December events, Dec 17 update, Acoustic Americana Music Guide 2008

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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 17, 2008; recurring events currently included through Dec 23.
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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 17, 2008; recurring events currently included through Dec 23.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
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Tonight’s “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick is at 7 pm in L.A.
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Wed, Dec 17:
10 am “DISNEY ON ICE” at the Pershing Square Ice Rink on the ice rink and in the park at Pershing Square, 532 S Olive St, downtown L.A. 90014; 213-847-4970; www.laparks.org/pershingsquare. Free sneak preview of “High School Musical, The Ice Tour.” Grab a fresh lunch at Grand Central Market or find something at any of several nearby take-out places (or dine upscale at the Biltmore). Event is free.
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Wed; every Wed; 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, Dec 17:
ON HIATUS: 3-7 pm “ROOTS MUSIC JAM SESSION” with TOM SAUBER at the Sierra Madre Farmers' Market, in the parking lot behind the shops on the south side of Sierra Madre Blvd., just west of Baldwin Av, in Sierra Madre. Take Baldwin Av exit N from 210 Fwy. Turn W off Baldwin onto Mariposa and you'll see the tents. Tom tells us, “It won't take the place of Frank & Joe’s [the long-gone Wed night jam] and I know it's not convenient for most, but it's something as long as the weather's nice.” Info, masaw48@earthlink.net
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Tom tells us, “It won’t be meeting again until the weather warms up.”
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Wed, Dec 17; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7 pm “SONGSALIVE! 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION & XMAS/HOLIDAY PARTY” at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A. 90035; www.themintla.com; 323-954-9400 for dinner reservations. Some acoustic, some electric performances.
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Lineup is GILLI MOON, J. THOMAS, CHRISTOPHER BARRAN (from Canada), CHARLES WILLIAM, GENEVIEVE, GARY FUGES, JOHN M, MELINDA ORTNER, PAULINA LOGAN, THE CONLONS, DAVID BABICH, WAYNE STORM, AMY MATHESIUS (from Colorado), BILL DOBBINS, AMY RAASCH, THOMAS HORNIG, KAYE REZNICK, LINAH ROCIO (from Switzerland), MIKE ROFE, CHRIS VALENTI, IAN HOPKINSON (from Australia), STEVEN McCLINTOCK & CATHY-ANN McCLINTOCK, GREG DORMANI, MIKE V., plus spoken word artist J. WALKER, and closing act, from Great Britain, rocker ZOE SCOTT and her 5 piece band. Hosted by radio personality JENNIFER “JJ” JULIAN and Songsalive! president & artist GILLI MOON.
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Songsalive! is celebrating their 10 year anniversary, and the holiday season, with a variety of their members performing. They are a global organization, so tonight brings both L.A. area and touring musicians. Some names we know, who are excellent, are past “Tied to the Tracks” radio guests AMY RAASCH, and CHRIS VALENTI, and other artists GENEVIEVE, CHRISTOPHER BARRAN (from Canada), AMY MATHESIUS (from Colorado). More info, www.songsalive.org/losangeles. Venue has full bar and serves dinner, and it’s necessary to book a table in advance to get a seat. Event includes giveaways / prizes / entertainment. Venue is 21+. No cover.
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Wed, every Wed:
7-9 pm ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC, hosted by ALLAN COMEAU, at Santa Monica Bar & Grille, 3321 Pico Bl, Santa Monica. It’s now weekly. SEVERIN BROWNE says, “For those of you who like a good open mic night, my friend Allan Comeau is hosting… not far from McCabe’s. And the food is good.” 6:45 pm sign-ups.
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Open mic is followed on 1st & 3rd Wed of every month, same place, by “WESTSIDE SONGWRITERS IN THE ROUND” – see that listing.
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Wed, every Wed:
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 Wed; 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 Wed:
7:30-10:30 pm “SINGER-SONGWRITER NIGHT” with STRUFF & TERRY, and Musical Guests at Tango D'Amore, 19524 Nordhoff St #3, Northridge 91324; shared parking with Guitar Center; 818-727-7399; www.tangodamore.com. Lineup always includes hosts Struff & Terry (www.struffandterry.com) and others, sometimes unknown, sometimes rather well-known. $5 cover.
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Wed, 3rd (and 1st) Wed, every month:
7:30-9:30 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, Dec 17:
7:30-10 pm monthly “SONGWRITER'S NETWORK CHRISTMAS PARTY AND SHOWCASE” with about 15 performing songwriters, at The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91001. Songwriters and music lovers welcome for the organization’s annual sharing of holiday cheer, food, and music. Each month, Songnet’s monthly showcase brings an assortment of accomplished artists trying-out new songs, talented up-and-comers, and others. It provides performing songwriters and other musicians an opportunity to perform their originals on a professional stage, for songwriting peers, in a supportive atmosphere. Info on attending or performing and on the organization, at www.thesongnet.org. Pre-register to perform, or arrive before 7:30 pm for any spots that may remain.
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Confirmed performers for tonight are JEFF MURRAY, MICHAEL KENZIK, ALLISON CROOK, DAN NISWANDER, CHRIS TOWZEY, CHARLES KINGMAN, CATHERINE GRIMM, CHICAGO RED (acoustic bluesman who has performed multiple times on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”), ARCHIE FRANCIS (11-time Academey of Country Music Award winner), PETER KALMUS (newly here from Massachusetts), CHAUNCEY BOWERS, KEVIN YAP, TOM BISHELL, MARIO ZELEYA, JEANNIE WILLETS (she’s performed on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”), STEPHEN GC, & JIMI YAMAGISHI (performed multiple times on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”).
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In addition to the food at the party, the venue has coffeehouse fare available. Free entry, $5 suggested donation. More at www.thesongnet.org.
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Wed, every Wed:
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 Wed; in Simi Valley:
7:30-11:30 pm SONGMAKERS “SIMI VALLEY HOOT” jam session in Simi Valley; for location, contact M. Gregory, info@songmakers.org or 805-579-6416. More at www.songmakers.org/hoots/simi_valley_hoot.htm.
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Wed, 3rd Wed every month:
8 pm THE BROMBIES bring bluegrass to Viva Fresh Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank (next to L.A. Equestrian Center); 818-845-2425. They have a residency there, the first, third (and occasional fifth) Wed of every month.
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Wed, Dec 17:
8-11 pm KRISTIN KORB at Galli’s, 6620 Carnelian St, Rancho Cucamonga 91701; www.gallis.net. You’ve enjoyed her standup bass and superb vocals on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” when she performed with COW BOP. More at www.kristinkorb.com
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Kristin has a special offer: Print this listing and present it to her as a coupon. It’s worth $5 off when you buy 3 or more Kristin Korb CDs or DVDs. She says, “Print it out and bring it to the gig. This offer is only good at live performances the rest of this month. One coupon per customer. Expires Dec 31, 2008.”
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More at www.kristinkorb.com
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Wed, every Wed:
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 Wed:
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 Wed:
DISCONTINUED: 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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Beginning in January, this will be a songwriter workshop night, hosted by Marc Platt.
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Wed; 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 Wed:
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, every Wed:
DISCONTINUED: (check with venue) 8:30 pm “SPOKEN WORD & POETRY OPEN MIC” at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.cafemusela.com; 323-464-MUSE (6873).
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Wed, 3rd (& 1st) 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. “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 open mic [happens earlier, 7-9 pm]. The location for this wondrous event not far from McCabes. 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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Follows the 7-9 pm weekly OPEN MIC (6:45 pm sign-ups) that’s hosted here by ALLAN COMEAU. See 7 pm listing for more info.
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Wed, Dec 17:
10 pm KEN O'MALLEY with JOHN BREEN bring authentic and original Irish music to O'Brien's Irish Pub, 2941 Main St, Santa Monica; 310-396-4725. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for their holiday party and toy drive. More at www.kenomalley.com.
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Wed, Dec 17; on TV:
10-11 pm “L.A. HOLIDAY CELEBRATION” is a one-hour condensation of last year’s television coverage of the annual Christmas Eve music and dance extravaganza at the L.A. Music Center. The special highlights the best performances from the previous year’s live show. Produced by the L.A. County Arts Commission, the show airs on PBS stations nationwide, including KCET (Ch 28 broadcast; check local cable listings). This show re-airs one hour after the live telecast of the six-hour show on Wed, Dec 24 at 10 pm. Complete program information on this year’s Dec 24 show is available (after Dec 10) at www.holidaycelebration.org and at 213-972-3099.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
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Tonight’s “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks are in Tujunga at 7 pm, and at 8 pm in Altadena and L.A.
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Thu, Dec 18; on radio & web simulcast:
10:45 am MOIRA SMILEY & VOCO on “GLOBAL VILLAGE” on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, worldwide at www.kpfk.com. VOCO has been the subject of a national feature on NPR’s "Harmonia," and performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” They are a delightful female vocal harmony-based group. More at www.myspace.com/vocoinfo
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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, Dec 18:
Noon-2 pm HANK DELUXE & THE ELBOW BENDERS bring rockabilly 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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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, Dec 18:
6-10 pm KRISTIN KORB TRIO at LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel. You’ve enjoyed her standup bass and superb vocals on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” when she performed with COW BOP. Tonight is her jazz trio with LLEW MATTHEWS & STEVE BARNES, “swinging you into too much fun!”
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Kristin has a special offer: Print this listing and present it to her as a coupon. It’s worth $5 off when you buy 3 or more Kristin Korb CDs or DVDs. She says, “Print it out and bring it to the gig. This offer is only good at live performances the rest of this month. One coupon per customer. Expires Dec 31, 2008.”
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More at www.kristinkorb.com
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Thu, 3rd (and 1st) Thu, every month; in the OC:
6-9 pm “BLUEGRASS JAM IN THE OC” at Orange County Archery, 18792 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley 92708; 714-965-1125. It’s described as “Open Mics and Jams,” and as an “open bluegrass jam, all pickers welcome, all grinners welcome!” Event info, Shelah Spiegel, 714-962-5083 or ifiddler@yahoo.com. Free.
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Thu, recurring; in Idyllwild:
6-9 pm SANDII CASTLEBERRY & KEVIN HAMBY at Café Aroma, 54750 N Circle Dr, Idyllwild; 951-659-5212. Acoustic blues, bluegrass, swing, folk, more; Sandii Castleberry with guitar, vocals, harmonica; Kevin Hamby on bass, vocals.
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Thu, Dec 18; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7-10 pm “POCKET GOLDBERG & FRIENDS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” with this week’s guest artists PAUL MARSHALL (I See Hawks in L.A., Patty Loveless, Juice Newton, Strawberry Alarm Clock, Fur Dixon & Steve Werner), and DEBRA DAVIS (Christopher Cross), at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; www.myspace.com/arniescafe. DALE LaDUKE (Kaedmon, BeaTunes, Five Wheel Drive) 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; third Thu, every month:
7-10 pm “BEACH CITIES FOLK MUSIC CLUB” at a private home in Manhattan Beach; for info & loc, 310-376-8760, Aprilstory@aol.com, www.beachcitiesfolkclub.org. Hosts say, “Please bring yummy snacks, drinks to share. Since we meet on a weeknight, we ask that you respect the ending time and leave at 10 pm.” Coordinator is April Halprin Wayland.
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Thu, 3rd Thu, every month; in Camarillo:
7-11 pm SONGMAKERS “CAMARILLO HOOT” in Camarillo; for location, contact TJ Zeiler, Songmaker93010@gmail.com or 805-482-0029; www.songmakers.org.
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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:
DISCONTINUED; ENDED IN NOVEMBER: 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. Info, Karen, 562-438-1255, karinovations@verizon.net.
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Thu; every week; in Lancaster:
7-10 pm “CEDAR OPEN MIC” at Cedar Center, 44345 Cedar Av (at Lancaster Bl), Lancaster 93534; www.myspace.com/cedarcenteropenmic. Hosted by Ms. Shell Marie and Cleen. It’s open to all ages, however there is no censorship rule. It welcomes poets, spoken word, “freestylers,” and acoustic musicians. Free.
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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, Dec 18:
7:30 pm “MUSIC INDUSTRY SHOWCASE” with ISAAC JOHNSON, MATT JONES, RISA BINDER, & RACHEL LOUISE in a Songwriter Circle, followed by full sets from CANDACE DEVINE, RUBY JAMES, and ERIK KERTES, at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640.
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This a regularly-occurring series presented by Shout It out Promotions LLC (www.myspace.com/shoutitoutpromo) & NIXA Country Radio. The opening four-artist songwriter circle begins at 7:30 pm with L.A. newcomers ISAAC JOHNSON (www.isaacjohnsonmusic.com) and MATT JONES (www.myspace.com/mattjones), plus L.A. artists RISA BINDER (www.myspace.com/risamusic) and RACHEL LOUISE www.myspace.com/89rachellouise). Full sets by individual artists feature CANDACE DEVINE (www.myspace.com/candacedevine) at 8:45 pm; RUBY JAMES (www.myspace.com/rubyjames) plays at 9:30 pm (she just finished her critically-acclaimed album, “Desert Rose,” and landed a song placement in the film, “The Women;” ERIK KERTES (www.myspace.com/erikkertes) plays at 10:15 pm, and he’s played with the likes of Michael Buble, Josh Kelley, Lenka, Pat McGee Band, One Republic and David Foster.
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Open to the public. It’s the 50th birthday of Shout It out Promotions’ Bob Leggett. Genghis Cohen offers Chinese food and reasonably-priced drinks. Music industry attends free with exchange of business card. Full night is $8 cover.
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Thu, Dec 18:
7:30-10:30 pm L.A. SONGWRITERS CO-OP “Special Holiday Event with MOSES AVALON,” at The Pig & Whistle, 6714 Hollywood Bl (1 blk E of Highland), Hollywood. Event info, 323-551-1000; www.SongwritersCoOp.com. Meets here every 3rd Thu, hosted by Alex Del Zoppo. Info: 323-551-1000; info@songswritersCoOp.com; www.SongwritersCoOp.com. Get feedback from songwriting professionals and your peers on what's working in your original song and how to make it even better. Bring 15 to 20 copies of your lyrics (with chords if possible) and your music on CD or tape or play it live. Meetings start promptly. $5 admission fee.
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LA Songwriters Co-Op Presents Moses Avalon and Holiday Party
Music business insider and industry expert Moses Avalon will speak on a variety of need-to-know publishing and record business subjects essential for all songwriters, summing up the state of this rapidly-changing business as '08 ends, and what to expect in '09. It’s a chance to have some of your music business questions answered.
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In lieu of the usual song feedback, the first half of the meeting is Moses' in-depth discussion and Q & A session. The second half is the HOLIDAY PARTY. Come and play your songs live or just jam with others.
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More on the speaker: MOSES AVALON is currently a top-selling author of music business books and educational tools in the US music industry. He is also an artists' rights activist. Mr. Avalon began his career by producing and engineering records for several major and independent labels. His combined work with Grammy® award-winning recording artists has earned him several RIAA Platinum record awards. His soundtrack compositions have been used in films that went on to win outstanding achievement awards at Cannes, The New York Expo and WorldFest.
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In 1997 Mr. Avalon noticed that all the "how-to" books on the music industry were written by attorneys and were not accessible to musicians. He took the opposite approach. His first book, “Confessions of a Record Producer: How To Survive the Scams and Shams of the Music Business,” released in September 1998, is currently part of the music business curriculum in over 40 schools. (Including: UCLA, Loyola Law School and NYU). Mr. Avalon has subsequently released two follow up books, “Secrets of a Negotiating a Record Contract: The Musician's Guide to Understanding and Avoiding Sneaky Lawyer Tricks” and “Million Dollar Mistakes: How to Avoid the Landmines of the Music Business.” He has been a featured guest on over 50 national radio interviews and his newsletter “Moses Supposes” presents informed and humorous editorials on the inner workings of the music business. More at www.MosesAvalon.com
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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, Dec 18; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
CANCELLED: 8 pm TERRY TALBOT & THE MASON PROFFIT BAND at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917. You may remember last year’s tour, wherein TERRY TALBOT joined BARRY McGUIRE in a fabulous review of classic ‘60s music, mixed with first-person stories that illuminated the music. Now, Terry Talbot is back with his band, MASON PROFFIT, returning to the place from which most of his stories came.
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TERRY TALBOT & MASON PROFFIT have a rich history in American music. In August of 1969, Mason Profit released the first of Terry’s thirty albums and influenced the music scene of the time. “The band swung harder than most of the West Coast’s country-rock heavies. Terry, meanwhile, crooned as if he’d grown up listening to Loretta Lynn and Merle Haggard. Mason Proffit disbanded in 1973, but not before making a huge impression on a couple of upstarts in California. Yessir, THE EAGLES’ desperado / outlaw image owes a lot to the brothers Talbot. So, if you want to pass Country Rock 101, you need a serious dose of the Proffit.” - Justin Farrar, Rhapsody / 2008.
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Terry is back as front man and principle songwriter for the band. He penned their hit songs, “Two Hangmen” - so politically charged that it was banned from radio by the FCC for sedition - and the band’s other hits, “Eugene Pratt” and “Better Find Jesus.” They recorded five albums on the Warner Bros. label and their opening acts included JOHN DENVER, THE DOOBIE BROTHERS, STEELY DAN, and DAN FOGLEBERG. “The Eagles were greatly influenced by Mason Proffit and followed the design of Two Hangmen for their Hotel California.”
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Later, with brother JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT, Terry toured as the opening act for THE EAGLES. Terry earned early recognition as an accomplished guitarist with GLEN CAMPBELL, CHAD MITCHELL, and SONNY & CHER.
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TERRY TALBOT has been nominated for a number of Grammy and Dove awards. In the last seven years, Terry has released six CD’s and a live video. Before that, he recorded seven solo albums with Sparrow Records including the Grammy nominated album, “The Painter,” with his brother, John. In 1979, “The Painter” was reviewed by Billboard magazine as “the best acoustic album of decade!” Terry is still heralded by many critics to be one of folk rock’s finest acoustic guitarists ever.
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Tonight, Terry is joined by BYRON HORI on guitar and vocals and BRIAN BEAL on bass and vocals, reunited as TERRY TALBOT & THE MASON PROFFIT BAND, to bring a highly-charged, culturally-rich show. Their line up of original and familiar songs takes the listener on an American musical journey. Tix, $15.
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Thu, Dec 18; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm BOB MALONE plus THERESA JAMES for the monthly “BLUES SUMMIT” show at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A.; 323-954-9630; www.themintla.com. Tables go fast for this one, so make reservations. You’ve heard BOB MALONE’s songs on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” where he scored a “Listener Favorite” of 2007. Before that, he won the best album honors at the Just Plain Folks Music Awards. This guy is wonderful.
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Bob tells us, “New album is done - it's called ‘Ain't What You Know’ (as in: it ain't what you know, it ain't who you know, it's what you know about who you know), and it will be available on CD and gloriously anachronistic 12" vinyl records early next year. Official street date and CD release party will be in Feb/March - after my European tour. In the meantime, be sure to order a few copies of my Christmas single, it makes an excellent stocking stuffer. And to get some of those in person, you can always come [tonight] to our last show of the year.” More at www.bobmalone.com
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Thu, recurring:
8-11:30 pm RICK SHEA AND THE LOSIN' END at Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006; 626-447-9349; www.arcadiabluesclub.com. Rick and his honky-tonk blues band’s Thursday series, with guests. Rick & co play 8-9, then from 10-12. At 9 is the guest band, different each week. Artists’ info: www.rickshea.com. Venue serves dinner, has drink specials most nights. $5 cover.
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Thu & Fri, every week:
8-10:30 pm THE PLOUGHBOYS play their residency at the Tam O' Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz. The boys say, “Come down for great music, dancing and a green beer!” Info & directions, www.theploughboys.com.
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Thu, 3rd (and 1st) Thu, every month:
8-10 pm WINDY RIDGE brings bluegrass to the Coffee Cartel, 1820 S Catalina Av, Redondo Beach 90277; 310-316-6554. Info, contact Frank Bayuk at 310-567-6321 or windyridgeband@aol.com. Band info, www.windyridgebluegrass.com. No cover.
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Thu, Dec 18:
8-10 pm “LISA TURNER PRESENTS THE OPEN MIC SHOWCASE” at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. It’s Lisa’s picks of the best of the year’s open mic performers, each getting a featured set tonight. They are:
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ARIELLE SILVER is a Southerner by birth, and a Yankee by socialization. Arielle was born and raised on the East Coast with a suitcase packed to move. After years of busking in the Boston subways and freelancing as a clarinetist, she was picked up by Boston indie label Passion Records. Arielle recorded and produced 2 albums on Passion Records, crossed the nation three times with her band in a vegetable-oil-fueled van, and gained college/ AAA radio support throughout the US and Canada. Arielle moved to LA in 2007, and is currently writing catchy tracks for film/television, and disaster songs for her next album.
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TIM TURNER is an accomplished singer/songwriter/guitarist. Tim has the sound and look that the world of music has been waiting for. His music can be described as a mix of acoustic R&B intertwined with elements of jazz and blues, a style he likes to call "Guitar & B." With years of years of classical guitar training, he placed in national competitions including the ASTA/Green Classical Guitar Competition at USC two years in a row. The public was first introduced to the talented Turner when he was nine years old, during his first public performance at singing harmony at Highland Grounds Coffeehouse with his mom, Lisa Turner. His performances now include solo shows, shows with his self-titled band, and jazz combo gigs performing old jazz standards. Tim Turner is a unique talent and hopes to release his first album next year.
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D. WHITNEY QUINN is known as a "songwriter's songwriter." He sings and plays piano/organ/guitar/lap slide/banjo/bass and drums, and spends a lot of his time accompanying others and doing studio work for artists, television, film and commercials. lately, he has stepped out into the spotlight performing his own material. you may recognize him from playing the monday night open mic at Kulak's Woodshed, where he usually has a new song every week. "I hold myself accountable to writing a song a week", explains Whitney, "and have been doing so for the past seven months. It's exercising my songwriting muscles, so to speak, and am pretty happy with the results."
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Whitney has worn a lot of musical hats. This past year he has worked as a substitute for the musical director at second city comedy improv in Hollywood, improvising original music and musical sound effects on the spot, shadowing the actors' skits. He has accompanied many musicians at kulak's woodshed and other venues, including the renowned dave morrison and paul zollo. he also plays, writes and consults with younger musicians, sharing with them his extensive experience with music, art and commerce. "I believe that the more you give, the more you get", he says, "and I hope to inspire and encourage promising young artists with the hope that they can stay focused and learn from the left turns i have observed over the years." get ready for a set of personal and powerful songs from the mighty d. Whitney Quinn.
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JENNIFER QUIROZ brings homespun songs that are “the ember-infused conversations one has with an intimate friend at a fireside. With subject matter ranging from the great escape of doing something you truly love (‘And So You Sing’) to having faith that everything happens for your soul's unfoldment (‘The Greatest Good’), Jennifer sees herself as a conduit - believing that her songs are ‘through’ her and not ‘by’ her. Having suffered from paralyzing stage fright and writer's block for year, it took the experience of her father being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer and his miraculous healing to finally infuse her with the strength to overcome her fears and perform. So with more faith in the unseen than the seen, and with the belief that everything truly is for your greatest good, Jennifer is thankful to be pursing her dreams and enlivened by the prospect of being able to inspire in even the slightest of ways through music.”
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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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Thu, Dec 18:
7-10 pm KELLY FITZGERALD solo acoustic at Delius Restaurant, 2951 Cherry Av, Signal Hill; 562-989-1000; www.deliusrestaurant.com. She is always excellent. More at www.kellyfitzgerald.net
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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, Dec 18; in Ventura:
8-10 pm DENISE VASQUEZ at Café Bella, 79 S California St, Ventura 93001. Denise has performed live, twice, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and she is currently a nominee for five Mavric Awards (www.mavric-awards.com/02_vote.html), including for her bilingual rendition of Lowen and Navarro’s “We Belong,” a hit for Pat Benatar in the ‘80s. More at www.denisevasquez.com and www.myspace.com/denisevasquez. No cover.
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Thu, most Thursdays:
8:30 pm THE WATKINS FAMILY HOUR at one of the two Largo locations, either the original “little stage” venue at 432 N Fairfax Av, LA; 323-852-1073, or the new “big stage” Largo at the Coronet, 366 N La Cienega Bl, L.A. 90048; http://largo-la.com; 310-855-0350. They are alumni of NICKEL CREEK. Cover is $15 in the small venue, $25 in the big venue.
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Thu, every week:
8:30 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line dance lessons with Marie, 7-8:30 pm. Happy hour 4-7 pm, M-F. No cover.
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Thu, 3rd Thu, every month:
9 pm-midnight “100% ACOUSTIC & OLD TIME JAM” hosted by TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT, always fun, at the Hyperion Tavern, 1941 Hyperion Av (look for barber pole just S of Lyric), L.A. 90027. “The Foot” has twice performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” The Foot’s Ben says, “Please buy some refreshments and tip your bartender.” No cover.
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There will be no 3rd thursday jam in January. 2/3 of “The Foot” will be in Portland (OR) for the old-time music gathering; info on that, http://bubbaguitar.com/festival/index.html
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Thu, Dec 18:
9 pm DAVID SERBY at The Pike Bar & Grill, 1836 E 4th St, Long Beach 90802. David is a first-rate alt-country artist. More at www.myspace.com/davidserby and www.davidserby.com
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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, Dec 18:
9:30 pm KEN O'MALLEY with JOHN BREEN bring authentic and original Irish music to Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; 818-785-4031. More at www.kenomalley.com.
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Thu; every Thu:
9:30 pm PRESTON SMITH & THE CROCODILES at Bartwist, 48 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia; www.bartwist.com. Expect a good time and dancing’, from honky-tonk to Elvis. Venue has food and full bar. No cover.
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Thu, 1st & 3rd Thu, every month:
9:30 pm Pianist DANNY HOLT “& friends” at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.cafemusela.com; 323-464-MUSE (6873). Called "exceptional" by the Los Angeles Times, pianist Danny Holt performs across the globe in concert halls, clubs, art galleries, churches, living rooms, and wherever else he can find a piano and someone to listen. Whether playing classical music, experimental music, minimalist grooves, or pop/rock, Danny is consistently praised by critics for his energy, wit, and vibrancy. Twice a month, Danny performs here with his invited guests. More at www.dannyholt.net and www.myspace.com/dannyholtmusic
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Venue serves vegan & omnivore “comfort food,” fruit smoothies and organic coffee & tea beverages. Entertainment (of various kinds) happens 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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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
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Tonight’s “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks are at 6:30 pm in L.A.; in Anaheim at 7 pm; in Santa Monica at 7:30 pm; and in Altadena at 8 pm.
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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, Dec 19; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
6:30-8 pm annual “MUSIC CENTER HOLIDAY SING-ALONG” on the Music Center Plaza, L.A. Music Center, 135 North Grand Av, L.A. (downtown) 90012; 213-972-7211; www.musiccenter.org. Celebrate the sounds of the season and join the fun at this holiday 'must-do'. The Music Center Holiday Sing-Along offers a free evening of singing among the twinkling lights of the plaza. Bundle up, bring your friends and family, and sing along with live musical accompaniment. Song sheets provided. Seating opens at 6 pm (limited capacity). First come, first served.
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“Active Arts at the Music Center” is a series of low or no-cost events for the artist in everyone. Come sing, dance, play music, and tell stories downtown. Be Active. Info, activearts@musiccenter.org, or above number. No photography, videotaping, and recordings of any kind. Program and information subject to change. In case of rain, event will be cancelled. Free.
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Fri, Dec 19; in the OC; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7 pm SARAH BRIGHTMAN at The Theatre at Honda Center, Anaheim. Sarah Brightman is the biggest-selling soprano of all time. She recently captivated the world at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and now she has begun her first North American tour in four years, including only two consecutive nights in Southern Cal. After the successful release of her highest chart-debuting album, “Symphony,” Sarah will release her first-ever Christmas album this holiday season. “A Winter Symphony” features season classics delivered with her vocals, including “Silent Night,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “Ave Maria” and others. During her career, Sarah has sold more than 26 million albums and over two million DVDs worldwide. She continues to defy genres and create groundbreaking music for audiences around the world. Doors at 7 pm. Tix $235, $110, $75, $40. On sale 9/13 at noon.
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Fri, 3rd (&1st) 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 3rd (& 1st) 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 3rd (& 1st) 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, Dec 19; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
CANCELLED: 7:30 pm “CELTIC CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION” with MOLLY’S REVENGE and guests MOIRA SMILEY and dancer MAIRE CLERKIN, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1260 18th St (at Arizona), Santa Monica 90404. First of two shows in the L.A. area as MOLLY’S REVENGE (www.mollysrevenge.com) does their annual holiday show tour. They are joined by MOIRA SMILEY (www.moirasmiley.com), the multitalented vocalist-composer-arranger and impresario of VOCO; Moira won the West/Midwest USA Division of the “All-Ireland Singing Championship.” Joining the musicians is “the most creative and skilled Irish dancer you'll ever see,” MAIRE CLERKIN (www.musiccenter.org/education/artistdirectory_127.html). Advance tix at www.mollysrevenge.com/performances.shtml. (The other local show is tomorrow night at 7:30 pm in Pasadena; see listing.) Tix $18 advance, $20 door.
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The show in Pasadena on Dec 20 will still take place; see listing (7:30 pm, Sat).
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Fri, Dec 19 (& Sat, Dec 20) ; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
SOLL OUT: 8 pm “TRIPPIN’ THE SIXTIES” with BARRY McGUIRE & JOHN YORK (The BYRDS) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917. You may remember last year’s tour, wherein TERRY TALBOT joined BARRY McGUIRE in a fabulous review of classic ‘60s music, mixed with first-person stories that illuminated the music. Now, the show is back, with JOHN YORK joining Barry for an evening of classic songs of the ‘60s, and personal stories that illuminate the music.
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BARRY McGUIRE stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the “Andy Williams Show,” as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar." In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit, "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times – and was banned from US radio play by the FCC, for sedition.
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Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with rock & roll, you get Barry McGuire.”
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JOHN YORK, currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned folk rock / country rock group, THE BYRDS. John’s vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John), Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet), Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band), and many others. The TV show, “The Place Where I Am Dreaming,” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time.
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Reservations strongly recommended. Tix, $20.
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Fri, every week:
8-10:30 pm THE PLOUGHBOYS play an every-Friday residency at the Tam O'Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz 90039; www.lawrysonline.com/tamoshanter_gen_info.asp; 323-664-0228. Band member Mark Romano says, “Great food, drinks, dancing, and of course, music!” Info & directions, www.theploughboys.com. All ages, no cover.
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Fri, Dec 19:
8 pm monthly “WORDPLAY SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE” with this edition’s theme, “The Question” and performing songwriters JASON LUCKETT, AMY RAASCH, CHAUNCEY BOWERS, and performing host DANIEL MCFEELEY, at The Talking Stick (new location), 1411c Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. Daniel tells us “the question” is one of the songwriter’s choosing: “The cure to cancer? Peace in the Middle East? Pro wrestling - is it real? Almost certainly none of these questions will be answered, but, certainly four very talented musicians will musically tackle ‘the question?’”
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More at:
JASON LUCKETT, www.myspace.com/jasonluckett
AMY RAASCH, www.myspace.com/amyraasch
CHAUNCEY BOWERS, www.myspace.com/chaunceybowers
DANIEL McFEELEY, www.myspace.com/danielmcfeeley
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Each writes and performs an original song about "the question" as part of their individual full 30 minute set that includes their song on this month’s theme. Daniel adds, “Each will amaze and delight you (depending on your threshold of amazement and delight).” Venue has good sandwiches, salads, coffeehouse drinks. No cover.
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Fri, Dec 19:
8-11 pm SEAN WIGGINS & PAUL HOUSTON at Oceanview Bistro, 3826 Ocean View Bl, Montrose 91020; 818-248-2722. Sean says, “We had a great year - played over 150 shows and will soon have a new CD! 2009 is already booking up!” She adds, “This is a new place for us - come stop by - good food and drink, nice peeps!” More at www.seanwiggins.com
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Fri, Dec 19:
8-10 pm LEILA BROUSSARD & KEATON SIMONS 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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LEILA BROUSSARD has performed across the country, and had her music placed on CBS, ABC and MTV. Originally from South Louisiana, she has lived in Iowa and Philadelphia for a number of years, and most recently New York. She is now based out of Los Angeles. Leila has indie CDs, including her record, “RISE,” available on itunes. In Nov ‘07 she signed a publishing deal with Rondor/Universal Music Group and is working on a new six-song EP entitled “Waiting on the 9.” More at www.myspace.com/leliabroussard
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KEATON SIMONS, Los Angeles native, has, with the release of "Can You Hear Me," shown that perseverance has its rewards. Simons possesses an impressive resume. He's shared the stage with major players from across the musical spectrum, including Coldplay, Gnarls Barkley, and Snoop Dogg, and he’s been a frequent writing partner with Josh Kelley. His unique brand of bluesy, soulful rock has been featured in film and television multiple times. Yet Simons has struggled to make a name for himself on a national scale, and had to endure the collapse of his former label, Maverick Records. After the frustration of recording an album for Maverick that was never released, Simons is now enjoying a new beginning with CBS Records. Currently, he's on tour in support of "Can You Hear Me," with a set that features songs like the irresistible, upbeat "Good Things Get Better" and the ballad "Without Your Skin," a versatile track that's remarkably affecting either plugged in or acoustic. More at www.myspace.com/keatonsimons
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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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Fri, Dec 19:
8 pm “SPOKEN TRUTH” with performing host TROYAL is a free variety show on the Coffee Gallery FRONT-STAGE, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena. We know you know all about the world-famous Coffee Gallery Backstage, with it’s world-class performers, but what about The Coffee Gallery Front-stage? They have a free stage in the front of the coffeehouse. Coffee Gallery Coffee Bar proprietor and professional comic JULIE SANDOVAL tells us, “The Front-stage is available for poetry, spoken word and acoustic music.” If you'd like to arrange your own Front-Stage Show please email Julie at bohemianjoe@gmail.com. “SPOKEN TRUTH” with Troyal is at 8 pm, one Friday each month. Admission is free, and you can contact them to sign-up to share your spoken truth or a song. Info, www.funkylittlecoffeehouse.com.
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Fri, repeats 3rd Fri, every month:
8:30-11 pm CONTRA DANCE at the War Memorial Hall, 435 S Fair Oaks Av, South Pasadena. Music by live band. Recent musicians have included TOM & PATRICK SAUBER, STEVE LEWIS and MIKE SAUBER. Dance instruction at 7:30 pm.
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Fri, Dec 19:
BIG RED SKY at The Hideaway, 12110 Kagel Canyon, Kagel Canyon (Sylmar); 818-890-1225. More at www.thebigredsky.com
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Fri, every week:
9 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line dance lessons with Marie, 7-9 pm. No cover.
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Fri, Dec 19:
9 pm-1 am KELLY FITZGERALD TRIO at Muldoons, 202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach; www.muldoonspub.com. She is always excellent. More at www.kellyfitzgerald.net
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Fri, Dec 19:
9:30 pm-1:30 am PADDY'S PIG at The Irish Times, 3267 Motor Av. L.A. (Palms) 90034; 310-559-9648. The band tells us, “It's our first show here, so come join us for some song, holiday cheer & a pint or two!” 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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Fri, Dec 19:
9:30 pm SLIGO RAGS at Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; 818-785-4031; www.irelands32pub.com. They performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” on St Patrick’s day, 2006, and at that time, they had multiple songs in the Celtic music Top Ten. They play Celtic music with a bluegrass attitude, yet the Irish Times wrote, “Sligo Rags really know their Celtic music.” More at www.sligorags.com
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Fri, Dec 19:
10 pm KEN O'MALLEY AND THE TWILIGHT LORDS bring authentic and original Irish music to The Auld Dubliner, 71 Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com. More at www.kenomalley.com.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
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Tonight’s “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks are in Inglewood and Hollywood at 7 pm; in Pasadena at 7:30 pm; and in Altadena and Culver City at 8 pm.
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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 rebroadcasts through the week; check site for details.
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Sat, Dec 20:
1-3 pm The “Youth Program” series brings JIM GAMBLE SANTA’S WORKSHOP plus LIMPOPO HOLIDAY SHOW 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, 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, Dec 20:
4-8 pm “EVENING HOLIDAY TOURS” at the Homestead Museum, 15415 East Don Julian Rd, City of Industry; 91745; www.homesteadmuseum.org. Special, one-evening-only tours for visitors to enjoy period decorations by moonlight. Tours focus on how the celebration of Christmas in Southern Cal changed from the 1840s through the 1920s. Following each tour, visitors can enjoy cider and sweet treats in the Homestead Museum Gallery. Tours depart every 20 minutes. Adv tix recommended, on sale Oct 31. $5 adults; $3 seniors, students, & children 2-12; children under age 2 are free.
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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; 3rd Sat every month; in Port Townsend, WA:
5:30-8 pm monthy “PORT TOWNSEND CHANTEY SING” at the Courtyard Café (formerly Bread n Roses), 230 Quincy St, Port Townsend; 360-379-3355. Info, Tugboat Bromberg, 360-990-4873 or 360-598-1497. The “call and response” form of these work songs of the sea makes them easy to learn and fun to sing.
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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, Dec 20; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7 pm SARAH BRIGHTMAN at The Forum in Inglewood. Sarah Brightman is the biggest-selling soprano of all time. She recently captivated the world at the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and now she has begun her first North American tour in four years, including only two consecutive nights in Southern Cal. After the successful release of her highest chart-debuting album, “Symphony,” Sarah will release her first-ever Christmas album this holiday season. “A Winter Symphony” features season classics delivered with her vocals, including “Silent Night,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “Ave Maria” and others. During her career, Sarah has sold more than 26 million albums and over two million DVDs worldwide. She continues to defy genres and create groundbreaking music for audiences around the world. Doors at 7 pm. Tix $235, $110, $75, $40. On sale 9/13 at noon.
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Sat, Dec 20; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7-10 pm PIRATES OF THE BLACK SWAN, and the DOXIE CHICKS, plus RON ELY opening, at the free outdoor “HOLLYWOOD WINTER WONDERLAND and SANTA'S VILLAGE” on Hollywood Boulevard, in front of the Scientology Center, near Highland, in downtown Hollywood. Ron opens with 45-minute acoustic set of authentic and original songs of the sea, followed by the raucously rockin’ pirates in full regalia. This is quite a show, especially for free, considering they’ve been getting $20 for tickets when they perform. Santa in on hand for the kids. Dress warmly, it’s deceivingly cold when you’re out here for a lengthy show.
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Sat, Dec 20; in the OC:
7-9 pm “GROUP SINGING” with Just Plain Folks Orange County Chapter, www.JPFolks.org; contact Linda Kraemer for info and location, at JPFLinda@aol.com
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Sat; 3rd Sat every month; in Lancaster:
7-9 pm monthly “FEATURED ARTIST / OPEN MIC” at Crosstown Records & Collectibles, 1032 E Ave K, Lancaster (Note: no longer at the Treehouse). Featured artist is NEW LEAF, an acoustic duo. Each open mic participant pays $5, and a panel of judges awards the pot to the best open mic performance. Event info and lineup at http://desertsongfest.org .
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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 20; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm “CELTIC CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION” with MOLLY’S REVENGE and guests MOIRA SMILEY and dancer MAIRE CLERKIN, at Throop Church, 300 S Los Robles Av, Pasadena. Second of two shows in the L.A. area (last night at 7:30 pm in Santa Monica was the first) as MOLLY’S REVENGE (www.mollysrevenge.com) does their annual holiday show tour. They are joined by MOIRA SMILEY (www.moirasmiley.com), the multitalented vocalist-composer-arranger and impresario of VOCO; Moira won the West/Midwest USA Division of the “All-Ireland Singing Championship.” Joining the musicians is “the most creative and skilled Irish dancer you'll ever see,” MAIRE CLERKIN (www.musiccenter.org/education/artistdirectory_127.html). Advance tix at www.mollysrevenge.com/performances.shtmlTix $18 advance, $20 door.
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Sat, Dec 20:
7:30-9:30 pm ONE FOOT IN at It's A Grind Coffee, 5125 Candlewood St (at Clark), Lakewood 90712; 562-925-1050; www.itsagrind.com. They’re a fun rootsy string band, they’ve performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and they tell us, “Holiday cheer galore - rockin' around the Christmas tree and the dreidel and maybe even a left-over pumpkin or two.”
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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, third Sat, every month:
7:30 pm “COFFEE HOUSE AT THE ONION” OPEN MIC at the Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society, 9550 Haskell Av, North Hills. A great place to showcase your new stuff. Coffee and cookies available by donation. (No longer on Fridays.) No cover.
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Sat, Dec 20 (and Fri, Dec 19) ; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm “TRIPPIN’ THE SIXTIES” with BARRY McGUIRE & JOHN YORK (The BYRDS) at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917. You may remember last year’s tour, and their exciting live performance on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” wherein TERRY TALBOT joined BARRY McGUIRE in a fabulous review of classic ‘60s music, mixed with first-person stories that illuminated the music. Now, the show is back, with JOHN YORK joining Barry for an evening of classic songs of the ‘60s, and personal stories that illuminate the music.
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BARRY McGUIRE stepped into the public eye in 1963 on the “Andy Williams Show,” as the gravelly voiced lead singer of the NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS. He launched his musical career with the million-sellers "Green, Green" and "Green Back Dollar." In 1965, at the heart of the peace movement, McGuire went solo. His growing awareness of social hypocrisy was expressed in his third hit, "Eve of Destruction" which echoed around the world as an anthem of the times – and was banned from US radio play by the FCC, for sedition.
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Three years later, Barry was cast as the male lead in the original Broadway production of the musical "Hair." Once again his voice was heard proclaiming the ideals of a radical generation. Dick Clark says, “When world events collide with rock & roll, you get Barry McGuire.”
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JOHN YORK, currently working with Barry McGuire in "Trippin' The Sixties," is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned folk rock / country rock group, THE BYRDS. John’s vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of such musical luminaries as Roger McGuinn, The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John), Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet), Rick Danko and Richard Manuel (The Band), and many others. The TV show, “The Place Where I Am Dreaming,” featured John’s artistic collaboration with his wife, artist Sumi Foley. Recently, John has composed and recorded music for the lyrics of Kim Fowley on "West Coast Revelation." The duet "Redneck Ninja" highlights John's creative partnership with acclaimed songwriter Patrick Brayer. In 2007, John played concerts in Japan for the third time.
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Reservations strongly recommended. Tix, $20.
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Sat, Dec 20; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE WITCHER BROTHERS at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. The Witcher Brothers are considered one of the hottest bluegrass bands in the Southwest, noted for their powerful energetic instrumental solos, tight three-part harmony and heartfelt original material. Their range is traditional to contemporary, original bluegrass compositions and bluegrass gospel. Featuring hot fiddler GABE WITCHER, a man in demand for session work and live shows by everybody, everywhere. Venue’s website has a guide to local dining. $15.
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Sat, Dec 20:
8-10 pm WILL WHEATON AND FRIENDS 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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Will Wheaton is a Los Angeles based singer-songwriter. Will has performed both on record and on stage with many of the mainstream artists of today, including Rod Stewart, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Celine Deon, Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, and John Legend. Will’s writing credits include songs for Earth Wind and Fire, Will Downing, The Manhattans, and European superstar Anastacia. Will’s biggest hit to date sold over 10,000,000 copies worldwide. His greatest joy is the live performance of his own music. He says he feels the time has never been more right for him to make a big push forward. Will’s music is available globally on www.smoothjazz.com. “Urban Network” magazine just named Will one of 30 top indie artists to watch in 2008.
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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, third Sat, every month:
8 pm “JAVA WITH JAVELYN INDIE MUSIC NITES” at the Unurban Café, 3301 Pico Bl, Santa Monica. This event is a pre-booked artist showcase, not an open mic. Javelyn holds a companion event every 1st Fri with an opne mic, at another venue, at 6:30 pm; see that calendar listing. Info, www.javawithjavelyn.com.
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Sat ,3rd Sat, every month:
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “CARS AND GUITARS SONG CIRCLE” in Camarillo; for location, contact Pat Cronin, CarsAndGuitarsSongCircle@songmakers.org or 805-236-7954; www.songmakers.org.
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Sat, 3rd Sat, ODD-numbered months only:
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “SOUTH BAY HOOT” in Redondo Beach; for location, contact info@Songmakers.org or 310-376-0222. www.songmakers.org.
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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 20:
9 pm-1 am KELLY FITZGERALD TRIO at Muldoons, 202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach; www.muldoonspub.com. She is always excellent. More at www.kellyfitzgerald.net
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Sat, Dec 20:
9:30 pm-1:30 am SEAN WIGGINS & LONE GOAT at Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; 818-785-4031. . Sean says, “We had a great year - played over 150 shows and will soon have a new CD! 2009 is already booking up!” She adds, “This is a new place for us - come stop by - good food and drink, nice peeps!” More at www.seanwiggins.com. No cover.
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Sat, Dec 20:
10 pm THE CHEATIN' KIND plus the electric GROOVY REDNECKS at The Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar; music series hotline 310-250-1317. Venue is 21+.
GROOVY REDNECKS at 10 pm, THE CHEATIN' KIND, playing you holiday favorites, and Babs' red velvet holiday cake too, at 11 pm.
No cover, bring $ for the tip jar.
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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, DECEMBER 21
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HAPPY HANUKAH, Dec 21 through 29!
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Tonight’s “SHOW OF THE WEEK” picks are at 8 pm in Altadena and San Pedro.
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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. Includes 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; 3rd Sun, every month:
Noon-3 pm SONGSALIVE! monthly “LOS ANGELES WORKSHOP,” with music industry guest speaker, at The Finnish Center, 10701 Magnolia Bl (E of Vineland), North Hollywood 91601. Each monthly workshop features a music industry guest speaker, in a setting for songwriters to gather, share their songs, gain feedback and develop relationships within the songwriting community. The first half of each session is an in-the-round workshop, where each writer presents one song, on tape or CD or live. The second half includes the guest speaker and an industry discussion, with time to talk, enjoy coffee and network. Hosted by Paul Lawrence Moyer. Info on guest speaker, or pre-registration, at 310-238-0359 or www.songsalive.org/losangeles for rules, speakers & what to bring. (Event now held on 3rd Sundays, changed from 1st Sundays.) $5, or free for Songsalive! members.
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Sun, Dec 21:
12:30 pm “BRUNCH AMERICANA” with DAVID GLEASON, THE B-STARS, THE VAQUETONES, DAVID SERBY, at The Redwood Bar and Grill, 316 W 2nd St, L.A. 90012. A fine, full afternoon of great alt-country, with David Gleason at 12:30 pm, The B-Stars at 1:40 pm, The Vaquetones at 2:50 pm, David Serby at 4 pm.
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First-rate alt-country artist David Serby tells us, “The show is hosted by my pal, Hillbilly DJ Jeff. He’ll be spinning great classic country in between sets and treating everyone like backwater big-shots. It’s a very fun, all-ages show, and my last gig of 2008.” And David adds, “Thanks to everyone who supported the music this year. I count you all as friends and it means a lot to me and the rest of the folks playing music around town that you come to the shows and check out the records. I hope you all have a great Holiday Season and that no matter what you’re celebrating in includes a lot of family and friends.” More at www.myspace.com/davidserby and www.davidserby.com
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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, Dec 21; 3rd Sun, every month:
1-3 pm Monthly “WESTERN MUSIC ASSOCIATION SOUTHERN CAL JAM SESSION” on the Heritage Court Stage in the Autry National Center (Autry Museum), 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park; www.museumoftheamericanwest.org; 818-971-5002. This month only, no WMA California Chapter meeting follows the jam. All performing musicians (whether or not they are Autry members or WMA members) get in free, and each may bring one guest. On WMA jam days at the Autry, all WMA members are admitted free (w/ WMA membership ID) and get access to the jam and to all the museum galleries for the whole day. Award-winning performing songwriter JOYCE WOODSON says, “You can have lunch there at the Golden Spur [café] first, then stop by for some music.” Info on event and participating at www.westernmusic.org. Museum gen’l adm $9 adults, $3 kids age 12 and under.
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Sun, 3rd Sunday, every month:
1-5 pm SONGMAKERS “EAST VALLEY HOOT” in Van Nuys; for location, contact Barbara Greenspan, EastValleyHoot@songmakers.org or 818-780-5979; www.songmakers.org.
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Sun, recurring:
1:30 pm WELSH CHOIR, for location, contact Rutthy: 818-507-0337.
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Sun, Dec 21; in Santa Barbara:
1:30-4:30 pm SEAN WIGGINS & PAUL HOUSTON at Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara; 805-967 0066. “Yummy BBQ in the bar, says Sean, and she adds, , “We had a great year - played over 150 shows and will soon have a new CD! 2009 is already booking up!” She adds, “This is a new place for us - come stop by - good food and drink, nice peeps!” More at www.seanwiggins.com
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Sun, Dec 21:
2-4 pm KID & NIC SHOW plays swing music 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, 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, Dec 21:
5-7:30 pm PADDY'S PIG trio plays two sets at Finn McCool’s, 2702 Main St, Santa Monica 90405; 310-452-1734. Info, www.gerrigilliland.com. The band says, “Join us for a night of an early evening of dinner, drinks and Irish ballads, and Holiday songs.” 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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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, Dec 21:
5-8 pm “WINTER SOLSTICE AT THE LEARNING GARDEN,” at The Learning Garden at Venice High School, 13000 Venice Bl, Venice 90066; 310-722-3656; learninggardenmaster@yahoo.com. Gardenmaster David says, “Leave the crazies behind - that's the 'holiday crazies' - and relax with us on the shortest night of the year. Back in our agrarian roots, we find the real reason to have a celebration in December, and with that, we leave behind all the crazy-making of shopping and holiday parties. Let go of the commerce that is our current holiday model, and relax with friends by a hot fire - bring your own marshmallows!” There’s always a fun acoustic roots music jam at these events.
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Sun, 3rd Sun, every month; in Arroyo Grande:
5:30-8:30 pm "BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION" at the SLO Down Pub, 1200 E Grand Av (at Brisco), Arroyo Grande; 805-481-4015. Hosted by Roger Siminoff; info, siminoff@siminoff.net. All welcome.
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Sun, 3rd Sun, every month:
6-10 pm “GRIMM / BIG FISH / PRO BLUES JAM” at The Big Fish, 5230 San Fernando Rd, Glendale; 818-244-6442. With KATHRYN GRIMM on guitar & vocals, BILL ORR on bass & vocals, FRANKIE SALEMMO on drums. Other musicians take part by invitation from Kathryn, in advance, at grimmmusic@yahoo.com. "Grimm hosts the Pro Blues Jam the third Sunday of each month, to give professionals and amateurs a chance to shine. Her guitar licks are explosive and her singing divine." - Joyce Rudolph, Los Angeles Times. Billy Hulting (Lou Rawls, Patti Labelle, Dwezill Zappa) says Kathryn Grimm "...sings like an angel, plays guitar like the devil." Kathryn tells us, “Bill [Orr] has just started a myspace page for the Big Fish Jam. Pleeeaaasseee go visit, add it to you friends list and keep visiting to view the up-and-comers photos, [and learn about the] music and info about the Best Jam in Town.” It’s at www.myspace.com/bigfishjam.
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Sun, Dec 21; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7 pm RENAISSANCE performs “A CELEBRATION OF A CAPELLA CHRISTMAS” at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; reservations, 626-398-7917; info, www.coffeegallery.com. Recognized as one of Los Angeles' premiere a Capella vocal groups, RENAISSANCE takes their audience on a nostalgic, musical journey; singing songs of joy, hope, love and redemption. Their repertoire creatively brings back memorable music, covers of legends of Doo Wop and Soul music, including The Drifters, The Moon Glows, Sam Cooke, The Orioles, Clyde McPhatter, Pookie Hudson and the Spaniels, and many more. This group is on a mission to preserve an important American musical art form - "Street Corner Doo Wop / A Capella" singing. In their own, cool, creatively unique and soulful style, are doing all they can to accomplish that goal. Comprised of founding members MAURICE KITCHEN, TORRE BRANNON REESE, & KWAME ALEXANDER, over time these core members teamed-up with ANTHONY SNEAD & CHARLES (SONNY) BANKS of the trio "Banks Epps &Snead." Their new CD, "Meet Me on the Corner," has been accepted with overwhelming enthusiasm and great success. Not just another singing group, Renaissance intertwines social and cultural themes in their music, offering "food for the spirit" as well as the soul. As their website proclaims, “Doo Wop Ain’t Dead.” Artists info, www.doowopaintdead.com. Tix, $15.
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Sun, Dec 21; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7 pm “HAWAIIAN HOLIDAY CONCERT” and optional music workshops with JIM "KIMO" WEST, & THE POLYNESIAN PARADISE DANCERS at Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; event info, http://panioloproductions.com/local.html. Christmas show featuring one of today’s finest composers and players of Hawaiian slack key guitar. The evening includes selections from the new CD "Kimo’s Hawaiian Slack Key Christmas" and more. Kimo tells us, “You can expect some very special hula performances from this excellent troupe!” Kimo will conduct an optional slack key guitar workshop for only $10, simultaneous with the separate hula workshop. Tix, www.panioloproductions.com/store.html. Two workshops at 4 pm, choose Hula or Slack Key Guitar, $10 each. Tix for concert at 7 pm are $15 & 20.
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Sun, every Sun:
7-8 pm JES HUDAK plays her weekly residency at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.cafemusela.com; 323-464-MUSE (6873). JES HUDAK is a singer/songwriter living in Los Angeles. Her weapons of choice are the piano and her voice, and she has been known to wield a guitar from time to time. Her live performance “takes her audience on a journey through laughter and love and sadness and heartbreak. Her voice is powerful and soulful, and her songs are original, emotional, and real.” Artist info, www.jes-hudak.com and www.myspace.com/jeshudak
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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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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 radio and 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, Dec 21:
8 pm annual “BOULEVARD MUSIC HOLIDAY SHOW” at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. It’s a fun-filled evening with the Boulevard Music staff, teachers, families, and friends in the one evening when Boulevard Music transforms into the "House of Schmooze." There'll be the regulars plus some new surprises. Nothing says lovin' like something from the oven. Free, and free cookies.
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Sun, Dec 21:
CANCELLED TONIGHT: 8 pm “FOREVER FLAMENCO!” at The Fountain Theatre, 5060 Fountain Av (Fountain at Normandie), L.A. 90029; 323-663-1525; www.FountainTheatre.com. 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. Secure, on-site parking is $5; tix $30.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 22
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Tonight’s “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick is in Ojai at 7 pm.
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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, Dec 22; in Ojai; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
7 pm Second Annual “CELTIC CHRISTMAS SHOW” with Portland’s HANZ AKARI BAND and Irish step dancers at the Ojai Concert Series, Ojai Valley Woman's Club, 441 E Ojai Av, Ojai; 805-649-5189; www.ojaiconcertseries.com.
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It’s a celebration of Christmas with songs of the season, Irish step dancers, and a fresh new take on Irish traditional music with a Celtic / Japanese fusion quartet that series sponsors say “will knock your socks off the chimney.” Last year’s show was a complete sell-out, so order early.
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HANZ AKARI BAND has created a singularly original new sound, a Celtic / Japanese hybrid, that honors both styles and their traditions while adding a fresh new element to both. For the past five years they have been exciting concert goers across the country and around the world. Featured are CARY NOVOTNY on guitar and vocals, EDDIE PARENTE on fiddle and JOEY ABARTA (Ciunas) on bodhran, and featuring two young Irish step dancers. "The next generation of traditional music" winner of the www.liveireland.com 2005 “Male Newcomer of the Year.”
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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, $20 adv, $22 door.
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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, Dec 22; on cable TV:
7:30 pm “BACKSTAGE L.A.” with guest CLAY EALS, author of “STEVE GOODMAN: FACING THE MUSIC,” broadcast tonight in Chatsworth on cable Ch 34. Recorded in July, it’s a half-hour. More at www.clayeals.com and www.backstagelosangeles.net
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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 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 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 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 singer-songwriter Chris Mathieu at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.cafemusela.com; 323-464-MUSE (6873). The venue tells us, “Open-Mic on Mondays is now for MUSIC ONLY.” Two songs, and if time allows, performers may get to go up a second time. Venue adds, “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.” Sign-ups at 8 pm.
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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 23
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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, Dec 23:
Noon-2 pm JELSA PALAO brings jazz 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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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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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 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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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, Dec 23; in Ventura:
7-11 pm SONGMAKERS “VENTURA HARBOR SONG CIRCLE” at Pierpont Bay Yacht Club, 1363 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura Harbor; www.pbyc.org
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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, 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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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 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 23:
9:45 pm MISTER B & band at the Blue Liquid Lounge, 3522 E Anaheim St, Long Beach. You’ve heard their acoustic renaissance music on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” He says, “Back at our favorite haunt for a year's end celebration.” More at www.misterbmusic.com. Venue is 21+. No cover.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
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Recurring events have not yet been added, from this date forward, nor have “Pick of the Week” recommendations.
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Wed, Dec 24; live and live on TV:
3-9 pm 49th annual “LOS ANGELES COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION” is FREE at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, L.A. Music Center, 135 North Grand Av, L.A. (downtown) 90012; 213-972-7211; www.musiccenter.org. The “RECIPE FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY: is 1,200 performers, 7 celebrity chefs, 1000s of donations for Los Angeles Regional Foodbank.” Produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, admission and parking are FREE. Go, or watch it live on in HD on KCET TV (Ch 28 broadcast). Info, www.holidaycelebration.org and hotline, 213-972-3099.
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It’s the country's largest multicultural holiday show, and this year, food joins music and dance as a source of seasonal cheer. There are 47 performing groups in the six-hour music and dance spectacular, all introduced by L.A.'s top celebrity chefs. The chefs will share holiday recipes from around the world on the web, at www.holidaycelebration.org so the audience can prepare food at home during the live broadcast on KCET.
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People waiting in line to get in can see the show on the JumboTron on the Music Center Plaza. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Patrons may come and go throughout the six hour performance. But be aware that the lines can be so long that you won’t get in, unless you go early in the day. Reservations for tickets to the show or parking are not necessary, but are sometimes offered. Take them if they are.
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The annual Holiday Celebration brings together dance companies, musical groups and choirs from across Los Angeles County to offer a on Christmas Eve artistic sampling of L.A.'s unique cultural diversity.
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Highlights this year include four different takes on "The Nutcracker" commissioned just for the Holiday Celebration. The four companies are among 19 groups new to the show this year. Other first-timers include past “Tied to the Tracks” guests and Grammy nominees LISA HALEY AND THE ZYDEKATS, 3:30-4 pm, performing traditional and contemporary Americana / Cajun / zydeco, and ROYAL CROWN REVUE bringing neo-swing sounds. JAZZANTIQUA Dance & Music Ensemble returns with a new dance to Duke Pearson's soul jazz piece, "Sleighride." Two Holiday Celebration favorites with Mariachi & Folklorico, GRANDEZA MEXICANA FOLK BALLET COMPANY will stage dances from the Mexican state of Sinaloa, and CIELO NUEVO of Middleton Street School, also past guests on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” will stage dances from Zacatecas.
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Hanukkah is just a few days before Christmas this year, and Jewish traditions are represented by songs in Hebrew and Ladino (language of the Spanish Jews) from the STEFANI VALADEZ ENSEMBLE. There’s a Hanukkah carol from VOX FEMINA Los Angeles, and KLEZMER JUICE plays the Eastern European clarinet-dominated music that Jews transported around the world.
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Popular returning artists also include MARIACHI SOL DE MEXICO with a new vocal arrangement of "Ave Maria," OPERA CALIFORNIA YOUTH CHOIR with selections from Handel's Messiah sung in English and Korean, the Argentine quintet LOS PINGUOS with their original song "Tierra Santa," HARMONIES GIRLS CHOIR with an Aztec song sung in Nahuatl, as well as the LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE, the ALBERT MCNEIL JUBILEE SINGERS and GAY MEN'S CHORUS of Los Angeles. Numerous other groups will perform music and dance from a variety of African, Asian, and Central American cultures.
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Complete program information (available after Dec 10) at www.holidaycelebration.org and at 213-972-3099.
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A ONE-hour television music and dance special highlights the best performances from the previous year’s live show. Produced by the Arts Commission, "L.A. Holiday Celebration" airs on PBS stations nationwide, including KCET, at 10 pm, Wed, Dec 17. It re-airs one hour after the live telecast of the six-hour show on Wed, Dec 24 at 10 pm.
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Holiday Celebration attendees are invited to support the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank by bringing canned and packaged goods to the Music Center (only on the day of the show). Bring non-perishable food items, canned or packaged (no glass), and deposit in bins on the Music Center Plaza. Canned tuna, chicken, vegetables and fruit, as well as peanut butter, are especially desirable. FREE event, free parking in the Music Center parking garage, or watch on KCET.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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Thu, Dec 25; IN Santa Barbara:
6:30 pm – a Christmas tradition – BAYOU SECO AND FRIENDS, with ERIC HOFFMAN, caller, play the “SPECIAL FREE CONTRA DANCE” at Carrillo Recreation Center in Santa Barbara. Peter Feldmann tells us it’s “A wonderful way to wind up a very special day.” Info on the Santa Barbara Contra Dance Society's website, at www.sbcds.org
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
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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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Sat, Dec 27:
8 pm-midnight “ZYDECO DANCE SERIES CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR'S EVE 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, 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 & 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:
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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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31
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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:
8 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the “DISNEYLAND NEW YEARS CELEBRATION!” at Disneyland in Anaheim.
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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:
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:
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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As always, more to come, as we (believe it or not) continue to make updates not only to the DECEMBER calendar, but to all 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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