Acoustic Americana Music Guide UPDATE May 28-31, 2009

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There’s soooo much acoustic music happening that we needed an update ALREADY!
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“Tied to the Tracks”
ACOUSTIC AMERICANA
MUSIC GUIDE
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MAY 28 to 31, 2009 EVENTS
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Updated May 28, 2009; recurring events are included.
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First,
THIS NEWS CAN’T WAIT
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OPPORTUNITY FOR ACOUSTIC WOMEN MUSICIANS:
Y3K GM Entertainment, producer of “Music Club Shadow,” is now booking the best of L.A.'s female acoustic acts: Americana, country, folk-pop, “and anything else acoustic,” for June and July performance dates.
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Solo singer-songwriters and duos get a 30 min set
Trios & bands get a 45 min set.
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Club has a $10 cover charge, and door is split 50 / 50 with the artist after the first 5 people.
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If interested, send your MySpace page link or YouTube link with a live performance clip to booker Mike Shadowsky at shadow_sky@earthlink.net
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THIS YEAR’S “GOTTA-BE-THERE” ACOUSTIC MUSIC EVENT IS ALMOST HERE:
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Without question, the SHOW-OF-THE-YEAR in Los Angeles is the first-ever “L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL,” June 6 & 7 at Santa Monica Pier. Tix now available at various vendor sites around town, or at www.laacousticmusicfestival.com (schedules and other info there, as well.) Tix by check or cash, call 818-621-8309.
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This has an AMAZING lineup:
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THE KINGSTON TRIO, NANCI GRIFFITH, BRUCE COCKBURN, NATALIE MacMASTER, RICHARD THOMPSON, DAVID LINDLEY, JIMMY LaFAVE, ELIZA GILKYSON, SLAID CLEAVES, DAVID BROMBERG & THE ANGEL BAND, JOEL RAFAEL, SARAH LEE GUTHRIE & JOHNNY IRION, THE WOODY GUTHRIE TRIBUTE (RIBBON OF HIGHWAY, ENDLESS SKYWAY), THE REFUGEES, & STONEHONEY!
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THIS is THE musical event of the summer in the City of Angels, and it’s a benefit for a great 501(c)3 music charity for kids! Festival runs Noon-10 pm, both days.
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Lineup by day:
SATURDAY, June 6 - Bruce Cockburn, Natalie MacMaster, Richard Thompson, The Kingston Trio, Jimmy LaFave, Eliza Gilkyson, Joel Rafael, and The Refugees

SUNDAY, June 7 - Nanci Griffith and the Blue Moon Orchestra, David Bromberg & the Angel Band, David Lindley, Woody Guthrie Tribute (Ribbon of Highway/Endless Skyway), Stonehoney, Slaid Cleaves, Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion
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Everyone gets a seat - no standing for hours or sitting on the ground!
GEN’L ADMISSION TIX:
Full Festival (2-day ticket) adult $120, child (age 12 & under) $80;
one day (Sat or Sun) adult $75, child $45.
PREMIERE SECTION TIX (front-of-house):
Full Festival (2-day ticket) adult $140, child (age 12 & under) $100;
one day (Sat or Sun) adult $85, child (age 12 & under) $55.
GOLD & SILVER TIX:
Include parking and backstage receptions with artists after the show; available through the Guacamole Fund, at www.guacfund.org
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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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WELCOME!
Without question, the Los Angeles region now has the greatest number of live acoustic performances of anyplace in America, and possibly in the world. Much of it is simply WONDERFUL, including club and coffeehouse gigs, performing arts center and theater concerts, indoor and outdoor shows, and a steady parade of festivals that include a healthy acoustic music presence. In addition, for those planning travel and our readers elsewhere, the Guide always includes a vast variety of acoustic music festivals all over the planet. And unique to the Guide, descriptions are included in our extensive listings, rather than simple calendar listings where you need to recognize a performer’s name to know the genre of acoustic music. (Lots of places tell you who, where, and when. We tell you that, plus the all-important “what.”) Yep, we “Guide” you through the live acoustic music scene.
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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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RADIO SHOWS that regularly feature live acoustic performances are included, provided there is a way to hear them in Los Angeles. With precious few exceptions, hearing these in L.A. requires internet listening, and we give you the necessary URLs.
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GETTING YOUR GIG LISTED: We welcome your feedback, and news of your acoustic Americana and acoustic renaissance 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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WHERE TO FIND WHAT WE DO…
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WE’RE ON BLOGSPOT.COM where the format allows us to present the massive content of the Guide in easy-to-index published form. The Guide is waaaay too comprehensive to fit anywhere that imposes size limitations (yep, size matters). We began publishing on Blogspot in early 2008.
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WE’RE ON NO DEPRESSION as a new presence, and enjoying that site. Find us there at http://community.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
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WE’RE IN FOLKWORKS with the latest of the “Somewhere Out There” column, published May 1 and available online at www.folkworks.org/content/view/35941/3176. (We had already received over 16 pages of compiled feedback about the current column, before May 9!) We contribute occasional reviews or feature stories to FolkWorks. You can read the work of many good writers there, and you can sign-up for a free FolkWorks e-newsletter, too, all at www.FolkWorks.org
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Our MYSPACE PAGE has news of the syndicated “Tied to the Tracks” radio show. After a long presence on MySpace with the Guide’s predecessor publication, we had to move on, because that site now accepts only short posts. But it’s where you can find archived Acoustic Americana Music News editions published prior to Spring, 2008. (We don’t update the Myspace site very often, or even check its esoteric, myspace-only email. So please DON’T email us through that site. Myspace “friends” are welcome!) You can find what we have there at www.myspace.com/laacoustic
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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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MAY 28 to 31, 2009 EVENTS
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IN THIS EDITION: Look for our popular “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks!
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THURSDAY, MAY 28
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Thursday’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks are The Believers in Altadena, and the “F Is for Folk” film and music series in Hollywood, both at 8 pm.
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Our “PICK-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS” is the Los Angeles Women in Music (LAWIM) “Happy Hour Hang” industry mixer, 5:30-8:30 pm in Westwood.
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LOS ANGELES-area acoustic music events:
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Thu, May 28, every Thu:
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, May 28, (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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Thu, May 28, every Thu:
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, May 28; an “EVENT-OF-THE-WEEK FOR ARTISTS:”
5:30-8:30 pm “LAWIM HAPPY HOUR HANG” monthly music industry social mixer sponsored by Los Angeles Women in Music, this time at Tengu, 10853 Lindbrook Dr, Westwood Village; www.tengu.com. These events are fine social outlets and networking opportunities, in a different location every month, where you can meet new people, re-connect with old contacts, find collaboration partners and side players, and even find a new job opportunity. Happy Hour drink and food pricing until 7:30 pm; full bar and food menu available for purchase. LAWIM members receive a 15% discount off non-happy hour dining check. Bring your business cards to exchange and to enter in a drawing for a $25 Tengu gift certificate. Dress is business casual. $6 valet parking or area street parking. More info at www.lawim.com or 213-243-6440 or info@lawim.com
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Thu, May 28, every Thu: 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, May 28: world music:
6 pm “FOWLER OUT LOUD” series brings “SAMBA DE RAIZ: A ‘ROOTS’ SAMBA EXPERIENCE” to the Fowler Museum courtyard on the UCLA North Campus in Westwood; www.fowler.ucla.edu; 310-825-4361. Beto González and friends present a repertoire of classic Afro-Brazilian musical styles that have been instrumental in the development of urban samba: samba de roda, ijexá, batuque, samba de terreiro,and partido alto. This intimate performance features some very special guests and plenty of dancing and singing with the audience. The “Fowler Out Loud” series brings open galleries, performances (different each week), and light refreshments, most Thursday nights. Free.
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Thu, May 28, 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, May 28, 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, May 28:
7-10 pm “POCKET GOLDBERG & FRIENDS SONGWRITER SHOWCASE” this week with RICK HOLMSTROM (Mavis Staples, Johnny Dyer), and JEFF TURMES (Janiva Magness, Gary Primich), at Arnie's Café & Ristorante Italiano, 6864 Foothill Bl (at Marcus), Tujunga 91042; 818-951-9089; www.Arnies Café.com. Hosted by Mark "Pocket" Goldberg & "Brother" Randy Sacks.
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Thu, May 28:
7 pm JOHN BERGSTROM, JERRY DeJONG, & JOHN NELSON play classic and original western music in Castaic on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays every month at Las Rocas Mexican Grill, 27963 Sloan Canyon Rd (Lake Hughes exit off I-5), Castaic. John tells us, “You’ll really enjoy the food and nice folks there.” He adds that his next CD, “Throw Down the Box,” is due soon, with nine original and two traditional songs. The title track, John explains, “tells the story of the Northern California bandit, Black Bart.” It’s proven to be a crowd-pleaser at the Autry Museum and elsewhere that John has performed it. John likes songs about bandits. His CD, "Western State of Mind," which had its world premiere on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” has been receiving air play in several countries, and one of its tracks is the ballad "Tiburcio Vasquez" that is climbing the western charts in England, where it is currently in the Top Ten.
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Thu, May 28:
7-10 pm KELLY FITZGERALD plays solo acoustic at Delius Restaurant, 2951 Cherry Av, Signal Hill; www.deliusrestaurant.com; 562-989-1000. More at www.kellyfitzgerald.net
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Thu, May 28, every Thu:
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, May 28, every Thu:
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, May 28, every Thu:
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, May 28, every Thu; 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, May 28, every Thu:
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, May 28, every Thu:
7:30 “MUSIC NIGHT” at Lulu’s Beehive, 13203 Ventura Bl (1 blk E of Fulton), Studio City; 818-986-2233. After a long absence, the singer-songwriter series is back at the fun little venue. Three featured acts, “plus special guests and surprises each week.” After a long absence, the singer-songwriter series is back at the fun little venue. Or as they say, “the buzz has returned to the Beehive.” Light fare, sandwiches, coffeehouse beverages available. No cover.
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Thu, May 28, every Thu:
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, May 28; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm THE BELIEVERS, Seattle favorites, celebrate their new album "Lucky You" tonight 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; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. It’s their 5th time back to The Coffee Gallery.
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L.A. dates are: May 21, House of Blues Sunset Strip; May 23, Crane's Tavern, Hollywood; May 28, Coffee Gallery Backstage, Altadena; May 31, Grand Ole Echo, Echo Park. Known as a band that's rapidly converting listeners through widespread word-of-mouth for their effortless blend of alt-country and indie-rock, Seattle's THE BELIEVERS are touring their new CD demonstrating, as they playfully put it, a "rock band with a country problem," pairing 70s-style Fleetwood Mac hooks with a heavy undercurrent reminiscent of Heart and Concrete Blonde. Months before its release, “Lucky You” already had a whirlwind radio presence around the country, leaving this independent act flooded with preorder requests.
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The album's title track, "Lucky You," is a sexy stomp, evoking a modern update of X, another punky group who flirted with country and boy-girl vocal harmonies over a four-on-the-floor rock groove. The album includes singer-songwriter duo Craig Aspen and Cyd Frazzini tackling Hurricane Katrina's aftermath with the barn-burning twang of "Ring Ring Ring" and the country blues "Higher Ground." The album features musical contributions from Band of Horses' Bill Reynolds, and was produced by Aspen, Frazzini, drummer Stevie Adamek, and mastered by producer Ray Kennedy (Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams). Ther band’s live shows have been described by Rock and Reel Magazine as "what Johnny Cash and The Tennessee Three might have sounded like if they'd jammed with The White Stripes." More at www.thebeleiversUSA.com and www.myspace.com/thebelieversmusic. $15.
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Thu, May 28; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm “F IS FOR FOLK FILM SERIES” presents “FOLK SHREDDERS NIGHT” featuring SANDY BULL, BERT JANSCH, RALPH McTELL, & GUY BLAKESLEE (Entrance Band), at the Silent Movie Theater, 611 N Fairfax Av, Hollywood; 323-655-2510; www.cinefamily.org
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Thu, May 28, 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, May 28, recurring:
8-10 pm BONNIE MURRAY TAMBLYN 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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BONNIE MURRAY TAMBLYN was born to music. She was imbued with a well-disciplined musicality by her father Alexander Murray, concert violinist and concertmaster of Republic studios. Living on the road with her guitar for years, she gained the soul of the honky-tonk chanteuse. Bonnie stretched out into the field of folk-rock in the ‘60s and ‘70s and recorded her songs with many notable musicians on the Southern circuit. They included Duke Bardwell from Louisiana, Merel Bregante of Austin Texas and Al Garth from California. In the ‘80s her path took the turn of devoted mother to actress Amber Tamblyn and wife to artist Russ Tamblyn. Yet Bonnie never left her music, and continued to play and write. She has performed in folk and poetry venues, accompanying her daughter Amber (“The Drums Inside Your Chest”). Her retrospective album, “Return of the Rainbow Girl,” was released in 2006, and in 2007 she reunited with her very first band, Blue Heaven. This reunion has happily brought her back to the stage. The venue tells us, “Her voice is like dark honey with a whiskey infusion. Armed with her 12-string, her songs tell the story.” Bonnie is accompanied by the Blue Heaven Band, as California musicians Rick Huhnke, Bill Brumback and John Albert hit the road again with Bonnie Murray Tamblyn. More at www.myspace.com/bonniemurraytamblyn
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Thu, May 28, 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, May 28:
ST VINCENT at the El Rey, 5515 Wilshire Bl, L.A.; 323-936-4790; www.theelrey.com. Pitchfork calls her a "Disturbingly gifted new talent." In the midst of an extensive US tour in support of her new album, “Actor,” released May 5, her stops include this oine in L.A. plus festival performances at Sasquatch! and Bonnaroo.
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St. Vincent (nee ANNIE CLARK) previewed songs from 'Actor' at two SXSW performances in Austin, and The Austin American Statesman called her CD “Actor,” "a mindblower" and predicted in advance that St. Vincent "could be the hottest ticket at SXSW this year."
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“Actor” features the track, "Actor Out of Work," in case you were wondering. More at www.beggarsgroupusa.com/releases/actor. More at www.shorefire.com/clients/stvincent and www.myspace.com/stvincent. Check with venue for set time.
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Thu, May 28, 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, May 28, every Thu:
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, May 28, every Thu:
9 pm-2 am “ALL ACOUSTIC WITH ANGEL” hosted by ANGEL, with different artists each week (except 3rd Thursdays, when it’s an Old Time Jam, hosted by Triple Chicken Foot) always fun, at the Hyperion Tavern, 1941 Hyperion Av (look for barber pole just S of Lyric), L.A. 90027. The Thursday series has its own web page, complete with weekly lineups, at www.myspace.com/hyperiontavernallacoustic.
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Angel tells us, “This night is acoustic, old timey, ukuleles, barbershop quartets, dedicated to creating a community of artists and musicians who don't need the use of flashy lights, amps or mics. Our grandpappies didn't need it so why do we? Inquiry about playing can be sent to HyperionTavernAllAcoustic@gmail.com or even better, stop by and have a beer! Entry is always free and 21+! We'll get the barberpole up and running soon.”
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Thu, May 28, every Thu:
9 pm PRESTON SMITH & THE CROCODILES play their residency at The Office, 3516 W Victory Bl (at Hollywood Wy), Burbank. Preston says, “Great sound, great food, wine and beer!” New residency, began Apr 9, 2009.
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Thu, May 28, every Thu:
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, May 28, 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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FRIDAY, MAY 29
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Friday’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks are, all at 8 pm, Los Lobos in Santa Clarita, Incendio in Altadena, and Graham Parker & Tom Freund, in Santa Monica, with a second show at 10 pm.
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“Out-of-Town” event:
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Fri-Sun, May 29-31; in Iowa:
7th annual “BECKSTER FEST” polka fest at the RV park in Amana, IA 52203. Nine bands play in two air conditioned buildings with wooden dance floors. Food and drink available.
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LOS ANGELES-area acoustic music events:
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Fri, May 29, every Fri, 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, May 29, every Fri:
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, May 29; in the OC:
6 pm ONE FOOT IN perform on the patio at Palomar Restaurant, 20305 Yorba Linda Bl (at & Village Center Dr), Yorba Linda 92886; 714-777-1555. They (Russ, TJ, Michael and Jeff) have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” and now they tell us, “A performance has magically appeared for Friday night. Smoke and mirrors? Who cares? We'll play our arses off nonetheless, and the food (and beer and wine) are truly extraordinary.”
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Fri, May 29, every Fri:
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, May 29, every Fri:
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, May 29, every Fri; 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, May 29, every Fri:
7:30 pm “OPEN MIC” at the Unurban Coffee House, 3301 Pico Bl (at 33rd), Santa Monica; 310-315-0056; www.unurban.com
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Fri, May 29, 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, May 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm LOS LOBOS at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, at College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita 91355; www.canyonspac.com; 661-362-5304. Los Lobos broke into the mainstream music scene with their stirring rendition of the Richie Valens’ classic “La Bamba” for the big-screen movie of the same name. But they'd already been around a long time, delighting audiences since they began in 1973 as LOS LOBOS DEL ESTE LOS ANGELES. It's been a decade or more since they achieved the status of a respected artistic entity, artists who search for and interpret themes and topics that are an interpretive pulse of our times.
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Using musical molds built on the blues, rockabilly, jazz, Latin and their own Mexican-American heritage, LOS LOBOS have never beat their fans over the head with politics or agendas. Instead, they subtly challenge them with conscience-raising songs and thought-provoking lyrics. As Rolling Stone put it, “With the exception of U2, no other band has stayed on top of its game as long as Los Lobos.” Tix went on sale Jul 16, 2008; prices $184.50, $144, $94.50.
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Fri, May 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm INCENDIO 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; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com.
acclaimed world-guitar-fusion trio. in both Italian and Spanish means “fire” and this moniker is fitting for a musical group whose sound is all about energy, exploration, and passion. At the heart of INCENDIO’s sound is the Latin or Spanish guitar which can conjure up romantic as well as powerful and bold images – they refer to their style as “Latin Guitar World Fusion”. Averaging over 150 concerts a year for the last four years, INCENDIO’s live show has become an explosive improvisatory journey, garnering tremendous audience response in such diverse venues as the Strawberry Music Fest in Yosemite, the Sundance Film Festival, Verizon Music Festival, Catalina Jazztrax, California World Festival, and many more.
Their four previous CD’s have enjoyed international radio airplay and critical acclaim. Their new live DVD and CD, “Dia Y Noche”, captures a daytime show at the Strawberry Festival 2004 and a nighttime show at the Countrywide Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Center and was released internationally on December 2, 2005. INCENDIO is Jim Stubblefield (guitar), Liza Carbe (bass and guitar), and Jean-Pierre Durand (guitar).
$18.
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Fri, May 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 & 10 pm (8 pm show is SOLD OUT) GRAHAM PARKER plus TOM FREUND at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Here for two shows tonight, Parker is a seminal figure in British New-Wave, presaging Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson as singer-songwriters for the Punk generation. McCabe’s booker Lincoln Myerson says, “Like his contemporaries, Parker continues still and in our estimation has released some of his best material in the last few years. Tonight he appears in acoustic format along with friend (and opener) Tom Freund for an evening of songs from his 30+ year career. Incredible!”
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Fri, May 29:
CANCELLED - 8 pm STEPHEN BISHOP at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Venue’s web site has a helpful local dining guide. Oscar and two time grammy nominee Bishop, known for his hit songs, "On and On," "Save it for a Rainy Day," "It Might Be You," from the movie "TOOTSIE" and "Separate Lives" a hit for Phil Collins. His songs have been recorded by Clapton, Streisand, Garfunkel, Kenny Loggins, The Four Tops, and Pavarotti. $20.
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Fri, May 29; in the OC:
8-10:30 pm DENNIS ROGER REED BAND at Alta Coffee, 506 31st St, Newport Beach; 949-675-0233. These guys are fine musicians, playing roots Americana and originals, as they did live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” They are Dennis; Kevin Gore; Greg Lewis; Ellis Schweid; and Lance Wulff. More at www.dennisrogerreed.com
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Fri, May 29, every Fri:
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, May 29, every Fri:
8 pm THE BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND plus a headliner, most Fri & Sat nights, with BBHB opening for “some of the best blues music headliners in the industry,” at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia; www.arcadiabluesclub.com; 626-447-9349. The venue claims, “This is the greatest house band in America. Members over the years have included musicians who have played with Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, The Pointer Sisters, The Jeff Healey Band and influences from John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison and Eric Burden.” Fri & Sat nights bring local blues bands as well as national acts. Acts booked include Chris Cain, Lil Charlie and the Nite Cats, Coco Montoya, Rod Piazza, James Intveld, Rosie Flores, Duke Robillard, Guitar Shorty, Gary Hoey, Wumbloozo, Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash and more. Website has lineups for specific dates and a tix link. Venue serves dinner Fri & Sat, 7 pm-2 am. Advance tix, reservations, recommended (club is now only holding tables only until 8:30 pm).
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Fri, May 29, every Fri:
8-10 pm “NASHVILLE & NOHO:” MICHAEL MISHAW, PATSY MOORE & FRIENDS 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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Michael Mishaw once haunted the studios of Nashville singing backup, before becoming a resident ghost of Los Angeles studios as well as part-time road dog. He has recorded with Neil Young, Barbra Streisand, Don Henley, Russell Watson, Marc Antoine, Richard Carpenter, Marta Sanchez, France Gall, Eddie Mitchell and more. He is an alumnus of 7-time Grammy winning group The 5th Dimension and a current member of world renowned a cappella group Inner Voices. He's had fabulous tours and live performances with Don Henley, Natalie Cole, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bolton, Johnny Mathis, Dianne Davidson, and After 7. These lists go on and on, but you get the picture. Michael's songs have appeared in the classic TV serial All My Children, on Marta Sanchez recordings, and in the DeNiro/Snipes thriller film The Fan. In addition to his own shows and recordings, Michael continues to contribute vocals to various Film and TV projects including Land of the Lost, A Thousand Faces, Happy Feet, The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, Amistad, Grace Under Fire, Mr. Woodcock, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and It's The Pied Piper Charlie Brown. Michael also has his hands in on-going live projects such as The Singer Salon, his RL physical world social networking creation for pro singers, and more recently ♥➜Art, an internet TV show showcasing the undiscovered, upfront talents of pro backup singers and side musicians. More at www.michaelmishaw.com
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PATSY MOORE is an award-winning, critically-acclaimed singer/songwriter who, in the 1990s, released two albums on the Warner Bros. label--Regarding the Human Condition and the flower child’s guide to love and fashion. Although numerous performers have covered her tunes, among the most notable is jazz world favorite Dianne Reeves. Moore's self-produced full-length recording, The Most Private Confessions of Saint Clair: Studio Renderings, was released in 2008. Due to a series of setbacks, including Moore's battle with chronic illnesses, the 11-song project took nearly five years to complete.
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MYRRH (aka Maria Hobbs) spent her formative years in her mother’s native Spain. She began playing guitar at age 15 and attended L.A.'s renowned Musicians Institute in later years. Myrrh has accompanied a vast array of artists—including Cree Summer, Macy Gray, Nedra Johnson and Medusa—although the versatile player is probably best known for her anchoring roles in the oft-praised West Coast bands Strangefruit and Only Child. She also contributed to the soundtrack of the 1995 20th Century Fox film Strange Days, starring Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett. Myrrh occasionally performs and produces music and scores for film and television as half of the duo Glasskid, a partnership with singer-songwriter Patsy Moore.
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TIM DILLINGER is a singer-songwriter, poet and author whose work has been receiving recognition on an international scale since 2004 when he released his debut album, "Love Is On My Mind." His sophomore project, "The Muse," received critical acclaim as well as a half dozen awards and nominations from within the Independent Soul community and heightened Tim’s reputation as an outspoken and prolific poet. We’re told, “His four octave range staggers audiences, leaving critics and peers hailing him as one of the greatest voices of his time.” He has performed and/or recorded with artists ranging from gospel dynamos Beverly Crawford and Daryl Coley to soul musicians Frank McComb and Kloud 9. Tim is embarking on the Summer SoulKiss Tour in June, kicking off in New York City and touching down in 12 cities across the country. More at www.timdillinger.com
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PAM MARK HALL & JERRY CHAMBERLAIN performed on the same stage 30 years ago, she as a folky singer-songwriter, he as lead guitarist for a Christian rock band called Daniel Amos. Now, veteran writers-recording artists-producers, Pam Mark Hall (www.myspace.com/pammarkhall) & Jerry Chamberlain (www.myspace.com/deefunked) have pooled talents and cultural histories to create a unique melange of genres and styles to perform as a duo called Pamelita & Parker. Both were born and raised in California (Pamelita-north/Parker-south), their influences span folk, rock, soul, pop, classical and blues and gospel, from the West to East Coasts, the North down to the South (US) and on to Europe. Their new sound has been described as “flamenco-circus rock” in one breath, and “nouveau bluesy-folk pop-rock” in another. Pamelita’s soulful and sensuous rhythm guitar, keyboards and vocals compliment Parker’s impassioned & sculpted acoustic and electric lead guitars and vocals.
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Fri, May 29:
8:30 pm JOE LaBARBERA QUINTET at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; www.bostoncourt.org; 626-683-6883. Joe drives his percussion instruments and jazz band with authority, sensitivity and inspired musicianship. Adv tix: gen’l $20, stu/sr $15.
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Fri, May 29, every Fri:
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, May 29; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
10 pm (8 pm show is SOLD OUT) GRAHAM PARKER plus TOM FREUND at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. Here for two shows tonight, Parker is a seminal figure in British New-Wave, presaging Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson as singer-songwriters for the Punk generation. McCabe’s booker Lincoln Myerson says, “Like his contemporaries, Parker continues still and in our estimation has released some of his best material in the last few years. Tonight he appears in acoustic format along with friend (and opener) Tom Freund for an evening of songs from his 30+ year career. Incredible!”
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SATURDAY, MAY 30
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Saturday’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks are amazingly abundant and all over the map: there’s the 19th annual “Bob Dylan Fest” at 1 pm in El Segundo and The “First Annual Hep C Aware Telethon” at 1 pm in Long Beach, both running for 8 hours; the “Harry Carey Tribute” at 1 pm in Valencia; The Tumbling Tumbleweeds at 7 in Altadena; The Brainstormers at 7:30 in Granada Hills; The Refugees at the Getty Center at 7:30; Michael Chapdelaine in Culver City at 7:30; The Flatlanders - true superstars (time not specified) in West Hollywood; and, The Wimbereleys and Lonesome Otis in Covina at 8 pm.
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Local FESTIVALS:
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Sat & Sun, May 30-31:
All day “MUSIC FOR THE CAUSE FESTIVAL” and American Cancer Society “RELAY FOR LIFE” in the John Parker Plaza in Central Park, 27150 Bouquet Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, 91390, is one of the biggest of the nationwide American Cancer Society 24-hour fundraisers. It features live music performances and walkers/runners who lap a track for pledges to the cause.
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The Santa Clarita Blues Society, a Bronze Sponsor, is fielding a relay team; info at www.scvblues.org or www.myspace.com/santaclaritavalleybluessociety or, to make a tax-deductible donation or to light a luminaria for someone you lost to cancer, go to www.scvrelay.com/2009/Teams/TeamSCVBS.htm
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Music Lineup includes MELLINA DAWN, FIDDLESTICKS & IVORY PLUS, RACHAEL COOK, TONI DODD & SOUTHLAND BLUES, SKINNY LITTLE TWITS, RUBY MARSHALL, 21ST CENTURY BLUES BAND, SUSAN REY & MARY WHITE, PHIL GATES BAND, KATIE & NATALIE FORTMAN, ACOUSTIC SOUL, BRYAN CHAN, ROBY DURON BAND, JEFF JENSEN BAND, SIERRA HIGHWAY, ALAN WRIGHT BAND, WILLIE NAYLOR BAND, MICHELLE LAWRENCE, KIRBY HEYBORNE, CORE, BONNY SOUTHERN featuring KAREN EDEN, JOHN WARLING, and more.
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The Blues Society has a drawing at 11 pm Saturday for a Fender Special Edition Custom Telecaster FMT HH Electric Guitar, (need not be present to win), with all proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society thru their SCV Blues Society Relay Team. To purchase raffle tix or pledge to the team, contact Lynn@SCVBlues.org.
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The SCV Relay is the 10th largest in the United States and has 137 teams this year. Last year, the Blues Society Team was #12 out of 109 and raised $11,599 in donations. Many bands participate by playing at the Relay to help raise money to find a cure for Cancer. There are 13 hours of non-stop music.
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You can volunteer to take a walking shift for the team, bring your sleeping bag and small tent and spend the night with them in the park, and the all-night entertainment includes contests, storytelling, acoustic jams, and more. No pets are allowed in this area of the Park due to a City ordinance.
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Sat, May 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
1-9 pm “19th ANNUAL BOB DYLAN FEST” hosted by ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER with more than 60 musicians playing over 60 Dylan songs with no repeats, at St. Anthony’s School, 233 Lomita Street in El Segundo.
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Folk/rock duo Andy Hill and Renee Safier host their 19th annual Bob Dylan Fest and this year, the venue is a school, outside adjacent to the gym, and it’s rain or shine. A portion of the proceeds benefit St. Anthony’s Elementary School. Musicians include Hill and Safier with their band HARD RAIN, plus BOB MALONE, KAREN NASH, and MARTY RIFKIN, who has toured and recorded with Bruce Springsteen and others. Rifkin accompanies other musicians on pedal steel. Additional bands and musicians participating include DRY SEPTEMBER, ARLEN RIMMER, PILLOW OF WRONGNESS, MICHELLE PORTER, and THE 8-TRACKS.
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All-in-all, it’s over 60 musicians performing over 60 Dylan songs with no repeats. Chord charts are provided for instrumentalists to join in and musicians and bands are selected before the event, and several return each year. The audience is encouraged to dress in costumes as “characters, things, interpretations and misinterpretations of Dylan’s song titles or lyrics,” states Andy. “A misinterpretation would be when our guitarist dressed up as Angus Young (of AC DC) as a play on the song title ‘Forever Young.’” Some of the costumes over the years have included various versions of “Tangled Up In Blue,” “Highway 61,” “Farmer’s Daughter,” “Isis” and “Baby Blue.”
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Performances from last year’s event are available on YouTube, at www.youtube.com/profile?user=pffriel22&view=videos
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Food and drinks are available for purchase. Bring a beach chair.
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Andy Hill started the party in 1991 in celebration of Dylan’s 50th birthday (May 24). He had read in the liner notes of Dylan’s “Biograph” retrospective set of a party in New York where guests were invited to dress-up as characters from Dylan’s songs. Andy’s band at the time knew a lot of the legendary songwriter’s material and booked the first gig at the Hermosa Saloon as a costume party. Since the party’s inception, it has been held at various venues in the South Bay, including Andy’s backyard.
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Andy and Renee have recorded nine independent CDs. Their critically-acclaimed CD, “It Takes A Lot To Laugh,” featured all Dylan songs (produced by Marty Rifkin) that led to a performance at the Dylan Fest in Italy. The duo were a hit in the after hours jam sessions at that festival, as they knew how to play most of Dylan’s material. In addition, with the help of their band HARD RAIN and several friends, Andy and Renee recreated a live performance of The Band’s legendary “Last Waltz” concert. Andy and Renee play over 200 dates a year as a duo or with their band throughout Southern California, and at folk festivals that have included the Telluride Blues Festival (where Renee’s blues and jazz vocal chops won the 2005 “Acoustic Blues” competition), Kerrville Folk Festival, Napa Valley Folk Festival, Sierra Songwriter’s Festival, and Winery Music Awards Festival.
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Review of 2008 Bob Dylan Fest, from “The annual birthday party where the guest of honor never shows remains a local draw,” in the Easy Reader: “The performers on stage last Saturday were more than mere imitators … There was ‘Nashville Skyline’ -era Dylan crooning Americana. There was coil-haired Dylan in a polka dot shirt wailing wild blues. And then there were the costumed characters from Dylan’s songs: ladies in leopard-skin pillbox hats, Big Jim ‘looking so Dandy and so fine,’ even ‘Tangled Up and Blue’ in a blue dress with knotted frayed ends.” Read the full article at http://tinyurl.com/cmmytd
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More at www.myspace.com/andyandreneebobdylanfest. Advance tix, $20, can be purchased through www.andyandrenee.com or by contacting Andy at 310-324-3663 or andyhillmusic@hotmail.com. At gate, admission is $25; children age 12 and under, $10.
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Sat & Sun, May 30 & 31:
11 am-9 pm “BUFEST” with over 75 local bands on four stages, at Paramount Ranch, Cornell Rd & Paramount Ranch Dr, between Agoura Hills & Malibu; www.bufest.com.
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There are some acts here who are known for fine acoustic performances, including some who have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” including MARINA V, ARLENE KOLE, ALISSA MORENO, and BRIAN TRAVIS. But primarily, this looks like a big indie rock festival with a few signed artists, like the award-winning acoustic and electric MANDA MOSHER.
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Here’s the lineup:
ROCK NATION, ADAM'S ATTIC, ARLENE KOLE, OTHER SHADY CHARACTERS, PATO BANTON, ROCK NATION, THE ELEVATERS, UNWRITTEN LAW, REEL BIG FISH, ALI HANDAL, ARDEN KAYWIN, ALISSA MORENO, IRENE NELSON, MOZELLA, JENNIFER HIRSH, CHRONIC STEW, MIGGS, BEAUTIFUL GENERATION, THE DREAMING, SARAH VANELL, LEO, KAILE GOH, MIDORI, LADYSUGAR, BELA, EVOLUTION EDEN, BRIAN TRAVIS BAND, JENNIFER GAIL, THE ENERGY, LEAVING SPRINGFIELD, A DULL SCIENCE, SUMMER SCHOOL VAMPIRE, FROM JUPITER, OVERBREAKER, THE SYNCOPE THRESHOLD. STILL TIME, MAJORITY LOST, GOODBYE GADGET, BLACKOUT 101, NOISE ATTACK, STEVIE G BAND, MARINA V, KATIE COSTELLO, MARY ANNE MARINO, CHIARA ANGELICOLA, PORTER, JON GOODHUE, ALICE WALLACE, FOX FAGAN, KRISTEN TOEDTMAN, DAVID BARON, CINDY KALMENSON, MAKEPEACE BROTHERS, EVERYTHING THAT EXISTS, DANIELLE HAGAN, KRISTEN PROFFIT, AISHA JENNETT, JOY PEARSON, DARIUS LUX, STEPHANIE KNIFFIN, ENA VIE, KATHLEEN HASKARD, & MANDA MOSHER.
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Tix are $35 & $50.
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“Out-of-Town” Event:
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Sat, May 30:
Annual “WASHINGTON FOLK FESTIVAL” in Glen Echo Park, Washington DC (well, just over the border – officially, it’s in Glen Echo, MD). A fantastic bit of American history & Americana. From the park's website: “Glen Echo Park began in 1891 as a National Chautauqua Assembly, which taught the sciences, arts, languages and literature. By the early 1900s Glen Echo Park had become a premier amusement park, serving the Washington area until 1968. In 1971, after the federal government obtained the land, the National Park Service began managing the park. The National Park Service collaborated with artists and arts organizations to create a rich arts program in the spirit of the original Chautauqua movement. Today the programs and facilities at the Park are managed by a nonprofit organization, the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc., while the National Park Service continues its role in managing the grounds and providing historic interpretation. The mission of the Glen Echo Park Partnership is to present vibrant artistic, cultural and educational offerings at Glen Echo Park and to promote the Park as a unique destination for our region’s diverse population. It nurtures a dynamic community of artists and performers while preserving and managing historic facilities within this unique National Park.”
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LOS ANGELES-area acoustic music events:
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Sat, May 30, 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, May 30, 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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Sat, May 30, 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, May 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
1-3 pm “TRIBUTE TO HARRY CAREY, JR.” with JASON “BUCK” CORBETT performing at Tesoro Adobe Park, 29350 Avenida Rancho Tesoro, Valencia. Buck’s back-up players are John Nelson, Dan Dungan and Gene Culkin.
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Sat, May 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
1-9 pm “19th ANNUAL BOB DYLAN FEST” hosted by ANDY HILL & RENEE SAFIER with more than 60 musicians playing over 60 Dylan songs with no repeats, at St. Anthony’s School, 233 Lomita Street in El Segundo. See “Festivals” listing, at the beginning of today’s events, for very complete details.
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Sat, May 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
1-9 pm “FIRST ANNUAL HEP C AWARE” live music show and telethon to raise awareness of Hepatitis C brings a great lineup including “the father of the Long Beach blues scene,” BERNIE PEARL, plus HOLLY LIGHT, PATSY GRIND, MICHELLE MANGIONE, New Orleans bluesman SCOTT DETWEILER, BABYLON BLUES, “Southern Cal Blues Challenge” winner PHIL GATES, EVONNE RIVERA, MISTER B, and organizer KELLY’S LOT, at the Liquid Lounge, 3522 E Anaheim St, Long Beach.
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Free screening and antibody testing are available from 1-9 pm. You should consider having this testing if you may have been exposed to Hepatitis C or if you have received blood, blood products, or an organ transplant prior to 1992; ever shared drug paraphernalia, either by injecting or snorting; ever been stuck by a used blood needle; been on kidney dialysis; had a tattoo or body piercing; had sexual activity that involves contact with blood; shared personal care items (razors, toothbrushes, hair clippers, etc.) with other people; been incarcerated; are a war veteran (especially Vietnam).
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This event remembers those who have lost the battle with Hepatitis C and those who are struggling to survive. Through the years, Hepatitis C has infected the lives of millions of Americans including Naomi Judd, Natalie Cole, Steven Tyler, Pamela Anderson and Mickey Mantle. Money raised from raffle donations at the event goes directly to materials that are distributed all over the US, including in Long Beach.
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Raffle items include a guitar donated by Grace Slick and lots of other prizes donated by The Long Beach Symphony, Los Angeles Blues Society, Miranda Mirsec, Two Umbrellas Café, Buonos Pizza, Liquid Lounge, Flowers by Vicky, Long Beach Barber Shop, Black Market, Rock Bottom Café, Aquarium of The Pacific, Loft on Broadway, Long Beach Opera, Lace Pickups and Guitars and Crystal Hot Sauce, Roche, Stella Artois, EarCandy, The Dr. Phil Show, paintings by Cindi and Dover. Venue is 21+; no cover.
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Sat, May 30; in Ventura/Ojai area:
2-6 pm 3rd annual “HOME GROWN TALENT SHOW” combined with a “Potluck Picnic Under the Oaks,” at Dancing Oak Ranch on Hwy 150, between Ojai and Carpinteria, Reservations get directions, at shane@ojaiconcertseries.com. Call Shane at 805-665-8852 if you need more info.
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The hosts, Shane & Kelli Butler of the Ojai Concert Series, tell us, “Bring family and tell your friends. The weather is going to be perfect (guaranteed!). We have over 9 diverse artists & bands covering folk, Celtic, country, rock and even a little pop. All of it fun, original, and performed live on our new stage. It's a potluck so bring a dish to share. Anything goes, cold or cooked dishes, salads, drinks or dessert (please no raw meat since we won't have a BBQ smoking up our fresh country air). B*Y*O*B/W. Dress casual, well-behaved dogs are ok if they aren't barkers or food smoochers.” More info and pictures of the artists at www.ojaiconcertseries.com.
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Scheduled artists, in no particular order:
THE BYLE FAMILY brings Celtic tunes. We’re told, “Talent sure runs in this family, their musical abilities has been apparent for years but of limited exposure and now we are getting a taste. So don't miss this rare opportunity to catch Eilam Byle on flute and penny whistle along with his son's Noahm, 9, on piano & percussion and Edaan, 14, on violin and mandolin. For the Byle family, music has always been one more way of getting close. Write them at: eilambyle@yahoo.com.“
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DREW ROUSE follows in a long tradition of great Canadian singer-songwriters and story tellers. Shane & Kelli say, “He is the real deal, a troubadour with a gypsy's soul. He's a fiercely independent 'acoustic messenger' who has captured the hearts of audiences at coffee houses and festivals from the east coast to the west. Drew began writing poetry at age 7 and composing professionally at age 14. He has a unique propensity for meshing smooth rhythms with driving melodies around environmental and social issues. Often described as "Conscious Acoustic Soul", his music is soulful, powerful, earthy and keeps you moving. His live performances along with his charismatic edge have earned him a very loyal following which is ever-growing. He has released six independent albums so far: drew@drewrouse.com.”
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RYAN DIETZ is only 12 years old, but the hosts say, “His guitar playing is going to blow you away! He lives in Ojai, is a student at Our Lady of the Assumption School in Ventura. Ryan has been playing guitar for 4 years and is a student of Patricia Cardinali at Cardinali Bros. Music in Ojai. He plays both electric and acoustic guitars. He loves all types of music and is inspired by Jack Johnson, Neil Schoen(lead guitar from Journey), Slash, and Eric Clapton.”
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JULIJA ZONIC (pronounced Yooleeya) is a Croatian-born singer, songwriter and actress now living in Ojai. A professional singer since childhood, her rich, sweet vocals and dynamic range cut across all song styles to move audiences around the world.
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SMITTY WEST is an Ojai-based keyboardist, vocalist songwriter, and film scorer, well-known throughout Southern California for his versatility, generosity and humor. He is the founder of Ojai Songwriters Anonymous, and the producer of two full-length CDs, his own "Your World," and Myridian’s "Prime Myridian." hscottsmith@sbcglobal.net.“
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SADÉ CHAMPAGNE is a 21-year-old musician from Ventura by way of Orlando, Florida. Her music is a smooth blend of soul, rock, R&B, gospel and she wrote her first song at 13. She is an actress, fitness model, motivational speaker, and more. The hosts say, “Sadé Champagne speaks to children and young adults in her community, inspiring them to follow their dreams, believe in themselves, and help others. She will bring a few of her 5 amazing backup dancers, Brittney, Rich, Omar, Melissa, and Steven. They are professional dancers/choreographers skilled in jazz, gymnastics, hip hop, breakdancing, and more. www.myspace.com/sadechampagne & sadechampagnemusic@gmail.com.“
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KACEY CUBERO is an award-winning singer and songwriter, based in Southern California. The hosts say, “An independent artist, Kacey has toured and performed internationally, combining blues, rock, and country to create a soulful style all her own. Email Kacey at kaceycubero@hotmail.com or check her out at www.myspace.com/kaceycubero.”
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FRED SCHMITT was hired by John Gorka to play at a festival, and Townes Van Zandt voted for him at the Kerrville, Texas, National Songwriting Contest. Bill Monroe and Elisabeth Cotton taught him a song. Mark O'Connor taught him how to strum a guitar and Doc Watson taught him how to hold a flat pick, the right way. Fred Schmitt can honestly say all the above is true. Not bad for a poet from Wisconsin with five children and over two hundred songs ringing Americana and life on the road. Fred's life is a story of dream and song of places deep in the heart of America the hard way. Fred will soon release a CD of original songs called "Raintown." efredschmitt@gmail.com
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PATRICIA & DON CARDINALI with JACK JOSHUA have their musical roots in folk, blues and rock. Patricia and Don have been an important part of Ojai's musical landscape for 25 years. Patricia has been teaching, singing, co-producing the Ojai Mardi Gras and making music for years while Don, owner of Cardinali Brothers Music, has has been making instruments, writing songs and playing guitar since the early 70's. They are joined by roots music legend Jack Joshua who, for 20 years, has mastered every kind of bass guitar imaginable as a member of numerous outstanding bands, including California Colored Cowboys, Zydeco Mofos, Jack Joshua and the Hoshuas, and The Tatters.
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CINDY KALMENSON moved to Nashville at age 34, with no more than a car load of stuff, to pursue her dream of singing and songwriting. Within a year came her debut CD, “Let Me Out Here.” The title track won first place in the 2003 International Songwriting Contest and was later featured in the HBO comedy, “Big Love,” in 2006. The Nashville Scene wrote, "She sings with a pleasing combination of delicate sensuality and sung-spoken rock attitude that lands somewhere on the slightly softer side of Kathleen Edwards or Sheryl Crow." More at www.cindykalmenson.net and cindykalmenson@me.com
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What to bring: a blanket or a low deck chair, friends, family & a pot-luck dish to share. Kids can enjoy the zip line, trampoline, sandbox and playhouse. Suggested donation $10 (all of which goes to the artists).
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Sat, May 30, 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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Sat, May 30, alternate Saturdays, on web radio:
2 pm (Pacific) “ACOUSTIC HARMONY,” hosted by Mark Michaelis, from WGDR at 91.1 FM in the Green Mountains of Vermont, simulcast at www.wgdr.org. Mark sometimes hosts folk and acoustic renaissance artists in-studio for all-acoustic performance-interviews. He says, “The focus is on contemporary and traditional folk, singer-songwriters and local artists, but a little of anything and everything might creep-in. Whether it's Celtic, bluegrass, world music or even rock or blues, as long as it's got beautiful harmonies and melodies you might here it here on a Saturday afternoon.” More info, playlists, and archived performance-interviews at www.acoustic-harmony.com.
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Sat, May 30, Saturdays, on broadcast & 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 time 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, May 30, 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, May 30, 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, May 30, last Sat of every month; in Lancaster:
6:30-10 pm CONTRA DANCE with live music by DANANCE BAND at its new location, Lutheran Church of the Master, 725 E Avenue J, Lancaster; info, 661-733-8106 or rm.trochim@verizon.net. Band includes FRANK JAVORSEK (longtime teacher at Blue Ridge Pickin’ Parlor), & DOUG MOON (banjo player, former Captain Beefheart guitarist). Please bring a snack or dessert to share in the potluck. $6 per adult, $2 for ages 14 and younger. Live caller.
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Sat, May 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS, plus JOHN BERGSTROM 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; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com.
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Singing, dancing and prancing. A nostalgic Western tour de force...what a year it’s been for THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS. Since their premiere at the Coffee Gallery Backstage in July 2007 they have gone on to capture the 2008 Academy of Western Artists”Will Rogers Award” for “Western Music Group of the Year” and the Western Music Association “Crescendo Award” for “Most Promising Talent,” along with the “Marilyn Tuttle Best in Show" Harmony Award. After its pre-release tracks debuted on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” their debut album, “THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS,” has gone on to reach #1 on the Top 10 Cowboy/Western Music Charts, and is receiving critical acclaim as well as radio airplay all around the World.
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THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS began as a tribute to the Sons of the Pioneers and they continue in their quest to pay homage to that rich musical legacy, adding their own originals and songs from other iconic western artists. Their show is complete with singing, humor, storytelling and a bit of fancy western footwork. With a blend of western heritage and movie nostalgia they are family entertainment through and through. The Coffee Gallery Backstage remains a special place to THE TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS for giving the group their first real “break” and they return now to their old Altadena stomping grounds with their special brand of Western musical entertainment, bringing some new songs, laughs and plenty more Western cowboy fun and good times
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Plus, JOHN BERGSTROM, another rast “TttT” radio performer who says, “’Born and raised in the L.A. area’ doesn’t usually sound like the opening line for a cowboy singer.” That is, however, where John Bergstrom got his start. You can almost smell the campfire as he spins his ballads about life, heroes and bad guys in the west. For the last several years, John has been a regular at the Autry National Center and western events around Southern California. His CD, "Western State of Mind" has been receiving air play in several countries, after its pre-release trcks debuted on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” His ballad, "Tiburcio Vasquez," has been climbing the western charts in England, making the Top Ten there. More at www.myspace.com/westernstateofmind. Tix, $18.
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Sat, May 30, every week:
7-9 pm “JUST PLAIN FOLKS ORANGE COUNTY” Group Singing, sponsored by the local chapter of the international Just Plain Folks; for info & loc, go to www.JPFolks.org.
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Sat, May 30; in Palmdale:
7 pm THE KEEFETOWNE BLEND are featured performers, followed by an open mic, at Butler's Coffee, 40125 10th St West, Suite I, Palmdale 93551; 661-272-9530; www.butlerscoffee.com/music.html.
Formerly in Simi Valley and now moved to Palmdale, they have resumed their crowd-pleasing and unique brew of risqué lounge and hillbilly jazz, asking you to “Imagine the illegitimate love-child offspring of The Sons of the Pioneers and Cheech and Chong.”
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Tonight, they're trying something new, saying, “Before those dazzling dudes in The Keeftowne Blend come on, we'll be hosting our very first ‘KAMIKAZE OPEN MIKE NIGHT’ [with] time for four or five acts, who each get ten minutes on stage to strut their stuff.” Their regular Open Mic rules apply (read 'em on Butler's web site). Be there at 6 pm to sign-up, first come, first served.
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Sat, May 30, 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, May 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm THE BRAINSTORMERS (TOM SAUBER, PATRICK SAUBER, & MARK GRAHAM) play the Blue Ridge Pickin' Parlor, 17828 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills; www.pickinparlor.com; 818-282-9001. These are among the best individual traditional, old time, bluegrass, folk-Americana string band players, and playing together, father and son Tom and Patrick are dynamite. Add Mark Graham and this is as good as it gets.
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Sat, May 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm MICHAEL CHAPDELAINE at Boulevard Music, 4316 Sepulveda Bl, Culver City; www.boulevardmusic.com; 310-398-2583. Venue’s web site has a helpful local dining guide. The only guitarist ever to win First Prize in the world's top competitions in both the Classical and Fingerstyle genres: the Guitar Foundation of America International Classical Guitar Competition and the National Fingerstyle Championships at Winfield. His performances, played on both steel string and classical guitars, include musical styles ranging from blues to Bach to country to rhythm n' blues. His teachers included the great Spanish maestro Andres Segovia. "Other young guitarists have excellent technique, but few have such style and musicality, and Chapdelaine's beautiful tone is the nearest to Segovia's that I can recall." - Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Tix, $17.50.
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Sat, May 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7:30 pm THE REFUGEES perform a free show at the Getty Center's Harold Williams Auditorium, 1200 Getty Center Dr, L.A. 90049; 310-440-7300; parking is $10. Event info, http://getty.edu/visit/calendar/days/03072009.html. Reserve tix in advance by phone or online, or take a chance and arrive early (box office opens at 6 pm; doors at 7). Reserved tix are distributed first come, first served, by phone and web. Those who come early get better seats. There is a waiting list: if the show has sold-out and any reserved tix are not picked up by 7:15, the box office releases them to those on the waiting list, then to those waiting in line. Concert begins promptly at 7:30 pm. Beer, wine, and snacks are sold outside of the auditorium; come early to enjoy the Getty’s restaurant café.
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The Refugees are the trio of music veterans DEBORAH HOLLAND, CINDY BULLENS, and WENDY WALDMAN. All have Grammy connections and million-plus selling songs, and they have performed live for radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” They are playing next weekend’s “L.A. ACOUSTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL.”
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Sat, May 30, 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, May 30, 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, May 30, 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, May 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
THE FLATLANDERS (JIMMIE DALE GILMORE, JOE ELY & BUTCH HANCOCK) play a rare L.A. show at The Troubadour, 9083 Santa Monica Bl, West Hollywood; 310-276-6168. They are four of the hands-down best on the Texas roots music scene. The Flatlanders are a dream band of top performing songwriters, with an energetic honky-tonk dimension. Check with venue for set time.
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Sat, May 30:
8 pm WILDER TRIO at Boston Court Performing Arts Center, 70 N Mentor Av, Pasadena 91106; www.bostoncourt.org; 626-683-6883. The Wilder Trio swings with one foot in jazz and one foot in classical. Adv tix: gen’l $20, stu/sr $15.
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Sat, May 30; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
8 pm LONESOME OTIS plus WIMBERELEY BLUEGRASS BAND at The Fret House, 309 N Citrus, Covina 91723; 626-339-7020; www.frethouse@earthlink.net
Artists info, www.myspace.com/lonesomeotis and http://wimberleybluegrassband.googlepages.com/home
$15.
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Sat, May 30:
8 pm JULIAN LAGE GROUP, brings young guitar phenom Julian Lage for his McCabe’s debut, at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497; www.mccabes.com. At the age of 8, JULIAN LAGE was making heads turn as a child prodigy and refusing numerous record deals until "the time was right." Thirteen years later, after stints as sideman for Gary Burton and nods from both Herbie Hancock and Bela Fleck, Julian's time has come. His debut, “Sounding Point,” features Bela Fleck,and showcases Julian’s musical prowess with original interpretations of varied classics from Miles Davis to Elliott Smith. Tix, $20.
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Sat, May 30, every week:
8-10 pm monthly “ANIMAL NIGHT” with JOE HAMILTON, MICHAEL DOMAN, DANNY PECK, MICHAEL ANN, and performing host JULIE CHADWICK, 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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This time, the show supports The Pepper Foundation, a nonprofit rescue organization dedicated to rescuing Special Needs and senior doggies from city animal shelters.
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JULIE CHADWICK is not just another singer-songwriter, she is an artist in the true sense of the word.. Everything she touches in life is like her canvas, and her intricate piano style and soulful voice will touch you deeply. Julie's music delves into the deepest part of the soul drawn from true life experiences. One minute you are pulling out your hankies. but then as quickly as she can make you cry, she can have you on the edge of your seats laughing hysterically. Julie has worked for years as a session singer and has done live performances as a lead and backup singer. She has sung on many film and TV projects. She has worked with Oleta Adams, Steven Bishop, Chaka Kahn, the Band Hiroshima, Vonda Shepard and many other artists. She is an avid animal advocate and activist, and has rescued many homeless animals from the streets and City Shelters. The ones she can't find homes for end up living out their lives in her care.
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JOE HAMILTON continues with his own brand of acoustic-centered music after years of session work for professional songwriters and other artists. He has recorded for Roland and for other manufacturers of fine musical instruments and equipment. Driven by his pursuit to understand the human condition and universal love, he continues to find something original to say with an acoustic guitar and a voice that keeps his dogs happy for hours on end. More at www.Joehamiltonmusic.com
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MICHAEL DOMAN migrated to LA about 10 years ago from the East Coast, determined that his music remain an instrument for his self-expression, not some product formulated for consumption by the music industry. He has an offbeat style that’s difficult to compare with anybody else. He risks vulnerability; he takes chances. That’s what makes him so interesting to watch. More at www.myspace.com/michaeldoman
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DANNY PECK is a voice of social consciousness, combining poetry, melody, rhythm, guitar playing, singing, and lyrical content. Experiencing his intensity will lift your spirit.
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MICHAEL ANN has created quite abuzz on the L.A. music scene as one with the sensibilities of Ozark-style bluegrass and mountain folk music. Indeed, her first experience with the guitar came in the Ozarks of Missouri. There she learned to play on strings 1/2" off the fret board (a challenging and painful experience). She quickly learned that all good country songs could be played if you: "Stick 'er in D, G, or A." Michael Ann studied classical voice in high school and throughout college. After college, she took a trip to Nashville, where one of the record labels took an interest in her music. She decided to first travel overseas - a desire she had always wanted to pursue. When she returned to the States, she pursued a career in theater. Most of her singing took place both in theater, and with various artists. She has performed with the likes of The Rain Makers, The Ravens, Ricky Skaggs, Harry Browning, and Gary Kaplan, as well as being featured on various music compilations. She has been involved with a traveling company of "Woody Guthrie's American Song" and recorded original music for the play "Sweet Bye and Bye." Aside from a background in musical theater and repertory theater, she is most comfortable with the roots of old country music, bluegrass and folk rock from the heart. Recently she joined Warrior Girl Music productions for the new release of the latest in their series of "Females on Fire" double CDs, an all-female compilation of songs promoting women in music. Her original, "Steady As She Goes," is included in this edition, available for $15.
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Sat, May 30, every Sat:
8 pm THE BOBBY BLUEHOUSE BAND plus a headliner, most Fri & Sat nights, with BBHB opening for “some of the best blues music headliners in the industry,” at the Arcadia Blues Club, 16 E Huntington Dr, Arcadia; www.arcadiabluesclub.com; 626-447-9349. The venue claims, “This is the greatest house band in America. Members over the years have included musicians who have played with Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, The Pointer Sisters, The Jeff Healey Band and influences from John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison and Eric Burden.” Fri & Sat nights bring local blues bands as well as national acts. Acts booked include Chris Cain, Lil Charlie and the Nite Cats, Coco Montoya, Rod Piazza, James Intveld, Rosie Flores, Duke Robillard, Guitar Shorty, Gary Hoey, Wumbloozo, Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash and more. Website has lineups for specific dates and a tix link. Venue serves dinner Fri & Sat, 7 pm-2 am.
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Sat, May 30, fifth Sat of the month (when there is one):
8 pm-midnight SONGMAKERS “TAKE THE FIFTH HOOT” in Studio City; for location, contact Rich & Jo Lewis, Takethe5thHoot@songmakers.org; www.songmakers.org.
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Sat, May 30:
9 pm ANDRE COMEAU performs as the musical guest at Fries On The Side Sketch Comedy, 5124 Lankershim Bl, North Hollywood 91601. More at www.andrecomeau.com
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Sat, May 30, 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, May 30, 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, MAY 31
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Sunday’s “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” picks are all daytime or early evening: Phil Ward with Billy Hill and the Hillbillys, all day at Disneyland; Extreme Klezmer Makeover in L.A., and “Hug Trees” with Tom Freund and friends in Santa Monica, both at 11 am; The “Grand Ole Echo” show with David Serby, The Believers, Killing Casanova, and Tippycanoe in Echo Park at 5 pm; Ian Whitcomb & Fred Sokolow in Altadena at 7 pm.
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Local FESTIVALS:
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Sun, May 31:
All-day Annual “GETTY VILLA FAMILY FESTIVAL” at the The Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu; 310-440-7300; parking, $10. FISHTANK ENSEMBLE performs at 11 am; they have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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“Out-of-Town” events:
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Sun, May 31, last Sun of every month; in Seattle:
4-6:30 pm “RUNNING DOG SHANTY SING,” held the last Sunday of every month, at Running Dog Guitars / Sound Guitar Repair, 118 N 35th St, Suite 105, Fremont, WA. Hosted by Rick Davis & Cat Fox. Sea Chanties (shanties) are fun to sing and the choruses are always easy-to-learn sing-alongs. The hosts tell us, “The building is tall, grey cinderblock and green metal. Suite 105 is in the back, facing the alley between 36th and 35th. Parking available on the street. Over 21 years of age please. Potluck beverages and snacks.” Free.
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LOS ANGELES-area acoustic music events:
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Sun, May 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
All-day at Disneyland, PHIL WARD performs as the front man with BILLY HILL AND THE HILLBILLIES, the comedy bluegrass group that’s been running forever at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon in Frontierland. Phil performs Sun, May 31 and Mon, Jun 1; five shows a day, with start times from 11 am to 5:15 pm. Phil, who has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” says, “It’s kind of an expensive way to see Phil, but they throw in all these rides and attractions along with your ticket price, and these people walk around dressed like mice and ducks and dogs and such. Pretty cool.” He adds, “New CD 'Do Not Insert In Ear Canal,' will be out pretty soon! Old CD, 'Easily Amused,' still available at cdbaby.com and comedysportzstore.com. Newly redesigned website [with] more pages to waste your time visiting, [at] www.philwardmusic.com.“
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Sun, May 31, 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, May 31, 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, May 31, 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, May 31, 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, May 31:
Annual “GETTY VILLA FAMILY FESTIVAL” at the The Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu; 310-440-7300; parking, $10. FISHTANK ENSEMBLE performs at 11 am; they have performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.”
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Sun, Mar 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
11 am “KLEZMER BAGEL & LOX BRUNCH” with EXTREME KLEZMER MAKEOVER at Arbeiter Ring Workman’s Circle, 1525 S Robertson, L.A. 90035; reservations at 310-552-2007 or www.circlesocal.org. $20 gen’l; $15 Circle members; $2 off if purchased before May 28. This high energy and very fun band has twice performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” See ‘em on YouTube, www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M1PZOyb4CY. More at www.extremeklezmer.com
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Sun, May 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
11 am “HUG TREES” - TOM FREUND & FRIENDS play a Matinee Kids Show at McCabe’s, 3101 Pico Bl (Pico at 31st), Santa Monica 90405; www.mccabes.com; 310-828-4403; tix, 310-828-4497. It’s Freund and Friends featuring ABRA MOORE, BRETT DENNEN, & VICTORIA WILLIAMS. "Hug Trees" won a coveted Parent’s Choice Award. It is an album born out of a father, Tom Freund, finding himself composing songs for and with his daughter, Delilah. It was heard before its release on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks.” Tom says the songs for Delilah came when she was a baby being pushed in a carriage, and kept coming when she was a four year old jumping on the bed. The tunes have flowed out of Tom for his muse. In addition, "Hug Trees," says Tom, “represents a striving for an eco-friendly outdoor environment and community that we wish for our kids to have for future generations to come. The beauty of music is that it is a means to tap into nature's energy in a fun and meaningful way.” More at www.myspace.com/hugtreesmusic. Tix, $8.
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Sun, May 31; in the OC:
11:30 am-2:30 pm KELLY FITZGERALD plays her popular solo acoustic brunch show at Renaissance, 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point; www.renaissance-danapoint.com. More at www.kellyfitzgerald.net
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Sun, May 31, every week:
12:30-5 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, May 31, 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, May 31, recurring:
1:30 pm WELSH CHOIR, for location, contact Rutthy: 818-507-0337.
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Sun, May 31, 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, May 31:
3:30 pm DAVE MORRISON & his acoustic crew play a house concert in Topanga Canyon; Reservations get directions, at davymeboy@earthlink.net.
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Dave has performed live on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” which had the world premiere of his CD that now receives airplay worldwide. Dave tells us about this show, “Our friend Marilyn offered her place in Topanga, and after checking it out, we decided to do it and do it quick. So we are going to take over her backyard and have a helluva time. We'll have most, but not all of the band, just Whitney, Lisa, John and me, and we're gonna keep it kinda simple. Of course there will be a song-circle afterward, and we'll feed you and get you buzzed or at the least, hydrated as we always do.We'll toss the ball to Lisa and Whit, for a few tunes too.”
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“THEN ... FOOD!” Dave adds, “We wouldn't let you guys go hungry would we? I'll make my famous chili (still pursuing my goal of actually getting a bowl for myself before the cauldron is scraped clean ... ahh, one day), and also the broccoli salad I am secondarily known for. I've tinkered with the recipe just a bit, and it's the serious deal now. And others will be cooking. Cornbread is a certainty and chocolate-chip cookies have been threatened. Who knows what Marilyn has up her sleeve? After that, need I say it, SONGFIGHT! Maybe that sounded a little bit aggressive. What I meant was Song-Circle. We'll be done stage-hogging in plenty of time for all of you talented types to dazzle one another and myself. Maybe we'll hang out on the deck with its awesome view, or just circle the chairs in the backyard. We'll ad-lib. And there's lots of room for freeform schmoozing for the non-musically inclined. The evenings are beautiful there. Even a little cool. Bring a sweater just in case. One small caveat ... there are a few stairs, though not many, and as is the way of the canyon, parking might be a little tricky. So what we're doing is this: those with guitars or anything heavy should drop them at Marilyn's driveway/entry. We'll have strong bodies to haul them up while you park up around the bend a-ways. Really it's not bad at all, but you should expect to walk a few dozen yards. Call it an afternoon stroll. As usual we ask a $15 donation. And, as usual, if you're busted, come anyway. We'd rather you were there than not.”
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Catch Dave on YouTube, performing his song, "Times Like These," at www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD-G11Eeg7s and his song "Almost A Relief," at www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zZl-nEEEwk&feature=related and his song, "Standing By The Bridge," at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li0VDr8cMG0. Buy the CD at http://cdbaby.com/cd/davemorrison
More at www.myspace.com/davemorrisonmusic and www.davemorrisonmusic.com
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Sun, May 31, 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, May 31, 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, May 31, 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, May 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
5-9 pm the weekly “GRAND OLE ECHO” alt-country show brings DAVID SERBY wirh a CD release, Seattle Favorites THE BELIEVERS to celebrate their new album "Lucky You," plus KILLING CASANOVA and TIPPYCANOE, at the The Echo, 1822 Sunset Bl, Echo Park; 213-413-8200. www.attheecho.com. Read more about all of them and listen to a song from each one, at www.myspace.com/thegrandoleecho or click on any of the bands who are listed there in the 'top friends.'
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This Sunday's Grand Ole Echo is a CD release party for L.A. alt country favorite DAVID SERBY. He'll be celebrating the release, today(!) of "Honky Tonk and Vine." Read about it at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/05/dave-alvin-and-david-serby-why-their-roots-matter.html
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THE BELIEVERS, Seattle favorites, complete their L.A. dates today with a set for the Grand Ole Echo audience. The group is celebrating their new album "Lucky You." (L.A. dates are: May 21, House of Blues Sunset Strip; May 23, Crane's Tavern, Hollywood; May 28, Coffee Gallery Backstage, Altadena; May 31, Grand Ole Echo, Echo Park.)
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They’re a band of folk types, with an edge and fun original songs. Americana works as a description. Their own moniker country soul works, too. Either way, THE BELIEVERS combine elements of old timey folk, country, gospel, and rock to create something that’s their own. Since the release of their debut CD, “ROW (baptism by fire),” heard on radio’s “Tied to the Tracks,” THE BELIEVERS have been embraced by musicians and music fans alike: "The Believers sing with heart and conviction" - Jim Lauderdale. "Spellbinding" - Austin Americana.com. The Believers speak to everyone. This is an act other entertainers come to see.
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Known as a band that's rapidly converting listeners through widespread word-of-mouth for their effortless blend of alt-country and indie-rock, Seattle's THE BELIEVERS are touring their new CD demonstrating, as they playfully put it, a "rock band with a country problem," pairing 70s-style Fleetwood Mac hooks with a heavy undercurrent reminiscent of Heart and Concrete Blonde. Months before its release, “Lucky You” already had a whirlwind radio presence around the country, leaving this independent act flooded with preorder requests.
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The album's title track,l "Lucky You," is a sexy stomp, evoking a modern update of X, another punky group who flirted with country and boy-girl vocal harmonies over a four-on-the-floor rock groove. The album includes singer-songwriter duo Craig Aspen and Cyd Frazzini tackling Hurricane Katrina's aftermath with the barn-burning twang of "Ring Ring Ring" and the country blues "Higher Ground." The album features musical contributions from Band of Horses' Bill Reynolds, and was produced by Aspen, Frazzini, drummer Stevie Adamek, and mastered by producer Ray Kennedy (Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams). Ther band’s live shows have been described by Rock and Reel Magazine as "what Johnny Cash and The Tennessee Three might have sounded like if they'd jammed with The White Stripes." More at www.thebeleiversUSA.com and www.myspace.com/thebelieversmusic. Check with venue for set time. No cover.
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Sun, May 31, 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, May 31, 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, May 31, repeats last Sun, every month:
5:45 pm OPEN MIC at McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Bl, Santa Monica; 310-828-4497; www.mccabesguitar.com.
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Sun, May 31, 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, May 31; in the OC:
6-9 pm KELLY FITZGERALD performs with her trio at Metro Pointe in Costa Mesa; www.metropointe.com. More at www.kellyfitzgerald.net
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Sun, May 31; a “SHOW-OF-THE-WEEK” pick:
7 pm IAN WHITCOMB & FRED SOKOLOW 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; reserv 626-398-7917; info www.coffeegallery.com. Venue impresario Bob Stane says, “Here they are, Mr. Good Time Vaudeville and Mr. Jazz Man, gentlemen of great fun and world renown. IAN WHITCOMB has two hit records and a Grammy Award. This amusing British singer-songwriter will appear with FRED SOKOLOW.”
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IAN WHITCOMB, the original eclectic entertainer, will be reminiscing on his 36 year career on how, as a Trinity College Dublin student, he became a coffee house performer of British Music Hall songs and 50s rock & roll and then, swiftly, a British Invasion rock star in 1965. After that he headed back into the past, researching and writing books and making records and documentaries about the glorious era of Tin Pan Alley and Vaudeville. Along the way he produced Mae West albums, a film about how R&B started in Los Angeles, and one about singing cowboys in Lone Pine. He won a Grammy and a nomination for his Rhino CD,"Titanic, Music As Played On The Fateful Voyage." He and his lovely wife and dog liVe just around the corner in Altadena, The Greenwich Village of Los Angeles.
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FRED SOKOLOW is a renowned musician who specializes in guitar and banjo and spans every field including pop, folk and jazz. He does seminars in both banjo and guitar and has several CD's to his credit. His gigs are diverse and include Harrah's in Las Vegas, Tahoe and Reno to Donte's Jazz Club and McCabe's among many others. He has toured with Bobbie Gentry, Jim Stafford, Tom Paxton and The Limeliters. In addition to his own set, Fred will do several numbers as a duet with IAN WHITCOMB. Tix $18.
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Sun, May 31, 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, May 31, repeats last Sun, every month; in the OC:
7-9 pm monthly “ORANGE COUNTY SONGSALIVE! SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP” at Spires Restaurant (in the Meeting Room), 13030 Goldenwest Av (crnr of Garden Grove Bl), Westminster 92683; 714-636-0442; event info, 714-333-8222 (Rodney). Songwriting workshop, critique session and songwriting exercises. Event gathers songwriters to share their songs, gain feedback and develop relationships within the global Songsalive! songwriting communities. First half is an in-the-round workshop where writers present one song each (on tape, CD or live) followed by a guest speaker or industry discussion in the second half, with time to talk and network. Moderated by Rod O'Riley. Directions, info, www.songsalive.org/losangeles.
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Sun, May 31, 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, May 31, 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, May 31, 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, May 31, repeats last Sun, every month:
7:30 pm OPEN MIC at the Folk Music Center, 220 Yale Av, Claremont; 909-624-2928. Sign-ups at 7 pm. $1 cover.
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Sun, May 31, every Sun:
9 pm “RUSTY SUNDAYS” weekly showcase of “L.A.’s best up-and-coming rock, country, blues and folk music acts, on the Wild-West side” at Rusty’s Surf Ranch, 256 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica 90401. Musical hosts are MATT OWENS & THE GOLDEN WEST, plus another act or two. $3 cover.
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[Updated editions with more (always more -- as we have time to organize all of it), and all the many, many, acoustic music events to come in JUNE and beyond - in and around Los Angeles, plus the many, many, many upcoming acoustic music FESTIVALS, near and far, here, there and everywhere! It’ll all be here, soon.]
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The MOST RECENT EDITIONS - both the GUIDE’s event calendars with descriptive write-ups, AND the Acoustic Americana Music News Features – are available at
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http://acousticamericana.blogspot.com
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News of the “Tied to the Tracks” radio show is at www.myspace.com/laacoustic and on No Depression, at http://community.nodepression.com/profile/TiedtotheTracks
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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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copyright (c) © 2009, Larry Wines. All rights reserved.
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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 “The sign of a true friend: when he can forgive your success!” -- from www.bluefiddle.com, which supplies us and 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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If you have trouble believing that assertion, then print this out: you’ll need 130 pages just to print-out the events for these 13 days!
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Just check it yourself: take any edition of the L.A. Times Calendar Section and any edition of the LA Weekly, count-up all the live music shows (you won’t even need to subtract-out the acoustic shows in those two publications, since they hardly list any, anyway) and add them up. THEN, count the number of live acoustic music performances for the same days in the Acoustic Americana Music Guide. We have yet to find a week when the TOTAL of all those other genres of music performances equals the number of live performances of acoustic music in the L.A. area! (Even though you can’t hear the music on the radio here, or read about it in the paper, either, it seems people DO want acoustic music and they will find and support it anyway!
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