendale. Kathryn Grimm tells us, Due to the holidaze and other engagements, I have rescheduled the monthly jam to Dec 28th this month. Please come out - we'll still be doing Christmas / holiday songs and the usual craziness.” Musicians wishing to play must contact Kathryn ahead of time at grimmmusic@yahoo.com; this is not your usual open jam.
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Sun, Dec 28:
7 pm SLIGO RAGS at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. This locally-based big time Irish act performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” on St. Patrick’s Day in 2006, and that time EIGHT of the Top Ten songs on one Celtic Music Chart were their recordings. Their debut studio CD, "The Night Before the Morning After," still gets international airplay, and was called "the best I've heard from a stateside band" by Celtic Beat Magazine. Two-time winners of the Orange County Music Award for Best Folk Band, this highly-entertaining ensemble presents Celtic Folk with a decidedly bluegrass attitude. Using fiddle, acoustic guitar, electric bass, and percussion, Sligo Rags is taking the local and not-so-local Celtic music scene by storm. Says the San Diego Troubadour, "This band can light up an atmosphere as dim as the Guinness stout you just ordered at the bar... Sligo Rags really know their Celtic music." Don't be surprised if elements of country, gypsy jazz, and swing manage to sneak their way into the act, as well. Much fun. Venue impresario BOB STANE says, “This is a money back, no-questions-asked-if-you-are-not-thrilled act. Bring friends. Dynamic, up tempo, multi-talented. A fusion that just crackles.” $18.
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Sun, Dec 28; in Yermo:
Midnight LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the “CALICO NEW YEARS CELEBRATION” Sat and Sun; Saturday night includes fireworks show. Info, www.calicotown.com/events/newyears
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 29
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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, on the web:
3:59-5:15 pm (Pacific time) “WOODSONGS OLD TIME RADIO HOUR” live simulcast from Lexington, Kentucky. Those near Lexington are invited to attend the show live; the rest of us can watch and listen live on the web, or download the podcast later, at www.woodsongs.com. The host is folksinger MICHAEL JOHNATHON, and both he and many of his guests have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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Michael’s “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour” is a multi-media celebration of grassroots Americana music, heard worldwide in radio syndication (except in L.A.) and seen and heard on the web. Every Monday evening, Michael and his guests perform folk and bluegrass, and the show explores songwriting, new artists, literature, worldwide radio, television and concerts. WoodSongs is the world first multi-camera, weekly series broadcast on the Internet. Online viewers worldwide can watch the behind-the-scenes production heard by over 900,000 radio listeners on over 491 radio stations each week. Here’s the weekly schedule, adjusted to Pacific time: 4 pm - watch the 60 minute show live as it happens; 5:03 pm - join the audience as they record the promo for the just-completed show; 5:05 pm - enjoy the guest artist's encore performances, not heard on the radio broadcast.
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Each show is later archived on line, for free 24/7 viewing in various media formats, and available streaming and as a podcast.
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Mon; every Mon:
6-10 pm MARC BOSSERMAN plays his residency at Parkway Grill, 510 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena 91105; reserv recommended, 626-795-1001 (or hang out at the bar). He delivers fine piano and vocals. Info, www.marcbosserman.com.
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Mon, recurring, on web radio:
6 pm (Pacific) “RALPH’S BACK PORCH” broadcast from Texas, usually has live in-studio western music guests; call-in number to chat with Ralph and guests, 347 215 8849; catch the show at www.blogtalkradio.com/ralphsbackporch.
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Mon; repeats every 4th (& 2nd) Mon; in Corona:
7-10 pm CORONA BLUEGRASS JAM at Crossroads Christian Church, 2331 Kellogg Av (at Ontario Av), Corona. Info, contact Todd Holtkamp, 951-347-2597 or onetoad@adelphia.net. Todd says, “Open Jam, all levels welcome. Having a good time is mandatory. If the weather is good we will be outside in front of the main building. If the weather is bad we will be inside.”
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Mon, every week:
“PRO BLUES JAM” at Cozy's Bar & Grill, 14058 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks; 818-986-6000 www.cozysblues.com.
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Mon, every week:
“ALL STAR PRO JAM” (blues, R&B, jazz, soul, etc.) every Monday at Harvelle's, 1432 Fourth St, Santa Monica; 310-395-1676.
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Mon, every week:
7:30 pm OPEN MIC at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; Web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. Hosted by LISA TURNER. Kulak’s provides all necessary connections for acoustic stage, plus a baby grand piano. Sign-ups 7-7:15 pm, show at 7:30 pm. Performers may choose (in advance) to purchase a multi-camera DVD of their performance. One (max length 3-4 minute) song per performer. Info, www.kulakswoodshed.com/openmic.shtml. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Mon, 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 4th (and 2nd) Mon every month:
8-9 pm “MONDAY NIGHT POETRY” at the Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E Washington Bl, Pasadena 91104 ; info, www.home.earthlink.net/~mondaynightpoetry/; contact Don Kingfisher Campbell, mondaynightpoetry@earthlink.net or 626-744-7272. Featured poets and open readings; sign-up by 8 pm. They say, “This is your chance to share your poetry with the public and to hear professional poets performing their newest creations.” Accessible to people with disabilities, and handicapped parking available. Adults, free.
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Mon, every week:
ON HIATUS: 8-11 pm blues legend BERNIE PEARL has long hosted the weekly BLUES JAM at M'Dear's, 78th & Western, L.A. But, the series is on hiatus because the venue is remodeling. We’ll let you know when it returns. Artist info, www.berniepearl.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 Mon:
8:30 pm OPEN-MIC hosted by Gordon Gilges at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.cafemusela.com; 323-464-MUSE (6873). The venue tells us, ”There's a piano & guitar you are welcome to use, the rest is up to you. Bring your music, your own instruments, your friends!” Sign-ups are at 8 pm. Comedy is now from 7:30-8:30 pm, with those sign-ups at 7:30 pm. They add, “We are trying to create a community of artists who support each other, so participants are encouraged to come early and stay as long as you can to show the love to your fellow open-mic-ers. You may even get to go up a second time. The night may even turn into a big music jam, so be prepared for anything! There's a piano and guitar you are welcome to use, the rest is up to you.”
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Venue serves vegan & omnivore “comfort food,” fruit smoothies and organic coffee & tea beverages. Entertainment (of various kinds) every night, usually beginning 9:30-10 pm, after the shows in the surrounding theatre district. Venue has a beautiful piano and a house guitar for musician use, or bring your own instrument. They say, “We welcome people to come by and play anytime - you never know when the Muses might appear!” They tell us, “We are always looking for piano players & musicians to accompany the singers and spoken word artists (or to come in and jam with us).” Email them to be added to their roster, at TheMuses@CafeMuseLA.com. Early arrival recommended; $5 minimum for table service requested, otherwise, no cover.
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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; most Mondays:
10 pm PRESTON SMITH plays solo acoustic at The Bridge, 3256 Caheunga Bl (at Barham), Universal City / Hollywood area, one mile N of the Hollywood Bowl. Romantic, loungy, acoustic room. Preston sings “blues & beyond,” soul and jazz. "Preston is a singing, guitar and harmonica playing virtuoso of blues and jazz, which makes him a great fit. His stuff is upbeat, intelligent and classy, He's known for his widespread appeal to a variety of audiences and some say his music knows no boundaries. While Smith's songwriting skills have received a big thumbs up from critics all over the map, his live gigs are legendary." - John Sollenberger July 28, ‘06 Pasadena Weekly.
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Preston sang for Barbra Streisand's wedding, and he’s performed for Steven Spielberg, Bruce Willis, Aaron Spelling, Brad Grey, the cast of The Soprano's, and the late Sonny Bono. He appeared on "The Tonight Show" with the late Jimmy Stewart. Roseanne Cash recorded his song "Black and White," then she included it in her greatest hits CD that went to gold. More at www.myspace.com/prestonsmithmusic and www.prestonsmith.com
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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, DECEMBER 30
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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 “SOUP JAM,” Don Rowan’s country & bluegrass jam, at 3240 Industry Dr, Signal Hill 90755. Info, contact Don, 562-883-0573. 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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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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Tues; last Tue, every month:
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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Tue, every week:
ON HOLIDAY HIATUS; returns Jan 6; 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 guest host PAUL ZOLLO. (Longtime host GARRET SWAYNE is out of town for a few weeks, but the series continues without interruption.) The two featured artists are 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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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, Dec 30:
8-10:30 pm “CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECTACULAR” is part of “Divine Performing Arts 2009 World Tour” at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E Green St, Pasadena. Touring nationally, it’s an annual live show featuring classical Chinese dance and music, as well as the spirit of Chinese culture. Dozens of dancers in costumes, thunderous drums, spectacular backdrops, ancient legends, modern tales, soaring songs.
Tix $35 to $188, at http://thingstodo.msn.com/pasadena-ca/events/show/85492877-chinese-new-year-spectacular
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Tue, every week:
8-9:30 pm “TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB” weekly series with KACEE and MICHAEL DOMAN, with different musical guests each week, at Molly Malone's, 575 S Fairfax Av, L.A. 90036; 323-935-1577; www.mollymalonesla.com. Began Jul 8, 2008. Michael says, “Tuesdays just got a whole lot better.”
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Tue; repeats every 2nd and 4th Tue:
8 pm OPEN MIC at El Cid, 4212 Sunset Bl, Silver Lake 90029; www.elcidla.com. Hosted by MICHAEL MCCARTHY the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, every month. A&R staff from “My Record Label” is on-site recruiting artists based on their original performances. Selected artists will receive an artist page on www.myrecordlabel.net along with a free 3-camera video shoot and professional audio mix of their performance. Sign ups at 7 pm, show at 8 pm. You can sign-up in advance online at www.myspace.com/openmicatelcid .
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Tue, every week:
8 pm OPEN MIC at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank; www.vivacantina.com; 818-515-4444.
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Tue, every 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, every week; in Laguna Beach:
8 pm weekly “SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” features guest artists and BETH FITCHET WOOD, who plays the opening set each week, at the The Marine Room Tavern, 214 Ocean Av, Laguna Beach; 949-494-3027.
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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, Dec 30:
10 pm GYPSY KINGS at the Conga Room, 800 W Olympic Bl, L.A. 90015; 213-749-0445; www.congaroom.com
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
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Tonight’s normally recurring Wednesday events are not listed, because it is a near certainty they will not be held. Check your favorite venues for an acoustic music New Year’s Eve celebration, and of course, check here for our roundup of NYE shows, parties, and events.
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Wed-Sat, Dec 31-Jan 3:
“CALIFORNIA TRADITIONAL MUSIC SOCIETY NEW YEARS CAMP” is four days and three nights of traditional music, intensive workshops, informal jams, singing, and dancing, at Camp Hess Kramer, on Pacific Coast Highway above Trancas Canyon, near Malibu.
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Performers / workshop presenters:
CATHY BARTON & DAVE PARA (banjo, songs, guitar)
TOM & PATRICK SAUBER (banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin)
AMBER & JIM MUELLER (fiddle, clogging)
BANSHEE IN THE KITCHEN: Brenda Hunter (fiddle, hammered dulcimer), Jill Egland (flute, accordion, whistle) & Mary Tulin (six- and twelve-string guitar, bouzouki)
THE PRIVY TIPPERS: Craig Tinney, (guitar & banjo), Jerry Ray Weinert (bass), Jacquie Wohl (fiddle), & Dave Firestine (mandolin).
plus others to be announced.
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The Camp is in a rustic canyon, about 100 yards from the ocean in a beautiful Monarch butterfly-home canyon. Non-stop music, jams, workshops, contra dancing, superb meals in kosher-style kitchen, New Year's Eve costume ball, CTMS silent auction, 24-hour coffee, tea, & hot chocolate in dining room with guest refrigerator, tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts (with your equipment), three levels of accommodations, but hurry, only cabin and deluxe-rate rooms remain.
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Cabin rate. Shared, heated cabins, holding 10-12 people each (bring your band, or have a family reunion): $175; Suite rate is SOLD OUT; Deluxe rate, modern private bedroom, private bath, holding 2 to 4 people each: $400.
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Cost is per person, with at least two people in a Private, Suite or Deluxe rate room. Single occupancy surcharge, $75. Children ages 6 to 16, $175 in same room with parent. Children under age 6, free.
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Day visitors welcome with advance reservations; cost is $90 per person per day and includes all meals and events on the day you attend. Call CTMS, 818-817-7756 with questions. Spaces always go fast for this New Years Camp. More info and registration form at www.ctmsfolkmusic.org.
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Wed, Dec 31; on Vancouver Island, Canada:
(Read this and get jealous) THE VANCOUVER ISLAND MUSICFEST presents “4 parties in 1” with roots, blues and rockabilly at the Westerly Hotel in Courtenay, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, on New Years Eve. This event is a partial fundraiser for the Vancouver Island Musicfest. “The Westerly Hotel is the hot spot for New Year's Eve revelers with a full night of first class roots, blues and rockabilly, delicious food and dancing, dancing and more dancing! Start your evening with a choice of four dinner options and spend the evening party hopping with some of the best roots blues and rockabilly the west coast has to offer with THE TWISTERS, COUSIN HARLEY, and DOUG COX with TODD BUTLER.”
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THE TWISTERS in the Ballroom. “The Westerly Ballroom will be the place to be to enjoy one of the finest jumping swing bands around. The music of Vancouver's Twisters has been dubbed 'bluesabilly' and they have been rocking it up with their brand of West Coast party blues for almost a decade. 2003 Juno Nominees and Canadian Independent Music Award winners, the Twisters are one of the hardest hitting acts on the blues scene today. They are a fixture of the Canadian Blues circuit and have earned a reputation as one of the best blues bands in the country, receiving numerous accolades and awards over the years. Whether it's West Coast Swing, Jump, Boogie, or Chicago Shuffles & Texas grinders; any kind of blues you dig, a great party is guaranteed when you invite The Twisters.” Tix $65 pp; menu is seafood, prime rib and chocolate lovers buffet.
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COUSIN HARLEY in Gullivers Pub. “Cousin Harley is PAUL PIGAT; an extraordinary guitarist vocalist and songwriter. Cousin Harley has a hard- earned reputation for delivering everything from hot rod rockabilly to foot stomping vintage country and Western Swing. Pigat's style is deeply rooted in the playing of Les Paul, Charlie Christian and Link Wray with a modern twist to create a style that is exhilarating in its intensity, yet at the same time fluid and precise. Paul’s creative use of tone and dynamics is a hallmark of everything he plays and his sense of rhythm is both sophisticated and dead on. The backing band is one of the hottest rhythm sections around, Edmonton bassist Pete Turland (Ray Condo & the Riccochets) and Victoria drummer Jesse Cahill (Fathead Newman). From classic honky-tonk and cow punk tinged rippers, to a helping of western swing and classic jump blues, Cousin Harley plays in the old tradition slugging it out hot and heavy in the trenches of the live music scene.” Tix $40 pp; menu is Baron of Beef buffet.
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DOUG COX and TODD BUTLER in the Greenhouse. “The Greenhouse Restaurant offers up modern acoustic music featuring lap style slide guitarist Doug Cox and acoustic guitarist Todd Butler. Cox and Butler don't take their entertainment lightly, delivering a highly unconventional, double guitar approach that scores mightily in the originality department across a wide divergence of styles. If you like your blues wringing wet, and fashioned around slippery guitars with just a pinch of humour thrown in for good measure, then this slightly-twisted and heavily talented duo is a must see. Cox is a known across North America for his gifts on slide guitar, lap-steel and Dobro while Butler adds virtuosic guitar and stellar vocals, plus an element of his comedic background to this enlightened presentation. Their colourful, off-kilter guitar work is clearly the secret weapon here but the combination of Cox to Butler makes for a dynamic, if not demented, duo who are a blast to see live!” Tix $50 pp; menu is 5 course sit down gourmet dinner.
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BRENT HART on keys at Snookers, “Snookers - Brent Hart – Pianist.” $120 per couple, menu is a 3 course hot rock fondue for two.
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It’s “the best New Years Eve package in the Comox Valley.” You can book a room and stay the night. Oh, Canada! Contact the Best Western Westerly Hotel at 250-338-7741.
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Wed, Dec 31:
Noon-2 pm BLUES GYPSIES bring da blues to the “Pershing Square Ice Rink Music Series” on the outdoor stage at Pershing Square, on W 5th St between S Olive St & S Hill St, L.A.; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/concerts.htm. The series has a fine, professional sound system. Ride the Red Line subway to Pershing Square and avoid expensive parking. The series has a fine, professional sound system. If you work downtown, you can grab lunch at any of several nearby take-out places, and enjoy all or part of the concert. Free.
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Wed, Dec 31:
3-7 pm PADDY’S PIG plays the first of two New Year’s Eve shows – because 4 pm in California is midnight in Ireland and England – show at Black Watch Pub, 497 N Central Av # B, Upland 91786; 909-981-6069; VENUE WILL HAVE FREE CHAMPAGNE & APPETIZERS. The band was splendid recently at the Coffee Gallery Backstage.
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See an excellent story on PADDY’S PIG by Michelle Mills in the “Whittier Daily News,” at www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_11129751, and Bliss wrote about them in The “Pasadena Weekly,” at www.pasadenaweekly.com/cms/story/detail/trax/6695, and check them at www.celticmp3s.com/free/2008/11/ring-on-chain-by-paddys-pig.shtml
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Their instrumentation includes mandolin, guitar, drums, percussion, lots of vocals from the charming Miss Missy and other band members, and some penny whistle. Bridging any musical gap between generations, PADDY'S PIG entertains without fail, playing everything from reels, jigs and rebel songs to drinking songs and tender Celtic ballads. Formed, they tell us, “at the curly-tailed end of the twentieth century,” the Southern Cal-based band performs lively renditions of traditional and pseudo-traditional Irish and Celtic music. They are equally at home playing barn-burners like “The Blacksmith,” and the Pogues’ “Sally MacLennane,” to heart-wrenching ballads like “He Fades Away,” and “She Moved Through the Fair,” to classic tunes like “Loch Lomand,” and “Whiskey in the Jar.” They get the audience involved, sometimes leaving the stage to do so, blurring the line between audience and performer.
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Wed, Dec 31:
4 pm & 9 pm (two shows) “SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ - THE SONGS OF LIEBER & STOLLER” at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Bl, North Hollywood; www.elportaltheatre.com; 818-508-0281; event, 818-508-4200. Special NYE shows include parties; see last paragraph.
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In celebration of all the holidays including Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, and New Year’s, Weddington Street Productions in association with Corky Hale Productions presents Leiber and Stoller’s award winning musical “Smokey Joe’s Café” with an all star cast and orchestra.
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Directed and choreographed by Jeffrey Polk with musical direction by Daryl Archibald. Cast members include the Tony nominated original “shimmying” DeLee Lively, Robert Torti who starred in the Los Angeles/ Pre Broadway and London Smokey Joe's and was Tony nominated for Starlight Express and Ovation Winner for Reefer Madness , T.C. Carson who has multi film, television including Fox Network’s Living Single and national stage credits including Dreamgirls and Seasame Street, Sharon Catherine Blanks (Sharon Brown) who starred in Dreamgirls on Broadway and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jackie Seiden whose Broadway and National credits include Jersey Boys and Hairspray. And featuring Dionne Figgins , Maeco Oliverand Niles River. Director/choreographer Jeffrey Polk has a long history with the show with Broadway, National and International Tours as well as regional productions at CLOSBC, La Mirada and Sacramento Music Circus.
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Smokey Joes Café premiered on Broadway on March 2, 1995 at the Virginia Theatre and was nominated for seven Tony Awards including Beat Musical. Smokey Joes Café made its theatrical debut in 1994 in Los Angeles at the then Doolittle Theatre and its London Premiere in 1996 at the Prince of Wales Theatre. The New York production closed on January 16, 2000 after 2,036 performances making it the longest running musical revue in Broadway history. The Original Broadway cast soundtrack Smokey Joe’s Café, The Songs of Leiber and Stoller won the Grammy Award for Best Musical show Album on DVD in 2001.
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It’s the days of doo-wop and drive-ins. This Grammy Award winning musical features every hit created by the Top 40 song writing team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Featuring the solid gold singles of Elvis, The Coasters, Ben E. King, The Drifters and many more. The production showcases 39 pop standards - including some of the most memorable rock n’ roll and rythmn and blues songs of the 20th Century. The songs include Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, Yakety Yak, Love Potion Number 9, Stand By Me, Kansas City, and On Broadway. The king himself (Elvis) recorded more than 20 of these Leiber and Stoller hits.
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Rebuilt in the late 90's and opened in January of 2000, the once 1400-seat movie palace now houses three theatres - the 42-seat Studio, the 95-seat Forum, and the 350-seat MainStage - along with the new art gallery, featuring many of Los Angeles visual artists, plus hangings in the sumptuous lobbies. Free parking behind the theatre.
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The Lobbies of the historic El Portal are decorated for the season. (Last show, Jan 1, 8 pm; tix, 25-$55.) Special New Year’s Eve celebrations with inclusive after- parties are Wed, Dec 31 at 4 pm and at 9 pm, with tix $100 and $150 for New Year's Eve.
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Wed, Dec 31; in the OC:
5-9 pm “NEW YEAR’S EVE FRENCH DINNER” at Lulu's Creperie Café, 24781 Alicia Pkwy Suite E, Laguna Hills 92609; 949-855-2222; www.lulus-cafe.com. New Year's Eve dinner in a charming French Café, features 4-course menu at one price. Reservations, 949-855-2222. $40 regular, $30 srs (age 60+).
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Wed, Dec 31; in the OC:
7 pm-midnight 18th annual “FIRST NIGHT FULLERTON” New Year celebration, centered around Harbor Bl & Chapman Av, N of 91 Fwy, in downtown Fullerton. Info, Fullerton Museum Center, 714-738-6545. “First Night” is the city’s annual New Year’s Eve party, offering family-oriented, alcohol-free activities at various locations downtown. The historic downtown area is transformed with live music, entertainers, art exhibits, children's rides and activities, and an ice skating rink. A variety of food booths operate throughout the event, and most downtown restaurants are open and within walking distance of the “First Night” festivities. A 10-minute fireworks finale will finish off the celebration at midnight. A nominal fee is charged for the children’s rides, otherwise, it’s free.
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Wed, Dec 31; at Disneyland:
8 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the “DISNEYLAND NEW YEARS CELEBRATION!” at Disneyland in Anaheim.
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Wed, Dec 31 (& Fri, Jan 2):
8-10:30 pm “CHINESE NEW YEAR SPECTACULAR” is part of “Divine Performing Arts 2009 World Tour” at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St, Pasadena. Touring nationally, it’s an annual live show featuring classical Chinese dance and music, as well as the spirit of Chinese culture. Dozens of dancers in costumes, thunderous drums, spectacular backdrops, ancient legends, modern tales, soaring songs.
Tix $117 to $230, at http://thingstodo.msn.com/pasadena-ca/events/show/84940040-chinese-new-year-spectacular-2009
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Wed, Dec 31:
RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE play a New Year’s Eve party at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank; 818-845-2425.
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RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE with EVAN MARSHALL (AKA “Relaxin' Jackson”) solo on magic mandolin, joining the band on fiddle. They are one of, if not "the" most historical Western band in the world. The Riders Of The Purple Sage have starred in films and radio from pre-WWII days to the present. Today's Riders, under the leadership of CODY BRYANT, deliver a show rich with old and new music. This band often performs with symphony orchestras. Each band member is a virtuoso. Their instruments include a five-string banjo, hot lead guitars, twin fiddles, steel guitar, upright bass, drums (one of the best drummers anywhere), and consummate vocals. While keeping alive the tradition of the original Riders' sound, they continue to write and perform new material that builds upon their signature style. Adding a strong swing influence (ala Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys), their performances appeal to listeners and dancers of all ages. Today’s Riders bring together hot swing riffs with smooth harmonies that, at the end of the show, always leave the audience wanting more. In October, 2007, Larry Wines wrote that they were “ethereal and orchestral. They exceeded musicianship. They exceeded their genre.” Of course, tonight is a bar gig NYE party, NOT a listening room experience. No cover.
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Wed, Dec 31:
9 pm-1 am THE CALIFORNIA COWBOYS at Texas Loosey’s, 22252 Palos Verdes Bl, Torrance 90505. It’s a honky-tonk New Years Eve party.
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Wed, Dec 31:
9 pm (also at 4 pm; two shows) “SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ - THE SONGS OF LIEBER & STOLLER” at the El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Bl, North Hollywood; www.elportaltheatre.com; 818-508-0281; event, 818-508-4200. Special NYE shows include parties; see 4 pm listing.
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Wed, Dec 31:
BIG RED SKY plays for NEW YEAR'S EVE at The Hideaway, 12110 Kagel Canyon, Kagel Canyon (Sylmar); 818-890-1225. More at www.thebigredsky.com
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Wed, Dec 31:
“FANTASY ISLAND NEW YEARS PARTY” at Ricardo Montalban Theatre, 1615 Vine St, Hollywood 90028; http://ricardomontalbantheatre.info; 323-871-2420 or event line 323-465-4167. All we know is they’re planning an event for NYE. This splendid Beaux Arts live-performance theater was built in 1926-1927. The theater was reopened in May, 2004 and was renamed the Ricardo Montalban Theater. It holds 1000-1200, seated, and is being remodelled to appear more as it did when it was built in 1926. It's Beaux-Arts exterior has been carefully recreated in the first phase of the project and the interior work is progressing. Nike Sportswear held a 3-month exhibition there in summer ’08.
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Wed, Dec 31; in the OC:
9 pm LUIS OLIART with FAMILY STYLE, playing the NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY at The Winery Restaurant, 2647 Park Av, Tustin 92782. Singer-songwriter LUIS OLIART excites people. "If Luis doesn't advance to the next round, I'm gonna take him myself and start our own project on the side!" - Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) on NBC's “Star Tomorrow” TV show. "...simply magical...totally captivating...compelling." - Bernard Baur, Music Connection. "It’s beautiful to hear such great stirring spirit…there is a fire in it… I love what you are doing." - Joey Reynolds, 710 WOR Radio. More at www.oliartmusic.com and www.myspace.com/oliartmusic
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Wed, Dec 31:
9:30 pm-12:30 am PADDY’S PIG plays the second of their two New Year’s Eve shows, this one at Casey's Irish Bar, 613 S Grand Av, downtown L.A., 90017; 213-629-2353; www.bigcaseys.com. They were splendid recently at the Coffee Gallery Backstage.
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See an excellent story on PADDY’S PIG by Michelle Mills in the “Whittier Daily News,” at www.whittierdailynews.com/ci_11129751, and Bliss wrote about them in The “Pasadena Weekly,” at www.pasadenaweekly.com/cms/story/detail/trax/6695, and check them at www.celticmp3s.com/free/2008/11/ring-on-chain-by-paddys-pig.shtml
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Their instrumentation includes mandolin, guitar, drums, percussion, lots of vocals from the charming Miss Missy and other band members, and some penny whistle. Bridging any musical gap between generations, PADDY'S PIG entertains without fail, playing everything from reels, jigs and rebel songs to drinking songs and tender Celtic ballads. Formed, they tell us, “at the curly-tailed end of the twentieth century,” the Southern Cal-based band performs lively renditions of traditional and pseudo-traditional Irish and Celtic music. They are equally at home playing barn-burners like “The Blacksmith,” and the Pogues’ “Sally MacLennane,” to heart-wrenching ballads like “He Fades Away,” and “She Moved Through the Fair,” to classic tunes like “Loch Lomand,” and “Whiskey in the Jar.” They get the audience involved, sometimes leaving the stage to do so, blurring the line between audience and performer.
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
See you in 2009!
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As always, more to come, as we keep on keepin’ on into 2009, with updates to the JANUARY Guide, and most of the months of 2009 in the “long look ahead” posts. …So many truly fine shows, so few evenings and weekends to see them. And hey, Western Capitalism is going to collapse around you anyway, and gas is suddenly the ONLY thing that’s affordable, so why not go have a tunefully good time?
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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 Guide updates often, and News Features post weekly.
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Current chronological date listings, to June, 2009, are available for
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(1) Los Angeles-area acoustic Americana / folk-Americana / acoustic renaissance music events, and,
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(2) festivals and other events of great note featuring acoustic Americana music, THROUGHOUT THE US & CANADA (and sometimes beyond), are included in the Guide, and listed separately in our presentation of “Best-Out-of-Town (Beyond L.A.) Events,” which posts from time to time.
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If you don’t see the dates you need in the content bar at left, just scroll it, OR CLICK THE MOST RECENT PAST MONTH for posts that published during that month. 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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If you’re trying to explain this thing to someone who likes real music, just tell ‘em that the Guide’s MOST RECENT EDITIONS as well as our NEWS FEATURES - that’s both the Guide with its event calendars with descriptive write-ups, AND the separately-posted 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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LINKS:
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If you are considering a vacation to Mexico, here's an informative and fun site for you: www.mexicovacationtravels.com
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