March 20 edition, Acoustic Americana Music Guide 2009

Weekend update, March 20, Acoustic Americana Music Guide 2009
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There are more ACOUSTIC AMERICANA / ACOUSTIC RENAISSANCE music performances EVERY week in the Los Angeles area than the COMBINED TOTAL of ALL OTHER KINDS OF MUSIC!
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“Tied to the Tracks”
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
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MARCH 20 through MARCH 31, 2009 events
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Updated March 20, 2009; recurring events included through Friday, March 27.
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WELCOME! And after reading this little section of relevant stray facts, if you feel lost or mystified about any of this, write to us at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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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! People who love real music tend to love all real music. So, yes, we do include listings for many classical music performances. (When is a fiddle a violin? We’ll leave that to you.)
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We are, of course, 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 junk that infests the radio and is recorded one note at a time, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
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Here you will find news of live performances of acoustic music and musicians, events that we know you’ll enjoy attending. We include festivals everywhere, and provide a comprehensive guide to concerts, club gigs, coffeehouse performances, and more in the Los Angeles region, from Santa Barbara to Orange County. The Guide includes musicians’ workshops, music conferences, seminars, panel discussions, and more.
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This is the “big half” of what we publish. The ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC GUIDE and the ACOUSTIC AMERICANA MUSIC NEWS post separately.
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You will need to use the tabs (at left) for 2008, and specific months, to find anything posted before January 1, 2009.
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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. See next line.
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THE MOST RECENT GUIDE, with its detailed calendar of events, is identifiable by the date it was posted. Use the basic url - http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com - and check the side bar on the left to look for the latest updated editions.
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FUTURE MONTHS are published separate from the current month. If you’re looking for “long looks ahead,” remember they may get buried under updates to the current month; use the list and tabs to the left 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 past 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.
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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) © 2009, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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MARCH 20-MARCH 31, 2009 EVENTS
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Includes the Weekend Update for March 20-22 weekend, with MANY events added…
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Look for our popular “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks in this edition!
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FRIDAY, MARCH 20
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Fri, Mar 20; in Austin, Texas:
“SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST” (SXSW) Music Festival continues in Austin, and includes favorite touring musicians and some from the Los Angeles area, invited to play showcases. Here are a few SXSW events for you:
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Noon “SXSW FRIENDS OF THE PARISH” show includes L.A.’s own MANDA MOSHER at the Parish Room Downstairs, 214 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701 - free, no badges required.
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10:15 pm “INVASION OF THE GOGIRLS at SXSW” includes L.A.’s own MANDA MOSHER (aka MANDA) at Trophy’s Bar, 2008 S Congress, Austin, TX 78704 - free no badges required.
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Fri-Sun, Mar 20-22; in Palm Springs:
Annual “RENAISSANCE FAIR” in Palm Springs features PATTI AMELOTTE performing on hammered dulcimer; info, www.renaissanceinfo.com/palmsprings/index.html
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Fri & Sat, Mar 20-21; in Vinton, CA:
“VINTON COWBOY POETRY SHOW AND OLDE TIME WESTERN MUSIC FESTIVAL” in Vinton, CA. It’s the oldest continuous Cowboy Poetry Gathering in California, started the year after Elko and it “has been goin' strong ever since.” Champion cowboy poet LARRY MAURICE tells us, “This classic grange hall has seen many great performances over the years and I am happy to be back on its stage. A great line-up this year with good friends RICHARD ELLOYAN (www.richardelloyan.com), CHRIS ISAACS (www.chrisisaacs.com), and GEORGE DICKEY (www.georgedickey.com). Three performances, Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday at 1 pm, and the evening show Saturday at 7:30 pm. Friday night is corned beef and cabbage and Saturday is roast beef, all with the most amazing array of pies to found under one roof.” Info and advance tix, 530-993-4692 or e-mail Betty Ramelli at bramelli@gotsky.com. More at www.cowboypoetry.com
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Fri, every week, on web radio:
5 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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Fri, every week:
5:30-10 pm “MONROVIA FAMILY FESTIVAL” along Myrtle Av, in old downtown Monrovia. It’s year-round and weekly, a street festival and farmers market, that’s been running 17 years. KATTYWOMPUS STRING BAND plays 8-10 pm at 412 S Myrtle Av; contact Jennifer Ranger, 877-365-5744. RON ELY does authentic and original maritime songs most weeks, usually at Myrtle Av & Colorado or Myrtle Av and Lemon Av, on the North end of the festival. Artist’s info, www.myrecordlabel.net/ronely. There’s lots of other music throughout old town Monrovia, several acoustic performers each week – singer-songwriters, duos or bands – plus specialty vendors, lots of food, and local merchants. Event is large during the summer when it includes a carnival (rock climbing wall, balloon man, bubble man, petting zoo, pony rides, etc.) It scales-down from 4 blocks to 2 blocks during winter months, following the Christmas holidays. Myrtle Av exit, N of 210 Fwy, free parking, free event.
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Fri, every week:
6-9 pm DAVE OSTI and DEANNA COGAN jam-out on acoustic classic rock tunes every Friday at the Mayan Bar, 311 W Foothill Bl, Monrovia.
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Fri, every week:
6-8 pm OPEN MIC at Fendi's Café, 539 East Bixby Rd (near Atlantic), Long Beach; 562-424-4774.
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Fri, Mar 20:
7 pm SLIGO RAGS, named in FolkWorks among L.A.’s “Best of 2008 / Top Ten” bands, perform at Ireland's 32, 13721 Burbank Bl, Van Nuys; www.irelands32pub.com; 818-785-4031. They played radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” on St. Patrick’s Day, 2007, at the time they had EIGHT of the Top Ten songs on one Celtic Music Chart. No other artist or band repeated even once anywhere in the Top 100. And they earned a “Listener Favorite” on radio’s “TttT.” Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “Such a talented group. Drawing big crowds without it bein’ a wake. As usual, they’ve been winning awards, but modest they are.”
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Two-time winners of the “Orange County Music Awards” for “Best Folk Band,” this dynamic ensemble presents Celtic Folk with a decidedly bluegrass attitude. Using fiddle, acoustic guitar, electric bass, and percussion, Sligo Rags is taking the local and not-so-local Celtic music scene by storm. Their debut studio recording, "The Night Before the Morning After," still gets international airplay, and was called "the best I've heard from a stateside band" by Celtic Beat Magazine. Says the San Diego Troubadour, "This band can light up an atmosphere as dim as the Guinness stout you just ordered at the bar... Sligo Rags really know their Celtic music." Don't be surprised if elements of country, gypsy jazz, and swing manage to sneak their way into the act. More at www.sligorags.com.
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Fri, 3rd (&1st) Fri, every month:
7-10 pm MARC BOSSERMAN plays piano at Vitello’s Restaurant 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City 91604; 818-769-0905. Marc says, “Great place for Italian grub.” He delivers fine piano (and elsewhere, vocals). Info, www.marcbosserman.com.
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Fri, Mar 20; in Santa Barbara:
7-10 pm SEAN WIGGINS & PAUL HOUSTON at Montrose Cold Spring Tavern, 5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara; 805-967 00667; www.coldspringtavern.com. Sean tells us, “Very cool old log cabin bar in the woods above SB. Freeeeeeee.” More at www.seanwiggins.com. No cover.
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Fri, every 3rd (& 1st) Fri; in Lancaster:
7 pm SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLASS in Lancaster, meets the 1st and 3rd Fridays of every month, at the Lutheran Church of the Master, 725 E Avenue J, Lancaster. Call Walter or Paula at 942-6893 for info. Organizers say, “If you can walk, you can do this social dance. It's great fun, and beginners are welcome.”
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Fri, every week; in Tehachapi:
7 pm JEANNIE WILLETS plays the “ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE” series at Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi 93561; 661-822-BEAN; www.mamahillybeans.com. Jeannie has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” She tells us, “This is a brand new venue for me. It sounds and looks really cool from the website and lots of great folks have played there so I'm looking forward to joining the crowd. The woman who runs the place apparently saw my page on myspace and asked me to come out and do a show. It's a bit of a hike from L.A. but if you feel like taking a little trip or know someone who lives in or near the area, I'll be playing two full sets.” Venue has great ambience, and food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." Traveling acts have varying admission prices; check venue's website.
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Fri, every Fri:
MISS MICKEY CHAMPION at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel bar, 1401 S Oak Knoll Av, Pasadena; 626-568-3900. L.A.’s legendary blueswoman plays an every-Fri & Sat residency. Artist info: www.mickeychampion.net. Start time varies; call venue.
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Fri, every 3rd (& 1st) Fri; in San Clemente:
Blues legend BERNIE PEARL’s residency at Iva Lee's in San Clemente. Switching his four-year residency there to alternate Fridays; on second Saturdays, Bernie will continue to play electric with pianist Dwayne Smith. He was great performing live on “Tied to the Tracks” in March, ‘07. Artist info, www.berniepearl.com.
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Fri, Mar 20; a “show of the week” pick:
7:30 pm GRAND DERANGEMENT brings Acadian music & dance to the Scherr Forum Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Countrywide Performing Arts Center, 2100 E Thousand Oaks Bl, Thousand Oaks. Presented by “Performances to Grow On;” www.ptgo.org; 805-646-8907.
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Fire up a Cajun fiddle, add step dancers, mix in a dash of Celtic rock and watch the sparks fly in this whirling visual feast of French-Canadian musical excitement from the Maritime Provinces. The six member French–speaking group from Nova Scotia blends traditional Acadian music, jazz and rock with Louisiana and Irish themes in an explosive combination of contagious rhythms, enthralling dance and a show that is both powerful and poetic. In an all out explosion of lights, sound, contagious rhythms and amazing step-dancers, Nova Scotia’s young, hip ambassadors defy you to sit still.
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2-for-1 tix available by phone at 805-646-8907 through Mar 15. Regular prices are $24 adults, $22 seniors
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Fri, Mar 20; a “show of the week” pick:
8 pm “SEAN / NUA: AN IRISH DANCE DRAMA” at the Wilshire Ebell Theater, 743 S Lucerne (at Wilshire), L.A. 90005; www.ebellla.com/operating/index.html.
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See the feature story (separate post), “THE PERFECT END TO ST. PADDY’S WEEK” in the Acoustic Americana Music Guide, at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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In brief:
The new Irish dance drama, SEAN / NUA, with live music and the nine dancers of the Cairde na hÉireann Dance Company, makes its world premiere tonight and runs one night only. It’s at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, as “An examination of cultural tradition and innovation through the art of Irish Dance.”
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The show is created and choreographed by ERIN MURPHY, T.C.R.G., and KYLIE EATON, with live music by JERRY McLEAN & BLACKTHORNE AIRE, Celtic harpist JULIE MONDIN (leader of the Irish band, Druid), and accomplished violinist/fiddler LYDIA VEILLEUX.
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Advance (through Paypal) $25 premium seating, $15 gen’l seating.
Door (cash only) $30 premium seating, $20 gen’l seating.
Reservations: 323-823-4764 or CNEIrishDance@gmail.com
Web: http://sites.google.com/site/seannua and www.sites.google.com/site/cneirishdance
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Fri, Mar 20; a “show of the week” pick:
8 pm CLAIRE LYNCH BAND at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. One of the greatest bluegrass bands on the scene today with Claire, the International Bluegrass Associan “Vocalist of the Year,” and two-time Grammy nominee. Plus hot guitarist Hurst, Jason Thomas the virtuoso Fiddler and Mandolinist, and bassist Mark Schatz with his deft touch and instinct for groovin'. "One of the best lead voices in the business today," says Dolly Parton. $15.
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Fri, Mar 20:
8 pm BROOKE RAMEL at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. She has released five original albums and has sold over 50,000 copies as an independent artist. She has licensed over 50 songs to film and TV for shows including “Dawson’s Creek,” “Charmed,” “Ed,” “Six Feet Under,” “Gilmour Girls,” and many more. Major motion pictures that feature Brooke's music include “White Oleander”, “Stealing Harvard”, and "Tart." Her music appears in indie 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." 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. In 2006, Brooke appeared in the ninth episode of the PBS series, "Branson Jubilee," seen nationwide but not in L.A. That performance included "When I Saw You See Me," "Let It Out," and "Landslide," and the episode featured The Dillards and guest star Bill Medley.
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She is a tireless performer averaging over 200 shows per 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. She performs tonight with tasteful and talented guitarist Ian Espinoza and drummer Ron Manaog. $15.
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Fri, Mar 20; a “show of the week” pick:
8 pm JOHN BATDORF plus special guests BILL & KATE ISLES, at Russ & Julie's House Concerts in Oak Park (Thousand Oaks area); reservation gets directions, at houseconcerts@jrp-graphics.com. (Note that the BUCCANEERS, previously announced, will not perform tonight; but it’s still a “show of the week” pick with the acts that are playing.)
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Both BILL ISLES and JOHN BATDORF have each performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” AND scored “Listener Favorites” on the radio show, John Batdorf from his first solo CD which debuted on “TttT,” and Bill Isles for his classic original, “Hobos in the Roundhouse.” The evening includes the concert and a coffee & dessert buffet.
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Russ & Julie told us yesterday, “The bad news is that courtesy of the U.S. State Department, we have a change in plans for Friday night's House Concert. Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, THE BUCCANEERS were not given a work permit for their tour and will be unable to cross the border from Canada to perform. (Anyone wanting the full story, feel free to ask.) The good (great) news is that we've secured the amazing JOHN BATDORF to take their place, and BILL & KATE ISLES will still be here to ‘wow us’ with a set as well. Sooooo . . . while we can't deliver the Buccaneers, we can promise a night of talented musicians and wonderful tunes. John Batdorf has even promised to perform a preview of a few new wonderful songs from his upcoming new CD release! (For those NCAA March Madness fans, we promise to keep the TV on in the other room.)”
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JOHN BATDORF is probably best-known as one-half of the '70s band BATDORF & RODNEY, which was signed by the legendary Ahmet Ertegun to Atlantic Records. Batdorf & Rodney had their radio performance reunion (after 30 years!) on “TttT” in 2006. John has performed with JAMES LEE STANLEY on “TttT” and in many venues promoting their duo album of acoustic covers of Rolling Stones songs, "All Wood And Stones." Over the past decade, John's solo career has been jump-started and energized by his writing and performance of some truly great new songs. Russ and Julie say, “He remains one of our favorite performers and we appreciate him filling-in last minute.” More at www.johnbatdorfmusic.com
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BILL & KATE ISLES open. Bill Isles is a well-known singer-songwriter on the Minnesota acoustic scene, and he gets national and international attention. He is a winner of the 2001 Minnesota Folk Festival “New Folk Songwriting Contest.” Bill & Kate have been touring together for several years and have just released a new duo album, “Matching Baggage,” that includes songs they've co-written. The response for their duo work is positive, with many comments about the "perfect blend of two voices." Russ & Julie add, “They are certainly two of the nicest people and we know you'll love their music as much as we do.” More on Bill & Kate Isles at www.halfamind.com; recent live performance video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii1O6wp3zRE
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More on the series at www.houseconcerts.us - www.myspace.com/russjuliehouseconcerts - www.youtube.com/russjuliehousecncrts
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UPCOMING HOUSE CONCERTS at RUSS & JULIE’S:
Sat, Apr 18, 8 pm - Matt Cartsonis, David P. Jackson, Jr., & Van Dyke Parks (filling-up quickly; make reservations right away; $20.)
Sat, May 9, 8 pm - Maria Dunn and Tracy Newman and the Reinforcements
Sat, Jun 27, 8 pm - Rosemary Butler and Friends
Sat, Jul 18, 8 pm - Eric Schwartz and emith
Sat, Aug 22, 8 pm - Susie Glaze & Hilonesome Band PLUS Fur Dixon & Steve Werner
Sat, Sep 12, 8 pm - Stonehoney
Sat, Oct 24, 8 pm - John Wort Hannam and Stephanie Bettman
Sat, Nov 14, 8 pm - Chuck Pyle and Cindy Kalmenson
Sat, Dec 5, 8 pm - Houston Jones
Tonight’s show is $15.
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Fri, Mar 20:
8-11 pm ARCHIE FRANCIS & THE CORNPOP ORCHESTRA at Arnie's Cafe & Italian Restaurant, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; www.myspace.com/arniescafe. Archie has won ELEVEN Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, and he’s performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” He tells us, “Hey my little nibblets, time for a spring break, this is the first day of spring. So get yourself down to Arnie's and watch the cornpop orcestra grow. We will be singing all our ‘hit.’ Or your favorite song, the songs off the CD, or anything we can get away with. We have had some wonderful guests show up and play with us, we never know who might be there. We are always surprised and delighted.” No cover.
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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. Venue serves ale & sandwiches. Band member Mark Romano says, “Great food, drinks, dancing, and of course, music!” More at www.theploughboys.com. All ages, no cover.
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Fri, Mar 20:
8-10:30 pm MYTHICAL BIRD, the band of MARK MORAN, HOLLY OVERIN, GREGG MARTIN, & MOONLYTE BETTLEJ, plays a CD release show for their new album, “Dreams From Ascendant Children,” at Home Brew Coffee Co, Bonita Av at Arrow Hwy (just off the 57 Fwy), San Dimas. Holly says, “All of our original tunes and some covers in retro-sixties genre style. It's a great big coffee house, so the more the merrier! One drink makes you larger and one cookie will make you small, our music will enable you to balance it all! Love, peace and good vibes!” CDs autographed upon purchase. More at www.myspace.com/mythicalbird and www.myspace.com/hollyoverin. All ages, no cover.
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Fri, Mar 20:
8-10 pm KAI KUROSAWA TRIO plays “Café Metropol's Pick of the Month” show at Café Metropol, 932 E 3rd St, L.A. 90013. This is a jazz gig, with Kai Kurosawa (Bear Trax, Bass), Gary Fukushima (keys), Abe Lagrimas, Jr. (drums). More at www.myspace.com/abelagrimasjr. A cover will be charged, + a $10 food/drink minimum.
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Fri, Mar 20:
8-11 pm PIRATES OF THE BLACK SWAN play their unique form of partly-acoustic, partly-electric pirate jam music at Java Joe's Coffee Lounge, 4973 Yorba Ranch Rd, Yorba Linda 92887; 714-970-7988. They’ve performed at Disneyland. Venue serves coffee, wine and food, and has a dance floor “for your jiggin' - what more could ye ask for?”
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Fri, Mar 20:
8-10 pm “MANDI'S PLAYHOUSE - WHEN I'M 64!” a special birthday celebration with MANDI MARTIN & friends HAROLD PAYNE, BARRY KEENAN, BROOKE HALPIN, CHAD WATSON, CHRIS CARDENAS, NICK DAUGHERTY, RICH PULIN, “and a cast of thousands” at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com - named for “Best Web Simulcast” in “The Best of 2008 / Top Ten” in FolkWorks, at www.folkworks.org/content/view/35788/166.
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Mandi tells us, “The world is invited! If you can't be here in person, then tune in on the Internet at www.kulakswoodshed.com and join the party! Tonight's performers will include many of my favorite singer-songwriters-musicians who will take the stage and jam the night away! It's my actual birthday, so I hope you can join us. After all, I'm only going to be 64 once!”
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All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Fri, Mar 20:
8 pm PRESTON SMITH plays Cafe Bella, on California St, in Ventura (downtown, just off Main St).
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"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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.Fri, Mar 20:
8:15 pm “DOWN HOME SHABBAT - A BLUEGRASS WORSHIP SERVICE” featuring original music by Hazzan MIKE STEIN, retired fiddler from The US Navy Band, Country Current, with fiddle, banjo, bass, dobro and mandolin, starring the STEIN BROTHERS, PAT CLOUD, & FRED SOKOLOW, at Temple Aliyah, 6025 Valley Circle Bl, Woodland Hills; info, 818-346-3545. We don’t usually list church services, just concerts at churches. But this is too unusual and features some fine musicians.
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Fri, repeats 3rd Fri, every month:
8:30-11 pm CONTRA DANCE at the War Memorial Hall, 435 S Fair Oaks Av, South Pasadena. Music by live band. Recent musicians have included TOM & PATRICK SAUBER, STEVE LEWIS and MIKE SAUBER. Dance instruction at 7:30 pm.
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Fri, Mar 20:
9 pm-midnight LAUREN ADAMS & FRIENDS, including PHIL PARLAPIANO, at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood. Lauren Adams has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” She tells us, “We LOVE this place! I first discovered this place when Randy Sacks invited me down to his show. I just really dig the vibe and comfort of the Muse as well as the delicious food and the owners Crystal and Jennifer who are very cool. So...here's what’s in store:’
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Up First: THE LAUREN ADAMS BAND, featuring Nick Kirgo, David Sutton and Lynn Coulter. Lauren says, “I cannot be in better company. David is fresh off the road with Lucinda Williams…”
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Then, special guest PHIL PARLAPIANO (www.myspace.com/philparlapiano). Phil Parlapiano followed his musical path as a founding member of The Brothers Figaro. Signed to Geffen Records after a bidding war, the seminal folk rock duo began to record their full length album, “Gypsy Beat,” with veteran producer Pat Moran. Though critically acclaimed, the year was 1989, a full five years before the "acoustic Americana" explosion occurred. "They didn't even have a format for us at the time," explains Phil. "We were promoted on alternative radio with bands like Danzig and Guns N' Roses."
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After opening for John Haitt, Billy Bragg and Jill Souble, the Brothers called it quits but continued playing together backing folk legend John Prine. This led Phil to a nine-year stint with Prine, touring, and recording CDs including the Grammy award-winning “The Missing Years” and co-writing "Leave the Lights On" for the CD “Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings.” In 1993, Phil was asked to play on Rod Stewart's pivotal “Unplugged and Seated” album, which led to a one-and-a-half-year touring stint with the rock icon. Parlapiano continued to work in the studio as a first call accordionist and keyboardist with the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Lowen and Navarro, Alanah Myles, Iris Dement, Carlene Carter, and Jude Cole.
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In 1996, Phil was drafted into the smooth jazz world by saxophonist, Dave Koz, which culminated in co-writing a Chanukah song, "Eight Candles," featured on the Grammy nominated “December Makes Me Feel This Way.” Movie-goers saw Parlapiano in the blockbuster film “Titanic” as an accordion player during the memorable scene in the lower decks when Kate and Leo are dancing. In 1999, Parlapiano and Bill Bonk from the Brothers Figaro were called on board to join alternative faves Grant Lee Buffalo for their Jubilee tour. GLB toured America, part of Europe and Australia promoting their alternative radio hit, "Truly, Truly." When their bags were barely unpacked, Parlapiano and Bonk began touring with Shawn Mullins, also crossing America and Australia. Arriving home, the pair then started to write and produce the Bill Bonk CD, Eveningshade which included songs that were featured on the TV shows: "Alias," "Felicity," Dawson's Creek" and "Joan of Arcadia."
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As the new millennium began, Phil started to tour with Americana sweetheart Lucinda Williams. This led to a featured spot on the famed Martin Scorsese documentary, “The Blues,” as well as a VH1 “Crossroads” program backing-up Elvis Costello on accordion. As 2003 rolled around, Parlapiano was asked to join the “Let It Rain” tour with Tracy Chapman, touring around Europe and the states concluding with the well-known “Austin City Limits” program. Phil then toured and recorded with seminal punkers Social Distortion, and is featured on the soundtrack of the movie, “Lords of DogTown.” Most recently, Parlapiano was featured on John Prine’s “Fair and Square,” which earned the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album.
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Through the present, Phil continues to tour with his own band and with folk rockers Lowen and Navarro. He worked on the latest L&N CD, "Learning to Fall."
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Venue has good light fare, including vegetarian offerings, and coffeehouse beverages. No cover.
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Fri, every week:
9 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line dance lessons with Marie, 7-9 pm. No cover.
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Fri, Mar 20:
10 pm CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD #7 plus BIG SANDY & HIS FLY RITE BOYS at Alex's Bar, 2913 E Anaheim St (next to Auto Zone, entrance in the back), Long Beach 90804; info & advance tix, www.alexsbar.com/weekend/2009/03/fri_mar_20_2009.php and www.brownpapertickets.com/event/57967. Cliff plays banjo again after his accident, bringing an evening of bluegrass Americana. He says, “Bring yer dancing shoes and favorite partner!” Tix $10.
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Fri, Mar 20:
10 pm DAN JANISCH with his new band at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City. DAN JANISCH’s new band hasn’t got a name yet; they are finely talented musicians CARL BYRON on keyboards, KEVIN JARVIS (late of Kaedmon) on drums, & RICHARD REDMOND on bass. DAN has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” More at www.danjanisch.com and www.myspace.com/danjanisch.No cover; artists play for tip jar.
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Fri, Mar 20:
10 pm KEN O’MALLEY brings traditional and original Irish music to the Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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SATURDAY, MARCH 21
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Sat & Sun, Mar 21 & 22; in Temecula:
Annual “TEMECULA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL” with many acts on multiple stages in Old Town Temecula, including THE CLAIRE LYNCH BAND, BLUEGRASS ETC., THE SILVERADO BLUEGRASS BAND, SLIGO RAGS, FLINTHILL SPECIAL, THIS JUST IN, WHISTLE STOP BLUEGRASS, THE BLUEGRASS BRETHREN, SCOTT GATES, and more; main stage is on Front Street, in Old Town Temecula; 951-678-1456; www.temeculacalifornia.com. . Festival is free.
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Sat, Mar 21; runs Fri-Sun, Mar 20-22; in Palm Springs:
Annual “RENAISSANCE FAIR” in Palm Springs features PATTI AMELOTTE performing on hammered dulcimer; info, www.renaissanceinfo.com/palmsprings/index.html
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Sat, Mar 21; runs today through Mon, in Arizona:
“NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE WEST” in Scottsdale AZ; www.festivalofthewest.com. This is one of the "Top 100" events in the country. Chuck wagons, mounted shooters, celebs, and lots of great entertainment.
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Mar 21; in Austin, Texas:
The annual “SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST MUSIC FESTIVAL” (SXSW) continues at many, many famous and impromptu venues in Austin TX.
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Sat; recurring:
8-10:30 am FREE ACOUSTIC CONCERT at Strings Music Store, 146 N Glendora Av, Ste 101, Glendora 91741; 626-914 4100. Sometimes featuring VIN FIZ FLYER. Another in a series of MORNING concerts. Free entertainment, tips only, in a great place, with nice people and good music. Vin Fiz Flyer tells us, “Old town Glendora is a kinda sleepy small Midwest town plopped into Southern California. These early morning concerts sound like a wacky idea, but they’re well-attended by musicians as well as music lovers! A car club meets at the Cafe next door every Saturday for breakfast, and they park their assorted ‘babies’ out front for you to peruse too. Come on by and start your weekend out right.” Check with venue to see if there is a concert scheduled for today.
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Sat, repeats every week:
11 am-12:30 pm “PACIFIC SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP” with G. F. MLELY, at Theater & Cabaret, 1535 Termino Av, Long Beach 90804. Info, Billie Kalua, songwriters@jazcraft.net or 562-494-9627. Ongoing, began Mar 31, 2007. $15 per workshop, minimum 4 workshops payable in advance; pre-registration required.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
Noon-1 pm “UNSIGNED MUSIC SHOW” on WPMD with TEE-M and MIKE STARK is “a genre-busting show, where the UNsigned Revolution is on.” On the web at http://wpmd.org. Mike and TEE-M spin CDs 11 am-noon “from cutting-edge indie artists and bands,” (acoustic and electric) then welcome guests at noon, usually for all-acoustic live performances. The show rebroadcasts through the week; check site for details.
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Sat, Mar 21:
1-3 pm “HOOTENANNY” open to all acoustic musicians; bring instruments to Sierra Madre Books, 18 W Sierra Madre Bl, Sierra Madre; 626-836-3200
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Sat, Mar 21; not necessarily acoustic, but cool:
1-3 pm “FLOWER POWER CELEBRATION” brings IMAGINE: THE BEATLES TRIBUTE BAND kicks off Descanso Gardens’ Spring Show, at 1954, Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge (near the 2 / 210 Fwy interchange); 818-949-4200; www.descansogardens.org. One of the hardest working tribute bands in Los Angeles, Imagine has performed the greatest hits of the Fab Four since 1991. Through songs, the group tracks the Beatles career from their early Liverpool days up through the Swinging Sixties and beyond. Show includes costume changes, clever Beatles banter and timeless songs. Clap and sing along with John, Paul, George and Ringo performs on Descanso’s Main Lawn. Bring picnics and blankets, normally not allowed in the Gardens. Earlier, from 11 am-1 pm, kids can create groovy flower child crafts. Descanso’s Spring Show is “The Power of Flowers: Beauty With Purpose.” Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums. Free parking. Spring show and concert are free with Gardens’ admission, $8 adults, $6 students/srs, $3 children ages 5-12, free for children age 4 and younger.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
1-3 pm “CONTINENTAL DRIFT” Celtic and British Isle folk show, on KUSP in Santa Cruz, includes live performance-interviews with host CINDY ODOM on her long-running show. From the highlands of Scotland to the midlands of England and beyond, it’s traditional and contemporary music from Ireland and the other British Isles, with Celtic lore and Celtic-influenced folk and ethnic music from Europe and North America. Info, playlists, and web simulcast at www.kusp.org.
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Saturdays, alternate Saturdays, on web radio:
2 pm (Pacific) “ACOUSTIC HARMONY,” hosted by Mark Michaelis, from WGDR at 91.1 FM in the Green Mountains of Vermont, simulcast at www.wgdr.org. Mark sometimes hosts folk and acoustic renaissance artists in-studio for all-acoustic performance-interviews. He says, “The focus is on contemporary and traditional folk, singer-songwriters and local artists, but a little of anything and everything might creep-in. Whether it's Celtic, bluegrass, world music or even rock or blues, as long as it's got beautiful harmonies and melodies you might here it here on a Saturday afternoon.” More info, playlists, and archived performance-interviews at www.acoustic-harmony.com.
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Saturdays, on web radio:
3-5 pm (Pacific) “A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION” always features live performances and skits and stories with host GARRISON KEILLOR, a regular cast of recording artists, and guests, whether broadcasting from various live venues across America, or from its home base in Minnesota. This initial “live” broadcast tiume each weekend is standard everywhere, though repeat times vary by station. In L.A., the show is broadcast on KPCC 89.3 FM, and repeats Saturday night, 6-8 pm and Sunday Noon-2 pm. But if you’re in L.A., it’s much better to find a web simulcast from somewhere; that’s because KPCC has no other music shows and they do not know how to control the levels for music performances, causing frequent peaking and signal cut-out.
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Sat, recurring:
4-6 pm SHAPE NOTE / SACRED HARP, “The Learners Group” in Santa Monica. Call Laura for location: 310-450-3516.
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Sat, Mar 21:
5-6 pm “A CAPELLA WORKSHOP” presented by award-winning vocal group RENAISSANCE before tonight’s concert, at The Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; info & tix, www.grandvision.org or www.panolaproductions.com; concert hotline, 323-547-3482. Presented by Paniolo Productions. The workshop covers an historical perspective on a capella singing, including the street corner singing culture and experience. Workshop tix, $10.
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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, Mar 21:
6-9 pm “SANTA CLARITA SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE” with JOAN ENGUITA, JEANNIE WILLETS, and others, at Peet's Coffee, 27047 McBean Pkwy, Santa Clarita 91355; 661-259-8345. Joan Enguita and Jeannie Willets have each performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and Joan chose the radio show to debut her multi-artist project, “Beautiful,” the album that became the Top Editors’ Pick on CD Baby.com and remained in that place longer than any CD, ever. That CD is a benefit for domestic violence shelters. It, and other CDs by each artist, are available at tonight’s show.
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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, Mar 21:
7 pm MOJACAR FLAMENCO plays a CD release show at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. Join Mojácar Flamenco as they celebrate the release of their hot new Flamenco and Latin album, “Al Que Quiere.” Tonight, the award-winning duo performs their evocative duet concert, "Bailes Candiles.” It takes its inspiration from the 19th century "Café Cantante" flamenco shows, where the only lighting was supplied by gas lamps. This intimate concert setting allows the artists to perform their best, most difficult flamenco works. Featuring guitar virtuoso STEPHEN DICK and elegant, fiery flamenco dancer/singer KATERINA TOMÁS. Recognized with numerous awards and honors by the Spanish Ministry of Culture, the City of Los Angeles, the Zellerbach and Haas Foundations, and “Meet the Composer,” Mojácar Flamenco is well known for their distinctive use of Katerina's footwork as a rhythmic instrument and Stephen's outstanding flamenco guitar compositions. Eight-time winners of the prestigious Spanish Ministry of Culture grant award, both artists have won “L.A. Treasures” awards from the City of Los Angeles for their performances and research in the field of flamenco. They have toured the U.S. and Canada and performed in competition and on Spanish television in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. $15.
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Sat, Mar 21:
7-10 pm KELLY FITZGERALD solo acoustic at Jaqu's, 16334 Beach Bl, Huntington Beach; www.Jaqus.com. Kelly won the top honor from L.A. WoMen in Music in 2007. She tells us about tonight’s venue, “The food, drink and atmosphere are great!” More at www.kellyfitzgerald.net
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Sat, recurring; in the OC:
7-9 pm JUST PLAIN FOLKS ORANGE COUNTY Group Singing; for info & loc, go to www.JPFolks.org.
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Sat; 3rd Sat every month; in Lancaster:
7-9 pm monthly “DESERT SONG PRODUCTIONS FEATURED ARTIST / OPEN MIC” series at the Cedar Centre Theater, 44845 Cedar Av, Lancaster 93534. The series launched Jan 17, ’09 with a group that scored a “Listener Favorite” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Featured artist(s) perform 7-8 pm, followed by the OPEN MIC, 8-9 pm, where you can show off your own talents. Each open mic participant pays $5, and a panel of judges awards the pot to the best open mic performance. This event at this venue looks permanent, after a series of things at several venues. If you’re in the High Desert, go support it. Event info and lineup at http://desertsongfest.org .
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Sat, Mar 21; in Los Osos:
7 pm Post- “ST. PATRICK’S IRISH CONCERT” with two of the biggest names in Irish music today, master of the stage- singer-banjo-player and recording artist MICK MOLONEY joined by fiddlers ATHENA TERGIS & MELANIE NOLLEY, at St Benedict's Church, 2220 Snowy Egret Ln, Los Osos 93402.
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MICK MOLONEY was awarded the National Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1999. He performs with many of the best Irish musicians of our time. Mick is a musician and producer on more than 40 highly acclaimed recordings, including his solo album "Strings Attached” and the award winning CD, "McNally's Row of Flats." In 2007, he produced his third Public Television special in America, and the CDs, "Absolutely Irish," and "The Green Fields of America." Originally from Limerick, Mick makes his home in New York City and teaches Irish studies at NYU. More in the current ish of FolkWorks at www.folkworks.org and at www.mickmoloney.com
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ATHENA TERGIS, who won the Junior Scottish Fiddling Championships three years in a row, has toured with renowned accordion player Sharon Shannon and performed in Riverdance on Broadway. Performing eight shows a week at the Gershwin Theater in Manhattan, Riverdance on Broadway provided the perfect stage for Athena's captivating performance style, and she dazzled audiences with her stunning musicianship, vivid stage presence and raw energy. Her 2008 solo release on the Compass label, titled "A Letter Home," was greeted with tremendous critical acclaim. More at www.athena.cd
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MELANIE NOLLEY has toured internationally and been a member of several bands including popular L.A.-based Dublin 4, and her band is The Sweet Set. More at www.myspace.com/melanienolley
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The Red Barn Community Music Series presents its fourth concert at its new venue that features “brilliant acoustics, antique ambience, and heat(!).” Concert is preceded by a potluck dinner at 6 pm. Concert is $10, at the door.
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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, Mar 21:
7:30-9 pm “YOUNG TALENT NIGHT” presented by Los Angeles WoMen In Music (LAWIM), hosted by Leslie Stoddard, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com - named for “Best Web Simulcast” in “The Best of 2008 / Top Ten” in FolkWorks, at www.folkworks.org/content/view/35788/166.
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LAWIM presents this monthly series showcasing performers up to the age of 17. Sponsored by Daisy Rock, it is part of LAWIM’s commitment to nurture younger artists and reach out to the community through music. Tickets are sold by the participants, donations are made during the webcast, and sponsorships and contributions received through the LAWIM website (www.lawim.com) and all fund ther organization’s “Musical Gifts & Scholarship Program” for kids in need. Slated to perform this month are JAYMEE BISHOP, NOAM KAROLY, YAEL KAROLY, BONNIE POWELL, and special guest OLIVIA TENNEY. The evening includes a gift presentation to “A Place Called Home.”
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Sat, every week:
7:30-10:30 pm GRATEFUL DUDES weekly bluegrass concert at Vincenzo’s Pizza, 24500 Lyons Ave, Newhall; 661-259-6733. (Lyons exit, just off I-5.) This a long-running series, often, with very impressive performing guests.
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Sat; every Sat:
7:30 pm “RANCH PARTY” evening of country & Americana roots music performances, on the West Patio Stage, Original Farmers Market, 3rd & Fairfax, L.A. Presented by EB’s Beer & Wine Bar. New in April, 2008. Performers have included DAVID SERBY, GRANT LANGSTON, 29 MULES, BOB WOODRUFF, OLD BULL, PSYCHEDELIC COWBOYS, PAUL CHESNE, NICOLE GORDON, and BUCKSWORTH. Parking: 2 hours free with validation from EB’s Beer & Wine Bar. $3 for the third hour; $1 for each additional 20 minutes; $15 max. Addt’l parking at The Grove, next door. Get validation for their structure from Grove merchants. No cover.
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Sat, third Sat, every month:
7:30 pm “COFFEE HOUSE AT THE ONION” OPEN MIC at the Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society, 9550 Haskell Av, North Hills. A great place to showcase your new stuff. Coffee and cookies available by donation. (No longer on Fridays.) No cover.
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Sat, Mar 21; in Anaheim; a “pick of the week” show:
7:30 pm BILL & KATE ISLES, plus STEPHANIE BETTMAN & LUKE HALPIN opening, play the “LIVING TRADITION” concert series at the Anaheim Downtown Community Center, 250 E Center St, Anaheim; www.thelivingtradition.org; reservations 949-646-1964 or steve@psitech.com. Those performing tonight, and those scheduled and not able to perform, have all played live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” (The BUCCANEERS, previously scheduled, will not perform tonight.)
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BILL & KATE ISLES bring fine songs, and were previously scheduled as the openers. Bill Isles is a well-known singer-songwriter on the Minnesota acoustic scene, and he gets national and international attention. He is a winner of the 2001 Minnesota Folk Festival “New Folk Songwriting Contest.” Bill & Kate have been touring together for several years and have just released a new duo album, “Matching Baggage,” that includes songs they've co-written. The response for their duo work is positive, with many comments about the "perfect blend of two voices." Russ & Julie add, “They are certainly two of the nicest people and we know you'll love their music as much as we do.” More on Bill & Kate Isles at www.halfamind.com; recent live performance video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii1O6wp3zRE
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STEPHANIE BETTMAN & LUKE HALPIN have delighted audiences everywhere they’ve performed, and they’ve stepped-up on short notice for tonight’s show. They have news of their own that’s exciting. Stephanie writes, “Yours truly was chosen in the Top Ten of Folkworks 2008 ‘Best L.A. Female Singer-Songwriters’ - AND a dj down in New Zealand made my album ‘Album of the Week.’” Here is his quote: "How can such a classy performer go wrong with quality moments channelling Emmylou? My album of the week ... without question." - Eddie O’Strange, Town & Country, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
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Stephanie adds, “As if that weren't enough, news has it that my album, ‘Get Close To Me,’ has charted at #8 on the Folk DJ chart, and my track, ‘Evening Prayer Blues,’ came in at number #6 - I BEAT ROBERT PLANT AND ALISON KRAUSS!”
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This will be a fine show, but it is a last-minute change. Russ & Julie of house concert fame told us Thursday, “The bad news is… courtesy of the U.S. State Department. Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, THE BUCCANEERS were not given a work permit for their tour and will be unable to cross the border from Canada to perform. (Anyone wanting the full story, feel free to ask.)”
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Thus, the Bucs concerts at Russ & Julie’s, the Living Tradition, and the Coffee Gallery Backstage have all been cancelled. Damn shame. As Russ expressed to us, this has happened too often over the past few years. Let’s hope the Obama administration fixes this vestige of lunacy left over from the previous regime, so we can again enjoy cross-cultural exchanges with our delightfully musical northern neighbors.
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Sat, every Sat:
MISS MICKEY CHAMPION at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel bar, 1401 S Oak Knoll Av, Pasadena; 626-568-3900. L.A.’s legendary blueswoman plays an every-Fri & Sat residency. Artist info: www.mickeychampion.net. Start time varies; call venue.
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Sat, Mar 21:
CHERISH THE LADIES, from Ireland, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E Green St, Pasadena 91101; 626-793-7172. Jorge Mester, Music Director. An exciting solo performance by this all-women traditional Irish Band with a blend of instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements, and stunning step dancing. Cherish The Ladies takes the stage, kicks up their heels and shares the luck of the Irish. See a video performance at www.CherishtheLadies.com. Tix at box office, noon-6 pm , M-F and weekend of show, and at the usual places. $19, $28.50, $58; $9.75 children.
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Sat, Mar 21; in Lancaster:
LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster; 661-723-5950; www.lpac.org. Tix are up to 47% off. To celebrate the 2009 Grammy win of South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Lancaster Performing Arts Center is offering adult tickets at the youth price for tonight’s concert. A free video preview is available at www.LPAC.org in the “Video of the Week” archive. Ladysmith Black Mambazo Quick Facts:
> “Ladysmith” is the name of the hometown of the group’s founder and leader, Joseph Shabalala – “Black” refers to the black ox, representing strength – “Mambazo” is the Zulu word for ax, representing the group’s ability to “cut down the competition”
> They won so many awards at vocal competitions in South Africa that eventually they were forbidden to compete in order to give other groups a chance to win!
> The 2009 Grammy win, in the Traditional World Music category, is the third win for the group – it is for their album “Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu”
> Former South African President Nelson Mandela named them “South Africa’s Cultural Ambassadors”
> The group was hand-picked by Paul Simon to feature on the 1986 album “Graceland,” and he went on to produce three of their albums
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Sat, Mar 21; a “pick of the week” show:
8 pm SMALL POTATOES at The Fret House, 309 N Citrus Av, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; frethouse@earthlink.net. The Chicago-based folk duo of JACQUIE MANNING and RICH PREZIOSO is one of the best performing songwriting teams on the folk music circuit. Their song, “1,000 Candles, 1,000 Cranes,” earned a “Listener Favorite” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” They often say it has taken them years of careful indecision to develop a repertoire they describe as "Celtic to Cowboy." Superb musicianship and showmanship, award-winning songwriting, and a strong sense of tradition has made them, as Dirty Linen Magazine said, "one of the most polished, inventive, and entertaining shows on the circuit."
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Jacquie & Rich checked-in to tell us, “Last time we were in Texas we recorded a podcast hosted by Jeff Taveras at the Austin Connection. A click at www.austinconnection.net will get you to us and some other great folks – enjoy.” More at www.smallpotatoesmusic.com. Tix, $15.
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Sat, Mar 21:
8 pm PRESTON SMITH plays the Left Coast Wine Bar, Harvard at Brand, downtown Glendale, across from the American Mall. He says it’s an “Awesome new place!”
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"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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Sat, Mar 21:
8 pm “MUSIC AMONG FRIENDS,” the scaled-down version of PACIFIC SERENADES, presents the world premiere of "VIEW FROM A HILLTOP" at a house concert in Tarzana. Reservations get directions; see last paragraph. "View from a Hilltop" is a new work in five movements by L.A. composer and flautist MARK CARLSON. Performing are longtime Carlson colleagues, clarinetist GARY GRAY, violinist ROGER WILKIE, cellist DAVID SPELTZ and pianist JOANNE PEARCE MARTIN.
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Carlson has presented nearly 100 world premieres of works by L.A.-based composers since he founded Pacific Serenades in 1982. His musical ensemble presents new works in the company of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Ravel at venues throughout Southern California, from house concerts to the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena.
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Carlson, founder of Pacific Serenades, has presented nearly 100 world premieres of works by L.A.-based composers. The recipient of more than 40 commissions, Carlson has composed works for organizations nationwide, ranging from the National Shrine in Washington, DC and the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus to the New West Symphony, Westwood Presbyterian Church, First Methodist Church of Santa Monica, the UCLA Wind Ensemble, and the Santa Monica College Orchestra in Southern California. He has received commissions from artists including Canadian trumpeter Jens Lindemann and pianist Jennifer Snow, the Mexico City chamber ensemble, soprano Diana Guhin Wooley and pianist Richard Steinbach of the American Celebration Duo.
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Pacific Serenades presents new works in the company of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Ravel at venues throughout Southern California, from house concerts to the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena.
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It’s no accident that “View from a Hilltop” will make its debut in the company of works by icons like Brahms and Ravel. “This allows the audience to realize what should be obvious,” explains Carlson, a professional flutist who founded Pacific Serenades in 1982. “Every composer in the past was a composer of new music, yet because of their god-like stature in our present mentality, we forget that they were cranking out new music all of the time.”
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Concerts are Sat, Mar 21, 8 pm at a house concert in Tarzana; Sun, Mar 22, 4 pm, at the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena; Tue, Mar 24, 8 pm, at the UCLA Faculty Center. Tix for Mar 21 house concert and post-concert reception are $55. Tix for concerts at The Neighborhood Church in Pasadena and the UCLA Faculty Center are $32. Full time student tix available at the door only, at Neighborhood Church and UCLA, for $5. Tix and info on season subscriptions, www.pacser.org or 213-534-3434.
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Sat, Mar 21:
8 pm MUSICA ANGELICA and the CONCORD ENSEMBLE present “THE PALM TREE - THE CROSSBAR: MUSIC FOR HOLY WEEK IN THE NEW WORLD” at Pasadena Presbyterian Church is located at 585 E Colorado Bl, Pasadena. It’s not your usual Holy Week music, as Musica Angelica presents Lenten music written for THE NEW WORLD by Spanish & Mexican 16th and 17th century composers, featuring Concord Ensemble 3/21 and 22. The great Baroque composer J. S. Bach once wrote: "The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." Musica Angelica, one of the top baroque ensembles nationwide, will showcase the music of composers who shared Bach’s philosophy - but, unlike Bach, lived and worked in the New World rather than the Old World of Europe.
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The performance features members of the award winning vocal ensemble, the Concord Ensemble. These include countertenors Paul Flight (Sat, Mar 22) and Daniel Roihl (Sun, Mar 23); tenors Pablo Corá, N. Lincoln Hanks and Shawn Kirchner; baritone Aaron Cain; and Scott Graff, bass-baritone. The Concord Ensemble often performs works for both male and female voices, as when it joined Musica Angelica for a highly successful, nearly sold-out performance of Purcell’s Fairy Queen earlier this season, though the group’s original configuration was for six male voices, just as it will be for “The Palm Tree-The Crossbar.”
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“We’re thrilled to welcome the Concord Ensemble back for another performance,” says Laura Spino, General Manager of Musica Angelica. “If you missed hearing them before, now you’ll have a second chance to experience an extraordinary evening of music.”
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On the program are Vexilla Regis by Gaspar Fernandes, after Rodrigo de Ceballos; Memento Mei Deus and Peccantem me quotidie by Hernando Franco; Lamentatio Hieremiae Prophetae and Ego enim accepi by Francisco Lopéz y Capillas; Vadam et circuibo and Vexilla Regis by Tomás Luis de Victoria; and Requiem by Juan de Lienas as well as excerpts from an anonymous Mass written in Brazil in the 16th century and an anonymous work, Pasion segun San Mateo, written in 17th century Mexico.
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“After Cortez overthrew the Aztec empire in 1521, missionaries from Catholic religious orders like the Jesuits and Franciscans got to work,” explains Spino. “As Christianity spread throughout the New World so, of course, did liturgical music from the church. This is a rare opportunity to hear Renaissance music from the New World –music that was performed and written in the Americas rather than Europe.”
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“The other very unusual facet of this concert is that you’ll hear a very evocative, complete Mexican St. Matthew Passion,” adds tenor Pablo Corá. “Think of monks singing plainchant interrupted by colorful choral outbursts from the congregation! The ‘Lamentations of Jeremiah’ by Francisco Lopez y Capillas is an amazing work as well. It rivals both in complexity and subtlety the most famous and popular version written by Thomas Tallis.”
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Another performance is tomorrow night at First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica at 7 pm; see listing.
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Tix available at www.MusicaAngelica.org or 310-458-4504. Tix $39, gen’l seating.
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Sat, Mar 21:
8 pm MONICA MANCINI at the “UCLA Live!” series in Royce Hall on the UCLA campus in Westwood; tix & info, www.uclalive.com; 310-825-2101 or 310-825-4401. Two-time Grammy nominee Monica Mancini has carved-out an impressive career as a concert performer appearing with major orchestras world-wide and recording with an array of artists from Placido Domingo to Quincy Jones. As the daughter of famed film composer Henry Mancini and the singer Ginny Mancini, Monica has undoubtedly inherited the musical genes: her warm, dusky tone and remarkable vocal range have been described by The New York Times as “the glamorous vocal equivalent to diamonds flashing.” Recognized for her exquisite renditions of her father’s film music from the 50s and 60s, including such classics as Moon River and The Days of Wine and Roses, Mancini and her band come to Royce Hall with a program of classic American film music, as well as songs from her forthcoming CD of American favorites from the 60s and 70s. Tix $28, $44, $56, $70; UCLA students $15.
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Sat, Mar 21:
8 pm RENAISSANCE in concert at The Grand Annex, 434 W 6th St, San Pedro 90731; info & tix, www.grandvision.org or www.panolaproductions.com; concert hotline, 323-547-3482. Presented by Paniolo Productions. Fresh from their sold out performance on the Sierra Nights Series at Cerritoos Center for the Performing Arts, Bronzeville recording artists Renaissance are one of America's premier all a cappella doo wop singing groups, and they perform “Street Corner Style.” Their critically-acclaimed CD, “Meet Me On The Corner,” has been called “a virtual street corner experience,” and “The definitive Doowop-umentary.” The tell us, “We want to take you back to a time and place. A time when songs had meaning and lyrical Taste. We want to take you back to that moment of your first kiss, a time before cell phones when it was your little sister that told you about the calls that you missed.” Hear excerpts of their entire CD at www.cdbaby.com/renaissancegroup . More at www.sonicbid.com/renaissance. Doors open 30 mins before show. Concert tix $15 advance, $20 door.
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Sat, Mar 21:
8 pm DREAM STREET at Giannelli Square in Northridge. The 7-piece band has guitar, cello, bass, violin, bassoon, and percussion. They tell us, “Giannelli Square is a performance space created by musicians for musicians and their friends. We will be videotaping this concert and look forward to another lively crowd. There will be plenty of free parking, comfortable chairs, and complimentary Champagne and refreshments. Thank all of you who came to our CD release party at The Jazz Bakery. We're now being played on KJAZZ 88.1 FM on Nick Tyler’s Sunday morning show.” More at www.dreamstreetband.com.
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Directions to Giannelli Square: It’s off Tampa; N of Parthenia, turn on Londelius (no signal) first turn to the west. Go one long block, and Giannelli Square is on the right. Reservations recommended at 818-772-1722 or gianellisquare@sbcglobal.net. Cash only, gen’l $20, students $10.
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Sat, Mar 21; in Santa Barbara; a “pick of the week” show:
8 pm OH SUSANNA plus MARTHA SCANLAN play the “Sings Like Hell” series at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara; www.lobero.com; 805-963-0761. More at www.ohsusannamusic.com and www.marthascanlan.com
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Sat, Mar 21:
8 pm “FUNDRAISER FOR EASTWEST PLAYERS” with award-winning film, TV & Broadway-bound composer NATHAN WANG, at EastWest Players Theater in Little Tokyo. Info, 213-625-7000. Advance tix at http://sabo.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/TicketRequest?eventId=169408&presenter=EWP&venue=&event

Sat, third Sat, every month:
8 pm “JAVA WITH JAVELYN INDIE MUSIC NITES” at the Unurban Café, 3301 Pico Bl, Santa Monica. This event is a pre-booked artist showcase, not an open mic. Javelyn holds a companion event every 1st Fri with an opne mic, at another venue, at 6:30 pm; see that calendar listing. Info, www.javawithjavelyn.com.
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Sat ,3rd Sat, every month:
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “CARS AND GUITARS SONG CIRCLE” in Camarillo; for location, contact Pat Cronin, CarsAndGuitarsSongCircle@songmakers.org or 805-236-7954; www.songmakers.org.
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Sat, 3rd Sat, ODD-numbered months only:
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “SOUTH BAY HOOT” in Redondo Beach; for location, contact info@Songmakers.org or 310-376-0222. www.songmakers.org.
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Sat, 3rd Sat, ODD-numbered months only; in the OC:
8-11 pm DULCIMANIA with NORM JACOBSON & BARBARA GERSHMAN each on hammered dulcimer, & BRAD MOORE, at Alta Coffeehouse, 506 31st St, Newport Beach; info, Norm Jacobson, jacobson@ics.uci.edu and more at http://us.mc510.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jacobson@ics.uci.edu. The band says, “the coffee and food are great.” No cover.
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Sat, Mar 21; in Ventura:
SCOTT GATES, NATHAN McEUEN, & CHUCK HAILES at Zoey's Loft, 451 E Main St, Ventura 93001; 805-652-0091; www.zoeyscafe.com. The three accomplished young musicians recently joined forces, as they say, “to bring to you excellent music, new and old, that refreshes the soul!” Reservations strongly recommended. $10 cover.
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Sat, every week:
9 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line / couple dance lessons with Charlotte, 7-9 pm. No cover.
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Sat, Mar 21:
9 pm-1 am SEAN WIGGINS & LONE GOAT at The Historic Rock Inn, 17539 W Elizabeth Lake Rd, Lake Hughes; 661-724-1855; www.historicrockinn.com. Sean says, “Cool biker spot - pool table - right on the lake in the mountains above Valencia. Come hang and be silly! We will be recording and playing some new tunes - very exciting times!” More at www.seanwiggins.com
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Sat, every week; on TV:
11 pm-12 am "AUSTIN CITY LIMITS" on KLCS (check your cable co.; broadcast TV Ch. 58). Recent editions have happily featured classic Americana artists, rather than the dearth of alt rockers who dominated for several months.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 22
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Sun, Mar 22; in Temecula:
Annual “TEMECULA BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL” concludes today with many acts on multiple stages in Old Town Temecula, including THE CLAIRE LYNCH BAND, BLUEGRASS ETC., THE SILVERADO BLUEGRASS BAND, SLIGO RAGS, FLINTHILL SPECIAL, THIS JUST IN, WHISTLE STOP BLUEGRASS, THE BLUEGRASS BRETHREN, and more; main stage is on Front Street, in Old Town Temecula; www.temeculacalifornia.com; 951-678-1456. Along with the big names, catch a show by SCOTT GATES, NATHAN McEUEN, & CHUCK HAILES on stage #1 at 11 am & 3 pm, at Front St & Morengo; check them out at www.youtube.com/agates11. Festival is free.
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Sun, recurring:
9 am-1 pm “CLAREMONT FARMER'S MARKET” has live acoustic music in downtown Claremont. RON ELY plays songs of the sea and more on 2nd St between Yale Av and Indian Hill, in old downtown Claremont. Artist’s info, www.myrecordlabel.net/ronely .
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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; repeats every fourth Sun:
11 am-4 pm OLD TIME MUSIC JAM, TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FIDDLE AND BANJO, hosted by BRETT WALLER, at Audubon Nature Center, Debs Park “in the Arroyo,” 4700 N Griffin Av, Highland Park; off the 110 Fwy. Link to the Audubon center has a map: http://www.audubon-ca.org/debs_park.htm. Enter through the main portal of the Audubon center, out to the grounds, pass the pond and wind up the path to under the shade of the old pepper tree. Info, call Brett, 323-441-2113.
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Sun, 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, every week:
1-6 pm “BRUNCH AMERICANA” Show hosted by Hillbilly DJ Jeff at The Redwood Bar, 316 W 2nd St, downtown L.A. 90012. It’s a four-act musical afternoon. David Serby has played it, and he tells us, “Get there early for great food and drinks. [It’s] live, independent Western Country Music in Los Angeles!”
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Sun, Mar 22:
1-5 pm “BASC BLUEGRASS JAM IN THE PARK” in the park in Encino, in and around the California Traditional Music Society’s Center for Folk Music, 16953 Ventura Bl, Encino; 818-817-7756. Harley Tarlitz of BASC - (the Bluegrass Assoc of Southern Cal) tells us, “Its Official! The jam is [now] a monthly event, taking place on the fourth Sunday afternoon of each month. How time flies! In spite of a threat of rain (it didn't), the first Jam in the Park in January was a big success. Somewhere between forty and fifty folks showed up, mostly pickers, but a lot of grinners (folks who just came to listen and enjoy a day in the park), too. At the height of things, groups were jamming inside the CTMS Folk Center, out in front of the Center, and around the corner on the grass. And the coffee and home-baked cookies supplied by Nanette were great. So come out this Sunday, rain or shine. If rain, we'll jam inside the Folk Center; if shine, we'll be all over the place!”
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Sun; repeats every fourth Sun:
1-5 pm BLUEGRASS JAM at Torrance Elks Lodge, 1820 Abalone Av, Torrance. Info, Bill Elliott, 909-678-1180 or Bob & Lynn Cater, 310-678-1180.
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Sun; repeats every fourth Sun; in Temecula:
OPEN JAM SESSION IN TEMECULA at The Nettworks Ranch, Menifee Valley, in the Temecula / Murrieta Valley, a few miles N of the I-215 / I-15 split, in that triangle. Take Scott Rd W 2 miles off I-215, or Bundy Canyon Rd E 4 miles off I-15. Turn S on Daily Rd; first ranch on right; info, Diana Nett, The Nettworks Ranch, 951-679-7951 or 909-239-5154.
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Sun, recurring:
1:30 pm WELSH CHOIR, for location, contact Rutthy: 818-507-0337.
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Sun, Mar 22:
2-5 pm DAVE MORRISON with LISA TURNER, GREG KRUEGER, JOHN O'KENNEDY, D. WHITNEY QUINN, plus KATE JAYNE, & DALE LA DUKE, in concert at The Church in Ocean Park, in Santa Monica. Dave says,”It's not a religious thing. But this is a cool, funky old church a block from the beach. It's a big old room with a great shell-style stage. Really more an auditorium than a chapel. We're friends with Janet, the head honcho there, and she's wanting to bring music to her flock in a big way. We're the kick-off concert in what will be a series. Alexia set it up [Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, Executive Director, Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice of California (CLUE-CA)]. I will be playing a full set (an hour maybe) with my usual suspects. Lisa Turner will be singing, Greg Krueger will be slinging strings, along with John O'Kennedy, and D. Whitney Quinn will be on keys. We may have a couple guests jam with us here and there. Also on the bill: the luminous Kate Jayne. And Dale La Duke will do a set. If you haven't heard his new songs, you will be blown away. And we'll have food and drink and much hilarity and schmoozifying. It's a fifteen dollar suggested donation.”
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Lineup:
DAVE MORRISON and his band perform today, before tomorrow night’s gala show with all the artists on the Trough Records label (see Mon, 7 pm listing). Folkworks magazine named Dave Morrison one of the “Best of 2008 / Top Ten” male singer-songwriters in Los Angeles. Last year, American Songwriter Magazine listed his album, "A Little Farther Down the Line," in its top ten for 2007, ranked between albums by Joni Mitchell and Bruce Springsteen; Dave’s album debuted on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and enjoys global airplay. Alexia notes, “Onstage, Dave and his wonderful acoustic band bring a sense of joy and discovery to everything they play.” Singer-songwriter LISA TURNER sings with the band, then performs her own songs.
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DALE LaDUKE is an award winning West Coast songwriter who has been playing and teaching music in and around L.A. for 20 years. Dale’s beautiful voice and poignant lyrics touch the heart and the soul. His song, “Lone Ranger,” had its radio debut on “Tied to the Tracks,” where it was chosen a “Listener Favorite,” before becoming a final-round nominee for “Song of the Year” in the L.A. Music Awards.
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KATE JAYNE is a young singer-songwriter with, Alexia says, “That wise-beyond-one's-years quality that [first] astonished the world when Jackson Browne came on the scene. Her songs get under the skin of human relations, and with deft poetic strokes, capture the beauty and complexity there. Destined to be an important artist.”
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Street parking is free and easily available after about 1:30 pm. There is a parking lot with meters one block away behind the shops on the west side of Main St.
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Alexia adds, “Reservations are nice to help us figure out quantity of food There will be good food – and there can be child care. Please let me know if you will need child care and the ages of the children.” Send RSVP or request for child care to asalvatierra@laane.org
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More at www.myspace.com/davemorrisonmusic and www.davemorrisonmusic.com . Catch Dave Morrison’s performance videos on YouTube: "Times Like These at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD-G11Eeg7s ; "Almost A Relief" at www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zZl-nEEEwk&feature=related ; "Standing By The Bridge" at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li0VDr8cMG0 . All are from his album that debuted on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks;” it’s now getting global airplay. Alexia tells us, “We are asking for a $15 donation for the musicians and the church…but no one will be expected to pay for whom it would be a hardship (and of course if you can give more, I won’t argue!).” Concert, $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, Mar 22:
4 pm “MUSIC AMONG FRIENDS,” the scaled-down version of PACIFIC SERENADES, presents the world premiere of "VIEW FROM A HILLTOP" at the Neighborhood Church, 301 N Orange Grove Bl, Pasadena. Concert patrons may visit The Gamble House museum, next door to the church, for a discounted, one-hour tour ($8) at 2 & 2:40 pm, on concert dates only. Tour reservations required, at least 48 hrs in advance, at 626-793-3334, ext 16. "View from a Hilltop" is a new work in five movements by L.A. composer and flautist MARK CARLSON. Performing are longtime Carlson colleagues, clarinetist GARY GRAY, violinist ROGER WILKIE, cellist DAVID SPELTZ and pianist JOANNE PEARCE MARTIN.
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Carlson has presented nearly 100 world premieres of works by L.A.-based composers since he founded Pacific Serenades in 1982. His musical ensemble presents new works in the company of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Ravel at venues throughout Southern California, from house concerts to the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena.
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Carlson, founder of Pacific Serenades, has presented nearly 100 world premieres of works by L.A.-based composers. The recipient of more than 40 commissions, Carlson has composed works for organizations nationwide, ranging from the National Shrine in Washington, DC and the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus to the New West Symphony, Westwood Presbyterian Church, First Methodist Church of Santa Monica, the UCLA Wind Ensemble, and the Santa Monica College Orchestra in Southern California. He has received commissions from artists including Canadian trumpeter Jens Lindemann and pianist Jennifer Snow, the Mexico City chamber ensemble, soprano Diana Guhin Wooley and pianist Richard Steinbach of the American Celebration Duo.
+
Pacific Serenades presents new works in the company of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Ravel at venues throughout Southern California, from house concerts to the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena.
+
It’s no accident that “View from a Hilltop” will make its debut in the company of works by icons like Brahms and Ravel. “This allows the audience to realize what should be obvious,” explains Carlson, a professional flutist who founded Pacific Serenades in 1982. “Every composer in the past was a composer of new music, yet because of their god-like stature in our present mentality, we forget that they were cranking out new music all of the time.”
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Concerts are Sat, Mar 21, 8 pm at a house concert in Tarzana; Sun, Mar 22, 4 pm, at the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena; Tue, Mar 24, 8 pm, at the UCLA Faculty Center. Tix for Mar 21 house concert and post-concert reception are $55. Tix for concerts at The Neighborhood Church in Pasadena and the UCLA Faculty Center are $32. Full time student tix available at the door only, at Neighborhood Church and UCLA, for $5. Tix and info on season subscriptions, www.pacser.org or 213-534-3434.
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Sun, every week:
4-7 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Finn McCool, 2702 Main St, Santa Monica; 310-452-1734.
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Sun, every week:
4-7 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Auld Dubliner, 71 S Pine Av, Long Beach; 562-437-8300; www.aulddubliner.com.
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Sun, every week:
4-6 pm “BEGINNERS IRISH MUSIC SESSION” weekly at Celtic Arts Center at Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com.
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Sun, every week:
5 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) and WEEKLY COMPLIMENTARY BBQ at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. (BBQ changed to 5-8 pm, effective July 4.) Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line dance lessons with Bonnie, 4-6 pm. Every Sunday they “light up the 'ol barbie and throw on anything from marinated tri-tip beef to good 'ol hamburgers. Every BBQ is served with all the fixin's, like baked beans, vegetables, rice, cole slaw, potato salad and more.” They tell us, “If you're looking for something really fun and different to do on Sundays, then head on down to The Cowboy Palace Saloon for dance lessons at 4, mouthwatering BBQ at 5, and a hot country band starting at 6!” No cover.
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Sun, 4th Sun, every month:
5-9 pm SONGMAKERS “WEST L.A. HOOT & POTLUCK” in West L.A.; for location, contact Mha Atma Khalsa, WestLAHoot@songmakers.org or 310-203-0162; www.songmakers.org.
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Sun, every week; on web radio:
5 pm (Pacific) “MOUNTAIN STAGE,” the long-time NPR roots music show with live performances, hosted by Larry Groce, from the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center in Morgantown, WV. No L.A. broadcast station carries this incredibly popular show (or any other NPR syndicated folk-Americana performance-interview show) but you can find a simulcast from any of many other stations at www.mountainstage.org or get info at 304-293-SHOW.
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Sun, 4th Sun, every month; in Arroyo Grande:
5:30-8:30 pm “BLUEGRASS SLOW JAM” for beginners, at SLO Down Pub, 1200 E Grand Av (at Brisco), Arroyo Grande. Info, 805-473-0102.
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Sun, Mar 22:
6 pm special edition for TV of “GRASSROOTS ACOUSTICA” presents a special Sunday edition with guest hosts TORI SPELLING & DEAN McDERMOTT plus performers TOM GRAMLICH, JANE BOLDUC, LAUREN ADAMS, LISA NEMZO, MARK POCKET GOLDBERG and emcee & series founder MARK ISLAM at the Talking Stick Coffee Lounge, 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 90291.
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This edition is being taped for Oxygen Network’s original reality series, “Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood,” season #4, airdate TBA. Mark's shows always raise money for a selected charity. This month it’s “A Tribute To Mimi La Rue” (1997-2008), to benefit The Mimi La Rue Fund for Sick & Injured Animals at Much Love Animal Rescue. To date Mark has raised $12,944 for a plethora of deserving organizations. More at www.grassrootsacoustica.org/pressrelease_march2009part2.html. Dan McFeeley adds, “So come, have fun, make the world a better place!” Venue has good sandwiches and salads, coffeehouse beverages. No cover, but it is a charity benefit.
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Sun, every week:
6-8 pm CLIFF WAGNER & THE OLD NUMBER 7 play a new “Sunday Happy Hour” residency at the Cinema Bar, 3967 Sepulveda Bl (between Washington & Venice), Culver City 90230; 310-390-1328; music series hotline 310-250-1317; www.myspace.com/thecinemabar. Venue is 21+. No cover, bring $ for the tip jar. You’ve seen them on TV, as final-round finalists on “America’s Next Great Band,” and they made it to #29 on the Americana charts at the close of 2008. Bluegrass-Americana music and drink specials on the West Side. More at www.oldnumber7.net.
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Sun, Mar 22:
7 pm “LARRY BROWN MEMORIAL CONCERT” with MATT CARTSONIS, ERNEST TROOST & NICOLE GORDON, CLEMENTINE, PAT CLOUD, STEVE FERGUSON, GREY EAGLE, JEFF HARLAN, VICKI HILL, SOUTHLAND, and others, at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica; 310-828-4403; www.mccabes.com. It's been a little over a year since the sudden passing of Larry Brown, the legendary luthier and long-time friend of McCabe's. Larry made banjos and repaired guitars there in the '70s and '80s, and then had his own repair shop for 25 years. He was a dear friend to many, and this show will be a musical celebration of his life put on by his friends, for his friends. Expect lots of great bluegrass, jazz, and blues from some amazing performers as they express their love and appreciation for the one and only Larry Brown. ERNEST TROOST & NICOLE GORDON will perform as a duo; each has performed live, individually and multiple times, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Tix purchased online or by phone, add $4 svc chg, per order (not per ticket) to price shown. $10.
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Sun, Mar 22:
7 pm MUSICA ANGELICA and the CONCORD ENSEMBLE present “THE PALM TREE - THE CROSSBAR: MUSIC FOR HOLY WEEK IN THE NEW WORLD” at First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica, 1008 11th St, Santa Monica. It’s not your usual Holy Week music, as Musica Angelica presents Lenten music written for THE NEW WORLD by Spanish & Mexican 16th and 17th century composers, featuring Concord Ensemble 3/21 and 22. The great Baroque composer J. S. Bach once wrote: "The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul." Musica Angelica, one of the top baroque ensembles nationwide, will showcase the music of composers who shared Bach’s philosophy - but, unlike Bach, lived and worked in the New World rather than the Old World of Europe.
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The performance features members of the award winning vocal ensemble, the Concord Ensemble. These include countertenors Paul Flight (Sat, Mar 22) and Daniel Roihl (Sun, Mar 23); tenors Pablo Corá, N. Lincoln Hanks and Shawn Kirchner; baritone Aaron Cain; and Scott Graff, bass-baritone. The Concord Ensemble often performs works for both male and female voices, as when it joined Musica Angelica for a highly successful, nearly sold-out performance of Purcell’s Fairy Queen earlier this season, though the group’s original configuration was for six male voices, just as it will be for “The Palm Tree-The Crossbar.”
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“We’re thrilled to welcome the Concord Ensemble back for another performance,” says Laura Spino, General Manager of Musica Angelica. “If you missed hearing them before, now you’ll have a second chance to experience an extraordinary evening of music.”
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On the program are Vexilla Regis by Gaspar Fernandes, after Rodrigo de Ceballos; Memento Mei Deus and Peccantem me quotidie by Hernando Franco; Lamentatio Hieremiae Prophetae and Ego enim accepi by Francisco Lopéz y Capillas; Vadam et circuibo and Vexilla Regis by Tomás Luis de Victoria; and Requiem by Juan de Lienas as well as excerpts from an anonymous Mass written in Brazil in the 16th century and an anonymous work, Pasion segun San Mateo, written in 17th century Mexico.
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“After Cortez overthrew the Aztec empire in 1521, missionaries from Catholic religious orders like the Jesuits and Franciscans got to work,” explains Spino. “As Christianity spread throughout the New World so, of course, did liturgical music from the church. This is a rare opportunity to hear Renaissance music from the New World –music that was performed and written in the Americas rather than Europe.”
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“The other very unusual facet of this concert is that you’ll hear a very evocative, complete Mexican St. Matthew Passion,” adds tenor Pablo Corá. “Think of monks singing plainchant interrupted by colorful choral outbursts from the congregation! The ‘Lamentations of Jeremiah’ by Francisco Lopez y Capillas is an amazing work as well. It rivals both in complexity and subtlety the most famous and popular version written by Thomas Tallis.”
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Another performance was last night at Pasadena Presbyterian Church in Pasadena at 8 pm; see listing.
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Tix available at www.MusicaAngelica.org or 310-458-4504. Tix $39, gen’l seating.
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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, Mar 22:
CANCELLED (see second paragraph) 7 pm THE BUCCANEERS at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917.
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SHOW CANCELLED? WHY? Russ & Julie of house concert fame told us Thursday, “The bad news is… courtesy of the U.S. State Department. Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, THE BUCCANEERS were not given a work permit for their tour and will be unable to cross the border from Canada to perform. (Anyone wanting the full story, feel free to ask.)” Thus, the Bucs concerts at Russ & Julie’s, the Living Tradition, and the Coffee Gallery Backstage have all been cancelled. Damn shame. As Russ expressed to us, this has happened too often over the past few years. Let’s hope the Obama administration fixes this vestige of lunacy left over from the previous regime, so we can again enjoy cross-cultural exchanges with our delightfully musical northern neighbors.
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Bob Stane says, “I really like this act. This is about their fourth time here and they get more musical and witty every time.”
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“Aggressive Canadian Folk Singers. Eh? Aggressive Canadian Folk Music?" you may ask: try envisioning a blend of Celtic drive with Bluegrass harmoney and a contemporary attitude (plus the sporadic plundering of Klezmer licks, Latin rhythms and the occasional 80‚s pop song!), resulting in a diversely-influenced music. The band consists of three of its founding members: Rodger Leeder (vocals, mandolin, bass guitar, guitar, accordion, flute), Seán Sabraw (vocals, guitar, bass guitar, bodhran, mandolin), and Jim Samuelson (vocals, alto sax, clarinet, penny whistles, tambourine, bones). Vocals dominate the sound, with tight four-part harmony arrangements in every tune and each band member trading the lead voice from song to song. These multi-talented multi-instrumentalists switch axes‚ as often as they swap vocals, and trade the songwriting and arranging duties for each piece. A pretty democratic bunch of outlaws, indeed! Presenting an eclectic, free-spirited bilingual live performance filled with humour and get-outta-your-seat-and-dance energy, THE BUCCANEERS remain true to their busking roots while demonstrating the hard work, dedication and professionalism you'd expect from a band that has survived eight years on the road and whose members are still planning for at least eight more! $15.
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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, Mar 22:
8 pm HOT CLUB QUARTETTE performs Django-style gypsy jazz for “An evening of dinner and dancing,” at Club Cicada, 617 S Olive St, L.A.; www.clubcicada.com. This is a first-rate, all-star band. The guys tell us, “Our upcoming gig schedule will be sparse for a few months while [band member] BENNY BRYDERN is on tour with YANI.”
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Sun, Mar 22:
8 pm TRIPLE CHICKEN FOOT plus THE SUNSHINE BOYS, and THE GOLDEN WEST, at Rusty's Surf Ranch, on the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica; www.rustyssurfranch.com. “The Foot,” (http://triplechickenfoot.com) as they call themselves, are a fine old-time band and they’ve performed live, twice, on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” They are, again this year, the host of the annual “LOS ANGELES OLD TIME SOCIAL,” (http://oldtimeisagoodtime.com/?page_id=33) coming May 14-16. Tonight’s show has a $5 cover.
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MONDAY, MARCH 23
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Mon, every week; on radio & web simulcast:
1-4 pm “BUFFALO BAYOU” radio show hosted by Jake Bacon on KUCI, simulcast at http://www.kuci.org. Sometimes with live performances. It’s “a swamp pop, Cajun, Zydeco, and all things bayou sonic gumbo laced with international flavorings and a wild attitude, cooked up, and served live to the world on the web and on itunes, and at 88.9 FM in Irvine since 2003. In addition to the KUCI webstream, the show is live on myspace at www.myspace.com/jakebacon889.
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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, Mar 23:
7 pm “TROUGH RECORDS NIGHT” with two of the “Best of 2008 / Top Ten” artists named in FolkWorks, and (almost) all the label’s artists in one night, at The Fremont Centre Theatre, 1000 Fremont Av, South Pasadena. This is one of the year’s best events for those who enjoy sampling superb performing songwriters.
LISA JOHNSON
DAVE MORRISON
PHIL WARD
PAUL ZOLLO
ANDREW LORAND (here from Ohio to do the show)
MARK HUMPHREYS
TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND
PIPER-GREY
ROD SMEAR
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Here's your chance to see (just about) the entire lineup of Trough Records artists on one stage. Nearly all have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and many have earned “Listener Favorites” on the radio show. To see who among them are named in the “Best of 2008 / Top Ten” artists in FolkWorks, go to www.folkworks.org/content/view/35788/166.
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LISA JOHNSON has performed everywhere on the local acoustic scene, both as solo act doing her own originals, and as a highly-in-demand backing vocalist for live gigs and recordings. More at www.trough.com/johnson
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DAVE MORRISON is named in FolkWorks as one of the “Best of 2008 / Top Ten” male singer-songwriters in Los Angeles. Last year, American Songwriter Magazine listed his album, "A Little Farther Down the Line," in its top ten for 2007, ranked between albums by Joni Mitchell and Bruce Springsteen; Dave’s album debuted on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and went on to enjoy global airplay and acclaim. More at www.davemorrisonmusic.com
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PHIL WARD has a fine voice and a wicked wit that serves him well in comedic and theatrical roles. He’s always on stage, someplace, making people laugh. His original music supports that, along with illuminating serious, thoughtful topics. More at www.philwardmusic.com
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PAUL ZOLLO is a renowned and best-selling author of books on music and musicians. He writes for just about every print periodical that covers Americana, pop, and rock. And he writes and performs songs that cause all the musicians in the room to quietly listen. More at www.trough.com/zollo
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ANDREW LORAND brings a smooth performance style, great voice, and splendid resonator guitar to original songs that are often, well, warped. His use of the language brings laughter that his audiences suppress only because no one wants to miss what he might say, or sing, next. Tonight is a rare return for Andrew, since his move to Ohio, and his set, alone, is reason enough to be at this show. His song about Southern Californians and their (our) helplessness in the face of even slightly bad weather, “Quarter Inch of Rain,” became a “Listener Favorite” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” More at www.trough.com/lorand
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MARK HUMPHREYS toured the entire US as a successful singer-songwriter and recording artist. He is now settled comfortably in Southern Cal. Mark’s endeavors include “herding cats” as the chair of the Trough Records label, for which he is named in FolkWorks as one of the “Best of 2008 / Top Ten” most under-appreciated key people on the L.A. acoustic music scene. Mark has written so many songs that should have been hits. His work is revered by fans and musicians alike, and last Christmas, the latter collaborated to present him a double CD, produced by Andrew Lorand, of a great many artists performing his songs. Still, nobody does Mark Humphreys songs like the golden-throated Mark Humphreys. Encountering too many run-down motels during his days on the road brought the witty song, “Bible in the Dresser,” and it became a “Listener Favorite” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” More at www.markhumphreys.com
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TIM TEDROW & TERRY VREELAND are one of acoustic L.A.’s favorite duos. Both are multi-instrumentalists. Together, their voices blend in harmonies as smooth and soaring as a hang glider. More at www.trough.com/tedrow-vreeland
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PIPER-GREY are a duo of singer-songwriters DAVID PIPER and EARL GREY, each a recording artist and seasoned performer in his own right. The duo debuted their original songs on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and a song from their debut CD, first heard on “TttT,” became a “Listener Favorite” there. More at www.trough.com/piper-grey
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ROD SMEAR there’s nobody quite like him. He can rock and roll and with the best of ‘em, and enable an acoustic audience to realize there is more going on that a cursory listen seems to reveal. More at www.trough.com/smear/default.htm
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Each act will perform two songs, concluding with a group sing-along. Presented by Tedrow Music in association with The Fremont Centre Theatre. Light refreshments served at intermission. Venue has limited seating, reservations strongly recommended. Advance tix from Lois Tedrow, 626-969-0778 or tedromu@earthlink.net. All ages. $13.
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Mon; repeats every 4th (& 2nd) Mon; in Corona:
7-10 pm CORONA BLUEGRASS JAM at Crossroads Christian Church, 2331 Kellogg Av (at Ontario Av), Corona. Info, contact Todd Holtkamp, 951-347-2597 or onetoad@adelphia.net. Todd says, “Open Jam, all levels welcome. Having a good time is mandatory. If the weather is good we will be outside in front of the main building. If the weather is bad we will be inside.”
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Mon, every week:
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. This is named as the “Best Acoustic Open Mic” in L.A. AND the “Best Web Simulcast,” in “The Best of 2008 / Top Ten” in FolkWorks, at www.folkworks.org/content/view/35788/166. Kulak’s provides all necessary connections for acoustic stage, plus a baby grand piano. Hosted by LISA TURNER. 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, Mar 23:
ASA returns to America, and plays one L.A. show at the Hotel Café, 1623 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood; 323-461-2040; www.hotelcafe.com. She’s touring her self-titled debut album, “Asa,” on Mercer Street Records. The sounds of the R&B records of her childhood, as well socially-conscious music like Fela Kuti and Bob Marley, inform her lyrics and songs. Previous coverage includes Huffington Post, National Geographic Music, NPR and People Magazine. More at www.downtownmusic.com/content/downtownassets/asabio.doc and catch a video of “Fire on the Mountain” www.youtube.com/watch? and “Jailer” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbztLckfY6Q&feature=channel_page
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Mon, Mar 23:
8 pm CURT BOUTERSE & BOB WEBB at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. Curt Bouterse (BAU-terz) and Bob Webb have more than 90 years of musical experience between them, playing, teaching and preserving traditional American folksong. Curt was the first performer of Southern melodies on the hammered dulcimer anywhere on the West Coast, and is internationally recognized as the composer of "Waiting for Nancy" and "Nixon's Farewell," two tunes that have entered the mainstream repertory of banjo players and fiddlers around the globe. Bob is an historian of America's "own" instrument: his exhibition "Ring the Banjar!" at the MIT Museum in 1984 helped catalyze the current revival of interest in all forms of banjo music. Curt and Bob have performed together, off and on, since 1969, even though Bob lives in Maine, and Curt in California. Their appearance at the Coffee Gallery Backstage caps off a limited West Coast tour and offers a rare opportunity to hear these two fine musicians performing many songs and tunes from their new CD, “Waiting for Nancy,” on the Eagle's Whistle label. $18.
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Mon, every week:
8 pm “BLUE MONDAYS” brings NEW ORLEANS WEST and featured blues performers to Club Fais Do Do, 5257 W Adams Bl, L.A. 90016; www.faisdodo.com; 323-215-5212; (Adams & Cloverdale; exit La Brea S from 10 Fwy). Free red beans & rice with BBQ chicken.
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Mon, every week:
8 pm “KILLING CASSANOVA'S SALOON MONDAYS” series at The Bordello, 901 E First St, L.A 90012; www.bordellobar.com; 213-687-3766. Event info, scheduled performers, www.myspace.com/saloonmonday. Always a lineup of alt-country and roots bands, often with names you recognize and already know you want to go see. The Bordello is the oldest bar and brothel in downtown Los Angeles, reflecting its legendary status as the theater of the unusual and provocative, and it is now the venue for “Killing Cassanova’s Saloon Mondays.” $3 cover.
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Mon, every week:
8 pm “ACOUSTIC MONDAYS” in-the-round showcase, guided by singer-songwriter JAY NASH, with different guest artists each week, at Room 5, 143 N LaBrea Av (2nd floor, above Amalfi Ristorante), L.A. 90036; 323-938-2504. Upscale, cozy atmosphere with affordable food. Full bar and menu.
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Mon, every week:
8 pm “IRISH MUSIC SESSION” at the Celtic Arts Center at Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com.
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Mon; every 4th (and 2nd) Mon every month:
8-9 pm “MONDAY NIGHT POETRY” at the Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E Washington Bl, Pasadena 91104 ; info, www.home.earthlink.net/~mondaynightpoetry/; contact Don Kingfisher Campbell, mondaynightpoetry@earthlink.net or 626-744-7272. Featured poets and open readings; sign-up by 8 pm. They say, “This is your chance to share your poetry with the public and to hear professional poets performing their newest creations.” Accessible to people with disabilities, and handicapped parking available. Adults, free.
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Mon, every week:
ON HIATUS: 8-11 pm blues legend BERNIE PEARL has long hosted the weekly BLUES JAM at M'Dear's, 78th & Western, L.A. But, the series is on hiatus because the venue is remodeling. We’ll let you know when it returns. Artist info, www.berniepearl.com.
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Mon, every Mon:
8:30 pm “TALENT NIGHT” hosted by CHAD WATSON BAND at the Cowboy Palace Saloon (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Cash prizes, and some winners have gone on to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. Free dance lessons 7-8:30 pm, "Two-Step with Ed." No cover.
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Mon, every Mon:
8:30 pm OPEN-MIC hosted by Gordon Gilges at Café Muse, 6547 Santa Monica Bl, Hollywood 90038; www.cafemusela.com; 323-464-MUSE (6873). The venue tells us, ”There's a piano & guitar you are welcome to use, the rest is up to you. Bring your music, your own instruments, your friends!” Sign-ups at 8 pm. Comedy is now from 7:30-8:30 pm, with those sign-ups at 7:30 pm. They add, “We are trying to create a community of artists who support each other, so participants are encouraged to come early and stay as long as you can to show the love to your fellow open-mic-ers. You may even get to go up a second time. The night may even turn into a big music jam, so be prepared for anything! There's a piano and guitar you are welcome to use, the rest is up to you.”
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Venue serves vegan & omnivore “comfort food,” fruit smoothies and organic coffee & tea beverages. Entertainment (of various kinds) every night, usually beginning 9:30-10 pm, after the shows in the surrounding theatre district. Venue has a beautiful piano and a house guitar for musician use, or bring your own instrument. They say, “We welcome people to come by and play anytime - you never know when the Muses might appear!” They tell us, “We are always looking for piano players & musicians to accompany the singers and spoken word artists (or to come in and jam with us).” Email them to be added to their roster, at TheMuses@CafeMuseLA.com. Early arrival recommended; $5 minimum for table service requested, otherwise, no cover.
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Mon, every week:
8:30 pm OPEN MIC at the Rainbow Bar and Grill, 9015 W Sunset Bl, West Hollywood; 310-278-4232. Sign-ups at 8, show at 8:30 pm.
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Mon, every week:
9-11:30 pm "IRISH MUSIC SESSION" weekly at Celtic Arts Center’s new shared location, Theatre Unlimited, 10943 Camarillo St, North Hollywood 91602; 818-760-8322; www.celticartscenter.com. Schedule every week is Irish language workshop at 7 pm, followed by the Irish céilí dance workshop at 8 pm, then comes Southern California's longest running traditional Celtic music seisiún, from 9-11:30 pm. Free.
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Mon; most Mondays (note changed venue):
9 pm PRESTON SMITH hosts a weekly “SINGER-SONGWRITER EVENING” with four or five performing songwriters at Lucy's 51, 10149 Riverside Dr (just E of Cahuenga, at Forman), Toulca Lake. "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:
9:30 pm “JJ SONG SALON” weekly singer-songwriter night at Life on Wilshire, 6311 Wilshire Bl, L.A. 90048; 323-651-5433; www.lifeonwilshire.com. Grammy award winning producer JOHN JONES (Fleetwood Mac, Duran Duran, Celine Dion) is the “JJ” who assembles an eclectic mix of performers for an evening of live acoustic entertainment. Complete list, with links, for this week’s performers at www.jjsongsalon.com. Each plays a short set, beginning at 9:30 pm. Dinner seating available starting at 6:30 pm.
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Mon, every week:
10:30 pm “BLUES JAM” with MISS MICKEY CHAMPION at Babe's and Ricky's Inn, 4339 Leimert Bl, L.A.; 323-295-9112; www.bluesbar.com.. L.A.’s legendary blueswoman plays an every-Monday residency. Artist info: www.mickeychampion.net. Event info, Info, info@bluesbar.com. No cover.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 24
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Tue, Mar 24; in Gold Hill, Nevada:
“COWBOY POETRY AT THE GOLD HILL HOTEL,” in an historic structure from the Comstock silver boom days, in Gold Hill, Nevada (near Virginia City); reservations & info, 775-847-0111. Once again the living room of the Gold Hill Hotel hosts an evening of cowboy poetry, tall tales and outrageous testimonials. This is a dinner and show event, part of the hotel’s Tuesday night lecture series. Champion cowboy poet LARRY MAURICE headlines, and he says, “I have done this show quite a few times over the years and it is truly one great place to perform. The oldest continuously operated hotel in Nevada. Complete with great food, a warm fireplace, and ghosts. Plan to stay overnight. The folks pack themselves in pretty good for this one so please call for reservations.” More at www.cowboypoetry.com
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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, Mar 24:
6 pm “COMMUNITY FOLK MUSIC JAM AND SONG CIRCLE” at the Barbara J.Riley Community & Senior Center, 7810 Quill Dr (at Rives), Downey.
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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 first entrance for last building on the left; a fair-sized industrial building with high ceilings.
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Tues; every fourth Tue:
7-8:30 pm “COMMUNITY FOLK MUSIC JAM” led by Bea Romano & Jim, it’s a traditional folk music jam at the Barbara J. Riley Center, 7810 Quill St, Downey 90242; 562-904-7226. Bring your acoustic instrument(s) and join in. Bea says, “It's a lovely facility. We hope you will enjoy playing / listening to music. Bring your acoustic instruments and join in the fun. There are plenty of armless chairs. Best of all, it's free!”
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Tue, every week:
7-10 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:
ON HIATUS, PENDING VENUE’S BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS: 7 pm “MAIN STREET SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE” at Café Bellissimo, 22458 Ventura Bl, Woodland Hills; 818-225-0026. It’s a nice format, always with two recording artists, each doing a half-hour set, and a few songs from performing host GARRET SWAYNE. The two featured artists are followed by an open mic; info, www.garretswayne.com. MSSS patrons get half-price drinks, 6:30-7:30, and special discount on award-winning pizza all evening. No cover, but venue expects a minimum $5 food / drink purchase (and that’s half their former expectation).
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Tue, every week; in the Inland Empire:
7 pm “LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY OPEN JAM” at Loma Linda University College Market Patio Pantry, 24905 Anderson St, (at Mound & Anderson St, near US Post Office, behind other buildings), Loma Linda. Every Tue in 2009.
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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, Mar 24:
8 pm SURFIN’ SURFARI at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. They’re a faithful recreation of what it would have been like to see The Beach Boys live, in concert, in their prime. This 5-member lineup is unrivaled in their sound, presentation, and professionalism. There are no backing tracks or extra musicians playing off-stage. The ibeauty of their vocal harmonies, the crashing back beat that sounds like Dennis Wilson's drums with the soaring surf guitar of Carl Wilson and the genius of Brian Wilson's music? Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “It is all here. The uniband choreography, the Fender guitar line up, the famous custom striped shirts, right down to the black suede Beach Boy boots, it's all here. SURFIN' SAFARI provides you with a great show, a great time, and fun, fun, fun till our Daddy takes the T-Bird away!” $15.
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Tue, Mar 24:
8 pm “MUSIC AMONG FRIENDS,” the scaled-down version of PACIFIC SERENADES, presents the world premiere of "VIEW FROM A HILLTOP" at The UCLA Faculty Center, 405 N Hilgard Av, on the UCLA campus in Westwood. Parking is available for $9 in Lot 2. In addition, prior to each concert, dinner at the UCLA Faculty Center is available for Pacific Serenades patrons. Reservations can be made by calling 310-825-0877. "View from a Hilltop" is a new work in five movements by L.A. composer and flautist MARK CARLSON. Performing are longtime Carlson colleagues, clarinetist GARY GRAY, violinist ROGER WILKIE, cellist DAVID SPELTZ and pianist JOANNE PEARCE MARTIN.
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Carlson has presented nearly 100 world premieres of works by L.A.-based composers since he founded Pacific Serenades in 1982. His musical ensemble presents new works in the company of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Ravel at venues throughout Southern California, from house concerts to the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena.
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Carlson, founder of Pacific Serenades, has presented nearly 100 world premieres of works by L.A.-based composers. The recipient of more than 40 commissions, Carlson has composed works for organizations nationwide, ranging from the National Shrine in Washington, DC and the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus to the New West Symphony, Westwood Presbyterian Church, First Methodist Church of Santa Monica, the UCLA Wind Ensemble, and the Santa Monica College Orchestra in Southern California. He has received commissions from artists including Canadian trumpeter Jens Lindemann and pianist Jennifer Snow, the Mexico City chamber ensemble, soprano Diana Guhin Wooley and pianist Richard Steinbach of the American Celebration Duo.
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Pacific Serenades presents new works in the company of Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart and Ravel at venues throughout Southern California, from house concerts to the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena.
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It’s no accident that “View from a Hilltop” will make its debut in the company of works by icons like Brahms and Ravel. “This allows the audience to realize what should be obvious,” explains Carlson, a professional flutist who founded Pacific Serenades in 1982. “Every composer in the past was a composer of new music, yet because of their god-like stature in our present mentality, we forget that they were cranking out new music all of the time.”
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Concerts are Sat, Mar 21, 8 pm at a house concert in Tarzana; Sun, Mar 22, 4 pm, at the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena; Tue, Mar 24, 8 pm, at the UCLA Faculty Center. Tix for Mar 21 house concert and post-concert reception are $55. Tix for concerts at The Neighborhood Church in Pasadena and the UCLA Faculty Center are $32. Full time student tix available at the door only, at Neighborhood Church and UCLA, for $5. Tix and info on season subscriptions, www.pacser.org or 213-534-3434.
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Tue, every week:
8-9:30 pm “TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB” weekly series with KACEE and MICHAEL DOMAN, with different musical guests each week, at Molly Malone's, 575 S Fairfax Av, L.A. 90036; 323-935-1577; www.mollymalonesla.com. Began Jul 8, 2008. Michael says, “Tuesdays just got a whole lot better.”
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Tue; repeats every second and fourth Tue:
8 pm OPEN MIC at El Cid, 4212 Sunset Bl, Silver Lake 90029; www.elcidla.com. Hosted by MICHAEL MCCARTHY the second and fourth Tuesdays, every month. A&R staff from “My Record Label” is on-site recruiting artists based on their original performances. Selected artists will receive an artist page on www.myrecordlabel.net along with a free 3-camera video shoot and professional audio mix of their performance. Sign ups at 7 pm, show at 8 pm. You can sign-up in advance online at www.myspace.com/openmicatelcid .
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Tue, every week:
8 pm OPEN MIC at Viva Cantina, 900 Riverside Dr, Burbank; www.vivacantina.com; 818-515-4444.
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Tue, every week:
8 pm OPEN MIC at Sierra Cup, 409 S Myrtle Av, Monrovia 91016; 626-301-4214; www.sierracup.com. Sign-ups at 7:30 pm.
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Tue, every week; in Laguna Beach:
8 pm weekly “SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” features guest artists and BETH FITCHET WOOD, who plays the opening set each week, at the The Marine Room Tavern, 214 Ocean Av, Laguna Beach; 949-494-3027.
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Tue, every Tue:
8:30 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free swing dance lessons with Ed, 7-8:30 pm. No cover.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
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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, every Wed:
ON HIATUS: 3-7 pm “ROOTS MUSIC JAM SESSION” with TOM SAUBER at the Sierra Madre Farmers' Market, in the parking lot behind the shops on the south side of Sierra Madre Blvd., just west of Baldwin Av, in Sierra Madre. Take Baldwin Av exit N from 210 Fwy. Turn W off Baldwin onto Mariposa and you'll see the tents. Tom tells us, “It won't take the place of Frank & Joe’s [the long-gone Wed night jam] and I know it's not convenient for most, but it's something as long as the weather's nice.” Info, masaw48@earthlink.net
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Tom tells us, “It won’t be meeting again until the weather warms up.”
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Wed (& Thu), every week; near Santa Barbara:
4 pm-late New “PARADISE STORE TWICE-WEEKLY BLUEGRASS / MOUNTAIN MUSIC JAM” at Paradise Store, N of Santa Barbara on Hwy 154 for 9.5 mi; right on Paradise Rd, 1/2 mile to the store. Directions, www.paradisestoresb.com/directions.asp
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Wed’s include BBQ; Thu’s are a “Mountain Fiddle Hootenanny.” Both hosted by MARK LEWIS. More at www.paradisestoresb.com/entertainment.asp?cmth=2&cyer=2009
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Wed, Mar 25:
5-8 pm monthly “LAWIM HAPPY HOUR HANG” a “great social outlet and networking opportunity” presented by Los Angeles WoMen in Music, happening in a different location every month; tonight, it’s in the main bar at the Cat & Fiddle, 6530 Sunset Bl, Hollywood; www.thecatandfiddle.com. Meet new people, re-connect with old contacts, find that new job opportunity. Meet the Board of Directors this month, introduce yourself and get to know what this music industry organization does. Parking is $6, valet available. Self-parking on area side streets. Complimentary light snacks and Happy Hour drink pricing until 7 pm; full bar and food menu available for purchase. Bring a friend and your business cards for entry in drawings. More at www.lawim.com .
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Wed, every week:
5-8 pm New “CLAREMONT WEDNESDAY GREEN MARKET” features acoustic music with RON ELY doing seafaring songs and more, inside the Packing House in the new West Claremont Center, 532 W First St, Claremont 91711; www.claremontpackinghouse.com/home.htm . Ron tells us, “It's all about ‘going GREEN,’ and should be promoted and supported. They are going to expand with a Farmer's Market each Wednesday evening. That will be outside this same venue, The Packing House, a fully rehabilitated old building, a real packing house, Historical Landmark. It's put-on by the non-profit ‘Claremont Forum,’ (www.claremontforum.org) that sponsors the "Prison Library Project," sending books to those incarcerated.”
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Wed; 2nd & 4th Wed every month; in Lancaster:
6 pm UKULELE CLUB at Nicks Pizza, 43755 15th St West, Lancaster. Uke players begin arriving about 5 pm, meeting starts at 6 pm. Newcomers welcome.
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Wed; fourth (& second) Wed every month:
6:30 pm “TWICE-A-MONTH BLUEGRASS JAM” new for ’09, at Robano's Italian Pizza Kitchen, 10057 Riverside Dr, Toluca Lake 91602. (It’s S of Magnolia, W of Buena Vista, E of Cahuenga.) Jam is in the room behind the bar area. Hosted by Paddy Hill, who wants us to tell you, “All players welcome. Please plan to buy a beer or appetizer (from $5) to get the owner enthusiastic, or better still, a full meal from $9.” Info, contact Paddy Hill at paddyh036@gmail.com. Series began Feb 11. No cover.
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Wed, 4th Wed, every month:
6:45 pm “GILLI MOON & J.WALKER'S SONGSALIVE! SHOWCASE” at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. Gilli is co-founder of the global Songsalive! songwriters organization. She books different guests, and herself performs each month. More at www.songsalive.org
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Wed, every Wed:
7-10 pm weekly OPEN MIC at the Talking Stick, (new location), 1411 Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. Alternating hosts TOM & BYRON or ELLEN. Sign-ups at 6:45 pm. Venue has coffeehouse fare and good sandwiches. All ages, no cover.
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Wed, every Wed:
7-10 pm (started Jan 7) “KULAK'S WEDNESDAY NIGHT SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP” at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info and live webcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com. Marc Platt wrote, for Music Connection, “Your Wednesday Nights will never be the same after participating in this Group Workshop. The weekly cost is $20, which goes to Kulak’s to help pay the rent. The Workshop… is open to the public for the first four weeks. We will then set our 12-person group writing roster until the end of March. The workshop will be limited to 12 writers. We will break up into groups and work on many styles, genres and topics. You will find it challenging and exhilarating. You can bring instruments and will need to have your own small recording device, as well as a pen and notepad. Marc Platt (from the Sunday Night Performance Workshop) will facilitate with help from Steve Schalchlin. Marc has written music for TV Shows like ‘Queer Eye For The Straight Guy’ and others for many years. Steve Schalchlin ran similar workshops for the NAS (National Academy of Songwriters) in the 1990s and is a very accomplished songwriter. His ‘New World Waking’ show is currently running in San Francisco. If you are interested, please email Marc Platt at rotn60@aol.com.”
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Replaces the DISCONTINUED “ACOUSTIC JAM” night.
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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:
CANCELLED - VENUE HAS CLOSED: 7-9 pm ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC, hosted by ALLAN COMEAU, at Santa Monica Bar & Grille, 3321 Pico Bl, Santa Monica.
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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, every Wed:
MISS MICKEY CHAMPION at Harvelle's, 1432 Fourth St, Santa Monica; 310-395-1676. L.A.’s legendary blueswoman plays an every-Wednesday residency. Artist info: www.mickeychampion.net. $3-7 cover. Start time varies; call venue.
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Wed, Mar 25:
8 pm WILL RYAN and THE CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS with IAN WHITCOMB at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. Will returns, with two other celebrated musicians - JOHN REYNOLDS & BENNY BRYDERN – known for their roles in the old-time and early 20th century music world. This should be better than good. Waahoo!
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WILL RYAN is billed as "Modern cowboy classics sung by authentic Western characters!" Will Ryan is also called, "The King of the Radio Cowboys," and the Cactus County Cowboys as, "the Band that Won the West." Seems they have been entertaining horses, cattle and people since those dimly remembered, far-off days before the Barack Obama administration. Will and the boys have perplexed audiences near and far with their unique repertoire, their tricky pickin' and what they proudly call their "inadvertent humour." (Note the British spelling, for Ian’s benefit.) In fact, their first appearance (Will Ryan, backed by Westy and Presto) was at the Golden Boot Awards with Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and a whole slew of cowboy legends as their captive audience. Wait. Let's make that "captivated audience."
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WILL RYAN handles guitar, ukulele and song-writing chores. He’s a Westerner who has written hundreds of songs for people like the Pointer Sisters, Patti LaBelle and the O-K Corral Chorale (and for characters like Elmo Aardvark, Tigger, the Grinch and the Muppets). Over the years he's written many a cowboy tune and he continues doing so, thereby keeping the band in fresh supply of material. Known in certain circles as a cineloquist ("voice-actor", to the layman), Will Ryan has provided dozens of voices in many an Oscar-nominated animated film (e.g. Petrie in "The Land Before Time", Seahorse in "The Little Mermaid", a dozen characters in "Thumbelina", featured roles in "Looney Tunes: Back in Action!," Mickey's Christmas Carol," and more.). He is heard in hundreds of episodes of award-winning TV shows, including as Tigger and Rabbit in Disney's long-running "Welcome to Pooh Corner", Willie the Giant in the current series "Mickey Mouse Club House."
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The music organization BMI has given Will a “Pioneer/Silver Circle Award,” the animation industry has given him an Annie Award and the TV industry has awarded him Emmy and Writers Guild Award nominations.
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The CACTUS COUNTY COWBOYS, "the Band that Won the West," has members who have been recording with Will for years on TV and movie projects. Together they are the founders and principal perpetrators of the nascent musical / dance style known as "Cowboy Skiffle." WESTY WESTONHOFER, "the Continental Cowpoke," plays upright bass, euphonium and tuba, though rarely simultaneously. He was a long-time member of the BEVERLY HILLS UNLISTED JAZZ BAND and he portrayed a gentleman in the internationally popular music act, the PALM SPRINGS YACHT CLUB. Add JOHN “PRESTO” REYNOLDS, "the Fastest Drawer in the West," who takes care of lead guitar, banjo, jazbo, whistling and the Windsor number two brush. One of the most in-demand acoustic guitarists in Hollywood history, he is also a talented artist. Usually playing with the band is RALF REYNOLDS, “the cowboy who invented the automatic washboard.” He handles washboard percussion like Thurston handled disappearing elephants: with stunningly magical finesse, Another regular on the Cactus County buckboard is BENNIE BRYDERN who, when he's not busy flabbergasting crowds with hot his fiddle-playing, spends time scoring movies and television shows for American and European producers. $15.
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Wed, Mar 25:
8 pm CHRIS VALENTI at The Comedy Store, 8433 Sunset Bl, Hollywood. Chris is a very funny and clever comedic singer-songwriter, and he has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” He tells us, “I'm leaving the guitar at home and meeting up with you [all who want to join him] for happy hour at 6 pm at the Saddle Ranch on Sunset. We'll head over to The Comedy Store for the 8 pm show in the Main Room. Chris adds, “Go watch SINGLETOWN on www.FunnyOrDie.com!”
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More at www.ChrisValentiMusic.com - www.DysfunctionalRomantics.com - www.StringsOfComedy.com.
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Tonight’s show is $10 donation for 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 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, last Wed, every month:
ON HIATUS: 8-10 pm “HOBO SOUP” monthly folk music evening with performing host “BANJO FRED” STARNER, usually joined by PHIL VAN TEE and KAREN KRANTZ, at the Lost Souls Café, 124 E 4th St, in the Old Bank District, downtown L.A.; 213-617-7006; www.lostsouls.com. The venue is the big lobby of a 1905-era bank building. Fred says it has “a fine sound system, and a no-alcohol good vibe.” FRED STARNER is the officially-named “GRAND DUKE OF HOBO MINSTRELS” by the National Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa. Musical funnyman PHIL VAN TEE has taken his homemade cookie-tin banjo to stages everywhere, opening for nearly all the big-name country music acts. Previous guests have included JILL FENIMORE, ORGANIC DEMO, and DADDY BONE. Artist info, www.hobobanjofred.com. Venue is just down the gated alley between Main and Broadway; it’s a coffeehouse that serves coffee drinks and tasty light fare.
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Wed, Mar 25:
8:30 pm JASON HEATH & THE GREEDY SOULS at King King, 6555 Hollywood Bl (at Whitley), Hollywood; 323-960-9234. And now for something completely different, and probably not acoustic… It’s a show “aimed at exploring punk rock's folky origins.” JASON HEATH AND THE GREEDY SOULS couple rough-and-ragged Americana strains with punk idealism and directness. "The idea is to seek a kind of honesty in everything we do," says Heath. "With everything from the lyrics to the production." They are currently promoting their debut album, “The Vain Hope of Horse,” featuring Americana with left-leaning politics, produced by musicians who got their start in punk rock and sporting contributions by the MC5's Wayne Kramer, Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello and Wilco's Nels Cline.
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They will tell you they are “Striving for justice and truth through music.” Well, okay. The Greedy Souls are a rag-tag team of L.A. musicians from all corners of the music scene. Lead singer-songwriter Jason Heath and drummer Abraham Etz have been in and out of punk bands for 20 years, including Spinewire, who recorded with Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello and Dennis Herring (Elvis Costello, Modest Mouse). Others include Jason Federici, son of Danny Federici, the accordion player for Bruce Springsteen's E Street band, with whom Jason has occasionally collaborated. The band recently worked with The Boss for Dannyfund.org, a website dedicated to raising awareness and funds for melanoma research in honor of Danny Federici, who succumbed to the disease last year.
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Whether collaborating with like-minded idealists, merging America's traditional music with one of its most radical offshoots, or simply singing from the heart, Jason Heath and the Greedy Souls offer a jolt of directness unseen on big label music. More at www.myspace.com/jasonheathandthegreedysouls
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Wed,: 4th Wed every month:
8:30 pm “FESTIVAL OF THE EGG” the monthly all-female musicians’ event, at the Universal Bar & Grill, 4093 Lankershim Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-2114. $7.
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Wed, every Wed:
8:30 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line dance lessons with Kathy, 7-8:30 pm. No cover.
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Wed, every 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 week:
9 pm-midnight “PRO BLUES JAM SESSION” hosted by 21st CENTURY BLUES band, at the Azteca Restaurant and Bar, 717 S San Gabriel Bl, San Gabriel 91776; 626-287-4645. (New Mar 11, 2009.)
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THURSDAY, MARCH 26
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Thu-Sun, Mar 26-29; in Florida:
Annual “SUWANEE SPRINGFEST” at the Spirit of the Suwanee Music Park, in Live Oak, FL. More at www.magmusic.com
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Thu, every week:
11 am-2 pm “VAN NUYS FARMER'S MARKET” 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 (& Wed), every week; near Santa Barbara:
4 pm-late New “PARADISE STORE TWICE-WEEKLY BLUEGRASS / MOUNTAIN MUSIC JAM” at Paradise Store, N of Santa Barbara on Hwy 154 for 9.5 mi; right on Paradise Rd, 1/2 mile to the store. Directions, www.paradisestoresb.com/directions.asp
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Wed’s include BBQ; Thu’s are a “Mountain Fiddle Hootenanny.” Both hosted by MARK LEWIS. More at www.paradisestoresb.com/entertainment.asp?cmth=2&cyer=2009
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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, 4th (and 2nd) Thu, every month; in Ventura:
6-9:30 pm “ZOEY'S JAM” at Zoey’s, 451 E Main St, Ventura. 805-658-8311. Hosted by Gene Rubin, who says, “Check-out Ventura's Bluegrass Jam website, at http://home.earthlink.net/~generubinaudio/index.html. All skills welcome, friendly folks, great food and drink, and even better jammin'. Generally we number 25 to 35 musicians. We now have additional space for even more jam circles. Spectators are appreciated and welcome.” Contact Gene with your email address to receive regular reminders and details: 805-658-8311 or generubinaudio@earthlink.net.
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Thu, recurring; in Idyllwild:
6-9 pm SANDII CASTLEBERRY & KEVIN HAMBY at Café Aroma, 54750 N Circle Dr, Idyllwild; 951-659-5212. Acoustic blues, bluegrass, swing, folk, more; Sandii Castleberry with guitar, vocals, harmonica; Kevin Hamby on bass, vocals.
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Thu, Mar 26:
7 pm DAN HICKS AND THE HOT LICKS with special guests THE DITTY BOPS, and VAN DYKE PARKS at the El Rey Theatre, 5515 Wilshire Bl, L.A.; 323-936-4790; www.theelrey.com. Presented by Goldenvoice and McCabe’s, but NOT at McCabe’s. Dan Hicks is touring in support of “Tangled Tales,” his first album in five years. This intimate seated show takes place at the beautiful El Rey Theater. As FolkWorks says, it’s “an opportunity to see good music in a SEATED show at the El Rey, and this might be the start of a Golden partnership. If we can support good music, we will get more of it, and maybe the El Rey will find out that there is an audience that likes chairs.” Save $13 on a pair of tix by buying through McCabe’s ($30.50 ea), instead of Ticketmaster with its high service charges: www.mccabes.com. All tickets will be held at will call, and can be picked up at the El Rey the day of the show. Seating is general admission. Tix on sale now, $30.50 through McCabe’s.
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Thu, Mar 26:
7-10:30 pm FONTENOT PAPPION LOUISIANA BAND plays live for a Cajun-zydeco dance at the PCH Club, Golden Sails Hotel, 6285 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach 90803. All ages. Basic Zydeco dance lesson at 7 pm is included in entry price; band plays 7:30-10:30 pm.
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With Cajun and Zydeco music just earning its own category in the Grammys, accordion music is in style. Straight from the bayous of Louisiana comes the Fontenot Pappion Louisiana Band. A native of Louisiana, Dempsey Pappion plays hard-driving, uptempo accordion dance Zydeco music, the music that has its origins in the dance halls of Lafayette, Louisiana and the surrounding countryside. Like many Creole musicians, Dempsey has spent the better part of his life working in the oil refineries of Louisiana, Houston and L.A. to support his musical habit, paying his dues playing small venues and family affairs. To say he’s “well-seasoned” is an understatement. Pappion’s band supports his hot sound, and they’re a hit with dancers and listeners alike. Influenced by Zydeco greats Clifton Chenier and Boozoo Chavis, Pappion includes tunes from contemporary zydeco musicians such as Keith Frank and Brian Jack.
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True to the tradition of the Creole people in his native state, homemade gumbo is available, while it lasts. Details at www.LouisianaDanceLA.com. Info from dance instructor Karen Redding, 562-708-8946 or karinovations@verizon.net. $10 cover.
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Thu, Mar 26; series runs every week:
7-10 pm “POCKET GOLDBERG & FRIENDS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” this week brings ARCHIE FRANCIS (winner of 11 ACM Awards; has performed with Deanne D'Amico) plus RAY DOYLE to Arnie's Café & Ristorante Italiano, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; www.ArniesCafe.com. Hosted by Mark "Pocket" Goldberg & "Brother" Randy Sacks; this is not an open mic. Venue has good food, coffeehouse beverages. No cover.
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Thu, every week:
7-10 pm “FLAMENCO GUITAR NIGHT” with award-winning flamenco guitarist STEPHEN DICK at Manchego Food From Spain Restaurant, 2510 Main St, Santa Monica 90405; 310-450-3900; www.manchegoonmain.com. Venue serves great tapas and Spanish dinner plates in an elegant and intimate space. STEPHEN DICK - "Esteban de Los Angeles" - has won numerous prizes for his compositions and performances, including an award from the Sur Jerez Flamenco Competition in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, for his original 1st album, "Naranjas Amargas." A versatile artist, he is the winner of the Peter Frampton award for excellence in contemporary music, and his compositions for the guitar have been published in Italy, and in the US by Columbia Music Company. He won the Paulo Barsacchi award for guitar composition for his "Sonatina for Solo Guitar," and a Meet the Composer's grant for his realization of Federico GarcÃa Lorca's romantic ballad, "Romance Sonambulo." He a 2008/2009 winner of a grant from the Spanish Ministry of Culture and US Universities for a new flamenco concert featuring GarciaLorca's mystical lullaby, "Nana del Caballo Grande."
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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; 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, Mar 26:
7:30 pm “PAPOTAGES (CHIT CHAT): CIE ETANT-DONNÉ” at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, 10361 Pico Bl, L.A. 90064; 310-286-0553; www.theatreraymondkabbaz.com. In their first-ever US performance, the company performs “Papotoges,” winner of the 2005 Mimos Prize. A highly amusing and entertaining piece, “Chit-chat” is a lesson in anatomy with the underlying theme of boy meeting girl and the playful, often teasing or hesitant give and take of mutual attraction: "I love you, I love you not”. Originality, inventiveness and humor are the hallmarks of this gifted pair of choreographers who have a flair for the whimsical and the unexpected and whose very personal style will delight all ages. Gen’l $20, students $15.
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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 & Fri, Mar 26 & 27:
8 pm “TRIPPIN’ THE ‘60’S” with BARRY McGUIRE & JOHN YORK (the Byrds) at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. Both shows sold out last time Barry & John played The Coffee Gallery Backstage. Barry McGuire has performed excerpts from “Trippin the ‘60s” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK.... 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." Barry’s own backup band became the Mamas and the Papas. 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 for sedition (i.e., a song was trying to overthrow the government.)
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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, working with Barry in this thematic show, is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned folk rock/country rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of musical luminaries like Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet), The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, 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. These two have many, many tales and songs to share. $20
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Thu, Mar 26:
8 pm RHIANA LEWIS to perform her original guitar and vocals in “FREE CHEESE – NO WHINE” at Genghis Cohen, 740 N Fairfax Av, L.A. 90046; www.genghiscohen.com; 323-653-0640. You can find her some nights at the local Buffalo Bruce’s Coffee Shop, where she made her recent CNN television debut, or at the nearby Cowboy Palace where she placed 2nd in their talent contest. One critic says, “Her musical genre can only be described as a re-invention of the female vocal solo artists as we know them today. Your attendance to this all ages performance will ensure a one of kind experience that will leave a smile on your face. If the show doesn’t do it, Genghis ‘Southwest Chinese Cuisine’ is readily available, and if that doesn’t do it, alcohol is also served.” Print-out this write-up and bring it to the show for a discounted ticket, $5; otherwise it’s $7 at the door.
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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; www.lawrysonline.com/tamoshanter_gen_info.asp; 323-664-0228. Venue serves ale & sandwiches. Band member Mark Romano says, “Great food, drinks, dancing, and of course, music!” More at www.theploughboys.com. All ages, no cover.
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Thu, recurring:
8-10 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE, singer-songwriter or band, at Kulak's Woodshed, 5230-1/2 Laurel Canyon Bl, North Hollywood; 818-766-9913; info / web simulcast at www.kulakswoodshed.com - named for “Best Web Simulcast” in “The Best of 2008 / Top Ten” in FolkWorks, at www.folkworks.org/content/view/35788/166. All artists donate their performances; venue is supported by donations, and asks $10 per attendee in lieu of a cover charge.
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Thu, last Thu, every month:
8-10 pm SONGSALIVE! SHOWCASE at The Talking Stick, (new location), 1411c Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. A full evening of entertainment from local songwriters, hosted by MAUREEN DOHERTY. Songsalive is now booking for various dates in 2007, and seeking singer-songwriters to perform; info: hotline at 310-238-0359 or email usa@songsalive.org; www.songsalive.org. No cover, $5 donation requested.
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Thu; repeats every Thu:
CALJAS ARTISTS WEEKLY JAZZ PERFORMANCE NIGHT at Hip Kitty Jazz / Fondue, 502 W First St (in the Packing House complex), Claremont 91711; www.hipkittyjazz.com; 909-447-6700. It’s a new venue, said to be beautiful, serving food, beer & wine, 25 mins E of Pasadena off the 210 Fwy. The venue is part of the newly-renovated Claremont Packing House. Proprietress Nancy Tessier’s father, Refugio "Coco" Lopez, plays alto, and she wanted her club to feature an array of jazz singers. This led to a fortuitous connection with Dale Boatman, founder and president of the California Jazz Arts Society. CalJAS is a powerful force in bringing some of the best jazz artists in Southern California, especially singers, to restaurants, clubs and other performance spaces in eastern Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire, an area that previously had relatively few opportunities for jazz musicians to perform.
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Thu, every week:
8:30 pm LIVE MUSIC (artists tba) at the Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St (Devonshire & Owensmouth), Chatsworth 91311; www.cowboypalace.com; 818-341-0166. Live music 7 nights a week, sometimes acoustic, sometimes electric. Preceded by free line dance lessons with Marie, 7-8:30 pm. Happy hour 4-7 pm, M-F. No cover.
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Thu, every 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; 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 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, MARCH 27
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Fri, every week, on web radio:
5 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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Fri, every week:
5:30-10 pm “MONROVIA FAMILY FESTIVAL” along Myrtle Av, in old downtown Monrovia. It’s year-round and weekly, a street festival and farmers market, that’s been running 17 years. KATTYWOMPUS STRING BAND plays 8-10 pm at 412 S Myrtle Av; contact Jennifer Ranger, 877-365-5744. RON ELY does authentic and original maritime songs most weeks, usually at Myrtle Av & Colorado or Myrtle Av and Lemon Av, on the North end of the festival. Artist’s info, www.myrecordlabel.net/ronely. There’s lots of other music throughout old town Monrovia, several acoustic performers each week – singer-songwriters, duos or bands – plus specialty vendors, lots of food, and local merchants. Event is large during the summer when it includes a carnival (rock climbing wall, balloon man, bubble man, petting zoo, pony rides, etc.) It scales-down from 4 blocks to 2 blocks during winter months, following the Christmas holidays. Myrtle Av exit, N of 210 Fwy, free parking, free event.
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Fri, every week:
6-9 pm DAVE OSTI and DEANNA COGAN jam-out on acoustic classic rock tunes every Friday at the Mayan Bar, 311 W Foothill Bl, Monrovia.
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Fri, every week:
6-8 pm OPEN MIC at Fendi's Café, 539 East Bixby Rd (near Atlantic), Long Beach; 562-424-4774.
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Fri, every week; in Tehachapi:
7 pm ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE at Mama HillyBeans Coffee & Community, 426 E Tehachapi Bl, Tehachapi; www.mamahillybeans.com; 661-822-BEAN. Venue has great ambience, and food "made from scratch and about 95% organic." Traveling acts have varying admission prices; check venue's web site.
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Fri, every Fri:
MISS MICKEY CHAMPION at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel bar, 1401 S Oak Knoll Av, Pasadena; 626-568-3900. L.A.’s legendary blueswoman plays an every-Fri & Sat residency. Artist info: www.mickeychampion.net. Start time varies; call venue.
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Fri, Mar 27:
7:30 pm monthly “OUT OF THE BLUE” songwriter showcase, this time with ERIC SCHWARTZ, CHAUNCEY BOWERS, PHIL WARD, & performing host DAN McFEELEY, at the venue named as co-winner for “Best Free (no cover) Acoustic Music Venue, The Talking Stick, 1411c Lincoln Bl, Venice 92091; www.thetalkingstick.net. This monthly event is specifically cited as a reason for the venue’s 2008 co-win. Singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist DAN McFEELEY runs this fun singer-song writer challenge, wherein each performing guest does six songs, including one written specifically for the theme of the month. This time that theme is “crazy.” (Where are you, Patsy Cline?) Dan says, “The word CRAZY has to be in the title of the song. So just a few days before APRIL FOOLS DAY, I have three of my favorite humorous musical guys.” Dan adds, “I've seen Phil actually write a song AS he was singing it, and it was good!” Venue has good sandwiches, soups, coffeehouse fare. No cover.
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Fri, Mar 27; stage play:
7:30 pm HOIPOLLOI at the “UCLA Live!” series in Freud Playhouse on the UCLA campus in Westwood; tix & info, www.uclalive.com; 310-825-2101 or 310-825-4401. It’s the West Coast premiere. One of Britain’s favorite writers, Edward Lear has delighted generations of children and adults alike with his deliciously silly and brilliant nonsense verse. Now, Hoipolloi invites audiences on a journey into Lear’s weird and wonderfully witty imagination as he embarks on an adventure towards the great Gromboolian plain. Inspired by his life, poems and illustrations, My Uncle Arly is an inventive and engaging production full of music, song and clowning that delves deep into Lear’s Victorian sense of humor. Filled with some of his best-loved characters, the show creates a stupendously mad and gloriously giggly world where easels become birds, hats fly and where we meet the pobble who has no toes and the dong with the luminous nose. “Bursting at the seams with theatrical energy and full to the brim with visual wit. Utterly brilliant” – Sunday Herald.
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Presented in association with WebPlay, an international arts education charity that aims to inspire and enhance the learning and creativity of children, linking classrooms around the world through drama and technology. Since 2000, they have brought some of the U.K.’s leading children’s companies to Los Angeles. Runs Fri, Mar 27 at 7:30 pm; Sat, Mar 28 at 1 pm & 7:30 pm; Sun, Mar 29 at 1 pm. $25 gen’l, $15 if under age 12 or a UCLA student.
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Fri, Mar 27; dance:
7:30 pm “SHOWCASE TRILOGY: CIE ETANT-DONNE” at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, 10361 Pico Bl, L.A. 90064; 310-286-0553; www.theatreraymondkabbaz.com. In their first-ever US performance last night, the company performed “Papotoges,” winner of the 2005 Mimos Prize; tonight, they perform “Showcase Trilogy,” their highlight from the acclaimed 2008 Festival D’Avignon. ShowCase Trilogy explores the ideas of time, beauty and vacuity with a mix of seriousness and derision. Composer Hubert Michel with Frederike Unger and Jerome Ferron revisit 3 masterpieces of dance history. An unfamiliar way to look at The Rite of spring (Stravinsky), the Bolero (Ravel) and Swan lake (Tchaikovsky). Runs Fri & Sat, May 27 & 28, at 7:30 pm. Gen’l $35, students $20.
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Fri, Mar 27; in Lancaster; stage musical:
“BYE BYE BIRDIE” at Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W Lancaster Bl, Lancaster; 661-723-5950; www.lpac.org. Lots of laughs, loveable tunes and a measure of merry nostalgia make this four-time Tony Award- winner a true American musical theatre classic. Just days away from enlisting in the Army, fifties pop idol Conrad Birdie is preparing for one last appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show to bid a lucky teenage girl goodbye with an all-American kiss…
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Fri, Mar 27:
8 pm “TRIPPIN’ THE ‘60’S” with BARRY McGUIRE & JOHN YORK (the Byrds) at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. This is the second of two nights. Both shows sold out last time Barry & John played The Coffee Gallery Backstage. Barry McGuire has performed excerpts from “Trippin the ‘60s” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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BARRY McGUIRE, “Trippin’ The 60’s,” with JOHN YORK.... 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." Barry’s own backup band became the Mamas and the Papas. 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 for sedition (i.e., a song was trying to overthrow the government.)
+
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.”
+
JOHN YORK, working with Barry in this thematic show, is best known for his work as a member of the world-renowned folk rock/country rock group, the Byrds. His vocal and instrumental talents have kept him in the company of musical luminaries like Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, Clarence White, Nicky Hopkins, Mac Rebenack (Dr. John,) Doug Sahm (The Sir Douglas Quintet), The Mamas and Papas, Johnny Rivers, Lightnin’ Hopkins, 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. These two have many, many tales and songs to share. $20
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Fri, Mar 27:
8 pm CURT BOUTERSE & BOB WEBB play a house concert in Santa Monica. Contact: monikawhite@earthlink.net or 310-828-4559 for reservations and address. For four decades, Curt Bouterse and Bob Webb have given back the folk music of America, particularly the dance tunes and ballads of the Appalachian and Ozark Mountains, and songs of the West. They bring finely honed musical skills, as represented by masters' performances on the hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, autoharp, guitar, Thai mouth pipes (khaen), and a variety of five-string banjos, including standard models, gut-strung minstrel-era "banjers" and gourdbodied instruments similar to those played by African-American slave musicians before the Civil War. Curt & Bob's repertoire ranges from ancient ballads of the Southern Mountains to Victorian comic songs; from the 1700s to the beginnings of the folk-music revival and the repertoires of Woody Guthrie, Cisco Houston, Pete Seeger and others from the 1940s and `50s. Light refreshments will be served. Pay at the door, cash or check. $15.
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Fri, Mar 27 & Sat, Mar 28:
SOLD OUT: 8 pm JJ CALE plus PIETA BROWN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403. PIETA BROWN has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and she is a delight.
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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. Venue serves ale & sandwiches. Band member Mark Romano says, “Great food, drinks, dancing, and of course, music!” More at 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 - named for “Best Web Simulcast” in “The Best of 2008 / Top Ten” in FolkWorks, at www.folkworks.org/content/view/35788/166. 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, Mar 27; in Simi Valley:
8 pm PRESTON SMITH plays the Baja Cantina and Grill, 575 Country Club Dr, Simi Valley (in Woodranch Mall, just off the 118 and 23 Fwys).
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"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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Fri & Sat, Mar 27 & 28:
8 pm “KIDS BRING OPERA TO KIDS” at The Luckman Theatre, 5151 State University Dr, on the campus of Cal State L.A. Carmen's a cheerleader, Jose's a nerd, and Escamillo's a football star: over 80 students at the L.A. County High School for the Arts present "Carmen High" March 27 & 28. Imagine having talented high school students (in this case from LA's "Arts High") share their love of opera with members of their own generation in a format guaranteed to reveal how an art form centuries old is still very relevant today. Arts publicist Jenine Baines tells us, “This production of ‘Carmen High,’ based on Bizet's opera Carmen, is truly amazing. No p.r. spin here; I've attended rehearsals and seen the kids in action - they're extraordinarily talented. Plus Stephanie Vlahos - the creative genius behind this project - has a very unique vision.” Show runs Fri, Mar 27, 8 pm; Sat, Mar 28, 2 & 8 pm. Info, www.myspace.com/fullcircleoperaproject or 626-529-3163. $20 adults, $15 students.
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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, MARCH 28
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Recurring events are not yet included from this point forward.
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Sat, Mar 28:
10:30 am-1 pm “CONTRACTS DE-MYSTIFIED - KEEPING PACE WITH THE NEW DIGITAL MUSIC WORLD” is a workshop with entertainment attorney Paul I. Menes, presented by Los Angeles WoMen in Music (LAWIM) at the Musicians Institute, 6752 Hollywood Bl, Hollywood 90028. Event info, 213-243-6440, www.lawim.com. “They only look terrifying! How to not get eaten by a contract!” The ways of the music industry are constantly evolving, especially with all of the new opportunities with digital media. Know your rights and avoid the legal pitfalls in the music and online industries. Come prepared to "Ask Paul!" This is a great opportunity to be better informed and enable yourself to make a better deal and understand your responsibilities once engaged contractually. LAWIM says, “We want to answer the questions that you want to ask.” Once you have registered for the event, send 1-2 questions that you would like answered during this workshop to info@lawim.com. Questions must be received no later than March 26th. They will attempt to get to all questions and additional Q&A time permitting. Limited seating; advance payment required w/ RSVP by 5 pm On March 26. $5 for LAWIM mbrs, $10 non-mbrs.
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Sat, Mar 28; in Riverside:
11 am-6:30 pm “MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL” on the Quad at the University of Redlands, 1200 E Colton Av, Redlands 92373; 909-748-8285. Performances include MICHAEL HERALDA’s “AZTEC STORIES.” Michael has performed excerpts on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” drawing from Native American Indian legends and folklore to explore themes of reverence for the earth and spirituality. More at www.aztecstories.com
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Sat, Mar 28:
11 am ASSOCIATION OF FINGERSTYLE GUITARISTS seminar & concert with JEFF LINSKY, and panel on film/TV placement of your music, at Mo's Fullerton Music, at the Fullerton store on Harbor Bl, Fullerton. Are you really serious about your guitar playing and do you love to compose music, or desire to create your own music? If so, says AFG president Greg Atkin, “this promises to be one of the most entertaining, informative and productive AFG events ever held.” Jeff will play an informal concert and provide a seminar for AFG that begins at noon.
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At 17, JEFF LINSKY was already touring professionally as a sideman, sharing the stage with pop groups like the Grass Roots and The Standells. By 19, he had decided to focus more on combining his classical guitar technique with his interest in improvisation and jazz, and began his world travels as a solo guitar player. He has performed with a variety of artists, from the popular Gypsy violinist Markus Reinhardt (Django's nephew) in Germany to the master of the ukulele, Ohta-San, in Hawaii. Although Jeff became well known for his polyphonic solo guitar improvising, he enjoys performing in duet with other respected guitarists, including jazz legend Jim Hall in Europe and the Brazilian maestro Carlos Barbosa-Lima. Eventually he signed with Concord Records in 1988, releasing the classic CD "Up Late" that year. Of that popular recording, Jazzscene Magazine raved: "If, for some unfathomable reason, Latin Jazz has not yet gotten into your blood or touched your soul, then this is the album that will make you a believer!" Over the past three decades, Jeff Linsky has performed in concert around the world and recorded several critically acclaimed CDs. Come hear this virtuoso and hear what he has to say.
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An open mic is first, at 11 am. Send an email to David Oakes if you would like to play the open mic. David's email is davidoakesguitar@mac.com.
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At 2 pm, there is an EXPERT PANEL, “YOUR MUSIC IN FILM & TELEVISION.” Panelists are:
> Liz Redwing, who has done stints at MCA Records, Interscope Music (Interscope Records' former music publishing arm), scouting for Atlantic Records, and more. Liz regularly critiques songs at TAXI, the independent A&R company.
> Jody Friedman, founder/owner of HDMusicNow (Lake Forest, CA), which engages in music publishing and licensing for film, TV, commercials, and video games. He has supervised the placement of music in film and TV shows. Additionally, Jody is an actively performing musician whose songs have won various song contests and other accolades.
> Jeff Findl (panel moderator) is an active member of the Assoc. of Fingerstyle Guitarists. His nylon-string guitar compositions have played on hundreds of non-commercial radio stations (college radio, National Public Radio, and community radio stations). Jeff’s 2007 CD has been accepted by several music libraries / publishers. He recently received his first song placement with a major department store via a music library. Jeff is an active member of Taxi.com.
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Sat, Mar 28:
1 pm RHYTHM CHILD FAMILY BAND performs for “The Power of Flowers Spring Show” at Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Canada Flintridge; 818-949-4200; www.DescansoGardens.org . It’s a percussion performance that invites audience participation Experience the power of percussion when Norman Jones and the Rhythm Child Family Band brings their hip-shaking, finger-snapping, drum-based music onto Descanso’s Under the Oaks Theater. Armed with tambourines, beaded gourds (shekeres) and small West African-styled drums (djembes), Rhythm Child pounds out infectious beats and melodies; later, everyone – especially children – is invited to create a drum circle for a spontaneous musical jam. A singer, performer and hand drummer for more than 20 years, Jones started the Rhythm Child Network with his wife Heather to inspire “young children to come in contact with the pulse of drum-based music.” Through concerts, CD recordings, school program and family drum circles, Rhythm Child offers the powerful sounds of world cultures to audiences of all ages. (For more information, visit www.rhythmchild.net). Descanso Gardens is accredited by the American Association of Museums. Free parking. Concert is free with Gardens’ admission: $8 adults, $6 children ages 5-12, free for children age 4 and younger.
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Sat, Mar 28:
2 pm “KIDS BRING OPERA TO KIDS” at The Luckman Theatre, 5151 State University Dr, on the campus of Cal State L.A. Carmen's a cheerleader, Jose's a nerd, and Escamillo's a football star: over 80 students at the L.A. County High School for the Arts present "Carmen High" March 27 & 28. Imagine having talented high school students (in this case from LA's "Arts High") share their love of opera with members of their own generation in a format guaranteed to reveal how an art form centuries old is still very relevant today. Arts publicist Jenine Baines tells us, “This production of ‘Carmen High,’ based on Bizet's opera Carmen, is truly amazing. No p.r. spin here; I've attended rehearsals and seen the kids in action - they're extraordinarily talented. Plus Stephanie Vlahos - the creative genius behind this project - has a very unique vision.” Show runs Fri, Mar 27, 8 pm; Sat, Mar 28, 2 & 8 pm. Info, www.myspace.com/fullcircleoperaproject or 626-529-3163. $20 adults, $15 students.
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Sat, Mar 28:
7 pm THE DUO TONES (PAUL JOHNSON & GIL ORR) at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. .They packed The Coffee Gallery Backstage in February, delivering “a sensational acoustic/electric guitar show. Stunning & Funny,” says venue impresario Bob Stane. Veteran rock-instrumental masters PAUL JOHNSON & GIL ORR have hit upon a unique and winning idea: by leaving-out the drums and bass, they put the focus on their delightful dual-guitar interplay (both acoustic and electric), which lends fresh appeal to the surf-instro genre. Paul co-founded the pioneer '60s surf band, the Belairs ["Mr. Moto"]; he currently plays with the Surfaris ["Wipeout"]. Gil has been with the Chantays ["Pipeline"] since the '60s. With two popular CDs and a growing visibility (they were a big hit recently on "A Prairie Home Companion"), the Duo-tones are creating a stir among many music fans who are discovering, for the first time, just how rich this stuff can be when played with the skill and authority that Paul and Gil bring to it. Bob Stane adds, “Always a fave act here. Many encores for a reason.” $18.
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Sat, Mar 28:
7:30 pm JANET KLEIN AND HER PARLOR BOYS at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Janet Klein with her band, the Parlor Boys, perform forgotten gems and naughty ditties from the 1910s, ‘20s and ‘30s with panache, style and wit. "Sweet and sexy like a classic showgirl...evoking the vamps of the silent era" wrote one reviewer. Her Parlor Boys in the backup band behind Janet's uke playing are all-pro virtuosos on guitar, accordion, Hawaiian steel guitar, ukulele, ragtime piano, cornet, and whistling. The Parlor Boys feature music historian and Gramnmy-winner Ian Whitcomb. Tix went on sale Mar 14. $15.
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Sat, Mar 28:
7:30 pm “THE VERDI CHORUS – SPRING CONCERT” at First United Methodist Church, 1008 11th St, Santa Monica. It’s an unlikely story. Patrons who flocked to a local restaurant, as much for the operatic entertainment as the food, one day decided to join in and sing, too. Fast-forward 26 years. The Verdi Chorus is now the only ensemble in Southern California devoted solely to performing great choruses from opera. Music Director ANNE MARIE KETCHUM, there since the beginning in 1983, was one of a number of professional opera singers performing at Verdi Ristorante di Musica in Santa Monica. The restaurant owners asked her to take a small group of customers onstage. All they had in common was a love of opera and a dream of singing it. Ketchum turned them into a full-fledged chorus that continues today, and has collected plenty of accolades along the way. The restaurant closed in 1991. Today, the Verdi Chorus is a successful nonprofit organization with over 50 members, a repertoire of nearly 200 opera choruses, and a reputation as a first-rate semi-professional chorus that has, in the words of longtime member Robina Mapstone, “come of age.” Ketchum is not just the guiding light of the Verdi Chorus; she heads up the Opera Program at Pasadena City College, one of the few community colleges in the nation to have such a program.
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The Verdi Chorus offers opera lovers high quality opera at an affordable price - now, more than ever, a very real factor in spending your entertainment dollars. The program is excerpts from Maria Stuarda and Don Pasquale by Donizetti, Un Ballo in Maschera by Verdi, Cavaleria Rusticana by Mascagni, and Candide by Bernstein. Soloists are Lori Ann Fuller, soprano; Hak Soo Kim, tenor; Eugene Chan, baritone; and of course, the only one they’ve ever had, Music Director Anne Marie Ketchum. Two shows, Sat, Mar 28 at 7:30 pm, and Sun, Mar 29, 4 pm, same venue. More at 310- 684-3024 and www.verdichorus.org. Tix: $40 reserved; $30 gen’l seating; $25 srs; $10 students age 25 and younger w/ student ID.
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Sat, Mar 28; dance:
7:30 pm “SHOWCASE TRILOGY: CIE ETANT-DONNE” at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz, Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, 10361 Pico Bl, L.A. 90064; 310-286-0553; www.theatreraymondkabbaz.com. In their first-ever US performance Thursday night, the company performed “Papotoges,” winner of the 2005 Mimos Prize; tonight, they conclude their two-night performance of “Showcase Trilogy,” their highlight from the acclaimed 2008 Festival D’Avignon. Showcase Trilogy explores the ideas of time, beauty and vacuity with a mix of seriousness and derision. Composer Hubert Michel with Frederike Unger and Jerome Ferron revisit 3 masterpieces of dance history. An unfamiliar way to look at The Rite of spring (Stravinsky), the Bolero (Ravel) and Swan lake (Tchaikovsky). Runs Fri & Sat, May 27 & 28, at 7:30 pm. Gen’l $35, students $20.
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Sat, Mar 28:
8 pm RICHARD GILEWITZ at The Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com. Known as one of the strangest men in acoustic music today, Richard Gilewitz fascinates his audiences with fingerstyle gymnastics on his 6 and 12-string guitars while spinning yarns too unbelievable not to be true. His ability to make one guitar sound like an entire orchestra stems from 33 years of well-honed technique and 25 years of on the road worldwide touring, creating his own signature sound. Live shows bring out the best in this author, composer, guitarist, who follows a distinct cadence that creates a glow that continually grows a little brighter with each tune. More at www.richardgilewitz.com. $15.
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Sat, Mar 28:
SOLD OUT: 8 pm JJ CALE plus PIETA BROWN at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403. PIETA BROWN has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and she is a delight.
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Sat, Mar 28:
8 pm JAMES LEE STANLEY plus TREVOR McSHANE & THE FIRM, playing a benefit for the Academy of New Musical Theatre (at the theatre), 5628 Vineland Av, North Hollywood 91601; 818-506-8500. James Lee Stanley has performed nationwide, including several times live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks;” his CD, “Freelance Human Being,” is listed among the “Top 200 Albums of All Time.” James Lee tells us, “The first three albums I ever made are now available: ‘James Lee Stanley,’ ‘James Lee Stanley, Too’ and ‘Three's the Charm,’ [in a] boxed set, $60. Individual CDs are $25 each. For the discerning collector.”More at www.jamesleestanley.com and www.trevormcshane.com. Doors at 7 pm; all ages; $10.
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Sat, Mar 28:
8 pm “KIDS BRING OPERA TO KIDS” at The Luckman Theatre, 5151 State University Dr, on the campus of Cal State L.A. Carmen's a cheerleader, Jose's a nerd, and Escamillo's a football star: over 80 students at the L.A. County High School for the Arts present "Carmen High" March 27 & 28. Imagine having talented high school students (in this case from LA's "Arts High") share their love of opera with members of their own generation in a format guaranteed to reveal how an art form centuries old is still very relevant today. Arts publicist Jenine Baines tells us, “This production of ‘Carmen High,’ based on Bizet's opera Carmen, is truly amazing. No p.r. spin here; I've attended rehearsals and seen the kids in action - they're extraordinarily talented. Plus Stephanie Vlahos - the creative genius behind this project - has a very unique vision.” Show runs Fri, Mar 27, 8 pm; Sat, Mar 28, 2 & 8 pm. Info, www.myspace.com/fullcircleoperaproject or 626-529-3163. $20 adults, $15 students.
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Sat, Mar 28:
10 pm EMITH plays the Oyster House Saloon in Studio City. The duo of STEVIE GURR & CAROL HAVERTY has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Their new CD is imminent. Info, 818-761-8686.
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SUNDAY, MARCH 29
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Sun, Mar 29:
11 am RANDY KAPLAN plays the “KIDS KONCERT” series at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica; 310-828-4403; www.mccabes.com. $8, will-call only.
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Sun, Mar 29:
1-3 pm ”TOM CORBETT MANDOLIN RHYTHMS WORKSHOP” at the Blue Ridge Pickin' Parlor, 17828 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills 91344; 818-282-9001; www.pickinparlor.com . Are you tired of just chopping back-up on the mandolin? This rhythm workshop, under the masterful leadership of Tom Corbett, noted mandolinist and teacher extraordinaire, will explore the many varied and interesting ways of mandolin back-up. He will explore chord rhythm ideas as well as a variety of back-up styles for bluegrass, Irish, blues and swing. More at www.tomcorbett.net. Phone for reservation.
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Sun, Mar 29:
1-3 pm “GILLA CAMP” WORKSHOPS today by RICHARD GILEWITZ at The Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse.com. Known as one of the strangest men in acoustic music today, Richard Gilewitz fascinates his audiences with fingerstyle gymnastics on his 6 and 12-string guitars while spinning yarns too unbelievable not to be true. His ability to make one guitar sound like an entire orchestra stems from 33 years of well-honed technique and 25 years of on the road worldwide touring, creating his own signature sound. Live shows bring out the best in this author, composer, guitarist, who follows a distinct cadence that creates a glow that continually grows a little brighter with each tune. Richard played a concert here last night at 8 pm (see listing).
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Today’s workshops offer a 2-hour preview of the 3-day Richard Gilewitz GillaCamp. Designed to touch-on some of the topics covered during the full GillaCamp, held at various locations, these MiniCamp workshops are scheduled to take advantage of the opportunity to study with this master fingerstyle player. Richard is the author of Mel Bay Publications’ “Acoustic Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop” book and “All Time Favorite Fingerpicking Guitar Tunes” DVD, and “Fingerscapes,” a Truefire.com CD rom. This MiniCamp is divided into 2 separate sessions of instruction and participants can sign up for both sessions or select one session.
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SESSION 1 – “Fingerstyle Techniques, Metro-Groan, Finding a Tune’s Home” (50 Minutes). During this session you will learn:
About hand positions, fingerstyle technique, right and left hand attack
About the effective use of dynamics
How to get the most out of each note
How to adjust your hand position to any type of guitar you play
How, when, and why you may wish to use a capo
Techniques to simplify and actually have fun with a metronome
How to set the click
How to use the metronome to develop speed
How to use the metronome to determine where a tune lives
How to play together while applying picking patterns
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SESSION 2 – “Open Tuning, Slide Guitar” (50 minutes)
During this session you will learn:
Slide guitar technique in multiple open tunings; slide exercise in open D tuning
Advantage of 3 finger positions
How to unlock the mystery of open tunings
Vibrato
Damping and rattle
Variable speeds
Selection of a type of slide
Variable slide direction; effective use during composition
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More at www.richardgilewitz.com. $40 per session.
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Sun, Mar 29:
2-4 pm EMITH plays an in-store concert at Freakbeat Records, Sherman Oaks. The duo of STEVIE GURR & CAROL HAVERTY has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Info, 818-995-7603. Cover charge includes a copy of the new CD: $15.
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Sun, Mar 29:
4 pm “THE VERDI CHORUS – SPRING CONCERT” at First United Methodist Church, 1008 11th St, Santa Monica. It’s an unlikely story. Patrons who flocked to a local restaurant, as much for the operatic entertainment as the food, one day decided to join in and sing, too. Fast-forward 26 years. The Verdi Chorus is now the only ensemble in Southern California devoted solely to performing great choruses from opera. Music Director ANNE MARIE KETCHUM, there since the beginning in 1983, was one of a number of professional opera singers performing at Verdi Ristorante di Musica in Santa Monica. The restaurant owners asked her to take a small group of customers onstage. All they had in common was a love of opera and a dream of singing it. Ketchum turned them into a full-fledged chorus that continues today, and has collected plenty of accolades along the way. The restaurant closed in 1991. Today, the Verdi Chorus is a successful nonprofit organization with over 50 members, a repertoire of nearly 200 opera choruses, and a reputation as a first-rate semi-professional chorus that has, in the words of longtime member Robina Mapstone, “come of age.” Ketchum is not just the guiding light of the Verdi Chorus; she heads up the Opera Program at Pasadena City College, one of the few community colleges in the nation to have such a program.
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The Verdi Chorus offers opera lovers high quality opera at an affordable price - now, more than ever, a very real factor in spending your entertainment dollars. The program is excerpts from Maria Stuarda and Don Pasquale by Donizetti, Un Ballo in Maschera by Verdi, Cavaleria Rusticana by Mascagni, and Candide by Bernstein. Soloists are Lori Ann Fuller, soprano; Hak Soo Kim, tenor; Eugene Chan, baritone; and of course, the only one they’ve ever had, Music Director Anne Marie Ketchum. Two shows, Sat, Mar 28 at 7:30 pm, and Sun, Mar 29, 4 pm, same venue. More at 310- 684-3024 and www.verdichorus.org. Tix: $40 reserved; $30 gen’l seating; $25 srs; $10 students age 25 and younger w/ student ID.
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Sun, Mar 29:
5 pm JAY LEONHART, “the world's wittiest bass player,” performs “THE BASS LESSON,” presented by “Parlor Performances at Steinway Hall,” beneath Fields Pianos, 12121 W Pico Bl (1 door W of Bundy, on Level P2; park free in lot), Santa Monica; reservations, Jeannine@FrankEntertainment.com or 310-471-3979.
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Jay has performed at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall & Lincoln Center - but you don't need to hop a plane to spend a little time with this funny and charming musical virtuoso. Take advantage of Jay's limited geographic desirability. "Add Leonhart to the small, very exclusive list of jazz humorists... in the upper echelon of a group that includes Oscar Brown Jr., Dave Frishberg and Bob Dorough..." Don Heckman, Los Angeles Times. "If you could stuff Dave Frishberg, Mose Allison, and Jon Hendricks into a blender, out would come Jay Leonhart." Harvey Siders, Jazz Times Magazine.
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Leonhart is surely the world's most humorous and original bass player-songwriter-singer. The show begins attempting simply to give the audience its bass lesson, but once Leonhart senses that maybe the audience is not so devoted to bass viol studies, his "lesson" quickly and skillfully turns into a series of funny and touching songs and vignettes about life, with or without a bass violin in tow. Songs are original and totally unique to Leonhart - from an airplane trip with Leonard Bernstein, to an anxiety attack over a delayed flight carrying him to his first gig with Mel Torme, to a hilarious musical moment with drummer Louie Bellson and more -- beautifully crafted and performed. The show becomes a lesson in life, with a charming, funny performance by a master musician.
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Now after countless recordings and performances with many of the great jazz musicians and singers of the twentieth century, from Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Rollins, and Peggy Lee to James Taylor, Tom Paxton, Peter, Paul & Mary and Sting, Jay has become one of the most sought-after musicians in the world. Advance tix $20 w/ reservation by Mar 20; $25 after Mar 20.
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Sun, Mar 29:
7 pm THE PRATIES bring Irish music to the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. .The Praties (Irish slang term for potatoes) are a traditional Irish band that play jigs, reels, polkas and rousing songs. They rock-up the traditional Irish tunes and blast away at the old ballads. The five members play a variety of instruments including fiddle, guitar, uilleann pipes (Irish bag pipes), whistles, flute, mandolin, harmonica, bodhran (Irish drum), autoharp, accordion and banjo. This lively band also performs other rock and folk songs likeJethro Tull’s “Locomotive Breath” and “The Battle of New Orleans.” Their original songs like “Dawning Of A New Day” elaborate on the current upturn in Ireland’s economy and “I’ll Take California” which celebrates their great affection for the Golden state. So brace yourself for a fully-realized acoustic sound and Gallic hyjinx. More at www.thepraties.com. $15.
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Sun, Mar 29:
7-10 pm NSAI “GROUP SONG EVALUATIONS” at the Thurnher House, Lacy Park, San Marino. The Nashville Songwriters International (NSAI) offers these monthly song evaluations to hone your songwriting skills. They help to prepare your songs (and you) for the type of scrutiny they are likely to encounter in the real world of the music business. The workshops are “a good hang and a great way to meet potential co-writers.” Beginning through advanced writers are welcome. Bring a song on CD, cassette, or to play live plus 10 copies of your typed lyric sheet. “Lyrics-only” can be critiqued, too. Free for NSAI members, $15 for non-members after two free trial meetings. Directions: Huntington Dr to Virginia Rd, N 2 blocks, just beyond the entrance to Lacy Park. Car parking on the street or in the Thurnher House parking lot, the next driveway after the park entrance.
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Mar 29:
8:30 pm ARADHANA SILVERMOON accompanied by guitarist Eric Soullivin' of the Luminaries and other musical guests, at The Mint, 6010 W Pico Bl, L.A.; 323-954-9630; www.themintla.com. In addition to her music, Aradhana makes raw organic vegan handmade chocolates. More at www.silvermoonchocolate.com
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MONDAY, MARCH 30
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Mon, Mar 30:
8 pm ANTHONY GABRIAL at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. He is a musical talent born and raised with a passion to share with the world his gypsy virtuoso craft of the guitar. ANTHONY GABRIAL‘s talent became apparent in 1968 at the age of 3 after hearing The Beatles. Inspired by Ringo Starr, Anthony started his musical career on the drums, which eventually led him to pick up the guitar at age 15. The moment he got his hands on the instrument it was natural. He was able to find by ear "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams and an obsession with music started to drive his life. Influenced by bands like Rush, Van Halen, Journey, and Yngwie Malmsteen in his early years, Anthony forged his way through Top 40 bands like Blue Licorice to original bands like Khan and Paladin. Eventually, his songwriting prompted him to explore the piano, as well. With a plethora of original music written and composed by Anthony, his musical journey continues to explore limitless boundaries. His obsession sent him in search of the elite musician, and when he was introduced to Sabicas and his "Flamenco Puro," Anthony became a slave to the Flamenco guitar. In return, his guitar playing and songwriting has elevated to yet another level. Anthony's mission with his music and upcoming CD is “to bring back a high standard of completely rich original melodies and provide inspiration by reaching the ultimate level of expression through music.” $15.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 31
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Tue, Mar 31; a “PICK OF THE WEEK:”
7 pm ALI MARCUS, from Seattle, plays her first L.A. show at Hotel Café, 1623 N Cahuenga Bl, Hollywood; 323-461-2040; www.hotelcafe.com. Ali earned a “Listener Favorite” for her original, “The Most Autobiographical Song,” on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks” before NPR discovered the song and pcked it up. We have long and anxiously awaited for Ali to include an L.A. performance in one of her frequent tours.
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Check out her performance videos on YouTube:
”Daily News,” Ali’s new take on the old Tom Paxton song, at www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3ym-lZ_duU
”Hey John” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=u020ZbkHRyI
”Frank Mills at” www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyYRNAmjsQg
”Wayfaring Stranger / Summertime” with Christy Cameron, (Ali on left) at www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmzVC16iFkE
And, very significantly, “Minnesota,” about which Ali says, “this is an anti-war song. It's a protest song. It's a campaigning song for Barack Obama. It's a folk song. I think it's a little dark but ultimately uplifiting. Like America. To be clear, ‘That's the Change We Need, Minnesota’ was the ‘chorus’ of Obama's speech in Minnesota the night he won the nomination.” Check it out, at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZ8sPG97GkA
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Ali has an old-time folk band, THE OLD BAY WARBLERS, along with her solo singer-songwriter “urban folkster” identity. More at www.myspace.com/theoldbaywarblers
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Ali’s new record, “The Great Migration,” is due in April. Her previous albums have earned accolades from Harp Magazine, the Seattle P-I daily newspaper, and NPR’s “All Songs Considered.” Across the board, she wins high marks for her songwriting and lyrical skill. With a band, “The Great Migration” brings her songs to fruition - something that folks have been waiting for all this time. In the past year, Ali has toured 15 states, playing NYC’s CMJ, Nashville’s Bluebird Café, DC’s IOTA Café, Cambridge’s Lizard Lounge, Berkeley’s Starry Plough, and Seattle’s Experience Music Project. She has recently wrapped up a four-month tour of the Pacific Northwest with a trip to Oregon and California, performing in places like the MakeOut Room in San Francisco, the East Village in Monterey, and along the way, amid the high redwoods.
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A reviewer in “Listen to This” says, “The music is quite beautiful. It's just Marcus and an acoustic guitar and that's all you need...Driven by a pretty voice that occasionally recalls Jenny Lewis these are some of the best songs I've heard from a new artist in an age.”
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Dave Beck of KUOW 94.9 FM says, “Ali casts a skeptical look at life's supposed certainties - religion, success, domestic content. She suggests any of these values could someday crash into that big, jagged iceberg of the unknown.”
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“Folk music with heart and soul.” - Gene Stout, Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
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Critic Oliver di Place says, “Ali Marcus displays a wonderful command of the English language. These are sung poems.”
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Writing in “Womenfolk,” Robbie McCowan says, “Appropriately titled, ‘The Great Migration’ amplifies Marcus’ talent as a continually burgeoning, confident songwriter.”
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This is her ONLY L.A. gig on this road trip, and you owe it to yourself to see her perform. Catch the Red Line subway an avoid traffic and parking charges. More at www.alimarcus.com.
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Tue, Mar 31:
8 pm “LOS ANGELES MUSIC AWARDS SHOWCASE” featuring MISTER B & HIS BAND, CAROLANN AMES, THERESA FLAMINIO, & ROBERT POPA, at Life on Wilshire, 6311 Wilshire Bl, L.A. $ 10 cover. Mister B’s music has been heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” He tells us, “I sent the new CD, ‘Just Like This,’ off to the Los Angeles Music Awards to see what would happen and they called me up and invited me and the band to do a showcase for the judges. Apparently they get about 10,000 CDs sent to them and some of the past showcase acts include No Doubt, Korn, System of a Down & the Black Eyed Peas. So getting a shot at the showcase was freaky cool. The band’s really excited and we’re starting to rehearse like mad now.”
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Tue, Mar 31:
8 pm SURFIN’ SURFARI at the venue named in FolkWorks as L.A.’s best intimate acoustic listening room venue - The Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N Lake Av, Altadena; info www.coffeegallery.com; reserv 626-398-7917. They’re a faithful recreation of what it would have been like to see The Beach Boys live, in concert, in their prime. This 5-member lineup is unrivaled in their sound, presentation, and professionalism. There are no backing tracks or extra musicians playing off-stage. The ibeauty of their vocal harmonies, the crashing back beat that sounds like Dennis Wilson's drums with the soaring surf guitar of Carl Wilson and the genius of Brian Wilson's music? Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “It is all here. The uniband choreography, the Fender guitar line up, the famous custom striped shirts, right down to the black suede Beach Boy boots, it's all here. SURFIN' SAFARI provides you with a great show, a great time, and fun, fun, fun till our Daddy takes the T-Bird away!” $15.
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Tue, Mar 31; in Santa Barbara; a “show of the week” pick:
8 pm MANDA MOSHER (aka MANDA) at SOhO, 1221 State Street Suite 205 Santa Barbara 93101. Just back from showcasing at Austin’s giant SXSW Music Festival, Manda plays at Santa Barbara’s premier music venue.
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In “Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange,” reviewer Mark S. Tucker wrote, “A scratchy old tape recording composing the Intro belies the fully engineered recordings that follow, each one delivered in vocals as smooth and sweet as honey but with a knowing of the world…’Lay Me Down’ being exactly what you might hope and imagine and a rocker finding some good leadwork in Ido Sasson. Manda Mosher's purry pipes are a perennially slinky seduction into her brand of lush soft rock that amps up in various songs building and layering. There's a lot of Aimee Mann and bit of Martha Bates in her writing. …Mosher never resorts to [shouting], preferring the melodious, sultry, moody, and mellifluous. She was, not long ago, chosen to tributize Neil Young and Pete Townshend in respective CDs, and a Townshend cut appears here, his ‘Blue, Red, and Grey.’ ‘Everything You Need’ is a breezy CD, not a burner or a depressoid set of opuses for a dark fall afternoon. The disc is more a summertime outing, driving up Pacific Coast Highway, heading for Zuma Beach and points beyond, cares well behind with prospects of life and love ahead. There's a goodly share of wistfulness to shade the collection, and any number of cuts could easily find their way onto the charts. Manda Mosher has everything going for her: the looks, the sonorities, the chart sound, and any number of winning aspects no matter how you approach her work.”
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In the “Charleston (West Virginia) Gazette,” reviewer Michael Lipton wrote, “The debut from this comely Los Angelino starts out with a short, low-fi acoustic teaser, but it doesn't take long to realize there's nothing low-fi about Mosher. More inspired by the rock side of pop, Mosher seems more informed by smart pop gals like Marti Jones than by the bumper crop of sensitive Americana darlings. Even when she's breathy and cooing on ‘It Can't Be Wrong’ and singing with nothing but an acoustic guitar on the intro to the title track, she has an attitude and an unmistakable undercurrent of fire. The lone cover is a version of Pete Townshend's gorgeous ‘Blue, Red and Grey,’ which she performed at a Townshend tribute at Austin's South By Southwest. That starts out true to the original with guitar instead of ukulele and gradually adds full instrumentation. ‘One True Love’ and ‘Wash it All Away’ are melodic, jangle rockers with plenty of Dylanesque harp on the former. While Mosher's recipe is soaring pop-rockers that always stay within the lines, the back porch-sounding bookends on the disc indicate that she's got some soul and perhaps even a few rough edges.”
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More at www.mandamosher.com. $7 cover.
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[An updated edition with APRIL’s events will post soon.]
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View more events at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com, as chronological date listings, and longer “looks ahead.” The Acoustic Americana Music Calendar updates often, and News Features post weekly.
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Current chronological date listings, to August, 2009, are available for
(1) Los Angeles-area acoustic Americana / acoustic renaissance music events, and,
(2) festivals and other events of great note throughout the US and Canada (and sometimes beyond) included in the Guide and in our occasional presentation of “Best-Out-of-Town (Beyond L.A.) Events,” as we update it. THIS Guide edition contains the most current listings, as of the date it was published.
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If you used a specific url to reach this edition of the Guide, THERE MAY BE A MORE RECENT EDITION. Use the basic url - http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com - and check the side bar on the left, to see if more recent editions have been published.
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If you explore our Myspace page and you’re interested in what’s available there, you’ll probably need to use the “view all” button and scroll, then use the “older” button as many times as needed to explore the archives.
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The MOST RECENT EDITIONS - both the event calendars with descriptive write-ups, AND the Acoustic Americana Music News Features - live 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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Questions? Comments? Contact us at tiedtothetracks@hotmail.com
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As always, more to come, as we (believe it or not) continue to make updates to all the months of 2009 in the “long look ahead” posts.
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…So many truly fine shows, so few evenings and weekends to see them. With a new spirit of HOPE in America, why not celebrate by going out for a tunefully good time?
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View more events at http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com, where all is presented as chronological date listings, for today/tonight, this week, this month, and longer “looks ahead.” The Acoustic Americana Music Guide updates often, and News Features post weekly.
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Current chronological date listings are available for
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(1) Los Angeles-area acoustic Americana / folk-Americana / acoustic renaissance music events, and,
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(2) festivals and other events of great note featuring acoustic Americana and acoustic renaissance 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 we publish here from time to time.
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If you don’t see the dates you need in the content bar at left, just scroll it, OR CLICK THE MOST RECENT PAST MONTH for a list of what was published during that month. If you are exploring the ancient “Acoustic Music Calendar & News” 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-published 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) © 2009, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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LINKS:
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If you are considering a vacation to Mexico, here's an informative and fun site for you: www.mexicovacationtravels.com
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“There’s nothing as quiet as night without music, as dark as a night without stars...” - from “THE FIDDLER,” learned from Guy Carawan
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CAJUN PROVERB OF THE MONTH for March:
"Don’t run through life so fast that you forget where you've been!"
(from the Gator Gazette)
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Yes, it’s true -
There are more ACOUSTIC AMERICANA / ACOUSTIC RENAISSANCE music performances EVERY week in the Los Angeles area than the COMBINED TOTAL of ALL OTHER KINDS OF MUSIC!
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