December events, Dec 6 update, Acoustic Americana Music Guide 2008

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With a SPECIAL COMMENT for December 7…
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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 6, 2008; recurring events currently included through Dec 15.
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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 –
Monday, December 15.
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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 6, 2008; recurring events currently included through Dec 15.
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The name of the final month of the year comes from the Latin “decem,” meaning “tenth.” December was the tenth month of the ancient Roman calendar.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
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Sat & Sun, Dec 6 & 7; in Indio:
“TAMALE FESTIVAL” sponsored in and by the City of Indio, CA, includes a parade, fun, food, children’s activities, and music. Diverse entertainment includes traditional Mexican Folklorico Dancing and live music on 4 different stages. Info, www.tamalefestival.net.
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Sat, Dec 6:
9 am-5 pm FREE MUSIC SEMINAR with panels, performances, one-on-one consultations, and holiday gift shopping, at the annual “LAWIM HOLIDAY GIFT BAZAAR, BOUTIQUE SALE, & SEMINARS EVENT” sponsored by Los Angeles WoMen in Music, at Professional Musicians Local 47, 817 Vine St (S of Willoughby Av), Hollywood 90038; www.promusic47.org/contact.htm; 323-462-2161.
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It’s a full-plate day of music workshops and panels with major industry presenters (coordinated by Just Plain Folks, www.justplainfolks.org), holiday gift shopping, networking, and raffles of prizes from the vendors, including the grand prize, a Daisy Rock Guitar. Over 60 vendors, including jewelry, books, baby clothing, scarves, art, music services, skincare, musical instruments, CDs, dolls, health services (yoga, meditation, aromatherapy) chimes, handcrafts, and more. Bring the kids and have their picture taken with Santa.
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Musicians should note the panel, “PLACING SONGS ON RADIO,” moderated by BERNARD BAUR, with panel members ERIC J. LAWRENCE (KCRW Music Librarian), JOHN FLANAGAN (Radio Promotions), and LARRY WINES (Tied to the Tracks Radio), from 10:30-11:45 am.
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Event includes “Pitch-A-Song”™ critique of your recorded song by a professional panel, from 6-8 pm (advance submission deadline was Nov 24; $15 at the door for the critique. More info, and downloadable submission / entry forms at www.lawim.com. A portion of all event proceeds benefits the local music community. Event includes raffles and prizes to benefit LAWIM and the Local 47 Relief Fund. Admission is FREE.
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Sat, Dec 6:
10 am-5 pm “FAMILY FESTIVAL” with a Mediterranean theme at The Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu; 310-440-7300; parking, $10. Travel back in time with a day of family-friendly activities at the Villa. Explore the ancient world with a day of music, storytelling, and art-making inspired by the Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities in the permanent collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa. Enjoy the music of the Mediterranean, thrill to a theatrical version of The Odyssey, hear Greek myths and Italian folktales, Meet the Cyclops and other mythical characters in a theatrical version of Homer's Odyssey, and create your own jewelry based on ancient models at hands-on art workshops. Make antique-inspired headgear, explore the music of North Africa, and even help build Rome in a day.
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Music:
SOUK-SONIK performs music from the Medina, a blend of North African Gnawa rhythms and Middle Eastern melodies. Featuring AVI SILLS and ALEX SPURKEL on percussion and TIM ABDULLAH on gumbri, clarinet, and oud. Performance times are 11:15 am-noon, 1:15-2 pm, and 2:45-3:30 pm, in the Herb Garden.
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CIGANSKI VOLCAN bringsmusic of the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkans, served in a unique and worldly musical melange. With Romanian folk music at its center, the band melds flamenco, Swedish folk music, and klezmer reminiscent of the smoky cafés of Bucharest and of Gypsy caravans. Performance times are Noon-12:45 pm, 2-2:45 pm, and 4-4:45 pm, in the Inner Peristyle.
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Storytelling:
BOXTALES brings the epic poems of Homer. Join Greek hero Odysseus as he tells of his ten-year journey home from the Trojan War, including his encounters with Poseidon, Athena, Zeus, the Cyclops, and the Sirens. Performance times are 11-11:45 am and 2:15-3 pm, in the Auditorium.
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MICHAEL KATZ regales his audience with wild stories from the Italian folklore tradition, as well as classic Greek myths. Performance times are 1-1:45 pm and 3:30-4:15 pm, in the Auditorium.
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Admission is free, with a required advance, timed ticket. Each ticket allows you to bring up to three children ages 15 or under with you in one car. Tix at 310-440-7300 or use the "Get Tickets" button on the venue’s website.
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Sat, Dec 6:
10 am FISHTANK ENSEMBLE plays The Getty Center, Getty Museum Courtyard,
1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A.; 310-440-7300; www.getty.edu. You’ve heard them live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” They are a delight, built on unlikely assemblages and ensembles of unlikely instruments. Where else do you hear clarinet and shamisen together? Free admission, parking $10.
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Sat, Dec 6:
10 am-4:30 pm annual “HONORING / WINTER SOLSTICE DAY” at Haramokngna American Indian Cultural Center, Angeles Crest Hwy & Mt. Wilson Rd, 15 miles above La Cañada 91011. Info from Kat, 310-455-1588; 626-449- 8975; katcalls@aol.com. They tell us, “We are suggesting a donation to the Stronger Families Fund in the form of new toys, clothes, or school supplies for the many families struggling this holiday season. We also invite you to join in by bringing a food item for the potluck lunch we will share with all comers. Vendors are invited - info booths are encouraged, and we will scatter wildflower seeds to welcome into flower in the spring. Please let me know if you want a booth - Eric Alvarado will be our musical performer for the day, but we also welcome those who wish to share a song or dance with us all.”
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Sat, Dec 6:
“HERITAGE JUNCTION CHILDRENS CHRISTMAS KICK OFF” at the community of historic buildings in Hart Park, on San Fernando Rd in the Newhall section of Santa Clarita. Western/cowboy entertainer JOHN BERGSTROM performs from 11 am-12:30 pm, and he says he will “entertain those waiting to see Santa and other attractions at the Hart Park Heritage Junction. HO HO HO.”
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Sat, Dec 6; in Spring Valley:
10:30 am-12:30 pm “GREG DEERING BANJO WORKSHOPS” with Greg and special guest JENS KRUGER highlight the annual “HOLIDAY WEEKEND AT DEERING,” at the Deering Banjo Factory, 3733 Kenora Dr, Spring Valley 91977; 619-464-8252 or 800-845-7791. Reserve a spot in advance. Workshops for different levels, with different instructors include a “Pre-Beginner” workshop from 10:30-12:30 offered again, 1:30-3 pm. Workshop fee $5.
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Today’s events follow last night’s annual concert (see 7:30 pm Fri). Factory tours offered throughout the day today from 10 am-4 pm. More at www.deeringbanjos.com
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Sat, repeats every week:
11 am-12:30 pm “PACIFIC SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP” with G. F. MLELY, at Theater & Cabaret, 1535 Termino Av, Long Beach 90804. Info, Billie Kalua, songwriters@jazcraft.net or 562-494-9627. Ongoing, began Mar 31, 2007. $15 per workshop, minimum 4 workshops payable in advance; pre-registration required.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
Noon-2 pm “CONTINENTAL DRIFT” Celtic and British Isle folk show, on KUSP in Santa Cruz, includes live performance-interviews with host CINDY ODOM on her long-running show. From the highlands of Scotland to the midlands of England and beyond, it’s traditional and contemporary music from Ireland and the other British Isles, with Celtic lore and Celtic-influenced folk and ethnic music from Europe and North America. Info, playlists, and web simulcast at www.kusp.org.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
Noon-1 pm “UNSIGNED MUSIC SHOW” on WPMD with TEE-M and MIKE STARK is “a genre-busting show, where the UNsigned Revolution is on.” On the web at http://wpmd.org. Mike and TEE-M spin CDs 11 am-noon “from cutting-edge indie artists and bands,” (acoustic and electric) then welcome guests at noon, usually for all-acoustic live performances. The show rebroadcasts through the week; check site for details.
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Sat, Dec 6:
12:30 pm GUY VAN DUSER, the guitar great, plays the featured concert at the Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists Seminar at Grand Central Art Center Theater, 125 N Broadway (2nd Street Plaza, between 1st & 3rd), Santa Ana 92701. Event info, www.afg.org or call Norman, 949-836-4487. Guy Van Duser (born 1948) is an American folk-jazz guitarist. He recorded for Rounder Records extensively from the 1970s to the 1990s, and has often appeared on NPR's “A Prairie Home Companion.” His guitar arrangement of “Stars and Stripes Forever” was covered by Chet Atkins. He delivers “A 5 Star guitar show.” A fusion of Chet Atkins with the swing and stride piano styles of Fats Waller by this Rounder Recording Artist. His arrangements of Sousa Marches on guitar are unbeatable. His medley of western movie and TV themes is a classic. “Nobody plays quite like Guy. A superb original fingerstyle guitar arranger. One of my absolute favorite fingerstyle guitarists."- Gary Mandell, Boulevard Music. Guy is currently a part-time professor in the guitar department at Berklee College of Music. Tix, $15.
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Pre-concert entertainment begins with an AFG Member Open Mic at 11 am. The seminar features a guitar workshop at 2:45 pm.
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Sat, Dec 6:
1-5 pm MISTER B and band play their CD release show at Suzy's Bar & Grill, 1141 Aviation Bl, Hermosa Beach. Mister B, whose music has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” tells us, “We've finally done it and finished our second CD, ‘Just Like This.’ We couldn't think of a better place to have the CD release party than where we had the first one - Suzy's in Hermosa Beach. Check out the pixs of the last CD release party at www.misterbmusic.com and you'll be ready to come on down and join us for a romping good afternoon. We'll have non-stop music from some of the best musicians around, lots of good food, and a special live performance of the entire new album.” All ages, no cover.
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Saturdays, alternate Saturdays, on web radio:
2 pm (Pacific) “ACOUSTIC HARMONY,” hosted by Mark Michaelis, from WGDR at 91.1 FM in the Green Mountains of Vermont, simulcast at www.wgdr.org. Mark sometimes hosts folk and acoustic renaissance artists in-studio for all-acoustic performance-interviews. He says, “The focus is on contemporary and traditional folk, singer-songwriters and local artists, but a little of anything and everything might creep-in. Whether it's Celtic, bluegrass, world music or even rock or blues, as long as it's got beautiful harmonies and melodies you might here it here on a Saturday afternoon.” More info, playlists, and archived performance-interviews at www.acoustic-harmony.com.
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Sat, Dec 6:
3 pm (sharp) CHRISTOPHER BARRAN and THE PASADENA SYMPHONY perform for "The Music Box" at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E Holly St, Pasadena; 626-793-7172, ext. 11. Christopher says, “Please join us as we mingle & jingle for The Pasadena Symphony's 41st Annual ‘Holiday Look In Home Tour & Boutique.’ We will perform in a warm, intimate setting at the center's Fireside Lounge during a weekend-long celebration of music. You can still purchase tickets for the home tour; however, there is no entry fee to hear the performances, buy CDs or shop the Boutique for holiday gifts. The event is the Pasadena Symphony's major annual fundraiser to benefit concerts and music education programs for children. Over the years, the event has raised over $2.4 million for The Pasadena Symphony.” Info at http://theorchestras.org/event_details.asp?id=65. Free admission.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
3-5 pm (Pacific) “A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION” always features live performances and skits and stories with host GARRISON KEILLOR, a regular cast of recording artists, and guests, whether broadcasting from various live venues across America, or from its home base in Minnesota. This initial “live” broadcast tiume each weekend is standard everywhere, though repeat times vary by station. In L.A., the show is broadcast on KPCC 89.3 FM, and repeats Saturday night, 6-8 pm and Sunday Noon-2 pm. But if you’re in L.A., it’s much better to find a web simulcast from somewhere; that’s because KPCC has no other music shows and they do not know how to control the levels for music performances, causing frequent peaking and signal cut-out.
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Sat, recurring:
4-6 pm SHAPE NOTE / SACRED HARP, “The Learners Group” in Santa Monica. Call Laura for location: 310-450-3516.
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Sat, first Sat every month:
4 pm “CHARITY AUCTION” at Amoeba Music, 6400 Sunset Bl, Hollywood; 323-245-6400. Host Brently Heilbron presides over the event, bringing a good time and money for a variety of charitable causes.
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Sat, first Sat every month:
6-10:30 pm monthly “PICKIN’ NIGHT” at the Blue Ridge Pickin' Parlor, 17828 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills; www.pickinparlor.com; 818-282-9001. Beginner’s Jam 6-7:30 pm (main store); Intermediate Jam 6-7:30 pm in their additional space at 17824 Chatsworth St, 2 doors E of the main store; Open Jam 7:30-10:30 pm in main store.
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Sat, 1st Sat, every month; in the OC:
6 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “ORANGE COUNTY HOOT” in Mission Viejo; for location, contact David Borger & Ann Carroll, OrangeCountyHoot@songmakers.org; www.songmakers.org.
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Sat; 1st Sat every month; in Oak Glen:
NO SHOW THIS MONTH; returns Jan 3: 6 pm monthly “HOMETOWN JAMBOREE” show & jam at Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho, in the beautiful hills of Oak Glen above Yucaipa and Beaumont; info & tix, 909-797-1005 or www.losriosrancho.com.
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Sat, Dec 6:
6:30-9:30 pm “WESTERN STATE OF MIND” show with JOHN BERGSTROM & SCOTTY V, at Primo Pizza Sports Zone, 28200 Bouquet Canyon Rd (just N of Plum Canyon), Santa Clarita; 661-263-3258. They’ll play western, country, and a little blues.
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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 6:
7-10:30 pm “BLUE RIDGE ANNUAL HOLIDAY POTLUCK & OPEN JAM” at The Blue Ridge Pickin Parlor, 17828 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills 91344; 818-282-9001; www.pickinparlor.com. As they do every year, they say, “start your holidays with the Blue Ridge tradition! Bring your favorite dish - bring your favorite instrument - bring your favorite family & friends!” This is always a lot of fun!
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Sat, Dec 6:
7 pm “BALL & SULTAN” is the Americana roots duo of TOM BALL & KENNY SULTAN, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Tom and Kenny have been bringing their unique blend of guitar and harmonica blues, rags and good time music to widely diverse audiences for more than 25 years. They play concerts, clubs and festivals all over the world, and they were the only musical act in America to play all four venues of the 1984 Olympic Games.
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Together and separately they have made the music for countless film scores, TV soundtracks, commercials and sessions. They've appeared on television internationally, were featured on the "Levi's 501 Blues" commercials, have played for audiences of 300 million via “Voice of America” and are frequent guests of National Public Radio. Their eight duo albums have garnered critical acclaim throughout the world, and their music from the film, "Over The Edge," won them the prestigious “Telly Award” in 1994.
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At home wherever they go, Tom and Kenny fit-in, headlining blues, folk, bluegrass and jazz festivals. Because their music is a blend of American roots styles, they are regulars overseas, drawing rave reviews wherever they go.
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Over the years they have shared the stage with some of the very best, including the likes of THE ALLMAN BROTHERS, THE BEACH BOYS, NORMAN BLAKE, BOBBY "BLUE" BLAND, THE BLUES BROTHERS, DAVID BROMBERG, GATEMOUTH BROWN, JACKSON BROWNE, RAY CHARLES, CLIFTON CHENIER, RY COODER, LUTHER ALLISON, ALBERT COLLINS, ELVIS COSTELLO, JAMES COTTON, ROBERT CRAY, CHRISTOPHER CROSS, BO DIDDLEY, WILLIE DIXON, DONOVAN, BOB DYLAN, FREDDY FENDER, VINCE GILL, NANCY GRIFFITH, DAVID GRISMAN, JOHN HAMMOND, EMMYLOU HARRIS, JOHN HARTFORD, JEFF HEALY, DON HENLEY, BILLY IDOL, IRON MAIDEN, ETTA JAMES, CHAKA KHAN, ALBERT KING, B.B. KING, LEO KOTTKE, ALISON KRAUSS, FELA KUTI, DAVID LINDLEY, LIVING COLOR, KENNY LOGGINS, LYLE LOVETT, TAJ MAHAL, KATHY MATTEA, JOHN MAYALL, MICHAEL MCDONALD, BROWNIE MCGHEE, JIM MESSINA, BILL MONROE, VAN MORRISON, NASHVILLE BLUEGRASS BAND, WILLIE NELSON, NEVILLE BROTHERS, NEWGRASS REVIVAL, RANDY NEWMAN, JOHNNY OTIS, QUEEN IDA, BONNIE RAITT, TONY RICE, SELDOM SCENE, PAUL SIMON, SIMPLE MINDS, MICHELLE SHOCKED, RICKY SKAGGS, KOKO TAYLOR, GEORGE THOROGOOD, TOTO, BIG JOE TURNER, STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN, EDDIE "CLEANHEAD" VINSON, DOC & MERLE WATSON, JUNIOR WELLS, and many others. Tix, $20.
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Sat, Dec 6:
7 pm KEN O’MALLEY performs his Irish-themed “SONGS BY A WINTER'S HEARTH” at the Rialto Playhouse, 150 E. San Bernardino Ave., Rialto, CA 92376. It’s “Memories of Ireland's winter nights and the Holy season,” brought to life through song and story. Ken is doing only two of these shows, for the holidays, Dec 6 in Rialto and Dec 7 in NoHo. Known for his band, KEN O’MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS, his most recent solo CD, "Ómáille," had its world premiere on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Ken O'Malley is the recipient of the "LA Treasures Award" from the City of Los Angeles and the California Traditional Music Society. This grant will provide partial support for two solo performances in the next few months. Artist info, www.kenomalley.com.
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Sat, Dec 6; in Banning:
7-11 pm “MARK ST. MARY LOUISIANA BLUES AND ZYDECO” at 11555 Potrero Rd, Banning. Just off I-10, Field Rd exit. Info, call Angelo, 951-849-4534. Complimentary food, hot dogs, coffee, water, included. $15.
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Sat, every week; in Tehachapi:
7 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE at Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; www.mamahillybeans.com; 661-822-BEAN. Venue has great ambience, and food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." Traveling acts have varying admission prices; check venue's web site.
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Sat, Dec 6; in Poway (San Diego):
7 pm TRAILS & RAILS plays the San Diego Folk Heritage series at Templar's Hall, Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Rd, Poway; 858-566-4040; SDFH@san.rr.com. WALT RICHARDS & PAULA STRONG have enjoyed performing together for over twenty years in various groups, including Bow Willow and Mandolin Madness. Trails & Rails has appeared at many Western Music Events over the last couple of years, carrying on the grand tradition of Western music. In Nov, 2005, Trails & Rails won the Duo Harmony competition at the Western Music Association Music Festival and annual gathering in Albuquerque. Collecting and sharing cowboy and train songs, along with information about the history of the West, is just one of their many passions. Artist info, http://members.cox.net/trailsandrails. Adv tix, www.ticketweb.com; $18 gen’l, $15 mbrs.
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Sat, Dec 6; world music:
7 pm “AN EVENING OF RAGAS” the songs of North India, featuring DAVID TRASOFF on sarode and introducing JAVAD BUTAH on tabla, at a house concert in Altadena. Sponsors say, “A donation of any amount will gain you entrance for some great music and a great time!” Suggested donation $15. Refreshments served. Reservations online, http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/OMUGTOERTZWBFPERFPSH/evening_of_ragas or contact Mohan Chhabra, 626-755-0793, mchhabra@sbcglobal.net or David Trasoff, 323-255-7783, david@davidtrasoff.com
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Sat, Dec 6:
7:30 pm I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. plus THE CHAPIN SISTERS in an all-acoustic show at the Folk Music Center & Museum, 220 Yale Av, Claremont; 909-624-2928.
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I SEE HAWKS have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” between national tours and gigs and festivals in the UK. We’ve yet to hear THE CHAPIN SISTERS, but we have heard lots about them that’s excellent. Doors at 7 pm. $15.
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Sat, Dec 6:
7:30 pm THE SCREAMING EARWIGS (TOM SAUBER on fiddle, son PATRICK SAUBER on guitar, brother MIKE SAUBER on bass, and STEVE LEWIS on banjo) play the “1st SATURDAY CONTRA DANCE” at the Brentwood Youth House, 731 S Bundy Dr, Brentwood (just S of San Vincente), Brentwood. Instruction at 7:30, dancing from 8 to 11 pm with JAMES HUTSON calling. Info, Jeff Spero, mail@jeffandgigi.com or 310-396-3322.
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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, first Sat every month:
7:30-11:30 pm “SANTA MONICA TRADITIONAL FOLK MUSIC CLUB” at Santa Monica Synagogue, 1448 18th St (corner of 18th & Broadway), Santa Monica. Info, coordinator April Halprin Wayland, 310-376-8760, Aprilstory@aol.com; www.santamonicafolkmusicclub.org.
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Sat, Dec 6:
7:30 pm YUVAL RON ENSEMBLE performs “LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS” in honor of Hanukkah, Festival of Lights, at Congregation Shaarie Torah, 550 S Second Av, Arcadia 91006. Featuring Israeli-Yemenite vocalist Maya Haddi and Israeli-Moroccan dancer Maya Karasso. It’s “An evening of devotional Hebrew music of the various ethnic Jewish communities of Israel and the diaspora. A celebration of music, dance and story telling. Artists info, www.myspace.com/jamiepapish. Info & reservations, 626-445-0810 (leave message) or email office@shaareitorah.org. Tix $25 reserved, $15 gen’l adm.
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Sat, Dec 6; in Ojai: (SPECIAL TIX OFFER: SEE BOTTOM OF LISTING)
7:30 pm PATRICK BALL brings “THE CHRISTMAS ROSE” to the “Performances to Grow On” series at Matilija Auditorium, Matilija Jr High School, 703 El Paseo Rd, Ojai. Event & series info, www.ptgo.org; 805-646-8907. A very special evening with acclaimed musician and storyteller Patrick Ball, as he performs “The Christmas Rose,” a holiday piece featuring the Irish harp combined with magical tales like “A Child's Christmas in Wales,” “The Wind in the Willows,” and passages from Shakespeare, William Butler Yeats and Thomas Hardy. The promo on this calls it, “the perfect blend of seasonal music and stories that touch the heart with a message of hope. Hope for something wondrous. Hope for a light in the darkness.” Tix $18 advance, $20 door. SPECIAL OFFER, received Fri, Dec 5: pre-order at least two tix, and get two-for-one discounts; call PTGO, at number above.
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Sat, Dec; in Ojai:
7:30 pm EPIPHANY PROJECT featuring JOHN HODAN and BET WILLIAMS at the Ojai Center for the Arts, 113 S Montgomery St, Ojai 93023; 805-646-0117; www.ojaiartcenter.org. More at www.epiphanyrecords.com .
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Sat, Dec 6; in Oceanside:
7:30pm RICHARD BERNÁRD'S OY! STARS bring Klezmer for Hanukah to the Sunshine Brooks Theater, 217 N Coast Highway, Oceanside 92054; 760-435-5600.
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Sat, Dec 6; in Seattle:
7:30 pm “MARITIME CHRISTMAS CONCERT” with THE CUTTERS & FRIENDS, including the dynamic vocals and exciting instrumentals of PINT & DALE’s sea music, the memorable melodies of singer-songwriter KAT EGGLESTON, the energy of DAN MAHER’s infectious sing-alongs, and eclectic, slightly irreverent nautical and old timey music from BOLD HORIZON. It’s a special event in place of the monthly Northwest Seaport Maritime Concert, at a special location, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1215 Thomas Street (5 blks S of Lake Union Park at the intersection of Thomas & Pontius), Seattle. There will be a holiday gift bazaar & refreshments in the church basement during intermission. Hosted by Phillip Morgan. Coffee, tea, baked goods, and more, are available. Maritime music CDs for sale. Info, www.nwseaport.org/programs.html. Tix, $15 gen’l, $10 srs, youth, and mbrs of Northwest Seaport or the Center for Wooden Boats. (Previously scheduled for 8 pm.)
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Sat, Dec 6:
8 pm TONY McMANUS plays the Caltech Folk Music Society series in Beckman Institute Auditorium on the Caltech campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832); www.folkmusic.caltech.edu; this event, http://events.caltech.edu/events/event-5882.html. Tony McManus is an outstanding guitarist whose work ranges from purely Celtic to the most unusual other selections. Artist info, www.tonymcmanus.com.
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In little over ten years as a professional musician, Tony McManus has come to be recognized throughout the world as the leading guitarist in Celtic Music. Self taught from childhood, initially through listening to the family record collection, McManus abandoned academia in his twenties to pursue music full time. The session scene in Glasgow and Edinburgh provided the springboard for gigs around Scotland and a studio set for BBC Radio, frequently rebroadcast, began to spread the word.
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"McManus's guitar playing is faultless... atmospheric and evocative... consistently appealing whether it's on Breton dance tunes, pipe laments or the Mingus tune, ‘Goodbye Pork Pie Hat’... the true star… is McManus's playing - a virtuoso performance from a guitarist at the top of his game." - Mick Fitzsimmons (Producer, Radio 2 Online - the complete review and soundclips can be found on the Folk and Acoustic website).
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"If his playing betrays an almost classical discipline on occasions, it is always informed by the tradition. Wether he is playing Irish or Scottish music,his virtuosity effectively masks the fact that his instrument is native to neither.....surely the sign of a master musician. This combination of musical competence and respect for the tradition doesn't just make for pleasant listening but assures this album a wider audience than just the followers of folk." - Seán Ó hÉalaí, presenter / producer 'An Chaint sa gCathair', Raidió na Gaeltachta RTE Dublin.
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(Note that David Mallett, previously announced for tonight, has been postponed, no new date.) Info & tix, Caltech Ticket Office, 626-395-4652 or 1-888-2CALTECH. Tix $15 gen’l, $5 youth.
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Sat, Dec 6:
8 pm STEPHANIE BETTMAN brings bluegrass / newgrass with fine vocals and fiddle-centered music to the California Traditional Music Society (CTMS) concert series, in the CTMS Center for Folk Music, Encino Park, 16953 Ventura Bl (1 block W of Balboa Bl), Encino 91316; tix & info, www.ctmsfolkmusic.org or 818-817-7756 (11 am-4 pm). Doors at 7:30 pm. Stephanie’s music is new and very catchy; an engaging mixture of bluegrass, folk, roots, and jazz with sophisticated lyrics and killer instrumentation sent in a folky mountain vibe. She has an amazing voice, and when her band chimes in with those soaring harmonies, audiences have been heard to literally gasp “wow.” Stephanie and her band have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” before they were the grand prize winners in the 2008 Southern California Live Acoustic Music Competition; they were already among the winners in the 2007 Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest. Since then, they delighted the Bluegrass Society of Southern California headlining the monthly BASC “Bluegrass at the Braemar” dinner-and-a-show. Grammy-winning fiddler RICHARD GREENE calls Stephanie, “A phenomenal singer, songwriter and fiddler.” More at www.stephaniebettman.com. You can purchase multi-concert packages and save from prices shown. Adv tix, $15 ($25 front section, $30 front row; tix at door are unreserved seats only, $20.
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Sat, Dec 6:
8 pm GUY VAN DUSER at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Guy Van Duser (born 1948) is an American folk-jazz guitarist. He recorded for Rounder Records extensively from the 1970s to the 1990s, and has often appeared on NPR's “A Prairie Home Companion.” His guitar arrangement of “Stars and Stripes Forever” was covered by Chet Atkins. He delivers “A 5 Star guitar show.” A fusion of Chet Atkins with the swing and stride piano styles of Fats Waller by this Rounder Recording Artist. His arrangements of Sousa Marches on guitar are unbeatable. His medley of western movie and TV themes is a classic. “Nobody plays quite like Guy. A superb original fingerstyle guitar arranger. One of my absolute favorite fingerstyle guitarists."- Gary Mandell, Boulevard Music. Guy is currently a part-time professor in the guitar department at Berklee College of Music. Venue’s website has a guide to local dining. Guy is doing workshops here tomorrow, time tbd; check with venue. $15.
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Sat, Dec 6:
8 pm JACKSH*T at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica; 310-828-4403; www.mccabes.com. They’ve become a favorite at the venue. They’re the country-fried trio with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee PETE THOMAS on drums, DAVEY FARAGHER (who also plays with Elvis Costello) on bass, and monster guitarist VAL McCALLUM. Lincoln, the McCabe’s booker and concert host, observes, “The boys from Cochtotan simply NEVER disappoint.” Tix purchased online or by phone, add $4 svc chg, per order (not per ticket) to price shown. $15.
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Sat, Dec 6:
8 pm GRAVITY 180 at Russ & Julie's House Concert series in Oak Park (Thousand Oaks area); www.myspace.com/russjuliehouseconcerts; www.houseconcerts.us. Reserv & directions at houseconcerts@jrp-graphics.com.
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Russ and Julie tell us, “When we ask long-time supporters of Russ & Julie's House Concerts, ‘who would you most like us to have back?’ one of the most common answers is a band named GRAVITY. We are thrilled to have them back here.” Now called Gravity 180, the trio consists of three master musicians: CLYDENE JACKSON, vocals / keyboards, HAROLD PAYNE, vocals / guitar, and percussionist OLIVER C. BROWN. Melodic pop is framed with classic soul; global grooves are polished by smooth jazz with Jackson and Payne's patented vocal blend creating what one inspired scribe dubbed "sandpaper and silk."
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Performing for more than twenty years, L.A.-based Gravity 180 has released a series of CDs on both major and independent labels, launched tours to Hawaii and Japan, and endeared themselves to a worldwide audience. All three members maintain separate career identities in addition to this ensemble.
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CLYDENE JACKSON is a two time winner of the “NARAS MVP Best Female Vocalist Award” and a first-call session singer for the world's leading artists including Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Michael McDonald, and Don Henley, as well as film soundtracks and recording projects including “The Lion King,” “Superman Returns,” and “American Gangster.”
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OLIVER C. BROWN officially began his music career as the house percussionist for TK Records in Miami, which led to him becoming one of the original members of KC and the Sunshine Band. He has since worked with Nancy Wilson, Jermaine Jackson, Billy Preston, Leo Sayer, Al Jarreau, and Fleetwood Mac among others.
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HAROLD PAYNE has had his songs recorded by acts as diverse as Patti LaBelle, Rod Stewart, and long time collaborator Bobby Womack. Literally, from Peter, Paul & Mary to Snoop Dogg, Harold has a song for everyone: most recently Kelly Rowland from Destiny's Child. Russ & Julie add, “Harold has performed here a couple of times as a solo artist and remains among our favorites.” He is known for his “Power of Positive Music” project, and for maintaining the orientation that drove that project and his outlook of life and his songs.
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By updating their name from Gravity to Gravity 180, the trio confirms their legacy while noting the positive pulse of change. "A new name signifies a new turn," says Payne. "But Gravity is still the force that holds everything together." Brown's brother, Eddie Brown of the famed folk duo, "Joe and Eddie", is a frequent collaborator on songs with Payne and Jackson. Eddie and smooth jazz guitarist Nils ("Pacific Coast Highway" and composer for the Showtime series, “Weeds”) are credited with co-producing Gravity 180's newest project. See and hear more at www.myspace.com/Gravity180 and www.gravity180.net
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The evning features a coffee & dessert buffet, to which contributions are welcome. Doors at 7:30 pm. All proceeds go to the artist. Upcoming in the series: Jan 30, 2009 - Terri Hendrix; Feb 15, 2009 - Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen; Mar 20, 2009 - The Buccaneers. Tonight, $15.
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Sat, Dec 6:
8 pm “JAPANESE FUSION SERIES #4” presents MONSTERS OF SHAMISEN plus SHAMALAMACORD at Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; event info, http://panioloproductions.com/local.html.
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“MONSTERS OF SHAMISEN” is the unlikely collaboration of world champions formed in the spring of 2006 when California-based Tsugaru shamisen performers KEVIN KMETZ and MIKE PENNY, both shamisen players for the cross-pollinated gypsy group FISHTANK ENSEMBLE, joined forces with Japan-based shamisen virtuoso and two-time tournament champion MASAHIRO NITTA. (FISHTANK ENSEMBLE has performed several times at the venue, and on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and both the shamisen and the accordion are signatures of that group’s music.)
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“MONSTERS OF SHAMISEN” offers audiences a most exciting and innovative exposition of modern music performed on an instrument called the “Tsugaru shamisen.” Indeed, the performance from this trio is one of the best in the world. Pooling their respective musical backgrounds, the “monsters” draw inspiration from a wide variety of musical styles, including baroque/classical, Balkan gypsy, American bluegrass, Irish folk music, and even modern rock/pop. To see their live performance is to experience a fortunate fusion, not only of east and west, but, these three tell us, “of past and future, good and evil!”
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MASAHIRO NITTA is arguably the best shamisen player in the wold. He was inspired to play the instrument at age 14, by his father. Masahiro won the Junior High School National Championship title for Tsugaru Shamisen in 1998, after playing for only seven months. In 2000 and 2001, he was awarded the championship title at Japan’s National Tournament in Kanagi, and he again won the championship title in 2002 in Tokyo. In addition, he’s had a film role, starring in 2004 as Oishi Seichiro in the motion picture, “Overdrive.”
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KEVIN KMETZ became the first foreigner in history to win the honorary “Daijo Kazuo Award” at the Tsugaru Shamisen Championship Competition in 2005, held in Kanagi, Japan. Kevin took the "Judges Choice" Award at the Hirosaki Championship tournament the same year. In both 2006 and 2007, Kevin placed “Nyusho” (runner-up) at Hirosaki, and “Jyun Yuusho” (2nd place) at Kanagi.
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MIKE PENNY is the second foreigner ever to win an award in the national Tsugaru Shamisen Tournament held annually in Kanagi, Japan. In the 2006 competition, Mike won 3rd place in his class, out of more than 200 competitors. Mike performs with accordionist AARON SEEMAN (aka DUCKMANDU) in the accordion / shamisen duo, SHAMALAMACORD.
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Hear their music at www.myspace.com/monstersofshamisen. The 8 pm concert is $15 adv; the 5 pm workshop is $10 adv. Tix, www.panioloproductions.com/store.html.
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Sat, every week:
8-10 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE, singer-songwriter or band, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Sat, first Sat every month:
8-10 pm monthly “JUKE JOINT GANG” show at The Talking Stick (new location), 1411c Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. It’s an evening of fine acoustic roots music, with four acts, each playing a 30-min set. Usually hosted by ERNEST TROOST and/or LAUREN ADAMS, who have each performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Venue has coffeehouse fare, good sandwiches. No cover.
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Sat, first Sat every month; in the OC:
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “ORANGE COUNTY HOOT” meets in a private home in Mission Viejo. Info, www.songmakers.org/hoots/orange_county_hoot.htm.
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Sat, Dec 6; in Poway (San Diego):
8 pm ROGER McGUINN and JOHN SEBASTIAN at the Poway Center for Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Rd, Poway; 858-668-4797; www.powayarts.org. More at www.ibiblio.org/jimmy/mcguinn
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Sat, Dec 6:
9 pm BENEFIT FOR WILD FIRE VICTIMS and 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. Free line / couple dance lessons with Charlotte, 7-9 pm.
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The Cowboy Palace is collecting donations for their customers and friends that are victims of the recent wildfires, as follows:
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> Wed, Dec 3-Sun, Dec 7, for PORTER RANCH COWBOYS (only for the Cowboy Palace victims); see the bartenders with donations. Then,
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> Tue, Dec 16-Sun, Dec 21, for OAKRIDGE MOBILE HOME PARK (only for the Cowboy Palace victims); see the bartenders with donations. Plus,
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> They have a “MICKEY’S MOBILE” FUNDRAISER on Wed, Dec 10. They tell us, “We all know Mickey Wells, he plays the steel guitar with Larry Dean and The Shooters. We will continue accepting donations for Mickey’s mobile from Wed, Dec 10-Sun, Dec 14.” See the bartenders with donations.
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No cover.
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Sat, Dec 6; in the OC:
9 pm-1 am KELLY FITZGERALD with her trio, at Muldoon’s, 202 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach. More at
www.kellyfitzgerald.net
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Sat, Dec 6:
9:30 pm RANDY SACKS & THE HOLY ROLLERS plays a birthday show for venue owner Crystal Jackson, at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.cafemusela.com; 323-464-MUSE (6873). 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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Sat, Dec 6:
10 pm STEVE NOONAN at The Talking Stick (new location), 1411c Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. Steve’s new CD, “Bringin’ It back Home” will be available. Venue has good light fare and coffeehouse drinks. No cover.
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Sat, every week; on TV:
11 pm-12 am "AUSTIN CITY LIMITS" on KLCS (check your cable co.; broadcast TV Ch. 58). Recent editions have happily featured classic Americana artists, rather than the dearth of alt rockers who dominated for several months.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
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ON THIS DAY IN 1941, which, like today, was a Sunday, the US Navy’s 7th Fleet and numerous US Navy and US Army Air Corps airfields in and around Pearl Harbor, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, were attacked by aircraft carrier-based bomber, torpedo bomber, and fighter aircraft of the Empire of Imperial Japan.
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Until that moment, the US had been a nation at peace, even as World War II raged in Europe, Asia, and Africa. President Roosevelt’s speech to Congress on December 8 would forever brand December the 7th as the “Day of infamy.”
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The Japanese air attack sunk all the fleet’s battleships, but missed the US Navy’s 3 aircraft carriers, which were at sea. The attack was a horrific shock to all Americans.
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It galvanized a reticent American people and catapaulted the US into the war on the Allied side, alongside embattled Britain and the French forces in exile, together with Canada, Australia and New Zealand, partisans from many occupied nations, and the Soviet Union – which had been aligned with Hitler until that nation experienced its own equivalent of Pearl Harbor in the form of a massive Nazi invasion. Leadership of the Allied war effort soon passed to the Americans.
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It was America’s industrial might and unbombed factories that built the “arsenal of democracy” and the ships, planes, tanks, and everything else that was needed to supply the Allied forces. Thus, America led the hard struggle against Hitler’s Nazi Germany and Mussolini’s Fascist Italy in Europe, and the simultaneous war in the Pacific against Japan, which had already conquered much of China and Southeast Asia and Korea.
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We all know the eventual outcomes in 1945, but we should all remember that it very well might have gone the other way. The days of early 1942 were bleak. The US Navy - left with little more than a handful of submarines and three aircraft carriers in the could have failed in the Pacific at Midway. And the Americans and their Allies could have failed in North Africa, or in Italy. The B-17 and B-24 bomber crews suffered two-and-half years of horrific loses conducting daylight bombing missions in the skies over Europe, and nearly did fail. On D-Day at Normandy, or on the Pacific islands of Iwo Jima and Tarawa and Okinawa, the Americans and the Allies could have failed.
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But ordinary people became extraordinary in those times. A now-vanished American industrial capacity enabled the Americans of that time to persevere, and to prevail. How ironic that America’s industrial base has been shipped to cheap labor markets in other parts of the world, including to the nations of former and potential adversaries. One must fervently hope that America’s most important export remains the fulfillment of the human spirit in free will, with the utter rejection of the yoke and the jackboot, and rejection of any willingness to be slave or master. Though that requires constant vigil, at home and abroad.
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Would the world have so many free nations today, were it not for the shock of Pearl Harbor, and the cascade of events and revelations and technological innovations that followed it? Would air travel, and complaining about it being overcrowded and delayed and devoid of real food, be routine? Would medical technology have advanced so far, even if access to it is priced beyond the reach of far too many Americans?
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Would the movement for racial equality have become urgent, without the segregated armed services of World War II, and the casting aside of those cruelly archaic barriers by President Truman, who presided over the end of that war? Without the shared struggle necessitated by Pearl Harbor, would society have realized that imposing prejudices denies opportunity not only to the object of discrimination, but to the entire society? Could America today have elected a black president without those lessons?
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Much of our modern world has its roots in the shallow waters of Pearl Harbor, and what happened there this very morning in 1941. It is always up to us to determine whether we are committed to achieving good, without the need to suffer the horrors yet again.
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In our time, we felt a shock akin to Pearl Harbor, visited upon us on 9-11, though our government’s response to that attack has hardly been comparable. Nonetheless, this day, December 7, is as appropriate as Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day to remember all the struggles, the losses and sacrifices that can and do enable us, that give us the boundless opportunities and the inherited need to build a better and more equitable society for each other, and a better and more just world for all who dwell upon it.
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Sun, Dec 7:
9 am-1 pm RON ELY plays songs of the sea and more at the Claremont Farmers Market on 2nd St between Indian Hill and Yale, in old downtown Claremont.
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Sun, every week:
10 am-2 pm LIVE MUSIC at WEST L.A. FARMERS MARKET, includes THE LOST AND FOUND BAND, at 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, Dec 7:
CANCELLED: 11 am JACKIE BREGER plays A “HOLIDAY MATINEE KIDS SHOW” at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403. Tix purchased online or by phone, add $4 svc chg, per order (not per ticket) to price shown. $15.
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Sun, Dec 7:
(Time tbd) GUY VAN DUSER does WORKSHOPS at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Guy Van Duser (born 1948) is an American folk-jazz guitarist. He recorded for Rounder Records extensively from the 1970s to the 1990s, and has often appeared on NPR's “A Prairie Home Companion.” His guitar arrangement of “Stars and Stripes Forever” was covered by Chet Atkins. He delivers “A 5 Star guitar show.” A fusion of Chet Atkins with the swing and stride piano styles of Fats Waller by this Rounder Recording Artist. His arrangements of Sousa Marches on guitar are unbeatable. His medley of western movie and TV themes is a classic. “Nobody plays quite like Guy. A superb original fingerstyle guitar arranger. One of my absolute favorite fingerstyle guitarists."- Gary Mandell, Boulevard Music. Guy is currently a part-time professor in the guitar department at Berklee College of Music. Venue’s website has a guide to local dining. Guy is doing a concert here Sat at 8 pm; check with venue for workshop times, cost, and to reserve a spot.
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Sun, Dec 7; in the OC:
11:30 am- 2:30 pm KELLY FITZGERALD plays her ever-popular solo acoustic brunch gig at Renaissance, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point. You’ve heard the music of this multiple-award-winning singer-songwriter on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” More at
www.kellyfitzgerald.net
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Sun, every week:
Noon-3 pm “AMERICANA BRUNCH” with different live performers each week, at Safari Sam's, 5214 Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90027. Hosted by Hillbilly DJ Jeff W, who David Serby says, “Not only puts these Sunday shows together, but he spins some serious old school country, honky tonk and rockabilly music, too.”
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Sun, every week:
12:30 pm families; 1:30 pm adults only COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLES at Rock Rose Gallery/Productions & Arroyo Books, 4108 N Figueroa St, Sycamore Grove; 323-222-4740; rockroseart@yahoo.com; www.rockrosegallery.com. Every Sun; 12:30 pm families, 1:30 pm adults only. Bring your own drum or percussion instrument to the drum circle or use one of those provided by the gallery. Taught by Mr Blue, a versatile artist from New York.
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Sun; 1st Sun, every month:
1-5 pm “1ST SUNDAYS BLUEGRASS JAM” at El Camino College, 16007 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance; first Sun, every month. Bill Elliott 909-678-1180; Ron Walters 310-534-1439.
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Sun, 1st Sun, every month:
1 pm Monthly “CTMS OLD TIME JAM” at the Center for Folk Music, 16953 Ventura Bl, Encino; 818-817-7756. Free.
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Sun, recurring:
1:30 pm WELSH CHOIR, for location, contact Rutthy: 818-507-0337.
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Sun, Dec 7:
2 pm “SOUTH PASADENA ARTS BENEFIT” includes BRAD COLERICK playing solo acoustic, and the SOUTH PASADENA STRINGS ORCHESTRA, at 1944 Milan Av, South Pasadena. Info, http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z123/bcolerick/Picture11.png or call 626-799-4468. Twenty local artists will show and sell their work to benefit Katrina victims and their families. Food, music, and art included. Proceeds benefit the patients at Louisiana Childrens Hospital. Admission charge is a new, unwrapped toy to be given as a holiday gift to a patient at the childrens hospital.
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BRAD COLERICK is featured in a recent issue of Billboard Magazine, and called, “one of a baker’s dozen of acts to watch in the folk community around the world." He has worked with a long list of musical icons from JOHNNY CASH to BB KING. Brad has performed live, twice, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and scored a “Listener Favorite” there. An Associated Press review of Colerick’s latest CD, “Lines In The Dirt,” says, “The 11-song set shows that Colerick’s excellent 2006 release, ‘Cottonwood’ – his first album in 19 years – was no fluke.” With contributions from SUZY BOGGUSS, LARRY KLEIN, HERB PEDERSEN, APRIL VERCH, and LOWEN & NAVARRO, “Lines In The Dirt” is marvelous, filled with honest, original, unique and memorable songwriting and fine music making from Brad and his stellar cast of guest artists. You can catch Brad's videos of "Time Away" and "Let Her Fall In Love" in occasional rotation on the GAC TV channel; that’s especially notable, because he’s a pure Americana original, and certainly not just another Nashville clone.
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Sun; first Sun every month; in Nipomo:
2 pm WILD RIVER RAMBLERS bring bluegrass to Santa Maria Brewing Co, 112 Cuyama Ln (1/2 blk W of the 101), Nipomo; 805-349-2090. Features JULIO BOYSENBERRY on banjo. “2 PM to whenever.”
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Sun, Dec 7:
3 pm GUY VAN DUSER at the Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com. Guy Van Duser (born 1948) is an American folk-jazz guitarist. He recorded for Rounder Records extensively from the 1970s to the 1990s, and has often appeared on NPR's “A Prairie Home Companion.” His guitar arrangement of “Stars and Stripes Forever” was covered by Chet Atkins. He delivers “A 5 Star guitar show.” A fusion of Chet Atkins with the swing and stride piano styles of Fats Waller by this Rounder Recording Artist. His arrangements of Sousa Marches on guitar are unbeatable. His medley of western movie and TV themes is a classic. “Nobody plays quite like Guy. A superb original fingerstyle guitar arranger. One of my absolute favorite fingerstyle guitarists."- Gary Mandell, Boulevard Music. Guy is currently a part-time professor in the guitar department at Berklee College of Music. $15.
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Sun, recurring:
3-5:30 pm JAZZ COMPOSERS WORKSHOP at Rock Rose Gallery/Productions & Arroyo Books, 4108 N Figueroa St, Sycamore Grove; 323-222-4740; rockroseart@yahoo.com; www.rockrosegallery.com. Every Sunday.
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Sun, Dec 7; in Santa Barbara:
3 pm “A PROGRAM OF CLASSICAL NORTH INDIAN MUSIC” at Santa Barbara Unitarian Society, 1535 Santa Barbara St (x-st Arrellaga), Santa Barbara. We don’t usually list world music, but we’re making some exceptions during the holidays. When you’re looking for things to impress your out-of-town guests… And bluegrass legend PETER FELDMANN says, “These guys are great! This music has some links to the music we love and play in this country. Well worth a listen.”
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VIKASH MAHARAJ is one of the leading sarod performers of India. Born as a 14th generation musician into the oldest and most widely respected Banaras gharana (Indian musical family). VIKASH MAHARAJ comes from the oldest musician family in Varanasi. Dating back 15 generations, the family has passed down the legacy of Indian Classical music which includes instruments, dance and vocals for more than 500 years. VIKASH holds a high standing in his community as a trustee serving on multiple boards for the preservation of Indian Classical music, human rights and the environment.
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PRABHASH MAHARAJ started playing Tabla at the age of two. His first performance was at the age of seven. Considered a child prodigy, PRABHASH is a highly awarded musician and has won many prestigious honors
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Tix at door, $15 gen’l, $10 srs.
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Sun, Dec 7; on cable TV:
3:30 pm (Pacific) "HD ROCK LIVE: MELISSA ETHERIDGE - A NEW THOUGHT FOR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SPECIAL" with LILY WILSON (past guest on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks”) on HD Cable TV (check local listings). Lily says, “I had the privilege to sing with Melissa Etheridge last month for her Christmas [show] taped live at The House of Blues in Atlantic City (taped Nov 8). Tune in if you can!” Lily adds, ”Mark and I are in the studio working on a special Christmas song to post later this month.” More at www.lilywilson.com
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Sun, Dec 7:
4-7:15 pm 27th Annual “LOS ANGELES HOLIDAY CAROLING FESTIVITIES” for shut-ins, produced by VINCENT J. LEINEN and friends, in the West San Fernando Valley. Many recording artists, including Grammy winners and nominees, those who have music for film and TV, and those who play stages large and small, all take part each year. There are guitars, banjos, mandolins, fiddles, harmonicas, accordions, plus keyboards and drums for the stage shows, and even a bagpiper or two! And there are many voices, quickly improvising harmonies, as the carolers use their packets of lyric sheets to deliver songs that are sometimes from traditions different than their own. Jewish Hanukkah songs mix with Christmas carols and songs in English and Spanish and Latin. Artists accustomed to playing for concert audiences or for recording units in studio sessions are universally humbled by the realization that they are the only ones bringing the spirit of the holidays to many of the people in these encounters – you and your impromptu ensemble will perform to audiences of one, up to dining halls filled with people who can’t get out much, or at all. To participate, contact Vincent at 818-342-9336, or BD754@lafn.org. Info on the event here and, all of Vincent’s caroling events in other cities across America, at www.ReachfortheStars.com/Caroling. Includes room-to-room caroling in nursing homes and produced stage shows in assisted living facilities. It’s very well organized and effectively deployed in multiple places to reach a lot of people in a short time. Your editor will humbly and enthusiastically be part of it again this year, and it’s a fulfilling way, as Vincent says, to “share the joy and spirit of this Holiday Season.” The group has dinner together at a local restaurant, following the last stage show.
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Sun, Dec 7:
4 pm ”MUSLIM, JEWISH AND CHRISTIAN HARMONY IN THE GOLDEN AGE OF SPAIN” lecture-demonstration by YUVAL RON with JAMIE PAPISH on percussion, at The Performing Arts Center at Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church, 1850 W Hellman Av, Alhambra 91803. Advance tix and info at 626-230-5435 or bizwind@yahoo.com. $10 advance, $15 at door.
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Sun, Dec 7:
4 pm “MONSTERS OF SHAMISEN” plus SHAMALAMACORD at the Sozenji Buddhist Temple, 3020 W Beverly Bl, Montebello; 323-724-6866; www.sozenji.org. (Originally announced for 7 pm, the show is at 4 pm today.) This unlikely collaboration of world champions formed in the spring of 2006 when California-based Tsugaru shamisen performers KEVIN KMETZ and MIKE PENNY, both shamisen players for the cross-pollinated gypsy group FISHTANK ENSEMBLE, joined forces with Japan-based shamisen virtuoso and two-time tournament champion MASAHIRO NITTA. (FISHTANK ENSEMBLE has performed several times at the venue, and on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and both the shamisen and the accordion are signatures of that group’s music.)
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“MONSTERS OF SHAMISEN” offers audiences a most exciting and innovative exposition of modern music performed on an instrument called the “Tsugaru shamisen.” Indeed, the performance from this trio is one of the best in the world. Pooling their respective musical backgrounds, the “monsters” draw inspiration from a wide variety of musical styles, including baroque/classical, Balkan gypsy, American bluegrass, Irish folk music, and even modern rock/pop. To see their live performance is to experience a fortunate fusion, not only of east and west, but, these three tell us, “of past and future, good and evil!”
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MASAHIRO NITTA is arguably the best shamisen player in the wold. He was inspired to play the instrument at age 14, by his father. Masahiro won the Junior High School National Championship title for Tsugaru Shamisen in 1998, after playing for only seven months. In 2000 and 2001, he was awarded the championship title at Japan’s National Tournament in Kanagi, and he again won the championship title in 2002 in Tokyo. In addition, he’s had a film role, starring in 2004 as Oishi Seichiro in the motion picture, “Overdrive.”
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KEVIN KMETZ became the first foreigner in history to win the honorary “Daijo Kazuo Award” at the Tsugaru Shamisen Championship Competition in 2005, held in Kanagi, Japan. Kevin took the "Judges Choice" Award at the Hirosaki Championship tournament the same year. In both 2006 and 2007, Kevin placed “Nyusho” (runner-up) at Hirosaki, and “Jyun Yuusho” (2nd place) at Kanagi.
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MIKE PENNY is the second foreigner ever to win an award in the national Tsugaru Shamisen Tournament held annually in Kanagi, Japan. In the 2006 competition, Mike won 3rd place in his class, out of more than 200 competitors. Mike performs with accordionist AARON SEEMAN (aka DUCKMANDU) in the accordion / shamisen duo, SHAMALAMACORD. Hear their music at www.myspace.com/monstersofshamisen.
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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 7:
5 pm BENEFIT FOR WILD FIRE VICTIMS and 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. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. 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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The Cowboy Palace is collecting donations for their customers and friends that are victims of the recent wildfires, as follows:
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> Wed, Dec 3-Sun, Dec 7, for PORTER RANCH COWBOYS (only for the Cowboy Palace victims); see the bartenders with donations. Then,
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> Tue, Dec 16-Sun, Dec 21, for OAKRIDGE MOBILE HOME PARK (only for the Cowboy Palace victims); see the bartenders with donations. Plus,
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> They have a “MICKEY’S MOBILE” FUNDRAISER on Wed, Dec 10. They tell us, “We all know Mickey Wells, he plays the steel guitar with Larry Dean and The Shooters. We will continue accepting donations for Mickey’s mobile from Wed, Dec 10-Sun, Dec 14.” See the bartenders with donations.
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Happy hour 4-7 pm, M-F. No cover.
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Sun; first Sun every month; in Santa Margarita:
5:30-8:30 pm SANTA MARGARITA JAM (bluegrass & more) at "The Porch" (formerly Solomon's Café), 22322 El Camino Real (Rt 58), Santa Margarita. First 1/2 hour is a free music lesson for anyone getting started; remainder of evening is an open jam for all pickers. Bluegrass / trad / old time oriented. Info, siminoff@siminoff.net.
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Sun, Dec 7:
7 pm “CELTIC CHRISTMAS” with DRUID at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917. DRUID is the Irish folk band created by Belfast Harpist JULIE MONDIN, and together they provide marvelous traditional music, with tonight’s selections themed for their special “Celtic Christmas” concert. Expect musical beauty and joy and holiday spirit performed on traditional instruments, featuring PETER ROMANO on guitar, CHRIS LOKEN on fiddle, and JULIE MONDIN on harp, concertina and bodhran. All “with some fresh arrangements and a few untouched classics, along with the authentic Celt tunes we all love and don't get enough of,” says Julie. Step dancers help ring in the holidays to the beat of an Irish heart.
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Druid always provides a frolicsome evening of traditional and original Irish music, filled with instrumentation and song. It’s a good all-ages show, with toe tappin', hand clappin' dance tunes. There might be songs of love and whiskey, as well. Enjoy some of the finest of Ireland’s music, right here in Southern California. Reservations strongly suggested, but call the venue even if it’s the day of the show. Tix $20.
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Sun, Dec 7:
7 pm KEN O’MALLEY performs his Irish-themed “SONGS BY A WINTER'S HEARTH” at the Secret Rose Theatre, 11246 Magnolia Bl, North Hollywood 91601. It’s “Memories of Ireland's winter nights and the Holy season,” brought to life through song and story. Ken is doing only two of these shows, for the holidays, Dec 6 in Rialto and Dec 7 in NoHo. Known for his band, KEN O’MALLEY & THE TWILIGHT LORDS, his most recent solo CD, "Ómáille," had its world premiere on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Ken O'Malley is the recipient of the "LA Treasures Award" from the City of Los Angeles and the California Traditional Music Society. This grant will provide partial support for two solo performances in the next few months. Artist info, www.kenomalley.com.
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Sun, Dec 7:
7 pm “ACOUSTIC HOLIDAY CONCERT” with PHIL STACEY and JOSH GRACIN sponsored by “Go country 105” at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, at College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 91355; www.canyonspac.com; 661-362-5304. Event info, www.canyonspac.com/gocountry.html Tix $55, $40, $25.
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Sun, Dec 7:
“MONSTERS OF SHAMISEN” plus SHAMALAMACORD at the Sozenji Buddhist Temple, 3020 W Beverly Bl, Montebello; 323-724-6866; www.sozenji.org. Previously announced for 7 pm, this show is today at 4 pm; see listing.
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Sun, Dec 7:
7:30 pm “MIDWEST ENTERTAINMENT CONNECTION” (MECONN) holds their “ANNUAL HOLIDAY GATHERING” and quarterly meeting with guest speaker MICHAEL McDONALD, Michigan native and VP of Development for ABC Studios. At Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.cafemusela.com; 323-464-MUSE (6873).
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MECONN is an organization of entertainment industry professionals, networking and connecting the entertainment communities of Los Angeles and the Midwest. You need not be a Midwesterner to join. Events throughout the year include a script reading series, film night, quarterly meetings built around industry speakers geared toward needs / interests of the membership, and a down-home summer BBQ. For a $5 donation, non-members can attend the meeting, join the discussion, and check-out the organization.
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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 requested minimum for table service.
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Sun, Dec 7; TV / holiday benefit event:
7 pm “AMAZING RACE” finale viewing party & HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE for Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, at Sunset Trocadero Restaurant, 8280 W Sunset Bl, West Hollywood 90046. RED CARPET begins at 7 pm sharp; “Amazing Race” TV finale at 8 pm. Party is open to the public, admission is free, suggested donation is a new, unwrapped toy for Childrens Hospital.
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Located at Sunset & Vermont in Hollywood, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles provides the highest quality healthcare for children who are the sickest and most seriously injured in our region and beyond. Each year, the hospital treats over 93,000 children who need care that is so complex, it can only be provided by medical experts. More at www.childrenshospitalla.org
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Sun, Dec 7; in Lancaster:
7 pm LOS LOBOS at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster; 661-723-5950; www.lpac.org. The pride of East L.A., Los Lobos is one of America's most distinctive and original bands. Their Mexican heritage and diverse musical attitudes merge to become one graceful, gritty sound. Who better to warm a cold winter’s night with inner-city heat? www.loslobos.org. Tix $45 & $40.
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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 7; in Lancaster:
7 pm LOS LOBOS play the splendid Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster; 661-723-5950; www.lpac.org. More at www.loslobos.org. Tix $40 & $45.
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Sun, Dec 7:
8 pm WRECK `N' SOW bring bluegrass to the BBQ sauce, at Barn Burner, 1000 S Fair Oaks Av, Pasadena 91105; 626-403-RIBS, www.barnburnerbbq.com. More at www.wrecknsow.com.
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Sun, Dec 7:
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. Series continues Sundays, 8 pm, Dec 14 (no show Dec 21, as previously announced). Secure, on-site parking is $5; tix $30.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
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Mon, every week:
2-4 pm “HEAR, HERE” at the Lost Souls Café, 124 E 4th St (down the gated alley), downtown L.A.; 213-617-7006; www.lostsouls.com. A weekly live benefit event of “whatever” kind of music, by and for www.killradio.org, which has daily internet radio and live webcasts on Fridays, Noon-2 pm. The “Kill Radio” webcast is a submission show; send them your CDs or mp3s for “guaranteed” airplay. All the info for that is at www.myspace.com/hear_here.
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Mon, every Mon, on the web:
3:59-5:15 pm (Pacific time) “WOODSONGS OLD TIME RADIO HOUR” live simulcast from Lexington, Kentucky. Those near Lexington are invited to attend the show live; the rest of us can watch and listen live on the web, or download the podcast later, at www.woodsongs.com. The host is folksinger MICHAEL JOHNATHON, and both he and many of his guests have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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Michael’s “WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour” is a multi-media celebration of grassroots Americana music, heard worldwide in radio syndication (except in L.A.) and seen and heard on the web. Every Monday evening, Michael and his guests perform folk and bluegrass, and the show explores songwriting, new artists, literature, worldwide radio, television and concerts. WoodSongs is the world first multi-camera, weekly series broadcast on the Internet. Online viewers worldwide can watch the behind-the-scenes production heard by over 900,000 radio listeners on over 491 radio stations each week. Here’s the weekly schedule, adjusted to Pacific time: 4 pm - watch the 60 minute show live as it happens; 5:03 pm - join the audience as they record the promo for the just-completed show; 5:05 pm - enjoy the guest artist's encore performances, not heard on the radio broadcast.
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Each show is later archived on line, for free 24/7 viewing in various media formats, and available streaming and as a podcast.
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Mon; every Mon:
6-10 pm MARC BOSSERMAN plays his residency at Parkway Grill, 510 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena 91105; reserv recommended, 626-795-1001 (or hang out at the bar). He delivers fine piano and vocals. Info, www.marcbosserman.com.
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Mon, recurring, on web radio:
6 pm (Pacific) “RALPH’S BACK PORCH” broadcast from Texas, usually has live in-studio western music guests; call-in number to chat with Ralph and guests, 347 215 8849; catch the show at www.blogtalkradio.com/ralphsbackporch.
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Mon; repeats every 2nd & 4th Mon:
7-10 pm CORONA BLUEGRASS JAM at Crossroads Christian Church, 2331 Kellogg Av (at Ontario Av), Corona. Info, contact Todd Holtkamp, 951-347-2597 or onetoad@adelphia.net. Todd says, “Open Jam, all levels welcome. Having a good time is mandatory. If the weather is good we will be outside in front of the main building. If the weather is bad we will be inside.”
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Mon, Dec 8; in Palmdale:
7 pm “DESERT SONG FOLK CHRISTMAS SHOW” includes four of the members of the “WOMEN ON THE MOVE” ensemble cast at The Palmdale Playhouse, 38334 10th St East, Palmdale 93550; www.cityofpalmdale.org/departments/playhouse; 661-267-5684. One of them, singer-songwriter LINDA GELERIS, tells us, “This will be an acoustic show, and will feature a few songs from our CD, ‘BEAUTIFUL,’ along with original and standard Christmas songs. You won't want to miss this fun evening!”
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That album, “Beautiful,” had its world premiere on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and went on to spend more weeks as the top editors’ choice on CD Baby than any album there, ever. The CD is a charity benefit project for domestic violence shelters. The artists from the album have performed live on “TttT,” and they always deliver a delightful show.
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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 8:
7:30 pm EPIPHANY PROJECT featuring JOHN HODAN and BET WILLIAMS at The Mint, 6010 W. Pico Blvd. L.A.; 323-954-9630; www.themintla.com. More at www.epiphanyrecords.com .
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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, Dec 8; in Lancaster:
8 pm “WYNONA: A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC” at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster; 661-723-5950; www.lpac.org. Spreading festive cheer across the country, WYNONNA JUDD brings soulful renditions of traditional holiday classics like "White Christmas" and "Winter Wonderland," alongside her own country hits. www.wynonna.com Tix $77 & $70.
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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 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; 2nd & 4th 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 9
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Tue, every week; in Loma Linda:
9-11:30 am “LOMA LINDA UKULELE STRUMMERS” welcomes all, every Tuesday at the Loma Linda Senior Center, 25541 Barton Rd (behind the Civic Center), Loma Linda. (Sr Center at the far end of the parking lot.) Info, www.lomalindaukestrummers.org. Contact, Ginny Stone, 909 795 3841 or harryginny@hotmail.com.
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Tue, every week:
4:30-6 pm SON JAROCHO CLASSES at East Side Café, 5469 Huntington Dr N, L.A.; 323-583-5113. Learn to play Jarana, a string Instrument from Veracruz; dance Zapateado; sing & compose Sones-songs; gain knowledge of Son Jarocho music; work sound & lights. Open to adults, children and teens. No cover, donations are accepted.
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Tue, every week:
6 pm Weekly BLUEGRASS JAM at Curley’s Café, 1999 E Willow (at Cherry), Signal Hill; 562-424-0018.
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Tue, every week:
6-8 pm ARANA MUSIC LESSONS at IMIX Bookstore, 5052 Eagle Rock Bl, Eagle Rock; 323-257-2512; www.imixbooks.com. For beginners to experts music lessons focusing on the arana and Son Jarocho, presented by Caesar Castro, El Jarochelo.
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Tue, every week; in Menifee:
6-8:30 pm SANDII CASTLEBERRY & RON DAIGH, folk fest faves, at Giovanni's, Pizza, Pasta & More, 26900 Newport Rd #112, Menifee 92584; 951-672-8080. Info, www.sandiicastleberry.com.
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Tue, every Tue:
6:30-11 pm “SOUP JAM,” Don Rowan’s country & bluegrass jam, at 3240 Industry Dr, Signal Hill 90755. Info, contact Don, 562-883-0573. Acoustic instruments only, floating mic for voice; soup, donuts, coffee & tap water served. Loc is 1 mile S of 405 Fwy, 1.2 mi S of Long Beach Airport. Lakewood Bl South exit from 405, immediate right onto Willow for 1 mi (W), left on Redondo for 3/4 mile (S), right onto Industry Dr for 0.2 mi (W), building is 1st entrance for last building on the left; a fair-sized industrial building with high ceilings.
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Tue, Dec 9; different guest artists, every week:
7 pm “MAIN STREET SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE” with fingerpicking master JEFF GOLD and “folk jazz visionary” LORIN HART, 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 through this week’s show, but the series continues without interruption.) The two featured artists are followed by an open mic; info, www.garretswayne.com.
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JEFF GOLD recently performed at Carnegie Hall, and had two of his songs placed in the Library of Congress database for the Smithsonian Institution’s “American Recordings” collection. Jeff is a transplanted native New Yorker and product of the “Cornelia Street Songwriter's Exchange” in Greenwich Village, a group that cultivated such artists as Steve Forbert , Shawn Colvin, and Rod McDonald. A regular performer at the legendary Folk City, Jeff shared the stage with the likes of Lucy Kaplansky, Jack Hardy, Cliff Eberhardt, The Roches, and Suzanne Vega. After migrating west, Jeff became an eminent figure in the L.A. acoustic music scene of the ‘90s. A fine singer and renowned fingerpicker, he’s well known to anyone who ever hung out at The Troubadour, Genghis Cohen, or The Iguana Cafe. A producer as well as a songwriter, he’s produced two “Fast Folk” albums, and the first included Joel Rafael, Dan Bern, Darryl Purpose and Paul Zollo. Jeff’s CD, “The Journey,” has received rave reviews and considerable airplay across the nation. More at www.cdbaby.com/cd/jeffgold.
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LORIN HART is described by MSSS host Garret Swayne as the “'velvet & vinegar' folk jazz visionary.” Tom Waits wrote, " Lorin Hart is like Buddy Holly's girlfriend, a downtown cowgirl, and her songs sound like the fairgrounds." The grand-daughter of silent movie legends JOHN GILBERT and LEATRICE JOY, she grew up Back East, and attended the finest schools. Drawn from the early rock radio world to the then-vibrant live folk scene, Lorin dated only musicians. She learned to play guitar, had the curious lonesome blues, and matriculated out of Northwestern to the “University of Haight Ashbury.” She met and married a brilliant, troubled musician, and the pair played and recorded together in Boston and New York before moving to California with their kids. They split up, and she continued writing and playing in the local and mid-state venues while raising four children on my own. And she’s still at it, as she proved when she played live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Lorin’s critically-acclaimed CD is “Breathe.” More at www.myspace.com/lorinhart.
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MSSS patrons get half-price drinks, 6:30-7:30, and special discount on award-winning pizza all evening. No cover, but venue expects a minimum $5 food / drink purchase (and that’s half their former expectation).
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Tue, every week:
7-10 pm OPEN MIC - Music, Comedy, Spoken Word, at Synergy Café Lounge, 4437 Sepulveda Bl (just S of Culver Bl), Culver City; www.synergycafelounge.com; 310-482-3490. An eclectic open mic night. Bring your instruments, poetry, comedy, and anything else you'd like to share during your 8-10 minute set. Great atmosphere, excellent opportunity to see and meet other performers. No cover, food / drink purchase expected. Info, contact MC Jackie, jackielievense@yahoo.com.
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Tue, 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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Tue, Dec 9:
8 pm WRECK `N' SOW brings bluegrass to The Pike Bar & Fish Grill, 836 E 4th St, Long Beach; 562-437-4453; www.pikelongbeach.com. More at www.wrecknsow.com
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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; you can sign-up in advance 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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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
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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; 2nd & 4th Wed every month; in Lancaster:
6 pm UKULELE CLUB at Nick’s Pizza, 43755 15th St West, Lancaster. Uke players begin arriving about 5 pm, meeting starts at 6 pm. Newcomers welcome.
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Wed, Dec 10:
7 pm JIM “KIMO” WEST does a Hawaiian-style slack key guitar performance at the Manhattan Beach Library, 1320 Highland Av, Manhattan Beach. Jim "Kimo" West is one of today’s masters of Hawaiian slack key, as both guitarist and composer. More at www.jimkimowest.com and www.myspace.com/jimkimowest. Free show.
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Wed, 2nd Wed every month:
7-10:30 pm monthly “LAWIM SOIREE” as Los Angeles WoMen in Music presents an evening of music and a buffet supper, at the M Bar, 1253 Vine St (at Fountain), Hollywood 90038; 323-856-0036. Info, info@lawim.com. This is a fine monthly event, and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet. A respectful “listening room” environment is provided for the performances, and there are plenty of industry networking opportunities before and after. "An invigorating evening that proves there is art in Los Angeles after all." - Tom Kidd, Music Connection Magazine. Valet Parking $4.50, or free street parking, if you can find it. . Sponsored in part by www.myrecordlabel.net. Full bar available, BUFFET DINNER INCLUDED in admission, available 7-8:30 pm; showcase, in respectful “listening room” atmosphere, is 8-10 pm. Reserv strongly recommended. $10 mbrs, $20 gen’l public, includes dinner.
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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, 2nd & 4th Wed, every month; in Lompoc:
7-9 pm “BLUEGRASS JAM” at Southside Coffee Co, 105 S "H" St, Lompoc. Info, call Bill, 805-736-8241.
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Wed, every 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, 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, Dec 10:
8 pm PADDY’S PIG at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917. PADDY’S PIG is a traditional, acoustic, four-piece band Irish band. Their instrumentation includes mandolin, guitar, drums, percussion, lots of vocals and some penny whistle. They have demonstrated broad appeal, bridging the 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,” Southern California-based Paddy’s Pig 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”, and heart-wrenching ballads such as “He Fades Away” and “She Moved Through the Fair”, to classic tunes like “Loch Lomand” and “Whiskey in the Jar.” They always get the audience involved, sometimes leaving the stage to do so, blurring the line between audience and performer. Tix, $20.
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Wed; 2nd Wed every month:
8 pm HOLLYWOOD HOT-SHOTS bring charming music of the ‘20s & ‘30s, with plenty of Django-style jazz, from JOHN REYNOLDS and his washboard playing brother, RALF REYNOLDS, for an evening of "upstairs" hot jazz. Guests include performers who have previously worked with THELONIOUS MONK and BENNY GOODMAN. $10.
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Wed, Dec 10:
8 pm SHANNON HURLEY at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640. It’s the “Shannon Hurley Remix Album Release Party.” You’ve heard the talented Shannon’s music on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and you’ve seen her perform live with MARINA V’s band. More at www.myspace.com/shannonhurley. Free CD w/ $12 admission.
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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:
8 pm ACOUSTIC JAM at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; www.kulakswoodshed.com. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Wed; every 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, Dec 10:
8:30 pm BENEFIT FOR WILD FIRE VICTIMS and 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. Free line dance lessons with Marie, 7-8:30 pm.
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The Cowboy Palace is collecting donations for their customers and friends that are victims of the recent wildfires, as follows:
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> They have a “MICKEY’S MOBILE” FUNDRAISER on Wed, Dec 10. They tell us, “We all know Mickey Wells, he plays the steel guitar with Larry Dean and The Shooters. We will continue accepting donations for Mickey’s mobile from Wed, Dec 10-Sun, Dec 14.” See the bartenders with donations.
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> Tue, Dec 16-Sun, Dec 21, for OAKRIDGE MOBILE HOME PARK (only for the Cowboy Palace victims); see the bartenders with donations. Plus,
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Happy hour 4-7 pm, M-F. No cover.
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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, Dec 10:
9 pm MISTER B & band at the Blue Café, 17208 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach. You’ve heard their acoustic renaissance music on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Mister B says, “We'll be on at 9 pm but come early at catch our friend, WITHOUT THE BLOND, sing her fine tunes.” More at www.misterbmusic.com. Venue is 21+. $5 cover.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
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The easiest “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick we have ever made is tonight at 8 pm in Altadena.
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Thu, every week:
11 am-2 pm “VAN NUYS FARMER'S MARKET,” brand new in October ’08, with live music performances, in the Van Nuys Civic Center behind the Los Angeles City Hall annex building and in front of the City Library, 14410 Sylvan St, Van Nuys 91401.
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Thu, every week:
4:30-5:30 pm SON JAROCHO CLASSES at East Side Café, 5469 Huntington Dr N, L.A.; 323-583-5113.
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Thu, every week; in Santa Barbara:
5:30-7:30 pm THE SALT MARTIANS play bluegrass for Happy Hour at the Tupelo Junction Cafe, 1218 State St, Santa Barbara; 805-899-3900 for dinner reserv. The band is TIM MULLINS, KEN GASTON, AARON DOUGLAS and often MIKE MULLINS. Artists’ info, www.saltmartians.com. Full bar & food. No cover.
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Thu, 2nd and 4th Thu, every month; in Ventura:
6-9:30 pm “ZOEY'S JAM” at Zoey’s, 451 E Main St, Ventura. 805-658-8311. Hosted by Gene Rubin, who says, “Check-out Ventura's Bluegrass Jam website, at http://home.earthlink.net/~generubinaudio/index.html. All skills welcome, friendly folks, great food and drink, and even better jammin'. Generally we number 25 to 35 musicians. We now have additional space for even more jam circles. Spectators are appreciated and welcome.” Contact Gene with your email address to receive regular reminders and details: 805-658-8311 or generubinaudio@earthlink.net.
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Thu, recurring; in Idyllwild:
6-9 pm SANDII CASTLEBERRY & KEVIN HAMBY at Café Aroma, 54750 N Circle Dr, Idyllwild; 951-659-5212. Acoustic blues, bluegrass, swing, folk, more; Sandii Castleberry with guitar, vocals, harmonica; Kevin Hamby on bass, vocals.
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Thu, Dec 11:
7-10 pm “POCKET GOLDBERG & FRIENDS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” with this week’s guest artists MARK FOSSON (Bum Steers), and DAVID SERBY, at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; www.myspace.com/arniescafe; 818-951-9089. 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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Mark Fosson grew up on the Ohio-Kentucky border and started writing songs in his early teens. In the late ‘70s he sent his demos to legendary folk/blues guitarist JOHN FAHEY’s Takoma label. Fahey deemed Fosson’s talent as “the best I’ve heard since [Leo] Kottke.” Fosson recorded an album’s worth of material for Takoma, but the label folded before its release. In 2006, a CD of those sessions finally surfaced as “Mark Fosson – The Lost Takoma Sessions,” on the Drag City label.
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Rolling Stone’s David Fricke noted MARK FOSSON’s CD has “…precise delicacy and melodic inventions [that] brightly confirm Fahey's original enthusiasm.” That was echoed in a review in FolkWorks of Mark’s recent gig at the Unurban in Santa Monica (www.folkworks.org/content/view/35744/166/) that noted, “…the talent that [John] Fahey noticed way back then, has never left him.”
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Fosson worked with songwriter EDWARD TREE in the country-tinged group the BUM STEERS who performed at the Grand Ole Opry at the request of Porter Wagoner. Throughout the ‘90s, Fosson's material appeared on several soundtracks. In 2001, he collaborated with singer-songwriter LISA O'KANE, who recorded several of his songs, including the #1 European single "Little Black Cloud.” In 2006, Fosson followed up “The Lost Takoma Sessions” release with “Jesus On a Greyhound” (New Light Entertainment/Universal) drawing comparisons to Americana artists like Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Joe Ely, John Prine and Guy Clark. More at http://markfosson.com/home.html and www.myspace.com/markfosson
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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, 2nd Thu, every month:
7:30 pm monthly “NSAI SONGWRITER’S NIGHT” at Hallenbeck’s General Store, 5510 Cahuenga Bl, North Hollywood; 818-985-5916; www.hallenbecks.net. NSAI Is the Nashville Songwriters Association International. STEVEN BEOUGHER is the host. The first round of songwriters, at 7:30, is usually three artists. At 8:30 is a featured songwriter for an hour-long set. About 9:45, the 2nd round of songwriters is three more artists. Severin Browne says, “This is a great opportunity to hear some great songwriting in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.” Venue has coffeehouse fare and good salads and sandwiches.
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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 11; a “SHOW OF THE WEEK” pick:
8 pm “THE GREAT AMERICANA-BLUEGRASS EXTRAVAGANZA” featuring, FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER, THE BROMBIES, and SUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONESOME BAND, three of the top Southern California-based roots-Americana bands, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917.
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They have all performed at prestigious festivals, and at the Bluegrass Association of Southern California (BASC) concert series, and all have been guests on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” If you arrive a fan of any one of these bands, you will leave a fan of all three. This is a mini-festival in the midst of winter, with three headliner acts in one show. Here’s the lowdown on the hoedown:
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FUR DIXON & STEVE WERNER hail from California’s san Fernando Valley, but they are at home anywhere under the western sky. Well-traveled California folk favorites Fur and Steve are a combination that can’t be beat, with a show that’s fun, heartfelt and drenched in the rich traditions of Bluegrass, Western and good old American folk music. They are best known for their songs of the open road, delivered with dazzling two-part harmonies, spectacular yodeling, awesome guitar picking and wise-cracking humor, all of which compliment their incredible old- and new-timey traveling songs. They trecently packed the theatre at the prestigious Getty Museum in L.A., where all tix went quickly, and well in advance. They’re joined tonight by PAUL MARSHALL (I See Hawks in L.A.). Check ‘em out at www.myspace.com/furandsteve and www.furandsteve.com
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THE BROMBIES are an L.A.-based band formed by JO ELLEN & GEORGE DOERING way back in the last century. All the band’s musicians have played music of various kinds all of their lives; but traditional bluegrass is their music of choice. With the legendary BILL BRYSON (Desert Rose Band, Laurel Canyon Ramblers, Bluegrass, Etc.) on bass & vocals, PATRICK SAUBER (BladeRunners, Chris Stuart, “Mighty Wind” cast and band) on banjo and vocals, JO ELLEN on guitar and vocals and GEORGE on mandolin and vocals, it’s a fine ensemble for exciting, traditional bluegrass. The band emphasizes vocals and harmonies, presenting originals and the traditional music of "the masters." They’ll all tell you that music can make a major contribution of positive energy in our world, and it's gotta be fun or "forget about it!" Find in-depth bios of band members and more at www.thebrombies.com
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SUSIE GLAZE & THE HILONESOME BAND always deliver, from the best in Appalachia roots to newgrass / bluegrass Americana fusion. KCSN writes, " SUSIE GLAZE does something with a song that only great singers can do...she grabs hold of a song's deepest emotion and purpose and wraps it tightly around your soul." Folk music legend Jean Ritchie called Susie Glaze "a fresh young voice - a communicator - to me the most important of qualities in a singer..." and Bluegrass Unlimited calls her "an important voice on the California Bluegrass scene." Susie won the “Just Plain Folks” 2006 Music Award for “Best Roots Album” (with 70,000 people voting, worldwide), and Folkworks Magazine's Pick for “Best Bluegrass Album of 2005,” for her CD, "Blue Eyed Darlin.'" The Hilonesome Band is STEVE RANKIN on mandolin, RODGER PHILLIPS on banjo, ROB CARLSON (the band’s principal songwriter) on dobro and guitar, CHARLIE OTTE on fiddle, and FRED SANDERS (The Eight Hand String Band) on bass. More at www.susieglaze.com.
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This is an amazing single-show lineup for an intimate venue with great sound and lighting, and a bargain to enjoy performances by three headline acts for $20.
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Thu, Dec 11:
AMBER RUBARTH plays with her new band THE PAPER RAINCOAT at The Hotel Café, 1623 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood; 323-461-2040; www.hotelcafe.com. Amber recently played Paris, France, as part of her big European tour. Last week, she opened for LOUDON WAINWRIGHT III on the East Coast. Her music has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Info on Amber’s new band at www.myspace.com/thepaperraincoat.
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Thu, recurring:
8-11:30 pm RICK SHEA AND THE LOSIN' END at Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia 91006; 626-447-9349; www.arcadiabluesclub.com. Rick and his honky-tonk blues band’s Thursday series, with guests. Rick & co play 8-9, then from 10-12. At 9 is the guest band, different each week. Artists’ info: www.rickshea.com. Venue serves dinner, has drink specials most nights. $5 cover.
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Thu & Fri, every week:
8-10:30 pm THE PLOUGHBOYS play their residency at the Tam O' Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz. The boys say, “Come down for great music, dancing and a green beer!” Info & directions, www.theploughboys.com.
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Thu, recurring:
8-10 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE, singer-songwriter or band, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Thu; repeats every Thu:
CALJAS ARTISTS WEEKLY JAZZ PERFORMANCE NIGHT at Hip Kitty Jazz / Fondue, 502 W First St (in the Packing House complex), Claremont 91711; www.hipkittyjazz.com; 909-447-6700. It’s a new venue, said to be beautiful, serving food, beer & wine, 25 mins E of Pasadena off the 210 Fwy. The venue is part of the newly-renovated Claremont Packing House. Proprietress Nancy Tessier’s father, Refugio "Coco" Lopez, plays alto, and she wanted her club to feature an array of jazz singers. This led to a fortuitous connection with Dale Boatman, founder and president of the California Jazz Arts Society. CalJAS is a powerful force in bringing some of the best jazz artists in Southern California, especially singers, to restaurants, clubs and other performance spaces in eastern Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire, an area that previously had relatively few opportunities for jazz musicians to perform.
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Thu, most Thursdays:
8:30 pm THE WATKINS FAMILY HOUR at one of the two Largo locations, either the original “little stage” venue at 432 N Fairfax Av, LA; 323-852-1073, or the new “big stage” Largo at the Coronet, 366 N La Cienega Bl, L.A. 90048; http://largo-la.com; 310-855-0350. They are alumni of NICKEL CREEK. Cover is $15 in the small venue, $25 in the big venue.
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Thu, every week:
8:30 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line dance lessons with Marie, 7-8:30 pm. Happy hour 4-7 pm, M-F. No cover.
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Thu, 2nd Thu, every month (beginning Dec 11):
9-11 pm AMY CLARKE & Friends at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; 323-464-MUSE; www.cafemusela.com. Tonight, Amy launches her “Monthly Evenings at Café Muse,” as she says, “on the eve of the Full Cold Moon.” Amy adds, “Plan to come get warm and cozy with us, the evenings will continue on second Thursdays in 2009.” Amy Clarke and select rotating guest artists perform original works by candlelight in the “urban zen” setting of Café Muse.
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3-time ASCAP award-winning indie singer-songwriter, synth keyboardist & “dramatic piano enchantress” Amy Clarke hails from Washington, DC and has performed around the country from the White House to the Viper Room. Relocating to LA last year after a 4 year residency in NYC (where she produced and released her first EP & played regularly at The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, M Shanghai Den & Caffe Vivaldi), Clarke now plays at The Derby, Tangier, Talking Stick, Genghis Cohen, & The Verity Room, and on the festival circuit (SXSW, SPMT, Burning Man). A soul-singer, lifelong pianist and graduate of Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, Clarke’s talent, political savvy and global awareness infuse her artistic vision with unique depth and powerful resonance. Her music (featured on TV, radio, & internet) is an eclectic, alternative blend of classical, celtic, pop, rock, blues, new age & electronic rhythms, and her piano work is intricate. More at www.amyclarke.com and www.myspace.com/amyclarke
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Venue has “tasty vegetarian & non-vegetarian menu, organic coffee, tea, & free wi fi.” Suggested donation for artists and a designated non-profit at each show; tonight, that is Tree People, www.treepeople.org. No cover.
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Thu, every Thu; on web radio:
9 pm “FREIGHT TRAIN BOOGIE” radio show from Northern Cal, on KRCB 90.9 and 91.1 FM on Sonoma County’s only public radio station; features live performance-interviews; simulcast on the web at www.krcb.org/listen/listen.html. You can ask the host or the guests questions or make comments at frater@freighttrainboogie.com.
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Thu, every week:
9 pm BEGINNERS SON JAROCHO CLASS with CESAR CASTRO from VeraCruz, at Cal Poly Downtown Center, 300 2nd St, Pomona (Arts Colony). Learn to play jarana, string instrument from Veracruz; dance Zapateado; sing & compose sones (songs); gain knowledge of Son Jarocho music. For children, teens & adults. Venue has a mic and stage lights. Info, www.myspace.com/besskepp. $3 cover.
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Thu; every Thu:
9:30 pm PRESTON SMITH & THE CROCODILES at Bartwist, 48 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia; www.bartwist.com. Expect a good time and dancing’, from honky-tonk to Elvis. Venue has food and full bar. No cover.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
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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. 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 12; in Visalia:
SONS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN play their annual Fan Club Dinner in Visalia; info & tix, 928-757-9030.
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Fri, Dec 12; visual art:
7-11 pm “TRIPTYCH” art show opening reception at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; www.bostoncourt.org; 626-683-6883. Staged by MIMI CHAMPLIN for artist and musician CLARK BRANSON, who is exhibing works together with WALTER ALI and SITA EDWARDS. The exhibition presents works in three different disciplines – painting, ceramics and photography. "Triptych" means “three.” Mimi tells us that for tonight’s opening reception, “We'll be pouring wine and laughing and eating some lovely tasty bits provided by a fabulous caterer who is an artist… There's a theme here.... I have hopes that this will be a yearly art event as part of Boston Court's list of visiting presentations. Clark would love to welcome you to yet another facet of what happens for the entire community at Boston Court Performing Arts Center. Please feel free to [invite] anyone whom you think might like to visit during the weekend of Dec 12-14 to see some wonderful paintings, pottery, photography and a few extra treats thrown in.” Continues Sat, 9 am-8 pm, and Sun, 9 am-5 pm. All exhibited works are available for purchase.
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Fri, 2nd Fri, every month in 2008; in Seaside:
7-9 pm “KIKI WOW & FRIENDS” play an acoustic concert at Borders Books & Music, 2080 California St, Seaside 93955. For all of you have clamored to know “Whatever happened to Kiki Wow?” – just take a drive up the coast, and you can see and hear for yourself.
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Fri, Dec 12; in Tehachapi:
7 pm THE REFUGEES at Mama Hillybeans Café, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; 661-822-BEAN; www.hillybeans.com. You’ve heard them on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” They’re the supergroup of hit songwriters WENDY WALDMAN (Brindle; wrote “Fishin’ in the Dark,” a hit for Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), CINDY BULLENS (Elton John’s guitarist), and DEBORAH HOLLAND (Animal Logic, with Stewart Copeland). Venue is fun, and has good light fare. $15.
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Fri, Dec 12:
7:30 pm PERLA BATALLA performs “A CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS LATIN MUSIC” at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, 10361 W Pico Bl (across from Rancho Park), L.A. 90064; info & tix, 310-286-0553; trk@lyceeonline.org. Perla Batalla is a Grammy-nominated world-class vocalist, composer and arranger. She has worked with LEONARD COHEN, NICK CAVE, & LAURIE ANDERSON.
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Hearing Perla Batalla's voice for the first time is an epiphany. One may go to hear the songs, but you end up feeling the joy and the pathos in the music. There is a tone, a depth of emotion and a sublime expressiveness along with her transcendent voice that makes the experience unforgettable. A rare few artists command such a response; women like Amalia Rodrigues, Edith Piaf, Patsy Cline or Aretha Franklin, perhaps, whose emotional power is equal to their magnificent voices. We merely describe their talents in adjectives that can never match the thrill of hearing them sing.
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Perla Batalla’s music is deeply influenced by her Mexican origins. Her songs are original compositions interspersed with traditional Spanish language classics, arranged to reflect a rich bicultural personal and musical heritage. Her repertoire is a resplendent and vibrant cultural celebration of mysticism, imagery, magic and myth.
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The L.A. Times wrote, “Batalla’s music caresses with its harmonies and gentle rhythms, then draws you in with an unexpected chorus or unusual melodic resolution. But above all she is a born storyteller with a rambunctious sense of humor.” La Opinion writes, "Perla Batalla has become a perfect example of the new Latina women in the US: proud of her heritage, perfectly fluid in two languages, and an expert in translating cultural traditions from distinct places in the world."
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This is an excellent venue for music; just don’t park on the side streets, which have resident-only restrictions. Tix $35 gen’l, $20 students.
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Fri, Dec 12; in Santa Barbara:
7:30 pm FREEBO in a co-bill with JOHN WILCOX of MARLEY'S GHOST, at Jensen's Guitar Store, 2905 De la Vina, Santa Barbara 93105; reservations & info, 805-563-3200 or jensenguitar@gmail.com. FREEBO is an award-winning singer-songwriter and favorite on the folk festival circuit. He played bass for BONIE RAITT for many years, and he has twice performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” where he earned a “Listener Favorite” track from his CD, “Before the Separation.” The music of MARLEY’S GHOST has been heard many times on TttT. $15.
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Fri, Dec 12:
8 pm BILL EVANS & MEGAN LYNCH at the Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com. The duo’s new CD, “Let’s Do Something,” is set for a Dec 19 release, with the CD release show at Berkeley’s famous “Freight & Salvage.” Their previous CD has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Both Bill and Megan are widely acclaimed and much in demand - both as performing musicians and teachers. They recently combined their efforts, and the result is much greater than the sum of its parts. They perform traditional banjo/fiddle tunes, of course, but go far beyond that. Their voices blend beautifully, and they perform both classic and contemporary acoustic tunes. Bill & Megan include their individual original material, adding innovation and excitement as a duo to their already stellar musicianship. If you’ve heard either of them before, this should provide a new experience for you. Joy Felt, from the Bluegrass Association of Southern California, adds, “Plus, they are funny, very funny.” Artists info, www.fiddlestar.com and www.myspace.com/billevansandmeganlynch. $15.
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Fri, Dec 12:
SOLD OUT: 8 pm J.D. SOUTHER plus APRIL SMITH at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403. Tix purchased online or by phone, add $4 svc chg, per order (not per ticket) to price shown. $25.
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Fri, Dec 12:
8 pm BROOKE RAMEL at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917. After graduating from Stanford University and studying in Paris, Brooke ramel moved to L.A. to pursue her passion for music. She has released five original albums and has sold over 50,000 copies as an independent artist.
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She has licensed over 50 songs to film and TV shows, including TV’s “Dawson’s Creek,” “Charmed,” “Ed,” “Six Feet Under,” “Gilmour Girls,” “White Oleander,” and many more. Several major motion pictures have featured Brooke's music, including “White Oleander”, “Stealing Harvard”, and "Tart". Her music has been featured in the independent films “Far on Foot” and “Wednesday's Child,” and her song "Now" was used in a trailer for the DVD of MGM's film, "Kiss the Bride". And Brooke recorded two songs for Disney's “Air Bud Spikes Back.” Brooke's song "Let It Out" will be heard in the upcoming motion picture "Bonneville", starring Jessica Lang, Kathy Bates, Joan Allen, and Christine Baranski.
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In May 2006, Brooke taped an appearance for the ninth episode of "Branson Jubilee", airing on PBS in the summer and fall. Her performance included "When I Saw You See Me", "Let It Out", and "Landslide." The episode featured The Dillards and guest star Bill Medley.
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She is a tireless performer averaging over 200 shows a year for the past 15 years. Brooke has opened for many wonderful artists, including Melissa Manchester, Richard Marx, David Gates, Shawn Colvin, Rocco de Luca, Marc Cohn, Deana Carter, David Wilcox, and many others.
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Tonight, Brooke performs with her tasteful and talented guitarist IAN ESPINOZA and her drummer RON MANAOG. Tix, $15.
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Fri, Dec 12:
8-10 pm “AMERICANA MUSIC CIRCLE REUNION” at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info and live webcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. Producer and performing host LAUREN ADAMS tells us, “It is always difficult to book this show as we only have two hours to do it. So, here is a partial list so far of who might be available and who we saw this year: DEBRA DAVIS, CYDNEY ROBINSON, ERNEST TROOST, LILY WILSON, JANE BOLDUC, MARK ISLAM, LAUREN ADAMS, MARK GOLDBERG, NICK KIRGO, ERICA SORENSON, & TOMMY HOLMES. More to be announced soon!”
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Fri, Dec 12:
8 pm FLAMENCO VIVO CARLOTA SANTANA performs “NAVIDAD FLAMENCA” in Beckman Auditorium on the Caltech campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832); this event, http://events.caltech.edu/events/event-5485.html. Presented by Caltech Committee on Institute Programs. They say, “Step aside toy soldiers...the bullfighters have arrived! Away sugar plum fairies...give them flamenco dancers! Carlota Santana stages this glorious holiday show—an exciting blend of dance and live music. The story may seem familiar, but the cast of characters is refreshingly new. A large family gathers to eat and drink, to dance and sing, to celebrate Christmas - dancers sing and singers dance, recalling the folkloric fiesta of Flamenco, rarely seen today by theater audiences.” www.flamenco-vivo.org includes video samples. Tix $30, $25, $20; $10 youth.
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Fri, every week:
8-10:30 pm THE PLOUGHBOYS play an every-Friday residency at the Tam O'Shanter, 2980 Los Feliz Bl, Los Feliz 90039; www.lawrysonline.com/tamoshanter_gen_info.asp; 323-664-0228. Band member Mark Romano says, “Great food, drinks, dancing, and of course, music!” Info & directions, www.theploughboys.com. All ages, no cover.
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Fri, every week:
8-10 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE, singer-songwriter or band, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Fri, Dec 12:
8 pm ASHLEY MIERS in a big lineup with lots of performers we don’t know: TIM BANNING, MAX SCHER, JAMIE INGALLS, TONY KAYE, at the The Pig 'n’ Whistle, 6714 Hollywood Bl, Hollywood 90028; www.pignwhistle.com; 323-463-0000.
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Fri, Dec 12; in Seattle:
8-10:30 pm monthly “NORTHWEST SEAPORT CHANTEY SING” this time at a special location, Immanuel Lutheran Church basement, 1215 Thomas St, Seattle. (Usual home is the Boathouse at the Center for Wooden Boats.) Info, seaport@oz.net or 206-447-9800. The “call and response” form of these work songs of the sea makes them easy to learn and fun to sing. All ages welcome. Tonght’s songleader is J.W. SPARROW, whose songs of the sea have become Northwest classics. There’s always an opportunity for anyone to lead a song or just join in the chorus. Refreshments and maritime CDs for sale. Host, Wayne Palsson. Admission free, donations accepted.
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Fri, Dec 12:
9 pm LEON RUSSELL, with RON RUTHERFORD & RARESTAR playing a 45-min opening set, at Brixton South Bay, 100 W Torrance Bl, Redondo Beach 90277; 310-406-1931; www.brixtonsouthbay.com and www.myspace.com/brixtonsouthbay. Venue is 21+, holds 450. More at www.leonrussellrecords.com and www.ronrutherford.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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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
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Sat & Sun, Dec 13 & 14:
9 am-4:30 pm annual “WINTER WEEKEND AT DESCANSO GARDENS” with song, festivities, fun, and art, at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge; 818-949-4200; www.DescansoGardens.org. The entire family can get into the holiday spirit with this weekend event in the Gardens. Hitch a ride with Santa on the Enchanted Railroad, learn how to make a holiday wreath, be inspired by a cappella music and enjoy a gourmet brunch. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free with Garden admission.
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Seasonal music by the Oakwood School CHORALIERS, 10:30 am, Saturday only. They are an award-winning group of young gifted singers from North Hollywood, directed by a multiple Grammy winner. This voice ensemble performs a cappella masterpieces from all periods, concentrating on Renaissance and 21st century choral music. With numerous gold and first place trophies garnered from national festivals, the Choraliers have sung at competitions in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Seattle and New Orleans. Members of the group routinely audition and are accepted into the Southern California Vocal Association Regional Honor Choirs, and the American Choral Directors Association State Honor Choirs. Known for their great rhythmic vitality and interpretation of style, the Choraliers started in 1987. Currently, the group is comprised of 20 singers from 9 through 12 grades. Director of the group for 13 years, Dr. Rich Brunner is a professional singer who has won three of the five Grammy ® awards for which he has been nominated.
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Carriage House Holiday Art Show, all day, both days; showcase of work of 20 local artists who create in oils, ceramics and more.
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Breakfast with Santa, 9:30 & 11 am, “Wintry Wreaths Class,” 1-3 pm, both days; extra cost, and that includes admission; breakfast reservations req’d at 818-790-3663; wreath class reservations at 818-949-7980.
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Santa Visits the Enchanted Railroad, 2-4 pm, both days; take a holiday trip on Descanso Garden’s famed Enchanted Railroad, decorated for the season, with the big man in red. Bring your camera to capture a memory. Miniature RR ride is $3 per person, in addition to admission.
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Free parking. Admission $8 for adults, $6 seniors & students, $3 children ages 5-12, free for Descanso mbrs and children age 5 and younger. Fees for classes and programs include Gardens admission. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.
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Sat, Dec 13; in Santa Barbara:
10 am-2 pm “SONGWRITER / CREATIVITY WORKSHOP” presented by FREEBO at Jensen's Guitar Store, 2905 De la Vina, Santa Barbara 93105; reservations & info, 805-563-3200 or jensenguitar@gmail.com.
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FREEBO is an award-winning singer-songwriter and favorite on the folk festival circuit. He played bass for BONIE RAITT for many years, and he has twice performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” where he earned a “Listener Favorite” track from his CD, “Before the Separation.” He tells us, “In this hybrid workshop, I will give you specific tools and hints for your songwriting, song-arrangement, and performing, all within the context of honoring your special gifts and giving yourself permission and the courage to become the artist / musician you’ve always wanted to be. In a world of judgment and criticism, we are filled with the voices of others telling us how to be. I will help you to find your own voice, figuratively and literally. Along with the craft of songwriting, I will help you to shape your song with arrangement, chord substitutions, and phrasing ideas. And in performing your song, we'll cover the topics of fear, preparation, tools, timing, and communication. How do you connect to your audience? You become one with them!” Advance registration advised. $45.
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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 13; in Santa Barbara:
1-5 pm “SONGWRITER/CREATIVITY WORKSHOP” with FREEBO at Jensen's Guitar Store, 2905 Dela Vina, Santa Barbara 93105; 805-687-4027 or 805 563-3200. Cost tba.
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Sat, Dec 13; in Seattle:
1-4 pm “HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT LAKE UNION PARK,” 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle. It’s a holiday party with free activities for children and adults. Boat rides, school choirs, ornament making, toy boat building, cookie decorating, storytime, coloring, tours of the tugboat Arthur Foss and steamship Virginia V, all free. Holiday gift shopping available.
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Sat, Dec 13:
2 pm THE HOLLOW TREES play the “CHILDREN'S CONCERT SERIES” at Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; event info, http://panioloproductions.com/local.html. $5 kids, $7 adults. Adv tix, www.panioloproductions.com/store.html.
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Sat, Dec 13:
2-4 pm “CHRISTMAS CONCERT” with DULCIMERS OF DUNLORE (CAROL BURRILL, LAURIE BIRKEMEIER, JANET LEWIS, JENNIE GOINS, & MARCIA TYRA, all on hammered dulcimer) at Borders Books at the Pike, 101 S Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-491-0558. If you want to use public transportation, the Borders is only a few blocks from the Transit plaza and the end of the Blue Line. FREE, in the Café.
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Sat, Dec 13:
2-4 pm BRAD COLERICK presents a workshop, “SONGWRITING TO SONGSELLING – MAKING MONEY WITH WORDS AND MUSIC,” at South Pasadena Music Center, 1509 Mission St, South Pasadena; 626-403-2300; www.southpasadenamusic.com. Brad tells us, “After twenty years in the music business, I've come to realize that those two words – ‘music’ and ‘business’ – are not equal parts of my job. The latter consumes the lion's share of time and effort and affords me the opportunity for musical pursuits. This workshop will cover various aspects of the business of music. We'll discuss ways you can improve your craft along with ways to improve your chances of generating income from the music you make.” Musician and record producer ED TREE joins Brad for the workshop. Reservations at info@back9records.com
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BRAD COLERICK is featured in a recent issue of Billboard Magazine, and called, “one of a baker’s dozen of acts to watch in the folk community around the world." He has worked with a long list of musical icons from JOHNNY CASH to BB KING. Brad has performed live, twice, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and scored a “Listener Favorite” there. An Associated Press review of Colerick’s latest CD, “Lines In The Dirt,” says, “The 11-song set shows that Colerick’s excellent 2006 release, ‘Cottonwood’ – his first album in 19 years – was no fluke.” With contributions from SUZY BOGGUSS, LARRY KLEIN, HERB PEDERSEN, APRIL VERCH, and LOWEN & NAVARRO, “Lines In The Dirt” is marvelous, filled with honest, original, unique and memorable songwriting and fine music making from Brad and his stellar cast of guest artists. You can catch Brad's videos of "Time Away" and "Let Her Fall In Love" in occasional rotation on the GAC TV channel; that’s especially notable, because he’s a pure Americana original, and certainly not just another Nashville clone.
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Saturdays, alternate Saturdays, on web radio:
2 pm (Pacific) “ACOUSTIC HARMONY,” hosted by Mark Michaelis, from WGDR at 91.1 FM in the Green Mountains of Vermont, simulcast at www.wgdr.org. Mark sometimes hosts folk and acoustic renaissance artists in-studio for all-acoustic performance-interviews. He says, “The focus is on contemporary and traditional folk, singer-songwriters and local artists, but a little of anything and everything might creep-in. Whether it's Celtic, bluegrass, world music or even rock or blues, as long as it's got beautiful harmonies and melodies you might here it here on a Saturday afternoon.” More info, playlists, and archived performance-interviews at www.acoustic-harmony.com.
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Sat, 2nd Sat, every month; in Tehachapi:
2-5 pm Monthly “FIDDLE JAM” at Veterans Hall, 125 East F Street, Tehachapi. Second Sat, every month. Info: Leslie Schoenberg, California State Old Time Fiddlers Association, District 3, 661-821-0800. Every second Saturday, fiddlers and pickers are all welcome to join in the fun and learn some new fiddle tunes. All ages welcome as well as those who want to listen and tap their toes; www.tehachapi.com.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
3-5 pm (Pacific) “A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION” always features live performances and skits and stories with host GARRISON KEILLOR, a regular cast of recording artists, and guests, whether broadcasting from various live venues across America, or from its home base in Minnesota. This initial “live” broadcast tiume each weekend is standard everywhere, though repeat times vary by station. In L.A., the show is broadcast on KPCC 89.3 FM, and repeats Saturday night, 6-8 pm and Sunday Noon-2 pm. But if you’re in L.A., it’s much better to find a web simulcast from somewhere; that’s because KPCC has no other music shows and they do not know how to control the levels for music performances, causing frequent peaking and signal cut-out.
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Sat, recurring:
4-6 pm SHAPE NOTE / SACRED HARP, “The Learners Group” in Santa Monica. Call Laura for location: 310-450-3516.
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Sat, 2nd Sat, every month; in Lake Elizabeth & web simulcast:
5-10 pm “EAST OF NOWHERE JAM & POTLUCK” at a private residence in Lake Elizabeth 93532; call for info & directions, 661-724-1064. Sponsors say, “Bring your axe, your voice, your ears and something to eat and/or drink. We’ll have a ball!” For the first time, the monthly event will be simulcast on the web, at http://lakesandvalleys.camstreams.com.
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Sat, Dec 13:
6:30 pm “CHRISTMAS SQUEEZE-MAS!” accordion Christmas dinner and dance, brings “two step Texas toe tappin' and honky tonk blues” with DALE PETERSON AND HIS HONKY TONK BLUES REVUE, plus THE TEXACALI DRIFTERS, and Los Angeles “Accordion Diva” GEE RABE, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie 2188, 1596 Yosemite Dr (at Townsend), Eagle Rock 90041; 323-257-8869. Presented by the Los Angeles Accordion Festival, the Eagles Lodge, and Robert and Pat from SW Hill Country. Dance the night away with accordion Christmas tunes. Dinner at 6:30, dance at 7:30 pm. Admission $8 gen’l, $5 Eagles members; chicken dinner is $7.
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Sat, every week:
6:30-10:30 pm Weekly BLUEGRASS CONCERT at Me n’ Ed’s Pizza Parlor, 4115 Paramount Bl (at Carson), Lakewood; 562-421-8908.
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Sat, 2nd Sat, every month; in the OC:
6:30 pm Blues legend BERNIE PEARL plays a monthly duet show with pianist DWAYNE SMITH at Iva Lee's in San Clemente. This is Bernie & Dwayne’s every-second Saturday show, and Bernie usually plays this one electric. He was great performing live acoustic on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” in March 2007. Artist info, www.berniepearl.com.
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Sat, Dec 13:
7-9 pm HIGH HILLS, the all-women bluegrass band, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917. Together since 1996, High Hills has headlined with the DIXIE CHICKS, RICKY SKAGGS, the DEL MCCOURY BAND, and others. One reviewer writes, "Strong solid and energetic bluegrass are the trademarks of HIGH HILLS, featuring superb instrumental leads on fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar and standup bass, joined by magical blend of vocal harmonies.” Humor and multi-instrumental diversity make for an enjoyable evening with these musical women. The band is VIRGINIA STARLING, with her award-winning vocals and fiddle; LESLIE REAGAN on hot mandolin and flatpick guitar; LAURA SILVERSTEIN, an accomplished fingerstyle player on banjo and guitar; CHERYL RICHARDS on big bass fiddle. They are all ingredients which heighten HIGH HILLS. Venue impresario BOB STANE says, “Definitely good music, sung and played. Lots of goofing around that turns into solid comedy. Many encores here. Good stuff.” More at www.highhills.com. Tix $18.
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Sat, 2nd Sat every month:
7 pm “GRASSROOTS ACOUSTICA” monthly charity-benefit showcase with a full lineup of performers, at The Talking Stick’s new location 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. Performing host MARK ISLAM says, “All of the performers, [make] good on their promise to busk their hearts out… new songs & everything… a Who's Hoot.” Past lineups have included Grammy winners / nominees and a Village Voice OBIE Award winner. Mark continues, “There's no shortage of acoustic eclecticism in Los Angeles.” More on Grassroots Acoustica, and lineup for tonight’s show, at www.grassrootsacoustica.org. No cover charge, but every show is a benefit for a nonprofit or charity.
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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 13; in Lone Pine:
7-9 pm CROSSTOWN COWBOYS play the “Winter Concert Series” at The Beverly and Jim Rogers Museum of Lone Pine Film History, 701 S Main St, Lone Pine, CA. Info & tix, 760-876-9909.
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Sat, Dec 13; in Visalia:
SONS OF THE SAN JOAQUIN play their Christmas Concert at the Fox Theater, in Visalia.
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Sat, Dec 13:
7:30 pm “CHRISTMAS CONCERT” with I SEE HAWKS IN L.A. plus CLIFF WAGNER AND THE OLD #7 at Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; event info, http://panioloproductions.com/local.html. Tix, www.panioloproductions.com/store.html. The night will feature Christmas songs. Each band will play a set, and sit-in to perform together. (Note that this show was previously listed, incorrectly, at 9 pm.) Adv tix $15, $20 at door (if any remain).
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Sat, Dec 13; 2nd Sat every month:
7:30 pm monthly “GRASSROOTS ACOUSTICA” celebrates the life and music of the late NICOLETTE LARSON with the “2nd Annual ‘Lotta Love’ Edition” with Nicolette’s songs performed by PAUL ZOLLO, LISA TURNER, LOIS BLAISCH, KAREN TOBIN, MARE LENNON, DEBRA DAVIS, DEBORAH PEARL, SEVERIN BROWNE, DUDLEY SAUNDERS, special guest ROSEMARY BUTLER, “resident rhumba girl” guest of honor ELSIE MAY LARSON-KUNKEL, artist-in-residence BYRON PFEIFER, and performing host MARK ISLAM, at the charity benefit series new home, The Talking Stick (new location), 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. Tonight is the series’ 18th installment with 100% of donations benefitting “The Nicolette Larson Pediatric Endowment at Mattel Children's Hospital/UCLA.” Tonight’s show is a chance for fans & friends remember NICOLETTE LARSON (1952-1997). Nicolette's daughter ELSIE MAY LARSON-KUNKEL will return after being a last-minute addition at last year’s tribute, joining what's certain to be a big lineup whose incomplete list includes LISA TURNER, PAUL ZOLLO, SEVERIN BROWNE, KAREN TOBIN, and performing host MARK ISLAM. More about tonight’s show and the Grassroots Acoustica series, at www.grassrootsacoustica.org. No cover, but it’s a fund-raiser for charity.
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Sat, every week:
7:30-10:30 pm GRATEFUL DUDES weekly bluegrass concert at Vincenzo’s Pizza, 24500 Lyons Ave, Newhall; 661-259-6733. (Lyons exit, just off I-5.) This a long-running series, often, with very impressive performing guests.
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Sat; every Sat:
7:30 pm “RANCH PARTY” evening of country & Americana roots music performances, on the West Patio Stage, Original Farmers Market, 3rd & Fairfax, L.A. Presented by EB’s Beer & Wine Bar. New in April, 2008. Performers have included DAVID SERBY, GRANT LANGSTON, 29 MULES, BOB WOODRUFF, OLD BULL, PSYCHEDELIC COWBOYS, PAUL CHESNE, NICOLE GORDON, and BUCKSWORTH. Parking: 2 hours free with validation from EB’s Beer & Wine Bar. $3 for the third hour; $1 for each additional 20 minutes; $15 max. Addt’l parking at The Grove, next door. Get validation for their structure from Grove merchants. No cover.
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Sat, Dec 13:
8 pm BILL EVANS & MEGAN LYNCH at the Blue Ridge Pickin Parlor, 17828 Chatsworth Street 91344; reservations & info, 818-282-9001. The duo’s new CD, “Let’s Do Something,” is set for a Dec 19 release, with the CD release show at Berkeley’s famous “Freight & Salvage.” Their previous CD has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Both Bill and Megan are widely acclaimed and much in demand - both as performing musicians and teachers. They recently combined their efforts, and the result is much greater than the sum of its parts. They perform traditional banjo/fiddle tunes, of course, but go far beyond that. Their voices blend beautifully, and they perform both classic and contemporary acoustic tunes. Bill & Megan include their individual original material, adding innovation and excitement as a duo to their already stellar musicianship. If you’ve heard either of them before, this should provide a new experience for you. Joy Felt, from the Bluegrass Association of Southern California, adds, “Plus, they are funny, very funny.” Artists info, www.fiddlestar.com and www.myspace.com/billevansandmeganlynch. Doors at 7:30 pm. $15 advance, $20 door. Kids ages 6-11 are $12.
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Sat, Dec 13:
8 pm a double-bill of guitar legends, with CARL VERHEYEN and STEVE TROVATO at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Lead Guitarist from the band SUPERTRAMP (since 1985) and one of L.A.'s top session guitarists, winner of 1996 Guitar Player Magazines' best studio guitarist poll by its readers. Carl comes down to the crossroads to do a hot set of acoustic and electric guitar. Carl has played on over 200 TV shows and a ton of movies, including his featured solo part on the recent "Ratatouille." Plus Steve Trovato, multi-styled great player and author of over 20 books, he’s performed with everyone from CHET ATKINS to ALBERT LEE to ROBBEN FORD. Venue’s website has a guide to local dining. $15.
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Sat, Dec 13:
8 pm THE REFUGEES at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info and live webcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. You’ve heard them on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” They’re the supergroup of hit songwriters WENDY WALDMAN (Brindle; wrote “Fishin’ in the Dark,” a hit for Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), CINDY BULLENS (Elton John’s guitarist), and DEBORAH HOLLAND (Animal Logic, with Stewart Copeland). 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, Dec 13:
8 pm “CHRISTMAS WITH THE MAESTRO, AND SANTA TOO!” as Cal Phil, with conductor VICTOR VENER, plus guest solo vocalists, and the California Philharmonic Chorus under direction of MARYA BASARABA, present a ‘sleigh-full’ of holiday favorites from “The Nutcracker” “Hansel and Gretel” and “Messiah” to “Sleigh Ride” and “Jingle Bells” at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E Green St, Pasadena. Event info, 626-300-8200 or www.calphil.org.
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Children will be invited on stage to help California Philharmonic Maestro VICTOR VENER conduct. “It’s Cal Phil’s Christmas gift to the community. We’ll have something for everybody,” promises Vener, the orchestra’s founder and conductor.
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The program includes excerpts from two of the holiday season’s most beloved and requested works, “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky and Handel’s “Messiah,” together with a selection of carols, Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride,” and scenes from Humperdinck’s opera “Hansel and Gretel,” featuring 18-year-old mezzo soprano CLARE SNODGRASS as Hansel, and soprano EMILY DYER, 16, as Gretel. Both Snodgrass and Dyer are recipients of the Cal Phil Foundation’s “Young Artist Performance Award.”
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Victor Vener always enlightens and informs the music he brings through Cal Phil. So we weren’t surprised when he said, “Humperdinck wrote the opera after his sister asked him to write music to accompany a dramatic version of Hansel and Gretel based on the fairytale which she had written for her children to perform,” explains Vener. “The opera has been popular with children ever since, especially during the holidays.”
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Joining the orchestra is LA Opera resident artist, soprano ANGEL BLUE. “What’s Christmas without angels?” asks Vener with a smile. “We have a real live Angel with a voice that is truly heavenly, as our audiences last summer learned when they heard Angel perform with us for the first time. The bravos lasted almost five minutes!”
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One of the highlights of “Christmas with the Maestro” is its annual tradition of inviting children onstage to help conduct “Jingle Bells.” Meanwhile, the rest of the audience is encouraged to take part in the performance by jingling their keys in time to the music. “People are coming prepared, now,” says Vener. “They’ll bring key chains loaded down with extra keys just for this part of the performance.”
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Tix from $23 to $88, via Ticketmaster at 213-365-3500 or www.ticketmaster.com.
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Sat, Dec 13:
8 pm CIARAMELLA plays the Gordon Getty Concert series at The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; parking is $10. Vibrant and virtuosic early music ensemble Ciaramella returns to the Getty Center with a program inspired by the Belles Heures of the Duke of Berry. They perform sumptuous music of the French Middle Ages including love songs, sacred music, and rustic dances.
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As a lover of art and music, the Duke of Berry claimed as protegé the greatest poet and composer of the 14th century, Guillaume de Machaut (1300–1377). Early music ensemble Ciaramella explores Machaut's impressive collection of narrative and lyric poetry, songs and sacred music, which influenced writers and musicians for more than a century after his death. Ciaramella performs Machaut's love songs and allegorical motets, songs inspired by his poetry, music of the Hundred Years' War, and rustic dances that would have been heard in the fields illuminated in the Belles Heures. Complements the exhibition The Belles Heures of the Duke of Berry, on view at the Getty Center Nov 18, 2008-Feb 8, 2009.
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Tix $20 gen’l, $15 students & srs.
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Sat, Dec 13:
8 pm MUSICA ANGELICA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA with guests THE TÖLZER KNABENCHOR world renowned boy’s choir from Germany, performs “CHRISTMAS ORATORIO” by J.S. BACH in Zipper Concert Hall, Colburn School of Performing Arts; 200 S Grand Av, downtown L.A.; info & tix, 310-458-4504 or www.MusicaAngelica.org. Conductor is Martin Haselböck, soloist Tölzer Knabenchor; director G. Schmidt Gaden; tenor Markus Schäfer; baritone Randall Scarlata. Musica Angelica, based in Santa Monica, collaborates with leading performing arts institutions in Southern California, including Los Angeles Opera, Long Beach Opera, the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Guest conductors have included Rinaldo Alessandrini, Giovanni Antonini, Harry Bicket, Paul Goodwin, and Jory Vinikour, and others. The ensemble was co-founded by Michael Eagan, widely considered one of the foremost lute players in the country, and gambist Mark Chatfield. Eagan passed away in 2004; Chatfield, in 1998. Info and brochure with schedule of the 5-concert orchestral series plus their chamber series, is available by calling 310-458-4504 or online at www.MusicaAngelica.org. (In addition, they perform tomorrow at 4 pm in Santa Monica; see listing.) Tix from $39 to $55.
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Sat, every week:
8-10 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE, singer-songwriter or band, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Sat, 2nd Sat, every month:
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “MISSION HILLS SONG CIRCLE” in the north SFV; for location, contact Bobbi Gore, 818-365-6418; www.songmakers.org.
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Sat, Dec 13; in Newbury Park:
8 pm JOHN BATDORF plays the “Boney Mountain House Concert” series in
Newbury Park. Reservations get directions, at music@brandick.com and there’s more info at www.brandick.com/Boney-Mountain-Home.htm
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JOHN BATDORF was half of the wonderful ‘70s folk-rock duo, BATDORF & RODNEY. John has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and the duo had their radio reunion on the show. John says, "I have survived many careers in one lifetime. Starting with the ‘70s as a recording artist with BATDORF & RODNEY and SILVER. We got to play with a lot of great groups like America, Seals and Crofts, Dan Fogelberg, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Fleetwood Mac, The Doobie Brothers, Bread, The Youngbloods, Hall and Oats, Cheech and Chong, England Dan and John Ford Coley, Pure Prairie League, Harry Chapin, John Prine, Dave Mason, Kris Kristofferson, just to name a few! A great time was had by all. In the 90's I met and went on to write some great songs with my friend, Michael McLean. We have recorded 4 CDs together.” With JAMES LEE STANLEY, John recorded "All Wood And Stones," a highly original take on early Rolling Stones songs, done acoustically with tight harmonies, and the two of them have performed selections from the CD, live, on TttT. Tonight, John will sing songs about things that really matter to him, and you'll understand why they mean so much to his fans - fans that have spanned three decades.
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This will be John’s last appearance for several months because he is recording his new CD. The concert will take place at a private residence in Newbury Park, located about 50 miles north of Los Angeles and 25 miles south of Ventura. Concerts here are held “in a newly remodeled great room equipped for excellent sound. The capacity is about 60 people. The host is a songwriter and blues artist who will play a short set, 15-20 minutes to open the show.” More info, or join their mailing list, at music@brandick.com. $15.
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Sat, Dec 13:
8:30 pm “PARLOR PERFORMANCES” presents brilliant singing political satirist ROY ZIMMERMAN with his new show, “PEACENIK!” at Steinway Hall, 12121 W Pico Bl, Santa Monica. (1 door W of Bundy, under Fields Pianos, on Level P2; park free in lot.) Info, reservations, 310-471-3979 or Jeannine@FrankEntertainment.com. Roy Zimmerman has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” and scored a “Listener Favorite” on the show. His songs are hilarious and memorable. The L.A. Times calls him, “A latter-day Tom Lehrer,” while Lehrer himself has said that if he were still performing, he would doing Roy’s songs.
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And Roy Zimmerman writes fiecely funny songs. Tonight, he takes satirical aim at the absurdities of the Holidays. Happy "Christma-Hanu-Rama-Ka-Dona-Kwaanza"!
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Zimmerman was the creator of the hilarious political satirical quartet THE FOREMEN (Warner/ Reprise recording artists). Roy, on his own or with The Foremen, has opened for Bill Maher, Dennis Miller, George Carlin, and Paula Poundstone. His private arsenal of edgy musical delights includes hilarious send-ups of mega-mergers (“Multi-National Anthem”), the onetime activists of the ‘60s (“Psychedlic Relic”), plus healthcare and politics. Roy's “Creation Science 101” was YouTube's #1 pick last year, receiving almost a million views. Reservations recommended. $5 discount if you reserve tix at least a week in advance by email to Jeannine (above). Tix, $25.
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Sat, every week:
9 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line / couple dance lessons with Charlotte, 7-9 pm. No cover.
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Sat, every week; on TV:
11 pm-12 am "AUSTIN CITY LIMITS" on KLCS (check your cable co.; broadcast TV Ch. 58). 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 14
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Sun, Dec 14 (all weekend):
9 am-4:30 pm annual “WINTER WEEKEND AT DESCANSO GARDENS” with song, festivities, fun, and art, at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge; 818-949-4200; www.DescansoGardens.org. The entire family can get into the holiday spirit with this weekend event in the Gardens. Hitch a ride with Santa on the Enchanted Railroad, learn how to make a holiday wreath, be inspired by a cappella music and enjoy a gourmet brunch. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free with Garden admission.
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Seasonal music by the Oakwood School CHORALIERS, 10:30 am, Saturday only.
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Carriage House Holiday Art Show, all day, both days; showcase of work of 20 local artists who create in oils, ceramics and more.
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Breakfast with Santa, 9:30 & 11 am, “Wintry Wreaths Class,” 1-3 pm, both days; extra cost, and that includes admission; breakfast reservations req’d at 818-790-3663; wreath class reservations at 818-949-7980.
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Santa Visits the Enchanted Railroad, 2-4 pm, both days; take a holiday trip on Descanso Garden’s famed Enchanted Railroad, decorated for the season, with the big man in red. Bring your camera to capture a memory. Miniature RR ride is $3 per person, in addition to admission.
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Free parking. Admission $8 for adults, $6 seniors & students, $3 children ages 5-12, free for Descanso mbrs and children age 5 and younger. Fees for classes and programs include Gardens admission. Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums.
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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, Dec 14:
11 am-3:30 pm “FIDDLE & BANJO WORKSHOPS” with BILL EVANS & MEGAN LYNCH at the Blue Ridge Pickin Parlor, 17828 Chatsworth Street 91344. Each teaches a workshop, fiddle or banjo, and together they host a jamming workshop for all instrumentalists and singers. For more info and to make a reservation, phone 818-282-9001. Artists info, www.fiddlestar.com. In addition, they perform a concert here Dec 13, and one at the Coffee Gallery Backstage tonight at 7 pm.
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Workshop details: Today’s fiddle and banjo workshops are $30 each, jamming workshop is $20.
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Bill's 11 am BANJO WORKSHOP topic is “PLAY GREAT BACKUP NOW.” This will be a "hands on, bring your banjo and let's play" kind of a session with practical and easy to understand tips that you can immediately use in your next jam session or band rehearsal. Topics to be covered include vamping, up- and down-the-neck back up, Scruggs' great back up licks, using the capo, and playing in different keys. This workshop is open to all levels of students but is ideal for those who have one or more years of playing experience. Bill's group teaching method keeps everyone involved. Tab examples are provided but it is not necessary to read tab to get a lot out of this session. Audio and/or video recording is encouraged.
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Megan's 11 am FIDDLE WORKSHOP topic is “IMPROVISING: IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE SO SCARY!” Ever wonder if there were some tricks of the trade when it comes to improvisation? Well, there are and Megan will share them with you in this workshop. Learn to play over chord changes, how breaks and solos are created and last but not least, learn when and when not to play. Also, learn how the bowing arm makes all the difference in your playing. Megan will show several great techniques to immediately improve your bowing. This workshop is best for beginning through intermediate fiddlers who would like to improve their musical interactions with others. Audio and/or video recording is encouraged.
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The “INTRO TO JAMMING WORKSHOP” at 2 pm is designed for those who are yearning to play with others, but are having trouble getting started. Megan and Bill will take you from the very basic steps of understanding how a bluegrass jam session works, to feeling more confident playing with others. In the process, you'll learn about jam etiquette, how to "hear" chord progressions, when and how to use the capo and figuring out what to play that will sound best with others. This is a "hands on, bring your instrument and let's pick" style workshop.
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For more info and to make a reservation for any of the three workshops, phone 818-282-9001.
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Sun, every week:
Noon-3 pm “AMERICANA BRUNCH” with different live performers each week, at Safari Sam's, 5214 Sunset Bl, Hollywood 90027. Hosted by Hillbilly DJ Jeff W, who David Serby says, “Not only puts these Sunday shows together, but he spins some serious old school country, honky tonk and rockabilly music, too.”
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Sun; second Sun, every month:
Noon-3:30 pm monthly BLUEGRASS JAM at Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake, Altadena 91001; www.coffeegallery.com. These jams are the second Sunday of every month. Info: David Naiditch, 626-797-1827; french10@pacbell.net. Host David Naiditch's wonderful instrumental CD has been heard on radio's "Tied to the Tracks." The jam is always free.
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Sun, 2nd Sun, every month; near Goleta:
Noon “TUCKER'S GROVE OLD TIME & BLUEGRASS JAM” at Tucker's Grove County Park, near the intersection of Cathedral Oaks and Turnpike Rd, in "Noleta" (between Santa Barbara and Goleta). After entering the park, go to the right about 1/3 mile to the Kiwannis Meadows section. Hosted by Alan Aleksander (constatty@aol.com.) this jam from the early ’70s was recently reinstated. Goes from noon, "until."
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Sun, every week:
12:30 pm families; 1:30 pm adults only COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLES at Rock Rose Gallery/Productions & Arroyo Books, 4108 N Figueroa St, Sycamore Grove; 323-222-4740; rockroseart@yahoo.com; www.rockrosegallery.com. Every Sun; 12:30 pm families, 1:30 pm adults only. Bring your own drum or percussion instrument to the drum circle or use one of those provided by the gallery. Taught by Mr Blue, a versatile artist from New York.
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Sun, Dec 14:
1-5 pm “A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHRISTMAS” at the Homestead Museum, 15415 East Don Julian Rd, City of Industry; 91745; www.homesteadmuseum.org. Experience over one hundred years of Southern Cal holiday traditions at this annual festival as you enjoy music, historic house tours featuring costumed characters at the Workman House, theatrical performances, special exhibits, demonstrations, beautiful decorations, crafts, food, shopping, and much more. Check back for more details as we get closer to the event. In the event of rain, the festival will be canceled. Free—but bring spending money for food and shopping.
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Sun, recurring:
1:30 pm WELSH CHOIR, for location, contact Rutthy: 818-507-0337.
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Sun, Dec 14:
2 pm “CHRISTMAS ON THE RANGE” is the annual holiday show benefit concert at the Autry Museum, presented by the Western Music Association, with TOM HIATT & THE SUNDOWN RIDERS, JOYCE WOODSON, JOE HERRINGTON, JOHN BERGSTROM, CLYDE LUCAS and “Tied to the Tracks” host LARRY WINES as the emcee, in the Wells Fargo Theatre at The Autry National Center / Autry Museum of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A. 90027; 323-667-2000.
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This promises to be a great afternoon of entertainment, with first-rate traditional and original western music and cowboy poetry, featuring:
* JOYCE WOODSON, 2008 Academy of Western Artists “Female Vocalist of the Year;” composer of Western Music Association-nominated “Song of the Year,” “If I Hadn’t Seen the West” and of the hit, “He’s Courtin’ Annie”
* TOM HIATT AND THE SUNDOWN RIDERS a western band with STEVE THOMAS, TOM HIATT, & MARVIN O’DELL (Marvin is a host on web radio’s “Classic Heartland)
* JOE HERRINGTON, award-winning Cowboy Poet, with poems and stories of the season
* JOHN BERGSTROM, historical balladeer
* CLYDE LUCAS, western singer-songwriter
* LARRY WINES, Master of Ceremonies, host of “Tied to the Tracks,” radio / internet personality, writer, songwriter
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Reservations: call Marilyn Tuttle, 818-365-8709 or e-mail lindaleegreen@earthlink.net. Special advisory: The famous Griffith Park Holiday Light Show will be operating, so you are advised to enter the park from the North, via Victory Bl., to avoid traffic diversions.
Tix: Gen’l $20; WMA or Autry mbrs $15; children under age 12, $10.
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Following the concert is the annual WMA “CHRISTMAS PARTY & JAM” at Viva Cantina / Viva Fresh, (900 Riverside Dr, Burbank; 818-845-2425) from about 5:30-9 pm, everyone welcome.
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Sun, Dec 14:
2 pm ROY ZIMMERMAN plays a matinee at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917. So, what will one of the world’s greatest singing satirists have as material, now that Barack is President-elect?
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Plenty, we’re sure. ROY ZIMMERMAN has performed on the most prestigious stages in America, and twice on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” He reliably delivers funny songs – often ones that make you think, even as you’re laughing – about politics and the state of humanity. What's funny about war, poverty, ignorance, bigotry, neo-conservatism, homophobia, greed, lust and fear? Ask Roy. He's been writing satirical songs for twenty years. He’s shared the stage with such diverse talents as George Carlin, Arlo Guthrie, Kate Clinton, Bill Clinton, Arianna Huffington, Bill Maher, and Paul Krassner, and played a series of shows swapping songs with The Pixies' Frank Black.
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Roy Zimmerman founded and wrote all the material for the satirical folk quartet THE FOREMEN, Warner Reprise recording artists throughout the ‘90s. As a solo artist, he’s released five albums. Videos of Roy’s performances are popular worldwide on the web, and his song, “Creation Science 101,” made the front page of YouTube recently where it received over 730,000 views and 11,000 comments, and Roy adds, “many of them coherent.”
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The Los Angeles Times says, "Zimmerman displays a lacerating wit and keen awareness of society's foibles that bring to mind a latter-day Tom Lehrer." TOM LEHRER himself says, "I congratulate Roy Zimmerman on reintroducing literacy to comedy songs. And the rhymes actually rhyme, they don't just 'rhyne.'" JONI MITCHELL says, "Roy's lyrics move beyond poetry and achieve perfection." Tix, $15.
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Sun; 2nd Sun, every month, in Lancaster / Palmdale:
2-5 pm monthly “AV FOLK MUSIC CLUB CIRCLE” is returning to homes for its potluck and jamfest (no longer at the Health Tree Coffee Lounge & Café.) They tell us, “Bring your instruments and voices and join in.” Held every month on the second Sunday. Info and location, 661-339-2655.
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Sun, 2nd Sun, every month:
2:30-3:30 pm “TUESDAY MUSICALE CLUB SECOND SUNDAY CONCERT” in the Pasadena Central Library Auditorium, 285 E Walnut St, Pasadena 91101; www.ci.pasadena.ca.us/library/events. Accessible to people with disabilities, and handicapped parking available. Program & performer info, contact Celeste French, 818-790-1739.All ages, free.
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Sun, Dec 14:
3 pm “FRET HOUSE EMPLOYEES CHRISTMAS SHOW” at the Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com. The venue’s annual concert, performed by the music store instructors and staff. 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, Dec 14:
3:30 pm VICTORIA KIRSCH, piano, with JAMIE CHAMBERLIN, soprano, and ANNA KOSTYUCHEK, violin, and in Dabney Lounge on the Caltech campus, 322 S Michigan Av, Pasadena; 626-395-4652, or toll-free 888-2CALTECH (1-888-222-5832); this event, http://events.caltech.edu/events/event-5529.html. Presented by the Caltech Committee on Institute Programs.
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Pianist VICTORIA KIRSCH maintains a varied professional schedule that includes national and international performing, work with major and regional opera companies, extensive audition playing, private coaching and university teaching. In 1998, she began an extensive collaboration with JULIA MIGENES (Carmen in the 1984 film with Plácido Domingo) on the celebrated soprano's one-woman show, “Diva on the Verge.”
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Ms. Kirsch has played “Diva on the Verge” at L'Opéra Comique in Paris, the Peacock Theatre in London, L'Opéra de Monté Carlo in Monaco, Hawaii, San Francisco and the East coast, in addition to sold-out runs at the Odyssey Theatre in West Los Angeles. Recent tours have included shows in Australia and New Zealand. She has served as répétiteur/chorusmaster/assistant conductor for Los Angeles Opera, Long Beach Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Opera Santa Barbara and Mississippi Opera. She is currently a popular teaching artist for LA Opera's Education and Community Programs Department, participating in Opera for Educators and LA Opera 90012 programs, in addition to ongoing exhibit-based musical presentations. She is the pianist and music director of the Los Angeles-based Operetta Foundation, which presents staged concerts of rare operetta gems, and performs on numerous local and regional chamber music series, including Sundays Live at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Grand Performances at California Plaza and Jacaranda in Santa Monica. She has appeared a number of times on the Brand Library Music Series, and she been music director for the series for several years. FREE; no tickets or reservations required.
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Sun, Dec 14:
4 pm MUSICA ANGELICA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA with guests THE TÖLZER KNABENCHOR world renowned boy’s choir from Germany, performs “CHRISTMAS ORATORIO” by J.S. BACH, at The Broad Stage, Santa Monica City College, corner of Santa Monica Bl & 11th St, Santa Monica.; info & tix, 310-458-4504 or www.MusicaAngelica.org. Conductor is Martin Haselböck, soloist Tölzer Knabenchor; director G. Schmidt Gaden; tenor Markus Schäfer; baritone Randall Scarlata. Musica Angelica, based in Santa Monica, collaborates with leading performing arts institutions in Southern California, including Los Angeles Opera, Long Beach Opera, the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Guest conductors have included Rinaldo Alessandrini, Giovanni Antonini, Harry Bicket, Paul Goodwin, and Jory Vinikour, and others. The ensemble was co-founded by Michael Eagan, widely considered one of the foremost lute players in the country, and gambist Mark Chatfield. Eagan passed away in 2004; Chatfield, in 1998. Info and brochure with schedule of the 5-concert orchestral series plus their chamber series, is available by calling 310-458-4504 or online at www.MusicaAngelica.org. (In additon, they performed last night at 8 pm in downtown L.A; see listing.) Tix from $39 to $55.
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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 14; in Victorville:
4-7:30 pm 9th annual “CURLY’S COWBOY CHRISTMAS” with BELINDA GAIL & CURLY MUSGRAVE and the TUMBLING TUMBLWEEDS in a benefit for the “Happy Trails Childrens Foundation” at the Ambassador Hotel, 15494 Palmdale Rd, Victorville; info & tix, www.happytrails.org; 760-240-3330. They’ve won the top awards separately and together. “DUSTY" ROY ROGERS, JR. honored BELINDA GAIL & CURLY MUSGRAVE when he said they can be described as “the ROY ROGERS & DALE EVANS of the 21st century.” The duo has twice performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” The TUMBLING TUMBLWEEDS are the Academy of Western Artists “Group of the Year.”
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BELINDA GAIL received the Western Music Association's award for "Female Performer of the Year" an unprecedented four consecutive years, 1999 through 2002, and again in 2005. She garnered the Academy Of Western Artists, “Will Rogers’ Award” for "Female Performer of the Year" in 1999 and 2004.
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CURLY MUSGRAVE received the Western Music Association's “Male Performer of the Year” for 2002 and 2003. He garnered the WMA's “Songwriter of the Year” award in 2002, 2003 and 2004. He’s received two Academy Of Western Artists “Will Rogers’ Awards” as “Male Performer of the Year” and “Entertainer of the Year” in 2003.
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BELINDA GAIL & CURLY MUSGRAVE received the “Duo/Group of the Year” award twice from the Western Music Association, for 2005 and 2006. More artists info at www.codeofthewestentertainment.com/gail-musgrave/default.asp
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The Happy Trails Children’s Foundation is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works with abused children. It is run by a volunteer board of directors, and a paid and volunteer staff. The concert is an annual fund-raiser for the Foundation, and it always sells-out. Tix are $50 ea, or $95 per couple.
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Sun, Dec 14:
5-9 pm LEROY THOMAS & ZYDECO ROADRUNNERS play their CD release show & dance for “The Best Of Leroy Thomas” at the VFW Hall, 1822 W 162 St (at Western), Gardena. Info from Bennie, 310-418-5398 or 562 427-8844. Drawings for ten new CDs, and they are available for special price of $10. It’s Leroy’s birthday. No alcohol can be brought into the hall; full bar available. Food available – “Southern cooking” by Pearl Gibbs, $5. Adm $13.
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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 14:
5:30-9 pm annual WMA “CHRISTMAS PARTY & JAM” at Viva Cantina / Viva Fresh, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank; 818-845-2425. Begins approximately 5:30 pm, following the annual “CHRISTMAS ON THE RANGE” holiday show benefit concert presented by the Western Music Association at at the Autry Museum. (See 2 pm listing.) Everyone welcome, bring acoustic instruments and your favorite holiday-themed cowboy songs.
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Sun, Dec 14:
7 pm BILL EVANS & MEGAN LYNCH return to the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Advance reservations recommended. The duo’s new CD, “Let’s Do Something,” is set for a Dec 19 release, with the CD release show at Berkeley’s famous “Freight & Salvage.” Their previous CD has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Both Bill and Megan are widely acclaimed and much in demand - both as performing musicians and teachers. They recently combined their efforts, and the result is much greater than the sum of its parts. They perform traditional banjo/fiddle tunes, of course, but go far beyond that. Their voices blend beautifully, and they perform both classic and contemporary acoustic tunes. Bill & Megan include their individual original material, adding innovation and excitement as a duo to their already stellar musicianship. If you’ve heard either of them before, this should provide a new experience for you. Joy Felt, from the Bluegrass Association of Southern California, adds, “Plus, they are funny, very funny.” Artists info, www.fiddlestar.com. In addition, they present workshops today at the Blue Ridge Pickin’ Parlor (see noon listings for workshop info). Tonight’s show tix, $18.
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Sun, Dec 14:
7 pm KELLY JOE PHELPS at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403. Lincoln, the McCabe’s concert booker, says, “He first came to our attention as an amazing blues guitarist with a uniquely ethereal vocal style. Now Phelps has reinvented himself as an acoustic singer-songwriter, and his music is as compelling as ever. Check out his latest release, ‘Tunesmith Retrofit,’ and dig one of our favorite performers.” Tix purchased online or by phone, add $4 svc chg, per order (not per ticket) to price shown. $20.
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Sun, Dec 14:
7 pm 8th annual “NAVIDAD EN WHITTIER” benefit performance by DANZA FLORICANTO USA with guest artists CESAR CASTRO, and MARIACHI MEXICAPAN, led by RAY MEDINA, at the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts at Whittier College, 6760 Painter Av, Whittier 90601; info & reservations, 562-907-4203 or www.shannoncenter.org. It’s an evening of dance, music and song inspired by the rich traditions of the Mexican community, as Floricanto presents its tribute to the company's Mexican traditions during the Christmas Holidays with Navidad en Whittier. The Latino holiday tradition is established in Whittier.
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“Navidad en Whittier” celebrates the traditional music and dance styles from Mexico through the memories of an "abuelita" (grandmother) who wants to make sure these traditions are passed on to her children. The pieces range from the older dance forms of folklorico style to newer contemporary ways of celebrating the holidays, such as the tradition of “La Rama” from Veracaruz, Mexico. This tradition is an amalgam of the indigenous, Spanish, and African roots of Veracruz. The nascent Floricanto "conjunto" (musical group) will be accompanied by the renowned CESAR CASTRO, well known "jaranero" from Veracruz Mexico in their rendition of “La Rama.” Floricanto's long time musical collaborators, MARIACHI MEXICAPAN, led by RAY MEDINA, join the festivities.
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Proceeds benefit the Floricanto Institute, a partnership between Floricanto and Sunrise Elementary School l in Los Angeles Unified School District. Through this partnership Floricanto provides an instructor for a Folklorico class for two hours a day, five days a week, after school throughout the regular school year, produces a holiday program at the end of the first semester, and one full performance at the end of the year, both open to the public. All of this is totally free of charge to the 150 participating students. Tix for tonight are $15 gen’l, $10 srs & children.
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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 14:
7:30 pm JAMES HURLEY plays his CD RELEASE SHOW for "Tempest in a Teacup" at The Guitar Merchant, 7503 Topanga Canyon Bl, Canoga Park 91303. James Hurley has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” between his tours of the US and England, and he earned a “Listener Favorite” on the radio show with a track from his previous album, “The Sun and the Moon.” Tonight, he debuts his new album.
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James says, “most (if not all) of the people that played or sang on the album” will perform, “with supporting sets from SABRINA & CRAIG, BRETT MIKELS, and LISA TURNER.” And James tell us, “I confess to taking a perverse pleasure in thinking some radio programmers may be perplexed with the range of styles between the songs. Let me just say that to me, the songs represent the living of a life...no two days are the same...and the album reflects that to the best of my ability. Since you're reading this, you probably already know that about the music I write. The album will soon be available through the website and through various download services.” There will be light refreshments and munchies. $10 at the door.
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Sun, Dec 14; in Simi Valley:
7:30-9 pm “HOLIDAY SEASON BLUEGRASS CONCERT” with THE BROMBIES, HIGH HILLS and a very special performance by award-winning young fiddle prodigy KATIE NAKAMURA, at Simi Valley Cultural Art Center, 3050 Los Angeles Av, Simi Valley 93065; www.simi-arts.org.
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THE BROMBIES are named for the wild horses of Australia. Their music is clear, exciting and original. GEORGE & JO ELLEN DOERING play with two of Bluegrass' most outstanding musicians, BILL BRYSON on bass and vocals, and PATRICK SAUBER on banjo. George, Bill and Patrick are sought-after by the music industry, and Jo-Ellen writes the band’s original music. Expect rich harmonies and captivating breaks. More at www.brombies.com
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HIGH HILLS is the all-female bluegrass band who have opened for many, many big stars. When they last performed at the Simi Valley Art Center, three years ago, they brought the house down. More at www.highhills.com
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KATIE NAKAMURA has captured top prizes and the hearts of the audience at the Topanga Banjo-Fiddle Contest, year after year. At age 10, Katie performed with Gabe and Michael Witcher and Scott Gates at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. She literally stopped the show. Now, three years later, she is back to perform her magic.
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Advance tix at 805-583-7900 or at the box office. Gen’l $22, seniors (age 55+) $20.
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Sun, Dec 14; in Everett, WA:
7:30 pm SARAH BRIGHTMAN at the Comcast Arena, 2000 Hewitt Av, Everett, WA 98201; 425-322-2600.
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Sun, Dec 14:
8 pm JIM “KIMO” WEST does a Hawaiian-style slack key guitar performance at Hollowbody at TRIP, 2101 Lincoln Bl, Santa Monica 90405. Jim says, “ultra cool club, new acoustic night!” Jim "Kimo" West is one of today’s masters of Hawaiian slack key, as both guitarist and composer. More at www.jimkimowest.com and www.myspace.com/jimkimowest. $7 cover, $5 if you print this and take it with you.
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Sun, Dec 14:
8 & 9:30 pm JANET KLEIN & HER PARLOR BOYS play two one-hour sets for dinner and dancing at Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club, 617 S Olive St, L.A. 90014; dinner reserv 213-488-9488; info, www.ClubCicada.com. Valet parking, fine dining, full bar, all ages. Dress code enforced (fancy! and old fashioned preferred!) No cover charge, but dinner and drink minimums apply.
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Sun, Dec 14:
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 varies today from its first and third Sunday of every month schedule. 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 15
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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, 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 15:
7:30 pm “PURE COUNTRY” with MIKE STINSON, DAVE SERBY, DAVE GLEASON, WEST OF TEXAS and special guest RONI STONEMAN in a night celebrating the photos of LEON KARAGRISE, with “pure honky tonk country and a little bit o' bluegrass music,” at the Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Bl, Echo Park. Presented by The Echo, The Grand Ol Echo series, and Process Media. All ages. $10 cover.
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Mon, every week:
7:30 pm OPEN MIC at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; Web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. Hosted by LISA TURNER. Kulak’s provides all necessary connections for acoustic stage, plus a baby grand piano. Sign-ups 7-7:15 pm, show at 7:30 pm. Performers may choose (in advance) to purchase a multi-camera DVD of their performance. One (max length 3-4 minute) song per performer. Info, www.kulakswoodshed.com/openmic.shtml. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Mon, Dec 15:
8-10 pm “HOLIDAY SONGS OPEN MIC” in place of the usual “DALE LaDUKE & FRIENDS” show, at Arnie's Café, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; www.myspace.com/arniescafe. Dale says, “If you have a Christmas or holiday song that you would like to sing, original or not, come on down.” Venue has good light fare. No cover.
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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 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 16
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Recurring events have not yet been added, from this date forward.
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Tue, Dec 16; third Tue, every month:
7:30 pm SLIGO RAGS are this month’s performing artists at the monthly “BLUEGRASS AT THE BRAEMAR,” BASC (Bluegrass Assoc of Southern Cal) show at Braemar Country Club, 4001 Reseda Bl, Tarzana 91356. (Take 101 Fwy to Reseda Bl, exit S, go 2 1/2 miles up the hill to the entrance on the right.) Show is free; dinner is an optional pasta buffet, complete with soup, dinner salad (you can add chicken breast), rolls, butter, coffee, tea and dessert, $14 (tax and tip included). Buffet served beginning at 6:30 pm. Bar service available. Ample seating, safe, secure free parking. Info: contact Joy Felt, Bluegrass Association of Southern California, at 818-705-8870 or bascinfo@socalbluegrass.org.
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Tue, Dec 16:
8 pm “SABRINA & CRAIG’S ACOUSTIC L.A. LIVE! CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR” with TRACY NEWMAN & THE REINFORCEMENTS, fiddle wizard-vocalist STEPHANIE BETTMAN, and SABRINA & CRAIG, at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena 91101; info, www.coffeegallery.com; reservations, 626-398-7917.
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A first-ever special event for the world famous venue – “A Christmas Spectacular.” CGB impresario BOB STANE says, “Now we know that everyone’s got their own way of celebrating the holidays, and Sabrina & Craig would like to share theirs with you. Come prepared to relax and enjoy the Christmas spirit of joy and harmony as they play arrangements of traditional favorites along with memorable originals. The duo’s special guests are the delightfully talented Tracy Newman & the Reinforcements and exciting singer-songwriter-fiddler Stephanie Bettman.”
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SABRINA & CRAIG bring over 75 years of musical experience between them. Their partnership expresses and shares their love of music, precise and poetic guitar voicings, complex harmonies, and heartfelt connection. If you like variety, they’ve got a combination of originals and unique covers sure to put a smile on even the crustiest critic. "Your act emits an abundance of love and wit, both personally and musically. Your performance today was magical; an inspiration to all of us!" - Mark Ludmer, musician and producer of "The Indie Music Show" on Santa Barbara Independent Television; “You two are really so incredibly entertaining!” - Harriet Schock, Gold & Platinum Songwriter. Craig, as a solo performing songwriter, has been a guest on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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TRACY NEWMAN & THE REINFORCEMENTS are Tracy and her talented backing duo, and all three are recording artists. Initially a talented and prolific songwriter, TRACY NEWMAN took time off to become a founding member of the THE GROUNDLINGS, L.A.’s best-known improv company troupe, before going on to write and produce award-winning television, including an EMMY and a PEABODY AWARD for co-writing the coming-out episode of “ELLEN.” Tracy co-created “ACCORDING TO JIM,” starring Jim Belushi. Now she’s back, full-time, to her first love - writing and performing whimsical and thoughtful songs that tell stories and touch hearts. Backing her up are THE REINFORCEMENTS – LORIE DOSWELL and GENE LIPPMAN. Lorie is a wonderful singer-songwriter- recording artist in her own right, and Gene is a self-confessed “harmony junkie,” whose guitar playing adds “Dan-Hicks-kinda licks to the mix.” Their tight, three-part harmonizing of Tracy’s tunes is a wonder, and you’ll find yourself singing along in spite of yourself. Tracy has been a guest on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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STEPHANIE BETTMAN and her band won the 2008 Topanga Banjo Fiddle contest, AND the 2008 “SoCal Live Acoustic Music Awards.” Stephanie has been labeled "the new Allison Krauss." Her songwriting and performance style is an innovative and catchy amalgam of bluegrass, folk, roots, and jazz. She blends sophisticated lyrics and killer instrumentation; then mixes it in a big pot of folky mountain vibe. Oh... and she'll charm you between songs, too. With a who's who of Nashville studio musicians lining up to work with her, she's chosen guitar-mandolin player LUKE HALPIN tonight to provide the backing for her soaring vocals and sizzling fiddle.
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Reservations recommended. Tix $15.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
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Wed, Dec 17:
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, 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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Dec 18:
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, Dec 18:
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:
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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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19
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Fri, Dec 19:
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:
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, Dec 19:
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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Fri, Dec 19 (& Sat, Dec 20):
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, 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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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
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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; 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, Dec 20:
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:
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:
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, Dec 20 (and Fri, Dec 19):
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:
8 pm THE WITCHER BROTHERS at 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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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
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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. No WMA California Chapter meeting following, this month only. 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 will be admitted free to the museum all day (show your WMA membership ID at the front desk 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 first, then stop by for some music.” Info at www.westernmusic.org. Museum gen’l adm $9 adults, $3 kids age 12 and under.
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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, Dec 21:
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:
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, 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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Mon, Dec 22; in Ojai:
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, 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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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23
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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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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, 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 tell 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:
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 & 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:
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:
8 pm LISA HALEY & THE ZYDEKATS play the “DISNEYLAND NEW YEARS CELEBRATION!” at Disneyland in Anaheim.
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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, so why not go have a 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
(1) Los Angeles-area acoustic Americana / folk-Americana / acoustic renaissance music events, and,
(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. 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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